Trusting God Partially. Sabbath Afternoon. 11/17/2018

No area of our lives, and none of our decisions are to be off-limits to God’s jurisdiction. Trusting Him in a partial manner and in only certain areas where we may have no other choice, is far from ideal. We are to trust God in our finances, in righteousness, for the forgiveness of sins, for health purposes, for any reconciliation that may be warranted, in handling the delicate issues which arise between husbands and wives.

Trusting in God should rather be viewed as a way of life, rather than an occasional, or incidental resort when we may have no other choice. In every part of our lives, that trust should be made manifest, by us allowing God’s revealed will to take preeminence in our decision-making processes, and by obeying His word, and incorporating scriptural principles when, and wherever they apply.

It is thus that the passage: “The just shall live by his faith” has any meaning. Living by faith in God grants to Him the jurisdiction over everything we do. But with too many Christians, there is contentment with trusting God only in some issues while reserving our own personal judgment, biases, and preferences in others.

In fact, with many who claim to believe in Jesus, there is a decided reserve about Him meddling in our personal affairs, while we trust him for abstract things such as forgiveness of sins, spiritual blessings and eternal life. Others trust Him to bless us in the temporal areas, such as health and finances, but the other issues of diets and foods are held off-limits.

Thus, a one-sided approach to trusting God, results in a Christianity that is off-balanced, and shudders on the brink when emergencies arise in any of the off-limit areas. It is thus that medical, financial and marital emergencies find many in a conundrum, and cause us to question God’s goodness when all along we may have taken such personal matters into our own hands, with no regard to His input, His laws or His instructions.

Therefore, the following Bible passages should be understood, with the determination that trusting in God fully would be our own experience from here on out. Explanations will be given at the end of each passage, so that we may have clearer concepts of God’s will, and His ideals for Christian living. Let’s read:

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Pride of opinion and lifting our personal ideas above what is written in the Bible is what causes our souls to become “Lifted up”. Living by faith therefore, will move us to surrender every area of our lives to the knowledge that God has revealed. Worldly principle and ideologies, and philosophies will be subservient to what God says, and where genuine ignorance has led us astray in times past, the ongoing revelation of truth and duty should be eagerly adopted.

Romans 14:23 For whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

This means that any and everything we may do that does not willingly conform to God’s revealed will is a sin. This can also and often does include very good things, but without a deliberate submission to God’s will, those works become meaningless, and are then opposed to God. Of this sort are those good works mentioned in Matthew 7, where many good things are claimed by many, to be done in Jesus name.

But after a thorough examination of the way those things were done, the motivation for doing so, and the necessary compliance with God’s principles and laws, a deficit of righteousness emerged, for it was ultimately discovered that those who made such a claim had trusted God only partially, doing the right thing in some areas, while denying His leadership in others. Let’s read:

Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Giving a loaf of bread to a needy neighbor, while we deliberately violate one, or more of God’s precepts can be a form of partially trusting God. And helping those who are in tragedies, and distributing goods to the poor, while at the same time some cling to evolutionary philosophies, regardless of what the Bible teaches, manifests that they may be trusting God only partially, and have not yet made a full and complete surrender to Him.

Numbers 14:24 But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land where-into he went; and his seed shall possess it.

Caleb followed God fully because all of his ways and doings, all of his decisions and his modes of thought and action came under the umbrella of the revealed will of God. Caleb did not let God lead in some areas and then deny Him access in others. Even when he suffered tremendous disappointment, after being found faithful, when with the other unfaithful men of Israel, he had to return to the desert, to wander for forty years he continued to trust God fully.

Whenever Caleb’s personal ideas and preferences clashed with God’s revealed will, as is so often the case with us, he humbly submitted to God’s ways. Not a mumbling word or murmur of being treated unfairly escaped his lips when he learned that he must wander for forty additional years, for the sins of his brethren. He also allowed God the jurisdiction over his food, as he ate his manna with singleness of heart each and every day, for forty years without complaint.

This is the condition in which those will be found, who will stand through the last days of this earth’s history, when every earthly support will be cut off, when the medical, financial, and social systems of earth will be declined to those walk by faith. It is in those coming days, that trusting God partially will break the resolve of those who are thus exercised, while those who have practiced trusting God fully will survive, for the just shall live by faith, alone. Let’s read:

Psalms 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore, will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

The area of finances is one of the main areas where some of us often fail to trust God fully, for we obey and trust Him in some issues, yet we take matters into our own hands in others. In other words, we may be faithful with the ten percent, but the other ninety percent we may view as coming under our personal purview, and discretion. Do we ask God how to spend the other 90%, or is it off-limits?

Whenever we receive our wages we should always remember that it’s not only 10+10, or 10+5 which belongs to God. All 100% belongs to Him, and thus, a truly faithful steward will allow all 100% to come under the jurisdiction of God’s revealed will. When in the book of Malachi, God stated that the whole nation had robbed Him, we must understand that in fact, there were many Jews who might have been returning a faithful 10% at that time.

But with the other 90% God’s leadership was no where to be seen, for they trusted God only in the tithe, but the rest, many of them had decided to manage for themselves. Therefore, we will address this important area of our lives, with the intention of bringing all our financial decisions and actions under the umbrella of God’s revealed will, so that we may trust Him “Fully”, like faithful Caleb did. Let’s read:

Leviticus 19:9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.

10 And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God.

Deliberate provision should be made to help supply the needs of the less fortunate from our salaries. It should not wait for last after the mortgage and car-note are paid either. Sacrificial, and willing giving is not to be restricted to tithes and offerings, it should also be exercised in our discretionary spending for the needy. Some give God the first fruits of their increase, but they leave the leftovers for the poor.

But according to what is written, the needs of the less-fortunate are to be a priority when we get paid, for if we were to leave such issues for last, in many cases, nothing will remain, especially if it’s around Black Friday, or Christmas. Therefore, after being paid our wages, thoughts of helping someone in need should be a primary concern.

Now as the Thanks-giving season is underway, and the holiday shopping season, with the temptations to splurge is right upon us, God reminds us of the less fortunate. There is a tendency across the land to get, get, get, but there is a tendency in heaven to give, give, give. Our charities should be more than merely spontaneous, but deliberate, for so the Lord instructed us in the Bible. This is what the righteous Boaz did, when reaping his field.

He did not reap the very best and the very last, thus leaving only unwanted leftovers for strangers. He deliberately decided to let Ruth have some of the best, as we should also too whenever we reap our vineyards. In other words, when we receive wages, a thoughtful consideration of the less fortunate is to be made, and corresponding acts of generosity are to be implemented, for Jesus Christ is well pleased with such actions. Let’s read:

Ruth 2:15 And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not.

16 And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.

17 So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.

Another issue in which many professed Christians trust God only partially, is the area of lending to our fellow brethren. This particular issue can be quite sensitive, and many consider themselves “burned” from past experiences. Us being burned in the past should not cause us to become tight-fisted, being on alert lest we get burned again. This often reveals an unforgiving spirit.

In this area, many often forget to forgive and forget, and past experiences are allowed to mold the way we handle present requests. Yet, we must always remember that the other 90% of our earnings also fall under God’s wise instructions, and as such, we should be willing to trust in Him when it comes to the issues of borrowing, and lending. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 15:7 If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother.

8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.

10 Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.

Let’s just say for reference purposes, that this year, 2018 was the seventh year, the year of release. We are now at November 17th, and a poor member of our church comes to borrow some funds, to supply his/her needs. But in just over a month he will be free of his obligation.

God is saying that our hearts should not be grieved because of the prospect of soon release, but should open our hands wide, not prejudging him that it is a deliberate ploy on the part of that member to avoid repayment. Instead, we should give liberally, over and beyond. That’s one example of trusting in God fully, to instruct us on ways to use the other 90%. But to balk at the instruction would be to trust Him partially.

Certainly, there might be some of the Hebrews who would try to abuse the privilege and the kindness of their fellows, and there would be some “intelligent” ones who would time their requests strategically. But if the premonitions of our hearts were to savor, or indulge such a sentiment, God describes it as a “Wicked thought”. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 15: 9 Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the Lord against thee, and it be sin unto thee.

11 For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

Another issue to be addressed in the area of our finances, is the proportion of returns that should be made, over and beyond the 10% which is stipulated. The Bible does not teach any specified amount for freewill offerings, but it does teach us appropriate ratios, commensurate with the blessings of God.

If we pledge to give a set figure of $100.00 from our paycheck, then if God blesses us with a million, the rigid figure we had set would create an imbalance. It’s much better to give by percentages, so that our giving would reflect the magnitude and scope of the blessings God bestows. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 16:17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.

2nd Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.

Another area of our finances where we may need to trust God “Fully” is that of investments. As faithful stewards, it is important that we give God the right to direct us in our financial planning, for God is as much interested in our salvation as He is with the temporal interests of life. As such, trusting Him fully will lead us to make certain investments, while we avoid others.

Of the latter is the Lotto, by which many Christians believe they could enhance the kingdom of God by large, generous financial gifts. The motives may be upright, but God clearly states that not all income is acceptable in His sight. The investments and income from questionable, or forbidden sources are not to be brought into the treasury, nor should Christians seek to engage in such activities. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 23:18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow, for even both of these are abomination unto the Lord thy God.

19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of anything that is lent upon usury.

Some Christians may argue that the lotto is a form of investment which does not stem from pimping or sodomy, nor does it violate those laws against usury between brethren. And unlike the “Slothful servant” in the parable, some may reason that they do not want to be found guilty of hiding their Lord’s goods in the ground, but instead should invest it with the “Exchangers”.

That may be true, but there are certain investments which God forbids, even if they are profitable, and do not involve much risk. A faithful steward would trust God also in his investments. This means that he or she will allow Christ to have the last word in offering plate, on Wall street, or in the long lines at Publix. Let’s read:

Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathers by labor shall increase.

Proverbs 23:4 Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Lastly, there is a tendency across the land to hoard, where so many are consumed with retirement, and having too much wealth in their golden years. At the same time, the Bible instructs us to save for the rainy day, for those times when financial famines would envelope the land. The question then is, how do we save without hoarding?

First of all, here is a huge difference between saving and hoarding. To save means to put aside a set sum from our earnings, from principle. For emergencies, for rainy days, for the golden years, for the children, and for college, cars, furniture etc, whenever such needs would arise. This is scriptural, and should be practiced by every God-fearing person, for it would prevent financial embarrassment to a great extent. Let’s read:

Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

Hoarding is the practice of us stock-piling enormous amounts of cash or other material wealth, over and beyond what we or our offspring will ever need, or use and guarding it too jealously to the point where the needs of our fellowmen fall on deaf ears. Of this sort were the actions taken by the rich man in the parable, whose only goal in life was to retire in ease and contentment, with very much room to spare. Let’s read:

Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

God had no problem whatsoever with him building bigger barns, for that represented wisdom in the management of surplus. This is what Joseph did in times of plenty, to make provision for the rainy day. So, it wasn’t sin to build massive warehouses for the rich man to store his goods. The problem was that his attitude to life, his priorities, and his actions, all pointed to self, with no regard, or provision for the cause of God, nor the less fortunate. Let’s read:

Luke 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

God counsels us in the scriptures to exercise sound judgment and wisdom in the handling, management and dispersing of material wealth, but we ought to be very careful, lest the love of money, and material things, cause us to trust in treasures instead of God and thereby, we lose sight of eternal interests. God first, others next, self last, is a mantra we can safely live by, for it tends to put material wealth in its right perspective.

In harmony with the instructions thus given, we will end with a passage of scripture which cautions us as Christians, against a materialistic mindset that has come to engulf the thoughts and actions of many. Contentment, habitual kindness, generosity, and the eagerness to help others, are of more value in the sight of God than wise financial planning, and expertise without benevolence.

Therefore, let the needy and the greedy be always instructed from the pages of Holy writ, for God is to honored in all spiritual, as well as temporal matters. Let’s read:

1st Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:

which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things.

God Bless!

Signs Of The Times. Sabbath Afternoon 11/10/2018

The signs of Jesus’ second coming are not restricted to the gospels, Daniel and Revelation, but are to be found in many other books of the Bible. Thus, as we study line upon line, observing the signs given to us in the Bible, a fuller picture of where we are in the stream of time emerges, putting us squarely in the crosshairs of the last days. One sign given is that the gospel will be preached in all the world, before the end comes.

Another is that there will be very much worldwide unrest among the nations, as disagreements would escalate, and resolutions fail of bringing peace, and reconciliation. The fact that people are becoming more divisive, and we are now finding it increasingly difficult to get along with folks of other persuasions is another sign that the end is drawing near.

There are also signs now taking place in the spiritual realm, because, with the demise of Protestantism, and the uncovering of unthinkable sexual crimes by members of the clergy, people are becoming more disoriented towards anything called Christian, and the watered-down brand of Christianity that stalks the land unrebuked is adding to a toxic mix that is scheduled to morph into a clone between all of the conflicting elements, which will produce the mark of the beast.

But an even stranger phenomena is also emerging contemporaneously, for it seems as if many of us as Christians are not really eager for Jesus to come so soon; instead, many seem to prefer a delay to enjoy the pleasures, and luxuries of earth for a season. It is for this reason why many Christians are fighting for temporal benefits. Others may want to vacation first, or to get married first, or to live it up to some degree before Christ returns.

Whatever may be the reason, many seem prone to burying their heads in the sand, while the signs and pointers given in the Bible pass by unnoticed. Thus, for the sake of reminding us of where we are, it is necessary for us to take a look at some of the signs, with the hope that we will be awakened as it were, out of slumber. Let’s read:

Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light.

Several phrases in the previous passage should raise our eyebrows, for instance when is “High time”? or when will “The day be at hand”? These questions find their corresponding answers in the 2nd book of Timothy, in which Paul delineates some of the signs that would be symptomatic of the last days of earth just prior to the 2nd coming of Christ.

These signs may have occurred to a lesser extent in ages past, but in the last days preceding the second coming of Jesus, there will be a major proliferation, much multiplication and a significant, concentrated convergence of those specific signs given in the 2nd book of Timothy. Therefore, we solemnly declare to you that the time is “now”. In other words, to put it bluntly, we are now living in the last days of earth’s history, plain and simple.

The following therefore is a short list of some of the signs given in the Bible, which unmistakably point to the soon return of Christ. As we read, we will put a few excerpts of some of the current headlines next to the predictions given, so that we may draw right conclusions. Let’s read:

Sign [1]: 2nd Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

We are living in an age of great peril, where safety seems to be an illusive dream, where politicians are being threatened with bombs, where hate crimes are spiking, and where intolerance for certain types of religion are on the rise. Churches used to be safe havens from the vile and violent; but now, many of them have, or are considering having armed guards to fend off potential massacres. Universities, and schools are no longer off-limits for carnage either.

In the scripture we are told that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but spiritual. Therefore, if we find ourselves having to exchange the sword of The Spirit for carnal weapons then we may all be certain that “Perilous times” have come. Worshipers have been gunned down during services several times in the last few years, and months.

And instead of congregations being concerned with conversion, safety concerns are taking precedence more and more, with some preachers now carrying loaded guns in their waist to church. Think about it for a moment; a preacher goes up to preach, and he gently rests his Bible and his pistol on the pulpit. It must be the last days Paul, and the prophets were referring to.

The latest mass shooting in the state of California is just another example of those perilous times Paul is referring to. According to the national statistics, the massacre was the 307th over a 311/day span, which averaging about one mass shooting every day, puts our nation in the midst of an epidemic of violence.

At no time previously in American history, could it ever have been said that a massacre will take place almost every day. This isn’t normal! And yet, many Christians, and secular folk are still prone to burying their heads in the sand, as if this is normal. It isn’t! But Paul does not stop there, for he goes on to list a host of other signs which would be indicative of the last days. Let’s read:

Sign [2]: 2nd Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud.

No one reading this sign can reasonably doubt that the end is near, for almost on a daily basis, we are seeing with our own two eyes, and hearing with our own two ears, proud boasting of accomplishments, as if the glory belonged to mortals. A craving for the accolades and praises of men, together with all “Me first” philosophies, and their derivatives, tell us that evil spirits have taken up residence in high and low places.

It was lucifer who first suffered with an “I” problem, and those who follow in his train will cherish his me first philosophies. While in heaven, he coveted the praise and adoration which belonged to The Most-High, and in those who follow his lead, there would often be manifest an insatiable desire for praise and applause. This feeds both the ego, and pride of the one who is thus exercised, bringing the character of devils and mortals into closer alignment. 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.

1st Samuel 18:7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.

8 And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?

9 And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.

Like lucifer, Saul clamored for adoration and praise, and he was deeply offended when it was bestowed upon another. Thus, he lost sight of the true source of his strength and as he continued to indulge in the craving for praise, his mind, and character morphed into the person, whose footsteps he was following in. That’s why the following statement about Saul is written in the Bible. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 16:14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed

from Saul, and an evil spirit troubled him.

15 And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit troubles thee.

Sign [3]: 2nd Timothy 3:2 For men would be blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.

In no other age of the world was disobedience to parents more striking, than in our day, the last days. Disrespect and disregard of parental authority is the new norm, with children, not only usurping the role of parents, but becoming quite violent, if, and when the parents cross their paths. Such phenomena is pretty recent and is being fueled by the laws which virtually tie the hands of parents and teachers.

Parents, and teachers are now in danger of being reported to the authorities if disciplinary action is taken towards an erring child. Therefore, our own chickens are now coming home to roost, and the seeds of rebellion we have sown are now being harvested. Because of this, the following report is symptomatic of the last days, the times just prior to the 2nd coming of Christ. Let’s read:

(CNN) 11/05/2018. An 11-year-old boy shot and killed his grandmother before turning the gun on himself Saturday. The Litchfield Park man told detectives that he and his 65-year-old wife "asked their grandson to clean his room and pick up after himself throughout the day, as he was being stubborn about it."

The couple then sat down on their living room couch to watch television, the grandfather told investigators. "While doing so, the grandson came up behind them and shot the grandmother in the back of the head, with a handgun.

Sign [4]: 2nd Timothy 3:3 Without natural affection…

The sacred institution of marriage is under attack by secular forces, and the sanctity of the institution is being dragged in the dust. With the legalizing of gay marriages, the conscience of the nation, which is its judiciary have opened the floodgates for every, and any variation of marriage to thrive. Thus, speaking in defense of biblical God-ordained marriage is now construed as being hate speech.

And because the gay trend is going viral, smooth-talking preachers loathe to say anything, lest their coffers and popularity take a hit. The sins of Sodom, and Gomorrah are being replicated, vindicated, and multiplied and at an alarming rate, just as the Bible declared they would be in the last days just prior to Jesus’ 2nd coming. Therefore, we solemnly declare to you that the time being referenced is here and now. Let’s read:

(CNN) 11/07/2018 In one of election night's many firsts, Colorado elected Jared Polis, who will be the country's first openly gay governor. Not only is Polis open about his sexuality, he has a long-term partner named Marlon Reis. The realization that there wouldn't just be a barrier-breaking gay man in the governor's mansion, but a gay couple, was not lost on Polis' supporters.

They went nuts when Polis introduced Reis as the state's "first, first man" during his victory speech. "I want to thank ... my personal support network -- first and foremost, of course, my amazing partner, and the first 'first man' in the history of Colorado, Marlon Reis," Polis said to a cheering crowd.

Sign [5]: 2nd Timothy 3:4 Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.

In no other age of the world has entertainment, and sports become a mainstay of society, as it is today. Many billions are spent on various games, players are paid millions to play ball, and “happy hour” has replaced the evening sacrifice. Often, when church service schedules conflict with the major games, the former is sacrificed for the latter. Thus, the things of eternal value have been made subservient to those mundane pleasures and interests, that are endemic of the last days.

Sign [6]: 2nd Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

This sign is particularly disturbing, for there used to be a time when the phrase “The Truth” carried the connotation of something to do with the gospels or the Bible. But when folks speak of the truth today, it is most often within a political context, having not a single reference to Christ or His word. Thus, satan has succeeded to a very great extent, in turning the phrase on its head, to mean anything other than God’s word. Let’s read:

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Psalms 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

Some may be wondering why we are focusing so intently on the predictions pertaining to the last days; why not dwell in the positive, of a brighter tomorrow, here in the land of the free, and the home of the brave. Why not rather discuss I.R.As, and investments so that we can retire in prosperity, and ease, complete with vacations, poodles, yachts and golf?

Why? Because the coming of Christ draws near, and what transpired at His first coming, will be repeated at His second coming, in the attitudes and in actions manifested by the clergy and people alike. When it was time for the first coming of Jesus, the religious leaders, as well as the people, were not expecting Him, nor would they even stoop to investigate the tidings of the men from the east.

Spiritual pride prevented them from checking out thoroughly the report of the wise men, and social biases closed the door to an investigation of the news, for in their minds, those supposed pagans from the east should not even dare to believe that they knew more than the learned expositors of the scriptures, and so they dismissed the report as a form of fanaticism. Let’s read:

Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

In Herod’s mind, these tidings portended something very sinister, and his premonitions suggested to him that a deeply laid plot to overthrow his government was being orchestrated by both priests and people. Recently, we had our elections here in Florida, and a recount for senator and governor will most likely be underway shortly. But, if after the dust has settled, Andrew Gillum, or Ron DeSantis was to emerge as the winner, we would have had the assurance of a duly elected leader.

But the wise men are not asking about someone who is subject to normal electoral processes, they are asking for someone who is born King, meaning that His station is without question inevitable. And if so, it follows that an impending overthrow of his, (Herod’s government), must be imminent. This does not bode well with Herod at all, and he immediately begins to frantically dig down deeper. Let’s read:

Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

[Desire of ages pp 61>62] The arrival of the magi was quickly noised throughout Jerusalem. Their strange errand created an excitement among the people, which penetrated to the palace of King Herod. The wily Edomite was aroused at the intimation of a possible rival. His only security was the favor of Rome. But this new Prince had a higher claim. He was born to the kingdom.

Herod suspected the priests of plotting with the strangers to excite a popular tumult and unseat him from the throne. Summoning the chief priests and the scribes, he questioned them as to the teaching of their sacred books in regard to the place of the Messiah's birth. This inquiry from the usurper of the throne, and made at the request of strangers, stung the pride of the Jewish teachers.

The indifference with which they turned to the rolls of prophecy enraged the jealous tyrant. He thought them trying to conceal their knowledge of the matter. With an authority they dared not disregard, he commanded them to make close search, and to declare the birthplace of their expected King.

“And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, “And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in nowise least among the princes of Judah. For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Which shall be shepherd of My people.”

Herod now invited the magi to a private interview. A tempest of wrath and fear was raging in his heart, but he preserved a calm exterior, and received the strangers courteously. He inquired at what time the star had appeared, and professed to hail with joy the intimation of the birth of Christ. He bade his visitors, “Search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also.”

So saying, he dismissed them to go on their way to Bethlehem. The priests and elders of Jerusalem were not as ignorant concerning the birth of Christ as they pretended. The report of the angels’ visit to the shepherds had been brought to Jerusalem, but the rabbis had treated it as unworthy of their notice.

Now pride and envy closed the door against the light. If the reports brought by the shepherds and the wise men were credited, they would place the priests and rabbis in a most unenviable position, disproving their claim to be the exponents of the truth of God. These learned teachers would not stoop to be instructed by those whom they termed heathen.

It could not be, they said, that God had passed them by, to communicate with ignorant shepherds or uncircumcised Gentiles. They determined to show their contempt for the reports that were exciting King Herod and all Jerusalem. They would not even go to Bethlehem to see whether these things were so. And they led the people to regard the interest in Jesus as a fanatical excitement.

Some people may be prone to dismiss the study this afternoon as not worthy of notice. And others may prefer to hide behind the scripture which says “No man knows the day nor the hour”. Yet others may be tempted to believe that because we have heard for so many years that Jesus is coming, that it would occur in the distant future.

Thus, in addressing these questions and concerns, we must remember that of the times referred to as “The last days”, the Bible is very specific about the scenes which will transpire.

Even though the day, nor the hour is revealed, yet the times at which Christ’s coming will occur will be littered with the signs and pointers, declaring to the believing mind that His coming is near, even at the doors. Therefore, in closing, we are reminded of this sacred truth by Jesus Himself, as He cautions the last generation against lethargy and indolence, as it pertains to His soon return. Let’s read:

Mark 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.

29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

God Bless!

The Measure Of Faith. Sabbath Afternoon 11/03/2018

In the Bible God declares that He has dealt to every man the measure of faith, but the exercise thereof, and the results which accrue are largely left up to the individual, because God never coerces the free exercise of either choice or faith; that rests with the individual. Thus, persons who have been dealt the measure of faith often experience vastly different results, depending on their ability and willingness to believe.

This phenomena has occurred hundreds of times in scripture, from Saul to David, from the ten spies to the two faithful, from the woman with the issue of blood to those who rubbed shoulders with Christ, yet nothing happened. Everyone of them, without exception, were dealt a measure faith by God, but the free exercise thereof is what ended up making the difference. Let’s read:

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

The magnitude of our requests to God are directly linked to what we believe He is able to do. Some of us receive very little, because we expect little, while others receive much, because they believe much, and expect much. In most cases the results of our petitions are in our own hands, depending on our exercise of faith in God. My personal advice is to go big!

Case in point is the account of two blind men in the book of Matthew, who came to Jesus, requesting that their sight be given them. The reason why they followed Christ is because they were convinced that He could, and He would. Therefore, because faith is dead without works, they press on persistently with their expectation, that something good is going to happen.

But they would need to exercise the faith that God has given to “Every man”. As we read, let’s observe the question Jesus asks them in response to their request, because the results we receive often hinge upon our answer to this very same question. Let’s read:

Matthew 9:27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us.

28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

30 And their eyes were opened.

As was stated several times before on this forum, the vast treasures, the reserves, and resources of heaven remain largely untouched and untapped, all because of our hesitation to exercise a living faith in God. Christ, through His sacrifice, has made more than ample provision for our every need, but we’ll need to take hold of the arm of omnipotence, not permitting our humanistic restrictions, and finite limitations to tarnish our ability to believe.

This leads us to the main course of our Bible study, in which we will investigate a typical situation which has obtained in the temporal realm; one with which so many of us are all too familiar. A widow woman’s husband has died and he, being the bread-winner in the house, has left a gaping hole in her income and resources, and before long she is riddled with debt, and her credit card companies, and her mortgagers are putting a stranglehold on her.

She does her best to stave them off, but alas, that dreaded knock on the door, that notice of intent to evict, with the local sheriff on hand, looms large. It is a desperate situation, and because her creditors are loan-sharks, as is so often the case in our day, they threaten to take her two sons, to sell them into slavery. There are several critical lessons to learn from this true story, lessons that can, and should be applied in our own experience. Let’s read:

2nd Kings 4:1 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.

Lesson # [1] She is a Christian, and there are times when even Christians who fear The Lord, and try to do what is right, run into financial troubles. Being a Christian does not guarantee that we will not have trouble, it guarantees that we will have help in our never-failing Refuge, which should remind us of that favorite Psalm: “God is our Refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble, therefore will not we fear”.

2nd Kings 4:2 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not anything in the house, save a pot of oil.

Lesson # [2] The exercise of living faith must at all times include the use of any available resources, wherever and whenever this is possible. Some try to exercise faith, whilst the ways and means that are at their fingertips are left untapped. When she was asked by Elisha “What do you have in your house” it was a reflection of the very same question that was asked in similar situations. And as we read, we will observe a pattern emerging. Let’s read:

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.

Exodus 15:24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?

25 And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them.

Matthew 14:15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.

18 He said, Bring them hither to me.

1st Kings 17:8 And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying,

9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.

10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

11 And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.

12 And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

14 For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth.

John 11:39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

All that human power could do in the exercise of faith must be done. The removal of the stone, and the loosing of Lazarus could all have been included in the miracle, but supernatural power is never to be summoned to do what we have the ability to do. It is of critical importance for us to remember this in the exercise of our measure of faith.

2nd Kings 4:3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbors, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.

Lesson # [3] Elisha did not tell her how many bottles to borrow, he just cautioned her about limiting God by only borrowing a few. The size and the extent of the blessing rests entirely with the woman, for the measure of her faith will inspire her to borrow ten, twenty, one hundred, or ten thousand bottles; it’s all up to her, because God is waiting in the wings to respond according to the measure of her faith.

The magnitude and size of our requests to God are often directly tethered to what we believe He is able to accomplish. If we cherish small concepts of God, those modes of thought will be reflected in the blessings we receive. But if we cultivate a mindset of not limiting Him, nothing will be impossible.

The good news is that God is able to work with any level of faith in His people, but He prefers that we think big, for He specializes in impossibilities, and He often goes where no man has gone before. May the force be with you, The Holy Ghost, that is.

2nd Kings 4:4 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.

Lesson # [4] When Jesus is about to bless you, in a response to the exercise of faith, it is preferable in most cases to keep it quiet until the blessings are realized. To expose the would-be blessings to all our friends, family and in-laws, will often open the door to unbelief, and skepticism, in those who might be prone to doubt. Far better to keep it quiet until the blessings are brought safely home.

Logic is often introduced by those of little faith, and their suggestions tend to cast doubt on God’s ability to do and dare. Therefore, it is often much better to keep the potential blessing quiet, and better to shut your doors, until such time that faith becomes the reality. In this way you can come on Wednesday night and give your testimony safely.

2nd Kings 4:6 And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet another vessel. And he said unto her, there is not another vessel more. And the oil stayed.

7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.

Lesson # [5] Emancipation from financial slavery should be the goal of every Christian, especially in our day when our indebtedness may be used as a bargaining chip to entice folks over the precipice to take the mark of the beast. Freedom from debt, will put us in a position of independence, so that we be not subservient to the lender. If the Son shall make you free you shall be free indeed, which includes a noble independence which should characterize the followers of Christ, wherever possible.

What takes place in the temporal realm often also takes place in the spiritual realm, and vice-versa. We are heading into a time when we will need a double portion of the Holy Spirit, yet, in too many instances we ask in a haphazard manner, not really expecting God to deliver, or in other instances we may cherish the thought that certain aspects of the gospel commission are out of reach to Christians in our day.

Case in point is the healing of diseases, which has now been taken up by many false prophets and is being misused and abused for pecuniary gain. Just because this is the case does not mean that God’s hand is shortened to save, because a proliferation of counterfeits does not restrict The Lord in any way from accomplishing the genuine.

Therefore, as we pray for the latter rain, let us think big, expecting God to do abundantly more than we can ask or think, because His purpose is to invade the gates of hell, to set the captives free, and save to the guttermost, as many as would be saved. The nature, and extent of the gospel commission for our generation is clearly expressed in the following few passages. Let’s read:

Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

John 16:23 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

10 For everyone that asks receives, and he who seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.

11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

[In heavenly places. pp 335] It is not because of any restriction on God's part that the riches of His grace do not flow to men.... If all were willing to receive, all would be filled with the Spirit. By resting content with small blessings, we disqualify ourselves for receiving the Spirit in its unlimited fullness. Expecting little, we receive little.

Therefore, let us ask, expecting great things, let us petition God’s throne of grace, not with the usual predetermined restrictions and limitations, but let us go big, expecting the whole nine yards, and God will respond in kind, commensurate with our requests and our expectations. We therefore end with two gentle reminders of the main purpose for which The Lord has called us. Let’s read:

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

God Bless!

Jesus Is Coming Soon. Part [1] Sabbath Afternoon 10/27/2018

One aspect of Christ’s second coming is that it will happen suddenly, taking most of us by surprise. If Jesus has repeatedly cautioned us to watch, and if the apostles take up the same strain, it is because it will take place at a time when most people are not looking for it, and this will include the impenitent as well as the remnant. One thing is certain though, it is undisputable that it will occur suddenly. Let’s read:

Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at

midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning: 36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

1st Thessalonians 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

43 But know this, that if the man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

The servant of The Lord even makes a much more disturbing discovery to us, in that probation will be closed when no one knows, for life will continue on in its normal round, with buying and selling taking place, all unaware that the final decision in heaven has been reached. Therefore, church will continue as normal, and members who have no real interest, or relationship with Christ, will be following norms, just as usual. Let’s read:

[The Great Controversy pp 491] The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the earth in their mortal state—men will be planting and building, eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above. Silently, unnoticed as the midnight thief, will come the decisive hour which marks the fixing of every man's destiny, the final withdrawal of mercy's offer to guilty men.

However, the second coming of Jesus need not take us by surprise, for Christ has made ample provisions and predictions, so that we need not be caught off-guard. The apostle alluded to this when he stated that the remnant are not in ignorance, concerning that great day. Thus, even though in the parable of the ten virgins, the wise ones, as well as the foolish were sleeping, yet the five wise were at least ready. Let’s read:

1st Thess 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Matthew 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Thus, it is a fact that God has not left us in darkness concerning that great day, for all we have to do is to study carefully that which has been revealed in the scriptures. The prophecy of Daniel, specifically the 2300-year prophecy is of particular importance, for it bridges the B.C and A.D time periods, bringing us well into the 18th century. And even though no man knows the day nor the hour, we certainly can know the time. Let’s read:

Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender and puts forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

The phrase all these things means a conglomeration of all the signs given. This phrase makes a very clear distinction between times gone by, and the time at which Christ will appear. There are signs occurring now, even as we speak, which did not occur in times past, and in the near future “all these things” would form a bottleneck, which will herald the dawn of a new day. Things such as the following. Let’s read:

Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.

28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh.

There were times in years gone by, when America was racked with great violence, such as during the civil war, and the civil rights movement, but there has never been a time in American history when lying has become the order of the day, from the highest echelons of society, to the humble John Doe on the street.

A constant barrage of lying lips signals the increased presence of evil spirits, because lying is a signature characteristic of satan, who is described in the Bible as the father of lies. There were times in years gone by when we would have dangerous hurricanes, but there has never been a time when the intensity and frequency of storms has ramped up significantly, to the point where federal agencies, resources, and funds are being stretched to the limit.

Then again, there has never been a time in history when the lotto has reached one and a half billion, tempting even the most fiscally conservative to cast of all restraints, and jump right into the fray. People seem to be dazzled with money as if it can purchase happiness, and security. The irrational exuberance displayed by many hearkens back to those passages which warn us of trusting to riches at any time, but especially in the last days. Let’s read:

James 5:1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. 2 Your riches are corrupted;

3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

1st Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Pride, and boasting stalks the land unrebuked, and unnatural affection has now become a mainstay of society, whereas in times past, such activities, and lifestyles were frowned upon. Thus, the paradigm has now shifted positively in favor of iniquity on all levels, to the point where most Americans now accept “All these things” as the norm.

It isn’t normal for downtown Miami to be flooding when there is no rain; it is not normal for more than 72,000 people to die of drug overdoses in one year in America. No, it is not normal. Neither is it normal for approximately 90% of our food to be G.M.Os. This isn’t normal by any means.

Therefore, the phrase “All these things” refer to a time when every and anything that could go wrong, will go wrong, and the practice of iniquity, with it’s inevitable results upon man and beast and upon the natural world would be peaking. Nine out of the ten costliest hurricanes to hit America have occurred in the last 14 years.

So, whatever may be our views or the deductions of scientists, one thing is certain, we are now living in very abnormal times. And according to the Bible, we haven’t seen nothing yet, because as the coming of Christ draws closer, “All these things” will converge within a very short period of time and with little up- front notice, if any. Let’s read:

2nd Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good.

Therefore, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the Bible declares that those who are looking for the coming of Christ, should know the times in which it would be fulfilled. Which brings us to the crux of our study “Jesus Is Coming Soon” Part [1]. The 2300 day/year prophecy of Daniel 8 and Revelation 11 are of very critical importance for they bridge the gap between the B.C and A.D time periods.

The question is: What was the Calendar being used and referenced when the prophecy was given both to Daniel and to John? The Jewish, the Julian, or the 360-day Calendar? because God would not give us a prophecy of so very great importance without any reference to measured time calculation, as we know it. Thus, to understand the measurement of time from the Bible’s perspective, we will need to go to the very beginning of time when days, months, and years began to be measured. Let’s read:

Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years.

15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.

16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night.

17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,

18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness.

31 And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

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.

Genesis 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

These passages, when put together, firmly establish our weekly cycle, with the Sabbath being the cut-off point. The seven days which comprise one week are to continue as long as the earth remains. {See Lev. 12:2&5}

Thus far the Bible establishes one week as being a period of seven days. But how long is a month? So that we may safely move on to settling on what one year means. The floods of water have overwhelmed the entire planet, and only Noah, and his immediate family are saved. But, the Bible gives us important information pertaining to the time that has elapsed from when the rain started, to when the ark rested on Mt. Ararat. Let’s read:

Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

Genesis 8:4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.

Genesis 7:24 And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.

The Bible confirms that from the 17th day of the 2nd month, to the 17th day of the 7th month five months have elapsed, for 2-7=5. And since during those five months 150 days elapsed, then five months would contain 150 days, according to the scriptural record. Ten months will be equal to 300 days, and thus, 12 months will contain 360 days, giving us one full year, this is according to the scriptures. Let’s read:

Esther 2:12 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with other things for the purifying of the women. [Explain]

Daniel 4:28 All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.

29 At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.

30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?

[P.K 509] A year from the time he had received the warning, Nebuchadnezzar, walking in his palace and thinking with pride of his power as a ruler and of his success as a builder, exclaimed, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?”

The prophecies in Daniel, and given to John in the Revelation, were given in prophetic days and weeks, one month being calculated at 30 days, and one prophetic day being equal to one year; and just as in the days of Noah, five months would contain 150 days. Let’s read:

Daniel 8:13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spoke, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?

14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.

Revelation 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

Revelation 11:2 And the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Forty-two months multiplied by thirty days will give us 1260, the number referenced in the two previous passages, and therefore, the calculation of the 2300 day/year prophecy of Daniel, which ended in 1844 is correct, using the Biblical standard of measuring prophetic time. Thus, the question is: Where are we in the stream of time since the judgment began in 1844?

Beyond the shadow of a doubt, the 1000 years in Revelation 20 are Sabbatical years of rest, due to the earth since the fall of man; and since after sin, we were commanded to plant six years, and let the earth rest one, then it means that Adam and Eve fell into sin pretty early on in their existence, for if that was not the case, then the earth would not need a thousand year rest. It would have only required 999 or 998 as the case might have been. Let’s read:

Exodus 23:10 And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof:

11 But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat.

Leviticus 26:34 Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, even then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths.

35 As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.

Revelation 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them, and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

It is very important for us to note what comes just before Revelation 20, for in chapter 19, the second coming of Christ is revealed, which reduces planet earth to rubble. It is right after, in chapter 20 that we read of the commencement of the Sabbatical rest of 1000 years. Let’s read:

Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns, and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.

19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image.

21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse.

Most people in the western world currently use the Gregorian calendar, which is a derivative of the old Julian/Roman methods of measuring time. But the Jewish calendar is the one which comes even closer to mirroring the age of our world, which according to the Bible, is about 6000 years old. And according to the Jewish measurement of time, we have about 21 years remaining before 6000 years elapse.

The current (2018/2019) Hebrew year is 5779. This leaves us with just about 21 years to elapse before the 6000/year threshold is reached. Next week we will take up from where we leave off this evening, but all pointers, in the political, judicial, financial, and natural worlds, indicate that we are heading for climactic, and cataclysmic events in the very near future.

If any of us are getting ready when Christ comes we will be lost forever, for Jesus is not coming for those who getting ready. Only believers who are found in readiness will be saved, according to the parable of the ten virgins, because the five foolish were getting ready when the Bridegroom showed up.

Therefore, we submit to you that the 2nd Coming of Christ is much nearer than most Christians believe, and as such, we should now make our calling and election sure. Those who have been sitting on the fence, those who have been wandering in the valley of decision, and those who have back-slidden from Christ and His church, especially S.D. A’s who have known the truth, the Holy Spirit speaks expressly to you, not to procrastinate any longer, because the time is short.

In harmony with God’s urgent appeal, we will end this segment with a word of exhortation which is commensurate with the seriousness of the times in which we now live. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 5:19 God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

God Bless!

Think No Evil. Sabbath Afternoon 10/20/2018

One of the challenges most of us face is that of how to stop thinking evil thoughts. They seem to appear out of nowhere, sometimes they stop by briefly, or at other times may linger on for many days, weeks, and sometimes years. At times, they are the result of some evil cherished in the heart, or at times they may be triggered by something someone said or has done. But whatever the source, many of us seem to be plagued by evil thoughts from time to time.

Grudges and biases held over a period of time seem to foment to the point where a settled premonition of evil to someone is always on the table. In other instances, we may not feel comfortable with the “Vibrations” of another individual, and as a result we may erroneously judge their actions, motives, and intentions.

Racial biases, cultural prejudices often cause some to draw wrong conclusions of others, whilst other individuals may be suspected of bad motives just by their manner of dress. However, good people often live in bad neighborhoods and bad people often do live in good neighborhoods. God requires that we refrain from thinking evil of others, just because of time, place, culture, or race.

A person who pays for a $2000.00 job with one and five-dollar bills is not necessarily a drug dealer, for he could also have owned many vending machines. There are people who may be covered with tattoos, who are quite gentle and respectful to others whilst persons who are dressed decently might be robbers in sheep’s clothing. As Christians, God desires that we give the benefit of the doubt, and not judge our fellowmen on mere “Gut” feeling.

So, the practice of evil surmising is by far the most common form of evil thinking, by which we assume that our assessment of someone is correct; thus, we pass judgments in our minds, which then spill over into our actions, and before you know it, the person is being fed with a long spoon at arm’s length, from the pot of suspicion. Then again, we may even go so far as to settle on a certain course of antagonism, if our premonitions come true.

All of these variations of evil thinking ought to be uprooted from our hearts by the grace of God, for the general tenor of the Christian’s mindset, should always be to give the benefit of the doubt, always seeking to place the most favorable construction on the motives and actions of others. In other words, to think no evil should be the aspiration of everyone who has Christ as Savior and Lord, knowing that we ourselves exist only by His grace.

In addition, there are several passages of scripture which deal with the recurrence of evil thoughts and desires, since out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, and actions usually follow thoughts like clockwork. To look on the brighter side, to dwell on the positive aspects of someone’s character, and to refrain from drawing negative conclusions with no conclusive evidence should be the motif of every Christian. Let’s read:

Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man….

Psalms 19:12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

1st Corinthians 13: 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Sometimes the tenor of our thoughts can take on a very dark hue, with our suspicion always seeking to justify our premonition. Records of wrongs done to ourselves, or slights shown to our persons, and the disposition to argue a point until we prevail, are all productive of evil thoughts, which once indulged, often resurface at random from our memory bank.

Therefore, we will focus our attention on the most common form of evil thinking, which is described in the Bible as “Evil surmising”.

Surmise: To suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it.

"he surmised that something must be wrong"

Synonyms: to guess, conjecture, suspect, deduce, infer, conclude, theorize, speculate, etc.

This particular trait of character became evident in the life of Saul, who indulged in suspicion of David, suspicion of his own son Jonathan, and frequently was disposed to interpret everything and everyone as being against him. His own generals were often accused by him in his mind, and he saw in everyone, and in everything, an adversary rather than a friend.

He was constantly searching for faults in others, and if there were none, he would conjecture as to what this, or that individual was capable of doing, or was intending to do, all without having any hard facts to substantiate his conclusions. For this reason, an evil attitude tarnished all of his interactions with family, friends, and foes. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 18:7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.

8 And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?

9 And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.

1st Samuel 20:30 Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?

1st Samuel 22:7 Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds;

8 That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 650] Saul had not learned, while ruling the kingdom of Israel, that he should rule his own spirit. He allowed his impulses to control his judgment, until he was plunged into a fury of passion. He had paroxysms of rage, when he was ready to take the life of any who dared oppose his will. From this frenzy he would pass into a state of despondency and self-contempt, and remorse would take possession of his soul.

The same evil of surmising lay at the root of those arguments between the disciples. Some thought that James and John were secretly trying to gain the highest place in the kingdom. Others thought that the best offices in the church were being sought by some, and before you know it, there was a settled uneasiness between the brethren. Thus suspicion, conjecture, and premonition gave birth to jealousy faultfinding, and arrogance. Let’s read:

[The Desire Of Ages pp 643>644] There was “a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.” 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.

When the disciples entered the supper room, their hearts were full of resentful feelings. The pitcher, the basin, and the towel were there, in readiness for the feet washing; 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.

Therefore, there are several lessons we can learn from the bad experiences of those who have gone before. Especially is this the case now in our day, when the same spirit of evil surmising, erroneous conjecturing, fault-finding, suspicion, speculation, conspiracy, and every evil premonition, have now invaded the higher, and lower echelons of society, and sadly is also a problem in the church.

[1] If positive, or negative vibrations may seem to emanate from a person, we should avoid judging, based solely on vibrations, for two main reasons: God does not judge by vibrations, and we can be dead wrong in our conclusions. There are sinners who can speak well and make an outward show of piety. And then there are genuine Christians, who because of past experiences, may not reflect the radiance of those who have not known much evil.

Let us make certain not to draw our conclusions by mere premonition, because human intuition can be faulty at times. Instead, let us hope all things, and believe all things, with the sunshine of God’s love radiating freely to all with whom we may come in contact. Let’s read:

John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

1st Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.

2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

[Test vol 5, pp 168>169] Love is unsuspecting, ever placing the most favorable construction upon the motives and acts of others. Love never needlessly exposes the faults of others. It does not listen eagerly to unfavorable reports, but rather seeks to bring to mind some good qualities of the one defamed.

[2] Do not keep a record of wrongs, and grudges. If someone has said, or done something wrong, the Christlike reaction should be to cover a multitude of sins, instead of storing the record of his/ her failures to use at some future time, when we believe our premonitions will become reality. As Christians we should interpret everything, and everyone in the positive, and if for some reason we are wrong, then we should hope for the best. Let’s read:

1st Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

[Christian Service pp 49] There are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal. But, it may be under a rough and uninviting exterior the pure brightness of a genuine Christian character will be revealed. In the daytime we look toward heaven, but do not see stars. They are there, fixed in the firmament, but the eye cannot distinguish them. In the night we behold their genuine luster.

[3] Often the faults we see in others are a reflection of our own struggles, and therefore, it is important that we be humble enough to forgive and forget. It is by beholding the perfection of Christ that we are changed from one stage of development to another if we would only refrain from dwelling on what we think may be the evil intentions of others. Let’s read:

Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

[4] The elimination of evil thoughts, and surmising can only be accomplished through the grace, and the power of Christ, in harmony with our freedom of choice, because it is an abstract problem, that is often cherished without any visible manifestation. We must ask God to cleanse us from harboring evil thoughts about others whether we are in the wrong or in the right, in our premonitions. Let’s read:

Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

It is of critical importance now, as the final effort to save a lost world is being ramped up in heaven and on earth, that we reflect the image of Christ, both internally and externally. Evil surmising, with all of its attendant evils such as prejudging persons, will hamper us in our efforts to save kings, priests, John Does and harlots, for whom Jesus Christ has shed His blood.

Let us therefore live in the sunshine of His presence while we seek to eliminate evil thoughts from our minds, for it is the work of The Holy Spirit to implant the mind of Christ in each and every believer. We end with a quotation, that should encourage us all in the accomplishment of that purpose. Let’s read:

[The Great Controversy pp 622>623] Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. Not even by a thought could our Savior be brought to yield to the power of temptation. Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foot-hold; some sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power.

But Christ declared of himself, “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble.

God Bless!

Grace For Grace. Sabbath Afternoon 10/13/2018

The history of the ancient Hebrews was one fraught with misunderstanding of God on several different fronts, in so much that His character and ways were to a very large extent veiled from their minds. As a direct consequence, those sacrifices, which were to point them to Christ, The Lamb of God, became one means whereby sin was committed deliberately and ultimately lost its meaning. Thus, instead of being a deterrent, the sacrifices were used, and viewed as an option on the table to facilitate sin.

In rehearsing their history, the apostle Paul writes under inspiration that they entered not in because of unbelief, referring to the earthly Canaan, but also to the heavenly for very many. And the Lord Himself lodged a complaint, that after all those years in the wilderness, and after investing so much time, and resources in His people, they still had not known His ways. Let’s read:

Hebrews 3:7 Wherefore, as the Holy Ghost saith, today if ye will hear his voice,

8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness.

9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.

10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.

11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.

19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

From these passages, and others, we can conclude that most of the Hebrews were probably familiar with the written word of God, but were strangers to the ways of God, so for this reason, beginning with this study, we are going to introduce what will be titled “Latter Rain Sabbaths” during which we will focus more intently on the ways of God, as written in His word.

How God does what He does, and His movements in the great controversy between good and evil should form an integral part of our studies, especially as we stand upon the brink of eternity, when we’ll need to have a much better understanding of Christ in order to pass through the great time of trouble, in the not too distant future. Knowing God and knowing about God are two distinctly, different things, the former being of much greater importance than the latter.

To know God includes being intimately familiar with the Living Word primarily, and the written word of God secondarily, for “It is spoken” came before “It is written”. God desires that we not have a superficial knowledge of Him, but a deep understanding of His revealed will and purposes for our lives, and several passages of scripture do echo this sentiment. Let’s read:

Jeremiah 9:23 Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches.

24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

Psalms 111:9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant forever: holy and reverend is his name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A good understanding have all they that do his commandments.

This last passage mentions the fact that redemption was sent unto earth’s inhabitants, which leads us to our study of “Grace For Grace” wherein we ought to observe how God’s grace, was, and is manifested to all. Lest we fall into the same error as the ancients did, we will begin by highlighting several aspects of God’s grace, why it became necessary, how it was manifested, and some of the erroneous concepts that have been adopted and peddled by the popular gospels of our day.

[1] God's grace should never be taken for granted; it should not be viewed as an option on the table, but rather as an inevitable necessity only because of our sins. Let’s read:

Isaiah 53:5 He was wounded for our transgressions,

he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Matthew 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. (In other words, if this is the one and only way grace can be granted, then I’ll go through with it. We should be very careful when presenting the mysteries of God’s grace).

Romans 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

[2] The love of God could have been, and actually was manifested throughout the entire universe long before sin entered. In other words, God didn’t need man to sin, in order for His character to be revealed, because it was known to all of the unfallen worlds in ages past. Let’s read:

Psalms 103:20 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

21 Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

Job 38:1 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?

7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

[3] The phrase “Three strikes and you’re out” sends the absolute wrong message, for it would inevitably encourage all would-be offenders to utilize the first two strikes. God’s grace should not be understood as having loop holes for sinning. Let’s read:

1st John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

[4] When grace became necessary, it was intended to be administered abundantly but with stipulations which were to bring balance to the equation. In our day, God’s grace is being offered without caveats, thus leading many to sin presumptuously. Let’s read:

Romans 6: 1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

15 What then? shall we sin because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

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

[5] The grace of God, when rightly understood and accepted, will always produce a person in harmony with the character of God. This process begins with conversion, and continues throughout our lifetime, but it always, inevitably leads to the reproduction of the image of God in those who are thus exercised. Always! Let’s read:

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1st John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Therefore, with these passages of scripture given to broaden our understanding of God’s grace, let’s go to the time when grace became necessary. And as we study, let’s keep in mind that we are focusing on learning God’s ways, not only His word, for this is the first installment of “Latter Rain Sabbaths”. God has created the earth, and all things therein, and He then creates Adam and Eve to dress and keep it.

They are given dominion over everything, they are given access to everything, with one exception. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil is to be off-limits as the only one of many thousands which God has reserved for Himself. In harmony with this only restriction, a command, and a warning of the dire consequences of disobedience is issued. Let’s read:

Genesis 2:16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat.

17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Something is conspicuously absent from this dire warning, because it makes absolutely no mention of grace. It is delivered to Adam as an unequivocal and terse statement of cause and effect, with no escape route being offered. No grace, no second chance is here mentioned, only the inevitable result of death. Question: Why would God do this? Why not inform Adam up front that a safety net had already been planned, just in case sin took place?

Why not give him the guarantee of grace with the command? Instead, the words suggest a one-way street to destruction with no hope of pardon. This is not to say that grace was an afterthought, because the Bible explicitly states that grace was planned long before it was needed. Let’s read:

Romans 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.

Colossians 1:25 I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God;

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints.

Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

[The Desire of Ages pp 22] The plan of redemption was not an afterthought, a plan formulated after the fall of Adam. It was a revelation of “the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal.” From the beginning, God and Christ knew of the apostasy of Satan, and of the fall of man through the deceptive power of the apostate. God did not ordain that sin should exist, but He foresaw its existence, and made provision to meet the terrible emergency.

Here we go again, with a close observation of His ways not only His word. The Hebrews are promised the land of Canaan on condition of obedience to God’s command, and just like with Adam, the word of God comes to them distinctly, with no mention that grace will be provided. Let’s read:

Exodus 23:20 Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.

21 Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.

Question: Is this statement true?

Answer: Yes, 100%! God is referring to certain types of transgression, but He does not spell them out in this instance specifically. In issuing commands, it is necessary for them to be given up front without any wiggle room for disobedience, otherwise they lose their force, and in most instances, the grace of God would be taken for granted.

If parents were to inform their children that if they stole cookies from the jar, they will be forgiven, the most likely outcome is that fallen human nature will naturally try to steal as many cookies as possible, it knowing that mercy will negate the force of the law. Thus, grace can, as a result have the opposite effect of producing repeat offenders.

Therefore, no mention of a second chance is made to Adam and Eve, even though God had grace in His back pocket. It was never originally intended to be an option, but rather a necessity. The sacrifices of animals in ages past was not meant to be incentive to sin but rather as a deterrent.

In our generation, where the preaching of grace has been watered down to encourage sin, we will need a fresh infusion of God’s Holy Spirit for us to rightly appreciate God’s grace to us through Christ. Every sin will be forgiven, if it is confessed and forsaken, and even if we have fallen again, and again in our experience, God encourages us to be encouraged, for He anticipates a maximum return for the blood that was shed by Christ for you and me.

In harmony with the magnitude of the sacrifice, His grace is to be freely offered to all, in the preaching of the everlasting gospel, with the stated intention of leading all men and women, all boys and girls to obedience to all of His commandments. No one is to be excluded, and no one is to questioned as to their sincerity, for God who is rich in mercy will deal with all the variables we may not see.

No matter how grievous the sin may have been, and how often repeated, God is still offering us grace for grace. In fact, according to the Bible, He puts grace where it is needed most, and the more prolific the sin, the more His grace will be revealed. But let us always remember not to take His grace for granted for it His will that the original image, and character of God be recreated in every believer. Let’s read:

Romans 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

20 But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.

21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

1st John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

As the period of earth’s probation is winding down to a final close, and as we see the natural results of the violation of God’s law, let us be faithful in giving to the last generation, a correct understanding of God’s grace, so that an abundant harvest of souls may be gathered into His Kingdom.

We close with a passage of scripture which should encourage and motivate every true Christian to shake off the spell of lethargy and complacency, by fulfilling the great commission of God’s grace in our neck of the woods. Let’s read:

Revelation 22:16 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.

God Bless!

Faith Versus Logic. Sabbath Afternoon. 10/06/2018

As we near the close of probation, when we will be required to walk by faith alone, it is important for us to know that faith in Christ should not be viewed as an option, only to be engaged only when we are in difficulty; rather it is a way of life that God has given us to exist by. All our thoughts, and actions ought to be molded by faith, our decisions and choices are to be directed by faith in God and in His word, for it is only by so doing that we may serve Him in spirit and in truth.

In other words, genuine faith in God dispenses with plan “B” wherever it is opposed to the revealed will of God. Too often the tenets of modern Christianity allow for several options on the table, with different substitutes to what God has already plainly stated.

Faith in God allows for no negotiation as it pertains to a plain “Thus saith The Lord” even though “logic” may reason otherwise.

Thus, we will often find that logic is the diabolical enemy of faith, for satan has mastered the art of logical reasoning, which often appeals to that which is seen, heard or felt. Faith on the other hand makes logic subjective to God’s revealed will, even though doing so may at times tug at our heart strings. Logic demands a clear path forward before obeying God’s commands, and insists on detailed explanations and back-up plans, and guaranties, just in case.

Faith, in contrast, urges an advance forward, once God’s will has been revealed. Faith does not wait to see the end from the beginning, obeying God only when there is no risk of failure. Instead, it moves on courageously forward, trusting that The same God who promised is able to do over and above what we may ask or think.

That is why faith and logic often butt heads, the one appealing to our reason, and the other appealing to belief in God. The two modes of thought and action have indeed proven to be diametrically opposed to each other, and as we near the close of probation, it will be seen that they are too often also diabolically opposed. Indeed, the two modes of thought cannot work together except one be subject to the other.

The following passages are of critical importance to us as we move forward. Let’s read:

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.

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Romans 14:23 For whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Therefore, as Christians living in a world that is for the most part antithetical to the teachings of God’s word, we should be extremely careful about using logical reasoning as a spring board for our decisions and actions, especially when God says differently. Some of the diabolical logic was used by Lucifer, in the heavenly courts to throw one third of the angels into doubt and confusion.

For instance, he reasoned that because angels were created perfect they should be left to their own way which would always guide them aright. This logic is what was used in Eden as the serpent reasoned so cunningly to the unsuspecting Eve. God had said to them that they should not touch, nor eat of the fruit of the forbidden tree. Satan then comes along and touches it, showing Eve, that if by touching, nothing happened, then by eating one would also be safe.

Faith in God would have led Eve to believe in the words of God, even though her senses suggested otherwise. Again, Sarah and Abraham were both tempted on logic, because Sarah had long past her menopause, in addition to being childless her whole life. So, it was difficult for them to believe after time had elapsed, that the promises of God could ever be fulfilled. Let’s read:

Genesis 18:9 And they said unto him, where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.

10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.

11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

13 And the Lord said unto Abraham, wherefore did Sarah laugh?

14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.

Genesis 17:17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

It is important for us to understand why Abraham laughed in context, for he and Sarah had waited so many years for the promise of a son to be realized with no sign of a son, and she was now 90 years of age. Thus, as they waited, satan presented logic to them, urging plan “B” as the only possible way God could fulfill His promise. In our experience too, our faith is often riddled with plan “B” as a backup plan, just in case God does not come through for us as we expected.

As a general rule of thumb, this mode of thought always leads us into contrary paths, which, as was the case with Abraham and Sarah, often triggers adverse repercussions which extend for many years and generations. Again, Abraham’s faith was to be severely tested with the sacrifice of his son Isaac. It would seem, by the very nature and wording of the command, that all hope was lost. Let’s read:

Genesis 22:2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah.

Here again comes the false prophet logic, to reason from a strictly rational point of view, for if Abraham is to take his “Only” son, then it must mean that he isn’t to expect any more. Then how will the promise of God be fulfilled, that Abraham’s offspring would be as the sands of the sea? In addition, God’s law plainly states “Thou shalt not kill”, and it wouldn’t seem logical that God would require that which He has expressly forbidden.

Thus, satan tempted him with temptations to walk contrary to what God had plainly required. As the issue rolled over and over in his mind, it seemed as if he might have misunderstood the voice of God, but he decides to brave the consequences and trust in God. This time, Abraham decides to walk by faith alone, with no plan “B” and the rest is history.

Brethren, the time is coming very soon, when we will have to trust God, with no backup plan, and it will be revealed whether or not our professed faith in Him was superficial, or whether it was genuine. In many of the accounts in the scriptures, where God’s faithful people demonstrated genuine faith, we can observe that they had to swim upstream against the gravitational pull of logic; but by so doing they were able to cross the invisible threshold between faith and logic, and the rest is history. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephtha; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets.

33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.

34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.

This brings us to the core of our study, in which the exercise of living faith in God, resulted in a miracle that continued to run for about two years. Elijah is sent by God to warn of a coming famine, and when it occurs, all the horrors of starvation, and mortality are to be seen across the land. After one year, the famine deepens to the point where one woman and her son are down to their last meal.

And now, God sends Elijah to this woman with a proposal, and a promise, that if she was to hand over her last meal, she would be fed miraculously by God, whom she had never seen. Logic clamors for her to protect her scant supplies of food, but faith encourages her to let it go. Would she yield to reason or to logic? Let’s read:

1st Kings 17:10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

11 And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.

12 And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

14 For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.

Let us just hypothesize that the woman had a husband, for she did have a son. And let’s suppose that he was a man of logic, while she was a woman of faith. As she listens to Elijah’s proposal, it seems quite rational and reasonable to surrender their last meal, for in her mode of thought and action it is the only sensible thing to do.

Her husband on the other hand is sitting inside the house in the darkness crunching the numbers to see how far they could stretch the last morsel. He is also writing up his will, for certain death is staring them in the face, according to the woman’s testimony. So here comes his wife, all belated, and excited, with what she considers to be great news. In his anxiety, he asks his wife about the good news.

She then relates the proposal to him, stating that they must first give up their last meal and then God, whom they have never seen has promised to supply food miraculously for as long as the famine lasts. He being a man of logical reasoning, would most likely view the proposal as being unreasonable, ludicrous and mean, for how can God ask for their last morsel without first providing groceries which he could see? Thus without hesitation he calls, 911, and 411.

His wife on the other hand, views the same issue with optimism, for in her mind it is the only sensible thing to do. Those two modes of thought and action are diametrically and diabolically opposed, making reconciliation in such emergencies as this, virtually impossible. Two cannot walk together except they be agreed, and if someone of faith and someone of logic are faced with problems of any sort, the stark difference in resolution will be made manifest.

However, just for the record, it’s important for us to see how the woman’s faith in the proposal turned out, for too often we are tempted to believe that if we were to take the faith route, we will be sorely disappointed, as if God’s hands are tied, so that He cannot fulfill His promises. Let’s read:

1st Kings 17:15 And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.

16 And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah.

Another food crisis looms just on the horizon, in the form of the mark of the beast, in which very tough economic sanctions will be issued to try to coerce the conscience into a false system of worship. And in this emergency, faith, and logic will play a major role, as individuals, and families grapple with the grim realities.

Logic would argue “what shall we eat and drink and wherewithal shall we be clothed?” Faith will urge an advance forward, trusting in the very same God of Elijah, and the widow woman, who had provided sufficient food for months and years, while those who trust in logic will see no other way out than to yield to the powers that be. Let’s read:

Revelation 13:16 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.

Thus, as we stand upon the borders of the eternal world, as the enemy of souls comes in for the final conflict between faith and logic, we will be required to walk by faith alone. When economic sanctions are instituted to coerce the conscience, and when we will have no plan “B” to fall back on, like those faithful in ages past, we will need to let go and let God.

Let us therefore, in our decision-making processes, always incorporate the faith factor, for by choosing to do so continually, we will be enabled to develop a very rugged faith relationship with God, that will withstand a hurricane, when the winds of strife, as predicted by the prophet John, begin to blow across the earth. We therefore close with two passages of scripture which we do well to ponder as we move forward, for the time is closer than we believe, and practice makes perfect. Let’s read:

Revelation 7:1 And after these things 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.

Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

28 And the people were astonished at his doctrine.

God Bless!

Being Born Blind. Sabbath Afternoon 09/29/2018

The brand of gospel that has become popular in our day focuses much on grace with very little emphasis on obedience to the laws and principles of God, and because of this, the power of God to save, and heal is to a large extent discounted. What God does for the physical body, He can also do for the soul, and therefore, He desires that we understand that true salvation is holistic in nature.

If at the outset, we believe that there are certain types of healing which cannot occur because of the limitations of finite science, then what we believe stymies the possibility of such healing ever taking place in our lives, except there is a radical change in our views. On the other hand, a belief that God can do anything, opens up the door to a million and one possibilities.

This is the main reason why the power of God is not manifest in our day as it used to be in days of yore, because a spirit of doubt, skepticism, and unbelief has taken hold on the minds of many, replacing that simple, childlike faith that was manifested in many of God’s people in ages past. Limiting God in issues temporal and spiritual, puts a cap on what He can do for us in our minds, and corresponding actions, and expectations will reflect the limits we have thus embraced.

The existence of spurious miracles of healing should not cause us to be skeptical about the genuine, for in doing so we may be in danger of throwing out the baby with the bath water, as it were. Just because it is written in the Bible, that in the last days there will be a proliferation of miracles by false prophets does not mean that God’s hand is tied in working for the well-being of His people.

As a general rule of thumb, the genuine can readily be distinguished from the false in many cases, just by following closely the ways, and means in which God has worked in times past. Healing en masse, where health reform is warranted and possible, but where necessary change in one’s habits and lifestyle is not required or encouraged is false.

Again, wherever people are taught to disregard the commandments of God, but are called to scheduled healing meetings, there we may be certain that the Spirit of God is absent, because God never blesses deliberate disobedience. That said, the miraculous healing power of God will not be as prominent as it was in years gone by.

Question: Why? Because God has now caused an abundance of light and knowledge to be shed upon our pathway, as it pertains to root cause and effect, so that we may make wise choices, and avoid many of the afflictions with which we are now saddled.

Again, the Lord teaches us that prevention is much better than cure, and thus, His supernatural power is reserved for cases where no better can be done.

In other words, available, and current knowledge on the human physiology should be exhausted and also practiced wherever possible, using proven, natural remedies, proper diet and foods, exercise, sufficient rest, and faith in God as our primary source of good healthcare, with miracles from God as a last resort. Let’s read:

John 5: 5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

6 When Jesus saw him lie, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steps down before me.

8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

9 And immediately the man was made whole.

14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon thee.

If we believe that there are certain diseases which cannot be cured through the power of God, we will also believe that there are certain sinful habits that are impossible to overcome by His power, because the tendency to limit God in one area, will inevitably spread to other areas in our modes of thought; and deliverance that is well within reach, will seem quite impossible to occur.

Thus, as we review the history of the Hebrews and their experiences with God, we would observe one recurring theme, that they stumbled time and time again because of their tendency to place limits on what God can do. And as we study their history, we should take a different route, if we are to be healed of both physical, and spiritual diseases in our day. We will examine several instances where the same problem surfaced over and over again. Let’s read:

Psalms 78:40 How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness and grieve him in the desert!

41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.

42 They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.

43 How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan.

Exodus 14:10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord.

11 And they said unto Moses, because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

Exodus 16:3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

16 This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.

19 And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning.

20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.

Numbers 13:25 And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.

27 And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.

28 Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.

30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.

32 And all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.

33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Numbers 11:21 And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen;

22 Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?

23 And the Lord said unto Moses, Is the Lord's hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

1st Samuel 17:32 And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

Luke 8:49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.

54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.

55 And she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her food.

John 6:5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

Hebrews 3:17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned?

18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Thus, it was, by limiting the power of God to deliver, to provide, to heal, and to forgive, and cleanse, the Hebrews to a large extent forfeited the blessings of salvation which were right within their reach. Many were rubbing shoulders with Jesus as the multitude thronged Him, but it was the woman who touched the hem of His garment in faith, who was healed.

This leads us to our main case study, in which we’ll address the issue of so-called incurable diseases or issues, which, according to man’s finite knowledge, cannot be resolved. As we study, we will observe that there is also a spiritual counterpart to the same issue, because the same God who heals diseases, is the one who heals us from all our sins.

Whether our situation be hereditary, or cultivated, or whether persons were born with such and such a situation, the power of God should never be limited because He specializes in what we perceive as being impossible. Let’s read:

John 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. [Go wash represents all manner of cooperation with God in the restoration of mind and body.]

8 The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

9 Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.

10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?

11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

12 Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.

13 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.

15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.

18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.

20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:

21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.

24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.

25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

This is not the only instance in which Christ made it manifest that He can deal with so-called incurable diseases. With the ten lepers, He demonstrated that it does not have to be an isolated incident, but that He can heal en-masse, diseases for which there is no known cure. What science deems to be incurable cancers, can, in many cases be overcome or avoided through the power of God. Let’s read:

Luke 17:12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

Some people have been born with homosexual tendencies, a condition which, to all intents and purposes may seem irreversible, and instead of us focusing on God’s power to save, and cleanse, we have made provision for the flesh, by making laws that accommodate the issue, instead of availing ourselves of the cure that is just within reach. Like the blind man being born blind is not a sin, and if a person is born with such tendencies, that is not a sin either.

The problem comes when the tendency is indulged, very much the same as when offspring of parents who were addicted to alcohol, take up the strain, by indulging in those tendencies they might have been born with. Some people have tremendous difficulty with certain tendencies, whilst others may not be fazed at all by the same problem.

But the grace of God, which bringeth salvation has appeared to all men, and therefore, there is nothing too hard for God to accomplish, in the physical or spiritual realm. The Bible is abundantly clear on the issue of salvation from sin, for whatsoever might be the problem, God can heal, if we would believe. The Bible also states unequivocally that God’s salvation is holistic in nature, and therefore, the restoration of mind, and body must be inextricably linked as a complete and harmonious whole. Let’s read:

1st Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

3rd John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.

1st Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Psalms 103: 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

In closing, let us never repeat the errors ancient Israel made, that of limiting God to the confines of modern science, for His knowledge and power to heal and save, far surpasses anything mortal man can ever imagine. Let us therefore, with a childlike faith, and willing obedience, take hold on eternal life through Jesus, for He has called us to live on a much higher and nobler plain, than what science and conventional wisdom deems possible.

We therefore close with the blessed assurance that comes with knowing God. Let’s read:

1st John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

God bless!

The Choice Is Ours. Sabbath Afternoon 09/22/2018

The Bible places great emphasis on the freedom of choice God has granted to us, for by it our eternal destiny is decided, and the chapters of our lives are shaped to a great extent, for good, or for evil by the choices we make, even if there are negative factors to contend with. Too often, our sinfulness is blown out of proportion to the point where we lose sight of the grace and power of God, which is given as an antivenin against the stings of the serpent.

We also need to be very careful with the teaching of generational curses, for even though our parents and grandparents may have set a sinful course of action in motion, yet we should never downplay or underestimate the power of God to stop sin dead in its track and reverse course in very many instances.

The Bible teaches us that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin, and as was stated before, all means all.

But if we believe that generational curses are the inevitable, and that we do not have any choices in the matter, then what we believe will soon become reality, because what we believe affects what we’ll expect, and what we expect then becomes possible. Thus, if we believe our progenitors have set us in an irreversible course, we will find ourselves drifting downstream in their footsteps in whatsoever sins or habits they indulged or cultivated.

Every succeeding generation should do better than the previous one, reasoning soberly from cause to effect, learning from the mistakes of parents, while improving, and retaining the good they did, but at the same time, rejecting the evil. In other words, it is the will of God that children should be more God-fearing than their parents were, not less.

Cultivated and inherited tendencies to evil can and should be overcome by the grace of Christ. In other words, if my parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, in-laws, and outlaws were alcoholics, I do not have to be an alcoholic, because through Christ the buck can, and should stop at my doorstep. Then again, if my daddy was a player, and had a plethora of wives and concubines, there is absolutely no doctrine, or commandment which states that I am duty bound to walk in his shoes.

In fact, a great part of the instruction, and counsels given to children should include our own faults and mistakes, showing them where we went wrong, and the inevitable results which followed; at the same time bidding them to depart from evil by choosing wisely. In this way we would not appear to be self-righteous in their eyes; instead we would be able to empathize with them in their infirmities, they being encouraged and strengthened by the victories God gave us.

In fact, through the grace and power of God, and the freedom of choice given, coupled together with faithful parental instruction, Solomon the son of David could have had one female wife, and could have lived with her happily ever after. Absolutely! The problem is that a knowledge of his own failures kept David silent, when he should have been talking to, and instructing his sons. Past guilt should never cause parents to be muted in their instruction to their children. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 723] There was a great change in David himself. He was broken in spirit by the consciousness of his sin, and its far-reaching results. He felt humbled in the eyes of his subjects. In his own house his claim to respect and obedience from his sons, was weakened. A sense of his guilt kept him silent when he should have condemned sin; it made his arm feeble to execute justice in his house.

The scripture unequivocally rejects the notion that we are born this or that way, with no way out of our sinful predicament, and with no recourse of action, because the freedom of choice is one of the most powerful tools, given to us by God to shape our own destiny. When we begin to excuse our choices using hereditary factors, we often lose sight of the power of God which can surmount every difficulty, large or small, and we will inevitably shift the responsibility of failure to others, God, or to present conditions, and thus, we become the sport of circumstances.

This is not to say that as believing Christians we are naïve to the difficulties or obstacles in the way, but we should never allow these adverse circumstances to blunt our potential, or to dampen our energies to succeed. Thinking like a conqueror means believing that with God, all things are possible. In fact, if we cultivate a skeptical, unbelieving mind, we actually prevent Jesus from doing miracles in our behalf. Let’s read:

Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

In this passage, a person’s willingness to believe is directly tethered to the opening up of possibilities, and herein lies our main weakness, for we too often allow conventional wisdom, scientific research, and logical reasoning to dictate the limits of what God can do. When Jesus used the “if”, He was directing the man to his freedom of choice to believe or not.

In our own personal experiences, we will need a no holds barred kind of faith to withstand the forces of logic against our souls, for satan specializes in logic, while Christ specializes in faith. Believing is not only based upon a preponderance of evidence, for it was Christ who once said, “Blessed are they who have not seen, yet still believe”. Believing is a deliberate choice we must make individually, especially when it comes to overcoming inherited tendencies to evil. Let’s read:

Mark 6:2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

The people of this district did not have a problem with the authenticity of Christ’s miracles, they were upset that an “ordinary” carpenter, who had built their cupboards and furniture could do them. But if a Rabbi dressed in sacerdotal garments who had his degree from one of the Ivy league universities, was to perform the same miracles, they might believe. Thus, social biases, and norms fed into their belief system, and before you know it, they were choosing not to believe, with the inevitable result. Let’s read:

Mark 6:5 And he could not there, do any mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

6 And he marveled because of their unbelief.

On the contrary, the Bible opens up to us the world of opportunity, in overcoming every challenge, and difficulty, through the merits and power of Christ. Now while it is true that parental wrong-doing often sets the stage for children to sin more easily, and in some cases may affect genetic factors, yet, in very many cases, the choices we make, together with the power of God can decidedly move the needle in the opposite direction. This is the genius of Christianity, given to all who believe. Let’s read:

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than

conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1st John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Joseph began adult life as a slave in a foreign land, having to learn a new language in a culture that was by no means favorable to his ethnicity. In addition, he did jail time, but that did not prevent him from becoming the manager of the prison where he was locked up. The grace and power of God which had always attended him, turned every difficulty into an opportunity, and thus he was victorious, in and out of prison.

Joseph could have chosen to grovel in the “Why me pit” of depression. He could have chosen to blame God for not protecting him from Potiphar’s wrath when he had stood firmly for the truth. Then again, he could have blamed his brothers for his present circumstance. Instead he chose to make the best of his situation by seeking to help and serve fellow his inmates, as evidenced by the following inquiry. Let’s read:

Genesis 40:1 And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.

2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.

4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.

5 And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night.

6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.

7 And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly today?

8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.

The same issue of individual choice is brought to bear in circumstances where one’s grandparents or parents may have indulged in evil. Just because the progenitors did wrong does not mean that the kids are duty bound to do wrong too, regardless of their own choice. The genius of salvation is that through Christ every evil tendency, and practice can be put into reverse gear permanently. There will be sore conflicts, but it can absolutely be done. 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.

14 Now lo, if he beget a son that sees all his father's sins which he hath done, and considers, and doeth not such like,

15 And hath not lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbor's wife,

17 He shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

God, is in these passages making direct reference to our freedom of choice, for if the son chooses not to follow in the evil ways of the father, the buck will absolutely stop at the son. This principle of personal choice applies across the board, not only for iniquity that was practiced by one’s parents, but also to the addictions that one may have inherited. To a great extent, these tendencies and evils can be uprooted and reversed by the power and grace of God.

Whether it be drug addiction, alcohol addiction, sex addiction, and the predispositions to such problems like diabetes, obesity, and cancer, the grace of God when engaged through faith and obedience can and will accomplish the impossible in many instances. It was God who inspired the words “I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health”, therefore we cannot conclude that the same God would not enable us to accomplish that which he Himself has wished for.

This issue of choice must be understood thoroughly because whatever we decide to do can affect the outcome at the end of life’s journey. Thus, we must embark on our main case study from the Bible, in which one father had practiced untold evil for very many years. After he died, his son came and did the exact same thing, and for all intents and purposes it would seem as if an irreversible course of action for the offspring had been set in motion. Let’s read:

2nd Kings 21:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem.

2 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the

Lord, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel.

3 For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.

4 And he built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.

5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord.

6 And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.

The scriptures tell us that after years of cultivating iniquity of the darkest hue, Manasseh repented and made great changes, but the collateral damage had already been done. In fact, the bulk of his years on this earth were spent doing evil, and as they often say, “Like father like son”, that is, if the sons choose to walk in their father’s evil footsteps. Evil example, and genetic predisposition do not coerce anyone to sin, for every propensity can be stopped at the gate of choice. Let’s read:

2nd Kings 21:18 And Manasseh slept with his fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.

19 Amon was twenty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem.

20 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, as his father Manasseh did.

21 And he walked in all the way that his father walked in, and served the idols that his father served, and worshipped them:

25 Now the rest of the acts of Amon which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

But then, Amon has a son who “Considers” just like the Lord stated in Ezekiel. He considers the evil his progenitors did, and he reasons soberly from cause to effect, and then his decision is made: “Whatever my daddy, grandpa and grandma may have done in times past, I personally will not be following in their footsteps. He decides to serve the Lord through the freedom of choice, and the rest is history. Let’s read:

2nd Kings 21:25 Now the rest of the acts of Amon which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

26 And he was buried in his sepulchre in the garden of Uzza: and Josiah his son reigned in his stead.

2nd Kings 22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem.

2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord and walked in all the way of David his father and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.

10 And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.

11 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.

12 And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,

13 Go ye, enquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.

14 So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, and they communed with her.

15 And she said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me,

16 Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read:

17 Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

18 But to the king of Judah which sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard;

19 Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord.

20 Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.

Our progenitors too may have walked contrary to the will of God in times past. They may have eaten and drunken that which is forbidden by God, and as a result the offspring may be predisposed to obesity and diabetes and cancers of all sorts. Sexual sins, or predispositions may have taken root, and may have affected us genetically. But just as the young Josiah grabbed the bull by the horns, and put in place radical changes, just so, we too may grab our own bull by the horns through our freedom of choice.

If lollipops, candies, twinkies, and Haagen dazs ice-cream used to be an integral part of Manasseh’s daily menu, Josiah as his son must institute radical changes if he wants to cooperate with Christ in the restoration of health. He would need to clean out his refrigerator of all those items which caused the unhealthy state in his dad, for unless he does this, his prayers for health will go unanswered.

Then Josiah will have to do some much-needed research to see what lifestyle changes should be implemented. And as he studies the history of his fore-parents, and as he reasons soberly from cause to effect, he will have to put into practice the things which God will show him, for if he doesn’t, the text in James which says “I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers” will become an elusive dream.

Whatever the problem, or the issue might be, and whatever may be the latent tendency that has been transferred from father to son, the grace of God is given to break every chain, and every cycle of evil, so that the image of God may be reflected in our persons, internally and externally. But the choice is ours. It’s not satan’s, nor the voice of the popular majority, nor the church, nor our parents, uncles and in-laws. The choice is ours! We therefore close with a quote from the pen of inspiration. Let’s read:

[The Desire of Ages. pp 125] While Satan can solicit, he cannot compel to sin. He said to Jesus, “Cast Thyself down,” knowing that he could not cast Him down; for God would interpose to deliver Him. Nor could Satan force Jesus to cast Himself down. Unless Christ should consent to temptation, He could not be overcome. Not all the power of earth or hell could force Him in the slightest degree to depart from the will of His Father.

The tempter can never compel us to do evil. He cannot control minds unless they are yielded to his control. The will must consent, faith must let go its hold upon Christ, before Satan can exercise his power upon us.

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith The Lord.

God bless!

How To Avoid Suicide. Sabbath Afternoon. 09/15/2018

The final act of committing suicide has been around since the fall of our first parents, but it has morphed into an epidemic worldwide. In ages past, very few people would do the unthinkable, for they loved life and recoiled from death. But quite surprisingly, the increase of knowledge of good and evil, and millions of inventions, have not been sufficient to stave off what is now being labeled by many in the medical field, as a mental health problem.

But when we study sacred history, we observe that many individuals in times past suffered with mental health problems, but the suicide rate was quite low. And therefore, it is necessary for us to investigate the root of the problem, and its scope, so that we may find Biblical answers and solutions. Before we begin, let’s take a look at some disturbing statistics, and trends in America, from the CDC.

[1] Suicide rates rose in all but one state between 1999 and 2016, with increases seen across age, gender, race and ethnicity, according to a report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In more than half of all deaths in 27 states, the people had no known mental health condition when they ended their lives.

Case in point was the late Anthony Bourdain, who rose to national fame in the culinary industry, and who featured promiently in the television series “Parts Unknown”. At the time of his own suicide by hanging there were no narcotics in his system, from the toxicology report. He was someone who, from all appearances, seemed to have it made, yet he too took his own life, whilst filming a segment of the hit series.

[2] Nearly 45,000 suicides occurred in the United States in 2016. To put it in perspective, that’s fifteen times the amount of people who died on 9/11, and this raises the prospect that we may be our worst enemy. What is even more disturbing is that among people ages 15 to 34, suicide is the second-leading cause of death.

[3] The most common method used across all of the groups was firearms, and in half of the states, it has increased more than 30% among people age 10 and older.

[4] Suicides from opioid overdoses nearly doubled between 1999 and 2014, and data from a 2014 national survey showed that individuals addicted to prescription opioids had a 40 percent to 60 percent higher risk.

[5] The problems most frequently associated with

suicide are strained relationships; stress, involving work, or finances; substance use problems; physical health conditions; and recent or impending crises. After the financial crash of 2008, several persons committed suicide, when they saw no way out of their conundrum.

[6] Rates of self-inflicted death is 22% percent higher in veterans than in the general population.

In addition to the fore-mentioned causes, we now know for a fact that many legal prescription drugs on the market are responsible for inducing suicidal thoughts. Pharmaceutical drugs were supposed to save lives, but many are having an adverse effect, in driving folks to seriously contemplate taking their own lives. Let us think about that for a moment; we have a very toxic mix on our hands, with triggering mechanisms, and the wherewithal to make suicide as easy as possible.

Whatever may be the reason, and whatsoever may be the triggering mechanism, there are some facts we should always bear in mind, because human life is sacred, given to us by our Creator. Therefore, God will have us to understand that any person who will deliberately end their own life will never be saved in God’s kingdom, for they ended their life on a sinful note. And thus, because there isn’t a reversal, once the act has been committed, the possibility of any repentance is closed off permanently.

Another fact we should bear in mind is that Jesus never moves upon a person to take their own life. It is entirely impossible, for His mission to earth was to save life, not to kill. And thus, suicidal thoughts must be proceeding from any other source except from God. Let’s read:

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 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

This leads us to review a few important issues from the scriptures. The devil is the main driver behind suicidal thoughts. There are derivatives occurring indirectly downstream from him, such as opioids, depression, the example of prominent figures, and the thought that there is no other way out. But for all intents and purposes, satan is the originator of suicidal thoughts, to a greater or lesser degree.

Which leads us to question why would he desire persons to die by suicide? When he himself has not once contemplated the idea? The answer is simple, for if one dies in their sins, that’s one less person he has to pay for in the fires of hell. In fact, the general purpose of every temptation brought to the human family, is to try to get persons to pay for their own sins, which by default, automatically reduces the time he must spend burning.

Thus, it is for purely selfish reasons why the suicidal thought is infused into our minds, in the first place. For instance, after king Saul was tempted to disobey God on a number of occasions, the Holy Spirit finally left him, and then, in desperation, he turned to the devil for help. But to his utter dismay, he found out that his probation was closed and he was faced with only one of two bad options, either be killed by the enemy, or take his own life. Saul chose the latter. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 28:5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. 6 And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. 7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor. 11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel. 12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.

13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth. 14 And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself. 15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answers me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.

16 Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the Lord is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? 17 And the Lord hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the Lord hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbor, even to David. 18 Because thou obeyed not the voice of the Lord, nor did executed his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the Lord done this thing unto thee this day. 19 Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and tomorrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the Lord also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines. 20 Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel.

1st Samuel 31:3 And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers. 4 Then said Saul unto his armor-bearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armor-bearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore, Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. 5 And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.

Often in life persons are driven to the point where they believe God has forsaken them, and they are tempted to believe that there is no way out, other than to end their own life. Then when faced with only bad options, some chose to call it quits. This is a tactic often used by the adversary, who specializes in backing us into a corner, if we permit.

The fact is that in Saul’s case many opportunities for repentance and change were granted, as was also the case with Eli and his sons. But the Spirit of God, persistently resisted, finally leaves a person to the choices they have made, because the use of force is contrary to the principles of Christ’s kingdom. But even after a person’s probation may be closed, they are in many instances permitted by God to live, for as we stated before, God never ever drives any person to commit suicide. Never!

One of the inconvenient truths we have to grapple with is that the great adversary of souls has the ability to infuse negative thoughts into the human mind, and therefore, it’s important that when going through extreme pain, depression, or anxiety, that we take a step back and examine the nature of our thoughts.

The gateways to human minds were opened to evil through the first transgression, and ever since that fateful day, evil spirits have the freedom to infuse evil thoughts, even without being invited. This fact applies to both Christians and non-Christians, but it should not scare or alarm us, since everything stops at the threshold of personal choice.

The devils may induce and suggest evil thoughts, and they may tempt and annoy us; they may put a train of circumstances into motion to drive some to depression, but they cannot pull the trigger if we do not permit. Both the bullets and the firearms must be bought from a store by the person’s own choice.

Sometimes thoughts are the cogitations of our own minds, reacting to what we may have seen or heard in time past. There are also remorseful thoughts we experience when the history of certain failures are pulled up at random from our memory bank. Then there are thoughts that are infused by both good, and evil spirits. This fact is carefully documented in the scriptures and should be observed before we proceed. Let’s read:

Job 2:4 And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. 5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. 7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. 9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.

Obviously, the devil was the author of the thought!

Daniel 10:4 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. 12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

1st Chronicles 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. 2 And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.

Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Not because David and Peter wrote books in the Bible does it mean that they were exempt from being infused with evil thoughts at times for the principle of infusion applies equally to all human beings. But we have the assurance that Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, which means that under the direct influence, and inspiration of The Holy Spirit, they wrote what they wrote. But all of us are subject to the same, which should cause us to often examine our thoughts. Let’s read:

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

As it pertains to the next example, we will see that it is the same source which moved upon Saul, that moved Judas to commit the unthinkable. Judas was given the power to preach and cast out evil spirits just like the other disciples, but again, the issue of personal choice is what shaped his eternal destiny. Like king Saul every opportunity was granted him so that he could change course, but every effort by the Holy Ghost was beaten back persistently.

Then the devil finally took control of his mind, and the events which followed soon after, reveal that the author of his thoughts, was the same person who drove Saul to desperation. Every thought of taking one’s own life has its origins in the author of evil, who is described by Christ as a murderer from the beginning.

The commandment which says “Thou shalt not kill” applies equally to others as well as to ourselves, and therefore, deliberate suicide is a violation of that law. When Judas decided to end his own life, it was the adversary who infused the thought into his mind. Judas bought the rope from the store, and he committed the act, but the author of the evil thought was the devil. Let’s read:

John 13:21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spoke. 26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. 30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

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, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

The following therefore are Biblical ways to avoid suicide. It is critically important for us to follow the instructions given, especially if we are prone to be depressed, suffer from extreme anxiety, or may be suffering excruciating pain, or may be terminally ill. Whatever might be the situation, God can, and will help, if we trust in Him.

[1] Surrender ourselves fully to God. The mind of Christ given to us through The Holy Ghost will never lead us to contemplate any thought of taking our own lives. Let’s read:

1st John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.

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 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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.

[2] When in difficulty or depression, let prayer be our first resource. With the Christian there is no such thing as no way out. This particular thought is often infused by evil spirits into the minds of those who are on the brink. But there is always a way out. Always. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 10:13 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.

Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.

Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely, he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

[3] Wherever possible, avoid the constant use of prescription drugs, especially those which tend to induce suicidal thoughts. Those who by the grace of God, and who through obedience to His every word, are able to avoid the use of drugs, will have done to themselves and their families a very great favor.

Hence the reason why we say emphatically that the health message given to us and to the world, is one of the most precious truths ever given to mortals. Let’s read:

Jeremiah 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

Psalms 103:2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

[4] Decide here and now, that come what may, we will never end our own life. Death may come when it may, but we must choose to refrain from doing that which is forbidden by God, who alone can give life. Whatever the situation that we may be going through, let’s always remember that our freedom of choice is one of the most powerful tools given us by God, so that we may chart safe paths for our feet.

Therefore, we will close with a promise of ongoing grace and strength to meet every challenge, and to overcome every difficulty, for God is faithful who has promised. Let’s read:

Isaiah 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 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.

God bless!

Overcoming Cursing. Sabbath Afternoon. 09/08/2018

Recently we studied about overcoming depression and porn, but this week we will study overcoming cursing, since it is also deeply rooted in our culture, and vernacular. One of the very first issues which is addressed by The Holy Spirit in conversion is that of speech, for it has an immediate, and direct effect on the influence Christians exude, as it pertains to our representation of The Lord. Porn is often something of a private, personal nature, and may not dishonor God publicly.

And whereas other sins may take time to get rid of, cursing misrepresents the kingdom of God from the first utterance by a Christian, and often the adverse effect on the minds of other people might never be erased. That’s why God usually addresses the sin of
cursing early on, in the process of our conversion. 

As we all know, curse words have become common in our politics, in television shows, in our interaction with others, and at times even the news media have adopted the practice. It is very prevalent in movies, where indoctrination into evil often takes place. It has occurred in God-fearing persons in ages past, it was manifest in some of the disciples, and even the prophet Isaiah had a problem with it, until the grace of God granted him the victory.

Therefore, those of us who are still struggling with cursing may know for certain that it is not unique to us alone, but it’s one of those sins that have been in existence since after the fall of man. Several Bible characters have struggled with this problem and in many instances, it had become so deeply rooted in them that it became spontaneous, without thought or deliberate action. Thus, the scriptures tell us that we are not alone in this, or any other sin. 

There is deliberate cursing, where some may try to make a point, and there is spontaneous cursing by which some sudden aggravation may cause us to trip a wire, and then there’s cursing for no reason, just because it has become our way of speaking. In all of these examples mentioned, we should always remember that God does not approve of it, and we as Christians must gain the complete victory over it, if we are to properly represent Christ’s kingdom. Let’s read:

James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be. 
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

There is also an abstract form of cursing which is not audible, but which sometimes may occur in our thoughts. The words may not be vocalized, but they may be rankling in our minds. This form is also to be eliminated, for if it is cherished, one day it will spill over when the right set of circumstances converge. We should also understand that satan specializes in putting such circumstances in motion to bring about the adverse result. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 10:20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thoughts; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

[The Desire Of Ages. pp 353] The servants of Christ are not to act out the dictates of the natural heart. They need to have close communion with God, lest, under provocation, self rise up, and they pour forth a torrent of words that are unbefitting, that are not as dew or the still showers that refresh the withering plants. 

This is what Satan wants them to do; for these are his methods. It is the spirit of Satan that is revealed in anger and accusing, but God's servants are to be representatives of Him. He desires them to deal only in the currency of heaven, the truth that bears His own image and superscription. They are to fix their eyes upon His loveliness. And the spirit that is kept gentle under provocation will speak more effectively in favor of the truth than will any argument, however forcible.

The above statement leads us to our first example of cursing as it occurred in one Christian. Peter was upset at Christ for allowing Himself to be arrested at the hands of the mob and because the storm is now brewing not only for Jesus, but also for His disciples, Peter decides to hang out with the wrong crowd, so that he wouldn’t be identified with Christ, thereby concealing his faith.

By so doing, he places himself on satan’s enchanted ground, and the devil is sure to make the most of the opportunity, by prompting his agents to get on Peter’s nerves. The devil has already observed that Peter is an impulsive person, who speaks when he should really be quiet, and who says things without thinking. 

Furthermore, the devil has documented a number of occasions when the right set of circumstances, converging suddenly at once, have often triggered great irritation, and angry responses in Peter. Thus, he is going to set such a train of circumstances into motion, turning up the heat several notches to see if he could cause Peter to become unhinged, thus tempting Peter to doubt his own Christianity, whilst at the same time, causing major embarrassment to the kingdom of Christ. 

This tactic is often used on us Christians as well, and regrettably, with too great success. Will he succeed in getting Peter to blow a fuse, and curse out some persons who have irritated him? Will Peter stand firm, and keep his cool? Or will he succumb to the increased pressure? Let’s read:

Matthew 26: 69 Now Peter sat outside in the palace: (the words “Sat outside” means that he was hanging out with the unruly crowd to disguise his faith, for fear of embarrassment. There Peter was, casually pretending to play dominos with those who were seeking to slay his Master, while on the inside he was burning up with rage and resentment. Then suddenly, without warning the devil takes a swipe.) “And a damsel came unto him saying, Thou also was with Jesus of Galilee”.

The crowd gasps in utter surprise and focus their gaze intently on Peter. They question if he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing among them, so in Peter’s mind, only a direct denial of Christ would stave off what could be an imminent attack by the mob. Startled, and surprised out of his comfort zone, he hated the idea of being exposed, so he does what some of us may do in similar situations. Let’s read:

Matthew 26:70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

But the devil will turn up the heat several notches, for now that the question has been raised, he has observed that Peter has become unhinged, so he prods him with another shot of sarcastic inquiry to see if he will flip. There are a lot of people flipping nowadays under pressure, and maybe, just maybe, Peter will deny any relationship with Christ, using a barrage of unbecoming words, since he seems to be greatly disturbed. 

Most of us may be able to fend off a single round of aggravation from the enemy. We may quote a few texts, and pray earnestly, thereby surviving the first round. But very few Christians would be able to withstand a sustained campaign of irritation against our souls for we often become impatient and weary after just one or two bouts. 

On this point, it is necessary for us to be reminded that the devils do not take a break from tempting us just because it is the Sabbath, because quite often, the irritation continues to follow us to church. Many of the temptations Christ encountered, which were specifically designed to try to irritate Him, occurred in church, as is often the case in our own personal experiences.

Multiple, and sustained irritations are launched to see if we will become discombobulated; and with each passing bout, we are increasingly tempted to let loose some choice words on the offender. But God desires that we see the real, invisible agencies behind all these situations, and pray, that sustained strength will be given to meet the sustained attacks for we are always to pray, and not faint. Let’s read:

Matthew 26:71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. 
72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.

Peter is now on the brink of cursing, for he is angry with Jesus for permitting the situation to come to this, especially with the knowledge that Christ can turn the tide instantly in His favor by a miracle. We too sometimes become upset with Jesus, if He does not employ His miraculous power to deliver us from adverse situations when we know He can. Just like Peter, we wonder why He sometimes allows those forces of evil to run riot, when He can diffuse the situation by a mere thought.

Thus, Peter is upset; he is angry at everybody. He is furious with those maids who just keep on following him around and harassing him and he’s upset at the paparazzi, and the news media, who are hounding him at every turn, with a ton of questions, putting their ungodly microphones in his face.

Therefore, the devil through human agents, comes in for the third and final round, for the principle of multiple assaults is a time-proven tactic, engaged quite often to wear our patience thin. Will he, or wont he succeed? Will Peter withstand the stress, or will he buckle on the brink, and blow a fuse in public? Let’s read:

Matthew 26:73 And after a while there came unto him those that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrays thee. 
74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

Now that Peter has cursed out everybody in public, he looks around, and he sees a look of sadness on Jesus’ face. John who is sitting where Peter should be, near Christ, sits with his lower jaw open in utter unbelief at what he just heard, and the other church members, and the elders from Peter’s local church, who are present, immediately call for an emergency board meeting to discuss an urgent response to that which they have heard with their own two ears.

Filled with remorse, dismay, and anger at what has just transpired, and quite disappointed in his own self-righteousness Peter sinks into depression, and starts to break down with irrepressible crying. Then the devil, wishing to put the final nail in the coffin, immediately begins to infuse suicidal thoughts into Peter’s mind, if maybe he could finish him off once and for all. 

When Christ warned Peter that satan desired to sift him like wheat, the word “sift” did not only mean to tempt severely, it meant to finish him off once and for all, as in six feet under. But that is next week’s Bible study “How to Avoid Suicide”. Let’s read:

Matthew 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out and wept bitterly.

[The Desire of Ages. pp713] A tide of memories rushed over him. The Savior's tender mercy, His kindness and long-suffering, His gentleness and patience toward His erring disciples,—all was remembered. He recalled the caution, “Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:31, 32. 

He reflected with horror upon his own ingratitude, his falsehood, his perjury. Unable longer to endure the scene, he rushed, heartbroken, from the hall. He pressed on in solitude and darkness, he knew not and cared not whither. At last he found himself in Gethsemane. 

The scene of a few hours before came vividly to his mind. The suffering face of his Lord, stained with bloody sweat and convulsed with anguish, rose before him. He remembered with bitter remorse that Jesus had wept and agonized in prayer alone, while those who should have united with Him in that trying hour were sleeping. He remembered His solemn charge, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.”

He witnessed again the scene in the judgment hall. It was torture to his bleeding heart to know that he had added the heaviest burden to the Savior's humiliation and grief. On the very spot where Jesus had poured out His soul in agony to His Father, Peter fell upon his face and wished that he might die.

The situation pertaining to cursing was different however with Job, a man who is described as being a praying Christian. Job’s entire family seemed to be doing quite well, and Job, faithful to his charge as priest of his household, prayed day and night for his entire family, a noteworthy example that should be emulated in our day. But Job and his wife were not immune to cursing, if the right set of circumstances were to converge. Let’s read:

Job 1:8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 
9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 
10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 
11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that  he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

That challenge could not be made if the devils had not previously observed the words of some of Job’s family members when they were under pressure. It takes one who has been thoroughly purged from this sin, to refrain from cursing under any and every circumstance. Job’s wife had done well after the first deadly bout, for she had apparently maintained her cool after losing all her kids in one day. 

And we must give credit where credit is due, for many of us would have stumbled in our faith if we were in her shoes. To lose one family member in an accident is traumatic enough, but to lose all of one’s children in the same day could drive us insane. In addition to this, several of their faithful servants bit the dust, as well as their favorite pets. So, we must say “Cheers” to Mrs. Job on how she handled the first round.

But with the utmost grief still taking its toll on her, and with their life savings practically wiped out, she is now on the verge of losing her faith, and her cool. In this state of mind, she becomes a ripe target for temptation. Will the devils succeed in their plots if they were to turn up the heat, in their attempts to spawn a barrage of curse words from Job and his wife? or will they stand their ground in the name of Jesus? Let’s read:

Job 2:3 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. 
4 And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. 
5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. 
7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. 
9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.

Job 3:1 After this opened Job his mouth and cursed his day.

The next example consists of the habitual use of foul language, to the point where it has become a way of life. Isaiah was a prophet who was involved in ministry, but he too admitted that he had a habit of cursing, because the words “Unclean lips” covers a wide array of unbecoming words. His testimony, and the way in which he was given the victory are the reasons why we will use his experience as our main case study. Let’s read: 

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.
4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. 
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. 

The keys to overcoming cursing, once and for all are embedded in the experience of Isaiah, for he takes us from the problem to an acknowledgement of the problem, to the only way we can be cleansed from this sin. Persons have erroneously concluded in our day that curse words are to be protected by the first amendment, and that the offensiveness of such is a matter of relativity. 

Thus, as a blockbuster tell-all book was unveiled this past week, several expletive words were found to be published therein, and reproduced by the news media. The nation is therefore becoming more and more desensitized to profanity and it will, in the not too distant future, reach a point of no return, where it will be used freely in classrooms, newspapers and pulpits. 

Therefore, if we truly desire cleansing from this sin we must observe closely what happened next, to brother Isaiah. Let’s read:

Isaiah 6:6 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.

Like other sins, getting rid of cursing is something God has to do for us. We may try to refrain from using foul language, but because we speak out of the abundance of the heart, the spontaneous use of curse words is a reflection of the condition of our
hearts.

By the act of laying a live coal from off the altar on brother Isaiah’s mouth, is represented the miracle of cleansing which only Christ can do. The miracle was immediate, it was permanent, and it was also complete, for nowhere in the book of Isaiah does he ever reference this problem again. Therefore, if we are in Isaiah’s shoes, and, if like Peter we have not been entirely cleansed of cursing, we too will need the proverbial “Live coal”, the miraculous cleansing which God alone can give. Let’s read:

[Acts of The Apostles pp 39>40] God therefore in a miraculous manner supplied the deficiency of the apostles. The Holy Spirit did for them that which they could not have accomplished for themselves in a lifetime. From this time forth the language of the disciples was pure, simple, and accurate, whether they spoke in their native tongue or in a foreign language.

Of course, there were things Peter and Isaiah must do to safeguard the miraculous victory, as we also must do, whenever God grants us cleansing from cursing. Isaiah and Peter must from henceforth try to avoid secular movies and stand up comedies, if they know that vile language and expletives are to be expected. By beholding we become changed, and if we knowingly expose ourselves to profanity, the victory God once gave us will retrogress into oblivion.

Therefore, in closing, it is essential that we not only ask God for victory, but that we also do our best to maintain victory, for as Christ once said, “He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved”. The following passages should thus be remembered and considered, for they represent both the counsel and caution, coming from God to His people. Let’s read:

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Matthew 12: But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

                                                                         God Bless!
 

Overcoming Porn. Sabbath Afternoon 09/01/2018

The problem of porn is much more widespread and pervasive than many people realize, or would like to admit, for it runs the entire gamut of our society’s political, secular, and religious systems, reaching as far as the higher echelons of society to the everyday John Doe on the street. It affects cabinet ministers, televangelists, politicians, clergy, bishops, priests, lay people, soldiers, students, deacons, pathfinders, lawyers, athletes, teens and elderly folk alike.

There are very many well-dressed deacons, elders, and regular church members who are, for all intents and purposes, in good and regular standing, as far as external behaviors go, but who are addicted to porn. Some could be found online in the wee hours of the morning, partaking of the forbidden fruit, and others can be found at the back of the parking lot of some notorious adult club.

Porn is deeply rooted in our culture, and is fostered in many ways, from advertisements on television, to billboard ads, to naked, graven images in churches, seducing the congregations to indulge the senses. It has now become a plague across the entire globe, it engulfs many individuals in soul-destroying habits, while others are being led into adultery, and other perversions which become difficult to overcome.

Thus, in order for us to get a proper understanding of the severity of the problem, we must first know what the Bible describes as being porn. According to the scriptures, porn is the sensual indulgence of seeing, or participating in the nakedness of anyone other than one’s spouse. This definition also covers virtual porn, live porn, printed exhibitions of porn, sexting, adult, and pedophile films, X-rated movies phone sex, and soap operas where sexually explicit
scenes are depicted.

This definition also includes advertisements where nakedness, or sexual imagery is used to sell items. Furthermore, whatever we may do, think, or say to promote the indulgence of nakedness, and sexually explicit material or activity with anyone or in any, other than our spouse, is porn. Before the internet and social media, and long before there were any televisions and movies, there was porn. 

It has been around since after the fall of man, it was manifest in ages past among professed Christians or god-fearing men, and it continues in our day, being made much more readily available because of the information highways we have at our disposal. But one thing is certain, pornography is a deeply rooted problem in our society, and in our churches, and the many skeletons that are now falling out of some church closets, are just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s read:

Leviticus 18:7 The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. 
8 The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father's nakedness. 
9 The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover. 
10 The nakedness of thy son's daughter, or of thy daughter's daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness. 
11 The nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. 
12 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman. 13 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister: for she is thy mother's near kinswoman. 
14 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt. 
15 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. 
16 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness. 
17 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness. 
18 Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time. 
20 Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbor's wife, to defile thyself with her. 
22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
23 Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. 
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 vomits out her inhabitants. 
26 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you. 
28 That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. 
30 Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the Lord your God.

It becomes obvious from the passages above, that we have a major social and spiritual problem on our hands, and unless we address it from a scriptural perspective, it would continue to metastasize, and wreak havoc in high places and low. Therefore, God who is rich in mercy unto all those who call upon Him for help, will not only show us the extent of the problem, but will also provide the solution, so that, like David, Abraham, Judah, Solomon, Samson, and, Jacob, we too may gain the victory over porn. 

Let us just say here that we are not coming to you as those who have graduated from higher schools of learning; instead we are coming to you live from the university of South Beach, a school from which few have escaped, let alone graduated. 

Pornography always leads persons into some form of adultery, or sexual sin, for if we were to ask men who are thus afflicted, very many will confess that their adulterous rendezvous had its beginning in porn. The sensual thought led to the sensual act and before we knew it, we were trapped in the deadly cycle of seeing and doing, because every temptation is designed to lead to sin, as the end-product, every-one.

Thus, it was that Balaam seduced Israel into sin, for when his magic didn’t work, he turned to porn. As Israel stood upon the very borders of Canaan, they were invited to the sensual worship of the Moabites whose worship services were littered with naked images. And the worshippers themselves came to church in the most provocative clothing, so much so that indulgence took the place of repentance.

The Hebrews too, who were already disposed to porn, were all to willing to indulge their senses, and before long, the sensual worship with its attendant evils had overspread the camp. As we read the story we will observe that it was the leading men of the nation and the elders who were foremost in the sin, with the teenagers and young adults following on where they led the way. Let’s read:

Numbers 25:1 And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. 
2 And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat and bowed down to their gods. 
4 And the Lord said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people.
6 And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
15 And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain was Cozbi.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 455] At Balaam's suggestion, a grand festival in honor of their gods was appointed by the king of Moab, and it was secretly arranged that Balaam should induce the Israelites to attend. Great numbers of the people joined him in witnessing the festivities. They ventured upon the forbidden ground and were entangled in the snare of Satan. 

Beguiled with music and dancing, and allured by the beauty of heathen vestals, they cast off their fealty to Jehovah. 

The word “Vestal” means goddess; thus, if the Jews were beguiled with heathen vestals, it implies that those graven images were nude, and therefore, it was inevitable that pornographic thoughts, actions and indulgences were sure to follow. The Bible tells us that by beholding we become changed, and this principle applies to both good and evil.

Many people across the globe, both in the secular, and religious realms have become outraged at the priesthood, on account of the widespread, sexual crimes that have been going on for years. And while it is true that bishops, priests, and preachers ought to be accountable for those under their care, yet we should understand that it must be quite difficult for them to maintain pure thoughts, if they are always surrounded by naked images all day long, and have no wife to go home to. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 455] As they united in mirth and feasting, indulgence in wine beclouded their senses and broke down the barriers of self-control. Passion had full sway; and having defiled their consciences by lewdness, they were persuaded to bow down to idols. It was not long before the poison had spread, like a deadly infection, through the camp of Israel.

The people seemed to be infatuated. The rulers and the leading men were among the first to transgress, and so many of the people were guilty that the apostasy became national.

The very same thing is being repeated in our day, for there is nothing new under the sun. The leading men of the Jews were foremost in the indulgence of porn, and because nations do not usually rise higher than their leaders, the problem went viral. Even in our day, several persons in positions of leadership and responsibility, have betrayed their sacred trusts through the indulgence of pornography, and related activities.

Wine, music, dancing and nudity is a toxic mix, and satan studiously brings together these elements to cause the most moral carnage to the unwary. As the song says “Red, red wine, goes to my head” because it affects our thought processes, and causes us to be insensitive to right and wrong. Then, temptations being readily available, it becomes easy to succumb
to what our fallen nature naturally craves for.

This toxic mix of music, dancing, wine and nudity is what caused the downfall of so many in Israel, it is what caused John to be beheaded, and this is what caused the idolatry at mount Sinai. Therefore, when some or all of these elements are brought together, sexual sins and porn are sure to follow. Let’s read:

Exodus 32:6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.
17 And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp. 
18 And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
19 And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing.
25 And when Moses saw that the people were naked; for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame; 
26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord's side? 

Mark 6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her. 
18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. 
19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: 
21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;
22 And when the daughter of Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. 
23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. 
24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. 
25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. 
26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. 
27 And immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison.

And many sincere Christians are now fast becoming quite disenchanted with the clergy, for what is now known to be a pervasive problem. Porn is therefore a radical problem, and it will require radical actions to overcome it. The following therefore are simple step by step instructions on how to overcome porn:

[1] Prayers of confession and pardon.
If we suffer with this problem, confessing that we do is the first step in gaining the victory, for it is an acknowledgement to God that we have sinned, and are in need of help. This then paves the way for God to minister grace and power to stop the indulgence of porn in us, and to keep us from retrogressing into the same, or a worst condition. We are not able, on our own to keep ourselves from falling, for only God can do this, so confession is needed. 

In addition, our prayers on this matter can be quite simple and direct, such as “Lord, I have a problem with porn, and try as I might I just can’t shake it. I need your help, for I am weak, but you are strong” When we pray in sincerity and simplicity God will hear and answer, because Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. 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. 
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

2nd Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

[2] Burning.
Any pornographic material, or videos we may have in our possession must be burned. Get some gasoline, preferably 93 octane, and burn them in a safe place. This act will not remove pornographic thoughts or tendencies from us, but it represents a statement of protest on our part against the evil. A mandatory step in the process of reconciliation to God is a personal protest against sin. Let’s read:

Acts 19:18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. 
19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their “Books” together and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 
20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed. 

Symbolic burning also includes deleting any phone numbers that were previously used to contact any person involved with porn. It includes the removing of such websites from our favorite bar and blocking all adult film sites wherever and whenever possible. In other words, a proactive stand for righteousness must be made on a continuing basis so that Christ, and the devil may know that we mean business.

[3] Avoid the trigger points.
If we desire victory over porn we must do our very best to avoid the trigger points. Asking for victory and acting like a conqueror are two different things, but the one must compliment the other. Anything, anyone, anyplace, any activity that will suggest porn to our minds should be avoided wherever possible. In other words, asking God for victory, whilst we are deliberately choosing to hangout on South beach at night will render us vulnerable to the assaults of the enemy.

It is satan’s plan to surround us with porn, or other suggestive material, or even persons who dress in a pornographic manner, so that our minds are always engulfed with such themes, and especially with the advent of the internet, where porn is literally at our fingertips. Therefore, as we stand upon the brink of eternity, we will need to be particularly vigilant, lest we succumb to the trickle-down effect of what is now happening in high places.

Friends who talk of porn, and work associates who dwell on sensual topics will have to be informed of our abhorrence of such conversations. But when we countenance sexually explicit comments, and rude jokes by laughing when we should be frowning, the devil rightly interprets this as an assent to such talk, and as a general rule he will increase his assaults on our minds, and before you know it, we would be in darkness. Let’s read:

1st Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 
14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance.
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 460] Those who would not fall a prey to Satan's devices must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts. The mind should not be left to wander at random upon every subject that the adversary of souls may suggest.

[4] Avoid seclusion or reclusiveness.
Seclusion, and isolation tends to open the door to porn, with those who are struggling with this sin. On the other hand, frequent association with friends who speak, or dwell on uplifting themes, will be like therapy to the soul, for their words, and presence will tend to steer our minds in a different direction.

Evil spirits hunt like hyenas, they believe in isolating their prey before coming in for the kill. Therefore, our association with God-fearing persons will go a long way in helping to alleviate the temptations to indulge in porn. Let’s read:

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

[5] Avoid repetition:
Last but not least, it is important for us all to avoid repetition, for whenever sin is repeated it becomes more deeply lodged in our consciences. Habits are formed through repetition and characters are the result of habits formed. Therefore, whenever Jesus has granted us the victory over porn, it is critically important for us not to retrogress, by abiding in Him always. Let’s read:

Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 
44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 
45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. 

2nd Peter 2:19 While they promise them liberty,  they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with  them than the beginning. 
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

In closing, we encourage any and everyone who has been bitten by the porn serpent, to arise and shine, for God will grant us grace, strength and sustaining power, to think and live like a conqueror. That being said, we leave with a promise of victory, for it is the will of God that we should fight to win, not lose. Let’s read:

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.

                                                                        God Bless! 
 

Overcoming Depression. Sabbath Afternoon 08/25/2018

Depression is not something unique to any one individual, for it is an experience which is common, and incidental to us mortals, living in a sinful world. If we were to ask most persons, they would be able to point to one, or several occasions in their lives when they experienced depression. From David to John, and from Job to the twelve disciples, and even Jesus Christ who knew no sin, all of us have suffered some form of depression.

The onset of depression takes place for different, and varying reasons, such as the death of a loved one, insurmountable debt, regret for a sinful course of action, or divorce proceedings, where a husband, wife and children are torn apart. With others, it may be disappointment with unfulfilled hopes, or it may be addiction to some soul-destroying habit that just won’t go away.

Again, the fear of the unknown, or the prospect of a grave, looming, difficulty may engulf our thoughts, and may take its toll on our minds and may begin to sap our energies to the point where it consumes us. Discouragement, self-pity, or an inferiority complex can also lead to depression, as well as the highs and lows experienced by those who use narcotics. Thus, whatever the reason or the cause, depression is one of the problems with which most persons are in one way or another affected.

While there are different triggering mechanisms for depression, the infusion of negative thoughts into a person’s mind is the tactic most often employed by the enemy of souls, for one purpose only, to get the person in question to give up on life, and to change course. Thereafter, the reaction often ranges from abandonment, taking of unnecessary risk, a loss of
faith, consuming large quantities of alcohol, and suicidal thoughts, among others.

With Christians however, depression is usually the result of a feeling that God has turned His back on us, or somehow has forgotten about us. This is the sentiment which was echoed by Christ when in His depression He cried out “My God My God, why has thou forsaken me?” In fact, God is always nearer to us at the times when we are weakest, even though it may not seem to be this way. 

Here is where our faith must lay hold of the invisible arm of omnipotence, and trust God even though we cannot trace Him. One thing we all must remember, is that the ways in which God sees fit to bring about victory will not always align with our personal ideas and preferences, since in most instances we cannot see the end result from the beginning.

Another consideration we should bear in mind is that all things work together for the good of those who love God. All things, in and of themselves may not be good, but cumulatively, as a whole, they are pieces of a greater puzzle, which when put together produce a picture-perfect outcome. Patience, faith, obedience and trust in God are not usually developed when we are flying high on the mountain top.

These qualities are usually developed when we are in the valley, where the heat of the furnace is used to remove dross from our characters, to prepare us for some greater good which God has in mind. And therefore, like Christ, we must decide, during those times of perplexity, doubt and adversity that we will not let go our hold on God, for it is only He who can bring us forth victoriously on the other side. 

Thus, for purposes of this study it is necessary for us to document from the scriptures, a few instances of depression, as experienced by God-fearing persons, so that we would understand that we are not alone in our individual situation.

[1] Joseph. 
In the prime of his youth, Joseph seemed to have everything going for him, for he was his father’s favorite child, he was given a coat of many bright colors, and God gifted him with visions of future greatness. But then one day, without any warning, things took a turn for the worse, as far as he could see, for his brothers sold him into slavery, the most dreaded form of existence for a once-favored son. Few situations can be worse than being a slave in a land where one does not speak the language.

And as Joseph saw the tents of his father growing dim in the distance, he gave himself up to despair, and grief for in his mind, the sentiment uttered by Christ came alive, “My God, My God why hast thou forsaken me”. Yet, according to the Biblical record, God had not forsaken Joseph even for one moment, but was instead taking him through those necessary paces that were essential for Christian maturity. 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.
21 But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 
22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.

If God through His providences did not separate him from his parents, they would have spoiled him, and could have prevented the very greatness God had prepared for him. Yet, no one saw this at that time, and if we were to ask anyone what they thought of God’s providence in Joseph then, most of us would be sure to dismiss it as being unnecessary. 

God’s thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways, and were it left up to us, we will spoil most of the good God has intended for us. Joseph needed a lesson in humility, because the coat of many bright colors, as well as the visions God had given him, had been causing him to display an air of superiority in his interactions with his brothers, and even though he may not have been aware of it, had triggered the hatred and covetousness they then displayed. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 213] With a trembling heart he looked forward to the future. What a change in situation—from the tenderly cherished son to the despised and helpless slave! For a time Joseph gave himself up to uncontrolled grief and terror. But, in the providence of God, even this experience was to be a blessing to him. His father, strong and tender as his love had been, had done him wrong by his partiality and indulgence. 

This unwise preference had angered his brothers and provoked them to the cruel deed that had separated him from his home. Its effects were manifest also in his own character. Faults had been encouraged that were now to be corrected. He was becoming self-sufficient and exacting. He felt that he was unprepared to cope with the difficulties before him in the bitter life of a stranger and slave. Then his thoughts turned to his father's God.

[2] David.
David also was called by God to do a great work and to rule as king. God’s providences had guided him in his earlier years, with blessings and favors too many to mention. Yet, David too, experienced depression, when suddenly he became the most wanted man in the country, with king Saul hunting him relentlessly. 

Negative thoughts were infused into his mind, fear for his life caused thoughts of certain death to take root and in his depression, he penned the following passages. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 20:3 And David said, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

Psalms 22:1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? 
2 O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season and am not silent.

[3] Job.
Job too had his bout with depression. The scripture describes him as a perfect man, one who feared The Lord and hated evil. The experience of Job shows us that even a praying person may not be immune to depression, for it was when things were going well, that he had lost most of his family and possessions. Then, in his despair he utters the sentiment: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me”. Let’s read:

Job 3:1 After this opened Job his mouth and cursed his day. 
2 And Job spake, and said, 
3 Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived. 
4 Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it. 
5 Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.
11 Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly? 
13 For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest.

Job 9:6 If I had called, and he had answered me; yet would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice. 
17 For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without cause. 
18 He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with bitterness.

[4] John.
John also had his experience with depression, for he was removed from active duty in his service for God and was cast into prison for doing the right thing, as was Joseph. Added to this, John could not fathom why Jesus would not come to look for Him, being his cousin, and The Messiah. Thus, many negative thoughts and unanswerable questions pervaded his mind, and severely shook his faith. Let’s read:

Luke 7:19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 
22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. 
23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

[The Desire of Ages. pp 215>216] In his mission the Baptist had stood as a fearless reprover of iniquity, both in high places and in low. He had not counted his life dear unto himself, that he might fulfill his appointed work. And now from his dungeon he watched for the Lion of the tribe of Judah to cast down the pride of the oppressor, and to deliver the poor and him that cried.

But Jesus seemed to content Himself with gathering disciples about Him, and healing and teaching the people. He was eating at the tables of the publicans, while every day the Roman yoke rested more heavily upon Israel, while King Herod and his vile paramour worked their will, and the cries of the poor and suffering went up to heaven. To the desert prophet all this seemed a mystery beyond his fathoming. 

There were hours when the whisperings of demons tortured his spirit, and the shadow of a terrible fear crept over him. Could it be that the long-hoped-for Deliverer had not yet appeared? How short the time since the Baptist had pointed to Jesus, and proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” If John, the faithful forerunner failed to discern Christ's mission, what could be expected from the self-seeking multitude?

[5] Jesus. 
Even Jesus was not immune to depression, for it was in the garden of gethsemane that He trembled on the brink, as he faced a life or death question for a sinful world, that for the most part, wouldn’t even appreciate the magnitude of His sacrifice. Satan also came in for the kill with his temptations, that it was all a set-up by the Father to get rid of Jesus. 

God, The Father had revealed to Jesus that He had power to come from the grave, the only problem is that Christ would have to die first to exercise that power. But, in every instance where someone was to be resurrected, the one doing the miracle would be alive. But in this instance the miracle would be performed by the dead. Therefore, according to the devil’s logical reasoning, this must be a set-up. Let’s read:

John 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 
18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

[The Desire of Ages. pp 753] Satan with his fierce temptations wrung the heart of Jesus. The Savior could not see through the portals of the tomb. Hope did not present to Him His coming forth from the grave a conqueror, or tell Him of the Father's acceptance of the sacrifice. He feared that sin was so offensive to God that Their separation was to be eternal.

Thus, the way in which Christ dealt with the infusion of negative thoughts and depression, is noteworthy, for we are to follow in His footsteps. Jesus clung to God in prayer until the final decision was made to move ahead with the plan of salvation. And it was only after he had surrendered fully to The Father’s will that His depression left Him. The following texts should be studied very closely. Let’s read:

Matthew 26:37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. 
38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 
39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. 
40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 
41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 
42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. 
43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. 
44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 
45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

[The Desire of Ages pp 693] God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Savior's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption.

Very important question: What were they watching for? Answer: They were watching for Christ’s final decision, for until His decision was made irrevocably He would continue to be depressed. He must decide for Himself that He will trust in God, The Father no matter what, and then He could let go and let God. 

When as Christians, we too may be experiencing a bout of depression, our firm decision must also be made to trust in God no matter what, and then we will be given the grace and fortitude to come forth as conquerors on the other side. Let’s read:

[The Desire of ages pp 690 & 693] The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life, and He will not turn from His mission. His prayer now breathes only submission: “If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.”

[The Desire of Ages pp 694] Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face.

Thus, from the instances we have reviewed, it is obvious that depression is not unique to any one person, whatever the reason or cause may be, but how we handle it makes all the difference. Thus, we are given several pointers in the Bible, to help us overcome depression, and if we were to follow the instructions as best we can, God will grant us grace to weather the storm. Let’s read:

[1] Pray without ceasing:
When we don’t feel like praying to God anymore, is when we need to pray even more. The devil will try to discourage us with logic and alternative plan B’s, and he will tempt us to think that it makes no sense to continue in prayer, but God’s instruction is for us to continue pressing on in faith, even if it seems as if no headway is being made. This first instruction is of critical importance for victory. Let’s read:

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit

Luke 18:1 And he spoke unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

[2] Sing a Song.
The right type of spiritual songs go a long way in relieving the feelings of depression. In fact, we are told in the scriptures that songs of praise have the ability to drive away evil spirits and lighten moods. Therefore, spiritual songs of praise and thanksgiving should be sung or played whenever we are feeling down and out. Let’s read:

Matthew 26:30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. 
31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1st Samuel 16:15 And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold, an evil spirit troubles thee. 
16 Let thy servants, seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to
pass, when the evil spirit is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. 
17 And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.
23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

[3] Bring to mind the many blessings and favors God has shown us during the sunny days of our Christian experience. Every Christian should have a diary, or a clear recollection of the many mercies and miracles God has done in our behalf in times past. When we are feeling depressed, or discouraged, it is good to bring such instances to memory, for by so doing the blessings of God are seen to vastly outweigh all the present difficulties. Let’s read:

Psalms 42:3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? 
4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. 
5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

Psalms 63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. 
7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

Psalms 77:9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? 
10 And I said, I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.
11 I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

[4] Speak often with “Certain” friends.
Avoid withdrawal; instead, speak with friends who exude positive energy and thoughts, those friends who will encourage faith, hope and trust, instead of magnifying the problem. There are folks who dwell more on the darker side of life; some are prone to focus on curses, more than on blessings. Conversing with such friends in times of depression most often pulls down one’s spirit, instead of lifting up; but to speak with those of faith imparts positive energy. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 20:1 And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life? 
2 And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: it is not so. 
4 Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.

Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

 [5] Make a firm decision to trust in God, no matter what. In most instances, the reason why we may go through highs and lows during depression is that we may not have yet fully decided to stay the course with Jesus, regardless. The invisible intelligences of earth and heaven, both good and evil, are usually aware of this by close observation or watching, and until this is done, a resolute formidable mindset will continue to evade us. Let’s read:

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. 
16 He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.

Psalm 56:2 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High. 
3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 
4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

In closing, let no Christian say, think or believe that depression cannot be overcome, for the grace of God is given to us not to fight and lose, but to fight and win. Temptation and despair may take its toll, and we may shudder on the brink like Christ, but let it be known that faith is the victory that overcomes every trying and difficult challenge we may face. We therefore close with a passage which should be put to memory by all. Let’s read:

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

                                                                         God bless!

Find Me A Wife. Sabbath Afternoon 08/18/2018

At the previous study we dealt with the importance of prayer, and the shining example of God’s ideal, in hearing and answering the requests of Abraham on behalf of his son, were highlighted. But now, we are going to drill down much deeper into the episode, for there are very valuable lessons, and instructions on how to go about finding a wife or a husband, in these days when it can be a challenge to find Mr or Miss “Right”.

Prayer is important, and is a necessary first step, as is compliance with any known duty, or instruction coming from The Lord in His word. But there some practical steps which must be taken, in cooperation with God, because any victory, hurdle, or challenge which we must surmount as Christians, should be dealt with in collaboration with God, for God never does for us what we can do for ourselves.

The tendency to pray and wait for answers without making any meaningful, well directed effort to find a spouse will not usually produce the desired results since the human agent has a part to play. This fact about the Christian life needs to be understood by all, so that our prayers will not savor of irrational exuberance, as is so often the case. 

When God provided manna for the Hebrews, they were required to gather it every day, or else they would starve like everyone else who sat on their lees in their tents, hoping that an angel would be sent to spoon feed them. God blesses our efforts in searching for a spouse, and His will is made known on a pray as you go basis. Thus, the Bible shows us the right way to “Find me a wife” for it’s not God’s will that the man should be alone. Let’s read:

Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 
8 For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

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.

Therefore, the same God who provided a wife for Adam will also provide us a spouse when we need, if we trust in Him but the following necessary steps should be taken so as to ensure good results. Four issues will be dealt with, and then we will close off with promises which encourage us to trust in God.

[1] Cooperation with God:

Genesis 24:10 And the servant took ten camels of his master and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.

Marriage is something of grave importance, with far reaching consequences for time, and eternity; thus, a diligent search must be made by those who seek to be married. With that said, Abraham’s servant saddled his camels and adopted the pray as you go method, for he understood that God will not just bring Isaac a wife on a chariot from heaven. Effort must be made in this direction. 

Similarly, those who seek to be married should avail themselves of every opportunity to mingle whilst single, meaning that there must be socializing with like-minded persons on an ongoing basis. Whenever your local church or conference has social activities of any kind, there is an opportunity to meet with fellow believers, for a man who wants friends must show himself friendly.

[2] Character first:
Genesis 24:14 And 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.

This was a test of character, not of good looks, a test of inner beauty, not outer beauty. Those who make external beauty their foremost concern in looking for a wife, are in much greater danger of infidelity, than those who choose a godly character as their standard. It does not mean that one should marry a person who has no physical attraction to him/herself, it’s just that externals should not be made the primary concern.

Beauty may fade with the passage of time, and it may be that health issues might take a toll on some persons in the future, but a godly character will stand the test of time. Therefore, in his quest, the servant of Abraham did not ask for a pretty face or excellent figure, he left that with God who knows how to give good gifts unto His children. Instead, he asked that the woman demonstrate kindness, and diligence, and a willingness to help strangers.

This would demonstrate that she would treat her new family with kindness and respect, and it will mean that she would not become a couch potato. The willingness to work, and to execute one’s duties with dispatch and zeal, is a good sign when looking for a companion, because the same effort that is put into temporal responsibilities, will also run as a common thread through one’s life experience. Let’s observe her character as we read:

Genesis 24:17 And the servant said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher. 
18 And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink. 
19 And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking. 
20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.

Sometimes instead of being overly concerned with finding the right person, we should try instead to be the right person, because our treatment of others, especially strangers is a reflection of who we really are at the core. This is what Solomon was alluding to when enumerating the virtues of a godly wife, which also applies to a godly husband. Let’s read:

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou
excellest them all. 
30 Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

[3] Proper financial planning:
Genesis 24:22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold.
52 And it came to pass, that Abraham's servant worshipped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth. 
53 And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah.

Abraham’s servant was here sending an important message by the gifts he gave to Rebekah, that she would be well taken care of. If a man cannot afford to marry, he shouldn’t. Jacob was big on love, but he was low on finances, and thus as the custom was back then, he had to work, and show that he would be a fiscally responsible husband, who would take good care of his wife. 

There is nothing worse than when both husband when wife are dead broke, when they have to stare at each other with a blank look on their faces for a lack of food on the table. Every man, and woman who is thinking of tying the knot, should strive for a noble independence, where they can stand on their own two feet, without the aid of relatives, wherever this is possible; and where it is not possible they should brace themselves for serious headwinds.
 
Some folks may have rushed into marriage without making ample financial preparation, and when the recessions came they were caught flatfooted. But since God is very practical in His instructions, there are necessary questions to be asked and addressed up front to stave off disaster, such as do you have a well-paying job? Do you have any rainy-day funds for those times when unexpected situations arise? Do you have good, or terrible credit?

Here in America, if a man is looking for a spouse but is working at Mc Donald’s for a minimum wage, that income will only go so far in meeting the very basic necessities of his own life, let alone the needs of an entire family. In the real world, it will be difficult to qualify for a mortgage, and other living expenses will almost certainly force such a person to depend on credit for existence.

His wife also may be forced to eat burgers and fries at his work place with employee discount, and it will be a challenge to go on a good vacation. His kids may also find themselves at the bottom of the food chain when it comes to such basic necessities as education, healthcare and food. Therefore, without proper financial planning up front, the stage is set for almost certain failure and problems, when such situations could have been avoided in some cases.

All of these and other financial questions were answered when Abraham’s servant gave Rebekah gold. Of course, there are situations where things may not have gone as planned, and for some reason beyond our control, some may have fallen on hard times. But as a general rule of thumb, wherever and whenever possible, proper financial planning should be done prior to marriage. That is the will of God.

[4] Purity:
Genesis 24:16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

Isaac got a virgin, because he was a virgin. When a man is seeking a wife, he should be reasonable in his expectations of God, meaning, that if he was a player in times past, he should not expect one who has kept themselves pure. This is not to say that it cannot happen, for all things are possible, but what goes around often comes around in life, and if one has had sex outside of marriage, he or she would most likely be married to a person who has had sex outside of marriage.

In our day, satan has succeeded in stigmatizing chastity, and those who have swam upstream on this point are even regarded by some as being out of touch with reality. However, believe it or not, it is not God’s will that prospective spouses should sleep in the same bed, for although God has had mercy on many of us, yet His ideal remains the same for one and all. 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. 
25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

In closing, let us always remember that it was God who originally implanted the desire for marriage, and companionship, and thus, in seeking a wife or a husband, we can safely confide and trust in Him, for He promises to give us the desires of our hearts, if all of the other prerequisites are put in place. Here are some promises from The Lord, that will help us to search diligently, believing we will find the one we may be looking for. Let’s read:

Matthew 7:9 What man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

1st John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 
15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 
5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Psalms 27:14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

                                                                         God Bless!
 

Teach Us To Pray. Sabbath Afternoon. 08/11/2018

As the disciples of Jesus beheld Him praying one day, they were awed with the intensity, and the earnestness of His appeals to God, The Father, and in response, one of them was moved to ask Jesus to teach us to pray. Christ responded immediately by outlining the basic way in which we should pray to God, even though He never intended that it should be repeated verbatim. 

There are important highlights in the model prayer of which we should be cognizant. Firstly, we are shown the way to address God, then we are to pray for the interests of His kingdom, and then we are to recognize His sovereignty, asking that His will, and not ours be done. After submitting ourselves to His will, then our requests should be presented. 

The spiritual and temporal concerns of life are also addressed, as are the issues of forgiveness of others and our own sins. Then Christ once again recognizes God’s sovereignty, by stating that all things come of Him, before closing. But Christ also warns us against using vain repetitions, as well as praying to impress others, including God, for God is not impressed with style or perfect language, for He looks on the heart, which makes all the difference. Let’s read:

Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 
8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 
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. 
11 Give us this day our daily bread. 
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

As the Bible teaches, prayer is the lifeblood of the Christian, the breath of our souls, by which we may communicate with God throughout the day, and in any given situation in which we find ourselves. And there are many mega-promises given us, which are intended to encourage everyone to pray. Some of these promises should be understood against the backdrop of other passages, so that our expectation in prayer will be in harmony with what is written.

One of the issues which should be very clear in our minds when petitioning God, is that whatsoever He has promised will certainly be fulfilled in due time, according to His will, and therefore, we should not pray in a manner that savors of doubt, ifs or maybes because the promises, and assurances God gives us are rock solid, and can be depended upon, where any pre-conditions are met. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 

1st John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. 
15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 
14 If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.

And the response time is important too, for it’s not God’s will that our prayers should be hanging in limbo, with no expiration date. When everything else is in place, and any preconditions are met, God promises to grant us a speedy answer where He sees fit. Especially in cases of emergency, or when faced with situations which require a decision on our part. The Lord will not have us waiting in vain, for indefinite periods of time. Let’s read:

Isaiah 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

But although millions of prayers are made daily, in very many cases they go unanswered, because of various reasons which we will address in the Bible. We all will like to know that God hears, and answers us when we pray, therefore, if are not getting any results, we should not sweep the matter under the rug, by using the age-old reason, God’s will be done, but we should rather ask ourselves why there is no answer.

In the model prayer, Christ prayed that God’s will be done in heaven and earth, and it is at this particular sticking point where many prayers fall flat. There is often a pulling and tugging between our will, and God’s will which then causes our prayers to fail, and there are other reasons given in the Bible of which we should be cognizant, for the stage must be set right to facilitate the answers to prayers. Let’s read:

[1] Misguided requests.
James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

[2] Despising reproof and counsels from God.
Proverbs 1: 28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me.
29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: 
30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 
31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own
way and be filled with their own devices. 
33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

[3] Harboring cherished sin.
Psalms 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.

[4] Practicing known evils. 
Isaiah 1:15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. 
16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
[5] Deliberately despising God’s law.
Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

Conversely, if all the preconditions are met, and one approaches God’s throne of grace with the correct attitude, God is certain to hear and answer. Of this sort was the prayer of Abraham for his son Isaac, as marriage was being contemplated. And just as it is in our day, there seemed to be a scarcity of good persons to choose from. Thus, Abraham prayed to God, and it will be worthwhile for us to observe his attitude, and mindset as he prays. Let’s read: 

Genesis 24:2 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh. 
3 And 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 to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.
5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest? 
6 And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again. 
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: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.
11 And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water. 
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 And 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, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder. 
16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon.
17 And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher. 
18 And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink. 
19 And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking. 
20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels. 
21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not.
63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. 
64 And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she
saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. 
66 And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done. 
67 And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife.

And they lived happily ever after! However, even though Abraham and Eliezer prayed, Isaac’s prayer, his mindset, and attitude were critically important, because it was necessary for him to be walking in harmony with God’s instructions, not only on the issue of marriage, but also in all other issues. Let’s read:

Genesis 25:20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife.

At forty years of age, we are not sure how many of us would have left the matter up to God, let alone having our parents have any say in the matter. The disposition to take advice from one’s parents, and from those who are advanced in years, means very much to God, especially when such individuals are God-fearing, and give counsel in harmony with His word.

In fact, the right attitude means so much to God, that a request may be presented unintelligibly, with bad English, incorrect language, or green verbs, and God will still hear and answer. The reason why we keep saying that God is A Spirit is because He is much more concerned with the heart, than with the variables that come with mere externals. 

In other words, a humble person who can’t speak proper English will get answers to their prayers, while a person who may be puffed up with a sense of their self-importance, but who displays brilliant oratory, will walk away empty-handed. Thus, the attitude with which we pray often makes all the difference.

Now we turn to the other side of the issue, where many, if not most young adults believe that their parents should not interfere in their choices. Some become engaged in their teens to someone who has captured their affections, and because many do not know the difference between love and infatuation, they seal the deal before their parents can make any meaningful input.

And in many cases, even if the parents were to make some reasonable observation or objection, it is viewed as an encroachment on one’s freedom of choice. Such was the case with Samson, who was infatuated with a good-looking philistine, and since man looks on the outward appearance, he allowed externals to override sound judgment, as is so often the case.

Then, as his parents tried to make an observation, he asserted his right to choose, and demanded that they go along with his plans, for his song was “It’s my life”. Those who would not honor their parents in their decision-making processes, will most likely not honor God too, and as a result, many pray along selfish lines, hoping that God will sign off on what they have already determined to do anyway.

Such prayers are usually answered according to the person’s own will, and not according to God’s, for He sees that they have already made their minds up, with no wiggle room for additional guidance or instruction, and thus, like the Hebrews of old, He gives them their own desire. Our attitude in prayer has a whole lot to do with the answers we receive, for if we come with a childlike, submissive attitude, God can and will do great things for us. 

But if we try to bully God into accepting what we have predetermined, then our decisions will take precedence, for God never inhibits a person’s freedom to choose. Never! Acknowledging God in all our ways does not mean informing God about what we have already planned to do, regardless of His input, and asking Him to sign off on our plans. 

It means, asking His guidance on courses of action, with the attitude, and willingness to surrender our preconceived ideas, if they are not in harmony with His will. Prayers made with this attitude are always answered. Always. 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.

Samson might have prayed about his engagement, but if he did, there were several issues present that would have caused his prayer to reach no higher than the roof. First of all, his choice was motivated by external beauty, not moral character, and being infatuated and charmed by her good looks, he did not acknowledge the claims of God pertaining to marriage.

His infatuation caused him to forget that a humble God-fearing Christian woman is better than a good- looking philistine with no character. And there are many such philistines roaming about nowadays. He also failed to honor his parents by even considering their advice, for the tenor of his response to them was more of a command than an inquiry. And if one abhors advice from God-fearing parents, they are most likely to refuse guidance from God.

Therefore, if Samson had prayed with these mixed up attitudes, he would most likely receive the go ahead to do as he pleased, for it’s obvious he was bent on doing his own thing. If we are dead set on having our own way, it’s best not to pray, for we will become even more frustrated when our prayers aren’t answered.

Thus, as stated before, an attitude of humility and a child-like submissive spirit is of utmost importance when seeking God’s guidance and His blessing. Also, if we are aware of God’s instructions in any matter, it’s important that we seek to align ourselves in His will, instead of asking Him to bless that which He has proscribed, for God never blesses what He has told us not to do.

In closing, let our prayers ascend to God in sincerity and in truth, and may our attitudes be of such that we are willing to listen to His voice, as it is in His word, or by any other providence He may choose to guide us. Whenever and wherever these essentials are put in place, God will hear and answer every prayer that comes from such persons. 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.

                                                                    God Bless!

Different Forms Of Lying. Sabbath Afternoon 08/04/2018

Lying, and all of its derivatives has now become the order of the day, and it has reached unprecedented levels, to the point where people are becoming very desensitized to the evil. Anywhere there is constant barrage of lies, and deviations from truth, there we may be certain that the forces of evil spirits are on the ground, taking up residence in the hearts of all who are prone to believe, and to tell a lie. Lying is a product of the devil, who is described as the father of it.

Therefore, whenever any type of falsehood is being practiced, whatever the reason, we may know with certainty that it is the principle of the kingdom of darkness at work. But sad to say, this practice has now become the order of the day in our society, to the point where many think it necessary to tell lies, in order to do business, to save face, and to avoid prosecution, among other reasons.

With human beings, the problem began after Adam and eve sinned in the garden of Eden, where they both blamed each other, and the devil for their sin. Blaming others for our wrongs is a form of lying, and once the trend was set in motion, it cascaded, and developed into a way of life for many persons. Even the patriarchs and the people of God were not immune to the syndrome, for it affects everyone in high and low places, in one way or another.

One of the derivatives of lying is that it produces, many other forms of lying, and morphs into modes of thought and action which then become a way of life for many. Advertisements as we know, are often pregnant with lies, but the ordinary John Doe is also prone to suffer from the same problem too. 

Therefore, the following examples from scripture do constitute a mini catalog of the various forms of lies as practiced anciently, and currently, with some of the reasons, and excuses often given to justify the use of falsehoods. We will also observe that they run the entire gamut from “Necessary lies” to lying for no reason whatsoever. God help us! Let’s read:

[1] Lying to shift the blame to others.
Genesis 3:11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 
12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

[2] Lying to hide criminal evidence.
Genesis 4:9 And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?
[3] Lying to protect oneself.
Genesis 12: 11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: 
12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. 
13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.

[4] Lying to justify a previous lie. By the way, half-truths are whole lies!
Genesis 20:10 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing? 
11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake. 
12 And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.

[5] Lying because of peer pressure.
Genesis 27:8 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.

[6] Acting out a lie.
Genesis 27:18 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.

[7] Lying in testimonies, about God’s blessings.
Genesis 27:20 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.

[8] Lying with good intentions.
Joshua 2:3 And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country. 
4 And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were: 
5 And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.
6 But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.

Important Note on lying with good intentions: Hebrews 11:31 By faith Rahab, perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace”. The words “By faith” in instances such as this, do not mean that God approved of her lies; instead, He honored her faith, but the method employed in the exercise of her faith does not bear the stamp of heaven, and we are nowhere in the Bible encouraged to use our good intentions as an excuse to lie.

[9] Lying to shift the focus from our own misdeeds.
Genesis 37:31 And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; 
32 And they sent the coat of many colors, and they
brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no. 
33 And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.

[10] Spontaneous, or sudden lying.
Matthew 17:24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 
25 He saith, Yes.

Then on to our day, where lying can be traced on loans, and mortgage applications, lies are told to to cover extramarital affairs, lies are to be found on resumes, some lie to get a job, politicians lie to get elected, others exaggerate, some lie intentionally, some state facts in such a way as to favor a certain position over another. Lies are also to be found on tax returns, where phantom aunts and uncles, in-laws and outlaws arise from the grave in April, only to disappear into never-land after hefty refunds are received.

Lying often occurs by remaining silent in a certain situation, some lie by misrepresenting God, and by hiding our faith, and by changing TV channels when we hear our parents at the door. Worst of all, some people lie for no reason, for they take delight in the very atmosphere of falsehood. Therefore, The Lord through his servant defines it this way. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 309] False speaking in any matter, every attempt or purpose to deceive our neighbor, is here included. An intention to deceive is what constitutes falsehood. By a glance of the eye, a motion of the hand, an expression of the countenance, a falsehood may be told as effectually as by words. 

All intentional overstatement, every hint or insinuation calculated to convey an erroneous or exaggerated impression, even the statement of facts in such a manner as to mislead, is falsehood. This precept forbids every effort to injure our neighbor's reputation by misrepresentation or evil surmising, by slander or tale bearing.

Even the intentional suppression of truth, by which injury may result to others, is a violation of the ninth commandment.

One of the main causes of lying is a lack of faith in God. Abraham doubted God’s protection of himself and Sarah, and we too are often prone to doubt the promises of God in certain situations, thus resorting to lies to deliver ourselves. This was what had taken place with David on numerous occasions, where he doubted that God would protect him in certain dire situations, and afterward, as he reviewed his own history, he was inspired to write out the following passages. Let’s read:

Psalms 120:1 In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me. 
2 Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. 
3 What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? 
4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. 
6 My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.

However, the Bible is clear upon this issue, for even though in times past it was indulged with apparent impunity, even by God-fearing persons, yet, in our day as we stand upon the brink of eternity, we must try by the grace of God to speak and live truthfully, for the characteristic of truthfulness is specifically pointed out in the book of Revelation, as one of the qualities of those who will be translated, because, throughout the pages of sacred history, God has voiced His abhorrence of a disposition to practice falsehood. Let’s read:

Exodus 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. 
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

2nd Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, 
3 Trucebreakers, false accusers, 
5 Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

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 lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Thus, we embark on a study of the history of David on this issue, for in many circumstances, his life experience was tarnished by the practice of lying. Therefore, as we observe his frailties, and our own, let us resolve by the grace of God, to permanently put these evils away, because the history of those who have gone before was written for us who are living in the last days.

Lying to protect ourselves in difficult, or dangerous circumstances is often overlooked by many as being a necessary evil, and even Christians may think that there is nothing wrong with it, once our motives are upright. But the word of God speaks clearly today to us, that there is never a good enough reason for us to resort to lying. This is where David stumbled over and over again until he asked God for cleansing, and because it has become so widespread, we will focus on this particular form. 

David was going good for a while, trusting in God alone for deliverance from Saul, and God gave Him undeniable evidence that holy angels would protect him. But after satan launched multiple assaults via Saul against him, David’s patience and faith in God grew dim, and he turned to lying in various forms as a means whereby he may surmount the dangers he
faced. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 21:1 Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee? 
2 And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know anything of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee and I have appointed my servants to such and such a place.

David most likely did no plan to lie to the priest of God, in so blatant a manner, so it must have been some unforeseen circumstance that caused him to switch gears on the spur of the moment. Often, we too may utter falsehoods, if satan throws us a curve ball suddenly, then we resort to lies. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 21:7 Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord; and his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul.

1st Samuel 21:10 And David arose and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. 
11 And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands? 
12 And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.
13 And he changed his behavior before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. 
14 Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to
me? 
15 Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?

Thus, after having several close encounters with Saul, in what he saw as near-death experiences, a settled conviction rested upon his mind, that it was  only a matter of time before he would fall by the sword of Saul. In his fear for his life, he may have forgotten that God had already anointed him king, but his faith in God was so severely shaken, that he failed to look beyond current circumstances.

Here’s an important lesson for us. Often, when our attention is fixed on current difficulties or dangers, the sure promises of God often fade into oblivion. It is at such times that we are often tempted to adopt lying as a form of self-deliverance, but we would be much better served if we were to bring to mind the many times God has delivered us in times past, and in most cases, the shadows that have enveloped our minds would be lifted. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 27:1 And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand. 
2 And David arose, and he passed over with the six hundred men that were with him unto Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath.

By turning to the enemies of God for help, David placed himself on satan’s enchanted ground, and the enemy would waste no time in making the most of the situation. When Christians encounter dangers or difficulties, we should never turn to the enemies of God for help. This advice will be of great value in the not too distant future, when the mark of the beast spreads across the land.

1st Samuel 27:8 And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those nations were of old the inhabitants of the land, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt.
9 And David smote the land, and left neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, and the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and the apparel, and returned, and came to Achish. 
10 And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Kenites. 
11 And David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring tidings to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so will be his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines. 
12 And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore, he shall be my servant forever.

1st Samuel 28:1 And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men.

There we go again, because now that David is in the camp of the enemies of God, and they are about to make war on God’s people, it will be interesting to see how he will deal with this temptation. Will he join forces with God’s enemies, and thereby go to war against his own brethren, or will he lie his way out of his predicament? Christians should never ever turn to the enemies of God either for help or protection. Never!

Psalms 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 
2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. 
7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 
8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

1st Samuel 29:2 And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands: but David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish. 
3 Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? And Achish said unto the princes of the Philistines, Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, which hath been with me these days, or these years, and I have found no fault in him since he fell unto me unto this
day? 
4 And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? should it not be with the heads of these men? 
6 Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, as the Lord liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host is good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favor thee not. 
7 Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not the lords of the Philistines.

Here was an opening which was provided directly by the providence of God, for David to disentangle himself form the snare satan had set for his feet. In this instance, God used the national prejudice of the philistines to have David in disdain, but poor David had become so accustomed to lying that even now, he felt that he must throw in a few white lies into the mix. Let’s read: 

1st Samuel 29:8 And David said unto Achish, But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant so long as I have been with thee unto this day, that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king? 
9 And Achish answered and said to David, I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God: notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said, He shall not go up with us to the battle. 
10 Wherefore now rise up early in the morning with thy master's servants that are come with thee: and as soon as ye be up early in the morning, and have light, depart. 
11 So David and his men rose up early to return to the land of the Philistines. 

Hear the word of The Lord now! Whenever we are in difficult or dangerous situations, there is no need to resort to lying to deliver ourselves, for God has solemnly promised to be with us until the end of the age. Even if we have brought trouble upon our own selves, we should not feel forced to lie, for if we choose that route we may become trapped in a cycle of lies that we will have to be modifying and changing to cover our tracks.

Thus, as we see what is transpiring on the national stage, and as we view the inevitable trickle-down effects, let us try by the grace of God to be found without guile in our mouths, for The Lord is able to take care of His people in any and every situation. Thus, we close with a promise that should be put to memory for it will come in handy whenever we may face any existential threats. Let’s read:

Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
10 Be still and know that I am God. 
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
                                                                  God Bless!
 

Overcoming Revenge. Sabbath Afternoon 07/28/2018

Revenge: The action of inflicting hurt, or harm on someone for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands. Synonyms include vengeance, retribution, retaliation, reprisal, requital, recrimination, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

It is never good to seek for revenge or to rejoice in retribution when our enemies may fall. The godly sentiment, after one’s adversaries take a hit should be sadness, and seeking restoration wherever it is possible. But for us to gloat over the failures of our adversaries, sends the wrong message, and it’s not akin to the Spirit of Christ. Hence the reason why the following passages should be memorized, and practiced, in co-operation with The Spirit of God. Let’s read: 

Proverbs 24:17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: 
18 Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst give him drink.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Being a Christian does not in any way minimize our sense of justice, in fact, the understanding, and the practice of God’s laws and principles makes justice more acute, and well-balanced. But mercy is most often to be preferred, especially when dealing with any personal wrongs that may have been done to us because a disposition of being quick to forgive, and forget, the attitude of joy, and eagerness for reconciliation is well pleasing in God’s sight.

However, we must not believe that as Christians we would not experience feelings of revenge, for this is what natural human nature clamors for, whenever injustices or wrongs are done to us personally. If we experience these sentiments occasionally, that does not mean we are not Christians, but we are to resist these feelings, by asking God to remove them, and instead implant His grace, and His own Spirit in our hearts. 

But those who erroneously conclude that they are invulnerable to these sentiments, in an unguarded moment, will blow a fuse. All of the 12 disciples had serious flaws in their character, for even John, who is described as the one closest to Jesus was found to be indulging revenge on different occasions. Christ therefore encouraged him not to travel down that road, for it eventually drives a person insane, as it did with king Saul.

Another point we must take into consideration is that satan launches multiple assaults on the same point, to wear our patience thin, if we seek to justify ourselves in a wrong course of action. The same is true for the sin of revenge, whenever it is indulged. Some Christians have been willing to forgive “Most” times, but there are some occasions when we may feel that the envelope has been pushed a little too far in a particular situation.

Thus, satan sits on our shoulders, waiting to point out several logical reasons why, in such and such a case, vengeance is warranted. However, no amount of pressure, or justification on our part will warrant a departure from the principle of pursuing peace on a personal level, for we are instructed in the most solemn manner, not to pursue revenge. Let’s read:

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Proverbs 24:29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

David had his own personal battles to fight with the sin of revenge, for he went from partial indulgence, to resolute resistance, to full-blown reprisal when Nabal got under his skin. He was tempted over, and over again on the same point until he admitted that he had a problem, and turned decisively away from that course of action, by the grace of God. But it is not an easy victory to gain, for it goes against our natural grain. 

David was being hunted like a wild animal by Saul, who was bent taking his life, and to all appearances it seemed as if The Lord had provided the perfect opportunity for him to take revenge. Even his most trusted soldiers, when evaluating the situations had concluded that The Lord was encouraging David to retaliate, but God was only proving him. There are times when logic points in one direction, but the will of God is in the opposite direction. As Christians we must know the difference. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 24:2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. 
3 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. 
4 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. 
5 And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. 
6 And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord. 
7 So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way. 
8 David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. 
9 And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? 
10 Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the Lord had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the Lord's anointed. 
12 The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. 
13 As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. 
15 The Lord therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.

In this previous episode, David partially indulged in revenge, with the backing of his soldiers, but God reproved him for even cutting off Saul’s skirt. There are times when we too may have almost sinned on this point, but it is never advisable or safe to indulge temptation in the slightest degree, for revenge can become a slippery slope very quickly. Thus, another opportunity must be given for David to take a decisive stand against this evil. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 26:3 And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. 
7 So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him. 
8 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. 
9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless? 
10 David said furthermore, As the Lord liveth, the
Lord shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. 
11 The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go. 
12 So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the Lord was fallen upon them.

This second time around David was quite decisive in refusing to indulge even the thought, for he spoke against Abishai’s suggestion in definitive terms. It is worthy of note that in both instances, satan spoke through David’s most loyal friends, as he often does when trying to tempt us to depart from the straight and narrow path.

At such times even the providences of God may be misinterpreted by those who may have the best of intentions. Therefore, it’s important that the advice we accept must have God’s Spirit in it. This means that unless God has specifically instructed us to the contrary, His revealed will is to be followed to the letter, even if evidence to our senses may seem to indicate otherwise. There are critically important lessons to be learned in obedience.

When the jailhouse in which Paul and Silas were locked up was shaken by an earthquake, and the chains fell off their hands and feet, it was not God’s will that they should escape, because God had not specifically told them to do so, even though it may have seemed as if His providence was suggesting otherwise. They were to remain incarcerated until God gave them specific instructions in the matter.

But, even though David was victorious in the second episode, he had not gotten the complete victory for there were still some spots, some wrinkles, some leftovers of revenge in him. And if God left these untouched, they would grow under the cover of darkness, and ripen into active retaliation at some later time.

Therefore, God had to expose David’s core on the issue, guiding him to permanently relinquish any disposition to indulge revenge, no matter what the reason, for the Christian character must remain as pure gold, even when circumstances and situations may change. It is not God’s will that we be the sport of circumstances, because when Christ is dwelling in the heart by faith continually no dart that satan may hurl at us should stick. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 25:4 And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep. 
5 And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name:
6 And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast. 
7 And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel. 
8 Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favor in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David. 
9 And when David's young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased. 
10 And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master. 
11 Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and  my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be? 
12 So David's young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings. 
13 And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff. 
21 Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good. 
22 So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.

1st Samuel 25:14 But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our
master; and he railed on them. 
17 Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him. 
18 Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses. 
23 And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, 
24 And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid. 
26 Now therefore, my lord, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the Lord hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies,
and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. 
30 And it shall come to pass, when the Lord shall have done to my lord according to all the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel; 
31 That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the Lord shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid. 
32 And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: 
33 And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 308] “Thou shalt not kill”… All acts of injustice that tend to shorten life; the spirit of hatred and revenge, or the indulgence of any passion that leads to injurious acts toward others, or causes us even to wish them harm (for “whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer”); all these are, to a greater or less degree, violations of the sixth commandment.

Let us then try by the grace of God to resist the urge to indulge revenge, even in the slightest degree, for God desires that we serve Him in spirit and in truth always. We therefore close with a gentle reminder:

1st Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.            

                                                                         God bless!
 

From Eden To Eden. Sabbath Afternoon. 07/21/2018

Some folks may have wondered about the different permissions, instructions, and what may seem on the surface to be a disconnect between what God’s stated ideals are, what He has permitted in certain instances, and what He expects of us now. Added to this conundrum, there are some who use the Bible to support their preferred views, and there are folks who may quote scripture in defense of a very strict adherence to the letter.

Therefore, without the knowledge, and the proper understanding of why God does what He does, we may find ourselves adrift upon an open sea, which accommodates liberal and conservative views, and everything else in between. It is thus necessary for us to study the Bible with a humble spirit, willing to be instructed by the sacred oracles, and making room for any discretionary moves God makes, or may have made to suit specific circumstances.

So, let’s give a very brief synopsis of the pertinent issue:  The human race began in Eden, when God created man, and gave us His ideals for godly living. Sin came along, and ruptured our relationship with God, ushering in the interim period, in which there is back and forth, pulling and tugging between the will of God and our own desires, God permitting us to do things He did not necessarily agree with. 

Salvation is then instituted and put in place through the death of Christ, thus paving the way for all who so desire to believe and prepare for the new earth. It is summed up in four words, From Eden To Eden. That said, it is without a doubt that different texts have sent different messages at times, and thus, we who are now living in the last days of earth’s history must have a clear understanding of what the will of God is for our specific generation. 

The following are just a few illustrations of what is being referred to, and they will be divided up into three main categories: [1] God’s original ideal. [2] Everything else in-between. [3] His will for the “Now generation”. As we read, let us not grasp at any so-called loopholes, neither let us make provision for the flesh, rather, let us with an earnest spirit, seek to be aligned with God’s will for us now. Some of the passages make for difficult reading. Let’s read:

[1] Marital and social relationships:
Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 
27 So God created man in his own image, in the
image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it…

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] Diet and foods:
Genesis 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. 
30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

The Sabbath and worship:
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.

[2] Everything else in-between:
Deuteronomy 24:1 When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favor in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. 
2 And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife.

2nd Samuel 12:7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; 
8 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.

Exodus 21:7 And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do. 
8 If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her. 
9 And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters. 
10 If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.

Genesis 29:28 And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.
29 And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid. 
30 And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.

Genesis 30:1 And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. 
3 And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her. 
4 And she gave him Bilhah her handmaid to wife: and Jacob went in unto her.
Genesis 30:9 When Leah saw that she had left bearing, she took Zilpah her maid, and gave her Jacob to wife.

Deuteronomy 12:20 When the Lord thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after. 

Deuteronomy 14:21 If the place which the Lord thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the Lord hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after. 
23 And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always. 
24 And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the Lord thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the Lord thy God hath blessed thee:
25 Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose: 
26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household.

Leviticus 11:2 These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth. 
3 Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat. 
4 Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. 
5 And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but
divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. 
6 And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. 
7 And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. 
8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.

Romans 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 
15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 
16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 
17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Judges 17:5 And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. 
6 In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

Exodus 16:28 And the Lord said, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? 
29 See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.

Ezekiel 20:13 But Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted.

[3] God’s will for the “Now Generation”:
Revelation 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

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 lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

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.

Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 
21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

Here are just some of the reasons why we may see what may look like a disconnect between what God originally ordained, and what He permitted and did during the in-between period. Although we may not know every specific reason, yet, as a general rule of thumb, God honors the freedom of choice that He has blessed us with, even when it may go contrary to what is best for us. So, the following are the main reasons, why he permitted or did certain things that may seem contrary. Let’s read:

[1] Continual resistance to God’s revealed will:

Ezekiel 20:24 Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols.
25 Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live.

[2] Insisting on having our own desire: 

Deuteronomy 12:20 When the Lord thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

Psalms 78:29 So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire.

Genuine ignorance of God’s revealed will: 

Numbers 15:2 And if ye have erred, and not observed all these commandments, which the Lord hath spoken unto Moses, 
24 Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savor unto the Lord, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering. 
26 And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance.

Proverbs 4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Therefore, believers who were living in adulterous relationships for many years, with several wives, such as Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, and the many other thousands of otherwise faithful people of God in times past will be saved in God’s kingdom, while those who are living in the “now generation”, who are standing as it were on the brink of eternity, will be lost eternally if we were to practice the same  things as what Abraham and David did.

Those who have opportunity to make the needed changes through repentance, and a turning away from sin, but who point to the previous scriptural examples of God’s circumstantial permissions, to sustain themselves in a wrong course of action, will find themselves on the opposite side of the fence when Christ comes. In other words, David, Jacob, Abraham and Solomon will be celebrating with their harps, while those from the now generation who followed on in their footsteps will be lost.

Again, many Sunday keepers from days gone by will be saved in God’s kingdom. Such Christians may run the entire gamut, from Martin Luther, Zwingli, and John Knox to Calvin. They may include some of our own relatives and friends who were otherwise true to God, but upon whom the light of the Sabbath did not yet dawn. They will be saved when Jesus comes because they sincerely followed Jesus to the best of their knowledge.

However, after the truth about the Sabbath goes viral world-wide, and there remains no doubt as to its obligatory claims, then, if the “now generation” were to point to those past Christians, as a reason why they should continue worshipping on the first day of the week, then they will be lost in the final conflagration, for to whom much is given, much will be required. 

Again, on the issue of diet, whatever we may have read in the Bible concerning God’s permissions for His people in former years, and whatever Paul may have wrote for the people of his day, if it is not in harmony with the health message for the “Now generation”, and if it is conflicted with information God has revealed through His servant for our day, it will become a snare whereby many will stumble and fall.

Thus, we must close with a passage of scripture which every true believer should observe, for it pertains especially to our generation, to whom the full glory of God’s will has been revealed. Let’s read:

Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained.
                                                                        God bless! 
 

Testing The Prophets. Sabbath Afternoon. 07/14/2018

One of the symptoms of these last days is that there would be a proliferation of false prophets across the land, in so much that Christ saw fit to warn us about their activities, their purposes, and their source. It is not good for us to believe any and every prophet or televangelist who claims to be God-sent, for as far as we know, none of them ever claimed to be sent by satan, yet according to the Bible, false prophets are much more numerous than the true.

It has always been the case that false prophets will outnumber those God-ordained servants, who try to turn the people from their sins. This is because it is stated in the scriptures that the false specialize in soothing itching ears, lulling the unwary into a false sense of security, and above all prophesying for the sake of gain.

Therefore, the children of God, the world over, are not to be ignorant of their devices, but it is our God-given duty to distinguish between the true and the false, with the purpose of embracing the good and rejecting the evil. The warnings God has seen fit to impart to us are given for very valid reasons, and no one can view them lightly except at the peril of their souls. Let’s read:

Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 
25 Behold, I have told you before.

2nd Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

The reason why there are so many false prophets is because they know what the multitudes desire to hear, and they feed them the things they desire, such as [1] Once saved always saved. [2] When you die you go to heaven. [3] God will bless you even if you live in deliberate violation of His revealed will. [4] God will heal you, regardless of your violation of the laws of health. [5] God will forgive any sin. Etc.

And there are several other smooth doctrines that are promoted and disseminated by false prophets such as the prosperity gospel, and the doctrine of freedom to do whatsoever one desires, because of Christ’s sacrifice; the doctrine of a second probation and the false prophecy that Christ will usher in His eternal kingdom beginning in Jerusalem. 

These are just some of the smooth things itching ears crave, for they are in harmony with the carnal desires of man’s fallen nature, just as it was in days of yore. On the contrary, a true prophet isn’t usually welcomed, nor appreciated by the multitudes of people, because as a general rule of thumb, those messages sent by God do not appeal to what we
prefer to hear. Let’s read:

1st Kings 22:5 And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord today. 
6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king. 
7 And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him? 
8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. 
12 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the king's hand. 
13 And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. 
14 And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak.

Therefore, it behooves us to test the prophets, to see whether they are sent of God, or sent by satan, for the source makes the world of difference. The Bible has given us several smell tests that should be applied before we subscribe to the teachings of any prophet not found in the Bible; and the application of these tests are never to be regarded as a lack of faith, but as a guarantee that we are not being led blind-folded to perdition.

Test [1] 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.

This is the first and foremost test given, for it has to do with the tendency to lead, or not to lead astray. In other words, if the tenor of a prophet’s words are of such as to lead us away from God, and if the end result of their teachings encourage disobedience, or rebellion against God, then that prophet is false and should be utterly rejected.

Test [2] Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Prophets who teach that God’s law is abolished are false prophets, plain and simple. It does not mean that they cannot change, but presently they are in the false category. God’s law is the only part of the Bible that was written in stone, to show its eternal nature, and therefore, if one comes along saying it is no longer binding upon men, then that person is striking directly at the foundation of The Lord’s government, and by their teaching, renders God’s plan of salvation null and void.

Test [3] Deuteronomy 18:21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? 
22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

Be very, very careful with this one! False prophets have at times predicted future events precisely, and true prophets can predict events that do not come to pass. There are circumstantial prophecies, where the outcome depends on the response of the folks involved. Such was the case with the prophet Jonah, who was sent by God with a very specific prophecy which did not come to pass. 

This did not make him a false prophet, because the response of the Ninevites had affected the outcome and therefore, the God-given prophecy was then to be rendered void. Again, Samuel had prophesied of Eliab, that the Lord’s anointed was before Him, yet it was not accurate, for at this specific time God had not said so. 

This was Samuel’s own judgment being based solely on external evidences, however, Samuel made the correction as soon as The Lord instructed him. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 16:2 And the Lord said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the Lord. 
3 And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.
6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him. 
7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. 
12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

The tendency to hold God rigidly to His word, when He is dealing with frail human beings, could cause us to reject His true servants, if in some instances, everything may not add up squarely. Being a true prophet does not make him/her infallible, and thus, we should be willing to walk humbly with God, just in case we might need some wiggle room.

Some have made it their life work to search out for minor inconsistencies in the writings of Ellen white, and they point to these, as veritable proof that her writings are flawed, and therefore could never have been inspired. There will be a great awakening one day soon, when we may discover too late, that it is God who is perfect, and not man, through whom He channels His messages and instructions. 

In the Bible, one gospel writer describes a situation where two blind men were healed by Jesus Christ. Another gospel writer says it was one blind man. If we were to quibble and stumble over these minor discrepancies in the prophetic writings, we would eventually reject not only Ellen white, but the Bible itself. The believing mind will accept what the Bible states in such instances, meaning that it was both one, and two blind men. Let’s read:

Matthew 9:27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. 
28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. 
29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

Mark 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. 
47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. 
51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man  said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 
52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

In fact, when we examine God’s own testimony of Samuel, we discover that God gave him a perfect A rating. Similarly, when we read in the Bible that Job was a perfect man, it does not mean that Job didn’t have any faults or errors, it means that the overall tenor of his life tended to perfection. Let’s read:

 1st Samuel 3:19 And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.

Therefore, it’s necessary for us to remember that the accurate fulfillment of prophecy is just one slice of the pie, when it comes to testing the prophets, the main test being the tendency to lead, or not to lead astray. If the general tenor of a true prophet’s work is to lead to God, to obedience to His laws, and to reverence His name and His word, then that prophet is in all likelihood valid.

Test [4] Physical phenomena:
Numbers 24:3 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said. 
4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open.

Acts 10:9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 
10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 
11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners and let down to the earth.

Acts 22:17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 
18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and  get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

Daniel 10: 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. 
7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 
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. 
9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.
16 And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. 
17 For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. 
18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me

It is often the case when in vision, that a prophet may not breathe. During such a time the he/she would be sustained solely by the power of God until the vision is complete. This phenomena may last up to several minutes, or hours as the case might be, thus giving evidence that God’s power is at work in the person who is thus exercised.

[C.E.T pp 11] He explained to the people that she did not breathe while in vision. Then he turned to Daniel 10:17 and read Daniel's experience while in vision: “There remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.” Elder White next invited those who cared to do so to come forward and examine Mrs. White. He always gave freedom for such an examination and was pleased if a physician was present who could examine her while in vision.

As the people pressed close, they saw that Mrs. White did not breathe, yet her heart continued to beat normally, and the color of her cheeks was natural. A mirror was brought and held before her face, but no moisture gathered on the mirror. Then they brought a candle and lit it and held it close to her nose and mouth. But the flame stood erect, without a flicker. The people could see that she did not breathe. 

For two hours Mrs. White was in vision. For two hours she did not breathe. Then as the vision came to a close, she took a deep inhalation, paused for about a minute, breathed again, and soon was breathing naturally. At the same time she began to recognize her surroundings, becoming conscious of what was going on about her.

God in His mercy has given to His remnant people a goldmine of information, instruction, and counsels, ranging from the raising of children, health related issues, financial advice, and counsels on marriage and divorce. These instructions were given to shed light on matters that were previously obscured, or were hidden from view, or were barely understood. 

In particular, the revelations thus given are meant to prepare God’s people to stand through the last great conflict on planet earth, for there are many instructions given on how to meet the coming crisis intelligently, strategic moves to be made, and how to prepare for the transition period, when we will move over to trusting in God alone, for our bread and water. Let’s read:

[L.D.E pp 99>100] Again and again the Lord has instructed that our people are to take their families away from the cities, into the country, where they can raise their own provisions, for in the future the problem of buying and selling will be a very serious one. We should now begin to heed the instruction given us over and over again. 

Therefore, in testing the prophets, it is God’s will that we do so with the intention of receiving His words, which can save us from making grave errors. 
                                                                     God Bless!
 

Six Dispositions Of Saul. Sabbath Afternoon. 07/07/2018

The history of Saul, Israel’s first king, was written for those who were to come after, so that by a carefull study of his rise and fall, we in our turn might make straight paths for our feet. Saul was called to be the head of the nation, and at the outset he seemed to be a timid and humble person, for when it was time for his inauguration, he was found to be in hiding. 

But apparent humility does not always prove to be genuine, because genuine humility is a by-product of the indwelling of The Holy Spirit, in cooperation with our freedom of choice. In other words, a really humble spirit is not a naturally occurring ingredient of human nature, and thus, it must be implanted by God, and carefully nurtured when God leads us in ways we may not necessarily agree with.

Saul’s initial opinion of himself was not accurate, and our opinions of ourselves are not correct either, therefore, it is God alone who can show us our real selves, by bringing us into difficult circumstances in which our weaknesses surface. Then, if we’ll accept the revelation of God by confessing our sins without making excuses, and blaming others, Jesus stands ready to forgive, forget, and to cleanse. 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.

Our intellectual abilities would often drive us to make certain discretionary decisions, which in our own sight may seem as the right thing to do in such and such a situation. That’s all well and good, but a truly humble person will bow to the sovereignty of God whenever we must choose between our ways and God’s ways. In other words, humility will lead us to accept and follow God’s directions, even when we may think He is making a mistake. Let’s read:

Isaiah 66:1 Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. 
2 For all those things hath mine hand made, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Psalms 119:128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

When the people of Amalek had attacked the men of Israel in the wilderness without being provoked, The Lord had then stated to Moses that the warlike tribe would be blotted from under the heaven. But because God is merciful, and takes no pleasure in the destruction of the wicked, He allowed time for grace, and repentance, if haply, like the Ninevites, they would somehow change course, and secure a reversal of coming judgment.

For four hundred years God’s sentence was put on hold, until His mercy could no longer overlook their stubborn rebellion, and therefore the time had now fully come for Him to execute judgment against the Amalekites. To Saul was given the explicit command by God through the prophet Samuel, to slay utterly everything and everyone that pertained to Amalek. But Saul disobeyed, and in his, sin six dispositions of Saul surfaced.

These dispositions are often found to be in many of us who are professed Christians, and therefore, as we read the sacred history of Saul’s fall, it should be with an introspect look, to see if we may have those same tendencies, and if so, we may find pardon and forgiveness while mercy still lingers, for God is in the business of restoration, not condemnation. 

Christ does not point out our errors just to make us feel bad, for it is His purpose that we know our true selves, that we may see our need of cleansing, and if we so choose, He will forgive and restore. Christ’s way is a way of reconciliation, not of denunciation, and therefore, any sin which we truly confess will be truly be forgiven. 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.

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Thus, as we embark upon the study of the turning point of Saul’s career, let us remember that these six dispositions which will be revealed, didn’t occur in a vacuum, but instead were cultivated, in spite of the most earnest efforts by God and Samuel to try to save Saul from irretrievable ruin. Let’s read:

[1] The disposition to use independent judgment.

1st Samuel 15:1 Samuel also said unto Saul, The Lord sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the Lord. 
2 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. 
3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. 
5 And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley. 
7 And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt. 
8 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 
9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but everything that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly. 

It is often the case that our own ways, methods and modes of thought and action would not be aligned with God’s, and therefore it’s important for us to be humble enough to surrender our own preconceived ideas whenever, and wherever they are found to be out of sync with God. In fact, the Christian’s life is an ongoing project to fully align our minds with the mind of God. That’s why the scripture says “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus".

Therefore, it’s important for us to decide in advance that if for some reason there is a clash of wills and ways, we would humbly bow to the sovereignty of God, knowing that He does, and knows what is best and right in any given situation. Two passages in the scriptures express this sentiment. Let’s read:

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.

Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

[2] The disposition to blame others for our faults. 

1st Samuel 15:13 And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul  said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord. 
14 And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? 
15 And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed. 

It is never a good policy to blame others for errors we have made, because the journey to restoration begins with a candid acknowledgement of our sins, without seeking to incriminate others, without the use of excuses such as peer pressure, circumstances or the most famous one, “The devil made me do it”. Confession to God should never be done with the intent to implicate others. Let’s read:

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. 
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done
nothing amiss.

[3] The disposition to render partial obedience.

1st Samuel 15:16 Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the Lord hath said to me this night. 
19 Wherefore didst thou not obey the voice of the Lord, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the Lord? 
20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and have gone the way which the Lord sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 

If Naaman had dipped only six times he would’ve remained with his leprosy, and if Joshua and the Hebrews had marched around Jericho only six times the city have remained standing. When the Jews gathered manner some gathered more, and some gathered less, but when they weighed it, somehow it boiled down to one omer.

That’s because partial obedience is no obedience at all, and if it is deliberate, then it is registered in the books of heaven as rebellion. Saul partially obeyed God’s command, but Samuel assessed his actions as witchcraft. In our day, those who deliberately obey only nine out of the ten commandments are out of sync with God, for He desires all or nothing. This is confirmed in the scriptures. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 28:1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 
2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 
11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

[4] The disposition to justify ourselves in sin. 

1st Samuel 15:21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal. 

In other words, what Saul was saying is that there are times when there are valid reasons to disobey God. It is often the case that some good may be accomplished via disobedience, but one thing is certain, God does not accept either the good that is done in such instances, or the reasons given. This is an issue that must be made crystal clear, for there are many who erroneously believe that God will be pleased if good is done the wrong way.

Cain may have brought the fruit of the ground with the reason that it was the vegetarian thing to do, or that it would avoid animal cruelty. And many drug dealers may make large contributions to their local churches, thereby providing much needed funds for charitable causes. In fact, Al Capone started one of the first soup kitchens in New York city during the great depression, and it is stated that he did more to help the people of Chicago than the state did.

Real people were helped in real time, and many hungry mouths were really filled, but according to Samuel’s evaluation given to Saul, the good that a person may intend to do will never atone for the disobedience that is done in the accomplishment of such goals. Good works do not make disobedience acceptable in God’s sight; that is one of the many delusions of the last days. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 23:18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the Lord thy God.

Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

[5] The disposition to value praise above obedience.

1st Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Praise without obedience to God’s revealed will is flattery and should never be practiced in public or in private. In fact, if The Lord had to choose between obedience and praise, He would choose obedience any day, for praise will certainly follow after. In our day many people are loud on praise, but quite silent on obedience, and because of this Jesus cautions us not to go down that road. Let’s read:

Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, 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….

[6] The disposition to confess only when caught.

1st Samuel 15:23 Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. 
25 Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord. 

We should never wait until we are forced to confess before doing so; instead, when the God speaks to our consciences, either through His word or through His Spirit, or even through the voice of a friend, we should rise to the occasion and confess our sins, for this will put us on the fast-track to restoration. 

But for us to try to hide, and cover it up, and make excuses until we may be confronted or exposed will only prolong the process and this may cause us to question our own sincerity. The best time to confess to God, is when our consciences have been pricked, or as soon as we are aware of any wrong doing. To put it off gives the devil time and opportunity to do more damage. 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.

 After these six dispositions surfaced in Saul, there was still room for repentance and change if he so desired, but he allowed his wounded pride to cause bad feelings against Samuel to fester, because of the reproof God sent through His servant. And thus, God’s voice became less and less distinct in his soul, until, by hardening his own heart, The Spirit of God finally departed from him, and he was left to leader he had chosen.

When in our own Christian experience, any un-Christlike disposition surfaces, let us make haste to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and God who is quick to forgive and forget will begin the process of healing, just as soon as we confess. Thus, in closing, we are cautioned not to follow the ways of Saul and others who persisted in a wrong course, for the same God who saved Nebuchadnezzar, will heal the wounds of the weakest saint. Let’s read:

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.

                                                                       God Bless!