To the World or to the Church?

January 10, 2015

3 Angels messages

One of the hardest things I had to come to grips with, yet clearly saw after I studied the Lord’s Elijah message was–  not to go to the world right now with His gospel message. I know that those, who like me at one time, who do not know the Lord’s final plans for His remnant church, would feel as if not going to the world right now with His gospel plan would be truly foreign and almost heretical.

Yet, this is what we are told to do in His Elijah message! If we take the time to understand this, we see by God’s grace the wisdom and great love from our King , in these instructions. Let us look deeply into this subject.

First, as an example of where our church is at and what her motivations and goals are, let us look at a recent memo from James W. Gilley, 3ABN President. In their monthly magazine, he wrote the following-

“In all my years of ministry, I haven’t found a more effective, efficient, and powerful ministry than 3 ABN. Think about it–there’s not another ministry in the world with the impact and coverage that 3 ABN has when it comes to spreading the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14. Virtually every television and radio ministry of the Remnant Church uses 3 ABN as its primary carrier of Present Truth!

“Our work is to make sure that we’re listening to the Holy Spirit and are in full cooperation with Him, so we can be His tool for spreading these messages to a world that’s truly messed up with sin. Thank you for standing with us with the courage and determination to finish the task our Lord has given us.

“The Gospel to the World!” if not by television, radio, Internet , and media, then how? If not now when? Keep on keeping On with Jesus,”  —James W. Gilley, 3 ABN President (January 2015 magazine)

Unbeknownst to our friend, Mr. Gilley , those points and questions he makes are truly answered by the last message to His church. Unfortunately , 3 ABN, and almost every other mainstream outlet for our church has– ignored and/or rejected the only message that contains our “Present Truth.”

But this is all understandable, however unfortunate, due to the fact that Satan and his minions know all too well Scripture, and they know that the Lord’s Elijah message, if obeyed, hastens their demise! As soon as the 144,000th one is found  upon acceptance of His sealing message, their final time clock begins and it’s extremely short. Do we not think that Satan memorizes ALL Scripture and knows about the last prophet to come to the remnant church and his message(Mal. 4:5-6)? He hasn’t sit still whistling Dixie, rather went to work full time to trash and disrupt the Elijah message.

Ok, let us look at a direct question asked of brother Houteff concerning our subject–

WORK WITHIN OR WITHOUT?

Question No. 32:

On the one hand I find your literature teaching its believers not to leave the ranks of the Mother church, while on the other hand I find it causing no end of trouble to the church. How do you reconcile your precept with your example? Why not devote your time to evangelistic efforts, bringing erring souls to the knowledge of the Truth, and let the church alone?

Answer:

Assuredly we do believe that this is no time to be pulling apart, but indeed to be pressing together. And the message which we are bearing to the church, not only does not contain any doctrine or teaching which would warrant our leaving her ranks to become a separate cult, but does on the contrary absolutely forbid our doing so. For these reasons, we have from the beginning steadfastly refused, even in the face of abusive treatment, to leave the Mother church.

So far as we are concerned, therefore, existing controversy and schism is the responsibility of the Denomination’s leading brethren and none of ours, for we are only carrying out the Lord’s express precept and example never to sacrifice Truth. And they themselves admit that we should obey God rather than men. Upon them, therefore, rests the heavy guilt of repeating the tragic folly of the Jews in Christ’s time, by rejecting the message of the hour, “entering not in themselves” into the expansion of Truth, hindering those who would enter in, and casting out those who do enter in.

So, to devote our time to evangelizing the world while neglecting the church, would be a criminal act, one of highest treason both to God and to His people. The church must first be saved from her Laodicean condition of being “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” She, not the world, is just about to be spued out. She “is the only object on earth on which He bestows His supreme regard.”-Testimonies to Ministers, p. 15.

But in her present deplorable state of blindness and destitution as exposed by the True Witness (Rev. 3:14-18), she is utterly unfit for the task assigned her, and must be rescued from her sad deception before she can become a safe refuge and a saving influence to those who would join her ranks. Should God leave her in the Laodicean condition in which she now languishes, not only would she herself be lost but, in consequence, so also would the whole world along with her. He must therefore rouse her up or else raise up another to do the work which remains to be done.

Think, though, what an eternal joy it would be for Him to fit her up and use her to His glory, rather than to have to forsake her! So before raising up another as a last resort, He is trying to save her, and He will save her, as He promises:

“Satan will work his miracles to deceive, he will set up his power as supreme. 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 is separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place. None but those who have been overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony will be found with the loyal and true, without spot or stain of sin, without guile in their mouth. The remnant that purify their souls by obeying the truth gather strength from the trying process, exhibiting the beauty of holiness amid the surrounding apostasy ….

“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.”-B-55-1886.

Were the Lord—Who Himself when upon earth spent all His time in the exclusive endeavor to save His lost church then—to send us to the world rather than to His lost church today, He would not only be bringing in the innocent to perish with the guilty, but would also be completely reversing His own practice and contradicting His own orders to His apostles that they preach present truth to the church first (Matt. 10:5, 6).

In mercy and in consistency with His eternal procedure, therefore, He purposed that “while the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among [His] people upon earth.” This is her special work. “Then the church which…at His coming [He] is to receive to Himself will be ‘a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.”’-The Great Controversy, p. 425.

“The Lord does not now work to bring many souls into the truth,” furthermore says the Spirit of Truth, “because of the church-members who have never been converted, and those who were once converted but who have back slidden. What influence would these unconsecrated members have on new converts? Would they not make of no effect the God-given message which His people are to bear?”-Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 371.

But when the back slidden and the unconverted, the tares, are taken away, “then she will look forth ‘as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.”’-The Great Controversy, p. 425.

Yes, the honest heathen must and will be evangelized, but “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 10:6) must be sought first. How thankful, therefore, and how cooperative they ought to be, and will be, when they discover that rather than being rich and increased with goods, and in need of nothing, they are actually “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked”—in need of everything- and that the Lord is waiting for them to wake up to the fact so that He can make them what they ought to be.

For these reasons, God says now to work within the Laodicean congregation rather than without. And what He says, that He means, and we dare not disobey, regardless what men may say or do.

There can be no doubt about these instructions. We are to work within rather than work without. Yes, the time is coming when the great work (Loud Cry) will be exclusively that of reaching the world. For this is the crowning act of God’s final plan of redemption.

However the message tells us that there will be “Syrophoenicians” who by the Lord’s guiding shall come to us due to the fact that they are spiritually ready for the “message of the hour”. Brother Houteff speaks about this subject–

Question: When we are not working for sinners in Zion, then why not for sinners in the world? They are all sinners in the sight of God….He has given us light since 1844 and He does not mean for it to be hidden “under a bushel” but to lighten the world.”

   Answer: What is here said is true. If we are not working for sinners in Zion, we should be working for sinners in the world. However, if we truly understand and believe the message, we will be working for the sinners in Zion so much of the time that we will have no time left to work for the sinners in the world, save for the “Syrophoenicians.”

Then we would be doing our full part to hasten the day of the Loud Cry when the light, which He gave us in 1844 for to lighten the world, but which we have all along hid “under a bushel,” will finally reach every sinner.

   If the opposers of the SRod had lived in the days of John the Baptist, in the days of Christ, or in the first 3 1/2 years of the apostles, and had been in their present frame of mind, they would have taken their stand on the side of the rulers of Israel against the truth of that time.(Sym. Code, vol.1, no.7, p.7)

Let us look at a different perspective. Why do you suppose God would send someone in the “spirit and power of Elijah” as the last prophet instead of someone in the spirit and power of Noah for example?

Had He chose Noah, then this would have to be the type which the anti-type (our latter day prophet) would have to exemplify.  Noah preached his message to the world. He gave it for many years and it was solemn.

Elijah on the other hand did not give it to the world , did he? His was strictly to his people, God’s true church at that time. Therefore Elijah’s solemn message of revival and reformation perfectly fits His end time message today in anti-type. This is what our dear beloved brother Victor T. Houteff started, and was inspired to do. This message , which the Lord began through him, is now our message. It goes strictly to the church.

Let us ever remember that in Rev. chapter 3, we the people of the Laodicean church are about to be “sprued out” unless we humble ourselves and accept an unpopular and often despised message of the Lord’s–Shepherd’s Rod. The world is not about to be sprued out–we are!

So let us now answer Mr. Gilley’s questions and concerns.

1)“In all my years of ministry, I haven’t found a more effective, efficient, and powerful ministry than 3 ABN.

Effective by what measure? By numbers added to the church roll? The number of Baptisms?

“The Lord does not now work to bring many souls into the truth, because of the church members who have never been converted and those who were once converted but who have backslidden. What influence would these unconsecrated members have on new converts? Would they not make of no effect the God-given message which His people are to bear?” (Testimonies, vol. 6, p.371)

Whose work is it then now? If our Lord must have a pure church in which to pour out His Spirit to, to enable them to heal the sick , raise the dead, call the honest in heart out of Babylon, then the current effort to pollute (co-mingle the wheat and the tares) the church cannot be of God rather our adversary!

2) Virtually every television and radio ministry of the Remnant Church uses 3 ABN as its primary carrier of Present Truth!

Present Truth? How about truly looking at what “Present Truth” is? Did not the Lord promise to send His last day prophet Elijah to His church? Is not THIS MESSAGE our Present Truth today? is the prior present truth message of the “judgment of the dead” present truth now?

3)“The Gospel to the World!” if not by television, radio, Internet , and media, then how? If not now when?

When?

“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)

Do we now think that 3ABN and other host SDA channels, such as Amazing facts, Hope channel, etc,  are spreading the  3 angels’ messages to the world right now? How can this be when anyone and everyone can stand before a pulpit, a studio , a YouTube video, and attempt to proclaim it to the world, whether a over-comer or not?

God has promised a remnant church purification prior to the Loud Cry not after—

“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.” (Review and Herald, No. 19, 1908)

“The Lord will work to purify His church. I tell you in truth, the Lord is about to turn and overturn in the institutions called by His name. Just how soon this refining process will begin I cannot say, but it will not be long deferred.” – Testimonies to Ministers, p. 373

“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 wheat.This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place.” (Selected messages, vol. 2, p.380)

The world’s churches shall be purified as well–

“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)

“For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many…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 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.”(Isaiah 66:15,16,19,20)

In closing, we have seen that right now , in God’s perfect plan, we are to spend our time reaching those within our church with His message of the hour. Later we will , God willing, proclaim the Loud Cry which shall give the final Gospel proclamation to the world.

The big difference being that, instead of any and all non-overcomers trying to promote a false Loud Cry, the real over-comers will do it with the Lord’s power and majestic abilities. The church purification produces His servants who will do this, whom He calls– “a great people and a strong (people) there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.”

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. (Joel 2:1-2)

Posted in End times, Loud Cry, Present Truth, Proper teachings, The Loud Cry, Warning our brethren | 3 Comments »

The Depth of God’s Love

January 3, 2015

Satan before fall

We as finite human beings can image just  a sliver of the depth of God’s love. But when we take the time to dwell on it, we find it really baffles our mind. Let us look into this subject and hopefully gain another small sliver of its depth.

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

Our minds cannot truly envision the great things to come for those counted worthy to partake in eternity. We know that the streets shall be made up of gold, maybe similar as the below picture.

“And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”(Rev.21:21)

Gold street

In dwelling on this subject this week, I was guided to the subject of Satan. Why would Satan be connected to God’s great love? Let us look at this connection.

Ezekiel describes Satan’s beauty, “You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared. 

You were the anointed cherub who covers, And I placed you there. You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked in the midst of the stones of fire.

You were blameless in your ways From the day you were created Until unrighteousness was found in you.” (Ezekiel 28:13-15)

We see that God spared nothing in creating a most beautiful exalted creature. Satan was endowed with not only beauty but exceeding wisdom.

Ellen White describes more on Satan, “Lucifer in heaven, before his rebellion, was a high and exalted angel, next in honor to God’s dear Son. His countenance, like those of the other angels, was mild and expressive of happiness. His forehead was high and broad, showing a powerful intellect. His form was perfect; his bearing noble and majestic. A special light beamed in his countenance and shone around him brighter and more beautiful than around the other angels..” (The Story of Redemption, p.13)

So what connection is there? I believe the depth of God’s love is this– God made a being so beautiful, so powerful, so intelligent, that God was putting Himself on the line! By that I mean, He took a daring chance that He created a being  too beautiful, too powerful, too intelligent. God’s love went out on a  limb, because He envisioned a being that the heavenly host could admire and love as well. The generosity of His love truly was a marvel.

But, as well all know, God’s hope and dream was  not to be. Yet, what does this show us? That His love is truly deep and generous. Being God , He imparted those majestic qualities in Satan, along with Satan’s potentially dangerous freedom to exalt himself, which unfortunately he did.

In explaining what love truly is, apostle John, gives the straight answer, ” Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.  Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.(1 John 4:7-8)

So we see that  one of the greatest ingredients of God’s love is to make beings that have free choice, free will. But included in this great ingredient is God’s divine rules and regulations, in other words–structure.

Some of us remember the hippie days of the 60’s. The popular phrase was “Free Love”. They had these bumper stickers on the back of their vehicles, often the popular Volkswagen bus.But we remember that often their free love turned out to be disease, fighting, murder and general destruction in many cases.

One of the great misnomer  and false ideas is that of–unconditional love. There has never been nor never will be what is called unconditional love. All thinking and speaking beings are made to love, yet they always come with conditions. God for example cannot love in such a way to create a being that could destroy Him. Nor can He create a being and forever accept them, if they reject Him. He extends His love but His righteousness cannot disappear for the sake of “love”.

God has His supreme Law of the universe, called the 10 Commandments. One of His greatest acts of love for us, His human beings, is showing His great Law through His Son, our Lord, King and Savior–Jesus Christ.

Our King has clearly described in one place within the whole Bible that shows how we are to show we “love” Him.

“If you love Me, keep My Commandments.”(John 14:15)

Our prophetess speaks about His great love as our “first step”–

“The very first step in approaching God is to know and believe the love that He has for us; for it is through the drawing of His love that we are led to come to Him.” (M.B. p.155, 156)

When we really take the time to dwell upon how great and deep is His love, we cannot  help but come to the conclusion that we are so blessed, as to be awe-struck at who our God really is.

When we draw close to Him we start to envision more about Him. For instance I have found myself in tears just thinking about His long-suffering and patience, He has had for my worldly sinful ways. Decades of them!

In closing, as Human beings, we cannot fathom the depth of God’s love but we can use our finite minds to try to put together some pieces of its depth. Our most important duty right now is–obedience. In His great and merciful love He has sent His last message of hope and instruction. After this message reaches His beloved church within His allotted time, He can do no more.

Let us learn from Satan’s mistake. We can become obedient to His word as said through His Elijah prophet, if we humble ourselves. Satan’s downfall was his pride. God’s deep love reached out to him, but he would not. Will we submit and believe and obey His last message to us?

“.. Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 18:13)

Posted in Heaven, Humility, Loving the Lord, Satan | 2 Comments »

A Requirement For Entrance to the Upcoming Kingdom

December 27, 2014

seal in forehead

Last week, we concluded our post series on the half hour silence. But in order for those of us who wish to remain standing in that day, we must come to grips with reality. The Lord’s word says we must have the all important seal in our foreheads.Today we are faced with the supreme challenge– to get that seal in our foreheads. Satan and his minions are pulling at all stops to prevent God’s people from accepting His truth for us today, thereby getting our seal. Let us look at this most important subject. The Spirit of prophecy says –

“Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads–it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved–(MS, no.173, 1902)

This is very clear. We are told we must have a solid foundation in the Truth “both intellectually and spiritually.” Once we have this, we cannot be moved. Wow! This is quite a deep and powerful statement. Let’s expand upon this a little more. How do we get “settled” into the Truth? Well, we must look to the Holy Scriptures, first and foremost.

Let us follow It’s simple plan.

First, we must “know” Him first to know His Truth. Can we agree with this? How do we get to know Him?

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his Commandments.” (1 John 2:3)

There it is. IF and I repeat IF we keep them we will know Him. If we carelessly keep some of them and continue to break others, can we expect to know Him?

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his Commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”(1 John 2:4)

Second, we cannot fool God, He knows whether we are coveting, stealing, bearing false witness against our neighbor, carelessly keeping the Sabbath, etc.

Again, the Spirit of prophecy gives counsel—

“When one Commandment of the Decalogue is broken, the downward steps are almost certain.” (AH, p.58)

But once we truly give our best efforts to keep them each day of our life, we are then promised a spectacular promise. One that should make us leap for true joy and happiness.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.” (John 16:13)

Wow again! Do we understand this? It promises us to be guided into “all truth”! Did it say part truth? Of course not. That means that the Lord’s Spirit shall be a sort of “truth detector” in our lives. Now we ask, why is it important to know truth from error? Scripture is clear as well as the Rod message.

“He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.” ( 2 Thes. 2:10)

We see that our adversary is the counter truth (deception), and will snare us if we don’t know and keep His truth. Brother Houteff explains –

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

There are other aspects we need to know and obey.

Satan’s often successful trick is to have us teach and spread the Lord’s present truth , yet we ourselves are tripping up in our daily walk.

“There are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God in their foreheads. They had the light of truth, they knew their Master’s will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works. These who were so familiar with prophecy and the treasures of divine wisdom should have acted their faith. They should have commanded their households after them, that by a well-ordered family they might present to the world the influence of the truth upon the human heart.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p.213)

So as we see, our daily walk must be the prior prerequisite to our ability to teach and proclaim His Truth. Additionally, we as present truth believers, know that the message is clear. We must sigh and cry for our own sins and those of the church. Both are required.

Question No. 21:

What is the seal of God upon the foreheads of the 144,000 (Rev. 7:3)? Is it the Sabbath seal or something else?

Answer:

Being sealed in Christ “with that Holy Spirit of promise,” after having “heard the word of truth” (Eph. 1:13- 4:30), the saints are consequently sealed by Present Truth—the truth preached in their own day.

“The seal of the living God,” the Truth, by which the 144,000 are sealed (Rev. 7:2), is a special seal, being the same as “the mark” of Ezekiel 9. (See Testimonies to Ministers, p. 445; Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 267; Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 211).

It demands one’s sighing and crying over the abominations which defile him, and which desecrate both the Sabbath and the house of God, especially against selling literature and raising goals during Sabbath services. As the saints have this seal or mark on their foreheads, the angels will pass over them, not slay them.

It is equivalent to the blood on the door post on the night of the Passover in Egypt. The angel is to place a mark upon the foreheads of all who by sighing over their own sins, and over the sins in the house of God, show fidelity to the Truth.

Then the destroying angels will follow, to slay utterly both old and young who have failed to receive the seal. (See Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 505)

So, the former seal enables the receiver to rise from the dead in the resurrection of the just, while the latter seal enables the sighing-crying one to escape death and forever to live for God. (Answerer, vol. 2, Q-21)

Let me give you two examples of brethren who, even unbeknowest to themselves, are showing the Lord they are not sealed in the forehead with His present truth requirements.

1) A brother after being showed that the Elijah message condemns unholy dressing (specifically worldly short shirts) in the Lord’s sanctuary, says to the sister who warns him, “Sister we must have the Lord’s love and patience. Let them be, they will learn to do the right thing in time, the Lord will work on their heart.”

While this is true it is not complete truth. It smacks the face of Inspired counsel. The brother is guilty of the following–

I have been shown that God here illustrates how He regards sin among those who profess to be His commandment-keeping people. Those whom He has specially honored with witnessing the remarkable exhibitions of His power, as did ancient Israel, and who will even then venture to disregard His express directions, will be subjects of His wrath. He would teach His people that disobedience and sin are exceedingly offensive to Him and are not to be lightly regarded.

He shows us that when His people are found in sin they should at once take decided measures to put that sin from them, that His frown may not rest upon them all. But if the sins of the people are passed over by those in responsible positions, His frown will be upon them, and the people of God, as a body, will be held responsible for those sins. (Test. for the Church,vol. 3, p.265)

2) A brother , after being shown that the Elijah message condemns plate passing(bag) in His holy sanctuary during Sabbath services, justifies his dis-obedience because a few passages from Spirit of Prophecy seem to show it’s practice back in Ellen White’s day. The message clearly tells us that the Lord accepts only “free-will” offerings. A deposit box somewhere in the church property is to be where the people “freely” give their Tithes and offerings. Today, each and every Sabbath we see someone do the song and dance up there from the podium, basically begging for money. Then doing the “Roman” custom of putting the bag in our face to compulse us to give.

The Lord said of Elijah–

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

In case any have their doubts on what the Elijah message tells us about Plate passing (today it’s the bag) in His sanctuary , let us read–

Look and see what a difference there is between God’s method for supporting His work, and the Roman system that is now carried on by the church: plate-passing, high-powered speeches, Big Day, Book Day, high pressuring, campaigning, selling, auctioneering, Harvest Ingathering, birthday offerings, Christmas-tree hangings, baby weighings, Dorcas sales, investment funds, and what not!  As none of these squeezings are Biblical, and as all of them are Pagan in origin and condemned by the Scriptures, they could not possibly be considered freewill offerings. Search and see.

   Instead of Sabbath-keeping the day is devoted to money raising, and instead of a house of worship, the church is turned into a den of thieves — disgusting to observers, and most discouraging for a member to invite a friend or a neighbor to a church service.  Is there any wonder that God does not now bring many into the church? (“Testimonies,” Vol. 6, p. 371)(Jezreel Letter, no. 9, p.8)

Do we not believe that the Lord knew what we needed to be instructed on and His requirements of us prior to His church judgment? Truly the message of Elijah is our “test”, our final decision on what side we stand! Belief or Doubt,sealed in the forehead or left without.

The message–

“Who are standing in the counsel of God at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse wrongs among the professed people of God and who murmur in their hearts, if not openly, against those who would reprove sin? Is it those who take their stand against them and sympathize with those who commit wrong? No, indeed! Unless they repent, and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work and in holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, they will never receive the mark of God’s sealing approval.” (Test. for the Church, vol. 3, p.267)

In closing, we cannot afford to be careless on obtaining this seal in our forehead in these last hours. Let us know and keep each of His Commandments and sigh and cry for the sins in our life and in the church. As we do this, His promised Spirit of Truth will lead us to know His Elijah message and it’s prophecies. Once we learn it and the powerful truths, we can’t help but spread it to our lukewarm brethren. Like the ol commercial used to say, “try it, you’ll like it”.

Posted in God's sealings, Present Truth, The Spirit of truth | 3 Comments »

The Solemn Half Hour Silence (Part 3 of 3)

December 20, 2014

Man frightened

As you recall we ended our last post with John standing in his church with a few others, after witnessing the Lord’s “strange act” and the literal beginning of the “Judgment for the Living”. Among the few were two church leaders, who had fought John’s message. They have survived, but why?

Let us now read from the prophet, about what will befall those who have fought the message.

Isa. 2:10 — “Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty.”

   Here we are plainly told that the sinners will eventually find themselves unprepared for the great and dreadful day of the Lord, and when God thus manifests His Power they will indeed be terrified. They will as wild men run to the rocks and the mountains there to hide themselves.  The event of this particular verse runs parallel with that of The Revelation:

“And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains.  And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Rev. 6:15-17.

  Very evidently Isaiah’s prophecy meets its fulfillment in the time of the sixth seal, the time in which the Lord sits on the Throne of His Glory, not on the clouds, the throne before which gather all nations, whereupon the Judgment work begins: the separation takes place, the saints (sheep) are then put to His right and the sinners (goats) to His left (Matt. 25:33).  The prophet Joel declares the day in these words:

“Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.  Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.  The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.  The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3:13-16.

It is the time in which shall be said,

“The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites.  Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire?  who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?  He that walketh righteously and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; he shall dwell on high; his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.  And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.” Isa. 33:14-16, 24.

The sinners in Zion are first to cry to the rocks and to the mountains, then will the proclamation of the great and dreadful day of the Lord go forth far and wide saying: “Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge My might.” Isa. 33:13. (1 TG, vol. 5, p.10-12).

As we see from the above, there will be some who survive the initial church judgment but oh how it shall cause them to sink to the depths of despair! For they will feel their great mistake so loud and clear within their soul. One can only imagine to see your life before you with no chance to live for ever more. This is truly the most terrible and horrible feeling one could have.

But what they did was not right and in fact led to many deaths. The vast amount within the church was denied the message from the Lord, the Elijah message,  because these leaders effectively stopped it from gaining any foothold within the church. They professed godliness but were indeed found out as “hypocrites” in that great and dreadful day.

Notice it says this running and hiding in the rocks, is in the “fulfillment of the sixth seal.”  The Plagues happen during the seventh seal. So the Elijah message clearly points out this time as right after the church judgment, the closing of the sixth seal! That is not to say that there may be a second application for the sinners of the world as well, during the seventh seal.

Keep in mind, the light that Ellen White had on this was the application of this reference in the time of the plagues. Her message was not the Elijah message and the scroll advanced as far as was seen by her at that time.

Back to John. He had to work underground  because his name was smeared to a certain degree, even those who may have had a chance to accept his message, were made prejudiced against John. It all was a truly miserable end result.

Our Lord spoke of this hindrance–

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” (Matt.23:13)

Now, when we read that they ” hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains.” We should keep in mind that our own houses are built of rocks. Plaster, drywall, stucco are all made from rocks and mountains. Therefore, this could indicate that they hide themselves up within their homes, and not necessarily go and drive or run out to the mountains literally.

So as the days go by, they must feel like despair beyond belief. The Lord decides to spare, but it’s for His righteous judgement and to recompense their ways for “blood on their hands” because they would not allow His sealing message of present truth to seal the people.

“Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay. In time their foot will slip, for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.”(Deut. 32:35)

Let us look closely at the following word of God.

“And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt.22:12-13)

Obviously this is indicative of those who are not prepared when our Lord comes to invite the guests in. This is symbolic of the time right after day one of Ezekiel 9, and when the pre-millennial kingdom  begins setting up in the Holy land. The very first phase of His kingdom as taught by Daniel 2. (See our post on this subject – https://godsloveandlaw.com/2011/11/26/the-daniel2-vision/

This, I believe, is showing the time of the immediate days following day one of Ezekiel 9. Those who have fought the message are “speechless” as they come to the deep realization that they have fought Christ. They now want to “come in” yet the door must close.

The Lord will do something similar in this solemn realization when He raises those who mocked and persecuted Him during His own ministry. They too, see the full realization of their terrible actions.

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Revelation 1:7)

The seven days finally produces the 144,000 from the church. The “elect of God” prepare to go to work, no longer being hitched to the SDA leaders who stopped them from proclaiming His Elijah message. The world is now their stage, the Lord is to now work through them mightily and protect them.

“Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:8)

Summary

Let us recap what we have learned from the 3 posts of the solemn half-hour silence.

1) The day of Ezekiel 9 church judgment shall come as a great surprise to the non-believers, ignorant, and present truth haters. Malachi describes this–

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

Isaiah describes the after events of the church judgment–

“For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.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 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.”(Isaiah 66:15-19)

2) It shall not be so much a surprise to the believers as they know from the message that it will occur during or right after the next world war over Israel. (Tract 14, p.22)

3) There will be “few” that survive the church judgment, yet all have a chance , even right now to embrace His Elijah message and proclaim it. This requires strength and courage , to step forward and admit belief due to the fact that the  leaders are fighting it.

But those who do, acutely remember that the Lord has always rewarded courage. Noah proclaiming a “strange and fanciful” message of world doom by flood. Moses courageously foregoing his privileged status among the Egyptians on behalf of his poor brethren. Joseph preferring to be thrown in jail rather that to sin by committing an adulterous affair. David taking on the powerful lion to protect his sheep and then later risking his life to go against the mighty warrior Goliath.The Apostles willing to die for Christ rather than submit to the non-believers.

The 144,000 likewise must choose to be courageous, even to the point of slander, demotion, false rumors and dis-fellowship, all for Christ’s last message of the “judgment of the living” , aka –the Elijah message.

“In concluding this narrative, I would say that we are living in a most solemn time. In the last vision given me, I was shown the startling fact that but a small portion of those who now profess the truth will be sanctified by it and 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.” (Testimonies, vol. 1, p.608-609)

“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.” (Matt. 7:13)

4) The “strange act”(Isaiah 28:21), the Lord’s execution of judgment,  shall last seven days. The heavenly beings shall be silent as they witness the “great and dreadful day of the Lord.”

5) There will be some who survive the judgment, but it will be only for them to see what they have done. Who they have fought and what side they really were on.

6) The end of this seven-day silence shall be the beginning of the Loud Cry. Those who survive, the 144,000, then begin to prepare for their final mission. They know the word says they must head back to Israel, as the war is winding down. The Lord will be waiting there to meet them.

“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb.And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” (Rev. 14:1-5)

7) The world begins the final battle, which the Spirit of prophecy calls “The Great Controversy.” The sixth seal, and its truth, now passes into the seventh seal and it’s truth. The 3 angels are joined by the fourth angel and the world gets it’s message of truth whereby those who accept it, are sealed and spared the plagues.

“I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven, descending to the earth, and again ascending to heaven, preparing for the fulfillment of some important event. Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message. Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light which attended this angel penetrated everywhere, as he cried mightily, with a strong voice, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.”

The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel’s message as it swells to a loud cry. And the people of God are thus prepared to stand in the hour of temptation, which they are soon to meet. I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united to fearlessly proclaim the third angel’s message.

 Angels were sent to aid the mighty angel from heaven, and I heard voices which seemed to sound everywhere, “Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” This message seemed to be an addition to the third message, joining it as the midnight cry joined the second angel’s message in 1844. The glory of God rested upon the patient, waiting saints, and they fearlessly gave the last solemn warning, proclaiming the fall of Babylon and calling upon God’s people to come out of her that they might escape her fearful doom.”(Early Writings, p.277-278)

We underlined the part that shows another angel (message of truth) comes to join the 3 angels’ messages. This is the “judgment for the living”message, which is to go to the world after it has went to the SDA church.

In closing, let us choose to live rather than die in the upcoming church judgment. The Lord is pleading right now to all who will listen. What it takes is courage to stand up and be counted! Those who sit back and say “Yeah I think this message is correct, but I’ll stay quiet about it” may be horribly saddened when they find that they missed their chance to “speak up” and be counted.

Remember when Joshua and Caleb came with the much scorned positive report on the promised land? Do we not think that some in the vast crowd, silently admired their courage? Of course there were some, possibly many (over 20 years old). yet did they make it to the promise land? Absolutely not. They clamped up and hid like cowards, afraid to speak up in support for the two courageous souls. God want’s us to “speak”!

“I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.”(Isaiah 62:6-7)

“Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet;Tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” (Isaiah 58:1)

Brethren, the Lord is giving us a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to be among the 144,000. We need not fear the upcoming “half hour silence”. Rather it will set free all those who have waited on the Lord and believe that He will do as His word says, amen.

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.“(Psalms 27:14)

Posted in End times, Ezekiel, Final Events, revelation | Leave a Comment »

The Solemn Half Hour Silence (Part 2 of 3)

December 13, 2014

Ezekiel 9

(NOTE: Due to the Lord’s guiding, we’ve had to expand upon this subject, so we’ll have three parts)

It’s a regular Sabbath morning, John get’s up and then shortly begins to get ready for the local Sabbath service in his town. After cleaning up, grabbing a bite to eat, he heads out the driveway down to the local SDA church. He arrives about a half hour before service.

John has been a member for several years. But he now has a  unique relationship with his church. You see, he once was a deacon. A man who was “going places” within his church. He’d advanced fairly rapidly in the circle of the church, being frequently asked to go up before the church on occasions and give a motivational talk based on Scriptures and Ellen White.The local laity had shown much appreciation for the talks, as he was one to “tell it like it is”, in other words–the straight testimony.

However his last pre-Sabbath school speech, he was particularly straight, pointing out sins in the church and startling Scriptural revelations of what God was soon to do to purify His church. Unfortunately, there were a couple in the pews who objected to the straight talk. Later he found out that the pastor wanted to speak to him in his office later that week.

He was asked point blank– Are you a Davidian and believe in the Shepherd’s Rod? He did not flinch and said–Yes. The three against one conversation then proceeded to discuss what the leaders called a meeting of passion. A meeting to help steer John back into the regular SDA beliefs. But John pointed out that he still believed in them however he found “new light” which the Scriptures foretold would come to God’s people through His Elijah prophet, right before the “great and dreadful day of the Lord.”

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” (Mal. 4:5-6)

Prophecy must be fulfilled. The Lord says: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Somebody is to come in the spirit and power of Elijah,  and when he appears, men may say: “You are too earnest, you do not interpret the Scriptures in the proper way. Let me tell you how to teach your message.”(Testimonies to Ministers, p.475)

The meeting went nowhere as far as John was concerned, he had looked deeply into the Elijah message and it all clicked it was harmonious with Scripture and Ellen White. A true majestic message with power and strength to convert the worst of sinners into the Lord’s bountiful and righteous light! John himself has witnessed this power in his own life. He converted completely to the Lord, his Master was now his passion.

But it all fell on deaf ears, they would have none of it. They steadfastly spoke of deceptive teachings from  the man who brought the Elijah message to the SDA church. John wanted specifics, but none were given. They closed the meeting by making the ultimatum, either John gives up his new beliefs and acknowledges it, or they would have to demote him and remove him from being as deacon.

He wrote a resignation letter (upon their request) within the week. But in that letter he warned them that they were making a serious mistake and an unjust one as well.

So soon the word spread among the church. Gossip and heresy was spread. John kept going to church faithfully but it would not be the same. A couple months later the head elder called a meeting, which John chose to attend, pointing out to the members that John was a Shepherd’s Rod believer. As if to not only demote him but to smear his name as if he had gone apostate. John defended himself and surprisingly most in attendance were on John’s side that day.

Being convicted that the Elijah message, though solemn , was true, he continued to look for opportunities to reach out to members in the hope that someone would study it as well and learn the Lord’s final plans for His church. He’d talk to this one and that one, and they’d give an excuse why they didn’t have the time or they’d get back to him later.

He sent out packages to some (Cd’s, DVD’s, literature) and no one would want to study it. They remained relatively silent about the contents after receiving it. In other words, no engagement occurred. He therefore continued to go to church with a heavy heart, for he knew that someday soon each one that rejected this last “pleading message” from the Lord would not escape the church judgment. This Elijah message was THE LORD’S LAST to His church, there would be no other!

So this was the church situation as John walked into church that morning. He sat down in his regular area and looked over the church bulletin. He said hello to some of the members as they walked by or came down his aisle. The church, this day, was surprisingly full. As if by some divine power many were drawn to services this day.

The service begins on time and starts with the first song. The schedule moves along. John starts to feel eerily strange. Something or someone is tugging on him as if to alert him of something. The service continues, yet John is really feeling something alarming! He knows it is not human. For since his conversion he has remained faithful to the Lord and knows the Lord’s voice.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28)

John tries to remain calm but he knows something is up. Now, the time has come for the pastor to get up for his sermon. All are quiet and attentive.

Suddenly there is a strong wind within the sanctuary! A howling is heard, as the wind gusts up and down and side to side. People start to look at each other, some get up to walk out of the sanctuary. The door is closed, it has locked itself! The wind and howling continues. What is going on? All are wondering. Some young ones and women start to cry out amid the strange occurrence. The pastor begins to speak, and says, “Please remain calm, please.” He is visably shaking.

By now the congregation is very fearful–what is this???!! They are frozen in fear. Suddenly a thunderous Voice speaks, ” Why have you not listened to my servant John — ?”  Those within the church who know John, and what he said, now begin to shake tremendously. The others are now even more confused. The Voice continues, “I sent him to you, he had a message from Me, yet you rejected it.” The wind continues to howl, the Voice stops for a few moments to let it sink in, particularly to those who had heard John’s  solemn message of church judgment. They start to feel a deep sense of wrong doing from their past actions. But the majority church members have no clue what the Voice is talking about because the leaders had effectively silenced the Lord’s message through John, to a large degree.

Suddenly John stands up and cries aloud “Save them my Father if You can!!”. He is weeping and pleading on behalf of his church, his hands stretched out. He now knows this is the great and dreadful day of the Lord! The time has come, the word of the Lord has began to be fulfilled. It is the beginning of the prophesied “half hour silence” –Ezekiel 9!

The Voice responds , “My judgment now begins!”. Suddenly, the leaders of the church begin to fall to the ground. There are screams every where within the locked church. The Lord’s angels begin to execute His righteous judgment. John kneels and prays, he cannot look, as the wind continues to howl and blow. There is now a earthquake in the sanctuary, the building shakes. The angels have gone through the church.

Suddenly after what seemed eternity, it is now quiet in the church. The wind stops. John feels a calmness over him. He gets up and is startled, there are only a few others standing. But he is perplexed, he sees two of the leaders who fought his message still standing(?) But he quickly realizes why that is, he silently kneels in prayer, for he knows it will turn out horribly for them. The rest is laying dead on the church floor! Ezekiel 9 has come! His prophesied word has been fulfilled.

“And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord GOD: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them  forth with silence.” (Amos 8:3)

“In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of  their tinkling ornaments , and  cauls, and  round tires like the moon, The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, The rings, and nose jewels, The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails.

And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty.” (Isaiah 3:18-24)

“And I will come near to you in 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 Me not, saith the LORD of hosts.”(Mal. 3:5)

John has now witnessed the Lord’s coming “near” for judgment. His heart is heavy yet he feels as if the yoke has been lifted off him. No more is he bound by the restraint of the false shepherds.  The Elijah message of Zech. 6:1-8 comes to his mind, where the  Lord’s true horse team (real leaders) which were hitched and bound by the SDA horse team(false leaders) in the hitched chariot, is now unhitched and free to go throughout the world. (link to the Zech. 6 prophecy- http://www.shepherds-rod-message.org/tracts/tract_2.html

The Three Angels Message is about to be proclaimed to the world with God’s power entrusted to His “Jewels.” The fourth angel has now come to join fully with the other angels. John now realizes  that he has been counted worthy to go to work in this last great proclamation known as the –Loud Cry.

“And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” (Mal. 3:17)

In this part two we have covered the day itself, but remember that there are “7” days of silence in heaven. In other words the heavenly beings are in solemn silence as the Lord works those 7 days to do His “strange act.”(Isaiah 28:21)

Next week we’ll close by looking at what happens those other six days.And if you can believe it , it’s even worse than the first day!

My brethren please seriously consider accepting His final pleading message , it is your future destiny we are talking about! Eternity! Our Lord is pleading to all who are listening, let’s get away from false shepherd’s and listen to His true messengers.

“The message of the True Witness finds the people of God in a sad deception, yet honest in that deception. They know not that their condition is deplorable in the sight of God. While those addressed are flattering themselves that they are in an exalted spiritual condition, the message of the True Witness breaks their security by the startling denunciation of their true condition of spiritual blindness, poverty, and wretchedness. The testimony, so cutting and severe, cannot be a mistake, for it is the True Witness who speaks, and His testimony must be correct.”(Testimonies, vol. 3, p.253)

Questions and Answers–

If Ezekiel 9 starts in America, let’s say east coast, then won’t the west coast people hear about it several hours prior to services, and then be scared and not go to church that day?

As the message of Elijah did indeed start in the USA, possibly the church judgment would start here as well (before going around the world). One scenario would be that the doors on all the churches, starting in the east coast would stay locked by the Lord’s angels, for the necessary hours until the west coast services have been underway. This would stop, at least for the first few hours, the panic that would surely spread once the doors are open. This is just our conjecture and obviously the Lord has His plan.

Once Ezekiel 9 is over, what happens to the churches? Do they remain or are abandoned?

As the message tells us , there will be few who survive the judgment because of the prevalent pride and rich and increased with goods attitude among the SDA members. The rejection of His Elijah message is THE specific message the Lord had in mind (they would not heed) when He wrote the rebuke of Rev. 3 to the SDA church. So logically the church will be quite silent after the judgment. We know that the surviving “elect” of God will very quickly be on their way to Israel to set up the headquarters for the final proclamation of the –Loud Cry to go around the world. Rev. 14:1 -5 describes the time right after Ezek. 9 where the Lord meets up with His people (the 144,000).on Mt. Zion. As the elect help bring the people out of Babylon, it may well be that the former SDA churches will be a new gathering place for those who come out of the Sunday churches. We are not told in Inspiration much about this unfortunately. We do know that many around the world will come to Israel to join the 144,000. Keep in mind, Israel will then be protected from Satan’s attacks by the Lord Himself, so naturally many will want to relocate there for safety.

“And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him, And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein: For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her. (Zech 2:3-5)

Will there be any immediate warning that Ezekiel 9 is about to happen, such as a month or week in advance?

The Elijah message does tell us the approximate time when it happens. In explaining this brother Houteff says,

They are enjoined to fix their vision upon the feet of him who brings “good tidings” (message from the Lord), who publishes “peace” (the peace of Christ’s Kingdom), and who declares that 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.  Specifically, the prophet exhorts all penitently to turn unto  the house of Judah (the latter-day Kingdom of Judah — Mic. 4; Ezek. 37:16-22), the church in the purification of which are to be sealed 12,000  out of each of the 12 tribes, as firstfruits.  

And he urges the subjects of the kingdom to perform their religious duties and to keep their promises to the Lord.  In short, he admonishes them to give heed to the message of the hour — the message which announces the imminence of the church’s purification, after which, as the promise is, “the wicked shall no more pass through” her, for “he is utterly cut off.” (See also Matt. 13:30, 47-50, Isa. 66:16, 19, 20). (Tract 14, p.22-23)

Here we see that it is during the upcoming great world war 3 over Israel that this occurs. Some say right after, but this does serve as the great sign that it’s about to happen.

Posted in End times, Ezekiel, Final Events, revelation | 6 Comments »

The Solemn Half Hour Silence (Part 1 of 3)

December 6, 2014

Half hour silence

The mystical “half hour silence”, what does this really mean? Our standard SDA teachings doesn’t tell us much about this important word of God. But the Lord’s word, through His Elijah prophet certainly does. It is indeed described as an extremely serious and disturbing event to take place within the S.D.A. Church. Please know that the following will happen, yet He loves each and every S.D.A member immensely. When we look at a specific prophecy describing Ezekiel 9 we notice a “pleading” is done before the act.

“For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.” (Isaiah 66:16)

Fire represents the Holy Spirit —  “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire” (Matthew 3:11)  — “There appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:3-4).

Sword can be the Holy Word of God– “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”(Eph 6:17)

So we add it up and we see that before the Lord slays he pleads with His people with the Holy Spirit and His word. But nevertheless His judgment comes once the pleading is over.

It is up to each one of us individually to surrender our pride and fall not asleep with the “peace and safety”message so prevalent in our church today.

The Spirit of prophecy writes, “I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven, descending to the earth, and again ascending to heaven, preparing for the fulfillment of some important event.” (Early Writings, p.277)

The “event” we shall look into, Scripture mentions as the “half hour silence” in Rev. 8:1,

“And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.”(Rev. 8:1)

This subject , we as SDA know, is very rarely discussed within our church, yet it will happen to be one of the most important and earth changing acts in mankind’s history.

To first get a little background surrounding this half hour silence we shall read,

In graphic demonstration that He will come to earth with all His angels to execute judgment upon the living, the Lord revealed Himself prophetically to Ezekiel as being brought enthroned to earth by four living creatures just before the slaughter of the hypocrites in the church takes place. And as each of the living creatures has the face of a lion, the face of a calf, the face of a man, and the face of an eagle (Ezek. 1:10), — the same judicial insignia as have the beasts who are before the throne in the heavenly sanctuary (Rev. 4:7) in the time of the judgment of the dead, — and as they descend to earth, they thereby symbolically show that the work of the mediatorial-judicial throne which convenes and presides over the judgment of the dead is extended to earth.

   This extension, so far as we are able to know now, must take place at the opening of the seventh seal (Rev. 8:1), for at that time the celestial voices, which opened the judgment of the dead, cease in the heavenly sanctuary and begin, after the half hour’s silence, to sound on earth. In other words, just as in heaven at the opening of the judgment of the dead, there were “lightnings and thunderings and voices” (Rev. 4:5), likewise on earth at the opening of the “judgment of the living,” there are “voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.” Rev. 8:5.

   With the judgment of the dead, however, the work of separation takes place in the books in the heavenly sanctuary; whereas with the judgment of the living, the separation takes place among the people in the church as well as among their names in the books in the heavenly sanctuary, thus showing that both sanctuaries will finally be cleansed.

   Inescapably, therefore, the Lord’s coming to His temple (Mal. 3:1-3), His coming with all His angels (Matt. 25), and His coming enthroned above the living creatures (Ezek. 1), — all three representing the same event as has been shown, — take place at the beginning of the judgment of the living: the time in which the judicial activities of the heavenly sanctuary extend to the earthly sanctuary — the church. (Tract 3, p.46-47)

But when the seventh seal is opened, there is silence in heaven (the beasts hold their peace, also the “lightnings,” the “thunderings,” and the “voices” cease — Rev. 4:5) “about the space of half an hour.” Rev. 8:1.  The silence clearly  reveals that the first session of the Judicial  proceedings comes to a close, and that the second session commences after the silence is over.(Tract 15, p.17-18)

As we have seen, the silence divides the two pre-millennial Judicial sessions, the one for the dead and the other for the living, and the fire from the heavenly altar, the voices, lightnings, and thunderings, descend to earth.  These facts, along with a number of scriptures on the subject, besides the remainder of The Revelation, the chapters after the breaking of the seventh seal, prove that the Judgment of the living, the cleansing of the earthly temple, is something which takes place on earth, not in heaven only!

   “Behold,” declares the Lord, “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,… 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.” Mal. 3:1,

   Yes, the work of the second Judicial session includes the earthly sanctuary, the church.  At that time the Lord’s “fire” is “in Zion, and  His furnace in Jerusalem.” Isa. 31:9.(Tract 15, p.65)

So we see that this silence is the beginning of the judicial judgment of the “LIVING”,  the dead session being completed. In other words it appears that when the judgment begins and extends down to the earth, and when the Lord begins to put His sickle upon the “earth”(Rev. 14:14-16), the SDA church purification begins. This, as we as present truth believers well know is–the Ezekiel 9 church judgment. It produces the “jewels” of God, the 144,000.

“And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.”(Mal. 3:17)

This half hour silence is solemnly adhered too,  by the heavenly beings due to the fact that  the “great and dreadful” day of the Lord is taking place. It is also known as the Lord’s “strange act”and His “day of vengeance”.

“For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, He shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that He may do his work, His strange work; and bring to pass His act, His strange act.”(Isaiah 28:21)

“For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.” (Isaiah 63:4)

But let us ask the question–Why a “half hour”? What does this mean?

First, we have to take the Biblical understanding of time measurement to arrive at what a half hour of time would mean to us in real actual time. In the Bible, a day represents a year in prophecy, according to Ezekiel 4:6, “I have appointed thee each day for a year.” If we apply this prophetic yardstick, one half hour of time would be just about a week or seven literal days.

So we see that the actual work of Ezekiel 9 shall compromise about seven literal days in length. As we continue we shall trust that you are already aware of the solemn act of Ezekiel , as described in Scripture..

Let us look at one of the more popular understandings within the SDA (remember the vast amount of SDA do not know about the true Elijah message or it’s interpretations) concerning our subject.

They teach that this silence is concerning the Lord coming to the earth in the well-known “Second Coming.” But brother Houteff shows why this cannot be so.

The silence in heaven for about half an hour cannot be the second coming of Christ, as some have thought, for afterward the angel with the golden censer and incense, offered the prayers for the saints from the golden altar.  The altar is in the holy place, just opposite the throne that is in the most holy.  The two apartments were separated by a vail.  In the day of atonement, the vail or door of the earthly tabernacle was opened and the high priest went in. 

But let it be remembered that the door (vail) was left open while the high priest officiated.  Thus the two apartments became one.  For this reason the congregation were not permitted in the holy place on that day, as they were at other times, for the vail being lifted, the holy place also became most holy.  So while the door to the most holy was open, the entrance to the holy was closed. 

Therefore, the high priest alone used both apartments on the day of atonement. (See Lev. 16:17.)  Thus the golden altar before the throne, from which the angel offered the prayers of the saints, was, and is, used in both periods — before, and in the time of the judgment.  As the entire judicial tribunal (Judge, Advocate, Elders, etc.) were in the temple after the seventh seal had been opened, it is evident that the judgment was in progress, and probation had not closed at the time of the “silence.”  For after the judgment has ceased and probation closed, no man can enter the temple. (See Rev. 15:8.)

   Had the “silence” of “half an hour” pointed to the coming of Christ, at which time He takes his saints with Him, there would be no necessity for the angel to offer their prayers.  Furthermore, it would be unnecessary to “cast” fire, which is the Spirit of God, from the golden altar to the earth. 

Again, if the opening of the seventh seal means the coming of Christ, then only those under the six seals would have been considered in the judgment, and there could be no seventh seal, which would show lack of perfection and completeness of the judgment, and of the gospel.  It would also be contrary to the number of seals on the book.  As the six seals have reference to six periods in which the saints were sealed, the seventh must also apply to a sealing period; otherwise it cannot be called, seventh “seal.”(SRod, vol. 2, p.215)

Ok so now we have shown that this half hour silence is the Ezekiel 9 church judgment, which is to take about 7 days. But logically we can ask– Why seven days? If Ezekiel 9 is to be the church judgment, why does God extend the solemn act for 7 days instead of more  like, one and done?

Those are great questions and there appears good answers that we’ll show in part 2. Let us keep in mind that the main purpose of the Elijah message is to prepare us for the “great and dreadful day of the Lord”. So if this subject we are now studying is to truly be thorough we should cover every angle.

Let us know the Lord’s plans and be prepared. The Lord is soon to do His work and those who blindly skip along without taking pains to know His plans, shall fall under His word–

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (Hosea 4:6)

“All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, who say, ‘Disaster shall not overtake or meet us.’”(Amos 9:10) 

Those who are saying this Ezekiel 9 church judgment will not happen are saying “Disaster shall not overtake or meet us.”

Spirit of Prophecy illuminates this special work this way–

“Those who train the mind to seize upon everything which they can use as a peg to hang a doubt upon, and suggest these thoughts to other minds, will always find occasion to doubt. They will question and criticize everything that arises in the unfolding of truth, criticize the work and position of others, criticize every branch of the work in which they have not themselves a part. They will feed upon the errors and mistakes and faults of others, “until,” said the angel, the Lord Jesus shall rise up from His mediatorial work in the heavenly sanctuary and shall clothe Himself with the garments of vengeance and surprise them at their unholy feast, and they will find themselves unprepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb.”(Testimonies, vol. 5, p.690)

Did you catch when this surprise visit (Ezekiel 9) happens? During, not after, His mediatorial  work in heaven. That is in probationary time, because it is in during the  “unfolding of truth” period of time.

Ellen White well knew under Inspiration , the upcoming church purification was a real event.

“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)

Next week we’ll look at the specific ramifications that occur and prophetic references explaining the immediate after effects that take place. We’ll focus on some specifics during the seven days. Remember this one act will truly shake the world and it starts the final event clock that ushers in the Loud Cry. As Scripture says it shall be “great and dreadful”.

Posted in End times, Ezekiel, Final Events, revelation | 5 Comments »

A Sermon

November 29, 2014

A couple of Sabbaths ago I had the privilege of going before a church in our area and gave the sermon. What I  thought would be helpful is to show the notes from the presentation. As we come to the last days of our church probation, I centered on reformation among us.

Here is that sermon —

Big hello! Happy Sabbath! Are you ready to hear some “meat in due season?” How many like to be feed with Spiritual food on the Sabbath? Amen.

(Talk to the people how impressed I have been with this church. The sermons given, straight testimony, etc. How  pastor Santiago and others here have impressed me with their leadership, thank you.) God has impressed upon me that this church is special, we have the potential to lead out in our valley with serious Adventist reforms!

(Ackowledge friends)

Ellen White, our prophetess from God said the following–

“The church has turned back from following Christ her Leader and is steadily retreating toward Egypt. Yet few are alarmed or astonished at their want of spiritual power.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p.217)   (Slide One)

Retreating towards Egypt

Those words were penned in 1882. She had noticed that we as God’s remnant church were becoming more lax and accepting the world’s standards in many areas of our Christian walk. SDA people were becoming more and more disconnected from Christ’s teachings and her own people were showing a real tendency to “retreat towards” Egypt.

Retreating toward Egypt means that we as His people are doing as the world does. eating, drinking, dressing, even carelessly worshiping in His house. But let’s now look at some ways that we can show the Lord we are serious–Serious about obedience to His word.

Page 218 of the Testimonies, vol.5 reads, “Impurity is today widespread, even among the professed followers of Christ. Passion is unrestrained; the animal propensities are gaining strength by indulgence, while the moral powers are constantly becoming weaker. many are eagerly participating in worldly, demoralizing amusements which God’s word forbids…

And what has caused this alarming condition? Many have accepted the theory of the truth who have had no true conversion.” *( explain this– talk the talk we must walk the walk)

So we see that soon after our Lord started His remnant church in 1844-45, the evil one Satan had already began to influence our people.

As a people we should always be ready to improve. We are warned in Rev. 3:14, “And to the angel of the church of Laodeceans write, “These things say the Amen, the Faithful and the True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot, I could wish you were cold or hot.”

What we see here is that God wants us to be ‘hot” or “cold”. In other words if we are so-so, kind of lukewarm, kind of obeying Him partly, kind of worshiping Him partly, kind of living a partly converted Christian life, we will not make it. Verse 16 He warns, “So then, because you are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth.”

Ok, let’s look at how we can become “hot” in specific areas of reform that will surely please God and show Him we are serious, we want to obey Him and honor Him in all our ways.

1) Health Reform   (Slide Two)  

Before I start on Health reform, let me give you some of my own testimony.

(Give my own testimonies, cheeseburgers, alcohol, coffee, chewing tobacco–give personal evidence of overcoming by quoting Scripture when tempted)

Cheese burger

Chewing tobbaco was so powerful an addiction that even after I came into the church several years ago, I chewed a few times in church! But as I continued to draw to the Lord, He convicted me of this bad habit. (Give story of Jesus in desert. Fought devil with Bible quotes. So I used one that was found in Psalms 23:1 ‘The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.”   —continue story–

Ellen White says–

” Let us never bear a testimony against health reform by failing to use wholesome, palatable food in place of the harmful articles of diet that we have discarded. Do not in any way encourage an appetite for stimulants. Eat only plain, simple, wholesome food, and thank God constantly for the principles of health reform. In all things be true and upright, and you will gain precious victories.” (Testimonies, vol. 9, p.164)

So what specific items of food and drinks does Inspiration tell us to avoid? In 1908 our prophetess gave this specific pledge on our Diet reform–

The Pledge

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

This pledge was given to the then Conference leader, Elder A.G Daniells, on March 29, 1908. But it was withheld and not circulated because it would “split the church”.Later on, when Elder Daniells wanted to see Sister White, she refused to see him, saying: “I have nothing more for him.”

So we see that God’s servant was deadly serious about this reform, let us seriously consider these important instructions from God and obey these health giving principles.

So when we eat and drink, we are supplying either quality material to God’s temple or harmful health destroying material to God’s temple, it is up to each of us to decide.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;” (1 Cor. 6:19)

2) Dress Reform (Slide Three)

Well dressed guys  Good dressing gals

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (1 Tim. 2:9-10)

Imagine this situation– You get a call from the president of the USA–Barrack Obama.

(Slide Four)

oval-office-2010-new-overview

He wants to invite you to his office for a meeting in the White House. How would you dress to that occasion? Would you put on shabby clothes? Ofcourse not. You’d go there in a respectful and modest looking outfit.

But who are we coming before today? Right here in this sanctuary? Is He not so much more important that president Obama? He is looking at us right now, each of us. Are we comfortable standing before Him?

(Slide Five)

Throne

Let’s look at what God’s word says about dress reform through our prophetess-

“God knows His humble, willing, obedient children and will reward them according to their faithful performance of His will. To many the dress reform is too simple and humbling to be adopted. (Stop here and explain it’s God we want to impress, not man) They cannot lift the cross. God works by simple means to separate and distinguish His children from the world; but some have so departed from the simplicity of the work and ways of God that they are above the work, not in it.”(Testimonies, vol.1, p.523)

Apostle Paul wrote —“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”(Galatians 1:10)

Mrs. White said –I was referred to Numbers 15:38-41: “Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: and it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: that ye may remember, and do all My commandments, and be holy unto your God. I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord your God.”

Here God expressly commanded a very simple arrangement of dress for the children of Israel for the purpose of distinguishing them from the idolatrous nations around them. As they looked upon their peculiarity of dress, they were to remember that they were God’s commandment-keeping people, and that He had wrought in a miraculous manner to bring them from Egyptian bondage to serve Him, to be a holy people unto Him.

They were not to serve their own desires, or to imitate the idolatrous nations around them, but to remain a distinct, separate people, that all who looked upon them might say: These are they whom God brought out of the land of Egypt, who keep the law of Ten Commandments. An Israelite was known to be such as soon as seen, for God through simple means distinguished him as His. (Testimonies for the church, vol. 1, p.523-524)

Lastly on our topic of dress reform , the Bible forbids us as follows — The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.(Deut.22:5)

3) Worship Reform (Slide Six)

Jesus praying

“Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer..”(Isaiah 56:7)

Christ taught that this house we are in right here today, be first and foremost a house that we can come and pray to God. Speak to our Father in His house.

Our prophetess said this about reverence in God’s house–

“They should remember that heavenly messengers are in the house. We all lose much sweet communion with God by our restlessness, by not encouraging moments of reflection and prayer. The spiritual condition needs to be often reviewed and the mind and heart drawn toward the Sun of Righteousness. If when the people come into the house of worship, they have genuine reverence for the Lord and bear in mind that they are in His presence, there will be a sweet eloquence in silence. The whispering and laughing and talking which might be without sin in a common business place should find no sanction in the house where God is worshiped. The mind should be prepared to hear the word of God, that it may have due weight and suitably impress the heart.”( 5T page 492)

If we have cell phones, let’s make sure they turned off. If we are laughing and joking loudly, we should cease to do this. Kids should be attentive and not running up and down the aisles. The bottom-line is God is sitting here in His house watching and we must show honor and respect. To go back to that Oval office analogy, we would not think to let our kids run around the oval office in front of the president, how much more should we before the Lord of the Universe right now?

4) Sabbath  Reform (Slide Seven)

Remember the Sabbath day

We as Adventist are known for keeping one Commandment that other Christian denominations ignore– the Sabbath.

Let me give you my own personal story about how I came to know the Sabbath was true.

1) Raised Catholic

2) Went into the world and became a heathen for decades.(party, poker, money schemes, you name it)

3) Decided to read the Bible from front to back about 5 years ago.

4) Made a promise

5) Decided to keep it holy as best I knew how at that time

6) Dinner and then miracle light sign at close of my first Sabbath

7) Prayed and committed to learn each of them (Commandments)  and obey them.

One of  the big no-no’s is to buy and sell on the Sabbath. In Nehemiah 13:15 we read, “In those days I saw in Judah some treading wine presses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold provisions.

Here dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the Sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that you do, and profane the Sabbath day?

Did not your fathers do this, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? Yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath.

And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath: and some of my servants I set at the gates, that there should no burden  brought in on the Sabbath day.

So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the Sabbath.”

What a powerful and clear message from God’s prophet concerning not buying or selling on the Sabbath.

Tell story of invited out to lunch at a restaurant  on Sabbath by veterans when I first joined the church.

Closing

In closing let’s ask ourselves why is it that we need to reform? Why do we need to do such pinpoint and exact things when we know the Lord is forgiving and patient?

Because it is written–“Be ye holy as I am holy”( 1 Peter 1:16)

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

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (1 Romans 12:2)

“God gave rules of order, perfect and exact, to His ancient people. Has His character changed? Is He not the great and mighty God who rules in the heaven of heavens?” (Testimonies, vol. 5, p.496)

May the Lord be with this church as we strive to go forward, improving our ways, to receive His blessings, thank you.

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

The results from the sermon/presentation were quite well. After not speaking for over 2 years before the church, was nervous but as the sermon progressed became more at ease. Many were blessed and said some words of appreciation. A couple noteworthy things I noticed that many who came back to church the following Sabbath were much improved in the dress! And one lady who had braided her hair the Sabbath of the speech, had undone it the following Sabbath. Praise the Lord! I may be invited back again soon as the pastor was pleased,  will keep you updated. God bless.

Posted in Christian walk, Church | 6 Comments »

Fulfilling Prophecy

November 22, 2014

Rev. timeline

(Click to enlarge- colors added)

The above chart was complied by brother Houteff showing the time periods of the different chapters of Revelation. When we step back and think about God’s word, we realize that the fulfillment of prophecy truly shows the divineness of God, His ability to let His word become truth and a reality.

We see that all over Revelation. But what about today? Are we witnessing right now His word coming true with clear and observable discernment? Yes indeed!

For instance we now see His words spoken of in Revelation 3:14-22 coming true within the Laodicean church –the Seventh-day Adventist church.

He wrote those words through His prophet about two thousand years ago and right now we see their fulfillment. We as SDA are not believing in any more truth apart from Scripture and Ellen G. White. All else is non-Inspiration we say.

Despite the fact that Scripture, which we profess to believe,  clearly prophesies an end time male prophet to come to God’s last church before the “great and dreadful day of the LORD.”(Mal.4:5)

“Behold,  I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.”

What about our own personal life? Can we now be fulfilling and experiencing His prophetic word? Is there a specific promise the Lord made that we, as obedient servants, can witness and truly be joyful about? Yes. It is found in Malachi 3:10.

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

Let us truly take in this omnipotent promise. What clear instructions and promise do we see? It’s deep and vast. Let’s look at it.

1) We are called to do something and in return we’ll receive something.

2) It is a directive to bring our Tithes into the “storehouse”. Therefore it is very important to know what is meant by –storehouse.

3) The purpose is that He wants the money , His “meat” in His house (storehouse).

4) He challenges us to “prove Me”. He’s putting Himself “on the line” as it were.

5) The promise is made that should we try Him, we’ll find out that He will bestow such blessings that we can hardly believe it. Or else His word is not true.

We’ve all heard the saying “His word you can take to the bank.” If there is anyone out there in our world that this statement can be applied with total surety and trust, it is– our Lord!

The purpose of this post was I needed to express my absolute joy in receiving “such a blessing as I cannot contain.” His very word has come true now for quite a while in my life.

Being self-employed, I have to be able to produce from my own efforts, lest I come short in meeting ends meet. But ever since I decided to start paying my Tithes to His “storehouse” I have seen truly remarkable results to my business. I sometimes truly have to say “I can hardly contain this Lord.”

We live in a city of over 800,000 people and for the last year my company has been number one for online ratings (most 5 star review ratings) in my business field (professional appliance repair). Do I think it’s just my good ol hard work? Absolutely not–it’s the Lord watching over many of the details and bringing more and more work and therefore more and more money to return back to Him!

So we see that each of us, right now, can reach out to the Lord and commit. We can tell Him we are willing to do our part. No more will we be a “slothful servant” but rather strive to receive the ultimate commendation-

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’(Matt.25:23)

So let’s now look at specifics areas that we need to know in order to receive the un-containable blessing He will perform for you.

1) What are our Tithes and offering requirements?

The Tithe we must remember is the Lord’s, it’s not ours. So if we deny the Lord His money, we are in effect–thieves. And breakers of His 8th Commandment. His blood can cleanse us of our sins if we repent and turn away from them. But if we continually trespass without asking for repentance (such as stealing from him on a regular basis) are we not in a very dangerous position?

 “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.(Hebrews 10:26-27)

Tithing has been 10 % since Abraham (see Gen.14:20 and Heb.7:2) and Jacob ( Gen 28:22). The word “tithe” actually means one tenth. EGW said the following concerning this –

“A tithe of all our income is the Lord’s. He lays His hand upon that portion which He has specified that we shall return to Him, and says, I allow you to use My bounties after you have laid aside the tenth, and have come before Me with gifts and offerings.” (Review and Herald, Dec. 1, 1896)

Scripture indicates that offerings above and beyond the 10% should be made as well (Deut 12:6-14). However upon the research I’ve done, it appears that the “offerings” are left to the giver’s heart and disposition. But it is important to note that the Lord does want offerings. In the (Mal. 3:8) we see where the Lord said He was being robbed of tithes and offerings.

2)What is the “meat” that He says He wants in His house and what is the storehouse?

Let’s look at this importance reference from brother Houteff–

“Since His people still do not see wherein they have departed from His ordinances, He specifically points out and immediately pleads for action, ” “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse–even this whole nation–because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.”(Mal 3:8-10).

The phase, ‘even this whole nation’ robbing God is so because the old message, the ‘judgment for the Dead’, (for the proclamation of which the Seventh-day Adventist Denomination was specifically called forth), is now out of date as is the message of Noah’s flood, and as Denominational officials have already rejected the message of the Judgment for the Living but are still collecting tithes of the people, they as a nation (as a Denomination) are robbing God.”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)” (Jezreel Letter, no.9, p.3-4)

Note that not to the Levites, or to some other place or people but into God’s storehouse are the tithes and offerings to be brought. And for no other reason that His storehouse may have the means to dispense spiritual food, “meat in due season.” These words definitely and positively show that the only support which the message of the purification for the church  has for caring on it’s work is the tithes and the offerings from His faithful people; that in no other way could the message be dispensed; that in no other way could the expenses be paid.

This is God’s reason for no plate passing now in our gatherings, for no money raising  in any form, and for scattering our literature  everywhere as the leaves of autumn without money and without price to the people. In other words, the literature, the ministers, and the Bible workers– those who bring the message of the hour to your door, are to be paid by the tithes and offerings that come to the Lord’s storehouse.  God, therefore, asks His faithful people to gladly respond to His call and sufficiently to supply the need. He asks this not only for the prosperity of His storehouse, but for His people’s prosperity as well.” (Jezreel Letter, no. 9, p.9-10)

Sadly, our present leadership within the SDA are not dispensing present truth. Week after week they rehash old truths, as if God has stopped His church from advancing int His truth. Prophecy again is being fulfilled with the description of what is happening in our midst–

“The conspiracy of her prophets in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing the prey; they have devoured people; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in her midst.” (Ezek. 22:25)

So we see that “present truth” for us–TODAY- is what constitutes “meat” that will fill our soul. And the storehouse is that which dispenses it regularly. This is the true food that He considers as being stored and dispensed from His storehouse.

3)Where are His Storehouses?

The following I have found are very active in publishing His present truth for today. This is their full-time occupation. They have true “meat in due season” and are dispensing it regularly.

(Note- some teach that God should have only ONE storehouse, yet we believe strongly that God’s “meat” is being dispensed today from more than one location. To limit God’s work in these very last hours is not, we believe, His will. Also be aware that, as we have spoken of time and again, these “Davidian” organizations are in no way shape or form connected to or were connected to–”Branch Davidians”-ie. Waco massacre, which is a totally different religious sect with important different doctrinal beliefs. Brother Houteff was God’s true Davidian teacher back in the 30′s to 50′s and the “Branch” group came along after he died and stole some of the original DSDA teachings and added their own doctrines as well–See our post link–https://godsloveandlaw.com/2012/11/17/original-davidians-are-not-branch-davidians/

a) General Association of Davidian Seventh Day Adventists (Mt. Carmel center)

Based out of New York, and located in Mountaindale,  this group is very active in sending tracts, literature, Cd’s, DVD’s  around the world. They also send Bible workers around the world to work one on one for new converts. Recently heard that they had helped convert 16 families in Mexico to the present truth message. They accept check, money orders and pay pal. Keep in mind you’ll need the email to send a Paypal donation.

Address-  P.O. Box 119, Mountaindale, N.Y 12763  (checks made out to — G.A.D.S.D.A)

Phone- 1-845-434-5282

Website –http://www.shepherds-rod-message.org/charts/

Email– gadsda@shepherds-rod-message.org

2) General Assoc. of Davidian Seventh Day Adventists  (checks made out to — U.P.A)

Based in Waco Texas, this organization is very active much as the others. (CD’s, DVD.s tracts, literature) Also has some very good YouTube videos.

Address – 2500 Mt. Carmel Dr., Waco, Texas 76710

Phone– 1-800-729-7494

Website – http://shepherdsroddavidian.org/

Email – dsdacommunication@gmail.com

One final point I would like to make. Some have inquired that they are under financial stress and that they can barely make ends meet, let alone pay Tithes. And that makes them Tithe exempt. Let’s see what the Lord’s final messenger said–

IS SMALL INCOME TITHE EXEMPT?

Question No. 158:

   As my income is very small, am I not exempt from paying tithe?

Answer:

   God designed the plan of systematic benevolence so as to make it as equitable to the poor as to the rich, no more a tax on the mite than on the million. And we know of no Scriptural authority for exempting from tithe any income, however small. All, poor as well as rich, are given the privilege of returning to the Lord His own. Many with a “mite” income are paying both first and second tithe, and in return are receiving a rich bestowal of blessing.

   Thus reason forces the conclusion that if one is not obliged to receive charity help in addition to his income (whatever its source) to cover his living expenses, then for him not to pay tithe is to cheat Himself of the abundant blessing which attends a faithful regard for the royal privilege of being one of God’s stewards. (Answerer, vol. 5, p.86)
 

(Note-  I usually rotate my donations, as the Lord guides. Also we must not forget that we most likely use our local SDA church and its services each week, and as such, should donate regularly to it as well for the maintenance and privileges of coming together in His house.)

In closing, we should know that the Great King of the universe will keep each and every promise He makes. I am proof that the above plan works, and my experience is written here that you, too, may experience His joy and see the fulfillment of His word come true. Today we CAN have a personal experience of –Fulfilling Prophecy.

“Every soul, in going out and coming in, in all business transactions, at all times and in all places, should act with the consciousness that he is moving under the inspection of God and heavenly angels, and that the Being who will judge every man’s work for eternity accompanies him at every step, observing all his actions and scrutinizing all his motives.”(Test. for the Church, vol. 5, p.628)

“Those who are ready and willing to invest in the cause of God, will be blessed in their efforts to acquire money.” (Review and Herald, Sept 18, 1888)

Posted in Christian faith, God's signs, God's storehouse, Tithes and Offerings | 2 Comments »

The Belly God

November 15, 2014

Stomach growling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MY PERSONAL PLEDGE, BEFORE GOD,

SIGNED_____________________________

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

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

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

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

Revelation 17

November 8, 2014

womanbeast

Nothing is perhaps more fascinating in all of Scripture than the book  of Revelation. The symbols, the descriptions, the story, all point to an exciting and yet fearful time for His children. We’d like to look at chapter 17 this week as interpreted by God’s Elijah prophet. As you read the following, notice how all the symbols come into perfect understanding. How God sets it all before us, through His prophet, to know what is soon to come upon the earth.

One of the interesting clarifications shown here is the much discussed Rev.17:10-11,   “There are also seven kings, Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition.”

Many within our denomination have believed similar to what Doug Bachelor says, “Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Imperial Rome, Papal Rome. Papal Rome is also the eighth cause it gets a deadly wound, it comes back again.” But  compare this view with what follows, on this subject.

Rev. 17:1-3 — “And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.  So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.”

This beast is seen to portray the world in its day as are all the beasts of Daniel and The Revelation seen to portray the world in their day.

   The wilderness being opposite of the vineyard denotes that the beast’s domain is not in the Promised Land, not in the vineyard (Isa. 5:7), but in the lands of the Gentiles, the “wilderness.”  From his domain, therefore, is excluded the Holy Land.  And by the fact that the woman is sitting on the beast, driving it, is positively shown that she is ruling it, and that the beast itself is the symbol of the dominion of Babylon the Great.

   The beast’s ten horns portray civil powers, as do the horns of any symbolic beast.  And if the wounded head of the leopard-like beast of chapter 13 is symbolical of a religious organization, as is taught by the Denomination, then his seven heads must likewise be figurative of religious bodies!  Thus it is that this beast in its entirety, like all the other such beasts of the Bible, symbolizes the Gentile world in its entirety — civil and religious bodies (horns and heads).

 

   To blaspheme is for one to speak lightly of God, to work hypocrisy, to profess to be something other than what one actually is.  Inspiration’s definition is this: “…I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.” Rev. 2:9.

Rev. 17:4-6 — “And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: and upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.  And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.”

This woman does not symbolize something new, but something as old as the time of the martyrs, for she is the cause of their slaying.  What could she be but a counterfeit religion which originated with Cain’s unacceptable sacrifice?  Since then she has brought forth sectarianism, has become a mother of harlots.  Her abominations, you note, are made very attractive, being dispensed from a golden cup held in hands that are gorgeously decked with the costliest things of earth.

Rev. 17:7-13 — “And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel?  I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.  The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.  And here is the mind which hath wisdom.

The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.  And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.  And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.  And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.  These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.”

Here is a beast whose make-up is similar to that of the leopard-like beast of chapter 13.  The horns of this scarlet-colored beast, though, are crownless, and none of his heads are wounded.  Also, rather than having the name of Blasphemy written only over his heads, his whole body is full of names of blasphemies.

   In previous studies we learned that the leopard-like beast symbolizes the world from the fall of Pagan Rome to our time (The Great Controversy, pg. 442).  Now, since the scarlet-colored beast also has ten horns and seven heads, it is again seen that he, too, is in the stream of time a symbol of the world with its civil and religious powers — horns and heads.

   Inasmuch as his head is not wounded as is the head of the leopard-like beast, and since the wound of the leopard-like is healed, it is clear that the scarlet-colored beast represents the world in the time the wound is healed, in the time the two-horned beast (Rev. 13:11-18) makes a likeness of the leopard-like beast in its pre-wounded state.

 

   You notice that the horns of Daniel’s fourth beast were crownless, and the horns of John’s leopard-like beast crowned, and again that the horns of the scarlet-colored beast are crownless.  Inspiration by means of these symbolical beasts portrays three periods of time, one following the other: (1) the period before the European kings received their crowns; (2) the period in which they were crowned; (3) a period of crownless kings in which Babylon the Great reigns supreme.

   The fact that nearly all crowned kings of the world have already been dethroned is proof in itself that Period No. 2, the period of the leopard-like beast (crowned horns) is about to pass away, and that Period No. 3, the period of the scarlet-colored beast (crownless horns) is about to be ushered in.  In order to make the transition, the present distress of the nations is therefore inevitable.

Rev. 17:14-18 — “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful.  And He saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.  For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill His will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.  And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.”

Again, the fact that the ten horns (kings) have one mind (unlike the toe-kings of Daniel 2:42, 43), but have no kingdom of their own, besides the fact that the woman rules the beast, and also the fact that the Communist leaders (crownless kings) of the nations and have one mind (work together for one common cause), — all these facts show that though Communism appears to be the next power to rule the world, this symbolical prophecy points out that the world will next be ruled by an international religious system, by Babylon the Great, a rival of the religion of Christ, and a counterfeit of the woman in Revelation chapter 12.  The scarlet-colored beast, therefore, is the symbol of the world government into which the United Nations will finally evolve.

   Since those who have no part in the first resurrection, all the unrepentant sinners from the beginning of the world to the Millennium, are to be resurrected after the 1000 years, they will then positively discover that their names were not written “in the Book of Life”, — no, not one of them, even from the foundation of the world.  The truth thus stands out clearly that then only will they behold the beast in its three phases (“that was, and is not, and yet is”); that is, he “was” before the Millennium; “and is not” during the Millennium; “and yet is” after the Millennium.

   He “is not” during the 1000 years because at the commencement of the 1000 years, the beast and the false prophet are “cast into the lake of fire,” then the “remnant,” all the rest who came not out of Babylon’s domain, are “slain with the sword” of the “King of kings, and Lord of lords.” Rev. 19:21, 16.

   To summarize, having lived before the Millennium, and also after the Millennium, and being dead during the Millennium, the beast is seen in three phases, in three periods: the pre-millennial in which he “was,” the millennial in which “he is not” and post-millennial, in which he “is.”

   He “shall ascend out of the bottomless pit” (out of the pit, in which Satan himself is to be bound for a 1000 years), and then “go into perdition” (Rev. 17:8); that is, he will shortly be put to his second death from which there is no resurrection.

   “He is the eighth, and is of the seven”; that is, there are four beasts in Daniel 7, two in Revelation 13, and one in chapter 17 — seven beasts in all.  But the seventh lives twice, and thus after his resurrection “he is the eighth,” but “is of the seven.”  Then he goes into perdition, — suffers the second death.

   The statement, “and there are seven kings,” shows that these kings are not in the symbolism; that is, they are not the horns, nor are they the heads.  All the horns and the heads are present on the beast, whereas the “seven kings” are not there symbolized — five are fallen, one is, and the other is yet to come.

  We must fully realize that God through this symbolism summarizes the history of the entire world, for the beast, as I said before, is symbolical not only of the pre-millennial world but also of the post-millennial wicked world.  The seven kings of kingdoms “from the foundation of the world before the flood;  

  • (1) The ancient world before the flood;
  • (2) The ancient Babylonian Empire;
  • (3) The Medo-Persian Empire;
  • (4) the Grecian Empire;
  • (5) The Roman Empire.  These are fallen.
  • (6) The one that is, is the world to which the present distress of nations is to give birth (the pre-millennial), and of  which the beast itself, in his first phase, is the symbol.  And
  • (7) the one that is to come, is the world after the 1000 years, of which the beast itself, in its third phase, is also a symbol.

   Thus along with this symbolism the world of sin is represented from its beginning to its very end.  This beast, therefore, is the symbolical summary of the whole world.

(Timely Greetings, vol. 2, no.18, p.15-22)

Posted in Revelation teachings | 3 Comments »

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