Archive for October, 2018

Hold! Hold! Hold! Hold!

October 27, 2018

Image result for mexican caravan pictures

In Early Writings, page 38 we read —

“I saw four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and were on their way to accomplish it. Jesus was clothed with priestly garments. He gazed in pity on the remnant, then raised His hands, and with a voice of deep pity cried, “My blood, Father, My blood, My blood, My blood!” Then I saw an exceeding bright light come from God, who sat upon the great white throne, and was shed all about Jesus. Then I saw an angel with a commission from Jesus, swiftly flying to the four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and waving something up and down in his hand, and crying with a loud voice, “Hold! Hold! Hold! Hold! until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads.”

There is no doubt that the winds spoken of in Revelation 7, are nearly busting out at the seams. Right now there is an urgent threat upon the sovereignty and peace of us here in the United States. A  7,000 plus strong immigrant caravan is heading to our southern borders to force themselves in. These events are happening more intensely with each passing month. Riots all over the world are taking place. It seems that there is a pent-up anger that is ready to explode.

When we look at Syria, and the recent terrible war and inhumane treatment of ordinary citizens, one must ask, what truly is happening to our world right now? Well the Lord knows all about it and His angels are commanded to hold the winds of strife upon the earth. In  other words, although seemingly wide-spread is the distress among nations, it’s as the ol song goes –You ain’t seen nothing yet!

The message deals with the significance of these winds and the purpose of the holding.

THE FOUR WINDS—WHAT ARE THEY?

Question No. 53:

   Testimonies to Ministers p. 444,  states: John sees the elements of nature —earthquake, tempest, and political strife—represented as being held by four angels.” But Tract No. 8, “Mt. Sion at the Eleventh Hour,”  p. 22, says: “As the nations have always been at war, this twofold work of hurting could not represent political strife.” How are these contradictory statements reconciled?

Answer:

  We are confident that if the questioner will carefully restudy Testimonies to Ministers p. 444, he will see that it is endeavoring to show that the Divine object in holding back the winds, is, as the passage plainly says, “the safety of God’s church.” That being the case, then the winds, themselves being figurative of strife, trouble, and war, are, when let loose, to blow against the church. This is very evident because their being held from John’s day until this very hour, has never prevented and is not now preventing the nations’ warring among themselves. Always have they been at war with one another, and today they are engaged in a deadly world-wide conflict unparalleled in all history, although the angels are still holding the winds. Of necessity, therefore, the strife represented by the blowing of the winds, must be essentially religious in aim, and political only in procedure, thus religious-political, as stated in Tract No. 12, The World Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, pp. 38, 65 and in The Shepherd s Rod Vol. 2, p. 114. This conclusion is borne out in the following passage:

  “The time is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save him that hath the mark of the beast. We came near having this realized in California a short time since; but this was only the threatening of the blowing of the four winds. As yet they are held by the four angels. We are not just ready. There is a work yet to be done, and then the angels will be bidden to let go, that the four winds may blow upon the earth. That will be a decisive time for God’s children,—a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation.”—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 152.

  The tract, in its particular statement in question, is stressing only the religious aspect of the trouble, in the endeavor to show that the trouble is not political in aim,—not to conquer territory, but to build up international religion in order to compel the world to worship the image of the beast.

  In this clear light, we see that both Testimonies to Ministers and The Shepherd’s Rod series are endeavoring to show that the strife is neither purely political nor purely religious, but religious-political. It is the church and state allied in common action.” (Answerer, vol. 3, Q-53)

Ah, we see that this holding is for the express purpose of allowing all of the remnant church of God to freely practice their religion, away from any political or governmental harm. Right now those in His church can study, speak, make acquaintances all in order to worship,express ideas, and beliefs in His word.

This is why we soundly reject those among the SDA and even a few so-called present truth believers, in claiming that the church’s incorporation status is hindering God’s people. No, not today at all. True the government may soon someday hinder our church from freely expressing its religious views, but that will not, IF it even happens, be done until after the winds are let loose.

Next we look at the after effects of these winds. That is after the church judgment–

WHEN WILL THE WINDS BE LOOSED?

Question No. 46:

If the angel who seals the first fruits, the 144,000, goes right on with the sealing of the second fruits, the great multitude (Rev. 7:9), will the four angels be holding the four winds (Rev. 7:1) throughout the sealing of both fruits?

Answer:

As Revelation 7:14 says that the great multitude (the second fruits) “came out of great tribulation,” it is conclusive that the four winds will be held, as the angel commanded, “till we have sealed the servants of our God….” Rev. 7:3. The winds, therefore, are loosed and blowing after the 144,000 are sealed and while the great multitude is being gathered and sealed. Thus only can it be said that the multitude came out of “great tribulation,” out of “a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.” Dan. 12:1. (Answerer, vol. 2, Q-46)

As we just read there is soon to be — “a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.” (Dan. 12:1) This will be so widespread that the Lord says — “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” (Luke 21:26)

The message tells us more about our subject —

 

“I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth [at the time of the sealing of the 144,000], holding the four winds of the earth that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.  And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.”  Rev. 7:1-3.

   Here are brought to view two hurtings about to take place: one by the winds, the other by the angels; and two commands to the angels: one that they restrain the winds, that the winds blow not “on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree” (Rev. 7:1); the other that the angels restrain themselves from hurting “the earth,… sea,” and “the trees,” till the servants of God are sealed. Rev. 7:2, 3).  Since, therefore, as soon as the  servants of God are sealed both the winds and the angels will begin to hurt the question arises as to what the work of the winds and the work of the angels  represent — political strife or something else?

As the nations have always been at war, this two-fold work of hurting could not represent political strife. And as Jesus says that at the time of the end “nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Matt. 24:7), it is clear that the hurting by the winds, also the hurting by the angels both of which are kept back until the 144,000 are sealed, must be figurative of holding back the “time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation.” Dan. 12:1.

Accordingly, God’s restraining of the four winds is His holding back the image of the beast’s activity (Rev. 13:15-17) against the saints, while His restraining the four angels that they hurt not is His holding back the executing of His vengeance (Isa. 63:1-4; Jer. 51:18) upon the sinners who trouble the church, until after the sealing of the 144,000 is completed. Being coupled, these two hurtings bring the time of trouble such as never was.

   Revelation 7:1-3, therefore, reveals a two-fold conflict: wicked men against God (the blowing of the winds) and God against them (the angels hurting them).  But though the blowing of the winds and the hurting of the angels after the servants of God are sealed, will bring the “time of trouble,” yet “every one that shall be found written  in the book” “shall be delivered.” Dan. 12:1.

   From these facts we see that this time of trouble is held back in order to safeguard the sealing of the 144,000 servants, lest they, “the very elect,” be brought down to worship the image of the beast, or be killed for refusing.

   Since “in the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 585), the sealing of the servants of God (Rev. 7) must necessarily be found also in the prophecies.  In Ezekiel, chapter nine, is envisioned the marking of those who sigh and cry “for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof” (in Judah and in Israel), and the slaughter of those who do not thus sigh and cry.  And the fact that God has at no time taken the sinners from among the righteous in Judah and in Israel, shows that this prophecy of purification by slaughter has never been fulfilled.  So, therefore, as the marking is the same as the sealing, the angels’ slaying is the same as the angels’ hurting.

   This hurting and sealing which John saw, and the slaughter and marking which Ezekiel saw are again identified as one and the same: “This sealing of the servants of God is the same that was shown to Ezekiel in vision.” — Testimonies to Ministers, p. 445; Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 211; Vol. 3, p. 267.

   Although the marking and the slaughter (Ezek. 9) include only the church, — Judah and Israel, —  the hurting by the winds and the hurting by the angels (Rev. 7) include all the world — both “the earth” and “the sea,” each of which is indicative of a different locality: the sea, in the realm of nature the storehouse (home) of the waters, is therefore in the realm of symbols the birth-place of the nations — the Old Country, the earth, the opposite of the sea, is correspondingly a domain away from the Old Country.  It is located to John in the symbol of the two-horned beast’s coming up, not out of the sea, but “out of the earth”  (Rev. 13:11), the only place where trees naturally grow.  And as according to Daniel 4:20-22, trees are figurative of rulers, therefore the trees in this instance represent “the ancient men…before the house” (Ezek. 9:6) — a fact which reveals that in this period, the church’s headquarters are in the two-horned beast’s dominion — the New World, “the earth.”

In the light of the clear cut facts be fore us, we see that the main object of the sealing or marking of the servants of God is to cleanse the church from sin and sinners, so that she may be able to stand strong against the image-beast in the time of trouble; and that when this purifying work is completed, “it shall come to pass that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.” Isa. 4:3, 4.

   When this “special work of purification, of putting  away of sin among God’s people,” is accomplished, then “the church is to enter upon her final conflict. ‘Fair as the moon, clear as the sun and terrible as an army with banners,’ she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer.”  — The Great Controversy, p. 425; Prophets and Kings, p. 725. (Tract 8, p.21-25)

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

  1. Since God is holding the winds back so that His people can learn the message of the hour, then why is places like Syria appear to have the winds fully blowing now?  True, there is no doubt that strife, both religious and political has affected all of Syria. However, the prophecy says that the angels are holding the four winds at the “four corners of the earth”. This shows that the winds are cumulative and the holding is a “general” worldwide holding, not relative to specific areas were a limited blowing may occur (such as Iraq as well).

2. Is there a sign or series of events that show the winds are about to immediately let loose world wide?

One of the clearest signs is happening right now. That is the world super powers collectively  are             positioning  themselves in the middle east with weapons of mass destruction.  The message tells             us that once this gigantic world war happens over the holy land, then it is that the church judgment comes and the winds will immediately be let loose afterwards.  Unfortunately the unbelieving S.D.A church members who have no knowledge of His final message of Elijah, due to their lack of searching God’s word and praying to hear His voice,  won’t be around to witness the release of these winds. God’s servants right now the Davidian S.D.A are “crying aloud” to hear His message but sadly prophecy says few will hear.

“..while the powers of earth are engulfed in a gigantic war, the wicked in the church shall be cut off, no more to pass through her.” (Tract 14, p.22)

In closing brethren, right now we are experiencing the winds nearly breaking loose, yet we must know that God will not allow them to blow until that last one of the 144,000 is sealed. Are we striving to be among that number?

 

Posted in God's sealings, Present Truth, Prophecy study, Revelation teachings | 2 Comments »

Jerusalem our Destiny

October 20, 2018

 

Image result for new jerusalem in the forehead picture ellen white

Today God’s holy land sits in shambles, both spiritually and literally. Tel Aviv, Israel’s disputed capital city,  is home to perhaps the most populist Gay community in the world. The Gaza strip is being bulldozed and poor helpless Palestinians are being reduced to a tiny area, nearly unfit for human living. God’s eye  is not missing any of these atrocities, for His word says –He wants His land back and His just and righteous people there!

His Word says that He shall visit His land very soon and when He does it shall be a “day of the Lord’s anger.”

“Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the Lord’s anger. For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon desolate; They shall drive out Ashdod at noonday, and Ekron shall be uprooted.” (Zeph. 2:3-4)

The Lord’s Word does not mince Word’s in regards to where He plans on His people going. Jerusalem  is mentioned over and over again. Let us look at our Lord’s road map and why those who love Him from His remnant church must be ready for their destination–Jerusalem.

Although first to get back to the pre-millennial kingdom (Loud Cry headquarters), they will certainly not be the only group to make it back to God’s wonderful land. In fact, not only including the “Great Multitude” of Rev. 7:9 will be in the land, even some strangers, those who are not right now in the S.D.A church may be a part of the first fruits, the 144,000!

Since the very beginning our King has coveted His city called “Jerusalem”, let us read —

“So the Lord spoke kind and comforting words to the angel who talked with me. Then the angel who was speaking to me said, “Proclaim this word: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, and I am very angry with the nations that feel secure. I was only a little angry, but they went too far with the punishment.

Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt. And the measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem,’ declares the Lord Almighty. Proclaim further: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.’”(Zech. 1:13-17)

The message interprets the above Word of God —
“..since this symbolical prophecy finds its fulfillment in our day instead of in Zechariah’s day, the angel’s plea for “mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah,” therefore, finds its direct application in this day.  (TG, vol. 1, no.11)

“Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns.  And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these?  And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.” (Zech. 1:18-19)

“Anciently the kingdom of Israel occupied the northern portion of the promised land, and the kingdom of Judah occupied the southern portion of it.  The former was scattered by the kings of Assyria and the latter by the king of Babylon.  Those who returned to Jerusalem in the days of Zechariah were from the kingdom of Judah, the Jews, but as the kingdom of Israel was assimilated by the nations, it consequently lost its racial and national identity.  The powers that scattered both Judah and Israel are, you note, symbolized by the four horns.”

“And the Lord shewed me four carpenters. Then said I, What come these to do?  And he spake, saying, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.” (Zech. 1:20-21)

   “Here the same powers which scattered Judah and Israel are again seen, not as horns, but as carpenters; not to scatter God’s people, but to build for them, and to cast out the horns (powers) of the Gentiles — those who rule the land.  Plainly, then, on one hand the nations which do not rule Palestine are to arise as “horns” against those who rule it, and on the other hand they are to rise as carpenters for the people of God.  Thus will “the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” Lu. 21:24. 

So, only those who survive the Judgment for the Living, in the house of God (1 Pet. 4:17), those whose names are not blotted out from the Book (Rev. 3:5) will comprise the church, among whom are to be 144,000 sons of Jacob (Rev. 7:3-8), and when Michael stands up then those whose names are left in the Book will be delivered from the “trouble such as never was” (Daniel 12:1).  They are “the remnant,” the ones who escape alive from the Judgment for the Living in the House of God.  Thus the antitypical temple is to be built (Ezekiel chapters 40-43) and the cities are to be spread abroad.”

Then these guileless servants of God, the first fruits, are to be sent to the nations that have not heard of God’s fame (the non-Christian), and they shall declare His glory among the Gentiles and shall bring all their brethren, the second fruits, all that are to be saved, to the house of the Lord (Isa. 66:16, 19, 20), to the purified church of God, where there shall be sin no more and no chance taking of being hit by the plagues.” (Rev. 18:4). (TG, vol.1, no.11, p.10-12)

“Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest…. But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.  And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”(Micah 3:12;4:1,2)

“Here we are told that in the latter days, in our time, the ancient Kingdom that was destroyed will be reestablished and exalted above all other Kingdoms.  Then people shall “flow into it” because “the law shall go forth of Zion, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”  The gospel work, therefore, is to be finished while its headquarters stand in the Holy Land.  Thus the Kingdom is set up in probationary time, in time of salvation and judicial purification, for after it is set up other people from many nations flow into it. “(TG, Vol. 2, No. 44, p. 49)

Ok, we mentioned that there may be outsiders from the S.D.A church that will be part of the 144,000, and thus be part of the first fruits to arrive in Jerusalem,  let us read–

Question No. 93:

   Although I am not a member of the Seventh-day  Adventist Church, yet since I have the light on Ezekiel 9 and on the truth of the 144,000, will I fall in the slaughter of the wicked if I do not fully accept and live up to the light? And, conversely, will I be subject to the enjoyment of the privileges of the 144,000 and be one of them if I obey all the light of this message?

Answer:

   Even though you are not a member of the church, still you will be held accountable for the light which you have on the subject, for no one finds the truth accidentally, or sees it without the Holy Spirit’s aid.

  By the same law of accountability or sacred  responsibility, even though you may have come into the message only recently you can be eligible  for the election of the 144,000 if you live up to the message that is to purify and seal them. Whether or not for a certainty, however, you will be one of them, we do not know, but if you are faithful to the message, you will at least be one with them. (Answerer, vol. 4)

Other references mentioning Jerusalem —

“People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He will answer you.  Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them.  Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way;walk in it.” Then you will desecrate your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, “Away with you!” (Isaiah 30:19-22)

“Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor, Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive.” (isaiah 52:1-2)

“Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.” (Isaiah 52:9-10)

“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn,her salvation like a blazing torch. The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.

You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted,or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah,and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married. For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you; and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.” (Isaiah 62:1-5)

The above quotes are but just a small sample of the Lord’s Word regarding His beloved Jerusalem. Soon all those who know and love the Lord’s Word, knowing his prophetic road map, will rejoice in seeing the literal fulfillment of these words! Praise the Lord for His mercy and goodness!

 

Reminder: Our color code is Orange= The Lord speaking, Brown = The Lord’s Rod message (Micah 6:9) brought by prophet Victor Houteff, Blue = Biblical Scripture as well as Spirit of Prophecy writings brought by prophetess Ellen White.

Posted in Our Lord's kingdom, Prophecy study | 3 Comments »

Facebook Deception

October 13, 2018

Image result for picture of man hiding behind a curtain

In Isaiah  we read —

“Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?” (Isaiah 29:15)

Satan as we know has long been the deceiver of man, hiding behind his works of darkness even appearing as an angel of light. Deception in a myriad of forms has been his calling card. Yet amazingly we find some so-called “present truth” believers doing such deception and hiding in the midst!

Our case in point this week is concerning Facebook. When one joins FB they are asked to register under there “real name”, this we do to let our friends and family know who they are dealing with.

Wikipedia points out — Facebook has maintained the real-name system policy for user profiles. According to Facebook, the real-name policy stems from the position “that way, you always know who you’re connecting with. This helps keep our community safe.”[1][2] Likewise per this policy, a “real name” is defined by “your real name as it would be listed on your credit card, driver’s license or student ID

On FB community page, their “featured answer” to why FB’s policy of using only your real name is important, they state–

“… using a fake name is an act of deception. Using your real name lets everyone you connect with know who you are.”

While in some cases, such as stalkers,  serious family issues, etc, it may be necessary to not use your real name, but aside from the above, to use an alias is to:

1) lie to FB when signing up

2) More importantly in regard to Gospel work,  it crosses the line. It crosses God’s line of “no guile” in our mouth.

Allow us to show the case of brother C, we’ll call him. He has been a professed believer in the Lord’s Rod message (Micah 6:9) for many years. You’ll recall last week we did the post on how one must broken on the Rock of Jesus, to allow Jesus to build us up and thus produce fruit in our walk. This case is an obvious case of never being broken. The Bible says —

“Ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matt 7:16)

Brother C has a long-standing reputation as a divisive person among many present truth believers. His name is often recognized as trouble and from what we have learned, well deserved. We also have not escaped his accusatory work and been labeled  “thief” “liar”  and more. Yes, there are times when we must give “stern and direct” words to our brethren, yet we do this from our real known identity not a mask.

He has at least two or three FB alias he uses. And because of this, he  no doubt feels his criticism of many brethren on FB, not to mention his downright  un-Christ like responses to those who disagree with him, makes him go undetected. In other words his bombastic approach is a ” the end justifies the means” method. But this is a true deception to God.

Once we decide to “strive… to be among the 144,000” (RH, March 9, 1905) we must NOT be found with “guile” in our mouth! Meaning we are  “straight shooters” and do not lie or deceive one another.

“These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” (Rev. 14:4-5)

“For He said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so He was their Saviour.” (Isaiah 63:8)

Brother C’s deception is sophisticated. With one of his alias’ he speaks about his own website as if speaking in the third person point of view. To build his ministry up he uses his alias’ to promote himself and his website.

The question may be asked –why? Why not at least uncover his mask and just do all the FB work under his real name? Well obviously something is bothering brother C, because to do these things shows , whether consciously or subconsciously, a desire to hide behind something. He does have an extensive knowledge of the message and as a result of this attitude, he often judges and condemns any brethren or group that does not agree with him. A blindness exists which he cannot discern. It’s the ol “take the log out of your eye first” remedy he needs to awake.

Sop counsels–

“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” False speaking in any matter, every attempt or purpose to deceive our neighbor, is here included.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p.309)

The whole idea of hiding behind a mask, as it were,  should simply be foreign to us as Christ’s followers. This hiding has historically been one of the main tools of Satan and his deceptors.  This “fruit” is certainly bad and if they continue down this path of deception, the end of the road will not be to their liking.

This brother we have reason to believe reads this blog and in order to protect his true identity we chose to not disclose his real name. This warning must be given because true brotherly concern does not keep from trying to help a brother caught in a snare and trap. Are we hopeful this post will produce a correction? Not really, based on previous warnings given, yet there may be others out there that may benefit from this counsel.

The message states —

“I have been shown that the greatest reason why the people of God are now found in this state of spiritual blindness is that they will not receive correction. Many have despised the reproofs and warnings given them.” (Testimonies, vol. 3, p.255)

Let us look at some Scripture about deception —

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9)

 “So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”(Romans 13:12)

“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” (Psalms 24:3-5)

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16:10-12)

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” (Ephesians 4:25)

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” (2 Cor.13-15)

“No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.” (Psalms 101:7)

“Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.” (Hebrews 13:18)

“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.”(1 Peter 2:1)

In closing, when we take up the cross and decide to be a representative of Christ, let us do it without deceit of any kind. Facebook can indeed be a good tool to reach our brethren around the world but not in crafty deception. As the Word says –what we reap, we shall sow.

Posted in Delusion, Truth telling vs. lying, Warning our brethren | Leave a Comment »

Broken on the Rock of Jesus

October 6, 2018

Image result for broken on the rock of jesus picture

We have heard of the Christian saying “Broken on the Rock of Jesus”. What does this mean?

Apostle Peter is our classic example. Once a head strong, prideful follower of Christ, he went through being “broken” to become one of Christ’s main Gospel proclaimers in the early days. Let us read —

“Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them.  A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”

 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.  A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”“Man, I am not!” Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”  Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:54-62)

 No doubt Peter broke down knowing that after all Jesus did for Him, and Peter giving up his life to follow Him, he pitifully denied His King and Savior right when Jesus was in need of his support. This  moment, we believe, caused Peter to lose his prideful self. The broken pieces of self dropped down to the ground, so that Christ could uplift him with the Holy Spirit. Is this our experience?

“..Peter who denied Christ in the hour of His greatest need was impulsive and self-confident, differing widely from the Peter who was brought before the Sanhedrin for examination. Since his fall he had been converted. He was no longer proud and boastful, but modest and self-distrustful. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and by the help of this power he was resolved to remove the stain of his apostasy by honoring the name he had once disowned.” (AA, p.62)

I have posted before my own testimony of being “broken” and would like to share it again.

Back in late 2008, early 2009, I came to “know” Christ by picking up the Bible one day and never looking back. After discovering God’s Holy Commandments (specifically the Sabbath) I became a  Seventh-day Adventist. But it wasn’t until about two years later that I came to be “broken”.

My old self was still alive, although considerably altered and discovering Christ and His Truth more and more as my walk continued. But after those couple of years I started to notice some things within the church (careless Sabbath keeping, Women pastors, etc.) that made me start to think “what is really going on here”?

After all we as Adventists tell the world we are the “remnant church”, those keeping the Commandments of God. Yet, away from the world’s gaze , things like eating at restaurants on the Sabbath were common place for the “old timers” in my Church. This began to be quite puzzling to me. I came into the church thinking we were a light to the world in how Christians follow His Commandments.

But the big moment came one day about two years after joining the church. I was in a town close to mine and knew there was another S.D.A church in that town of which I traveled by it often in my work. Being happy with my own church I had never went to this church but for some reason I was guided by the Spirit to notice something with this church.

I knew that the church has ownership of the whole corner block, as someone had pointed that out to me prior. There were small offices in the adjacent corner building next to the church. One of the offices had a sign saying “Chiropractor”. As I slowly drove by I noticed the phone number on the building. I decided to call it to see if it was open on Saturday. Surely my people, my beloved church would confirm to me its upholding our Sabbath publicly! Confirmation of my people’s dedication was all I wanted.

As the man answered I asked him if they were open for business Saturday. He replied “Yes we are, would you like to make an appointment?” Now, imagine a ton of bricks landing on you spiritually.  As I  hung up I very soon had to pull over. Devastating thoughts going through my mind. There was a big hit from  the past called “I’ll never fall in love again” by the famous singer –Tom Jones.  One of the lyrics says ” and I broke up all inside”. This happened that day.

My beloved church , how could they??? Tell the world to “keep the Sabbath” yet within our own gates break it right in front of the world for all to see! I did as Peter did, “wept bitterly”.

But in hind sight this was my “broken on the Rock of Jesus” moment. For never again was I to be the same person. Although I was Adventist, I had not quite had an experience like that before.

In Ezekiel 9 we read —

 “Now the glory of the God of Israel had gone up from the cherub, where it had been, to the threshold of the temple. And He called to the man clothed with linen, who had the writer’s inkhorn at his side;  and the Lord said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.” (Ezekiel 9:3-4)

This prophecy came into true understanding soon after. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was “sighing and crying” for abominations done in the midst (the church). The Lord began to work His divine plan in my life. About two weeks later I was online and heard a sermon on the 144,000. Ezekiel 9:3-4 came alive to me!

Now I KNEW what the Lord’s plan was for me and the church. So clear as to make me literally feel like I was walking off the ground for the next 6 weeks or so! True, it’s solemn yet for those who truly love Christ and His Truth, a most glorious final Gospel proclamation plan awaits!

Spirit of Prophecy tells us this same sediment–

“In the time when His wrath shall go forth in judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul anguish, which is expressed in lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings. While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God’s honour and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favour of any. Their righteous souls are vexed day by day with the unholy works and conversation of the unrighteous.

They are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of iniquity, and hence they are filled with grief and alarm. They mourn before God to see religion despised in the very homes of those who have had great light. They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church. The Spirit of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled underfoot, while the servants of Satan triumph. God is dishonoured, the truth made of none effect.” (Testimonies, vol. 5, p.210-211)

Many of you no doubt have your own story of that special moment. But as SOP says  pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church and as such a vast multitude are NOT broken in our church. Some may find that they get broken bit by bit, beholding the vast sins prevalent among our people. But the fact remains we must get broken, self must be brought down.But once we experience it, we soon find that our King builds us up with His love and plans for us. The conversion is truly established.

“..if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:13)

Very soon we as Adventists will have to broken and dead to self when the Lord “suddenly comes to His Temple” (Mal. 3:1). If we are not this Rock may finally break us, but not in the way we want. Now is our time to submit and “sigh and cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst.”

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