Supporting our brothers and sisters

November 12, 2011

As the time was quickly approaching, for our Lord(The Lord of the Universe), to lay down His life for us,  He did something that I’m sure sent bewilderment through out the apostles. He WASHED their feet!  An act that showed the ultimate in support and servitude to another. In  this one act, we can gain so much. A true lesson for us to know and learn and DO.

As we know, the Lord’s examples are our examples in our Christian walk. If we just read about them and don’t APPLY them, we are like those white washed tombs our Lord spoke of. Once we announce to the world  —  “I AM A CHRISTIAN”, we now must live under different rules, higher standards. Our brothers and sisters, and the even the heathen, are watching how we act and live. Our life is an direct reflection on Christ!  Don’t forget this.

With the above laying the groundwork, let’s look at how we can support our brothers and sisters in the faith. In (Gal.6:10) it says “As we therefore have opportunity, let us do good unto all, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”  Here we are instructed to “do good” to our own fellow believers. Also our immediate family must be taken care of (supported) (1 Tim 5:8) “But if any provide not for his own, and especailly for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse off than an unbeliever.” So the Lord is watching how we “do good.”

Our Lord Himself told us to “strengthen our brothers” (Luke 22:32) “…And when thou are converted, strenghten thy brethren.” So our support pleases our Lord and our lack of, or ignorance, displeases Him.  Let’s look at some ways we can do good and support each other.

Before we go into “support” areas, I thought it important to show a most serious “opposite” trait — criticizing. Before we criticize, let us be sure we fully understand the situation. A good example would be ” I don’t follow you, can you explain more about this?”  Instead of being confrontational.  If two people approach a matter in  a disagreement, their similar motive must always be to arrive at the –truth. But if one has “cemented their stakes” by refusing to hear the other one out (carefully reading or listening), then it shows that “their opinion” is the most valuable thing to them, instead of arriving at the truth. It’s a serious condition known as spiritual pride. Christ could not reach people like this in His day, neither can He now.

Here are some ways we can be supportive in a real concrete way.

1) When in church, and they announce “visitors”, give them a nice applause. This let’s them know they are appreciated. We don’t know, maybe they made a real effort to come be with the brethren that day.

2) Return email. The sooner the better. What kind of message does it send to carelessly respond days or weeks later, to a brother or sister. Can this be called “doing good”? Ignorance is never -good.

Keep in mind, Jesus said “Do unto to others, as you would want them to do unto to you.” (Matt.7:12)  Do you want people to ignore you?  I wonder how many people would stop ignoring others, if they themselves were ignored when they sincerely reached out in email or question.

3) Be ready to offer assistance in study tools. One of the best online tools to have is called esword.com , It can be downloaded for free http://www.e-sword.net/ It gives the bible (both OT and NT) translations in both Hebrew and Greek. All at your fingertips, when you hover over any word. A great tool for studying!

4)On the internet, be supportive and let your bro’s and sis’s know theyare appreciated. One of the saddest things for me to behold, is to go on a fellow believers wall (on FB) and see they have posted numerous times over several weeks, trying to reach out and share and NOT ONCE has anybody made any comments, or even thumbs up. Yet they have hundreds of “friends”.

5) Our concern for our brothers and sisters and their salvation should be our upmost concern. Therefore lead them to end-time prophecie sites that will explain what our Lord has planned and how they can prepare for His coming . Unfortunately many are not even aware how and when our Lord is coming next. As many are now discovering the scriptures fortell a “surprise” coming of judgement FIRST before He comes in the clouds.

Lastly, be very careful about who you send money to on internet, especially if they are some type of “orphanage” over seas.

Let us remember that we are called to serve and support one another, just as our Leader showed us in that most humble act. Let us never think we are too important or busy to take time to support and reach out, thereby neglecting to show  Christian courtesy .

 (Matt 23:11)  “But he that is greatest among you, shall be your servant.” 

In Christ, Rob

Posted in Brotherly love, Christian walk | 6 Comments »

Let us be good representatives of Christ

November 5, 2011

When our Lord answered the Pharisees in (Luke 17:21) He said  “… The kingdom of God is within you.”  Here our Lord made it clear that the way to the kingdom STARTS within each and every one of us. No exceptions.  The meaning is that we must be sure to be right with the Lord first. And once we have been truly converted and decide to “follow” Him and put away sins in our own life, we can then concentrate on being the “best” representative we can for Him.

We can know all the truths, scriptures, doctrines but yet still not be converted and saved, because we failed to apply it all — INTO OUR LIFE FIRST. Our actions and knowledge go in different directions. Infact the most pitiful and sad situation for a “Christian” is to know so much truth, have so much light, yet ignore the basics of love, caring, and a close righteous walk with our Lord daily. Even the most vile and sinful man who finds one day that he must protect a woman being beaten, and thereby get’s killed, will indeed be with the Lord, amen.(1 Cor 13:2) ” Though I have prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I can move mountains, yet have not love, I am nothing.”

There are two basic areas where we represent our Christian ways. They are in the church (meaning fellow believers) and in the world (general non-believers). Let us look at each one of these areas. First we’ll look at the world.

Every day, when we step out into the world, we should have a spiritual “sign” on us, saying “worker for Christ”. Our mind should be firmly planted on “doing right” according to the Holy Law, thereby enlightening  those we meet and work with during our day or night.

Let me give you some personal examples that may be beneficial to your walk as well.

Many times, in our walk God will purposely lead you to a person he would like you to share your testimony with. They or you, may not even be aware of it, but our Lord sure is! In my own case I have discussed this with the Lord. We’ve made a pact, that whenever I go to a home to do a service call (in my line of work) and I see a cross, or the person has some type of religious sign in the house, I’ll know that I am suppose to hand them a “Steps for Christ” book.**

That will lead to discussing the Lord, and I’ll be able to mention I am a SDA. Which they’ll remember when they read that enlightening book. It’s a good simple way to show them your faith, and highlight God’s holy day-Sabbath.

Ofcourse during our work, we should be doing the very best we can. My Grandfather told me something (though not a particularly religious man) that was quite biblical about “work”. He said “always do what you are suppose to do, and alittle more.”  That  has been my model in my line of work, but as I do that little extra I think the Lord’s words (1 Cor. 10:31) “…whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.”

We can buy the bumper stickers that say “The Seventh Day is the Sabbath.”    “For God never changed it.”   and place on our vehicles, giving silent testimony to the Lord and His Law. One of my friends at church took some that I put in the church foyer a while back and he told me this reaction he got. Someone had followed him into the store, and when they were in there, this man said to him “You know I have been thinking about that, I think the world will have to make a decison concerning that soon.”  I was told he wasn’t a SDA, but just maybe this inspired him more along those lines.

A neat little idea is to put on your phone’s answer machine ” Hello, this is _______, It is Friday evening, the Sabbath of the Lord, I’ll be off for His holy day, please leave a message, and I’ll get back with you after Sabbath on Saturday evening or Sunday.”  I’ve had customers mention that little message to me, and was able to give them a book and share some words of the Lord. We shouldn’t be picking up the phone and talking worldly conversation anyway.

Lastly concerning worldly testimony, you can get some business cards together and put your favorite online Christian website on them and pass out to your  friends and co-workers or even your own church members. Just make sure the site promotes the number one rule  (Isaiah 8:20) ” To the Law (meaning 10 Commandments) and to the testimony( the Lord and His prophets) ….”.

In regards to the church, we also can show our fellow members good solid ways to enrich and enlighten their walk. To profess being a “Christian” really is something to NOT take lightly. We have a solemn responsiblilty. Woe to those who take this professed life lightly and carelessly.

To be a TRUE Christian we must first and foremost strive to “love” Christ. And the way to love  Christ is plainly and directly given by our Lord Himself, not prophets, or anyone else spoke these words on “how” to love Him. (John 14:15) “If you love me, KEEP —MY—- COMMANDMENTS.”  So once we know this and believe His words, we use this as our guide for daily living. Surprisingly, my own church (SDA) apparently needs our most attention in this regards. We are told by our prophetess, that not one in twenty members are ready to meet our Lord, talk about sobering!

But never the less, let’s look at areas we can reach out and help. The Sabbath is indeed the Lord’s day and as such we can start there. As we are entering His his temple (sanctuary) each Sabbath, we can set a good example of dressing very nicely. Our grooming is at it’s best and we are indeed representing a respectful attitude into His temple.

We can also rememeber that this is the Lord’s day and any “wordly” conversations, we can steer away, back to the things of the Lord. Here’s a very unique and good example of showing our Lord, you don’t go to church just to go through the motions. You really believe it’s His temple, so you stay awhile in church, after service to pray. How often have you seen that? The Lord LOVES these little extra things! I will say that is one thing I respect the Catholics for, the reverence many show in the church. May we as SDA learn and do this kind of reverence.

Lastly, our fellow believers are more and more fellowshipping and sharing things of our Lord on the internet. This is indeed a great thing. But let us remember, Satan will turn each and every good thing into a bad thing, if he can!  The computer, I’m afraid has become an idol to many, thereby breaking a Commandment of God. Let us set a good example by staying away from it a portion of the week and especially during Sabbath.  I try to do only this post and be off most of the Sabbath.

Let us remember our life should be a direct reflection of who we are and who we worship. If we keep His holy Laws solidly in mind each and every day, and DO THEM we represent Him well. We must also never forget that He validates our walk by how we look after each other.

Your servant in Christ, Rob

** For those who would like to order the books “Steps to Christ”  and the bumper stickers (both very reasonable) call Harvest Books at 1-931-692-2777

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Has Elijah Come? Part 3

October 29, 2011

….He was born in Raikovo, Bulgaria,  on March 2, 1885. In 1907, he came to America. Just like many truth seekers, he searched for God’s truth and found it in the Seventh Day Adventist Church. He was baptized approximately around 1919. Originally from the eastern part of US, he moved to Los Angeles in the early 20’s (some say 1922). In December of 1925 , he requested membership to a Los Angeles church, then known as the Tabernacle church.

As he became familiar with the church, he began teaching at times the “Sabbath school” lessons in the years 1928 and 1929. Only God knows what began to tick in this man’s mind and heart, but he began to view the scriptures in a new and different light. He would spend long hours reading and searching God’s word and Ellen White’s writings. He had no teacher, save the Holy Spirit to guide him.

Then later in those Sabbath schools, he began to share this new and unique light that had been revealed to him. But some within the church began to complain, because it didn’t fit with the understood teachings of the traditonal SDA beliefs. Soon the higher ups of the church let him know that he was “off base” in some of his teachings. Because they had never heard of such descriptions of certain parables and prophecies and visions of the prophets explained in this new way, they rejected his new ideas.

Here we should quote our prophetess about what she predicted in regards to receiving new light (knowledge) of God’s word. In Councels on Sabbath school work, P.25    “Precious truths that have long been in obscurity are to be revealed in a light that will make manifest their sacred worth; for God will glorify His word, that it may appear in a light in which we have never before beheld it.” It is worthy to note that these divine words were given by the prophetess under the heading “Sabbath school work”– his very first interpretive teachings given to the people, was in Sabbath school.

Apparently everything was smooth for awhile, he continued teaching the pre service classes. Then some trouble came. It appears he got into a disagreement with a fellow church member, a Mr.  Spicer.  He  was letting Mr. Spicer know, that he was not keeping the Sabbath holy, as God had intended. His careful instructing  to Mr. Spicer lead to the disturbance.  Details were sketchy.

So with this and the complaints about his different interpretations of scripture, he was asked by the church leadership to not teach his unique ideas anymore. He had been writing his new found light down in his first  book called “The Shepherd’s Rod.” Leading men of “experience” had reviewed it and told him it was in error, yet  didn’t respond to his rebuttals to  their supposed “errors”. Ultimately, soon after,  when the leaders asked that he retract his teachings and he said he would not,  the church dis-fellowshipped him.

But he was not deterred, he began to publish his first book of 255 pages called “The Shepherd’s Rod ” in December of 1930. He knew he had to  publish these new found discoveries in God’s word. Never before had anyone interpreted the scriptures in certain important areas, as he did. The voice was quite strong, and he became a zealous man in publishing and spreading his work, and sent them to his fellow members through out the SDA churches.

An uproar soon hit throughout this denomination in the early 30’s. Many were impressed, as they read these new found interpretations, but many (particularly the leading teachers and higher ups) were scornful. Such new ideas were against “tradition”. Who was this ONE man to think he had any special light to give the people?  The prophets were done and over, they had came already. This was only this  “man’s” opinion, they thought.

The uproar spread. Soon the SDA leadership was forced to make known their official position on his new interpretations. In 1933, a hearing **was set up to examine his writings. He was to meet with “leading men” of the SDA.  The works such as “The Harvest” explanation,  “Ezekiel 9” and what it means to the church, “Matt 20, the correct interpretation, “Hosea chapters 1 and 2”  the true meaning about  God’s relationship to His church throughout history, and more.

He was promised one week to discuss in depth his above mentioned studies and other interpretations. But after the VERY FIRST study, the meeting was abruptly halted. No arrangements were ever made to continue the study. What happened? If one looks at the true facts, it appears it was halted  because his work was too unsettling and shed light on God’s soon to come judgements about to come TO THE CHURCH FIRST( per his new found revealed light from Scriptures and Ellen White’s writings). This could not be tolerated, afterall, this work would scare the members and the Laodicean church would be aroused from it’s lukewarm “we are in safety” position.

Undeterred, he began to write and write more, revealings kept coming. The publications began to go out far and wide. But so too, did the public attacks. Although many saw the works and were amazed at the truths he uncovered and how he was able to blend the Scriptures with Ellen White’s writings to help explain end time events to come, particlularly of the upcoming judgement for the living and God’s earthly kingdom. But plenty of higher ups within the SDA publicity labeled him an over-zealous “offshoot” who wrote his own wild imaginations.

So as with most all churches, the leadership controlled the situation, and made charges concerning his work and,  as the general membership began to hear the label of “offshoot” , they followed like sheep, and blindly believed the “leading men.” Thus the  true investigative work was discouraged and his writings mostly ignored. And as time went by, the label “offshoot” was too mild and more disparaging labels, such as “fanatic”, “deceiver” and such were used. The people were in effect told  ” he interprets wrongly, listen to our tradtional interpretations.”  Does that ring a bell? (EGW prophecy prediction.)

Just as the SDA leadership rejected the Lord’s message to His church in 1888 (Righteousness by faith) so too they again rejected the Elijah message to His church.

 Nevertheless, His work became voluminus and he added helpers. His interpretive works  included the book of Isaiah and it’s prophecies, Ezekiel’s prophecies, Joel’s prophecies, Daniel’s prophecies, Zechariahs prophecies, Hosea’s prophecies  and more. He also drew fascinating  detailed charts, to give mental descriptions of the prophecies.

But the main theme in all his work , was the revelation that God was soon to CLEANSE HIS CHURCH (known parably as seperation of the wheat from tares) , so that God’s kingdom would indeed start here first on earth, in front of the world’s heathen.Then after all the world could witness that God was indeed with His people (His pure church) they would have no excuse in deciding –for or against God in the last days.

The traditional SDA had ignored this ,the Lord’s judgements in the church and the set-up of His earthly kingdom, written in scripture and Ellen White’s writings. Many preferred to keep such startling information hushed. But he did not stay quiet about it, he couragously told the people of the judgements to come amid the public ridicule brought by the leading SDA men. For indeed,  it began to become clearer and clearer that he saw that it was his duty to prepare the way for God’s last church, the SDA. He began to understand, that God was revealing all these interpretations and new light because he was the ELIJAH TO COME. Many today are also coming to this same conclusion after studying his work.

His name  was Victor T. Houteff.

Did he fit all of the 10 characteristics, earlier highlighted? Yes he did.

We as SDA members now have a challenge. Do we accept Mr. Houteff as the “Elijah to come” and his interpretations of end time prophecies, or do we wait for another? If you’ve honestly studied his work, can his work be improved upon and made clearer, so that we understand what the “great and dreadful day of the Lord”, really is?  I think one would have to be hard pressed to answer yes to that.

Let us remember that each time God has sent His messengers (prophet or prophetess) , the message they had for the people was of extreme importance. Shall we ignore this message, just like the Jews did of old, and suffer the consequences? 

If you say,  “I’ve never heard of him” then  remember that the prior  Elijahs (type and anti-type) were also  not known  for who they really were. Don’t be one of those who Jesus said of —  “They knew him not.”  Many today are discovering in these very LAST DAYS who he was, for his writings are being researched and found out to contain awesome light, that could have ONLY come divinely, with the main purpose  to prepare us for “the great and dreadful day”  the beginning of the judgement for the living.

As brother Houteff died in 1955, his work he started, by God’s divine planning, continues and in fact is gaining powerful momentum particularly via the internet. Let’s look at what EGW said about the continual work being done.

“Men will go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way for the second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is their work to make crooked things straight. Some things must be torn down, some things must be built up. The old treasures must be reset in a framework of truth. They are to preach God’s word; their testimony must not be molded by opinions and ideas that have regarded as sound, but by the Word of God, whcih liveth and abideth forever. They are to lift up Christ and call sinners to repentance.”(EGW 1888 materials)

Your servant in  Christ, Rob

** Full details of the meeting can be read in the booklet called “The great controversy over the Shepherd’s Rod.” It can be read online, from the site below.

If you would like to investigate for yourself  his work, it can all be seen here  http://www.shepherds-rod.org/  I suggest you start with the charts, as they are indeed an amazing site  (on top left called “Rod Study Charts”.)  May the Holy Spirit guide you into all truth. It is with prayer and humbleness that we arrive at the truth.

Also beware of a break away group  from the original Shepherd’s Rod teachings called “Branch Davidians”.This group has “added and subtracted” from the original writings. For an indepth study on this group and how they fell off  the path of the original Shepherd’s Rod teachings,adding and subtracting to the original message, click this site http://www.scribd.com/doc/36265086/Branch-Davidians-Shepherd-s-Rod-Who-Are-They

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Has Elijah Come? Part 2

October 21, 2011

….. Let’s now look at each of  the individual sources (Old Testament, New Testament, Ellen G. White) for the clear evidences of this Elijah and his message to come.

From  the Old Testament, we can review Malachi more in depth. Concerning the scripture in verse 4:5, let’s find out  what this “great and dreadful day” is. Many around the world, and even many SDA, believe it refers to the day when our Lord will return in the clouds on the last day. But look at Malachi again and see if we can find the answer to what that day is, right within that same book.

(Mal. 3:1-4) explains it very carefully . It says ” Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me; and the Lord, who 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. ” But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord, an offering in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant to the Lord, as in the days of old, as in former years.”

From these clear passages we gain much insight. Notice that the “messenger” can only be the promised Elijah . Then we see that this day is one of purging and sifting and refining. In other words, a church purification. Because after that day is described  THEN and ONLY THEN shall the worshipping and offering be acceptable to the Lord. This work by the Lord has never been recorded in history yet.

And from the New Testament we learn that John the baptist , was the “first anti-type” of Elijah because Jesus made  it clear he would be (Matt. 17:11-13)  “Elijah shall truly come first and restore all things, but I say to you,  THEY KNEW HIM NOT, but have done unto him whatever they determined, likewise also, shall the Son of Man suffer of them.” Then the disciples understood that he spoke of John the baptist.”   The word restore there in that quote,  in the hebrew also means to “reconstitute or strengthen.”

The words “knew him not” by our Lord is a big key. The original Elijah was “knew not” because as God’s true prophet, he was ignored by the masses, known as a troubler instead as divine sent. So too, with John. He was the great “preparer” of the way for the Lord, yet the people showed in the end that they knew him not(his significant message) because they allowed him to be thrown into jail and eventually killed. Few came to his defense–they knew not who he was, the preparer. So it stands to reason that the end time Elijah will not be widely known either, as being “the” Elijah.

Apostle Paul gives us further clues. In (Romans  9:27) it says ” Isaiah also cried out concerning Israel: though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved.”  Very clearly this crying out (warning) will be to MANY of Israel, but FEW (remnant) will take heed and thus be saved. The last day Elijah will spread his message ALL OVER  Israel (God’s church) but only a few will listen. So this is a clear solemn clue– He will be IGNORED. There has not been a message given to God’s church from God’s people such as this one.

In (Mal. 3:1) we notice that Elijah comes right before the Lord comes to His temple (church) and purifies His church (Mal. 3:2-3) But we know that John’s coming did not proceed the Lord doing this. His purpose was to “prepare the way” for Christ’s first advent. So ONLY in that sense did John fulfill Elijah’s promised return. (Mal.4:5) Therefore another Elijah must come to do that other work of preperation.

So accordingly,  from this Old testament promise , we can see that the “future”  Elijah’s message is to be one of warning and prepardness of the judgement and execution of judgement upon the living within  God’s church. Also, in keeping with the eternal goodness and love of our Lord, He gives us VERY CLEAR instructions to be able to  “stand” in this day, in the same Malachi book.  It is the two duties from long ago, given by Solomon(Ecc. 12:13). “Fear God” (Mal. 3:16) and “Keep His Commandments” (Mal 4:4)

Let’s now look at prophetess Ellen White’s word concerning Elijah. In Testimonies to Ministers (page 475-476) she writes ” Prophecy must be fulfilled. The Lord says: ” Behold , I will send Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Somebody IS TO COME in the spirit and power of Elijah, and when he appears, men may say: “you are too earnest, you do not INTERPRET the scriptures the proper way. Let me tell you how to teach your message.”

The above is VERY important because this inspired message was to be for us a big clue about the identity of the last days Elijah. The single most powerful evidence we have here, is that Elijah will be an “interpreter” of the scriptures for the people. But  the people will say he interprets wrongly.

Concerning Elijah’s message of warning she tells us just what Satan and his workers plan to do when this message arrives. (Page 475) “I will also (Satan speaking) have unbelieving ones present who will express doubts in regards to the Lord’s messages of  warning to His church. Should the people read and believe these admonitions, we could have little hope of overcoming them. But if we can divert their attention from these warnings, they will remain ignorant of our power and cunning, and we shall secure them to our ranks at last.”

So according to Ellen, we see that this warning message from Elijah will be countered at all costs by the dark forces. They can’t and won’t let up. They will hover wherever these messages of final days warnings are made. They will be directing the leaders to keep up with the smooth sermons, that all is jolly and fun, no worries. It’s like the titanic, the church is quickly coming upon a hugh iceberg , and the band is still playing the happy tunes.

Let us review now, what  we have learned about this end time Elijah up to this point.

1) He’s to come from God’s end time church, the Seventh Day Adventist Church

2) He’s courageous, not afraid to speak the truth to God’s people

3) He’s known as a “troubler” to God’s people

4) He’s zealous and a rebuker of the sins of God’s people

5) He will not be widely known as “the” end time Elijah.

6) He will largely be ignored and countered and his message not heeded.

7) His message will be one of prepardness and warning of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

Eight) He is to be known as an interpreter of the scriptures. Yet most of the people  will reject his interpretations and will offer there own . Obviously the Elijah must interpet scriptures to show light on the great and dreadful day approaching, for warnings therein are to be brought out.It follows therefore that the leaders therefore will offer smooth interpretations or popular ones .

9) The church (Israel of today) will be widely influenced by Satan and his workers, in regards to this end time message by Elijah. And influenced by him, to reject it.

10) He only goes to his own people (church) for this final message. Not to the heathen in babylon.

Next week in our final part 3, we’ll look at the man, many believe fits ALL the conditions spoken of , as the end time Elijah.

In Christ, Rob

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Has Elijah Come? (Part 1 of 3)

October 15, 2011

Note: This post is based on 3 promises of “Elijah’s” coming return.  From Old Testament —– (Mal. 4:5) “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great  and dreadful day of the Lord.  From the New Testament —– (Matt 17:11) ” And Jesus answered and said unto them, ‘Elijah truly shall first come, and restore all things.”   From the last prophetess —– (Ellen G. White) “Somebody is to come in the spirit and power of Elijah, and when he appears , men may say ‘You are too earnest, you do not interpret the Scriptures in the proper way. Let me tell you how to teach your message.” (Testimonies to Ministers p.475)

God has always had “one people” since the beginning. Ofcourse in the very beginning, He had individuals, such as Enoch and Noah, but it was with Abraham, that He established His people.  These people were and are, known as His body, or church. With this knowledge of God having ONE people and one church, we can then follow through the course of human events to find out if Elijah has come yet or not, through His one church.

Because the Lord has guided  in showing how important it is to know whether Elijah has come and what was his purpose and message, I have looked forward to sharing this post more so than  most. Some of what will be discussed will be new to some, but hopefully after we’re done, you’ll be in a little better postition to make that determination yourself (If Elijah has come). So let us look into the who, what, and where of this promised Elijah.

Let’s follow the church line through history, so we can arrive at God’s true church today, because this is where the promised Elijah will be found from.

From Abraham’s time the church of God was the “Jewish” people (church). This lasted until shortly after the time of Christ. With the stoning of Stephen, the Jewish church became “done with” and the Christian church became God’s true church. Jesus predicted this transfer of His church (Matt. 21:43) “Therefore say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you( the  Jewish people), and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.”  The new church was to be made up of mostly converted Jews and some newly baptized Gentiles, brought in largely by the divinely guided apostle Paul.

This Christian church held together for the most part until the 3rd and 4th centuries. At which time the church became fragmented among the pagans. Then therafter the church “fled into the wilderness” for many centuries, due to the powerful persecuting Roman Catholic churches,  known as the Sunday churches. The true people of God, the Commandment keepers, had no choice but to flee into the mountains and remote outskirts of the world because of the strict Roman Catholic church’s influence and the persecution. This period was known as the “Dark Ages” and then led to the  “Reformation Age”.

The reformation really was a good start from breaking the yoke of the Catholic church, yet the REAL reformation was a movement WITHIN the reformation. Martin Luthur did the Lord’s great  work in spear-heading the reform movememt. But the people who promoted keeping ALL the Commandments (including the Sabbath), was a movement known as the “Anabaptists”. They were the precluders to the Baptist churches today.

Then after a LONG time God began to bring  His church together in the United States to prepare His people for the coming last days. These people went “back to the basic’s” as DOING and PROMOTING God’s word and Commandments were their main beliefs and doctrines. They obeyed the true Sabbath day (Saturday), which had been so downtrodden through the centuries by the Roman church. They were indeed “The repairers of the breach”  mentioned in (Isaiah 58:12)  They became known as “Seventh Day Adventist’s”.

But God had to show the world that this church was indeed His, and that the last day messages was to come form it. How did He do it? He brought forth the most extraordinary woman named Ellen G. White, know by many as the last prophetess.   We can’t go into all we would like to about her here,  but I’ll show the most dramatic evidence He provided.

Before we do that we have an excellent quote from Inspiration describing the singularity of God’s movements. ” God has never had more than one movement in existence at a time and it could not be otherwise now, for Christ cannot be divided.  (See 1 Cor. 1:13.) God’s church is well marked in every generation by obedience to PRESENT TRUTH.  The fact itself proves the claim true as there is only one church in the period of the beast which has the “Spirit of Prophecy” and all of the commandments as written by the finger of God.(SRod, vol.2, p.124)

Ellen was given many visions and signs. Often she would STOP BREATHING for 15 or 20 minutes! Before you say “yeah right” you should know it was documented by at least 3 or 4 certified doctors. ALL confirmed it. One was so badly shaken he bolted for the door! She is also the most translated female author in history (of her Christian books) Her classic “Steps to Christ” is one of the  most gifted works and should be read by all professing to be Christian.

For actual eyewitness accounts, read here http://www.whiteestate.org/issues/eyewitns.html

So God indeed was with this woman, as she was legendary for not only her writings but keeping His Commandments and devoutly LIVING the Christian life. Her writings include the many classics “Desire of Ages, The Great Controversy, Prophets and Patriarchs” and so much more. But it was the visions and her writing of them, that were particularly inspiring to the people. Just read one of the aforementioned books and you’ll see what we  mean. She also was one of the founders of the SDA church.

So it was through this woman with her visions and writings that,  God announced to the world, that His last days church was the SDA church .  Now that we have identified His last day church , we can start to search within this church history for the promised Elijah.

But first let’s look at the original Elijah, to gain some clues on what the latter day Elijah would be like. We know from 1 kings, that he was man of great COURAGE. He alone (with God) took on the 450 “prophets” of his day. So courage, and not being afraid of “people” was a part of his character. (1 kings 18:22) “I alone am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty.”

We can see also, he was known as a “TROUBLER” by many in Israel. In (1 Kings 18:17) we read ” And it came to pass, when Ahab (Israel’s King) saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, ‘ is it you,  the one that troubles Israel?”

Next we can go to (1 Kings 19:9) for a great clue. Notice here the Lord asks Elijah just what his purpose is? He basically asks this, I believe,  because HE KNEW later that another Elijah would come, who must exhibit the same qualities (in helping to be identifed). The Lord said “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  Now notice how Elijah gets the point of the question, because he describes HIS PURPOSE. He responded ” I have be VERY ZEALOUS for the Lord God of Hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down you alters, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek my life.”

In studying the above we can see that Elijah was ZEALOUS for the Lord. This is another important identifying character of him. Notice next,  why he is zealous. It is because he sees the breaking of God’s Law all around, everywhere. But he doesn’t just sit there and play the fiddle, he DOES SOMETHING about it! This is what stands out about him, he’s a mover and shaker, a  “caller outer” if you will.

Now, when the Lord says the same thing  2 or 3 times, you can bet your life it is IMPORTANT. Again in (1 Kings 19:13) the Lord asks the same question. Elijah answers the same way. Coincidence? I don’t think so. The Lord identifies this Elijah’s purpose for  then and FUTURE sake.

So to summarize, what we have learned about the original Elijah, was that he was courageous, zealous, an accused troubler, and a reformer. This is the type therefore we can compare the anti-type to.

Next week we’ll start to put more of the peices together in part 2 , and show how we can truly know whether Elijah has come and if so, his purpose for coming.

Your servant, Rob

Posted in Elijah | 2 Comments »

The Popularity Trap

October 8, 2011

Since the beginning of time among God’s people, there has been one thing that has remained constant, it is— The popular majority have been WRONG in God’s eyes. Can we expect it to be any different today?  I dare say definitely not, why should it? God’s people(church) have always been those professing to keep His Holy Commandments. That today is the Seventh Day Adventist church. Let’s look at how the “popularity trap”  hasn’t changed, even to this very day.

The Bible,  time after time, is full of stories  and lessons of how the small minority were right with God. I mean it is a truism like clockwork, you have been able to COUNT ON IT! 

In (2 Tim  3:12) it states  ” .. all who will live Godly in Christ Jesus, WILL SUFFER PERSECUTION.”   That means if you are living a nice comfortable life “in Jesus”  something is wrong somewhere! For that verse is a PROMISE. Those who venture into difficult and solemn things from scripture  often become less “popular” if they speak  solemn and straight testimonies. Or even if they attempt to correct a wayward brother or sister.

Let’s look at our Lord’s example of this. In (John 6:56) Jesus said   very hard and difficult words to his “large” disciple group. For He was gaining popularity prior to this. He said  ” He that eats My flesh and drinks My blood, dwells in Me and I in him.”   Wow, up until that point, His words were mostly understood but then Jesus “crossed their line” and said some strange things. Then we read in (John 6:66) “From that time onward, “many” (this word translated means–large amount(of people) walked away from Him, and were NO MORE with Him.” 

Look at that!  All Jesus’ beautiful healings, divine words and teachings He had done prior, meant NOTHING to those who couldn’t and wouldn’t try to understand Him. Jesus “popularity” dropped big time, all because of  doubt and misunderstanding by the people. Is not that what is happening among the faithful ones today?  Those willing to teach and warn the people about the hard and difficult prophecies  soon to come? The “bold” last day “Elijah” message of solemn warning of the great and dreadful day is THE  example for our last days.

This message is basically that the “great and dreadful day” of the Lord is NOT the Lord coming in the clouds in the last day. It is when the Lord “suddenly comes to His Temple” (churches). That is indeed the beginning phase of the judgement for the living. This specific message is solemn and therefore the many who want to be popular above all else will not  join in, in proclaiming it. For a more in depth study of this, see the site below.(Ezekiel’s Vision CD)

Sadly, many today say “Oh, I will not say or teach this or that thing, even if it’s true, or be associated with those who do , because if I do, I’ll lose my friends, and God forbid, nobody will like me anymore.”  My heart  aches as I have seen this up close and it is prevelant among “God’s professed people”. Learning the hard end time truths for the salvation of souls, takes a back seat to their “popularity.”  The few  courageous ones go forward nevertheless, willing to teach and lead as the Holy Spirit leads. They don’t shun away at the thought of “losing popularity” because they are gaining God’s approval and that’s what matters to them. Infact anytime we lose a friend or relative for God’s sake, we are told to rejoice.Not that we have lost them, but that we are counted worthy to suffer, as He did, for the cause of truth.

Ellen White describes how the true people of God don’t wait for truth to become popular “The great obstacle both to acceptance and to promulgation of truth, is the fact that it involves inconvenience and reproach. This is the only agrument against the truth which it’s advocates have never been able to refute. But that does not deter the true followers of Christ. These do not wait for the truth to become popular.” (The great controversy, p.459,460.)

In (Gal. 1:10) “…do I seek to please man? for if I wanted to please man, I should not be a servant of Christ.” (EGW) “No man can be true to principle, with out exciting opposition.” (Desire of Ages p.356)

 Looking down through history, every era of God’s people shows this “unpopular minority” walking upright with God—Noah’s time,Abraham and Lot’s time, Mose’s time, Jesus’ time, Early church time. Dark age’s time, and now OUR TIME.

So as we come into the VERY LAST DAYS, be prepared to either stand for truth and all it consequences (unpopularity) or  stand with your “IN CROWD”, who speak smooth things that you’ll like to hear, blissfully ignorant of the straight and solemn work our Lord has promised to do very shortly among His people.

Brothers and Sisters, if you honestly ask of the Lord this prayer ‘Lord, I want your truth, and I am willing to take a stand for it, please show it clearly to me, that I may join up with those who know your truths and are professing them.”   He’ll be faithful to answer you.

 in Christ,  Rob

http://www.11th-hourministries.org/audio/cd_request.html

Posted in End times | 4 Comments »

“The 144,000, what we they be like?”

October 1, 2011

As the Lord’s appearance grows closer and closer, it is VERY important for us to know the “present truth” that most especially concerns us today. The 144,ooo servants of God truth, is  one of those most important truths to know right now, because it hastens on a pace towards us.. Let us look into this most exciting and profound subject, soon to be seen by ALL the world!

As many know the 144,000 are called the “servants of God.” And they will have a serious purpose and calling from God, and that is to bring in the “great multitude” from out of “babylon” (false churches). So just how important is the 144,000 company to us today? Look at what the last phophetess of God said “Let us strive with all the power that God has given us, to be a part of the 144,000.” This is quite a powerful and forceful statement she said, isn’t it?  She didn’t say ” Let us know and study the 144,000″ or “let us think about the 144,000”. She directly said  –Let  –Us –Strive— With —- All—–Power— God—–Has—Given—-Us—-To —-Be—-A—-Part—-Of—-The—144,000. If this is something we must strive for with “all our power”, let us seriously know more about this group.

In her very first vision, Ellen G. White saw the 144,000 in her vision. God saw to it, that He wanted her to see a most important vision right off the get go. For He knows this is now applicable for OUR times, our “present truth”. Here’s some of that first vision.

“The 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious star containing Jesus’ new name. 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 for the hand in the name of the Lord, and they would fall helpless to the ground. Then it was that the synagogue of satan knew that God had loved us, who could wash one another’s feet, and salute the brethren with a holy kiss, and they worshiped at our feet.”(Early writings p.15)

In the above words we can gain alot about the 144,000.  First, you’ll notice they are “sealed and united.”  This sealing can no doubt be from that mentioned in Revelation. But also important is that they are united, meaning they think alike, talk alike, live alike, because the Lord’s way is their way. EGW describes them in (Early Writings p.271)  “I heard those clothed in armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect.”  Being sealed with God’s full Holy Spirit, they do indeed have “armor” on!

But we also notice that they have a physical power, even merely stretching out their hands will stop the evil people right in their tracks!  This is all due to the “full” power of the Holy Spirit coming upon them. Healings, signs and wonders will be also be done all over among this gifted of God. Finally she notes that the “synagogue of satan ….they worshiped at our feet.” This is describing the amazement that many of the wicked will see, and hence they will be overwhelmed by the power of God’s chosen ones and decide to switch camps, as it were.(meaning coming out of the Sunday churches into God’s Sabbath church.)

One of the most important aspects that we see about the 144,000 is that they have “No deceit in their mouths.” (Rev. 14:5) “And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before God.” Brothers and sisters, this is SO VERY important. When we speak and commit to something–we must do it! If you carelessly speak commitments and promises and renege on them, according to God, don’t even think about being among this group.(Isaiah 63:8) ” For He said ‘Surely these are My people, Children who will not lie.’ So He became their Savior.”

Now let us look at scripture that tells us more about this most special group. Let us first look at Isaiah’s prophecies about them. (Isaiah 62:11) “Indeed the Lord has proclaimed, to the end of the world: ‘ Say to the daughter of Zion, Surely your salvation is coming; Behold His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. And they shall call them The Holy people, The redeemed of the Lord, and you shall be called sought out, a city not forsaken.” Here we see some words that go along with EGW, notice the 144,ooo are called  “Holy, Redeemed, and Sought out.”  The lost of babylon notice all this and seek out these “Holy” of God.

(Isaiah 60:1) “Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” Again we notice how God’s “glory” is with them, attracting the people all over the world to come be a part of God’s true church kingdom.

(Malachi 3:16) “Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them. So a book of remebrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name. ‘They shall me 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.”  In these words, we see that the Lord has searched prior to the “day” He makes them His jewels (144K)  for those who “feared” Him, meaning those who have held Him in holy reverance.

They actually pray fearfully to Him, to be right with Him, to want to not be found carelessly assuming they are right, when they were all wrong. They desired of the Lord to be shown the way to live righteously. They were never haughty and careless. They then are “remembered” by the Lord for this holy “fear”.

Let us remember that so very soon, our Lord has promised in His word,  to visit His churches unannounced and unseen (EGW   Test. to Ministers  p.445-Ezekiel vision chapter 9  &  1Peter 4:17) right before the 144,000 embark on their final duty and journey, to set up His Church Kingdom in front of the world’s  heathen.

In the her book, the Great Controversy, EGW explains most clearly this “special work” our Lord does. (Page 425) “While the investigative judgement is going forward (it is still proceeding) in heaven, while the sins of the penitent believers are being removed from the Sanctuary, there  is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon the earth”. Notice this work of “putting away” of sin in done HERE ON EARTH. This is the “sealing and cleansing “act of our Lord and His angels. This also is clearly identified by EGW in GC P.426  “This coming (final coming in the clouds) and the coming of the Lord to His Temple, are distinct and seperate events.”

On the same page (P.425) look what this “work” accomplishes “Then the Church which our Lord at His coming is to receive to Himself will be a ‘glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle , or any such thins” (Ephesians 5:27)  So once the Church is made whole and clean by the Lord, and no longer having the uncoverted and sinners in her midst, she will “look forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.” (Song of Solomon 6:10) These 144,000 can now do their final work to bring in the vast multitude.

The 144,000 will be chosen and sealed because of their righteous ways . They LIVE the Holy 10 Commandments daily(not just profess them) , and they sigh and cry when they see sins done in  their midst (meaning in their lives and in church). Let us indeed “strive” with all the power God has given us to be among the 144,000.

Your servant, in Christ, Rob

Posted in Salvation, Who are the 144K? | 8 Comments »

Sold Out To The Lord

September 24, 2011

I remember back in high school, a good friend of mine told me something that I’ve always remembered “If you gonna do something do it right, otherwise it’s not worth doing”. How true those words are to the “Christian life.”

As we all know, we are living in the very last days of this world. And we as people of God are called by our Lord “Laodiceans.” He describes us as ‘lukewarm.” So obviously He want’s  us to “come alive” and “be zealous.” I thought it would be helpful to show you an example of a Christian life that is—SOLD OUT TO THE LORD.

Another day has just begun, he opens his eyes, and the first thing he does is, to look up and say “Thank you Lord, for another day.” He remembers all those mornings when the Lord was the last thing on his mind as he awoke–what a change!

After he washes up, he grabs the bible and begins reading some scripture. It’s not alot of reading he does(maybe a chapter or two),  but he’s made a “new habit” of doing this FIRST since the Lord inspired him to do so. Before he had an idol, and unfortunately many Christians today still do–IT WAS THE COMPUTER! He would awake grab a drink in the kitchen and go right to the computer, searching, chatting, etc. Now that comes after he’s had a chance to commune with the Lord via scripture.

Today is another day of service calls. He’ll go to maybe 5 to 10 homes in the area and have a chance to meet many people. He’s made sure to be prepared for the Lord. As he drives many miles every day, he put  two bumper stickers on his truck. They say “The Seventh day is the Sabbath” on the left side of bumper, on the right it says “for God never changed it.” He figures he can silently testify for God’s Sabbath without getting out of the truck.

He arrives at his first call, it’s a nice older woman. He comes in and one of the first thing he notices is a picture of Jesus on the wall. That is his clue. For the Lord and him have a deal. If any customer has any thing showing Jesus or the cross in the house, that is our signal to give them “Steps to Christ”. Which he has a stack of in the truck. So he makes a mental note and when he’s done with the repair, he mentions “So you’re a Christian huh?”  The lady responds “Oh yes, for about 40 years.” He says “Hold on, I got a great little book for you.” He gives the book and she graciously thanks him.

He’s on his next call. He arrives and is greeted by a middle aged man. They chat a bit, then he begins the repair. After a short while the problem is discovered and he mentions to the man what it was. The man replies ‘Well G-D D—–.” There’s a short awkward moment then he says “You know sir, it’s better to say Gosh darn”  The man responds “oh, yes, you’re right, sorry.”  The job is completed and he leaves.

As he drives away he knows he’s done something good and upright for the Lord. He’s shown that he won’t tolerate his Lord’s name taken in vain AND just maybe when that man says it again, he’ll remember and think twice about it.

On to another job, he meets a woman who has a dryer problem. He takes it apart and it’s just a fuse. But he remembers the Lord’s words (1 Cor. 10:31) “…Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” So he doesn’t just stop there while he has it apart he checks the lint housing. He knows God looks approving  on good hard honest labor—“If you’re gonna do something—-  well you know already 🙂 He always thinks carefully before charging. What is fair, what is right, he thinks before telling the lady the cost. He doesn’t want to break the 8th Commandment- Thou shall not steal.

It’s friday late afternoon and he arrives home. He knows it is Sabbath shortly so he get’s ready. After a long thorough shower, he begins the Sabbath with prayer. After this he begins to get “dressed up”  and guess what? —he lives alone! (at least until next year when his fiance comes) He get’s a shirt and tie on cause he knows it’s the “special day” –it’s the LORD’S DAY. He knows this day is holy, and he wants to be respectful to the Lord. No one sees but he know the Lord does.

The next day he again dresses up sharp. he remembers to bring his bible, tithe, extra Steps to Christ for the church. He also remembers that the bumper stickers are getting low at church, so he brings more to pass out.

In church he greets many friends. But he notices a man he’s been wanting to speak to. This man always wears a hat IN CHURCH even while praying. He remembers God’s word  (1 Cor. 11:4) “Every man praying or prophesying having his head covered, dishonors his head.”  He walks over and gently let’s him know it’s better if he doesn’t wear his hat in church. He is rebuffed. This is a “proud man.” So he has to walk away, sadly knowing this is the type of situation best helped by God, it’s between that man and God now. He has done his job (calling out sin when and where he see’s it).

The rest of the Sabbath is good and he goes home. After a short nap, he reads more inspired writings and does bible studies. Another Sabbath is about over and he prays once more, thanking Him for another beautiful Sabbath and speaking to Him about the upcoming week.

Hopefully this example will inspire you to do a few things you may not have thought of. Notice how all these “little things” add up to God. Your walk will not be lukewarm and you’ll discover, as you keep His ways and Laws, that a certain closeness comes. It is because you are—Sold out to the Lord.

In Christ, your brother, Rob

Ps. If you’d like to order the bumper stickers and the Steps to Christ, you can call Harvestime Books at 1-931-692-2777

Posted in Christian walk | 11 Comments »

The Sanctification Process

September 17, 2011

Sanctification in our Christian life is comparable to a ladder. Each step up, brings us closer to God, more Christ like. But we must continue to walk UP this ladder and not stay for long on the same step in our walk. Otherwise we will be found “lukewarm” and take the very real chance of being “sprewed out” when our Lord’s judgement comes. Let us look at the process of sanctification.

Perhaps the simplest way to view “sanctification” is think of it as getting cleaned up. In other words, sins are leaving and the Holy Spirit is taking over more and more, guiding you to be closer to our Lord. And the purer we get the more we can see two VERY IMPORTANT aspects of our life  –the terribleness of sin  and the clearer understanding of God’s written word. These two aspects make us walk much closer to our Lord. Let us look at the first of those aspects.

In my own Christian experience, I have seen the many sins I brought into my initial walk leave my life. I mean the tobacco, the idol music, the lust, the other idols (sports, poker, etc.) they were one by one, chopped out of my life. We can look at it like this. We each have a large tree stump of sin when we begin. And as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we are made aware of each and every sin and asked to chop that part out of our life. We then submit to the calling to eliminate it. We are walking UP the ladder.

The serious problem comes in our walk when we rationalize just this one “little sin”. It is that little sin that we hold on to that STOPS our walk upward. The big bad tree stump of sins is allowed to grow alittle more and we now have “two little sins” we hold onto. And it can snow ball from there. And if we continue this way, the devil will help guide us down the ladder, back to where we started!

We should be ever learning, searching, doing good works. Lukewarm is basically being satisfied and happy(stuck) in our routine. As Revelation says, we are in serious trouble when we think we are satisfied and in need of nothing. We are in need of growing and improving our walk, so as to go up another step of the ladder.

One of the greatest things I was shown in my walk,  by our Lord, was how to continue to chop away at my sins. It was to quote scripture when tempted. This was AWESOME!!!  Let’s use tobacco for instance. I had chewed it about 15 or 16 years prior to accepting Christ. Then the habit was still with me in my early walk, even I did it in church a few times!  I knew it had to go. The Holy Spirit was nudging me “Hey let’s get cleaned up here!” it said.

So I found that the Lord’s example of how He handled temptation (in the desert) was good enough for me–HE QUOTED SPECIFIC SCRIPTURE against the specific temptation. For instance when the devil tempted Him to create food to eat, He replied (Matt 4:4) “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God”  and He got the victory! So I thought I’ll find one for tobacco. I did, it was (Psalms 23:1) “The  Lord is my shepherd, I shall NOT WANT”. In other words, not want tobacco.

So I began my “Scripture Quote” plan of attack. The first few days I had to quote it maybe 15 or 20 times a day, because of the many temptations I had at the beginning. At the end of my quote I always said to the devil — Be gone from me devil, in the name of Jesus!! And sure enough the urge to chew tobacco left me instantly. Wowsa!  I was onto something and I knew it. So soon after I was only quoting maybe 2 or 3 times in day and I was on my way to total elimination. Not even a small temptation now.

Now, about the other aspect– understanding God’s word. Again, I will use my own example. As sins left me, and I was getting more sanctified, God’s word was getting more and more clear. You see, God’s word is He Himself as the word says. Therefore when we get closer to Him by being holier, He says in effect ” My son (or daughter) come up here (higher rung of ladder) and behold my deeper truths of my word.

So I have come to a point where certain parts of scripture that were not understandable, now is clear. For instance , the many parts of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Malichi, etc  where they say  “In that day….”  or “In the Latter times it shall …..” I now know the meanings. The Bible “comes alive” as never before. Why? Because I have submitted to chopping sins from my life. The Holy 10 Commandments are my DAILY guide and not just some empty Laws to know. Rather they are MY LIFE’S RULES I live by.

So  my brothers and sisters, let us keep in mind that our sins cannot be ignored if we want to walk up the ladder of sanctification. If we pray this prayer often, He will hear us   ” Dear God, help me to know my sins clearly, so that I can address them, and walk uprightly in your site”

Amen , In Christ, Rob

Posted in Sanctification | 6 Comments »

Pray in the Spirit

September 10, 2011

There are basically two ways to pray — praying in the flesh (carnal)  and praying in the Spirit. It is a sad reality that the ability to communicate with our Lord through prayer is not a common occurance even though many “pray” on a frequent basis. Let us see clearly how we can pray in the Spirit, as God would have us.

Our  great King made His most passionate prayer in the garden of Gethsemane as he prayed (Mark 14:36)  ” Father, oh Father, all things are possible with You,  take this cup from Me, but neverthe less not what I will, but what You will .”  I believe there is a BIG key right there in that prayer and that is this. When we pray we should be mindful that if we ASK for something, we should conclude it with NOT MY WILL BE DONE BUT YOURS.

Many times I have used my own experiences, in this blog,  to bring home the point more clearly. In Novemeber of 2009 I posted a post under “prayers answered”  about how I was led to make a prayer prior to a court date for a ticket. 

To briefly explain, I received a red light camera ticket. I was guilty. I was ready to pay the ticket but when it came in mail and said 425.00!!  I said NO WAY! To me that was outright “stealing” and I knew governments can do this just as well as individuals. I mean I was prepared to pay something reasonable and fair (maybe like 200.00 or so). So I made up my mind to fight it to the end at court.

That morning of the court date, I knelt down in my room to pray. I started praying “Dear Lord, I don’t think this is fair, can you help get me off this…” But then suddenly the Holy Spirit began to guide me in the RIGHT prayer. I changed  it and said ” Lord, YOU do what YOU think is fair.”  I said it because I had in mind His Holy 8th Commandment  “Thou shall not steal”. So I was confident HE would make the right decision who was in the right, either it was them, with me running the red light   –or me, with them trying to steal way more than charge what was right.

Do you see how I placed it ALL into the Lord’s hand? Instead of thinking I DESERVE a good decision, I switched  it around and wanted the LORD”S RIGHTEOUS LAW UPHELD( His will be done). This is KEY to our prayers if we WANT something. It must be according to His will and LAW. The ticket was dismissed, even though it was my face in the photo(and my license plate)!  The Lord had made the judge see someone else’s  face in the photo, unbelievable! Guess the Lord doesn’t like thiefs, even if it’s the city government!

Recently I had a young gal write me about praying for her “big day” that was coming. It is to be a big financial decision made for  or against her. I wrote back and said “Sure, ofcourse I will, but  I want you to ask that HIS WILL BE DONE, not yours. And I want you to praise Him NO MATTER WHAT THE DECISION.”   This way, I told her,  God will certainly take care of you, whatever the decision.

Also, let us always remember to thank Him, for our prayers being LISTENED TO,   let alone even answered!

Finally, you should know God wants SPECIFIC prayers. A person wrote me awhile back and said “Please pray for me”. I said “what for?”  They were alittle taken aback–like  “uh I don’t know just pray.” That’s like you saying to your best friend “do something for me”  Huh?  God want’s to show you He’s listening and can do that which you ask, but you must know what to ask FIRST.And you must BELIEVE and WATCH, otherwise if you forget and aren’t watching–it won’t come. Please,  if you’re going to waste your words at least don’t waste them in speaking to God in prayer. For always remember we PRAISE HIM even in decisions that go against us.

In Christ, your servant, Rob

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