The Tithe Truth Revisited (Part 1 of 2)

November 16, 2013

tithe paying old testament

A few weeks back we did a post called, ‘The SDA’s Original “Systematic Benevolence” (listed under tithes and offerings). We posted on the original plan adopted by the SDA in 1859. As the Lord so often does, and as we continue on the path for truth, we are revealed more and more of His word and truth as we search. The “Spirit of Truth” is guiding, if we take the humble position that sometimes we can be corrected.

Recently I received an email from a brother of mine, and fellow SDA member. He pointed out that the position taken in the post was not entirely correct. He backed in up with references from the Spirit of Prophecy.  We began a series of email exchanges and looked deeper into the issue.

Many times we are so convinced of a point that we will try to sustain our position, even against some clear evidence against it. Such was my case. We had made the point that the SDA practice within the church since 1859 through 1915, EGW’s death, was that collection of tithes did not occur, for the most part,  on the Sabbath within our churches.

But as I  viewed  more and more of the references my brother showed me, it started me thinking that I should look much deeper into the subject. It was a case where I was believing that our founders made a tithe plan and thus they would keep their word and practice  come what may. I assumed wrongly. And there was reasons for this change , which in hindsight, was quite logical and practical.

I found these two quotes that are quite applicable here.”We cannot hold that a position once taken, an idea once advocated, is not, under any circumstances, to be relinquished. There is but One who is infallible–He who is the way, the truth, and the life.” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 105)

“Do not read the word in the light of former opinions; but, with a mind free from prejudice, search it carefully and prayerfully. If, as you read, conviction comes, and you see that your cherished opinions are not in harmony with the word, do not try to make the word fit these opinions. Make your opinions fit the word. Do not allow what you have believed or practiced in the past to control your understanding. . . .Find out what is written, and then plant your feet on the eternal Rock.” (Messages To Young People p 260)

The main basic point has not changed–that our Lord does not want Sabbath collection of tithes, in the sanctuary. The truth of this situation has been restored by the Elijah prophet, this we are sure and we must abide. It does appear that it was acceptable to have a “collection box” placed somewhere on the church (temple) grounds, and that the people could give a free-will offering before entering the temple.

Some may ask– “Why is this important? What’s the big deal if we pay our tithes on the Sabbath and in the sanctuary?” It’s because  if we find out that this is an abomination before the Lord, we cannot be sealed in the forehead. This, I would say is worth looking into! Remember that only those who turn away from the sins in the church and “sigh and cry” about them will be sealed–no others. This point is confirmed by all three divine writings, Scripture (Ezek. 9, EGW- Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p.267, and the Elijah message- Shepherd’s Rod vol. 1 and 2)

So I embarked on a study which took several days and hours and sent it to the brother. What I’d like to do is show this study now. It is a more complete picture of what the historical evidence showed in tithe collection within our SDA church and our fore-fathers in the Bible.

                       The Tithe Report                

Contents

1 Scripture Promises                              

2 Purpose of Study                                    

3 Ellen White’s Study Counsel                  

4 Applying the Rules                                 

5 Positions taken                                      

6 References used                                   

7 References discussed                         

Summary                                              

Conclusion                                               

1 – Scripture Promises                                   

The Lord promises us two promises that are particular to our present study. 1) He shall guide us into all Truth (John 16:13) 2) If we do His will, we shall know what is correct doctrine (John 7:17).

Let us pray first and foremost for His guidance and our desire to know Truth above anything else. If we find It, let us rejoice and not be ashamed if we have side-stepped It or ignored It. The Lord said “I am the way, the Truth, and the life..”(John 14:16) (From here on I will capitalize the word Truth as it means Jesus)

We have the solemn warning that if we do not love the Truth (Jesus) we shall not make it to the promised land. “He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the Truth that would save them.” (2 Thes. 2:10)

2 – Purpose of this study

As mentioned above we have as our foremost goal and desire in this study to know what is the Truth of tithe paying. Specifically three areas of tithe paying. 1) What day is proper to pay the tithes per the inspired writings? 2) Should the tithes be paid in the sanctuary on Sabbath? 3) Should the tithes be paid on Sabbath in a location apart from the sanctuary?

3 –Ellen White’s study counsel 

a) “Every man who bears the message of Truth to our churches must do his duty by warning, educating, rebuking. Any neglect of duty which is robbery toward God means a curse upon the delinquent.” (Special Test. For Ministers and workers, no.7, p.22)

b) “Those who desire to doubt will have plenty of room. God does not propose to remove all occasion for unbelief. He gives evidence, which must be carefully investigated with a humble mind and teachable spirit, and all should decide from the weight of evidence. (Test. Vol.3, p.255)

c) “The unbelief that demands perfect knowledge will never yield to the evidence that God is pleased to give. He requires of His people faith that rests upon the weight of evidence, not upon perfect knowledge.” (Test. Vol. 3, p.258)

d)“The evidence given one day, if rejected, may never be repeated.” (Ibid, p.258)

e) “Men, women, and youth, God requires you possess moral courage, steadiness of purpose, fortitude and perseverance, minds that cannot take the assertions of another, but which will investigate for themselves before receiving or rejecting, that will study and weigh evidence, and take it to the Lord in prayer.” (Test. Vol. 2, p.130)

f)“The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the majority—not one nor all of these should be regard as evidence for or against any point of religious faith. Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain ‘Thus saith the Lord” in it’s support.” (Great Controversy. p.595)

g) “Error could not stand alone, and soon would become extinct, if it did not fashion itself like a parasite upon the tree of truth. The traditions of men, like floating germs, attach themselves to the truth of God, and men regard them as part of the truth.. And as traditions pass on from age to age, they acquire a power over the human mind. But age does not make error truth.”—Letter 43, 1895, cited in SDABC, vol. 5, p. 1094.

h) “If you had made God’s word your study, with a desire to reach the Bible standard and attain to Christian perfection, you would not have needed the Testimonies. It is because you have neglected to acquaint yourselves with God’s inspired Book that He has sought to reach you by simple, direct testimonies, calling your attention to the words of inspiration which you had neglected to obey, and urging you to fashion your lives in accordance with its pure and elevated teachings.’”(Test. vol. 5, p.665)

4 – Applying the above rules to our study

From the above inspired counsel we gain at least 3 important guidelines to come to a clear conception of what is Truth in our matter. 1) We must carefully gather the evidence for and against, then weigh the total matter. Then accept the position in favor of the weight full position. 2) The “Bible standard” is what Ellen White counseled us to obtain. Her writings are to be judged against the Bible, not vice-versa. 3) The Truth is not to be judged and followed by how many are siding with a certain precept or doctrine. Traditions are not always an indication that the doctrine or precept is Truth.

Evidence of Truth shows that in history, the Truth stands with the few, our Lord being the perfect example (Thousands against – few for Him). Although a tradition is carried among His people, this is not proof the precept or doctrine is true and from God. The Lord Himself scolded the Jews for the many man-made traditions they had and yet the majority of people sided with the leaders and were convinced the Lord was wrong, yet they were wrong.

5 – Positions Taken

Some take the position that the tradition within the SDA church of collecting tithes within the sanctuary in Sabbath services on Sabbath is acceptable to God. The support of this position comes from Ellen White quotes and because it is our current tradition. 

Others take the position that this tradition is not from God’s historical plan, not Biblical, and is not acceptable to Him. The practice has been man-made. Or more precisely, was created by the adversary and is without Scriptural basis.This support comes from Scripture and the Elijah message. 

6 – References used

For                                Against

a. RH, March 2, 1905      k. 2 Kings, 12:9-10

b. RH, Nov.1, 1898          L. 2 Chronicles, 24:8-11

c. Ah, p.482-483             m. Nehemiah, 12:44

d. PH, 0929                    n. Mark 11:15-16

e. PH, 129, p.2               o. 1 Cor. 16:2

f. 4 Bio, Ch. 10, p.105     p. Desire of Ages, p.614

g. 1912 letter from         q. RH, Aug.29, 1878

W.C. White   

h. Sabbath School Worker,  r. Adventist Review, 3-94

April 1885  

I. 1916 letter from W.C. White    s. RH, Feb.4, 1902

j. EGW, Manuscript 176, 1907

(Some believe that Mal. 4:5 is a prophecy fulfilled within the SDA church, and included are Victor Houteff applicable quotes.)

t.Jezreel Letter, no.3, p.1-3

u.Jezreel Letter, no.9, p.8

7 – References discussed

We will show each reference and then breakdown the clear points made therein by a comment section below each. Then we’ll add or subtract that reference either for or against the positions taken.

a) RH, March 2, 1905    “Elder W.W. Simpson had been holding tent-meetings in the heart of the city of Los Angeles during a large part of the summer and the large tent, then standing on Grand Avenue and Seventh street, was being use by the church for their Sabbath meeting. Soon after our arrival, letters were sent to our people in the neighboring churches, suggesting that a general meeting be held at the Los Angeles on Sabbath and Sunday. In response to this, two or three hundred brethren and sisters came in from surrounding towns and these, with the believers in the city, filled the large tent on Sabbath morning. The Lord helped me to speak to this congregation of over thousand of souls, all of whom seemed much interested. At the close of my discourse, a collection amounting to seventy-five dollars was taken up for the work among colored people of the Southern States.”

Comment- This quote can be seen as inconclusive because it says she speaks, but it does not say it was Sabbath or Sunday, as the event covered both days. But one can make the argument that after saying the tent was filled on Sabbath morning she spoke. The collection occurred after whatever day she spoke, this is sure.

Further it is noted that this was not in a “sanctuary” setting per se. It was a “tent” gathering, similar to a traveling road show in those days. If we believed that these tent meetings held the sanctuary, it would be similar to saying one of Doug Batchelor’s or Mark Finley’s travelling bible seminar meetings held within an auditorium,  in a city,  was where one of the Lord’s sanctuaries was.

Point for Sabbath collection based on a further reference (I). No points for sanctuary tithe collections.

b) RH November 1, 1898 Par 2    “There was a large attendance at our meetings on SABBATH June 4. Besides the families of the Avondale church, there were about forty present from Dora Creek, making a congregation, old and young, of over two hundred. The weather was excellent, and about thirty took their dinner under the large gum-trees near the church. This was the last Sabbath of the week of prayer, and the time appointed for the bringing in of the annual offerings for missions.”

“During the week, envelopes had been distributed, in which the gifts to the missions might be enclosed: and on the envelope was a place for the name of the giver, and for the reference to a Scripture text expressing the thought accompanying the gift. A Similar provision was made for gifts to the school.”
                                                                  Comment- This quote appears to confirm a Sabbath collection. However there is not the slightest indication that the collection occurred within His sanctuary. There does present an argument that the collection was held outside. Perhaps in a park like setting “under the gum-trees near the church” after dinner, or under a tent as the meetings were so often held. This is speculative.

Point for Sabbath collection, no points for within His sanctuary.

c) Ah p.482-483     “A tree laden with offerings is not Sinful.–Let not the parents take the position that an evergreen placed in the church for the amusement of the Sabbath school scholars is a sin, for it may be made a great blessing. Keep before their minds benevolent objects”

“Provide Innocent Enjoyment for the Day -Will you not arise, my Christian brethren and sisters, and gird yourselves for duty in the fear of God, so arranging this matter that it shall not be dry and uninteresting, but full of innocent enjoyment that shall bear the signet of Heaven? — “(All) should bestow their gifts and offerings proportionate to the means with which God has entrusted them. Let there be recorded in the heavenly books such a Christmas as has never yet been seen because of the donations which shall be given for the sustaining of the work of God and the up building of His kingdom.”

Comment – In the top paragraph it is seen that obviously there can be “offerings” placed upon the tree. However in that paragraph there is no evidence that the offerings were placed there on Sabbath, Sunday or any other day.

Additionally in this quote we see that it appears that the tree where the offerings are placed isn’t specified as to what location of the church the tree is located. “In the church” can mean sanctuary, foyer, adjacent room, or?. One can only speculate. Bottom paragraph gives no indication on the specific day or if in sanctuary to ‘bestow their gifts”.

No points for Sabbath collection. Inconclusive. No points for sanctuary tithe collections

d) PH 0929     “The Sabbath meeting will be like meat in due season; for all will bring precious offerings to the Lord.”

Comment – This appears conclusive that a collection will occur at the “Sabbath meeting”. However no evidence as to collecting within the sanctuary. Speculative.

Point for Sabbath collection. No points for sanctuary tithe collections.

e) PH 129 p.2      ….”Urge the members to make the subject a matter of family study and prayer during the week, and then bring their gifts the following Sabbath. The dedication of the gift be a season of prayer will bring a blessing to the church. We pray that this may be more than an ordinary collection. This gift would be a beautiful one -large in proportion to the need.

Comment – This appears conclusive that a Sabbath collection will happen “the following Sabbath”. Are they to “bring their gifts” to be deposited or will a collection take place? We don’t know. No indication it’ll be collected in sanctuary.

Point for Sabbath collection. No points for tithe collection in sanctuary. Inconclusive.

f) 4 Bio, Ch 10, p.105     “It was thought, as the brethren counseled together, that the time had come when Mrs. White could return to Australia, by way Auckland. But just then a telegram came informing them that the missionary brigantine Pitcairn (A hundred-foot sailing vessel built in 1890 for use as a missionary ship in the south pacific, PAID FOR BY SABBATH SCHOOL OFFERINGS.”)

Comment – This appears to confirm Sabbath collections had previously occurred, hence the “paid for” comment. No indication offerings were collected in the sanctuary, foyer, adjacent building, court-yard

Point for Sabbath collections. No points for collections in sanctuary.

g) 1912 Letter from W. C. White     “The question of proper Sabbath observance is one about which Mother has often spoken. She has often appealed to our people to make the Sabbath a day of worship, devotion and communion with God, and to sacredly guard it from secular business. Also during the years she has often pointed out that bringing of gifts to the Lord is a very important part of worship, and as a part of worship is proper for the Sabbath.” (EGW Estate, March 20, 1957 file)

Comment – This is evidence of support from EGW that approves “gifts” brought to the worship service. As the gifts are not specific, we can assume that money is included. One cannot conclude if the gifts are brought in and deposited or collected within the sanctuary, foyer, at entrance, or wherever. Speculative.

Point for Sabbath collections. No points for collection within the sanctuary.

h) Sabbath School Worker, April 1885

Question – “Why is it right or proper to take up collections for the Sabbath-school on the Sabbath more than for any other branch of the work?”

Answer – “We do not believe it to be appropriate to pass around the hat in the ordinary way of taking up a collection. There are quieter ways of better accomplishing the desired result. In the supply department is noticed a cloth-lined envelope, the use of which seems to us to be the simplest plan yet proposed.

The scholars bring their contributions, and at the appropriate time place them in the envelope, the contents of which is not counted by the teacher till after the Sabbath.

For some schools that might desire to be even more quiet in this work, we have secured small envelopes for individual scholars. During the week the scholar can put his contribution in the small envelope, and then when he comes to the school it can be dropped into the larger one. We rather like this way ourselves.”

Comment – We gleam some specific information in this SDA advisory publication in 1885. The first is that they say it is not “appropriate to pass around the hat” during the Sabbath school collections. The comment about the hat passing does suggest that there was a practice (we don’t know the extent) of sanctuary hat passing for tithes in some of the churches. 

But they advise completing the donation in the envelope and then it can be “dropped” into a larger container, which would assume this would not be in the sanctuary. Also it’s noted that the contents are “not counted” until after the Sabbath. A practice that is ignored today within the SDA church. We find three specific counsels on tithing concerning Sabbath school within this reference.

Point for Sabbath collections. No points for sanctuary tithe collections.

I) 1916 Letter from W. C. White    “Dear Brother, … She has never taken the position, so far as I understand, that there shall be no collections on the Holy Sabbath. On the other hand, she herself has called for funds for various missionary enterprises, on that day; and it is a matter of common knowledge that she has ofttimes published in the Review and in other periodicals, stirring appeals to our people to make donations on certain occasions, often on Sabbath days, for missions, and for other worthy missionary enterprises, including the Colored work in the South; the Orphans; the religious Liberty Work; our Educational work; the relief of Skodsburk Sanitarium and of the Christiania publishing house, etc, etc.—all Sabbath collections. She has on Sabbath days called for gifts to help establish the work in Portland, Maine.

….I understand that scriptural teaching has been written on by several. I am enclosing one herewith, which you may keep.”

During the General Conference held Nov. 18 to Dec.6, 1885 (as reported in the year-book for 1886), the committee on Resolutions presented the following report, which was accepted:

“9. RESOLVED? That we hereby indorse the standing rule of our Sabbath-school Associations in regard to taking offerings on the Sabbath, for the following reasons: (1) It trains our young to the habit of giving. (2) If appropriated, nor merely for school expenses, but, as is now being done in some places, in part for missionary work, it cultivates a missionary spirit in the children. (3) It is in harmony with the Lord’s will as expressed in the law, when more offerings were made on the Sabbath than any other day.*** (4) it is in harmony with the light given us as a people. And–

10. RESOLVED? That the same principles apply to the subject of donations on the fourth Sabbath of the month, which day is devoted to the missionary work; and we recommend that they be so taken.”

Comment – Confirmation that shows EGW supported Sabbath collections. Appears to be a Conference guideline as well in 1885. No mention is made as to the place of collections. The sanctuary, the foyer, the connected buildings, drop box at entrance, or any other various locations cannot be excluded as the collection spot. Speculative. Note— the ? after the RESOLVED is original and can’t be readily explained.

*** – This statement is speculative and needs clarification and support from Scripture. A sacrificial offering, grain offering or fruit offering would be quite different from a gold, silver or copper offering (ie. Money). We cannot find any evidence of such money “offerings” being made within the sanctuary on Sabbath in the Old or New Testament.

Point for Sabbath collections. No points for sanctuary tithe collections.

j) EGW Manuscript 176, 1907

“Question – Should we take up Collections on the Sabbath?

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

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

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

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

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

Comment – This is one of the last statements written from EGW on our subject. It contains specific advise. Emphasis is placed on the purpose of a collection being important. The goal raising collections seem not supported by EGW. Then we see that additional emphasis is placed on “free-will” offerings as opposed for the requested collections as this statement confirms, “Let our people avoid the passing of the collections boxes..” and “let there be no collections taken on the Sabbath, but let praise and thank offering be made.”

The weight of her statement appears to advise laying aside “during the week” the offerings and presenting them on Sabbath as “thank offerings”, rather than be asked as a corporate body to put in a collection box that is passed around.”

Point for Sabbath collections. Point against sanctuary tithe collections.

This concludes our references “for” Sabbath collections. Next week we will be looking at the references “against” the subject. Then a summary of the subject.

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Who was Victor T. Houteff ? (Part 3 of 3)

November 9, 2013

victor-houteff

In our last segment of this 3 part post, we’ll cover some experiences that took place at the camp. Although it first started out as a camp, it grew into nearly a well-built miniature city. Along with several buildings, farming, gardens and other scenic beauty graced the large grounds. But more important than the landscape was the purpose for the camp. Victor developed a sophisticated printing shop to handle the large mailing campaign.

Mt. Carmel miracles and experiences .

Victor and his wife had their living quarters above the printing shop. One night Victor was at rest in the above quarters when he noticed a silence that wasn’t usual.  The printing shop was usually running almost 24/7. The tracts and other literature were printed continually. He was “about his Fathers business”.

So he went down there in his pajamas to inquire what was going on. The workman explained that the machines had apparently broken down and that he couldn’t figure out what was wrong. After hearing this matter, Victor told the man to go on home, he’d take care of it.

The next day the man showed up for work and the machines were back up and working just fine. What happened? One thing was sure, Victor had no mechanical experience.  The only thing that seems possible  is that Victor had prayed that night in the machine room. And the prayer was answered. God’s work could not be stopped.

The next gives light on Victor’s conscientious effort to not let his work be idolized. One day he went up in the chapel to give his usual sermon. As he was speaking, he began to get choked up. Tears began to flow. He felt something deeply and couldn’t control his emotions. This was not normal for him. As the people felt the emotional moment , someone stood up and in an effort to comfort him,  said that he was  a special man and that he was doing a great work for God.

Suddenly Victor’s emotions changed. He looked at the man sternly and said “Don’t you ever call it “my work”, it’s God’s , He’s the one who desires all the credit. Worship Jesus.” The people understood. They knew that he didn’t want even the appearance of any idolization of him or his work. Perhaps he sensed that some at the camp were in need of being reminded of Who it was that was running the show.

We must remember that the Lord had bestowed upon this man the ability to “interpret” Scripture, just as EGW prophesied about the Elijah to come in Testimonies to Ministers, p.475. As such through him came revelations of new light such as the pre-millennial kingdom, the church purification, the hidden prophecies of Isaiah, Daniel, Hosea, Zechariah, Ezekiel and others. So some had viewed him as almost a genius prophet. Victor never denied his work as Elijah but he also never rang his own bell and directly said “I’m the Elijah prophet”. Just like Ellen White also never said “I am a prophetess”.

So from this we see that although gifted he, in no way,  wanted any glory or self-exaltation.

Next we’ll look at the miracle of the kitchen fire and the water dam. Sister Bonnie  Smith, who is now 83 explains–

“The Lord preserved this shack by a miracle one early morning.  Some dish towels that had been left hanging over the stove the night before to dry caught fire when the wood stove was started for the cook to prepare breakfast.  

The roof had been repaired many times with tar so it quickly became one big blaze. (The camp had just bought a 6 door refrigerator and a Holbert bread mixer, they had saved for years to be able to buy these.)  A bucket brigade was begun but it was quickly realized that there was nothing that man could do to stop the fire from burning.  So Brother Houteff said, “Let us kneel down on these rocks and ask God to save our kitchen.”  When we open our eyes after the prayer the fire was out, there was nothing left but smoke.  That was just one of our miracles.”

In April of 1943 the dam almost broke.  The City of Waco sent out 300 CC men to sandbag the breaking area.  They would not go out on the dam because of the danger.  So we fed them and sent them back. 

After they were gone, Brother Houteff, called all the heads of families to gather by the dam. They knelt in the mud to ask God’s protection while they sandbagged the breaking area.

When the prayer was over Brother Houteff said the 
dam would not break, that it was safe to sandbag the area.  They did so for about 36 hours without stopping. 

Our Miracle!!! Our miracle is seen here in this picture.

dambreaks

You will notice all the water being held back by the soft dirt with no rocks visible to hold back that large body of water.  God understood our lack of knowledge and blessed our efforts in making the dam.”

Sister Bonnie Smith is one of only a few people alive today who lived on the camp. She still abides in the message and can recall very clearly the happenings that occurred back in the day.

Next we had the “children’s revolt” story. Back in the late 40’s and early 50’s the big fashionable thing going around the US was the roller skating rinks. Soon some of the kids who lived on the grounds became anxious to have their own rink on the sprawling property. They nudged their parents and later a meeting took place.

Victor and the parents, along with the kids, all had a meeting about what the kids thought was a necessity. Victor let the people speak ,and from sister Bonnie’s account–  he got an ear full! Patiently listening, he took in what they had to say. Victor then coolly said that there was to be no such thing allowed on the property and that any one who wishes, could be free to leave.

He could not allow worldly amusement fashions because the whole purpose, he felt, was to raise the children up to  be a God-fearing peculiar people, not a partaker of worldly passions and amusements. In this he was closely connected with Ellen White. There was farming, building, teaching, studying, learning, and chores that would take up the time. Walking, hiking, woodwork,  gardening and such could satisfy the physical needs.

But after the confrontation, apparently a sizable group of parents and kids decided they couldn’t live without their pleasures and left the camp. But Victor held his ground and knew that as God’s messenger, no distractions could be allowed, as it would surely be seeds that would sprout into further “retreating towards Egypt”, as Ellen would say.

Last days of the camp

Victor lived to be almost 70 years old. He died on Feb. 5, 1955. 27 days shy of the 70th year. As he worked all the way up to his final days, he had a wife named Florence who was his help mate for about 18 years. By all accounts she was a loving supportive wife who also doubled as his secretary. At least that was the image.

Vth marriage

We all remember that sad, sad story of one of the closet people who knew Jesus as He walked this earth–Judas. Although he professed to know the Lord and learn from him, he secretly harbored unrighteous thoughts and deeds. He was a thief in their midst. At the end he fell from grace and betrayed the One he professed to love and follow.

The Victor- Florence story ended similar to that story,  ending in a betrayal. We don’t know what went wrong but as soon as Victor died, she moved to take over. She even called a board meeting the very NEXT DAY after he died. She discussed among other things HER  Future compensation! The body was not even cold yet and there she was holding a business meeting the next day.

You see the devils, led by Satan, were all over this situation. Once Victor died it was their chance for disruption. And there certainly came much disruption soon . And the leader was none other than –Florence Houteff. The man who was supposed to take over was E. T. Wilson, but their meeting excluded him and Florence got her buddies to elect her as the leader of the camp.

Soon she and her cronies began to publish some symbolic news codes. The mixed some of  Victor’s “unpublished” sermon addresses with some of their own messages. Victor had made some of his sermon addresses unpublished and kept them, as the story goes,   in a private file cabinet. No one has ever produced evidence why Victor did not publish them. Although 98 sermon addresses were published, others were not, by his own decision.  Some believe that he was divinely held back.

Regardless, Florence took it upon herself to begin publishing the private addresses. Today, there is a mixed view of these symbolic code news items. They are often referred to as the “new codes”.  Some claim that they are divinely inspired just as the published ones are, others claim that Victor held them back for a reason and one shouldn’t second guess that decision and leave them alone. And should be viewed as “historical” writings as opposed to authoritative divine instructions as the published ones are.

But the BIG blow that came was when Florence and gang made their own prophecy predictions and announced them in the newsletters (sym. codes). They predicted that Ezekiel 9 would occur in April  1959. One thousand people migrated to the camp near the predicted time. The day came and went. Nothing happened! Soon the people were disillusioned. Many soon left the movement and it became the prophesied “Knock out blow” that Victor himself said would happen.

Later in 1963 Florence quit the faith and denounced her husband’s work and even Ellen White! She moved away and disbanded the camp. Thus the end of the camp came to a sad end. Yet the Lord was not done. Even as the apostles were shattered at their King’s death, the movement soon gained life and grew. So too is the story of the work that Victor Houteff started.

“.. if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”(Acts 5:38-39)

Today we are witnessing a growing interest world-wide.  In fact, the message seems to be spreading faster outside the United States. The message is being put forth out on many fronts. The electronic forums include websites such as Davidian organization websites, Facebook, Blogs, YouTube videos,  Elijah message websites, and other outlets are offering the people a chance to study the message on their own.

Ellen White gives counsel–

“.. beware of rejecting that which is truth. The great danger with our people has been that of depending upon men and making flesh their arm. Those who have not been in the habit of searching the Bible for themselves, or weighing evidence, have confidence in the leading men and accept the decisions they make; and thus many will reject the very messages God sends to His people, if these leading brethren do not accept them.” (Testimonies to Ministers, p.106-107)

We’ve taken a look at some of the experiences of the camp and Victor’s life. Let’s now look at the main core beliefs that were expounded by him.

Core beliefs  

1) The fulfillment of Malachi 4:5.

In His tract called “1950 General Conference Special” Victor lays the case for a prophet to come to the SDA church after Ellen White. Just as EGW never directly said she was a prophetess, so too did Victor not say it directly. Yet upon reading this tract, there is no other conclusion to come to, but that he knew that his role was that of the end-time fulfillment of Mal. 4:5.  (http://www.shepherds-rod.org/Misc/GCS.html

2) Judgment for the living.

He drew from both the Scriptures and Ellen White (Spirit of Prophecy) that there was to be a church purification prior to the Loud Cry. He showed that the Old Testament writers had a large amount of writings showing this end time purification. Tract 3 is called “The Judgment and the Harvest”. It goes into the specifics of this church judgment. http://www.shepherds-rod.org/Tracts/trac003.html

3) Pre-millennial Kingdom

His hallmark teachings are the writings on the pre-mill. kingdom. There are quite a few OT verses that speak of promises given to His people of a kingdom to be set up in the last days. What he was able to do is to lay out all of these writings into a big picture of how it will all take place. http://www.shepherds-rod.org/Tracts/trac008.html

Obviously the above is just the main general teachings, but there is much more, such as instructions in health reform, dress reform and worship (temple) reform. For example,  to view the health reform see the tract called, ” The Entering Wedge”.http://www.shepherds-rod.org/Misc/EW.htm

In closing, if one is to believe in the Lord’s final prophetic prophet application, then one must also conclude that the job of this Elijah is to “restore” all things. Meaning that all the important things we are to know and obey are to be delivered by this Elijah prophet. The teachings are to “straighten us out” in any understanding, idea, or doctrines we have held onto- hence the restoring. The most important point that he propounded was that the message of Elijah held within it the vital –sealing message, the one that,  if obeyed would get the believer sealed in their forehead.

We have only to investigate the subject under prayerful submission to know what is –truth, because He promised us –“However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He shall guide you into all truth..” (John  16:13)

(We’d like to thank sister Bonnie Smith and brother Don Adair, both living former members of the camp. They were the sources of the camp experiences. For a site that covers almost all of his work click here  http://www.shepherds-rod.org/srinx.html  )

                                    

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Who was Victor T. Houteff ? (Part 2 of 3)

November 2, 2013

Administration building --WacoMt. Carmel’s main Administration building

(Note- due to the large amount of information concerning our subject matter, we’ve had to make this into a 3 part post)

Before we go into his next phase (Mt. Carmel years) we want briefly explain what transpired about 4 years after the first Shepherd’s Rod publication had been published and sent to some SDA members in the United States. As we’ve mentioned there was quite a controversy building once the writings were circulated. Many converts to the message were spreading the publications and as such the high level Conference leaders were forced to do something about it. The catalyst was when a South Carolina Conference leader by the name of E. T. Wilson embraced the teachings propounded by Victor Houteff.

So now a statement had to be made, no longer could the uproar be ignored. If the leaders remained quiet it seemed a far- reaching revival and reformation would be the certain result. A situation that would cause a change in structure and acceptance of some new prophetic beliefs.  So they held as a unit that the SDA church had Ellen White as it’s last prophet and could not seriously consider that another prophet could come to the church. She was the one and only messenger of God sent to the church. And the claim that Victor Houteff was the Elijah prophet prophesied in Malachi 4:5 and Testimonies to Ministers p.476-476 could not be studied, perceived or allowed.

So soon a plan was hatched that a committee of 12 SDA leaders and Mr. Houteff would have to meet so that something could appear to have taken place to address the laity concerns, and that they could say either, “Yes we believe in Victor Houteff’s teachings” or “No we don’t believe in them”. The leaders and Victor Houteff  in early in 1934 agreed to a formal 7 day meeting. Mr. Houteff’s teachings and prophecy explanations were finally, after 4 years, to be heard.

While we can’t go into all that transpired up to, during, and after the historical meeting in this post, we can simply say that the meeting became a fiasco. The prepared agreed terms were changed by the committee during the actual meeting and Victor Houteff was cut off on the first day of the 7 day meeting. At this exact same time there was another SDA leadership meeting across country in Washington D.C. unbeknownst to Victor.  The whole fiasco is written about in brother Erik Bell’s “Secret Tribunals of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.” (see here for report http://mtccamp.org/)

He explains what was concurrently happening , “In the meantime the denominational leaders in Washington, D.C. had received inquiries about Mr. Houteff’s teachings.  They had received copies of his writings, some of which had been mailed to them by him, and those who examined them were convinced that they contained error.  The matter was presented to the General Conference Committee on February 19, 1934, the same day on which Mr. Houteff was given the hearing on the West Coast.  After discussing the matter, the General Conference Committee took this action: ‘Voted that W.A. Spicer, F.M. Wilcox and W.H. Branson be a committee to prepare material for a leaflet counteracting the false teaching of the Shepherd’s Rod.'”-(History p.14)

It is hardly believable, but in the Conference’s own words, they state that long before the committee of twelve rendered their decision, in fact before Bro. Houteff made his presentation on the West Coast, they condemned and sentenced the brother and his teachings.  It is impossible to publish a more damaging, self-incriminating confession than this!  If this cannot awaken the reader to the fact that the church had absolutely no intentions to deal with the Rod fairly, then may God have mercy on your soul!”   (See full discussion on the meeting at   http://mtccamp.org/ )

In commenting soon after the hearing, E. T. Wilson said,  “Present truth has enraged the conference men and they are unable to cope with the situation in a fair fight, so they are threatening to close the West Union Church. But because the conference men are not thought well of there, they have chosen the local elder and a lay preacher to handle the situation on the coming Sabbath, and this promises a good interesting time.” — July 3, 1934.

The Outcome Of The West Union Church Meeting

   “We had a good day Sabbath at West Union where the Busch family lives, and there was a signal victory for the truth at the eleven o’clock hour for the business to be attended was left in the hands of the lay preacher and the local church elder. The conference had submitted the following proposition to the church: They would send the church a tent to be used for evangelist work in the community, provided the church would vote to bar E.T. Wilson and Dr. Stokes from the pulpit.

It was a beautiful sight to see the elder in tears, and in broken words say that he could not put such a movement or proposition to the church stating that he had never investigated `The Shepherd’s Rod,’ and that Elder Wilson and the doctor were his friends, and men of God so far as he knew, and that he had never heard them teach anything but the truth.

“All this time the preacher’s little wife was weeping, but not with broken heart, but for joy, and the entire church was in tears as well as the visitors of whom there were about thirteen, who are ardent believers in the reformatory message of “The Shepherd’s Rod.” One of the ladies said that it was an insult to their intelligence to submit such a proposition as that submitted by the conference. It certainly was.” — July 10, 1934. (Symbolic Code, Vol. 1, no.1, p.1)

 (Signed) E.T. Wilson.

We wanted to lay the above foundation to set the stage as to how the SDA leaders were dealing with this situation. So it was reasonable for Victor and the brethren to get into a peaceful setting where they could “go to work” publishing the work Victor felt God had inspired him to do. As he and many of the believers were dis-fellowhipped, they needed a gound base from which to establish headquarters. That was to be a property Victor called, “Mt. Carmel” located in Waco, Texas. A large country property with 189 acres that would be build up over 20 years and from where thousands upon thousands of books , tracts, charts and other literature was published and sent around the world.

Mt. Carmel

MT. Carmel years  –  The years in this rural area were to be the productive years of his work. Victor explains the reason for moving.

“… He has given us one of His beautiful lakeside hills adjacent to Waco, Texas, a city of about 60,000, yet far enough from it to be away from the world and its evil environment — about 5 miles from the center of the city, and about 2 1/2 miles from the city limits. There lies 189 acres of land for our “camp…The many letters of encouragement received during the past several weeks, most of which indicated that you were praying earnestly that the Lord would guide His servants in wisdom and counsel while seeking a central location for headquarters from which to operate the work of proclaiming the message to the church, have been greatly appreciated by all and especially by those who have been spying but the land, as it were, and we are happy indeed to bring to you a good report and a few grapes from this trip and, in the language of the faithful ones of old, we can say, “We are well able?” to take the city, but we know this can be done only as we do as those two warriors of old did, namely “follow the Lord fully.”

  “It has been evident for some time that it would soon be necessary to seek a more central location for the office in order to serve the whole field efficiently, so those at headquarters have been praying very earnestly over this matter for many months, and as they kept on praying for light, the Lord finally indicated definitely that beautiful Southern California was no longer to remain the center of His work for the “lost sheep of the house of Israel,” but an eastward course was to be seen in the stream from that “fountain” which is to swell Into the great river of Ezekiel’s prophecy, and plans were soon formulated whereby a thorough search could be made In the territory indicated by the Lord where the future headquarters were to be found.”(Symbolic Code, Vol. 1, no. 10, p.2-3)

From this rural “camp” Victor and his brethren soon built many buildings and farmland. Below is the first building built in 1935,  known as the “kitchen”.

Mt. carmel kitchen As the years went by the property was improved and as can be seen from the top picture, the work culminated in the well designed  Administration main building. Below is the inspiring “11th hour” ground floor clock built in the foyer of the office within the administration building.

11th hour clock (main building)Below are pictures of the  Chapel (inside and outside). Notice one of the symbolic charts hanging up on front wall.

chapelchapel outsideAs they completed their camp, the writings continued to go forward. Victor continued to do work on his voluminous publications. He compiled works such as Shepherd’s Rod, vol. 1 and 2, Symbolic Code news publications  (which contained many updates, letters, reports, and teachings), 2 volumes of Timely Greeting sermon addresses totaling 98 sermons, small booklets known as “Tracts”, 1 to 15, with an additional 8 miscellaneous Tracts,  9 Jezreel Letters in small booklet form addressed to the church leaders, the Answerer,  which compiled 5 volumes of Q and A from the SDA brethren (over many years), and 25  prophetic symbolic “Charts”.

But perhaps most fascinating is the Charts. The details and the prophetic symbols are exact in design and often have Biblical references clarifying the symbols. Below are some of the charts. The below charts cover Daniel 8, Noah flood type and anti-type, Hosea prophecy chapter 1 and 2, the Temples type and anti-type, the Ceremonial Harvest.

dan_8 (1)

flood

Hosea%201,2

temples_type

The%20Ceremonial%20HarvestTake a look at the 25 charts. To view them closer click here (click to enlarge) http://www.shepherds-rod-message.org/charts/

We certainly know that the world is rapidly winding down, the nations are getting restless, the middle east is a fireball ready to explode. We also know that before the end the Lord promised us one last prophet- “Elijah”  before the great and dreadful day. Concerning this we can look at 3 choices. Let us briefly analyze them.

1) We can claim as some in the SDA do, that Ellen White fulfilled the role of Elijah.

This postilion comes with a controversy that must be prayerfully considered. In Test. to Ministers , p.475 and 1 Selected messages, p.412, Ellen White describes the Elijah to come as a “he”. One must assume that she was calling herself a he in order to believe she was predicting herself as Elijah. Further we must cancel the Lord’s historical precedent, in that He never called a male prophet by a female name. We’d have to conclude that “Elijah” is meant as “Ellen”.

2) We can claim there is no real latter-day fulfillment of this prophecy. The Lord was talking about John the baptist as fulfilling the prophecy.

Our founding fathers said this concerning that, “But was the prophecy wholly fulfilled in John the Baptist? We answer, No; for it is more intimately connected with the great day of the Lord than was the mission of John, His work had exclusive references to the first advent; but the prophecy must relate more especially to the second advent, which is the crowning event of the ushering in of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.”-“Review and Herald,” February 23, 1864

3) We can claim the only man within  our SDA church history to claim the fulfillment of the Malachi 4:5 prophecy and then  produce the writings to back it up — Victor T. Houteff .

In regard to this last option we quote  two EGW quotes.

“Men, women, and youth, God requires you to possess moral courage, steadiness of purpose, fortitude and perseverance, minds that cannot take the assertions of another, but which will investigate for themselves before receiving or rejecting, that will study and weigh evidence, and take it to the Lord in prayer. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (Test. vol. 2, p.130)

“It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light and encourage others to follow his example. We should day by day study the Bible diligently, weighing every thought and comparing scripture with scripture. With divine help we are to form our opinions for ourselves as we are to answer for ourselves before God.” (GC p.598)

Next week we’ll finish with the different stories ,signs,  and wonders that occurred at the camp. We’ll conclude with  Victor  Houteff’s core message and the writings that caused a “shaking” among His remnant church (and still so today).

(Many thanks to sister Dara for providing the Mt. Carmel pictures) For more original Mt Carmel pictures click here http://www.shepherds-rod.org/photo/page1.htm )

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Who was Victor T. Houteff? (Part 1 of 3)

October 26, 2013

victor_houteff_1_             Victor Houteff   How many of us have ever uttered the words, “I love Jesus”? No doubt quite a few. But how many of us have ever backed up those words by devoting the majority of our life devoted exclusively for –Jesus? In all our actions, eating, dressing, worshiping, arising, working almost non-stop for Him? Not many. Let us look at one of those rare individuals that lived and breathed the spreading of the gospel of the King.

As we have posted many posts pertaining to the Elijah message, we thought it helpful to explore some details of this man’s life. Because there is growing interest in this man of God, we are inspired to delve a little more into his life. Who was he? What did he stand for? Did he live as he taught or was he your typical –“Do as I say, not as I do” professed leader of God? Did he teach “to the law and to the testimony” (Isaiah 8:20) ?

We’ll breakdown different sections of his life. Each section will explore the important aspects of his development. As some in the Seventh Day Adventist church and nearly all within the church known as Davidian Seventh Day Adventist believe, this was no ordinary man. There are just too many pieces of the puzzle that come together for his life to be your run of the mill “Christian life”. Let us provide the helpful information in knowing who this man was that many call the prophesied–Elijah.

introduction  He was born in Bulgaria on March 2, 1885,  he and his brothers migrated to the US in 1907. Of an interesting note, just as Ellen White had a 3rd grade education, Victor Houteff had a 4th grade education.  Victor explains how he came to America–

“I came to America, not because I wanted to, but because God wanted me to.  And since I knew not my future work, and as God could then no more make me understand than He could at first make Joseph understand his trip to Egypt, I was therefore driven out of the country at the point of a gun as was Moses driven out of Egypt, although I had done nothing to bring trouble upon myself.  And who do you suppose led the rebels to storm me out of the country? 

None other but the Greek Orthodox bishop of the province!  And where do you suppose he sponsored his pursuing campaign?  In the church on Sunday morning while in his full regalia and about twenty feet from where I stood!

   At that time I knew not what my going away from home to such a distant land was about, but now I know as well as Joseph knew that his brethren’s hope to defeat God’s plan for him was but God’s plan to get him down into Egypt.  And so rather than to thwart the plan, they really caused the plan to be carried out!

   When things go contrary to one’s will and way today, most Christians give credit to the Devil.  Only when things go according to their liking do they give credit to God!  Balaam, too, was happy when the way opened for him to go to Balak, but when the angel of the Lord blocked the road he was traveling on, then Balaam, became as mad as a dog and smote the ass.

   No, nothing but you yourself can defeat God’s plans for you.  Be it your friends or your enemies, be it beasts or kings, you will find them all unwittingly or wittingly working for your good rather than for your harm if you are doing God’s bidding.  What a rich resource Heaven is!  And who knows it!

   Remember now, that whatever may stand in your way, be it the Red Sea or the River Jordan, be it a mountain or be it a desert, it shall become your very stepping stone.

   Such as this is the righteousness of the Lord, and you can have it at the cost of your own righteousness.  Then you will find the Lord’s ways as much higher than yours as the Heaven is higher than the earth.  When this happens, then only you will understandingly say, “The Lord our Righteousness.”( Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 35 page 29-31)

For more on his early life in Bulgaria see this link http://www.shepherds-rod-message.org/vth.html

Early years in America –   Arriving penniless, he sound found work as hotelier and grocer in the state of Illinois . While in the hotel business in 1919, he became “intensely interested in religion”.This led him to become a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church.

Soon he left for California but when he got there he became sick, an illness which required medical attention. His savings was not well either. The stay at the local sanitarium drained his account even more, so much so that the thought of “going broke and staying poor grew larger and larger.” But thankfully his health was restored.

But during his California stay, he remembered that he had not paid his tithes or offerings to his church in the mid west, which he was still a part of. The amount  he reasoned was 75.00 due in back tithes. He was quoted as saying  “I thought then that if I should fail to pay this debt now while I had enough to pay it, I could never again get that much money together and it would have to stay unpaid forever. Better get broke now, and be free of debt, than to get broke later and be a debtor forever.”

” My account, I figured, was just a little over my debt. When I wrote a check for the whole balance, and sent it to the church in the middle west, I was left with 3.50 in my pocket.”(Timely Greetings , volume 2, no. 35, p.15)

Shortly after paying almost all he had, he received a check from his bank that he had ordered closed. To his amazement a check for 350.00 was made out to him, as his final balance! God was looking out for his young fledgling servant.

Soon things started to rebound, he found a good paying  job at a young up and coming company called Maytag. Additionally, an old stock investment, that he thought was worthless, doubled in price from his purchase price. The Lord was fulfilling His part of the promise –Mal. 3:10.

All the while during this time he faithfully did not work on the Sabbath. His manager at Maytag told him one day ” it must be wonderful to believe as you do, but you know I could never be a Seventh Day Adventist.” Victor responded back, “why not? “Because if I begin to keep the Sabbath as you do, I will lose my job” the man responded.

Victor added,  “Better to lose your job than to lose your life.” The sales manager should have taken the advice, he died shortly after this conversation. Around that same time,  the bookkeeper discussed religion with Victor, and also said that he could not keep the Sabbath and keep his job also. Then Victor  again said “Better to lose your job than to lose your life.” (Ibid, p.16-17) Again ,just as the sales manager did before,  the bookkeeper died shortly thereafter this warning also.

Could it be that this was divine signs from the Lord, letting us know that His servant Victor T. Houteff was to be heard and that we take the real chance of losing our life if we ignore the message the Lord speaks through him? Regardless, Victor was right–no job is worth us dis-honoring Him and serving another God (their job) instead of Him on His holy day. He commented on the two back to back deaths from the same instructions, “Believe it or not, but this is what happened with both men after they sold their convictions for the price of a job!” (Ibid, p.17)

Now we come to a miracle that the Lord’s hand definitely had a part in. How many of us get hit head-on from a swift running automobile on a busy road and walk away?

Victor was walking in a business section of Los Angeles and happened to be crossing the middle of the road, when all of a sudden a woman came straight at him and hit him square on. Did he get run over? Splattered on the front end?  He explains ” No, this did not happen because something greater took place. An unseen hand carried me on ahead of the car, lightly sliding my feet on the pavement with my right side ahead, and my left side against the car’s radiator! After having made about half the distance before the car stopped, something seated me on the bumper of the car, and I put my left arm around the car’s left headlight….when she stopped, I put my feet on the ground and stepped away from the car.”

“.. by that time the car and I were surrounded by people, and three policemen looking for the man who got run over. But as they found no one lying on the street, or pinned under the car, I told them it was I who had been run over! They wanted to take me to the hospital, and when I told them I wasn’t hurt, I heard one say, “He must be hurt but is too excited and does not know his condition.”

Then they made me raise my legs and arms up and down, several times, after which one shouted , “He is made out of rubber!” (Timely Greeting vol. 2 no. 35, p.21)

So miraculously the “rubber” man walked away from the head-on impact, and proceeded 3 blocks to his car that day, and then drove  to a prayer  meeting and spoke about the incident to the amazement of the crowd.

Next we get a look into some personal witnessing to a brother, to show him the way of the Lord, but sadly again, it fell in deaf ears and again the results were a curse.

“Not long after I had gone to work for this company and while canvassing, I met a woman whose husband was of Jewish descent, but she was Scandinavian, and a Seventh-day Adventist.  She told me that her husband was terribly opposed to her religion and at one time he threw her Bible into the stove.  She wished I could in some way help her husband change his attitude.  I asked her to tell him that I would like to see him in his home the following night.  She promised to try it and then to let me know.

   He sat down to several studies with me in his home with the family present.  I was surprised, though, to find him very agreeable to what was presented, altogether contrary to what his wife had told me!  After I had given him three studies he called me aside, pulled his pants-pockets inside out and said to me, “You see, I have a big family to feed and only three cents in my pocket. 

Before you came to me,” he explained, “I did everything to get a job but failed.  In my distress,” he continued, “I prayed for the first time in my life.  I asked the Lord to send someone to show me what to do.  When I heard you were coming,” he added, “I thought it was in answer to my prayer, and I was anxious to meet you.  And that is why you found me so open-minded to your religion.  But now,” he said, “I know that God sent you.”

   I asked him if he would like to sell washing machines, and he replied, “I am ready to do anything you suggest.”  I took him to the company I was working for, and he went to work immediately, trucking with his own pickup.  His wages, and a few sales occasionally brought him over $200 monthly.

   He owned the house he was living in, and as living was not so high in those days, he was able to save a good share of his wages.  After a time he sold his house, bought a five-acre plot and built a new house and a good poultry shed on the plot.   Then he told me that he intended to work for the company about 18 months longer, and by that time he would have his house and land all clear, or somewhat clear, and then he could make a good living on his five-acre plot.

   Well, it all looked fine.  But one Sabbath morning he met me in church and told me that the company was to be taken over that day.  He wanted to know if I would go with him and listen to the speeches while the transfer was being made.  I reasoned with him that it was not the place to spend the Sabbath in, but he argued that if he were not present they might hire another man in his place, and he could not afford to lose his job. 

He therefore attended the business meeting.  Shortly after, though, the new company discharged him.  Consequently he could not keep the payments on the property and the trust company foreclosed on it!  Then his wife died! Anyone can see that all these sequential events of the day, closely tied one to another with nothing else in between, could not possibly have been accidental, but strictly Providential.” (Timely greetings, Vol.2, No.35, P- 18-20)

Sabbath School lessons –   His very first work of spreading and teaching the gospel occurred in the  Olympic Exposition Park SDA Church in 1929. His lessons attracted many members but due to the fact that his teachings were new and unique, some within the church objected. He explains–

“The enemies of the message then left nothing unturned in their search for something against me, rather than to make sure that they were not turning down Truth.  They tried every hook and crook to pin something on me and to stop my activities, but found nothing and as a rule about 30 members of the church stayed in my special meetings each Sabbath afternoon.  Then came the time that the elders of the church refused to let us use the church for our meetings, and they made us all get out.

  But one of the sisters who was living in a big house right across from the church offered her place for the meetings, and there was a great uproar among the people around the church premises.  Some were for us and some were against us.  So it was that the house across from the church was filled that afternoon and many listened from the outside through the windows.  The enemies failed to break up our meetings, and the victory was ours.

   Next they forbade us to attend their church services, and they began to disfellowship those who still wanted to attend our meetings.  They tried to deport me, too, but failed.  Then they endeavored to get a court order against any of us going to the church on Sabbath, but lost out.  Once they called the police to have me arrested on false charges that I was disturbing the meetings, but after the officers in the police station heard my story and the deacon’s charges against me, he commanded the two policemen who brought us to the station to put us in their car again, and to take us right back to the church where they picked me up!

   After this the elders endeavored to put me in an insane asylum.  The “city manager” of Glendale himself (a Seventh-day Adventist) had come to this church that Sabbath morning to lay down the charges and to see me carried away and locked in the asylum.  After talking with me for a few minutes, though, the officer did nothing but to tell me that he would not bother me again!  Then the 200 lb. city manager felt smaller than my 135 lb. weight.

   They did all these unbecoming things and many others; besides, they talked and preached against me.  And though I had no one but the Lord to defend me at any time, yet in all these the victory was mine!” (Timely Greetings, vol. 2, no.35, p.23)

So we see from the above that Victor’s Sabbath school teachings were arousing some quite fanatical responses. But we see also that some of the laity embraced the teachings. There was a new uproar building because the teachings made sense to some of the laity but to the “learned men” they balked. The few years after the lessons, the trouble still existed, with some for and some against.

From the end of 1929 to 1935, the message brought many converts through out the USA and then later many countries of the world(Africa, Indonesia, Dominican Republic, and more). As mentioned, nearly all the converts were exclusively (except for one general conference leader-E.T. Wilson) from the laity. It occurred this way because for the most part, these were the only ones who actually studied the message in depth.

Victor began publishing the “Symbolic Code News items”, a periodical,  in July of 1934. He provided the brethren updates and further messages through October of 1954. Here is a link to those news items. You’ll read many personal letters sent into his office. Preferring to be transparent, he published both the supportive letters and the opposed letters. http://shepherdsroddavidian.org/sc.html

Here’s an example of the letters he received —

FROM MONTANA

“Three years ago I received a book through the mail that was called  ‘The Shepherd’s Rod.’ I was then elder of the Big Timber church. Being much delighted with its contents, I undertook to read it to the church, but the opposition was so strong that I could not read more than two chapters.

“…but I think it is the most wonderful light that ever came to the church….I also read the four tracts with much delight. For years I have prayed for more light, and now my prayers are being answered.”
(Signed) P.S. Alen

In 1935 Victor felt it was time to go elsewhere to spread the “message”and leave California. In part 2 next week, we’ll look at his “Mt.Carmel” years in Waco, Texas. The message headquarters for close to 20 years. We’ll look at some of the experiences, signs and wonders that occurred there. In concluding our posts,  we’ll point out the main points of his teachings and their Scriptural or SOP basis.

As we continually pray, may the Lord guide us into all truth (John 16:13).

Posted in Victor T. Houteff | 2 Comments »

Thy Kingdom Come II (Part 2 of 2)

October 19, 2013

Kingdom of God

Last week we were reviewing Isaiah 11:1-12 and how this prophecy can only have a latter-day application. But let us look now at further evidence that Scripture points out the beginning phase of His kingdom here on earth–the pre-millennial kingdom .

Back to Isaiah, in verse 6, the very last clause says, and a little child shall lead them. A little child….That is just a child of a few years old. Then it says in vs 8,

And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp,(That means an infant that is still feeding upon it’s mothers breast. He or she will be playing with the asp. That’s a poisonous snake. And then it goes on to say) and the weaned child) Now here we have a sucking child, a weaned child and a little child. That is children, infants. In the New Earth, brothers and sisters, there will not be any sucking children, any weaned children, no children at all. Now how do we know this?

Now before we even look at the Word of God, we know this, when all the saints are taken up to heaven, we will dwell there for a thousand years. And everyone the Bible says will grow up like the calves of the stall. Mal 4:2 We will all grow up to our full stature, after feeding on the tree of life. There will be no births and no deaths. So at the end of the thousand years, everyone will have grown up to full stature. At the close of the thousand years, everyone will descend in the Holy City to the New Earth. But there are no births, and no deaths. Hence no little children.

But we can prove that more concretely from the Bible. In the book of Luke chap 20:34, 35 Jesus is speaking to the Sadducees. They are trying to trick him with a question. And they gave Him a parable. A very difficult question. But Jesus made His conclusive statement. He says, “They that shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world in the resurrection neither marry nor are given in marriage.”

Neither can they die anymore, for they are equal unto the angels and are the children of the resurrection. No marriage, No children. No deaths. How can there be any children then in the New Earth. By the time Jesus comes, no more children after that. Yes children will be taken up. To grow up like calves of the stall.

Ellen White further explains no children in the new earth. ““There are men today who express their belief that there will be marriages and births in the new earth; but those who believe the Scriptures cannot accept such doctrines. The doctrine that children will be born in the new earth is not a part of the “sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19). The words of Christ are too plain to be misunderstood.

They should forever settle the question of marriages and births in the new earth. Neither those who shall be raised from the dead, nor those who shall be translated without seeing death, will marry or be given in marriage. They will be as the angels of God, members of the royal family.”(1 Sel. Messages pg 172, 173)

Therefore Isa 11:6 cannot be in the New Earth, for there will be no children in the New Earth. The prophecy is correct. It has to be prior to. Then you can have Gentiles from all these countries and there can be children. So with that in mind, we have concrete solid evidence, that Isa 11 is speaking about not heaven and New Earth, but a time before Jesus comes.

The Kingdom then will be pre-millennial. It will be beautiful. It will be peaceful. Now it does not mean that the entire world will be like this. It does not mean that outside the Kingdom we will not have turmoil and trouble, because at the same time, the Mark of the Beast will be urged upon all including even God’s people, God’s people will not accept it. They in turn will become a part of God’s true people. And will join this Kingdom. What a time.

The two Kingdoms are going to clash. God’s Kingdom is a representation of God’s Justice, Love and Mercy. A practical demonstration of all that God intended for man to be from the beginning. And He wants to do this in the sight of the heathen. So we are not talking about the entire world being converted. No, we are talking about the place where God will establish His Kingdom. His Kingdom will be established in the promised land. And all God’s faithful people will be there.

That will be brought from the various countries and islands and nations will be brought to that Kingdom. But they will have to make a decision, that is those who are in the world will have to make a decision to accept the Truth or not. If they accept the Truth and resist the Mark Of The Beast, even at the possibility of losing their lives. And come to the Kingdom of God and accept the Truth, they will be saved. The two Kingdoms will clash, but God’s Kingdom will win out. It says in the days of these kings, the God of Heaven will establish His Kingdom.

Now, some may ask how is this going to be possible with the current Jews and Arabs occupying the holy land? While we can’t go deeply into this in this post, we can simply say that the world is now being set up to have the gigantic world war III over Israel. This is obvious being prepared even as we speak. The tension has been building the last couple of years and will continue to do so, until God says it’s time for it to take place.

The applicable Scripture reads, “Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together, O nation not desired;Before the decree takes effect– The day passes like the chaff– Before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you, Before the day of the LORD’S anger comes upon you” (Zeph2:1-2) .

Where is this “nation not desired”? Verse 4 tells us,”Gaza will be deserted, and Ashkelon will be destroyed. Ashdod will be driven out at noon, and Ekron will be torn out by the roots. It is in the land of Israel. The Lord’s anger will cause the occupants to be driven out so that His promises will be fulfilled to the letter!

Ok let’s look at (Ezekiel 28:24-26). ““And for the house of Israel there shall be no more a brier to prick or a thorn to hurt them among all their neighbors who have treated them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob.

And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the LORD their God.”

In Ezekiel we see that this gathering takes place “in the sight of the heathen”. The Lord calls His “house of Israel” back to the land He promised their fathers. He keeps His word!  As we know this has never happened to this very day, as the 10 lost tribes of Israel have been scattered among the nations.

A brother of mine pointed out something in a quote that we often miss pertaining to this “kingdom”. Look at (Matt 24:14), “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. I had never noticed that the proclamation will be about His kingdom. The main last message to all nations is this pre-millennial kingdom taking place in front of the heathen!

In other words, come into this kingdom now or you’ll not be able to go through to the heavenly kingdom later. This message of the kingdom is His last effort to reach the unbelieving. Oh, how we are blessed that He sent the Elijah messenger to us to “restore all things” such as these missed meanings of age old quotes!

Here’s wonderful Scripture showing the future  people of God, destined for the holy land and  experiencing a life changing experience “I will give you a heart of flesh.”

Ezek. 36:23-28 — “And I will sanctify My great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be My people, and I will be your God.”

Jeremiah also give us a future glimpse of going home to the holy land. “”In those coming days,” says the LORD, “the people of Israel will return home together with the people of Judah. They will come weeping and seeking the LORD their God.They will ask the way to Jerusalem and will start back home again. They will bind themselves to the LORD with an eternal covenant that will never be forgotten.” (Jer.50:4-5)

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD,   “when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills, and  I will bring my people Israel back from exile. “They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit.I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the LORD your God.” (Amos 9:13-15)

In closing, below is the kingdom map, per Ezekiel 48 instructions, that is prophesied to come. Notice the change in land divisions (anciently to pre-millennial time). Again this has never happened to this very day. Let us accept God’s word as a child and believe that all He says He’ll do–He’ll do. Amen.

http://sighandcry777.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/12-tribes-ezek-48-vs-solomon-3.jpg (The map on left is the ancient borders and areas of the tribes, the one on right is future)

(For those who would like to see the full report from which many quotes and comments were used in this report  see this link http://www.shepherds-rod.org/basic/kingdom.htm)

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

Thy Kingdom Come II (Part 1 of 2)

October 12, 2013

Jeruslaem

This week the thought occurred of how the Jews of old had steadfastly looked and looked for any signs of the Lord’s kingdom on earth to be established. So much so that they ignored other more important Scriptures. Yet, today, we as His remnant people, the SDA church aren’t looking for it. And we are the ones who the prophecies are directed to! Amazing how both the Jews of old and us today, for the most part, are guilty of  not searching the Scriptures to know them well.

In our first installment of God’s kingdom of glory, we would like  to once again show the beauty of the foretold upcoming kingdom, a kingdom that first starts out on this earth before the millennial reign in heaven.  Many within our SDA church are unaware that this pre-millennial stage will exist but as we go into the various Scriptures, it becomes very clear how God WILL establish His kingdom in front of the heathen. The Lord’s Elijah message has now uncovered these beautiful promises for us.

Let us now  search and behold the marvelous things to come in God’s unconditional word.

Last week we pointed out who is God’s “Israel” of today. These are those who are to be the beneficiaries of the promises as Ellen White explains, ““That which God purposed to do for the world through Israel, the chosen nation, He will finally accomplish through His church on earth today. He has “let out His vineyard unto other husbandmen,” even to His covenant-keeping people, who faithfully “render Him the fruits in their seasons.” Never has the Lord been without true representatives on this earth who have made His interests their own. These witnesses for God are numbered among the spiritual Israel, and to them will be fulfilled all the covenant promises made by Jehovah to His ancient people.”(Prophets and Kings, p.713-714)

The Jews held the following promise close to heart as one of their basics on the kingdom of God on earth.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

As Seventh Day Adventists, we are well aware of the fact that when Jesus comes again, He will indeed take His saints home to heaven. And be with Him a thousand years, we shall afterward descend in the Holy City to live here in a newly created earth. That is a marvelous thing and that will be a wonderful time. We look forward to that time. Oh yes we surely do, But what of the Kingdom that was promised to Israel and to Judah. What of that Kingdom?

“When they therefore had come together, they asked Him, saying, Lord will Thou at this time restore again The Kingdom to Israel.”

“And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the time, or the times of the seasons which the Father hath put in His own power.”(Acts 1:6-7) In other words, He did not tell them that the Kingdom was not to be established. He simply said, It is not for you to know when. Of course we know it was not to be in their day. But He did not tell them that. Perhaps it would have discouraged them. Kept them from preaching the Gospel with all of their might. But the Lord in His Wisdom kept that from them. But the Bible does tell us when The Kingdom Of God’s Glory is going to be established.

Before we continue, it’s important to note that this “establishment” of the kingdom, per the Scriptures, will not be in heaven, as we SDA are commonly taught. It’s right here on earth, and Lord’s great  Name will finally be exalted by true representatives, those who “walk the walk” and not only “talk the talk”.

Let’s look at some specific promises found in Jeremiah.

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

What is important to know in this promise is that in Jeremiah’s day, only the 2 tribes of Judah returned. This promise calls for ALL 12 tribes to return. The 10 tribes of Israel were dispersed among the nations and have never returned to this day. So this remains yet to be fulfilled, lest God has made an empty promise.

Also it’s important to point out that this is unconditional. The words “I will” and “they shall” are, as any knowledgeable english student knows, without conditions. To solidify that this promise is yet future we read,

“The fierce anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have done it, and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it.“ (Jer.30:24)

We are living in the latter days, and as such we now — consider it. We now know that this promise will be fulfilled as we are revealed His upcoming pre-millennial kingdom on earth, His words will not return void–praise the Lord!

Thus we see very clearly that this prophecy begins with the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the Church of the last days. And we just read from inspiration, that all the covenant promises that were made to ancient Israel are to be fulfilled with us today. That is what the Bible says. As strange and new as it may sound, this is what the Bible says. Israel and Judah are to one day go back to the land that He gave to the fathers.

Now why would God want His people back there? Well to fulfill His promise. The promise that He made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and Israel. He vowed to them that He would have a kingdom. Now you know why the disciples asked Jesus will you at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

They could not just shove those prophecies aside. They understood that it must be fulfilled. Because God promised it. And Jesus told them it was not for them to know the times. But in the latter days, Jeremiah proclaims it to be. God does not make a mistake. He is always right.

In the book of isaiah, chapter 11, we find something that should make every doubter sit up straight. Carefully observe the promises given and then we’ll discuss what makes these inspired words one of the clearest of all Scripture as to the pre-millennial kingdom.

Isaiah 11:

1: “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

2: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

3: And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

4: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

5: And r righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

6: 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.

7: And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

8: And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.

9: They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

10: And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

11: 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.

12: 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.”

Now you are probably thinking that this is referring to the new earth. Well yes we do understand that in the New Earth everything will be peaceful. Everything will be marvelous. Pretty much as described here will be similar, But this prophecy brothers and sisters is not speaking about the New Earth.

Isa 65:9-20 Speaks about the New Earth. It tells how the wolf shall dwell with the lamb. Very similar to that of chapter 11. But here are three main reasons why this cannot be speaking about the New Earth. Isaiah 11:1 must be speaking about a time before Jesus comes.

THE FIRST REASON is simply this…It mentions in vs 10 that when this Kingdom is established when the wolf is lying down with the lamb, when the leopard is lying down with the kid, it says, vs 10, in that day there shall be a root of Jesse which shall stand FOR AN ENSIGN, (means a standard or a flag) for the people. And to it, (to the kingdom, to this ensign) shall the Gentiles seek.

Brothers and Sisters, THERE WILL BE NO GENTILES OR STRANGERS OR UNBELIEVERS IN HEAVEN OR IN THE NEW EARTH. So here Isaiah cannot be speaking about the New Earth or heaven. This prophecy is talking about a time when unbelievers, Gentiles, strangers, will be flocking to the kingdom. They will be coming to join God’s people. But this again cannot happen in heaven or the New Earth. Probation will already be closed by then.

Now with that in mind you can look at the next vs. That is vs 11.

11: 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.

Here the Lord says He is going to reach out and gather His people. Just like He did anciently, except he will not gather from Egypt alone this time, but from all the islands of the sea. And vs 12 says that He will gather them from the four corners of the earth. You can see Brothers and Sisters that Isa 11:11 must apply to a time when you can have Gentiles seeking the Kingdom. Wanting to know more about God and His people. And He is going to gather His people from all over the world. That has to be pre-millennial. Don’t you think? Not after, not during. But before, prior to.

Now with this in mind we can surely see that it is talking about now, our time, in the days of these kings. The latter days. But you may be saying again this is conditional. Brothers and Sisters, let’s focus on the fact that there are no conditions attached here. What God says He will do and unless He says otherwise, we are to accept what He says. Whatever is uttered from His mouth He will not change. No buts, no maybe’s. It is very plain. It is a prophecy that will be fulfilled. The Bible says exactly what God is going to do in the days of these kings.

Next week we’ll look at more reasons that Isaiah’s prophetic words apply to the upcoming earthly kingdom before the Lord’s return in the clouds. One thing we should be clear is that this kingdom will be what is termed Theocracy. That means a church kingdom that will be based out of Israel, the land He promises His remnant people in these Scriptures. The kingdom will not be considered a world governing kingdom because we know that the mark of the beast system will be set up as well during this time.

The two kingdoms will be directly opposed and as such people will have a clear-cut idea which side to choose and join up with. The main proponent is either worship Him corporately on the so-called “Lord’s day” which is promoted as Sunday, or the Biblical Sabbath which starts at sunset Friday evening to sun-set Saturday evening.  The Lord is going to pull out “all stops” in one last witness to mankind. Sort of like “Here I AM, are you going to join Me?” This will be the time as prophesied by our prophetess.

“The light that was shed upon the waiting ones penetrated everywhere, and those in the churches who had any light, who had not heard and rejected the three messages, obeyed the call and left the fallen churches. Many had come to years of accountability since these messages had been given, and the light shone upon them, and they were privileged to choose life or death. Some chose life and took their stand with those who were looking for their Lord and keeping all His commandments.

The third message was to do its work; all were to be tested upon it, and the precious ones were to be called out from the religious bodies. A compelling power moved the honest, while the manifestation of the power of God brought a fear and restraint upon their unbelieving relatives and friends so that they dared not, neither had they the power to, hinder those who felt the work of the Spirit of God upon them.

The last call was carried even to the poor slaves, and the pious among them poured forth their songs of rapturous joy at the prospect of their happy deliverance. Their masters could not check them; fear and astonishment kept them silent. Mighty miracles were wrought, the sick were healed, and signs and wonders followed the believers.

God was in the work, and every saint, fearless of consequences, followed the convictions of his own conscience and united with those who were keeping all the commandments of God; and with power they sounded abroad the third message. I saw that this message will close with power and strength far exceeding the midnight cry.”

Servants of God, endowed with power from on high with their faces lighted up, and shining with holy consecration, went forth to proclaim the message from heaven. Souls that were scattered all through the religious bodies answered to the call, and the precious were hurried out of the doomed churches, as Lot was hurried out of Sodom before her destruction. God’s people were strengthened by the excellent glory which rested upon them in rich abundance and prepared them to endure the hour of temptation. I heard everywhere a multitude of voices saying, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”(Early Writings, p.278-279)

One thing we should understand here is that during this time of glorious miracles  and calling out time, the people of God must come “out” and go into a righteous place where God wants them. Where will that be? it will be His holy land–Israel.

 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.(Jer. 23:7-8)

My brothers and sister the above promises have never happened to this very day. We know that God’s word CANNOT return void. You and I may “shoot at the wind” in our speaking, but God’s word is life.

Next week in part 2, we’ll look at further reasons that Isaiah’s prophetic words apply to the upcoming earthly kingdom before the Lord’s return in the clouds. Also we’ll take a look at Ezekiel’s prophecies.

(We’d like to thank our friends at SDA prophetic ministries for some of the quotes and comments  used in this post.)

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

“Spiritual Israel”

October 5, 2013

Every now and then we come across an article or report that is just too good to let go without spreading it around. Such is the case with the following article written by a  brother, Erik Bell. As we are well aware , there are many unconditional promises made to the “house of Israel” and so it becomes necessary to understand “who” are these people today? What does the term “Spiritual Israel” mean today?  May you be blessed.

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“I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew…  What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.” – Romans 11: 1, 2, 7.

The Lord, through the apostle Paul, makes clear in this scripture that He “hath not cast away His people” (the Jews).  However, a distinction is made in these Scriptures between the literal, identifiable Jews who accepted Jesus as Messiah and those who did not.  The literal Jews who accepted Jesus as Messiah are referred to as the “election” or the “remnant” (see vs. 5), whereas the literal Jews who did not accept Jesus are designated as “the rest [that] were blinded.”  Note very carefully that both classes are of the bloodline of Jacob.

Later in the chapter, the same two classes are distinguished in figurative terms.  The Christian Jews as “the root” and the “olive tree”, and the non-Christian Jews as “the natural branches.”  The Gentiles are also introduced into the imagery, being symbolized as branches from a “wild olive tree.”  Paul maintains this distinction throughout the entire chapter, and it is precisely at this point where the spiritual eyes of the ministry begin to go dim as a result of preconceived notions regarding the fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures.

All would agree that the “root,” or “olive tree” of Romans 11 constitutes “spiritual Israel.”  Our only challenge is to now identify precisely who they are, for it is to them that “all the covenant promises made by Jehovah to His ancient people” (Prophets and Kings p. 714) will be fulfilled.  The conclusive answer comes to us from the Spirit of Prophecy,

“Notwithstanding Israel’s failure as a nation, there remained among them a goodly remnant of such as should be saved.  At the time of the Saviour’s advent there were faithful men and women who had received with gladness the message of John the Baptist, and had thus been led to study anew the prophecies concerning the Messiah.

When the early Christian church was founded, it was composed of these faithful Jews who recognized Jesus of Nazarethas the one for whose advent they had been longing.  It is to this remnant that Paul refers to when he writes, ‘if the first fruit is holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so also are the branches.”’

“Paul likens the remnant in Israel to a noble olive tree, some of whose branches have been broken off.  He compares the Gentiles to branches from a wild olive tree, grafted into the parent stock.”  — Acts of the Apostles pp. 376, 377.

Therefore, spiritual Israel, in the context of Romans 11, does not consist of Gentiles, but is clearly identified as the literal Christian Jews.  These Jews formed the foundation of the Christian church.  The reason that they are called “spiritual Israel” is simply because they are the portion of the Jewish nation who chose to be “born of the Spirit” (John 3:5).  Ultimately, they lost their racial identity as they spread the gospel throughout the nations and intermarried with Gentile believers. Again, says the Spirit of Prophecy,

“Through unbelief and the rejection of Heaven’s purpose for her, Israel as a nation had lost her connection with God.  But the branches that had been separated from the parent stock God was able to reunite with the true stock of Israel – the remnant who had remained true to the God of their fathers.”  — Acts of the Apostles pp. 377, 378.

Ironically, even the ministry acknowledges the truth of the above in their desperate endeavor to combat it.

“Literal Jews may still find salvation by being grafted into spiritual Israel, in precisely the same way that Gentiles are to be grafted in” (vs. 23, 24). —S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 4, pp. 36.

Thus, it is acknowledged that there are three distinct groups in Romans 11; the literal Jews, “spiritual Israel”, and the Gentiles.  This being the case, we are left without excuse.  We can clearly see why Romans 11 in its full context has been a particular “thorn in the flesh” of Seventh-day Adventists.

Paul echoes the teaching of the prophet Hosea regarding the rejection of the Jewish nation, and the reacceptance of the “faithful Jews” as Christians.

“Then said God, Call his name Loammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God.  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.” – Hos. 1: 9, 10.

In spite of the fact that the Jewish nation failed in its heavenly mission, the number of its descendants would multiply until they became so numerous that they could not possibly be counted. This could not possibly apply to the identifiable Jews of today, for they can easily be counted and are “a drop in the bucket” when compared with “the sand of the sea.”

This dispersion of the bloodline of Jacob partially occurred with the intermingling of the early Christian Jews with the Gentile believers, as well as the dispersion of thousands of Jews in 70 A.D.  Being submerged into the sea of nations, they lost their racial identity and continued to multiply until today.  These facts demonstrate that the vast majority of the descendants of Jacob today are unidentifiable, though they may reckon themselves as Gentiles.

Though the purpose of God to have a holy nation with a central homeland was postponed for nearly two thousand years because of ancient Israel’s unfaithfulness, the perfect plan of God shall still come to its intended fulfillment in this world with the unidentifiable descendants of the Christian Jews, as Paul eloquently explains, “I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness?  For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.  For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be,but life from the dead?” – Rom. 11: 11-16.

“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” – Rom. 11: 25.

The above Scripture definitely informs us that the postponement of the fulfillment of the national promises is not indefinite, but only “until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”  That is to say, until the dispersion of the Christian Jews is completely accomplished and has produced a multitude of Gentile converts.  Afterward, there shall be a great harvest of “natural branches” (identifiable Jews) to the church of God as well.  Once this has taken place, “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.” – Hos. 1: 11.

After the great dispersion, multiplication and reacceptance of God’s people as Christians, the Lord then primarily re-gathers the willing and informed of the unidentifiable descendants of the twelve tribes into one great kingdom and fulfills “all the covenant promises made by [Him] to His ancient people.” (Prophets and Kings p. 714).

The racial lineage of an individual does not determine one’s eligibility for salvation.  Romans 11 makes clear that anyone can be saved regardless of nationality.  However, to fulfill the promises of the possession of the Promised Land, and the administration and leadership of the Kingdom of God on earth, the individuals under consideration must be born-again descendants of Jacob, though not necessarily of the present identifiable stock.

This is the fiat and decree of God to Abraham numerous times in the Old Testament Scriptures. The Lord goes as far as to state that the progenitor of the ultimate possessors of the land of promise would come from “his bowels.” (Gen. 15: 4).  And the prophet Hosea further explains that which is despised in Seventh-day Adventist circles,

“For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim: Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.” – Hos. 3:4, 5.

In view of the clear teaching of Scripture regarding this truth, why do we insist on disseminating poisonous error on this concept to the world and the church?  The answer is simple: this truth is completely incompatible with our erroneous notions of how we believe that the gospel work will be finished, and rather than yield our opinions, as we would expect everyone else to do for our ideas, we would rather play the fool.

We would not even entertain the slightest consideration of the thought that God would fulfill the promises as He has written with a different set of Jews.  This is inexcusable, especially since the Spirit of Prophecy warned us long ago that God had tremendous surprises for Seventh-day Adventists and our ideas of how the work would be completed.

“When light goes forth to lighten the earth, instead of coming up to the help of the Lord, they will want to bind about His work to meet their narrow ideas.  Let me tell you that the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning…The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness.” – Testimonies to Ministers p. 300.

“We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn.  God and Heaven alone are infallible.  Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed.” – Testimonies to Ministers p. 30.

The tragedy of it all is that while paying extensive lip service to the necessity to “unlearn”, when that time actually arrives Seventh-day Adventists are either vehemently protesting it or are nowhere to be found.

To view brother Bell’s present truth website, click here http://www.thenightcometh.org/  We suggest the enlightening audio studies.

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Next week we will be bringing a two-part post concerning “Thy Kingdom Come” so because of the many Scriptures pointing out that “Israel” will soon receive His many promises, we needed to  clear up the fact of who is Israel today. Once we understand this we can then know who benefits from these promises. Let us keep the solid warning in mind, that we must “overcome” in order to become a part of His last day Israel(Review and Herald, Nov. 19, 1908). All the talk of these promises won’t mean a thing to us if we haven’t overcome our cherished sins. May the Lord strengthen us in being victorious over sin.

Posted in Proper teachings, Understanding Paul's writings | 2 Comments »

A Sabbath Study

September 28, 2013

This week we’d like to review some important aspects of Sabbath keeping. We are all aware as Seventh Day Adventists that we are the people of God today who profess to strictly honor Him on His day. But unfortunately we have steadily retreated towards Egypt in this regard. We have become, in many cases a poor example of proper Sabbath observance. Let us look at some areas we have gone off track and how we can get back on the straight and narrow in regards to Sabbath keeping.

In (Amos 8:5) we read“..When will the New Moon be over that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath be ended that we may market wheat?…”—

What do we find in the above?  We see a few truths worth noting. Aside from the fact that it deals with dishonest tradesmen, we notice a subtle underlying  truth in regards to the Sabbath.  The Lord is upset and will spare no longer. He’s had enough. He tells us, “The end has come upon My people Israel…”(Amos 8:1) Then He describes who He’s addressing, “Hear this, you who swallow up the needy and make the poor of the land fail, saying…”(Amos 8:4).

Then we see the above highlighted verses. They are describing those who are of the worldly mindset and are going through the motions of Sabbath keeping. Notice they are thinking of how soon the Sabbath will be over. So that they can get back to being deceitful and dishonest “sell the bad wheat”. Although they surely aren’t aware that what they do is bad. Their thinking is obviously “we have fulfilled our duty, hurry up let’s be done with it.” They are the going through the motions–Sabbath keepers.

So God’s word through Amos show us that He is watching our motives for Sabbath keeping. Are we enjoying the day, keeping it holy? Or are we going through the motions, secretly looking forward to it ending so that we can go on with our lifestyle? What we can learn here is that Sabbath is a time for the Lord and the Lord only. All other things, including our motives, must be devoted to Him, lest He search us out and find us naked in this regard. “”I will search with lanterns in Jerusalem’s darkest corners to punish those who sit complacent in their sins. They think the LORD will do nothing to them, either good or bad.” (Zeph. 1:12)

What are some of the ways we can check ourselves to see if our motives are wrong?

1) Checking the clock frequently during Sabbath

2) Devoting time to non-Sabbath activities such as internet searching for worldly things (also with handhelds). If we are to use electronic devices on the Sabbath, let it be for God’s glory, not our own desires. Reading the Scriptures, studying a report of God’s prophecies and such are what we can use these devices for on Sabbath.

3) Engaging in worldly conversation throughout the Sabbath (politics, business, social issues, etc.)

4) Doing any “work” even “religious work” that we should not be doing on the Sabbath , that can and should be done on the regular “work days”.

Concerning number 4, brother Houteff explains, ”

 “As a people we have forgotten the true meaning of Sabbath keeping.  We have come to suppose that anything which pertains more or less to religion is permissible on God’s holy day.  It is said, It is the Lord’s work.  But God has never said anywhere in the Scriptures that His people are at liberty to do all manners of work (that pertain to religion) on the Sabbath day. 

Work which can be done on a day other than the Sabbath is not a work for the Sabbath.  “Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: In it thou shalt not do any work.”

   Note the way the commandment reads: “Any work.”  God does not mean that we can do our work in the six days, and His on the Sabbath.  He says it is a day of rest: Not physical, but spiritual rest.  For instance, it would be wrong for one to sell good religious books on the Sabbath, even if he turned all the proceeds to the church.

  It would be wrong for a surgeon to perform surgical operations on patients on the Sabbath  day if it can be done at another time.  It would be wrong for a nurse to give treatments to patients on the Sabbath day if it was not absolutely necessary.  Read Volume 7, page 106.

It would be wrong for a church council to meet on the Sabbath and discuss church business, or make plans of any kind.  It would be wrong for a Sabbath keeper to load himself with evangelical announcements for a series of meetings, and distribute them from house to house on the Sabbath day.  All this manner of work could be done on a day other than the Sabbath.

   When we do this kind of work on the Sabbath, we do it to save ourselves an hour or so of time for the next day, thus we rob God of His time and add it to our secular pleasure.  If it is wrong for one to go and sell good religious books on the Sabbath, though he turns all the proceeds to the Church, it would be doubly wrong to sell that same book in the house of God on the Sabbath day, regardless of what is done with the income. 

If all of this is true, then it would be wrong to go out with Harvest In gathering papers and receive contributions for missions on the Sabbath.  It is time for God to call our attention to these things.” (Shepherd’s Rod, vol. 1, p.148-149)

Next we find another prevalent concern today–buying and selling on the Sabbath.This is  really a big problem within our church. I remember when I first came into the church, the old timers (members of experience) asked me if I would like to join them for lunch at the local restaurant after Sabbath services. Being new to Sabbath keeping I said “sure, why not.”

As I progressed in the walk, I found out that buying and selling was strictly forbid. Nehemiah’s admonish is the word of God that the Lord guided me to.

“In those days I saw people in Judah treading wine presses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, together with wine, grapes, figs and all other kinds of loads. And they were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath. Therefore I warned them against selling food on that day.  People from Tyre who lived in Jerusalem were bringing in fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them in Jerusalem on the Sabbath to the people of Judah.

I rebuked the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this wicked thing you are doing—desecrating the Sabbath day?  Didn’t your ancestors do the same things, so that our God brought all this calamity on us and on this city? Now you are stirring up more wrath against Israel by desecrating the Sabbath.”

When evening shadows fell on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I ordered the doors to be shut and not opened until the Sabbath was over. I stationed some of my own men at the gates so that no load could be brought in on the Sabbath day.  Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem.

But I warned them and said, “Why do you spend the night by the wall? If you do this again, I will arrest you.” From that time on they no longer came on the Sabbath. Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy.”(Nehemiah 13:15-22)

Wow! Now if we don’t get the point from the above verses we shall never understand much of anything pertaining to the Sabbath ways of the Lord! Again, it is clearly shown by God’s inspired Scriptures that buying and selling is a no-no on the Sabbath. And yes that would include things like buying gas to get to church! There is a reason they call Friday–preparation day. We foresee and prepare for Sabbath in advance.

Then we have the solemn case of the man who wanted to pick up sticks on the Sabbath. Sounds harmless and innocent right? Let’s see how this is the example of how serious our Lord takes the Sabbath and it’s observance.

(Number 15:32-37) -” While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day.  Those who found him gathering wood brought him to Moses and Aaron and the whole assembly, and they kept him in custody, because it was not clear what should be done to him.  Then the Lord said to Moses, “The man must die. The whole assembly must stone him outside the camp.”  So the assembly took him outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the Lord commanded Moses.”

Solemn is an understatement. This shows us that the Sabbath is not to be carelessly observed. In other words, if the Lord did this to this man, can we expect Him to clear us of things much worse? “For I am the Lord, I do not change..” (Malachi 3:6). If we are tempted to stop at the market, or by gas, or watch worldly TV on Sabbath, can we expect the Lord to say “Looks like  I made a mistake in ordering the stoning of that man because I forgive you for this.”? Of course not.

Yes, the Lord will forgive us if we mess up once in a while but once we know the light on His truth we are expected to obey Him in this regard. But if we do, we repent and turn from it. In explaining how the Lord deals with sin, including Sabbath sins, Ellen White explains–

“In all His dealings with His creatures God has maintained the principles of righteousness by revealing sin in its true character—by demonstrating that its sure result is misery and death. The unconditional pardon of sin never has been, and never will be. Such pardon would show the abandonment of the principles of righteousness, which are the very foundation of the government of God. It would fill the unfallen universe with consternation. God has faithfully pointed out the results of sin, and if these warnings were not true, how could we be sure that His promises would be fulfilled?” (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 73).

So we should learn from the above that should we carelessly observe His Sabbath, and then compound it by not asking for forgiveness and also  not turning away from it, we are in effect asking the Lord to give us an “unconditional pardon”! Woe unto us this thought!

I have often pointed out this simple and straight testimony. When God created us , He gave us 7 days in each week. Is it unreasonable to give back just one of those days strictly devoted to Him?  Unfortunately the vast mankind of the earth thinks it is! They want to claim it all.

God’s history with His people has many times centered around this one area –poor Sabbath keeping. We can read clear admonishments in this regard in Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

“Thus says the LORD: “Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; nor carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day, nor do any work, but hallow the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.”  (Jer. 17:21-22)

“You have despised My holy things and profaned My Sabbaths.” (Ezek.22:8)

In closing let us look at the beautiful Sabbath promise of our Lord.

“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” The mouth of the LORD has spoken.(Isaiah 58:13-14)

Posted in Obedience, Sabbath | Leave a Comment »

Tough Love

September 21, 2013

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Many of us remember the famous documentary called ” Scared Straight”. Wikipedia describes it as follows, “Scared Straight! is a 1978 documentary directed by Arnold Shapiro. Narrated by Peter Falk, the subject of the documentary is a group of juvenile delinquents and their three-hour session with actual convicts. Filmed at Rahway State Prison, a group of inmates known as the “lifers” berate, scream at, and terrify the young offenders in an attempt to “scare them straight” (hence the film’s title) so that those teenagers will avoid prison life.”

There can be no doubt that the above is an extreme example of–tough love. The object is to reach out yet because of the circumstances, the approach is somewhat harsh and  firm. The situation calls for more than “nice words” to reach the parties. Let us look at a similar plan that God’s inspired word teaches us. A path that although “tough” is the right one to reach the wayward or lost.

Some of us also remember when we were kids, our mothers would make us take that awful tasting medicine. We’d yell and scream-“no, no!” Then in a little while we’d be much better and realize that the tough medicine really was good for us.Those with child like faith and humbleness would also see that tough love medicine is good for them, if they would repent from their unrighteousness.

In (Gal.6:10) we read,”So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Here we see that we are “especially” to do good to our brothers and sisters in the faith. There should be a special interest here. But when we desire to do good, could it be that being tough and firm, is the right approach, the real way to “do good” under a specific situation? We care so much for them that we give them tough medicine because under the circumstance, this is the best hope for a “cure”. A way to make them awake and hopefully to help them see that they are heading down the wrong path, potentially a deadly path.

Another example of tough love is from the Lord Himself, “As many as I love I rebuke and chasten…” (Rev.3:19). Our Lord loves us enough to straighten us out by correction in rebuke and chastising.

Some of us brethren have witnessed  brothers or sisters “in the faith” who take it upon themselves to kind of be the lone ranger, the gunslinger (spiritually) if you will. They closely watch others with a keen eye. Ready to criticize or rebuke at any thing they might witness that was not to their liking. They scour Facebook. Soon they leave a trail of discord. The brothers and sisters are all witnesses to the dissension they put forth, which they claim as God inspired.

Their approach is not Biblical because they fail to consult a couple of “neutral” brethren on the thing which they accuse the brethren publicly. Neutral parties could help collaborate it or not. All of this is the God inspired practice of settling the issue.

But over time it appears that nothing good comes from their attempt to straighten out what they claim as error. Worse yet some publicly lambasted the brethren. In (Roman 16:17) we read, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”

So what are we to do with such a brethren? We are to give him tough love. That means avoid them. We shouldn’t appease them and mislead them by supporting them in any way. If we take the attitude of a sister who suggested that we “continue to love them and support them”, we are  in fact  dismissing our duty. Her idea of love is not real love, its false love and security, and goes against clear Scripture. Kind of like “forget your medicine brother, we’ll let you die but we love you.”

Remember sowing discord is one of the things the Lord hates. “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:…A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”(Proverbs 6:16-19)

Paul gives us clear tough love advice, “”If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” (Matt. 18:15-17).

Again Paul counsels, “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”(Titus 3:10-11)

So here we see that we reach out first. If that fails we separate ourselves from them. The objective is to send a clear desperate signal that what they are doing is not right, even if they think it is. It is important , though, to let them know before you dis-associate from them why you are doing so and with the appropriate inspired words of God. This will at least let them know your reasons and they’ll hopefully ponder them. If you are somewhat close to them or friendly, this most surely will send a strong signal to awake IF their conscience  is not seared.

One thing you should not do is leave then with out telling them why. This would be most selfish and leave nothing but confusion with the person you are suppose to be helping.

What about a brother or sister who teaches a doctrine not firmly supported by the Scriptures, SOP, or Elijah message?  John has our tough love answer. ” He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”(2 John verses 9-11).

That’s very strong tough love, ” do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” How many of us today do this? But it’s the firm word of God is it not? Are we to ignore it has too harsh? No, it’s God tough love medicine to make them think strongly of their wrong course.

Today we hear from our pastors and leaders, “love everybody, fellowship with Sunday keepers, just accept them for who they are.” In fact it’s even worse than that. See the post “Backs to the Temple” of how we have not  turned them away from our house but welcomed them with arms wide open!  https://godsloveandlaw.com/2013/08/17/backs-toward-the-temple/

Let us review what we have learned. We should want to help those who we know to be in error. But we should be prepared that, should they dismiss our reaching out to them, we must dis-fellowship from them in order to send a serious signal that we see their path as a dangerous one.

So what are the main things we should consider in dis-fellowshipping with the brethren? To summarize —

1) Sowing discord — Constant criticizing, judging, arguing and so forth surely causes discord. As such we cannot support such behavior.

2) Spreading false doctrine — As we are obedient in the Lord, we’ll be helped to know what is from God and what is not. You can rest assured that those who are spreading false doctrine are not obeying the Lord, somewhere , somehow they are dis-obeying Him. The Spirit of Truth is promised us (John 16:13) and once we have received this gift we shall know Truth. Thus we cannot associate with those wanting to subvert His truth.

Some of the false doctrine may include :

a) Teaching that there is to come more than one prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

b) Teaching that no church purification happens prior to the Loud Cry.

c) Teaching that tells us we have to keep all the feasts and ceremonies. Jesus’ blood did not cover that.

d) Teaching of extreme grace. Our sins can remain in our life and practicing them is of no consequence to our salvation. The Lord forgives us regardless.

3) Hypocrisy — If we know a brother or sister who actively professes the faith yet we witness their continual sinning openly, we cannot support such behavior. This is quite serious and can only lead to their destruction and therefore we must send as strong a signal as possible to hopefully awake them.

How long must we reach out before we dismiss? There’s no set answer to that. The Holy Spirit must guide each case. In my own walk, I have been told to quickly dismiss certain individuals, with others I have been told to strive longer with them. I would suppose it depends on the unrighteousness (lack of right doing) they are doing.

As far as the ones who are planting seeds of false doctrine, we are more clear. “If anyone desires to do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it is of God or whether I speak of Myself.(John 7:17)

If we are obedient to the Lord we shall have that “sixth sense” of what is true doctrine and what is false. Consequently those who we know to be spreading false teachings and doctrines, we must avoid, even to the point of not accepting them into our homes. computers, or wherever.

The willingness to obey the Lord and live a converted life, no longer cherishing sins, really does give us 20/20 vision in knowing truth from error.

In closing, should they ever come to us in repentance, we should be like the proverbial father in the parable who sees him afar and can’t wait to accept him again (Luke 15:11-32). Unity is what gives us  brethren in Christ a strong foothold against the evil ones. If we obey the word of God in regards to tough love when we know by the Holy Spirit it’s to only course to take,  we will do as He says and leave the results with God.

Posted in Brotherly love, Warning our brethren | Leave a Comment »

A Study of Three Christian Walks, Part 2 of 2

September 14, 2013

Before we continue let us review what has transpired.

David was seeking to find some answers on the 144,000 issue. As the church hadn’t spoken much about it, he was left to search on his own. Finding an online sermon, he thrilled to know that much of the subject had been made clear. In his joy and desire to spread these wonderful truths, he began to go to others within the church.

Deborah searched the subject out as well, studying with David. Both felt the importance of  Ellen White’s strict instruction to “strive with all power God has given“ to be among the 144,000.  “Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand. And let us do all that we can to help others to gain heaven.”––Review and Herald, March 9, 1905.They obviously deducted that one can only strive with “all power” if they thoroughly study the subject.

David and Deborah never thought to inquire from whom the teachings were from before listening to the study. They listened without prejudice in order to give it a fair chance.  Both had one goal in mind–to know more about the 144,000. Their focus keen, their thoughts pure, their mind open.

Let us continue with the story.

The next day Deborah was still very troubled, so later that day she decided to call David. “Hi David, this is Deborah” she started. “Oh hi Deborah, how you doing?” David responded. “Not well” she solemnly said. “What happened?” he responded. “I got a call from Johnny and he said what we’re studying is from an offshoot group from the 30’s, he said it’s error.” she said flatly. “What?” David responded incredulously.

“Yes, you heard right I’m afraid” she lamented. “Oh sister, something is terribly wrong, we must get together. I have been doing nothing but further studies on this teaching and I have some insight into what is happening here.” David advised.  So later that week they got together and David explained the history. It was nothing like Johnny had said or implied. He showed Deborah the specific historical writings of what exactly took place on the one and only supposed “investigation” of the teachings of the “Shepherd’s Rod” by Victor T. Houteff. (read here for history of the one historical meeting between VTH and the SDA leaders http://www.shepherds-rod.org/Tracts/trac007.html )

In other words, Johnny’s claim of a thorough investigation was not accurate. After the study Deborah was comforted but still was perplexed. David was as well. They couldn’t figure out why the teachings were wrong and why Johnny counselled against something which he had obviously not investigated himself. The total lessons were all based on Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy. They both knew a serious discussion with Johnny would have to take place.

So David and Deborah went before the Lord in prayer in order to be prepared to sit down and have a serious discussion with Johnny. “Study to show your selves approved..”(2 Tim. 2:15)  and ” If you will search the Scriptures on your knees, then you will know them and you will be able to give to every man who asketh you a reason of the hope that is within you” {1888 Materials P.152). These were guiding words of God that they depended on.

A few days after the aforementioned study, Johnny called David. Here is the conversation.

David: Hello

Johnny: Hi David, this is Johnny from the church.

David: Hi Johnny

Johnny;  I’m sure you’ve probably heard from Deborah the reason for my call

David: Yes I have

Johnny: We’ve had some good fellowship together David and as an elder, I’m sure you know it’s my responsibility to warn our members of any false teaching coming into the church

David: With all due respect Johnny, can you give me one example of false teaching as presented in the Shepherd’s Rod teachings?

Johnny: Not off-hand but I know the church leaders looked into this thoroughly way back in the 30’s and found it in error.

David: Oh yeah. Well give me the documentation on the “thorough study” so I can review it.

Johnny: Listen David, do yourself a favor and don’t get involved in that teaching, trust me.

David: Sorry Johnny but we are counselled to trust no man. Please read Jeremiah 17:5. For your information I have studied this subject well and have found it is not as you say it is.

The conversation ended shortly after with both holding on to their positions. A few weeks went by and then Deborah called Johnny to ask for a study together. Herself, David, Johnny and someone Johnny would like to bring  could all get together and discuss the issue. Johnny never returned her call or went to her in church to discuss the matter.

Fast forward to 3 years later.

David has continued to study the Bible, Spirit of prophecy and the Shepherd’s Rod (Elijah message). He’s spread the message to many all over, including around the world. He has sent literature, dvd’s and cd’s. He has kept busy in the Lord’s vineyard. David was no longer asked to speak before the church. He experienced murmuring against him as word spread that he was involved in “false teaching” yet no one from the church ever inquired to meet with him to see why he was  zealous about this  new light message of  Elijah.

Deborah has also continued to study, being convinced in the Lord’s Elijah message as one of truth. She also spread the message. She also has been murmured against. But has stood firm in the faith. Both her and David have stopped serving in the capacity of “tithe helpers”. This required them to participate in a custom that they found to be an abomination to the Lord in His sanctuary on the Sabbath. They both learned that Sunday (the first day of week) was scriptural  correct day for tithe collection. (for more info on this see —https://godsloveandlaw.com/2013/06/22/the-sdas-original-systematic-benevolence/

Johnny has never looked into the teachings he claims are in error. He has trusted in the former and present church leaders to tell him what is truth and what is error. His position is set and is unmovable. Although he is not aware of it, he is fulfilling prophecy – ‘I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” (Rev. 3:17)

Summary-

This two-part story is an example of what has been played out time and again through out the years and even decades in the SDA church. Even today a similar situation is frequently occurring worldwide in our church. Once we decide to search out the truth we must look to the Lord first and foremost. Notice that David came upon that sermon that showed him the light of truth he sought (the real 144,000 answers). This did not come by happen stance. The Spirit of Truth  had guided him (John  16:13).

We also saw that Deborah was just like David, was an active “searcher” of the truth. In this she was rewarded as the promise said “..seek and you shall find”(Matt. 7:7). They continued to “Prove all things, hold fast that which is good”(1 Thess. 5:21) in spite of the opposition and murmuring. Johnny attempted to block their path in finding truth “…You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.”(Luke 11:52).

Below are some Scriptural and SOP  and Elijah references that you can read and see if they apply to the 3 characters in our story. We MUST take into our own hands the awesome responsibility to seek the Lord and His Truth before He comes suddenly and surprisingly (Mal. 3:1-3). Seek Him in study and prayer. If this is done sincerely we are promised to be guided into “all truth” (John 16:13).

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“How shall we search the Scriptures in order to understand what they teach? We should come to the investigation of God’s word with a contrite heart, a teachable and prayerful spirit. We are not to think, as did the Jews, that our own ideas and opinions are infallible; nor with the papists, that certain individuals are the sole guardians of truth and knowledge, that men have no right to search the Scriptures for themselves, but must accept the explanations given by the fathers of the church. We should not study the Bible for the purpose of sustaining our preconceived opinions, but with the single object of learning what God has said.” (Test. to Min., p.105)

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

The Lord often works where we least expect Him; He surprises us by revealing His power through instruments of His own choice, while He passes by the men to whom we have looked as those through whom light should come. God desires us to receive the truth upon its own merits—because it is truth.” (Test. to Min. p.105-106).

“To hold yourselves aloof from an investigation of truth is not the way to carry out the Saviour’s injunction to ‘search the Scriptures.’ Is it digging for hidden treasures to call the results of someone’s labor a mass of rubbish, and make no critical examination to see whether or not there are precious jewels of truth in the collection of thought which you condemn?

Will those who have almost everything to learn keep themselves away from every meeting where there is an opportunity to investigate the messages that come to the people, simply because they imagine the views held by the teachers of the truth may be out of harmony with what they have conceived as truth? Thus it was that the Jews did in the days of Christ, and we are warned not to do as they did, and be led to choose darkness rather than light, because there was in them an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. No one of those who imagine that they know it all is too old or too intelligent to learn from the humblest of the messengers of the living God.

“When asked to hear the reasons of a doctrine that you do not understand, do not condemn the message until you have given it a thorough investigation, and know from the word of God that it is not tenable.

“When new light is presented to the church, it is perilous to shut yourselves away from it. Refusing to hear because you are prejudiced against the message or the messenger will not make your case excusable before God. To condemn that which you have not heard and do not understand will not exalt your wisdom in the eyes of those who are candid in their investigations of truth. And to speak with contempt of those whom God has sent with a message of truth, is folly and madness.”–CSW 28-32.

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

“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Prov. 18:13.

“Truth is eternal, and conflict with error will only make manifest it’s strength. We should never refuse to examine the Scriptures with those who. we have reason to believe, desire to know the truth. Suppose a brother held a view that differed from yours, and he should come to you, proposing that you sit down with him and make an investigation of that point in the Scriptures; should you rise up, filled with prejudice , and condemn his ideas, while refusing to give him a candid hearing?

The only right way would be to sit down as Christians and investigate the position presented in the light of God’s word, which will reveal truth and unmask error.” (Test. to Ministers , p105-106)

“The best way to expose the fallacy of error is to present the evidences of truth. This is the greatest rebuke that can be given to error.”–E. G. White, Pacific Union Recorder, Oct. 23, 1902.

“What a fearful responsibility rests upon those who carelessly handle the Word of God, who pose as soul guardians over the people!  Both they and their abominations will fall in the ditch.  Indeed, if any reform is needed in Christendom, this one is.

Having now learned better, let us no longer make idols of men; let us no longer give place within us to unclean spirits.  Let us rather give the Spirit of God a chance to lead us into His ever-advancing Truth with personal understanding.” (Timely Greetings, vol.1, no.18, p.17)

“When a point of doctrine that you do not understand comes to your attention, go to God on your knees, that you may understand what is truth, and not be found as were the Jews, fighting against God. While warning men to beware of accepting anything unless it is truth, we should also warn them not to imperil their souls by rejecting messages of light, but to press out of the darkness by earnest study of the word of God.”–TM 109, 110.

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

 

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