Christmas — A Christian’s Perpective

December 10, 2011

Note: This post is addressed to Seventh day Adventists and Davidian Seventh Day Adventists. If you are not a  member, the references made will most likely be confusing to you. Additionally, those who believe that we should not take part in the celebration or season of Christmas, cannot be blamed for their stance. If your conviction is that no Christmas celebrating should be had, I feel the Lord will certainly hold you blameless.

The whole Christmas season has been so commercialized, to the point that the vast majority around the world, find in it a reason for carnal celebrations. Most definitely leaving out the namesake–CHRISTmas. No wonder many Christians cannot in good conscious take part in this vast heathen experience!

This subject is indeed a very controversial subject among many in Christendom. After earnest prayer and very careful study I would like to shed the light that I have been given on this subject.

What I am going to translate into this post, in the following story, is the combining of Scripture, S.O.P (Spirit of Prophecy) and Shepherd’s Rod teachings on “Christmas”. So we may see a more encompassing “big picture” of this important subject.  This post is compiled with the vision of the Lord’s Glory and honor upmost in mind.

We  can never believe God gives His prophets or prophetesses light (truth) in which to guide the people, and then later another prophet comes and contradicts such light, teaching something totally opposite of what a prior prophetess  of God has written in their inspired writings. Confusion would be the obvious result if such were the case. Instead of such confusion, can it be that Ellen White and Victor Houteff **, God’s last two prophets,  together do indeed , shine  light on a “honoring” Christmas, in a clear and undertstanding way?

Let us look at the  story of the “Smith family”. This is a story of how they “celebrate” Christmas. Before we look at it, let us look at two scripture verses to keep in mind as you read their story.

1) (Mark 9:40) “For he who is not against us, is for us”  Ask yourself after hearing the Smith Family story, are they against Christ during this season, or for Him?”

2)(1 Samuel 16:7) “..The Lord judges the heart.”  Is the Smith Family wrong in their heart to completely “turn around” the heathen customs, and bring GLORY and HONOR  to our Lord?

It is the day after thanksgiving, the famous “black Friday”. The heathen around the world are busy buying their gifts, most NEVER even dwelling on the “Christ” in Christmas. The Smiths are also out buying, however they are looking for nativity sets. You see they, as always,  put up a nativity set in place of a Christmas tree. Their two small children love to help put up the display, remembering afresh, just what “Christmas” is all about–The Lord Jesus Christ.

Their buying also includes gifts for their KIDS ONLY. For they are well aware of God’s last prophet’s word about “gift exchanging”. (Christ’s greetings-tract 13). They are not exchanging, only “giving” to their own kids. They will take no part in reveling with the heathen or exchanging gifts.

During the season, they have lights around the nativity set, among the small presents. They frequently play “Christmas music” but it is all about Christ. Songs such as Jesus Is King, Ring Christmas Bells, The First Noel, O Holy Night, O Come All Ye faithful, Joy To The World, etc.  They shun the “Santa” songs and other heathen songs.

They are ever mindful that although Mr. and Mrs. Smith would not by themselves celebrate “Christmas”, it is for their kids sake, they have this Christmas. Raising them to feel even closer to our Lord during this season. They have remembered God’s word (Prov.22:6) “Raise up a child in the way he should go and when he is older, he shall not depart from it”. They also remember how Ellen White said glory and honor can be given Christ for Christmas.

On Christmas morning, they gather around the nativity scene, with the holy music playing, the kids open the presents. After, the parents read the story of Christ’s birth from the book of Luke. The young ones listen attentively as their young minds imagine the baby Jesus story.

So we can see from the above, that the Smiths have found a way to bring glory to our Lord, despite the heathen customs. While it is true that Decemebr 25th, most likely is not Christ’s birthday, they know that it is before them, and as such, an opportunity to bring honor and glory to our Lord. Their kids could very well be scarred, being left out of this season, instead they can win all around.

Now, after seeing and understanding this, who among us will be the first to throw a stone at the Smiths? No, we must say all honor and praise to You, our most wonderful and powerful Lord- Jesus Christ. We are FOR you , not against you. May we be a good example in this Christmas season to all the heathen around us.

Questions and answers:

1) Why shouldn’t we have Christmas tree’s?

We are told in many inspired writings not to partake in heathen customs and practices. The “tree” for Christmas nowadays,  is certainly symbolic of a heathen type of Christmas. Additionally ,(Jer. 10:1-5) clearly says that decorating a tree is a heathen custom. It is ALWAYS safer to be on the side of caution, than  presumption.

2) What about going to church on Christmas?

If you are led by the Holy Spirit to go and praise Him among others, then by all means go. Again, this is each one’s own decision.

3) What about the brothers and sisters sending out warnings against celebrating Christmas?

They CANNOT be faulted for this. Their motive most likely is one of warning the people not to DO as the heathen are doing all around, with all their customs. This post provides an additonal perspective for those who choose to decide to honor and glorify our Lord during this season.

4) What about Christmas lights on the home and yard?

Again, this has symbolically become a symbol of the “heathen” Christmas. It should be avoided.

5) What about brother Houteff’s warning  message to us on “Christmas observance?”

In “Christ’s greetings” book  (tract 13) I find no direct warning against Christmas observance, only the “involvement” of it (the heathen type). Mr. Houteff explains “…The fact that Christmas is not, in reality, observed to the honor of the Saviour, but to the glorification of a heathen custom and to gratification of the carnal heart. Consequently, “altogether -Christians” cannot therefore consistently participate in celebrating the Christmas myth. ” Obviously the Smith family are not those who brother Houteff is speaking of, because they honor the Lord ONLY during the season, by shunning any and all heathen customs of the season.

Here is the clear message,   that because those that celebrate Christmas, leaving out “honor of the Saviour” are practicing carnal gratification, THIS type of Christmas must not  be participated in. If we leave that out and PUT IN the honor of our Saviour during this season, our LORD can be glorifed and honored. The “exchanging” of gifts is to be avoided. He says “..The Lord’s servants will invariably shun the exchanging of Christmas gifts.”

6) We have read that Ellen White has written many things about how Christmas can be kept per the White Estate references  http://www.whiteestate.org/issues/christmas.html#To Glorify God, Not Man . Yet, Victor Houteff seems to say –stay away from it. How do you reconcile these contradictions?

Perhaps the best way is to  read again the “Smith story”.  If Christmas is celebrated as shown by them, it does indeed honor and bring glory to our Lord. And keeping the true intentions of the Lord’s message through His prophets. In (1 Cor.10:31) we read “..whatsoever you do, do ALL to the glory of God.” Christmas certainly can be included in “all”.

7) What kind of gifts should we give our children?

Ellen White suggests practical and beneficial gifts, such as God centered books. She also says, ” Our children have been educated to expect gifts from parents and friends upon Christmas. Christmas is celebrated to commemorate Christ’s birth. If we celebrate it only in seeking to give pleasure to our children and one another, our offerings are diverted from the true object. We should bring our thank offerings to the Lord, laying our gifts at the feet of Him who has opened the treasures of heaven to us.

While we can give some Christ centered gifts to the young ones, we need to also encourage them to make some gifts themselves, to bring to the Lord on Christmas. They can do a painting, make a poem, make their own small nativity set or whatever their imaginations can stir up.

Once again we know as adult Christians, this Christmas observance is strictly for the young kids. If we participate in this season we can do as the prophetess said —

“Turn the Current Heavenward”

In closing, may we ever bring to the heathen our good example of  being Christ’s representatives, in all things, even in Christmas observance.

In Christ,  Rob

** For those of you who are not aware of who Victor Houteff was, see our post  “Has Elijah Come?”  and “Who as Victor T. Houteff?”  under the heading–Elijah.

Posted in Christmas | 8 Comments »

Ellen White’s Moving Prayer

December 3, 2011

As many are aware Ellen G. White’s life was an exemplary Christian life. No doubt prayer was a big key to her knowing God. I received this article from “Adventist world” which shows a glimpse into her special prayer life.  Let me share this moving testimony.

“Ellen White’s prayers were also clearly remembered by people who heard her pray. H.M.S. Richards Sr, voice of prophecy radio program founder, was a teenager in 1909 when he heard Ellen White pray at a camp meeting in Boulder, Colorado. Richards recalled that he sat on the front row,right in front of the pulpit  where Ellen white spoke.

After finishing her sermon, she said ” I want to pray before I sit down.” Richards was impressed by the fact that she started by saying, “O my Father…” not “our Father”, but “my Father.”  He said it was as though she was talking with a personal friend. Infact, he recalled that her prayer was so intimate, and so moving, that he was afraid to open his eyes for fear of seeing God standing right there by Ellen White. Soon, Richards said, quiet sobs were heard in the audience:men and women repenting of their sins.

A great revival spread over the audience as a result of Ellen White’s prayer. As Richards summed up the story, he said that when Ellen White spoke, she was just a dear, sweet grandmother talking to the people. But when she prayed, God honored her as His prophet.”

In the above story, can we not see and feel how powerful and moving were Ellen’s word’s to “her” Father? We can gain some insight here.  Ellen was on a one to One basis. In other words she felt connected as she prayed. I believe this connection resulted from her firm conviction in believing and LIVING His Commandments. Everyday she devoutly practiced the Law of God. She did indeed “know Him”.

In (1 John 2:3-4) we read a clear passage of God’s word “how to” know Him. “For this is how we know we know Him, IF we keep His Commandments, those who say ‘I know Him’ and do not keep His Commandments, are a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

Once we know Him, it just naturally flows, as we kneel in prayers. Our connection is as one. We come before Him with our hands clean, we’ve done our best that day in avoiding temptation. We’ve kept His Law firmly in our heart and mind. God’s Holy Spirit has been with us and given us strength. Prayer seems the same as speaking intimately to a loved one, just as Ellen White has shown.

But sadly, the opposite is just as true. (Isaiah 59:2) “But your iniquities have seperated you from your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, so that He will not hear you.” Unfortunately, this case is so prevalent worldwide. We come before the Lord repentless and sinful. Can we then expect Him to hear and act? His word says no.

Our God is a searching God,  carefully watching whether we really love Him as His word has clearly shown us  –(John 14:15) “If you love me, keep my Commandments”. Once He see’s we really do, He’s all ears for us, ready to communion with us through prayer.

Here’s one more eye witness account of  Ellen’s moving prayer, showing her very close connection to God through prayer.

“Another who was profoundly moved by hearing Ellen White pray was Alma McKibbin, one of Adventism’s first church school teachers in California, and author of the denomination’s first Bible textbooks for use by elementary teachers. At the time Mckibbin was living in Healdburg, California. In fact, she was renting Ellen White’s old home from her. But on this occasion McKibbin was ill. Consequently, she decided to go to the St. Helena sanitarium for treatments.

But when she arrived, the sanitarium was full. So McKibbin ended up having to stay for a few days with Sarah Peck, a friend of hers who was working as a secretary for Ellen White.

Peck lived in a small cottage just opposite Ellen White’s “Elmshaven”home.  Because of her illness, McKibbin couldn’t sleep.When in the early morning hours a light came on in Ellen White’s writing room, McKibbin recalled it being a comfort just knowing that someone else was awake.

Before Ellen White began to write, she prayed out loud. McKibbin later recalled that she never had heard such a prayer in her life.This was not a public prayer being said for the benefit of an audience.  Quite the opposite: Ellen White had no idea that anyone else was listening. But through the clear night air McKibbin heard almost every word.

As Ellen White prayed that morning, she prayed for the leaders of our church, that they would always be faithful and true in their roles as leaders. Ellen White also prayed for the pastors and teachers, that they would always uphold the truth.And before closing, she prayed for the young people of our church. McKibbin recalled how earnestly Ellen White implored God on behalf of the young people, that they would accept Jesus as their personal Savior and never let go of Him.

McKibbin said that after hearing Ellen White pray, for the first time in her life she began to understand the deep burden a prophet bears for an entire people. Although she’d read about the burden of Isaiah or the burden of Jeremiah for the people of Israel, hearing Ellen White pray that early morning gave McKibbin a glimpse into just what that means.”

In closing, Let us learn from our blessed sister Ellen White, that as we fully commit our life to Him we also can come to the point in our life where, just like Ellen White, we’ll kneel and pray — “O  MY  FATHER”  and we will know He clearly hears us.

In Christ, Rob

Posted in Prayer | 4 Comments »

The Daniel2 Vision

November 26, 2011

As we know, it is Satan’s determined purpose to hide as much truth as possible from us, especially “present truth”. For he knows his time is short and should the people become aware of present truth, which is His latest instructions to His people, a sort of final road map as it were,  he shall be defeated in his wiles of deception, and the people shall continue on the divine lighted path of our Almighty. A perfect example of this coy deception is the prophectic vision of Daniel, chapter 2.

Has the devil  led the people into thinking that the “stone” in Daniel’s vision is Jesus, to sidetrack the people from the real God intended purpose of the vision? Can there be  a clearly different  understanding to this important prophetic vision? Many are learning today that there most definitely IS a clear and different interpretation. It has been revealed for many decades but only now, as “Elijah’s end time message”  is going out, is it really being discovered and spread, the veil of deception is being removed, and truth is being exposed. Let’s take a look at this vision closely.

It has been a long held tradition, to most of Chrisendom, that the stone in Daniel’s vision  symbolizes Jesus. This belief comes from the proposed fact that Jesus, as the stone, comes from the “mountain”, which in the vision, is meant to represent heaven. And therefore as the stone comes from the mountain, it implies that Jesus is coming from heaven to destroy the earths kingdoms, in the near future. But let’s really understand the “mountain” symbolization  here ,  let’s  look into God’s word to understand the correct interpretation of this vision.

While it is true that the word “mountian” in the bible has varied meanings. Sometimes it a literal meaning, and sometimes symbolic. To get the most direct “in context”  meaning of the word in Daniel’s vision, we should logically look into Daniel’s own inspired writing’s within  that chapter. This  can be  a big key. How does he use the word “mountain” in his inspired writings? Does he use it symbolically? If he uses it in the symbolic meaning, then that would be a powerful clue as to the meaning used in the vision. Let’s look at the important words in the vision.

The first  verse we’ll look at is Chapter 2, verse 35. It says “..And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.”  Here the traditonal interpretation is that Jesus comes and destroys the world’s kingdoms( image)  and replaces it with His kingdom (fills the whole earth).  As we stated, it is based on the fact that the stone is meant to be Jesus.

Next we have verse 44. “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, it shall break in pieces these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.”   Now we can see two very  important points that need to be clarified in this verse.

 You’ll notice it says “IN the days of these kings”, but  the traditonal view is that it really means “AFTER the days of these kings”. But that is not what it says, in = does not mean = after. So we can clearly see that DURING the days of these kings , God will set up His kingdom, not after the kings days. In other words, they believe that God’s kingdom is set up- when they(the kings)  are gone from this earth (destroyed) and not while they are still here  living to behold  God’s kingdom being set-up. This subtle mis-interpretation throws the whole intended meaning of the vision off, if we don’t read it clearly.

Also in that same above verse, we notice that it is the “kingdom” that breaks in pieces all the other kingdoms. Kingdoms represent people, it cannot mean Jesus personally breaking up the kingdoms. Otherwise it would have said the “King” breaks up kingdoms or some such words. We should not imagine that which is not clearly there. This is where deception can come, when we read into verses  things which aren’t there, instead of  reading it as it simply says.

In verse 45 it says “Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold….”  Here again the traditional view is that Jesus came out of heaven (mountain) and destroyed the earthly kingdoms.  This is all based on the stone being Jesus and the mountain being heaven. But  Daniel meant that those symbols are represented differently as we will clearly see. Let’s look into the meaning of mountain.

In Daniel’s book, further in chapter 9,  we discover how Daniel uses the word “mountain” and it is clearly symbolic and it’s describtion VERY clear. Verse 16 reads, ” O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, I pray, let Your anger and Your fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, YOUR HOLY MOUNTAIN, because for our sins, and  for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people are a reproach to all those around us.”   Here we see Daniel equating Jerusalem and it’s people as –a mountain. In other words, God’s people are His “Holy Mountain”.

Verse 20 really nails it as far as clarification. It says “Now while I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God FOR THE HOLY MOUNTAIN of my God…”   Daniel is calling God’s people — The Holy mountain of God.

So from the above we can see in the book of Daniel , the word mountain is used as a representation of God’s people , and obviously that would mean also His church.

Some people have used various other scripture to show that the mountain describes heaven. But we must ask — Is it logical to use Daniel’s own  symbolic meaning of  “mountain” when interpreting this vision, or should we pull out a different meaning of the mountain from another book in the bible?  I think this is a no-brainer.

In the beginning of this post I mentioned how Satan hates “present truth”. To give you an idea about this prophetic vision and how it is considered  present truth, it has only recently been correctly understood (within the last few decades). Not even Ellen White knew much about this vision!  Arther White, the secretary of the EGW estate, back in 1971, stated that she had made no mention of the “stone” as to what it represented,  in all her vast writings!

 The scroll of truth has since opened further. And today, we can see that the stone really is a small portion of God’s people “Cut out with out hands”. This term means God removed this portion from among the people of God (church).

These people are none other than the 144,000! They are divinely”cut out”. This process is a divine act that comes from God, it’s  the sealing time of God’s servants, which is described in Revelation 7:1-4. It also is described (quite solemnly) in Ezekiel 9:1-11). 

This vision means that WE are now being shown what will very soon happen, hence the devils wants  falsehood in describing this vision. The 144,000 (stone) will go forth, in God’s power and strength and  “break” the other kingdoms. This means that the 144,ooo go forth and show God’s power and might (miracles and such), and as the other “kingdoms” (which means established religions-NOT governments) see this, they confess that God is indeed with these people. A great mulititude come forth from around the world to come into “God’s kingdom” which really is God’s true church.

So my brothers and sisters, let us take heed on today’s present truth, for by knowing God’s truth FOR TODAY, we are well equipped to navigate Satan’s arrows and stand on firm ground. There will always be people who cling to “tradition”. Spiritual pride is one sickness that can seriously harm our walk with the Lord.

In Christ, Your servant Rob        Ps. For a great video presentation of the Daniel2 Vision , click here ( the source of much of this post)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUnCmLdm-Pw

Posted in Daniel's Vision (chapter 2) | Leave a Comment »

A Shining Light In Prison

November 19, 2011

Little did I know just what I was getting myself into, when I decided to write “Eldon” several months ago. But God sure did! After receiving his latest letter from prison ( and getting the goose-bumps) I was chomping at the bit, eager to write this post,  to let you know just what God is doing with this prisoner.

In  life we all make mistakes, but some make a “big” mistake. But as the devil leads us to sin, God is waiting in the wings, for the “bad scenario” to play out, so he can talk one on one to the down and out. They  most often are humbled by their prior actions and the Lord always knows, that it is the humble and despondent, who frequently are receptive to the Lord’s pleading. Eldon is a perfect example. Not only has he seen the light, but has the spark of zealousness to get to work, doing the Lord’s work right there in prison.

As I have read Eldon’s letters of the past months, I have begun to see that God can lead people to the “real” truth, no matter what their circumstances. I also have come to know that God is active RIGHT NOW in giving signs and dreams, to those ready and expecting to receive them.

On Friday October 28, I sent Eldon a letter. As I usually do, I sent him some tracts and flyers and such to hand out to the other prisoners. I also sent him copies of the latest blogs. I had written recently about the post “Has Elijah come?” and I sent him part one and two.  On Weds, Novemeber 9th I got his latest letter.

Let us look at an amazing account of God’s active workings within a prison recently. Eldon wrote:

“The night of Nov. 1st, I had a dream. I was standing in a tremendous valley or a plain, which was situated between two great mountain ranges that lined opposite horizons. The land was dry and washed out, and reminded me of the salt plains where they test race cars. The ground was sun parched and I didn’t see anything growing.”

I heard a voice say, “Look”, I turned expecting to see the person who spoke, but instead I noticed what appeared to be a huge irrigation ditch which ran from one horizon to the other betweeen the mountain ranges…as far as could be seen. At it’s center, it was maybe 30 feet deep, and maybe 50 or 60 feet wide. The water was so clear that I could see the bottom of the ditch. It was about half full of water.

I noticed something odd….the sides of this “V” shaped ditch were not created by run off or flood, but appeared to be purposely dug out and was reinforced by about 6 inches of a course , greyish material that resembled concrete or mortar.

Then the same voice told me ” look closer still” and when I did I could see that the sides, from top to bottom were spider webbed with fine cracks, imperfections and stress fractures. I immediately moved away from it’s edge, sensing that it might collapse under my weight. Then I awoke.” 

“The next day, I prayed that God would help me to understand the meaning of this dream, if it had one. That night (Nov.2) I had another dream, I was right back where I was in the first dream.And it occured to me, that this wasn’t an irrigation ditch at all, but a giant cistern for holding an enormous amount of water. And I heard the same voice speak again saying, “This is my church.Unless it is repaired it cannot hold that which I am ready to pour into it. And all that surrounds her will dry up her waters, leaving everything desolate.” As I awoke, I heard a multitude of voices saying, ” There will come a great falling away.”

Wow!! What Eldon just experienced and described was the soon to come church purification in God’s dream symbolism. And Eldon doesn’t know anything about it–yet. Eldon received my letter the next day, Nov.3rd. Then a few days later,  He wrote me and said “What amazed me about the blogs and the scriptures I’ve been reading with them, is that (chills) they coincide with the dreams I’ve had for two days before I received your letter!”

God then helped him understand it’s meaning, he wrote, “The giant cistern (church) in the desolute land..half full of water (people?) full of cracks and fractures (members in need of repair), or else all that is poured into it (more water,more people ?)will not be held by it (burst at the seams).. and all that surrounds it will dry up it’s waters.”  Then he asks me an excellent question –“Does the church LOSE  a massive amount of members? or do they just leave the church and fall away from God?”

 He then says ” I believe it is absurd for us to believe that the church, by itself , will repair all of it’s breaches and become acceptable, pleasing, without spot or wrinkle ON IT’S OWN. Those who hold this philosophy will be standing on dangerous ground and will likely reject the one who, comes in the “spirit of Elijah.”

As he received the blogs, he read through them and mentioned that he had never heard of the “Shepherd’s Rod”. Yet, what he just saw in that dream is a picture of God’s end time message, given him and priviledged by God to know some end time prophetic events to come. Even though Eldon is not aware fully of the last day “Elijah”message of church judgement, he clearly shows he is being called by God to understand this very important last message to His people.

A prisoner who is in tune with God and His signs and dreams, is a very uplifting message for us indeed. Some think those guys inside there are just wasting away, yet Eldon clearly shows us, God can and will use any and all people, no matter who they are, for HIS purpose. Because God has given this important dream to him, I believe  He has much more in store for him. Let us keep him in our prayers.

For those of you, who would like to become a part of this prison ministry, please let me know. We still have 5  prisoners(of the original 10), who are Christians, who would love to hear from some one who can share their faith. Jesus said we visited “Him” in prison.

Lastly, I would like to tell you about “Leona”s story. She responded with a big YES, when I first asked if anyone would like to be a pen pal with a Oklahoma prisoner. Recently she wrote me, telling me of her experience. Let me share some of her grateful words:

“From the first letter I received from Gary (her prisoner pen pal), he showed a heart of thanksgiving and gratitude. He commented on the scriptures I sent him and replied that he was indeed in agreement and received truth in them. As time passes and with each letter that Gary sends, along with the tracts, their church calender and other cards, it clearly shows that while he is in prison, he is using every moment to stay focused on God, to stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit and to always remain in that state of remembering what Jesus did on the cross..”

“Reading the words and scriptures that Gary sends can only come through a heart that is focused on God. We promised to keep each other up in prayer.”

She and Gary discuss their life and the Christian way. God is truly blessing them. In closing she writes “So, in closing I thank God for opening this door for me to correspond with Gary, it is truly one I treasure!!

Though some have been given more light than others, we will be accountable to the light given each of us. These prisoners can change and if we are there to lend a helping hand, let us do what we can.

To our loving Lord and God, be all the glory!

 Amen, Rob

Posted in Prison ministry updates | 2 Comments »

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 »

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