2018

February 25, 2018

The magical arts practiced by Balaam in seducing ancient Israel into sin, have taken on modern garbs, which in many instances, it is difficult to discern for what they are. As far as the scripture is concerned, magic is any art that is used in getting people to sin, or to engage in activities that are proscribed in the Bible. Therefore, the definition covers a very wide swath of activities, practices, and rituals, of which the Christian must be cognizant.

Wherever satanic principles, and methods are used and adopted, to lure the unwary into sin, there it is that magic, in one form or another, to a lesser, or a greater degree, is being practiced. Current forms of magic include, but are not limited to, pornography, seduction, sexting, Voodoo, bribery, Santeria, also flattery, and seances, amongst others.

Horoscopes, violent, and horror movies, and what many Christians refer to as the “Anointing” and certain novels are also included in the mix. These are just some of the “magical” devices used by the enemy of souls to lure individuals into sin. The Bible refers to them as devices, snares, temptations, and wiles, but they all have one thing in common, they always lead to the breaking of God’s law. Always! Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 18:10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.
11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

Deuteronomy 13:1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,
2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;
3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
4 Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.

Thus, it is against this backdrop that we’ll now open Balaam’s magic book, so we can discern the devices that are arrayed against the multitudes, and so that we may choose wisely. The Hebrews were just upon the borders of Canaan, and Moses was preparing for the occupation, and subjugation of the land, when the king of Moab decided that it was time to resort to the dark arts, in order to bolster national security.

Balak had heard of the marvelous things Christ had done for them, in emancipating them from Egyptian bondage in a signal manner. He had also heard of the parting of the red sea, and the final overthrow of pharaoh and all his hosts, as they dared to chase God’s chosen people. And now, because of a fear of imminent invasion, the king of Moab turns to magic.

Thus, we will observe, and study several magical principles, and methods, often employed in getting us to sin against God, by adopting those alternative sources of supernatural help, that are forbidden in the scriptures. Let’s read:

Numbers 22:2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
3 And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

[1] Fear.
Fear often causes many people to turn to magic, if they believe that there are no other options on the table. Some people turn to magical healers, spiritual healers, holy water, enchanted bracelets, rings, and chains, as last resorts. Thus, it is one of the devices of satan to drive persons to desperation, in thinking that there’s no way out of a certain predicament.

Also, through superstition, some folks are tempted to believe in those supernatural remedies which do not originate with God. However, there are certain passages of scripture which tell us how to deal with fear, what causes it, and how the Christian may live victoriously, like a conqueror. Let’s read:

2nd Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1st John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Numbers 22:4 And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me.
6 Come now therefore, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I know that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.

[2] Flattery.
The magical art of flattery is quite often employed to accomplish that which might otherwise cause us to recoil in horror. Flattery is often used against a person who is disliked, or not loved, and it was first employed in the garden of Eden, when the serpent praised Eve’s beauty, whilst wanting her dead. And down through the ages, it has been in use by many persons, who have desired certain favors from one who isn’t necessarily liked.

Even in our day it is in use, because many political leaders, many senators, and representatives, many presidents, kings, CEOs, and business leaders find it necessary to flatter certain persons to procure what they desire. Indeed, flattery has become one of the leading magical arts practiced in our day. Even with many Christians, praise is used to try to flatter God into showering down the blessings of health, wealth and material favors, which should really result from obeying God’s word. Let’s read:

Job 32:21 Let me not, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.
Proverbs 7:1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

Psalms 78:36 Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.
37 For their heart was not right with him, neither were they steadfast in his covenant.

Numbers 22:7 And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam.
8 And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and
I will bring you word again, as the Lord shall speak unto me.
9 And God came unto Balaam, and said,
12 Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.
13 And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you.
15 And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they.

[3] Multiple assaults.

A temptation usually consists of multiple assaults, with each succeeding effort being more intense, and desperate than the previous one. In fact, much of what we describe as temptations are not really temptations, but are most often, accidentals which have occurred as a result of our own doing, or the doings of others.

A temptation is a well-planned, a well-timed, and a deeply laid plot that is studied, and then executed with consummate skill, at a time when persons are most vulnerable, and in many cases, individuals may be entirely unaware of what is taking place. When satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number the people, and when David’s sin with Bathsheba occurred, and when Peter denied Christ, the principle of multiple assaults was implemented. Let’s read:

Luke 4:3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:
10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge
over thee, to keep thee:
11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

[Confrontation. pp 24] The rebellion of Satan against God was most determined. He worked, in warring against the kingdom of God, with perseverance and fortitude worthy of a better cause. He is a diligent student of the Bible and is much better acquainted with the prophecies than many religious teachers. He knows that it is for his interest to keep well informed in the revealed purposes of God, that he may defeat the plans of the Infinite.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 37>38] Leaving his place in the immediate presence of the Father, Lucifer went forth to diffuse the spirit of discontent among the angels. He worked with mysterious secrecy, and for a time concealed his real purpose under an appearance of reverence for God.

He began to insinuate doubts concerning the laws that governed heavenly beings, intimating that angels, being more exalted, needed no such restraint, for their own wisdom was a sufficient guide. Taking advantage of the loving, loyal trust reposed in him by the holy beings under his command, he had so artfully instilled into their minds his own distrust and discontent that his agency was not discerned.

Numbers 22:16 And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak, Let nothing, hinder thee from coming unto me,
17 For I will promote thee unto very great honor,
and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.
18 And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.

[4] Bribery
Exodus 23:8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.

1st Samuel 8:1 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.
3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

One of the reasons why there continues to be mass shootings across the United States is because of the taking of bribes, and gifts by those who ought to be guardians of the people. The inevitable result is that a person’s better judgment becomes perverted, to the point where guns become more important than people, for whom Christ died.

Bribes are offered and taken, and the result is that the ones that are bribed then make laws that would promote and protect the gun industry, under the disguise of protecting the 2nd Amendment. Thus, it is that human life which was once held to be sacred, now seems to be of little value, as human sacrifices are now being offered upon the altar of guns.

The magical art of receiving bribes and gifts has the potential to cause individuals to do things that may indeed bother their conscience, it has the potential to foster the use of policy instead of principle, and it often causes judges, and law-makers to look the other way, when grievous crimes, and wrongs are being committed, in high and low places.

In fact, since 2012 approximately 174,000 persons have died in the United States, a direct result of gun violence, yet effort after effort, and proposal after proposal has either stalled, been killed, or has been withdrawn so that the concerns of bribers can be appeased. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 16:18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
20 That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live and inherit the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

[5] Presumption.
This leads us to our last and final magical art we will study today, for after Balaam had indulged bribery, and flattery, after Balak had succumbed to fear, and after Balaam had experienced multiple assaults, he now employed one of the most common of magical arts, that of presumption, by which multitudes are bewitched, and are consequently led to violate God expressed will.

In his first prayer for divine guidance, Balaam had asked God’s will in the matter of cursing His own people, a prayer that was presumptuous to begin with. However, at that time, God condescended to let him know that he should proceed no further. But with the prospect of great material benefits, honor, and wealth before him, Balaam presumes to ask God again for direction, as to what he should do.

It is one of the most common ploys of satan to have Christians asking God’s will about something He has already made plain. And some may presume to go to Him repeatedly, in apparent sincerity, to see if He would change His mind, and go along with our own plans and ideas.

As with the case of Balaam, our merciful God might condescend to address the question, for which He has already given a clear answer, and then if we still persist in asking what is His will, He may attempt to show us the error of our ways, by placing several donkeys, and angels in our path, to try to deter us from taking that one fatal step.

But, if in response to His gracious overtures, we stubbornly hold onto our plans, in spite of all the evidences to the contrary, the Lord may eventually allow us to have our own way, since He honors the freedom of choice He has given us. As we read the next several verses, it is our hope and prayer that everyone who studies this issue will not try to force his or her own will upon God, but that we will be humble, and patient enough to let Him guide us with wisdom and discretion. Let’s read:

Numbers 22:19 Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the Lord will say unto me more.
20 And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.
22 And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
23 And the ass saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.
24 But the angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.
25 And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.
26 And the angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
27 And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.
28 And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? and he said, Nay.
31 Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.
32 And the angel of the Lord said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:
33 And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.
34 And Balaam said unto the angel of the Lord, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.
35 And the angel of the Lord said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
36 And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 440>441] Although the will of God had already been definitely made known to him, he urged the messengers to tarry, that he might further inquire of God; as though the Infinite One were a man, to be persuaded. He did not seek to do the will of God, but chose his own course, and then endeavored to secure the sanction of the Lord.

There are thousands at the present day who are pursuing a similar course. They would have no difficulty in understanding their duty if it were in harmony with their inclinations. It is plainly set before them in the Bible or is clearly indicated by circumstances and reason. But because these evidences are contrary to their desires and inclinations they frequently set them aside and presume to go to God to learn their duty. With great apparent conscientiousness they pray long and earnestly for light. But God will not be trifled with. He often permits such persons to follow their own desires and to suffer the result.

“My people would not hearken to My voice.... So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels.” Psalm 81:11, 12. When one clearly sees a duty, let him not presume to go to God with the prayer that he may be excused from performing it. He should rather, with a humble, submissive spirit, ask for divine strength and wisdom to meet its claims.

[P&P 441] Annoyed at his delay, and expecting another refusal, they set out on their homeward journey without further consultation with him. Every excuse for complying with the request of Balak had now been removed. But Balaam was determined to secure the reward; and, taking the beast upon which he was accustomed to ride, he set out on the journey, impatient lest he should by some means fail to gain the coveted reward.

In our own life experience, there may be some issue we have clearly read about in God’s word, and His good will may have already been made plain. Let us then approach the throne of grace with the intent of doing God’s will, for He will hear, and answer any such prayer that is made in sincerity and truth.

But lest us never, like Balaam, ask Him repeatedly about what he has specifically commanded, for in doing so, we will place ourselves at great odds with God, and will like Balaam the magician, ultimately incur His displeasure. One of the experiences we want to avoid at all costs, is that of being at odds with the great God of heaven.

In harmony with this statement, we will close with a gentle reminder, that The Lord is ready, and willing to help and guide us, if we choose to be helped and guided. Let’s read:

Proverbs 3: 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word.

God Bless!

Worship "Him". Sabbath Afternoon. 02/17/2018

February 17, 2018

In the first angel’s message given in Revelation 14, God calls on the inhabitants of earth to “Worship Him”, for the issue of worship will culminate in the mark of the beast, the enforcement of Sunday worship, and ultimately, the close of human probation. However, before we begin, it’s important for us to understand the many ways in which false worship is manifested currently in our day, so that the true worship of God may be made plain from the scriptures.

Worship is not merely about whom we adore, it’s ultimately about whom, or what we will obey, for worship will always lead to obedience of the object of worship. If money is our god, then whatsoever it takes to obtain it will be done, including over-work, lying, stealing, fraud, overwork & false advertising.

The illicit drug trade, and the current epidemic of opioid abuse is a direct result of sellers worshiping money. In fact, drug addiction has more to do with legal drugs, than with illegal, for with big pharma, as well as with drug dealers on the street, worshipping “mean green” and doing whatsoever is necessary to procure a profit, is the main, motivating factor in most cases.

De-regulation is an attempt to make more money, and therefore, if persons get hurt, poisoned, or are overprescribed pain medications in the process, to make a profit, then it will be done. And if consumer protections are removed, so that loan sharks, and financial institutions can prey upon the vulnerable, and the unwary, in their efforts to milk individuals, then, it is worship of the greenback taking place.

If self is our god, then whatsoever it takes to obtain praise and flattery will be done. This includes, but is not limited to slavery to fashion, slavery to cosmetic surgeries, and implants for self-adoration purposes. Self-worship includes all efforts to draw attention to oneself for purposes of enhancing one’s self-image or promoting self-interests and accomplishments.

In fact, the worship of self ultimately leads us to the use of force, which is a satanic principle, born out of the effort to exalt himself. When persons are bent on self-worship, they will stop at nothing to reach at the top of the totem pole, and in the process, many families may be torn apart, and the indiscriminate use of brute force will be manifested, as was seen in Florida this past week.

Adultery is also a form of false worship, for it drives persons to obey the lusts of the flesh, instead of the word of God. When Adam chose Eve over God, and when Abraham obeyed the voice of Sarah, in having Hagar, also, when Solomon chose to be inundated with hundreds of wives and concubines, it was false worship being manifested, for worship always leads one to follow the dictates of the persons, or objects of worship. Always!

The time has come for us to speak bluntly, because candy-coating the everlasting gospel will result in a tremendous loss of life. Christians, and all believers who do not gain the victory over adultery, will end up receiving the mark of the beast, for adultery is a form of false worship, and will ultimately lead folks into every other type of false worship, including the worship of the sun, via the substitute day of rest. Let’s read:

1st Kings 11:1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites:
2 Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely, they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.
5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father.
7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.
8 And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
9 And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,
10 And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the Lord commanded.

[Prophets & kings. pp 58] From being one of the greatest kings that ever wielded a scepter, Solomon became a profligate, the tool, and slave of others. His character, once noble and manly, became enervated and effeminate. His faith in the living God was supplanted by atheistic doubts. He mistook license for liberty. He tried—but at what cost!—to unite light with darkness, good with evil, purity with impurity, Christ with Belial.

Thus, before we embark upon our study of the true worship, we must first go back to the place, and the time when the issues of false worship first surfaced. Lucifer was not at all content with his God-ordained position, but instead sought the highest place, so that the adoration and praise which belongs to God alone, could be his.

In the process of time, he succeeded in alienating one third of the angelic host, who joined him in his quest for self-praise. This ultimately led to violence in heaven, when it was discovered that self-worship is entirely out of harmony with God’s character.

Then war broke out, he was expelled from heaven, and the rest is history, for the issue of worship came to our own planet, and ever since the fall of our first parents, the question has divided humanity into one of two major categories, those who will deliberately choose forms of alternative worship, and those who will ultimately choose to worship God, according to what He has commanded in His word.

It is true that in times of ignorance, sincere persons have been sucked into erroneous forms of worship, but when the issue finally bubbles to the surface, or when light from God’s word has shone on the issue, the honest in heart have chosen, and will choose to worship God. Thus, here’s a brief history of the very beginning of false worship with its inevitable results down through the ages. Let’s read:

Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most-High.

Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

It is worthy of note that those two, character traits, violence and all types of lying, are predominantly on display now for they are the direct result of invisible forces of darkness, working to unite the world upon the issue of false worship. And that’s the reason for the current insatiable desire for praise, and flattery, approbation, worship, and loyalty, on the part of some individuals.

Here in the sunshine state of Florida, we suffer from the destructive work of termites, that are notorious for causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, and trees, yet, very few persons have seen termites at work, for we are only aware of their presence by their droppings.

The same is true of the infernal work of evil spirits, for although they are invisible, yet their “droppings” such as the desire for praise and flattery, adultery, fraud, continual, and profuse lying, and the use of force are being made manifest in places high, and low, and as is evidenced by the daily reports about ballooning transgressions, cover-ups, and extortion.

In fact, the first murder on this planet was over the issue of worship, and the last will be over the same. Wherever the worship of God, is exchanged for any man-made form of worship, there, violence, murder and every type of evil work is certain to follow. Let’s read:

Genesis 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord.
4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
6 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door
8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

There was no valid reason for Cain to slay Abel, for Abel was a law-abiding citizen, paying his taxes, and contributing to the welfare of society, and trying to live “peaceably” with all men. Thus, if his brother so chose to worship God in his own way, by bringing a fruit, instead of a lamb, as God had commanded, it would be his own choice.

The problem is that false worship often tends not to tolerate true worship, and thus, religious liberty and the freedom for persons to worship God, according to the dictates of their own conscience, breeds the spirit of discontent, and covetousness in the hearts of those who deliberately choose any false worship, which always, and ultimately leads such persons to the use of force. Let’s read:

[D.A. pp 435>436] Lucifer desired God's power, but not His character. He sought for himself the highest place, and every being who is actuated by his spirit will do the same. Thus alienation, discord, and strife will be inevitable. Dominion becomes the prize of the strongest. The kingdom of Satan is a kingdom of force; every individual regards every other as an obstacle in the way of his own advancement, or a steppingstone on which he himself may climb to a higher place.

Thus, because we are inundated with false worship of every type of false god, and since there is blatant self-worship, and an insatiable desire for praise, and applause of men, in high and low places, God is now calling on the inhabitants of earth to worship “Him”. Let’s read:

Proper Sabbath observance is not only about rest, it is more about obedience to God’s specific word, by recognizing Him as The Creator of the heavens, and the earth. Other practical reasons are given in the scriptures for resting over the sacred hours, among which is the fact that the Lord also rested from His work, thereby giving us the example that we should follow.

Furthermore, Christ tells us that the Sabbath was made for all men, meaning that it was given for the benefit humanity. However, worshipping God over the sacred hours of the Sabbath, is never primarily about rest, rejuvenation, and spending quality time with one’s family, because these are the very same reasons given by some on the opposite side of the fence.

Any individual can rest and be rejuvenated and can spend quality time with family and brethren on any day of the week; but the Sabbath has to do with the specific day God ordained for such activities to take place. In fact, the reasons for a cyclical rest might be quite similar on both sides of the issue, however it’s obedience to the word of God which would make all the difference.

Thus, worship is more about obedience, than it is about praise and adoration. That’s why Jesus was moved to raise a remonstrance against the practice of giving much praise, without the corresponding obedience required, for praise minus obedience is equal to flattery, and ultimately leads to rebellion, as was the case with Cain. Let’s read:

Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men.

Therefore, Sabbath keeping is first and foremost, an acknowledgement that we are created, and as such we are not autonomous beings, nor do we exist in a vacuum, nor did we begin life by accident. Instead, we were created by an intelligent, all-wise God, and are therefore accountable to Him who made us.

The theory of evolution would not be existence in our school curriculum if we were worshipping God according to the scripture. Here is where millions of Christians have stumbled, for Christ is worshipped in His capacity as Savior, but not as Creator, which is the primary reason given in the Bible. Having Christ and evolution on the same page is the equivalent of trying to have Baal and God sitting in the same seat.

The Sabbath rest also constitutes a rebuke against that materialism, and pursuit of gain, that drives us to extremes in getting and accumulating, and which often causes us to put our health at risk, and which effectively destroys the social, and moral fabric of our existence. Thus, the commonsense reasons, as well as the sacred commandment, were enshrined as permanent institutions for the up-liftment, and benefit of the human family. Let’s read:

Genesis 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
3 And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Deuteronomy 5:13 Six days thou shalt labor, and do all thy work:
14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.

Exodus 31:13 Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.
14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you.

Now, even though Sunday worship incorporates some of the principles of rest enumerated in the fourth commandment, yet it is quite incapable of producing the same good results, for the simple fact that God’s presence is not there, to sanctify it, and make it holy, neither has He ever commanded it, for it is God’s presence which makes all the difference between the seventh day Sabbath, and the other six working days of the week.

Thus, Sunday cannot, and will never be sacred, nor will it ever be accepted as a substitute by the God of heaven, for not only does Sunday-keeping refuse to acknowledge God as Creator, but it would inevitably lead to the final conflict, just as the issue of worship sparked the conflict with Cain.

In closing, it is necessary for all professed Christians, and those beyond, to have a clear knowledge of the issues pertaining to true worship. The Sabbath of the fourth commandment is still valid, and pertains to us, just as much as it pertained to the Hebrews. Therefore, in all of the current deliberations behind the scenes, and in all of the efforts being made to bring America back to God, let us always remember to “Worship Him”, The Creator God. Let’s read:

Exodus 20: 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study and the practice of His word.
God Bless!

It's All About Christ. Sabbath Afternoon. 02/10/2018

February 10, 2018

One of the foremost truths about salvation is that it is all about Christ. There have been instances where much focus, and attention are placed on the human agent, and the work of God is viewed as a necessary addition to our efforts. Now, while this is true when it is understood correctly, we should remember that all things pertaining to our salvation, originate with, and come from Christ. Thus, what some folks tend to view as prerequisites to service, and relationship with Christ, are actually not necessary, or enjoined.

We must remember that every godly attribute of character originates in God, and as far as salvation and righteousness goes, the development and the implementation of these characteristics, are the work of the Holy Spirit, accomplished through our
choice and consent. But for anyone to believe that these attributes must first be manifested in sinners before coming to Christ, or working for Christ, is an absolute nonstarter, for the Bible does not teach this. Let’s read:

Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.

[Reflecting Christ pp 35] All righteous attributes of character dwell in God as a perfect, harmonious whole. Everyone who receives Christ as his personal Savior is privileged to possess these attributes. This is the science of holiness.

Therefore, in harmony with these fundamental, and central truths, there are several theories and tenets currently held by many Christians, which must now be addressed, and corrected by the word of God.

[1] An individual does not have to be humble as a prerequisite to accepting Christ, for humility is a by-product of the Holy Spirit dwelling in a person. As the work of salvation is begun, and continues in our hearts, more and greater humility will be seen, but for us to expect humility up front isn’t Biblical.

Mark 3:17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James he surnamed Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder.

Luke 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

By the way, these disciples had been preaching for several months, and had been ordained by Christ Himself, yet from this, and other accounts, it’s quite apparent that they were far from being humble, in the true sense of the word. In the upper room, the unconverted nature of the disciples was displayed, for none of them seemed humble enough to wash the other’s feet. In commenting on that occasion, the servant of God says the following. Let’s read:

D.A. pp 643>644] On this last evening with His disciples, Jesus had much to tell them. But Jesus saw that they could not bear what He had to say. His sorrowful words, pointing to His own suffering, had made little impression. The glances they cast upon each other told of jealousy and contention. There was “a strife among them, which of them
should be accounted the greatest.”

This contention, carried on in the presence of Christ, grieved and wounded Him. The disciples clung to their favorite idea that Christ would assert His power and take His position on the throne of David. And in heart each still longed for the highest place in the kingdom. They had placed their own estimate upon themselves and upon one another, and, instead of regarding their brethren as more, worthy, they had placed themselves first.

The request of James and John to sit on the right and left of Christ's throne had excited the indignation of the others. That the two brothers should presume to ask for the highest position so stirred the ten that alienation threatened. They felt that they were misjudged, that their fidelity and talents were not appreciated.

At a feast it was customary for a servant to wash the feet of the guests, and on this occasion, preparation had been made for the service. The pitcher, the basin, and the towel were there, in readiness for the feet washing; but no servant was present, and it was the disciples’ part to perform it. But each of the disciples, yielding to wounded pride, determined not to act the part of a servant. All manifested a stoical unconcern, seeming unconscious that there was anything for them to do. By their silence they refused to humble themselves.

Humility is not a prerequisite for accepting Christ, nor is it a precondition for working to build up His kingdom. That’s because humility never ever occurs naturally within the human heart, but instead, is the result of God’s grace alone, through the in- dwelling of The Holy Ghost. In fact, what some may view as lethargy, and unwillingness in fellow Christians, is more often a deficit of the Holy Spirit in the heart. Let’s read:

[D.A. pp 295>296] All the disciples had serious faults when Jesus called them to His service. Even John, who came into closest association with the meek and lowly One, was not himself naturally meek and yielding. He and his brother were called “the sons of thunder.” While they were with Jesus, any slight shown to Him aroused their indignation, and combativeness.

Evil temper, revenge, the spirit of criticism, were all in the beloved disciple. He was proud and ambitious to be first in the kingdom of God. But day by day, in contrast with his own violent spirit, he beheld the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus, and heard His lessons of humility and patience. He opened his heart to the divine influence and became not only a hearer but a doer of the Savior's words.

Thus, humility is the result of Christ’s work of grace in our hearts and is something that is accomplished in His own time and way. That voluntary humility of which Paul spoke is of human origin and is actually a disguised form of pride. Conversely, Christ brings us into situations, and experiences which develop the true humility in those who so choose, and anything else is nothing short of a counterfeit. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou would keep his commandments, or no.
3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know, that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.

This last passage is of particular interest, for it says that God used food as the means of humbling His people, so the question is: What does food have to do with humility? For us to understand what that passage means we must first remember that the children of Israel ate manna for forty years, a pretty long time to be fed one article of food. It is true that at times they craved variety and God granted it, but their staple every day was manna. Let’s read:

Exodus 16:35 And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.

Question: Could one article of food supply all of the necessary nutrients our bodies need, and if not, will we be grossly deficient in certain areas? It’s worthy of note that the Hebrews requested a wider variety, of food, something that is quite consistent with the guidelines given by the National institutes of Health. And almost all professionals in the wellness industry will unanimously agree that a wide variety of food is essential to well-being, strength, and longevity. So, the request of the Hebrews was not as far-fetched as some may think, or was it?. Let’s read:

Numbers 11:5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic.
6 But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.

[N.I.H] The 2015-2020 edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasizes eating a variety of foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat and fat-free dairy, and lean meats. The new guidelines, developed by “experts” in the fields of nutrition, health, and medicine, are designed to combat rising rates of chronic, diet-related diseases in a way that is easier for consumers to adopt, the “experts” said. A healthy eating plan includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.

And thus, if any Hebrew was to choose manna over the conventional wisdom on variety, then he would by so doing be choosing God’s method of humbling him, a method that defies logic, and requires faith, belief, trust, and obedience, with the accompanying inevitable results. In fact, faith, and obedience are much, more essential to health than vitamins, and minerals, because, as the topic says, it’s all about Christ. Let’s read:

Psalms 105:37 He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.

Exodus 34:27 And the Lord said unto Moses, Write thou these words.
28 And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water.

[2] Conversion is not a prerequisite either, when it comes to working for Christ, or having a relationship with Him. Ongoing conversion is also the by-product of God’s grace in human hearts, and therefore, we must not view one as unqualified, or unprepared to serve, just because he or she may not be an entirely converted Christian. In fact, the disturbing news is that most of us Christians are not converted, as yet. The apostle Paul puts it this way. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

Matthew 26:4 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise, also said all the disciples.

[3] One does not have to be willing either, as a precondition, to serving or accepting God’s grace. Willingness in spiritual things, like all other godly characteristics is a direct result of God’s work in our hearts. The energy and zeal manifested in doing any righteousness, or in serving faithfully, must never be credited to the Christian, as if his/her willingness originated with themselves, for this characteristic is also a by-product of the indwelling Holy Ghost.

When the first sanctuary in the wilderness was to be built, the record shows us that the Hebrews who responded to Moses’ appeal for contributions, did so willingly, but it was God alone who sent forth His Spirit into their hearts, and the rest is history. Their willingness, and liberality was the direct result of God’s work in their hearts, and He alone must be glorified for what transpired, because it’s all about Christ. Let’s read:

Exodus 35:21 And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him up, and everyone whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

Exodus 31:30 And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the Lord hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;
31 And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;
32 And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
33 And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work.
34 And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.
35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.

The same experience was repeated, when in David’s day, requests were made for the building of the first temple. The people brought willingly of their goods, but David acknowledged that the attitude of giving did not originate with the people. Like as with the characteristic of humility, it was God alone who had moved upon the hearts of the people, and the rest is history. Let’s read:

1st Chronicles 29:9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
10 Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
11 Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.
12 Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

[B.E. pp 380] It was God alone who had made His people generous. He, not man, must be glorified. His Spirit had made them willing. If His love had not moved on the hearts of the people, the temple would never have been built.

This brings us to one of the most important issues to be addressed, as it pertains to our service, and our relationship with God. Question: What role does the human agent have to play, in the plan of salvation, and all that it entails. The answer is one, “CHOICE”.

Whenever we choose good over evil, or service over selfishness, or humility over pride, and willingness in place of procrastination and excuses, then Christ couples His Holy Spirit with our choice, to bring to pass in our hearts, that which otherwise, would never have occurred, for it’s all about Christ.

Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.

This leads us to a stark reality existing in churches today across the land, for it seems as if members have to be induced by rewards, to serve; rewards such as praise, accolades, and higher positions, and public recognition of one’s efforts or contributions. In some instances, some may even be offended, or discouraged if their names were not mentioned as noteworthy from the pulpit.

Then again, it seems as if some have to be literally begged and pleaded with to do some little service for The Master, albeit with great reluctance and an attitude. The real underlying problem is that God’s Spirit is largely absent from many churches, even though members may not be cognizant of the fact.

Thus, the Bible study for today will center around a parable given by Christ, which demonstrates the way in which our service and our relationship with Christ is implemented and evaluated in the courts of heaven. As we read we will discover in surprise, that it is the one who initially had the bad attitude, who ultimately did God’s will, whatever his or her attitude may have been.

The prospect was laid before each, the choices were made, and then the one who had chosen God’s will was subsequently endowed and fully equipped with everything he needed to accomplish what God had required. Thus, it is in all aspects of our salvation, because the choice is ours, as Joshua rightly put it, “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve”.

But one thing is certain, once we choose Christ, it becomes all about Christ; His work, His enabling, His energy, His Spirit, His willingness, His humility, His righteousness, His steadfastness, His character, His will power, and everything else that is included in the production, and the implementation of all the Christian graces, for it’s all about Christ. Let’s read:

Matthew 21:28 A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.
29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
30 And he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father?
They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

The second son had made a spontaneous choice in the heat of the moment, whilst the organist was playing, and the stirring appeals were being made from the pulpit; and thus, his apparent willingness, and humility was of human origin. Thus, when it came time for the rubber to meet the road, when it came time to deliver on his promise, he was found to be recanting, and consequently ran out of steam.

However, the first son, who seemed to be unwilling initially, obviously thought the matter through, and made a deliberate choice to serve, and the rest is history, for after choosing, he was empowered, and given the wherewithal to accomplish the Father’s will. In other words, everything that was needed was provided, and thus He who was once unwilling was enabled to do and dare for The Master.

In the Christian’s life experience, the same is true, for whatsoever is worth accomplishing, whether it be in spiritual or temporal lines, we must remember that it’s all about Christ. We choose, and then the work of the Holy Spirit in enabling us to perform the will of God, is implemented, because it’s all about Christ.

We therefore close with a quote from the pen of inspiration, and a passage of scripture which would remind us of our constant dependence and need of Christ. Let’s read:

[C.O.L. pp 349>350] God desires that His workers in every line shall look to Him as the Giver of all they possess. All right inventions and improvements have their source in Him who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working. The skillful touch of the physician's hand, his power over nerve and muscle, his knowledge of the delicate organism of the body, is the wisdom of divine power, to be used in behalf of the suffering.

The skill with which the carpenter uses the hammer, the strength with which the blacksmith makes the anvil ring, comes from God. He has entrusted men with talents, and He expects them to look to Him for counsel. Whatever we do, in whatever department of the work we are placed, He desires to control our minds that we may do perfect work.

Divine and human agencies are to combine in temporal as well as in spiritual achievements. They are to be united in all human pursuits, in mechanical and agricultural labors, in mercantile and scientific enterprises. There must be co-operation in everything embraced in Christian activity.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

God Bless!

Strange Fire! Sabbath Afternoon. 02/03/2018

February 03, 2018

Strange fire, as it pertains to worship, is offering to God something other than that which He has clearly commanded. As fallen human beings, we have to be taught how to worship, because we do not naturally have it within us to worship anyone but ourselves. It is because of this fact why God has given extensive, detailed, and meticulous instructions regarding our worship of Him. Any deliberate deviation from what He has outlined, and approved, is a form of strange fire, of our own kindling.

Strange fires were first kindled by Cain, who sought to force The Lord to accept that which He had not commanded, by offering fruit of the ground instead of a lamb of the flocks. By offering a substitute, Cain had proposed to worship God according to his own finite ideas, and he thereby set the stage for other strange fires to be kindled by self-serving, subjective worshipers down through the ages. Let’s read:

In our day, contemporary Christianity has kindled a host of strange fires, which God neither recognizes or endorses. These fires range from the incoherent speaking in tongues, to Sunday keeping, and from dancehall-style praise, to the free use of alcoholic beverages in some communion services. Strange fires also include the use of the tithes, and offerings for personal gain, and self-aggrandizement.

But God has clearly stated in His word, and by the teaching of His providences, that strange fires will never be accepted, whether those fires be kindled deliberately, or inadvertently. That passage in the book of Acts which says, “At the times of ignorance God winked” is often misunderstood to mean that God accepted substitutes. Winked is not a synonym for accept, and furthermore, God commanded that necessary corrections to be made, two thousand years ago.

In the instance of Aaron’s sons, the strange fire was kindled under the influence of alcohol, and their sin was speedily, and signally dealt with, so that future generations would have on record, the way God will also deal with modern-day strange fires. Very many Christians are being brainwashed by false prophets into accepting a “Cool” Jesus, who sits idly by, while His laws, statutes, and His instructions are trampled upon.

Then again there are others who believe that God’s commands are all optional, and subject to variables such as feelings, emotionalism, and impulse. But in the example of Aaron’s two sons, God showed that He will not be trifled with, and any individual who desires to serve and worship Him, must of necessity do so according to those instructions given in bible, and nothing else. When we as mortals understand this basic fact, we will be prepared to worship God in spirit, and in truth. Let’s read:

Leviticus 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not.
2 And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.
3 Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.
4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.
5 So they went near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp; as Moses had said.
6 And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the Lord hath kindled.
7 And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the Lord is upon you.
8 And the Lord spake unto Aaron, saying,
9 Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:
10 And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean.

There are very grave, and important lessons to be learned from this singular experience, lessons that are greatly needed in our day and age, where any, and everything seems to be incorporated under the banner of Christian worship, and lifestyle.

[1] Alcoholic beverages distort a person’s judgment and interferes with one’s ability to distinguish good from evil, and right from wrong. This is the reason given in the scripture for the perversion of the sons of Aaron, for their better judgment was impaired by the use of spiritous liquors; and by the way, there is a reason, why alcoholic beverages are referred to as “spirits”. Let’s read:

Leviticus 10:9 Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die.
10 That ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean.

Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

When David had sinned against Bathsheba, and her husband Uriah, by their illicit rendezvous, Uriah had displayed excellent morals, by refusing to go home and have intimate relations with his wife. Thus, in sheer desperation, David sought as a last resort, to interfere with Uriah’s rational judgment, by offering him several bottles of Jack Daniels on the rocks, so as to confuse Uriah’s better judgment.

However, in this particular instance, the providence of God overruled David’s ploys, and kept Uriah both sober, and drunk at the same time, so that the small window of opportunity David had been hoping for, to credit Bathsheba’s pregnancy to Uriah now faded into oblivion. But one thing is certain, David knew exactly what he was doing when he reached into his refrigerator for those bottles of alcoholic beverages. Let’s read:

2nd Samuel 11:12 And David said to Uriah, Tarry here today also, and tomorrow I will let thee depart.
13 And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord but, went not down to his house.

[2] God does not accept, partial obedience that is deliberate, meaning, that if we know better, He will require better from us.

The idea that we are free to pick, and choose what we desire to obey is a non-starter, and, will lead us to outright rebellion. It is not good enough to keep nine commandments out of ten, because the one thus omitted, puts us in the category of breaking all ten. Spouses should not be faithful to each other 90% of the time, because the other 10% can lead to a permanent fracture in their relationship. Let’s read:

James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

[3] Great blessings, great revelations, and privileges should always lead us to greater obedience. Those who are privileged to talk with God in the mountain must render commensurate obedience in the valley, for privilege is not license, and great revelations do not release one from obeying all of God’s word. On the contrary, the more revelations are given us, the more is expected of us. Let’s read:

Luke 12:48 For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 359>360] Next to Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu had stood highest in Israel. They had been especially honored by the Lord, having been permitted with the seventy elders to behold His glory in the mount. But their transgression was not therefore to be excused or lightly regarded. All this rendered their sin more grievous.

Because men have received great light, because they have, like the princes of Israel, ascended to the mount, and been privileged to have communion with God, and to dwell in the light of His glory, let them not flatter themselves that they can afterward sin with impunity, that because they have been thus honored, God will not be strict to punish their iniquity. This is a fatal deception.

The great light and privileges bestowed require returns of virtue and holiness corresponding to the light given. Great blessings or privileges should never lull to security or carelessness. They should never give license to sin or cause the recipients to feel that God will not be exact with them.

[4] False sympathy, which leads us to view God’s corrective judgments as cruel, unwarranted, and unfair, puts us in a position of aiding and abetting in the crimes committed. God is a Spirit, and therefore sympathy given to those who are deserving of God’s correction is a sign that we disagree with His actions and sets the stage for rebellion by contagion.

When Korah, Dathan, and Abiram were destroyed because of their rebellion against Moses and Aaron, the people had fled in terror, but in their hearts was murmuring against God, for what they thought was the unjust treatment of the conspirators, and their families. And the following day, this false sympathy found open expression in their complaints, and accusations against the Lord’s anointed. Let’s read:

Numbers 16:41 But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the Lord.
42 And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord appeared.
44 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
45 Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.
46 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; the plague is begun.
47 And Aaron ran into the midst of the congregation, and behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.
48 And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.

Leviticus 10:6 And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people.

In closing, there is a whole lot of foolishness taking place across the land, and liars, fraudsters, and all those who deliberately destroy the land, are found to be multiplying at an unprecedented scale. And for all intents and purposes it may now seem to the casual observer that God has forsaken the earth.

In addition to this, many professed Christians are countenancing the cruelties being done across the land, and no one seems to have the nerve, or the resolve to stand up for truth and righteousness. But when men fail to carry out God’s revealed will, then He will take matters into His own hands, which will result in catastrophic judgments, the likes of which we have never seen, or expected from The God of love. Let’s read:

[P&P pp 578] Those who have too little courage to reprove wrong, are held accountable for the evil that may result from their neglect of duty. We are just as responsible for evils that we might have checked in others by as if the acts had been our own.

Strange fires, which put the human agent at odds with God’s revealed will should be avoided under all circumstances, for God is impartial in His dealings, and if Moses was prevented from entering Canaan, because of striking the rock when God had required him to speak to the rock, then we who are living on the brink of eternity should clearly understand that whatever God requires, that alone will be accepted.

Therefore, we close with two important passages of scripture, so that whosoever will, may understand what is coming upon the earth, as a result of the many forms of strange fires now being offered. Let’s read:

Ezekiel 3:18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Isaiah 28:21 For the Lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.
22 Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word.
God Bless!

Successful Christian Business. Sabbath Afternoon. 01/27/2018

January 27, 2018

The purpose of this Bible study is not to trigger a gold rush, but instead is to state distinctly the close relationship between character building, and those temporal concerns of life, by which every person’s eternal destiny is to be assessed. The bulk of our Christian experience, and character building actually takes place during the six working days of the week, as we manage the mundane things of life, and as we interact with our fellowmen, not merely on Sabbath when we worship God.

Mammon, which has to do with material blessings, is often viewed as having an evil connotation, and some Christians are prone to avoid business, and investing because of the temptations, and spiritual risk incident to riches. But God would have us take a different view, for although the concept of money did not originate with God, yet it is the currency by which bills are paid and God’s cause is sustained on the earth.

Indeed, many of our churches are currently big on faith, but are hurting for cash, because the bottom line is that Home Depot doesn’t take faith as a form of payment, neither does the electrical, and water bills get paid by trust. Therefore, God expects of His people, well structured business enterprises, where warranted, through which the glory, the character, and principles of God, would be made manifest to the unbelieving world, for God is greatly honored by the success of His people.

However, it is true that wealth, in some Christian circles has become stigmatized because of the way in which it is acquired. When riches are multiplied through the teaching of false doctrines, to please itching ears, then God is greatly dishonored. But if Christians run well-structured successful businesses, according to Biblical principles, then God is not only glorified, but His kingdom is thereby built up. Let’s read:

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Romans 12:9 Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Deuteronomy 8:11 Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;
13 And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;
14 Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God.
17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.
18 But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

[Christ’s Object Lessons. pp 349>350] Religion and business are not two separate things; they are one. Bible religion is to be interwoven with all we do or say. Divine and human agencies are to combine in temporal as well as in spiritual achievements. They are to be united in all human pursuits in mechanical and agricultural labors, in mercantile, and scientific enterprises. There must be cooperation in everything embraced in Christian activity.

Furthermore, the Bible is full of business men, from Joseph to Solomon, from Jacob to Job, from Peter, James and John, to Lydia amongst others, all were able to run their business whilst being believers in God, and God’s kingdom was ultimately built up by their efforts and support. Thus, the old stereotypes pertaining to our views on mammon must indeed be revisited, lest we find ourselves coming up short as far as God’s ideals for us go.

This leads us to a case study on what is described as the unfaithful steward, a person who was given one talent by God, and who hid it in the ground for safe keeping, and who preserved it with no loss to the original Giver. But in the day of final accounts, he was cast out of the kingdom, for not improving on the opportunities, and blessings granted him.

The blessings, and talents God gives us are not for safe-keeping merely, but they are for multiplication purposes, that the Giver and humanity may be thus benefitted. In other words, the gift of music to one Christian should not be restricted to playing for the church services only. He or she should act upon the principle of multiplication, by producing songs, and teaching others, and eventually owning their own label, and production company with his/ her own studio. All this and more is possible according to the will of God, through prayer. Let’s read:

Matthew 25: 14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Here we clearly see that God distributed His gifts according to the several abilities of each steward, for he who could successfully manage five million, was given five million. He who could handle two million was given the same, and he who had ability to mange one, was given one. But the purpose was one and the same for all three stewards, because a substantial return on His investments was expected by God. But then we come to the person who was given one million.

As we read his account, we will observe a multitude of excuses surfacing, where he would blame any, and everyone but himself for his signal failures. He begins his complaints against God, then he suggests that too much was expected of him, and last, but not least he chalks it all up to fear of the unknown, a risk he was not willing to take. Let’s read:

Matthew 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed.
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

Like the servant with the one talent, many of us are “Afraid”, and fear may cause us to become indolent, or protracted in our outlook on life. Some are afraid of the Donald, and what he may do next. Others are afraid of the Sunday law, and still others are afraid of the city or the country, as the case might be. The time of trouble also scares some into not stepping out in faith, when God has opened up many golden opportunities at our doorsteps.

The fear of any, and every type of risk discloses the profound lack of faith, as evidenced in the steward who was afraid, for God has given us the essential element of faith, by which most hurdles, challenges, and reasonable risks can be mitigated. In fact, when we consider the matter carefully, living on this earth will inevitably involve some level of risk. Indeed, if a person was to become a true Christian, there will be some measure of risk, for there are those who have lost their jobs because of the Sabbath.

The same would’ve been true of the three stewards in the parable, for they may have invested in some rental properties in the Sunshine state of Florida, but the risk of hurricanes would be incurred. Then again, they may have opted to multiply their talents in the Midwest, but there, the threat of tornadoes would be an ongoing concern.

So as a last resort, they may have chosen the high-tech capital of silicon-valley, where they may have invested in one of the great tech companies, but lo and behold, the San Andreas fault would obviously pose a constant risk of devastating earthquakes. In addition to all these potential threats, there also was the risk of Jesus second coming, for it is written no man knows the day nor the hour. Thus, fear gave rise to indolence, causing the unprofitable servant to not realize his God-given potential.

Thus, if we were to plan, attempt, invest, and if we were to approach new horizons from a perspective of fear, nothing worthwhile will be accomplished. In fact, the book of Revelation reveals to us that many good people, and many law-abiding citizens with a good credit score, will be lost, all because of fear. It is the first group of individuals on the list of losers. Let’s read:

Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the second death.

Matthew 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto everyone that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Thus, with the weight of responsibility resting upon our shoulders to put the talents, blessings, financial resources, and opportunities God has lent us, to the best use, let us study some of the core fundamental principles given in the scripture, which would make your business a “Successful Christian Business”.

[1] God’s kingdom must come first:
Whenever a profit is made, and whenever The Lord sees fit to bless us with increase, the tithe, as well as a commensurate offering should be set aside first before any other temporal consideration. It doesn’t matter how important or how pressing the issue is, having God in the number one spot on our list of priorities is a non-negotiable must.

As far as the offering goes, a set percentage is much preferable than random spontaneous figures based on momentary, emotional impulse. This method will guard against those temptations to circumstantial variance, by which we may subtract from our returns when business isn’t booming. Any steward who is faithful and consistent with a hundred dollars, will most likely be faithful and consistent when millions come.

In fact, circumstantial evidence has proven that in too many cases, it is not safe for God to bless those whom He cannot trust. The unprofitable servant to whom was given the one talent, made at least three excuses, so if God blessed him with five million, he would be sure to give at least five million excuses. A Christian business that is faithful in small things will be faithful, and successful when it strikes gold. Let’s read:

Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

[2] Order and Organization:
Christian businesses should be characterized by the principles of order and proper organization, for this is a characteristic of the God whom we serve. When the Bible tells us that the heavens declare the glory of God, it means that His character traits can often be observed by studying the heavens. Suns, moons, stars and planets all circle the throne of deity in an orderly fashion, and the sun always rises in the east and sets in the west.

Thus, a Christian business that lacks organization, and order isn’t representing God correctly. When papers are left lying around the office in heaps with important notes scrabbled on them, and when tools cannot be found, and when folks continually keep forgetting where such and such item was placed, it is a sign that orderliness is lacking, and needs to be addressed. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Isaiah 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.

Proverbs 24:30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

John 20:6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

These items were never ever going to be used by Christ again, neither in this world, nor in the world to come. So why does He take the time to fold them so neatly? Why doesn’t He just leave them in a heap on the floor? What does a Christian business to with items that are no longer needed? Should the same care be manifested in handling garbage, as in the management of it’s most prized possessions? The answers are given in the scriptures. Let’s read:

Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.
13 But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat.
14 And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.
15 And they did so and made them all sit down.
16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

When we compare Christ’s example to black Friday, where there is so often, a stampede to get into the store first, and where on many occasions, fist fights have broken out, and some lives lost, as a mad rush is made for the doors, we would see a very distinct contrast in the way Christ conducts His business. In addition, He gave us important lessons on recycling, and waste management. Let’s read:

John 6:12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

[3] Accountability:
Accountability is one of the areas which need to be urgently addressed by Christian businesses, for too often the inflows are not properly reconciled with the outflows, and as a result, unnecessary deficits and losses are incurred, driving many into the snare of revolving debt. In addition, one of the common snares satan lays for the feet of the unwary, is that of not making provision to take a loss.

The reason why so many financial institutions, and businesses went bankrupt during the last recession is that ample provision was not made to suffer loss, without going under. Improper leveraging, constant dependence on credit markets, and a lack of rainy day funds, drove some to extinction, and many persons, and families literally went six feet under.

Therefore, any Christian business that lacks the principle of accountability, and does not make any allowance for losses will soon be out of business! Being accountable and making proper provision for losses are scriptural principles which must then be incorporated into one’s business planning, for there are many who do not know how to manage loss. Let’s read:

Proverbs 27:23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks and look well to thy herds.
24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

Genesis 31:38 This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young.
39 That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.

[4] Replenishing:
The principle of restoring that which is used was one of the first instructions given to man, and in the running of a Christian business, this principle must be seen. Revolving debt, thirty-day payment plans, and other forms of borrowing, are methods which have been introduced, and adopted by many in the Christian arena. However, the gold standard given us by God is to owe no man anything, as far as it’s possible.

If a Christian business, or a believing person seems to be continually saddled with debt, for many years, it’s because some core principles in the Bible are not being implemented, in most cases. And thus, if we are not able to successfully manage mammon, then Christ asks the startling question, who in their right mind will entrust us with eternal riches. Let’s read:

Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Luke 16:8 The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom.
8 Owe no man anything, for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

[Colporteur ministry pp 92] Gospel principles are not obeyed by those who claim to be following Christ. Much haphazard work has been presented before me. The tract and missionary societies [Book and Bible Houses] have been deeply involved in debt through the failure of canvassers to meet their indebtedness. Canvassers have felt that they were ill-treated if required to pay promptly for the books received from the publishing houses. Yet to require prompt remittal is the only way to carry on business.

[5] Be very careful of family and friends when doing business:
This last issue must be addressed for even though it is the will of God that brethren and family members should interact in business concerns, yet due care should be taken when involving family and friends in business enterprises. James and John, Peter and Andrew were all family and friends, and there able to run their fishing businesses without becoming “Frenemies”.

That’s all well and good, and the same example may be duplicated in our day. However, because God is very practical in His instructions to us, He bids us do some research, some observation, some inquiry and much prayer before we co-invest with brethren and family members. Following this particular directive may save us a whole lot of heartache, and remorse in years to come.

In closing, faithfulness is judged not only in spiritual matters, but also in the way we should manage unrighteous mammon, meaning that the attitudes, characteristics, dispositions or habits we develop in managing temporal, transient issues, will also run as common threads throughout our entire Christian experience. Thus, we close with a quote from the pen of inspiration, treating upon the very same subject matter. Let’s read:

[C.O.L. pp 344] It is the duty of every Christian to acquire habits of order, thoroughness, and dispatch. Through lack of determination to take themselves in hand and reform, persons can become stereotyped in a wrong course of action; or by cultivating their powers they may acquire ability to do the very best of service. Then they will find themselves in demand anywhere and everywhere. They will be appreciated for all that they are worth.

God bless!

Fear God! 01/20/2018 Sabbath Afternoon.

January 20, 2018

Throughout this year, we will be studying various segments of the three angel’s messages given to us in Revelation, with the intention of understanding the meaning, the implementation, and ultimately, the consequences of us accepting, or rejecting the everlasting gospel given to our generation.

Thus, in harmony with this specific purpose, it will be necessary for us to be deliberate, and careful, so as not to overlook any detail God intended for us to see. Therefore, we will begin by studying the first two words spoken in these messages, “Fear God”. Let’s read:

To fear God, has several different connotations, and meanings, but it does not mean to be afraid of Him. Instead, it carries those overtones such as supreme reverence, worship, godly wisdom, and hating evil, amongst others. Let’s read:

Psalms 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments.

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Psalms 89:7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

To “Fear God” also includes our admiration of His perfect character, and wisdom. It involves correctly valuing all human life, respect for the elderly, and parents, and all those to whom God has delegated authority, in the secular and the religious realms; the hating of covetousness, and the keeping of God’s commandments.

It also includes the deliberate, personal decision to esteem God’s laws, His statutes, and instructions as being the absolute, and vastly superior standard of righteousness, even when they may be at odds with our finite understanding, and concepts of morality. In other words, whatever we may think or say must be subservient to whatsoever God declares to be right, from food to business to worship to marriage. All this is involved in fearing God.

The fear of God also includes avoiding favoritism, or biased respect of certain persons based upon one’s privilege, rank, financial holdings or celebrity status. It debunks all distinctions of caste, and views every individual as belonging to God, both by creation and redemption. The fear of God leads us to understand that the ground around Mt. Calvary is a level playing field, where any and everyone from every creed and race, can find an equal place, and all are more than welcome to partake of God’s grace.

It also leads us to be careful about making vows to God or man, it also causes us to consider carefully, before taking offices in church, much more so if we are prone to make excuses, when things do not go the way we expected. The fear of God also enters into our business transactions, instructing us against such practices as haggling, undercutting each other in bids for contracts, hostile takeovers, bribery, and fraud, teaching us to execute sound judgment, and mercy, and equity in our interactions with persons.

The fear of God also affects the way we would carry ourselves in His presence, the eating, and drinking during worship services, the walking, or running up, and down in the sanctuary during worship, or even when there’s nothing taking place at church. It also addresses the use of cell-phones and other personal gadgets in God’s presence, whilst we are petitioning Him. In general, it translates into treating God with infinitely greater respect than we would do, in the presence of any earthly ruler.

Indeed, whatsoever we would not dare to do in any earthly ruler’s presence, we should never, ever do in God’s presence. More than anything else the fear of God would lead us to acknowledge, and honor Him as The Creator of the heavens, and the earth. All of these, and more, are included in those first, two cryptic words, “Fear God”. Thus, because the instruction to fear God is holistic in nature, we must address several branches of the phrase. Let’s read:

[1] Fear God --- In His capacity as Creator.
Revelation 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

The popular notion that we are accountable only to ourselves, and that there is no absolute truth, are two offshoots of the “big bang” theory. Hence, the reason why the first angel’s message addresses the Creatorship of God, for without first acknowledging this fact, all of the other down-stream connotations will become irrelevant, in the minds of those who are thus disposed.

Much of the world’s current problems today, from our educational systems, to our social, political and religious systems, are the result of individuals, and nations not recognizing this first fact, that we are created.

[2] “Fearing God” addresses the issue of walking up and down in church, and talking verbally or digitally on casual topics while church service is in progress. Speaking in tongues, excessive noises, and church-goers falling down upon the ground has become a phenomenon that’s quite acceptable in our day; but if we were to read carefully, we will soon discover that any such worship is antithetical to fearing God. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more, ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.

Psalms 89:7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

Habakkuk 2: 20 But the Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.

[3] Fear God, in making rash vows without careful thought, and making spontaneous financial pledges when stirring appeals are made. When we go home, and calmly consider what we committed to in the heat of the moment, impulsiveness is not an excuse for any negligence, or delay on our part, in fulfilling that which we committed to do, on the spur of the moment.
In other words, rash vows are just as valid in God’s sight as are those which may be carefully thought out. If two persons fall in love at first sight, and in the heat of the moment they get married hastily, without careful thought and due consideration, the marriage is considered just as binding in the sight of God, as other folks who prayerfully considered the matter before tying the knot. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 5:2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore, let thy words be few.
4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?
7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.

[A.A pp 74>78] When the heart is stirred by the influence of the Holy Spirit, and a vow is made to give a certain amount, the one who vows has no longer any right to the consecrated portion. When divine light is shining into the heart with unusual clearness and power, habitual selfishness relaxes its grasp and there is a disposition to give to the cause of God.

But none need think that they will be allowed to fulfill the promises then made, without a protest on the part of Satan. He is not pleased to see the Redeemer's kingdom on earth built up. He suggests that the pledge made was too much, that it may cripple them in their efforts to acquire property or gratify the desires of their families.

[4] Fear God…. In business transactions. As it stands currently, many business transactions conducted in the world and in the church, are void of the fear of God. The notion that we will not be undersold, that we will beat any advertised price, may sound good to the consumer, and we may actually benefit from such advertisements. But at their core, is another principle in operation, other than “Fear God”.

The practice of submitting unreasonably low bids on a contract, so as to procure a job does not proceed from the fear of God. The Christian who fears God will price his/her bids in harmony with the standard of the industry, once such standards are within the bounds of reason, justice, and equity. Then he/she will trust God to provide in due season. But for any Christian to become the sport of circumstances, just to make a buck, is nowhere encouraged in the Bible. Let’s read:

Luke 10:7 The laborer is worthy of his hire.

Leviticus 19:35 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in mete-yard, in weight, or in measure.
36 Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the Lord your God.

[Test vol. 7 pp 163] In the effort to secure outside patronage in order to relieve the publishing houses from financial embarrassment, prices have been set so low that the work brings no profit. Those who flatter themselves that there is a gain have not kept strict account of every outgo. Do not cut down prices in order to secure a job. Take only such work as will give a fair profit.

At the same time there should be in our business deal no shadow of selfishness or overreaching. Let no one take advantage of any man's ignorance or necessity by charging exorbitant prices for work done or for goods sold.

That word “Exorbitant” is relative to the standard of the industry, and is never to be understood as one’s personal discretion. When David offered Ornan to purchase his threshing floor, he was offered it at no price, but David, who feared God, refused. Instead he paid the full price that was standard at that time. A three-bedroom house, with 2500 square feet, on fifth Ave New York city, will not cost the same as a similar home with the same square footage in rural Georgia.

Thus, the Christian is nowhere commanded to use personal discretion in pricing, as far as any business transaction goes. Discretion is optional, relative to the standard of the industry, and like Ornan, he may choose to give his house to the salvation army for free. That’s all well and good but he is nowhere commanded to do so, because that will be his own personal choice. Let’s read:

1st Chronicles 21:21 And as David came, Ornan went out of the threshing-floor, and bowed himself to David with his face to the ground.
22 Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshing-floor, that I may build an altar therein unto the Lord: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people.
23 And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all.
24 And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.
25 So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.

[5] Fear God… In Marriage. In recent years marriage has come under attack by secular forces, and as it stands currently it incorporates almost any variation folks may come up with. Marriage is considered as an umbrella to now cover the most deviant concept or interpretation of what God originally intended.

Polygamy, co-habiting, shacking up, same-sex unions, bestiality, and having additional misters and mistresses, are all options considered to be viable in the sight of millions, as it pertains to marriage. But to fear God in marriage is to esteem it as the sacred institution it was meant to be, as the foundation of society, and intended for the stability communities, as well as nations.

But alas! We have fallen very low, for the sacred institution has been dragged in the dust, and holds little weight in the minds of many, as far as one’s commitment goes. In places high and low, and even within our own borders, the fear of God is strangely absent in many instances, as it pertains to marriage, and thus, for the record, it is necessary to state very implicitly, what God’s standard, and ideal is, on the matter. Let’s read:

Genesis 2:18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
22 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Matthew 19:3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

God also gave us a vivid revelation of how He views the sin of adultery. When Sarah was inadvertently taken by the Egyptian king, and again by Abimelech, God showed His great displeasure in sending a very grievous plague upon those households, signaling to them and ourselves in the 21st century that adultery and hush-money, flirting, and swingers in kings and in princes will not be tolerated, but instead, those who participate in such nocturnal activities, will be held accountable. Let’s read:

Genesis 20:1 And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.
2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.
3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.
4 But Abimelech said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?
5 Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.
6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know
that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me.
7 Now therefore restore the man his wife, and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
8 Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.

[6] Last, but not least is “Fear God”….. In respect of persons. Let’s set the record straight by observing what the scriptures have to say:
Acts 8:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.

On this point, we are lost in a maze of ideologies, political maneuvering, and social engineering, to the point where the lines between truth and error on this point, have become quite blurred. All ethnic cleansing, caste systems, racial profiling, and all preferential treatment given only to those in the upper echelons of society, or to the wealthy are variations of “Respect of persons”.

On this point God warns us, as He did with the Jews, not to forget where we came from, so as not to misunderstand where we are going. Immigrants in our day are the equivalent of “strangers”, and when they are treated inhumanely, and when families are torn apart as a result of respect of persons, then we will open the door for God’s retributive judgment to fall upon us.

All individuals have been bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, thus, in lieu of the infinite price paid for our redemption, God expects us to treat each other with human dignity, just as Christ did when He walked upon the earth. With this sole purpose in mind, let’s read our final few passages.

Deuteronomy 1:17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's.

Deuteronomy 16:18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

2nd Chronicles 19:4 And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem.
5 And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city.
6 And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord.
7 Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon
you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

Exodus 22:21 Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
24 And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

God Bless!

The Food Fight. Sabbath Afternoon. 01/13/2018

January 13, 2018

There is a food fight currently raging across the land which pits the so-called wisdom of man, against the wisdom of God, and which seems for the most part, to apparently prove that God was wrong when He gave us certain instructions, and laws pertaining to diets and foods. In many instances, the Bible seems to be at odds with scientific research, and because of this, many people have become very confused as to the right course of action to pursue, in the quest for health, and longevity.

The health message, which is described as the right arm of the third angels’ messages of Revelation 14 was given to us as a precious legacy, to be given to the world. But we are called to not only deliver the message, but to be the message. In our day God has given His remnant people diamonds, in the form of the health message, and this means that in our own persons, the wisdom of God in the health message should be exemplified, and materialized literally.

In other words, God has called us to debunk, in our own persons, many of the flawed theories, research and studies that now abound, pertaining to diet and foods, and instructions for healthful living. Often, by so-called conclusive scientific evidence, persons are ensnared into ingesting harmful substances, foods, and liquids, with the inevitable, adverse side effects. The so-called studies often seem to show that there are benefits to doing the direct opposite to what is written in the scriptures.

But we should always bear in mind that the many studies done on thousands of individuals, are more likely to involve those who are not following God’s instructions, for if research was to be done on the obedient, entirely different results would be made apparent, in most cases.
And therefore, the research and its results can be both true, and seriously flawed at the same time. For this reason, we will begin by demonstrating the results of a few “Studies” which to the casual reader may seem to be conclusive. In one recent interview on CNN, Dr. Sanjay Gupta advocated for drinking one or two glasses of wine per day, for as he put it, there are very real benefits to be derived by doing so.

His conclusion is also backed up by studies done by Harvard, which seem to show that several glasses of wine per week, deliver antioxidants, and nutrients that may otherwise be missing from a person’s diet. Thus, as we investigate the various studies and their apparent results, we will begin with what the Bible teaches on the same point, and then we’ll observe a pattern of contradictory evidence on the part of the “researchers”.

[1] The Biblical instruction on the use of wine:
Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Research on the benefits of red wine: [Harvard Nutrition Source]
The comparatively low rate of heart disease in France despite a diet that includes plenty of butter and cheese has come to be known as the French paradox. Some experts have suggested that red wine makes the difference, something the wine industry has heavily, and heartily endorsed.

Some studies have suggested that red wine—particularly when drunk with a meal—offers more cardiovascular benefits than beer or spirits. These range from international comparisons showing a lower prevalence of coronary heart disease in wine-drinking countries.

Red wine may contain various substances, in addition to alcohol that could prevent blood clots, relax blood vessel walls, and prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, “bad” cholesterol), a key early step in the formation of cholesterol-filled plaque.

[2] The Biblical instruction on oysters, crabs, and
mollusks:
Leviticus 11:9 These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat.
10 And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you:
11 They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination.
12 Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.

Research done on the benefits of eating oysters, crabs, and other shellfish:
Immune Boosting: Mollusks pack a solid dose of both vitamin E and C. They also contain various other minerals that help our immune system. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of oysters also protect against free radicals, which are released during cellular metabolism.

Heart Health:
Oysters positively influence heart health. They reduce the plaque that accumulates on arteries by inhibiting it from binding to the artery walls and blood vessels. Moreover, the high magnesium and potassium content in oysters helps lower blood pressure and relaxes the blood vessels.

Good for Eyes:
Oysters top the list of natural sources of zinc, the mineral that ensures that the eye’s pigment is adequately produced in the retina.
Improves Brain Function:
Oysters are a rich source of B12, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and iron, benefiting brain function.

Mood Boosting:
Due to the high levels of zinc found in these sea dwellers, they are known to stabilize mood. Zinc is considered an essential mineral because it is not stored by the body and needs to be consumed through diet. Another study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adequate zinc intake was effective at reducing anger and depression in young women.

Good for the Skin:
The powerful mineral zinc plays a big role in skin repair by helping create and boost collagen. Collagen is crucial for the structural support in skin and reduces sagging. It also helps maintain stronger nails, and keeps scalp and hair healthy.

Healthy vascular system and blood vessels:
A serving of oysters contains 16-18% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. They are also high in omega–3 fatty acids, potassium, and magnesium which are known to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and also effective at lowering blood pressure.

Energy Boosting:
Oysters contain a good amount of B12 vitamins, which boost energy and turn the food we eat into energy. Recent studies suggest anywhere from 15-40% of Americans don’t have adequate levels of B12 for optimal health. Oysters also contain iron, which helps the body transport oxygen to individual cells giving an energy boost.

Bone Health:
The Presence of selenium, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorus and calcium found in these mollusks lead to stronger bone health and density. According to an article in The Independent, French biologists have been studying the way oysters produce nacre (mother-of-pearl), and believe the process could be replicated to provide cures and preventative treatments for osteoporosis, arthritis, and certain skin complaints.

[3] The Biblical instruction on animal fat:
Leviticus 7:22 And the Lord spake saying,
23 Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.
24 And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it.

Leviticus 3:17 It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.

Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.

Waitress Mary Brasda posing with a "Quadruple Bypass Burger" at the Heart Attack Grill in Chandler, Arizona June 17, 2009.

Newsweek Magazine: BY CHRIS RIOTTA ON 4/19/17 AT 4:51 PM
SORRY, VEGETARIANS: ANIMAL FAT MAY ACTUALLY LOWER CHOLESTEROL, NEWLY DISCOVERED STUDY FINDS.

Previously unreported findings come from the largest study of its kind to dispute the idea that polyunsaturated fat, typically found in vegetable products, is healthier in the long term than saturated fats, found in meats, creams and butter. The research found that replacing vegetable oils with saturated fats in fact lowered cholesterol levels in participants age 20 to 97 by an average of 14 percent.

And we are not finished yet, because studies and research, have not only muddied the water, as it pertains to diet and foods, but so-called research has also entered the arena of marriage, where the sacred institution ordained of God in Eden, is now being questioned and debunked by scientific study. In other words, cheating on one’s spouse has now been proven to be beneficial to one’s marriage, according to one study. Let’s read:

New Study Reveals . . . Cheating Makes Your Marriage Stronger. By MATT BETT
TURIN, Italy -- Thou shalt not commit adultery . . . unless you want a stronger marriage! According to a new study, husbands and wives who cheat on each other are more likely to stay together. Dr. Lucielle Ostertag from the Italian Institute of Social Sciences conducted the controversial research.

"I started the analysis project to discover how damaging infidelity was to marriages," says Dr. Ostertag. "I was as surprised as everyone when the numbers proved that cheating on your spouse is actually good for your marriage." According to the scientific survey, the more extramarital flings a couple enjoys, the more likely they are to remain together and the happier they will be. "Some of the strongest unions I studied included spouses who each were involved in repeated extramarital affairs throughout the relationship," explains Dr. Ostertag.

Now brethren, if God says something is bad for us, and our scientific research shows on the contrary, many benefits of doing the exact opposite to what God says, then, the logical conclusion will be that God must have been ill-informed in His instructions, and if so, then the wisdom of our scientific research must be superior to the wisdom of God, and if so, then man is more intelligent than His maker, thus, God and all His instructions and laws must therefore be subservient to what our own “findings” reveal.

This takes us into the core of our Bible study, “The Food Fight”, because it is obvious that the wisdom of God, and the wisdom of man have been pitted against each other. With the beginning of a new year, many resolutions are being made in regard to health, for people are beginning to understand that the choices we make can either prolong life, or shorten it. However, the way we go about making the necessary changes in our lifestyle and habits, should be based upon those Biblical instructions given to us, instead of the many quick-fixes that abound today. When the issues of food, exercise and rest are appropriately addressed, benefits will be seen, and felt almost immediately.

But in order for us to win the food fight, the issue must be tackled at its two main components, the spiritual, and the physical, for both are uniquely, and inseparably intertwined. In other words, the spiritual factors such as self-restraint, temperance, consistency, and faith in God, must then be coupled together with good food choices, a regular exercise program, and adequate rest to recuperate oneself. Let’s read:

[C.D pp 62>63] A close sympathy exists between the physical and the moral nature. The standard of virtue is elevated or degraded by the physical habits. Excessive eating of the best of food will produce a morbid condition of the moral feelings. And if the food is not the most healthful, the effects will be still more injurious.

Any habit which does not promote healthful action in the human system, degrades the higher and nobler faculties. Wrong habits of eating and drinking lead to errors in thought and action. Indulgence of appetite strengthens the animal propensities, giving them the ascendancy over the mental and spiritual powers.

To those who are now looking for the soon coming of Christ, definitive decisions, and modes of thought would need to be adopted, if we are to be prepared to receive the “finishing touch of immortality”, if we were to live until Jesus comes. This means that all of the ground work, the eating habits, the lifestyle, the food choices, coupled together with obedience, and prayer, will have been incorporated and practiced in our daily lives.

Thus, in harmony with this ideal, we must revisit the parameters given for success.
[1] Consistency.
Exodus 15:26 If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.

Diligence is one of the spiritual factors which will directly impact our success in the food fight. There are those days when we will “Feel” to eat junk food, especially on those social or festive occasions, when impulse is prone to given preeminence over sound judgment and principle. Then there are those days when we wont fee to exercise, because it’s cold and raining outside, or because we’re tired.

Any Christian who allows feelings, and impulse to govern his/her decisions and choices, will lose the food fight, because stern discipline is needed if we are to achieve anything worthwhile. In fact, good wholesome food, exercise, and rest is worthless without the character trait of discipline, for if we wait until it feels good to do it, it will never be done consistently. Instead, we will begin our regimen in the heat of the moment, and then, a few months later we will run out of steam.

[2] Self- Denial:
Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
When my dad had diabetes, there were times when he longed for a piece of fruit cake, especially around Christmas, when everyone one else was enjoying ice cream, and other delicacies. He would look with longing eyes on the various pastries within reach, but stern discipline caused him to deny the gnawing cravings he then felt. In the food fight, there will be certain items we cannot eat, if we are to be victors.

Temperance:
1st Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Eating intemperately of the best food, will have adverse effects on our system, and will cause us to lose the food fight. Too much salad is just as bad as too much water, and a temperate meat eater is far better than an intemperate vegan. Thus, our motto should be to use judiciously, only those foods that are wholesome, in a manner that wouldn’t burden our system with overloads. This leads us to our fourth and final component.

[4] Faith in God.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

This is the missing link in the food chain, by which the other three components are made to work both harmoniously, and consistently, to produce results that defy logic. Whenever genuine faith in God is exercised, when by faith we choose the wisdom of God over the so-called wisdom of man, whenever we trust and obey, relying on God’s power, promise and the original God-ordained diet, then it is that the researchers will be confounded in their findings, for they will discover that the wisdom of man is too often foolishness in the sight of God.

Let us then, as stewards of the messages given to the remnant, be faithful in implementing what The Lord has given us now for many years, for the time is soon coming when we must rely solely on a plain “Thus saith The Lord”. Let’s read:

When properly conducted, the health work is an entering wedge, making a way for other truths to reach the heart. When the third angel's message is received in its fullness, health reform will be given its place in the councils of the conference, in the work of the church, in the home, at the table, and in all the household arrangements. Then the right arm will serve and protect the body.

God Bless!

A Christian Is Born. Sabbath Afternoon. 01/06/2018

January 06, 2018

In our day, professing oneself to be a Christian does not carry the weight, or the meaning that it used to, mainly because of the generic nature contemporary Christianity has morphed into. And even in our own Adventist circles, the designation has become quite blurred, because of the influx of erroneous theories, practices, and ideas borrowed from the mainstream Christian culture. Thus, for the purpose of this Bible study, the name “Christian” will refer to a converted follower of Jesus Christ, not merely a believer, or a follower, or one who professes such a persuasion.

In other words, a Christian is one who has had the necessary procedure of conversion implemented by the Holy Ghost, and who continues to be molded, managed, guided, and changed by The Spirit. Thus, before we begin our Bible study, there are certain erroneous concepts which must be debunked, to clear the way for a Biblical meaning of who, a real Christian is.

Many of us do not yet realize how badly we need Jesus. In many Christian households, where children are brought up in a religious surrounding, baptism is often seen as a necessary addition to the righteous things we had been doing all along. Thus, baptism is often viewed in some circles, as the icing on a cake that already existed. But being a Christian involves an entirely new cake with its own peculiar icing, and baked in the oven of God’s grace, by the One and only Master Chef, Jesus Christ.

The following erroneous concepts about Christianity must therefore be cleared up using the scriptures to guide our understanding, and to give us a balanced view of who we are, and what we may become, by the grace of God alone.
[1] Doing right things does not make any individual a Christian, neither does one become a Christian by making several good improvements on his/her old nature. Let’s read:

Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

This young ruler was searching, not for a Savior, but for more right things to do. But he was becoming so frustrated with himself, that he realized that there must be something missing, for doing right things was not producing freedom from guilt, or the peace that passes all understanding. After doing a number of right things, he still felt an unexplainable void in his soul, which prompted him to reveal his “Lack”. Let’s read:

Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19 Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

[2] Being born into a Christian family, or a Seventh-day Adventist household, does not make a person a Christian, because conversion is not passed on from generation to generation via genetics. Conversion is not transferable, and therefore the procedure has to be done on each person who so desires. In other words, conversion is not about what you do, instead it’s about what happens to you. Let’s read:

Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Romans 9:6 For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God.

[3] Having good morals, and ethics does not make one a Christian. A good moral character, courtesy, and the willingness to earn one’s daily bread by hard labor is good, and is to be encouraged, but that too does not make an individual a Christian.

In commenting upon this very point, the servant of The Lord makes an important statement to all those who may be contemplating marriage with someone of a different persuasion, or who has all of the right stuff, with the above checks, and balances in place, but who has not yet submitted to the procedure of conversion. Let’s read:

[A.H. pp 63] The unbelieving may possess an excellent moral character, but the fact that he or she has not answered to the claims of God and has neglected so great salvation is sufficient reason why such a union should not be consummated.

[4] Being baptized by immersion does not make one a Christian. The question was once asked: “Why is there a seeming haste to baptize children, in some instances?” The answer was given: “Because as they grow older they may change their minds”. Thus, it seems as if it’s best to dunk them before they make an objective, well-informed choice!

Now, no one is saying that children should not be allowed baptism; what is being referenced is the idea of hastening baptism before they come to the age of reason, where they can understand their dire need of God’s grace as little sinners. I was baptized at the age of twelve, and went to church for several years, trying to do right things, and assisting with teaching the teenage class, but I never knew that I wasn’t a Christian. Thus, it’s imperative for us to remember that baptism by immersion does not necessarily make one a Christian.

[4] Believing on Jesus, and having an earnest desire in and of themselves does not make one a Christian. Desire alone is not enough to produce the will, nor the power to become a Christian. Contemporary Christianity focuses heavily on the word believe, but the scriptures teach us that “believing” is just the beginning point. But unless belief translates into a conversion procedure, a person is not a Christian. Let’s read:

James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before-time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria.
11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money.
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness.
23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

[4] Saying our memory verses is good, and being an active member of the AY, and pathfinders should be encouraged, but none of these activities makes one a Christian. In some instances, those presentations may look real cute, but we should bear in mind that being a Christian involves much more than being able to rattle off several memory verses, to the applause of cheering crowds.

[5] Giving Bible studies, and preaching on TBN, and helping the poor are all good deeds, and the human family will almost certainly be benefited from such exercises, but again, none of the above makes one a Christian.

This leads us to our Bible study today, A Christian is Born. After Christ had begun His ministry a Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus came to Him by night to find answers to some questions which had haunted his mind. But after his initial greeting, Jesus went to the heart of the real issue to be addressed, that of Nicodemus’ conversion. Nicodemus, was a teacher of the law, a renowned professor of theology, with his major probably in Hebrew or Greek.

But when Christ told him that he needed to become a Christian, he was taken aback, and shaken out of his comfort zone. Furthermore, there is reason for a grave concern for the students under his care, for if the professor was in need of conversion, then what about the many students in his class? Thus, Jesus was about to correct some of the many erroneous concepts then harbored, of who a Christian really is.

A Christian is born, not of the will of man but of the will of God, which means that the initiative begins with God, is received via our freedom of choice, by accepting Christ, and grows continually through the grace, will, and power of God alone, when coupled together with our freedom to choose. Our inability to save ourselves, or to change our own hearts may be humbling to human nature, but this aspect of the salvation Christ offers is what needs to be urgently understood, and grasped, for it clears the way for both young, and old to receive God’s perfect gift in Christ. Let’s read:

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

This new birth that Christ is referring to, is not an improvement on man’s fallen nature, for in order to become a Christian, the old nature of the man must be slain, and only God can do this, because if we try to slay the old man for ourselves we’ll soon discover that he will self-resurrect randomly and without any warning on numerous occasions, where unforeseen circumstances will fan into life our latent tendencies to evil, much to our chagrin. Let’s read:

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

2nd Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

[D.A 324] When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan.

In the book of Deuteronomy, God gave to parents, instructions on how their offspring should be taught the precepts, statutes, and laws, pertaining to right doing; but this was done with the knowledge that the unconverted heart would falter on numerous occasions. David, Peter, Abraham, Solomon, Isaiah, Moses, Daniel, John, and all the sons of Jacob, the twelve patriarchs all grew up in God-fearing homes, and did right things for a season, in harmony with the instructions received. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 6:1 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them.
2 That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.
3 Hear therefore, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart.
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Grace would then be given to those who tried with a sincere heart to do the right things, but sooner or later, God knows that all such persons would come to the realization that something was still lacking, at which point the conversion procedure, through The One and only Christ Jesus, would then be presented to our minds by the Holy Ghost as being warranted, necessary, and the only feasible way out of our dire predicament.

This moment of reckoning, when we must confront our humanity, with it’s frailties, and utter inability to save ourselves, occurred to each, and everyone who went on to become a Christian, and will be the inevitable experience of all who desire a deep, and abiding relationship with Christ, which constitutes eternal life. We are told of the moment of truth as it occurred in the experiences of some of the most God-fearing men. Let’s read:

Job 42:1 Then Job answered the Lord, and said, 2 I know that thou canst do everything.
3 Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

Isaiah 6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I
am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.
6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

Psalms 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Daniel 10:2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.
4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;
5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:
6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

So, the question is: “How does one become a Christian? There are several answers to be given,
and which should be explained, and understood by those who seek a meaningful, covenant relationship with Christ. [1] The first initiative begins with God, by which a revelation of our true selves would show us both our sinfulness and our utter inability to fix ourselves. Let’s read:

Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

[2] The next initiative also comes from God through Christ, as He is presented as the only way by which anyone can be redeemed, restored and empowered to live victoriously. Self-help, and every man-made method of salvation is left in the dust, for as the Bible teaches, without Christ, we can do absolutely nothing. Let’s read:

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

[3] The third and ongoing step is that of abiding in Christ, through the supernatural power of The Holy Spirit dwelling in us. God gives us the mind to love righteousness, and hate iniquity, He also gives us His Spirit to enable us to grow continually, and if we were to continue submitting to His saving work of redemption, through our freedom of choice, the rest is history, for we will walk right through the pearly gates, all because of what God has done in us, for us, and to us. Let’s read:

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's
commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Understanding that a Christian is born, that it is a supernatural procedure performed on the heart, by the power of God alone, will be of immense value in helping us to both understand, and deal mercifully with our fellowmen, and those who have not yet known Christ. It will also help us greatly in managing our expectations of those who have not yet been born again. Therefore, in closing, we would need to keep in mind that we all need the Person of Christ in our hearts, for any good, or right things outside of Christ is vanity. Let’s read:

[D.A. pp 296>297] As His representatives among men, Christ does not choose angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with those they seek to save. Man needs power outside of and beyond himself, to restore him to the likeness of God, and enable him to do the work of God; but this does not make the human agency unessential. Humanity lays hold upon divine power, Christ dwells in the heart by faith; and through co-operation with the divine, the power of man becomes efficient for good.

God bless!

In All Thy Ways. Sabbath Afternoon. 12/30/2017

December 30, 2017

As we approach another new year with a different set of challenges facing Christians world-wide, it is necessary, even now more than ever, for us to take those counsels given us in Proverbs seriously, which say “In all thy ways acknowledge Him”… Added to this is the instruction given us in 1st Thessalonians 5, which are like three little words right on your door step, by which we are encouraged to “Pray without ceasing”… Let’s read:

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

1st Thessalonians 5: 17 Pray without ceasing.

When taken together as a practical workable whole, these timely counsels will serve as a bulwark against those snares, and temptations which have taken us down repeatedly in times past, and which according to the warnings given in scripture, are scheduled to increase in intensity, ferocity, and frequency, as we stand upon the borders of the heavenly Canaan. We should never restrict the sovereignty of God to only certain areas of our lives, whilst excluding Him from others, which we may prefer to manage ourselves.

In order for us, as Christians to live victoriously, and consistently, we must ask for God’s continual power and guidance in all the affairs, and decision-making processes of life. The reason for this is that God has promised to engage both His omnipotence, and His omniscience in behalf of those who will trust, and ask, so as to avoid making those critical errors, and mistakes in judgment, whilst enabling us to put into practice, that which is lawful and right.

This will call for humility, patience, and faith so that God’s good will may be accomplished in due season in the lives of His people. Here is where many of us falter, for we often believe that we are capable of handling our own temporal affairs, independent of God’s guidance; but in so doing we will certainly be made the sport of circumstances. The temptations of satan are often masked under the veneer of logic and so-called intelligence, and because of this we’ll discover that we are utterly unable to discern good from evil, in very many situations. Let’s read:

[Christian service. pp 253] There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord's promise; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies. Through the Spirit God works in His people “to will and to do of His good pleasure.” But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given.

This does not mean that we will never make errors in judgment, but if, and when that occurs, God will be proactive in shielding us from danger, because we made it a habit to check in with Him first, before doing anything in any line. It is the willingness, and the tendency to seek God’s direction that He honors with His guidance, and discretion.

As we stated earlier, God brings to the table several important assets, which are not the domain of any mortal, or created being, but are the exclusive right of God alone. These assets do include omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. However, it is His power of omniscience that we need most in all our planning. This singular ability of God, to accurately read the future, is of indispensable value to those who are battling visible, and invisible spiritual foes. Let’s read:

Psalms 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

Proverbs 1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and
instruction.

Proverbs 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;

When God gives a promise, the human agent must always go back to God to find out how, and when it is to be accomplished, because promises are not an end in themselves, to be fulfilled in our own time and way, independent of God. This is where many of us fail so often; because we have the promise at our backs, and because it is something good to do, then we often take it upon ourselves to leave God’s guidance, and instructions out of the picture.

For instance, when God chooses to bless His people financially, the funds are not to be used according to our own discretion, independent of God. Instead, we are to walk humbly before Him in prayer, asking the all-important question, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do”. Then, in response, God will give us wisdom, and instruction in disbursing, or using the blessing in the best, and most efficient manner for His glory, and the benefit of those whom He designs should be recipients.

But if we assume, that just because it is a blessing from God, that we may do whatsoever we choose with it, then the following passage will certainly be fulfilled in due season. Let’s read:

Proverbs 23:5 For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Thus, very important lessons can be learned from the experience of one of the prominent characters in the Bible, as he too stumbled on the issue of God being consulted before making any decision. Joshua was granted promises, blessings, and guarantees, to be channeled to the Hebrews. But these were never to preclude a humble prayerful dependence on God as is so often the case with those whom God plans to bless. Let’s read:

[1] The promises, and the blessings:
Joshua 1:1 Now after the death of Moses, the Lord spoke unto Joshua the son of Nun saying,
2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

The Confirmation:
Joshua 2:7 And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.
10 Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you;
11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.
13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the Lord shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.
15 And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water,
16 That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
17 And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.

Joshua 6:27 So the Lord was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country.

Here comes one of the most common mistakes, we as Christians often make. We have the promise, we have the confirmation, and next comes satan with the temptation to presumption, to take for granted that we do not need God’s counsels and instruction anymore, since we obviously have His good favor at our backs. Big mistake!

“In all thy ways acknowledge Him” does not mean in some of thy ways, instead, it means that before we go shopping, before we work, before we go on vacation, before commencing an exercise program, before we call 911, or 411, before we eat, before we open our mouths to speak in volatile situations. Before we choose a career, before a university is to be attended, before choosing a female wife, before we take a job, before we discipline our children, and before we do any of those things we’re accustomed to do without prayer, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, that He may direct our paths aright”….

That is what it means, and nothing else! In other words, the Christian will constantly be checking in with God throughout the day, waiting and watching, and seeking Him before doing anything. This is how Enoch walked with God, by inviting Him into every area of life, and when Enoch’s mind became fully synchronized with God’s own, he was translated to heaven without seeing death. However, in some of his earlier experiences, Joshua stumbled more than once on the same point, and made bad judgment calls as a direct result. Let’s read:

Joshua 7:2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.
3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labor thither; for they are but few.
4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.
5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the Lord until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.
7 And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord God, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!
10 And the Lord said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?
11 Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff.
12 Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.

God’s omniscience would have come in handy in a preemptive manner, for if the above information was sought, and given, prior to the encounter at Ai, Joshua would not have sent his men to suffer signal defeat. There are very great, and important lessons for us here, because, like Joshua, we often plan for ourselves, and after we have decided what we are going to do, then we ask God to comply, by adding His blessing.

But it should be the exact opposite, for His will is to be revealed to us first, then we should sign at the bottom of the page, showing a humble reliance, and compliance with His counsels.

Some of us have already begun making plans for the new year without first praying, and we do not even know if we will live to see the new year, but we’ve already started laying our plans way into the future. When God is sought at the back-end of our plans, it is usually too late to avoid serious mistakes, and as such, we should endeavor to humbly learn from the experiences of those who have gone before. Thus, the following caution, and instruction will prove to be of immense value to all those who are willing to wait humbly upon God. Let’s read:

[H.P pp 213] Each morning consecrate yourself and your family to God for that day. Make no calculation for months, or years, for they are not yours. One brief day is given you, and that one day, work for yourself and your family as though it were your last. Surrender all your plans to God, to be carried out or given up, as His providence shall indicate.

In this manner you may, day by day, be giving your life with its plans, and purposes into the hands of God, accepting His plans instead of your own, no matter how much they may interfere with your arrangements, or how many pleasant projects may have to be abandoned. Thus, the life will be molded more, and more after the divine Model; and “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

As we face another untried year, as we face head winds in the political, and spiritual realms, and as the earth is about to be lightened with the glory of God, to bring earth’s probation to a final close, let the following two passages be our motif, our motto, and our way of life, for in so doing, we may navigate the many snares, and pitfalls that are skillfully laid for the feet of the unwary. Let’s read:

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Psalms 27:14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
Happy New year.
God Bless!

Preserving The Blessing. Sabbath Afternoon. 12/23/2017

December 23, 2017

Blessings coming from God to us, are intended for our benefit, but our response to His mercies often can change the blessing into something other than that which was originally intended. That’s why our response to His kindnesses can either preserve the blessing or reverse it. In fact, most of the problems currently affecting the human family, started out as blessings, but our inattention to God’s instructions caused the blessing to become injurious. Marriage started out as a blessing, but by the introduction of divergent views on the sacred institution, it is now breeding “Worms”. Let’s read:

Genesis 2:22 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
24 Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you. 25 And the land is defiled: therefore, I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.

Food also started out as a blessing, but because we have thrown out God’s wise instructions pertaining to what should or should not be eaten, very adverse results have followed in the wake of our disregard of dietary laws. Most of the common killers such as heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke, clogged arteries, and diabetes, can be traced back to what we eat, or how we eat, and thus, what was given to be a great blessing, has now become public enemy number one, because of our response. Let’s read:

Leviticus 7:22 And the Lord spake saying,
23 Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.
24 Ye shall in no wise eat of it.

Leviticus 7:26 Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings.
27 Whatsoever soul it be that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

Global warming, and very much of its adverse side effects, such as deadly hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and floods, are the result of man’s doing, for when God created the earth, with the firmament, and the clean air, He declared them to be very good. But as it is with so many other blessings, we have turned it into a curse, by the wanton disregard of agricultural laws, coupled together with rampant deforestation. Thus, we’re facing radical climate change, and we’re now stuck with almost 90% GMO’s.

2016 was the hottest year on record. And the 12 warmest years on record have all occurred since 1998. But the Sabbatical rest God had instituted for the earth, was designed to prevent its overplanting, and would have given it ample rest for rejuvenation. But because of our choices, the earth is becoming quite stubborn, as far as production is concerned, and needs more, and more coaxing to supply the worlds teeming multitudes with food. Let’s read:

Leviticus 25:1 And the Lord spake saying,
2 When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the Lord.
3 Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof;
4 But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the Lord: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.
5 That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed: for it is a year of rest unto the land.

Talents of music, and singing are given as blessings from God, with the intent that they would be used in glorifying God, and uplifting humanity; but these gifts can also turn sour, when put to a wrong use. In many instances, those who were blessed with the gift of music, have died prematurely, because what God gave was not preserved, through obedience to His instructions. Cases in point are Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Prince, all of whom were the recipients of God’s blessings, but who died too early because of bad choices made.

Therefore, our disposition to obey, or disobey sets the stage for a blessing to be preserved as such, or for a blessing to become a curse. This leads us to a well-documented history of the Hebrews. As they travelled through the wilderness, God decided to bless them with manna, which was intended for the nutrition, health, and rejuvenation of the people. It was given with the specific instruction that it should not be kept over-night, otherwise it would stink and
breed worms.

As we observe the blessing, and the instructions given along with it, we should pay attention to the variables, because our response to God’s blessings can make all the difference. Very much of what God is often blamed for, is actually seated in the way we respond to His laws, pertaining to the various issues in question. Let’s read:

Exodus 16: 16 This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, take every man for them which are in his tents.
19 Let no man leave of it till the morning.
20 Notwithstanding, some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank.
22 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man.
23 And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, Tomorrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
24 And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.
25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the Lord: to day ye shall not find it in the field.
26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none.
27 And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.
28 And the Lord said, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?

The manna that fell on each day of the week was exactly the same, in quality, in consistency, and in ingredients. The only two variables were obedience, and the Sabbath, nothing else. Thus, as it pertains to the blessings of God, obedience or disobedience is what makes all the difference. The blessings God gives to us, can either nourish, and sustain, and be preserved by obedience, or through disobedience, the very same blessings can breed worms.

However, the greatest gift God has given us is to be found in Jesus Christ, who came to offer us eternal life, and abundant living, but as was stated before, what we do with the gift, and our response to Him will make all the difference. Just as it is with gifts of food, marriage, music, and wealth, obedience to His instructions paves the way for preserving the gift. On the contrary, disobedience will cause what was originally intended for our good to become adverse. Therefore, our response makes all the difference. Let’s read:

Matthew 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

These passages reveal to us unmistakably, that the original intent of God in sending Jesus to our world was for our benefit and upliftment, and it is true, that those who respond to God’s gracious Gift, will be granted eternal life, if we continue in obedience to His instructions. In other words, we can preserve the blessing only by obeying His every word. Let’s read:

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

1st John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

However, any disregard of God’s laws will put the human agent at odds with the very same Jesus who came to save us. We could celebrate His birth from now until thy kingdom come, and we may decorate trees with lights, in memory of His great gift; but if obedience does not follow, the gift will breed those proverbial worms we read about earlier, when the manna was given for the good of the Hebrews, yet bred worms through their disobedience. Let’s read:

Matthew 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.

This last verse should be understood in the context of God’s original good purposes towards the human family, for no human being ought to find himself, or herself in the fires of hell, especially since God has amply provided salvation, and eternal life for all who will believe, and obey.

About two weeks ago we had a cold snap by Florida standards, and sometimes during the winter, it may go down to the low forties, or even thirties, on rare occasions. During those cold spells I may light up my proverbial chimney, so that my family could be kept warm. This is a good purpose, and is the only reason in firing up the chimney, to keep the family warm.

But I have never encouraged, instructed, or advised Santa to come down my chimney with his rein deer, so if that were to take place, and anyone was to get burned, no one can blame me, because the fault is not mine, for my original intention was good. God, also has a chimney prepared for the specific intent of destroying satan, and his angels, and therefore, no human being has any right to come down that chimney through disobedience. Which leads us to a quote coming from the pen of inspiration, dealing with the same issue. Let’s read:

[C.O.L pp 84>85] God destroys no man. Everyone who is destroyed will have destroyed himself. Everyone who stifles the admonitions of conscience is sowing the seeds of unbelief, and these will produce a sure harvest. By rejecting the first warning from God, Pharaoh of old sowed the seeds of obstinacy, and he reaped obstinacy. God did not compel him to disbelieve. The seed of unbelief which he sowed produced a harvest of its kind.

In closing it is important for us to keep in mind, that we hold the keys to our own destiny, through our response to God’s gracious overtures in Christ. Let us therefore choose wisely because the blessing can only be preserved through obedience, nothing else. This leads us to our final passage. Let’s read:

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

God bless!

Why Me? Sabbath Afternoon 12/16/2017

December 16, 2017

This question is often asked only when supposedly bad things are happening to us, but when we are enjoying the blessings of God, when we are blessed with health and strength and numberless favors we hardly ever ask “Why me?” Another question that is often asked, usually after some personal or national tragedy is, why should bad things happen to good people, but we hardly ever ask why do good things happen to bad people.

Thus, in many instances, the blessings, and mercies of God, which are unmerited, and new to us every morning to us, go by without acknowledgement on the part of the receiver but when trouble comes our way, the blessings, by contrast, are often made to pale into insignificance. However, the Bible gives us instruction on how to deal with the vicissitudes of life, by often reflecting, and dwelling on the good that God sends our way, instead of being consumed with what we may deem to be bad experiences. Let’s read:

1st Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit.

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

These passages do not teach us to be naïve to dire circumstances, but they do encourage us to dwell on the positives, instead of the negatives, and also to trust in God, at those times when we may not be able to see clearly. Human tendency is to focus on the bad, hence the reason why reporting by media organizations is comprised mostly of bad news. And often when a friend, or a brother is going through rough times, our conversations may tend to spawn many unanswerable questions, because in so many cases, the variables, the causes, and the reasons may not be readily apparent.

As a general rule of thumb, God does not give any person, the responsibility of trying to explain His providences in the lives of the righteous, or even those who do not know Him, for His ways are past finding out. Some people stumble over the issue of slavery, others over 9/11, and still others are at a loss when a friend or loved one may die suddenly. God often moves in mysterious ways, and thus, the experiences, and providences we don’t understand are best left alone, lest we put a wrong spin on the things we do not know, very much the same like John the Baptist’s disciples. Let’s read:

[D.A pp214>215] The life of John had been one of active labor, and the gloom, and inaction of prison life weighed heavily upon him. His disciples did not forsake him. But they questioned why, if this new teacher was the Messiah, He did nothing to effect John's release. How could He permit His faithful herald to be deprived of liberty and perhaps of life? These questions were not without effect.

Doubts, which otherwise would never have arisen were suggested to John. Satan rejoiced to hear the words of these disciples, and to see how they bruised the soul of the Lord's messenger. Oh, how often those who think themselves the friends of a good man, and who are eager to show their fidelity to him, prove to be his most dangerous enemies! How often, instead of strengthening his faith, their words depress and dishearten!

In Joseph’s case, we are told of how he was jailed after doing the right thing, and those who live many centuries after are given a detailed account of some of the intelligent reasons why God permitted him to be incarcerated. Yet, we must remember that none of those reasons were given to Joseph when he was going through his trial, yet his faith held on firmly to God, trusting His goodness in places where he could not trace Him, and when nothing seemed to make sense.

Joseph could have asked the same question, “Why me?”, after standing firm for truth, and after being severely tempted with sexual harassment, and after resisting the assaults by Potiphar’s wife. There was no #Me too in Joseph’s day, and there was not an apparent reason for the sudden change of fortune, yet he did all he could to keep his spirit up, and to be cheerful in adversity.

This was the issue of Job’s experience, when after doing everything “Right” untold trouble came upon him, to the point where he lost almost all he had held dear on this earth, in a few days. Then it was, that the same age-old question, which has haunted the minds of many for centuries, arose in his mind, causing him to ask, “if I have done everything right, and have been diligent in following the Lord, Why me? Asaph, David’s chief musician, also asked the same question, and therefore, an answer from God alone is appropriate.

As Job sat in ashes, licking his proverbial wounds, he recounted his righteous deeds, in the context of his present condition, and something did not seem to add up. His friends also made the common mistake, so many folks make, of trying to reason from cause to effect. By the way, there is a passage in the Bible which on the surface may seem to lend credence to their line of reasoning, but even this text falls short of explaining Job’s condition. Let’s read:

Proverbs 26:2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

Job 4:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,
7 Remember, I pray thee, whoever perished, being innocent?
8 Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.

Job 29:1 Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,
12 I delivered the poor that cried and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.
14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.
15 I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.
16 I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.

Job 3:26 Yet trouble came!

These, and so many other reasonings, prompted an answer from God, for it was necessary for Him to address, not merely Job’s troubles, but the larger issue of His sovereignty. It is worthy of note that in all the ensuing conversations between God and Job, God never saw it necessary to give an explanation. Instead, He gives Job detailed lessons in science and creation, which deal with the bigger question, “Did God have the right to permit such things to come upon a righteous man, or anyone for that matter. Let’s read:

Job 38:1 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?
9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddling-band for it,
10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,
11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
22 Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail,
23 Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?
39 Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,
40 When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?
41 Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.

Job 42:1 Then Job answered the Lord, and said, 2 I know that thou canst do everything, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
3 Therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

That answer given by Job was correct, but it would prove to be grossly insufficient to address the main underlying issue of “Why me”. Most Christians are resolved to the fact that God can do anything, and no one can stop Him, even if we wanted to. But God probes us deeper with the question of whether we think that is right, and if so, do we agree that He is fair, when He may permit adverse circumstances, or temptations to come our way. Therefore, the other question God asked Job is of great import to all who must walk by faith. Let’s read:

Job 40:1 Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said, 2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
8 Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?

Job 40:3 Then Job answered the Lord, and said,
4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
5 Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.

It is worthy of note that Job’s present condition was never discussed, nor mentioned in that interview with God, neither was he given any explanation for what took place. In fact, the question of Why Me is never addressed, for that is not the real question. If God was to give Job a detailed explanation, or if He were to pull back the curtain for Job, and his family to observe what was really taking place behind the scenes, Job would most likely end up with lots more questions than answers. Instead, the overwhelming majority of questions God posed to Job, addresses the issue of His sovereignty.

We must be very careful, in our finite understanding to try to explain the providences of God, whenever tragedy, or difficulty comes upon people, for there are always unknown variables, and reasons we may not bring into the equation. It is quite possible, that if God was to explain why He permitted such and such to come upon people, we may become more discouraged.
Take for instance Job; if God was to now give him a detailed explanation of why he was going through his drama, He would begin with the conference that took place in the heavenly courts, where satan had intruded without invitation, as the representative of our planet. Then God would need to inform Job that satan made a glaring accusation, charging God with bribery, and because of that, God decided to choose Job as the test case to prove to the universe that He bribes no one to serve Him.

But then, another question would most likely arise in Job’s mind: Why me? Why was I chosen to be the test case? Then God would have to explain to Job that he was the only person living on the planet at that time whom God could knew would be faithful if His material blessings were removed and that’s why he was chosen. But then, that answer would likely raise new questions in Job’s mind, for if indeed he was to be the test case, why then were all of his children involved, and what about those innocent animals, and his pets that were lost in the carnage.

What do the pets have to do with satan’s charge of bribery? And before you know it God would have to give a million, and one reasons, some of which Job may not agree with or understand and which would spawn more questions than answers, and would be likely to cause Job to become even more perplexed.

So the real question is about God’s sovereignty. The centurion in Christ’s day had understood the issue of God’s sovereignty, for he recognized that a word from Jesus only needed to be spoken, for His will to be done. He also gave the reason why he had come to that conclusion, stating “I am a man also having authority, and I say to one, go, and he goes”, that is without questioning, and without explanation, if I so choose. Indeed, it was only in instances such as this where we read that Jesus “marveled”. Let’s read:

Matthew 8:5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

The mighty seraphim, and cherubim which minister in God’s presence, doing His bidding, are often sent on missions, of which they have no clue why God is sending them on such and such an errand. Yet, in the book of Ezekiel they are seen darting back and forth with the speed of lightening, in obedience to the will of God. A case in point is when Gabriel was sent to inform Mary of the coming fusion of Divinity with humanity. Gabriel’s words to her tell us that he did not understand how it was to take place. Let’s read:

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee. Therefore, also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

We will never read where they ask for explanations before making their journey, yet they are eager to carry out the orders, which in many instances they may not have any clue as to the hows, whys, and whens. Let’s read:

Ezekiel 1:12 And they went everyone straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.
14 And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.

All who are preparing to preach the three angel’s messages of Revelation 14, must indeed understand the issue of God’s sovereignty, or they will be ill-prepared for what is to transpire on the earth in the outpouring of the latter rain, the plagues which will follow, and what the prophet Isaiah describes as His “Strange Act”.

God’s sovereignty is what was at stake in the issue of same-sex marriage. In other words, does He have the right, and the authority to define for us mortals, what marriage is? The Sabbath issue also raises the same question too, does God have the right to tell us which day we should worship on. The issue of morality in general, the issue of health, dress, and every other dimension of the human experience all come to one basic question of God’s Sovereignty.

The apostle Paul warns us of the coming clash of ideologies, concepts, principles, laws, and lifestyles, which will culminate in the attempt to usurp God’s sovereignty. The antichrist system of government, headed by the son of perdition, is now challenging the sovereignty of God, and soon and very soon, all peoples of the earth will have to choose between the sovereignty of God, and the sovereignty of man. Let’s read:

2nd Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

In closing, let us therefore not be engrossed with questions such as why me, but let us instead seek to understand the sovereignty of God, because Christ is coming again as a king not a savior.

God bless!

Where Grace Did Abound. Sabbath Afternoon 12/09/2017

December 09, 2017

When Adam sinned, the human family forfeited life, and all that pertains to life, and thus, our continued existence is the result of God’s grace, manifested to sustain those who should have been dead long ago. In the book of Genesis, it is written that Noah found grace, but this statement does not mean that grace was not available to every person then living. The difference is that Noah and his family “Found” that which had been abundantly provided for everyone.

The same is true in our day, for in the midst of the prevailing iniquity, in the midst of the dark shadows of immorality, and violence that have spread their tentacles across the land, the grace of God is still available for all who like Noah, will “Find” it. Thus, our main thrust will be to discover how we may find God’s grace.

Wherever much sin is to be found, much grace will also be given to correspond to our needs. “Doctors without borders” do not typically travel to healthy countries; instead, their services will have the most impact where there is dire need of urgent, medical assistance. The same is true of God’s grace, but on a much larger, and grander scale, for it is Christ who once said that “They which are whole do not need a physician but those who are sick.”

Thus, in harmony with that statement, God grants us much grace, and mercy, especially at those times when our morale is low, and the horizon may seem foreboding, on account of our national and personal sins. However, a common error is often made when we restrict the concept of God’s grace to only apply to salvation, forgiveness of sins, and mercy towards the sinner. While all of these aspects do apply, God desires that we take a more holistic approach in our understanding of His grace.

God’s grace is described as being the “Unmerited” favor of God, granted to those who do not deserve such favor. Holy angels who have never fallen, and the created beings of other worlds who have never sinned, have never been in need of grace. The grace of God to us therefore represents The Lord as doing what He is not duty bound to, nor is He supposed to do. This covers not only forgiveness of sin, salvation and eternal life, but also such mundane necessities, as food, water, oxygen, sunshine, and rain.

There is no moral, legal, or paternal responsibility, binding upon God to provide to us these temporal blessings, for all such entitlements were forfeited, on account of our sins, and therefore, many things that we have come to take for granted, should be placed in the unmerited column. Life was promised to our first parents on condition of obedience, so when sin entered because of Adam, death became our only entitlement. Therefore, if we have food on our tables, clothes to wear, and a “Roof right over our heads”, that is God’s grace, His unmerited favor being manifested to the human family. Let’s read:

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Romans 5:20 More-over the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.

When studying the writings of Paul, care must be taken, not to read into his statements, sentiments, which on the surface may not be readily plain to our understanding. For instance, the entrance of God’s written law, did not actually cause sin to abound, in and of itself, because where there is no written law, sin will abound anyway. People drank alcohol, and partied into the wee hours of the morning on South beach, long before there was any ordinance against such activities after 5:00 am.

What the apostle is referring to, is the knowledge, or consciousness of sin. Therefore, we should be very careful not to insinuate that God’s law is the reason for the proliferation of sin. There was not a “Written” law on earth when Adam and Eve sinned, nor was there any when Cain killed Abel, when the practice of polygamy was started by Lamech, when the antediluvians indulged those incomprehensible deeds of violence, licentiousness, and their moral depravity, which upended God’s grace. Yet sin did still abound. Let’s read:

Genesis 6:1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Noah and his family were not arbitrarily singled out to be the sole recipients of God’s grace, for as was stated before, grace was made available to all men and women then living. The only difference is that Noah’s family appropriated that which had been abundantly provided for all who would receive it. Noah had a drinking problem, and his sons had the seeds of sin within them, yet they also found grace.

This leads us to the core of our study, for Jacob’s family was a dysfunctional family, with very serious problems, such as idolatry, sibling rivalry, quarrels, violence, and sexual immorality of the darkest hue. Yet they found grace. Let’s read:

Genesis 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength.
4 Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.
5 Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations.
6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honor, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.

The catalogue of Jacob’s sins was long, and glaring too, and included lying repeatedly to his own father, collusion with intent to defraud, conspiracy, telling lies on The Lord Himself, impersonation, polygamy, hatred, favoritism, and the genetic engineering of Laban’s cattle. Now, with all of these sins piled up against him, one would rightly conclude that Jacob had forfeited all claims to God’s grace.

But as we read further we will discover the premise for our Bible study, “Where sin did abound, grace did much more abound”, because the grace of God toward Jacob and his family was to be manifested in many different ways, to those who did not deserve it in the least. Let’s read:
[1] God’s material blessings:
Genesis 30:43 And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.

[2] God’s favor:
Genesis 32:1 And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.
2 And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.

[3] God’s protection:
Genesis 31:22 And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.
23 And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.
24 And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

[P&P. pp 198] While Jacob was wrestling with the Angel, another heavenly messenger was sent to Esau. In a dream, Esau beheld his brother for twenty years an exile from his father's house; he witnessed his grief at finding his mother dead; he saw him encompassed by the hosts of God. This dream was related by Esau to his soldiers, with the charge not to harm Jacob, for the God of his father was with him.

Question: So how on earth did Jacob find grace?
Answer: He found grace the same way in which our senators, house representatives, political leaders, clergy, and ordinary John Does may find grace, for he confessed his sins, he forsook them, and he also trusted to the merits, and goodness of God for his salvation, and the rest is history, because one day, if we are faithful, we will get to meet Jacob, and most of his family, including Reuben, who was the one described by Jacob as being sexually unstable. Let’s read:

Genesis 32:9 And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:
10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.
11 Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he come and smite me, and the mother with the children.
22 And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two women-servants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.
24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh.
26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 196>198] As night came on, Jacob sent his family across the ford of the river, while he alone remained behind. He had decided to spend the night in prayer, and he desired to be alone with God. In Him was the patriarch's only hope. Solitary and unprotected, Jacob bowed in deep distress upon the earth. Bitterest of all was the thought that it was his own sin which had brought this peril. With earnest cries and tears he made his prayer before God.

It was Christ, “the Angel of the covenant,” who had revealed Himself to Jacob. Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp upon the promises of God, and the heart of Infinite Love could not turn away the sinner's plea.

As an evidence that he had been forgiven, his name was changed from one that was a reminder of his sin, to one that commemorated his victory. “Thy name,” said the Angel, “shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”

Jacob had received the blessing for which his soul had longed. His sin as a supplanter and deceiver had been pardoned. The crisis in his life was past. Doubt, perplexity, and remorse had embittered his existence, but now all was changed; and sweet was the peace of reconciliation with God. Jacob no longer feared to meet his brother. God, who had forgiven his sin, could move the heart of Esau also to accept his humiliation and repentance.

In our day, there is seen to be a proliferation of sin, and crimes of all sorts. Like it was with Jacob, there may be collusion with intent to defraud, and there is lying to friends and foes alike, there is polygamy, conspiracy, hatred, favoritism, genetic engineering, and violence of all sorts. But where sin did abound, grace did much more abound, so instead of leaving the inhabitants of this earth to self-destruct, God’s amazing grace is to be offered to all, who like Jacob, will realize their own unworthiness.

However, it is of critical importance that we follow the steps of Jacob, in finding God’s grace. We are not to wait until our sins are exposed in the public square before we confess to God, for there’s a huge difference between confessing after being caught in the fire, and confessing from a deep sense of our sin. The scrutiny with which the special counsel is examining the many cases before him, only portrays in miniature form the scrutiny with which our sins that are unconfessed will be investigated.

Robert Mueller is using the power of the subpoena to force from unwilling persons, the incriminating evidence; but God doesn’t need any subpoena, for all things are naked and open before Him. In other words, He has a record of not only our emails, text messages, sexting, and other nefarious activities, but He also has the records of those thoughts, and intentions which led to our sinful acts. Let’s read:

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Thus, in harmony with the solemn issues before us, and the intense scrutiny of the heavenly judgement now in session, Christ is making a direct appeal to all who have succumbed to fornication, adultery, or any of the many variations of immorality now on display. If anyone has indulged in adultery secretly, and may have succeeded in hiding it from their own spouse, now is the time to make our move, like old Jacob, in finding God’s grace.

That secret lover, that only ourselves, and God may know about, those E-mails sent under a different address, as well as any flirting that may have been encouraged; God is saying to us, now is the time to make your move, by confessing, and forsaking sins, lest, like what is taking place before our eyes, we too, be exposed to the light of day. Esau did not find grace, even though it was readily available, for Esau did not confess and forsake his sin. In addition, he is not known to have ever trusted in the merits, or the goodness of God.

Thus, in closing it is in order that we be reminded of the necessary steps in finding grace, for if we follow Jacob’s lead, God will respond, by removing every stain of sin, and guilt from us, and will grant eternal life to all who are thus exercised. Let’s read:

2nd Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

May God add His blessing to the application, and study of His word.
God Bless!

The Disobedience Delusions. Sabbath Afternoon. 12/02/2017

December 02, 2017

There are many delusions associated with sin, and disobedience, which have infiltrated Christianity, and which must be exposed for what they are, so that we would not build our hopes of salvation on a false premise. And since we are living in an age of delusions, where more and more people are prone to believe that which is not true, we must exercise due caution lest the same delusional spirit, takes hold of our minds, thus causing as to put a wrong spin on what God has plainly stated in His word.

In the Bible, it is predicted that God will permit very strong delusions to overspread the land, because of a stubborn resistance to truth, and the tendency to explain away undeniable facts. We are now living in that era, and therefore, it is imperative that all who claim to be Christians, love the truth, the truth only, and nothing but the truth. In the Bible, the truth is referred to as being Christ, and the law of God, and wherever both are disregarded, a delusionary spirit is sure to take hold of many minds. Let’s read:

2nd Thessalonians 2:11 And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

The following is the meaning of the word Delusion: An idiosyncratic belief or impression that is firmly maintained, despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality or rational, typically a symptom of mental disorder.

For this reason, we must study the Bible objectively, by letting its authoritative statements pertaining to our salvation, guide our thought processes, and our conclusions, without bias, preferences, and without inserting humanistic ideas, and philosophies into a thus saith The Lord. But first, we should understand that God says what He means, and means what He says. This important fact was distinctly made in the experience of Balaam who erroneously believed the God of heaven is vacillating in nature. Let’s read:

Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
20 Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.

Thus, the scriptures make it abundantly clear, that what God has spoken will be done, in heaven and in earth. In harmony with this sacred truth we must, of necessity highlight several of the popular delusions, pertaining to disobedience, and we will allow God’s word to correct the erroneous conclusions.

Delusion # [1] God is too good to punish iniquity!

This popular delusion has emanated directly from the presentation of a one-sided God, by many in the clergy, who present God only as a God of love, and not of justice. And with the false doctrine that God’s law was nailed to the cross, comes the proliferation of iniquity with apparent impunity. Many have been seduced into thinking that sins can remained hidden from view, and that pardons can be purchased with hush money.

But the Bible tells us that there is nothing hidden, that will not be disclosed, and every unconfessed, and unforsaken sin will meet with retribution. This is one of the main reasons why the unbridled sexual harassments now being uncovered, as well as serial gropers, in places high and low, and of all sorts have contributed to bringing our society to the very brink of moral collapse. The problem can be traced back, in most instances, to that first delusion, “God is too good to punish iniquity”. The Bible however, states the exact opposite. Let’s read:

Exodus 33:12 And Moses said unto the Lord, thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.
13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee.
17 And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.
18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee ….

In other words, what is about to take place is that The Lord is going to give Moses a balanced view of His righteousness, which is His glory, so that people of the earth may not harbor a lop-sided view of the God of heaven. He is merciful and gracious, and He delights in showing mercy, but He will prosecute all unconfessed, and unforsaken sin, to the full extent of the law. That is the correct, and balanced view He desires us to understand. Let’s read:

Exodus 34:5 And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord.
6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.

Ezekiel 18:24 When the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.
27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.
28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Question: But where did this first delusion come from?
Answer: It came from the father of all delusions, who specializes in telling himself lies, and everyone who follows in his train, will also be prone to cling to error, in the face of undeniable facts, and truths. Case in point was the raising of Lazarus, in which an undeniable miracle was done by Christ. But instead of yielding to the facts in the case, the unreasoning priests sought to slay the evidence, by endeavoring to put both Christ, and Lazarus to death. Thus, the worst form of delusion occurs when one lies to his own self. Let’s read:

[P&P. pp 54>57] The tempter intimated that the divine warning was not to be actually fulfilled; it was designed merely to intimidate them. Such has been Satan's work from the days of Adam to the present, and he has pursued it with great success.

Perceiving no evil results from what she had done, Eve grew bolder. It was grateful to the taste, and as she ate, she seemed to feel a vivifying power, and imagined herself entering upon a higher state of existence. Without a fear she plucked and ate. After his transgression Adam at first imagined himself entering upon a higher state of existence. But the great Lawgiver was about to make known to Adam and Eve the consequences of their transgression.
The same delusion occurred just prior to the flood, when in the face of undeniable facts, such as the animals going into the ark, and the birds darkening the heavens as they flew in. Philosophers were then called upon to explain the singular occurrence, but to no avail, yet, the antediluvians chose to believe that God is too good to punish iniquity. Let’s read:

[P&P. pp 96] The world was arrayed against God's justice and His laws, and Noah was regarded as a fanatic. Satan, when tempting Eve to disobey God, said to her, “Ye shall not surely die.” Great men, worldly, honored and wise men, repeated the same. “The threatenings of God are for the purpose of intimidating, and will never be verified. Such an event as the destruction of the world by the God who made it, and the punishment of the beings He has created, will never take place. Be at peace; fear not.

Delusion # [2] That God will always reverse effects of the violation of natural, and spiritual law.
God is not the reverser in Chief, because more often than not, He permits the violation of natural law, as well as spiritual law to run their natural course. It is often concluded, that because God is omnipotent, and can do any and everything, He is duty-bound to reverse the adverse effects of our wrong courses of action, because of His great love for us.

This grand delusion is often echoed across the land, in times of national tragedy, where people question the goodness of God by asking “If God is good, how could He allow such, and such to take place?” Thus, the human input, the violation of natural law, the disregard for His wise instructions, the dire effects of green-house gases, and human destruction of the environment, are all bundled together, and hid in a closet, whilst the blaming of The Lord is often loud, and denunciatory. The Bible corrects this popular delusion, by giving us a reality check. Let’s read:

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

In other words, if I violated physical law through the years, by intemperate eating and drinking, and then as a result, I came down with debilitating diseases, I should not expect God to just miraculously wave His hand, and get rid of years self-indulgence, without stern discipline, relentless effort, and determined, proactive steps on my part. In fact, many Christians become disappointed, and discouraged when such prayers are not answered immediately, forgetting that through our own choices, the laws of cause and effect are often allowed to run their natural course.

Delusion # [3] A grave misunderstanding of “The times of ignorance”.
One of the more prominent delusions, pertaining to disobedience, is our own perception of what God considers to be “Ignorance”, for the word is often used quite loosely, and is prone to be taken out of context. Question: Does ignorance mean a genuine lack of knowledge, or does it mean ignoring the facts.

In our day, the truth and the facts are fast becoming endangered species, to the point where the red line between ignorance, and “Ignore” has become quite blurred. Furthermore, when It’s viewed in its proper context, as written in the book of Acts, something of an entirely different nature surfaces. Let’s read:

Acts 17: 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent:
Question: Which specific ignorance is Paul referring to? for he uses the pronoun “This” which means that he isn’t speaking of every type of ignorance out there, but instead, of a specific one. Let’s read:

Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.

Therefore, willful ignorance is not included, neither is a deliberate avoiding of the facts, neither is the neglect to know, neither is the force of the majority opinion. All of these, and more, are not included in the word ignorance, as used in Acts, and even as it was used by Paul, all should bear in mind that it was written 2000 years ago, so when he declares “But now God commandeth all men to repent”, he is referring to repentance being due at the time of his writing, namely, in the first century A.D.

Furthermore, genuine ignorance, or willful ignoring of the facts, does not change the outcome or result in almost all cases. If a person who knew better was to touch a live, electrical power line, after hurricane Irma, that person will most likely be electrocuted. And if a person who really didn’t know was to touch the same wire, he also will likely be electrocuted. In both cases, whether it be deliberate or genuine lack of knowledge, the outcome will most likely be the same.

Delusion # [4] That liberty, or grace is license!
It is often the case, that because disobedience is not punished, or exposed immediately, that the guilty ones may feel emboldened to sin even more. God takes no delight in the demise or embarrassment of sinners, and because of this, He may bear long with those who are sinning against Him. But instead of leading one to repentance, His grace is often viewed as an endorsement of the evil, and men go further, and deeper into sin. But the scripture also corrects this delusion. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
12 Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:
13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

Delusion # [5] That our day of grace is open-ended!
Beware of “Cute” doctrines, which tend to palliate persons into moral complacency. A person’s day of grace is not open-ended, even though there may be preachers who flatter sinners into believing that it is in their own time, when they are ready to accept of God’s grace, that He will be waiting. Even though it is true that God bears long with the sinner, there can come a time in one’s life experience, when the day of grace expires.

If a person persists in doing evil, and refuses God’s overtures to save him/her over and over again, that person’s probation can close permanently, even as they are still living. Indeed, there may be millions of people now living who may have already passed the threshold of God’s grace. One of the symptoms of a person’s day of grace being passed, is the tendency to put darkness for light, and light for darkness. In other words, when we begin to designate error as truth, and vice-versa, we may be certain that our cup of iniquity is full, or almost full.

In addition, it is nowhere found in the Bible where God advises any person to put off their day of grace for tomorrow, or for some future date, when they are ready. “Today” is when God advises, because tomorrow may never come. There are those who are currently going about their daily duties, not knowing that their number has already been called. In other words, some of the people who attended that concert in Las Vegas recently, had no clue that they were attending their very last concert.

Several examples of this phenomena are given in the Bible, with the intent, that those who may still be trifling with God’s grace, may seize the moment, and choose life whilst there is still opportunity to do so. The following is just a short list of the names of people, and nations, whose probation was closed whilst they were still alive, and well. Esau, Pharaoh, Herod, Judas, the antediluvians, Sodom, king Saul, Achan, Ananias, and Saphira, Pilate, and Jezebel, just to name a few. Let’s read:

Hebrews 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To
day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end;
15 While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Hebrews 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the
powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Therefore, to get a balanced view of God, without any delusions, to get a sense of His love, His justice, and His impartiality, let us study a brief chapter in the life of Moses, who had one of the closest relationships any mortal has ever had with the God of heaven. As we study, let’s remember that Moses was blessed and highly favored by God, yet, in His dealings with Moses, God shows us that favor does not atone for disobedience, and His blessings, and protection do not negate our obligation to obey His every word. Let’s read:

Exodus 4:19 And the Lord said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt.
20 And Moses took his wife and his sons, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.
24 And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him.
25 Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.
26 So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.

Very important lessons should be gleaned from this occurrence, for it has a direct bearing on what may become of professed Christians in the near future. For starters, men are held directly responsible for whatsoever transpires in their homes. Here in this episode, we observe that the Angel sought to slay Moses, even though it was his wife who suggested that the rite of circumcision was offensive. Nothing was said to Zipporah, but Moses was apprehended.

This is a pattern which occurs very often in the Bible where fathers are held responsible for what goes on in their homes. Spouses are never to let each other interfere with their obligations to God, and our love for one another should never cause us to lessen the force of God’s plain instructions to us. But as a rule of thumb, men who have the responsibility of being priest of their households, are responsible for what takes place under their roofs. Let’s read:

Genesis 16:2 And Sarai said unto Abram, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
Genesis 17: And the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. {Not a word is spoken to Sarah, from whom the suggestion originally came}

Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
11 Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? {The man is called first, for he was the priest of his home}

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 255>256] On the way from Midian, Moses received a startling and terrible warning of the Lord's displeasure. No explanation was given; but Moses remembered that he had disregarded one of God's requirements; yielding to the persuasion of his wife, he had neglected to perform the rite of circumcision upon their youngest son. He had failed to comply with the condition by which his child could be entitled to the blessings of God's covenant with Israel.

Zipporah, fearing that her husband would be slain, performed the rite herself, and the angel then permitted Moses to pursue his journey. In his mission to Pharaoh, Moses was to be placed in a position of great peril; his life could be preserved only through the protection of holy angels. But while living in neglect of a known duty, he would not be secure; for he could not be shielded by the angels of God.

In the time of trouble, just before the coming of Christ, the righteous will be preserved through the ministration of heavenly angels; but there will be no security for the transgressor of God's law. Angels cannot then protect those who are disregarding one of the divine precepts.

In closing, it is important that when we read God’s word, that we do so objectively, not imagining, or deluding ourselves into thinking, or believing that which God has not said. The terrible developments over the past year, that have put America in the spotlight, and the rapid unfolding of events in the western world, as well as in the east, portend a stupendous crisis of unprecedented proportions, which will bring human probation to a permanent close. Therefore, in harmony with the gravity of the situation we must close with the following quotes:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 159] That last night was marked by no greater sins than many others before it; but mercy, so long slighted, had at last ceased its pleading. The inhabitants of Sodom had passed the limits of divine forbearance—“the hidden boundary between God's patience and His wrath.” The fires of His vengeance were about to be kindled in the vale of Siddim.

[Conflict & Courage pp 120] The love of God will never lead to the belittling of sin; it will never cover or excuse an unconfessed wrong.... It has to do with our acts, and thoughts, and feelings. Many conceal their transgressions from their fellow men, and flatter themselves that God will not be strict to mark iniquity. But His law is the great standard of right, and with it every act of life must be compared in that day when God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 420] The history of Israel was to be placed on record for the instruction, and warning of coming generations. Men of all future time must see the God of heaven as an impartial ruler, in no case justifying sin. Men flatter themselves that God is too good to punish the transgressor. But in the light of Bible history it is evident that God's goodness and His love engage Him to deal with sin as an evil fatal to the peace and happiness of the universe.

[G.C pp 627] The Lord is “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,” “forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Yet he will “by no means clear the guilty.” “The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.” The severity of the retribution awaiting the transgressor may be judged by the Lord's reluctance to execute justice. The nation with which he bears long, and which he will not smite until it has filled up the measure of its iniquity in God's account, will finally drink the cup of wrath unmixed with mercy.

Revelation 22: 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
God Bless!

The Investigative Judgment. Sabbath Afternoon 11/25/2017

November 25, 2017

The investigative judgment, which began in the fall of 1844 is drawing to a close, and when it’s finished, the destiny of all who ever took the name of Christ, and God to themselves, will be forever settled. The reason why it is of great importance to those of us who are living in the last days, is that our probation will close, without us knowing that the irrevocable decisions of the courts above, have been handed down. This, then raises the prospect that very many Christians will continue to do what they have been accustomed to doing, whether good or bad, without knowing that their probation has been closed.

The current moral decay, especially in those who’ve espoused the name of Christ, yet continue to live in violation of God’s law, will culminate in their names being removed from the book of life. And thus, in all of the back and forth, in the accusations and denials of sexual misconduct, in the corruptions, and fraud, in the violence, brutality, and the hard-heartedness that has become emblematic of our day, God wants us to remember, and ponder soberly, the following passages, for they will certainly be fulfilled in the very near future. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

One of the reasons why Christ is going to bring our probation to a climax, without us knowing is so that none will be able to play church for a prescheduled date. Playing church is the game whereby the clergy and laity, politicians, and professed Christians, may
preach and advocate Biblical truths, whilst in their private lives they do the exact opposite.

Case in point was one notable mega-church pastor who died earlier this year, who was known to rant, and rail against homosexual behavior in other men, even leading public marches against the practice of same-sex marriage, whilst he would leave the pulpit to go and do the very same thing he had just spoken so vehemently against. Thus, the cryptic message given in the book of Revelation, is one that basically says, “Continue doing just what you’re accustomed to doing”. Let’s read:

Revelation 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Men who vouch for the Ten commandments should never be found deliberately violating its precepts in public, or in their private lives, for it is much better to leave God’s law alone, rather than to preach one thing, whilst doing another. Thus, those who claim to instruct others in the laws, and principles of God, will be judged by a much higher, and stricter standard, than those who may not know any better. Jesus clearly stated this in His teaching, and for good reason. Let’s read:

Luke 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one
of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I say unto you that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 23:2 The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
However, in spite of these stern warnings given us, God will try to save as many as He possibly can, and we should never think God’s investigative judgment seeks to exclude as many people as possible, for the Bible does not teach that. There is a reason why the Bible says He is able to save to the uttermost, which means that extreme efforts are made to save every living person on the planet. Let’s read:

Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, and made higher than the heavens.

And even though it is necessary for us to cooperate with God in the salvation of our souls, by choosing to obey His every word, yet, our confidence should never be placed in our obedience. Cooperation, in and of itself does not save us; instead, the merits and the righteousness of Christ, coupled together with His sacrifice on Calvary, are what clears the way for any person to be saved.

There is an obvious imbalance in the understanding of these central truths, for the professedly Christian world may focus squarely on Christ’s merits alone, without obedience, whilst in other instances, some Christians focus solely on the aspect of cooperation. Eternal life through Jesus Christ is a stand-alone gift that is accessed through faith, and is guaranteed on condition of obedience. Let’s read:

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

John 8:30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.

Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

The love of God through Jesus Christ, for the human family is not fickle, or changing; instead it is strong, and measureless, and Christ hates the very thought that even the wicked should perish. This sentiment is clearly expressed in the next passages. Let’s read:

Ezekiel 18:23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Thus, as we study the investigative judgment, we will not be doing so from a perspective of scaring anyone into obedience. Instead, we will focus more on the confidence and assurance, each person may find in Christ. In harmony with this specific purpose, we turn to the book of Ezekiel, chapter 18, where, under the inspiration of God, the prophet treats extensively on issues pertaining to the judgement, and how God weighs the human agent in His scales.

He begins by eliminating the doctrine of inevitable, generational curses, which have discouraged many from trying, and which may have caused others to think that because of parental wrong-doing, they’re now bound in a firm, iron destiny, from which they cannot escape. The Bible signally rejects such a doctrine, because, through the freedom of choice, the buck can stop with you, and me.

My Dad died from diabetes, but we do not have to succumb to the same disease, because the grace of God through Jesus Christ can override conventional wisdom on genetic, and hereditary vulnerabilities, freeing us to live more healthy lives, if we were to try to cooperate with The Holy Ghost, by practicing, and applying the principles, and laws of health. The same is true in the spiritual realm. For instance, if one’s progenitors were known to be Serial gropers, it’s not inevitably necessary for the children to now follow in their father’s footsteps. Let’s read:

Ezekiel 18:1 The word of the Lord came unto me again, saying,
2 What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
3 As I live, saith the Lord God, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
5 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,
6 And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbor's wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,
7 And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;
8 He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,
9 Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord God.

If we were to be judged by this standard, none of us would be saved, because we all have a checkered history, some more, some less, and therefore, God also gives assurance from the point of repentance, and accepting Jesus onward, to all who may choose to turn, and live. In other words, whatever we may have done in times past, the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings us salvation, by giving us a brand, new start. Thus, if by the grace of God, and our own choices, we met the following stipulations from that point forward, without turning back, we will be saved. It’s that simple. Let’s read:

Ezekiel 18:21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.

Thus, instead of going into the many fine details of the investigative judgment, we will instead hone in on one very important, determining factor. It’s not about whether we have sinned, for the Bible tells us that all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Neither is it about the seriousness of the sins we have committed, for the Bible teaches us, that though our sins be as scarlet, they shall be made as white as snow. Neither is it about believing in Jesus, for the devils are believers too. It’s about one word, and one word only… “Remaining”. Let’s read:

[G.C pp 483] As the books of record are opened in the Judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted names rejected. When any have sins “remaining” upon the books of record, un-repented of, and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life, and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God's remembrance.

Thus, we must rush to answer the very next obvious question: “What is a “Remaining sin?”
Answer: A “remaining” sin is one that is not covered by the blood of Christ, because it was either never confessed, or was not forsaken.

Question: What’s an example of a “Remaining” sin?
Answer: We find an example in Esau, for although the Bible tells us that he cried with an exceeding, and bitter cry, at the loss of his birthright, if we read the Bible from cover to cover, we will not observe anywhere that Esau ever admitted to doing wrong, nor did he ever say that he was sorry for despising the immortal inheritance. His tears were many, and his regrets many, but those words of sorrow for his sin are no where to be found. Let’s read:

Genesis 27:30 And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting.
31 And he also had made savory meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may bless me.
32 And Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy firstborn Esau.
33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.
34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.
36 And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?
37 And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son?
38 And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.
41 And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.

It is worthy of note that the words “Blessing”, and “Bless” came from Esau’s lips repeatedly, showing that his focus was on the blessing, and the material benefits of the birthright, rather than confession for his sins. He never ever said he was sorry, and there was no change in his values, in his esteem of eternal things, in his regard for the law of God, which was the spiritual side of the birthright, and that is why Paul wrote the following passages. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 177>178] The promises made to Abraham and confirmed to his son were held by Isaac and Rebekah as the great object of their desires and hopes. With these promises Esau and Jacob were familiar. They were taught to regard the birthright as a matter of great importance, for it included not only an inheritance of worldly wealth, but spiritual pre-eminence. On the other hand, there were obligations resting upon the possessor of the birthright. He who should inherit its blessings must devote his life to the service of God.

Like Abraham, he must be obedient to the divine requirements. In marriage, in his family relations, in public life, he must consult the will of God. Isaac made known to his sons these privileges and conditions, and plainly stated that Esau, as the eldest, was the one entitled to the birthright. But Esau had no love for devotion, no inclination to a religious life.

The requirements that accompanied the spiritual birthright were an unwelcome, and even hateful restraint to him. The law of God, which was the condition of the divine covenant with Abraham, was regarded by Esau as a yoke of bondage. “Thus, Esau despised his birthright.” In disposing of it he felt a sense of relief. Now his way was unobstructed; he could do as he liked.

In our day, the overwhelming majority of Christians focus on the “Blessings”. Sermons preached on the blessings of God are sure to result in applause, or a resounding Amen. In fact, there are many songs, or sayings on blessings, such as “When the praises go up, the blessings come down”, and we do take joy in the fulfillment of God’s material promises. But if one dares to preach on the law of God, like Esau, many Christians become quite uncomfortable, and the preacher has to literally beg for an amen.

Thus, like Esau, in many minds, the blessings of God have usurped the place that His law should have in our estimation, and is regarded by many, as a yoke of bondage, pertaining to the Jews only, and having no weight with the Christian. From this perspective flows the doctrine that the ten commandments are nailed to the cross, and as a result, those, like Jacob who embrace God’s law as being good are regarded as being Pharisees.

Hear the word of The Lord now! If, as Christians we continue to cling to this error and do not confess, and forsake that specific sin, when names are called in the investigative judgement, there will be found sin “Remaining”, and the names of all such will be forever removed from the Lamb’s book of life. As was stated before, it matters not if we professed to believe in Christ, nor does it matter if every other sin we committed has been confessed and forgiven. If we continue to embrace this error, all our good, righteous deeds will be wiped out of God’s book of remembrance.

Thus, in closing, The Lord gives us a gentle reminder that merely professing to believe in Jesus, is not a be all, end all, as far as our salvation is concerned, for the practical work of salvation is to have God’s law printed in our hearts and minds, where it was originally placed before Adam sinned. We therefore close with two passages of scripture which bear this sacred truth out. Let’s read:

Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.

Matthew 7:21 Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
God bless!

How To Overcome Adultery. Sabbath Afternoon. 11/18/2017

November 18, 2017

The sin of adultery, in all of its various forms, has now become widespread, reaching from the highest echelons of society to the lowest on the totem pole, from presidents, to priests, Hollywood stars, clergy, bishops, and laity, to the regular man, and woman, teenager, and child. When you have a ninety-year old in in a wheelchair committing adultery, then we may be certain that the problem has metastasized out of control. In addition, the plague is a symptom of the last days, and is a sure sign that our cup of iniquity is almost full.

After The Spirit of God had strived with the human race in its infancy, it was declared that a flood had become necessary as a result of the violence, the adultery and the polygamy that had overspread the
land. Therefore, it is noteworthy, that in our current environment, the two same sins have become most prevalent and prominent, which should point us to the fact that Christ will return soon. Let’s read:

Genesis 6:1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth,
2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man.
5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
7 And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth.
13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with
the earth.

The sin of adultery takes on many different forms, and should never be limited to mere actions, for the Bible teaches us that from the adulterous thought, springs the adulterous act, and therefore, the sin is to be reckoned, not only by external violations, but by the choices and decisions made in one’s mind. By this measure the problem is found to be much more pervasive than many people realize, and therefore, the Bible study will focus on addressing the scope of the problem, and the solutions given in scripture.

To begin with, we must identify the sin in its varied forms, so as not no sweep any variation under the rug. Adultery is manifested in sexual relations that are outside the context of one man and his female wife. This definition includes, incest, rape, groping, sexting, same-sex marriages, flirting, pornography, dressing in a provocative manner, sensualism, and chatting intimately with someone who is not one’s spouse, when such a person is married. Suggestive behaviors of all types are also included.

Furthermore, those who may dress with the specific purpose of ensnaring the opposite, or same sex, are also committing adultery, for the perpetrators, and the violators share equal responsibility for adultery. It has often been cited as an excuse, that we have freedom of expression, and that as a result men and women are at liberty to dress howsoever they may please, without regard to the effect it produces on others. Those who subscribe to this philosophy may often leave home as active agents of sin, inflaming the burning itch, that many persons are already suffering with.

Shacking up is also adultery, for although a man and his female friend may live for years under the same roof, having several kids together, and being faithful to each other, yet they are committing adultery, as far as the Bible is concerned. Thus, we conclude that any sexually intimate relationship, outside of the context of God ordained marriage, is a form of adultery. It may not be viewed as such by society, and it may be argued this way and that by pundits, and preachers alike, but God’s word rejects political correctness, and calls sin by its right name. Let’s read:

Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not
man put asunder.

Now, let’s take a good look at the problem. It is true that Eve fell for what she heard, and that Adam fell for what he saw, and ever since that day, when the father of our race, permitted Eve’s external beauty to override his judgement, men, much more so than women, have suffered with a very malignant “Eye” problem, driving many to make decisions, and take actions that they have regretted for the rest of their lives, in some cases. The scriptures put it this way, as we are seeing before our eyes currently. Let’s read:

Proverbs 6:32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
33 A wound and dishonor shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

Abraham, Judah, and Rueben fell, Samson, David, and Solomon fell too, and throughout Bible history, we observe that men of God, as well as those who didn’t know God, fell into the same, old bewitching snare. Men saw, they acted impulsively upon what they saw, and wreck after wreck was strewn along the sands of time. Thus, the phenomena we’re now witnessing is an age-old problem that has virtually become epidemic, and is scheduled to culminate in the rule of pleasure over principle. The word of God describes the extent of the problem. Let’s read:

Proverbs 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so, the eyes of man are never satisfied.

Many people do not understand the seriousness, or the depth of the problem of adultery in men, and because of this some may be looked upon as being great sinners, more than anyone else. Now, while it is true that there is no excuse for sin whatsoever, it is important for us to understand that men often do very stupid things, just to satisfy the burning urge to merge.

Some men have sold their birthright, by trading the immortal inheritance for a one-night stance, others have been induced to surrender all their cash, some have lost their families, homes have been broken up with the children being alienated, and others have betrayed sacred trusts, just for that one, temporary moment of sinful pleasure. The sterling character of many have been permanently stained, and the good reputations of others, have been ruined for life. This sad fact leads us to a descriptive example of the phenomena, given in the scriptures. Let’s read:

Genesis 34:1 And Dinah the daughter of Leah, went out to see the daughters of the land.
2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.
3 And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spoke kindly unto the damsel.

There is a song by this title “What you won’t do for love” by Bobby Caldwell, that adequately describes the conundrum men often find themselves in. Here are just a few of the lyrics:

My friends wonder what is wrong with me
Well I'm in a daze from your love, you see
In my world, only you
Make me do for love what I would not do.

The words of this song amply describe the stupidity that will follow in Shechem’s trail, for just as Bobby Caldwell sings, lust, not love, will make him do for love, what he would not ordinarily do. In fact, he is now willing to have the entire nation sacrifice their national identity, he is willing to surrender houses and lands, he is willing to sign over the deeds to his own properties, he is willing to open the nation’s stock market to strangers, and finally, he is willing to have all the males, young and old, including his own dad, go through the painful, bloody process of circumcision.

That’s because, as was stated before, the sting of adultery often causes men to do very stupid things, which women may not understand, because of the nature, and depth of the problem. In fact, in the overwhelming majority of cases, currently on the news, highly gifted, and supposedly intelligent men have succumbed to the same bewitching sin. Thus, as we read Hamor’s experience, let us not indulge in spiritual pride, by thinking to ourselves that we are invulnerable, just because we believe in Christ, for the Bible cautions us, “Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall”. Let’s read:

Genesis 34:4 And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife. (That’s a hasty, emotionally decision based on impulse, that has not been well thought out.)
8 And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife. (That “Longing” is not born of love, but of lust.)
9 And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you. (He is willing to sacrifice national identity.)
10 And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein. (Houses, lands, and property are irrationally, and hastily cast into the fray.)
11 And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give. (He is willing to put it all on the line, regardless of the cost. If Jacob had called for ten human heads on a platter, Hamor would have hurriedly granted the request.)
12 Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife. (A similar open-ended offer was made by king Herod, after he became infatuated with Salome’s Limbo dancing. This resulted in John the Baptist being beheaded. Adultery often causes men to do stupid things.)
14 And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised for that were a reproach unto us.
15 But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised;
17 But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone. (Here comes trouble.)
18 And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son. (This verse shows us plainly that the painful rite of circumcision is looked forward to with pleasure, all in the name of adultery. Something is really wrong here!)
19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honorable than all the house of his father.
20 And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,
21 These men are peaceable with us; therefore, let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them;
22 Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised.
24 And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city. (Notice, that not one single man in that whole city raised an objection, showing us that the problem of irrational thinking, triggered by the sin of adultery, is a very serious problem for men, in general.)
25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.
26 And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out.
27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city.
28 They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city, and that which was in the field,
29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.

We dare not point to Hamor, and Shechem as being “Those guys back then”, because the same problem currently plagues our own society, and is scheduled to spiral out of control if the necessary remedies are not implemented. As of today, adultery in all of its various forms afflicts very many people, especially men, from the highest echelons of society to regular persons on the street, from the political podium to the pulpit, from the clergy to the laity and beyond, as is clearly demonstrated in the next excerpt from CNN. Let’s read:

(CNN) Be extra careful of the male lawmakers who sleep in their offices -- they can be trouble. Avoid finding yourself alone with a congressman or senator in elevators, late-night meetings or events where alcohol is flowing. These are a few of the unwritten rules that some female lawmakers, staff and interns say they follow on Capitol Hill, where they say harassment and coercion is pervasive on both sides of the rotunda.

There is also the "creep list" -- an informal roster passed along by word-of-mouth, consisting of the male members most notorious for inappropriate behavior, ranging from making sexually suggestive comments or gestures to seeking physical relations with younger employees and interns. CNN spoke with more than 50 lawmakers, current and former Hill aides and political veterans who have worked in Congress.

The majority spoke anonymously to be candid and avoid potential repercussions. With few exceptions, every person said they have personally experienced sexual harassment on the Hill or know of others who have. In an environment with "so many young women," said one ex-House aide, the men "have no self-control." Sometimes, the sexual advances from members of Congress are reciprocated in the hopes of advancing one's career ------ what one political veteran bluntly referred to as "Sex trade on Capitol Hill."

So, now that we have demonstrated the depth, the seriousness, and the extent of the problem, let us now search for the solutions given in the scriptures, for whenever we realize that we cannot remedy a persistent, deep-rooted problem by ourselves, we should turn to Christ for help, if we be willing, and humble enough.

[1] We begin with what God can do, if we ask. An acknowledgement of the sin in particular, and our utter inability to save ourselves from it, then sets the stage for God to engage His omnipotent, and restraining power in us, so that we can be kept by His power through faith, whilst at the same time He cleanses us from cultivated, or inherited tendencies to adultery. We are not able to keep own ourselves from this bewitching sin, and therefore we must ask Christ for His grace on a continuum. Let’s read:

1st John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 460] The heart must be renewed by divine grace, or it will be in vain to seek for purity of life. He who attempts to build up a noble, virtuous character independent of the grace of Christ is building his house upon the shifting sand. In the fierce storms of temptation it will surely be overthrown.

David's prayer should be the petition of every soul: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. And having become partakers of the heavenly gift, we are to go on unto perfection, being “kept by the power of God through faith.” 1 Peter 1:5.

[2] What men must do:
As in all things, cooperation with God is absolutely essential to victorious living, and for that reason, it’s important for men to put certain guiding principles into action. Married men should not flirt with other women. Inappropriate advances should be met with firm rebuffs, so as not to give the impression of any wavering. Single men should not violate principle, even when dating, because, until one seals the deal through marriage, the prospective spouse is free to become another’s.

The habit of test driving several women, before making a “purchase” should be firmly avoided. Instead, the maxim adopted by Volkswagen, “Sign then drive” should be the mantra governing every couple seeking to tie the knot. In this way a person’s emotional and physical attachments can be guarded from hurt and disappointment, if things do not work out as expected.

Wherever possible, men should also avoid those situations, that may tend to fan latent, adulterous tendencies into life. Pornography of all kinds, and venues such as clubs, where predators of all stripes are known to be on the prowl, should be avoided. It is imperative, that while praying for divine help with this malignant sin, that we do not unnecessarily expose ourselves to temptation, for our choices, and actions determine to a large extent, whether the power of God will be engaged in our behalf.

Men who are prone to falter on the sin of adultery, must pray without ceasing, for God will give us the victory, if we seek His face relentlessly. However, it is important to remember that satan’s temptations are often sudden and unprovoked, and therefore, a victory today will not atone for a failure tomorrow. The instruction of Christ is to “Watch and pray”, on a continual basis, lest we enter into temptation. Let us take a few practical passages that will help us in gaining the victory:

1st Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

1st Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

[3] What women must do:
Women can play a very major role in not aiding and abetting in the sin of adultery. All inappropriate, or suggestive physical contact should be avoided. The longing stare, the extended embrace, lasting for several minutes, can conjure up thoughts that were not previously there. But some folks may not know what is being referred to, so here are two examples for your consideration:

This is what the Bible has to say of such extended, and intimate hugging, between a married person, and someone of the opposite sex. Let’s read:

Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light;
24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

Proverbs 6:25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

Women should not dress in a manner, as to tempt men. Freedom of expression is not a license to be an agent in the downfall of man. Lustful thoughts and passions are often fanned into life by what men see, and therefore, godly women will dress in such a manner, so as not to tease, excite, or induce sensual thoughts and desires; but on the contrary, they will deter all such sentiments by decency.

Married women should do whatsoever they can to make their husbands happy, and contented, once such actions do not lead her to sin. This will call for sacrifice in certain instances, and reciprocation on the part of the husband will also help. However, as a general rule of thumb, a man who is well pleased with his wife, will be a much more difficult target for temptation, than one who is unhappy, and not pleased with her.

We are living in an age where men and women are often more concerned with their own rights, than with the happiness, and stability of the marriage. But God is much more practical in His instructions, and solutions than many people realize, and thus, the choice, and the privilege is ours, to make our marriages as bulletproof as possible. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 7:2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

In closing, there is a pertinent instruction, given us by God, which, if implemented, will go a long way in saving us from the moral pollution with which we are surrounded. As spiritual darkness envelops the land, and as skeletons are coming out of the closets in ever increasing numbers, may all Christians shine as lights in the world, for nothing dispels darkness, as the light radiating from Christ, through everyone who is called by His name. Let’s read:

[Evangelism pp 680] Men who are doing God's work, and who have Christ abiding in their hearts, will not lower the standard of morality, but will ever seek to elevate it. They will not find pleasure in the flattery of women, or in being petted by them. Let both young and married men say, Hands off! I will not give the least occasion to have my good evil spoken of.

God bless!

See Something, Say something. Sabbath Afternoon. 11/11/2017

November 12, 2017

“See something, say something” is a program that was instituted after 9/11, and is currently used and encouraged by federal agencies, in which citizens, and residents of the United States are put under a moral obligation to report any activities that may lead to, or result in a terrorist attack. The program has indeed prevented many tragedies, which might not have otherwise been averted. A case in point is the incident where a resident of New York observed a suspicious looking pressure cooker located on the side walk in Manhattan.

The prompt action taken, by alerting the relevant authorities, prevented what may have been another tragic day in our nation’s history. And up to this day, citizens are urged to report any behavior, or violent tendencies of individuals, so as to save us from another Texas, or Vegas, if at all possible.

However, the idea of see something, say something did not originate with the department of homeland security, for it was God who first took the initiative, when He asked Cain about his brother Abel, who had recently been slain. In his response, Cain asked an important question, Am I my brother’s keeper? The answer to this question is a resounding yes, for we are bound under moral obligation to humanity, to look out for the well-being of each other.

This is clearly stated in the following passage, where the Paul urges us to reject the “Me first” philosophy by putting God first, others next, and self, last. The “Me first” philosophy is what got Lot into trouble, causing him to lose his dear wife, his two daughters, and much of his extended family. But Abraham who had adopted the “God first, others next” principles, did not respond in like manner to Lot, but instead pleaded for his deliverance, with the destroying Angel. Thus, the Bible enjoins us to take the welfare of others very seriously. Let’s read:

Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

But there are risks associated with “See something, say something”, and for this reason many who may know of what is coming upon the earth have either chosen to remain neutral, or silent. There is the risk that the message will not be well received, and, as a result, adverse consequences to the messengers of truth may ensue, for it will shake folks out of their comfort zone. And thus, rather than put life, and property on the line, some prefer to present fables that are more palatable to itching ears. The Bible explains that phenomenon this way. Let’s read:

Isaiah 56:10 His watchmen are blind, ignorant, they are dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that look to their own way, everyone for his gain, from his quarter.

John 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

Note well that there are only two categories here mentioned, gatherers, and scatterers. There is no designation such as neutral, non-binding, sitting on the fence, or cheerleaders, for those of us who see something, and do not say something, are, by our silence or neglect, scattering folks away from Christ. Thus, in our day there may be selfserving Christians who choose to minimize personal risk to themselves by remaining silent, in order to protect life, money, reputation, property, jobs, and a plethora of other personal interests.

Not so with the early Christian church, after the day of Pentecost, where believers were willing to put everything on the line for the cause of truth, and its Author, Christ. Like many of us today, they could’ve reasoned that family comes first, or they could even have quoted Christ Himself, when He said, If they persecute you in this city, flee to a next one. Instead they deliberately chose to risk it all for the sake of Christ, and that’s how they cooperated with The Holy Ghost in winning thousands of souls to the cause of Christ. In other words, the believers saw something, and they said something. Let’s read:

Acts 5:17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, were filled with indignation,
18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
40 And when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

In our day, there are solemn warnings to be given to the world, to our communities, to our co-workers, and there will be a temptation to minimize personal exposure to risk and ridicule. The message given us by God to proclaim, is by no means smooth, and will ultimately call for the relinquishing of our treasured possessions, if need be. And thus, the question is, will we be numbered with the gatherers, or will we be found with the scatterers. Let’s read:

Ezekiel 2:3 And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.
4 For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God.
6 And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks.
7 And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.

2nd Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

This exhortation by Paul to the young Timothy leads us to the story of Jonah, and the people of Nineveh, to whom an inconvenient truth was to be preached. Amid the hustle, and bustle of daily life, amid all the investments, and money-making, the racketeering, fraud, fake news, sex scandals, mass shootings, and untold violence across the land, Jonah was sent to preach one short sermon, that would cause national panic, and would cause the rich, and the poor, the high and the low, and people from all walks of life to stop abruptly in their tracks to consider the grave import of that one brief sermon. Let’s read:

Jonah 3:1 And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah, saying, 2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it The preaching that I bid thee.

There are many different types of sermons Jonah could have preached, soul-stirring truths that were bound to produce a positive response, with many resounding amens, hallelujahs, or praise The Lord. Jonah may have preferred to speak eloquently on the love of God for fallen humanity, or he may have preferred to preach on righteousness by faith, or he may have chosen instead to present the smooth prosperity gospel.

But “The preaching that I bid thee preach” was not of that order, for it would trigger panic, and for this reason it is needful for us to highlight two relevant, and important truths pertaining to the episode.

[1] Jonah’s sermon was specially designed to create a national crisis, to startle the citizenry out of their complacency, and to move them to instantaneous action, because of a looming deadline. This was not your run of the mill sermon, where people would go back home to a pot-luck fellowship lunch, complete with dinner roasts, and your favorite veggies. After Jonah’s sermon, the people wouldn’t feel like eating because his sermon would cause sleepless nights, very ominous news headlines, and would move the entire nation to fast, and pray like they had never done before. Let’s read:

Jonah 3:3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. 4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.

[2] Jonah’s sermon was much more ominous than a mere ultimatum, which is a threat made, if certain conditions aren’t met. But we observe, that in the short, no frills message, the people are not told of any conditions, requirements, or ways by which the crisis could be averted. All they are told is that they have forty days to prepare for destruction. Strange enough though, they somehow knew exactly what needed to be done, and the specific sins they were to turn away from.

Likewise, when the third angel’s message is given, the people will know exactly what to do, and the specific sins which need to be relinquished. There are many who now know of God’s will, very many are convicted in their hearts that evolution is fake news, and many more, know that there is a day coming in which God will judge the world. But as the daily round of duty continues, many are prone to either put off, or avoid confronting sacred truth. Let’s read:

Jonah 3:5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water.
8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

Now, let us get to the core of the Bible study, “See something, say something”. It was not long ago, on the 1st of October 2017, when Stephen Paddock off loaded thousands of bullets on the Route 91 harvest festival, a concert that had some 22,000 people in attendance. As bullets rained down upon the crowd many tried to flee and in the general pandemonium 58 people were slain, and over 500 injured. And the picture of the hotel room, with its two broken windows, remind us from where the carnage took place.

Now, let us just suppose that some person had seen something suspicious, like the many suitcases going to the room, or maybe had seen the windows being broken; it would now be incumbent upon that person to say something, from a moral obligation to one’s fellow citizens. Thus, the message of warning, regardless of how it is given will be sure to trigger a stampede and general panic, as concert-goers rush for the exits.

On an infinitely larger and international scale is the warning of impending doom, given to the world and its inhabitants, because the ominous events that are unfolding across our nation, and the world in general, portend a crisis of cataclysmic proportions, and thus, those of us who see something, are under moral obligation to say something. Like Jonah, the three angel’s messages, especially the third, given to us in Revelation 14, is “The preaching that God bids us preach”, for like the people of Nineveh, an invisible deadline is looming over our heads. Let’s read very solemnly:

Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

The next obvious question is “What is the mark of the beast?”
Answer: The mark of the beast occurs when church and the state unite to enforce Sunday worship, in a concerted effort to deliberately annul the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and with penalties for violators, ranging from to economic persecution, to incarceration, and death in some instances. This is that short sermon that modern day Jonahs must preach, for destructive judgments are just on the horizon. Let’s read from several passages in the Bible which confirm this.

Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

Revelation 7:1 And I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Psalms 119:126 It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law.

Isaiah 8:16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.

Isaiah 24:5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.
6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore, the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

The moral conscience of a nation are its laws, thus, when Sunday legislation is enforced, we will by so doing fully disconnect ourselves from God, for there were only two institutions given in Eden for the well -being of the human family. God-ordained marriage has essentially been upended by the judiciary, and thus, the next, and the last shoe to drop will be the annulling of the Sabbath, which points unmistakably to The Creator. When this occurs, the probation of earth’s inhabitants will be permanently closed, and the time of trouble spoken of by Daniel will begin. Let’s read:

Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Thus, in association with the brief sermon given to modern-day Nineveh, is a corresponding call to all who are sincere in heart, and who love Christ, and His truth. God will never leave anyone to perish, if there is an earnest desire to be saved, and because of this, His last roll call is specifically addressed to our Sunday-keeping brethren, who may not have previously known, or acted upon God’s will. Let’s read:

Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

We end with a quote from the pen of inspiration:
[G.C pp 589] The Christian world have shown contempt for the law of Jehovah; and the Lord will do just what he has declared that he would, he will withdraw his blessings from the earth, and remove his protecting care from those who are rebelling against his law, and teaching and forcing others to do the same.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear what The Spirit says to the churches.
God bless!

Living By Faith. Sabbath Afternoon. 11/04/2017

November 04, 2017

Many of the grand principles and teachings given to us in God’s word have been manipulated, abridged, changed, modified, or eliminated, all in the name of mainstream Christianity, and therefore, it is needful that Bible believing Christians study and understand truth in its most unadulterated form. The relation of faith, and works is one of the areas in which severe distortions have accrued over the years, because of the introduction of the notion, that believing God is all that is necessary, for one’s salvation.

Now, it is true that believing is the beginning point, but if the corresponding works, of obedience, and righteousness do not follow, then such faith is vain. In other words, belief minus works is equal to dead faith. This is what the apostle was referring to, and this is why the book of Revelation may seem to be off-balanced in its heavy emphasis on works, since the faith alone doctrine was foreseen by God, as the cause of damaging errors of various kinds in the last days of earth’s history.

The root cause of this delusion is the teaching which states God’s law was nailed to the cross at Calvary, and therefore is not applicable to the contemporary Christian. Thus, with the presumptive nailing of the law to the cross, the Sabbath commandment is also thrown out, and the floodgates of unbridled iniquity are flung wide open, giving rise to alternative, and unbiblical lifestyles, pedophilia by bishops, priests, and laity in too many instances, and fraud, scandals, and racketeering that has ravaged the modern-day church.

But God is calling His people, in every denomination to return to the Scriptural teaching of faith, with the corresponding works, for anything short of the ideal set forth in the scriptures, will pave the way for soul destroying errors to take root in the heart, with the inevitable results, unless the needed changes to our understanding, and practice aren’t made. Let’s read:

James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

2nd Chronicles 7:13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

Habakkuk 2:24 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

This last passage from Habakkuk then begs a clear explanation of what is meant by “Living by faith”. Living by faith is the process whereby a person who believes in God, is led to obey His every word, being empowered by the Holy Spirit, in cooperation with his/her freedom to choose. Of ourselves we can do nothing, both in the temporal, and spiritual realms, but if we choose to do right, then the power of God is engaged in us to produce the corresponding work of righteousness; but as a general rule of thumb, we will always have something to do in response to our faith in God. Always! Let’s read:

Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

A misunderstanding of this fundamental principle, by which God cooperates with the human agent, is what has contributed to a large extent to the quick- fix brand of Christianity, in which the phenomena of so-called faith healings have become so popular in our day. For instance, if I have been diagnosed with cancer, as a Christian, and I pray to the Lord to heal me, those first steps of faith, and prayer should lead to a deep searching of soul, to see if by any means, my dietary habits have contributed to the problem, and if so, all necessary and corrective measures will, and should be implemented to avert the potentially tragic result.

Then after I have done my best, and have repented of any wrong habits I may have indulged, The Lord, at His discretion, may cooperate with my efforts, by doing what I cannot do for myself. But, for a person to pray in faith to God, without any corresponding effort in the right direction, is a misnomer, and may very well put such a person on the path to set his or her house in order. Thus, cooperation with God in the temporal, as well as the spiritual, is a law, and is essential for any success on this earth, and in the great hereafter.

Again, if a Christian prays to God in faith, for Mr. or Miss “Right” he/she should not expect the girl of his dreams, or her knight in shining armor, to just walk through their front door, without any well-directed effort on their part. On the contrary, a genuine faith will lead that single to “mingle”, by attending some socials, some camp-meetings, some dinners, some rap sessions, or other social activities where like-minded prospects are known to be in attendance.

But to lay in one’s bed, “in faith”, will produce no results. This leads us to an important commentary, written by the servant of the Lord on how this very principle of cooperation with God works. Let’s read:

[C.O.L pp 82] In everything that tends to the sustenance of man is seen the concurrence of divine and human effort. There can be no reaping unless the human hand acts its part in the sowing of the seed. But without the agencies which God provides in giving sunshine and showers, dew and clouds, there would be no increase. Thus, it is in every business pursuit, in every department of study and science. Thus, it is in spiritual things, in the formation of the character, and in every line of Christian work.

We have a part to act, but we must have the power of divinity to unite with us, or our efforts will be in vain. Whenever man accomplishes anything, whether in spiritual or in temporal lines, he should bear in mind that he does it through co-operation with his Maker.

So, let’s take some scriptural examples to see how the rubber meets the road. We begin with faithful Abraham. When Abraham was called by God, and was given the promise of seed, as the sand that is on the seashore, he believed, and according to the Bible, it was counted unto him for righteousness. He also put his faith into practice by going to a foreign country, in obedience to the word of God. He went to the nearest bank, drew out all his savings, rented a U-Haul truck, and hit the I95, because, as far as he understood, faith without works is dead!

Again, when he was old, and desired to see his son Isaac get married to “Miss Right”, he prayed in faith, asking and believing in God, to provide a wife for his son. But after getting off his knees, his next move was to start looking, and therefore he sent Eliezer, his servant on the important mission, believing that as he cooperated with God, his faith would become reality. That’s because faith, without corresponding works is dead, and is counterproductive to positive results. In fact, it is quite possible that Isaac may never have met, or seen Rebekah, had it not been for their faith exercised, in cooperating with God. Let’s read:

Genesis 24:2 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house,
3 I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of
heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell.
4 But thou shalt go unto my country, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.
7 The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.
10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand.
12 And he said O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.
13 Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:
14 Let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.
15 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out.

The same principle of cooperation with God in the temporal, as well as the spiritual, is also observed in the marked success which attended Joseph in the house of Potiphar. Joseph gave God all the praise, and the glory for his accomplishments, but he well understood, that without any diligent effort on his part, the blessings, and opportunities provided by God would remain in “Idle” mode, because faith without works is dead. Thus, he put forth his utmost efforts, and God crowned his works with success. Let’s read:

Genesis 39:2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 214>217] The marked prosperity which attended everything placed under Joseph's care was not the result of a direct miracle; but his industry, care, and energy were crowned with the divine blessing. Joseph attributed his success to the favor of God, and even his master accepted this as the secret of his unparalleled prosperity. Without steadfast, well-directed effort, however, success could never have been attained.

And the list goes on and on and on. Rahab’s faith in God resulted in works, when she hid the spies. The faith of David was followed by corresponding works, when he took five stones and a sling to slay Goliath. It was the power of God alone that took down the giant, but David had his part to play, because faith without works is “Very dead”. God shook down the walls of Jericho, but Joshua and the Hebrews had to march around the city on numerous occasions. With Gideon, it was faith, and works again, because the blowing of a trumpet has never killed anyone, it was the power of God alone.

By faith, Peter walked on water, in obedience to the call of Christ. By faith, the multitudes were fed from five barley loaves and two fishes, but the disciples had to distribute the food to the multitude. By faith the disabled man was healed by the power of God alone, but it led him to obey, for he took up his bed and walked, in obedience to the word of Christ. By faith the disciples drew in boat loads of fish, but they had to launch out into the deep and let down their nets.

By faith the crippled man in the temple was healed by the power of God working through Peter, but he had to look steadfastly on the apostle, in obedience to Peter’s word. By faith, the waters gushed forth out of the rock, but Moses had to strike it with his rod. By faith the Hebrews were spared from the wrath of the destroying angel, but they had to put blood on their doorposts.

Furthermore, in the book of Hebrews, where Paul speaks extensively on the faith of God’s people in ages past, the experiences he cited are frequently preceded by the words, “By Faith”, then he goes on to list what the faithful did in response to their faith in God. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.
11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

The same principle that applies in the physical, and temporal realm, also applies in the spiritual too, for no one accomplishes anything without cooperation, with God. Furthermore, The Lord does not override our freedom of choice to force His good will upon, us without our consent. Thus, living by faith must of necessity be accompanied with corresponding work for it to be recognized as the scriptural brand. Just believing, does not give us a leg up on satan, for he is also a believer, who spends more time in God’s word, than many of us who profess to believe.

For instance, if a saint prays to God in faith, asking for deliverance from the one-eyed monster, which keeps him/her up late at night, God will work on the desire level, but the saint will need to use his or her remote to switch off the television. But for us to wait on the angel to turn it off will leave us addicted to watching, just as before. Faith without works is dead, and it is absolutely essential that as Christians we cooperate with God, if we are to live victoriously from day to day. Let’s read:

Zechariah 3:1 And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
2 And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
5 And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by.
6 And the angel of the Lord protested unto Joshua, saying,
7 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.

The change of raiment given to Joshua represents the robe of Christ’s righteousness, given to every believer as a free gift, and the remitting of sins is also done by Christ, in response to our faith in Him. However, after granting Joshua the gift of salvation, the Lord exhorts him to good works, by “Walking in His ways and keeping His charge. Note well that the exhortation in verse seven begins with the word “If” meaning that the choice is Joshua’s.

And if he chooses to do right, then the power of The Holy spirit is engaged in him to produce good works of righteousness. It all has to do with cooperation with God, through faith and works, for this is what is meant by the phrase “Living by faith”. Let’s read:

Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord, not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.

[Christ’s Object lessons pp 331] Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. A noble, all-round character is not inherited. It is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected.

In closing, it is in order to issue a caution pertaining to the multitudinous smooth doctrines which have taken root in our day, for many such fables have been spawned by the singular teaching of God’s law being nailed to the cross. Faith without works, once saved always saved, and presumption, which is the counterfeit of faith, are all offshoots of the same error. Thus, in the very last book, and the very last chapter of the Bible, God reminds us of the great principle or cooperation with Omnipotence, the one and only way for us to live victoriously. Let’s read:

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word.
God bless!

God's Will Done Wrong. Sabbath Afternoon. 10/28/2017

October 28, 2017

God’s will is always done on earth as it is in heaven, even when unintended ways of accomplishing His purposes are implemented by the human agent. In fact, there are in most instances, several paths to achieving the same end, and therefore, the issue of import for each of us is that we be aligned with the right side of His will. In addition, a person’s choice, and disobedience are often incorporated into God’s plans, in bringing His purposes to pass, and thus, His will is accomplished, whether we choose to obey, or not. This sobering thought was expressed by Christ Himself, when He uttered what is referred to as The Lord’s prayer, and there’s a reason for this. Let’s read:

Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

For instance, in the parable of the wheat and tares, the servants were gravely concerned for the welfare of the wheat, and as they saw the tares multiplying among them, they were driven by sheer concern to ask whether they should go and uproot them, since
that seemed like the logically correct thing to do. But to their amazement, The Lord of the harvest said let them both grow together, for as far as God was concerned, the tares do not pose an existential threat to the wheat.

Thus, the servant of the Lord makes an interesting commentary on the vastly superior intelligence of the God whom we serve, and how the machinations of men, and the wiles of satan, are all incorporated into His bigger plan, to get His will done any which way. This sobering fact should cause all to tremble and fear before The Living God, who not only knows exactly what we are going to do, but also knows the thought processes which produce the actions, long before they are even implemented. Let’s read:

[PK. pp 500] In the annals of human history, the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, appear as if dependent on the will and prowess of man; the shaping of events seems, to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice. But in the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, above, behind, and through all the play and counter-play of human interest, and power, and passions, the agencies of the All-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of His own will.

Several examples given in the scriptures bear this out. For instance, God’s will was that Jesus would come to this earth, and die for sinners at the exact moment; but in His own time and way, He would have laid our sins upon Christ, and He would have died of a broken heart for you, and me. It was not necessary for Judas to betray Christ, and it wasn’t necessary for Peter to cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant, nor was it necessary for Pilate to do the unthinkable.

In God’s own time and way Jesus would have died anyway, without any interference, or disobedience on the part of the human agents, but since they all chose to do what they did, without being forced to do so, God not only permitted them, but catered for their future disobedience in His planning. In fact the disobedience on the part of the human agents was incorporated into the prophecies concerning Christ, without anyone ever being forced to do what they did. Let’s read:

Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

John 13:18 I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.

Zechariah 11:12 And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.
13 And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was priced at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord.

Matthew 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value.

The same thing has occurred in very many instances where, as in the case of Judas, one’s disobedience is incorporated into God’s plan, and prophecy, even if God pleads with the person not to fulfill that which was prophesied concerning them. No one is bound in an iron destiny because of prophecy, for we are given the freedom of choice, and may persist in the path of disobedience, or we can repent, and do the right thing. It’s all up to us in a large measure, and God does not intervene to force the stubborn will.

When an explicit prophecy concerning Nineveh was given, the king, and his people repented on hearing the preaching of Jonah, and the prophecy of coming destruction was entirely reversed. The choices, and the destiny is ours. Again, when God predicted that a stubborn pharaoh would refuse to do the right thing, God did not harden pharaoh’s heart, He just did not prevent him from being very stubborn, but rather incorporated pharaoh’s disobedience into His larger plan to deliver His people.

Every Hebrew would have left Egypt on the very same night as predicted, even if pharaoh chose to be obedient, because God’s will is accomplished, if we choose to obey, or if we choose otherwise; it matters not. We can choose to obey God, and be saved when Christ comes, or we may choose to walk contrary to His laws, and be lost when Christ comes; but one thing is certain, at the appointed time, Christ will come, even if we do not believe. Christ’s coming is not dependent on whether we believe. We do not have to believe! Let’s read:

Exodus 9:13 And the Lord said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God, Let my people go, that they may serve me.
14 For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.
16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.
17 As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?
18 Behold, tomorrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.

19 Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die.
20 He that feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:
21 And he that regarded not the word of the Lord left his servants and his cattle in the field.

And so said so done, as pharaoh prolonged his own stubbornness, and as plague after plague fell upon Egypt, it seemed as if God’s purposes were being delayed through pharaoh’s disobedience, and some of the Hebrews may have thought that God’s will was being thwarted, and put on hold. But the Bible tells us that in the fullness of time, on the exact day God had previously appointed, all the Hebrews left Egypt with great substance, according to the good will of God. Let’s read:

Genesis 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

Exodus 12: 35 And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment.
36 And they spoiled the Egyptians.
51 And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the Lord did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

These examples, amongst many, lead us to the core of our study, for the same thing took place with the children of Isaac, and Rebekah, Jacob and Esau, of whom it was prophesied that the younger was to have preeminence over the older son. Esau wasn’t bound in an iron destiny, nor was he deprived the freedom of choice. It was because of his own bad decision that the birthright was given to Jacob. And Jacob himself cannot be let off the hook, for it was not necessary for him, or his mother to practice any fraud, in order to fulfill God’s word. In His own time and way, God would have given him the birthright. Let’s read:

Genesis 27:1 And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I.
2 And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death:
3 Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison;
4 And make me savory meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die.
5 And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it.
6 And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying,
7 Bring me venison, and make me savory meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the Lord before my death.
8 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee.
9 Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savory meat for thy father, such as he loveth.
10 And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death.
11 And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold,
Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man.
12 My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing.
13 And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them.
14 And he went, and fetched, and brought them to his mother: and his mother made savory meat, such as his father loved.
15 And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son.
16 And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck.
17 And she gave the savory meat and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.
18 And he came unto his father, and said, My
father: and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son?
19 And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy first born; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me.
20 And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the Lord thy God brought it to me.
21 And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou be my very son Esau or not.
22 And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.
23 And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.
24 And he said, Art thou my very son Esau? And he said, I am.
25 And he said, Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son's venison, that my soul may bless thee. And he brought it near to him, and he did eat: and he brought him wine and he drank.
26 And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.
27 And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed:
28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine.
29 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.
30 And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce
gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting.
31 And he also had made savory meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may bless me.
32 And Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy firstborn Esau.
33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and
brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.
34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.
35 And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.
36 And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for
he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?
37 And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son?
38 And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.

A very interesting commentary is written by the servant of The Lord about this incident, for Isaac had steadfastly purposed in his heart, that under all circumstances, Esau was going to get the birthright. God did not force the will of Rebekah, Jacob, Esau or Isaac, but He let them choose whatsoever they wanted to do, and in the process, His will gets done. God’s will is done in heaven and on earth, whether we agree, or whether we disagree, but any which way, through obedience, or disobedience His will is going to be accomplished with 100% certainty. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 178>179] Isaac made known to his sons these privileges and conditions, and plainly stated that Esau, as the eldest, was the one entitled to the birthright. But Esau had no love for devotion, no inclination to a religious life. The requirements that accompanied the spiritual birthright were an unwelcome and even hateful restraint to him. The law of God, which was the condition of the divine covenant with Abraham, was regarded by Esau as a yoke of bondage.

Bent on self-indulgence, he desired nothing so much as liberty to do as he pleased. To him power and riches, feasting and reveling, were happiness. He gloried in the unrestrained freedom of his wild, roving life. Rebekah remembered the words of the angel, and she read with clearer insight than did her husband the character of their sons. She was convinced that the heritage of divine promise was intended for Jacob.

She repeated to Isaac the angel's words; but the father's affections were centered upon the elder son, and he was unshaken in his purpose. “Thus, Esau despised his birthright.” In disposing of it he felt a sense of relief. Now his way was unobstructed he could do as he liked. Years passed on, until Isaac, old, blind, and expecting soon to die, determined no longer to delay the bestowal of the blessing upon his elder son. But knowing the opposition of Rebekah and Jacob, he decided to perform the solemn ceremony in secret.

And thus, it was, that with all the fraud, deception, lying, impersonation, with all the cooking, and the seasoning used, put together with the perfume and Isaac’s stubbornness, some way, somehow, God’s will gets done at the end of the day. Many of our number are gravely concerned about the events of this past week, and the culmination that is to take place in Sweden on 10/31/2017. We are referring to the apparent end of Protestantism, as supervised by pope Francis, in collaboration with the Lutheran church and other denominations, and evangelicals.

On October 31/2017, the very date that Luther had nailed his 95 Theses to the now infamous door of the church at Wittenberg, Catholics and Lutherans will declare an official end to all protests, and will, from here on out, seek to completely bridge the gap that has divided Christianity for so many years. But just as it was with Jacob, if we were to ask God if that is His preferred will, He will say no, but His will is going to be done any which way, for He does, and can incorporate disobedience or obedience into His greater plan.

In fact, the ceremony that is to take place on the 10/31, 2017 will backfire, just as it did with Rebekah and Jacob, for it will clear the way for the greatest exodus from Catholicism, and other denominations into the Seventh-Day Adventist church, since it will become the only protestant church remaining on the planet. Sadly though, the ceremony in Sweden will also trigger a mass exodus from S.D.A churches into the mainstream brand of Christianity, just as the servant of the Lord has predicted. This will take some time, but it will certainly occur. Let’s read:

[C.E.T pp 228] In vision I saw two armies in terrible conflict. One army was led by banners bearing the world's insignia; the other was led by the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust, as company after company from the Lord's army joined the foe, and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God. An angel flying in the midst of heaven put the standard of Emmanuel into many hands, while a mighty general cried with a loud voice: “Come into line. Let those who are loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Christ now take their position”…..

NPR news, by Sylvia Poggioli.
Pope Francis arrived in Sweden on Monday for services marking the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation that split Lutherans and Catholics. He arrived in the southern city of Malmo, and is scheduled to attend an event with leaders of the Lutheran World Federation on Monday afternoon. He will also lead a service at a Lutheran Cathedral in the city of Lund, and a Mass at the arena in Malmo on Tuesday.

Sweden is a secular, majority-Lutheran country. Some 72 million people belong to the Lutheran church worldwide, according to the Lutheran World Federation. The Vatican estimates about 1.2 billion people have been baptized in the Catholic church. NPR's Sylvia Poggioli reports that the trip is "in keeping with his efforts to reach out to other branches of Christianity — like the Russian Orthodox Church — and other faiths, including Islam and Judaism."

"It was the year 1517 when the German monk Martin Luther pinned his 95 Theses to the door of his Catholic church, denouncing the Catholic sale of indulgences — pardons for sins — and questioning papal authority. That led to his excommunication and the start of the Protestant Reformation. The animosity and resentments left by the Reformation only began to heal after the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, with the start of an ecumenical dialogue aimed at promoting Christian unity.

The Catholic Herald. Excerpts from Pope Francis’ Homily:
Here in Lund, at this prayer service, we wish to manifest our shared desire to remain one with Christ. This is also a moment to thank God for the efforts of our many brothers and sisters from different ecclesial communities who refused to be resigned to division, but instead kept alive the hope of reconciliation among all who believe in the one Lord.

As Catholics and Lutherans, we have undertaken a common journey of reconciliation. Now, in the context of the commemoration of the Reformation of 1517, we have a new opportunity to accept a common path, one that has taken shape over the past fifty years in the ecumenical dialogue between the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church. Nor can we be resigned to the division and distance that our separation has created between us. We have the opportunity to mend a critical moment of our history by moving beyond the controversies and disagreements that have often prevented us from understanding one another.

It is of tremendous importance what is to take place on early next week, because, with the official reunification of Catholicism and Protestantism, there will be only two categories remaining within the Christian body worldwide, mainstream Christianity, where any and everything goes, and Biblical Christianity, where the teachings, instructions, and laws God has given to the human family are honored and upheld.

With the mainstream brand of Christianity, where everything is included, comes gay marriage, and gay bishops, the natural immortality of the soul, Sunday sacredness, lawlessness, sprinkling, instead of Bible baptism by immersion, faith without works, the new world order, and the mark of the beast.

In contrast, Biblical Christianity espouses the sacred institution of marriage as given to us by God in Eden between one man, and his female wife, the validity of the Ten commandments, including the 4th, which states that the seventh day is the Sabbath, mortality of the soul, until resurrected by Jesus, a faith that is demonstrated by corresponding works the freedom to worship God, according to the dictates of one’s conscience, and the seal of God’s approval, placed invisibly in the forehead, where decisions are made.

In a nutshell, if a person isn’t in favor with the end of Protestantism, and if he/she desires to follow the biblical brand of Christianity, then such a person will become a Seventh-day Adventist, plain and simple, for very soon, it will be the only protestant church on the planet. Thus, in harmony with these great and momentous truths, we offer an open invitation to people of all faiths, including Catholics, once such persons are willing to subscribe to the biblical brand of Christianity. Two important passages of scripture, pointing to such a time as this must now be given. Let’s read:

Joel 3:13 Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: for their wickedness is great.
14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.
15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.
16 The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people.

There are some pretty, disturbing questions for us to consider, and maybe, we will get the answers in eternity:
[1] How is it, that against all odds, and contrary to what the most were predicting, and expecting, Donald Trump won the election?
[2] How is it, that for some reason, Trump and pope Francis couldn’t get along?
[3] How is it, that of all people, a prominent Seventh Day Adventist ends up on his cabinet?
While pondering the import of these questions, we will end with the first quote submitted in our study today. Let’s read:

[PK. pp 500] In the annals of human history, the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, appear as if dependent on the will and prowess of man; the shaping of events seems, to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice. But in the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, above, behind, and through all the play and counter-play of human interest and power and passions, the agencies of the All-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of His own will.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word.
God bless!

Biblical Versus Mainstream. Sabbath Afternoon. 10/21/2017

October 21, 2017

Sooner or later, every sincere Christian will have to re-evaluate their commitment, and relationship to God, and the teachings of His word, because we are living in an age that is increasingly hostile, or averse to righteousness, and the great principles laid down in the scriptures. The majority opinion has taken the place of the Bible in most instances, and legislators, religious leaders, and politicians alike are motivated more by applause and popularity than, those truths God has given to guide the human family to greater peace and happiness.

The word “Mainstream” refers to ideas, attitudes, perspectives, or activities that are regarded as being conventional; it also refers to the dominant trend in opinion, fashion, etc. Synonyms of the word include expressions such as generally accepted, prevailing thought, popular majority, or conformist. Therefore, whenever national polls are done on any particular issue, the emphasis is usually placed on what most Americans think, not on what the Bible, or God has to say on the matter.

And because of this, it will become impossible for us to straddle both sides of the fence, for we must give our allegiance entirely to the God of heaven, or we must serve the gods of this world, but to say we are middle of the road on matters of eternal import is a non-starter for both God and satan. In other words, the true soldiers of the cross should not be seeking to hide their candle under a bushel, so as to avoid criticism, or ostracization. Instead, we should all be ready to stand boldly in defense of truth and duty, as God leads, and strengthens us. Let’s read:

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

1st Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

Pop-culture is the current standard by which many people draw their conclusions, pertaining to right, and wrong, good, and evil. But whenever our ideas and opinions are allowed to be driven by polls we will inevitably be pitted against the scripture, which makes no provisions for political correctness, polls, or what the popular majority may think. In fact, true Christians will allow the word of God to shape their thinking, decisions, and actions, even when it does not harmonize with what is considered mainstream. Several passages of scripture bear this out. Let’s read:

1st Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

James 4:4 Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Therefore, the great controversy will culminate in the principles, laws, and institutions of the scripture being pitted against mainstream beliefs, concepts philosophies, and vice-versa. It has already begun, and is scheduled to accelerate at an alarming pace in the near future. The following stark differences bear this out.

[1] It is now generally acceptable, for individuals of the same sex to marry, for most folks now believe that the sacred institution needed to be modified, to accommodate pop-culture. God says the exact opposite, for His word is not one opinion amongst many; instead it is the only gold standard by which we are to live, and by which we will be judged. Let’s read:

Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

[2] Pop-culture believes in evolution, and the theory has become a mainstay of our educational system, to the point where even some Christians have been seduced into believing it’s true. If anyone now dares to question Darwin, they are immediately accosted by the media, and mocked at, for what’s considered archaic, irrelevant, and unscientific. But the Bible is very clear on the issue of origin of species, because it declares the world was created in six literal days, by the Omnipotent God. And Christians should not be afraid of saying so. Let’s read:

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and
darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
4 And God divided the light from the darkness.
5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

The Biblical and mainstream modes of thought have also affected the Christian church, for even though some may not know it, there is Biblical Christianity, and there is mainstream Christianity. Mainstream Christianity makes the word of God subjective, and will change, modify, or add to it for convenience, or for tradition purposes.

Biblical Christianity is that creed whereby adherents believe God’s word must not be tampered with, or abridged to accommodate majority opinions, and contemporary modes of thought and philosophy. All who espouse Biblical Christianity believe that God’s word has the final say, regardless of what personal ideas of feelings may suggest. And because of this, we will discover that some conventional modes of thought have converged irreverently on the first day of the week, in spite of what God has declared, in both the old and new testaments.

To put it plainly, Sunday keeping is mainstream, a day of convenience. Sabbath keeping is Biblical, and requires sacrifice, and the two opposing views will continue to butt heads, until the issue comes to a national confrontation, and culminates in the mark of the beast. Therefore, every Christian will have to decide whether God’s word will be their standard, or whether mainstream philosophies and concepts will ultimately bear sway over their decision-making processes.

Whenever God is worshiped out of convenience, His sacred and unique nature is dishonored, for He is treated as One amongst many, not being given any special consideration for who He is. But proper Sabbath keeping requires sacrifice, and is not to be made subject to feelings, or opinions. For instance, with mainstream Christianity, Sunday worship is to be observed regularly, unless the Super-Bowl comes to town on that day. Then, the worship of God may be put on hold, to make allowance for what many may deem more important.

Biblical Sabbath worship makes no allowance for the Super-Bowl, if it was to fall on a Saturday, and if it does, the true Christian will be found in church, happy, contented, and not chomping at the bits for the pastor to hurry up his sermon before the game begins. There’s a very huge difference between that subjective, mainstream form of Christianity, and the Biblical brand, the one which requires sacrifice, and which puts God first in all situations. Here is what God has to say about the latter. Let’s read:

Psalms 50:5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself.

[The Great Controversy. pp 639] The starry heavens are seen, unspeakably glorious in contrast with the black firmament on either side. Then there appears against the sky a hand holding two tables of stone folded together. Says the prophet: “The heavens shall declare His righteousness: for God is judge Himself.” That holy law, God's righteousness, that amid thunder and flame was proclaimed from Sinai as the guide of life, is now revealed to men as the rule of judgment.

The hand opens the tables, and there are seen the precepts of the Decalogue, traced as with a pen of fire. The words are so plain that all can read them. Memory is aroused, the darkness of superstition and heresy is swept from every mind, and God's ten words, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, are presented to the view of all the inhabitants of the earth.

When God gave to the human family the Sabbath as the official, and only day of rest, He designed that it should be kept worldwide, and even though there have been concerted efforts over the years to make it obsolete, yet there is nothing man can do to make Sunday holy. Even if we were to sit in a church from dawn till dusk on Sunday, and even if we fasted and prayed for the entire day, Sunday will never ever be a holy day, even when it is enforced, and becomes the law of the land.

When gave His sacred law at Sinai, he prefaced the fourth commandment with the word, “Remember”, thus placing emphasis on this particular command. So, if for some reason He has changed it to the first day of the week, we must expect Him to make such a change with the corresponding emphasis, which means that somewhere in the Bible we must expect to find, “Remember The 1st day to keep it holy”. But when diligent search is made from cover to cover, it is seen that such a change is nowhere to be found. That’s because Sunday keeping is mainstream, and Sabbath keeping is still Biblical and valid. Let’s read:

Exodus 20:8 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work.
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates.
11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Genesis 2:1 Thus, the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

This brings us to an important period in our history, for we are overwhelmed with various controversies which have engrossed the minds of the people, and which may at times irk us at the very core. There is the Kaepernick controversy, the Puerto Rico, and the Russian interference controversy. Then there is the gay marriage controversy, in which mainstream ideas are pitted against scriptural principles. And as if these were not enough The Lord also has ongoing controversies with the nations of the earth. Let’s read:

Hosea 4:1 Hear the word of the Lord, for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
2 By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

Thus, whenever there is a controversy in the public square, the tendency is for mainstream opinions to prevail, and fringe elements to be shut down. Just this past week, a white nationalist who spoke at the university of Florida was almost denied the freedom of speech, because his nationalist views are seen as objectionable to the majority. That is all well and good until we begin to dictate what is objectionable and what is not.

The freedom of speech, with all of its pros and cons, is one of the fundamental institutions which makes America the great nation it is. But inevitably, this freedom will make allowance for speech that may be objectionable to some. However, Christ wants us to look at the bigger picture, for it is very important not to begin clamping down on what the majority may deem "Objectionable" since this will inevitably lead to restrictions on religious liberty.

Many of the Biblical truths we espouse and teach, as Seventh day Adventists, will no doubt be placed in the "Objectionable" column, and thus, it may be best for us to be patient and tolerant with both the good, and the evil. Therefore, whilst we still have the opportunity to do so, we are encouraged, and instructed in God’s word to preach present truth, in season, and also when it is inconvenient, because the eternal destiny of millions of people depend on it. Let’s read:

2nd Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

In closing, there is a passage of scripture which must be explained, so we may understand what it means and refers to. Let’s read:

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Walking humbly with God means choosing, and acknowledging His wise instructions and laws to us, as being superior, and being willing to surrender all preconceived ideas in favor of what God designates as best for us. Thus, if for some reason we may have inadvertently adopted mainstream Christianity, God is now calling us to adopt the Biblical brand, which leads us to our final passages for today. Let’s read:

Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word.
God bless!

The Choice Is Yours. Sabbath Afternoon. 10/14/2017

October 14, 2017

The freedom to choose is one of the greatest gifts God has given to us, and we should understand the responsibilities that go along with it, because our lives, our successes, and failures, depend to a large extent on the decisions made, and actions we take. For instance, even though the Bible has given us a general average of our lifespan, we ourselves can either greatly extend, or greatly shorten that period by what we choose to do. In other words, both Mc Donald’s, and Wholefoods sell burgers, fries, and salad; the choice is ours!

Sometimes we may make the mistake of respecting only the good choices others make, and not the bad ones, but as Christians we should respect both. We may counsel, plead, pray, and exhort, we may shed many bitter tears, in grief at the pursuit of a wrong course of action, but at the end of the day, after all is said, and done, the choice would remain with the person.

Again, parents, and brethren may be praying for a wayward child, and we may quote several promises from the Bible, pertaining to their recovery by The Lord Jesus. Then, in response, to the petitions, and entreaties made, God’s Holy Ghost may prick their consciences, with special graphic interferences from heaven. All this is well, and good, but if that child insists on doing wrong, their choices made, with the accompanying results must be accepted for what they are.

The parents of Samson begged him not to marry the philistine, but when he insisted on his choice, they respected his decision, and showed their respect by attending the wedding ceremony, and the banquet, which followed after, all the while, knowing full well that the path Samson chose would end in disaster, as the immutable word of God has clearly stated.

The tragedies which unfolded later were the results of his own choosing, and although God’s grace, and mercy followed him, yet it did not prevent him from pursuing a ruinous path. God’s grace, and the many prayers of his parents may have contained much of the collateral damage for very many years, but as the Title states, ultimately, “The Choice Is Yours. Let’s read:

Judges 14:1 And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines.
2 And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife.
3 Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is
there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.
4 But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the Lord, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines.

Thus, it is a sad, but true commentary of our day, that the majority of us die prematurely, with very few reaching the years God allotted us. In addition, very many of the problems people now face can be fixed through the choices we make. Prayer is very important, and God’s guidance is indispensable, but at the end of the day, our choices can make all the difference, because God’s blessing, and prayer are almost never allowed to override personal choice.

God blessed Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston with the gift of singing, but because of their choices, their lives ended tragically and prematurely. Indeed, when we examine very many of the questions, and complaints that are lodged against God for calamity, failure, and tragedy, the root causes almost always go back to the choices we made, and the actions we took. Therefore, as we proceed with our study, it is important that we view objectively, that which God has to say on the matter, throughout sacred history. Let’s read:

Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Genesis 13:8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
9 Is not the whole land before thee? if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord.
11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.

2nd Samuel 11:2 And it came to pass in an evening-tide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
3 And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?
4 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her.

Genesis 16:1 Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.

If Abraham didn’t want to sleep with Hagar, nobody could have forced him. He wanted to do so and that is why he did it. Which raises another issue of great importance, pertaining to choice, for if we sincerely desire to do something, we will do it. We will find all the ways, and means to surmount the difficulties in the way, and circumvent every possible obstacle we may encounter, but one thing is certain, we will do it if we really want to. The same is true when we do not want to do something; we will find all the ways, and means, excuses and reasons why we would not.

It’s amazing the amount of apparently valid excuses we come up with when we really do not want to do something. Excuses such as no motivation, money, no moral support, lack of encouragement, January 1st, tiredness, lack of energy, unjust criticism, family, poor attendance, etc. However, the fact is that if we really want to do something, and it is considered by us to be important enough, we will do it, period.

There is almost no stopping of the human agent, with a determined will, for if we put a man on the moon, we can certainly do most of the mundane things we view as impossible. Therefore, the real problem is that we do not want to do it, whatever “It” is, and this is what moves our choices into the do, or don’t columns. Let’s read:

Genesis 11:6 And the Lord said, Behold, nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

This leads us to our study for this evening, because when God called Moses to go speak to pharaoh, he too found a whole lot of “Valid” excuses not to go, and even though The Lord proposed to take care of every deficiency, and every obstacle mentioned, he still found more, and more excuses. That’s because whenever we don’t want to do something, that very fact spawns a multitude of apparently valid excuses, and with each additional reason given, the purpose of not doing so becomes more, and more rational in our own eyes which then directly affects our choice. Let’s read:

Exodus 3: 14 And God said unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.
15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you.
16 Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt:

Exodus 4:1 And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee.
2 And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.
3 And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.
4 And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand.
5 That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.
6 And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
7 And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.
8 And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.
9 And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land.
10 And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?
12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
14 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.

There are certain things we will not want to do, but which should be done anyway just because they are good. Most people will love to have a healthy body, as long as they can, but the effort required is often often viewed as an unwelcome guest. In fact, if we could get the desired body without the effort, many millions will immediately sign on. Take again water; some people do not like to drink pure water, but we should because it is good for us, even though it may taste bland, and we may not “feel” like drinking it.

The same is true of the Christian pathway, for there are many things we will not “feel” to do, which are good for us. To fight the good fight of faith means to war against what we naturally love to do, and to fight against oneself goes contrary to our natural, fallen grain. Thus, sound decisions and choices must be given preeminence over what we feel, if we are to live victoriously in Christ Jesus. Let’s read:

Romans 7:15 For that which I do I allow not, but what I hate, that I do.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Then, after explaining our wretched condition, Paul explains how the impossible becomes possible, and how through the power of Christ, the weak become strong. As Christians who believe in the omnipotent Christ, we should try to avoid groveling in our own inabilities, weaknesses, and failures, for by doing so, a dark shadow will overspread all those good things we attempt to do. Unbelief is contagious, and tends to color every noble aspiration with clouds of doubt and uncertainty, which then stifles energy, and any enthusiasm we may have had. Let’s read:

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

That law of sin which Paul is referring to can only be subdued by choice, and the enabling power of God. In our day, a lot of emphasis is placed upon feelings and emotions, and too often these are permitted to affect the choices we make. But self-denial doesn’t “Feel” good, and if we are to be saved eternally, our choices must be guided by the word of God alone, even when there may be conflicting emotions, and feelings tugging us in different directions. Let’s read:

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Whenever circumstances are permitted to mold our decisions, and choices, then we will view the word of God in the Bible, as being subjective, and we will become the sport of circumstances. When it comes to doing that which is good, and right, no negative circumstances should be allowed to cast a shadow over our decision-making processes, or enthusiasm. Thus, if anything is worthy of being done, especially when it is written or commanded by The Lord in His word, maximum effort should be exerted until it is accomplished.

A very important exposition is written by the pen of inspiration, pertaining to the way our decisions and choices ought to be made, and if counsel and advice given is adopted, it will make a huge difference in our outlook, our potential to achieve, and the way we view, and approach daunting challenges. Let’s read:

[Christ’s Object Lessons. pp 330] God will accept only those who are determined to aim high. He places every human agent under obligation to do his best. Never should we lower the standard of righteousness in order to accommodate inherited or cultivated tendencies to wrong-doing. All righteous attributes of character dwell in God as a perfect, harmonious whole, and everyone who receives Christ as a personal Savior is privileged to possess these attributes.

But Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. A noble, all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected.

Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life. Many whom God has qualified to do excellent work accomplish very little, because they attempt little. Remember that you will never reach a higher standard than you yourself set. Then set your mark high, and step by step, even though it be by painful effort, by self-denial and sacrifice, ascend the whole length of the ladder of progress.

Let nothing hinder you. Fate has not woven its meshes about any human being so firmly that he need remain helpless and in uncertainty. Opposing circumstances should create a firm determination to overcome them. The breaking down of one barrier will give greater ability and courage to go forward. Press with determination in the right direction, and circumstances will be your helpers, not your hindrances.

In closing, as we approach that period of earth’s history, when the faithful will need to walk by faith, and faith alone, it is imperative, that we buckle up our shoes, and run with patience, the race that is set before us, being determined, relentless, brave, and resilient, through the power of The Holy Spirit. If we say we believe in Christ, we must begin to live and act like we do, which leads us to our final text for today. Let’s read:

Philippians 3:13 Brethren, this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

God bless!

Balaam's Magic Book. Sabbath Afternoon. 02/25/2018

Worship "Him". Sabbath Afternoon. 02/17/2018

It's All About Christ. Sabbath Afternoon. 02/10/2018

Strange Fire! Sabbath Afternoon. 02/03/2018

Successful Christian Business. Sabbath Afternoon. 01/27/2018

Fear God! 01/20/2018 Sabbath Afternoon.

The Food Fight. Sabbath Afternoon. 01/13/2018

A Christian Is Born. Sabbath Afternoon. 01/06/2018

In All Thy Ways. Sabbath Afternoon. 12/30/2017

Preserving The Blessing. Sabbath Afternoon. 12/23/2017

Why Me? Sabbath Afternoon 12/16/2017

Where Grace Did Abound. Sabbath Afternoon 12/09/2017

The Disobedience Delusions. Sabbath Afternoon. 12/02/2017

The Investigative Judgment. Sabbath Afternoon 11/25/2017

How To Overcome Adultery. Sabbath Afternoon. 11/18/2017

See Something, Say something. Sabbath Afternoon. 11/11/2017

Living By Faith. Sabbath Afternoon. 11/04/2017

God's Will Done Wrong. Sabbath Afternoon. 10/28/2017

Biblical Versus Mainstream. Sabbath Afternoon. 10/21/2017

The Choice Is Yours. Sabbath Afternoon. 10/14/2017

Wells Blog

Latest Posts

Tweets