Godsloveandlaw's Blog

Following the Devil’s Tracks

June 27, 2015

Many are aware of the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. His ability to solve crimes and point to the guilty was thorough and successful. Today, we must take the role of old Sherlock as well, as we are facing a huge Spiritual battle. Satan is on the loose and in a terrible and concise manner. He has pulled his troops together and is making his final push to drag as many as possible down with him.

As we have posted many times, Satan has his hands full with his final game plan. This game plan is to befuddle, lam-blast, disguise, disrupt and just downright destroy God’s final message to His church, the Lord’s Elijah message. The SDA as a whole are fast asleep and unaware of this game plan, but the Davidian Seventh-day Adventists are not.

Who does Satan and his minions fear the most? The Davidian Seventh-day Adventists. For he knows they have the truth of the prophecies concerning the “great and dreadful day of the Lord.” The Lord’s final message that, once it is believed by that fateful 144,000th believer, ushers in Satan and his doomed legions final short few years.

Satan, as the Elijah prophet has uncovered through prophetic interpretation, will soon be “wrath” with God’s people (Rev. 12:15-17), because of the “earth’s” mouth opening (Ezek. 9 church judgment). This can only happen because of the Davidian message being accepted by all those who will. Sadly, we know Inspiration says only 144,000 will choose to do so. Hence the all out effort to stop this message from reaching the SDA people.

Let us now do as Sherlock would do, look at the evidence piling up pointing out his guilty schemes right now.

The message warns us–

“Moreover, the old Devil has already put all his forces to work, piping pleasing tunes to lure Truth seekers to climb aboard his golden bandwagon. Its glittering tinsel of truth is already beguiling many with his wares while his captains and generals are to the top of their voices shouting their “Hallelujahs,” “Holy Ghost,” “gift of healing,” “gift of tongues,” “gift of miracles,” and all the rest, although the entire fanfare is devoid even of a spark of life.

Every wind of doctrine will be blowing, false revivals and reformations will be at their peak. Everything that can be done will be done to distort the Truth and thus distract and dishearten believers and draw their attention to something other than the message of Elijah.

Thus will be the Devil’s deal while the day of God is approaching, and while Elijah is making the announcement of it as the scroll unrolls and while the prophecies concerning the day of God are being unsealed.

His work and his interpretation of the prophecies for the great day will identify him as the promised Elijah the prophet (“Testimonies to Ministers,” p. 475), and this will enrage the Devil as never before. Nevertheless, one’s only safety will be in the teaching of Elijah, for there will be no other voice of timely Truth and authority to whom one may turn. Any others will lead their victims blind-folded into perdition.” (General Conference Special, p.7-8)

“And since the Enemy cannot get around the Truth, he does all he can to blacken character and to pick flaws in personalities.” (Ibid, p.8)

So we see that Satan will be enraged as never before and that he cannot do anything successfully to stop the Truth, but he can and will “blacken character” of the messengers.

Recently the world heard about the terrible shooting of the Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina. The young kid took the lives of many innocent people that evening. But was this haphazard or was it planned by the sinister one?

On July 2nd of this year, we as SDA will have our general conference session. The church leaders will be gathering, along with a multitude of members. As is the custom, church issues will be discussed and voted upon. A great throng of SDA will gather in one place. The church direction hangs in the balance.

The adversary well knows this and he also knows that God’s faithful servants, the DSDA, are planning on being there to distribute the Elijah message in literature, Cd’s and Dvd’s. So, what better time than right before the world session, to possess a young kid and get a large shoot up in a church?

How does this tie together? Let us look back at Satan’s prior history. We are very familiar with the disastrous and horrifying events in Waco Texas on February 28, 1993. The religious group known as Branch Davidians were soon known all around the world, but for the wrong reasons. Koresh and his unGodly men, with their perverted lifestyles, were seen as cult figures and anything but true Godly people.

So the net result is that Satan had accomplished his goal– taint the word– Davidian. Why? Because the Lord had inspired His last prophet to His remnant church, the SDA church, a man named Victor T. Houteff, to name the believers in the Elijah message–Davidian Seventh-day Adventists.

But in 1955 when brother Houteff died, the adversary started his plan to counter the message. A man named Ben Roden , who studied under Houteff, decided that he was to be the new inspired leader and his new break away group would be called Branch Davidians. He added and subtracted many things to the original message. Koresh came along many years later and tried to interject his own teachings into the already usurping Branch movement.

The net result in this mess is that the largely uninformed SDA today, have no clue what the difference is between the Davidian SDA and the Branch Davidians. To them they are one and the same! Meaning all Satan’s dirty work with the fringe group (Branch) are now lumped with the Lord’s true group– the Davidian SDA.

This being true, and with the recent shooting clearly in mind, there is word among some DSDA that the SDA leaders have warned the local police in San Antonio, about the “Davidians” . They have spread slander that they could do some similar acts and that they should be watched. In other words, they are trying to hamper God’s servants from getting the message out to the people based on slander and falsehood!

The prophet had some stern words for the “Sanhedrin” in our leadership–

“True, the church is God’s church, but those who are in charge of it are no better than the Sanhedrin in Christ’s days. It is because God has supreme regard for His church that He has thus with His Truth invaded it now as He did invade the Jewish church in Christ’s time, and is thus to reclaim His people by cutting down those who are unlawfully enslaving them, teaching them doctrines of devils as already shown in the paragraphs above, and keeping them from coming in contact with Heaven’s Truth for this time of crises. Do you see why the General Conference is now no more the voice of God to the people (General Conference Bulletin, 34th session, Vol. 4, Extra No. 1, April 3, 1901, p. 25, Cols. 1, 2) than was the Sanhedrins’ to the Jews in Christ’s time?” (Jezreel Letter, no. 7, p.7-8)

God’s prophetess warned us about the slander that would take place.

“The more you are jostled, misapprehended, misstated, misrepresented, the more evidence you have that you are doing a work for the Master, and the more closely you must cling to your Saviour.” (Testimonies, vol. 8, p.130)

Satan has for centuries used falsehood and slander spreading. Justin Martyr, the early Christian historian, pointed out how word had spread among the people that “Christians” practiced cannibalism (eating babies) and sexual immorality in their worship services (Dialogue with Trypho, ch.10, First Apology, p.133).

Not only we can see these devil tracks forming, but I have seen lately the adversaries familiar attacks on a more personal level, upon a sister in our church. Sister M, has been studying the Lord’s Rod message for the last few weeks and we have had some real good studies. Her facial expressions, her expressing of joy in learning prophecies such as Daniel 2 and the subject of the 144,000, have been a joy to me.

But we know Satan and his workers are fighting anyone who boldly starts to embrace the Elijah message and sure enough they were watching our studies. Sister M, in an effort to share her exciting studies and new truth she had learned, called a sister in Los Angeles to share the news. The sister listened to sister M, and then interjected, “Oh no, be careful, that is Shepherd’s Rod teachings. They teach that someday the Davidians will rise up in the church and commit Ezekiel 9 on the people.”

Talk about cold water being splashed in one’s face! Sister M was dumbfounded. She was quite naturally confused. She called me the next day explaining her conversation with the sister. I listened patiently then calmly told her that this was an old false rumor that has absolutely no foundation anywhere in the Shepherd’s Rod teachings. She said she would like to give me the sister’s email and that I should discuss this with her. I gladly accepted.

Long story short , after trying twice to reach out to this sister and have her read back to me the references in the Rod, where the teaching of the Ezekiel 9 church judgment will be performed by Davidians, she never responded. Aloof and blissfully ignorant of her slander!

I am praying, and please do so as well, that our sister M, will see that one of us is not “loving the Truth” but rather their agenda of falsehood and slander.

Satan started this slander at the very beginning of the message. We read that very early in brother Houteff’s ministry, in the Symbolic News code, he addressed the following.

“It will be seen by the following paragraphs that the enemy of truth is determined that light shall not reach the people (“Testimonies to Ministers,” p. 411), also that he is doing everything to tear down Mt. Carmel Center and the work she is carrying on.

1. “I have been told,” says one, “that Mt. Carmel Center is being builded as a sort of fort where weapons are being stored for the purpose of slaying all the S.D.A.’s who do not accept the message of the Rod. Is this true?”

Nothing could be quite so absurd as the story which the questioner has been told, and we admonish our brethren not to believe what they are told by Mt. Carmel’s enemies, any more than while they were investigating the Sabbath truth they believed the wild stories told about Adventists.” (Sym. Code. vol, 3. no.11-12, p.2)

The Lord warned us that only those who “love” the Truth, will be saved–

“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” (2 Thes. 2:10)

This slander spreading sister, and all others like her, will have on their life’s book, the solemn charge of breaking the 9th Commandment unless they repent. If I or anyone else spread a rumor that so and so, or a group of people will soon be murders, and don’t get to the bottom of this accusation to see if these things are based on written proof, we would stand defenseless before God as careless and guilty. Especially as we are accusing God’s servants of such blackness!

And why is Satan so worried about stopping God’s final message to His people? Because he knows prophesy shows us what will befall him and his minions once the church is purified, once God’s mighty warriors go to work. All his henchmen shall no longer “rule over” His people. A new day has begun!

“Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; And with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider; With thee also will I break in pieces man and woman; and with thee will I break in pieces old and young;

and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the maid; I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers. And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD.(Jer. 51:20-24)

As a matter of duty, I should point out certain current SDA leaders and/or high profile spokemen for the SDA who are active in spreading errors and falsehoods concerning the Lord’s Davidian message.

David Mould (YouTube)

Ishmael Rodriguez (YouTube, Personal ministry to counter the Shepherd’s Rod)

Harold Cunningham (Conference leader in Georgia)

Vance Ferrell (Long time SDA writer and reporter)

Of course there are many more, but these are some of the more active ones.

In closing, we can see the old serpent’s tracks as clear as day! The fact that slander has been practiced against a particular group of people within our church should tip-off the honest of heart, that the Davidian Seventh-day Adventist message is truth and it is the one that our adversary fears most. One of the worst impulses of the human heart is to engage in bearing false witness. It is so bad that our Lord has it as His number 9 Holy Commandment. “Thou shall not bear false witness.”

Let us no longer be beguiled by Satan today, but awake and uncover his cunning and sinister tracks!

“The enemy is preparing for his last campaign against the church. He has so concealed himself from view that many can hardly believe that he exists, much less can they be convinced of his amazing activity and power. They have to a great extent forgotten his past record; and when he makes another advance move, they will not recognize him as their enemy, that old serpent, but they will consider him a friend, one who is doing a good work. Boasting of their independence they will, under his specious, bewitching influence, obey the worst impulses of the human heart and yet believe that God is leading them. Could their eyes be opened to distinguish their captain, they would see that they are not serving God, but the enemy of all righteousness. They would see that their boasted independence is one of the heaviest fetters Satan can rivet on unbalanced minds.” (Testimonies, vol. 5, p.294)

(Reminder note: We always color code our messages as follows (except the earlier years messages)– Orange — The Father or Son speaking Blue– Scripture/Spirit of prophecy references Brown- The Lord’s Elijah message writings brought by Victor T. Houteff )

Tags: Branch Davidians, Davidian Seventh-day Adventist, Davidian Seventh-day Adventists, Elijah message, SDA, Seventh-day Adventists
Posted in Delusion, Satan | 5 Comments »

His Signs and Wonders

June 20, 2015

(Click to enlarge)

This week I have witnessed some of the Lord’s divine work. He has once again shown that He is with us, He is there for us. His wonderful signs are to be shown and spread as His word says.

“If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.”(John 10:37-38)

Here we see that our Lord shows that the Father’s works are real , they do exist. They show real signs and miracles for our benefit. To strengthen us , to uplift us. Signs help us to believe. Of course the Lord does not give them in place of faith, but rather to strengthen our faith.

As some of you who have read the blog for a few years know, I have written about how God has used the Hummingbirds in my life. One of the most dramatic and powerful signs given was written about here –https://godsloveandlaw.com/2011/04/02/god-sends-a-hummingbird/

This wonderful sign woke me up to the fact that a serious idol in my life was to be done away with, lest I remain forever in its snare and not grow in the Truth as the Lord would have.

The Lord said–

“No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.” (Luke 11:33)

I believe this sign is given to show the Lord’s light (wonder signs) to us all. I am putting this lamp on the stand for all of you to see it. So let us give thanks and praise to Him that speaks to us in diver and amazing ways.

About one week ago I had opened my front room curtains. As I usually do I looked out to see if I could see any of my favorite little friends, the hummingbirds, feeding at their feeder. I did not, but I could see that the feeder was empty, so I made a mental note that later that day I would refill it. Later after work, I forgot to refill the container. Being wrapped up with the work of the day, it had escaped my mind.

The next morning, again I did my same routine and opened the curtains. I looked at the feeder. What?? What is this I thought? Am I seeing right? Then it hit me! The Lord has refilled the feeder with just enough to show the drink had been added! There is no other explanation for this. As we all know, liquid cannot appear from nothing unless the Lord commands it.

Stunned, I got down on my knees and thanked Him for such a wonderful sign. Joy and amazement are the best I can describe my feelings at that moment. But this was something that the Lord had done before, and I know this is to be shown to others as encouragement. He really does want us to know that He works even now, even today. Not only in silent and unseen ways, but visual insightful ways!

The two pictures above show the views I saw from the living room. The top picture shows the empty feeder as I saw it. The bottom picture shows the red liquid in the feeder as I saw it. To fully explain, this refilling and emptying has taken place for the last several days and I was able to then take pictures of it.

Signs have played a big part in the Scriptures. We recall the inspiring sign given Abraham’s servant in choosing Rebekah. Let us read this great story.

^“Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”

Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again.

The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.”

“Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink.

After she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful.

When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels.Then he asked, “Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room in your father’s house for us to spend the night?”

She answered him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milkah bore to Nahor.”And she added, “We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for you to spend the night.”

Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”(Gen. 24:12-27)

What I like about this story is the immediate bowing down and praising the Lord after the servant witnessed the faithful sign from the Lord. We all like to be appreciated and who is more worthy of our appreciation than the Lord? His great signs truly lift us up and encourage us.

Some have asked–Why don’t I ever get any signs? My answer would be –have you watched? Are you keeping your eyes open for His speaking to you through them? I truly believe signs are given many times yet we fail to stop and notice them, we run right through them!

Let us not be afraid to go before the Lord in prayer and ask. He knows the depths of our souls and what will uplift us. Pray then watch. Signs may be given in response to a prayer. there may be a person the Lord sends to you that has the answer. There may be a sign from a Billboard, or an article that just happens to address your concern. The important thing to remember is He knows what will reach YOU and how to show it beyond doubt.

Our Lord said ” Only believe.” (Mark 5:36).

Posted in God's signs | 4 Comments »

Getting down to Business

June 13, 2015

Many of us remember the old Kirby vacuum salesmen. They’d come to our door complete with all the material they’d need to make the sale. it’s the old Boy Scouts adage –“Be prepared.” In the business of eternal of life , shouldn’t we also be prepared? If we are a professed worker in His vineyard , we should be prepared for any and all contacts we may make , especially on the Sabbath, before, during and after the services. Here we have the best chance of coming in direct contact with our brethren.

“And Jesus said unto them, ‘Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.”(1 Mark 1:17).

In these very last hours of our probation, we should be looking at ourselves as fishers of men and women. Prepared for the potential clients ,whom the Lord may put in our path. With this thought in mind, let us see how we can become more prepared. A ready and able servant of the Lord, willing to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear..”(1 Peter 3:15).

In explaining how we must be orderly and an example of proficiency , SOP says-

“God is a God of order. Everything connected with heaven is in perfect order; subjection and thorough discipline mark the movements of the angelic host. Success can only attend order and harmonious action. God requires order and system in His work now no less than in the days of Israel. All who are working for Him are to labor intelligently, not in a careless, haphazard manner. He would have his work done with faith and exactness, that He may place the seal of His approval upon it.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p.376)

Exactness, a very good word for us. As we go out into His vineyard there are some things we can do to help our exact work, for starters how about this–

I have found this a truly great tool to have when we go to church on Sabbath. Inside the case I have Tracts, Present truth literature, Cd’s and Dvd’s , Bible, Testimonies vol. 1 to 9, highlighter, calling card with my contact info, and the standard pens and note pads.

This is a portable traveling witness tool, plain and simple. We are really salesmen-women doing God’s bidding so why not get serious about it? This reminds me of the old saying, “Those who enjoy what they are doing will be good at what they are doing.”

Some may ask– What about churches we attend where the elders and/or pastor is against the Lord’s message of Elijah (and there are many)? In this case we can load our case with present truth reports comprised of solely SOP and Scripture. For a link to 18 such reports click here- http://shepherds-rod.org/basic/

You can print these out as individual reports and share them. They cannot be denied by our church because it is from God’s word. Also for those interested, we have about 20 small booklets that the discretionary present truth Elijah messenger can use in these situations. Contact us through the contact info on this page.

Time is so short my brothers and sisters, we must use every avenue at our disposal to reach any that would be in our path, placed there by God. The salvation of our brethren is of our utmost importance.

“The salvation of souls and the interests of the kingdom of God are matters of the highest importance. What object is there that calls for greater earnestness than the salvation of souls and the glory of God? There are considerations here which cannot be lightly regarded. They are as weighty as eternity. Eternal destinies are at stake.” (Testimonies, vol. 2, p.232-233)

As we often say to the world, the SDA church is God’s remnant church. Yet look at part of Babylon, our Jehovah Witness brethren. They are a classic example of preparedness. Almost each Saturday or Sunday we can find them walking around our neighborhoods, complete with briefcases or hand bags which contains their material. Should not we as His end time church do the same in regards to preparedness?

“The school of God does not teach only from its textbook, not merely in the school-room, it teaches the practical as well as the theoretical. The practical, of course, most men dislike, and some would not take practical training even for a gift.” (Timely Greetings, vol. 2, no.25, p.9)

“Now is our time to labor for the salvation of others. There are some who think that if they give money to the cause of Christ, this is all they are required to do; the precious time in which they might do personal service for Him passes unimproved. But it is the privilege and duty of all who have health and strength to render to God active service. All are to labor in winning souls to Christ.”(To be like Jesus, page 78)

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins souls is wise.”(Proverbs 11:30)

Let us keep the following counsel , as we the SDA church , not the world, is about to be sprued out. The souls in our church are worth our every effort.

“Have you so deep an appreciation of the sacrifice made on Calvary that you are willing to make every other interest subordinate to the work of saving souls? The same intensity of desire to save sinners that marked the life of the Saviour marks the life of His true follower. The Christian has no desire to live for self. He delights to consecrate all that he has and is to the Master’s service. He is moved by an inexpressible desire to win souls to Christ. Those who have nothing of this desire might better be concerned for their own salvation. Let them pray for the spirit of service.” (Testimonies, vol. 7, p.10)

“Christ’s followers have been redeemed for service. Our Lord teaches that the true object of life is ministry. Christ Himself was a worker, and to all His followers He gives the law of service–service to God and to their fellow men. Here Christ has presented to the world a higher conception of life than they had ever known. By living to minister for others, man is brought into connection with Christ. The law of service becomes the connecting link which binds us to God and to our fellow men.

To His servants Christ commits “His goods”–something to be put to use for Him. He gives “to every man his work.” Each has his place in the eternal plan of heaven. Each is to work in co-operation with Christ for the salvation of souls. Not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the special place designated on earth where we are to work for God.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p.326-327)

Our prophetess spoke Inspired words in counseling us that each one of us has a duty to perform , a plan made by God to work in His vineyard. Time is closing rapidly, accounts will soon be settled. Have we made sincere efforts to reach our brethren in the church who stand , for the most part, lost, and no not that they are “miserable, pitiful, poor, blind and naked”?

“The words of Christ apply to the church: “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” Why are you not at work in some capacity in His vineyard? Again and again He has bidden you: “Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” But this gracious call from heaven has been disregarded by the large majority. Is it not high time that you obey the commands of God? There is work for every individual who names the name of Christ.

A voice from heaven is solemnly calling you to duty. Heed this voice, and go to work at once in any place, in any capacity. Why stand ye here all the day idle? There is work for you to do, a work that demands your best energies. Every precious moment of life is related to some duty which you owe to God or to your fellow men, and yet you are idle!” (Testimonies, vol. 5, p.203)

In closing, if we are in this game of life to win souls why not –get down to business? Make this God sent job of ours a serious one. As SDA members we all should have this goal right now–

“Let us strive with all power God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand. And let us do all we can to help others to gain heaven.” (Review and Herald, March 9 , 1905)

Posted in Christian walk, Proper teachings | Leave a Comment »

The Faith of the Ethiopian Eunuch

June 6, 2015

“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”

So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said,“How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
    and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
    so he opens not his mouth.
In his humiliation justice was denied him.
    Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”

And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?”Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:26-39)

When we read this we see such great faith and child like trust! What a humble and willing heart had this Ethiopian. When asked if he understood what he was reading, he did not lie and cover up his lack of knowledge. He was like Nathaniel of whom the Lord said–

“Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, ‘Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!'(John 1:47)

Then the Eunuch continues his strong faith and commits that he is ready to go all out for the Lord, and requests baptism. Oh, how powerful and truly marvelous this simple story of faith. Our Lord said–

“…. Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 18:3)

Did not this Eunuch show child like faith? A desire to know the Lord and His ways? Certainly. What really grabs me is his reading of the Scriptures without truly knowing what it says. He sensed from the Holy Spirit that the Good Book was his key to heaven and even if he did not understand it well, he clung to it like a lifesaver!

Are we today showing a child like humble faith? Willing to admit when we don’t know something or willing to be corrected when we are shown from Scripture to be wrong?

As we posted several weeks back, we are active in sending out present truth packages around the world, and just as I am really filled with joy to read about our Ethiopian Eunuch’s faith, I am regularly filled with joy to hear from some of the believers around the world. Their simple faith and true excitement to receive “meat in due season” truly brings great delight.

Any of us who have taken up the Lord’s Elijah message knows what I am talking about. True joy and contentment , knowing that these people who begin their studies and learn/obey His final message, are in the process of getting their forehead sealed with His Truth. They are the ones who shall be left standing when the Lord “suddenly comes to His temple.”(Mal. 3:1)

As we are painfully aware, the Lord’s Elijah would be, and still is, greatly rejected (TM, p.475), but when we see people willing to read and see what has been written, and then to say “Yes, I get it!”– we find great joy. We can only imagine the joy brother Phillip had in seeing his new friend willing to listen to a “Thus us sayeth the Lord” then act on it.

Just like the Ethiopian, we should be ready and willing to “jump in” and receive the Truth. No hesitation, no doubtful back and forth, we know that there is more light that we need. Our Lord said we are miserable , poor, blind and naked. He knew most of His beloved Laodicean church would not want His new light in the form of His last message of Elijah.

Isn’t it ironic, that the Ethiopian could not read and comprehend yet could see, and we as SDA can read and comprehend yet we are blind! Let us turn from our smug self-complacency to a child like yearning to understand the Lord’s “gold refined in the fire”, His “new light”–the Elijah message.

In closing , a recent brother’s email shows the Ethiopian faith we should have in investigating new light.

“Very great bro.I can not belief it! A very very great surprise gift! of great happiness are the two green books which seems to contain almost all the truths and they seem to be the original copies of the materials you have sent me so far! This is a big challenge that i burn extra oil to study very hard and then the message will burn within me giving me a great desire to spread it! it is an indication that God has seen it worthy that i take charge of the Lord’s message here.

This challenge i am ready to take the message forward for it is Christ who will lead me!Bro. i have no words to express my feelings,let alone expressing my thanks giving to you and Christ ,but in the only human language,i say thanks and may God bless you!. occasionally i will be seeking brethren help whenever there will be need to visit anywhere to present the truth.But first i want to really study every night,the only time there no noisy interruptions . blessings brother”

The sanctified soul will not be content to remain in ignorance, but will desire to walk in the light and to seeks greater light.As a miner digs for gold and silver, so the follower of Christ will press from light to greater light, ever increasing in knowledge. He will continually grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Peter 3:18, Review and Herald, June 17, 1890)

Posted in Christian faith | 2 Comments »

The 666 Man

May 30, 2015

A few weeks ago we did a post entitled, “666 and the Two-Horned Beast”. In it we explored the two prophetic entities. But this week we’d like to focus in more on who this 666 man may be. Obviously we are not prophets, and as such we can only give our opinions based on understanding Scripture, SOP and the Elijah message. Also knowing the events taking place in the world right now kind of sheds light on certain aspects of prophecy.

The Lord, as He often does, starts a seed of thought on a subject, and we “sup” and it leads to thoughts and ideas that germinate into a post. I would like to present some thoughts on this prophetic man, and narrow down our understanding to bring into focus a clearer view of real possibilities based on the Inspired writings.

As our three pictures show, there appears to be basically three leading candidates that could soon remove all doubt that one of them represents the prophesied “666” man. They are 1) Pope Francis 2) The Maitreya 3) The president of the United states — Barrack H. Obama

Brief descriptions

1) Pope Francis– Almost everyone around the planet knows about the Pope. To summarize , he is the first Jesuit Pope ever to hold the position of the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Well liked and admired for his apparent “humility”. This Pope has been a “one man PR machine”! His popularity in the world ranks right there with the greatly popular and deceased Pope John Paul II.

A recent NBC article stated–

“Pope Francis is more popular than ever in the U.S., with 95 percent of Catholics who go to church every week — and even two-thirds of those with no religion — giving him high marks. The Pew Research Center says that two years after Francis was named the leader of the world’s 1 billion Roman Catholics, his popularity has eclipsed any numbers his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, ever posted and puts him on par with Pope John Paul II in the 1980s and 1990s.”(NBC online, March 6, 2015)

2) The Maitreya– He is less well-known. He is sort of the mysterious religious man, who is thought by many of assorted faiths, to be the future “Christ” who is now living on this planet. Some think that a man named Benjamin Creme, a Masonic leader and a sort of John the Baptist type to the followers of Maitreya, has authentically proclaimed that he is now publicly speaking around the world. There is a view that a man named –Raj Patel, an Indian ancestry appearing man, who is world renown for his “food for everyone” message, is the Maitreya.

According to the followers, and some are well-known men and women, being world movers and shakers as well, this man will soon usher in a world peace movement. CNN even had commercials about him https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfGEp2TErrw
There have been claims he has appeared unannounced in certain parts of the world, preparing people for his soon world-wide appearance. In one case, some claimed he has disappeared in their view. For more information you can go to YouTube and see a diverse selection of reports on him.

3) Barrack H. Obama — Love him or hate him, this president has been quite a polarizing figure. There is no doubt he has taken steps to “fundamentally change America”, as he promised before being elected. For the good? That is debatable, depending on your liberal or conservative stance. One thing we know, he is also strangely mysterious just as the Maitreya is. No one seems to knows his true background, his college record, etc. All this info has been “locked up”.

So there are some brief descriptions of our candidates. I’m sure there are other candidates, but in the grand scheme of things, these appear to be the three leading ones.

But thank God we have a road map! And that is–Scripture, Spirit of prophecy, and the Elijah message. These writings hold the keys for us, that should provide a clear view which one of our candidates is the clear leading candidate for the 666 title.

To begin with let’s review what Rev.13:1-18 says in context. As we do this, we see that verses 1 to 10 describe the “Leopard” like beast (LLB). Then we notice that verses 11 to 18 describes the “Two-Horned Beast” (THB). Chapter 13 is broken down into two descriptions of two beasts. Because the second part of Chap. 13 involves the 666 man, let’s review it again.

Verses 11-18

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb and he spoke as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.“

Here we clearly see that the 666 man is connected with the second beast, the THB. In further support of this, we know that Scripture always connects the LLB with the wound as seen in Rev. 13:3, 13:12, 13:14. Therefore, the verse 13:18 saying only “the beast” indicates it’s not the LLB, but rather the THB in the context of verses 11-18.

SOP also puts the 666 man with the THB.

“..the last oppressive power has not ‘come to his end’; and Michael has not stood up. This last power that treads down the saints is brought to view in Rev. 13:11-18. His number is 666..” (Word to the Little Flock, p.8-9)

“I saw that the number (666) of the Image Beast (the two-horned beast) was made up; and that it was the beast (leopard-like) that changed the Sabbath, and the image Beast had followed on after, and kept the Pope’s and not God’s Sabbath.” (Ibid, p.12)

Now that we see that the 666 man is connected with the THB , what then is the Two Horned Beast? We as SDA know well that it can only represent the United States of America. Without going into much detail, suffice to say that the great nation that was “coming up out of the earth” can only mean the USA.

“But the beast with lamblike horns was seen “coming up out of the earth.” Instead of overthrowing other powers to establish itself, the nation thus represented must arise in territory previously unoccupied and grow up gradually and peacefully. It could not, then, arise among the crowded and struggling nationalities of the Old World—that turbulent sea of “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” It must be sought in the Western Continent.

What nation of the New World was in 1798 rising into power, giving promise of strength and greatness, and attracting the attention of the world? The application of the symbol admits of no question. One nation, and only one, meets the specifications of this prophecy; it points unmistakably to the United States of America.” (The Great Controversy, p.440)

So this means that the 666 candidate cannot be the Pope. He is not connected to the USA but rather to the LLB. The Pope does and will have an important role to play in final events but it appears he will be more of a cheerleader for the Sunday law and not as ruling king or authorial dictator.

Right now we see him as a world spokesman, highly regarded for his views, yet apparently, he divinely knows that he must be active now for his time will be short.

Marco Politi, a Vatican expert, said in a recent article–

“This Pope (Francis) seems to be in a hurry to get as much done as he can, as if he’s got a deadline..He keeps talking about how his time is short.” (The Daily Beast, March 29, 2015)

So that leaves us with the two remaining candidates. By the same logical reasons, we must, therefore, eliminate the Maitreya. He is not connected with the USA as well. However it may be noted that he certainly may qualify for the “false Prophet” or the “false Christ”.

So we can now say with clarity that the 666 likely candidate can logically be– Barrack Hussein Obama!

Right now we see the announcing of many candidates for the US presidency. TV coverage is widespread and almost daily news reports come out on what they are promising for the USA and the world. However, Scripture predicts the awful final world war over Israel, as we have posted before. So what is likely to transpire?

Barrack Obama, may stay on past the two term deadline. If the war breaks out and the USA gets involved, an emergency declaration will be called and then, we as present truth believers know, the 144,000 come on the scene. The world dramatically changes, the great controversy begins! Christ’s servants against Satan’s servants. And who will be at head of the USA? The 666 man, the man representing the THB.

“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” (Rev. 13:16-17).

In explaining more on the THB and the 666 man, the Elijah messages states–

“Having only two horns, not ten, the beast therefore depicts a local, not a universal, government. Nevertheless, he will influence all Christendom to “make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live”; that is, he will engineer a world-wide governmental setup, re-enthroning the principles of the church-state rule of Ecclesiastical Rome.

Being the restorer of these principles, he, along with the prophet, will become the world’s chief dictator, and shape not only the political and the religious policies of the governments, but also the world’s commerce. He shall decree “that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Rev. 13:17.

This beast represents a man who stands at the head of a nation, and whose influence goes far and wide among the kings of the earth. He is further identified by a number — the mystical number “six hundred threescore and six.” Rev. 13:18.

The prevailing belief that the number “666” is the numerical identification of some other power, is the spawn of the Prince of Darkness, and is calculated to conceal if possible the identification of this two-horn power. Inspiration puts the number on the two-horn beast, and there we must leave it. When the number is finally made up, the servants of God will be able to convince all the “wise” as to just whom the beast symbolizes.

We now see, though, that no one who studies the Word of God, need be deceived when this power does appear on the stage of action. Yet notwithstanding God’s warning against giving allegiance to the beast, the world fails to give heed, with the result that even after his number is made up, “he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.” Rev. 13 :16.

The passage, “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,” denotes that all who, after hearing the truth, continue to pay homage, either religiously or secularly, to the image, “shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation.” Rev. 14:9, 10. (Tract 12, p.26-28)

The beast we are told is a man (Rev. 13:18). The demand to worship, obey the beast’s command, therefore, is a demand to worship (obey) man in place of God. Both marks are for no other purpose but to define who is who — who is for God and who is for the beast. Those who obey God’s Judgment message rather than the beast’s decree, receive God’s mark. And those who obey the beast’s decree rather than God’s message receive the beast’s mark. These two different marks, you see, separate the worshipers of God from the worshipers of men.(Jezreel Letter, no.2, p.11-12)

In Summary

We are soon, very soon, to experience dramatic changes in the world as we know it. Based on the signs given by the Lord, both Scripture being fulfilled and direct outward signs (ie. 4 Blood moons, dead animals around the world, etc.) the great last world war will break out shortly. Israel is paranoid of Iran, and may make a first strike which will draw Russia in, which will snowball the USA and other countries in as well.

Our current president is strangely gifted at speaking and as such his influence may soon be catapulted around the globe, when the world war comes painfully to a close. Desolation and world-wide shock will set in because the great and vast protestant world has falsely taught that God will “protect Israel” and her enemies will be defeated. But they have been confused (rightly so as part of Babylon), they have mistakenly taught that the current people over in Israel, the current Jews (not the Israel that God speaks of in the Scriptures concerning the last days), are to receive the covenant promises of the Lord.

The land will be basically wiped out and desolate, there will appear a great need to “understand it all” , and as such religion will take the world’s center stage. During or at the close of this war, the SDA church judgment happens and the 144,000 are revealed (See Tract 14, p.22). Shortly after this they take up their journey to the promised land (Israel). The land becomes miraculously beautiful again and much rejoicing occurs in the land (see Isaiah 2:1-4 and 11:1-10)

This fulfills Scripture –

“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.” (Rev. 14:1-3)

God’s ” full spirit” is then poured out among them and healings and miracles of all kinds are witnessed by the world. They begin to bring the honest of heart out of Babylon.

Satan then begins his counter plans and attacks. The 666 man, being without God, is directly influenced by Satan and has powers that work together with the false prophet. The Pope is instrumental in advising the need for a Sunday Law, and because of the great works done by the 144,000, Satan convinces the masses of unbelievers, through the 666 man, the false prophet, and the Pope, to solidify a united religious law. Satan is granted power to do, through the false prophet, counterfeit miracles “in the sight of the beast.”

The world will soon be at a crossroads–God’s way (seal) and obeying His Commandments, or Satan’s way (mark) and obeying mankind through his puppets, specifically his 666 man, the false prophet and the Pope. Time will tell all the exact details.

“Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD.Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.”(Joel 3:9-13)

“Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward.” (Zech. 14:1-4)

Posted in End times, Revelation teachings | 5 Comments »

The Collection Box

May 23, 2015

Dating back to the time of Kings (about 550 BC) the Lord’s people had a specific way of collecting their Tithes. Let us look at this ancient custom that continued up to at least Jesus’ time, and was changed centuries later by the Roman custom of plate/bag passing which now permeates in almost all churches, including the SDA church.

2 Kings 12:9

Then Jehoiada the priest took a chest and bored a hole in the lid of it and set it beside the altar on the right side as one entered the house of the LORD. And the priests who guarded the threshold put in it all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 24:8-11

And at the king’s commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the LORD. And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to the LORD the collection that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in the wilderness. This pleased all the leaders and the people, and they gladly brought their money and filled the chest with it.

Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king’s office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, the king’s scribe and the high priest’s officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.

Here we see that the Lord’s people established a method of collection. The success of it speaks for itself. We notice that the people obviously enjoyed doing their duty as faithful servants of the Lord’s cause.

But what about today? What are we really doing in regard to collecting His Tithes and offerings? Sadly, it has become anything but a success for many of our churches! Let me give you a personal recent example.

Recently our church held a business meeting to discuss, among other things, our financial situation. I was saddened to hear our pastor speak about our “way below” financial status. I recalled how The Lord’s word said —

“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.”(Deut. 28:1-3)

That day Moses, at God’s instruction, gave the people proper counsel on Tithes. So I thought to myself–Not good about our own church. We are doing something wrong, because the Lord is not blessing. But what is it? I went home and prayed and supped with the Lord and thought about it.

You see, there is a”our way” and there is the “Lord’s way”. When we as presumptuous human beings, under the cover of presumed righteousness, go about doing something that is in contradiction to the Lord’s way, we cannot expect His blessings–simple as that. So I went about searching what we were doing wrong, and causing the withholding of God’s blessings for us in our financial health for the church.

The answers were plain and clear. We were doing predominantly two major things that were not in alignment with God’s method based on His history with Tithes.

First, we are “passing the bag” around in His holy sanctuary. This is certainly not considered “freewill” offerings. This is more of compulsory offerings. When a bag is put in your lap and you are made to divvy up lest you be ashamed and looked upon as a selfish non-giver, this cannot be considered freewill in the true Biblical sense. The Elijah message explains.

We can now for sure take hold of God’s promises and make them our own. What a privilege and what an opportunity is now ours! Look and see what a difference there is between God’s method for supporting His work, and the Roman system that is now carried on by the church: plate-passing, high-powered speeches, Big Day, Book Day, high pressuring, campaigning, selling, auctioneering, Harvest Ingathering, birthday offerings, Christmas-tree hangings, baby weighings, Dorcas sales, investment funds, and what not! As none of these squeezings are Biblical, and as all of them are Pagan in origin and condemned by the Scriptures, they could not possibly be considered freewill offerings. Search and see.(Jezreel Letter, no.9, p.7-8)

Speaking of freewill offerings, the Scriptures have about 15 references advocating freewill offerings. For example- Numbers 29:39, Deuteronomy 12:5-6, Ezekiel 46:11-12 to name a few.

“Offer a thank offering also from that which is leavened, And proclaim freewill offerings, make them known For so you love to do, you sons of Israel,” Declares the Lord GOD. (Amos 4:5)

Second, as shown in our top quotes, the Lord did indeed bless the use of the Collection box method. This way the people came prepared , and before service they could deposit their freewill offerings as they had saved up for the Lord’s cause. Individually, each could be guided by the Lord to discreetly make their Tithe and offerings, without embarrassment or scrutiny.

Another example that is one of the strongest reasons why we should do the Collection Box method is the following in which the Lord Himself watched and approved.

Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. And He called unto Him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. (Mark 12:41-44)

From the website “Bible History Online” we found an excellent description of the temple courts and location of the collection boxes.

The Jerusalem Temple

Small Widows Mite Coin “If you were to approach the Temple in Jerusalem in the first century A.D. you would pass through the eastern gate where Jesus made His triumphal entry. Then you would come to the Court of the Gentiles which was a large court paved with stones of various colors. It was open to all comers including the cattle-dealers and the money-changers who desecrated the Temple.

This court was also called the Outer Court, the Lower Court, and the rabbi’s usually called it “the Mountain of the Lord’s House.” All around the Temple proper was a 9 foot high terrace with stairs which was higher than the Court of the Gentiles. It was surrounded by a 5 foot high wall which was designed to keep out the gentiles. There was also pillars in the wall at various distances (the Soreg) with inscriptions in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, warning all gentiles to come no further under penalty of death.

Going beyond the Court of the Gentiles and at the top of the terrace there was a platform for about 15 feet and then there was another wall. On the east side stood the magnificent 60 foot wide “Gate Beautiful” mentioned in Acts 3:2,10. It was also referred to as the “Gate Susan” because it contained a beautifully sculptured relief of the city of Susa. During the time of the morning and evening sacrifices this great entrance was the place of public worship.

Entering through the Susan Gate you would come to a large court called “the Court of the Women” not because there were only women there but because women could not go beyond it. There were smaller courts with columns in the four corners of the court.

According to the Mishnah (Middoth 2,5) the Women’s Court was just over 200 feet square between bounding lines. Each court on the outside was 60 feet square.

In front of these columns were the eleven treasure chests of the Temple for the voluntary offerings of money, and there were also two at the Gate of Susan, for the half-shekel tax. Jesus was sitting ‘opposite the treasury’ when he saw the widow put into one of the containers the two copper coins which were all that she had (Mark 12:41-44; Lk 21:1-2).”

Aside from the powerful lesson our Lord gives concerning the old lady giving her all, we see Him approve of this method of Tithe giving. What more evidence do we need? The Scriptures are so deep with many lessons, including those apart from the obvious ones.

It is also important to note that SOP declares that the “treasure chests” were not in the sanctuary but rather in the temple courts.

“Jesus was in the court where were the treasure chests, and he watched those who came to deposit their gifts.” (DA, p.614)

Clearly the collection box should not be within the sanctuary, but rather in the foyer or right at the entrance to the sanctuary.

Some may ask–What did SOP have to say about this matter? In one of her last published comments about this situation she answered the following question.

Question – Should we take up Collections on the Sabbath?

“The question has been brought before me, Shall we take up collections on the Sabbath? The occurrence which brought up this question was that of taking up a collection to purchase an organ for the church. I replied that I would not advise this being done.

When collections are taken on the Sabbath for foreign missionary work, it is that the gospel may be given to those who are in darkness. This is genuine missionary work, and often these collections could not be taken up so fully at any other time. To gather these offerings could not be called transgression of the Sabbath.

But if this is to open that way for taking up of contributions for such purposes as buying of instruments of music, then I would advise that it be discontinued… Let our people avoid the passing of the contribution boxes, even if it becomes a much more difficult matter than it now is to raise money for foreign missionary work.

It would be well if our brethren and sisters would consider the advisability of laying by during the week their offerings for missionary work. As they call to mind the blessings and mercies that god is affording them, let them put a thank offering in an envelope. These envelopes could be presented on the Sabbath, when it could be stated for what purpose they are intended…

The sacredness of the Sabbath could be in no way violated by such gifts, and the results would be for good… My brethren and sisters, try this method. Let there be no collections taken on the Sabbath, but let praise and thank offerings be made.”—(EGW Manuscript 176, 1907)

I believe this method is so right and good before the Lord , we can see some success examples even from the “Babylon” churches. The Christian Science Monitor stated the following in one of its articles, called “Some churches stop passing the collection plates”.http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0823/p03s01-ussc.html

“At New England Chapel in suburban Franklin, Mass., five years of warehouse worship without passing the plate has produced a $300,000 budget, a weekly attendance of 500 and a confidence in the Rev. Chris Mitchell that passing the plate would produce less revenue.” (August 23, 2002)

So we can see that the Lord blesses when we obey and do the right thing, even our Tithes and offerings. But if we blindly do our own way, following tradition for the sake of tradition, we cannot expect to joyfully praise the Lord for pouring out His rich and wonderful blessings upon us.

Granted, the actual collection process is just one of the problems with today’s Tithing. One of the predominant issues is that of “present truth”. We see much truth in regards to Tithes, from the Lord’s instruction in Malachi chapter 3.

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”(Mal.3:10)

From this we see that the storehouse holds the Lord’s “meat”. In other words, the Lord’s present truth. SOP confirms–

“There are many precious truths contained in the Word of God, but it is “present truth” that the flock needs now.” (Early Writings, p.63)

As we have shown time and again through our posts here, the Lord’s Elijah message is “our” present truth, our message for today. But sadly , Satan and his angels have largely convinced the SDA leadership that this message is not needed, rather a “lukewarm fuzzy all is well in God’s house” message is the standard message given from God’s house today.

But if we can take first steps such as starting with the collection process, this will lead to more advanced steps. Soon by God’s power, blessings will come and we shall want to do more right acts in God’s house. But we must change things and at once! The Lord is approaching the door to His temples around the world.

“Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the LORD of hosts.” (Mal 3:1)

We find a very clear reference from the Elijah message addressing the ones (Elders) who largely partake in our current backwards way of collections –

“The Bible does not teach or recommend even a plate collection (a custom which Rome originated) in Sabbath services, much less merchandising in the presence of God. All the Bible recommends is a container for free will offering placed somewhere in the church premises…Since the Bible does not teach any plate gatherings, but only freewill offerings (and not for your own use either), then by high pressuring the laity with your speeches, your pleas, and plate-passing all in the name of Christ, you make Him an extortioner of the worst kind.” (Jezreel Letter, no. 3, p.1-2)

In closing we know that only those who are found “sighing and crying” for the abominations done in the church will receive the seal in their forehead , and remain standing in the upcoming church judgment. And the proper Tithing, including the collection process DOES MATTER TO THE LORD.

“Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those “that sigh and cry for all the abominations that be done” in the church.” (Testimonies, vol. 3, p.267)

Posted in Church, Obedience, Present Truth, Proper teachings, Tithes and Offerings | 4 Comments »

Little Words are Important

May 16, 2015

In learning and studying the Scriptures, SOP and the Elijah message, we would do well to be mindful of each and every word, little or large. You see, Satan has from the beginning used “words” to trip us up, especially the small seemingly little words. Let’s look at his beginning tricks.

In the garden of Eden, God said , “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Gen. 2:16-17)

Shortly thereafter, that wily deceiver came — “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:..”(Gen. 3:4)

God made three short clear words– “shalt surely die”. Satan came by and added the little word “not”. Thus he successfully negated God’s word with that little “not”, showing the woman she had nothing to fear. But this was just the beginning. This reminds me of that old Al Pacino line, “I’m just gettin started here.”

Yes Satan was just getting started there and he continues to this very day to throw off God’s people by having them side step, gloss over, ignore, and who knows what else– God’s plain clear words, especially the small ones.

Let us look at three examples that stand out today as some of the most important Satan tricks on simple clear words that are glossed over or ignored.

1) As we posted a couple posts back, Ellen White under Inspiration said the following in Testimonies to Ministers, page 475.

Prophecy must be fulfilled. The Lord says: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Somebody is to come in the spirit and power of Elijah, and when he appears, men may say: “You are too earnest, you do not interpret the Scriptures in the proper way. Let me tell you how to teach your message.”

Do you see that small word “he”? Satan has greatly convinced the vast multitude of SDA, that it does not mean what it says. Just like he did in the original trickery in Eden! Thus today many believe that the word “he” means “we” or even Ellen White a “she”! In other words, Satan does not want you to read it as it is written, rather side step certain words and make a different meaning.

If the Lord wanted Ellen White to say “they”in place of “he” to come, would it not have read– “Some people are to come in the spirit and power of Elijah, and when they appear…..”. Right? I mean God is not stupid if He wanted the message to say that there was to be a multitude of Elijahs to come-He would have said that! But no, He inspired EGW to say a “somebody is to come”.. and when he appears…”.

This is big. Why? Because Satan knows that as soon as 144,000 are found and sealed, based on them learning and walking in the Lord’s instructions from His last Elijah message brought by ONE MAN, his final short time capsule begins, true panic mode for him and his angels!

Yes, SOP and brother Houteff do say that the message will be spread by those faithful followers aka “Elijah messengers”(Test. for the Church, vol. 5, p.254), but the original message came by one man–Victor T. Houteff. The prophesied ‘Elijah” spoken of in Mal. 4:5.

The Spirit of prophecy explains, “The truths most plainly revealed in the Bible have been involved in doubt and darkness by learned men, who, with a pretense of great wisdom, teach that the Scriptures have a mystical, a secret, spiritual meaning not apparent in the language employed.” (GC, p.598)

“The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is employed.” (GC, p.599)

“If men would but take the Bible as it reads, if there were no false teachers to mislead and confuse thier minds, a work would be accomplished that would make angels glad and that would bring into the fold of Christ thousands upon thousands who are now wandering in error.” (GC, p.599)

2) Another powerful example involves the promise of God’s kingdom to come. As many of you know we have posted about how God will set up a pre-millennial kingdom in Israel very shortly. Daniel 2 was one of the prophecies that brother Houteff, under Inspiration unlocked for us.

Many of us know that Daniel 2 has traditionally been interpreted as showing Christ coming to the earth (as the stone) destroying the evil kingdoms of the earth. This is true but not as we have mistakenly been led to believe. Christ, through His servants, the 144,000 do this. However Satan has fooled many in this interpretation. How? Let’s look.

After describing how the stone comes from the mountain and destroys the existing kingdoms (ten toes) (Dan 2:31-43) Daniel 2:44 says , “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.”

Did you notice the little word “in”, as “in the days of these kings”? This shows that the stone which symbolically represents God’s remnant who survive the “cutting”(church judgment) from the mountain (church) do the symbolical destroying of the ten toes (current false kingdoms-religion).

Jeremiah also wrote of God’s end-time elect doing these things, “Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; And with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider..”(Jer. 51:20-21).

Satan has hood winked the vast multitude by having us gloss over the “in” word. Because he brought the old leaders to the understanding that Christ comes , in the form of the stone after the earth’s kingdoms are ready for His judgment. In other words, by passing the “in the days of these kings” Satan can fool us to believe that the stone, falsely labeled as Christ, smashes the world kingdoms and then Christ whisks away the saved to heaven. But the vision does not say that. It says the stone then “filled the whole earth”.

“And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.” (Daniel 2:35)

Obviously the smiting of the worlds kingdoms , by the stone, produces a great church (mountain) and then it spreads throughout the world, it does not smash and then go to heaven immediately as Satan has led us to think. The reason is that Satan wants us to be ignorant of God’s real plans through His prophecies. Those who rightly divide His word are safe from these deceptions however.

3) Our last example is concerning the last prophet spoken of by the Lord.He is to come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Satan well knows this and has prepared for a long time to mislead here. How? He does his old Eden simple word trick again!

In Jezreel letter, no. 9, page 1 we read,

“Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the Lord, Whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.” (Mal. 3:1)

There are two main points to note here in these quotations: 1) that the message and the messenger here mentioned are the very last; 2) that they are to restore all things, 3) that there is danger for some to make fools of themselves by daring to tell him how to teach his message–assuming to take God’s place!

Here we see that brother Houteff, under Inspiration says that the “Elijah”, one person with one message, is to be the “very last”. Notice this key –“very last”. We as intelligent humans certainly know that when something is the very last, there is nothing concerning that subject, thing or person that would come after it. Common sense right? Well, we would hope. But not according to the deceiver!

He has done an ultimate deception here. He has fooled some of the highest light bearers, some Davidians! You see, Satan knows that Davidians are the ones to fear, for they know the truth as it is in the prophecies and therefore if he can trick them somehow, someway, he will make a big dent in the Elijah message.

Sadly, some DSDA have fallen for this trick. The words “very last” are made to mean “not very last”! Just as he did in Eden. Thank God, the majority of DSDA have not succumbed to this ploy.

This explains why ,when one starts studying the message and searches further, he can come to a so-called DSDA man, woman or organization that teaches that they have a “current” prophet living that one must follow. Satan has them around, so one must read the original writings by brother Houteff to be safe.

Fortunately these people are the minority among the DSDA and if one is walking upright with the Lord, the Spirit of Truth will guide you and keep you from stepping into such deception.

In closing, may we be attentive to each and every word of Inspiration, even the littlest of words, for by glossing over them or ignoring them , we may go down Satan’s road into false understandings. Little words may mean BIG things to us.

“…when we take into consideration the meaning of each word instead of making thoughtless and hasty conclusions, the Scriptures prove to be not only most perfect and wonderful and yet simple, but also inspiring, making wise the humble — and lightening the path of him who as did Christ, delights to do the will of God.” (Sym. Code, vol.2, no. 2, p.3)

Posted in Elijah Interpretations, Proper teachings | 2 Comments »

Worldly Entanglements

May 9, 2015

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Tim. 3:1-5)

This week boxing fans around the world watched one of the most anticipated boxing matches in decades. It’s been a while since I have brought up the subject of this brutal sport. As some of you who have read this blog for a few years know, I was a serious addicted boxing fan prior to my conversion.

Allow me to regress a little and go back into my history. Since a young teenager I found the sport of boxing fascinating. The one on one challenge, the pure exact and measured movements, the power, all this captivated me.

You could not get me away from a big fight. I don’t recall anything that I would put before it, and yes that would include an important date. But as I posted a few years ago, when I decided to convert, the Lord sent me a dream to warn me about this idol. He saw I wanted the Lord and boxing too! Well, needless to say, this was cut out and I have not looked back since.

Our Lord warns, “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62).

When we turn from this idols, or habitual sins, we must walk away from them and not look back. This week, however the spirit of darkness did not stop from tempting me. I was strongly pulled to get a newspaper and read about the fight. I Thought, maybe it’s ok because I really don’t do that anymore, so it’s just a rare once in a while thing. Additionally during the fight, I was tempted to check the computer for round by round live updates.

However Scripture again was my strength.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalms 119:11)

When I was tempted the Lord reminded me of not looking back. For I knew to do such a thing would indeed be seriously wrong. But the short see-saw battle gave rise to the idea for this post.

You see, we as God’s remnant are called to take the “higher road”. That means we are to walk the upright walk and focus on doing the right thing at the right time.

“It is the essence of all right faith to do the right thing at the right time.” (Testimonies, vol. 6, p.24)

Another reason I was guided to do this post was a short conversation I had with a church member this last Sabbath. As we were leaving the service I asked him if they would like to come over at 6 pm for a Bible study at my home. He said, “Would like to but we are going on a nature hike, then over to some friends to watch the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight”. I thought for a second then said, “The Lord told me to quit watching that.” He smiled and went his way.

But I thought how the many in our church really need guidance. Only a few really want to get that one foot out of the world. The wide road entangles them and they carelessly proceed on.

Boxing is just one of Satan’s ploys. Today the youth are often trapped with the handhelds and the FB, tweets,YouTube, games, chat lines, etc. They spend most of their waking days slumped over wasting time with the multitude of electronic gadgets available to them. This is a serious idol , not only with the youth but adults as well! Don’t get me wrong the Lord has allowed this electronic explosion to further His message, and for that we are eternally grateful, but we should be careful that the worldly distractions do not infringe on the work.

“As a general thing, the young among us are allied to the world. But few maintain a special warfare against the internal foe, few have an earnest, anxious desire to know and do the will of God. But few hunger and thirst after righteousness, and few know anything of the Spirit of God as a reprover or comforter. Where are the missionaries? Where are the self-denying, self-sacrificing ones? Where are the cross bearers? Self and self-interest have swallowed up high and noble principles.

Things of eternal moment bear with no special weight upon the mind. God requires them individually to come up to the point to make an entire surrender. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” You cannot serve self and at the same time be servants of Christ. You must die to self, die to your love of pleasure, and learn to inquire: Will God be pleased with the objects for which I purpose to spend this means? Shall I glorify Him?” (Testimonies, vol. 2, p.127-128)

Let’s look around us at all times, watchful that Satan’s snares of worldly entrapment do not trip us up. Sure it’s a fleeting pleasure, but the looking back at sins we have forsaken may harm us for eternity.

“As Satan sees that his time is short, he leads men on to be more and more selfish and covetous, and then exults as he sees them wrapped up in themselves, close, penurious, and selfish. If the eyes of such could be opened, they would see Satan in hellish triumph, exulting over them and laughing at the folly of those who accept his suggestions and enter his snares.” (EW. p.268)

In these last days snares are all around us. We can only survive Satan’s traps if we cling to Jesus and keep our focus there. I would dare to say, it is better to be bored and stair at four walls than to enter one of his pleasure traps.

Let’s be clear, not all things are bad. For instance, watching TV for a insightful documentary, or some news, can be helpful. Recently the History channel had a series on the Shroud of Turin. Very fascinating. It’s just when we use the electronic device for our pleasure, beholding worldly fashions, foul language, worldly music (particularly drums, guitars, etc.), sit-coms, time wasting games, etc. In other words, time wasting is something we will be accountable , if we could have used that for studying, helping, spreading the message to help our brothers and sisters.
“..Satan’s supreme effort at this hour must be to cause the time to be wasted and the work undone.” (Answerer, vol. 1, p.6, Q-4)

In closing, as we have posted a few weeks back, the end time signs are all there, time is short. Let us not be found wasting time. Fleeting pleasures are not worth it. Eternity stands at our door.

Posted in Backsliding, Christian walk | Leave a Comment »

Why prophecies in place of love?

May 2, 2015

“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, drawn from the breasts.” (Isaiah 28:9)

We all know that as we grow from babes to adults, we advance in our food as well as our knowledge. The same is true in our spiritual walk. In our walk, we first learn the basics. Things such as the holy 10 Commandments, the Lord’s pure and holy life here on earth, etc.

But there comes a time where we are to advance. I have often told this example of how our walk should go. We start out at the bottom of a spiritual stairway, that hopefully ends up in heaven. The first step is made then another and another. Soon we are advancing quite nicely. This means we are growing spiritually, both in our works and our knowledge. Understanding prophecy is akin to getting your Masters degree. These are the deep things of God.

Unfortunately, many today are satisfied on a certain step. Their knowledge of the word is to their satisfaction, hence they fail to walk up the next step.

“I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing..”(Rev. 3:17)

Today this, I am afraid, is prevalent in our church. So many are content at their own step. We think that the milk of the word is basically all we need to concentrate on. We stay a babe, not knowing that so much more is out there for our true delight and enrichment of soul.Yet so much in prophecy can illuminate our mind and soul!

Our title question was asked of brother Houteff and we’d like to show the prophet’s answer.

Question No. 19:

Why do the Davidians not spend more time teaching the love of Jesus-the most important part of the Bible-instead of teaching the doctrines and the prophecies?

Answer:

The Davidians follow this procedure because of the scripture: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.” 2 Pet. 1:19. The prophecies, therefore, create love for God in the heart of the student as nothing else can.

If, moreover, the prophecies are less essential than other portion s of the Scriptures, why then, did the Lord cause His servants to write so many of them? obviously, they are as important. The book of The Revelation, which is addressed directly to the people who are to be living just before the Lord’s coming, is made up of symbolical prophecies, concerning which the Lord says:

“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Rev. 1:3. “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book….For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Rev. 22:7, 18, 19.

True, the love of Jesus is the supreme need, but preaching about it to the exclusion of the doctrines and the prophecies, will profit one nothing, for through the prophecies and through the doctrines one learns not only of the love of Jesus but also how to serve Him. “All scripture” says Paul, “is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

Had the churches today taught the prophecies and the doctrines to the exclusion of the love of Jesus, then of course the Davidians would have dwelt even more extensively on the love of Jesus than on the prophecies. But as the opposite is the case the love of Jesus being magnified to the neglect of the prophecies, then of course our first and supreme need is to study the love of Jesus through the doctrines; afterward, our greatest burden will be thus to teach it.

While the gospel of love inspires us to love the Lord, the doctrines teach us the right way to love Him, and the light of the prophecies guides our feet in the strait and narrow path along the way to the city of God, just as at night the lights of an automobile show us the way home. Without them, we would inevitably soon lose the way, crash, and pile up in the dark—a mass of wreckage and death, perchance.

Thus while we need the one, we just as much need the other. The Davidians therefore combine both, teaching the love of Jesus through the doctrines, and the way to the Kingdom through the prophecies.

Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.(1 Thes. 5:19-21)

Posted in Proper teachings | Leave a Comment »

666 and the Two-Horned Beast

April 25, 2015

“We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed.”(Testimonies to Ministers, p.30)

As our counsel shows us, we as SDA must be prepared to re-think our old traditional understandings of certain Scriptures and lessons. One such area is the understanding of 666 and the Two-Horned Beast. The Lord’s Elijah uncovered the rubbish that had hidden the truth from this most important prophecy. Let us look at 666 and the Two-Horned Beast of Revelation chapter 13.

No doubt many of us are aware of our SDA historical belief that the number “666” represents the Papacy.

For example, adding up the numbers (Roman numerals) of an alleged title of the Pope, Vicarius Filii Dei, equals 666 (if letters with no value are rendered 0 and the U is rendered V). Many think this to be a basis for that belief.

The Scripture says–
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you..” (Matt 7:7)

I have recently received a booklet called “A Word to the Little Flock” A reprint of the FIRST PUBLICATION of the SDA as jointly prepared in 1847 by its founders James White, Ellen G.White, Joseph Bates, from a sister in the faith who is an active researcher and Bible student who seeks Truth.

Published by Willis Printing Co. 724 19th St. Denver Colorado, published– 1935

The introduction is from a W.S.Butterbaugh, M.D. who was a prominent physician and member of the SDA organization back in the early 1900’s. The introduction begins as follows.

“The following twenty-four pages are an exact word-for-word reproduction from a photo-engraved copy of the original 1847 print, which contains certain words, phrases, clauses, sentences,and paragraphs omitted from “Experience and Views” and later from “Early Writings.”

The primary purpose of the republication of this tract is not so much to call attention to these omissions, as it is to create and to foster in the minds of all sincere Bible students more of a desire to seek after the great truths which were opened up and revealed in part in this the first vision given to Miss Ellen G. Harmon– a mere school girl but seventeen years of age!…

The omission on page 19 of an entire paragraph on the subject of the “mark” and “number” of the image beast is the very work that impairs correct prophetical interpretation, to the unity of inspiration, undermines faith in its manifestations, provokes to controversy, leading successively to perplexity, confusion, bewilderment, incredulity, disbelief and apostasy, of which viscious progression there are numerous tragic instances in the history of Seventh-day Adventists…

Hence, the moral obligation to republish this tract , which has never heretofore been published by the denomination. It will assist all candid and honest Bible students within the church to arrive at a correct conclusion after further comparative study.

The true light on this one question of the mark and number of the IMAGE BEAST was first given on pages 8, 9 and in the expunged paragraph, (p.19) and is nowhere else obtainable in early denominational exposition.

W.S. Butterbaugh, M.D.
1070 Acoma St.
Denver, Colorado
October 15, 1935

The following is very important, as it is the paragraph that was omitted from page 34 of Early Writings.

“I saw all that “would not receive the mark of the Beast, and of his Image, in their foreheads or in their hands,” could not buy or sell. I saw that the number (666) of the Image Beast was made up; and that it was the beast that changed the Sabbath, and the Image Beast had followed on after, and kept the Pope’s , and not God’s Sabbath. And all we were required to do, was to give up God’s Sabbath, and keep the Pope’s and then we should have the mark of the Beast, and of his image.”(Page 19)

We must now go into a little history concerning the above quote. In April of 1847, the first print was made of EGW’s vision of 1847. SDA author/editor Francis D. Nichol , considered the leading twentieth-century apologist for the prophetic ministry of EGW, in his report on this omission wrote.

“..we may conclude that in 1851—the crucial date in the charge—and before and after that date, there was held by various Sabbath keeping spokesmen the idea that the number 666 applied to the second beast of Revelation 13, and that the 666 represented that number of churches. We cannot say to what extent the view was held before 1851. But this much we can say, that there is no evidence to support the idea that the view had suffered any eclipse or abandonment in 1851.”

Apparently the Revelation chapter 13 beasts were not a clear issue, with varied opinions. So down through the years, many church leaders rallied behind a few different ideas on this matter. But for whatever reason the prevailing idea was not in accordance with what our prophetess wrote there in page 19. Hence the omission. In Mr. Nichols report , he concludes that EGW knew about this, and the evidence suggests that her role in this regard was not of suppression due to change in her beliefs.

Mr Nichols ends with, “We think that the unprejudiced reader will conclude that this mark-of-the-beast paragraph was dropped out, not with evil intent to conceal, but simply to save space or to avoid repetition or perhaps to avoid ambiguity until a more comprehensive statement might be made.”
http://pdf.amazingdiscoveries.org/eBooks/EGWhite/Ellen_White_and_Her_Critics.pdf (report number 18)

In 1881, a final version of “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation” was published by Uriah Smith. Here, I believe lies the basis and foundation for today’s traditional belief that 666 represents the Papacy.

Brother Houteff comments after quoting the above original EGW quote, ”

“Contradicting this heaven-given view Thoughts on Daniel and The Revelation applies the number “666” to the pope. From this we see that Elder Smith did not share in the same Inspiration which guided Sister White. Though as her follower he was influenced by her yet his book shows that he was also influenced by the writings of uninspired authors. Containing doctrines from her writings as well as from theirs, the book, consequently, is an admixture of truth and error.

But the most inexcusable part of the whole thing is that the leading brethren have entirely disregarded the inspired vision concerning the number 666 (Rev. 13:18), and in its place have almost unanimously accepted these traditions and theories of men. The sad result is that they have become blind to the light, rebellious against the Spirit of Christ, and consequently untrustworthy servants, unfit and disqualified as leaders of His people.

And yet, withal, they go on the while complacently assuring themselves that they are the “men of experience,” who alone are capable of investigation and deciding whether or not the messages that come to the people are from God! An arrogation of authority which no one has a right to make unto himself, it is the despotic spawn of egotism and

Glaring Inconsistency.”(Tract 5, p.21-22)

So we are left with a “jury is out” as far as why the important paragraph was omitted. But it is clear Uriah Smith became the general leader in promoting 666 as the pope , not Ellen White. But we see God’s hand in this because , His Elijah would come and “restore” the knowledge of the beasts of Rev. 13, just as he restored many traditional SDA lessons we have assumed as truth.

The following report from Mt.Dale DSDA organization unveils a most compelling Rev. 13 report, based on Scripture, SOP and the Elijah message, may you enjoy.

**********************************************

It is well known, particularly in Adventists circles, that this two-horned non-royalist power, represents our blessed country, the United States of America. (9) No doubt you’re also familiar with the reasons. Unlike the first beast, he comes from the earth, the new world-the domain away from the sea, the old world.

The two crown less horns show two non-royalist rulers, while their lamb-like appearance forecasts youthful innocency–Christian–established upon the principles of peace and liberty. And his having the power to dictate who should buy and who should not, shows that he represents a nation that leads in controlling the world’s wealth and industry.

Having only two horns, not ten, the beast therefore depicts a local, not a universal government. Nevertheless, he will influence all Christendom to “make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” That is, he will engineer a worldwide government setup, re-enthroning the principles of the church-state rule of Ecclesiastical Rome; a system now characterized by Catholicism, apostate Protestantism, and Capitalism.

In other words, the world will copy the Leopard-like beast. (Verse 12) Put still another way, it means that America will urge the world to reestablish a apostate religious-political system after the model of Western society, with principles imagining those of the Dark Ages. (Verse 12).

Note that it did not say that the Two-horned beast urged the world to worship the “head”-the Papacy, but the”beast”- the system-Catholicism, apostate Protestantism, and Capitalism, topped off with Spiritualism!

This is when, “Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government . . .” (10)

Time or space will not allow us to delve into the identity of the false Prophet–the one who deceived the world through his “miracles.” (Compare verses 13, 14 with Revelation 19:19, 20), except to say, that he will be revered as a great religious leader, although in reality he will be Satan’s chief agent.

Now that we have looked at the context of Revelation 13, we are now better prepared to identify the 666. “Here is wisdom,” says the Scriptures. “Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” (Verse 18).

To identify this “man,” we must identify the “beast”–the power the “man” represents and leads. Thus we must ask, to which power is Verse 18 referring? The Leopard-like or the Two-horned? Look at it again! Note that it did not say, count the number of the beast with the wound! Or count the number of the beast which had his deadly wound healed! It just states, “count the number of the beast.”

Whenever the Bible refers to the Leopard-like beast, it always mentions the wound! (See verses 3, 12). In contrast, “the beast” is the Two-horned Beast or the Image Beast” without mention of the wound. So the beast or power in verse 18 is the Two-horned or the United States of America-not the Papacy!

Furthermore, if this is not so, why so many symbols for the Papacy? We have the little horn of Daniel 7. We say that the Leopard-like Beast, the 666, the Woman of Revelation 17, the seven head on which she sits, and the Scarlet-colored Beast are symbols of Rome! Why? What about the rise and fall of Protestantism? What about the rise of Western culture? What about our present world? Why would God leave them out?

Still skeptical? Consider the following inspired references: “This power is the last that treads down the true church of God and as the true church is still trodden down, and cast out by all Christendom, it follows that the last oppressive power has not ‘come to his end;’ and Michael has not stood up. This last power that treads down the saints is brought to view in Rev. 13:11 -18. His number is 666. . . (11)

“I saw that the number (666) of the Image Beast [the two-horned] was made up; and that it was the beast [Leopard-like] that changed the Sabbath, and the image Beast had followed on after, and kept the Pope’s and not God’s Sabbath.” (12)

These two statements make a very pungent point: that the number 666 is the power found in verses 11 – 18, and that this beast is the two-horned which we all know is the USA; otherwise known as the “Image Beast.” So the number 666 is not on the Leopard-like Beast who is found in verses 1 – 10 of Revelation 13 who changed the Sabbath during the Dark Ages, but on the “Image Beast who followed. This is Clear, logical, and Biblical! After all, the context of verses 11 -18, reveals the identity and work of the United States, not the Leopard-like!

So the “man” who stands at the head of the USA would be the 666. Biblically could not be the Pope! Yes, the Bible does state that the USA will pay homage to the Leopard-like Beast, but, we have already seen that the Leopard-like Beast is not the Papacy alone, but in fact, represents the Western world model or system. Again, the Bible did not say that the USA will tell the world to worship the “head” but the “beast”-the system!

The truth is that the Papacy will never again rule like she did in the Middle Ages. That’s right! Never! Her time for dominance is over. Yes, she will be influential. Yes she will probably gloat over the homage paid her through a Sunday law, however, she will never again sit atop the world. We know. About now you’re probably saying that old ideas die hard. Well, that may be true, but don’t keep them alive.

“I saw that the two-horned beast had a dragon’s mouth, and that his power was in his head, and that the decree would go out of his mouth. Then I saw the Mother of Harlots; that the mother was not the daughters, but separate and distinct from them. She has had her day, and it is past, and her daughters, the Protestant sects, were the next to come on the stage and act out the same mind that the mother had when she persecuted the saints. I saw that as the mother has been declining in power the daughters had been growing and soon they will exercise the power once exercised by the mother.” (13)

Obviously the Enemy wants us to focus in one direction while he attacks from another. While we trace the Papacy’s every move, the real danger lurks behind us, waiting to snag our unwary souls into his honed craws.

“All who will not bow to the decree of the national councils and obey the national laws to exalt the Sabbath instituted by the man of sin, to the disregard to god’s holy day, will feel, not the oppressive power of popery alone, but of the Protestant world, the Image of the Beast.” (14)

“why does the Latin numerals on the Pope’s title, Vicarius Filii Dei, add up to 666? A fair question indeed. But somehow it seems, we have forgotten that this phenomenon is replete throughout the long history of Paganism, Astrology, and Witchcraft. The numbers 6, 36 and 666 are sacred in these circles. So why would it be strange for the Pope’s title to equal 666, when the Papacy is itself fraught with Paganism!

Furthermore, there are countless names that numerically compute to 666-it is not restricted to the Pope alone! XIUN, one of the names for the Sun-god in Greek, numerically added to 666 ( Higgins, Anacapypsis, Vol. 2, p. 210.)

The Mythological bird of the Egyptians, Phoenicians, and many of the Indian tribes of North America, was the Phoenix, worshiped as the bright and morning star. In Egypt it was the representation of the nocturnal symbol of the Sun-god Osiris. In Greek transliteration, the Phoenix was spelled the FENEX, whose numerical value equaled 666. (16) An ancient Greek name for Satan was TEITAN, which equals 666 in its numerical values. Even the original Roman Numerals, IVXLCD, also equaled 666.

Astrologers commonly used 6, 36, and 666 for their divinations. “They invented magic charts. . . Like the roulette wheel, the charts were divided into 36 numbered divisions. There were 6 columns in all directions with the numbers 1 to 36 placed inside the entire chart. Any direction you add the columns, they add to 111.

There are six squares in each column and 6 times 11 equaling 666. If you add all the numbers from 1 to 36 they will also add to 666. . . .the number 666 was the summary number of the sun-god, because it was his sacred number as the Ruler of the Zodiac.” (17)

The Bible places the number on the Two-horned Beast-the United States, not the Papacy. So the prevailing belief that the number 666 is the numerical identification of some other power is the spawn of the Prince of Darkness, and is calculated to conceal if possible the identification of this two-horned power. God places the number on the United States, and there we must leave it.

Thus The Beast’s civil authority–the man 666–combined with the False Prophet’s supernatural power, points to a union of beast and prophet-an affiliation of state and of church representatives. Together they, leading the United States, will control the world’s politics, economics, and religion, and will seek to compel all to bow to the “Image of the Beast.”

Maybe we need to look less at the Pope and more at ourselves and apostate Protestantism. No wonder Inspiration intimated that if we studied Daniel and Revelation more closely, we “may have less to say in some lines, in regard to the Roman power and the Papacy.”(6)

6. Evangelism, p.577

9. E.G. White, The Great Controversy, pp. 440 -442.

10. E.G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 451.

11. James White, A Word to the Little Flock, pp. 8,9.

12. E.G. White, Ibid. p. 19

13. E.G. White, Spalding-Meagan Collection, “Copy of Three Visitors.”

14. E.G. White, Selected Messages, Book Two, p. 380.

15. Higgins, Anacapypsis, Vol. 2, p. 210.

16. Mythology of All Races, Vol. 12, p. 54.

17. W. J. Sutton, The New Age Movement and the Illuminati 666, pp. 66, 67.

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