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A Covenant With Me By Sacrifice

June 23, 2012

Our Lord’s great work of redemption caused to cease the sacrificial atonements of the slayed animals. Upon the cross, the veil was  ripped and from then on,  the “sacrifice” had new meanings, and was  forever changed. This being understood, is there now a new sacrifice, where we as His people are required to make?

Here is our quote, of which we shall base this post on, ” The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Our God shall come, and shall keep not silence: A fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about Him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that He may judge His people. Gather My saints together unto Me; those that have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare His righteousness:For God is judge himself. Selah. Hear, O My people, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God (Psalm 50:1-7)

As in so many places in God’s Holy Scriptures, many revealing truths are packed into one paragraph.  Ellen White said the following ” Each of the ancient prophets spoke less for their own time than for ours, so that their prophesying is in force for us.” (Selected Messages, Vol. 3, p.338) That being the truth, then (Psalms 50:17) has  prophetic truths for us today, right now. So let us with the Spirit of Truth , look into the many applications of these words.

First we notice that our Lord is called mighty, meaning He can and will do all that He says He will do, in His word. Second, we notice “out of Zion” indicating out of His people,  aka. His church comes something beautiful.  Something performed and done by our Lord, “Our God hath shined” and “shall come”.

Next we find what work our Lord will do to obtain the “perfection of beauty”. This indicates  clearly what this event is about. “A fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about Him… that He may judge His people.” Notice clearly He judges HIS people. This indicates a judgment of His church, since no where in the scriptures are the heathen ever referred as “His people”. Otherwise we would find “He may judge the people” or similar words. Let us ever remember our Lord is a precise Lord, never missing on any fine point of clarification. The Spirit of Truth guides us in this.

 As studious Bible students we know that there will soon be the Lord’s judgement upon His people, and it begins in His sanctuary. “For time is come that judgment must begin in the house of God…” (1 Peter 4:17)

This fire is none other than the destroying fire of His judgments upon the church!  We as SDA are well aware that the judgment of the dead began in 1844, we must be  aware that judgment of the living begins among us in the church. The heathen judgement come after us!

Next we find that after this tempestuous judgment (meaning a surprising and shocking execution of His  judgment upon His church) He shall gather His saints to Him, who have made a “sacrifice” to  Him. On the “perfection of beauty”point, it means finally our Lord has His church which is pure. He had to take the reins into His own hands to obtain this, otherwise the co-mingling would have been never ending.

We asked in the beginning of this post if there is a current sacrifice required to be made unto the Lord. The answer is –yes, most definitely. What is that sacrifice?   The answer is–we must forego worldly pleasures! The great and tempting worldly pleasures.

Our Lord said ” For whoever wants to save his life, will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and the gospel will save it” (Mark 8:35) Here we see that our Lord asks us to give up “our life” for him. Meaning our own desires and pleasures (Worldly TV, theatre, worldly music, lusts, passions,love of money, carnal habits(gluttony, tobacco, alcohol), and generally all worldly entrapment). As we begin a converted life, our life becomes a new life for Him. How many today are trying to straddle the two lives? They have one foot in the world and one foot in the Lord’s work. They believe the “smooth things” by the sleeping pastors, that they are safe, even while they continue to sin!

Ellen White says the following ” Your hearts will be where your treasure is. You are situated where there are temptations to be plunging deeper and deeper into the world, to be continually accumulating; and while you are thus engaged, the mind becomes engrosed with the cares of this life to such an extent as to shut out true godliness..no wonder that we experience so little of the illuminating influence from the heavenly sanctuary. Our desires are not in that direction, they are mostly confined to earthly pursuits, seeking for worldly things, and neglecting the eternal.” (Test.for the Church, Vol. 2, p.183)

Continuing with our reverenced quote,  we see that our Lord asks us,  He pleads–to hear Him! His word is speaking to us, will we hear?  Remember His word is His very essence, His core.  And then sadly, He confesses that He will testify against us. He has no other choice. Most have not converted and kept one foot in the world.

How is it that only 144,000 from His last church can sing a song that only they know?  One of the reasons is because they have overcome the most temptations that have ever fallen upon mankind. Since the beginning of time, there has never been the powerful and tempting worldly desires, as we have today! Every where we look we are tempted. Our friends, our relatives, the TV, the radio, the computer, music,  the shopping malls, the newspapers, everywhere! The devils have pulled out all stops in an effort to distract us, and sadly it has worked for the most part.The world and it’s many interests take our time and devotion.

If we give up these powerful entrapments that engage us to turn them into idols, we shall indeed overcome. This is what our Lord speaks about in (Rev.21:7) “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

So in closing my beloved, let us look upon the final goal, to walk the golden streets and drink of the pure life giving water, and behold our majestic King, His hands, His sacrifice for us. When we realize that our sacrifices really are  investments into life eternal with  our King, and all the rewards He will bestow, it really shouldn’t require much thought. Will we  make the  sacrifice that He asks for?

Posted in Christian walk, Covenants, Obedience | 7 Comments »

Insidious Idols

June 2, 2012

As the title of this post says, many of our idols today are so sneaky, that we are not even aware that they are indeed  —  idols. In this way they are insidious, just as the adversaries would have it. Let us look more deeply into this real trap. I dare say that today this is the biggest trap for us Christians, our biggest stumbling block to walking upright with our Lord.

Idolatry has been a big problem since the beginning of God’s people. In Ezekiel we read ” Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own ways and deeds; to me their way was like the uncleanness of a woman in her customary impurity. Therefore I poured out My fury on them for the blood they had shed on the land, and for their idols with which they had defiled it (Ezekiel 36:17-18).

Many think of the term “Idol worship” as some old fashion form of actually bowing down to false gods and such. In reality it is completely different, especially in today’s world. In (Rev.22:14-15) we read the following  ” Blessed are those who do His Commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.”

We see from the above that keeping the “Commandments” requires that we not be idolaters. Most of us know that having  promiscuous sex, practicing lying, murder, and practicing sorcery are clear cut and flat out wrong before the Lord. But that sneaky one- idolatry,  can stumble us in ways that we ourselves can be caught unaware. Idols can blind us so well, we are in many case not even aware of it!

As many of you who follow this blog are aware, the Lord is about to select His 144,000 servants to proclaim the final Loud Cry. The real difference , I believe,  is that His true servants realize perfectly the whole idol trap and keep themselves free from it. For they have made an effort to free themselves of his ( the devil’s) snares.

Let’s look at one of the most obvious idol traps — television.  Do you watch worldly television daily or several times each week day? Do you come home from work and mindlessly turn on the TV and watch for  hours every night?  If your answer is yes, then you have likely been snared by the TV idol trap.

Here’s a good way to know if something is an idol to you. How much time do you spend weekly in the Lord’s work? Study, sharing the Lord with friends or family, prayer, reading His holy word? Ok, if TV or anything else takes up more of your time than the Lord’s work, you have a more enjoyable god you serve. “For where your treasures lie, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). Make no mistake,  our idol worship  is noticed by our Lord.

In my own life, TV was one of the last idols to leave. Growing up  as a typical TV and music idol worshiper(sports, entertainment shows, car radio on every day, etc.), I just couldn’t see it as “bad”.  “The Lord doesn’t really care if I practice TV watching or listen to worldly music, as long as I read the Bible now and then and show up for Sabbath services, I’ll be fine” was my deluded thinking.

 But you know what? If someone would have said  that I was a TV or music  idol worshiper, I would have said “yeah right, get real”. It was only until I started putting my time into the Lord’s work and forsaking worldly desires, by sincerely wanting to do the Lord’s will, that I could then see clearly that yes it was an idol!

Does this mean we should never watch  television? No, not necessarily. Certainly we can get  some good from TV. Inspirational, educating, news and such can be good. But as we pointed out, once it starts to fill a gap in your life that should be towards the Lord’s work, you’ve shown Him where your desires really are. With time being so short and His workers being in short supply, we cannot have any excuses.

One of the most important prayers we should do frequently, is to ask the Lord to help show us where we are wrong in  our walk.  I continue to do this, even though I have tossed much sin out of my life. We need to continue to look to Him for help and guidance.

Once you pray this prayer and do it will all your heart, He will be faithful to show you. You’ll start to feel more and more guilt on something that you are doing that is dis-pleasing to Him.

Think about it, with so many now in His church, about 16 million, how is it that He can only use 144,000 as His servants when the gospel message swells into a Loud Cry? I truly believe much of the blame can be traced to idol involvement. “Only those who have withstood and overcome temptation in the strength of the Mighty One will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming this message when it shall have swelled into the Loud Cry” (Review and Herald , Nov. 19, 1908).  If we don’t overcome our idols now, we shall not be around to partake of the Loud Cry message– straight and solemn indeed! Our Lord is not playing around my friends.

Again EGW points out how  serious the worldly treasures (idols) are to many. “I asked the angel why so few were interested in their eternal welfare, so few preparing for their last change. Said he ‘ Earth attracts them, it’s treasures seem of worth to them.’  They find enough to engross the mind, and have no time to prepare for heaven…such will have no excuse” (Test. for the Church, vol. 1,p.132)

Our Lord said we must be born again, and that means all things become new. When we make the effort to convert and live as He would have us, then we see clearly each and every stumbling block.

There can be other idols of course, such as music, hobbies, or even your job. Obsessing about making more money and attending to business too much can clearly snag us. Let me give another example of an  idol today that has come into people’s lives–the computer.

This snag certainly is insidious to God’s people today. Chatting away for hours on worldly matters, gossiping,  playing games, searching worldly desires and such on the computer has taken so much of our time each and every week, it has established itself as nearly as bad an idol as TV is.   Of course if we are on it  much of the time doing the Lord’s work, then it can serve His purpose. Paul says in first Corinthians ” All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but I will not be enslaved by anything” (1 Cor.6:12)  We do anything (apart from the Lord’s work) too much we can become enslaved.

One point that shows that our Lord doesn’t leave one thing untouched. Guess how many times the word “idol” is used in the whole Bible? 666 –according to this source- Answers.com* (-Note-  this number appears contradicted by other sources, but it’s safe to say it’s in the hundreds of times, indicating it’s supreme importance to us.)

In closing, our Lord said “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be His God and he shall be My son” (Rev. 21:7) One of the greatest obstacles we must over come is that one snare that can sneak up upon us  — the  insidious idols.

Posted in Christian walk, Delusion, Idol worship | Leave a Comment »

Christian Love (Gal. 6:10)

May 26, 2012

In (Gal.6:10) we read  “Therefore, whenever we have opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to those in the household of faith”.  Here we see two directives. One, do well to those outside the faith, secondly, do well especially to those among our household (church) of faith.” With this short paragraph of inspired words, we can gain volumes in instructions of  righteousness (right doing).

Within the last couple of weeks the Lord brought me two examples  on the first part of the above. I mention these not to infer you must do them, only as examples of the doing good to our people outside the faith.

In both instances they occurred at gas stations. The first, I pulled in  to get gas, I noticed this  long haired skinny unkept man looking through the trash can. Also immediately I felt the urge . “Invite this man into the Arco and buy him lunch” I thought. So I said “hey brother, follow me into the store, I’ll buy you lunch.” He looked at me with a surprised look, but quickly came along. I said upon entering  “go over there and get a sandwich and what ever else you want.”

So we checked out and he gave me a big “thank you”. I said “God be with you bro.”  No preaching, no words of advice, the actions had spoken instead. Just maybe this act will be remembered and the Lord will start to work on His heart in some way.

The second happened when I pulled up, again to an Arco. I get out and this man about 30 comes up and points to his truck with his wife and kid inside. “Hey bro, could I bum a few dollars from you, we need to go to Ontario and we’re out of money.”  I didn’t have any cash on hand and so I said “No, I don’t have cash”. And proceeded to walk in to the store  to purchase gas with my debit card. As I was in there, it occurred to me –how would I feel in that position stranded with my family? So after getting the gas, I walked out and yelled over to him “what pump you on?”  He told me and I went back in and purchased 25.00 gas for him. He was profusely thankful and I felt the Lord’s will had been done.

Did I have “opportunity” to do good to my brethren in the above examples? Yes, of course. Our Lord very well may have placed those in my path, knowing I had the means to help, to see my actions.

I have Steps to Christ books in the back of my truck, and when the opportunity arises I hand out to certain people. Yet, in both of these instances I felt the kind acts were sufficient to touch them and possibly lead them to think of “brotherly love” and thereby to their Maker. The old saying “action speaks louder than words” can be so true in many instances. “..Be ye doers of the word..” (James 1:22)

Christian love clearly is shown in our actions.  Our Lord said the following “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another ” (John 13:35). We should  remember the simple things of our Christian walk. The basics can sometimes be overlooked, as if we don’t need them. The common courtesies, the prompt return calls, emails, etc. can be very good habits showing our love and kindness.  We can become careless and neglect the plain simple truths and acts of love.

Can we imagine someone in the Lord’s circle asking Him a sincere question and the Lord just looking at Him then walking away? Our Lord  is our example in all things right? Look at His courtesy, He even wrapped and folded His own burial clothe upon His resurrection!

How important is love?  Perhaps no where in all of scripture can we find just how important it is as in these words  “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Cor. 13:2).

The second part of (Gal.6:10) has much more ramifications. Our own brothers and sisters in the faith are the ones we especially do good to.

Recently I had a talk with a dear brother who has done some real solid works for the Lord for many years. He was upbeat despite the fact that he was sincerely struggling on the financial front. But I thought “how is it that none of the brothers and sisters knew about this, or if they did, how did they turn their backs?”  We all can face tough times but it is at those times when we as true  brothers and sisters should step up to the plate and do something if it is within our power.

We should  look out for our own,as our brother’s and sister’s keeper.  It can be like the old saying “too close to the forest to see the trees”. Again, it’s the basics of Christ’s love that we can sometimes overlook.

 Let’s look at some specific ways we can do good to our brethren.

1) When a brother or sister asks us a question or drops a line to say hello(via email, or voice message, or whatever)  we make a good effort to get back to them in a reasonable time. Again, our Lord said  “Do unto others whatever you would like them to do unto you”(Matt. 7:12)  If you want to be ignored, then  –ignore.  But we shouldn’t be a hypocrite and expect answers or responses  when we don’t give them.

2) Check in now and then with your brothers and sisters of the faith. We shouldn’t expect them to come to us always. Our own members of the faith are the ones who have at least made the profession of Christ, so we should hold them up in our remembrance  and reach out when possible.

3) If we know their profession, and we have a need of that service, let’s use them for it,as opposed to calling someone outside our faith. I sure wish our own churches would have a church directory showing the different occupations of the members.

4) Of utmost importance, let’s never forget that sharing of the word and bible study with our brethren is extremely important. Share the word when possible and learn together. We must have knowledge as we know our Lord said  “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6)  One of the most sad things to see, is when a bro or sis want’s to learn something from a fellow bro or sis in the faith, and they are ignored!  Oh what a true travesty! 

 The bible says “be angry and sin not”  (Eph 4:26) And this is describing me right now. I just can’t for the life of me, comprehend how someone would see that as acceptable to the Lord.  Our knowledge should be shared.  “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matt. 10:8)  Why should it be coveted by us? It’s like “I have my knowledge,  you go get your own, don’t bother me”. I couldn’t look myself in the mirror if I was ignoring  my brethren in the faith, who would inquire of me.

5)  As we are nearing the very last days. Our reach-outs to our brethren must be accelerated. As we have shown many times in this blog, our Lord pronounced that the Elijah message would be His last. Let’s get that out there to our people.

6) Be a “great” person to our brethren. What do I mean?  “But he that is greatest among you, will be your servant” (Matt.23:11)  We must have the mind set that we are to “serve” and not be aloof and have others serve us. Translated in practical advice, it means we look to help where we can.

7) Last and most importantly, we strive to show kindness and concern for our brethren in our correspondence. We show –Christian love.

May our ever seeing Lord guide you and keep you always, my beloved brethren(which always means sisters too).

Posted in Brotherly love, Christian faith, Christian walk, Galatians, Humility | 2 Comments »

Ellen White’s Battle Creek Vision

May 12, 2012

This week in the studies I came across a fascinating EGW description of her Battle Creek vision in August of 1868.  It tells of their hard struggles on their journey to the promised land.  I believe God gave it for us, to let us know that our journey will indeed require a “full” effort. If we try to get there “kind of” trying we stand a real chance of falling off down the “precipice”. 

“While at battle Creek in August, 1868, I dreamed of being with a large body of people. A portion of this assembly started out prepared to journey. We had heavily loaded wagons. As we journeyed, the road seemed to ascend.  On one side of this road was a deep precipice; on the other was a high smooth, white wall, like the hard finish upon plastered rooms.

As we journeyed on, the road grew narrower and steeper. In some places it seemed so very narrow that we concluded that we could no longer travel with the loaded  wagons. We then loosed them from the horses, took a portion of the luggage from the wagons and placed it upon the horses, and journeyed on horseback.

As we progressed, the path still continued to grow narrow. We were obliged to press close to the wall, to save ourselves from falling off the narrow road down the steep precipice. As we did this, the luggage on the horses pressed against the wall, and cause us to sway toward the precipice. We feared that we should fall, and be dashed in pieces on the rocks. we then cut the luggage from the horses, and it fell over the precipice. We continued on horseback, greatly fearing, as we came to narrower places in the road, that we should lose our balance, and fall. At such times, a hand seemed to take the bridle, and guide us over the perilous way.

As the path grew more narrow, we decided that we could no longer go safely on horseback, and we left the horses and went on foot, in single file, one following in the foot steps of another. At this point small cords were let down from the top of the pure white wall; these were eagerly grasped, to aid us in keeping our balance upon the path. As we traveled, the cord moved along with us.

The path finally became so narrow that we concluded that we could travel more safely without our shoes; so we slipped them from our feet, and went on some distance without them. Soon it was decided that we could travel more safely without our stockings; those were removed, and we journeyed on with bare feet.

We then thought of those who had not accustomed themselves to privations and hardships. Where were such now? They were not in the company. At every change, some left behind, and those only remained who had accustomed themselves to endure hardships. The privations of the way only made these more eager to press on to the end.

Our danger of falling from the pathway increased. We pressed close to the white wall, yet could not place our feet fully upon the path. for it was too narrow. We then suspended nearly our whole weight upon the cords, exclaiming, “we have to hold from above! We have to hold from above!” The same words were uttered by all the company in the narrow pathway.

As we heard the sounds of mirth and revelry that seemed to come from the abyss below, we shuddered. We heard the profane oath, the vulgar jest, and low, vile songs. We heard the war song and the dance song. We heard instrumental music, and loud laughter, mingled with cursing and cries of anguish and bitter wailing, and were more anxious than ever to keep upon the narrow, difficult pathway. Much of the time we were compelled to suspend our whole weight upon the cords, which increased in size as we progressed.

I noticed that the beautiful white wall was stained with blood, it caused a feeling of regret to see the wall thus stained. This feeling, however, lasted but for a moment, as I soon thought that it was all as it should be. Those who  are following after will know that others have passed the narrow, difficult way before them, and will conclude that if others were able to pursue their onward course, they can do the same. And as the blood shall be pressed from their aching feet, they will not faint with discouragement; but ,seeing the blood upon the wall, they will know that others have endured the same pain.

At length we came to a large chasm, at which our path ended. There was nothing now to guide our feet, nothing upon which to rest them. Our whole reliance must be upon the cords, which had increased in size, until they were as large as our bodies. Here we were for a time thrown into perplexity and distress. We inquired in fearful whispers, ‘To what is the cord attached?’ My husband was just before me. large drops of sweat were falling from his brow, the veins in his neck and temples were increased to double their size, and suppressed, agonizing groans came from his lips. The sweat was dropping from my face, and I felt such anguish as I had never felt before. A fearful struggle was before us. Should we fail here, all the difficulties of our journey had been experienced for naught.

Before us, on the other side of the chasm, was a beautiful field of green  grass, about six inches high. I could not see the sun, but bright, soft beams of light, resembling fine gold and silver, were resting upon the field. Nothing I had  seen upon earth could compare in beauty and glory with this field. But  could we succeed in reaching it? was the anxious inquiry. Should the cord break, we must perish.

 Again, in whispered anguish, the word were breathed ‘What holds the cord?”  For a moment we hesitated to venture. Then we exclaimed, ‘Our only hope is to trust wholly in the cord. It has been our dependence all the difficult way. It will not fail us now.’ Still we were hesitating and distressed. The words were then spoken, ‘God holds the cord. We need not fear.’ These words were then repeated by those behind us, accompanied with, ‘ He will not fail us now. He has brought us thus far in safety.’

My husband then swung himself over the fearful abyss into the beautiful field beyond. I immediately followed. And oh, what a sense of relief and gratitude to God we felt! I heard voices raised in triumphant praise to God. I was happy perfectly happy.

I awoke, and found that from the anxiety I had experienced in passing over the difficult route, every nerve in my body seemed to be in a tremor. This dream need no comment. it made such an impression upon my mind that probably every item in it will be vivid before me while my memory shall continue.”  (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p.594-597)

 As we can clearly see, even though our walk will not be easy many times, once we submit fully to Him, it will be well worth it, He’ll be right there with us. And as we go further into our journey our faith will be tried, to see if we can “toss away” the worldly pleasures and stay focused,  holding onto our Lord , the “cord”.

“But Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of chracter is an easy matter. A noble all-around character is not inherited, it does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merit and grace of Christ”(Christ Object Lessons, p.331)

Posted in Christian walk, Heaven | 6 Comments »

The Converted Life

March 24, 2012

Note: This post comes with a plea, that we must realize that there is a cost to enter God’s kingdom–it costs you your life, that is, a changing from a sinful life into a holy life. A careless attitude of “I got my Jesus free pass card” must be  changed to a ” I want to walk upright with my Lord everyday”.

It really saddens me to think that being called a “Christian” or even a “Seventh Day Adventist”  will soon be a thing of the past. Sadly, the Lord will finally have had it , with those names. The degrading and mis-representation of those who profess something wonderful, yet do what is wrong in our Lord’s site, will have finally reached the heavens.

Speaking to those who falsely profess His name, He says ” You will leave your name for a curse to my chosen ones, and the Lord God will slay you. But My servants will be called by another name. ( Isaiah 65:15) And just so you don’t think our Lord means calling us a new name in heaven, but here on earth (Isaiah 62:2) reads “The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory.You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will name.”

So we see the converted life really involves careful warnings to our brother and sisters.

One of the great deceptions produced from the evil one, is the old belief we have no accountability per se.We think  ” Our Lord died for me and paid my price, therefore I’m safe. I don’t have to be concerned with my walk, just as long as I’m fairly good and live a good clean life, I’m fine.” It’s the twisted belief in “righteousness by faith”. A  completely false idea of just what that means. Let’s look at how narrow the path to life really is. But as narrow as it is, anyone can stay on it, they just have to want it badly enough.

How bad? Let’s let scripture answer this. ” If you look for Me with all your heart, you will find me”. (Jer.29:13)  How about when we seek Him with half our heart, what then? Well, I don’t know about you but that sounds like lukewarmness to me. The kind our Lord will sprew out of His mouth.

The purpose of this post is not to make you feel all is helpless, rather it is a real account of what it takes to enter the kingdom. The solemn fact is that our Lord cannot compromise on His word, and it specifically call us to repentance. Repentance that is true, a turning away from sin.

Let us remember, there was one family in all the world saved in Noah’s time. There was very few saved in Sodom and Ghamorah. There was only two (above the accountability age of 20) that God allowed into the promised Israel. He has always been loving but He cannot compromise with sin and unrighteousness.

It’s so sad that many of us think our Lord is but a big Santa Claus up there in heaven saying ” Oh, Oh, Oh, come on in all you sinners, no need to repent, just some on in, Oh, Oh, Oh”.

Ellen White says “If we have any regard for our soul’s salvation, we must make a decided change. We must seek the Lord with true pentience; we must with deep contrition of soul confess our sins, that they may be blotted out.” (1 Selected Messages  p.125) Should we be so foolish to think we can continue to purposely sin and without repentance be forgiven? No, true repentance means we’re sorry for doing a certain sin, and then turn away from that sin. Asking our Lord to help us with His power to overcome.

Sometimes I truly wonder how many in our church, in God’s true loving way, reach out to a wayward brother or sister and say ” You know brother, you rally shouldn’t be smoking, that’s not right before the Lord.”  Or “you know sister, you shouldn’t be listening to that rock in roll music, the Lord can’t be pleased with that music.”

(Isaiah 58:1) tell us what we must do about this. “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up your voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob thier sins.”  Some  may think this verse describes our Lord showing His people their sins–it does not. The “your” in your voice is not captilized in the scripture. So it’s a direct plea to–us,  His people.

As we have wrote about in  a prior post, the sealings of God is happening now. This sealing is not being lightly and carelessly placed on His people. A converted life is the foremost requirement to receive this eternal seal. Just how converted ? Let’s look at the prophetess’ inspired words.

“…everyone must deliver his own soul by his own righteousness.” (Test. for the church, p.215)  Whoa, wait a minute. What about Christ righteousness is our righteousnes? He’s our righteousness, so we are always righteous.

Yes, our Lord’s righteousness is ours indeed! But we claim that righteousness (which means –right doing) ONLY when we have made a full commitment to live a right doing life. You see, even after we make that commitment we’ll fall short, but then we can claim His righteousness because we are striving with our whole heart. His righteousness is no longer a cop out or convient excuse and claimed by us as we walk sinfully through our professed “Christian” life.

Let’s now look at some examples of a “converted life”.

— You know the Holy 10 Commandments  1 to 10  and 10 to 1. If someone asks you–“What is Commandment no. 7?”  you know immediately. For the original short form of the 10 Commandments, see this link http://www.levitt.com/hebrew/commandments.html

— Come Friday sunset, you are well aware this is the Holy Sabbath, honoring God is the primary focus you have, and this lasts through out the Sabbath

–At the store the cashier gives you back 10.00 extra, you notice it after you get to your car. You walk back in to that cashier and hand it back.

–A close friend or relative calls and invites you to their wedding this coming Saturday. You don’t even hesitate, and politely decline.

–At work you notice a co-worker wants to take a small item from the office, you gently remind them that they shouldn’t do that, and you have a chance to share God’s Law with them (No.8 -Thou shall not steal)

–On Friday, you know it’s preparation day, so you make sure to get gas, meals ready, clothes ready, etc. It is dreadful to you if you do these things on Sabbath

–You no longer watch TV every night, instead you are studying God’s word, alone or with family or friends.

— You bring your bible with you each and every week to church. Your bible is marked up, due to numerous passages you have noted and love. His word is in your mind and heart. Especially each and every Commandment.

— A  Friend calls you on Friday night to fill you in on the big news at work, you politely explain it’s the Sabbath and you’ll call them back on Saturday night or Sunday

–You dress on the Sabbath as if you are going to see the president of the USA. But in this case you know you are seeing a much greater than that!

–Worldly music is out, you shun it in the car, home and work.

Those are just a few of the examples. The Holy Spirit will guide you on so much more as you make an effort to convert.

I gave a short sermon in our church a few weeks back explaining how many members look at going to Sabbath services as “punching in their time card.” They do as they please during the week, and when Sabbath comes they get well dressed and “do their time” and so the Lord is pacified. No, the Sabbath is the culmination of our “right doing” during the week, and so we come before the Lord, arms stretched out and ready to faithfully worship Him. This is the converted life in action!

We must remember the devil has took over Christianity to a great degree. This has been so at least from the 2nd or 3rd century. And one of his greatest deceptions is to get you to feel complacent.  Our Lord described His people in His last church (the Laodicean church)  “Because you say, ” I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing” — and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.”(Rev.3:17) This lukewarm attitude tells us to relax, don’t worry about our walk, or even learning new light and truth. We’re safe, no need to search any further for His truth.

 We should “fear” Him in a healthly way. Frequently we should ask Him to guide us, and warn us. This is so important in our walk. We are admitting we can’t rely on our own strength and even our own knowledge, we need more! Why do I  bring up knowledge?  His solemn words.  “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou has rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee..”(Hosea 4;6) The ones who come to us seriously saying “listen brother or sister, I want to show you this light that has been revealed to me” –we should not blindly ignore them, if it is something we don’t agree with or understand, we must search it out. Zealousness comes from the Lord, and if someone has it and wants to share it, it should always be listened to, and studied.

One of the most solemn areas of study, we will do once we are converted is the upcoming Ezekiel prophecy. In Manuscript releases, Vol 1, page 260, Ellen White says “Study the  9th chapter of Ezekiel. These words will be literally fulfilled; yet the time is passing and the people are asleep. They refuse to humble themselves and be converted. Not a great while longer will the Lord bear with the people who have such great and important truths revealed to them, but who refuse to bring these truths into their individual experience.”

In case some of you are not familiar, Ezekiel 9 is the sealings of the 144,000  as spoken of in Revelation 7:3. This is where are Lord will begin the judgement of the living in the house of God, His church. EGW knew this, yet today very few speak of this from the pulpit  — Study the 9th chapter of Ezekiel.

What are some of the keys to knowing a brother or sister is coming to us with a message from God?  1) They are zealous (Rev. 3:19)  2) They are “blowing the trumpet” (giving many warnings) “Set the trumpet to your mouth! He shall come like an eagle against the house of Israel. Because they have transgressed My covenant and rebelled against My Law.” (Hosea 8:1)  3)They stand solidly on the Law and the testimony (Isaiah 8:20)  4) They are willing to study with you and want to share knowledge (Hosea 4:6).

When  a brother or sister comes us to do a study, engage it, find out the matter. Don’t  think you’re above it and don’t need it. Afterall how do you know, that the Lord Himself did not specifically send that person into your life to learn some important truth you need?

“Whatever may be a man’s intellectual advancement, let him  not for a moment think that there is no need of thorough and continuous searching of the Scriptures for greater light..” (Gospel workers, p.300)

“We should now feel the responsibility of laboring with intense earnestness to impart to others the truths that God has given for this time. We cannot be too much  in earnest.” (Test for the Church, Vol. 6, p.16)

EGW was given these words from the Lord, please read and understand them, as it clearly shows our path we must follow will require a sincere effort.

“In concluding this narrative, I would say that we are living in a most solemn time. In the last vision given me, I was shown the startling fact that but a small portion of those who now profess the truth will be sanctified by it and saved.” (Test. for the church, Vol.1,p.608) Why is this so startling? Because sadly, few of us want of make the whole hearted effort to live the converted life to the Lord.

Does that mean our own individual life will become a never ending struggling tight rope, always worrying about whether we are right with God? No, when we convert and start overcoming temptation after temptation, we gain a power from God, a type of momentum that keeps us strong and steady. A true feeling that we are indeed walking on that straight and narrow path.

My brothers and sisters, let none say what EGW pointed out in (Christ’s Object Lessons, p.331) “Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to that decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining life.”

So in closing, we must realize that just going through the motions won’t do it now. Anyone of us could have tomorrow be the “close of probation’ for us. Our Lord said near the end of His final book (Revelation) “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.” (Rev.21:7)  Overcome what? It can be none other than- continual sinning.

I remember my Dad told me something when I was a kid that really stuck with me. He said God gave us only one thing that is only ours, and everything else is His. That one thing is our will. When we will truly want to find the Lord with all our heart, we’ll find Him. This half way stuff won’t cut it. We’ll no longer cherish sins, rather we’ll change and commit to the life we must have—  The Converted Life.

In Christ, from Whom all knowledge flows, –Rob

Posted in Christian walk, once saved always saved fallacy | 2 Comments »

“Help I Can’t See”

February 18, 2012

Recently a good friend of mine related how her efforts to reach her Father, a Seventh Day Adventist, with God’s end time message was going bad. As I listened over dinner with her, the Spirit was guiding me towards asking her some  questions.

I listened as she told of her outreach efforts. Diane (name changed) had studied, and I mean studied, the Lord’s end time message as presented in the Davidian message, and had accepted it, unable to prove it wrong. She naturally wanted to share it with her immediate family (ie. her Mother and Father, both SDA). So she slowly began to mention the truths and a little later handed him a DVD of the “Daniel 2” vision prophecy.

Soon the two were discussing the subject. He did not readily accept it and their discussions became more testy. At this point, I started to ask her about her Dad’s walk with the Lord.  I soon found out he much preferred TV to studying every night. This to me was a BIG warning sign. And frankly the reason I was guided to this post. Idol worship was involved.  Could it be that many are blind today because something has their devoted attention, thereby blinding them to truth? Let’s look into this area.

First, I would like to relate my own story that may shed some light on the point, of how idols and worldly interests can  hinder our discovery of God’s truth.

Even after I accepted the Sabbath truth and got baptised, my walk for at least the first year, was a little blurred. By that I mean, I still played poker occasionally, did tobacco, watched TV a fair amount of time. I did other things that weren’t exactly Christ like. But during that time I remember listening to Doug Batchelor talk about the 144,000. He said something to the effect that they weren’t  the “total saved” and sealed from the SDA church, only kinda like super apostles, and I was like “yeah that’s right!” in my heart. For I didn’t want to hear and believe anything otherwise.   I was still holding on to a few sins, unable to let go. I wanted the best of both worlds and yet claim the Lord as my Savior.

Fast forward to early May 2011. My walk was going at least somewhat strong despite the holding on as mentioned. But the fateful day came when I drove by a church in a close town nearby that would change my course forever. I was crushed to find out that their SDA church was allowing commercial business to remain open on their own property on Sabbath! I didn’t plan anything  (certainly not the   sighing crying)  as I drove on after learning this. But something awoke in me, something was triggered.

Shortly after,  our all knowing Lord then led me to listen to a Davidian message about the  144,000. Shocked and thrilled were the emotions I immediately felt. Shocked because this was so different and solemn from what I had been taught. Yet thrilled that the Lord had bestowed to me His light on  this important truth.

As I began to search these truths out I discovered much more than I even thought was possible. One of the most important truths I learned was that the Lord is not messing around,  He wants our full devotion and letting go of sin. His blood was His great sacrifice and we can’t claim that salvation with anything less than our full effort to walk upright and “sin no more”. I then looked upon each and every “little” continual sin I was doing and by God’s Holy Spirit started chopping them out of my life.

As I let go and studied, the scriptures began to get clearer and clearer, especially the Old Testament. Clear understandings and visions came that I couldn’t see before. The continual “little” distractions removed, I was no longer hindered in my understanding what God was trying to tell me.

In (Isaiah 59:2) we read “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God. And you sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.” Could it be that those who cannot understand God’s end time message have not dealt , first and foremost, with their own sins?  Is there a blind wall that can only be removed by getting rid of our continual sinning? The answer certainly must be-yes.

God’s light in the word, as spoken through His prophets, cannot be rightly understood while we wish to stay in our unconverted state. This is why, as in the example above with Diane’s Father, he finds it nearly impossible to see the clear light shown him. As he listens to Diane speak , he has his idol (TV) going in the background, just waiting to ensnare him again, thus continuing his slippery slope away from truth.

Plain and simple, the “Spirit of Truth” cannot work for us as long as we have one foot in the world and one foot in our Lord’s work.  We cannot serve two masters. “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer:29:13).

Speaking to the apostles our Lord said “When the Spirit of Truth has come, He will guide you to all truth. He won’t speak His own words. He will speak what He hears and will tell you about things to come.(John 16:13)”  Were the apostles clean and converted when our Lord spoke those words to them? Ofcourse.  Our Lord knows that His Spirit of Truth can work for converted people, even showing them the things to come. It cannot work on the  unconverted. They will not be able to see and understand truth as God would have them.

I remember having long debates and discussions with Sunday keepers about the Sabbath. I would get so baffled why they could not see the plain spoken word as it reads. Now it is understood why. “Sin is transgression of the Law” (1 John 3:4) breaking the Sabbath continually will grind to a halt the Spirit of Truth working freely in their life.

Our Lord is about to do a most solemn act, which will shock the world. Now is the time convert. And when you do, you’ll see clearly God’s truth and end time plans and you’ll be comforted knowing you will be looked after. Thoughts of joy and bliss will engulf you, as you see visions of His kingdom and being with Him. The gold crystal streets, the beautiful landscape, the heavenly music, the pure crystal flowing water streams.

All this will be ours if only we make a full commitment to Christ, turning from our sins and enabling our Lord to fulfill His promise to  send us the Spirit of Truth, so that we can understand His truth clearly and then walk according to that light. If we don’t commit as we should,  our very soul may cry out “help I can’t see”.

Please keep my friend’s Father and Mother in your prayers.

In Christ, and Whose guidance makes this post possible–Rob.

Posted in Christian walk | 4 Comments »

Supporting our brothers and sisters

November 12, 2011

As the time was quickly approaching, for our Lord(The Lord of the Universe), to lay down His life for us,  He did something that I’m sure sent bewilderment through out the apostles. He WASHED their feet!  An act that showed the ultimate in support and servitude to another. In  this one act, we can gain so much. A true lesson for us to know and learn and DO.

As we know, the Lord’s examples are our examples in our Christian walk. If we just read about them and don’t APPLY them, we are like those white washed tombs our Lord spoke of. Once we announce to the world  —  “I AM A CHRISTIAN”, we now must live under different rules, higher standards. Our brothers and sisters, and the even the heathen, are watching how we act and live. Our life is an direct reflection on Christ!  Don’t forget this.

With the above laying the groundwork, let’s look at how we can support our brothers and sisters in the faith. In (Gal.6:10) it says “As we therefore have opportunity, let us do good unto all, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”  Here we are instructed to “do good” to our own fellow believers. Also our immediate family must be taken care of (supported) (1 Tim 5:8) “But if any provide not for his own, and especailly for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse off than an unbeliever.” So the Lord is watching how we “do good.”

Our Lord Himself told us to “strengthen our brothers” (Luke 22:32) “…And when thou are converted, strenghten thy brethren.” So our support pleases our Lord and our lack of, or ignorance, displeases Him.  Let’s look at some ways we can do good and support each other.

Before we go into “support” areas, I thought it important to show a most serious “opposite” trait — criticizing. Before we criticize, let us be sure we fully understand the situation. A good example would be ” I don’t follow you, can you explain more about this?”  Instead of being confrontational.  If two people approach a matter in  a disagreement, their similar motive must always be to arrive at the –truth. But if one has “cemented their stakes” by refusing to hear the other one out (carefully reading or listening), then it shows that “their opinion” is the most valuable thing to them, instead of arriving at the truth. It’s a serious condition known as spiritual pride. Christ could not reach people like this in His day, neither can He now.

Here are some ways we can be supportive in a real concrete way.

1) When in church, and they announce “visitors”, give them a nice applause. This let’s them know they are appreciated. We don’t know, maybe they made a real effort to come be with the brethren that day.

2) Return email. The sooner the better. What kind of message does it send to carelessly respond days or weeks later, to a brother or sister. Can this be called “doing good”? Ignorance is never -good.

Keep in mind, Jesus said “Do unto to others, as you would want them to do unto to you.” (Matt.7:12)  Do you want people to ignore you?  I wonder how many people would stop ignoring others, if they themselves were ignored when they sincerely reached out in email or question.

3) Be ready to offer assistance in study tools. One of the best online tools to have is called esword.com , It can be downloaded for free http://www.e-sword.net/ It gives the bible (both OT and NT) translations in both Hebrew and Greek. All at your fingertips, when you hover over any word. A great tool for studying!

4)On the internet, be supportive and let your bro’s and sis’s know theyare appreciated. One of the saddest things for me to behold, is to go on a fellow believers wall (on FB) and see they have posted numerous times over several weeks, trying to reach out and share and NOT ONCE has anybody made any comments, or even thumbs up. Yet they have hundreds of “friends”.

5) Our concern for our brothers and sisters and their salvation should be our upmost concern. Therefore lead them to end-time prophecie sites that will explain what our Lord has planned and how they can prepare for His coming . Unfortunately many are not even aware how and when our Lord is coming next. As many are now discovering the scriptures fortell a “surprise” coming of judgement FIRST before He comes in the clouds.

Lastly, be very careful about who you send money to on internet, especially if they are some type of “orphanage” over seas.

Let us remember that we are called to serve and support one another, just as our Leader showed us in that most humble act. Let us never think we are too important or busy to take time to support and reach out, thereby neglecting to show  Christian courtesy .

 (Matt 23:11)  “But he that is greatest among you, shall be your servant.” 

In Christ, Rob

Posted in Brotherly love, Christian walk | 6 Comments »

Let us be good representatives of Christ

November 5, 2011

When our Lord answered the Pharisees in (Luke 17:21) He said  “… The kingdom of God is within you.”  Here our Lord made it clear that the way to the kingdom STARTS within each and every one of us. No exceptions.  The meaning is that we must be sure to be right with the Lord first. And once we have been truly converted and decide to “follow” Him and put away sins in our own life, we can then concentrate on being the “best” representative we can for Him.

We can know all the truths, scriptures, doctrines but yet still not be converted and saved, because we failed to apply it all — INTO OUR LIFE FIRST. Our actions and knowledge go in different directions. Infact the most pitiful and sad situation for a “Christian” is to know so much truth, have so much light, yet ignore the basics of love, caring, and a close righteous walk with our Lord daily. Even the most vile and sinful man who finds one day that he must protect a woman being beaten, and thereby get’s killed, will indeed be with the Lord, amen.(1 Cor 13:2) ” Though I have prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I can move mountains, yet have not love, I am nothing.”

There are two basic areas where we represent our Christian ways. They are in the church (meaning fellow believers) and in the world (general non-believers). Let us look at each one of these areas. First we’ll look at the world.

Every day, when we step out into the world, we should have a spiritual “sign” on us, saying “worker for Christ”. Our mind should be firmly planted on “doing right” according to the Holy Law, thereby enlightening  those we meet and work with during our day or night.

Let me give you some personal examples that may be beneficial to your walk as well.

Many times, in our walk God will purposely lead you to a person he would like you to share your testimony with. They or you, may not even be aware of it, but our Lord sure is! In my own case I have discussed this with the Lord. We’ve made a pact, that whenever I go to a home to do a service call (in my line of work) and I see a cross, or the person has some type of religious sign in the house, I’ll know that I am suppose to hand them a “Steps for Christ” book.**

That will lead to discussing the Lord, and I’ll be able to mention I am a SDA. Which they’ll remember when they read that enlightening book. It’s a good simple way to show them your faith, and highlight God’s holy day-Sabbath.

Ofcourse during our work, we should be doing the very best we can. My Grandfather told me something (though not a particularly religious man) that was quite biblical about “work”. He said “always do what you are suppose to do, and alittle more.”  That  has been my model in my line of work, but as I do that little extra I think the Lord’s words (1 Cor. 10:31) “…whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.”

We can buy the bumper stickers that say “The Seventh Day is the Sabbath.”    “For God never changed it.”   and place on our vehicles, giving silent testimony to the Lord and His Law. One of my friends at church took some that I put in the church foyer a while back and he told me this reaction he got. Someone had followed him into the store, and when they were in there, this man said to him “You know I have been thinking about that, I think the world will have to make a decison concerning that soon.”  I was told he wasn’t a SDA, but just maybe this inspired him more along those lines.

A neat little idea is to put on your phone’s answer machine ” Hello, this is _______, It is Friday evening, the Sabbath of the Lord, I’ll be off for His holy day, please leave a message, and I’ll get back with you after Sabbath on Saturday evening or Sunday.”  I’ve had customers mention that little message to me, and was able to give them a book and share some words of the Lord. We shouldn’t be picking up the phone and talking worldly conversation anyway.

Lastly concerning worldly testimony, you can get some business cards together and put your favorite online Christian website on them and pass out to your  friends and co-workers or even your own church members. Just make sure the site promotes the number one rule  (Isaiah 8:20) ” To the Law (meaning 10 Commandments) and to the testimony( the Lord and His prophets) ….”.

In regards to the church, we also can show our fellow members good solid ways to enrich and enlighten their walk. To profess being a “Christian” really is something to NOT take lightly. We have a solemn responsiblilty. Woe to those who take this professed life lightly and carelessly.

To be a TRUE Christian we must first and foremost strive to “love” Christ. And the way to love  Christ is plainly and directly given by our Lord Himself, not prophets, or anyone else spoke these words on “how” to love Him. (John 14:15) “If you love me, KEEP —MY—- COMMANDMENTS.”  So once we know this and believe His words, we use this as our guide for daily living. Surprisingly, my own church (SDA) apparently needs our most attention in this regards. We are told by our prophetess, that not one in twenty members are ready to meet our Lord, talk about sobering!

But never the less, let’s look at areas we can reach out and help. The Sabbath is indeed the Lord’s day and as such we can start there. As we are entering His his temple (sanctuary) each Sabbath, we can set a good example of dressing very nicely. Our grooming is at it’s best and we are indeed representing a respectful attitude into His temple.

We can also rememeber that this is the Lord’s day and any “wordly” conversations, we can steer away, back to the things of the Lord. Here’s a very unique and good example of showing our Lord, you don’t go to church just to go through the motions. You really believe it’s His temple, so you stay awhile in church, after service to pray. How often have you seen that? The Lord LOVES these little extra things! I will say that is one thing I respect the Catholics for, the reverence many show in the church. May we as SDA learn and do this kind of reverence.

Lastly, our fellow believers are more and more fellowshipping and sharing things of our Lord on the internet. This is indeed a great thing. But let us remember, Satan will turn each and every good thing into a bad thing, if he can!  The computer, I’m afraid has become an idol to many, thereby breaking a Commandment of God. Let us set a good example by staying away from it a portion of the week and especially during Sabbath.  I try to do only this post and be off most of the Sabbath.

Let us remember our life should be a direct reflection of who we are and who we worship. If we keep His holy Laws solidly in mind each and every day, and DO THEM we represent Him well. We must also never forget that He validates our walk by how we look after each other.

Your servant in Christ, Rob

** For those who would like to order the books “Steps to Christ”  and the bumper stickers (both very reasonable) call Harvest Books at 1-931-692-2777

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Sold Out To The Lord

September 24, 2011

I remember back in high school, a good friend of mine told me something that I’ve always remembered “If you gonna do something do it right, otherwise it’s not worth doing”. How true those words are to the “Christian life.”

As we all know, we are living in the very last days of this world. And we as people of God are called by our Lord “Laodiceans.” He describes us as ‘lukewarm.” So obviously He want’s  us to “come alive” and “be zealous.” I thought it would be helpful to show you an example of a Christian life that is—SOLD OUT TO THE LORD.

Another day has just begun, he opens his eyes, and the first thing he does is, to look up and say “Thank you Lord, for another day.” He remembers all those mornings when the Lord was the last thing on his mind as he awoke–what a change!

After he washes up, he grabs the bible and begins reading some scripture. It’s not alot of reading he does(maybe a chapter or two),  but he’s made a “new habit” of doing this FIRST since the Lord inspired him to do so. Before he had an idol, and unfortunately many Christians today still do–IT WAS THE COMPUTER! He would awake grab a drink in the kitchen and go right to the computer, searching, chatting, etc. Now that comes after he’s had a chance to commune with the Lord via scripture.

Today is another day of service calls. He’ll go to maybe 5 to 10 homes in the area and have a chance to meet many people. He’s made sure to be prepared for the Lord. As he drives many miles every day, he put  two bumper stickers on his truck. They say “The Seventh day is the Sabbath” on the left side of bumper, on the right it says “for God never changed it.” He figures he can silently testify for God’s Sabbath without getting out of the truck.

He arrives at his first call, it’s a nice older woman. He comes in and one of the first thing he notices is a picture of Jesus on the wall. That is his clue. For the Lord and him have a deal. If any customer has any thing showing Jesus or the cross in the house, that is our signal to give them “Steps to Christ”. Which he has a stack of in the truck. So he makes a mental note and when he’s done with the repair, he mentions “So you’re a Christian huh?”  The lady responds “Oh yes, for about 40 years.” He says “Hold on, I got a great little book for you.” He gives the book and she graciously thanks him.

He’s on his next call. He arrives and is greeted by a middle aged man. They chat a bit, then he begins the repair. After a short while the problem is discovered and he mentions to the man what it was. The man replies ‘Well G-D D—–.” There’s a short awkward moment then he says “You know sir, it’s better to say Gosh darn”  The man responds “oh, yes, you’re right, sorry.”  The job is completed and he leaves.

As he drives away he knows he’s done something good and upright for the Lord. He’s shown that he won’t tolerate his Lord’s name taken in vain AND just maybe when that man says it again, he’ll remember and think twice about it.

On to another job, he meets a woman who has a dryer problem. He takes it apart and it’s just a fuse. But he remembers the Lord’s words (1 Cor. 10:31) “…Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” So he doesn’t just stop there while he has it apart he checks the lint housing. He knows God looks approving  on good hard honest labor—“If you’re gonna do something—-  well you know already 🙂 He always thinks carefully before charging. What is fair, what is right, he thinks before telling the lady the cost. He doesn’t want to break the 8th Commandment- Thou shall not steal.

It’s friday late afternoon and he arrives home. He knows it is Sabbath shortly so he get’s ready. After a long thorough shower, he begins the Sabbath with prayer. After this he begins to get “dressed up”  and guess what? —he lives alone! (at least until next year when his fiance comes) He get’s a shirt and tie on cause he knows it’s the “special day” –it’s the LORD’S DAY. He knows this day is holy, and he wants to be respectful to the Lord. No one sees but he know the Lord does.

The next day he again dresses up sharp. he remembers to bring his bible, tithe, extra Steps to Christ for the church. He also remembers that the bumper stickers are getting low at church, so he brings more to pass out.

In church he greets many friends. But he notices a man he’s been wanting to speak to. This man always wears a hat IN CHURCH even while praying. He remembers God’s word  (1 Cor. 11:4) “Every man praying or prophesying having his head covered, dishonors his head.”  He walks over and gently let’s him know it’s better if he doesn’t wear his hat in church. He is rebuffed. This is a “proud man.” So he has to walk away, sadly knowing this is the type of situation best helped by God, it’s between that man and God now. He has done his job (calling out sin when and where he see’s it).

The rest of the Sabbath is good and he goes home. After a short nap, he reads more inspired writings and does bible studies. Another Sabbath is about over and he prays once more, thanking Him for another beautiful Sabbath and speaking to Him about the upcoming week.

Hopefully this example will inspire you to do a few things you may not have thought of. Notice how all these “little things” add up to God. Your walk will not be lukewarm and you’ll discover, as you keep His ways and Laws, that a certain closeness comes. It is because you are—Sold out to the Lord.

In Christ, your brother, Rob

Ps. If you’d like to order the bumper stickers and the Steps to Christ, you can call Harvestime Books at 1-931-692-2777

Posted in Christian walk | 11 Comments »

Teachable Spirit

July 23, 2011

Being a professed teacher of the things of the Lord, there perhaps is no more fulfilling words to hear than “I want to learn and am a teachable spirit”. Those that possess this Spirit are whom the Lord delights. But the ones who say this must know (Isaiah 8:20) completely in their heart, for this is the GREAT STANDARD all teachers are judged. ” To the Law and to the Testimony, if they speak not these words, it is because they have no light in them”.

Once we know this standard for the teachers of Christ, we can look back upon history and see that the some of the teachers who were VERY popular in the world didn’t believe in the standard. They spoke a most solid message EXCEPT with subtle but important errors. Men like Martin Luther *  and Billy Graham * come to mind. But their comtemporaries–Oswald Glait , Andreas Karlstadt (during Luther’s time) and Joe Crews, all well known in their own time and taught at the same time,  yet never got the world wide following that these got. They taught the standard.

In (James 3:1) we read “My Brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgement”. These are stern and warning words that our teaching must be the truth. Our Lord does tell us that there is GREAT REWARD for the righteous teachers (Matt 5:19) “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of the Commandments and teaches others to do so, shall be called least in the kingdom of God, but whoever does and TEACHES THEM, he shall be called great in the kingdom of God”. Here the Lord equates Commandment teaching with “greatness”. This is something us teachers must always remember!

One of the greatest obstacles we as teachers face is pride. It truly saddens me when I try to show someone the truth according to scripture and it goes against their belief or learning they have been told. But when it comes to the opposite situation my joy is great– a open and humble “teachable spirit”. Let me give you a recent example. Her name is Teri.

In my post recently called “If we talk the talk, we must walk the walk” I tried to give a helpful guide to a righteous walk before the Lord. She received the post and was blessed by it. In her excitement she sent it off to her pastor. A SDA pastor no less. She was in mild shock when she received his response. In it he said some was good but alot was “legalistic”, sort of like the teachings of the Pharisees in Jesus’ time. Huh?  This was the same response Teri had. Teri wasted no time and sending an email back correcting him according to scripture (Ezekiel 3:19) “If you warn the wicked, and he does not turn  from his wickedness, nor turn from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity, but you shall have delivered your soul”.

 Wow. I feel like Jesus did when the centurion so impressed Him with his words. She is really the example of a teachable spirit. Being in the Holy Spirit she reconized the post and the truth it was saying and was warmed by it. She didn’t cower and meekly “accept” his reproof. I honestly fear for people like this pastor. It shows me something is seriously amiss. When we teach that to obey the Commandments is VERY important and that we should teach others, and people find fault in it, I seriously become concerned.

I am also reminded of this very important point. In (John 14:26) we read “But the helper, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you”.  Here we see that it is the Holy Spirit who is our primary teacher.

The Holy Spirit is indeed helping us and giving us “Discernment” to know the truth and falsehood.Those who are secretly cherishing sins in their life CANNOT expect to have this clear discernment. As we let go of our sins, our vision and understanding of “Holy” things of God get more clear. I know in my own walk, as I have let go of my idols and many sins, my understanding of God’s word and truth is really clearer than anytime before.

In (Mal 2:7) God points out how the teachers (priests) should be  teachers of His Law (Holy 10 Commandments) “For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, and people should seek the LAW from his mouth, for he is a messenger of the Lord of hosts.” 

Lastly, as a teacher, one of the most important things to remember is we must NEVER ignore questions directed to us.  This shows us to be either ignorant, prideful, or careless. All definitely not Christ like qualities.

So let us desire to use (Isaiah 8:20) as our guideline if we desire to teach. Praying often that we never think we have all the truth and can’t learn. Ellen White has said we will ever be learning new truths through out eternity, I can’t wait to know the vast truths that exist, I want to be a “teachable spirit”    amen.

In Christ, your servant, Rob

*  Many are well familar that pastor Graham taught Sunday was the Holy day of God. As far as Luther, it is well known among historians that he was anti- Sabbath as well http://concordiatheology.org/2010/05/luther%E2%80%99s-writing-against-emerging-sabbatarianism/

Posted in Christian walk, Proper teachings | 21 Comments »

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