A Covenant With Me By Sacrifice

June 23, 2012

Our Lord’s great work of redemption caused to cease the sacrificial atonements of the slayed animals. Upon the cross, the veil was  ripped and from then on,  the “sacrifice” had new meanings, and was  forever changed. This being understood, is there now a new sacrifice, where we as His people are required to make?

Here is our quote, of which we shall base this post on, ” The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Our God shall come, and shall keep not silence: A fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about Him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that He may judge His people. Gather My saints together unto Me; those that have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare His righteousness:For God is judge himself. Selah. Hear, O My people, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God (Psalm 50:1-7)

As in so many places in God’s Holy Scriptures, many revealing truths are packed into one paragraph.  Ellen White said the following ” Each of the ancient prophets spoke less for their own time than for ours, so that their prophesying is in force for us.” (Selected Messages, Vol. 3, p.338) That being the truth, then (Psalms 50:17) has  prophetic truths for us today, right now. So let us with the Spirit of Truth , look into the many applications of these words.

First we notice that our Lord is called mighty, meaning He can and will do all that He says He will do, in His word. Second, we notice “out of Zion” indicating out of His people,  aka. His church comes something beautiful.  Something performed and done by our Lord, “Our God hath shined” and “shall come”.

Next we find what work our Lord will do to obtain the “perfection of beauty”. This indicates  clearly what this event is about. “A fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about Him… that He may judge His people.” Notice clearly He judges HIS people. This indicates a judgment of His church, since no where in the scriptures are the heathen ever referred as “His people”. Otherwise we would find “He may judge the people” or similar words. Let us ever remember our Lord is a precise Lord, never missing on any fine point of clarification. The Spirit of Truth guides us in this.

 As studious Bible students we know that there will soon be the Lord’s judgement upon His people, and it begins in His sanctuary. “For time is come that judgment must begin in the house of God…” (1 Peter 4:17)

This fire is none other than the destroying fire of His judgments upon the church!  We as SDA are well aware that the judgment of the dead began in 1844, we must be  aware that judgment of the living begins among us in the church. The heathen judgement come after us!

Next we find that after this tempestuous judgment (meaning a surprising and shocking execution of His  judgment upon His church) He shall gather His saints to Him, who have made a “sacrifice” to  Him. On the “perfection of beauty”point, it means finally our Lord has His church which is pure. He had to take the reins into His own hands to obtain this, otherwise the co-mingling would have been never ending.

We asked in the beginning of this post if there is a current sacrifice required to be made unto the Lord. The answer is –yes, most definitely. What is that sacrifice?   The answer is–we must forego worldly pleasures! The great and tempting worldly pleasures.

Our Lord said ” For whoever wants to save his life, will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and the gospel will save it” (Mark 8:35) Here we see that our Lord asks us to give up “our life” for him. Meaning our own desires and pleasures (Worldly TV, theatre, worldly music, lusts, passions,love of money, carnal habits(gluttony, tobacco, alcohol), and generally all worldly entrapment). As we begin a converted life, our life becomes a new life for Him. How many today are trying to straddle the two lives? They have one foot in the world and one foot in the Lord’s work. They believe the “smooth things” by the sleeping pastors, that they are safe, even while they continue to sin!

Ellen White says the following ” Your hearts will be where your treasure is. You are situated where there are temptations to be plunging deeper and deeper into the world, to be continually accumulating; and while you are thus engaged, the mind becomes engrosed with the cares of this life to such an extent as to shut out true godliness..no wonder that we experience so little of the illuminating influence from the heavenly sanctuary. Our desires are not in that direction, they are mostly confined to earthly pursuits, seeking for worldly things, and neglecting the eternal.” (Test.for the Church, Vol. 2, p.183)

Continuing with our reverenced quote,  we see that our Lord asks us,  He pleads–to hear Him! His word is speaking to us, will we hear?  Remember His word is His very essence, His core.  And then sadly, He confesses that He will testify against us. He has no other choice. Most have not converted and kept one foot in the world.

How is it that only 144,000 from His last church can sing a song that only they know?  One of the reasons is because they have overcome the most temptations that have ever fallen upon mankind. Since the beginning of time, there has never been the powerful and tempting worldly desires, as we have today! Every where we look we are tempted. Our friends, our relatives, the TV, the radio, the computer, music,  the shopping malls, the newspapers, everywhere! The devils have pulled out all stops in an effort to distract us, and sadly it has worked for the most part.The world and it’s many interests take our time and devotion.

If we give up these powerful entrapments that engage us to turn them into idols, we shall indeed overcome. This is what our Lord speaks about in (Rev.21:7) “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

So in closing my beloved, let us look upon the final goal, to walk the golden streets and drink of the pure life giving water, and behold our majestic King, His hands, His sacrifice for us. When we realize that our sacrifices really are  investments into life eternal with  our King, and all the rewards He will bestow, it really shouldn’t require much thought. Will we  make the  sacrifice that He asks for?

Posted in Christian walk, Covenants, Obedience | 7 Comments »

Peddling the Word of God

June 16, 2012

One of the most striking things I learned in the journey for God’s truth is that God’s word specifically says his “bread” (word) should be free. That the Holy Spirit should move the conviction upon the receiver of His word to “help out”. Let us look at this neglected area of His word.

A while back members of our church and myself got together and raised several hundred dollars to post a large billboard in our town, about the Sabbath being the day of the Lord, not Sunday. Our plan was set, we wanted them to call and when they did we sent out info, such as Sabbath literature and  DVD’s. I contacted a well known SDA ministry to order.

The DVD’s sent are a very powerful tool in explaining why the Sabbath is the Lord’s day and not Sunday. It goes into all the arguments for and effectively counters the arguments against God’s real day of worship- the 7th day. I decided to order many of them. I called their office and spoke to the man in charge.  We discussed the situation and I mentioned I wanted to order quite a few, maybe 100 or more. Thinking that just maybe our billboard would be a divine success.

As we discussed, I figured that this man would appreciate our efforts for proclaiming God’s Holy day on the billboard. Plus I said we would use their own site as reference on the billboard itself. But as we talked it became clear I wasn’t getting much of a break. I sensed that something was amiss. Money was too important to them to budge much and eventually I capitulated and paid a hefty cost for about 50 of them. But this episode made an impression on me.

I sensed that the real concern was the dollars/profit , not spreading God’s truths. Little did I know , later in my walk I would see the obvious clear light on this subject, hence this post would be made some day (now).

In the New Testament, apostle Paul makes clear how some have the wrong motive in spreading God’s word.  ” Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit, on the contrary in Christ we speak before God with sincerity like men sent from God.” (2 Cor. 2:17).

Again we read “freely you have received, freely give”. (Matt. 10:8) Although that quote is spoken of in the context of spiritual gifts, after reading the Cor. quote, we can see it clearly applies to the spreading of the word as well. Can we imagine our great role model, our King, saying to someone who want’s some word’s of wisdom  “Ok, I’ll give you some advice, but that’ll be 20 dollars”? Or the apostle’s saying they want to be paid for spreading the word of God? Absolutely not. Should it be any different today?

So with the clear words of instruction on spreading God’s word, we should then be in a better position to see who is and who is not obeying these word’s of instruction from our Lord. What do we find in almost all of the current church ministries today? A DVD or CD for “only” 21.95 here, or another over there for “only 19.95” , etc. etc. SDA churches are no exception. The holy (word of God) and the common are of no difference.The products  are “marketed” first and foremost, you don’t pay,  most of the time– you don’t get.

This is one area where I was very surprised to learn,  the Lord’s end time messenger’s the DSDA (Davidian Seventh Day Adventists **) —do not charge one cent for literature , DVD’s, or CD’s(scripture and SOP based). They even mail it out for free. Are they hurting? Apparently not. God has and continues to provide. This has been practiced for  several decades by the DSDA.

In Isaiah we read a beautiful worded scripture basically saying the same thing. “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for that which is not bread?And your wages for that which does not satisfy. Listen unto me, and eat that which is good, and delight yourself in abundance”.(Isaiah 55: 1-2) Here we see that often when we spend money on  a “peddler” of God’s word, it will many times not  satisfy. Does this mean that if they charge for books or other literature (DVD’s, etc) that it is automatically not spiritually good? Of course not, Ellen White’s books are mostly sold, as an example.

But the greater point is that when you see  God’s servants  trying to give you at no cost literature based on the word of God, then these are being “peddled” exactly how our Lord said to peddle them–free. Obedience to His word can only bring great joy and reward!

The great One who knows how many hairs are on our head, knows how to make sure we have enough compensation to fulfill the spreading of His word.

Just look at the many SDA ministries today, nearly all will charge you.

Let us look at what Brother Houteff (Co-founder, with the Lord,  of the DSDA) had to say on the matter.” If your literature is any good at all, it should not be sold at such high prices, but instead it should be given away free of charge and thus be scattered everywhere as the leaves of autumn. On the contrary though, books that should be sold for $1 per copy you are selling for $2 or $3. If the literature is  given away for free, and if it is convincing, it should bring added multitudes of souls and thus yield more in tithes and offerings than it’s purchase price now brings. Your love of money, though, makes you afraid to take that chance.” ( 3rd Jezreel Letter)

Also we read “Everyone who endeavors to do whatever he or she can, be it little or much, be it part or full time, is now provided with free literature of unlimited amount, with free transportation, be the trip a mile or a thousand miles long, and whatever expenses one may incur by his busying himself in this great and grand work, are all paid by this Layman’s Movement.” ( 4th Jezreel Letter)

To summarize, we see that our Lord really want’s His people to take the “Bread” (His Word) free. Those who follow His instructions on this really do step out in faith and call upon His word, that He will provide. The greatest faith brings the greatest rewards.

(** Not to be confused with “Branch” Davidians, off shoot movement from the original Davidians, started in the early 60’s. They add and subtract from the original writings of brother Houteff)

Posted in Christian faith, Obedience, Proper teachings | 2 Comments »

God’s final message to His Church

June 9, 2012

Note: this post is primarily addressed to the SDA and DSDA members.

The final message has it’s beginnings in our Lord’s last message in His last book of the Old testament. In Malachi 4:5 we read “behold I will send you Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Because this is His last warning  message, it is of supreme importance that we – know it, obey it, and spread it.

To begin with, there really is much confusion on this subject within our church. And why not? The Lord’s last message to His church has been known to Satan for centuries, and as such he has worked overtime to block it, confuse it, and just plain trash it as worthless.

As we delve deeper into this message , keep in mind the one startling fact that becomes crystal clear– the evil ones hate it and will stop at nothing to keep it from being presented to the people of God. For awareness and obedience to it by His people, hastens their demise, and they know it!

So we must ask ourselves , as members of His last church, known as Seventh Day Adventists, –have we really studied this last message of Elijah? Do we even know who, where, and what this end time Elijah is all about? If we are truly honest , for most of us the answer is—no. Why is that? Could it be that the Spirit of Truth is lacking among our leaders and they think themselves rich and increased with goods, and in need of nothing? Our Lord specifically warned us in Rev. 3 :17 “ Because you say,’ I am rich, have become wealthy (spiritually), and have need of nothing’-and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked–”.

Our leaders today , for the most part preach the old truths, neglecting the new or present truths. And as we’ll see this final message is the present truth for us today. EGW explains “In every age there is a new development of truth, a message of God to the people of that generation….it is the light which shines in the fresh unfolding of the truth that glorifies the old (truth). He who rejects or neglects the new (truth) does not really possess the old. For him it loses it’s vital force and becomes but a lifeless form.: (COL, p.127-128)

We must now acknowledge that many of the SDA leaders have said that they are rich and have all they need, and need nothing more. This is evident by the continual message of peace and safety, of proclaiming that all is well in God’s house, week after week.  And the steadfast belief that there is no need of any new revelations of truth for our church. Present truth is not necessary, let’s  rehash all the old truths, we got it all we are taught.

Let us look at the truth, as the Lord now asks us to look. First, our beloved prophetess Ellen G. White, whom we love and acknowledge was a servant of the Lord said the following words — “Someone is to come in the spirit and power of Elijah, and when he appears, men may say ‘you are too earnest, you do not interpret the scriptures in the proper way, let me tell you how to teach your message.  There are many who cannot distinguish between the work of God and that of man. I shall tell the truth as God gives it to me, and I say now, if you continue to find fault, to have a spirit of variance, you will never know the truth.” (Testimonies to ministers, p.475-476, 1 Selected Messages, p. 412).

My dear brethren, please follow this closely. The above quote by EGW has at least four clues to who would be the Elijah to come.Let’s look at the four.

The first clue, EGW clearly states that a “he” would come. Do you want to know a clear clue that these leaders of our church are misleading the people in understanding this powerful statement by EGW in identifying the Elijah? Notice they put an asterisk by this statement  basically saying she was talking about herself as the Elijah!  Come let us reason together, EGW was a she not a he. This right here should arouse any truth seeker that something is terribly wrong with the “leaders” to even say this and allowed it there to deceive! So we know that this end time Elijah will be a man.

The second clue is he will come and interpret scripture. This is clue definitely shows his work will be an interpretive work and it stands to reason , much of it would be in written form. All prophets have made their writings known,  to be passed on to God’s people. So they must be published and spread among the people. These interpretations must be well known and been seen because they have a message attached to them (as we shall see).

The third clue is that the man who will interpret scripture and give a message, will be rejected. Men, representing men who can bear a message, no doubt leaders in the church, will rebuke this man and interject their opinions on what he is trying to tell the people. In other words this man and his message will be countered. Keep in mind this whole scenario must be wide open and in front of God’s people, for our Lord would not bring this Elijah unless he was known to His people as an interpreter.

The fourth clue is that she says that “many” would confuse the work of God with that of man. God does not do things haphazardly. Under divine inspiration, the mentioning of the Elijah to come is followed by two clarifications. 1) people would think that the work of Elijah is a man’s work , or his own work and not inspired of God 2) They will find fault and thereby never know the truth as God wanted them to have.

These four clues undeniably point to a certain man in our history of the SDA church, for there can be no other that fits these to a  tee!

Our Lord said the Elijah would come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord, so it stands to reason that Elijah’s interpretations would describe newly revealed Biblical prophecies, that had been hidden, primarily dealing with that great and dreadful day. Because the Lord obviously wants to warn His people . We must ask ourselves, as truth seekers, the following. Who has come from among us since Ellen White has prophesied those words from the Lord? Can you think of somebody? Have we even searched history to see if a man has filled these requirements?

As we mentioned obviously he must be well known, and had made an impact among the people throughout the SDA. He cannot be a relative unknown . The Lord cannot have him as a vaguely know person.Because the Lord wants the people to hear this man, at least of him. Again, he must standout as an interpreter, and he must be rejected by the SDA leaders.

My dear brethren there is only one who has completely fit that description  – Victor T. Houteff. Yes, he interpreted so many scriptures of old and new testament prophecies. His work was quite voluminous. He revealed Hosea, chapter one and two, the Noah flood type and anti-type, Matthew 20, the vineyard laborers parable, Zechariah 4 and 6, Ezekiel 1-2, 9-10, and 47. Also Revelation 1 to 3, 7 and 12, Daniel 8 and more. These prophecies dealt primarily with our Lord’s last day warnings to the church.

As we Davidians are so very well aware , when you actually take the time to sit down and watch or read brother Houteff’s interpretations, you are quite thrilled that our Lord revealed this to us through His servant. I have yet to find error in these interpretations(though I did fine some typo’s, such as the well-know 2300 days shown as 23,000 days in the 11th hour chart below), and believe me I am a truth seeker who want’s no part in error, and with an open-mind  thoroughly listened or read these.

Yes, he was and is still rejected. Today, almost everywhere in the SDA, you will hear the leaders say that brother Houteff did not interpret scripture correctly, and they will interject their reasons, thus saying what God’s real message is.

Strangely though when pressed and shown that most of VTH’s work is based on Scripture and EGW, they are stuck as how to address this. For when they reject much of Houteff’s work they do indeed reject EGW’s as well.

To prove a point, ask a fellow SDA member who denies brother Houteff was the Elijah to come the following  “Ok , after knowing these four clues who could it have been?”  Believe me, just as EGW prophesied they will find some fault in VTH and then likely say –“I don’t know”  –case closed.

EGW makes it clear that if you want to have a tendency to find fault, you’ll have ample opportunity to complete your task in (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p.675). “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. (Vol. 3, p.255, 1873) ” God gives sufficient evidence for the candid mind to believe; but he who turns from the weight of evidence because there are a few things which he cannot make plain to his finite understanding, will be left in the cold, chilling atmosphere and questioning doubts, and will make shipwreck of faith.” (Vol. 4, p.232, 233 (1876)

Some of the writings of  Houteff show some hard to grasp things, some even appear contradictory, yet this is also found in Ellen White’s writings and even Scripture. As EGW said,  do we throw it all out because of the few places that we can’t quite comprehend ? It is the weight of evidence that we must go by and even more importantly, we must have the gift of the Spirit of Truth in us to discern what is truth. As we have said many times before  -once we are converted and turn from our cherished sins, we are promised the Spirit of Truth, the great Truth detector.

You see the whole purpose of the last day Elijah’s message is that of repeating the original “type” message. The original Elijah message was to His own people, not—to–the –world. This is key. When we see Amazing Facts, Hope Channel, 3 ABN, and the host of other SDA outlets telling us that the “world” is who we must go out and preach to, we are denying our Lord’s Elijah message IN FULL! Do these leaders even consider that our own church is in such dire straights that our Lord knew WE are the ones in need of the message, not the world!

As I have pointed out before it’s akin to inviting more people into a sinking boat. The Lord wants the boat patched up, then we can add. Many have a hard time understanding this yet, His purpose clearly is for the Elijah message in these last days to go only to His own people. How dare us second guess our Lord!

Who are obeying this last day Elijah message? It is the Davidian Seventh Day Adventists! They know, believe, and understand this message our Lord wants us to know , obey and spread. The message is that the sealings are now taking place and only those who walk daily in His Commandments, and sigh and cry for the abominations done in His church –will be sealed.None others. Yes, it is  solemn but it’s His word. Who are we to say “I don’t like it Lord, and therefore it’s not going to happen”?

My beloved SDA , please look into the end time message of Elijah. The Lord has sent it for a reason. He is preparing to come down to the earth and walk into His churches to begin the beginning phases of the judgment for the living. In 1844, the beginning of the judgment of the dead began, and we as SDA all know this, but do we know and understand Elijah’s warnings about the very soon beginning phase of  the judgment for the living right in our own churches?

FINAL TIMELINE COUNT DOWN AS PROPHESISED BY BROTHER HOUTEFF

  1. Our Lord writes His warnings to His people in Malachi 4:5 in order to be prepared for His message to come, through His prophet Elijah. This message is His LAST message to His people.
  2. Our Lord , by the Holy Spirit creates His last church, the Seventh Day Adventist church. He brings forth a most wonderful servant named Ellen Harmon, later to be known as Ellen G. White. SDA people are given great light through her on many, many writings, particularly a special message that a prophet is to come after her. It is found in Testimonies to Ministers, P.475, and again in 1 Selected Messages, P.412 However in much blindness, obviously through the adversary himself—Satan, the end time prophet is not discussed openly much,  throughout the church. He is not looked for, as the vast amount of people are taught the old truths rather than present truth, they think themselves rich and increased in goods(spiritually strong), so ignorance is prevalent throughout the denomination.
  3. But this all changes in 1929. A man rises up in the SDA church and begins to teach his local Sabbath school lessons. His teachings attracted some real interest, but also as prophesied , the local leaders, whom had never heard of these interpretations, began to doubt his conclusions. Shortly after a furor hit the church worldwide. Some were excited about the new revelations and some were against. All of this was clearly shown as the identifying sign that the Lord had spoken of through the prior prophetess, Ellen G. White. The man’s name was Victor T. Houteff.
  4. In 1930 He began to publish his work in many written volumes. They covered many, as yet, uncovered prophecies of much old and new testament scripture. Primarily these were shown to be about the upcoming judgment upon God’s church. His name became front and center in the early 30’s within the church( his symbolic code newsletter contains many, many glowing testimonies of the original hearers of the message). Sadly though, the denominations leaders began denounce him publicly as a false leader, saying he did not interpret scripture properly, just as prophesied! Soon the people were divided. Some accepted his interpretations and writings, but sadly a great many followed the leaders like blind sheep and did not believe or investigate for themselves  his work. Soon he was forced to leave the church. Thousands accepted the Elijah message, but the great majority rejected it.
  5. So we now see that  the identifying marks had been fulfilled . He knew his duty was to go to work within his own people, not to work upon the world at large. His work was the anti-type of Elijah’s message. One of warnings that the Lord was about to come secretly to this earth to walk into His churches worldwide (SDA) and begin and execute the beginning phase of the judgment of the living. After this work is done, there will be His elect left within the church, the 144,000, to go out into babylon , to win the great multitude. His interpretations have shown beyond doubt that this is indeed God’s end time plans for His church. Sin , he pointed out,  is so prevalent in God’s churches, that He cannot wait forever to have the people on their own clean up their act—He must take the reins into His own hands. ” 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..God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His Own Hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that he will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness. ” ( Test. to Ministers, p.300)
  6. He puts together a clear end time count down based on scripture and EGW.   1) EGW said that John and Ezekiel both saw the sealing acts of Rev 7. (Ezekiel 9) This is  found in Testimonies to Ministers, p.445  2) The release of the four winds represent the Sunday law to begin. The sealings and destroying of the tares within the church must happen before the releasing of the winds (Sunday law). EGW clearly says that the “four winds” represent the Sunday law. (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, P.152).

3) The remaining surviving people after God’s sealings/destroying is the 144,000. They are filled with the Holy Spirit and go out into babylon to win the great multitude. But as this happens trouble comes from Satan to oppose (known as the time of trouble as never was). Even so, a great many around the world come into God’s purified church, as signs and wonders are performed by the 144,000. The devils soon imitate these signs and wonders, and there is great confusion among the world’s people, as to who God is really with. Only those grounded in the word will know clearly (ie. True Commandments including the Sabbath)

SUMMARY

With the explosion of media and online communications, our Lord has opened the avenues for the final Elijah message to come to all the SDA church members, so that there will be no excuse. Facebook, emails, and blogs are very active in promoting this end time message. Soon when the 144,000th one is sealed, the Lord will then take the reins into His own hands, a solemn event. We as truth seekers must seriously ask our selves the following – Are we full and satisfied that we know all the truth that we need to make us spiritually ready to meet the Lord? Or could it be that we haven’t searched the above plain truths, and therefore believe that we don’t need our Lord’s last message? These are solemn serious questions each must ask right now. His last message through His prophet Elijah has specific instructions that we need spiritually to receive His sealing.

An example of Brother Houteff’s work, here are a few charts symbolically showing interpretations of prophecies , click on each to enlarge.
http://shepherdsroddavidian.org/charts.html

Posted in Elijah, End times | 4 Comments »

Insidious Idols

June 2, 2012

As the title of this post says, many of our idols today are so sneaky, that we are not even aware that they are indeed  —  idols. In this way they are insidious, just as the adversaries would have it. Let us look more deeply into this real trap. I dare say that today this is the biggest trap for us Christians, our biggest stumbling block to walking upright with our Lord.

Idolatry has been a big problem since the beginning of God’s people. In Ezekiel we read ” Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own ways and deeds; to me their way was like the uncleanness of a woman in her customary impurity. Therefore I poured out My fury on them for the blood they had shed on the land, and for their idols with which they had defiled it (Ezekiel 36:17-18).

Many think of the term “Idol worship” as some old fashion form of actually bowing down to false gods and such. In reality it is completely different, especially in today’s world. In (Rev.22:14-15) we read the following  ” Blessed are those who do His Commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.”

We see from the above that keeping the “Commandments” requires that we not be idolaters. Most of us know that having  promiscuous sex, practicing lying, murder, and practicing sorcery are clear cut and flat out wrong before the Lord. But that sneaky one- idolatry,  can stumble us in ways that we ourselves can be caught unaware. Idols can blind us so well, we are in many case not even aware of it!

As many of you who follow this blog are aware, the Lord is about to select His 144,000 servants to proclaim the final Loud Cry. The real difference , I believe,  is that His true servants realize perfectly the whole idol trap and keep themselves free from it. For they have made an effort to free themselves of his ( the devil’s) snares.

Let’s look at one of the most obvious idol traps — television.  Do you watch worldly television daily or several times each week day? Do you come home from work and mindlessly turn on the TV and watch for  hours every night?  If your answer is yes, then you have likely been snared by the TV idol trap.

Here’s a good way to know if something is an idol to you. How much time do you spend weekly in the Lord’s work? Study, sharing the Lord with friends or family, prayer, reading His holy word? Ok, if TV or anything else takes up more of your time than the Lord’s work, you have a more enjoyable god you serve. “For where your treasures lie, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). Make no mistake,  our idol worship  is noticed by our Lord.

In my own life, TV was one of the last idols to leave. Growing up  as a typical TV and music idol worshiper(sports, entertainment shows, car radio on every day, etc.), I just couldn’t see it as “bad”.  “The Lord doesn’t really care if I practice TV watching or listen to worldly music, as long as I read the Bible now and then and show up for Sabbath services, I’ll be fine” was my deluded thinking.

 But you know what? If someone would have said  that I was a TV or music  idol worshiper, I would have said “yeah right, get real”. It was only until I started putting my time into the Lord’s work and forsaking worldly desires, by sincerely wanting to do the Lord’s will, that I could then see clearly that yes it was an idol!

Does this mean we should never watch  television? No, not necessarily. Certainly we can get  some good from TV. Inspirational, educating, news and such can be good. But as we pointed out, once it starts to fill a gap in your life that should be towards the Lord’s work, you’ve shown Him where your desires really are. With time being so short and His workers being in short supply, we cannot have any excuses.

One of the most important prayers we should do frequently, is to ask the Lord to help show us where we are wrong in  our walk.  I continue to do this, even though I have tossed much sin out of my life. We need to continue to look to Him for help and guidance.

Once you pray this prayer and do it will all your heart, He will be faithful to show you. You’ll start to feel more and more guilt on something that you are doing that is dis-pleasing to Him.

Think about it, with so many now in His church, about 16 million, how is it that He can only use 144,000 as His servants when the gospel message swells into a Loud Cry? I truly believe much of the blame can be traced to idol involvement. “Only those who have withstood and overcome temptation in the strength of the Mighty One will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming this message when it shall have swelled into the Loud Cry” (Review and Herald , Nov. 19, 1908).  If we don’t overcome our idols now, we shall not be around to partake of the Loud Cry message– straight and solemn indeed! Our Lord is not playing around my friends.

Again EGW points out how  serious the worldly treasures (idols) are to many. “I asked the angel why so few were interested in their eternal welfare, so few preparing for their last change. Said he ‘ Earth attracts them, it’s treasures seem of worth to them.’  They find enough to engross the mind, and have no time to prepare for heaven…such will have no excuse” (Test. for the Church, vol. 1,p.132)

Our Lord said we must be born again, and that means all things become new. When we make the effort to convert and live as He would have us, then we see clearly each and every stumbling block.

There can be other idols of course, such as music, hobbies, or even your job. Obsessing about making more money and attending to business too much can clearly snag us. Let me give another example of an  idol today that has come into people’s lives–the computer.

This snag certainly is insidious to God’s people today. Chatting away for hours on worldly matters, gossiping,  playing games, searching worldly desires and such on the computer has taken so much of our time each and every week, it has established itself as nearly as bad an idol as TV is.   Of course if we are on it  much of the time doing the Lord’s work, then it can serve His purpose. Paul says in first Corinthians ” All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but I will not be enslaved by anything” (1 Cor.6:12)  We do anything (apart from the Lord’s work) too much we can become enslaved.

One point that shows that our Lord doesn’t leave one thing untouched. Guess how many times the word “idol” is used in the whole Bible? 666 –according to this source- Answers.com* (-Note-  this number appears contradicted by other sources, but it’s safe to say it’s in the hundreds of times, indicating it’s supreme importance to us.)

In closing, our Lord said “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be His God and he shall be My son” (Rev. 21:7) One of the greatest obstacles we must over come is that one snare that can sneak up upon us  — the  insidious idols.

Posted in Christian walk, Delusion, Idol worship | Leave a Comment »

Christian Love (Gal. 6:10)

May 26, 2012

In (Gal.6:10) we read  “Therefore, whenever we have opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to those in the household of faith”.  Here we see two directives. One, do well to those outside the faith, secondly, do well especially to those among our household (church) of faith.” With this short paragraph of inspired words, we can gain volumes in instructions of  righteousness (right doing).

Within the last couple of weeks the Lord brought me two examples  on the first part of the above. I mention these not to infer you must do them, only as examples of the doing good to our people outside the faith.

In both instances they occurred at gas stations. The first, I pulled in  to get gas, I noticed this  long haired skinny unkept man looking through the trash can. Also immediately I felt the urge . “Invite this man into the Arco and buy him lunch” I thought. So I said “hey brother, follow me into the store, I’ll buy you lunch.” He looked at me with a surprised look, but quickly came along. I said upon entering  “go over there and get a sandwich and what ever else you want.”

So we checked out and he gave me a big “thank you”. I said “God be with you bro.”  No preaching, no words of advice, the actions had spoken instead. Just maybe this act will be remembered and the Lord will start to work on His heart in some way.

The second happened when I pulled up, again to an Arco. I get out and this man about 30 comes up and points to his truck with his wife and kid inside. “Hey bro, could I bum a few dollars from you, we need to go to Ontario and we’re out of money.”  I didn’t have any cash on hand and so I said “No, I don’t have cash”. And proceeded to walk in to the store  to purchase gas with my debit card. As I was in there, it occurred to me –how would I feel in that position stranded with my family? So after getting the gas, I walked out and yelled over to him “what pump you on?”  He told me and I went back in and purchased 25.00 gas for him. He was profusely thankful and I felt the Lord’s will had been done.

Did I have “opportunity” to do good to my brethren in the above examples? Yes, of course. Our Lord very well may have placed those in my path, knowing I had the means to help, to see my actions.

I have Steps to Christ books in the back of my truck, and when the opportunity arises I hand out to certain people. Yet, in both of these instances I felt the kind acts were sufficient to touch them and possibly lead them to think of “brotherly love” and thereby to their Maker. The old saying “action speaks louder than words” can be so true in many instances. “..Be ye doers of the word..” (James 1:22)

Christian love clearly is shown in our actions.  Our Lord said the following “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another ” (John 13:35). We should  remember the simple things of our Christian walk. The basics can sometimes be overlooked, as if we don’t need them. The common courtesies, the prompt return calls, emails, etc. can be very good habits showing our love and kindness.  We can become careless and neglect the plain simple truths and acts of love.

Can we imagine someone in the Lord’s circle asking Him a sincere question and the Lord just looking at Him then walking away? Our Lord  is our example in all things right? Look at His courtesy, He even wrapped and folded His own burial clothe upon His resurrection!

How important is love?  Perhaps no where in all of scripture can we find just how important it is as in these words  “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Cor. 13:2).

The second part of (Gal.6:10) has much more ramifications. Our own brothers and sisters in the faith are the ones we especially do good to.

Recently I had a talk with a dear brother who has done some real solid works for the Lord for many years. He was upbeat despite the fact that he was sincerely struggling on the financial front. But I thought “how is it that none of the brothers and sisters knew about this, or if they did, how did they turn their backs?”  We all can face tough times but it is at those times when we as true  brothers and sisters should step up to the plate and do something if it is within our power.

We should  look out for our own,as our brother’s and sister’s keeper.  It can be like the old saying “too close to the forest to see the trees”. Again, it’s the basics of Christ’s love that we can sometimes overlook.

 Let’s look at some specific ways we can do good to our brethren.

1) When a brother or sister asks us a question or drops a line to say hello(via email, or voice message, or whatever)  we make a good effort to get back to them in a reasonable time. Again, our Lord said  “Do unto others whatever you would like them to do unto you”(Matt. 7:12)  If you want to be ignored, then  –ignore.  But we shouldn’t be a hypocrite and expect answers or responses  when we don’t give them.

2) Check in now and then with your brothers and sisters of the faith. We shouldn’t expect them to come to us always. Our own members of the faith are the ones who have at least made the profession of Christ, so we should hold them up in our remembrance  and reach out when possible.

3) If we know their profession, and we have a need of that service, let’s use them for it,as opposed to calling someone outside our faith. I sure wish our own churches would have a church directory showing the different occupations of the members.

4) Of utmost importance, let’s never forget that sharing of the word and bible study with our brethren is extremely important. Share the word when possible and learn together. We must have knowledge as we know our Lord said  “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6)  One of the most sad things to see, is when a bro or sis want’s to learn something from a fellow bro or sis in the faith, and they are ignored!  Oh what a true travesty! 

 The bible says “be angry and sin not”  (Eph 4:26) And this is describing me right now. I just can’t for the life of me, comprehend how someone would see that as acceptable to the Lord.  Our knowledge should be shared.  “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matt. 10:8)  Why should it be coveted by us? It’s like “I have my knowledge,  you go get your own, don’t bother me”. I couldn’t look myself in the mirror if I was ignoring  my brethren in the faith, who would inquire of me.

5)  As we are nearing the very last days. Our reach-outs to our brethren must be accelerated. As we have shown many times in this blog, our Lord pronounced that the Elijah message would be His last. Let’s get that out there to our people.

6) Be a “great” person to our brethren. What do I mean?  “But he that is greatest among you, will be your servant” (Matt.23:11)  We must have the mind set that we are to “serve” and not be aloof and have others serve us. Translated in practical advice, it means we look to help where we can.

7) Last and most importantly, we strive to show kindness and concern for our brethren in our correspondence. We show –Christian love.

May our ever seeing Lord guide you and keep you always, my beloved brethren(which always means sisters too).

Posted in Brotherly love, Christian faith, Christian walk, Galatians, Humility | 2 Comments »

The Spirit of Truth

May 19, 2012

In our searching of Scripture and SOP and SRod we should be aware that certain important issues are controversial. Not because there is no truth in them but because their has been attempts to discredit them and make them of no effect to us,  His people.  Issues that need to be straighten out require a serious study, with an open mind and heart, we must be willing to get at the truth.

Our Lord said “But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth, for he shall not speak of himself, but whatever he shall hear he shall speak, and he shall show you things to come.” (John 16:13)

This is a  great promise our Lord gives us. We shall know the truth! This is such great news. Not only know truth, but the future truth. That means we will be guided by Him to get at the  evidence and arrive at the truth. We only have to search it with a humble open honest heart. Prejudice cannot be allowed to cloud our minds, because the truth will lose nothing upon close investigation.

We must also keep in mind that having the “Spirit of truth” is a gift. Can the Lord bestow gifts on us if we are in a state of continual sinning  and careless backsliding? Can we have the best of both worlds–knowing our Lord’s precious truths and cherishing the wickedness of sin?  The Pharisees were perfect examples that it was not possible. They were blocked from seeing the truth due to their prideful sins. “But your sins have separated you from your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2)

In my own walk when I was still holding on to tobacco, TV, worldly music and  others, I was not enjoying the gift of the Spirit of truth as I should have. Sure I was able to understand “some” truth but not what the Lord had ready for me and what was needed most — present truth. It wasn’t until I got serious in my walk and was prayerfully asking  for the Holy Spirit’s help,  that I threw the above sins out the window. I  was able to put on what the Lord handed me, the “spiritual glasses”,  and the Spirit of truth came, like a tidal wave of truth flooding my soul. The word came alive as never before. This can and will happen to you if you commit and convert, our Lord promises it to any and all truth seekers.

Once we receive the gift of the Spirit of truth, we will then be able to focus on future events and see clearly what our Lord has in this regard. Once we know this, we then naturally have a desire to share it with others, a watchman more or less. “Let the watchmen now lift up their voice and give the message which is present truth for this time. Let us show the people where we are in prophetic history.” (Testimonies for the Church, p.716)

 We must be careful not to fall into the all to familiar trap of following what others say about what is “truth”.   Sister White says ” God cannot glorify His name through His people while they are leaning upon man and making flesh their arm” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p.729). If we base our opinions on another man or woman’s teachings while ignoring our own search, then instead of the Spirit of truth, the arm of flesh guides us. Even this blog, although possibly helpful, should not be a substitute for your further searching of the inspired writings on this and other posted topics.

Did not the multitude in Jesus’ day side with their leaders and believe what they said, instead of observing and carefully considering the whole matter themselves? So afraid were  many, that they knew that if they believed in Jesus, they were risking their membership to their own church. We know their sad ending. Let us not repeat it. 

As we’ve seen by the Lord’s promise in (John 16:13), the Spirit of truth will guide us into present as well as future truth, knowing of the things to come.

With the above firmly in our minds, let’s look at 3 very important   present truth issues, carefully addressing each so that the truth will be clearly understood. In these very last hours of probation for our church, we cannot afford to be misled by the adversaries any longer.

1) The 144,000 issue.

  Some say that we are not supposed to talk about it or study it. They use this quote as their basis  ” It is not His plan that His people shall present something which they have to suppose, which is not taught in the word. It is not His will that they should get into controversy over questions which will not help them spiritually, such as, Who is to compose the hundred and forty-four thousand? This those who are the elect of God will in a short time know without question.(1 Selected messages, p. 174)

At first glance one would be inclined to generalize this statement.That the 144k  issue should be muted.  If we carefully read the statement, we see should notice the word “compose” . It means to identify  who is and who is not, going to be among the 144,000. In other words, we should not go around saying ” brother Tom , or sister Jane, will be one of the 144,000.” Or, “I don’t think so and so will be among the 144,000.”  This provides no spiritual help to us and puts us in a position of judge.

Additionally if she meant that we were not to look into the 144k subject, how is it that she could then make the following statement  concerning the issue? In (Review and Herald, March 9, 1905) she said “Let us strive with all the power God has given us, to be among the 144,000.”  Can we logically strive to become a  part of a group we know nothing about? Ofcourse not.  It’s similar to wanting to be a pilot, for example,  and not looking into how we can become one. Striving with all power from God, does indeed mean to pursue it with everything we have.

Lastly,  her very first vision was about the 144,000. God, in His wisdom obviously was making a statement in announcing the importance of this issue among His people.

2) The Lord’s last Elijah message.

This is the issue for today. The absolute –present truth.  Our Lord said He would bring someone (Elijah) right before He comes. How important can this message be then? It’s a message, that if we know it and heed it, it will spare us in the great and dreadful day of the Lord (Mal. 4-5). It has key specific messages from the Lord to us.  Is our church discussing this message and it’s solemn ramifications? Or are we asleep with a carnal peace and safety attitude? Smooth sermons week after week proclaiming we all got our “get into heaven free pass card” just because we show up to church every Sabbath.

Understanding and searching the basics of this message, we’ll find why our Lord needs to tell it clearly. In much Scripture in the OT, He points out through the prophets about a “day” which will happen that will be so solemn and filled with His  indignation. Make no mistake, we as a people have torn down the holy reverence in His temple, walked carelessly in His Commandments and generally have done worse than the Israelites of old.  Therefore He must warn us first as He has always done. This was the  “type” message of the original Elijah. Our Lord had  enough of the false teachers and leaders, with their false God’s and idols, so through His prophet Elijah, He warned them thoroughly. So much so,  that the people labeled Elijah a “troubler”. Someone who was harassing and bothering  the “good”  people.

 Many of the today’s messengers declaring today’s Elijah’s message are also looked upon as troublers and some are disfellowshipped just like Elijah was. The messengers are trying to lead the people astray, so it is thought.  Anti-type is following type in many aspects.

The original Elijah message you’ll remember was a message he took to his own people, not to the world. This point is very important. It’s a warning message of the impending “church judgement” per Ezekiel 9, among God’s people, not the world. Ignoring this, we clearly see our church today,  putting the first priority of reaching the world now , instead of addressing our own house, our church, and doing the work of preparation for His  surprise coming.

Our Lord’s own words to the “angel”, which in greek signifies messenger or by implication — pastor (strongs Hebrew and greek dictionary), in (Rev.3:16-17) gives the reason why the Elijah message of warnings must be given– ” So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold or hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth. Because you say ‘ I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ —  and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked—“. They must be awaken, it’s the only remaining hope.

Brother Victor Houteff addressed the issue , as to exclusiveness of the message going to the SDA church only. He was questioned about the fact that this last day Elijah message ignored the people of the world. Here is his response.

 “Nowhere is the position taken ‘that everyone that is brought into the Seventh-day Adventist church is unconverted, and that there should not be anyone brought in.’  The most extreme position which the message  takes in this connection is that which the Spirit of Prophecy in the following testimony obliges it to take: “The Lord does not now work to bring many souls into the truth, because of the church members who have never been converted, and those who were once converted but have backslidden.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p.371)

This far we come, not an inch short, not an inch beyond. Those who do go beyond this point as well as those who refuse to come up to it are both committing equal extravagances which the truth rebukes.

Concerning the idea that the present time is not the day for individuals outside the SDA church, though they know and believe the message, to repent and be baptized, we would say that God nowhere justifies a man, regardless of what his status might be-whether Jew or Gentile, church member or infidel — for putting off the day of repentance once light is come to him. This is the sin against the Holy Ghost. “Today, after so long a time;as it is said, Today if ye hear His  voice harden not your hearts.”

However, under the dispensation of a special message to the church, such as Christ bore to the Jewish church for three and a half years and such as it is our lot to bear to the SDA church today, we are not to understand that it is the work of those, who bear such a message, to carry on at the same time the Gospel program for the world at large.

The Lord has not left us in the  dark in regard to what should be our position in this matter. Jesus was “holding forth” to the church members “in the border of Tyre and Sidon when a woman who “was a greek, a Syrophoenician by nation, came and fell at His feet” beseeching “Him that He would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. But Jesus  said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meat to take the children’s bread, and cast it unto the dogs (Gentiles). And she answered and said unto Him, Yes, Lord: But the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs. And He said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.” (Mk.7-26-29)   (Brother Houteff’s Symbolic Code News, Vol.1, No.7 , paragraph 6)

 Let’s understand that the biggest hurdle our adversaries present to this last Elijah message , is one of ignorance. It’s a Laodicean trap, not to look into what the Lord clearly declared as His final message to us, His church.(Mal. 4:5)

3) Ezekiel 9 .

Some of the SDA brethren  who do admit and understand that EGW did  indeed say that Rev. 7 sealings and Ezekiel 9 are one and the same event , claim that the church judgement comes  “in”  the plaques. Let’s carefully look at this with preponderance of the evidence.

The SOP quote that they predominantly rely on for this belief is found in ( Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p.267)  “Who is standing in the counsel of God at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse the wrongs among the professed people of God and who murmur in their hearts, if not openly, against those who would reprove sin? Is it those who take their stand against them  and sympathize with those who commit wrong? No, indeed! Unless they repent and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work and in holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, they will never receive the mark of God’s sealing approval. They will fall in the general  destruction of the wicked , represented by the work of the five men bearing slaughter weapons.”

Here we see that their main view is that EGW uses the term “general destruction of the wicked” to mean the destruction of Ezekiel 9 comes in the general world destruction, specifically during or after the plaques. However there is just one problem about that usage of  that description.  In (Great Controversy, p.26) EGW states that the Jews ” must not hesitate a moment, lest they be involved in the general destruction.”  She is describing the destroying of Jerusalem in 70 AD, which Christ predicted. Does that mean EGW is speaking of a world-wide  destruction? Ofcourse not. That term meant local and specific  in it’s sphere.  So we see this reasoning really is a subjective one at best,  to make it’s supposed claims. Let’s look at  more certain evidence.

After describing Ezekiel 9 in (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.5 , p.211) she adds this clear statement “Here we see that the church–the Lord’s sanctuary– was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God.”  She goes on to say that the leaders will tell the people that God is  “too merciful to visit His people in judgement.”  Obviously the leaders were telling the people  to ignore the warnings given  by God’s faithful in His church.

 Here’s  the most powerful evidence that she presents that the Ezekiel judgement comes way before the plaques.

She identifies that the four winds being held back in Rev.7 are symbolic of the Sunday laws.  “The time is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save him that have the mark of the beast. We come near having this realized in California a short time since ; but this was only the threatening of the blowing of the four winds. As yet they are held by the four angels.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p.152)

So we logically then understand that the sealings in (Rev. 7:1-4) come before the release of the four winds, therefore Ezekiel 9 is done before the Sunday laws are established. The plaques happens after the time for the people to make their choice for or against God’s Sabbath.  We know that the Sunday law is God’s great test upon mankind, and the mark of the beast is the agreement to keep the Sunday Sabbath over the Saturday Sabbath.

With the above as our clear timeline, we then can understand that if the church judgement comes prior to the Sunday laws, the 144,000(those who survive Ezekiel 9)  must have time to work upon Babylon and call them out of it. Otherwise it would make no sense for our Lord to have His church judgement and cleanse His church so that His 144,000 do nothing and watch the 7 plaques destroy the world. Also we must bear in mind that the 144,000 call the people out of Babylon, and they must have somewhere to go. It will then be into the purified church. They will not be called out of one sinful church into another, as envisioned by those who deny Ezekiel 9 will take place (which really is the vast majority).  They say, “The Lord is too merciful”.  Just as prophesied! Yes, the Lord is merciful but He is also righteous, holy and just and keeps His word.

Lastly, Ezekiel 9 speaks of six men with slaughter weapons in their hands who come from the way of the higher gate to the “city” , to “Jerusalem” to perform the marking or sealing followed by the slaying. Revelation 15 and 16 speaks of quite a different scenario. It tells of seven angels who come out of the temple with seven vials, for the seven last plaques to be poured out on Babylon, not Jerusalem. (* note- “men” are sometimes symbolic of angels , see Dan.9:21  “the man Gabriel”.)

My brothers and sisters, it is so important to have His Spirit of truth within us. Our King said  “My people perish for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). The Spirit of truth helps us discern truth from error.  All who live justly and walk upright in the Lord will have the Spirit of truth- this is His promise. If you feel you have not received it, pray feverishly for this gift!  He wants so much to give it.

Let us close with the prophetess’ applicable words about this posted topic.

“Our own future well-being and also the salvation of other souls depends upon the course of action we now pursue. We need to be guided by the Spirit of truth. Every follower of Christ should earnestly inquire: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me do?” We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, with fasting and prayer, and to meditate much upon His word, especially upon the scenes of the judgment. (Great Controversy, p.601)

The most precious help is the Lord’s gift —–  The Spirit of Truth.

Some questions and answers.

1) How do I know I have the Spirit of truth?  As we mentioned it is a gift from the Lord. And it is not carelessly given around to all those who profess His name. The best answer I can give is my own example above. When I finally decided to commit my life 100% and walk in His Commandments to the best of my ability, then I began to see and understand the truths of His word as never before-past, present and future. ALL are promised this upon a true heartfelt humble conversion.

2)How can we know what is present truth?  As we are well aware the Lord’s truths are like an unrolling scroll, handed form one prophet to the next. The last prophet always carries the “present truth”  for their generation. As we search the scriptures, we find that the very last message prophesied to come to His people is that of the Elijah. And the prior prophetess EGW gave us a big clue who it would be–an interpreter of scriptures( 1 Selected messages, p.412, Testimonies to Ministers, p. 475). Many are convinced, and say –by the Spirit of truth, that this man “Elijah” was brother Victor T. Houteff. Consequently the message bore by him is the present truth for us today.

3) Can I be safe if I choose to ignore the present truth? Brother Houteff answered this most clearly ” Always man’s greatest test, and the one which ever involved almost an instantaneous decision, has been in the unrolling of the scroll– in the eclipse of a past message by a new one,–present truth. On every such occassion each one has had to decide: Shall I heed the new and unpopular truth and walk in it’s light, joining with those who are despised by nearly every religious leader in the land? Or shall I allow myself to be deterred by the decision and counsel of the ministry in my church?”(The Judgment and the Harvest, tract 3, p.9)

We can also look at this illistration. Suppose you set out on a journey to a great destination. You are given 2 maps to follow for the first 2/3 of your trip. The last map is to be given to you at the 2/3 mark.  But you decide to by pass that mark and travel the rest of the way without that important map. You think you can arrive to your destination without it. What will happen? You’ll most certainly get lost and waste time and energy in vain, when all you needed to do was go to the place where you pick up the last map, and arrive safely to your destination.

In the case of our Lord’s last Elijah message, their are specific messages to us that require us to act upon, if we neglect this, we may have serious consequences. Our final “map” to the promised land is present truth. With it we are safe , we heed it and obey it and it helps us arrive to our destination (the Kingdom).

Posted in Present Truth, The Spirit of truth | 5 Comments »

Ellen White’s Battle Creek Vision

May 12, 2012

This week in the studies I came across a fascinating EGW description of her Battle Creek vision in August of 1868.  It tells of their hard struggles on their journey to the promised land.  I believe God gave it for us, to let us know that our journey will indeed require a “full” effort. If we try to get there “kind of” trying we stand a real chance of falling off down the “precipice”. 

“While at battle Creek in August, 1868, I dreamed of being with a large body of people. A portion of this assembly started out prepared to journey. We had heavily loaded wagons. As we journeyed, the road seemed to ascend.  On one side of this road was a deep precipice; on the other was a high smooth, white wall, like the hard finish upon plastered rooms.

As we journeyed on, the road grew narrower and steeper. In some places it seemed so very narrow that we concluded that we could no longer travel with the loaded  wagons. We then loosed them from the horses, took a portion of the luggage from the wagons and placed it upon the horses, and journeyed on horseback.

As we progressed, the path still continued to grow narrow. We were obliged to press close to the wall, to save ourselves from falling off the narrow road down the steep precipice. As we did this, the luggage on the horses pressed against the wall, and cause us to sway toward the precipice. We feared that we should fall, and be dashed in pieces on the rocks. we then cut the luggage from the horses, and it fell over the precipice. We continued on horseback, greatly fearing, as we came to narrower places in the road, that we should lose our balance, and fall. At such times, a hand seemed to take the bridle, and guide us over the perilous way.

As the path grew more narrow, we decided that we could no longer go safely on horseback, and we left the horses and went on foot, in single file, one following in the foot steps of another. At this point small cords were let down from the top of the pure white wall; these were eagerly grasped, to aid us in keeping our balance upon the path. As we traveled, the cord moved along with us.

The path finally became so narrow that we concluded that we could travel more safely without our shoes; so we slipped them from our feet, and went on some distance without them. Soon it was decided that we could travel more safely without our stockings; those were removed, and we journeyed on with bare feet.

We then thought of those who had not accustomed themselves to privations and hardships. Where were such now? They were not in the company. At every change, some left behind, and those only remained who had accustomed themselves to endure hardships. The privations of the way only made these more eager to press on to the end.

Our danger of falling from the pathway increased. We pressed close to the white wall, yet could not place our feet fully upon the path. for it was too narrow. We then suspended nearly our whole weight upon the cords, exclaiming, “we have to hold from above! We have to hold from above!” The same words were uttered by all the company in the narrow pathway.

As we heard the sounds of mirth and revelry that seemed to come from the abyss below, we shuddered. We heard the profane oath, the vulgar jest, and low, vile songs. We heard the war song and the dance song. We heard instrumental music, and loud laughter, mingled with cursing and cries of anguish and bitter wailing, and were more anxious than ever to keep upon the narrow, difficult pathway. Much of the time we were compelled to suspend our whole weight upon the cords, which increased in size as we progressed.

I noticed that the beautiful white wall was stained with blood, it caused a feeling of regret to see the wall thus stained. This feeling, however, lasted but for a moment, as I soon thought that it was all as it should be. Those who  are following after will know that others have passed the narrow, difficult way before them, and will conclude that if others were able to pursue their onward course, they can do the same. And as the blood shall be pressed from their aching feet, they will not faint with discouragement; but ,seeing the blood upon the wall, they will know that others have endured the same pain.

At length we came to a large chasm, at which our path ended. There was nothing now to guide our feet, nothing upon which to rest them. Our whole reliance must be upon the cords, which had increased in size, until they were as large as our bodies. Here we were for a time thrown into perplexity and distress. We inquired in fearful whispers, ‘To what is the cord attached?’ My husband was just before me. large drops of sweat were falling from his brow, the veins in his neck and temples were increased to double their size, and suppressed, agonizing groans came from his lips. The sweat was dropping from my face, and I felt such anguish as I had never felt before. A fearful struggle was before us. Should we fail here, all the difficulties of our journey had been experienced for naught.

Before us, on the other side of the chasm, was a beautiful field of green  grass, about six inches high. I could not see the sun, but bright, soft beams of light, resembling fine gold and silver, were resting upon the field. Nothing I had  seen upon earth could compare in beauty and glory with this field. But  could we succeed in reaching it? was the anxious inquiry. Should the cord break, we must perish.

 Again, in whispered anguish, the word were breathed ‘What holds the cord?”  For a moment we hesitated to venture. Then we exclaimed, ‘Our only hope is to trust wholly in the cord. It has been our dependence all the difficult way. It will not fail us now.’ Still we were hesitating and distressed. The words were then spoken, ‘God holds the cord. We need not fear.’ These words were then repeated by those behind us, accompanied with, ‘ He will not fail us now. He has brought us thus far in safety.’

My husband then swung himself over the fearful abyss into the beautiful field beyond. I immediately followed. And oh, what a sense of relief and gratitude to God we felt! I heard voices raised in triumphant praise to God. I was happy perfectly happy.

I awoke, and found that from the anxiety I had experienced in passing over the difficult route, every nerve in my body seemed to be in a tremor. This dream need no comment. it made such an impression upon my mind that probably every item in it will be vivid before me while my memory shall continue.”  (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p.594-597)

 As we can clearly see, even though our walk will not be easy many times, once we submit fully to Him, it will be well worth it, He’ll be right there with us. And as we go further into our journey our faith will be tried, to see if we can “toss away” the worldly pleasures and stay focused,  holding onto our Lord , the “cord”.

“But Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of chracter is an easy matter. A noble all-around character is not inherited, it does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merit and grace of Christ”(Christ Object Lessons, p.331)

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“Boss, We Can’t Kill em!” (Part 2 of 2)

May 5, 2012

The meeting has just started, the world’s richest and most powerful (formerly) men are at their chairs. There is a solemn look on all faces. Their plans are now in complete disarray. The human agents whom Satan directly worked through  can no longer stop a certain group of people. The rumors of great miracles and many around the world joining up with these people has caused great concern.

These men , who had been so used to controlling mankind, through finances and even murder and wars, were now dealing with the Great– I AM. What could they do? This is the purpose of the meeting, to arrange their final plans to get back control of the world, to stop this madness of people doing all these wonderful things. For they serve Satan, and this light is driving them crazy.

They have  recently seen the prophetic words being fulfilled “… For the day of the LORD is coming, for it is at hand: A day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, like morning clouds spread over the mountains. A people come, great and strong, the like of who has never been; nor will there ever be any such after them, even for many successive generations” (Joel 2:2).  The 144,000 have come upon the world’s scene. The day is gloomy but in it’s midst comes the “great and strong”.

So on one hand we have great and marvelous things happening, on the other we have a building rage against the people of God. EGW  states in (Early Writings, p.272)  “My attention was turned to the wicked, or unbelievers. They were astir. The zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them. Confusion, confusion, was on every side. I saw measures taken against the company who had the light and power of God.”

The Loud Cry period is under way. The time when the earth is being illuminated with the true living gospel.  “As the third angel’s message swells into a loud cry, great power and glory will attend it’s proclamation. The faces of God’s people will shine with the light of heaven.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p.17)

The 144,000 are perfectly described again in Micah, during this loud cry period. “Then the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, that tary for no man nor wait for the son’s of men. And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, who, if he passes through, both treads down and tears in pieces, and none can deliver. Your hand shall be lifted against your adversaries, and all your enemies shall be cut off.” (Micah 5:7-9)

I’ve highlighted the above verse to show the true power God entrusts His servants during this time. Remember when EGW also saw the “hand raising” and the wicked going down(Early Writings,p.15)?  Isn’t it wonderful how when we search for God’s word as searching for gold, we find many nuggets of complimenting truth?

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me.” Says the LORD. (Isaiah 54:17)

The people of the world have  been astonished at the wonders and power God has revealed to the world through His servants. Nahum’s prophecy has been fulfilled ” As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, I will show them wonders. The nations shall see and be ashamed of all their might; they shall put their hand over their mouth;their ears shall be deaf.They shall lick the dust  like a serpent; they shall crawl from their holes like snakes of the earth. They shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of you.” (Micah 7:15-17)

Nevertheless, the hardened elite of the world must make a game plan. It can be only one that prophecy has dictated–the establishment of the Sunday law. Satan knows this is the last act, and cunningly guides these men to implement it worldwide. Keep in mind the Lord’s prophetic “Church kingdom” is successful at this time in bringing the great un-numbered company (known as the great multitude) into His pure church.

Let us point out something here worth noting . Before the loud cry, Satan had pulled off one of his greatest deceptions on God’s people. He was able to trick a vast number of SDA with false prophetic timelines. The great many were looking for the “Sunday law” instead of looking for the “church judgement”. He had very successfully convinced many that the “Elijah message” wasn’t anything, that it was a un-applied prophecy of no real concern. Just ignore it.

In (Amos 5:18) we find scripture that foretells of the outcome of this “trick” done to the people, they were ultimately looking for the wrong day(coming in the clouds)and ignored, insulted,and even lamblasted the ones who tried to warn them of “The Day”.  “Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord! For what good is the day of the Lord to you? It will be darkness, and not light. It will be as though a man fled a lion, and a bear met him! Or as though he went into the house;leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him! Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light? Is it not very dark, with no brightness in it? We  know that the Lord’s coming in the clouds will have great brightness as He nears the earth. But this day will not have any light to it as prophesised.  Ezekiel 9 will be a dreadful day, not a happy day.

The 144,000 knew what that day was, because they had accepted the Elijah message of warnings and reproofs to the church, and their life was one of study and prayer to know His will.  They knew that EGW prophesied that the church judgement would come before the Sunday laws. They were ready and most importantly, they believed in the last message as the Lord had directed.

As the servants of God do their last duty, it works beautifully. “I saw that this message will close with power and strength far exceeding the midnight cry.” (EW p.278)

The evil men and angels can’t stop this power, for it is from God, but they can hinder it and they sure do this. The Sunday law starts to get implemented around the world and then it’s  real trouble for God’s people. The 144,000 can’t be touched but the great multitude are not untouchable.

The central loud cry message, as many know, is the 144,000 proclaiming to the world to come out of the false religions. God pleads His case before mankind through His servants. “…Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place tp proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers.” (Great Controversy, P.611-12)

Now is the most confusing time for mankind. One group, the Sabbath keepers, performing miracles and wonders. The other , Sunday worshipers, performing similar feats. The only hope at this point is that the people are grounded in the word. If they are not, then the deception will be too strong and overpower them.

Remember, Satan’s ploys are very cunning indeed. After all , how is it that our Lord can use only 144,000 from His church? Is it not the fact that even one cherished sin, promoted time and again by the evil ones, cause the vast multitude to fall? That is why we must strive with all the power God gives us to –overcome. “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be His God and he shall be My son.” (Rev. 21:7)

Let us close with a couple more nuggets of complimenting truth (SOP and scripture). Speaking of the 144,000, we read “The LORD their God will save them in that day, as a flock of His people. For they shall be like the jewels of a crown, lifted like a banner over His land.” (Zech. 9:16)

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

Don’t you want to be a part of these people? The ones whom even the elite of the world will not be able to contest, the ones who the evil men will say “Boss, we can’t kill em!” The ones who our Lord trusts fully to do His final will?

Let us  remember  that  our Lord is still looking for His servants. Probation is still open. His last message is pleading with us to come aboard. First, overcome our sins. Second, sigh and cry for the sins in our midst and in the church.  Third, learn and accept His last Elijah message. This will get us the seal of God. Then we will be prepared for the great and dreadful day.

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“Boss, We Can’t Kill em!” (Part 1 of 2)

April 28, 2012

Very soon these words will be spoken throughout the world. Many of  Satan’s henchmen will be at a loss for words. Their guns, their explosives, nothing at all will be able to kill God’s elect. The world shall be turned upside down. It shall indeed be the time prophesied “Yet he shall come to his end and no one shall help him “(Daniel 11:45). Satan will be furious, God’s servants will go to work. Let us look at this fascinating subject–God’s  indestructible 144,000.

As we are aware, this present world basically belongs to Satan. In (Luke 4:6) we read ” I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them”, Satan said. “Because they are mine to give to anyone I please”. Here the Lord let His word show that since the beginning Satan has had much power to set up those things that he wishes. The vast church world empire has been largely controlled by him. EGW in (Early Writing, p.273) said that an angel of the LORD told her the following ” Satan has taken full possession of the churches as a body.”

But let us not fool ourselves, he knows scriptures better than any human. In fact he is certainly aware that as soon as the last messenger comes and the last message goes to the people, his final short span of time is here. What is that final message? It’s in the final book of the OT, let’s read it again. “ Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” (Mal.4:5)

Many are putting 2 plus 2 together today, as they kneel in prayer asking our Lord for the Spirit of Truth to come upon them, and realizing that this Elijah must have a message before our Lord comes, and it must have the basic characteristics of the first type message. That message was one of warning to –his– own–people. Not to the world. Is our SDA church giving out warnings today, of the wrath of our Lord to come upon His own people? No, generally no. It’s a peace and safety message. Just go on 3abn, or listen to the many pastors speeches this Sabbath. Are they warning us to get our life together and stop sinning? Taking the hard tough spiritual stand with our Lord of reproving   and warning? Instead the shepherd’s are lulling the flock to sleep. This will not be tolerated much longer by our Lord.

“God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His Own hands.” (Test. to Ministers, p.300) When our Lord finally decides to make His execution of judgement, He will indeed be showing that He has taken the “reins” into His Own hands. No longer can He wait and wait for His shepherds to come through, the 144,000 mus be let loose!

EGW- “..the message to be borne  to His people by the ministers whom He has called to warn the people is not a peace and safety message … the people of God are represented in the message to the Laodiceans as in a postition of carnal security. They are at ease believing themselves to be in an exalted condition of spiritual attainments.” (Test. for the Church, Vol. 3, p.252)

But there is a group  active within the SDA who are doing what the Lord wants–they are called Davidian Seventh Day Adventists. They are speaking the solemn message of church judgement to come to His people BEFORE the Lord comes in the clouds and even before the plaques start. They are literally doing what the prophetess said “Let us strive with all the power that God has given us, to be among the 144,000” (Review and Herald, March 19, 1905).

Because Satan knows that this Elijah message came upon the SDA church in approx. 1930, he has aggressively fought it, his minions as well. History into the SDA church will show that there has been ONE message since then, that has caused a great stir within the church, it has been the Shepherd’s Rod message. Can we really think that Satan will stand calmly by and let God’s church accept this final message? 

The Lord is still looking for His elect through out the world, the ones who are seriously striving to become the 144,000. They are willing do as our prophetess said “Eternal life is of infinite value and will cost us all that we have ” (Test. for the church, Vol. 3, p.255)  We must listen to the last solemn message to know our Lord’s will, or likely be un-prepared to survive the great and dreadful day, which will come as a great surprise to many.

Look at the following to see  why the Elijah message is to come forth right before He comes into His churches(temple). “Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming.” says the LORD of hosts.” (Mal. 3:1) Here we see that the messenger is to “prepare the way”. Then our Lord is to come to His temple. The preparing is one of warning.

So we have seen some of the setups now that is taking place. 1) Satan and his angels are fiercely fighting the last message 2) The people who are serious about God’s final plan, are actively doing what God requires of them right now. Now let’s go to some scripture and Ellen White, to see the future plans of God, and His elect.

There are so many, I wish I could put them all in these two parts, but will condense for now.

“They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Then you shall again discern between righteousness and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him(Mal. 3:17). 

This  describing “the day” is none other that the Ezekiel 9 church judgement. Once this is done and the jewels are spared from it, they help to bring discernment to the world, of who is really following God and who is going through the motions. Right now, can we or even the world really tell who is and who is not serving the Lord, within His SDA church? Co-mingling of the wheat and the tares exists right now.

“My anger is kindled against the shepherds, and I will punish the goatherds. For the LORD of hosts will visit His flock, the house of Judah, and will make them as His royal horse in the battle. From him comes the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler together. They shall be like mighty men, who treads down their enemies, in the mire of the streets in the battle. They shall fight because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be put to shame (Zech. 10:3-5)

Here we see His anger is not against the world, rather His own people and particularly the leaders. But never the less after His visit , His elect shall be like “mighty men” , able to tread down enemies of God. The Lord is with them therefore they have His power. This is what will infuriate Satan –the power of God’s servants, and there is nothing he can do about it!

The following are particularly clear scriptures, showing the great lengths the LORD will go to protect His elect in the post church judgement. Afterall these are the ones who have been “spared” from His church. They proved to Him  their worthiness by forsaking the world and all the entrapments. They have been found worthy to go into babylon to bring in the great multitude. They are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes (Rev.14:4).

“The LORD of hosts will defend them; they shall devour and subdue with slingstones. They shall drink and roar as if with wine; They shall be filled with blood like basins,like the corners of the altar. The LORD their God will save them in that day, as the flock of His people, for they shall be like the jewels of a crown, lifted like a banner over His land– (Zech. 9:14-16).

“A people , great and strong, the like of whom has never been; nor will there ever be any such after them, even for many successive generations. A fire devours before them, and behind them a flame burns: The land is like the Garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; Surely nothing shall escape them…like strong people set in battle array. Before them the people writhe in pain; All faces are drained of color. They run like mighty men, they climb the wall like men of war; Everyone marches in formation, and they do not break ranks. They do not push one another;Every one marches in his own column. Though they lunge between the weapons, they are not cut down” (Joel 2:2-8)

In Joel we can find many great clues about the 144,000. We first see that these people are unlike any other in history. The LORD will protect both front and back. The fire that devours before them, show that they have the LORD’S power to destroy wickedness at His command, and the flame behind is shown that they are protected from the rear. Obviously with Satan’s fury many attacks will be made upon them, yet nothing will cut them down.

 God’s truths frequently have types and anti-types. The 12 Apostles were the type, the 144,000 will be the anti-type. As an example of the entrusted power the elect will have we need only look at (Acts 5: 8-11). “And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” Then Peter said to her,” How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Then immediately she feel down at his feet and breathed her last.” The Lord’s pure church will no longer allow the uncoverted and it will be  clearly made evident.

Ellen White speaks about her first vision from God, concerning the 144,000. “At our happy, holy state the wicked were enraged and would rush violently up to lay hands on us to thrust us into prison when we would stretch forth the hand, in  the name of the Lord, and the wicked would fall helpless to the ground “(Early Writings, p.15).

Again we notice the correlation with scripture and EGW about the 144,000. “Every one marches in formation, and they do not break ranks.” (Joel 2:7)  And EGW, in describing a “company” in Early writings, she says ” They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers.” (Page 270) For a great read concerning the many aspects of the work of the 144,000, please read EGW, Early Writings p.269-288. It’s a great timeline of final events of mankind.

From the soldier formation verses above we see that instead of a literal meaning, it is pointing to a total oneness among God’s elect. They have one purpose, and as “soldiers” they do as they are told. You see, one of the BIG qualifications to be among the 144,ooo is the ability to take the Lord’s orders. Many today are not willing to even listen and learn the “present truth” message from the Lord, His very last Elijah warning message He promised. They are self satisfied and in need of nothing.  This proud self content will only serve to shut their own doors to the last message the Lord is pleading for us to have.

Next week, we’ll look at more EGW and scripture to find some great promises of the 144,000, and how many in babylon will be won over by God, through His empowered servants.

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Honor In His Temple

April 21, 2012

As we are well familiar, in our Christian walk we are to be ever learning, looking for God’s truths as looking for gold nuggets as Ellen White said. Recently an experience happened concerning His truth  and awoke me to something I had not considered. It was — Honor in His Temple. I was aware of the basics, but learned that there was more to this honoring Him within His house. Let us look into this neglected area of proper reverence to our Lord.

The experience was mentioned in the prior post “Cry Aloud, Spare Not”. To summarize, I had learned that irreverent speaking should not occur within God’s temple. This led me to look into this area more fully.

As we have posted in prior posts, the sealings of God are now taking place . It is being placed upon only those who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the church and our lives. Let’s look at some of  the abominations that take place within —God’s temple.

Recently my church friend by whom God used to enlighten me about proper temple reverence, shared her thoughts about the subject. She said that when we go to the court house and into the judge’s courtroom, how must we act?  Are we respectful? Ofcourse. Do we chat with our friends and family in there? If we did we’d quickly be warned or else taken out. How much more should we keep an honorable quiet and show respect in our Maker’s earthly house, the God of the universe?

Let us read from the pen of inspiration.In speaking of entering the sanctuary, she says ” When the worshippers enter the place of meeting, they should do so with decorum, passing quietly to their seats…Common talking, whispering and laughing should not be permitted in the house of worship, either before or after the service” (Testimonies for the church, Vol. 5, p.491) 

She continues “If when the people come into the house of worship, they have genuine reverence for the Lord and bear in mind that they are in His presence, there will be a sweet eloquence in silence.”(Ibid, p.492)

One of the main reasons we come to our Lord’s earthly house is to give Him our collective thanks and praise. We should think of what we experienced with our Lord during that week. Maybe a prayer answered, a revealing dream given, a general closeness felt in the week.  We can then give Him real sincere heartfelt thanks and praise as we come before Him in honor.

Here’s some good solid ways we can show our  Lord that we want to come before Him in the honor due Him–

1) We can dress our best.  But nothing extravagant. Wearing of shorts, mini-shirts, tennis shoes, etc. should be strictly avoided.

2) Our bible is with us, showing Him it’s His word that we cherish.

3) Our grooming is presentable. We certainly refrain from jewelry and chains and such. I was struck just how offensive jewelry and the like is to the Lord when I learned (Isaiah 3:18). In the last days, and after the church judgement, He tells us what he will do. “In that day the Lord will take away the finery: The jingling anklets, the scarves, the crescents; The pendants, the bracelets, the veils: The headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the headbands;The perfume boxes, the charms, and the rings; The nose jewels, the festal apparel, and the mantles: The outer garments, the purses , and the mirrors:The fine linen, the turbans, and the robes.” If these are not pleasing to the Lord, let us begin now, to shun these upon entering the sanctuary.

4) As mentioned we keep a proper quiet upon entering the sanctuary. No chatting or worse–laughing.

5) We arrive early because one of the rudest, disrespectful things to our Lord and to others, is to arrive late. Would you  arrive 20 or 30 minutes late to a meeting with your boss? One of the worse sights is to see someone or a family come into church about half way through the sermon! Cmon, if you are going to blatantly advertise your lack of reverence for our Lord, don’t even show up. Better to try to arrive early next time  than to show such disrespect and carelessness.

6) Turn off the cell phones. It truly is abhorrent to see a person playing with their cell, such as a game or viewing  worldly sites, or even their own emails. Do we not have 6 days during the week to do this?

7) Sleeping or cat-napping is a BIG no-no. Again, try going to a meeting with your boss and as he is talking–take a nap.

8) Hats should not be worn by the men. Women may wear them, but modest in their appeal. As Paul clearly states “Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head.” (1 Cor.11:4)

9)Proper kneeling.  In the service we are asked to kneel and pray. Some do the “lazy” kneeling, with their bottom resting on the end of the pew and the knees on the cushion bracket. Is this the best you can do before the God who created you? Let us kneel upright and properly.

10)Keep control of the children. If you got a baby who continually is crying, step outside the sanctuary. If the little ones are chatting or playing, warn them sternly to keep quiet. The small ones are going to soak up the impressions of reverence if we teach it. ” Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov.22:6)

So when we come into God’s house, we are to be ever mindful that it’s not a social club, a place where we can chat, laugh, giggle and just forget who the great One is , who is there in our midst. I really think it would be a great idea to place a beautiful kingly chair right there in the altar area of the sanctuary. So people would remember every time they look up Who it is that is sitting there. One last thing, we as SDA many times fail to stay after church , to kneel and pray.Maybe, just maybe this can enhance our prayer life.

In closing, we will do well to place in our hearts and minds, the proper reverence due our Lord in His temple. He is worthy of this.

In Christ, Whom all glory and honor is due . Amen.

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