The Church and the Dragon

March 21, 2015

The church and the dragon

(One of the original drawings depicting Rev.12 by brother Houteff)

(Note: we did a prior post called “The Woman and the Dragon” but that dealt with all of Revelation 12. Here we shall concentrate on the part that prophetically shows God’s SDA church becoming victorious by His taking the reins into His own hands(TM, p.300)

Have you ever been a part of a club, or maybe even a class, where there were troublemakers? All they wanted to do was to disrupt, cause trouble, destroy the purpose of the gatherings however subtly ? Sadly this condition is prevalent within our SDA church today. It is overrun with tares. The unconverted vastly out number the converted. What I mean is those who obey all the light given to them via Scripture, SOP and the Elijah message are very few. What will God do about this?  Let us look at Revelation Chapter 12 and see.

One of the most fascinating Biblical interpretations given us by the Lord’s last messenger, is the prophetic message of Revelation 12. We as Adventists like to pride ourselves as having much light on Scripture and particularly–Revelation. But those of us who search further and are not satisfied with our level of spiritual knowledge and attainment can receive a great blessing once we know the Revelation 12 story of our ultimate victory–God’s remnant church defeating Satan and his centuries old practice of infiltrating God’s church with the unconverted–ie. tares.

Let us look at God’s lesson and hope for us as written in Revelation 12, particularly 12:15-17

“And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 12:15-17)

Before we can correctly understand this prophecy, we must understand the symbols employed here. Many of us are familiar with God’s pin point and exact designs in nature. For instance the flower. When we pick one and closely examine it, we find a perfect symmetry of designs. The lines all flow in a direction, the flower is color coded, etc.

How much more will He be EXACT and measured in His word? Does He not place each word carefully? Will He not have meaning and purpose for us in each of His words? Each and every word means something and we must not skip over them as if they are not relevant. Only when we approach God’s word as such will we comprehend the true and correct meaning of His powerful word. Now, let us look at the purposeful and prophetic word spoken above.

1) The serpent represents Satan (Rev. 12:9)

2) The woman represents God’s church (Rev. 12:5,6,17: GC p.381,7 BC, p.972)

3) The dragon casts a flood of water after the woman hoping thereby to cause her to be carried away of the flood.

4) Water represents people (Rev. 17:15). Naturally a “flood” would represent a large amount of people.

5) Since the dragon causes these people (flood) to infiltrate the church, they must reflect his character and attributes. Such as non-converted, allowing sins to be fostered in the church, etc.

6) The SOP describes a “worldly flood” coming into the church (GC, p.385)

7) Obviously the dragon’s chief objective in flooding the church with the unconverted (tares)  to cause the church to be “carried away” by the flood, to secure her downfall.

“While the Lord brings into the church those who are truly converted, Satan at the same time brings persons who are not converted into its fellowship. While Christ is sowing the good seed, Satan is sowing the tares. There are two opposing influences continually exerted on the members of the church. One influence is working for the purification of the church, and the other for the corrupting of the people of God ((TM, p.46)

8) The earth helps the woman by “opening” her mouth and swallowing up the flood. A miraculous event happens that causes the “flood” to disappear.The church is helped. This same type of event was shown us as a perfect example of the Lord “helping” His people in the days of Moses.

In Numbers 16:28-32, we read–

Verse 28– “And Moses said: ‘By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will. If these men die naturally like all men , or if they are visited by the common fate of all men, then the Lord has not sent me.

But if the Lord creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will understand that these men have rejected the Lord.”

Now it came to pass , as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart under them and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods.” (Verse 28-32)

There can be no doubt that this perfect prior example of the Lord’s direct cleansing of His people by opening the earth’s mouth, was meant for His future word in Revelation 12:16.

9) After, and let us keep this time schedule firmly in mind- after, this swallowing (helping of God’s church) the dragon is angry. The church being relieved of Satan’s tares, makes him furious. He then goes forth to “make war” with the remnant of her seed .Let us keep in mind that Satan has mixed the church with his tares since the early days after Pentecost. Now for the first time since then he is powerless to infiltrate God’s pure church. He is furious and knows this prophetic time clock event has shown him his days are extremely short!

10) This warring by Satan brings on the “time of trouble such as never was”(Dan 12:1).

So we see that this perfect example of the earth opening her mouth indicates a cleansing. The false brethren, those who would not listen to God’s appointed spokesmen were eliminated from God’s people.

Recently I have seen two examples of sincere meaning Christians, where even unbeknownst to themselves,  are taking the adversaries side in going directly against God’s revealed word as said through Scripture, SOP and the Elijah message.

Why I would like to bring this up is that if we are not careful, we too shall be swallowed up by the earth just as Korah and his followers were. Remember that Korah and his men had declared that they were being directly guided by God just like Moses was. In other words God really did not need to send a prophet because these deceived men thought that they stood highly exalted in God’s eyes and basically showed severe doubt that God knew what He was doing!

Both of the two examples I have seen recently are based on this same premise!  “So what if God said to do this or that, I know He is guiding me” — huh?? This is really a sinister deception. Korah and his followers basically did the same thing, and threw out what God said through His prophet Moses. The sad example of self-exaltation has not changed through time. God is right through His word–not us through what we think!

This is the lesson God is trying to give us in Rev.12. Satan has for centuries be able to cast a “flood” (unconverted) into the woman (church) BUT God decides to “take the reins into His own hands”(TM, p.300) and does a cleansing and it “helps the woman”. This is the prophesied Ezekiel 9 church judgment.

Yes, the earth swallowing is symbolic in Rev. 12, but it should not be mis-construed for what it stands for– a church cleansing.

A pure church cannot be flooded any longer. The prophesied “time of trouble as never was” begins–the Great controversy! Satan and his human agents war against God and His servants–what a gigantic end time struggle! The victory is Gods–praise the Lord!

The Lord’s Rod teaches us that Revelation is not only a history book but a prophetic future event guideline. There is hope for His church today. We look around and see –NO dress reform, NO health reform, NO worship reform, NO Tithe reform, and on and on. Yet, Revelation 12:15-17 gives us great hope!   “But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon spewed out of his mouth.”(Rev. 12:16)

After God’s direct hand gets involved, the Spirit of Prophecy and Scripture  tells us–

“Clad in the armor of Christ’s righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. “Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners” (Song of Solomon 6:10), she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer.”(Prophets and Kings, p.725)

“In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in Him, and He saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in Him; let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.”(Isaiah 25:9)

“Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.” (Isaiah 52:1)

Hallelujah!

(Printable Rev. 12 Study Outline — http://www.shepherds-rod-message.org/outlines/rev_12.pdf )

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Women’s Ordination

March 14, 2015

Deborah the prophet

(Prophetess Deborah instructing her servant)

One of the biggest issues to vote upon this coming General Conference session in Texas, will be the issue of women ordination. Much has already been said on it via media such as blogs, YouTube, 3ABN reports, etc. But how about what the Lord’s last messenger said, the “Elijah to come”? Would that not be the best place to look? Of course it would. In fact it really should be our “final” place to look to, for us as God’s last remnant church. Ok , let’s look at this issue as the Lord wants us.

What about Women teaching?

When brought face to face with the truth, some act like men who have lost their reason.  As fish jump at bait, they foolishly jump at conclusions.  And when they are mercifully freed from the hook and given a chance to live, instead of departing  from their greedy, selfish policies, and keeping themselves from being caught again, they rush at another bait, only to find themselves hooked again and again.  When they find that they have thus repeatedly brought themselves into disrepute, they even then do not resolve to get right and stay right.

   Those who get themselves cornered and cut off from every avenue of escape from the truth, instead  of surrendering their erroneous ideas, make a desperate effort to dodge out of their plight, through the shift of isolating the scripture:  “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.” 1 Cor. 14:34.

   This resort, however, only gives sharper point to the truism that it is never fair for one to assume a stand on an issue, solely on the weight of opinion  derived from one or two verses, without first considering the verses in the light of the whole chapter, yes, even of the entire Bible; for if one’s interpretation  of the Scriptures is not supported by every sentence of Holy Writ, it is a fallacious interpretation, a blind conclusion, without Bible foundation.

   In 1 Corinthians 14, we find that many of the women had gone “mad” (verse 23) over speaking in unknown tongues.  Hence Paul is endeavoring to dispel the confusion, not to silence anyone who has an inspired message to deliver.  An attempt to stop women from teaching would not be in harmony with the following scriptures:

   “And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel  came up to her for judgment.” Judges 4:4, 5. 

“And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; and she was a widow of about four-score and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” Luke 2:36, 37. 

Also “Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum” taught Israel (2 Kings 22:14-16). And “Philip the evangelist,…had four daughters, virgins, which did prophecy.” Acts 21:8, 9.

   So those who think that Paul forbids a woman to teach, are not in the slightest bit discrediting and impeaching Mrs. White’s office, but rather are unwittingly casting reflection upon Paul’s writings — endeavoring to bring them into apparent conflict with the writings of his fellow-writers of the Scriptures.

   Those who carefully study will learn not to jump at baited hooks, but rather humbly to submit themselves to the teachings of the Spirit of Christ if they expect Him to save them from the curse of sin and from the wrath of God. (Tract 6 , p.75-76)

The above says that we should accept women as teachers of the Word. However these statements do not imply that there should be women in authority positions. such as an elder of the church, pastor or conference leader (at least as of right now).

In that night wherever the blood appeared on the door-post, the first born whether male or female, perished not, just so now, those who receive the seal, have applied the blood on the door-post (forehead), and as the first born of both classes, those who died and those who did not, were a type of the present priesthood (ministry), evidently, the type points forward to a ministry in the anti-type made up of both sexes. (2 Shepherd’s Rod, p.168)

 Notice the words “points forward”. This implies that in the post church purification, the servants will consist of both male and female proclaiming the Loud Cry. And as  a “ministry” consists of “ministers” it stands to reason that both male and female will be ministers, even in the house of God! This all makes perfect sense as after the judgment in the house of God is done, those who survive will be seen as “pure” and therefore blameless, being able to carry out any and all of God instructions, the sex being a non-issue.

The Elijah message continues–

In the beginning God created both the man and the woman equal, as king and queen.  “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Gen. 1:28.)  Note that the dominion was given to them both.  However, after they sinned a change was made: “Unto the woman He said,… thy desire shall be to thy husband, and He shall rule over thee.” (Gen. 3:16.) 

So, after the woman sinned she fell under the government of man.  But that which Eve lost by deception, shall be restored by redemption.  Thus again the equality of both shall be established as kings and queens.  Therefore, “There is neither male nor female in Christ Jesus.”  Christ himself confirms the idea in the following expression: “For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels which are in heaven.” (Ibid, p.168-169)

It is interesting to note that of all the women who have ever lived, I would say it’s a good bet that Ellen White was the most deserving of ordination as a Pastor, yet she never was. She also never taught that women should be chosen as Elders or as Pastors. Again, we see that God’s all seeing eye made sure that authority was to be placed in the man’s hands, until the time comes to pour out His Spirit on both male and female.

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.” (Joel 2:28-29)

Adding it up

So we see that the Elijah message tells us the women can be teachers now. And they can teach in God’s house (ie. Sabbath school, sermon addresses, etc.) But we do not find any authorization for allowing women to hold authoritative positions over man for now  But, soon when the church is purified we shall see a  ministry comprising both male and female doing God’s work as “ministers”. This is the prophesied “points forward” type and anti-type fulfillment. This means women as well as men will lead the congregations in God’s end time church. They are purified and have been “tried in the fire” and found worthy of their hire–amen!

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World War III is at the Door

March 7, 2015

Hydrogen bomb

This week we saw Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu come before the United States Congress and give a most dire warning. Yes, he warned that unless strong action is taken now on Iran, there are serious chances that war may soon break out. Oh  how right he is. You see the Lord has His plan all set. Sadly, His word says a gigantic war is soon to appear over Israel. Let us look at this eminent event to come.

“Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD’S anger come upon you. Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.

For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up. Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the LORD is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant. And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.

And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity” (Zephaniah 2: 1-7).

This war is an important landmark of the church purification. The Elijah message says —

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

So once this war begins it is during it that we shall experience the solemn church judgment. But let us look at what the great Satan tricks are in this area.

Recently during my work schedule , driving in my truck, I was listening to a protestant Christian radio station. They were discussing how Israel is “God’s timepiece.”  The great majority of “Christians” , protestant mostly, believe that all the Biblical prophecies concerning Israel are to be fulfilled to the current Jews of today–the two tribes of Judah.

So they interpret Isaiah , Ezekiel, Jeremiah, etc. to be applicable to the literal Jews today who live in Israel today. They envision a great “re-awaking”  among the Jews and God will magically save them despite their unbelief! Wow, not if that is not pulling rabbits out of hats I don’t know what is.

Let us look at brother Houteff and what is revealed in this area. Describing the above quoted Zephaniah.

The fourth verse definitely implies that the “nation” is to gather together in the cities of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron, in the land of the Philistines, in the land of Canaan — in Palestine.

   In view of the fact that this scripture is now being unfolded, and also the fact that there is but one people, one nation (the descendants of the ancient scribes, priests, and Pharisees who rejected the Lord and who have not even to this day accepted Him, that are hardly desired anywhere in the world) that is now doing all she can to gather together in Palestine — in view of all this, the present-day Jews are that undesired nation.  Upon her, therefore, the Lord’s anger is to fall if she continues to deny Christ.  Yes, the universally hated Jew is the only nation that has been scattered throughout the Gentile world, and is the only one that is now gathering together in Palestine.

Moreover, in these verses, two truths stand out clearly: (1) that in vain the Jews seek to establish themselves in the Promised Land; (2) that we who are bearing the message of the great and dreadful day of the Lord are counselled to seek meekness and righteousness, for thus only shall we “be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger,” that is, merely bear knowledge of the message will not save us, there should be corresponding deeds with it.

So what happens after this gigantic war? Let us read.

“And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities have become fenced, and are inhabited.Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places,and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it.” (Ezek. 36:35-36)

So we see that there is going to be this last war and it is the Lord’s purpose to drive out the unbelievers and replace them with His remnant, those who believe and obey. When we see the leaders of Israel today say that they are going to defend “their” land, we know that they are not the ones to decide.

This is  the prophesied word of a pre-millennial kingdom  to be shortly set up over the promised land. God’s word cannot return void.

“For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.” (Jeremiah 30:3)

Has this word ever happened? Of course not. But it soon will, are we ready? Do we really want to be a part of this “first phase” of His kingdom? The Elijah message says we must be lest we fail due to our unbelief just like the Exodus Jews failed to make the kingdom due to their unbelief.

The land of Israel is to be the headquarters for the final proclamation of the Gospel. Lets be willing and ready. The world war will serve a God-given purpose. His final pleading message to the world to ‘come out of Babylon” must have a home base, a headquarters. And that land shall be Israel.

“The servants of God” shall certainly gather all their brethren out of all nations (Isa. 66:20).  Indeed so, for the legs of the Gospel are the legs of the people who proclaim it.  Of course, only with perfect co-ordination and a bullet-proof army can the gospel work be finished when the two-horned beast declares “that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” Rev. 13:15.( Timely Greetings, vol. 2, no.8, p.20)

Posted in End times, Final Events | 6 Comments »

Meat Eating

February 28, 2015

cheeseburger gal

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.” (Matt 17:11)

What a God we have! One that saw that so many things that would need to be “restored” for us. And one of the biggest restorations needed is–Diet Reform. Look around us. Even we who claim to have the light for this day, “Seventh Day Adventists”, have sunken low in our standards pertaining to eating and drinking.

Let us look at what our Lord has said through his Elijah prophet concerning our diet.

First let us go back to Christ’s day. In Matthew 14:15-21, we read–

 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.“Bring them here to me,” he said.  And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.  They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

The above story was just one example of Jesus approving meat-eating. He gave us parables which also supported the eating of meat. So we should be able to eat meat today because He approved of it, right? This would certainly be the case had our Lord not promised to bring His last spokesman to our church, the “Elijah”.

Being the all seeing God, He knew we would need guidance in this area. Just look at Mad Cow disease, and the often filthy conditions of the meat processing plants around the world. The mercury levels of fish, and other toxic agents in them. The list goes on and on.

To be sure, the Lord did not wait to spread the word. Even before the final Elijah, He spoke through His prophetess.

“Greater reforms should be seen among the people who claim to be looking for the soon appearing of Christ. Health reform is to do among our people a work which it has not yet done. There are those who ought to be awake to the danger of meat-eating, who are still eating the flesh of animals, thus endangering the physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Many who are now only half converted on the question of meat-eating will go from God’s people to walk no more with them….. A diet of flesh meat tends to develop animalism. A development of animalism lessens spirituality, rendering the mind incapable of understanding truth.“(Counsels on Diet and Foods, p.382)

“Vegetables, fruits, and grains should compose our diet. Not an ounce of flesh meat should enter our stomachs. The eating of flesh is unnatural. We are to return to God’s original purpose in the creation of man.”—Manuscript 115, 1903 (Counsels on Diet, p.380)

“Is it not time that all should aim to dispense with flesh foods? How can those who are seeking to become pure, refined, and holy, that they may have the companionship of heavenly angels, continue to use as food anything that has so harmful an effect on soul and body? How can they take the life of God’s creatures that they may consume the flesh as a luxury? Let them, rather, return to the wholesome and delicious food given to man in the beginning, and themselves practice, and teach their children to practice, mercy toward the dumb creatures that God has made and has placed under our dominion.”—The Ministry of Healing, 317, 1905 , (Counsels on Diet, p.380)

Straight forward words about not eating meat, wouldn’t we say? The underlined part is what really struck me. She sure pointed out that it was the wrong course for God’s followers. Let us now read what brother Houteff brought us from the Lord, as the final say in this matter (restoration).

WHAT IS WRONG WITH EATING CLEAN MEAT?

Question No. 148:

In the light of Matt. 15:11 and other scriptures, is it not clear that vegetarianism is of man and not of God?

Answer:

If the scriptures cited constituted the Bible’s entire treatment of the subject, then an unqualifiedly affirmative answer to the question might be necessary. But in the beginning “God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” Gen. 1:29. All this and naught else was to be the “meat” of mankind.

Thus in the beginning, man’s diet did not include flesh food. Not till after the flood, when every green thing on the earth had been destroyed, did he receive permission to eat flesh. Then God said: “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you, even as the green herb have I given you all things.” Gen. 9:3.

Later, though, while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, God provided them with manna. But when they murmured against it, and attributed its phenomenon only to circumstances, claiming that it was impossible to obtain flesh foods in the desert, He literally and angrily heaped quail upon them. At what price, though! Thousands died in order to teach the lesson that the manna was not the mere result of circumstances but rather a purposive Providence. For “while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague.” Num. 11:33.

Because the Exodus movement was to fit up a people to take the promised land and to set up the kingdom then, as we are now, they were charged to abstain from all flesh foods. And because John the Baptist bore an important message in his day (“Repent ye: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand”–Matt. 3:2) similar to ours today, his diet was of honey and of the fruit of the locust tree. How much more important, then, as our types teach, that we who have the culminating message of the gospel, and who are the vanguard of the hosts of the eternal kingdom, defile not the temples of our souls with that which our types were forbidden to eat.

Furthermore, as the Elijah of Malachi 4:5 and Matthew 17:11 is to restore all things before the great and dreadful day of the Lord, then necessarily he will restore vegetarianism, man’s original dietary. Then, not only man but beast as well, will be strict vegetarians, and all will once again consort together in the renewed fellowship of Edenic peace.

Let us interject here. Yes, we are before “the great and dreadful day of the Lord”, but we should understand our time as the beginning phase. The “Then” brother Houteff is explaining is upon the arrival of the pre-millenial kingdom in Israel. That is the time when animals shall not eat meat (ie.lions, etc.).In other words the restoration is happening now, albeit in a very small way. But soon to grow to cover the whole promised land (post church purification).

It shall be as this time prophesied – “And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become  fenced, and are inhabited.”(Ezek.36:35) (Remember the upcoming world war 3 shall largely destroy the land (desolate) only to be miraculously back as like Eden.) 

Additionally, the restoration of all things has indeed happened through His word as spoken by the prophet. The prophet has written it all out and thus restored the truth in all areas for us,  and although it has not literally all happened, it has been restored through His word first. Upon the kingdom we shall see it all take place in perfection.

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Isa. 11:6-9.

Still further, if the words, “not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man” (Matt. 15:11), be understood to mean that it matters not what we eat or drink, then why should we not eat swine’s flesh, drink tea, coffee, and even liquor, and smoke tobacco,–indeed, eat and drink whatever we please? (Answerer, vol. 5, Q-148)

We see that the Lord sent His message stating that vegetarianism would be restored before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. As we have shown in prior studies,  this day is not the Lord coming in the clouds but the church judgment day. So we should know that today we are called to STOP EATING MEAT. Yes, that includes fish.

Our Lord has spoken now to us today, and it is our specific instructions. Fish and other meats were acceptable in times past but not today for God’s people. The whole idea of His Elijah message is one of restoration–restore all that needs to be restored. That assuredly includes our diet.

“If Seventh-day Adventists practiced what they profess to believe, if they were sincere health reformers, they would indeed be a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. And they would show a far greater zeal for the salvation of those who are ignorant of the truth.” (Counsels on health, p.575)

“Without health no one can as distinctly understand or as completely fulfill his obligations to himself, to his fellow beings, or to his Creator. therefore the health should be as faithfully guarded as the character.” (Education, p.195)

 For an excellent informative article on Mad Cow disease and how cows are infected to a greater degree than realized.  click here — http://www.shepherds-rod-message.org/health/mad.html

Posted in Healing and health | Leave a Comment »

Approval of Man

February 21, 2015

approval of man

Apostle Paul said, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ “(Gal. 1:10).

These Inspired words carried much weight back then and especially today. Sadly, there are untold masses of “believers” that say “I want approval of man, and if I get it then I will discuss Christ.” Sure, not openly, but in their heart and mind.  Oh how we cower at the thought of being “unpopular” or “rejected” of men and women!

Our Lord experienced this rejection first hand.

“He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.”

These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this , said, ‘This is an hard saying; who can hear it’? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, ‘Doth this offend you? What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.

But there are some of you that believe not.’ For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, ‘Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.’ From that time  many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, ‘Will ye also go away?’

Simon Peter answered, “Lord, who will we go to? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:56-68)

Here Jesus was talking of some very deep things spiritually, yet even after having done great miracles prior to this, many were showing their true colors by their surface belief. Can you imagine being the Son of God and just having raised a young boy to life, and then to have most of your followers desert you because they can’t understand some things you said? We can only imagine the great feeling of rejection and disappointment He experienced.

Today, we have this very wide-spread problem. Truth is largely disdained among His professed people, for the sake of “human approval” first and foremost. Recently a personal experience brought this home so clearly that it prompted me to write about it.

Our local church as most churches do, has some “Bereans”. A certain woman, we’ll call Sally (name changed) and I had been discussing present truth over lunch. I gave her a two-part CD audio set called “God’s end-time servants”. She later listened to them and was quite joyful to learn truths of which she did not know. Our church, as we have posted many times, largely discusses the “past truths” instead of present truth, so this was quite refreshing to her.

She later called me letting me know her appreciation for giving her the CD’s. Later she told another church member Debra (name changed) and lent them to her. Debra got back to her very excited. So much so that she soon set up a Bible study in which she wanted to have several people discuss this “new light” she had heard and believed was truth.

I get a call from Sally saying there was to be a Bible study over the CD set I gave her, and that there were friends from church that were excited to learn “new truth”. She gave me Debra’s number and I  gave her a call. I introduced myself as a member of the local church of which she goes as well. She spoke about the Bible study to follow the next day. We discussed the CD set and what it contained.

Debra kept saying things like “This is truth and we need to tell the church about it!” Of course I agreed and said the present truth on the CD’s are not being allowed in the church because it awakes the members to what’s really going on. The leaders want the people asleep with the “peace and safety” message. All of this she agreed to and brought up some of her own good points.

We finished with her asking where I got the CD set from. I mentioned that it had come from a close Davidian brother. There was silence. Then she recovered and said she’d see me tomorrow at the Bible study.

After this,  apparently she began to delve more into the teachings and the next day she called and said, “Hi this is Debra, we’ve decided to cancel the Bible study, because we found out this is Shepherd’s Rod teachings.”  I was confused, yet I knew all too well who was behind this–the spirit of darkness! The one who wants truth hidden and out of view! And those he knows listens to his voice!

I calmly asked her why she had agreed that the truth on the CD’s were so powerful and backed up by Scripture and SOP only, yet now she was saying they are not truth? She wallowed around talking senseless points about how the Rod believers have beliefs she does not agree with. Yet she offered no examples or proof to support her mistaken understanding of the Lord’s Rod.

I ended with the point that the “truth” is what matters and if it comes from a “monkey rod” or the Shepherd’s Rod , it should not matter. For Christ is–truth, and in whatever form we find It! It fell on deaf ears. After I hung up , it occurred to me I could have asked her what “Rod” is it that the Lord wants us to hear?

“The LORD’s voice cries to the city–Wisdom shall see Your name: Hear ye the Rod! And Who has appointed it!” (Micah 6:9)

So there is a perfect example of how someone who “heard” things and did not take upon herself to investigate it–succumbed to the peer pressure of rejecting the Lord’s Rod. Her fear was most likely that of being rejected by the church for professing belief.

“Those who allow prejudice to bar the mind against the reception of truth cannot receive the divine enlightenment. Yet, when a view of Scripture is presented, many do not ask, Is it true–in harmony with God’s word? but, By whom is it advocated? and unless it comes through the very channel that pleases them, they do not accept it. So thoroughly satisfied are they with their own ideas that they will not examine the Scripture evidence with a desire to learn, but refuse to be interested, merely because of their prejudices.}” (Testimonies to Ministers, p.105-106)

Then we have the most pitiful story of the blind man’s parents as told in John 9:1-38. After Jesus had restored the man’s sight we pick up the story in verse 18.

“The Jews therefore did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and had received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight, and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered them, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees, we don’t know; or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. He is of age. Ask him. He will speak for himself.”

His parents said these things because they feared the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if any man would confess him as Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, “He is of age. Ask him.”

Wow. Here this couple had given birth to a son who could not see, and decades later, along comes the Son of Man and makes him whole, restoring the priceless gift of sight. Then at their moment of test before God’s eyes, they fail!   The approval of man took precedent over the approval of God! Fear won over courage!

You see my brethren, our King places a premium on courage. In fact “cowards” are the very first one listed who do not make it to heaven!

“But the cowards, unbelievers, vile, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars–their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”(Rev. 21:8)

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)

You lack courage? Just ask. So we come to a fork in the road many times in our life–take the brave road, regardless of circumstances or results, or take the safe easy road, complete with “man’s approval” and life’s easy chair.

There is a test that we are now being made to prove before God where we stand– it is the acceptance of our present truth– The Lord’s message of Elijah. Where do you stand? Do you cower and mumble under your breath that you believe, yet when the opportunity comes to step forward, you retreat back? God does not miss this. He is watching us and what we do with His truth today. Are we like Debra or the blind man’s parents? Willing to acknowledge truth only as long as we can hold our church membership?

SOP says –-“God means that testing truth shall be brought to the front and become a subject of examination and discussion, even if it is through the contempt placed upon it.” (Testimonies, vol. 5, p.453)

Yes we are counseled to be as “wise as serpents and harmless as doves”(Matt 10:16), but at no time are we called to deny His truth. God knows how to test each of us and that test will be bearable. We only have to step forward when called. Often, such as in my example, we can proclaim His truth and can still be a part of the church. Yet, we must use good judgment and wisdom and most importantly–love.

Here’s another example of trusting the approval of man instead of God. About three years ago, I became friends with “Dean” (name changed) from our church. We talked one morning before service in the foyer. I had mentioned that I had a great study on the 144,000. His ears perked up and he said, “Do you? I would love to see that.” So I promised him that I would bring the CD audio to church the following Sabbath.

The next Sabbath I handed it to him and he listened that week. The next Sabbath I met him before service again in the foyer. “Wow” he said. “That study is awesome! We need to make copies of this and spread to our church.” I readily agreed ( I had not been demoted as Deacon at this point). So the next week I came with several copies to give him. He again voiced a most positive attitude. He agreed that the Scriptures and SOP both teach that the 144,000 is a literal number. Keep in mind these CD’s were composed of Scripture and SOP, nothing else.

Fast forward a couple of months. One day after speaking as a pre-Sabbath school attendant to the church (which I was asked to do on several occasions), and after receiving several complimentary comments from  the members, a church elder told me that the temporary pastor (we were in transition in finding a new pastor) wanted to speak to me later that week in his office.

Well, as I have posted before, someone got upset at the straight testimony I gave and told the pastor I was teaching Shepherd’s Rod teachings. Later I did not deny I was a believer in the meeting and was asked to either deny the teachings or be demoted from deacon to regular member. Obviously I chose truth and accepted their decision.

Later Dean got wind , as did many in the church, of my affiliation with the Lord’s Elijah message. From then on he acted as if I had leprosy! Just a quick “hi” as he passed me by. I knew he had chosen the church over the Truth. So sad yet very common.

In our last example, we remember Joshua and Caleb. Out of the vast multitude, only two adults were able to step forward and say they believe in the Lord. All the rest cowered at standing up for these two unpopular servants! Sure, there may have been quite a few that mumbled under their breath that they admired Joshua’s and Caleb’s courage, but God wants action, not wishy-washy lukewarmness! (Rev. 3:16)

In closing, let us truly love Truth. Man’s approval does not and should not supersede God’s approval. My Dad used to be a championship race car driver, and I remember telling him “You know Dad, our life on this earth is a test run, practice laps, for the main event.” In other words, we must qualify here before we can make the main event–heaven. Yes indeed, we are to step forward and “love the truth” even if it means we become unpopular and/or avoided. Our Lord was our perfect example!

“Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.” (Isaiah 66:5)

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

Posted in Christian walk, Courage, The spirit of predjudice | 3 Comments »

Qualifying for the Loud Cry (Part 3 of 3)

February 14, 2015

Loud Cry (3)

Before we get into our last post, we’d like to show you a current fuzzy and I do mean fuzzy,  popular church “purification” belief among many SDA today. It basically goes something like this–  The soon to be enacted Sunday law will drive all the “weak” and “unsure” SDA out of the church. This threat will cause them to capitulate and get out of the SDA church , for fear of losing their privileges (job, income, peer acceptance, etc.). The mark of the beast (official recognition by the state) will thus be the “cleanser” as it were, and cause a sort of purification.

Our all-knowing Lord saw this fuzzy idea way back then and had the Elijah prophet soundly dismantle it.

Question No. 68:

    Is the church to be purified before the enforcement of the beast’s decree as predicted in Revelation 13:15-17? Or will this drastic decree be the means of purifying the church by sifting from her those who are disloyal to the Truth?

Answer:

  If it be true that the beast’s decree is to sift out the unconverted (the tares) that are in the church then one must conclude that the beast is not symbol of a power of dragon-like principle, but a heaven-sent agency, sent to cast out the tare which the dragon has brought in!

 From Ezekiel 9 we see that not the “beast,” but the angels are to do this. After the one with the writer’s inkhorn by his side mark those who sigh and cry for the abominations that are done in their midst, the five with slaughter weapons follow on to slay all who are left with out the mark. And this great purgation, as both the prophecy itself and the Testimonies specifically state, takes place in the church. (See Testimonies To Ministers, p. 445; Testimonies, Vol. 3 pp. 266, 267; Testimonies, Vol. 5, pp. 210, 211; also Tract No. 1, The Dardanelles of the Bible.)

  It is Satan’s predetermined purpose to pollute the church by multiplying instead of reducing the disloyal members. And if his most drastic fiat is to purify the church, then to what purpose does the Lord “suddenly come to His temple…and…sit as a refiner and purifier of silver” (Mal. 3:1-3); why is a message to cause the l shaking (Early Writings, p. 270); and why are the angels of Ezekiel 9, those who “shall come forth,” to “sever the wicked from among the just”? Matt. 13:49.

  Is this burden of the purifying work, Satan’s or the Lord’s? Satan is doing nothing to purify the church, but is doing everything to pollute it.

   Therefore the beast’s decree and his rigid enforcement of it, are not for the purpose of purifying the church, but for the purpose of blockading the way out of Babylon, thereby holding the world captive. This he does specifically to halt the steady flow of multitudes of converts to the then already purged and purified church. In spite, however of the Enemy’s heaviest efforts to keep them in Babylon, the faithful will come out.

They will take heed to the Lord’s counsel: “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” Rev. 14:9, 10.(Answerer , vol. 3, Q-68)

Upon review of the above , we can clearly see why their idea is not well thought out. You see, Satan can work with those who are shallow thinkers. Those who don’t look deeply into issues, weighing the whole picture. Let us not be one of those, rather those who are actively “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).

As we proceed, the clear light will be obvious that the only cleanser possible for the church will be–our King. And that, sadly, must be by direct act. Those 39 quotes we have already seen constitute a preponderance of evidence showing His plans.

But let us now review and delve into some of the particular references that bring a clear picture of the Loud Cry people and the reasons for their select qualifications. To begin with let’s look at a couple Inspired references that show what the Loud Cry people who make it must show. We’ll go through a   sequence of events that leads to the qualification to be “on the field” on that day.

1) Overcome our own sins by the power of Christ through the Holy Spirit

“Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation.” (Testimonies, volume 1, p.187)

“Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost.” (Testimonies, vol. 5, p.214)

2) Once this victory is achieved to the very end of our  SDA probation, the solemn church judgment begins in the church. Remember the great test today, that must be passed for us as SDA,  is the knowledge, acceptance and obedience of His pleading Elijah message, our “present truth.”

“I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that  the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.”(Rev. 3:18)

“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)

“God means that testing truth shall be brought to the front and become a subject of examination and discussion, even if it is through the contempt placed upon it.” (Testimonies, vol. 5, p.453)

The church purification references have been shown in part 1 and 2.

3) The surviving number from the church shall be the prophesied–144,000. No more no less. This is the ” most startling revelation” (TM p.445).It is the fulfillment of the following–

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.(Matt. 7:13-14)

And I heard the number of them which were sealed:and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.(Rev. 7:4)

(See our post “Who Comprises the S.D.A Church” https://godsloveandlaw.com/2014/08/09/who-comprises-the-s-d-a-church/

Note: Unfortunately Satan has spread the false idea that there will be more than 144,000 sealed from the SDA church. He gets people to “add” to God’s word (ie. God lied and there is really more than 144,000 sealed from His remnant church). Once he gets people to go along with this idea and spread it, he gets you to be a commiter of crime of which there is no remedy  —

“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. 22:18-19)

“In the last vision given me, I was shown the startling fact that but a small portion of those who now profess the truth will be sanctified by it and be saved. Many will get above the simplicity of the work. They will conform to the world, cherish idols, and become spiritually dead. The humble, self-sacrificing followers of Jesus will pass on to perfection, leaving behind the indifferent and lovers of the world.I was pointed back to ancient Israel. But two of the adults of the vast army that left Egypt entered the land of Canaan. ” (Testimonies, vol. 1, p.608)

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

4) After the church is composed of only “wheat”, the “permitted” are then empowered by the Holy Spirit to go with God’s power to do a great work for the world, those stuck in Babylon and those who have never had a chance to know God’s light.

“As the third message swells to a loud cry and as great power and glory attend the closing work, the faithful people of God will partake of that glory. it is the latter rain which revives and strengthens them to pass through the time of trouble.” ( Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p.984)

“I saw that this message will close with power and strength  far exceeding the midnight cry.” (Early Writings, p.278)

 “In visions of the night, representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among God’s people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the great day of Pentecost.” (Testimonies, vol. 9, p.126)

“The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close.” (GC. p.611-612)

“As the end approaches , the testimonies of God’s servants will become more decided and more powerful.” (Selected Messages, vol. 3, p.407)

5) Upon this wisdom and power from God, the church will be known the world over, for its powerful truth and conquering power.

“Clad in the armor of Christ’s righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. ‘Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners’ (Song of Solomon 6:10) , she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer.” (Prophets and Kings, p.725)

“During the loud cry the church, aided by the providential interpositions of her exalted Lord, will diffuse the knowledge of salvation so abundantly that light will be communicated to every city and town. (EV, p.694) 

“The time is coming when there will be as many converted in a day as there were on the Day of Pentecost, after the disciples had received the Holy Spirit.”(EV.p.692)

“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..” (Jer. 51:20)

“And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.” (Zech. 12:3)

In describing Ezekiel 10, SOP says — “The live coal is symbolical of purification, and it also represents the potency of the efforts of God’s true servants. To those who make so full a consecration that the Lord can place His touch upon their lips, the word is spoken, Go forth into the harvest field. I will cooperate with you.”(Gospel Workers, p. 23)

Summary

So there we have it, a synopsis of the qualifications for being allowed to proclaim the Loud Cry. As we always try to point out, to gain the victory, we must know the enemy attacks and battle plan. Satan knows all too well that he must confuse the message of the hour. He must lead the remnant to ignore the last message brought from the Lord to His Elijah prophet. Are you falling for his deception? Or are you seeing through his wiles and picking up the truth for us today? For those who are faithful readers of this blog, don’t think God is not leading you! I am but a channel of which He works, all these teachings I am given, it does not come from my own knowledge. But as we decide to strive to be one of the 144,000, He guides us ever so beautifully into– “all truth” (John 16:13).

“If there is a point of truth that you do not understand, upon which you do not agree, investigate, compare scripture with scripture, sink the shaft of truth down deep into the mine of God’s word. You must lay yourselves and your opinions on the altar of God, put away your preconceived ideas, and let the Spirit of heaven guide into all truth.”– Review and Herald, Feb. 18, 1890.

May we soon meet on the “harvest field” and join hands and go to this glorious work, and become one of the “great and strong people, the like of whom has never been..”(Joel 2:2)

Posted in Church, Loud Cry | 2 Comments »

Qualifying for the Loud Cry (Part 2 of 3)

February 7, 2015

Loud Cry 2 In part one we saw SOP clearly point out that the Lord will soon be  “taking the reins in His own hands.”(Testimonies to Ministers, p.300). A foretelling of the long-awaited church purification. Now we’d like to show Scripture that shows the same.   Before we show the following quotes, let us remember the counsel of the Spirit of Prophecy — “Each of the ancient prophets  spoke less for their time than for ours, so that their prophesying is in force for us.” (Selected Messages, vol. 3, p.338)

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

 

Isaiah 4:3-5 – And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: and the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense.

Isaiah 10:20-21 – And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as have escaped of the house of Jacob, will never again depend on him who defeated them, but will depend on the LORD,the Holy One of Israel in truth. The remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob to the Mighty God.

Isaiah 52:1 – Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

 

Isaiah 66:16-20 – For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many. They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine’s flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD. For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.

And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.And I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.

And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD.

Jeremiah 8:11-12 –  Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD. I will surely consume them, saith the LORD:there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them.

Jeremiah 23:18-20 – For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it? Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.

Zephaniah 1:12 –  And it shall come to pass at that time,  I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.

Obadiah 1:17 – But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the LORD hath spoken.

Malachi 3:1-5 –  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. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. 

Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years. And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

1 Peter 4:17 – For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Joel 2:1-11 – Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them,

The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks: Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.

They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Psalms 50:1–   The mighty God,  the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.

Nahum 1:15 – Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.

Revelation 12:15 -17- And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 14:14-16 – And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

We have seen an overwhelming amount of Scripture and SOP pointing to the remnant church soon being purified. In part 3 we will try to put it together , showing how, why and when  the Lord must have a qualifying group to finally “get the job done” so ALL the saints, the elect (144,000), the resurrected and the great multitude (Rev. 7:9- called out of Babylon) can make the trek to the heavenly kingdom for the Millennium.

 

Posted in Church, Loud Cry | 1 Comment »

Qualifying for the Loud Cry (Part 1 of 3)

January 31, 2015

loud dry

Many of us are aware that to qualify for a select group, a group that consist of the very best at that particular endeavor, one must “make the cut” as it were. Examples would be major league Baseball or Football. Acceptance to a major university such as Harvard is another example. But how about the great final team of God? Those who will be honored and privileged to be “a people come, great and strong, the like of whom has never been; nor will there ever be any such after them, even for many generations.”(Joel 2:2). Those who will give the Loud Cry?

Yes indeed, there are qualifications that must be made to be able to be among the greatest people who ever lived. Let us look at these and present a clear picture of the scenario that is about to happen and how we must be sure we qualify. For if we don’t, oh, how devastating!

To begin with we shall start with Inspired references showing that the Lord will do what we as present truth believers know– a church purification.  As we have studied on our posts concerning the “seal of God”, we know that without this seal, we shall not stand in the upcoming solemn event of the Ezekiel 9 church purification.

So our very first qualification must be to have the seal of God in our foreheads. Inspiration makes it clear how serious the qualification–

“Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost.” (Testimonies, vol. 5, p.214)

As we’ve learned a “spot or stain” is a repetitive sin that we engage in and do not overcome. This results in or spot or stain upon our soul. If we continue to partake in world attractions ( movies, TV, popular music, dancing, games, world entanglements of any kind), or partake in repeated carnal sins,  we separate ourselves from Him.

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2)

“The tares and wheat are now commingled, but then the one hand that alone can separate them will give to everyone his true position. Those who have had the light of truth, and heard the warning message, heard the invitation to the marriage supper-farmer, merchant, lawyer, false shepherds who have quieted the convictions of the people, unfaithful watchmen who have not sounded the warning or known the time of night–all who have refused obedience  to  the laws of the kingdom of God,  will have no right therein.”(Testimonies to Ministers, p.235) 

Let us be ever mindful that the Lord’s Elijah message has brought a final and clear understanding of what constitutes the “laws of the kingdom of God.” The message of the Spirit of Prophecy basically tells us to keep His Commandments and to obey faithfully His Sabbath. The Elijah message confirms this understanding but, and we cannot miss this, we are to validate our walk with Him. We are to be “sighers and criers” of the abominations (sins) done in our church and our own life. For us, this is omni-important! The essence is that in order to qualify for the great work of giving the Loud Cry, we must have the Truth, which the Lord’s sent to us via His Elijah prophet.

We as the corporate body of SDA have not done well in God’s eyes. We have indeed “steadily retreated towards Egypt.” So what must God do about it? Let us now look at prophetic statements concerning His future plans.

The following 24 quotes are all from the Spirit of Prophecy.

1) “The triumph of the church is very near, the reward to be bestowed is almost within our reach, and yet iniquity is found among those who claim to have the full blaze of heaven’s light.

He who presides over His church and the destinies of nations is carrying forward the last work to be accomplished for this world. To His angels He gives the commission to execute His judgments. Let the ministers awake, let them take in the situation.The work of judgment begins at the sanctuary, “And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brazen altar.” Read Ezekiel 9:2-7.” (Testimonies to Min. p.431)

2) “The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out—the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place.” (2 Selected Messages , p.380)

3) “While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven..there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth.” (GC, p.425)

4) “Many, I saw, were flattering themselves that they were good Christians, who have not a single ray of light from Jesus. They know not what it is to be renewed by the grace of God. They have no living experience for themselves in the things of God. And I saw that the Lord was whetting His sword in heaven to cut them down. Oh that every lukewarm professor could realize the clean work that God is about to make among His professed people!  Dear friends, do not deceive yourselves concerning your condition. You cannot deceive God. Says the True Witness: “I know thy works.” The third angel is leading up a people, step by step, higher and higher. At every step they will be tested.”(Testimonies, vol. 1, p.190)

5)“Angels keep a faithful record of every man’s work, and as judgment passes upon the house of God, the sentence of each is recorded by his name, and the angel is commissioned to spare not the unfaithful servants, but to cut them down at the time of slaughter.” (Testimonies, vol.1, p.198)

6) “Here we see that the church–the Lord’s sanctuary–was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God’s power as in former days. Times have changed.

These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus “Peace and safety” is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God’s people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children all perish together. “(Testimonies, vol.5, p.211)

7) “God has not changed toward His faithful servants who are keeping their garments spotless. But many are crying, “Peace and safety,” while sudden destruction is coming upon them. Unless there is thorough repentance, unless men humble their hearts by confession and receive the truth as it is in Jesus, they will never enter heaven. When purification shall take place in our ranks, we shall no longer rest at ease, boasting of being rich and increased with goods, in need of nothing.” (Testimonies, vol. 8, p.250)

8) “There is a lack of moral and spiritual power throughout our Conferences. Many churches do not have light in themselves. The members do not give evidence that they are branches of the True Vine, by bearing much fruit to the glory of God, but appear to be withering away…They understand not the true application of the Scriptures, nor the power of God. They have eyes, but they see not; ears have they, but they hear not; they continue in their evil ways, yet regard themselves as the privileged, obedient people who are doers of the word.

A carnal security and ease in Zion prevail. Peace, peace, is sounded in her borders, when God has not spoken peace. They have forfeited the terms of peace; there is reason for an alarm to be sounded in all “my holy mountain.” The sinners in Zion should be afraid, in a time when they do not expect it, sudden destruction will surely come upon all who are at ease.” (RH December 23, 1890)

9) “God has promised that where the shepherds are not true He will take charge of the flock Himself. God has never made the flock wholly dependent upon human instrumentalities. But the days of purification of the church are hastening on apace. God will have a people pure and true. In the mighty sifting soon to take place we shall be better able to measure the strength of Israel. The signs reveal that the time is near when the Lord will manifest that His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor.”(Testimonies, vol. 5, p.80)

10) “The plain, straight testimony must live in the church, or the curse of God will rest upon His people as surely as it did upon ancient Israel because of their sins. God holds His people, as a body, responsible for the sins existing in individuals among them. If the leaders of the church neglect to diligently search out the sins which bring the displeasure of God upon the body, they become responsible for these sins.” (Testimonies, vol. 3, p.270)

11) “God’s displeasure is upon His people, and He will not manifest His power in the midst of them while sins exist among them and are fostered by those in responsible positions.” (Testimonies, vol. 3, p.267)

12) “The purging and cleansing will surely pass through every church in our land that has had great opportunities and privileges, and has passed them by unheeded. More evidence is not what they want. They need pure and sanctified hearts to gather up and retain all the light that God has given, and then they will walk in that light.”( TM p.414, under heading TO MINSTERS and WORKERS)

13) “Study the 9th chapter of Ezekiel. These words will be literally fulfilled; yet the time is passing, and the people are asleep. They refuse to humble their souls and to be converted. Not a great while longer will the Lord bear with the people who have such great and important truths revealed to them, but who refuse to bring these truths into their individual experience. The time is short. God is calling; will you hear? Will you receive His message? Will you be converted before it is too late? Soon, very soon, every case will be decided for eternity.” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, p.260)

14) “The great issue so near at hand will weed out those whom God has not appointed and He will have a pure, true, sanctified ministry prepared for the latter rain..” (Selected Messages, vol. 3, p.385)

15) “As we near the judgment, all will manifest their true character, and it will be made plain to what company they belong. The sieve is moving. Let us not say : Stay Thy hand, O God. The church must be purged, and it will be.” (Testimonies, vol. 1, p.100)

16) “The desolation of Jerusalem stands as a solemn warning before the eyes of modern Israel, that the corrections given through His chosen instruments cannot be disregarded with impunity.”(Testimonies, vol. 4, p.167)

17) “There is chaff among us, and this is why we are so weak.” (Testimonies, vol. 1, p.288)

18) “Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what is may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation.”( Testimonies, vol. 1, p.187, 188)

19) “The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close.” (GC, p.611)

20) “The time of God’s destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who have no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched; His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter. Large numbers will be admitted who in these last days hear the truth for the first time.” (RH, July 5, 1906)

21) “When God was about to smite the first-born of Egypt, He commanded the Israelites to gather their children from among the Egyptians into their own dwellings and strike their door posts with blood, that the destroying angel might see it and pass over their homes. It was the work of parents to gather in their children. This is your work, this is my work, and the work of every mother who believes the truth. The angel is to place a mark upon the forehead of all who are separated from sin and sinners, and the destroying angel will follow, to slay utterly both old and young.” (Testimonies, vol. 5, p.505)

22) “Only those who have withstood temptation in the strength of the Mighty One, will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming it (the 3rd angel message) when it shall have swelled into the Loud Cry.”(RH, Nov.19, 1908)

23) “Just how soon this refining process will begin, I can not say, but it will not be long deferred.He whose fan is in His hand will cleanses His temple of its moral defilement. He will thoroughly purge His floor. (Testimonies to Ministers, p.373)

24) God will uses ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness.” (Testimonies for Ministers, p.300)

Next week, we’ll show some Scripture quotes that show this same church purification then we’ll finish our series in part 3 by adding it all up and addressing the reasons for His necessity of having qualified people for the Loud Cry.

Posted in Church, The Loud Cry | 6 Comments »

“Little Things Mean A Lot”

January 24, 2015

head covering -4

One of the most popular songs written in the mid-50’s was called, “Little things mean a lot”, sung by a singer named Kitty Kallen. She sings of the small and seemingly insignificant things of life, and how they really do mean–a lot. Let us look at the truth of this statement.

Our great King, Whom I have often called the “God of Details”, through His Word has spoken much on “little things”, things that we may think as minor, but are they really?

Our great King, as we have mentioned, makes such small pin point perfect little designs in His flowers, even with striking colors. Just pick one up and look closely and see the detailed work! How much more is He going to be particular in the details of our converted life?

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much:” (Luke 16:10)

With this understanding clearly in mind, the Lord has inspired me this week to discuss a very important custom that may seem “little” or insignificant yet is not. It’s the sometimes controversial–women’s head covering.

Our Christian discussions and understanding of this topic predominantly centers on the following Bible verses–

“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is  the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. But every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, for as much as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For man did not come from woman, but woman came from man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this reason, and because the angels are watching, a woman should wear a covering on her head to show she is under authority. In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, and man is not independent of woman. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him. But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. ” (1 Cor. 11:3-16)

Ah Paul, why do you make things so complicated :-)? When we read the above we get clarity from the first 95% of what was written, yet at the end we see this clarity become hazy. Sort of like –huh?? What I mean is that the last sentence seems to say–“But if you don’t want to do these instructions, and some of you argue about it–then forget it!” But is that the true take away from these important instructions?

Did not our all perfect knowing Lord realize that at the end of time (our time) we would need clarity on certain verses and “truth” that frankly have us puzzled? Yes indeed.

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elijah truly shall first come, and restore all things.”(Matt 17:11)

His last end time prophet’s job was to clear up any confusion. Restoring the Truth to it’s brilliant luster, giving the truth hungry people what they want and need– powerful and clear Truth with no confusion!

So let us now see what His Elijah prophet said about our subject. Keep in mind this message is the FINAL word on any subject matter and therefore must be taken very seriously. These things said by the prophet contain the Lord’s prophesied —“gold refined in the fire” (Rev.3:18) that we must “buy”. If we neglect these last instructions we shall indeed stand “wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked”.

SHALL THE WOMAN LEAVE HER HAT ON WHEN THE MAN TAKES HIS OFF?

Question No. 119:

   What does Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 11  concerning the woman covering her head? Does not verse 15 show that the hair is her covering?

Answer:

   “But I would,” says the Holy Spirit, “have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” 1 Cor. 11:3.

   Note the order in which divinity and humanity are linked: God, Christ, the man, the woman. Thus it is that “every man praying or prophesying,  having his head covered, dishonoureth his head [God]. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth  her head [the man]: for that is even all one as if she where shaven.

For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn [that is, if a woman will not wear a hat, then let her cut off her hair]: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered [let her wear a hat]. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.” 1 Cor. 11:4-8.

   This scripture plainly teaches that a man ought to take his hat off when praying or prophesying (teaching the Scriptures), while the woman should put hers on.

   One could not logically conclude from 1 Cor. 11:15  that the woman’s hair is the covering referred to.  If such were the case, then logically the man should shave his head in order to make the distinction between the two.

   Moreover, if the woman’s hair is the covering required, then why would the Scriptures say she is to wear it when “praying or prophesying”? What else could she do? And could she take off her hair (covering) when not praying, unless she wore a wig?

   The Scriptures therefore make it clear that any religious occasion which requires the man to take his hat off, requires the woman to put hers on. (Answerer, vol. 5, Q-119)

Ah again! A restoration of a seemingly confusing topic! Our souls should jump for joy as the Lord has restored a custom that, even to this very day within our SDA church, has been rejected for the most part. Just walk into any SDA Sabbath service across the world and you’ll see nearly all the women without any head covering!

The big question is–Are we to do what the Lord has told us to do through His final prophet? Or are we to put vanity, current church customs, or ignorance before His Word? To our ladies, I would say–do the right thing, as this constitutes the majority of the head covering problem within our church today. However this is not solely a women issue today, there are men who come to church with hats on and leave them on while in the sanctuary. Both are an offense to the Lord, let’s not kid ourselves.

Today, the women and young ones are fortunate to have many different designs to choose from.  Below are just a few examples.

head covering-3  head coverings --5 head coveing--6 head covering-7 head covering-8

Once a converter to His Word begins to obey, even in this seemingly small thing, I believe they will start to experience a commensurate blessing. A new “bounce” in their step  due to the Lord’s blessings.

“Oh, how important it is that faithfulness in little things characterize our lives, that true integrity mark all our course of action, and that we ever bear in mind that angels of God are taking cognizance of every act!” (Testimonies, vol. 2, p.158)

It is often said and even believed that we as SDA have the light for the world today, yet do we show God, our brethren, the angels, and the world that we walk in it? Look at the church we sometimes call “Babylon”, the Catholic Church, even they know to a certain degree the truth about proper head coverings. Granted, even there Satan has told the women to be “in style” and discontinue it, yet quite a few Catholics abide in the Word in this regard.

We as present truth believers know that we must “sigh and cry” for the abominations done within the church, if we are to get the seal of God in our foreheads (see Ezek.9 and Testimonies vol. 5, p.210-212). If the Lord wants head covering honor within His sanctuary, are we going to snub Him and ignore that?

In closing let us remember, — “Little things” do indeed mean a lot to the Lord, and they should mean a lot to us as well.

“You may not understand all there is about it, but that would not excuse you from doing faithfully the little things which you already perfectly know. Start with the A B C’s in the science of reform as you would in a grade school, gradually climbing up the ladder of perfection as you would from the first grade up to a course in a. university. As you are unable to understand in the schools of the world the higher grades ahead of the lower, so you will never learn all the science in physiology or the mysteries in the laws of God from its heights down or all at once. Moreover, if you are not willing to do correctly the little things in life, what will it compel you to agonize in prayer for the power you need to accomplish the great thing?”(Sym. Code, vol.2, no.1, p.3)

Posted in Christian walk, Humility, Obedience | 6 Comments »

Who really is a Davidian Seventh-day Adventist?

January 17, 2015

Davidian Flag

A few posts back we talked about how some people really have no clue who a Davidian Seventh-day Adventist really is. Recently, I had witnessed a certain woman on the SDA online chat message site, basically say that she thinks the “Davidians” will someday soon rise up within the SDA churches around the world and commit Ezekiel 9 like slaughter!

As I tried to reason with her that it was a deceiving spirit and not God who was guiding her in this regard, it made no change to her fanatical beliefs. But a greater cord was struck, as to how so many people, particularly SDA people, have zero clue who a DSDA really is.

The history has been covered in other posts on this blog (see Victor Houteff, and Davidian SDA headings) so I’d like to focus on who and what they are–now.

So we’ll ask some general questions and give the answers.

**1) Do Davidians have their own churches?

No. Some have individual church like structures  on their grounds. The organizations use them for gatherings such as their annual sessions and other meetings through out the year.

The message , as we showed in last week’s post, tells us to stay in the SDA churches. Victor Houteff was clear about this. So Davidians prefer to attend the SDA churches, ever ready to meet and discuss “present truth” with any and all who will listen,

2) What are the beliefs of the Davidians?

They believe in ALL of the fundamental SDA beliefs, with an additional 14 beliefs. They believe that Ellen White was a prophetess of God. They’re more likely to try to abide by her much written–health, dress and worship reforms than their SDA counterparts. Click here to view the doctrinal beliefs – http://www.shepherds-rod-message.org/tracts/fundamental_beliefs.html

3) Why do many SDA have largely false views and understanding of Davidians?

This subject is vast but suffice to say, our adversary has been behind this. The prime example is how Satan infiltrated the pure and wholesome movement of the Davidian SDA back in the mid 50’s with an off-shoot called “Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventists”.

Then later it developed into the Waco movement of David Koresh and gang. But Satan achieved his goal by leading this off-shoot from the original Davidians , to slander and disrupt the real Davidian cause. Hence today, many SDA and even those in the world connect the word “Davidian” to Branch Davidians, which then leads them to be fearful and skeptical of anything “Davidian”.

Our King has advice to those who would “lean upon flesh” instead of seeking the Truth out on their own-

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

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matt 7:7-8)

4) What are some of the life-style differences of Davidians?

They believe in a more strict converted lifestyle. They are more likely to live a “reformed” life than their SDA counterparts. For instance, they are strict vegetarians, non-movie goers, rarely watch much TV, frequently doing Scripture, Elijah message, or Spirit of Prophecy studies by themselves or with groups.

On Sabbath, you’ll find the women wearing head covering in church, wearing longer dresses versus their SDA counterparts. The men dressed neat and presentable, often with shirt and tie. Almost always with a Bible in their hand. Jewelry in all forms and flashy items of clothes will be shunned by them.

Davidians, as mentioned,  are particular in following the Spirit of Prophecy writings in regard to dress, health and worship reform, try to be “doers of the word, not hearers only”.

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22)

Recently a Davidian woman and I had a nice phone conversation, where she told of learning the dress instructions from SOP a few years ago, and how later she excitedly told about them at a church meeting. She was splashed with cold water (figuratively) when some in the meeting called her “fanatical”. She went away shaking her head, wondering how some SDA can talk the talk but not walk the walk. Our Lord calls them–hypocrites.

5) What are the goals of the Davidians?

They want to show the SDA the Lord’s last message of hope and eternal life. The Elijah message is their chief message to the church. They believe it’s the present truth, and obedience to it gets us sealed to be able to stand in the upcoming church judgment.  They also believe deeply that all those who reject and/or ignore , however innocently, the Lord’s message of the hour, shall suffer the consequences as did the world, when it suffered the consequences by rejecting Noah’s message.

For the most part they deeply and truly care for their SDA counterparts. Unfortunately, there are some Davidians who, while proclaiming the message, become “Pharisaical” and show only “head knowledge” instead of including “heart knowledge” in the message.

6) If I want to become a Davidian, how do I do that?

First, understand by doing this, you step forward to be counted among the few and unpopular (just like the apostles did in Jesus’ time) within the SDA church. Your King, who set the example, was also scorned and murmured against. So you too must be prepared to suffer similar consequences.

Brother Houteff said the following–

WHAT IDENTIFIES ONE AS A DAVIDIAN SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST?

Question No. 150:

   As the Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Association does not have a formal membership what evidence can one give to identify himself as a member of the organization? And how can he establish the length of time he has been with it?

Answer:

 One’s support of the timely Davidian message, and his living out its principles (baptism, Sabbath observance along with the rest of the ten commandments, vegetarianism, dress reform total abstinence from tobacco and alcoholic beverages, and all else contained in the Spirit of Prophecy), are the truest witnesses of his affiliation, and the only genuine visible certification of the fact. These are the only absolutely convincing evidences of one’s worthiness to membership in the Davidian Seventh-day Adventist Association.

Just how long one has been a member of the Association depends entirely upon how long one has known and lived these principles.

   To those who make request, the Association will send an application blank for Fellowship. If the applicant is unable to comply in full with all the requirements of the message, then to his  application he must attach a satisfactory  statement of explanation. Otherwise a Certificate of Fellowship cannot be granted. (Answerer, vol. 5, Q-150)

IS ONE A MEMBER WITHOUT THE CERTIFICATE OF FELLOWSHIP?

Question No. 153:

   May one be a member of the Association without  holding a “Certificate of Fellowship?”

Answer:

   Yes, one may be a member without holding the Certificate of Fellowship. But to be an accredited  member, privileged to enjoy to the fullest all the benefits which the Association affords, he must hold the certificate.(Answerer, vol. 5, Q-153)

Obviously to become a Davidian, we must be walking in the reformed life. While not mandatory, if one desires to get the full benefits and privileges of being a Davidian, then joining one of the organizations should be done.

Additionally the Spirit of Prophecy made this statement–

“No need to depend on sanction of any minister or any people to do God’s work, God will vindicate you. ” (Testimonies, vol. 7, p.25)

So once we are committed to spreading God’s final message to His remnant church, it is left to each individual whether it’s right for them to be independent or join a group.

7) Do you recommend a certain organization?

There is one organization the Lord has guided me to recommend. While there are quite a few more, the following I believe is spreading the message faithfully.

IS IT MY DUTY TO SET RIGHT THE LORD’S TREASURY?

Question No. 98:

   Should we pay our tithe to the “storehouse” if we know that it is not used rightly?

Answer:

   Knowing that our tithe belongs to God’s storehouse, our greatest burden should be to see that it is faithfully paid there. Nowhere in the Bible do we find that the Lord has laid upon any tithe payer the policing of the channels through which these funds pass.

   The Lord’s treasury is under His control, and if He Himself should not see fit to correct an abuse in the handling of His money, certainly we could not correct it however hard we might try. If we guard carefully that part of His work which He entrusts to us, our only concern will be to find out where His “storehouse” is, and then faithfully to deposit His money there. He has not made us responsible for its use; that, He will personally take over–even as He is now “taking the reins in His own hands.”

   When the Promised Land was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, the tribe of Levi received no land for an inheritance, as did the eleven tribes. Instead, the Lord decreed that the tithes of the other tribes were to go to the Levites. This was their inheritance. It was actually their own. And just as they, as the tithe receivers, had no right to dictate to the others, the tithe payers, what to do with their own increase after it had been tithed, so the tithe payers had no right to dictate to the tithe receivers what to do with the tithe. Each tribe was itself to be accountable to the Lord for that which He had entrusted to it. Thus it must be today.(The Answerer, vol. 4, Q-98)

Pre11thhour Ministries

Literature


pre11thhour@gmail.com

Pre 11th Hour Ministry P.O. Box 237
Montalba, TX 75853

8) Are there any negative aspects concerning Davidians?

This is one of the reasons we find many different organizations claiming to be some type “Davidian” based group. Satan has infiltrated this area to a wide extent, but praise the Lord, a few groups, such as those mentioned already, have largely withstood his ploys and continued on proclaiming the message of Elijah to the church.

One of the primary problems within Davidia, is the adding and subtracting false doctrines to the original message. There is the “Branch Davidian SDA” who have added the teachings such as the Holy Spirit is a female being, we must keep the Biblical feast days, more prophets came after Victor T. Houteff, etc. All of these are NOT taught in the original Davidian message.

And the list goes on with other groups. But they all have a common denominator. They all believe brother Victor T. Houteff was a prophet. Hence, they get great light from God’s real prophet, but are not satisfied and either add or subtract to the “original” message as said in the Tracts, Symbolic Codes, Charts, Jezreel Letters, the Answerer volumes, or the two Shepherd’s Rod books.

But there is a Truth safeguard for all those who want , as the old saying goes, “The Truth and nothing but the Truth, so help me God.”  That is to STICK TO THE ORIGINAL WRITINGS!

We urge any who want to know the message to contact the above organization. They will be happy to send you packages of the message (Literature, Tracts, DVD’s etc.).

9) What is the most difficult problem now facing the Davidians?

There are a few areas that pose  problems within Davidia. Not just one “most difficult” area. The longstanding rejection of the Rod message by the SDA leaders continues to be a HUGE obstacle. Many are forced to remain somewhat quiet in actively promoting the message within the church. Again, as mentioned Satan is in direct control of this “silencing” of the message to a certain degree.

But praise the Lord, the Davidians are working nonetheless and many new converts are being added daily, especially with the new age media today (Facebook, online websites, videos, audio studies,chat rooms, etc.)

But soon the Lord’s “watchmen” shall sing together–

“Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, with their voices they shall sing together; For they shall see eye to eye when the LORD brings back Zion.”(Isaiah 52:8)

Another area, which is more within rather than without Davidia, is the long standing controversy on the “new codes” and whether they are really a true part of the Rod message or just “historical” reports  to be viewed in that setting.This is a complicated matter and we have addressed it on our sister site. Please read this report to get more information on this matter. https://hearyetherod.wordpress.com/2013/01/13/the-codes-whats-the-facts/

In closing,  Davidians today are the ones who are truly proclaiming the Lord’s Elijah message. Of them it can be said, they are — “striving”– to be among the 144,000.

“Let us strive with all power that 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)

(For a good summary article see Wikipedia –http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidian_Seventh-day_Adventist)

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