Correction

September 6, 2014

corrections key

As we read the Scriptures we come to a sad fact, over and over again. God’s people have continually had one fatal flaw– unwilling to be corrected. This alone seems to be the very thing that erects a barrier that so many times, we as “Christians” fail to break down. Pride and stubbornness rears its ugly head and  keeps us “stuck” instead of going forward in our walk.

In Jeremiah  5:3 we read, “O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.” (Jeremiah 5:3)

We remember the days of the Exodus movement, the Lord continually had to correct their ways and behavior, yet they soon abandoned His corrective instructions. It is no different today. We as a people are even more stiff-necked than they were.

As God’s Elijah messengers, our duty is often to  be our “brother’s keeper”. We should really care about our fellow believer and be faithful in dis-charging our duty of support and even warnings and rebukes, if necessary.

If we fail to warn our brethren we fall under the words as spoken by Ezekiel “When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.”(Ezek. 3:18-19)

We see here a two-fold promise. Give correction and spare your life, ignore your brethren and lose your life. We must be un-selfish and not have the attitude of “I’m going to heaven, I don’t know about you”.

One of God’s greatest correctors was Elijah the prophet.

“The benefits which God gave to this people called forth from them no gratitude to the Giver. All the bounties of heaven,–the running brooks, the streams of living waters, the gentle dew, the showers of rain which refreshed the earth and caused their fields to bring forth abundantly,–these they ascribed to the favor of their gods.

Elijah’s faithful soul was grieved. His indignation was aroused, and he was jealous for the glory of God. He saw that Israel was plunged into fearful apostasy. And when he called to mind the great things that God had wrought for them, he was overwhelmed with grief and amazement.

But all this was forgotten by the majority of the people. He went before the Lord, and, with his soul wrung with anguish, pleaded for Him to save His people if it must be by judgments. He pleaded with God to withhold from His ungrateful people dew and rain, the treasures of heaven, that apostate Israel might look in vain to their gods, their idols of gold, wood, and stone, the sun, moon, and stars, to water and enrich the earth, and cause it to bring forth plentifully. 

 The Lord told Elijah that He had heard his prayer and would withhold dew and rain from His people until they should turn unto Him with repentance.” (Testimonies, vol. 3, p.263) 

How great was this man’s love for his people! Sadly, the correction given, even coupled with great signs from the Lord, would not be long accepted.

Eternal life is so mind-boggling that we should do all we can to learn His word and that includes His instruction to correct and be corrected.

Refusing correction can be shown by either combative or polite refusal, silent ignoring, or empty promises of reform. All of them give the same results –a failure to turn around and walk uprightly before the Lord.

But as we study Scripture, the lessons are many of how we can allow ourselves to be corrected and it’s a key that unlocks a whole new purpose and desire to serve the Lord.

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6)

As we let go of our pride, it’s much easier to listen to corrective instruction.

In the story of king David and being corrected by the prophet Nathan, we read from Spirit of Prophecy  —

“The prophet Nathan’s parable of the ewe lamb, given to King David, may be studied by all. The light was flashed sharply upon the king, while he was in utter darkness as to what was thought of his actions in regard to Uriah. While he was following his course of self-indulgence and commandment breaking, the parable of a rich man who took from a poor man his one ewe lamb, was presented before him.

But the king was so completely wrapped in his garments of sin, that he did not see that he was the sinner. He fell into the trap, and with great indignation, he passed his sentence upon another man, as he supposed, condemning him to death. When the application was made, and the facts brought home to him, when Nathan said, Thou art the man; unknowingly thou hast condemned thyself, David was overwhelmed. He had not one word to say in defence of his course of action. (2BC 1023.2)

This experience was most painful to David, but it was most beneficial. But for the mirror which Nathan held up before him, in which he so clearly recognized his own likeness, he would have gone on unconvicted of his heinous sin, and would have been ruined. The conviction of his guilt was the saving of his soul. He saw himself in another light, as the Lord saw him, and as long as he lived he repented of his sin.” (Letter 57, 1897).(2BC 1023.3)

What a great story and lesson! The mighty king David was thoroughly corrected and he accepted it deeply. As we see “as long as he lived repented of his sin.”

Spirit of Prophecy comments on our subject, “I have been shown that the greatest reason why the people of God are now found in this state of spiritual blindness is that they will not receive correction. Many have despised the reproofs and warnings given them.( Testimonies, vol. 3, p.255)

Are we willing to stand corrected? Or does our pride hinder us? Is it not worth our eternal salvation to admit our wrongs, whatever they may be? Eternity, wow, is this not worth fighting for? Is this not worth our every effort to “know the worst of our case”?

“Determine to know the worst of your case. Ascertain if you have an inheritance on high. Deal truly with your own soul.” (Testimonies, vol. 1, p.163)

Posted in Humility, Obedience, Warning our brethren | 2 Comments »

A Spiritual Virus

August 30, 2014

Spiritual virus

 

“Spiritual Virus”,  just what is that? Before we explain allow me to tell how this term came recently.

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

Here we see that the Lord will “come in” to us if we hear His voice and open the door. And an important part of this process is that we will “sup” with Him. This is a fascinating description of communicating with Him. Hopefully we can do a post soon on this subject alone, as it is very important.

To simplify “sup” is indicative of communicating with our Lord, and as such we hear Him speaking to us. As I often do each week, I drive several miles in my truck. For decades I would be playing the pop music or CD’s. Basically drowning out any possibility of hearing anything except that worldly music.

But since my conversion, I no longer listen to that music and as such have my ears ‘wide open” to hear His voice. I explain all this to show how this word “Spiritual Virus” came. It came as I was “supping” with the Lord. It just came into me.

So that being said, I kept hearing that as days went by. So I knew that this was a topic the Lord wanted me to discuss.So let us look at this subject and how we must be on guard and take precautions not to develop this most serious plague.

Just as there exists many physical viruses, so too, there are many spiritual viruses. And as the physical ones lodge within us and are sometimes hard to eradicate, same with the spiritual. While there are certainly many “strains” or symptoms of spiritual viruses such as habitual sinning, they can begin the same way. His Inspired word shows us how they develop.

Let us look at how they can develop.

Christ our King showed us the importance of “knowing” Him. In 1 John 2:3-4 we read, “This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his Commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his Commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.”

Any true Christian must first “know” the Lord, yes? And if we are to know Him, we see clearly that keeping His Commandments are the key. So the very first steps in our walk is to repent and then to  “walk” in His Commandments. Therefore, the ones who are susceptible to a spiritual virus are the ones who really don’t know Christ. They may talk of Him and profess to know Him yet we know they are lying if they do not keep His Commandments. 

It’s similar to someone walking around with a bull’s-eye target on their back. The Satanic forces can see it in the spiritual realm and zero in on them. So our first area of defense from the viruses, is to know and keep His Commandments.

Sadly, as I have continued to walk along the path of the Lord’s leading, I have found that even those who proclaim the Elijah message (the Lord’s highest light) are no exception to these terrible viruses. What does that tell us? It can only mean that Satan and his workers have tricked them into being careless in their walk.

In other words, a deception has crept in and that is that they are the Lord’s messengers and thus they don’t need to be careful daily in walking in His Commandments.

Inspiration points out how important it is to keep faithful in obeying them —“When one commandment of the Decalogue is broken, the downward steps are almost certain.” (Signs of the Times, July 1, 1903)

You see, it is a ‘gift” from the Lord to have His “Spirit of Truth”. In John 16:13 we read, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”

Those who know Him can thus be guided to know the Truth. This goes even to the fact that those who know Him can tell sinner from saint! The Elijah prophet said,  “For  only a true Christian, one who has a personal experience with God, a perfect knowledge of His Word, and who is filled with His Spirit, can discriminate saint from sinner.  He, only, can recognize who has the seal and who does not have it, when the latter is cloaked in a counterfeit robe of righteousness.” (Tract 5, p.63)

One of the most important areas to check in regards to our faithfulness in keeping His Commandments, is to investigate our Sabbath keeping. We often should check up on ourselves in this area.

Let us look at some questions we can ask ourselves–

1) How is our appearance on the Sabbath day? Do we dress our “best”? Are we well-groomed and bring the Lord honor by going into His house a good representative of Him?

2) Are we abstaining from the numerous temptations that Satan brings on the Sabbath? Buying and selling? Worldly pleasures such as TV and music? Discussing business?

3) Are we careless like Eli was and overlooking, or worse yet contributing, to our family and friends willful transgressing of the Sabbath

Let us expand on this point. If we have a wife or husband, or children, and they often do things that are not right in the Lord’s sight on the Sabbath, how do we respond? Do we wink at it or even participate in it?

Suppose we are on the way to the church service on the Sabbath and our wife says. “oh honey I just remembered  I promised to bring a salad to the lunch today. Could we stop by the grocery store on the way to church and buy the salad?  What is the husband to do? Be like Eli and wink at this and go along with this willful breaking of the Sabbath? Or does he protect the wife and himself from falling for this devil trick , thereby saving themselves from trampling His holy Sabbath?

Just so we know the Lord’s will in  this regard, let us read His instruction, “In those days I saw in Judah some who were treading wine presses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sacks of grain and loading them on donkeys, as well as wine, grapes, figs and all kinds of loads, and they brought them into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I admonished them on the day they sold food. Also men of Tyre were living there who imported fish and all kinds of merchandise, and sold them to the sons of Judah on the Sabbath, even in Jerusalem. Then I reprimanded the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing you are doing, by profaning the Sabbath day?

“Did not your fathers do the same, so that our God brought on us and on this city all this trouble? Yet you are adding to the wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath. It came about that just as it grew dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut and that they should not open them until after the Sabbath. Then I stationed some of my servants at the gates so that no load would enter on the Sabbath day.” (Nehemiah 13:15-19)

What a beautiful story of true respect and admonishment from the prophet! He cared enough for the Lord’s honor to make known the error of the people. Are we doing this with any of our friends or family who happen to carelessly honor the Lord on His holy day? If we are not, we may be compromising our “defense system” and allowing a virus to develop. Why? Because we are also committing transgression just as we allow those within our reach and care to do.

“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..” (Isaiah 62:6)

When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.(Ezekiel 3:18)

So what is our point here? It is that the strongest defense in not obtaining a spiritual virus is to keep His Commandments. This is first and foremost. Let us not forget that we also show the Lord we “love” Him.

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

So now that we know what  helps us as a healthy line of defense, let us look at some specific symptoms of these viruses.

1) Repetitive breaking of the Sabbath.

This can include but not limited to: Doing business on the Sabbath, such as phone calls, writings, job appointments, worldly TV and music, lack of reverence in His house such as, talking loudly in sanctuary, playing games on cell phone in sanctuary, lack of presentable attire in His sanctuary (this one is especially specific to the ladies for dresses and shoes and proper head-covering)

2) Proclaiming false teachings and beliefs.

Such as no Trinity exists, no Elijah prophet message needed, no need to strive with all power God has given us to be among the 144,000 (Review and herald, March 9, 1905), Elijah prophet is not to be the last, continual proclaiming of peace and safety message. No church judgment to come, only the next coming of Jesus in the clouds at end of plagues, etc.

Let us expound on this point. Our Master told us the following:

“If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether  I speak of myself.” (John 7:17)

This again shows that first we must “do His will” THEN we shall know His true teachings. This is why some get tripped up in their walk, they fail to do “first things first” and falsely presume that the Lord allows then to “jump over the threshold”.Even though they may know quite a bit of the word of the Lord.

The prime example of this was the Pharisees. Jesus admonished them, even though they knew all the Scriptures and professed to know God, He exposed them for not doing the basics.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier  matters  of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” (John 8:32)

From another angle we see an excellent example of women “laden with sins”unable to learn properly. Although it mentions silly women, the concept applies to all sinners.

“For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim. 3:6-7)

Our prophetess also explained, “God never honors unbelief and questioning and doubt. When He speaks, His word is to be recognized and carried out in the daily actions. And if the heart of man is in living connection with God, the voice that cometh from above will be recognized…There is need that we reverence the Word of God and recognize His voice in the living oracles, that we may practice its precepts and live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.(Testimonies on Sabbath School Work, p.64)

3) Robbing God.

Being unfaithful in returning His Tithes and offerings per Mal. 3:10. Thus not providing your funds so that He may have “food” in His house. The food being spiritual food as in His present truth for us right now–today. Supporting instead an old message that was present truth for generations past.

4) The Laodicean spirit

This is perhaps the greatest virus of all. It paralysis the host. They are unable to get out of their “rich and increased with goods” attitude and therefore they fail to advance in the Lord’s light.

Our King knew these people well and warned:

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.”(Rev. 3:14-18)

“The only hope for the Laodiceans is a clear view of their standing before God, a knowledge of the nature of their disease. They are neither cold nor hot; they occupy a neutral position, and at the same time flatter themselves that they are in need of nothing. The True Witness hates this lukewarmness.

He loathes the indifference of this class of persons. Said He: “I would thou wert cold or hot.” Like lukewarm water, they are nauseous to His taste. They are neither unconcerned nor selfishly stubborn. They do not engage thoroughly and heartily in the work of God, identifying themselves with its interests; but they hold aloof and are ready to leave their posts when their worldly personal interests demand it.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p.87)

Obviously there are many more viruses that can lodge into our soul  and those are just some primary ones.

In closing, let us be mindful that we cannot fool God. We may very well fool others but the One that is watchful–we can’t. A “spiritual virus” can be avoided and even eradicated, if we humbly repent of our wrong doing and submit to Christ, keeping His Commandments as best we can daily.

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

Free, even from a “spiritual virus”.

 

Posted in Commandments, Delusion, Proper teachings | 1 Comment »

To Hell in a Hand Basket

August 23, 2014

Hell in a hand basket

The world seems to be falling apart. Almost daily now, we see reports of killings, and unrest that is instilling real fear in many around the world.  Ukraine, Iraq, the middle east, and many other countries are experiencing  daily bombings and shootings and it’s getting out of control. To many, it seems the world is going to “Hell in a hand basket”.

What is happening? Even the head of the United Nations is at a loss for words. The USA Today said this week, “The world faces the greatest humanitarian crises in the United Nations history, and nations aren’t coming together to solve the problems, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon warned Tuesday.”

In looking down to our time,  the end of mankind’s history , our Lord said, “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” ( Luke 21:26)

When we watch on our nightly news of the horrible  crimes such as be-headings of innocent people, our fears certainly rise to the surface. But what really is happening?

As we know from Scripture, this world belongs to the dark adversary. “..the devil took him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” (Matt. 4:8-9)

The Lord did not contest Satan’s claim on the ownership of the world’s “kingdoms”. Satan has been at work, in his deceitful, lying, murderous ways since Adam and Eve. So this violence we see today is his handiwork and it will only intensify. We have made the observation that Satan is really like the mad insane killer who wants to take as many with him as he can, he’s going to die and his misery must be shared with all he can take down with him.

Recently the world beheld the first of  four “Blood moons” to occur over a span of a year and a half. This is known as “Blood Moon Tetrad”.  Here are the specific dates.

blood moons

(Click on moons to enlarge)

Without going into the detailed rarity of these concurrent blood moons, we know that even one blood moon is rare. Now when we multiply that by four and then add the fact that they occur on Biblical holy days, well, let’s just say it’s extremely rare.

Scripture prophetically tells us that a “blood moon” is to be a direct sign from the Lord. Specifically right before the “great and dreadful day of the Lord.”

“And I will show wonders in the heavens, and in the earth, blood and fire and pillars of smoke.  The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.”  (Joel 2:30 -31)

“The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious Day of the Lord.” (Acts 2:20)

“And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;” (Rev. 6:12)

So what is all this telling us? We cannot be for certain as we are not prophets, but one thing is sure. Satan knows Scripture in and out and it may very well be that he knows that the final Blood Moon Tetrad is his cue that his final time clock has begun.

Therefore his wrath begins upon mankind and develops in intensity.  Additionally we know from Scripture the world is to be turned upside down. God is about to “go to work” just as Satan is. The titanic battle is very shortly to begin, the “Great Controversy” indeed!

But the proud and mighty are to be debased. The penitent and humble ones are to “takeover”. Ellen White confirms this.

“The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be urged upon us….Those who have been timid and self-distrustful will declare themselves openly for Christ and His truth. The most weak and hesitating in the church will be as David—willing to do and dare. The deeper the night for God’s people, the more brilliant the stars.(Test. for the Church, vol. 5, p.81)

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

Revelation 7 says that the “four winds” are to be held until the servants of God are sealed in their forehead. As of yet these winds are still being held, so Satan does not have the go ahead to start the “time of trouble as never was”. What we now see is just a prelim of the death , turmoil and upheaval that will encompass the world.

God in His long suffering mercy is holding this trouble back. He is patiently waiting for His “tribes of Isreal” (Rev.7:4-8) to come forward and embrace His final message of Truth. But as we have reported many times, His remnant church is fast asleep and I dare say–in a coma! Those of us who are active in spreading His Elijah message to the church, see the weekly shunning and dishonoring of God’s proper honor, especially in His house. Many preachers from the pulpit speak false things and ignore His last message. “Peace and safety” is the message.

“Many will stand in our pulpits with the torch of false prophecy in their hands, kindled from the hellish torch of Satan….”(LDE, p.179)

Sadly, the vast majority of the “Israel of today” will not be around much longer. He is soon the “take the rein into His own hands” (Test. to Min. p.300). So while the time of trouble will be let loose, and test many souls around the world (those in Babylon), the current SDA church members will first experience —

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

But make no mistake, while God deals with His own first He will by no means acquit the evil doers in the world. Those mask men who we often see in the news holding their sword or knife to kill and maim, think they are hiding behind their masks but they are marked. There punishment will be dire indeed! The God of “recompense” will appear to their horror shortly.

While they take pride in committing killings in the “name” of “God”, the real great “I AM” will soon protect both those who “escape” His church judgment (Isaiah 66:15-19) and those who escape Babylon.

God, through His people, will finally “fight back”. Through  His word He foretells a time when none of the unrighteous will escape and will be brought down.

“Thou art  my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;”(Jer.51:20)

“In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them.” Zech. 12:8.

God has put up with Satan’s stomping His truth into the ground through his false teachers and prophets for a LONG TIME. But soon, the tables are to turn, and strong will be the servants of God. The adversary has finally met more than his match.

 “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with  a recompence; he will come and save you.” (Issiah 35:3-4)

So in closing, while it looks as if the world is going to “Hell in a hand basket”, the great God of  Israel holds all the cards. His perfect plan of church and world redemption is at work despite what appears now. It can be very fearful when we  look at the world’s current troubles, but there is hope in His word.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”(Isaiah 41:10)

Posted in End times, Final Events, God's signs | 1 Comment »

Who was Florence Houteff?

August 16, 2014

Flo. Houteff

As many of you are aware we have written extensively on Victor T. Houteff, who we as believers in the Lord’s Elijah message, believe was the “Elijah” to come as prophesied in Malachi 4:5. But how about his wife? Who was she and what happened to her after VTH’s death in 1955?

History reveals that she took on an important role in the events that played out after brother Houteff’s death. Unfortunately most of it was not in accordance with the will of the founder  of the Lord’s end time  message of the Rod. Let us now look at the historical events that took place that shaped the message in ways that was foreseen by the prophet himself.

Florence Houteff was a young woman of  18 when she and Victor Houteff married in Waco, Texas. Brother Houteff was 50. This was a marriage sanctioned by Florence’s mother. As can be seen the age difference was wide and Victor had to address some who looked at it as outside the norm.

In one of the questions he received in the “Symbolic Code” he was asked to address this. He responded in part-

“As to the matter of age, the following Biblical marriages represent a great disparity of years: Abraham, the father of the faithful, certainly took to himself a wife much younger than himself, for when he married the second time, he must have been over 140 years of age, as he was a hundred years old when Isaac was born (Gen. 21:5), and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebeccah (Gen. 25:20), at which time Sarah, Abraham’s first wife was yet living (Gen. 24:67), and Keturah, his second wife, was evidently somewhere under forty years of age, for she bare him six sons (Gen. 25:1, 2), which facts present a difference of at least a hundred years between the ages of Abraham and his second wife.

Again, the Lord chose for His lineage, Boaz (a Jew), and old man, and Ruth (a Moabitess), a young woman (Ruth 3:10)–a union contrary to the principles held by Brother Houteff’s critics… Brother Houteff’s critics seem utterly to forget that he has a tremendous work, and that he does not need a wife able only to make a home for him, but rather one most able to assist him in his work.  Hence, an aged woman, or one without experience in the work, would be to him a hindrance rather than a help.  Therefore, God has provided for him a “helpmeet” that will really help him, as he cannot successfully carry on the work while single.” (Sym. Code, vol. 3, no. 5-6, p.7-8)

So the truth is that brother Houteff had met Florence and found a true “helpmeet”. One who could help him in his important work of writing and spreading the message of Elijah. She was known to take short-hand on his many sermon addresses, called “Timely Greetings”. She obviously helped him in many ways. His work was indeed voluminous and she provided excellent secretarial skills along with her domestic chores.

So through out their approximately 20 years of marriage she exhibited a noteworthy impression as a devoted helper and wife of VTH. I have spoken to one of the original living members of the Mt. Carmel camp, Mrs. Bonnie Smith. She reported that Florence was quite a popular figure on the camp and her and brother Houteff made a great team.

But as we continue our story, we can only conclude that something unbeknownst to human eyes was at work. All was not as meet the eye. It can be similar to the story of Judas. While Christ was alive and doing His great work upon the earth, Judas was right there among the chosen. The masses (possibly even including the apostles) no doubt thought that Judas was a real believer, a real team player. Until the end time events came.

Victor died on Feb. 5, 1955. This was truly a sad event for those who had come to know him. He had some heart trouble and towards the end of his life he had some health challenges. Nevertheless, the faithful mourned the loss of the man who had provided brilliant light from the Lord. Prophecies that had been hidden for centuries became clear as crystal through his writings and Florence Houteff was right there helping.

But the first bit of evidence that something was seriously amiss is the very next day’s events, after his death.

Florence called an executive council meeting to discuss business! The body was not even cold yet and she wants to discuss business. Among other things she requested the council make a resolution that she be provided for her welfare for the rest of her life.( Source- Wikipedia article reference no.91 “Davidian Seventh-day Adventists”.)

She also requested that she be made vice president, effectively making her the person in charge of the whole organization.

So we can see the first seeds of trouble. But Victor had been given the warning from the Lord because he said the following years before.

“Everything that can be done against God’s message of today will be done with even a greater vengeance than was manifest against Heaven’s message in the days of Christ’s first advent, for the Devil knows that if he loses now, he loses forever — that he is to have no other chance. Unparalleled, therefore, is the urgency that every eleventh-hour church member now quickly and solidly brace himself against the Enemy’s effort to deliver a knockout blow. We must be alert, too, to realize that the blow is to come from surprisingly unsuspected foes — from professed friends of the gospel, who are no less pious than were priests in Christ’s day.” (White House Recruiter, p.33)

Despite protests from some on the council, she managed to get her way. The movement was quickly and surprisingly under “new management”. But who really was behind this management? As events unfold further, there can be no doubt as to who.

A few weeks ago I was surfing YouTube, as I do occasionally. I found a video entitled, “The Shepherd’s Rod EXPOSED by their own references”. As one who is well versed in the Lord’s Elijah message I was naturally curious what this guy had to say. As I listened my mouth became wider and wider in dis-belief. Hence the reason and need for this post.

You see, Satan has not changed his game plan since the beginning. His very first work of deception was bearing “false witness” against God and His truth. God said “don’t eat” and Satan  said “no He didn’t say that”. The same applies today and especially in regards to the last message, which he very well knows, once successful in securing the 144,000 true servants of God, it’s the beginning of the end for him.

So he get’s his own servants, those who bear false witness, to dispute and malign the Lord’s message. To spread falsehood and hopefully hood wink those who lean on flesh, who make men their arm.

Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. (Jer. 17:5)

So how does this all connect to Florence Houteff?  Because she and her council made the well-known false prediction that brought scorn and wide-spread doubt to the message and it’s effects are seen even to this day. Thus many today are spreading her false prediction  as “proof” that the message was false. They pawn it off on brother Houteff and the Shepherd’s Rod teachings.

In the video, the guy repeats the Satan lie that in 1959 the Shepherd’s Rod message from Victor Houteff predicted that Ezekiel 9 church judgment would take place around the world. That the warning called on all SDA members to save their lives and come to Mt. Carmel, Waco Texas, in April of 1959. To sell everything and get ready for the trip to Israel for the setting up of the pre-millennial kingdom. Many did do this (some say over 1000).

The truth of this matter is that Florence Houteff and her gang (her cronies on the council) set that date of April 1959 as the date of Ezekiel 9 to take place in the SDA churches around the world. But she claimed it was her husband’s interpretation that pointed to that time. The fact is that no where in all of Victor’s writings is found any prophetic prediction of Ezekiel 9 and its fulfillment date. (Good history of this is found in Don Adair’s –“A Davidian Testimony” chapters 19-21).

As we have often mentioned Satan and his devils are fighting for their life. And the best way to survive and delay their time is to tear down God’s message and even it’s messengers. As another example, the guy in this video starts going into how David Koresh was a latter-day follower of the movement started by VTH. If one knows the truth, this is such a blatant deception , it can only be called Satanic.

The 9th Commandment says, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against they neighbor.”(Exodus 20:16)

Bearing false witness is serious before the Lord. In times past God did indeed “wink” at certain things, but since His own Son’s blood was shed, it’s all for real now.

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”(Acts 17:31)

Florence Houteff and her council found out on that fateful day after their false prediction that the Lord had not spoken to them. So did over 1000 people around the world who had convened on Mt. Carmel in Texas that April day in 1959.  But Satan was pleased. A big blunder had occurred that would serve as the “knock-out blow” that the prophet had predicted a few years before. Today this foul trick has hoodwinked many souls and accomplished its goal to throw many people off His last message of Elijah. The guy’s video is just one example of it.

So unfortunately after the disaster, Florence Houteff continued to make further blunders. Soon she and her council decided that, contrary to the prophet’s clear instructions, they would take the Elijah message to the world. Ignoring the fact, that the message taught that the Lord’s church was to receive this message first and foremost. The church, not the world,  is about to be “spued out” and must prepare. The anti-type was to meet type. Elijah went to his people and not the world, so anti-type Elijah message must do the same.

Then after one dis-jointed plan after another she finally exposed her true colors and announced she was quitting the movement. The camp closed down in 1962. Although the faithful regrouped and headed to California.  Seven years of blunders had run their course.

As can be expected, Florence Houteff later renounced her husband’s message and even Ellen White! Is it no wonder? Wouldn’t we also want to run and hide if the church community knew we had made false prophetic predictions?

As a amazing side note, Florence later remarried a man whose last name was Eakin. So she became known as Florence Eakin. Pronounced  the same as Achan  (the thief) of the solemn Bible story in Joshua (Chapter 7). Was this divine happenstance?

As we mentioned previously, just as Judas was led to fall from grace, it appears the Florence Houteff story is a similar case. Sad endings indeed!

The Scriptures say “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be  ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear..” (1 Peter 3:15)

In closing, let us learn and understand the truth behind some of the false lies spread by the haters of Truth. We can be ready to answer the charge of Victor Houteff making false predictions, when in fact they lay at the feet of Florence Houteff.

And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household ( Matt. 10:36)

(For a specific report detailing some of the committee minutes and decisions made by Florence Houteff and her council after the passing of VTH, see this link (reference 91 and 92) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidian_Seventh-day_Adventist

Posted in Davidian Seventh Day Adventists, Delusion, Victor T. Houteff | 4 Comments »

Who Comprises the S.D.A Church?

August 9, 2014

12 tribes

(Click picture to enlarge)

Each week, we as Seventh-day Adventists, go to our respective local churches to worship our God. But do we really know who we are? Are we Gentiles who have been grafted into His Church? Are we literal descendants of Jacob (although unbeknownst to us)? Or a mixture of the two?

In Revelation chapter 7, verse 4, we read, “And I heard the number of them which were sealed:and there was sealed an hundred and forty and  four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.”

We are very aware of this end time prophecy but who are these “tribes of the children of Israel”? Can we know for certain through Inspiration who these people are today? Let us look at Scripture, Spirit of Prophecy, and the Elijah message to have a clear conception of truth on this subject.

To begin with let us ask– Why is it important to know who the “tribes of Israel” are today?

Our founder, prophetess Ellen White said these words, “Let us strive with all the power God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand. And let us do all we can to help others to gain heaven.” (Review and Herald, march 9, 1905)

So obviously Inspiration tells us to strive with “all power” from God to be a part of a certain group. Obviously there is only one group in all the Bible that these people consist of–the twelve tribes of Israel. Therefore, it’s of powerful importance to learn and obey God’s word on this subject. For how can we strive to be a part of something we know nothing about?

If the Lord guided our prophetess to say those words then obviously He would also guide her to let us know who is this “Israel” of whom 144,00 are a part.

“In order to be purified and to remain pure, Seventh-day Adventists must have the Holy Spirit in their hearts and in their homes. The Lord has given me light that when the Israel of today humble themselves before Him, and cleanse the soul-temple from all defilement, He will hear their prayers in behalf of the sick and will bless in the use of His remedies for disease.” (Testimonies, vol. 9, p.164)

“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)

In the book “Prophets and Kings”, our prophetess has the chapter “House of Israel”. In it she gives specific quotes addressing our issue.

“In proclaiming the truths of the everlasting gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, God’s church on earth today is fulfilling the ancient prophecy, “Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.” Isaiah 27:6.(PK, chap.59,p.703)

“That which God purposed to do for the world through Israel, the chosen nation, He will finally accomplish through His church on earth today.”(Ibid, p.713)

“Then it is that the redeemed from among men will receive their promised inheritance. Thus God’s purpose for Israel will meet with literal fulfillment. That which God purposes, man is powerless to disannul. Even amid the working of evil, God’s purposes have been moving steadily forward to their accomplishment. It was thus with the house of Israel throughout the history of the divided monarchy; it is thus with spiritual Israel today.” (Ibid, p.720)

Let us keep in mind that God’s prophetess sometimes referred to the church as “spiritual Israel”.  Two things to note,  we as descendants of the Israelites are flesh and spirit, so in this sense , the church has both a direct blood line and a spiritual aspect as well. Second, the purpose of the Lord’s Elijah message was to “restore all things”. That means that all necessary Truth was to be restored so that we could know the clear truth of matters. As we continue we’ll see that the Elijah prophet gives a  more explanation on the subject of the “Israel of today”, a restoration of it if you will.

Just as our prophetess did not have all the light concerning the setting up of God’s pre-millennial theocratic Kingdom, prior to the Lord’s coming in the clouds, so too she was not given all the light in describing the details of “the Israel of today”. This was the job of the last prophet–Elijah.

So we see that through the Spirit of Prophecy, the SDA church is described as being the “Israel of today”. So logically our church must consist of the twelve tribes. It is important to note that SOP never describes the church as anything other than “Israel”. By that we mean it isn’t described anywhere in the Spirit of Prophecy or the Rod as a “Gentile” church. Or even a “mixed” church with both Gentiles and Israelites–nowhere.

In Psalms 87:6 we read, “The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. God in His infinite wisdom and care has watched over His people since the beginning. Jacob’s bloodline has continued all the way down to our church today.

But the Lord has more evidence for us through His Elijah prophet. Let’s look at these.

Isa. 2:5 — “O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.”

——    Because the church greatly needs this light, the light that now illuminates the Judgment Day, the Lord makes the foregone plea to the antitypical “house of Jacob,” the house in which are the 144,000 Jacobites, the descendants of the 12 tribes of Israel, who down through the ages became assimilated by the Gentile nations, and thus lost their racial identity. (TG, vol. 1, no.5, p.7)

——-    “..everyone knows that the identified Jews of today are but a handful — certainly not as the sands of the sea.  The innumerable children of Israel, therefore, cannot be the unbelieving Jews of today.  Besides, the identified Jews of today are not the descendants of the ten-tribe kingdom, but of the two-tribe kingdom.  Who, then, is this multitude of people referred to in Hosea’s prophecy?

We must not overlook the fact that the Gospel of Christ divided the house of Judah into two sects — Jewish and Christian, that the Christian church for about four years after the resurrection of Christ consisted practically only of Jews.  Plainly, then, the original Christians were full-blooded Jews, — the Christian church is only a branch of the Jewish church, but they and their descendants have, through the years, lost their racial identity. 

Then, too, the descendants of both Israel and Judah who through the years of captivity lost their identity as did the Jews who embraced Christianity, according to prophecy must also have greatly multiplied.  Plainly, then, many who are taken as Gentiles, are but unidentified descendants of ancient Judah, Israel, and the Jewish Christians.  The Christian church herself is, as we have seen, a Jewish-Christian church.

These descendants of Jacob, who were assimilated by the Gentile nations, therefore, were to multiply as the sand of the sea.  They are the ones who, after becoming Christians, are again called the sons of the living God. (TG, vol. 2, no.6, p.15-16)

——-     And now, since the distinctive truth of the Investigative Judgment in heaven is the Seventh-day Adventist doctrinal magnifying glass, let us use it on the subject of the separation.

That part of the Investigative Judgment of the living, by which is determined who are to have their sins blotted out and, as a result, be given eternal life, is paralleled on earth by the work of the angel with the “writer’s inkhorn,” who is charged to “mark” (seal) everyone who sighs and cries for all the abominations in Judah and Israel-the church. (Answerer, vol. 2, question 24)

——    How many yields of fruit is the harvest to give? — If the 144,000 are the “first fruits” (Rev. 14:4), then there must be “second fruits,” for where there is no second there can be no first.  The word “firstfruits” absolutely necessitates second fruits.

 

   Where do the first fruits come from, and where do the second fruits come from? — We are plainly told that the first fruits are Israelites — all from the twelve tribes of Israel (Rev. 7:4-8).  Israel certainly stands for the church membership at the time they are sealed; the title “Israel” cannot be construed to mean the world.  The firstfruits, therefore, are harvested from the church itself at the time the separation begins.  The word “sealed” means placed in a safe place — sealed. (TG, vol. 2, no.44, p.34)

——     “..since there are two separations–one from the church (Israelites), one from the Gentiles,–those who escape and those who are gathered in– then the former are the first fruits and the later the second fruits–those of Rev 7:4, 7:9,  one from the tribes of Israel, and one from the Gentile nations.” (Jezreel letter, no. 2)

 ——  “And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.” (Isaiah 4:5)

Very evidently, then, the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night that so gloriously led the Hebrew host out of Egypt foreshadowed and even greater and more glorious protective covering, victoriously leading Israel of today not only on their way to the land of promise but all the while they are there. (SRod, tract 1, p.54)

In speaking of God’s promises in Jer.31:35-37, to establish  “the seed of Israel” as a righteous and holy nation, brother Houteff says, “As the promises are made only to Israel (the seed of Abraham), the original vine, which has been trodden down, this vine must therefore be raised up; then the penitent Gentiles by virtue of adoption in Christ, shall be grafted into it, and thus become of the planting of the Lord. (Tract 8, p.82)

——   Hos. 1:10 — “Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not My people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God. Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land for great shall be the day of Jezreel.”

Here you see that the Jews were to be rejected from being God’s people, and you well know that this came to pass when the Lord said unto them: “Behold your house is left unto you desolate.” Matt. 23:38. (TG, vol. 2, no.43, p.15-16)

——-  Since after the separation of the unconverted from among God’s true people, the church (then comprised of the 144,000, the first fruits of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel) is to emerge into a theocratic government, inevitably,  then, the “vessels” represent the component units, the tribes, into which the redeemed are gathered severally, while the “barn” represents the composite unit, the kingdom, into which they are gathered collectively.  And this great gathering, selective, absolute, and final, as it is, only goes to show again that the birth of the kingdom  is absolutely dependent upon the purification of the church. (Tract 8, p.93)

——-    “As God called out Israel from Egypt anciently, just so now, God is calling His church out from worldlings and worldliness, to be a separate, peculiar people to His honor and glory.  This does not mean another movement, but it does mean that God is to deal with the entire body, and those who escape are Israel, the 144,000.” ( SRod, vol. 1, p.107)

——-  The prophecy nevertheless continues and projects to the gathering time, the time God’s penitent people appoint to themselves one head, a king. These, of course, are not the unconverted Jews of today, but they are the descendants from among those who have been assimilated by the nations and by the Christian church, from those who have lost their identity and who are now “as the sands of the sea” in number, but who now as Gentiles (gentiles to their own and to the world’s short-sighted knowledge) have accepted Christ. (You who have missed my past studies on the subject, may read Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, No. 29 and Tract No. 8, Mt Sion at the 11th Hour, pp. 7-17.)(TG, vol. 2, no.43, p.15)

——-  Jer. 23:6 — “In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

“In his days;” that is in the days the Righteous Branch is raised, in the days of Jesus, in the Christian era.  Plainly, then, some day in the Christian period, Inspiration makes known, Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely on the earth.  This promise, therefore, is made, not to unbelieving Jews, but to believing Christians, to those who have made the Lord’s righteousness their own.

   Nevertheless these Christians, we are here told, are the descendants of both Judah and Israel who as a result of the dispersion, and also in joining the Christian church, have through the centuries lost their racial identity.  The Christian church, therefore, according to the Scriptures is in the main made up of the descendants of Jacob, whose seed was to be as the sand of the sea for multitude. (TG, vol.2, no.35, p.3-4)

 ——  According to Revelation 7, the 144,000 are of the twelve tribes, Israel and Judah, not of the Gentiles; also, both the marking and the slaughtering, according to Ezekiel 9, are to take place in both Israel and Judah, the church, where the harvest, judgment, commences. (Tract 9, p.55)

We highlighted some areas to show that, just as our prophetess showed that the church comprises the  “Israel of today” so does the Elijah prophet. However he gets more specific with such words as  “the church (Israelites)” and other descriptions.

So after reviewing these complimenting testimonies from Inspiration, we have to ask the following important question –Are there Gentiles in the SDA church?

Brother Houteff explains, “We are not to conclude that the Jews are the only descendants of Abraham.  Those who are fortunate enough to have this revelation brought to them, are the people.  There is no other safe conclusion if God causes the prophecies to be written, sealed, and then unsealed at His will and at the time appointed. (TG, vol. 1, no. 37, p.11)

It is, therefore, obvious that the few identified Jews of today are not the only descendants of Abraham’s, but that many of the Gentiles must be of Abraham.  Since this mixed up situation exists, hardly any one can really say for sure that he is not one of Abraham’s children. 

Perhaps many of the nations whom the world calls Gentiles are the children of Abraham.  We do not know for sure who is who.  God, however, has kept a perfect genealogical record, for He says: “I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know Me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.  And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the Highest Himself shall establish her.  The Lord shall count, when He writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.” Psa. 87:4-6. (TG, vol.1, no.37, p.12)

So we see that God in His never-ending wisdom has guided ALL SDA believers to the truth for this time. And as they alone must decide to accept His last “present truth” of the Elijah, IF they accept it and live it, can become a part of the “sealed tribes” of Israel! It’s the clearest signpost that you are an Israelite.

As we ponder this situation deeper, we remember that the Lord’s last message of Elijah is known as the “sealing message”. And because we know that from ALL the tribes of Israel (ALL the church) only 144,000 are sealed, then logically the Lord has made sure that His Jacob blood line down through time has “come home” as it were to SDA membership. Much as the homing pigeon has the natural instinct to arrive home.

Let us also remember that God has not forgotten the Gentiles (those who will make up the great multitude of Rev. 7:9). once the 144,000 are all sealed from the SDA church then it is that His servants will “go to work” proclaiming the Loud Cry. Thus bringing the vast world of Gentiles into His purified church!

Yet the  Lord cares so much for His Jacobite people, even though they have intertwined through the ages with the Gentile nations, He cannot let them perish without giving them an honest chance to accept His truth in these last hours.

Right now, and ever since 1930, the message of Elijah has been present truth for us as Seventh-day Adventists. God in His mercy has made His message available to all who sincerely seek to know the truth for their time. The “house of Israel” has no excuse.

Inspiration warns us —“Ignorance is sin, when knowledge can be obtained.” (The Health Reformer, Sept. 1, 1866) 

To answer the question,  there cannot be any Gentiles within our church (any that have no Israelite blood). Logically, the Lord would not cause such people to come into the church to have no chance of getting sealed. We know that in the soon to come church judgment, only those “marked” (sealed) survive (Ezek.9), and in order to be sealed, you must be of one of the twelve tribes of Israel through the ancient bloodline.

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

So the answer to our title question is clear. We as Seventh-day Adventists are directly connected to our forefather Abraham. We have found ourselves “home” in His remnant church. Now that we are home are we willing to eat (accept) our home cooking meal prepared for our all-loving Savior? or are we here just for the fishes and loaves, playing church and not truly in love with His truth?

We are Israelites and not Gentiles. God Himself declares this with the above Inspired clear references. The following shows crystal clear concerning our issue.

“These 144,000 “servants of God” being the first increment of the harvest, are called “firstfruits.” And as all of them are “of all the tribes of the children of Israel”(Rev.7:4), they are therefore necessarily harvested from the Israel of today–the Church Itself.” (WHR, p.33)

As we finish up , let us address the all too familiar point that there will be “more” than 144,000 sealed from the church at Ezekiel 9 judgment, presented by those who have fallen down the path of fables. Here is the most weightful and clear Rod reference that exists today —

“Notwithstanding the fact that “in the closing work” for the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, only 144,000 are to be sealed, according to Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 266″(Answerer, vol.3, Q-54)

In closing, as Israelites, we know that He has been faithful in bringing us home, so let us do as Inspiration said to do, “Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the one hundred and forty-four  thousand.” (Review and Herald, March 9, 1905)

If you are a part of the SDA church you have the opportunity to be one of the 144,000, will you strive to be?

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” (Isaiah 11:11)

Posted in Church, Who are the 144K? | 5 Comments »

War’s a Knockin

August 2, 2014

Kingdom of Israel

Even as we write this post, the rumblings of war pound the middle east. But this is just the beginning. Is a gigantic war based in that very area predicted? If so, by whom and from where? From the Word that does not lie nor disappoint. The Word that reveals secrets. Let us look at what God’s word says about the soon to come war that will usher in His pre-millennial kingdom.

Many of us as Bible students have come to believe that the great “Armageddon” of Scripture portrays a last day gigantic war. A war that will end upon the Lord coming in the clouds. But is this really what the Scriptures tell us? Or has Satan and his henchmen pulled one of their vast interpretation tricks? Used men for private interpretation? To throw us off, having us look left when we should be looking right?

God’s word will shed light upon where, how and when this “last day’s” war will happen. The whole reason for Scripture is to prepare us. Let us know what shall be and how we can be fitted to meet the Lord and be forever with Him. This war study is one of the most important. May you be enlightened and thus prepared.

“(1) Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; (2) Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD’S anger come upon you.

(3) Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger. (4) For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.

(5) Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the LORD is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant.” (Zeph. 2:1-5)

Let us see what the Elijah prophet says concerning these verses.

What makes this nation gather together? — Certainly not the decree and not the Lord’s anger, for these are to come upon her after she gathers together.  The “decree” certainly cannot be the beast’s decree, for there is not even a thought in the scripture that would so indicate; but it certainly points out that the decree is none other than the Lord’s decree — the fierce anger of the Lord in the day that passes as chaff.

   According to the verse that follows, this undesirable nation’s gathering together, is a sign post to God’s people, urging them to continue seeking Him so much the more..

When this Judgment-bound nation begins to gather together then it is, if never before, that the meek of the earth need to seek meekness.

The meek of the earth are those who have wrought the Lord’s judgments, who have proclaimed the message of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.  They are His people, His church.  The nation that is not desired, therefore, is one people, and the meek of the earth, the church, those who are hid in the day of the Lord’s anger are another people.  The one is gathering together, the other is seeking meekness.  Definitely, then, the “nation” of verses 1 and 2 is not His church, but the people of verse three are His people, His church. (Timely Greetings, vol. 1, no. 22, p. 24-25)

So we see that the gathering of the people of Israel is a direct fulfillment of the end time prophecy. But the purpose is going to be for the Lord’s purpose not mere humans who now think that the land of Israel will continue to be a land run predominantly by the un-believing Abraham descendants. No, the Lord is setting up HIS OWN PLAN.

Let us continue with the prophet’s words.

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

   Let us now connect verse 3 with verses 6 and 7, the verses that are applicable to the people of God, the meek.

Zeph. 2:3, 6, 7 — “Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger…. And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.  And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the Lord their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.”

Now, the fact that the Lord is to destroy all the inhabitants in the land of the Philistines (Zeph. 2:5), and at the same time make it dwellings for “shepherds, and folds for flocks,” shows that He is first to drive out of the land all the wicked, all those who are not seeking meekness, then He is to set up the “house of Judah” in it.

Zeph. 2:8 — “I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached My people, and magnified themselves against their border.”

Not only the unbelieving Jews, but also the unbelieving Arabs who resist the meek, are to be swept away from the land. 

Zeph. 2:9 — “Therefore as I live, saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of My people shall spoil them, and the remnant of My people shall possess them.”

 

While Moab and Ammon become as Sodom and Gomorrah, go out of existence, the captivity of God’s people is turned away.  They become an independent nation and possess all the wealth of the people round about.

 

Zeph. 2:10, 11 — “This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the Lord of hosts.  The Lord will be terrible unto them: for He will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship Him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen.”

 

Zeph. 2:12, 13 — “Ye Ethiopians also, ye shall be slain by My sword.  And He will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, and dry like a wilderness.”

 

Zeph. 2:14 — “And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her [in Nineveh], all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall be in the thresholds; for He shall uncover the cedar work.”

 

 Who wants to ignore the truth that these conditions are definitely pre-millennial?  Moreover, these prophecies show that the renewal of the ancient kingdom of Judah is to be a real thing, not something imaginary.  Its subjects are to be real people, not ghosts.  Now we can see that the common expression, “going to heaven,” means first going to the Promised Land, there to be fitted for the society of the pure and eternal. (Ibid, p.26-28)

Very soon a middle east country will make a blunder. She will do the unthinkable, yet unbeknownst to that nation, she will be acting out the Lord’s plan. Then this mistake will be the catalyst for the surrounding nations, even the “big boys” –USA, Russia, China, to get involved.

The end of this chaos and bombing will be that the land will be cleared out just as we read above and God’s true servants–the 144,000, shall take up residence there.

In Revelation 14:1 we read, “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.”

After the land is cleared out,  the people of God, will stand on mount Sion with our Lord.  The Lord is to coordinate this war with His solemn church judgment. The servants then begin to fulfill further prophecy.

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.”(Isaiah 11:11)

The purpose of this return is to set up “headquarters” for the last proclamation of the Gospel, known to us Seventh-day Adventists as the “Loud Cry”. Isaiah further illuminates this end time set up.

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. ” (Isaiah 2:2-4)

As we’ve shown in many previous studies, the “kingdom” will be God’s Theocracy kingdom. Not like the worldly kingdoms we know today (ie. USA, France, Germany Russia, etc.). Also from what we gather from SOP and the Elijah message, the time period will be very short, possibly as short as 2-3 years.

Make no mistake, the pieces are rapidly falling together. Recently in a May 30th article high-lightening an important natural gas alliance between the two nations that will one day oppose the Assyrian nations (white English-speaking countries) in the gigantic middle east war , it said, “In the joint statement issued by China and Russia, the main message is that China-Russia relations have reached a new stage of comprehensive strategic partnership and this will help increase both countries’ international status and influence, thus contributing to a more just international order.”(The Diplomat, May 30, 2014)

Further in the Elijah prophet’s “A Summary Chart of Types” we see that our time is really coming down to the final ticks of the clock before these powerful nations “unload”. We must take heed and know the time of the season prophetically speaking.

Dear brothers and sisters, don’t you want to be a part of this last great work? A time where the Lord’s hand will directly be involved? Finally the great I AM will show Himself. We can be. But what is the cost?

The Lord requires a sell out. That means that we cannot have one foot in the world (partaking in its worldly pleasures and lusts) and the other in the Lord’s work. Isaiah again fills us in on what type of hypocritical Christians there will be in the last days.

“And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.” (Isaiah 4:1)

The Lord is not fooled. He wants His people to “hear His voice” and sin not. We can be victorious over sin when we decide to “follow the Lamb wheresoever He goes”.

This war is very close to happening and once it does, the end of the current world’s structure will change. No longer will the rich billionaires run this world, rather it will be the “little guys and girls”, the humble and sold outs that the Lord will promote. Yes, there will be troubles, but those who put on God’s armor right now will shine forth with His power.

“I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect. Many had been bound; some wives by their husbands, and some children by their parents. The honest who had been prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it. All fear of their relatives was gone, and the truth alone was exalted to them.

They had been hungering and thirsting for truth; it was dearer and more precious than life. I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, “It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.”(Early Writings, p.271)

The great and dreadful day of the Lord is so near at hand and Joel describes it beautifully.

“Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.

A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.” (Joel 2:1-3)

The Lord will be with those who really want Him and look forward to being employed in the greatest job ever held by human beings–God’s end time servants. War’s a knockin but God’s people will be the victors.

“And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.” (Amos 9:14-15)

 

Posted in End times, Final Events, Our Lord's kingdom | 1 Comment »

Answers

July 26, 2014

This week we’ll take a look at the correct answers and give a small commentary when needed.

1) “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.”(Isaiah 11:6)

This inspired reference is speaking of:

a) The heavenly kingdom

b) The pre-millennial earthly kingdom

c) The new earth kingdom

Answer– B.

There will be no “suckling child” in the heavenly kingdom nor the earth made new kingdom. This time can only be in the future but before the second coming of Christ. Notice there are no conditions attached to this word of God. He said it, He will do it.

Reference – Selected Messages, vol. 1, p.172

Also see our two part post called “Thy Kingdom Come” listed under “Our Lord’s Kingdom”

2) “Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads a winepress? (Isaiah 63:1-2)

This is speaking of what?

a) Return of Jesus to heaven after the church judgment

b) The days of the new earth

c) Concerning the Lord’s solemn judgments given in the desert during the 40 years of wandering

Answer– A

Here we see something very illuminating. Notice that this person is “travelling in the greatness of his strength”. Then he answers who He is, “I that speak in righteousness. mighty to save.” There is only one being in the universe that can “save”. The Lord savior Jesus Christ. He is returning with dyed or stained garments (as if in blood). We know it is blood because later in verse 3 we read, “Their blood is sprinkled upon My garments, and I have stained all My robes.” Then we get the time in which He does this ”For the day of vengeance is in My heart, and the year of My redeemed has come.”

Brethren, when the Lord comes in the clouds, the wicked will be destroyed by the brightness of His coming. He will not come down and be among them. But when the church judgment comes He will come “to the threshold of the temple”(Ezek. 9:3). He will be near the people and after ordering the Ezekiel 9 church judgment, His garments will indeed be stained. We find additional evidence in coming to His people,  in Mal. 3:1, when He “suddenly comes to His temple.”

Reference: Great Controversy, page 425. “Special work of purification here on earth”.

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

Who are these people “the children of Israel”?

a) The Jews of today, who will return to Christ soon

b) Those in the churches of the world who have walked upright and holy before the Lord

c) The elect  people in the Seventh Day Adventist denomination

Answer: C

As God’s end time remnant church, Inspiration tells us that the “Israel of today” is the SDA people.

Reference: Testimonies, volume 9, page 164

4) In speaking of the papacy’s head that was wounded, we know that the reformation wounded the head, but what healed it?

a) The world council of churches

b) Apostasy

c) 1929 Rome declaration

Answer: B

Reference: Jezreel Letter, no. 8, p.67

5) Modern Spiritualism had its roots from–

a) Satan’s deception in the garden, “you shall not surely die.”

b) The Fox sisters who began seances in the 19th century in New York.

c) The medieval castles in Europe

Answer: A

Reference: Prophets and Kings, p.685

6) What message is set to bring about a “sifting” and separation of the tares from the wheat within the church?

a) Loud Cry

b)1888 message repeated in last days

c) The Shepherd’s Rod message

Answer: C

Reference: The Answerer, vol. 1, Question no. 6

See also Early Writings, page 270

7) In Review and Herald, Nov. 19, 1908, Ellen White said only those who __________ will be permitted to take part in the Loud Cry.

a) read their Bible daily

b) withstand temptation in the strength of the Mighty One

c) become a part of the SDA reform movement

Answer: B

Here we see that soon , and before, the Loud Cry, dedicated followers of Christ must be found “overcomers” by the Lord. These only will be “permitted” to take part in the Loud Cry.

Reference: Review and Herald, Nov.19, 1908

8) What was a great lesson Noah showed humanity, when the first thing he did upon coming to land was to build an altar to God?

a) That during trials such as the months of storms at sea man can trust God

b) That all mankind should prepare for disasters

c) That God must come first and we should be liberal in free-will offerings

Answer: C

Reference: Patriarchs and Prophets, p.102

9) In Early Writings, what message described on page 277, is to be proclaimed that gives “power and force” to the 3rdangels message?

a)SDA Reform movement

b) Shepherd’s Rod message

c) The Loud Cry

Answer: B

Reference: Shepherd’s Rod, vol. 2, p.230

10) One of the big mis-conceptions of the Elijah message is that it teaches that the church is Babylon  -True or False?

Answer:  True

Brother Houteff has sometimes been falsely accuse of calling the SDA church- Babylon. His teachings were strictly in harmony with Spirit of prophecy.

Reference: Review and Herald, Sept. 5, 1893

11)In the Great Controversy, on page 425, what event (special work of purification) does this quote describe?

“While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of the penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth.”

A. The Lord’s coming in the clouds

b. Ezekiel 9

c. The Loud Cry

Answer: B

In that quote EGW says that this work of purification is more clearly described  in Revelation 14. When we go there we find in Rev. 14:14 that our Lord is seen with a “sharp sickle” in His hand.  Then He “reaps” the harvest of the earth. This is the first reaping. Then in verse 15 we read the seconding reaping by an “angel” who thrust in his sickle. The first reaping is Ezekiel 9 church judgment harvest. This is the “first fruit” harvest. The second reaping is the “second fruit” harvest or more commonly known as the –“Great multitude” harvest (Rev. 7:9). The 144,000 “servants of God”, free from the tare leadership in the church,  go out into Babylon and bring into God’s pure church,  the multitude from around the world.

Reference : Great Controversy, p.425

12) The investigative judgment in heaven comes in two sections, what are they?

a. Judgment for the dead and judgment for the living

b. Judgments in the first apartment then in the second apartment in heaven

c. Pre-plagues section then during the 7 last plagues

Answer: A

Reference: Shepherd’s Rod, vol. 2, p.181

13) In the 2nd Seal of Revelation 6, what does the Red Horse represent?

a. The martyred Apostles

b. The time of per-dominant murder and war

c. Arabian horsemen representing apostate believers

Answer: B

Reference: “And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.” Rev. 6:3, 4.

14) The Scripture “..they are greedy dogs which can never have enough , and they are shepherds who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, everyone for his gain, from his quarter. (Isaiah 56:11) What is this describing?

a. God’s old testament leaders and priests who were keeping the Tithes for themselves.

b. God’s people who are selfish and greedy

c. God’s end time leaders who teach old truths instead of present truths and don’t look out for their members.

Answer: C

Reference: Shepherd’s Rod, vol. 2, p.80-82

15) In the 3rd Seal, the word’s “hurt not the oil and the wine” means what?

a. Do not do false commercial trading with deceitful scales.

b. Forbids interfering with the writings of the Scriptures in Mose’s time

c. Do not become gluttonous.

Answer: B

Reference: Tract 15, p.48

16) In the book that was “written with and on the backside” (Rev. 5:1), what does this mean?

a. Written within is the Old Testament, on the backside is the New

b. Written within are those saved of all ages, the backside are those lost.

c. Written within is the prophetic word of God, the backside is the prophetic fulfillment of those prophecies.

Answer: C

Reference: Tract 15, p.65

17) In the Old Testament, altars to God were always

a) Bricks

b) Wood and Stone

c) Stones

Answer: C

Reference: Shepherd’s Rod, vol.1, p.162

18) Who said this– “While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God’s honor and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favor for any.”

a) James White

b) Ellen White

c) Victor Houteff

Answer: B

Reference: Testimonies, vol.5, p.210

19) What old testament book has these words:

“Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”

a) Micah

b) Jeremiah

c) Amos

Answer: C

Reference: Amos 3:7

20) What chapter in Malachi prophesies the end time Elijah would come?

a) 3rd

b) 4th

c) 1st

Answer: 4

Reference: Mal. 4:5

21) In Malachi 3:1 , the Lord will “suddenly come to His temple” , what is that referring to?

a) The upcoming church purification

b) Jesus coming to the temple back in His earthly ministry

c) Jesus coming to the heavenly temple after His resurrection

Answer:  A

Reference: (Timely Greetings, vol. 2, no.11, p.17-18)

Mal. 3:1 — “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.”

   This verse introduces two persons, the Lord and His messenger.  In the language of today these verse would read as follows:

   “Behold, I send My messenger, even the messenger of the covenant, and he shall prepare the way before Me; and the Lord whom ye seek and in Whom ye delight shall suddenly come to His temple.  Behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.”

Mal. 3:2-4 — “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’ sope: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.”

 

   Plainly these verses foretell that the Lord is to send Elijah the prophet before the great and dreadful day of the Lord, before the judgment of the living members of His church begins, before the separating of the “tares” from the “wheat,” the bad “fish” from the good.  Then He purifies the sons of Levi — the ministry.  God assures us that before this work begins, He will send His messenger, the messenger of the promise, Elijah the prophet. 

 

Scoring:

Correct Answers

1 to 9 — Much work is needed. Please consider that you are not “studying to show yourself approved” and decide to “hit the books”.

10 to 13 — This shows a fair understanding but it’s more lukewarm than anything else. This group we want no part of. Press forward in the studies.

14 to  17 — Not too bad, but double down and get that higher mark which is well within your reach.

18 to 21 — Excellent. Keep up the good work and maintain this very good knowledge.

“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance..” (Proverbs 1:5)

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Present Truth Questions

July 19, 2014

In the beginning of the year we posted a series of questions designed to find out how we stand on the present truth message from the Lord. This post we will ask additional questions concerning this matter.

As we are living in the very last days of our church’s probation, we should take these counsels to heart.

“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)

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.(Hosea 4:6)

Scripture, Spirit of Prophecy and the Elijah message are all abundantly clear. We must continue walking up the path of knowledge. There is danger in “resting on our laurels” sort of speak.

Ok let us pose our questions and next week we’ll provide the answers.

1) “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.”(Isaiah 11:6)

This inspired reference is speaking of:

a) The heavenly kingdom

b) The pre-millennial earthly kingdom

c) The new earth kingdom

2) “Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads a winepress? (Isaiah 63:1-2)

This is speaking of what?

a) Return of Jesus to heaven after the church judgment

b) The days of the new earth

c) Concerning the Lord’s solemn judgments given in the desert during the 40 years of wandering

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

Who are these people “the children of Israel”?

a) The Jews of today, who will return to Christ soon

b) Those in the churches of the world who have walked upright and holy before the Lord

c) The elect  people in the Seventh Day Adventist denomination

4) In speaking of the papacy’s head that was wounded, we know that the reformation wounded the head, but what healed it?

a) The world council of churches

b) Apostasy

c) 1929 Rome declaration

 

5) Modern Spiritualism had its roots from–

a) Satan’s deception in the garden, “you shall not surely die.”

b) The Fox sisters who began seances in the 19th century in New York.

c) The medieval castles in Europe

6) What message is set to bring about a “sifting” and separation of the tares from the wheat within the church?

a) Loud Cry

b)1888 message repeated in last days

c) The Shepherd’s Rod message

7) In Review and Herald, Nov. 19, 1908, Ellen White said only those who __________ will be permitted to take part in the Loud Cry.

 

a) read their Bible daily

b) withstand temptation in the strength of the Mighty One

c) who become a part of the SDA reform movement

8) What was a great lesson Noah showed humanity, when the first thing he did upon coming to land was to build an altar to God?

a) That during trials such as the months of storms at sea man can trust God

b) That all mankind should prepare for disasters

c) That God must come first and we should be liberal in free-will offerings

9) In Early Writings, what message described on page 277, is to be proclaimed that gives “power and force” to the 3rd angels message?

a)SDA Reform movement

b) Shepherd’s Rod message

c) The Loud Cry

10) One of the big mis-conceptions of the Elijah message is that it teaches that the church is Babylon  -True or False?

11)In the Great Controversy, on page 425, what event (special work of purification) does this quote describe?

“While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of the penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth.”

A. The Lord’s coming in the clouds

b. Ezekiel 9

c. The Loud Cry

12) The investigative judgment in heaven comes in two sections, what are they?

a. Judgment for the dead and judgment for the living

b. Judgments in the first apartment then in the second apartment in heaven

c. Pre-plagues section then during the 7 last plagues

13) In the 2nd Seal of Revelation 6, what does the Red Horse represent?

a. The martyred Apostles

b. The time of per-dominant murder and war

c. Arabian horsemen representing apostate believers

14) The Scripture “..they are greedy dogs which can never have enough , and they are shepherds who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, everyone for his gain, from his quarter. (Isaiah 56:11) What is this describing?

a. God’s old testament leaders and priests who were keeping the Tithes for themselves.

b. God’s people who are selfish and greedy

c. God’s end time leaders who teach old truths instead of present truths and don’t look out for their members.

15) In the 3rd Seal, the word’s “hurt not the oil and the wine” means what?

a. Do not do false commercial trading with deceitful scales.

b. Forbids interfering with the writings of the Scriptures in Mose’s time

c. Do not become gluttonous.

16) In the book that was “written with and on the backside” (Rev. 5:1), what does this mean?

a. Written within is the Old Testament, on the backside is the New

b. Written within are those saved of all ages, the backside are those lost.

c. Written within is the prophetic word of God, the backside is the prophetic fulfillment of those prophecies.

17) In the Old Testament, altars to God were always

a) Bricks

b) Wood and Stone

c) Stones

18) Who said this– “While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God’s honor and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favor for any.”

a) James White

b) Ellen White

c) Victor Houteff

19) What old testament book has these words:

“Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”

a) Micah

b) Jeremiah

c) Amos

20) What chapter in Malachi prophesies the end time Elijah would come?

a) 3rd

b) 4th

c) 1st

21) In Malachi 3:1 , the Lord will “suddenly come to His temple” , what is that referring to?

a) The upcoming church purification

b) Jesus coming to the temple back in His earthly ministry

c) Jesus coming to the heavenly temple after His resurrection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in A spirtual health test | 1 Comment »

Zechariah 4 (God’s Method of Revealing Truth)

July 12, 2014

zechariah-4-picture

Zech. 4:1-4 — “And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou?  And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and has seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: and two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.  So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my Lord?”

The illustration here exhibited, you note, is an exact reproduction of Zechariah’s symbolism.  In order that our study be simplified and vivid, we shall study the chapter along with the illustration.

Now let us hear the angel’s explanation of this symbolism.

Zech. 4:5, 6 — “Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be?  And I said, No, my Lord.  Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the Word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”

The angel disclosed two things: First he made known that the symbolism is concerning the Word of the Lord (the Bible) to the servants of God; second, that His Word is revealed, not by man’s might nor by power, but by the Spirit of God.

Plainly this symbolism as a whole represents the system by which the Lord transmits His revealed Word to His people.  That we might have a thorough understanding of this Divinely designed system, we need to know what each component part of the illustration stands for.  The Spirit of Prophecy gives the clue.

In The Great Controversy, page 267 is explained that the “olive trees” represent the “Old and New Testaments;” Testimonies to Ministers, page 188, says that the golden oil represents the Holy Spirit; and on page 337 of the same book, along with Revelation 1:20, says that the seven lamps represent the church, and that the seven tubes (the ministry) convey the oil to the churches.

Now study the illustration itself as you would study any cartoon.  First of all, the trees represent the Word of God (the Bible — both Old and New Testaments — two trees).

Here is seen that the whole symbolical set up is for the purpose of depicting the accomplishment of but one thing — of keeping the seven lamps (the entire church membership) supplied with spiritual oil (Bible Truth) so that it might give spiritual light all round about, that the church might lighten the world with the revealed Word of God.  And since the ministry’s duty is to feed the church with spiritual food, the fact is that the seven tubes represent the ministry at work, taking the oil (revealed Truth) from the bowl to the seven lamps, the churches.

Now the truth that in the illustration the tubes (the ministers) do not take the oil directly from the olive trees (the Bible), it positively indicates that the bowl in which the oil is deposited represents the container or the store in which the compilations of Inspired Bible interpretations are stored, and that from it, not from the olive trees, the ministers help themselves with oil and carry it to the seven lamps (to the church).

The two golden pipes, therefore, can be only a representation of the inspired channels which are capable to extract the oil (light of Truth) from the trees (from both Testaments) and store it in the bowl (books) for the tubes (ministers) to convey it to the candlestick (to the churches).

The symbolism, therefore, points out the system which Heaven has ordained for dispensing the Word of the Lord to His church: that the Spirit of Prophecy at work is the only remedy against isms in the church and in the world.

Those who do not avail themselves of the golden oil, and those who continue ever to hunt for some kind of oil, or whoever try to extract their own, will, of course, drop into the pit when the earth opens her mouth to swallow up the flood.  Then it is that ism-breathers and ism-seekers shall forever pass away.

Zech. 4:13, 14 — “And He answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be?  And I said, No, my Lord.  Then said He, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.”

From the angel’s information it is now clearly seen that the symbolism depicts the system of interpreting the written Word of God, and of transmitting It to the church.  The time of which is in the New Testament era, when both trees are in existence.

Let us now summarize the lesson by the aid of the illustration.  Here we see a candlestick (a church) all of gold, the finest of all candlesticks (no “tares” in it).  It constitutes the remnant (those that are left after the sinners are done away with) which indeed keep the commandments of God, and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ, the Spirit of Prophecy (Rev. 12:17; 19:10).

This fine candlestick is fully trimmed and burning.  The two golden pipes (God’s inspired interpreters) store the golden oil in the golden bowl (Spirit of Prophecy publications).  And the seven tubes (the entire ministry) convey from the golden bowl the golden oil to the seven golden lamps (to the entire laity).

Under this perfect system of preparing, and dispensing the Word of God, “meat in due season,” to His people, there need be no fear that the reservoir will run dry, or that the lamps will grow dim.  This is the only system, moreover, that can make the church perfect, without spot, wrinkle, or any such thing — a people without guile in their mouths, all seeing eye to eye, all saying the same thing.  Truly “a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like.” Joel 2:2.

This beyond doubt is the mighty power that lightens the earth, it is the Loud Cry.  Indeed this symbolism reveals the church at the time she is endowed with the Spirit of Prophecy and with the righteousness of Christ.

Obviously, the system of Bible interpretation, described by Zechariah, is the Lord’s only system.  It is the only remedy for isms and discord among Christians.  Thus it is that His “watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.” Isa. 52:8.  (Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, No. 14 , p.16-23)

The above was selected portions of  Victor Houteff’s  sermon , Nov. 9. 1946, concerning God’s inspired way of transporting Truth from Scriptures down to the laity. The two pipes, as the prophet indicated represent the two interpreters, who are the ones rightly inspired to take the clear message and prophecies from the Scriptures, and put them in the bowl (books), so that we as laity can really know what the mysteries of the Bible mean! Those two inspired interpreters are none other than Ellen White (SOP) and Victor T. Houteff (ELIJAH MESSAGE). May the Lord be glorified for such revealing of His end time truths to us!

 

Posted in Elijah Interpretations, Proper teachings | 1 Comment »

Religious Liberty vs. 2 John 1:9

July 5, 2014

In the second book of John, chapter 1, verse 9 we read–

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”

What does John really mean here? Does this really mean exactly what it says?  We have no choice to admit it must. For the Scriptures say, “All scripture is  given by inspiration of God, and is  profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim.3:17)

How many of us have been greeted at the door by Jehovah Witnesses? Certainly most of us. Yet, we often chat with them, even trying to discuss our beliefs with them. But are we doing what God’s word says to do? Most of us have to admit we’ve been guilty of ignoring this counsel from God at one time or another, including yours truly.

Yet, once we have looked anew at this instruction, it should serve as a reminder to double down and do as God instructs. For obedience can only bring God’s blessings (see Duet.28:1).

But what about religious liberty? How do we balance that with 2 John 1:9? This is our study for this post. Let us look at the ramifications of this seemingly confusing dilemma.

Recently on some of our Facebook groups, myself and some other administrators have seen a rising of activity from those who we know and believe to have false teachings and wrong beliefs on the Lord’s word as brought by His prophets. Particularly against His last messenger, the Elijah prophet.

This all is understandable because as we’ve said many times–this is really the only game in town that matters to Satan. He is out to destroy any way he can, the truth of the sealing message from the anti-typical Elijah. This he is VERY active in.

Today, this is the controversy among His people.

“Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD’S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.” (Micah 6:2).

So as shepherds at the gates (administrators) for His sites, those professing His present Truth for the hour, we are faced with the fact that we must “guard the gate” as it were. This is a fine line that we must walk.

On one hand we want to be fair (religious liberty) and let the people post what is on their hearts, yet on the other we cannot allow false doctrine to come in and God forbid, some innocent newbie in the faith falls for it hook, line and sinker!

Today, we see several frequent false doctrines that the dark one uses to pull the wool over the unsuspecting ones. They include, but not limited to:

1) There shall be two church purifications (two Ezek. 9’s) one to the Davidian SDA*, then later the other to SDA. (Although it is not found in one single writing in Scripture, SOP or the Elijah message.)

(*Davidians are not to be confused with Branch Davidians)

2) Another prophet is to come after the Elijah prophet. In other words two or more are to come before the Great and Dreadful day of the Lord. (Again, nowhere in the Inspired writings do we find this.)

3) We must keep the feast days. His blood did not cover that. God requires we obey all the ceremonies. (However, the Elijah prophet strictly said the obeying of these days, shows “unbelief in Christ”.)

4) The Holy Spirit is not a real live Person with personal characteristics. It’s a force.(This belief not only flies in the face of SDA fundamental beliefs, it does the DSDA as well.)

5) The Elijah message must go to Davidians (the Elijah messengers) only now. The SDA church will receive it later. (In other words, they teach we are to be talking to ourselves now. The SDA people aren’t to be taught now.)

6) Two particular leaders are to be followed today, their followers say. “Ariel” from the Philippines and “Lennox” from the Wave-sheaf ministries. (Of course these two groups tell each other that they are right and the other is wrong.)

7) The Holy Spirit needs an “active prophet” in the midst to communicate God’s word to the people. ( This belief is proclaimed to support their belief in their prophet.)

We know that to be a faithful guardian, it requires fortitude and strength. In (Amos 5:10) we read, “They hate the one who rebukes in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks uprightly.”

It’s not easy cutting people off from sites, but to look the other way is to be asleep at the wheel and allow the evil deceptions to come in. A new kind of “flood” in other words, could carry away some.

Now, with the above understanding, some may say, “Well if that is what Davidians do to others, then why can’t the SDA church be justified in their historical out-casting of Davidians? The same line of reasoning, yes?”

This is a valid point and must be addressed. We should understand where both parties are coming from. Let us take the first scenario;

The SDA out-casting the DSDA.

The SDA church has a long history of non-tolerant and even abusive history towards the DSDA.  This is well documented in the writing of brother Houteff’s Symbolic Code volumes.  People were literally thrown out of churches, and brother Houteff himself violently beaten on at least two occasions.

The SDA proudly states the following on one of their websites:

“FREEDOM TO BELIEVE

The Seventh-day Adventist church strongly believes in religious freedom for all people. A person’s conscience, not government, should dictate his or her choice to worship—or not.

We have advocated for these goals for more than 100 years, through our department of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL), to governments and religious and international organizations.”

But it seems that our SDA historical practices conveniently left out these principles in corresponding with the DSDA.  The line is well spread about from the SDA. “Stay away from these Davidians, they are not teaching correctly from Bible or Spirit of Prophecy.” Yet, when the well-informed DSDA students attempt to sit down and study with the SDA leaders or people in responsible positions, often it is denied, with the slight of the hand as if to say “away with you”.

Here is the crux of the problem. The DSDA come in the name of Jesus saying that they have a message from the Lord. But the typical leaders care not to hear it. They think they already know what the DSDA message is and 9 times out of 10, they have never even read into it! And those who do, read only what they can find to bolster their own opinion and agenda.

Inspiration says,  “When a message comes in the name of the Lord to His people, no one may excuse himself from an investigation of its claims.” (Test. on Sabbath School Work. p.65)

“If a message comes that you do not understand, take pains that you may hear the reason the messenger may give,” and not the reasons the ministers may give. (Ibid., p. 65)

So to sum up the practice of the SDA towards the DSDA, we must say that 2 John 1:9 cannot apply as being practical. Why? Because the DSDA are not “transgressing” nor are they not failing to “abide in the doctrine of Christ.”

For a short Youtube video of peaceful Davidans be removed for church see this link-

I happen to know this woman who was removed from church. She is very dedicated to the Lord and truly “sighs and crys” for the abominations done in the church. She was asked to give the Children’s story, but some of the leaders found out she is a believer in the Lord’s Elijah message and removed her and her family–Sad indeed!

The DSDA out-casting the false brethren and their teaching.

Occasionally , as an administrator, I will notice a post that will contain one of the doctrines of the afore-mentioned 7 points. The first thing done is to warn the poster that we (our FB group) do not subscribe to their beliefs and that they should not post anymore similar posts with those teachings. If they continue, they are deleted.

In September of 2011, our group “Truth Tellers” became the first active FB group to promote the Lord’s Elijah message(Shepherd’s Rod). Now, today there are at least 15 groups, proclaiming the 11th hour message. However some of them are promoting a mixture of the straight Rod message as brought by brother Victor Houteff, and teachings of their own prophet (as mentioned earlier in point 6).

The big difference in our casting out practices and the SDA practices is that we are “well-informed” of the error doctrines trying to be put over. And contrary to our SDA leaders, I am more than happy to “sit down” with them to go over what they are doing and to point out my position (backed by Scripture, SOP and Elijah message). If we can bring back even one to His pure unaltered truth, it’s worth it!

So in a nutshell that is the difference. And because these types are “knocking at our door” with a doctrine that is not based on His word as brought by His prophets but instead by “their” prophet, we can follow the Inspired advice –“do not receive him into your house”. In our case, the “house” being the FB group.

In closing, let us remember the apostle’s warning, “ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

But be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”( 2 Tim. 4:3-5)

 

 

Posted in Proper teachings, Warning our brethren, Witnessing | 7 Comments »

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