Archive for the ‘Christian walk’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

The Belly God

November 15, 2014

Stomach growling

In Romans 14:17, we read, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

Oh , how many of us who profess Christ serve another king day after day! This revelation just recently came to me, that we eat without wanting food, we program ourselves to eat because it is “breakfast, lunch, or dinner” time!

What we really are doing is sitting before a “god” of sorts, the god of food and drink. We think we  must eat because it is time to eat, our pre-set program says so. But is this really God’s will? Let us look at how food plays a much larger role in our Christian walk than many realize.

Apostle Paul explains, “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.(Phil. 3:18-19)

This is so prevalent today. People worshiping (even unbeknownst to themselves) the “god” of their belly.  I, myself have recently realized that I was eating without really wanting food. It was time to eat therefore–I ate. But being a long time digestion challenged person, I assumed I needed food on a regular schedule until– the Lord rang the bell in my mind about what I was doing.

You see, our bodies are a fantastic machine capable of working all minute details of our system , including calling us for the signal to –eat.

We remember when the Lord began His ministry here on earth, that His first step was to go with out food. He showed us that in our walk we must FIRST serve God and then eat.

Another great habit to get involved in is, do not eat between meals. This is simple yet very effective in learning self control of our appetite. We can set in motion a firm desire to show we are not going to have any “belly god”.

It is interesting to note the experience of Daniel the prophet. We know that he was “greatly beloved” of God. But do you notice that in the very beginning of his prophetic writings he began a vegetable fast? That’s right.

Daniel 1:12 reads, ” Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.”

I believe this was divinely placed in the first part of his ministry to show us that our bodies are to be clean and mean, a finely tuned machine as it were, and ready to be in tune with the Lord.

Overeating and eating of the worldly processed junk, many call “food” today, certainly befogs the mind and can only serve to numb our experience with the Lord. Our “antenna”  should be clean and dialed in to listen to His voice.

Here is what I found recently that I believe was given to me by the Lord. As mentioned I have been a long time digestion challenged person. This most likely is due to my many years of eating poorly and doing my share of drinking. I had weakened my digestion. So as I have converted my life several years ago,  from worldliness to devotion to God, I have eaten what I thought was the best I could. Yet trouble seemed to linger at many turns.

Then the Lord spoke, “Robert, why don’t you let Me guide you in eating and drinking?” Wow! Now why didn’t I think of that :-). So as we “supped” He said that my stomach will “growl” when it needs food. I don’t have to force myself to eat just because it’s time. So that was the answer. Let my system tell me , not the other way around! I was going to call this the “growl diet” but figured it would be a little bewildering to some.

We are counselled by Inspiration by our church founder’s very important inspired pledge for us as faithful people of God–

“I SOLEMNLY PROMISE, BEFORE GOD, TO ABSTAIN FROM TOBACCO, SPIRITOUS LIQUORS, SNUFF, TEA, COFFEE, FLESH-MEATS, BUTTER, SPICES, RICH CAKE, MINCE PIES, A LARGE AMOUNT OF SALT, AND ANIMAL FAT OF ALL KINDS, BAKING POWDER, SODA OR SALERATUS IN ANY FORM, AND CHEESE, AND FROM ALL EXCITING ARTICLES OF FOOD, AND TO ABSTAIN FROM EATING BETWEEN MEALS, AND TO DO ALL I CAN TO INDUCE OTHERS TO DO LIKEWISE.”

MY PERSONAL PLEDGE, BEFORE GOD,

SIGNED_____________________________

 (Letter to the General Conference, March 29, 1908)

“Satan sees that he cannot have so great power over minds when the appetite is kept under control as when it is indulged, and he is constantly working to  lead men to indulgence.” (Christian Education, p.180)

These Inspired counsels will surely help us to walk closer to the Lord. May the Lord keep us mindful of our bodies, knowing that fasting and timely eating will bring blessings. We can then show the Lord we have nothing to do with any “belly god”. May we all heed this divine counsel!

Posted in Christian walk, Fasting, Healing and health | 3 Comments »

My Sheep hear My Voice

September 20, 2014

Jesus and Sheep

 

As we approach the end of our S.D.A probation, it’s important that we keep our “airwaves” open. As the above words of Christ’s says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they know Me.” (John 10:27).

Let us look at how we can hear His voice and “follow the Lamb wheresoever He goeth.”

In today’s bombardment of advanced technological gadgetry, we are faced with sounds almost everywhere. Most of the sounds are man-made and not nature made.We go to work with the radio or stereo playing. We come home and turn the TV on and hear it nearly all night.

The Lord’s voice, through the Holy Spirit,  has to compete with these sounds much of our waking hours. But once we become converted, and change from worldly-minded to spiritual minded, this devil snare can quickly be halted.

Speaking from my own experience, I was one who was truly addicted to music. I just had to listen nearly all the time, to the truck radio or CD’s or tapes. Pop music or Rock was the main stay. It literally was one of my all-time idols. And when the day was done, you’d often find me listening to more of the same well into the evening (if I wasn’t out carousing at a local club or casino).

But conversion came and soon the Lord spoke loud and clear– cut that out! I obeyed and haven’t looked back since. The big life changing day occurred one morning when I clearly was convicted of listening to the worldly music. I had been an Adventist for only a short time, yet the Lord spoke loud and clear.

I found myself so convicted that I went into the yard, and pulled out a large trash can, and went inside and grabbed all the albums (large collection) and CD’s and tapes, and tossed them into the trash can. This was a lifetime collection. Some of them were probably worth some bucks. But I had decided to “follow the Lamb wheresoever He goeth.” He spoke I acted. I would no longer drown out His voice.

I could remember that day as I sat on the bed in the room pondering what had just transpired. I sensed angels flying above me, like they were giving high 5’s to one another saying, “Rob has just slayed a life long idol!” Joy swept over me and a big weight on my shoulders (spiritually speaking) had been lifted.

In Luke 15:10 we read, “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”

You see, our Lord wants an imitate relationship with us, because He has things to say. He want’s to “sup” with us.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”(Rev. 3:20)

In the family structure, when is the most intimate family gathering? Is it not around the supper table? This is the time where the members talk of important matters of the day, or their lives. Our Master has used this human tradition as a symbol of His communicating with us. He want’s to speak. Are we listening?

SOP says, “Hearts are not reached by eloquence or logic, but by the Holy Spirit. The still, small voice of the Spirit of God has power to change the heart.” (Royalty and Ruin, page 59)

Let us be mindful that our King loves us truly so much that he knocks and knocks and knocks all day and night, but we will never hear Him if we drown Him out with the world’s many counter voices and sounds.

Come Lord, speak to us, we are listening.

Posted in Christian walk | 3 Comments »

Bound and Loosed in Heaven

February 8, 2014

Matthew 16 (Keys of eaven and hell)

Just what does that mean–“Bound and loosed in heaven”?

One of the most quoted and theorized quotes in the New Testament is Matthew 16:18-19.  As many of us know, this is one of the foundational quotes that the Roman Catholic Church has used to establish its authority as  “God’s true church”.

Matt. 16:18 — “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Matt. 16:19 — “And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.”

The world’s most populated church, the Roman Catholic Church, believes that the above quotes applied strictly to Peter. The following is a quote that sums up their belief in those inspiring words.

“…Jesus was declaring that Peter would be the “rock” on which He would build His church. Jesus appears to be using a play on words. “You are Peter (petros) and on this rock (petra) I will build my church.” Since Peter’s name means rock, and Jesus is going to build His church on a rock – it appears that Christ is linking the two together. God used Peter greatly in the foundation of the church. It was Peter who first proclaimed the Gospel on the day of Pentecost. Peter was also the first to take the Gospel to the Gentiles . In a sense, Peter was the rock “foundation” of the church.”

But is that really the Lord’s intention, in speaking those words? Could they have a deeper and a more profound meaning than we generally realize?

There are three divine instructions of God that tell us what is needed for proper interpretations of Scripture. To be (1) “guided into all truth” by the “Spirit of Truth”(John 16:13) as we are (2) ” doing the Father’s will” (John 7:17). (3) “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20).

In other words, there is only one correct interpretation of Scripture and that is by the Lord through the “Spirit of Truth”. Let us now read what His last messenger said about these things. (Victor Houteff’s words are in brown.)

Matt. 16:18 — “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

   The words “thou” and “this” comprehend two objects — Peter and the truth he uttered.  The name “Peter” in Greek means “stone.” And so what Jesus was actually saying was not to name the man, but rather to tell him that he was selected to be one of the stones in the spiritual structure — the church.  But “On this rock [not on a stone] I will build My church,” Jesus declared.  On which rock? — Obviously on the solid rock of Truth, the truth which Peter uttered — the truth that Jesus Christ is the “Son of God.”

   Then Jesus made known that the gates of hell could not prevail against the Truth, that the gates could not keep in hell (in the grave) even the dead in Christ, that they, too, are to be a part of the ever-living church, the church that stands on the solid Rock of Truth.

Matt. 16:19 — “And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.”

 Jesus here declares that Peter is become the figure, the type, of all those who declare Divinely-revealed truths.  To them, as to Peter, are given the keys of the Kingdom; that is, the promulgators of Inspired Truth are authorized to bind and to loose by the power of the Truth.  That which they bind on earth is so recognized in heaven. 

Elijah bound that there should be a famine for three and one half years, and so it was.  Said he, “unto Ahab…there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” 1 Kings 17:1. (Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 29- 4)

Wow,  notice what the underlying words  say. The trust from the Lord is implicit and vast. He empowers His true servants to “bind and loose” on this earth, and then it’s likewise bound in heaven. In other words, what the servants declare, if they are according to his will, are backed up by the Lord of heaven.

His servants are so in tune and one with Him that He knows they can be trusted! This is the ultimate trust–to be trusted by the King of the Universe to make decisions–  that heaven will abide by. Let’s read of some historical examples of this “binding and loosing” given to His servants.

Matt. 16:21-23 — “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.  Then Peter took Him, and began to rebuke Him, saying, Be it far from Thee, Lord: this shall not be unto Thee.  But He turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind Me, Satan: thou art an offence unto Me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”

   Here is magnified the aforesaid truth.  Peter’s binding or loosing on earth was acceptable in Heaven only when done by means of Divinely-revealed Truth.  When speaking from his own impulses and sentiments, Peter was sharply rebuked, and told plainly that his suggestions were not the Truth, but were prompted by Satan.  It is therefore plain that the followers of Christ may bind or loose only with the keys of Truth.  They are to realize that Truth alone swings open the gates of Heaven.

   Finally, if we have Heaven’s Truth for the hour, as Peter had It in his day, we then have the keys of Heaven and can with It bind or loose — Truth’s decisions on earth are the decisions in Heaven.

Matt. 16:24 — “Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”

   This verse implies that Peter’s concern was more for his own life than for the life of Jesus, for Peter knew that if Jesus were slain, then his own life would be in jeopardy.  Hence Peter was told that if any man would follow Jesus, he, too, would voluntarily consent to carry his own cross if Truth so decrees.  The Apostles, we are told, did this very thing, and were faithful unto death.

Matt. 16:25-27 — “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.   For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?  For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to His works.”

   The followers of Christ are here told not to shun Truth’s decree though they be required to surrender their own life, for thus losing their lives they will be actually saving them for eternity — they will rise in the resurrection of the just.  But for them to forsake Truth in order to appease the enemies of Truth, and thus save their temporal lives would eventually result in their dying the death from which there is no resurrection.

   It should be of interest to know whether the Apostle Peter was the first to be given the Keys of Heaven, or whether others had the Keys before him.  Since Present Truth committed to an individual is the Keys of Heaven, and since the teaching of It binds and looses things on earth and is so sanctioned in Heaven, then others must have had the Keys before they were passed on to Peter, for the earth, the church, and Heaven-revealed Truth existed before Peter’s time.

   Take for example Noah.  He declared that there was to be a flood, that everything outside of the ark which he was building would perish, and that everything that entered into it would live.  Then the fact that Heaven sent the flood immediately after Noah preached of it is proof in itself that that which Noah bound on earth was bound in Heaven also.  Peter, you, see, was not the first to be given the Keys of Heaven.

   After Noah, we shall see that the Keys were passed on to Abraham: since that which was to be bound or loosed on earth had to be bound or loosed in Heaven, the three messengers from heaven consulted Abraham concerning the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.  It was then covenanted that if there be ten righteous persons in the city where Lot lived they should not destroy it.  And so it was.

  Logically, after Abraham the Keys should have been passed on to Isaac: Isaac ruled that Jacob should receive the promised blessings even though by birthright they were to be Esau’s.  And in spite of the fact that Jacob obtained the promised blessings by a fraud, Heaven still sanctioned that which Isaac bound on earth — Jacob became the progenitor of Christ.

   Thus it is that down through the line of Jacob came the Lord, and thus it is that Jacob’s descendants inherited the Promised Land.  Having in possession the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, Jacob at the closing hours of his life decreed that Manasseh’s birthright should be given to Ephraim; to this Joseph protested by endeavoring to persuade his father to put his right hand on Manasseh’s head (Gen. 48:17-19), but what Jacob bound on earth was bound in Heaven, for years later, after the death of Solomon, the tribe of Ephraim, not of Manasseh, ruled the kingdom of Israel.  We see, then, that what Jacob bound on earth was also bound in Heaven.

   Contemporaneously with Jacob, Joseph by interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream bound that there should be seven years of plenty, and seven years of famine.  Thus it was that Joseph’s decree was carried out (bound) by Heaven.

   And Moses said, “If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the Lord hath not sent me.  But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord.” Num. 16:29, 30.

   Moses’ decree was bound in Heaven, for “the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.” Num. 16:32.

   The Keys of Kingdom you see, passed along from one generation to another — from the Patriarchs to the Prophets, to the Apostles, and on down to our day.  For instance, about three score years ago the founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Denomination declared that the General Conference was no longer Heaven’s highest authority on earth (General Conference Bulletin, 34th. Session, Vol. 4, Extra #1, April 3, 1901, pg. 25, Cols. 1 & 2). 

And thus it was that when the time arrived for the additional message (which gives power and force to the Third Angel’s Message — “Early Writings,” p. 277) to be proclaimed to the church, it came, not through the General Conference but through the laity.  This is proof positive that the Keys with which Peter was invested are at work today.

   Plainly, then, the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven are in the hands of those who have the Truth for the day.  Consequently just as plain as Heaven can make it, the Truth stands out that the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven today have passed from the hands of the General Conference to the hands of the General Association of Davidian Seventh-day Adventists, as verily as they passed from the Sanhedrin to Peter in the days of Christ’s first Advent.  So it is that Truth’s decree on earth today is the decree in Heaven.”  

Another story is found in (2 Kings 4:6-37). An intriguing story of Elisha, the succeed-er of Elijah. He declared a wish for a woman , because of her great kindness to him. She begat a son from her very old husband after Elisha’s promise, then later Elisha resurrected this son. What a beautiful example of the  keys from heaven bestowed on Elisha, God’s servant!

So in closing, let us  understand just what the Lord will do through His servants. The 144,000 will do His will and as such be given the keys from heaven “to bind or loose” on  earth. Our only hope now, is that we prepare ourselves and walk daily in His straight and narrow path. The cost now is serious. If we have a spot (cherished sin) it must go.

“The soul temple must not be defiled by any loose or unclean practice. Those whom I will acknowledge in the courts of heaven must be without spot or wrinkle” (Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p.969). The acknowledgement will include those keys aforementioned.

 In order to be among His faithful, we must forego all worldliness as much as possible. We must hate sin, plead with our brothers and sisters to know His truth,  and love the Lord with all our hearts. Then the Lord will hold nothing back from us. There will be implicit trust between Heaven and His people, amen.

Posted in Christian walk, Davidian Seventh Day Adventists, God's power | 3 Comments »

The Lord’s Security

January 25, 2014

1391734_533790490029227_556472776_n  A while back we posted about the loss of my beloved dog,  “Shotsky” (listed under God’s signs). The Lord had gave me a most wonderful pet and I was privileged to have him for about 7 years. But after he was gone I started to become concerned. I thought, ” I have lost my security alarm”. He was my guard dog and as such,  once in a while while I would be sleeping , he would bark if he heard any noise.

So I began to think about another “security blanket” in the form of another dog. But as the weeks went by and while I was thinking about securing another dog, the Lord woke me up one day with His words–” You think I can’t protect you?” Wow! That struck me deeply!

After I heard this, a vision was given me of a police officer standing near my window looking at a burglar suspect say, “What are you doing?” Then the suspect looks up wide-eyed and runs for his life!  The Lord basically said He could send His angels at anytime in a flash of a moment to stop any trouble.

This was quite a rewarding revelation. I pondered this thought and it became greater and greater in understanding, of His great and unique ability to protect us.

In Scripture we are told to be kind to strangers because the Lord could be allowing His angels to visit us (Hebrews 13:2). So we can rest assured that any security needed, a police officer, a commando, an army, whatever, the Lord is able to place before us at a moments notice.

As the quote in the picture says, ” The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalms 34:7-8)

It really is based on faith and belief. At times I have felt the power of the Lord so clearly that I would almost be ready to face a bad situation and call upon the Lord to see the danger fall to the ground. This is powerful faith.

We know that prophets such as Noah and David, went forth and did their duties knowing the Lord had their back.

Noah endured decades of ridicule and taunting, yet he remained courageous because he knew the Lord was with Him and would secure him and his family.

David stepped up to Goliath because he too, knew that the Lord had his back. Oh what faith and strong belief can do to one’s walk!

It all comes down to faith and trust. Do we really believe that the Lord can do this or that? Have we considered the Lord first in our life’s problems and concerns?

Once we really believe that He can protect us, we walk around with a new confidence in Him, and new love for Him.

Our Lord said, “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matt.10:31)  and ” for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.”(Zech. 2:8)

We have the great Eyes watching us. He doesn’t miss one small thing. Therefore, we should not worry and do as the Lord said, “…Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”(Mark 5:36)

We know that we cannot please God without faith. “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

In the near future the saints of God will have total security from the Lord.

“At our happy, holy state the wicked were enraged, and would rush violently up to lay hands on us to thrust us into prison, when we would stretch forth the hand in the name of the Lord, and they would fall helpless to the ground.” (Early Writings, p.15)

… “Run, say to that young man, ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and livestock in it.Then I, Myself, will be a protective wall of fire around Jerusalem, says the LORD. And I will be the glory inside the city!” (Zechariah 2:4-5)

Can we imagine the extent of  protection from the Lord? The upcoming prophecies are to be fulfilled and His security and protection will be there. We can imagine going to bed at night and not even thinking of locking the doors! To walk in the moonlight streets late at night without a worry.

All this is yours and mine, all we must do is make Him King and Ruler of our life. Abide by His word as said by His prophets.  Agree to pass on sins of this world and commit and convert.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

May you exercise your faith, trusting in the One who can give you the only security worth having–  The Lord’s Security.

Posted in Christian faith, Christian walk, Courage | 4 Comments »

Change of Heart

December 28, 2013

Inner struggle

This inner struggle with self is between our carnal and our spiritual natures.

Certain it is that what we by nature want is not what we really need.  Likewise, that which we by nature aim to do, is not what we really need to do.  In obtaining righteousness by faith, therefore, we choose to follow the opposite of our carnal minds and our natural desires and wants.

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts….ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”  Isa. 55:7 9, 12.

In view of this glorious prospect, no one should neglect the opportunity to become a candidate for — Change of Heart.

Why is the Lord to change our “stony hearts,”  and to give us “hearts of flesh,” when we get to the promised land, and not now while we are among the nations (Ezek. 36:24 through 28) ?

When Nebuchadnezzar’s natural heart was replaced with a beast’s heart, he was no longer satisfied to live like a human being, but was contented to live with the cattle of the field.  Dan. 4:16, 33.  But had he, while yet retaining the natural heart, been forced out of his palace, and compelled to feed with the cattle, the trial and humiliation would have been altogether too great for him to endure.

Moreover, as such a life is contrary to human nature, he could not have subsisted on grass, nor could his digestive organs have stood up under such a heavy task.  To make it possible, therefore, for a human being to go through such an unnatural experience, the Lord replaced his heart with a beast’s heart, which automatically changed his nature.

Like Nebuchadnezzar during his wild-life experience, we, too, are living in a world that is unnatural to sinless beings.  Consequently, if our hearts and thus our natures were changed now, while we are yet living among the sinful nations, we could no more endure the trial than could Nebuchadnezzar with his human heart have endured the winter exposure, or have enjoyed the company of the beasts, or yet relished grass and straw.

Indeed, the fellowship of sinners, in the environment of sin, would be utterly desolating to a saint with a spiritual heart, upon which is written the law of God.

So to make endurable our days in this life, the Lord mercifully leaves us with our natural, stony hearts, to serve Him according to the provisions of divine grace.  And though it is not convenient to do right even under this provision, it would be still less convenient for a saint with “a new heart” to live in the kingdoms of this world, for in an unrighteous environment his righteous heart would make him miserable.

Neither could he, in the Kingdom of God, with his natural, stony heart, endure its enmity against the law of God, nor enjoy the glory of the Kingdom.  In other words, whereas on the one hand with our spiritual hearts, in the midst of the kingdoms of sin, we would be excruciatingly miserable in beholding crime, accidents, corruption, disease, and suffering; on the other hand with our sinful hearts, in the sinless Kingdom, we would be intolerably unhappy with ourselves, and unable to enjoy the sublime bliss of peace and righteousness.

We are, therefore, for the time present, permitted to serve the Lord with our sinful nature; and our desires to do good, and aims to reach high, that are prompted by our faith in Him, are accounted to us for righteousness.  This righteousness is His righteousness, in us by faith.

We are, therefore, still in the period of conversion and sanctification by faith, looking forward to the time when the Lord will take us to our own land, and there give us new hearts (Ezek. 36:24-28).  Then will we serve Him in holiness (Isa. 62:12).  With such a glorious promise in view, wrapped in love divine, may everyone now exercise the faith of Christ, cultivate His righteousness, and so become eligible for the divine gift of a spiritual heart.

.. “Conversion is a work that most do not appreciate.  It is not a small matter to transform an earthly, sin-loving mind, and bring it to understand the unspeakable love of Christ. the charms of his grace, and the excellency of God, so that the soul shall be imbued with divine love, and captivated with the heavenly mysteries.  When he understands these things, his former life appears disgusting and hateful.  He hates sin, and, breaking his heart before God, he embraces Christ as the life and joy of the soul.

He renounces his former pleasures.  He has a new mind, new affections, new interest, new will; his sorrows, and desires, and love are all new.  The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, which have heretofore been preferred before Christ, are now turned from, and Christ is the charm of his life, the crown of his rejoicing.  Heaven, which once possessed no charms, is now viewed in its riches and glory; and he contemplates it as his future home, where he shall see, love, and praise the One who hath redeemed him by His precious blood.” (Test. for the Church, vol. 2, p. 294)

(The above report was written by Victor T. Houteff in 1940 – Symbolic Code news Item, vol. 6, no.7-12, p.2-3)

For the full article click here http://shepherdsroddavidian.org/symbolic%20Code/6sc_07_12.html

Posted in Christian walk, Sanctification | Leave a Comment »

A Study of Three Christian Walks, Part 2 of 2

September 14, 2013

Before we continue let us review what has transpired.

David was seeking to find some answers on the 144,000 issue. As the church hadn’t spoken much about it, he was left to search on his own. Finding an online sermon, he thrilled to know that much of the subject had been made clear. In his joy and desire to spread these wonderful truths, he began to go to others within the church.

Deborah searched the subject out as well, studying with David. Both felt the importance of  Ellen White’s strict instruction to “strive with all power God has given“ to be among the 144,000.  “Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand. And let us do all that we can to help others to gain heaven.”––Review and Herald, March 9, 1905.They obviously deducted that one can only strive with “all power” if they thoroughly study the subject.

David and Deborah never thought to inquire from whom the teachings were from before listening to the study. They listened without prejudice in order to give it a fair chance.  Both had one goal in mind–to know more about the 144,000. Their focus keen, their thoughts pure, their mind open.

Let us continue with the story.

The next day Deborah was still very troubled, so later that day she decided to call David. “Hi David, this is Deborah” she started. “Oh hi Deborah, how you doing?” David responded. “Not well” she solemnly said. “What happened?” he responded. “I got a call from Johnny and he said what we’re studying is from an offshoot group from the 30’s, he said it’s error.” she said flatly. “What?” David responded incredulously.

“Yes, you heard right I’m afraid” she lamented. “Oh sister, something is terribly wrong, we must get together. I have been doing nothing but further studies on this teaching and I have some insight into what is happening here.” David advised.  So later that week they got together and David explained the history. It was nothing like Johnny had said or implied. He showed Deborah the specific historical writings of what exactly took place on the one and only supposed “investigation” of the teachings of the “Shepherd’s Rod” by Victor T. Houteff. (read here for history of the one historical meeting between VTH and the SDA leaders http://www.shepherds-rod.org/Tracts/trac007.html )

In other words, Johnny’s claim of a thorough investigation was not accurate. After the study Deborah was comforted but still was perplexed. David was as well. They couldn’t figure out why the teachings were wrong and why Johnny counselled against something which he had obviously not investigated himself. The total lessons were all based on Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy. They both knew a serious discussion with Johnny would have to take place.

So David and Deborah went before the Lord in prayer in order to be prepared to sit down and have a serious discussion with Johnny. “Study to show your selves approved..”(2 Tim. 2:15)  and ” If you will search the Scriptures on your knees, then you will know them and you will be able to give to every man who asketh you a reason of the hope that is within you” {1888 Materials P.152). These were guiding words of God that they depended on.

A few days after the aforementioned study, Johnny called David. Here is the conversation.

David: Hello

Johnny: Hi David, this is Johnny from the church.

David: Hi Johnny

Johnny;  I’m sure you’ve probably heard from Deborah the reason for my call

David: Yes I have

Johnny: We’ve had some good fellowship together David and as an elder, I’m sure you know it’s my responsibility to warn our members of any false teaching coming into the church

David: With all due respect Johnny, can you give me one example of false teaching as presented in the Shepherd’s Rod teachings?

Johnny: Not off-hand but I know the church leaders looked into this thoroughly way back in the 30’s and found it in error.

David: Oh yeah. Well give me the documentation on the “thorough study” so I can review it.

Johnny: Listen David, do yourself a favor and don’t get involved in that teaching, trust me.

David: Sorry Johnny but we are counselled to trust no man. Please read Jeremiah 17:5. For your information I have studied this subject well and have found it is not as you say it is.

The conversation ended shortly after with both holding on to their positions. A few weeks went by and then Deborah called Johnny to ask for a study together. Herself, David, Johnny and someone Johnny would like to bring  could all get together and discuss the issue. Johnny never returned her call or went to her in church to discuss the matter.

Fast forward to 3 years later.

David has continued to study the Bible, Spirit of prophecy and the Shepherd’s Rod (Elijah message). He’s spread the message to many all over, including around the world. He has sent literature, dvd’s and cd’s. He has kept busy in the Lord’s vineyard. David was no longer asked to speak before the church. He experienced murmuring against him as word spread that he was involved in “false teaching” yet no one from the church ever inquired to meet with him to see why he was  zealous about this  new light message of  Elijah.

Deborah has also continued to study, being convinced in the Lord’s Elijah message as one of truth. She also spread the message. She also has been murmured against. But has stood firm in the faith. Both her and David have stopped serving in the capacity of “tithe helpers”. This required them to participate in a custom that they found to be an abomination to the Lord in His sanctuary on the Sabbath. They both learned that Sunday (the first day of week) was scriptural  correct day for tithe collection. (for more info on this see —https://godsloveandlaw.com/2013/06/22/the-sdas-original-systematic-benevolence/

Johnny has never looked into the teachings he claims are in error. He has trusted in the former and present church leaders to tell him what is truth and what is error. His position is set and is unmovable. Although he is not aware of it, he is fulfilling prophecy – ‘I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” (Rev. 3:17)

Summary-

This two-part story is an example of what has been played out time and again through out the years and even decades in the SDA church. Even today a similar situation is frequently occurring worldwide in our church. Once we decide to search out the truth we must look to the Lord first and foremost. Notice that David came upon that sermon that showed him the light of truth he sought (the real 144,000 answers). This did not come by happen stance. The Spirit of Truth  had guided him (John  16:13).

We also saw that Deborah was just like David, was an active “searcher” of the truth. In this she was rewarded as the promise said “..seek and you shall find”(Matt. 7:7). They continued to “Prove all things, hold fast that which is good”(1 Thess. 5:21) in spite of the opposition and murmuring. Johnny attempted to block their path in finding truth “…You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.”(Luke 11:52).

Below are some Scriptural and SOP  and Elijah references that you can read and see if they apply to the 3 characters in our story. We MUST take into our own hands the awesome responsibility to seek the Lord and His Truth before He comes suddenly and surprisingly (Mal. 3:1-3). Seek Him in study and prayer. If this is done sincerely we are promised to be guided into “all truth” (John 16:13).

__________________________________________________

“How shall we search the Scriptures in order to understand what they teach? We should come to the investigation of God’s word with a contrite heart, a teachable and prayerful spirit. We are not to think, as did the Jews, that our own ideas and opinions are infallible; nor with the papists, that certain individuals are the sole guardians of truth and knowledge, that men have no right to search the Scriptures for themselves, but must accept the explanations given by the fathers of the church. We should not study the Bible for the purpose of sustaining our preconceived opinions, but with the single object of learning what God has said.” (Test. to Min., p.105)

“Those who allow prejudice to bar the mind against the reception of truth cannot receive the divine enlightenment. Yet, when a view of Scripture is presented, many do not ask, Is it true—in harmony with God’s word? but, By whom is it advocated? and unless it comes through the very channel that pleases them, they do not accept it. So thoroughly satisfied are they with their own ideas that they will not examine the Scripture evidence with a desire to learn, but refuse to be interested, merely because of their prejudices.

The Lord often works where we least expect Him; He surprises us by revealing His power through instruments of His own choice, while He passes by the men to whom we have looked as those through whom light should come. God desires us to receive the truth upon its own merits—because it is truth.” (Test. to Min. p.105-106).

“To hold yourselves aloof from an investigation of truth is not the way to carry out the Saviour’s injunction to ‘search the Scriptures.’ Is it digging for hidden treasures to call the results of someone’s labor a mass of rubbish, and make no critical examination to see whether or not there are precious jewels of truth in the collection of thought which you condemn?

Will those who have almost everything to learn keep themselves away from every meeting where there is an opportunity to investigate the messages that come to the people, simply because they imagine the views held by the teachers of the truth may be out of harmony with what they have conceived as truth? Thus it was that the Jews did in the days of Christ, and we are warned not to do as they did, and be led to choose darkness rather than light, because there was in them an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. No one of those who imagine that they know it all is too old or too intelligent to learn from the humblest of the messengers of the living God.

“When asked to hear the reasons of a doctrine that you do not understand, do not condemn the message until you have given it a thorough investigation, and know from the word of God that it is not tenable.

“When new light is presented to the church, it is perilous to shut yourselves away from it. Refusing to hear because you are prejudiced against the message or the messenger will not make your case excusable before God. To condemn that which you have not heard and do not understand will not exalt your wisdom in the eyes of those who are candid in their investigations of truth. And to speak with contempt of those whom God has sent with a message of truth, is folly and madness.”–CSW 28-32.

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.” (Jer. 17:5)

“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Prov. 18:13.

“Truth is eternal, and conflict with error will only make manifest it’s strength. We should never refuse to examine the Scriptures with those who. we have reason to believe, desire to know the truth. Suppose a brother held a view that differed from yours, and he should come to you, proposing that you sit down with him and make an investigation of that point in the Scriptures; should you rise up, filled with prejudice , and condemn his ideas, while refusing to give him a candid hearing?

The only right way would be to sit down as Christians and investigate the position presented in the light of God’s word, which will reveal truth and unmask error.” (Test. to Ministers , p105-106)

“The best way to expose the fallacy of error is to present the evidences of truth. This is the greatest rebuke that can be given to error.”–E. G. White, Pacific Union Recorder, Oct. 23, 1902.

“What a fearful responsibility rests upon those who carelessly handle the Word of God, who pose as soul guardians over the people!  Both they and their abominations will fall in the ditch.  Indeed, if any reform is needed in Christendom, this one is.

Having now learned better, let us no longer make idols of men; let us no longer give place within us to unclean spirits.  Let us rather give the Spirit of God a chance to lead us into His ever-advancing Truth with personal understanding.” (Timely Greetings, vol.1, no.18, p.17)

“When a point of doctrine that you do not understand comes to your attention, go to God on your knees, that you may understand what is truth, and not be found as were the Jews, fighting against God. While warning men to beware of accepting anything unless it is truth, we should also warn them not to imperil their souls by rejecting messages of light, but to press out of the darkness by earnest study of the word of God.”–TM 109, 110.

“Even as it is a blessed thing to accept the truth, so it is a fearful thing to reject it. And rejection need not include all truth. To reject a part may be just as fatal as to reject the whole. So all should beware.” (Shepherd’s Rod, vol. 1, p.160)

 

Posted in Christian walk | 3 Comments »

A study of Three Christian Walks, Part 1 of 2

September 7, 2013

Johnny is a middle-aged man, a devout religious man, and elder in the SDA church.He’s been a SDA his whole life, being brought up by his parents to be strictly a God-fearing man.

Deborah is a young woman in her late 20’s, single, and a SDA member for 8 years. She’s active in her church but hasn’t felt the inspiration to join in any official capacity of the church. She loves the church and gives her time when she can help out in a church cause.

David is a middle-aged man, single, had somewhat of a rough life. He was a biker and in a not so nice group for a few years. His life was completely opposite of a Christian life, drinking, smoking, carousing , you name it he took part in it. Then about 5 years ago, he decided to read the Bible from beginning to end. It changed his life, the power of God’s word took this low and unholy man and transformed him.

This story is about these three people and the different paths they take on their Christian walk. Let us now she how and why they made the decisions they did. How their course will decide their future destiny.

Let us begin with Johnny and David.

As we noted, Johnny devoutly holds on to his membership and serves as an elder. He is sometimes asked to give the Sabbath school lesson and often helps with various church functions (lunches, meetings, social functions, Sabbath functions such as door greeter, tithe helper, etc.)

He feels his life is going very well and that his walk is just where it should be. His family is growing and also they are members of the church as well. His personality is such that he makes friends easy and is a good listener.

One day he arrives early, about 9 a.m. Sabbath morning. As he walks up to the steps he meets an unusual looking man. He has longer hair than is normal but well-kept. His dress is also well-kept, though simple.  The stranger reaches out to shake his hand. “Hello sir, my name is David, I’m new to this church” he says. Johnny responds, “Oh, good. Can I help you in any way?”  David responds, “Not really, I just wanted to introduce myself.” Johnny pauses for a moment then says, “Ok, nice to meet you, come on in if you’d like”.  “Ok” David responds.

They go in together and Johnny goes off to take care of a few tasks. David goes into the sanctuary. David sits down towards the front and looks over the  church bulletin. As it is early, he’s the only one in the sanctuary. Shortly after reading this, David gets on his knees and begins prayer in God’s house. He well knows the Scripture, “.It is written, My house is to be called a house of prayer…”(Matt. 21:13)

Later the services begin and the house is more filled and the Sabbath service goes on to completion.

As time goes by David and Johnny becomes church friends. They enjoy each other and have had more than one church lunch together. David is more reserved and hasn’t requested to join the church officially or to be in an official position (deacon, elder, etc.). Johnny noticed that David was quite particular in his ways. He showed an eye for details and seemed to be more zealous than normal in wanting to honor the Lord.

For instance, the last church lunch, at the beginning of the lunch service, David had noticed that the long sliding curtain  door that separated the sanctuary from the lunch room was left wide open. The laughter, the loud conversation, all the noise was going right into the sanctuary. So David got up and walked over to the curtains and closed them himself. He preferred to keep  the sanctuary separated from the commotion in the lunch room.  Johnny saw this and mentioned that it was good to do that (although Johnny went through many lunches without that thought ever occurring to him).

Johnny also noticed that during the lunches , David’s conversation would mostly be about the things of the Lord. For David remembered .”If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath…nor speaking your own words, then you shall delight yourself in the LORD; and I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth..” (Isaiah 58:13-14)  So over time David showed to Johnny and to other’s that he was quite dedicated to the Lord. His actions backed up his words.  David became a full-fledged member by being baptized into the SDA church. Later David was invited to be an occasional speaker for the pre-Sabbath school lessons.

Now let’s look at our other party, Deborah. She as mentioned had joined the church 8 years ago and she , too, was committed to obeying the Lord as best she knew. Although no one else in her family were SDA (they were Catholics) she came to believe in the Sabbath by her daily study of Scripture. After being convicted of God’s holy day, she decided to start worshiping on the true Biblical Sabbath. She made time to devote to study and the things of the Lord. As time went on she also had become friends with both Johnny and David. Although somewhat reserved like David, she still was friendly and willing to engage in fellowship with other members.

But of the three, David was by far the more zealous student. God’s word and the Spirit of Prophecy became his passion. He seldom watched TV, didn’t have time to listen to much music or other things of the world,  and put into practice all that he learned from God.

Then one day David was on the internet after getting home from Sabbath services. He had been involved in a deep study on the topic of the 144,000. In his study of the Spirit of prophecy, he found were Ellen White had said to “strive with all power God has given us to be among the 144,000.” (Review and Herald, March 9, 1905).  As he surfed the net, he noticed a sermon call “The 144,000, who are they?” He decided to listen to. About 30 minutes into it, he suddenly fell to his knees! He had found his answer! The light had shown in all it’s glory.http://www.shepherds-rod-message.org/audio/rev_7.mp3 (audio  sermon)

As he had struggled with this subject for many months, he had been so confused. For the church taught that the 144,000 were like “super apostles” yet he knew SOP very well and the picture of them from this source showed something different in many regards. But now, as he listened to SOP and Scripture, both had come completely together in revealing the mystery of who, what and where are the 144,000. Quotes and references were used and not just “I said so”.

So after the sermon was heard David was stunned. Why hadn’t all these quotes and references been discussed in the church?  Why the silence? Being sold out to Christ (meaning the Lord came first in all areas of his life) David pondered this deeply. But on the other hand he was elated that his God had gifted him with these powerful and majestic truths.

So as he pondered how to communicate the new light shown to him,he began to study further the teachings of the person who had done the sermon. He found out that he was from an organization based out of New York. He ordered some free CD’s and DVD’s from them. David carefully listened to them all. His joy was increasing as all these new teachings were completely backed up by SOP and the Bible. He felt he was standing on solid ground.

Then one day as he arrived early to church, he met Deborah and asked her if she would like to do a study with him on the 144,000. She responded, “Yes! I have always wanted to know more about that subject.” So they agreed to get together later that week to study.

The study went well and Deborah was quite impressed as she had many questions that were soundly cleared up in her correspondence with David. David handed her some CD’s and DVD’s and literature to further study.

The following week she called David, “Hi David, I want to let you know that those Cd’s you gave me are awesome!” I never heard anything like it! Why doesn’t our church talk about these future things?”  David responded, ” I have been thinking the same thing.”

So they both decided that they would make copies of them and pass them to selected members of the church. their joy was great in these truths and they wanted others to have joy as well. So on Sabbath they both arrive early with their new material. Deborah sees Johnny in the foyer. “Elder Johnny, how are you?” she says. “I’m fine Deborah and you?” he responds. “Oh Johnny, I have got some great Cd’s and DVd’s you MUST hear, it explains the truth of the 144,000 and also about Revelation”.

Johnny takes them then asks,”who is it  from?”  Deborah doesn’t really know as she hadn’t asked this question. All she knew is that it was solidly based on Scripture and Ellen White. Her thinking was that even if a monkey had put it together–it was great! Johnny said he would review it and get back to her. David has also passed a few to others before services.

The following week, Deborah gets a call from Johnny. He says. “Hello Deborah, this is Johnny from church. “Oh hi Johnny” she says. “Listen I must tell you that what you are listening to is what is known as the ‘Shepherd’s Rod’, an offshoot group that the church investigated back in the early 30’s and found in error.” She was speechless for a moment. “what do you mean?” she haltingly said.

“Deborah, this teaching is full of error and you shouldn’t get involved with it. The church has studied it, and like I said found it is in error. Please sister don’t get involved in this” he said firmly. “Oh wow. Well I’ll talk to David about this and get his feed back.” she responded. “David?” Johnny asked. “Yes David was the one who gave them to me.” She replied. “Oh I see, well I’ll need to call him as well, we can’t have this teaching going around our church. The Lord wouldn’t want that.” Johnny interjected.

After the call Deborah sank to the ground. Her mind was so confused. She remembered all the solid words of truth she had heard, yet could it somehow be lies and falsehood as well? She spent the night in turmoil. Her prayers were many that night.

Stay tuned for next week’s 2nd part and conclusion.

Posted in Christian walk | 2 Comments »

True Repentance

June 15, 2013

repentance

As we profess to be a follower of Christ, we must make sure to get the simple basics cleared in our life. For what man goes to build a foundation on sand? Just as our Lord said, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” (Matt. 7:24).  So it’s clear that we must lay the foundation upon solid “rock”. And one of the most basic solid aspects of our walk with the Lord is –repentance. Let us look at this most important spiritual  foundation, one of the pillars of our faith.

Before Christ’s first advent, John the Baptist was called to prepare the way as we know. And the primary command he issued was to–repent. “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matt. 3:1-2). He was letting the people know that the first step to coming clean before the Lord was to repent. It’s akin to the following analogy. Who, when they want to rebuild something (ie. their life) doesn’t start out first by cleaning up and clearing away? Repenting is the same thing spiritually.

Why is repenting so important and many times overlooked in our Christian walk today? We know that our Lord gave us specific instructions in His words to His last church (Rev. 3:19). Last week we spoke of “zealousness” but the next word He commanded was–repent. Why would He say it if we aren’t in need of it? Obviously He knew that we as Laodiceans would need this serious instruction.

So it is clear we must search ourselves closely to find if we have held on to an act or deed we haven’t come clean  to the Lord about.

Allow me to give some personal examples. A few years back, after I had become a serious follower of Christ, the Lord started to give me flashbacks of things I had done that were in  my past. Maybe I’d be driving and all of a sudden I’d remember something I did that wasn’t right before the Lord. For example, I remembered I had hired a man to do some remodel work for a property I was renovating. Long story short, I had run into some financial difficulty and told him I would have to pay him later. Later, I moved out of town and basically reneged on my pledge.

But as I was driving my heart soared as I immediately knew that the Lord had told me to get it right! Very soon after this, I found the man (thank God he had kept his number after 7 or 8 years). He was very happy to hear I would be sending him his money. In (Ezekiel 33:15) we read, “If the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has stolen, and walks in the statues of life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die.”

The Lord calls us what we are when we steal–wicked. I had stolen his labor and practiced unrighteousness. But upon learning what I had to do, it was up to me to repent and then act. You see, repentance is much more than just words. Many times our words are only part of the true repentance. Our deeds fulfill the repentance.

Another time I recalled, was when I had hired a tree cutter. He had cut down the majority of the tree, yet he didn’t remove “all” of the stump as he said he would. It was too deep and he couldn’t do it he said. So, being the unrighteous man I was,  I figured I didn’t owe him anything because he didn’t finish the job. So he said he understood and left. But upon reflection in my new Christ centered  life,  I came to my senses and realized he did the best he could and did take down about 80% of it, so it was right to pay him something for what he did do. He was thrilled and even invited me into his home to sit and chat when I showed up to pay him.

So once we become serious in our walk, we must reflect upon things we have done and if it’s in our power to right them we should. This really constitutes true repentance. Some things may be out of our control. For example we may have lost touch with someone. The Lord knows what is doable and what is not. But again, if we start thinking “Oh the Lord will forgive me he knows I made a mistake.” And we presumptuously think we have His grace ,  yet we don’t make any effort to right it, we may seriously be considered neglecting to “restore the pledge”.

One of the most applicable quotes (and favorite of mine) from our prophetess is– 

“But Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. A noble, all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected.

Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life. The impossibility lies in your own will. If you will not, then you can not overcome. The real difficulty arises from the corruption of an unsanctified heart, and an unwillingness to submit to the control of God.(Christ Object Lessons, p.331).

One of those serious defects of character would be the refusal or neglect, to repent after we  “criticize ourselves closely”. As we mentioned earlier, our Christian walk must be a  renewed walk, with a rebuilding and removing of past wrongs, a repentance of wrong doing. “Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”(John 3:3).

Our new life of being ‘born again” certainly cannot exclude repentance. As we confess our sins and repent, we feel that special closeness to Him. This is one of the surest ways to “draw close to Him”. In (James 4:8) we read, “Draw close to Him , and He will draw close to you.”

I believe one of the most common errors we make as professed Christians is the error of presumptiousness. Many feel they are “forgiven” without out even repenting. It’s kind of  like someone striking you then looking at you and saying, “I know you forgive me, thank you”. What?  The cart is before the horse. But if we come clean to the Lord and if need be, to those we have wronged, we can claim His faithful promise. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:19).

Is not that what the Pharisees tried to do in approaching John the Baptist? Their presumptioness was called out by John. They felt their wrongs were acceptable and no big deal, therefore they were not in need of repentance. If  we sin we have the Great Forgiver, but can He forgive without our sincere remorse and repentance? 

The reward of repentance is that we  have a “clear conscience”. “Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.” (1 Tim. 1:19)

You see brethren, even if we have all the knowledge of the prophecies, but don’t possess the simple important basics of the Christian walk, we deceive ourselves. Sanctification always begins on the first step–love and repentance.

Now how great is it before the Lord, if he sees us walking in obedience of the basics yet having a good clear understanding of the prophecies! Wow, now that appears the utmost Christian experience.

Last week something happened that was the motivating factor in making this week’s post.

I had been involved in some studies with a certain brother. We had several studies together, each Sabbath evening (Friday night). The studies were quite rewarding. But the last of the studies, we had a dispute of our beliefs. Things got a little testy. Emails followed and we shared why we thought the other was mistaken. He then made the statement which basically said that I was lost and needed to be born again.

I emailed him back and said that he was making a serious mistake in “mounting the judgment seat”. No one  has the right to declare someone lost and only our Lord is given that judgment to declare.

Then about  a week later, he called me. After small chit-chat he said, “You know brother, I’ve been thinking and I want to apologize for being rash and saying some things that were wrong.”  I was very, very impressed. Why? Because we just don’t hear this kind of humbleness and straightness from many of our brothers and sisters in the faith. I told him with a warm heart, that what he was doing was, “great before the Lord”. We left our conversation both feeling the Lord’s strength.

In closing, let us often remember that our Lord is “Mighty to save”(Zeph. 3:17) but we must do our part and build a solid foundation. And one of the most important requirements of us as “Christians”, is to be willing, able  and ready  to — repent. May the Lord be your strength!

 
 

 
 

Posted in Christian walk, Humility, Sanctification | 4 Comments »

Doing the Right Thing

May 4, 2013

Often many times throughout the day, we come upon the ol proverbial “fork in the road”. One side goes to the right (right doing) the other goes to the left (wrong doing).  We come to action time and we choose one or the other. The side we choose helps establish our faith.

If we can learn and practice choosing the “right side”, we’ll be doing what our prophetess said. “Righteousness means being good and doing good. Righteousness is obedience to the law. Righteousness is right doing, and it is by their deeds that all will be judged.” (Righteousness by Faith-E. White)

Let us look more closely at some aspects of choosing the right path daily. I’ll start with a recent example of something that occured in my Christian walk. As a part-time property manager, I have to oversee the maintenance and upkeep of certain properties.

We recently had a house where the tenants were evicted. They left the property in shambles. But I had just a couple decent handyman repairmen I could use. One was good yet VERY expensive. The other was good but unreliable. But the all knowing Lord was guiding the situation.

Last week I happened to stop at a local gas station to fill up. As I walk into the store a young couple was sitting on the floor with a “please help” sign. Although normally I may give a couple dollars, I rarely stop and talk with them.

But something was different with this couple. The Spirit nudged me to stop and talk. I found out that the young man (Joshua) and his girl friend were quite pleasant and courteous. I could sense that they were just “down and out” due to circumstances. But my attention was grabbed when he explained that he did handyman work. Bingo!  I took there number and told them I’d call them in a couple days.

To make the story short, I hired them and they are currently staying in the home while fixing it up. They have done superb work! But here’s what I want to say about this. They are obviously down and out and as such are vulnerable to cost-cutters and tightwads who could seize upon this situation and pay them way below what is fair.

In (James 2:1) we read, “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”  And also (James 2:9), “But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”

So clearly this was a “fork in the road” for me. Would I take advantage of this situation or would I do the right thing. I knew what was the thing to do in this manner.

This is just a small example of the kind of situations we can come upon where we must know that our Lord is watching.

You see it is great to know all the doctrines and theories, but it’s the basic daily steps we take and make that shows the Lord where our heart really is.

As we posted a while back, “If we talk the talk, we must walk the walk”. May the Lord give us the understanding of the basic “right doing” in our daily actions.

Posted in Brotherly love, Christian walk | 4 Comments »

A Sign Confirmation

April 27, 2013

005-jesus-wedding miracle

It’s been awhile since we last posted on God’s signs, but recently we heard of a most exciting sign from a dear sister in the Lord. When king Darius found that Daniel was spared from the lions, he wrote, ” He delivers and rescues, and He works signs and wonders in heaven and earth…” (Daniel 6:27)

Jesus said  “Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me, but if you do not believe Me, believe because of the miraculous deeds themselves.” (John 14:11)

The Lord asks us to believe in Him, and additionally by His works we can believe as well, and sometimes when we’ve witnessed them–we’ll believe even more! They can strengthen and refresh us in our walk. As mentioned  I heard from a sister in the Lord and she told me of an amazing sign given her from  the Lord. Unbeknownst to her,  it was the very same sign that I had also received.

Signs have always played an important role throughout the Bible. One of the neatest for example, was the sign given to Heziekiah in the book of Isaiah.  “‘And this is the sign from the LORD to prove that He will do as he promised: Behold, ” I will make the shadow cast by the declining sun on the dial of Ahaz turn back ten steps.” So the sun turned back on the dial the ten steps by which it had declined. (Isaiah 38:7-8)

We are all aware of the many other great signs throughout the Bible. The Lord’s water from the rock, the blind seeing, the lame jumping up, The dead raised and so on. Each of these acts inspired awe and true inspiration. Yet to the ones who had their “stakes set deep” in their own ideas and agendas, it didn’t move  them. Let’s look at one of the latest signs from the Lord and what can be the role of signs  in our walk.

So let me tell you about this wonderful sign from “Debbie” (alias used). In December of 2011, in a post called “Looking for signs and wonders” (https://godsloveandlaw.com/2011/12/24/looking-for-signs-and-wonders/  I wrote the following, ” After once again praying for strength and leading in these new teachings, I got a ‘big” sign. I had been listening to the video called “Daniel’s vision” by brother  Glenroy Matthews on the computer (based on the Shepherd’s Rod teaching of the Daniel 2 vision).”

“After I had watched a portion of it, I had to stop it, as I was late for work. So I put it on pause thinking I would watch later. Later, after work I came home and walked into the house. As I come in, I hear this man speaking from my back office room. I was a little perplexed. I continued cautiously to walk into the room, I peak in and it is that same video of brother Matthews playing right where I left it on pause! I am in mild amazement as I knew it was the Lord’s doing. I was thrilled to know He had sent His angel to turn back on the video when I got home, confirming it was to be LISTENED TO.”

About 4 weeks ago, I sent Debbie some Cd’s and DVD’s on the Elijah message. One of them included the “Thy Kingdom Come” CD. Debbie has been actively studying the message and she is getting more and more knowledgable about it. Anyway, we’ve talked a few times by phone and it’s real inspiring to hear her questions and her excitement to have some puzzling questions cleared up. This is what is so exciting. When we search things out, our Lord inspires us to search further because He knows we’ll find the truth. It truly is as Ellen White said, “Search for the truth as for hidden treasures..”. ( Review and Herald, Nov.22, 1892)

Last week I received a call from Debbie and she said, “Are you busy?”  I said no. She continued, ” I have to tell you something that happened, that is amazing.” I urged her on, as her excitement had held of me. “Remember those Cd’s you sent?” I answered affirmedly. ” I was listening to the one on the kingdom, but I had to stop and do other things so I shut it off. Later I was in the kitchen, and I hear this voice coming from the room. I walk into the room and that same kingdom CD is playing.”  We continued talking about this direct sign and I explained I had the very same sign given. We both praised the Lord!

As I mentioned in that post, the Lord is still giving us many signs today. But it’s only to those who “believe”. The ones who don’t look for them or don’t care, they can’t expect them. The Lord can do things that we’ll be amazed at and like He said ” at least believe in the miraculous deeds themselves.”

In (Isaiah 7:11) we read, “Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”  The Lord can do something, all we have to do is ask, then believe. But be aware if we ask “amiss” (James 4:3) we won’t get an answer. Additonally, as we saw in Debbie’s case, sometimes He shows us a strong sign because He knows we can receive it.

Some may say, “Maybe it’s the devil doing this “. No,  the devils won’t dare “led us into truth”— far from it!  But they will lead us into perdition and such, at every turn we give him. But we must  be careful on wanting signs. Some of the Jews demanded a sign as proof.Our Lord said “”A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” (Matt.12:39).

If we start to base our walk on something like “Ok, Lord I’ll believe it only if you give me a sign”, or some such thing, we’ll be considered “testing” the Lord.  Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.'”(Luke 4:12)

This doesn’t mean we can’t ask for a sign as He showed in (Isaiah 7:11). It’s just that we must have the right motives. From a personal aspect,  the signs I have received have truly been a blessing and I often call them a “refreshing” from the Lord. Sometimes I’ll be a little down and ask the Lord, “Lord can I get a refreshing today?” Then as I go out I am watchful. Because if we ask for something and we don’t look for it, the Lord may not answer us because of our unbelief.

In closing, let us be ever prayerful and then watchful for His tokens of love-His signs. For He is the great One who “works signs and wonders in heaven and earth…” –that we may believe.

Posted in Christian walk, God's signs | 2 Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »