The Problem With Yes-Men. Sabbath Afternoon 07/18/2020

Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

This first passage tells us in no uncertain terms that there are times when it is appropriate to say yes in some matters, and there are times when we should say no. But to always say yes, with no reference to principle, or right or wrong, will put the yes man on a collision course with God, sooner or later. According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, a Yes- man is a person who agrees with everything that is said, especially one who endorses, or supports without criticism every opinion or proposal of an associate or superior.

Yes-men have historically been some of the most dangerous human beings to live on this planet, for they are primarily driven by self-preservation, or are otherwise afraid to stand up for the right, if doing so will have negative consequences to themselves, and thus, they tend to agree blind-foldedly to any and everything that is required by their superiors.

Any, and every other worthy consideration is borne down by them in preserving self and favor, and they generally do not consult God, nor their consciences when making decisions. Even when loss of human life may be involved yes men would still be found in agreement with their masters, if they are ordered to do or say that which is wrong. Yes-men can be found in all walks of life, from the upper echelons of society where kings and princes reign to your everyday John Doe who will blindly do and say whatever their bosses bid them, regardless of compunctions of conscience, or consequences.

Yes-men are also to be found in political circles, in the judiciary, in churches, in those higher and lower branches of governments, and in many families, the parents have also succumbed to the phenomena of always saying yes to their children, allowing them to do and say anything, and everything, because they are afraid they will be viewed as not being “cool”.

Many individuals who have gone on later in life to wreak havoc on communities, families and nations, and many of the mass-shootings that have plagued our generation, can be traced back to homes where parents did not say no, when it was appropriate to do so.

Some left their children to do as they pleased with the vain hope that somehow they will outgrow evil tendencies in later years. The Bible furnishes many examples of yes-men and the trail of collateral damage and carnage that was left behind after they refused to do the right thing, for fear of being looked upon as being odd, out of the norm, not cool, or unpopular.

Eli was a yes-man who looked the other way when his sons were doing wrong, because he was afraid of crossing their paths in correcting them. Thus, he left them to their own pernicious ways, and even when the nation complained openly to him about the problem, he still continued to let his sons do as they pleased.

This is not to say that Eli didn’t make any efforts to correct the evils his sons were indulging in; he did, but his remonstrances were never followed up with definitive, concrete actions, and thus, his evil sons viewed his efforts as empty threats. That’s typical of yes men for at times they may actually make efforts to do something right that needs to be done.

But in most instances they would not follow up with remedial actions, and by doing so over an extended period, they weaken their own resolve, to the point where an angel from heaven could be barking aloud at them, but under one pretext or another they will not stand up for right. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 2:22 Now Eli was very old and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 23 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. 24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord's people to transgress. 25 If one man sins against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father.

God does not judge us on what we say, or what we intend to do. Good intentions are good, but they are just intentions, unless followed up by concrete actions. Therefore, after the dust has settled in the investigative judgement, many souls will be booked on that train headed for never-land, even though it was observed that their intentions were upright.

Thus, because Eli would not say nay, but only yea to his sons, Israel was defeated by her mortal enemies, the Philistines, and thirty thousand bodies of those who were slain lay strewn across that battlefield. The reason for this catastrophic loss of life in Israel is because collateral damage to nations and families and individuals always occurs wherever yes-men are to be found. Always! Let’s read:

1st Samuel 3:11 And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone that heareth it shall tingle. 12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. 13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. 14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering forever.

Those sexual scandals that have rocked some of the more prominent churches in recent years are in part due to yes-men who looked the other way, turned a blind eye or covered up those evil deeds that were done by those who had betrayed sacred trusts. Thus, instead of bringing the matters to the relevant authorities for redress, yes men were found to be countenancing evils that caused nations to shudder.

Even when parents of the abused, and other church members would complain of these evils, yes men, in their capacity to say and do something, would just cook the record books in most cases. Ahab, as the king of Israel surrounded himself with yes-men who would only tell him what he wanted to hear. And thus, when he was in grave danger of being killed, they stood idly by, and said yes to all of his suggestions and proposals. That is because they were more concerned about keeping their jobs than seeking the welfare of the nation. Let’s read:

1st Kings 22:3 And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria? 4 And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramothgilead? 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. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

9 Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah. 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 spoke 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.

In the days of Hebrew slavery, when that stubborn pharaoh was on the throne of the greatest nation of the then known world, yes men stood by and let the nation of Egypt be brought to ruins. Plague upon plague, and pestilence after pestilence was leveled at the nation, until their firstborns were slain by the destroying-angel. But yet the yes men continued to support pharaoh in his losing strategy against God.

Like Eli they too also had their bouts of conscience pricking when they actually admitted that it was the God of heaven at work, and no capricious outbreak of nature, yet, like Eli, they refused to take concrete steps to stop pharaoh from bringing Egypt to ruins. Let’s read:

Exodus 8:19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said.

Exodus 10:7 And Pharaoh's servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?

Thus, throughout sacred history yes-men have been responsible for the downfall of nations, families and individuals, as they refused to do or say the right at some of the most critical points in their careers. The false prophets that we are often warned about in the scriptures, who are scheduled to proliferate in the last days, are yes-men operating under a veneer of Christianity.

They speak smooth words calculated to soothe the itching ears of their congregations; and to keep the money flowing, many would turn a blind eye to evils that scream for redress. When morality, and God-ordained marriage was dangling on the edge of the cliff, yes men cowered, in fear of the masses, and even though they knew right from wrong, smooth words were made to rule the day.

But like Micaiah, the true servants of God will speak forth the words of truth and soberness, in season or out of season, when it is convenient to do so in the friendly environment, and when it is not convenient to do so in a hostile environment. John the Baptist and Elijah were not yes-men by any means, for they did not water down truth to suit itching ears.

When John saw that Herod had taken his brother’s wife, contrary to law and principle, he did not try to palliate Herod’s conscience by remaining silent, nor did he endorse Herod’s actions in any way, form or fashion with the hope of winning political favors, or getting promotion into Herod’s administration. Instead, John spoke the truth, even though doing so would land him in prison, and awakened the wrath of that maddened woman, who became bent on executing the prophet.

John could have played the role of a yes-man and thereby preserved his life, but he would have betrayed sacred trusts, and possibly lose out on eternal life. That is what the world is in most dire need of right now, not so much a vaccine or a cure, but men who will dare to speak the truth, even though their jobs may be on the line. Men who will stand up for truth and righteousness, regardless of the consequences.

But if yes men continue on the same track like those of old, the collateral damage will culminate in very many dead bodies, guaranteed! Therefore, as we study sacred history, we should all observe the actions and the attitudes of one of the more prominent yes-men who indulged his boss in that which he knew was wrong, and in the process severe collateral damage resulted to the nation of Israel.

Our case study will center around Joab, the military general in charge of David’s army, who at times had compunctions of conscience, goading him to do the right thing, but because his allegiance was given to a mere man, he would do any and everything David would ask, even when it meant that innocent lives would be lost as a result.

For example, when David requested that Joab set up Uriah to be slain, to cover his tracks, Joab basely acquiesced, instead of remonstrating against the evil. The letter sent to Joab by David was written in such plain language that Joab had to have known of David’s clandestine intentions. Yet, instead of saying no, he carried it out, because that is what yes men do. Let’s read:

2nd Samuel 11:14 And it came to pass in the morning that David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah. 15 And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. 16 And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were.

17 And the men of the city went out and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also. 18 Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war.

Note well the collateral damage that takes place, for it is not only Uriah that perishes in the process, other soldiers who were not related to Bathsheba also died, because a yes-man has no problem with the death of innocents, if it will assure him his job, and favor with the king. That is why we stated up front that yes-men have been some of the most dangerous human beings to have ever walked this earth. That is not to say that they don’t have periods when their own conscience would haunt them to pursue a right course.

They do, but at the end of the day after the dust has settled, they often revert back to doing, and saying yes to their bosses, because, with every departure from truth and duty, with every instance of burying their heads in the sand, when their gut feelings tell them that wrong is being done, their will power to stand up for right becomes weaker and benumbed.

Thus, it was with Joab, whose allegiance was given to David instead of to God, and thus he could not be a check and balance to David when he knew that sin was being committed. In fact, in one instance Joab actually stood up to David and rebuked him for the blatant suggestion of evil, that was directly opposed to God’s revealed will.

But having closed his eyes in times past, his current remonstrance was too weak to go against the king’s word, and David prevailed over him. Thus, even if he was upset at David, even though he was vexed in his spirit at the proposal, and even if his conscience bothered him, at the end of the day, yes-men will say yes, because that’s what they do. Let’s read:

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. 3 And Joab answered, The Lord make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?

4 Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem. 5 And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David.

Thus, just as it was with Eli, who caused collateral damage on account of the yes-man mentality, just so, Joab’s habit of always saying yes to his superior would now cost the lives of thousands in Israel who would perish as a direct result of Joab not standing up to David, by saying no, when he should have said so. Let’s read:

1st Chronicles 21:7 And God was displeased with this thing; therefore, he smote Israel. 8 And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly. 9 And the Lord spoke unto Gad, David's seer, saying, 10 Go and tell David, saying, Thus, saith the Lord, I offer thee three things: choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.

11 So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Choose thee. 12 Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtakes thee; or else three days the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.

13 And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the Lord; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man. 14 So the Lord sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men. And David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

Thus, throughout the annals of history, men who were entrusted as the guardians of nations have betrayed their sacred trust, by saying yes, when they should be saying no. Soothe-sayers are still alive today, who would stand by with their mouths shut, as nations go over the cliff, just so that, like Joab, they may retain their jobs and good standing with their superiors. It takes a person of sterling character to stand up for right in the midst of criticism, heckling, and hostility on every side, yet God commands those who are in authority, who are given sacred trusts, to stand for the right though the heavens fall.

A person’s job security, hefty retirement, approval and praise from his superiors, popularity with the masses, not one, or all of the above, should cause anyone to depart from truth and principle for any reason. There are times when we should say yes, but there are times when we must say no, for the mark of the beast will draw a distinct line between those who would succumb to monetary, political, and religious pressure and those who won’t budge one iota when it comes to truth and duty.

Yet, there is still hope for the yes-man in our day, but he must begin reforming his ways by saying no when it is appropriate and right to do so. God is now speaking to all parents, preachers, politicians and clergy, and every other person, who may have in times past said yes, when no was in order. The time has fully come for us to take a rigid stand for truth and righteousness.

When we see our duty clearly, and when our consciences call us to action, let us not like Eli settle for good intentions, neither let us not be found going with the flow, to please superiors, bosses, or the masses. Instead, with the word of God in hand, and the two-edged sword of the Spirit on our lips, let us stand up for right, even if doing so may cost us, because, as the saying goes, if we can’t stand for something, we will eventually fall for everything.

God will grant grace, forgiveness, pardon, and the will to do and dare for the truth’s sake, but we must individually decide that with us, truth will triumph over falsehood, and principle will take precedence over policy. Those who make a big difference in the world, for the better, are those who will not be in anywise swayed by anything other than truth and duty. Let us then, with renewed energy, individually and as a nation, do the right thing, and God will be pleased to bless our efforts in the right direction.

We therefore close with a passage of scripture that will remind us of our sacred duty to say yea or nay when it is right to do so, and we hope and pray that profession and intention will be synchronized with positive action, so that good may triumph over evil in our neck of the woods. Let’s read:

Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. 11 If they say, Come with us, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause. 14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse. 15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path. 16 For their feet run to evil and make haste to shed blood.

God Bless!

Dawn Of The Dead. Sabbath Afternoon 07/11/2020

1st Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

 The current Covid 19 pandemic has taken the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, with many more to go in the future, and the full extent of the human toll, is not nearly known just yet. Thus, we will take this opportunity to offer our condolences to all those who have lost loved ones, and we pray that you will be sustained during this time of grief.

Having said that, there is a question that haunts the minds of those who are yet alive, for it is not clear to many where their loved ones who passed away currently are. There are those in Christendom who teach that deceased persons remain in their graves, awaiting the call of God.

Another more popular teaching proposes that the souls of those who have passed are in heaven, or in limbo as the case might be. But any which way, it is declared by some that the soul of man is a separate and distinct entity that can continue to survive on its own without the physical body.

The latter teaching is much more popular with the multitudes of earth and can be found in many of the mainstream religions of the day. It has also been bolstered over the years by Hollywood, to the point where it has made its way undetected into the mind and thought process of millions.

Therefore, it is important that we study from the word of God, what has become of those who died in former years, and those who will succumb to Covid 19, so that we would have a clearer picture of truth and duty in the light of scriptural teaching on this very important subject.

Our study today will seek primarily to do two things, [1] To offer truth and hope on this matter from the Biblical perspective, and [2]  To clear up questions, and misconceptions that some may have adopted over the years, for different reasons. We will begin with the blessed hope that offers to all eternal life on certain conditions.

Jesus Christ came to this earth, not only to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, but also to give us life more abundantly. There is no hope or sense in being forgiven, but dead, and thus, the promise of eternal life when the right conditions are met, constitutes the very essence of the gospel.

Those who accept Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives, and who, by faith walk in obedience to all the commandments and principles of God to the best of their knowledge, will be partakers of the eternal life Christ came to give, and they will all come up in the first resurrection, as was stated in our first passage. This is what we refer to as the dawn of the dead.

There are a few exceptions given in the Bible as it pertains to some who were resurrected when Christ died, and Moses who was taken to heaven, and the prophet Elijah, and Enoch who were translated to heaven without seeing death. But all others remain in their graves until the second coming of Jesus. They are not in heaven as yet but are awaiting the call of God at the last day, when He will grant the gift of immortality to all who listened to His voice whilst living. This is what is referred to in the Bible as the blessed hope, to which all living persons are invited through the call of the gospel. Let’s read:

Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer lives, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the seashore innumerable. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

John 6: 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

1st Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

1st Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

John 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

And we can go on and on from scripture to scripture and we will discover the same basic truth, that all who die are very dead, and will be awakened at the first resurrection, if they were found in Christ. This is what we are invited to, through the preaching of the gospel, and this is what gives people hope for a brighter tomorrow, even as the shadows of death are spread across the land currently.

That is why we proclaim, upon the authority of the  scriptures that the most important decision one can make is to accept Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives, whilst the opportunity still lingers, because, at the end of life’s journey, it will be discovered that it was the one and only decision that made the most sense.

However, contrary to this Biblical teaching is the belief that the soul of man has naturally, inherent immortality, and as such, it cannot die. This doctrine was developed from paganism, and it found its way into Christianity over the centuries, by which the overwhelming majority of earth’s inhabitants have come to embrace it.

It does offer a false sense of security in the wake of our loved ones passing, but it is nowhere supported in scripture. And therefore, because of the amount of death taking place as a result of Covid, it has now become necessary to make plain, what has been blurred and obscured to many minds for too long.

Thus, as we study the dawn of the dead there are certain truths which must be understood clearly, so that we be not tossed to and fro, by every wind of doctrine that may blow our way. To begin with, we should understand that a soul is the product of dust and breath. A dead soul is the body minus breath, and therefore cannot and will not survive on its own separately. Let’s read:

Genesis 2: 7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

The following are scriptural facts about the soul of man that will serve to guide our minds as we move forward, because the soul of man isn’t immortal by any means. God and God alone, possesses inherent immortality and therefore, the following scriptures would shed light on a few basic things we all should know about the soul.

[1] There is such a thing as a living soul, which, simply put is a living, breathing human being. That’s all. Let’s read:

Genesis 12:5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

Genesis 46:26 All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his loins, besides Jacob's sons' wives, all the souls were threescore and six; 27 And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten.

Exodus 12:3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: 4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.

Acts 2: 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

[2] A soul can die, and it can be killed, for it’s absolutely not immortal.

Revelation 20: 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; 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.

Joshua 11: 11 And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe.

Joshua 10: 29 Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah. 30 And the Lord delivered it also, and the king thereof, into the hand of Israel; and he smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain in it; but did unto the king thereof as he did unto the king of Jericho. 34 And from Lachish Joshua passed unto Eglon, and all Israel with him; and they encamped against it, and fought against it.

35 And they took it on that day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein he utterly destroyed that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish. 36 And Joshua went up from Eglon, and all Israel with him, unto Hebron; and they fought against it. 37 And they took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof, and all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining, according to all that he had done to Eglon; but destroyed it utterly, and all the souls that were therein.

 [3] Dead souls do not come back to visit or haunt any person. They never have, and they never will.

Ecclesiastes 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.

Job 7:9 As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more. 10 He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him anymore.

So, there we have it, the Biblical perspective on the soul, which was created by God from the dust of the earth and came to life after God breathed life into man’s nostrils. It can die, and often does, and it can also be killed, because it does not possess inherent immortality, as the previous passages clearly state.

Any movie which depicts dead, departed friends as being able to visit, communicate, haunt, or advise living persons is a product of devils, and as such, everyone should strictly avoid being indoctrinated with this error.

Now there are many who have claimed to see their loved ones after passing, and some have even taken advice from such, but God would have us know that any such appearance or apparition is always a direct manifestation of devils, and is based upon that first falsehood uttered in Eden, when the serpent stated “Thou shalt not surely die”

This leads us to the core of our Bible study, in which a cursory reading of a particular incident is often misinterpreted, when persons try to study the Bible without using the specified methods that are given in God’s word. For reminders, the methods are line upon line, here a little, prayer, and sanctified reason by which God calls on us to use basic commonsense when studying His word.

King Saul had disobeyed God’s voice on numerous occasions, until The Holy Spirit left him, and he was left to follow his own pernicious ways. But, at one point a massive philistine army came up to do battle and when Saul realized that God was not answering him when he prayed, he then resorted to the witch of Endor, to seek as he thought, advice from Samuel who had previously been deceased.

After Saul entered the cave where the witch was hiding out, she brought up someone who to Saul’s reprobate mind, could be none other than Samuel. Saul hears someone other than the sorcerer speak, and he communicates his concerns to such, but it could never have been the prophet of God, for if Saul disobeyed Samuel whilst he was yet alive, he wouldn’t obey him now that he is dead.

Therefore, as we study his experience, it would be necessary for us to use the simple tools given to us in the scriptures, so that we could arrive at correct conclusions. Pay close attention to the highlighted words in the chapter, because, as we stated before, the Bible can explain itself if we study it carefully. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 28: 4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa. 5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. 6 And when Saul enquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

Without reading the rest of the narrative, the Bible has already made clear, upfront, that whatsoever we may read further down, and regardless of the name given to the person Saul is speaking to, it just cannot be Samuel. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 28:7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor. 8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.

9 And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die? 10 And Saul sware to her by the Lord, saying, As the Lord liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.

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 spoke to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.

The previous verse may seem on the surface to say that Samuel came up, but if we were to read slowly what follows next, we would find contradictions to such a conclusion, for throughout the entire back and forth between Saul, the wizard, and the “other” entity, not once does the woman, nor the entity claim to be Samuel. Not once! Let’s read:

1st Samuel 28:13 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.

This stinks to high heaven of falsehood and fraud, currencies in which The Lord never deals. If, as she herself states, she saw gods coming up out of the earth, then there were multiple entities present and therefore, Saul’s request for Samuel alone goes out the window. The following verse also confirms that a deception is underway. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 28:14 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.

The woman does not say it was Samuel, only that it was an old man with a mantle, which by implication means that she could be referring to “any old man” with a mantle. In addition, if Saul had actually seen the prophet Samuel, he would not have to ask what form is he of.

Wherever wizardry is practiced, there will always be a certain level of falsehood present, for satan is the father of lies and all his productions and derivatives will of necessity contain some element of falsehood through which several holes can be poked using the scriptures.

Even though the familiar look, mannerisms, and the tones of an individual’s voice can be duplicated perfectly by devils, some amount of falsehood, in some way, form, or fashion will always be present. Always! Let’s read:

1st Samuel 28:15 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 obeyedst not the voice of the Lord, nor executedst 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: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all day, nor all the night.

The purpose of these deceptions, the prophecy and the manifestation of devils was twofold: [1] To drive king Saul to desperation, and thereby cause him to do the unthinkable, by committing suicide. On this point it is important to know that suicidal thoughts never ever proceed from God. Never!

Even when a person is driven to desperation, even when one’s probation has been closed, and they know of it, and even when troubles and trials may seem to engulf persons God never ever moves upon such to take their own lives. Suicidal thoughts may come from drugs or devils, but never from God.

[2] The other purpose of the sceance was to instill in the hearts of the children of Israel, a belief in the natural immortality of the soul, directly contrary to the scriptures, for if as purported, Samuel offered a correct prophecy of the future, whilst being dead, others would be more likely to follow Saul’s lead by turning to the dead for counsel and advice.

As it is currently very many persons have passed away because of Covid, and sadly, many more are on their way, and because of this, the state of the dead is a topic of relevance, that must be clearly understood from the scriptures, so that persons would not build their hopes upon falsehoods which proliferate in the secular and spiritual realms.

One of the safest places to be is at a graveyard, for not only do you have mandatory social distancing of six feet, but there is no disembodied soul floating around anywhere to disturb living persons who may stop by to visit.

The Bible offers the hope of eternal life to those who are facing the prospect of death, but the terms and conditions are the same as they were in ages past. Obedience to all of God’s commandments, and faith in The Lord Jesus Christ is the only way that eternal life is guaranteed to persons.

Let us then avoid being straddled with false hopes and doctrines which do not deliver as promised, but instead lull its subscribers to sleep through a false sense of security, while on they are on the brink. It is very important that individuals do not put off for tomorrow, decisions for Christ that should be made today.

In other words, let us not wait for those death-bed confessions, if we have an opportunity to partake of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ today. No one is promised tomorrow, and Covid is no respecter of persons, so God advises us to make our calling and election sure, whilst we still have opportunity to do so.

We therefore end with a scripture that will help us avoid the sin of procrastination and we hope that all who are listening today will decide to serve Christ in sincerity and truth, so that whether we live or die, we will be present at the first resurrection on that great day. Let’s read:

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

                                     God Bless! 

Mene Mene Tekel. Sabbath Afternoon 07/04/2020

Daniel 5:26 This is the interpretation of the thing: Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom and finished it. 27 Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.

The kingdom of Babylon under the rule of the king Belshazzar was about to come to an end, and the way in which it occurred should serve as a wake-up call to individuals, nations, and rulers alike. God had given ample room for change, if the king was thus disposed but as is too often the case, God’s grace was taken for granted. The history of his predecessor was before him so that he could study from cause to effect, what was the right course of action to pursue.

Daniel and his companions had been living testimonies to the fact that it is futile to war against the revealed will of God, especially after it has been made abundantly clear to one’s mind. When judgement had been visited upon king Nebuchadnezzar for his indulgence of pride, it had been outlined in detail by God through his servant Daniel what was to be done at that time to correct his course. He was instructed to show mercy to the poor, and to break of his sins, and if he were to acquiesce, his tranquility was to continue. Let’s read:

Daniel 4:24 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most-High, which is come upon my lord the king. 25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, till thou know that the most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever he will. 27 Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility.

But the graphic history of Nebuchadnezzar’s fall did not accomplish the work of repentance that it was intended to do in Belshazzar, because he went even further in rebellion against God. The history of the rise and fall of nations and individuals, as is written in the Bible, is intended for those who would come after, so that they may accurately trace the reasons why some fall.

And as we study their histories, we are not only to make straight paths for our feet, we are also to understand that we will be held accountable for the light, knowledge, and the information that has been granted to us. This is the reason given in the bible for the detailed histories of nations, rulers, and individuals alike.

In other words, if Nebuchadnezzar as the leader of the then known world, fell on the issue of pride and cruelty towards his people, rulers who come after will be dealt with more severely, because they have opportunity to know God’s will in such matters. And thus, they are required to do differently. 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.

Therefore, the history of Belshazzar’s fall furnishes a treasure trove of instructions that are pertinent to us in our day. God requires that both rulers and the regular John Doe should study it with a humble and teachable spirit so that those errors may be avoided in our own experience. The following is an outline of Belshazzar’s departures from truth and duty.

[1] Indulgence in mind altering substances, sights, and sounds.

Daniel 5:1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords and drank wine before the thousand.

“Wine” in the passage represents in our day, any and all of the mind-altering substances that are ingested for reasons other than necessary medical treatment. These substances run the entire gamut, from alcoholic beverages, cannabis, opium, cocaine, and the myriads of other drugs and cocktails used for recreational purposes. Also included are foods that may cause the body to deteriorate prematurely or place one’s health and well-being at risk unnecessarily.

There is a close symbioses between what we eat and drink, and our spirituality, because our decisions and our morals can be adversely affected by what we ingest. The battle that is raging for the soul of man is one that primarily includes the battle for our minds, for the mind is as the steering wheel for the rest of the body, and wheresoever it turns the entire body will surely follow.

Therefore, as we reason from cause to effect, those failures of Belshazzar we’re under sacred obligation to preserve our minds from every soul-destroying substance, and influence that will compromise our ability to think clearly and rationally. In a nutshell, anything that will alter our minds in a negative way, that will lead to a distortion of one’s judgment, should never be ingested or indulged in any way, shape or form, because that constitutes a violation of God’s law.

When David desired Uriah to sleep with Bathsheba so that the unborn child could be credited to them, he drugged Uriah with alcohol so as to impair his better judgement. And very many persons, if they are not careful will stumble and fall on what may have been permitted by The Lord in times past, because a much higher premium is to be placed on the current generation, in view of all the information God has seen fit to reveal to us. Therefore, the instruction to keep our bodies and minds in the best possible condition always, is not merely a good suggestion from God, it is the law. Let’s read:

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.

1st Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

There are several different agencies that are used by devils to negatively impact the human mind, and that’s why, after mentioning food and drink in the previous passage, the Bible also includes the words “Whatsoever ye do”.

With the indulgence of wine, an impairment of his reasoning powers and better judgement will soon follow, for Belshazzar is now primed to do what no king or president should never do, that is to mix in religion with politics, for whatsoever may be one’s political persuasion, all sacred things, including the word of God is off-limits for making political points. Which leads us to Belshazzar’s second error:

[2] Mingling religion and politics.

Daniel 5:2 Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein. 4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

In sending for the sacred vessels of God that were consecrated for holy use, Belshazzar crossed a red line, for he sought to make a political statement by using the vessels that were devoted to the service of the sanctuary. It was the policy of nations that went to war anciently, to parade the captives and spoil of the defeated ones.

This was a political statement often made to boost the already too inflated ego of the conquerors, and the multitudes under their jurisdiction, and in some cases, it had the effect of instilling fear and praise in the citizens for the leaders whose political standing with the masses was sure to be venerated. Thus, the political point Belshazzar sought to make by so doing, was to demonstrate his superior power and pride, over the God of Israel, thus attempting to place God in a subservient position to himself.

This is the very same error that was committed by the former Nebuchadnezzar, for which he was forced to eat a ton of grass. The word of God is sacred and must at all times be handled with the utmost reverence, for it was one of the items placed in the side of the sacred ark for holy use alone. Especially should persons avoid the misuse or mishandling of the Bible when they are not walking in obedience to its sacred utterances, for it can bring a curse instead of a blessing.

Thus, when the philistines of old had tried to mingle politics with the word of God that was contained in the ark, deadly pestilences broke out among them as a warning for future generations not to trifle with sacred things. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 5:1 And the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. 2 When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. 3 And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the Lord.

And they took Dagon and set him in his place again. 4 And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him. 6 But the hand of the Lord was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.

8 They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath. 9 And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the Lord was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts.

In referring to the sacredness of the scriptures, it is stated that it is indeed the word of God, inspired by the Holy Ghost, and written out by holy men, for all to obey. And as such, it is better left alone, instead of being mishandled by anyone who may view it as a mere tool to bolster their image, as the philistines of old tried to do with the sacred chest. Let’s read:

2nd Peter 1:19 We have also a more-sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

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

And therefore, Belshazzar, and any other ruler for that matter, who should come after, ought to stay clear of repeating the same error, for whenever and wherever this is deliberately, and presumptuously done, the proverbial handwriting on the wall will be seen sooner or later. Which leads us to our next point.

[3] Belshazzar is terminated.

Daniel 5:5 In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king's palace, and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. 6 Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.

7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spoke, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom. 8 Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.

Here it is: מְנֵא מְנֵא תְּקֵל וּפַרְסִין‎

The language in which that cryptic message on the wall was written was Aramaic, a language that was well known in Babylon and neighboring nations and is derived from the Phoenician alphabet. Thus, the question, is why could not the translators, linguists, and the wise of Babylon not able to read it?

Whenever individuals in authority have surrounded themselves with yes men, who will tell the king only what he wants to hear, and will agree with him in all wrong doing or will sustain him in a wrong course of action, especially when truth and conscience dictate a different direction, the hearts and minds of such persons can become quite blunt.

That’s because the bad habit of excusing the most blatant violations in leaders leads to the syndrome of spiritual blindness, a dire condition which aptly describes our day, in which professed Christians of Laodicea, in high and low places have succumbed to the malady. When Belshazzar went out on a limb, and did the unthinkable, by signally desecrating those sacred vessels from the house of God, none of them stood up against the king, but instead, basely buried their heads in the sand as if nothing wrong had taken place, and they cheered him on in a wrong course of action.

Therefore, as far as God is concerned, they were just as guilty as Belshazzar, because aiders and all abbetors in crime are viewed as partaking of the same sprit as the offender, and thus when the king falls, those who supported and encouraged him in sin would fall too. It is not absolutely necessary for individuals to do wrong, in order for them to be held culpable in the books of heaven. They just have to countenance or support, protect, or agree with the transgressor, for them to be huddled together in judgment.

That is why in the scriptures, we often read of supposedly innocent persons suffering on account of another’s misdeeds. This is why Eli’s immediate family was deceased in one day, because Eli was a yes man, who feared to deal justly with the wrongs he knew of in his sons. He continuously buried his head in the sand, even when there was a national outcry, yet he just would not do the right thing.

Similarly, in our day, the handwriting is on the wall for all those who continue to countenance evil in high and low places for personal gain or advantage, on any level and for any reason. Whenever those who are in authority fail to do the right thing, after God has sent them warning over and over again, then He will take matters into His own hands, and the proverbial handwriting on the wall will be made manifest, both to violators and their supporters, just as it was in Belshazzar’s day. Let’s read:

Daniel 5:9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied. 13 Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spoke and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?

15 Now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing. 17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation. 18 O thou king, the Most-High God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honor.

20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. 21 And he was driven from the sons of men; and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appoints over it whomsoever he will.

22 And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; 23 But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified.

24 Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written. 25 And this is the writing that was written, Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin. 26 This is the interpretation of the thing: Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom and finished it. 27 Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. 28 Peres; Thy kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians. 30 In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.

To many minds, Covid 19 seems to have come out of thin air, and it continues to ravage millions of people, with the death toll rising each and every day. Yet, in the minds of people, it is a mystery why that scourge is being permitted to do such serious unprecedented damage on many different levels, with much more to come.

One day it will be discovered that several errors on the part of the human agent, both on a physical and spiritual level were responsible for the fallout, and if we do not take a step back, and reason from cause to effect, it will continue to drag on and morph into various forms that will dodge, for months on end the various cures that are now being experimented with.

To be more precise, just as Belshazzar and his men indulged unrestrained during that last banquet, just so, the eating of forbidden foods will become the downfall of millions, and it will produce collateral damage in others if we do not change course. Also, when individuals claim to embrace the Bible, without following its teachings, a curse, instead of a blessing would be the result, and this also will have collateral damage in persons who are not covered by the blood of Christ.

These are days for both national and individual soul searching, for us to see where we have departed from righteousness, and just as it was in days of old with Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar, Solomon, and David, it must begin from the top down. Therefore, let none be deceived concerning this, for as the day for Christ’s second coming draws nearer and nearer, only obedience to His every word would prove a bulwark against the many devices and evils that will be coming in from different directions.

Let small and great rich and poor, those in high and low places serve God in sincerity and truth, but if not, let us not countenance evil under a veneer of the Bible, because Christ says that He prefers us to be either cold or hot, but never lukewarm, where our profession does not match practice. We therefore end with a passage of scripture that should enable us to understand the import of those things that are coming upon the earth in short order and may it reinforce in our minds the importance of obeying God, to the best of our knowledge. Let’s read:

Revelation 22: 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and makes a lie. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

God Bless!

The Little Time Of Trouble. Sabbath Afternoon 06/27/2020

Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Even though many who know what is coming do not like to think about it, we know from the scriptures that things are not scheduled to get better on the earth, as far as the good old days go. It is a mistake to think that as we get closer to the second coming of Christ that peace, tranquility and life as usual will continue uninterrupted. This is what many hope for, but the scriptures are singing an entirely different tune, and if we intend to be in harmony with what is written we must then come to grips with reality.

While we are to pray for peace on earth amongst men, we are to expect a general deterioration of society on several fronts. The little time of trouble refers to that period in the history of earth just prior to the time of trouble that is referenced by Daniel in chapter 12. When those plagues mentioned in Revelation 16 will begin to be poured out, the probation of all earth’s inhabitants will have been already closed, and everyone would have made up their minds either for or against God.

That’s the big one the prophet John informs us of, but just before that time, trouble will be coming on the earth, with increasing frequency and intensity, and therefore, the sprinklings and beginnings of the little time of trouble may have already begun. There are very valid reasons why we should be wide awake to what is transpiring across the world for try as we might, things have been spiraling downward, not upward, for several years and on many different fronts.

In fact, what we are currently seeing is a sort of bottle-necking of troubles, with no end in sight. Now, it is true that there has always been hot spots of trouble across the world but in recent years there has been a rapid acceleration of troubles on several different levels and they just keep coming at earth’s inhabitants from several angles, and with increasing ferocity and intensity, in so much that even a casual observer is given pause for concern.

There have always been diseases and viruses, but there was never a time in the history of earth where disease has brought the world to its knees, as far as economic activity being ground to a halt. There was never a time when cruise liners have been stranded at sea worldwide, being prevented from docking for weeks and months on end.

There has never been a time in the history of the U.S, when forty plus million people have lost their jobs in a matter of weeks, and where governments the world over have been forced to borrow money they do not have, and cannot repay, which will be another cause for grave concern after the Corona dust has settled. There has never been a time in the history of the world when most airplanes were grounded because of a virus, and where flights were either half-full to empty in some cases.

These things are not normal, even to those who habitually bury their heads in the sand. There has never been a time in the history of this world when thousands upon thousands of gyms and restaurants have closed, and the once-thriving large name-brand companies like Hertz, Neiman Marcus, and J.C Penny, to name a few have gone bankrupt in such a short period of time.

There has never ever been a time in history, when the U.S stock market dropped almost 3000 points in one day, and treasuries the world over have been scrambling to shore-up companies that are literally in junk status as far as stock price is concerned. There has never been a time in earth’s history when almost one billion animals have been burnt to death by wildfires, and some of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes have occurred within the last fifteen to twenty years.

This is not normal by any stretch of the imagination. The scriptures teach us that there is nothing new under the sun, but the increased intensity and the increasing frequency of these occurrences portend a climactic event, of which we must be cognizant. There has never been a time in the history of earth where lying has become the norm, where the need for a Truth-o-meter has become so urgent.

Folks in power, and your regular John Doe have always lied at times throughout the history of this earth but the problem has never been so prolific as it is in our day when folks are lying for no apparent reason. Therefore, as a woman in labor pains experiences terrible contractions with increasing intensity and frequency leading up to the climactic event of giving birth, just so, these abnormal occurrences that are now sweeping the globe speak to us in no uncertain terms that the great day of God, often referenced in the Bible, is drawing near.

In fact, according to the scriptures, things are not scheduled to get much better before Christ comes; instead, the prediction is made that there are very serious troubles ahead for all of earth’s inhabitants, even if some may choose not to believe. Let’s read:

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. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

There is one particular phrase in the previous verses that sticks out more than the rest, and we all should take note of it because it has been repeated all too often in the Bible, for it to be passed by unnoticed. Here it is: “Thief in the night”. A thief in the night strikes when folks are most likely sleeping which by interpretation implies that the 2nd coming of Jesus will catch most people off-guard, a scenario that is aptly described in the parable of the ten virgins, in which all, both the foolish and wise were found to be sleeping.

Thus, there must be a reason why so many times in scripture the figure of a thief coming unexpectedly at night, is used to depict how the coming of Christ will unfold. At this time, most people are consumed with survival, and many issues are arising to distract us from what we should all be concerned about. Therefore, the figure of a thief in the night is used to warn us of a climactic event, that will certainly occur when we are preoccupied with other things. The warnings and cautions thus given in scripture are to arouse us, as it were, out of a deep slumber. Observe the following very carefully. Let’s read:

2nd Peter 3: 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.

Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches and keeps his garments.

Matthew 24: 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

43 But know this, that if the good-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. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delays his coming;

50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looks not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Mark 13:35 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.

Luke 21: 34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

It becomes obvious that closely connected with the coming of Christ is the element of surprise, and as such the question must be asked, why? Why would the world, and especially Christians who believe in the Bible be caught off-guard, even though so many warnings have been repeated in the scriptures? There are several answers to this very important question, and we will study just three of them one by one, with the hope that we’ll take the word of God seriously, and apply ourselves to the work at hand, to be done in our own hearts, and for those who may not be aware of what is approaching.

[1] The general spirit of unbelief.

Unbelief in what God has plainly stated began back in Eden with our first parents and the tendency has been transmitted to every generation since then to our time and has now culminated in an attitude of general skepticism in both young and old alike. As Noah preached of the coming deluge, the people of his day tended to not believe his word, especially as life continued in its unvarying rounds. They saw in Noah’s preaching only the agitations of an old man, and they dismissed the prophecy as not even being worth their consideration.

Even when the animals and the birds obeyed God’s voice by entering into the ark in an orderly fashion, a phenomenon that couldn’t be logically accounted for, they persisted in unbelief and the rest is history. In like manner people in our day cannot account for the things that are happening across, the globe, and in our own backyard yet every other reason is being given, other than the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

Lot also encountered the same problem of unbelief when he went out to warn his family, and relatives of the coming destruction. His daughters with their husbands pondered the issue and they reasoned as many do today, that things would continue as they were, at least for the foreseeable future.

Just before the destruction of Jerusalem of old, The Lord Jesus had warned the inhabitants that there was going to be great distress coming their way, but for the most part, the overwhelming majority didn’t believe that it would actually occur. Let’s read:

Genesis 19:12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place. 13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it. 14 And Lot went out and spoke unto his sons in law which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.

Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

2nd Peter 3:1 Beloved, I now write unto you; in which I stir up your minds by way of remembrance. 2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets; 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

[2] The theory of evolution.

The theory of evolution has gotten the multitude of people to think of the history of this earth in terms of billions of years, and not in thousands of years. Therefore, the current teaching of the doctrine of the millennium is also computed after the millions of years purported by evolution have elapsed. Now, it is a fact that if we do not know where we came from, we most likely would not know where we are going, and thus, if evolution is embraced in opposition to creation, then it becomes impossible to know where we are headed, for everything will be computed and understood in terms of millions, not thousands.

Of the creation account of the history of our planet we may read from Genesis to Revelation, but in all of the time frames and years given, no one can get even close to a million. Thus, as it pertains to planet earth’s history, the teaching of scripture is in terms of thousands, but absolutely not in millions. Let’s read:

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

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 I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and, which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; 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. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with him a thousand years. 7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison.

[3] Materialism and worldliness

Materialism essentially causes persons to center their interests only in the here and now, and this mindset prevents them from taking into account that future life spoken of in the Bible. Worldliness is also responsible for coloring the way the priorities of millions are placed. One who is materialistic in nature cannot and will not seek the interests of God’s kingdom first, for every earthly consideration will take precedence over what God has commanded.

And sadly, much of contemporary Christianity today savors more of materialism, than of true godliness. Hence the reason why the prosperity gospel would attract millions, but the religion of the Bible is not nearly as popular. Therefore, there is a toxic mix of money and glory, whereby the loaves and fishes of the Bible have been blended with an empty form of godliness, to produce a diabolical hybrid between God and mammon.

But this hybrid is strictly forbidden in the scriptures, for whenever and wherever it is embraced, things of eternal value are made subservient to the here and now, and thus, serving God boils down to a matter of convenience, and self-denial is taken off the table. In the hybrid gospels of our day, silver and gold, and monetary interests, materialism and worldliness are lifted up and cheered on by applauding multitudes, but obedience to the laws and principles of Christ are placed on the back burner.

Therefore, we must reiterate by the authority of the scriptures, that such toxic blends, where things of a mundane nature take the lead, with obedience and genuine faith trailing behind are forbidden by God as being anathema to godliness, and wherever such blends are embraced they will produce only grave disappointment at the end of life’s journey. Let’s read:

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

This leads us to where we currently are in earth’s history, for currently there is an insatiable desire for things to get back to normal as quickly as possible, but in the mad rush to achieve this goal millions are not reading the handwriting on the wall pointing us to midnight.

While it is good to hope and pray for a cure, and while it is good to get the wheels of the economy turning again, we must never allow these goals to obscure our vision, to the point where prophecies are being fulfilled before our very eyes, and yet we continue to bury our heads in the sand. The Bible also warns us about such a mindset. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost. 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

This is what caused the rich young ruler in the bible to miss out on eternity, for when he was presented with the stark choice between serving mammon or God, he chose mammon. And even though there was a genuine desire to serve Christ in his heart, it was overridden by materialism, and he was very sorry that such conditions existed. Let’s read:

Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, if thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments. 18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

19 Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Christ was here asking the young man to rearrange his priorities so that things of eternal interest would take preeminence, and mundane things would be subservient. But this order of priorities did not rub the young man the right way, so he turned his back on Jesus from that day forward and his decision was never afterward reversed.

It is quite possible that we may be entering the first phases of the little time of trouble that will precede the big one spoken of by Daniel, but if we do permit the things of temporary interest to absorb our best time and energies we will inevitably turn away from Christ, who alone is able to sustain us during these difficult times. The distresses of nations, which would only increase with the passage of time, are not to distress us by causing us to retreat into survival mode.

God is well able to take care of our needs, and He has promised protection from the pestilence, to those who dwell in the secret place of The Most-High. Therefore, it is not what you know, but Who you know that will make all the difference. Let us not be overtaken with distractions or attractions, while the great commission is coming to a head, but rather let us ask God to show us ways and means so that the people who now sit in darkness can be saved.

We will end with two passages of scripture that will help us to make wise decisions, good choices and correct priorities, as we journey from this world to the kingdom of God. Let’s read:

Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh.

God Bless!

Why Great Men Fall. Sabbath Afternoon 06/20/2020

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.

Throughout the sacred pages of history, the rise and fall of nations and individuals can be traced back to just a few issues that are of common occurrence in our fallen human nature, and even those who have been on the mountaintop with God have at times succumbed to temptations in the valley. There is nothing new under the sun, and there has not been any new temptation that has occurred for the past six thousand years, for all temptations we experience today are derived from three categories that have been recycled into other formats, to suit the fancy of modern times.

The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are the only three categories there are because every temptation that comes our way is a subtitle of one of these three. That’s why Christ was only tempted with three temptations when He was in the wilderness, for those assaults represented the only three categories that we are tempted with. Let’s read:

1st John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides forever.

The vehicles that may bring us temptations have obviously made them more readily accessible and the variations may have morphed into a million and one to, but at the end of the day it is the same old same old. For instance, food has always presented a problem for persons since the garden of Eden, and whereas in former years, one had to go to the restaurant or fast food chain to indulge, now, in our day, Grubhub and Uber eats can bring the very same food to your doorstep, and drones can deliver in your backyard.

Therefore, when you hear individuals say that this generation have temptations to face that were non existent in former years, it is a delusion, for there is nothing new under the sun. 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.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 10 Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

One of the phenomena that has baffled persons for many years is why is it that a person who has been in a close relationship with God, can fall into sin, if as is assumed, the Holy Spirit is with such a person. To understand this, we must realize that The Holy Ghost in no way shape or form ever coerces one’s choice. God does not give us His Spirit as an agent of force but rather as The Agent of change and therefore, at every step of advance in the Christian’s experience, we must exercise our freedom of choice.

Jesus sets before us the good and the bad with consequences, and it is left up to us to choose. When God saw that David was just about to take in Bathsheba He did not prevent him, because in most situations, God does not intervene to stop persons from doing what they have decided to do. To ask God to prevent us from sinning is not an intelligent prayer, for if He were to do this, we would become mere robots.

God did not stop Abraham, or Jacob, he did not stop Solomon from choosing multiple wives, neither did Christ prevent Peter from using his weapon in that moment of retaliation, even though Jesus knew, of it before, and warned Peter of coming danger. If Peter desired to be victorious in that instance, he would have to pray like everybody else, for God will warn, encourage and strengthen if we are willing, but the coercion of our conscience is for all intents and purposes off the table.

In the investigative judgement it would be revealed the enormous responsibility that rests upon persons for their choices and actions. Blaming other people, systems, and circumstances will not be considered as a valid excuse for sin. Some folks even blame the devil wrongfully, but he cannot use force in getting us to sin, except we may surrender our wills to him, for doing good or evil is our own choice.

Man must choose either good or evil untrammeled by the power of the Holy Spirit, for we are all free moral agents. Yet, we can ask God to keep us from falling, with the understanding that He will enable us to do right if we so chose. But to ask Him to use force in coercing our wills is a non-starter, and He will not do it. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. 20 That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days.

If we chose the good, we are given assurances that we will be empowered by The Holy Spirit to put it into practice on an ongoing basis, that is if we pray and seek God continuously for grace to help in time of need. But if we assume that because of previous victories won for many years, we can run the race in our own strength, then we will absolutely fall. God, and God alone is able to keep us from falling but He does not do this without our consent.

Thus, it is incumbent upon all of us to ask and to keep on asking. Today’s victories do not necessarily prevent tomorrow’s fall, and therefore, we are never to take anything for granted, but should rather with a meek and humble spirit, seek God for grace every day. Whenever, and wherever this is done on an ongoing basis, such a person will live victoriously, and will be enabled by God to avoid those pitfalls, clamors, and indulgences so deep-rooted in fallen human nature. The promise is given and certified by God himself, that if we ask for grace we will live like conquerors. Let’s read:

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

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

Therefore, the following is a breakdown of the main reasons why great men fall, for if we are guaranteed victory through Christ then, there must of necessity, be some other determining factors that can, and do often bring down great men, because no one who believes, and trusts in God can fall by accident.

[1] Separation from God.

This separation is often temporary in nature, but whenever it occurs it presents a golden opportunity for devils to intrude into our thought processes, the suggestions and allurements that would otherwise lose their sting, if Jesus had been in the vessel. The antidote for sin is not really resistance, a knowledge of the scriptures, or Bible studies. All of these are good and have their rightful place in overcoming, but it is only the person and presence of Jesus, and Jesus alone that can stop sin dead in its tracks.

When Christ continuously dwells in the heart, all sinful attractions lose their sting, and are replaced with upright motives, desires and feelings. Therefore, the first and most important strategy of devils is to separate us from God, even if it might be temporary in nature, for an opening is an opening, and who knows, it might very well just turn out to be the opportunity of a lifetime for them. Let’s read:

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the Vine no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Someone may ask for examples of those temporary separations from God which can often expose our vulnerabilities. We are glad that you asked, for it is important for us to understand the strategies which are used with too great success by our mortal foe. Peter was in the Spirit when he answered Christ on one occasion, but at the next moment a temporary separation took place, and without waiting, lest the golden opportunity should slip by the devil intruded himself and spoke directly through Peter.

What is truly amazing is that it can happen in a split second, and before you know it, great men can say and do things that are diabolically opposed to God’s will. What took place with Peter is often reproduced in our own experience, therefore, let those who are in danger of trusting to themselves take heed lest they fall. Let’s read:

Matthew 16:5 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 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. 24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

[C.C pp 312] Satan is ever intruding himself between the soul of man and God.... This lesson in regard to Peter needs to be studied carefully. Peter did not desire to see the cross in the work of Christ. The impression which his words would make was directly opposed to that which Christ desired to make on the minds of His followers, and the Savior was moved to utter one of the sternest rebukes that ever fell from His lips.

Satan was trying to discourage Jesus, and turn Him from His mission; and Peter, in his blind love, was giving voice to the temptation. The prince of evil was the author of the thought. His instigation was behind that impulsive appeal.

So, the question is, how is it that The Holy Spirit can in an instant, be The Author of Peter’s first thought, when he declared in no uncertain terms that Jesus was The Christ, and then moments later, the devil is the author of a thought that is directly opposed to God’s will? It all has to do with the phenomena of temporary separation, which occurs in our own experiences too often and imperceptibly.

Being kept by God’s power through faith continuously is something that many of us are yet to experience. Here it is taking place again with lightening speed, in another format that has been recycled to suit the circumstance. Let’s read:

Luke 9: 51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him.

54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

The words: “Even as Elias did” is a reference to what Elijah did under the direct inspiration of The Holy Spirit, when the enemies of God were trying to take out the prophet. But James and John fell into those snares we spoke about in a previous study, by using generic information in the scriptures and applying it across the board, without The Spirit’s direction. For reference purposes, here it is. Let’s read:

2nd Kings 1:9 Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down. 10 And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven and consume thee and thy fifty.

And there came down fire from heaven and consumed him and his fifty. 11 Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly. 12 And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.

What God inspired Elijah to do in a specific instance is not to be used as a template for similar situations without The Lord’s direction, even if it is written in the Bible, for being led by The Spirit of God is not monolithic in nature, but is instead tailor-made for each person in their particular circumstances.

The commandments, laws and the principles of the Bible are to be followed by all but there are specific circumstances which would at times call for God’s intervention in unique ways. Therefore, we must be wary of any momentary separation and pray God to keep our minds stayed on Him throughout the day.

[2] Idleness

Nothing is worse than having nothing to do, for the devil will find something for us to do. Temptations often assert their power when we have nothing to do, or, are at ease. Great success attends the efforts of devils when they come to us in our idle hours. Thus, it was with David who had retired to his home after leaving the conduct of the war to Joab.

As he reflected on his victories, and the riches and honor surrounding him, he began to lose sight of his total dependence on God and no sooner had the evil one succeeded in separating him, that temptation came to him, not in some night-club, but right at his own doorstep. Brethren, if you have nothing to do, find something worthwhile to do. Mow your lawn, wash your cars, take out the garbage, help the wife with cooking or folding the clothes, give out tracts, or seek to help someone in need; but whatever you do, avoid being idle at all costs. Let’s read:

Ezekiel 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore, I took them away as I saw good.

2nd Samuel 11:1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.

2 And it came to pass in an evening-tide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. 3 And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?

4 And David sent messengers and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. 5 And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.

[3] Lusting after Women.

This one in particular is huge and is responsible for single handedly taking down kings, church leaders, bishops, clergy, presidents, military generals and so forth. The lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh when unbridled by God’s presence and grace will wreak havoc, even on those men who have had a real close connection with God. Sexual clamors, which often disproportionately affect men more than women, are very deep rooted in our nature, and can be quite difficult to control, since it includes urges that have been placed in us by God.

It is no respecter of persons and can affect both the married and the single alike. Abraham, David, Solomon, Jacob, were all married, and were Christians just like anybody else, yet they were haunted by the same problem. Therefore, if we are humble, we would not think of ourselves as being invulnerable, but will rather plead with God continuously, to keep us from falling. Let’s read:

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

[4] Pride.

Whenever pride is indulged in any form, it’s just a matter of time before that person will experience a fall, because pride actively prevents persons from acknowledging their dependence upon God. At the very onset of his reign, king Solomon kneeled and prayed, asking God for wisdom and discretion to direct the affairs of the kingdom.

At this time, he realized that without God he would make shipwreck of faith and practice, and thus, he prayed with the understanding for God to be in his thoughts and in the hearts of his people always, and God listened and He delivered, as He always does to those who are humble enough to ask. Let’s read:

2nd Chronicles 6:13 Solomon had made a brazen scaffold and set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and knelt down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven. 14 And said, O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven nor in the earth; Who keeps covenant, and shews mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts. 19 Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prays before thee.

2nd Chronicles 6: 1 Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house. 2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house.

That’s all well and good, for God responded in the positive to such a prayer that was made in humility. But sadly, after the dawn of a new day Solomon, bit by bit started to eliminate God from his planning and decisions. He gloried in the thought that his wisdom had now brought kings and queens from afar to learn at his feet, and before you know it, he began to take the glory and credit to himself.

Whenever this takes place, great men will fall, and the higher the climb, the lower the fall will be. It is of very critical importance for the human agent to ascribe all the glory and every praise to God alone, for the accomplishments and fortunes bestowed, for it is God who works within us to will and do of His good pleasure.

But when we begin to think that our own might and wisdom has brought us to where we are, we are in dangerous waters, and sooner or later we will come crashing down. The wisdom Solomon displayed was the direct working of God through him. He knew it, and as such, should not have permitted his head to become swollen with pride. Let’s read:

1st Kings 10:1 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions. 2 And when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. 3 And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not anything hid from the king, which he told her not.

4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built, 5 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord; there was no more spirit in her. 6 And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.

7 Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceeds the fame which I heard. 8 Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. 9 Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the Lord loved Israel forever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.

10 And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.

Watch it now, for after a day of great victory danger often lurks. It is not good to praise men, for we poor mortals cannot handle praise very well. In fact, we do more damage than good when we praise men for that which God has actually accomplished. Thus, it was with Solomon, and thus it will be with anyone who indulges in the pride of life. Let’s read:

1st Kings 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father.

7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. 8 And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.

It is not inevitable that any of us should fall, nor is it necessary for great men living in our day to suffer defeat that plagued some in former years. God is more than willing and able to keep us from falling, but we must diligently follow the instructions given in His word, pertaining to living victoriously, for we are given mighty promises that we may live by.

We must pray always, not letting our guard down for a moment, and not thinking to ourselves that we are invulnerable. Jesus prayed for victory, and if we pray too, we can be victorious as He was. Also, we must fill our minds with the word of God, with that which is good and right, so that The Holy Spirit can channel our thought processes in right paths.

No one lives victoriously by accident, for it takes well directed and consistent effort, trusting in God to do so. And therefore, we will close with a few passages of scripture which will enable us so live and do, especially now, as we see things winding down in the earth. Let’s read:

Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Ephesians 6: 0 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

2nd Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

God Bless!

Humbleness In Real Time. Sabbath Afternoon 06/06/2020

Micah 6: 8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Walking humbly with God means a whole lot more than kneeling and praying to Him. It also includes allowing God to take the lead in all of the important decisions of our lives, and seeking Him up front for guidance in all matters, and willing to follow where He leads the way. It also includes being willing to live according to that which is written in His word.

Some Christians may be eager to hear God’s voice in their conscience and while that is a good desire, our willingness to obey whatever He says is also of the utmost importance. Thus, if we reject that which is written, it is highly unlikely that we will obey that which is spoken, for in all of Christ’s temptations in the wilderness, He always referred to that which is written.

Therefore, humbleness in real time is essentially being willing to follow everything God says, whenever, wherever, and however He says it. Some wonder greatly why God loved and protected David so much, even though at times he faltered in his walk with God. It is because David was willing to be led by God, and he cherished and cultivated the right attitude whenever he was corrected by God.

These are the two main elements that are of critical importance to the Christian in being led by God, for if we are willing to do His will, and do not become offended when He corrects us, then there will be no limit to what God can and will do in us. God is much more concerned with our attitude, than with errors in judgement that may occur from time to time.

When God corrected David through Abigail, after he became bent on revenging the wrongs done to him and his soldiers by her husband Nabal, David didn’t despise the agency of God’s choosing. He listened attentively to her and when she was done speaking, he thanked her for the correction. This is what makes all the difference, for like David, we too make errors in judgement, but if we are not willing to listen to God’s voice through the agencies He may choose, then it becomes quite difficult for our relationship with Him to grow and mature.

David did not resent the fact that God had used a woman to correct him, even though at that time the chauvinistic society in which they lived might have prodded him to look down on her. Instead, he was willing to listen, and for harboring that disposition, he was saved from making a grave mistake, which could have forever tainted his future. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 25:23 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; 28 I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the Lord, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days.

29 Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling. 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. 35 So David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person.

David was also willing to include God in his decision-making processes, with God, not being asked to just rubber-stamp whatsoever David chose, but being willing to let God do the choosing. This attitude also makes a huge difference in our walk with The Lord. Seeking God for an endorsement of a decision we have already made is quite different than seeking Him up front to make the right decision. The first option seeks to make God subservient to us, while the latter places Him in the driver’s seat.

But with too many Christians nowadays, Christ has been relegated to the passenger seat, as a sort of tag along, being permitted to offer suggestions, not definite directions in this or that circumstance. God desires that we acknowledge Him as the driver, who knows the road, and who has foreknowledge of any potential accidents, speed bumps, or potholes.

In very many instances in David’s experience we see him asking God for guidance, and direction before going out on a limb at his own discretion. Even at times when it seemed like the logical thing to do, he would still ask God to lead him, because logic and faith are sometimes diabolically opposed. Let’s read:

2nd Samuel 2:1 And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron. Two important questions are here being asked by David: [1] Whether or not he should go to the cities of Judah. [2] And if so, which one.

Being led by The Spirit of God involves much more than that sort of generic guidance we often seek Him for, where the human agent has preconceived ideas that he/she has already predetermined they will carry out. The next two verses of David’s experience here are also very important, because faith without works is dead, and therefore, after having received direction from God, he follows through with obedience. The habit of forcing through our own will after God has clearly shown us what to do is often productive of unnecessary adversities and trials. Let’s read:

2nd Samuel 2:2 So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite. 3 And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.

Thus, David, having that confidence of seeking God first, and then walking in obedience to His guidance, gives him the assurance that if for any reason, some sort of trouble should rear its head in that specific city to which God sent him, he could then ask for God’s intervention with a clear conscience. It makes all the difference in our walk with God.

When we employ humbleness in real time by asking God to take the lead, we will only have success and no failures, for God never leads us into situations in which we cannot be victorious. God does not deal in defeat, only in victory, and thus, with His ability to know the future He is able to plan, and also execute strategically without a flaw.

Here it is over and over again, that humbleness in real time being manifested in David’s decisions. He refuses to take the lead but asks God to direct his paths, and as a result, he went on to succeed in all of those undertakings God guided Him through. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 30:8 And David inquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all. 2nd Samuel 5:19 And David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

Even though it seems as if every time David asks, God gives him the all-clear, yet there are instances where the instruction would be different. David is not to assume that just because God has given him clearance in most situations, that every instance will be the same. This assumption often leads to presumption. There are times when God would also say no, or He may choose to use a different strategy in such and such situation.

Being led by The Spirit of God is not a sort of monolithic leadership by which a set, rigid format for all situations is laid out for many years into the future. It’s on a case by case basis, for sometimes God will use different methodologies, means, strategies and agencies to accomplish His purposes. Thus, those of us who might try to box God into a square, without leaving any wiggle room for Him to work at His own discretion, will find that it is pride that is the driving force in such an outlook, in most instances.

Humbleness in real time, on the part of the human agent, will permit God the freedom to maneuver in ways that are unorthodox, if He so chooses, and it is thus that His wisdom is displayed in many instances. David was willing to be led in any which way God, in His wisdom might choose. Let’s read:

2nd Samuel 5:22 And the Philistines came up yet again and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 23 And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

24 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the Lord go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines. 25 And David did so, as the Lord had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.

But the next instance is where humbleness in real time reaches a crossroads, because David and his men have been overtaken with grief at the news of an attack that seems to demand revenge. Invaders have taken his wives and children captive, and they have burnt their city to the ground. In this instance logic would seem to call for revenge, because this time, it is of a personal nature.

Fallen human nature naturally clamors for justice rather than mercy, and we especially need to be humble when our emotions run high and tempers flare. It is at such times when it can be most difficult to pray, for the natural urge is to take matters into our own hands. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 30:1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; 2 And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.

3 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. 4 Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

Here again David has a situation on his hand which seems to call for immediate retribution. The human thing to do would be to repeat the same mistake that was made earlier, when he felt wronged and slighted by Nabal. At that time David did not ask for God’s counsel, but rather took it upon himself to wreak vengeance. Often in the Christian’s life folks are made to pass over the same ground especially if we had stumbled on a similar point in times past.

But David had been taught a very valuable lesson in self-restraint, even in the face of blatant injustice. The human response to violations of our rights is to take matters into our own hands, and to deal in the same currency we have been dealt. But fighting fire with fire usually produces more fire, and therefore, the Christian will allow to God lead, even in those situations that may actually warrant strict justice.

The correct Christian response is to put the matter into God’s hands and let Him decide which is the best course of action to pursue. As injustices and all kinds of cruelties increase across the land, persons will be sorely tempted on the issue of revenge, and we will sometimes discover that a burning desire for justice can lead us if we are not careful, to take God out of the picture.

But humbleness in real time will move us to restrain our feelings and emotions, by asking God what we should do in such and such situation, before going out on a limb to take matters into our own hands. This is what David did when he and his men were attacked, and this is what we also must do in similar circumstances. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 30:8 And David inquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

But the next situation is even more sensitive, for it involves an instance where a blatant robbery had taken place. Now, beyond a shadow of a doubt, this is one of those situations where persons may feel at liberty to react violently, especially since we have those stand your ground laws at our backs. It takes great humility to walk with God through any and every situation that may occur, and the stakes increase tenfold when our lives may be in danger.

But the scripture teaches us to acknowledge God in all of our ways, not only those situations where we have nothing to lose, or where the results may be inconsequential. This is what David had trained his mind to do, and thus, it had become sort of second nature to him. In other words, whether it was robbery, injustice, or a decision to move to a certain place, David’s default setting was humbleness in real time, praying, and waiting upon God to lead and direct matters at His discretion. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 23:1 Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshing floors. 2 Therefore David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the Lord said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.

3 And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? 4 Then David inquired of the Lord yet again. And the Lord answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

Very often in our life experience we may discover that it is difficult to pray and wait upon God when someone has stepped on our toes, especially if it was done deliberately. Currently across the land, and indeed across the world, tensions are running high, because of what has taken place recently. Multitudes are up in arms, and nerves are severely frayed, and people are demanding that justice be served, and permanent change be instituted in our system of inequality that is obviously broken.

God sees, hears, and knows all, and even if the issues tug at our heartstrings, the Christian would still consult with God as to what course of action to pursue. In such instances we should find solace, refuge, and strength in the promises of God, for He is well able to take care of us in any given situation. Thus, as we move into unchartered waters, and the prophecies that point to Christ’s return unfold before us, it will be very important for us to walk humbly with God.

Remember, the followers of Jesus are to be peculiar in every way, and although this does not cause us to be insensitive to the feelings and hurts of others, it is important for us to be guided by biblical methods, principles and actions, so that the character of God may be made manifest, in and through us. God not only deals in mercy, He also deals in justice, and therefore, in the fullness of time he will address every wrong that was done to those for whom Jesus died.

However, we should remember that unless a change of heart takes place, man will continue to sink lower and lower, and as such our efforts should be concentrated on scriptural solutions. Riots and looting and protests do express the anger and frustration of the people, for it was expected that we had crossed this bridge in former years. If then there is a resurgence, it means that the former remedies did not work as expected, and therefore the Christian will offer those solutions that would bring in permanent change.

But it will require humbleness in real time, with all those who name the name of Christ. Whatever the situation may be, and regardless of how riled up we may get, let’s remember that God is still in control, and in the fullness of time His will would be made plain to us, only if we permit Him to lead.

We therefore end with two passages of scripture that remind us of the fact that the administration of strict justice ultimately falls into God’s hands, and it would be served sooner or later, but as Christians, we must walk humbly with Him. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 5:8 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.

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. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

God Bless!

A New Breed Of Preacher. Sabbath Afternoon 05/30/2020

Joel 2:23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.

The Hebrew word for rain in this passage is Moreh, and it literally translates as teacher, thus, when we read about God pouring out the latter rain upon the earth, He is basically referring to a brand new breed of preacher, appointed to the final call of the gospel in the last generation. This type of preacher is not to be expected to fit in with commonly accepted norms of preaching, for they are specially anointed by God to do a specific work.

And therefore, their manner of preaching and their manner of dissecting and delivering the word will be somewhat different than what we have all become accustomed to over the years. Conventional education in theology often involves students being sent to religious universities and, or seminaries, and there they would learn the art of preaching from their professors and doctors who have studied Greek, Latin, and Hebrew languages, and are taught what is described as Hermeneutics”.

The students at some of these seminaries and universities are then taught how they are to structure their own presentations, and how to plan strategically to win souls. But, in many cases, persons have graduated with their summa cum laude in theology but have received an F grade in the Holy Spirit and thus their preaching in some cases savors more of the wisdom of man than the wisdom of God. These institutions of higher learning are not to be condemned, wherever the unadulterated truth is being taught, for they serve a good purpose for the time being, as churches and various ministries often benefit greatly from their work.

That is all well and good. However, those preachers referred to in Joel have an emergency on their hands, as the last leg of the long running marathon of salvation will be closing, and therefore they will be specially instructed, and guided by God to deliver the goods at such a time as this. They have been taught by God, and they have been given the unction of The Holy Spirit, to rightly divide the word of truth in a simple format, so that both the learned and your everyday John Doe can receive and understand the scriptures with clarity.

When Christ was engaged in His ministry while on this earth, the theologians of His day became quite perplexed, and alarmed as they realized that Jesus had never attended any of their universities, yet He handled the scriptures with clarity and wisdom that often left them dumbfounded. Let’s read:

John 7:15 And the Jews marveled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? 16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

Luke 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

God’s ways are not man’s ways, and therefore, in many instances we will discover that God uses very unconventional methods and means to get His will done. For instance, John was prepared by God for his mission in the wilderness, feeding on the locust fruit with wild honey, as he studied both the word and the works of God in nature.

Moses kept his flocks for forty years, learning how to care for sheep, in preparation to take care of real sheep, whilst receiving instructions and knowledge from God, and Elisha came out of the countryside, out of nowhere as it were to bring about permanent change and reformation where it was urgently needed. Therefore, those preachers God is about to let loose across the world will have one special mission to be accomplished, and they will divide the scriptures in ways that heretofore have not generally been seen.

It is not absolutely necessary to know Hebrew and Greek for your everyday person to understand the scriptures. These languages have all been studied intensely in times past and as a result of the labors of others, we now have very reliable versions of the Bible by which we can come to correct conclusions, just as if we had referenced Greek and Hebrew. Furthermore, it is not absolutely necessary to study the writings of Ellen G.White, in order to receive a clear understanding of God’s will.

Now folks, these words are coming from an avid believer in both the Bible, and the spirit of prophecy writings, even though we have always known all along that the scriptures can stand on their own two feet. Very valuable information, instruction and insights are to be found in Ellen White’s writings, but many of these are also to be discovered first and foremost in the scriptures. The problem is that the Bible has been too long shackled by man-made limitations, and in some cases it is not studied the way it is supposed to. Let’s read:

[G.C pp 595] God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines, and the basis of all reforms. Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord” in its support.

So, my brother, why have you, in some instances been using the writings of Ellen G. White to shed light on certain issues in the scriptures? That is a great question and we’re glad you asked, for it is one that deserves an answer. It is virtually impossible to put all of the additional explanations in one book, furthermore, if things are stated that are not readily apparent in the Bible, the question of authority will undoubtedly arise.

Thus, to avoid those questions of where we got such and such info from, the pen of inspiration is referenced. But in reality, there is not an absolute need to go to any other book, other than the Bible for explanation because the Bible could certainly explain itself. The problem is that the scriptures are not studied as we ought to study them, which then necessitates those additional explanations in her writings. Let’s read:

[Testimonies 2 pp 605] If you had made God's word your study, with a desire to reach the Bible standard and attain to Christian perfection, you would not have needed the Testimonies. It is because you have neglected to acquaint yourselves with God's inspired Book that He has sought to reach you by simple, direct testimonies, calling your attention to the words of inspiration which you had neglected to obey, and urging you to fashion your lives in accordance with its pure and elevated teachings.

Therefore, this evening we are going to discover how to rightly divide the word of truth, without referencing Hebrew or Greek commentaries, and without referencing the writings of Ellen G. white. The scripture, and the scripture alone would speak authoritatively for itself.

Question: What are the methods and essentials for studying and interpreting the scriptures correctly, that are stipulated by God in the scriptures? Those essentials and methods are these: [1] The Holy Spirit. [2] Line upon line. [3] Here a little and there a little. [4] Intelligent reason guided by enlightened conscience. Let’s read:

Isaiah 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.

2nd Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

This is not rocket science folks, for if the Holy Ghost inspired the Bible writers, the same Holy Ghost will be needed to rightly understand and interpret the scriptures. Therefore, the very first thing we must do before we even think about opening the Bible, is to humbly ask God for His Spirit so that we can draw right conclusions. The Bible cannot and should not be studied like any other book, for its sacred utterances could bewilder or confuse the most intellectual, if done without the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, in order for us to rightly divide the word of truth, using only the word of truth, certain essentials will be required. The new breed of preacher in the book of Joel will be employing those simple tools recommended by God in the Bible. We have to be very careful when we present sacred truths to others, lest we become too intellectual for the ordinary person to readily grasp the truths of the gospel.

If we say that it’s impossible for the ordinary person to reach right conclusions while studying the word, without referencing Greek and Hebrew, we will be shackling the word to some extent, for the everyday person does not know, or reference Greek. But they can be more acquainted with using the line upon line method, reasoning powers enlightened by the Holy Ghost, and Google. The word of God must be presented as simple as possible and user friendly so that even a child would not become perplexed or in some cases, intimidated by unknown languages. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

2nd Timothy 3: 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

We have already seen the line upon line method of interpretation recommended in the Bible. But there are other essentials stipulated in the scriptures for studying and presenting God’s word to others using the Bible alone. As we study them, let us do so with a humble and teachable spirit. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea the deep things of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Luke 24: 44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.

Acts 17:1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures. 4 And some of them believed and consorted with Paul and Silas.

Acts 18:19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. The study of the scriptures engages one’s reasoning powers, and whenever and wherever the scriptures are delivered in such a manner to appeal to one’s reason, individuals would have clearer concepts of truth and would be better enabled to make choices and decisions in favor of the truth.

Therefore, armed with these simple scriptural tools let us take a few examples from the Bible, showing how line upon line, precepts upon precepts, here a little, there a little, the power of the Holy Spirit and our reasoning powers can bring us to those correct conclusions found in the Greek, Hebrew, and in the writings of Ellen G. White.

Our first trial run will center upon those passages of scripture that have long been used to certify Peter as being the rock upon which the Christian church was built. The Hebrew and Greek are reached for to explain away this error, but it’s not necessary to do so, if we use the specified tools mentioned above. Let’s read:

Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

There you have it folks, Jesus appears to be handing over the keys of the kingdom to Peter, and his head begins to swell, as ours often do whenever a little commendation is given. But, without us reaching for any Greek or Hebrew commentary the scripture can explain who is the real “Rock” being referred to, if we were to use those simple tools recommended in the Bible.

As we read further down in the same chapter we’ll discover that That Rock could never be referring to Peter, because if we reason from the scriptures, it becomes evident that Jesus Christ, who is greater than Peter, would not even consider putting a mere mortal man, who suffers from bouts of violence and cursing, and who behaves impulsively, at the head of His church.

We do not need any Greek to let us know this, for if Christ were to put Peter in such a high position of authority then Christ Himself would be subservient to Peter, a man whom satan had in times past made a mockery of. In fact, a few verses down in the same chapter, Peter’s own frailty is manifested, thereby signally disqualifying him for the top position some churches claim Christ gave to him. Let’s read:

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.

Again, that Rock could never be Peter, because long before Peter was born the doctrine of The Rock had been surfacing in the scriptures pointing us to Christ who was to subdue all kingdoms unto Himself, and Who alone would be the stabilizing agency for His people throughout all ages. Peter wasn’t even born yet! Let’s read:

Daniel 2: 31 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. 32 This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, 33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. 34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.

35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. [That Rock was Christ]

1st Corinthians 10: 1 Moreover brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and That Rock was Christ.

Psalms 18: 2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Deuteronomy 32:1 Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass.

3 Because I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. 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.

2nd Samuel 22: 2 And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; 3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my high tower and my refuge, my Savior; thou savest me from violence. 4 I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Psalms 62:1 Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved. 5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.

That Rock being mentioned by Christ in Matthew, upon which He will build His church could never be Peter, and yet, using those simple scriptural tools as recommended in the Bible, we have safely come to the correct interpretation without referencing the Greek or Hebrew commentaries. Furthermore, it’ll be interesting to see what Peter himself has to say on the matter. Let’s read:

1st Peter 2: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming as unto a living stone disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner.

The next example will be taken from the book of Genesis, where the narrative of the fall apparently places Adam and Eve at the point of temptation at the same time. Now, we can go out on a limb and say that this could never be the case, but then the question of authority will certainly arise, for it will be asked, where did you get that from? Let’s read:

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden. 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die. 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

There you have it again folks, for on the surface, it seems to say that both Adam and Eve were present at the tree. The pen of inspiration places them at different locations, which would shed great light on how the whole saga unfolded. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 53>54] The angels had cautioned Eve to beware of separating herself from her husband while occupied in their daily labor in the garden; with him she would be in less danger from temptation than if she were alone. But absorbed in her pleasing task she unconsciously wandered from his side. On perceiving that she was alone, she felt an apprehension of danger, but dismissed her fears, deciding that she had sufficient wisdom and strength to discern evil and to withstand it.

That information is all well and good, but the Bible can stand on its own two feet, and the very same conclusion can be drawn using those simple tools we referred to earlier, so here we go, without using Greek, Hebrew, or the writings of Ellen G. White. It is stated in the Bible that Paul “Reasoned with them from the scriptures, so come now and let us reason together. Let’s read:

Genesis 2: 18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. 19 And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.

20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field. Genesis 2:21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

Obviously, Eve was no where around when Adam named the animals, and we have seen clearly that his wife was made from one of his ribs. So then, is it reasonable to conclude that in chapter three, where the temptation is taking place, Adam will now sit back quietly, listening to a snake having a conversation with his wife, encouraging her to go against God’s express command without him saying a word, or doing something about it?

Now, many of you have pets at home. What will you do if one day you came home and found your puppy dog speaking in plain English to your wife? Will you stand there quietly listening, or are you going to go berserk and call 911? Personally, if it was me, I will reach into my top draw and pull out my Bible, and Bible them. Adam could never be reasonably placed at the same location, for he certainly would have intervened in the situation. That is why, throughout the entire conversation, Adam is not once mentioned, until at the very end. Furthermore, this is what line upon line has to say on the matter. Let’s read:

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman; 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die. 13 And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me (Not us), and I did eat.

1st Timothy 2: 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

Therefore, using those simple tools alone, we can come to the same conclusions written by the pen of inspiration. And we can go on and on and on, from those passages which treat on the trinity, to those difficult passages written by Paul, over which some folks still to this day continue to stumble over, to the mark of the beast. Every one without exception can be explained from the Bible alone, without anyone having to reach for Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, or the spirit of prophecy.

Thus, while it is true that we might continue to use these references in friendly circles where like- minded believers are huddled together, we should be prepared to deliver the gospel using the Bible alone. Therefore, the new breed of preacher will be able to stand firmly and securely upon the word of God alone, being enabled by The Holy Spirit to rightly divide the word of truth, without referencing any other book, commentary, or writing other than the scriptures.

Be prepared, because the time is now. We therefore end with a passage of scripture that will enable and encourage us do what has been too long neglected, and God will bless our efforts in this direction, if we are humble and willing enough to be taught by Him. Let’s read:

2nd Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

God Bless!

Our Need Of Extra Holy Ghost. Sabbath Afternoon 05/23/2020

Whenever a person gives their life to Jesus they are given a portion of The Holy Spirit, and if they stay the course with Christ, studying His character, and reading and obeying His word, the level of The Holy Ghost is increased with the passage of time. In the Bible this initial installment is called an “Earnest”. Let’s read:

Ephesians 1: 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

But we are never to rest contented only with the initial gift, for as time passes and needs increase the first installment will prove insufficient to meet the demands that will certainly come. Some Christians receive the gift of The Holy Spirit, but never go on to receive more, and thus a syndrome of lukewarm Christianity sets in. In fact, the five foolish virgins in Christ’s parable of Matthew 25 had been given a portion of The Holy Ghost but as time passed, they didn’t seek for extra and thus, when an emergency arose suddenly, they found themselves destitute of sustaining power to ride it out.

Even though they were all sleeping, that wasn’t the main problem, it was a lack of extra power that did them in. God’s people ought to be a people on the move, ever growing, developing and maturing daily in Christ, for it is only by so doing that the stagnant state of affairs mentioned in Revelation could be avoided. Growth in grace requires God’s supernatural power combined with human effort and choices in obeying His word, but some folks settle for a superficial type of Christianity, where the knowledge of God’s word is not synchronized with the practice of those truths written.

Thus, their experience degenerates into a mere intellectual knowledge of Christ. Knowing Christ and knowing about Christ are two entirely different things, for the former transforms the life on a continuum, whilst the latter savors of a hands-off approach, where the truths in the Bible are not permitted to impact and change one’s life. As it stands currently, most of us as Christians today do not have sufficient Holy Ghost power in our lives to meet daily challenges, let alone any unforeseen emergency that may require extra. Thus, there are several valid reasons why we stand in need of extra Holy Ghost power, some of which are listed below.

[1] Guessing!

There are times in our experience when we may pray and ask God to reveal His will in this or in that situation, and sometimes we can discern His voice clearly, but at other times we are found guessing. This is because we are not familiar with His voice as we ought to be. This first point must be explained further. In the scriptures there is general information given through laws, principles and instructions whereby the righteous may live. But in order for the general instructions to be tailor-made to our own individual situation, we would have to be led by the Spirit of God.

For instance, in buying a home, the Bible teaches us those general principles for making purchases, such as not being driven by covetousness or materialism, being contented with what we can afford. What the scripture does not tell us is which particular house to buy. That direct information would have to come from God through The Holy Ghost, if we so desire. Technically speaking, persons can follow the general instructions given in the scriptures but doing so may not always produce the best results.

For instance, there are three-bedroom homes in Liberty City, that may conform to godly instructions given, but there are also three-bedroom homes in Coral Gables that may also fit the bill. If one desires to be led by The Spirit of God, he/she will be led to a specific home with the best outcome because the choice will be tailor-made by God, who never makes a mistake. On the other hand, persons may choose to go with those general instructions in the Bible, and they may indeed come off well. The problem is that we often cannot decide or even discern which house God is recommending.

Being led by The Spirit of God takes Holy Ghost power to another level, for it includes being enabled to hear His voice clearly, not only through His word but also in those everyday experiences and decisions of life. Let’s read: Romans 8: 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. However, there is a very huge difference between living by general biblical instructions and principles and being led on a personal basis by The Spirit.

Thus when we speak about the issue of guessing, we are referring to that stage of Christian development in which God’s voice is not always discerned distinctly in specific matters. Again, the scripture gives us general instructions, or principles on marriage, stating up front that persons ought not to be unequally yoked. That’s all well and good, but it does not lead to a specific person, who would be the very best choice in the matter. To be led to the best specific person will require a special choice by The Holy Ghost.

In other words, two saints may agree on spiritual things such as baptism, believing God’s word, the second coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the 27 fundamental teachings of our church. That does not mean to say that in all other areas they would be compatible. That’s one of the reasons why you have many saints going through divorce, because although they might believe the same things spiritually, they found out that were not suited to live together in real life.

This should never be used as an excuse for breaking up, but the fact is that belief in the same spiritual things is no guarantee that persons will be equally yoked. If on the other hand, The Holy Spirit chooses for a saint, a specific person for that soul to live with in marriage, it will always be the best possible choice that can be made, and the likelihood of breaking up will go down dramatically, if ever. The difference is being led by The Spirit, and following general laws and instructions on our own. Let’s read:

Genesis 24:12 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. 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. 65 For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master. 67 And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her.

The same issue of guessing occurs with witnessing, for there are general instructions given in the great commission that are to be adopted and followed by each and every saint. This is good and God will bless all well-directed efforts in this direction. Let’s read:

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake 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.

But we would need “extra” of The Holy Ghost to be directed to specific persons who will respond in the positive. When The Holy Spirit is directly involved in the implementation of the great commission, those to whom He directs us will usually give their lives to Christ in most cases, for He takes the guesswork out of our evangelistic efforts. Let’s read:

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words. 22 Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.

23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Whenever The Holy Ghost gets involved in efforts to save the lost, He does so with surgical precision and those who have been given extra of the Holy Ghost will discern and obey His voice in implementing the great commission. The huge difference is following general instructions on witnessing or having “Extra” Holy Ghost to be led to those specific opportunities. We are not speaking these things lightly, nor is it to make anyone feel bad.

We are just highlighting our need of extra Holy Ghost power, so that desire for more of Him may be kindled. Without us seeing our need we will remain in a lukewarm condition, with hits and misses characterizing our great commission experience. Let’s read:

Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spoke unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goes down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him and heard him read the prophet Isaiah. 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

[2] Problems with living victoriously over sinful habits. Whenever we find ourselves falling repeatedly over the same sinful habit, it is a sign that we need extra power. Whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world, and even though persons may be severely tempted from day to day, yet, in the lives of those who are growing in grace, will be seen a steady and even tread in their walk with God. Being tempted because of human weaknesses and frailties is not a sin, it’s yielding to those clamors we suffer from that does us in.

But the Holy Spirit in the life empowers reason and will to hold clamors and desires at bay. God’s power in our lives will always translate into victory, for God has never lost a battle. Now, we do stumble at times, but the general trajectory would always be upward. Always. Let’s read:

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. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1st John 5: 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

2nd Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ

[3] Tepid witnessing.

If one were to ask us when was the last time we led someone to Christ many professed Christians would be found wanting. That’s because we need extra of The Holy Spirit to hold our temporal, and mundane interests in a subservient position to the interests of God’s kingdom. But with many, our priorities have been reversed to the point where the great commission is something done by the way, in our spare time, not as a focused mission that is all absorbent.

In some instances, we have become all consumed with survival instead of surrender, and thus our priorities have now become quite mixed up. With many of us, that burning desire to win souls, to share the good news, which animated us when we were first baptized, has been squelched by the cares of everyday living, and as a direct result, doing church has devolved into what can church service do for me, instead of what can I do for the service.

Therefore, we need extra Holy Ghost power, so that or dormant energies can be revived, and so that the great commission given us will be in the forefront of our minds, not as a side order on the back burner. Let’s read:

John 4:28 The woman then left her water-pot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city and came unto him. 31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. 33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? 34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

In other words, even though Jesus was then hungry, He had lost His appetite for food at the prospect of souls being won for his kingdom. Food, and all the other necessities of life were held in subjection to the great commission. That’s why we need extra Holy Ghost power, to help reverse our priorities. [

4] Intimidation, and a lack of boldness for Christ.

Many of us have hidden our light under a bushel in response to the criticisms, and cynicism of the day. In some circles it is not convenient to speak of those peculiar truths we hold dear, and often, in order to appear to be “Cool” we will rather stay quiet, when in fact, we should be speaking clearly. Holy boldness comes with extra Holy Ghost power, and this is one more reason why we need extra, for when The Spirit rests in copious measures upon a person, he/she will speak the truth God gives them, whether it be convenient or not to do so. Let’s read:

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

Ezekiel 3:7 But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted. 8 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads. 9 As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks.

10 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears. 11 And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord God; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.

Acts 9:26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Grecians.

Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

There is a syndrome in which church members are found clamoring for more services and ministries to cater to their needs. In most cases, it is not extra services that are needed, it’s extra Holy Ghost that is needed. A continuous clamor for more services is, in most cases a definite sign that God’s power in the church is lacking.

[5] To be prepared for the emergency that is coming.

The forces of good and evil are now gathering for the last fearful battle that will draw a clear line of distinction between those who serve God and those who would not. The devils will not yield the battle without a fierce struggle, and the “Emergency” we are referring to will occur when all the stops have been pulled out, so that choices can be made either for or against Christ. Let’s read:

Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; 11 And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executes his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered.

[E.W. pp 271] My attention was then turned to the company I had seen, who were mightily shaken. I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and praying in agony of spirit. The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet. They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Evil angels still pressed around them but could have no power over them.

I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect. Many had been bound; some wives by their husbands, and some children by their parents. I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, “It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.”

Therefore, the question now is: How can we receive more of The Holy Ghost? How, like those five wise virgins can we have extra? Answer: There are certain things in the spiritual realm that are only given in response to us asking. An extra portion of The Holy Ghost is one of them. Even though folks are given an earnest at baptism, yet we are to constantly ask for fresh renewals and increases of The Holy Spirit according to God’s will. But if we do not see our need of extra, we most likely won’t ask, and that’s the basic problem with Laodicea, we do not realize our greatest need. Let’s read:

2nd Kings 2: 9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. 10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.

11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. Zechariah 10:1 Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.

John 16: 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; 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?

As we see the signs of Christ’s soon coming happening all around us, and as we see the hearts and minds of men and women becoming perplexed, because of the many problems and strife arising in an almost never-ending cycle, those of us who have been beneficiaries of God’s grace are to rise to the occasion. We are not to wait in idleness, for the apostles did not wait in idleness before Pentecost, but rather, like them, we should be earnestly seeking God for an extra portion of His Spirit to meet the unfolding emergency.

Let us not be satisfied with a mediocre form of relationship with Christ but rather, let every person heed the warnings given in Revelation 3. In harmony with this appeal, we will end with a passage of scripture which should enable us to see both our need, and the final work to be done in our generation.

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. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.

God Bless!

Avoiding The Bailout Blues. Sabbath Afternoon 05/16/2020

One definition for the blues is that it is a melancholy or depressed feeling, which in real life, often occurs after a high point in one’s experience. For instance, the Monday morning blues may occur after one has enjoyed a great weekend, then comes the old hum drum of working again. Similarly, the sugar high of trillions of bailout dollars now being handed out to individuals and businesses will be followed by a day of reckoning, for after the Covid 19 dust has settled, the magnitude of what is now being done will be realized in very staggering, and disturbing figures.

Therefore, this Bible study is designed to help us to prepare for and avoid the bailout blues. Wherever there is more outflow than inflow for an extended period, a problem of supply and demand would be created, and at some point, the disparity will have to be addressed in order to avoid a total economic collapse. There is no such thing as a free lunch and therefore, after the Covid dust has settled a rude awakening is going to grip those nations which were forced into spending what they did not really have. To put it bluntly, monies that are now being spent will have to be repaid one way or the next.

To conquer the ancient city of Babylon Darius, the Mede, diverted the river Euphrates from its natural course and not long after the riverbed became dry, thus allowing the Medes and Persians to gain access to the coveted city, which was then brought into a total subjection to the invaders. Similarly, if monies are diverted from their natural courses of supply, the financial waters will run dry sooner or later, and like the ancient city of Babylon, those persons and nations will have exposed their vulnerabilities to adversaries of all sorts.

Most business models run on the assumption that things will continue as they were or get even better, and even though a few blips in the markets may be baked into their financial outlooks, most companies assume that a regular flow of customers would be there forever. While it is always good to take an optimistic view of things the fact is that no one knows what the future holds, and therefore, we are cautioned in the Bible to make allowances for times when the unforeseen occurs without warning, wherever allowances can be made possible.

There are cases where, try as one might, they may not be able to make ends meet every month, but in other circumstances where there is some surplus an individual is cautioned to save from principle, rather than from fear. That way there will always be some sort of cushion to sustain persons, if, and when the going gets rough. Such counsels are to be found both in the old and new testaments, and wherever and whenever they are adopted on an ongoing basis from principle, the likelihood of financial ruin will go down significantly. God requires that His servants exercise prudence and discretion in all matters, big or small, in good times and bad times.

The five foolish virgins did not provide any extra oil in their lamps; they did not anticipate any delay or emergency; thus, when the bridegroom had tarried for an unspecified period of time they were caught off guard. The wise in contrast, had made provision for if things did not go as expected, so any delay did not faze them. Many of the Egyptians in Joseph’s day did not take the dreams of future famines seriously, and like so many do today, they believed that all things would continue as there were. Thus, when it came crunch time and the brutal realities set in, they were forced to sell their homes, their livestock, and finally their own bodies to pharaoh. Let’s read:

Genesis 47:15 And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money fails. 16 And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail. 17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.

18 When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands. 19 Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate.

At this point in our study, it is befitting that we read a few passages of scripture, for whatsoever will take place on this earth has already taken place, in most instances, and therefore the rhythm of life consists of cycles and experiences, which are often found to repeat themselves. Coupled together with this fact are the scriptures which refer to the looming beast system, where a cryptic word is used to describe its implementation.

Now, while it is true that The Lord will protect and provide for His people in times of emergencies, yet He requires that we do all we possibly can to avert the dangers that lie ahead. God is much more practical, and down to earth in His instructions than many Christians realize, and thus, He often sends us warnings before the rest of the general public are alerted to coming dangers or calamity. So, let us read, and study with a humble and teachable spirit, the things which belong to our peace. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 10 Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us. Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon.

12 And he exercises all the power of the first beast before him and causes the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 16 And he causes 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.

There is much knowledge and understanding to be found in studying the ways of God; what He does, when He does it, why He does it and how He does it. One of His “Ways” is that supernatural power is never to be summoned to do that which we can do for ourselves. To put it plainly, God does not work unnecessary miracles, for His miracle working power is to be a last resort when the human agent has maxed out. This is a fundamental teaching of the scriptures and ought to be incorporated into our understanding of God. We’ll explain as we go. Let’s read:

Joshua 5:12 And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna anymore; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. John 11:39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. 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.

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? 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

In preparation for those days ahead, that we have been warned of, it would be necessary to do all we possibly can, by the grace and guidance of God, to mitigate circumstances, until such time that God’s supernatural power would take over entirely. Therefore, to avoid the bailout blues, we should work in harmony with those principles, laws and instructions God has given in His word, wherever and whenever possible. In other words, the snares that are now being laid for the feet of the unwary should not be found entangling the faithful.

In addition, the Bible teaches us to live contentedly, and therefore, if we are humble and willing enough, God will show us those unnecessary expenditures that can and should be diverted to preparing for the rainy day. The following are just a few passages that encourage us to live prudently. Let’s read:

Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself, but the simple pass on, and are punished. 4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life.

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. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 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. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things.

Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provides her meat in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest.

Deuteronomy 15:5 Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day. 6 For the Lord thy God blesses thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.

It has been documented that Americans are saving now, more than ever, as Covid puts a stranglehold on persons and economies. But in reality, the Bible teaches us the necessity of saving from principle, so that when those rainy days come, as they certainly would, the saints would not be caught flatfooted. The teaching of scripture can go a very long way in avoiding the bailout blues, if certain principles are adopted on a continuum. It is true that most people will begin to apply brakes, if they can see economic trouble brewing on the horizon.

But the Bible highly recommends and prefers the “prevention is better than cure” approach, where godly principles are incorporated into our everyday experience, in the good times as well, as the bad. The Biblical principles pertaining to our outflow and inflow are to be practiced in the good times, so that if, and when calamity strikes, there would be some level of cushioning to absorb unforeseen shock, at least to some extent. This applies to individuals and nations alike.

But, in many nations of the earth, these instructions have not been followed, and as a direct result many have become entangled in one of satan’s favorite snares, debt. As it stands currently, most nations of the earth are trapped in a cycle of debt. When governments indulge the habit of borrowing for any and every reason, those citizens under their jurisdiction often suffer the trickle-down effects and slowly but surely, the syndrome known as irrational exuberance, as it pertains to unwarranted spending sets in, and we often become detached from reality, until some grave emergency arises.

So, for some historical context, the internal revenue service was instituted as a means to pay for the war which had inflicted financial damage on the nation. It is worthy of note that the institution was not a one-time deal, but rather became permanently fixed in the financial system up to this day. Similarly, after the Covid dust has settled, nations the world over will be facing a grim reality, and as is always the case, the financial burden will be placed on the backs of everyday workers and businesses.

Deep and permanent changes to life as we know it will be instituted, and therefore, in lieu of what will certainly occur, God advises us to position ourselves as best we can, to avoid as much as is possible, the financial carnage that will certainly come to pass. Trusting in God includes taking all those necessary proactive steps to facilitate His work. The trumpet is now giving a certain sound, so that all who so desire may prepare. The following therefore are scriptural instructions on how to avoid the bailout blues.

[1] Do not borrow if you don’t have to. Let’s read:

Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Many businesses which did not need a bailout, were found borrowing for no valid reason, just because of sheer greed, and some were publicly shamed into returning millions that were really needed by others who were hurting. Borrowing should be something of a last resort, not a way of doing business, if it can be avoided.

[A.H pp 392>393] When one becomes involved in debt, he is in one of Satan's nets, which he sets for souls. Abstracting and using money for any purpose, before it is earned, is a snare.

This is exactly what is taking place now, because nations and individuals are spending that which has not yet been earned, and, lest the faithful become caught up in the snare, God is now putting us on notice, so that we exercise prudence and wisdom moving forward.

[2] Taxes and financial burdens will be increased one way or the next, so be prepared wherever possible.

Nehemiah 5:1 And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews. 2 For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore, we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live. 3 Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.

4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards. 5 And, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants and some are brought into bondage already; neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards.

Here’s a bit of history for anyone who would listen. [P.K pp 55>56] So gradual was Solomon's apostasy that before he was aware of it, he had wandered far from God. An ambition to excel all other nations in power and grandeur led him to pervert for selfish purposes the heavenly gifts hitherto employed for the glory of God. Engrossed in an overmastering desire to surpass other nations in outward display, the king overlooked the need of acquiring beauty and perfection of character. In seeking to glorify himself before the world, he sold his honor and integrity.

The enormous revenues acquired through commerce with many lands were supplemented by heavy taxes. From the wisest and most merciful of rulers, he degenerated into a tyrant. Tax after tax was levied upon the people. The people began to complain. The respect and admiration they had once cherished for their king was changed into disaffection and abhorrence.

[3] Live humbly and contentedly. Way too much pride was being indulged on several fronts, and Covid has essentially brought many of the popular gods to their knees. Whatever we may accomplish in this life, whether in the temporal or the spiritual realm, the glory, or the credit for such achievements belong to God. The human agent is just an instrument in His hands, and thus, we should ever keep before our faces that in Him we live and move and have our being. Thus, the mantra for us now, and in the future is for us to live soberly, to do righteously, and to walk humbly with God. Let’s read:

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20 He that handles a matter wisely shall find good and whoso trusts in the Lord, happy is he.

Proverbs 30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me. 9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

Hebrews 13: 5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

[4] Pray, before making any financial or other important decision.

Now more than ever, we must seek God in earnest prayer before going out on a limb and making any decisions without counsel. A thousand different snares of which some are not familiar will be laid for the feet of the unwary therefore, we must reiterate again, take everything to God in prayer. God is able to see way ahead, what is coming down the pipe, and He will be able to guide the humble in such a manner as to avoid unknown pitfalls, before they arrive.

We are now on the last leg of the long- running marathon of salvation, and just as Christ has said over and over again, His coming will be sudden and unexpected. Therefore, it is of the most critical importance for us to lay every important decision before Jesus, so that He may guide us into wise paths. We will end with a favorite passage of scripture that will help us to do just that. Let’s read:

Proverbs 3:4 So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord.

God Bless!

The Stranger Within Thy Gates. Sabbath Afternoon 05/09/2020

There are certain facts pertaining to God’s people that are to be clearly understood by all those who enter into a covenant relationship with The Lord Jesus. This bond between ourselves, and the God-Head through Christ must not be taken lightly, for it involves very much more than some may know. The knowledge of God through Christ must mean something tangible, that can be seen and observed by even the casual onlooker, which in turn would lead them to enquire about how they too can join the fold, since Christ died for all.

When Christ refers to His people as witnesses, that does not mean someone who has merely seen the love of God; instead it refers to all those who are actively engaged in an on-going relationship with The Lord Jesus, and who, as a direct result, have a peculiar set of characteristics and identifying factors that are not to be found in the general public. If a solid relationship with Christ does not result in a marked difference across the entire spectrum of our life experience then something is missing that needs to be urgently addressed.

The scripture makes very plain some of these differences and special features so that any observer will know. The religion of Christ was meant to attract as many as are willing to know and obey Christ, and be saved eternally, and therefore, if it only results in a run of the mill experience that does not make a difference, there won’t be any attraction for those who do not know God to say “I’ll like to do that too”. In other words, the “Herd” mentality never applies to God’s people.

Thus, these attractive differences in the scriptures should be understood by all, for our relationship with Christ must have meaning and credibility, if we are to be effective witnesses, who have not only seen, but have heard, and handled that which is to be found in Christ. Let’s read:

Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no savior. 12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore, ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.

Numbers 23:5 And the Lord put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak. 7 And he took up his parable, and said; 8 How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied? 9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone and shall not be reckoned among the nations.

Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.

1st Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; 10 Which in time past were not a people but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

For purposes of this Bible study, the word “Peculiar” begs a detailed explanation. Let’s Google it and see what comes up. Peculiar: strange, unusual, particular, distinctive, special, curious, odd, weird. The only words one could say after reading such a meaning from Google, is “have mercy”. God has not called us to be popular, but to be peculiar, so that a marked attractive difference would appeal to those who observe.

Thus, if after observing us keenly, one comes away with the impression that there isn’t any difference between Christians and non-believers, then there is a missing link in the chain that needs to be found. Abraham understood this difference and peculiarity when He asked God concerning the wicked and the righteous living in Sodom. At that time, righteous Lot was residing in the midst of the city’s citizens, and thus, before judgements were to be meted out, Abram became quite puzzled, as observed by those questions he then asked. Let’s read:

Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? 25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

26 And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. 32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.

Exodus 11:6 And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it anymore. 7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

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 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. 10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee.

But, let’s go back to Google for a moment, because the meanings given for the word peculiar are pretty disturbing to say the least. Let’s read: Peculiar: strange, unusual, particular, distinctive, special, curious, odd, weird. One of the most prominent “Odd” features about God’s peculiar people is that they keep the seventh day Holy. Now, there are other people across the globe who recognize the Sabbath as God’s sacred day, who may not have a relationship with Christ, but nevertheless, they also are viewed as being odd.

As the Friday evening sun sets in the western sky, those who honor God are seen closing up shop, and putting aside their daily duties, refraining from work and hastening to enter into God’s haven of rest, and for an entire day and night cycle the ordinary duties of life take a back-seat to eternal interests. Pretty odd, as far as the rest of the world is concerned. The pursuit of gain is held subservient to God’s law, and temporal pursuits are laid aside so that worship to God and fellowship with like-minded believers can take precedence.

But this does not cause them to be oblivious to the needs of suffering humanity. However, their focus is not on the temporal, but on the spiritual. Thus, this singular characteristic of proper Sabbath keeping is what God refers to as the main sign of differentiation between the general public, and His peculiar people, and wherever it is cherished, and obeyed in sincerity, God’s special favor would be certainly found. Let’s read:

Exodus 31:13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

The phrase “The children of Israel” has been highlighted for a special reason, because many in Christendom have taken that to mean that the 7th day Sabbath was only for the Jewish people. That interpretation will be permanently put to rest now, by the following scriptures. Let’s read:

Isaiah 56:1 Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. 3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying, The Lord hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

4 For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; 5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

However, over the centuries, the sabbath has been severely obscured by the teaching of evolution, for it removes The Creator from His created works, and thus a serious breach has been made in the keeping of the Sabbath, in so much, that most Christians nowadays have come to accept the first day of the week, as being God’s sacred day. In addition, there have been numerous distortions, and misinterpretations that have insidiously crept in over the years that have blurred the lines between what is done over the sacred hours, and what God originally intended.

For instance, when Christ was on earth, He explicitly stated that it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath, but that rendering has been stretched to its limits in many instances, and now incorporates many secular occupations, and business which thrive off of those exemptions ordained by God. Where it so desired, the term essential services can actually be stretched to the limit to include almost every job that is done during the six working days.

It used to be the case that those who were working in the medical field would be able to do so, giving that they are engaged in humanitarian work. But now in our day, several other professions are tethered to such humanitarian work, and they run the entire gamut, from accountants to cooks, from cleaners, to billing. The array of “essential” services have now come to include mechanics who service ambulances and other medical vehicles, plumbers, air-conditioning technicians, and so-forth.

The issue has also been further exacerbated by the fact that the authorities have now stepped into the fray to designate what is an essential service, due to the corona virus, and who knows where the words of Christ will be brought to a stop. The following is a list of goods and services now being deemed as “Essential” in the sunshine state:

Healthcare providers: Including, but not limited to, hospitals, doctors’ and dentists’ offices, urgent care centers, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, physical therapists, mental health professionals, therapists, and pharmacies. Grocery stores, farmers’ markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products).

The authorization includes stores that sell groceries and also sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operations of residences. The sale of alcoholic beverages is included. Food cultivation: Including farming, livestock, and fishing. Businesses that provide food, shelter, social services and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals.

Media: Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services. Gas stations; new and used automobile dealerships; auto-supply, auto-repair, and related facilities. Banks and related financial institutions. Hardware stores, Contractors and other tradesmen: Including appliance repair personnel. Exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and other structures.

Mailing and shipping: Businesses providing mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes. Private colleges, trade schools, and technical colleges, but only as needed to facilitate online or distance learning. Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers. Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but subject to the limitations and requirements of the order.

Basically, that includes a very wide swath of goods and services now being designated as “Essential” and as we have seen, individuals who work in those industries could be ordered to work under the defense production act. But the designations did not stop there, for lo and behold, on the 14th of April, another so-called “essential” service was added to the mix. Let’s read:

v The New York Times Published 04/14/2020

By Mihir Zaveri

The WWE Is Now Considered an ‘Essential Service’ in Florida. In Florida, World Wrestling Entertainment has found itself among the services considered essential according to Mayor Jerry L. Demings of Orange County, where the sports entertainment business has a sizable training facility and has held recent events.

Basically speaking, all roads are currently leading to Revelation 13, sooner than later. All technological roads, all financial roads, all commercial roads, all food chain roads and all information highway roads. The question is, what did Jesus mean when He said it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day? Is it what the authorities say is lawful, or is it what God says is lawful?

Therefore, God’s “Peculiar” people have a distinct and particular mission, to repair the breach, but in doing so they themselves must be certain, that in their own households a breach is not being made. Wherever this is the case, and wherever it may be countenanced, for any reason, the “Peculiar” status will become non-existent. Let’s read:

Isaiah 58:12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. 13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:

14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Therefore, as the repairers of the breach examine their peculiar status, it will be discovered that some members of our households may not be abiding by God’s explicit instructions, and for one reason or another, some have permitted those within their gates to violate the sanctity of the Sabbath.

Great changes must therefore be made, and even though sound wisdom and discretion would need to be exercised in repairing our own breaches, at the end of the day, God’s will must be fulfilled in our homes, if the blessing of His presence is to abide with us. Thus, we will enter with solemn tread into the Bible study for today, which would address the sensitive issue of “The Stranger Within Thy Gates”. Some of the words will be highlighted so as to make lain their importance, and we’ll explain as we go. Let’s read:

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

Question: What if family members or friends refuse to comply? What if, after using kind entreaties, and reasoning, and after clearly explaining to them the requirements of God, the stranger within thy gates refuses to comply? What should the next move be? To answer this question, we must turn first to the scriptures, so that clarity on the matter might be given. Our individual relationship with Christ was purchased at infinite price, and therefore it is to be always valued and esteemed high above any other relationship.

Family and friends we may have but if they interfere with our relationship with God, the matter has to be addressed. Every repairer of the breach will reach a tipping point, where individuals will have to choose between serving God according to His revealed will, or allowing friends, and family ties to rule the day. Let’s read:

Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 305] “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Jehovah, the eternal, self- existent, uncreated One, Himself the Source and Sustainer of all, is alone entitled to supreme reverence and worship. Man is forbidden to give to any other object the first place in his affections or his service. Whatever we cherish that tends to lessen our love for God or to interfere with the service due Him, of that do we make a god.

The owner, or the head of the household will have to take proactive and remedial steps to bring his or her domain into compliance with the requirements of God, even though at times this may cause some level of friction between family members. Firmness and kindness are not necessarily mutually exclusive characteristics of love, because, in Christ we behold the two elements blended harmoniously. Thus, if after speaking kindly to the one at fault, no remedial action is taken, then, by the guidance of God, the matter will have to be taken to the next level.

Eventually, an ultimatum may have to be issued, for the law of God must be held supreme, even if other members of one’s household might not hold similar views. Furthermore, God would have us understand that any stand for the right will in most cases cause the obedient to be subject to misunderstanding. Whatever the situation or the ramifications may be, the bottom line is this, if persons continue to permit violations of the fourth commandment within their habitations, they will eventually lose their peculiar status with the attendant blessings and protections which come with it.

This is the reason why in many cases the blessing of God seems to be missing in some homes, because the stranger within thy gates is often held in higher esteem than the commandments of God. In other words, love is often misconstrued into allowing that which God has prohibited. This was the great error committed by Eli, who had permitted family ties to take precedence over the commands of God. Instead of taking those remedial actions necessary to correct the evils, he allowed his sons to do as they pleased because he abhorred the confrontation that would certainly arise if and when the issues in question were to be brought up for a resolution.

Therefore, he lost his peculiar status with God, and as a direct result, all of the attendant blessings and protections were permanently removed, and Eli’s family was left to reap the fruits of their own doing, which is exclusion from the new earth when Christ comes the second time. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 2:27 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus, saith the Lord, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house? 29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honorest thy sons above me? 30 Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 32 And there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever.

God does not bless disobedience, and therefore, as we move into unchartered territory, now and in the future, it would become even more urgent for every repairer of the breach to be found in compliance. It was observed that there was only one missing link in the chain of obedience with Moses, but it would be sufficient to endanger his life as he went to do battle against pharaoh.

Similarly, as the pressure mounts and as the heat of the furnace will be increased as it pertains to proper sabbath-keeping in a hostile world, it will become a matter of grave and urgent importance for repairers of the breach to be walking in obedience to all of God’s commandments for when He sees obedience, He will pass over. Let’s read:

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

In his mission to Pharaoh, Moses was to be placed in a position of great peril; his life could be preserved only through the protection of holy angels. But while living in neglect of a known duty, he would not be secure for he could not be shielded by the angels of God. In the time of trouble just before the coming of Christ, the righteous will be preserved through the ministration of heavenly angels; but there will be no security for the transgressor of God's law. Angels cannot then protect those who are disregarding one of the divine precepts.

Very great changes are coming our way, and even greater changes would have to be made in our understanding, and implementation of what God has commanded in His word. It will not be easy to do so in some cases, but we must be faithful in that which is least, as well as that which is much. We therefore end with a passage that will help us to understand the serious import of the study today, and by God’s grace to make the necessary changes and adjustments, wherever they may be warranted. Let’s read:

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

God Bless!

Man's Voice Versus God's Voice. Sabbath Afternoon 05/02/2020

God’s voice is to be heard and found primarily in His word, through His Holy Spirit, and in the utterances of every God-ordained prophet. Then, there is the voice of God, coming through preachers, teachers, and lay persons who have been ordained by God for the purpose of rightly dividing the word of truth. In a few rare instances, other methods, and means have been used by God in specific circumstances, but these are not to be sought after for guidance, except in such cases where God so chooses.

Some of these uniquely rare instances include the donkey which spoke to the obstinate Balaam. The Midianite soldier who spoke while Gideon was listening, and the false prophet who informed the disobedient prophet of his doom. God’s voice is also to be discerned through His providences, but since some people may have a problem in reading these evidences accurately, it is safest to stick with those means which were mentioned first.

Man’s voice is to be found primarily in political, and secular leaders. It is also to be found in the experts in various fields of study and research, and also in the popular majority opinions of the day. The voice of man is also to be found with apostate religions of the day, which cater to the masses of people. Those who have trained their minds to look to God, and to listen for His voice in all circumstances, will be led by the Spirit of God.

God does not lead those who are bent on having their own way; He will have mercy on such, but as a general rule if thumb, they will listen to those voices which they have become accustomed to. Thus, the voice of God will be heard by anyone who wants to listen and obey what He says. The various channels and agencies mentioned previously would be put in motion in different ways, and are already available to all who have heard, and have acted on their belief. Let’s read:

Romans 8: 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Proverbs 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keeps the paths of judgment and preserves the way of his saints. 9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

10 When wisdom enters into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: 12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaks froward things.

The voice of man is often motivated by self-serving, political ambitions, public polling, majority opinions, and whatever the masses of people may clamor for; and because of this the voice of man has often been wrong, unreliable and in some instances, downright dangerous for persons to follow. The voice of God is under-girded with truth and facts and always has the general well-being, and good of all humanity as its main focus, and thus, it is often the case that God will tell us what we need to hear, and not merely what we want to hear.

The voice of man can be often fraught with political correctness, for many in such circles would say only those things that may rile up excitement, whilst the voice of God speaks truths that may not be always palatable. Thus, as a general rule, the voice of God leads in an opposite direction to the voice of man. Those who put their trust solely, and wholly in the voice of man will at times be subject to very great disappointment, for when men might speak peace and safety, the voice of God might be speaking the exact opposite.

Thus, throughout the history of our world, the voice of God and the voice of man have been at odds for the most part. In fact, there is a very great difference between the ones who place their faith and trust in man’s voice, compared with those who trust in the voice of God. The ways of God’s voice are always safe and secure, but the voice of man has often been proven time, and time again to lead into false or even dangerous paths. Let’s read:

Jeremiah 17:5 Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the Lord. 6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. 7 Blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreads out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

In the days just before the flood, man’s voice was calling for peace and safety, and because things had continued like normal for centuries the voice of God through Noah seemed ludicrous. Those so-called experts of Noah’s day pointed to the seasons that had come and gone in their unvarying round every year. They pointed to the fact that there had never been any precedents for what Noah was predicting, and for all intents and purposes, there was no scientific data, no research, nor any logical reason to believe that God’s voice was indeed coming through Noah. In their minds, if Noah was correct the experts and scientists would certainly know. Let’s Read:

Luke 17: 26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 97] As time passed on, with no apparent change in nature, men whose hearts had at times trembled with fear, began to be reassured. They reasoned, as many reason now, that nature is above the God of nature, and that her laws are so firmly established that God Himself could not change them. They ate and drank, planted and built, laying their plans in reference to advantages they hoped to gain in the future.

They asserted that if there were any truth in what Noah had said, the men of renown, the wise, the prudent, and the great men would understand the matter. The voice of God was again at odds with the voice of man when a decision needed to be made in the matter of conquering the city of Ai. At that time, soldiers were sent to spy out the land, and, without seeking God’s voice and advice, they came back with the recommendation that only three thousand men should go up to the battle.

After suffering defeat, they turned to the voice of God, and His counsel in this instance was that all the people should go. They then followed the voice of God, and the rest is history. Let’s read:

Joshua 7:2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. 3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labor thither; for they are but few.

4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. 5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: wherefore the hearts of the people melted and became as water.

Joshua 8:1 And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land. 3 So Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valor and sent them away by night.

In another instance of God’s voice versus the voice of man, we have David offering to fight and defeat Goliath, because God had spoken through Him. But Saul, who dealt strictly on a seeing is believing basis, remonstrated by saying unequivocally to David that he could not fight the giant. God’s voice is found in the realm of faith, and that’s why the scriptures teach us that without faith it is impossible to please God.

Man’s voice is found in the sphere of unbelief, doubt and finite limitations, and thus, the calculations, assessments, predictions, and evaluations of man often collide with the voice of God. Let’s read:

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. David finally convinces Saul, after relating to him the humanly, impossible things God had wrought through him, but yet, the voice of man surfaces again in Saul’s recommendations.

He insists that David should go prepared for battle according to conventional methods; the voice of God says in this instance, that no spear or body armor is needed. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 17:38 And Saul armed David with his armor, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. 39 And David girded his sword upon his armor, and he assayed to go. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

Again, we have the experience of Peter, who had fished all night and had caught nothing. Being an experienced fisherman, the command of Christ to cast down his net in the middle of the day seemed illogical, yet he humbly followed the voice of God, and the rest is history. Let’s read:

Luke 5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land.

And he sat down and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes, and their net broke.

7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

The voice of God is also at odds with the voice of man as it pertains to the age of this earth, for those experts who don’t incorporate the scripture in their research, declare that the world must be millions and billions of years old. The conclusions of experts are now taught in institutions of higher and lower learning and are considered the gold standard for educational basics in most cases.

The voice of God through His word, says something entirely different, for there’s no way when the math is done from a scriptural perspective, that you come even close to a million years. In fact, God has stated that it is very much less than what the voice of man teaches. There is a type of expert who fears God, and another who does not. Be very careful! Let’s read:

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

Exodus 20: 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.

Therefore, the question for each of us is “Which voice are we going to listen to, God’s voice man’s voice. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. 30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; 31 (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he swore unto them.

Currently across the entire world, there is eagerness and haste to open back up the world economy, for many large and small businesses have been taking a severe beating, and millions of individuals the world over have not paid their rents and mortgages, and car notes and other bills are piling up to the sky. Parents are stuck with their kids at home, folks are not flying as they used to, restaurants are empty, and car lots are full to the brim, while the demand for oil has plummeted precipitously.

And thus, most public officials are worried, and even scared about the long-lasting impacts from the current pandemic. Farmers have been putting their livestock down under because there’s a lack of demand from those restaurants which were just recently their primary clients, and the ripple effects of these things are now being felt far and near.

Governments are being forced to hand out money by the billions, and trillions, which will eventually have to be paid back someway or somehow; yet, because of the pandemic, they seem to be left no choice, except at the risk of total economic collapse. And the carnage continues! Those ginormous sums of cash now being given out and lent to persons and businesses, will come at a price, because after the Covid-19 dust has settled, the stage could be set for something ominous which most folks are not anticipating, nor expecting.

There is no such thing as a free lunch, thus, if the outflow of governments and individuals becomes greater than their inflow, at some point, something will ultimately give way. We cannot borrow our way out of this current problem, neither can we print our way out of it. The mark of the beast is not Covid-19, as some have been suggesting, but rather, a general consolidation of religious and economic forces to coerce persons into a form of worship which is entirely contrary to the scriptures.

Therefore, the voice of God through His word, and His prophets, bids us to observe the regrouping and the consolidation that is now rapidly changing the economic landscape in unprecedented ways. Folks are warned that final movements will be rapid ones, and there are precursors that will set in motion the very things written in Revelation. Let’s read:

Revelation 13:16 And he causes 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.

Yet, those who listen for God’s voice must not lose sight of the fact that the just shall live by faith, and therefore, even during this down-time we are now experiencing, we should be seeking Jesus through earnest prayer, so that He may direct and guide us with wisdom and discretion. In our eagerness to get the economy rolling again, and in our zeal to resume work, even though a cure has not yet been found, let us make certain that we are listening to the voice of God in every situation, because one ill-advised move on our part can prove fatal to those who place implicit trust in the voice of man.

In every emergency, God will rise to the occasion to do what He has always done, in providing a way of escape to those who are willing to trust in Him. But we must be willing to listen to His voice via all of the various agencies He has put in place, primarily the Bible, and then His prophets and ordained servants. There is nothing that takes place in our world that catches God off-guard and therefore He has already made ample provision for all who have been, or, are willing to listen for His voice.

God’s prophets have written an abundance of very valuable information which directly pertains to the very times we’re now living in but it will be incumbent upon us to believe. Thus, to better understand the ways of God via His voice, it is necessary to observe how He has moved in times past, which will prepare our hearts to hear His voice in our day, whenever He speaks. God did not appear to every person living in Noah’s day, to warn them of the coming flood.

Instead, His voice was heard through His prophet, because where there is no vision, the people perish. But it would be left up to the people to believe or not. Physical and literal evidences were then given to the masses which portended the coming of some great calamity, yet the voice of man prevailed with the majority. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 97>98] The period of their probation was about to expire. Noah had faithfully followed the instructions which he had received from God. With an agony of desire that words cannot express, he entreated them to seek a refuge while it might be found. Suddenly a silence fell upon the mocking throng. Beasts of every description, the fiercest as well as the most-gentle, were seen coming from mountain and forest and quietly making their way toward the ark.

A noise as of a rushing wind was heard, and lo, birds were flocking from all directions, their numbers darkening the heavens, and in perfect order they passed to the ark. Animals obeyed the command of God, while men were disobedient. Philosophers were called upon to account for the singular occurrence, but in vain. It was a mystery which they could not fathom. But men had become so hardened by their persistent rejection of light that even this scene produced but a momentary impression.

Again, God did not speak personally to every Jew in Moses’ day, yet he sent His servant as a mouthpiece and it would be left up to the people whether they would believe him or not. But God did give signs and evidences that were to convince the people of the divine origin of the message. Let’s read:

Exodus 3:4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. 7 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; 10 Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

Exodus 4:2 And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. 3 And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent. 4 And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand. 5 That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.

As the citizens of earth adjust to the new normal, and as great and permanent changes begin to take root across the nation and the world at large, let us never forget that God has spoken by His prophets, declaring that there will come a time when there will be universal consolidation of world economies. And as world leaders predict a robust recovery, and that against all odds, let all those who are willing to listen to the voice of God, look beyond that which is seen to that which is eternal, for we look for a city whose builder and maker is God.

We therefore end with a promise of God’s continual guidance and protection during these times of great uncertainty and adversity, but again, He appeals to us to listen for His voice, for the voice of man often leads astray into forbidden paths. Let’s read:

Isaiah 30:20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers. 21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

God Bless!

Avoiding The Unpardonable Sin. Sabbath Afternoon 04/25/2020

The love of God towards us cannot be measured in human terms, for it far surpasses any emotional or real concerns we may have for each other. Love is measured by what one does, not what one says and the extent to which Christ went to save us from sin reveals the depth of God’s love toward the human family.

On a horizontal level, love towards one another can reach its zenith if a man is willing to die for his friends. But the depth of God’s love is manifested in His willingness to die for His enemies, as was made certain on calvary. In other words, when we did not care about Christ’s sacrifice He went ahead and paid the price for our freedom. Let’s read:

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Therefore, God does not take the unpardonable sin lightly, and He will try everything possible to save those who are heading in that direction, or who are not aware of their danger. Before The Holy Spirit is removed from persons, many well directed efforts on numerous occasions are made to keep such an one from going over the cliff.

But when everything has failed, when the repeated efforts of the Holy Ghost are rebuffed and despised, then God is left no choice but to suspend recovery efforts, and then it is that the voice of God in one’s conscience goes permanently dead. These efforts made at reconciliation by The Holy Ghost continue, much longer after human beings would do, for it’s often the case that some persons may adopt the three strikes and you’re out method of recovery.

But God’s efforts to save persons often continue for very many years, long after other men would have given up hope. Thus, the commission of the unpardonable sin is in most cases, not a one time action on the part of the human agent, but rather, the culmination of a series of rebuffs and resistances to the voice of God in our consciences, pleading with us to turn from sin. Then if we continue in a sinful course of action, it becomes futile for those ongoing efforts at reconciliation to continue.

Whilst God’s gracious overtures to save individuals continue, a whole lot of undeniable evidences are often presented to the conscience of the person in question, and it is our response to those evidences that determine our eternal destiny.

If, when presented with facts by The Holy Spirit, we deliberately close our eyes or try to justify ourselves in sin, then the next time God makes another effort, the voice of conscience gets more blunted, and if it continues over an extended period of time, the time will come when God may be speaking, but we won’t be hearing or listening.

When Christ warned against the unpardonable sin, it was done in the context of undeniable evidences of His power that was being deliberately attributed to devils, and thus, if one considers the work of The Holy Ghost to be of satanic origin, then conversely, that person will inevitably assess satan’s work as being of godly origin. Let’s read:

Matthew 12:22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spoke and saw. 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. 31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

32 And whosoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Thus, it was the deliberate effort on the part of the human agents, in refusing the evidences presented by The Holy Spirit, that caused Jesus to utter such a warning, for whenever and wherever persons try to put darkness for light, or willfully represent good for evil, the hardening of their hearts against The Holy Ghost takes place.

This scenario has been demonstrated in the Bible time and time again, with the hope that we who are living in the final days of earth’s history would not repeat the same errors. As we study the history of three kings, we can learn from their experiences and choices, how to avoid the unpardonable sin. Thus, our focus will be centered mainly on the many undeniable evidences God gave to these persons in their consciences, and their reaction to the facts, as they would go on to alter their destiny.

Speaking a word against The Holy Spirit is basically the refuting of undeniable facts about wrongdoing, when those facts are presented to our consciences. We begin with pharaoh, king of Egypt, who was to be given numerous opportunities to acknowledge that he was in the wrong, but who, at every turn, had made the decision to close his eyes to the facts. Even when he was forced to confess that he himself was wicked, he never reached the point of humbly submitting to God.

Instead, he continued to harden his own heart, and God, who gave to all the freedom of choice, let the king choose whether to submit, or continue in sin. The same sunlight that hardens concrete, will melt butter, and therefore, Pharaoh’s response to those undeniable evidences is what drove him to commit the unpardonable sin. Let’s read:

Exodus 8:17 And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. 18 And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice but they could not. 19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said.

The next set of undeniable evidences granted to the conscience of pharaoh was scheduled to take place in the natural world. A deadly infectious disease in cattle was on its way, but a strange distinction was to be made that just could not be reasoned away on any logical grounds, other than the hand of God was in it. If there are several ranchers in one area, but only one set of farmers are seeing their cattle die from mad cow disease, an immediate investigation would be launched by the FDA to determine what could be causing the difference.

And if for some reason it is discovered that the only real difference is the religion of the ranchers, then it is almost a foregone conclusion that a supernatural phenomenon is underway, which would transcend science, or logic as we know it. In pharaoh’s case, several differentiating factors are to be given so that to any reasonable person, all the facts would lead to a special interference from God. A specific time is set for the disease to begin, which in and of itself is unheard of. In addition, only those livestock belonging to pharaoh and other Egyptians would perish. Let’s read:

Exodus 9:3 Behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain. 4 And the Lord shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that belongs to the children of Israel.

5 And the Lord appointed a set time, saying, Tomorrow the Lord shall do this thing in the land. 6 And the Lord did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one. 7 And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.

Even when pharaoh is forced to acknowledge the facts and evidences granted him, he stubbornly refuses to repent. Instead, he feels remorse for the results of his action, but he does not feel sorry for the cause of his action. Many people today are feeling very sorry because of the resulting corona virus, but not many persons are feeling sorry for the cause, which is the eating of forbidden foods. And like pharaoh, if a cure was to be found, many who have temporarily stopped eating wild meat, would return to doing so. Let’s read:

Exodus 9: 22 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt. 27 And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.

28 Entreat the Lord (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail. 33 And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh and spread abroad his hands unto the Lord: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth. 34 And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants. 35 And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the Lord had spoken by Moses.

Undeniable evidences were stacked one upon the next, pharaoh’s own magicians plead with him to submit to the God of heaven, he verifies the great difference placed between himself and God’s own people in the plagues, yet he continues to resist the voice of God through His providential working. This continues, until The Holy Spirit gets frustrated with Pharaoh, and when the obstinate king would not listen to either God or man, and presumes to threaten Moses with death, then The Holy Spirit is left no choice but to depart from him.

And as Moses walks out through those palace doors for the last time, pharaoh’s day of grace comes to a permanent close. He committed the unpardonable sin, and by so doing, cut himself off from the grace and mercies of God, through Christ. Let’s read:

Exodus 10:28 And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in that day thou seest my face thou shalt die. 29 And Moses said, Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no more.

King Saul, like pharaoh became delusional, because of his stubborn rebuttal of facts presented by God’s Spirit. When the demon of jealousy came upon him, he sent several soldiers to take David by force, after he discovered that David was hiding out by Samuel. The first set of soldiers set out on their journey, but as they approach Samuel’s home, The Holy Spirit accosts them and brings them under His direct sway in so much that they begin to prophesy among the other prophets which were present with Samuel.

The news of the strange occurrence reaches Saul’s ears, but instead of acknowledging the facts in the case, he sends another battalion of soldiers, as if to verify what he heard; but they also come under the direct power of God, and prophesy as heretofore. Whenever any person, or ruler of any nation has a problem with facts and truth and will continuously choose not to believe reliable information given by trusted and reliable sources, it is almost certain that the person in question is demon possessed.

The messengers who brought the news to Saul were not David’s servants, but Saul’s own officers, whom he had selected for that purpose. But regardless of the fact that they were reliable and verifiable, Saul persisted in kicking against the pricks of conscience and he sent a third embassage of soldiers. These also fail in their mission, because of the sheer power of The Holy Spirit, who is appealing to their consciences.

But Saul, who has become totally blind and delusional, refuses to believe the truths on the ground and finally just like pharaoh, he himself goes to see if peradventure he might fight against God. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 19:20 And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. 21 And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise.

And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also. 22 Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah.

23 And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night.

Our last cast of characters is Nebuchadnezzar, who, even though he suffered from pride, was altogether different from Saul and pharaoh, for whenever he was confronted with undeniable evidences coming from God, he would consider, he would change his course, and he would acknowledge that the God of heaven was, and still is right.

It’s not that Nebuchadnezzar did not have his own problems like everyone else, but what he did with the facts on the ground made all the difference, and because of that specific disposition to acknowledge truth, God could, and did work with him. In other words, when The Holy Ghost pointed out his errors, he did not make excuses, he didn’t blame others, or try to reason away the evidences of God’s power. Instead, he would acquiesce, and admit that he was in the wrong.

Thus, any person who cultivates the disposition not to rebel against reproof or correction from God, has great potential to be saved eternally, for God could work with them. It is never the grievousness of our sins that causes anyone to be lost, it is the stubborn rejection of facts, evidences, and those truths, given by The Holy Ghost, beckoning us to change course.

Therefore, when Jesus warns us about speaking a word against the Holy Spirit, He is always primarily referring to what individuals choose to do, to quiet an awakened conscience, by stifling truth and facts. This course of action inevitably leads to a syndrome known as self-deception where persons deliberately choose an alternate set of facts to believe.

Lying is the signature characteristic of satan, and if persons deliberately choose to believe lies instead of undeniable truths, then their minds become too blunted for The Holy Spirit to impress them, which then leads to the unpardonable sin. Let’s read:

Matthew 13: 10 And the disciples came and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

As was stated before, king Nebuchadnezzar was an altogether different breed, for whenever he was due for correction by God, he would take it in the right spirit, and therefore the stage was set for his conversion, and we believe he will be saved when Jesus returns to receive his own. When Christ stopped him dead in his tracks, as he tried to burn the three Hebrews for refusing to bow, he reconsidered his evil doings, and he immediately changed course midstream, because the evidences God gave him were of such that they would appeal to any reasonable person. Let’s read:

Daniel 3: 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said unto them; 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king,

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. 19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.

20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spoke, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.

25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.

27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spoke, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

What a world of difference attitude makes, for if an individual is humble enough to receive correction, it becomes very difficult for that person to be lost, for God will not leave one stone un-turned, until such a person is brought to a knowledge of the truth. What the world is currently experiencing, is a wake- up call permitted by God to awaken the consciences of people everywhere to consider the truths in the Bible which have been too long neglected, some of which point us to Christ’s soon return.

And in lieu of those truths, all should now avail themselves of His grace, while probation still lingers. God is now appealing to the consciences of all, by showing us that the eating of forbidden foods will harm us, just as he has stated in His word, over and over again. Several recent viruses, and a plethora of cancers and diseases are the direct result of persons ingesting that which has not been designed for human consumption.

Pork producing plants are shutting down all over the country so that repentance can be made easy for those who desire to obey. It’s just as if God is pleading with the inhabitants of earth, through every available means, to turn and live. In other words, God is saying to earth’s inhabitants, if you continue to eat forbidden foods, they will kill you. Let’s read:

Leviticus 11:3 Whatsoever parts the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and chews 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 chews the cud, but divides not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. 7 And the swine, though he divides the hoof, and be cloven-footed, yet he chews not the cud; he is unclean to you.

8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you. 11 They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh. 24 Whosoever touches the carcass of them shall be unclean until the even. 32 And upon whatsoever any of them, when they are dead, doth fall, it shall be unclean; whether it be any vessel of wood, or raiment, or skin, or sack, whatsoever vessel it be, wherein any work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the even; so it shall be cleansed.

35 And everything whereupon any part of their carcass falls shall be unclean; whether it be oven, or ranges for pots, they shall be broken down: for they are unclean and shall be unclean unto you. 46 This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature that creeps upon the earth.

47 To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.

But if, instead of confessing our sins, and humbly accepting God’s correction, we succumb to various conspiracy theories, in an effort to quiet awakened consciences, and if we look for other reasons and causes other than what God has plainly stated, that will be the equivalent of burying our heads in the sand, and God’s voice in our minds will become less recognizable. While mercy still lingers, the loving voice of God’s entreaty beckons to us to turn from doing evil to righteousness.

We can, like Nebuchadnezzar, take a humble approach, confess our sins and be saved, or like pharaoh, we may choose to ignore truth, and thereby become encased in alternate facts, which ultimately lead to never-land. The choice is ours, and if we were to reconsider our ways in the light of Biblical truth, Christ who died to save us from ourselves will be willing to forgive and restore. Thus, we will close with a passage from the Bible which encourages us not to harden our hearts, and thereby cut ourselves off from God’s grace. 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 today, 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.

God Bless!

A Brief History Of King Saul. Sabbath Afternoon 04/18/2020

Israel’s first king was called to the throne after the nation had demanded a king, contrary to God’s will. It was the tendency to trust in man, coupled with a desire to be like the other nations, that drove their demand for a king. And by so doing, their distrust of God was exposed. But God, who has given us the freedom of choice to choose either good or evil, with consequences, had permitted them to have their own way even though a very graphic warning of the results of their choice was given by the prophet Samuel.

Yet they insisted that they would have a king. When Saul was first called to the throne to serve, he had very miniscule ideas of himself, for he regarded himself as least among his father’s house. And God, who always gives men the best opportunities to do right, anointed Saul with His Holy Spirit, so that he would have clear concepts of truth and duty, and he would thus be enabled to serve well in his office.

In harmony with His good purposes, Saul was taken under Samuel’s wings so that he could be instructed in the ways and purposes of God for the nation. And it even became a proverb in all Israel, that Saul was among the prophets. No one can serve God on their own, even if they desire to do so, and that is why a change of heart and mind was granted to the new king. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 10:1 Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance? 6 And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. 7 And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.

9 And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day. 10 And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. 11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him before-time saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

But after the dawning of a new day in his life, pride of opinion, and a stubborn resistance to God’s will, caused things to quickly unravel, for it was made manifest by his actions that he could not be trusted in emergencies. Whenever Saul’s back was against a wall, he would lose sight of God, and then, his will, and not God’s would be done. Our characters are revealed not so much in those good times, when everything is running smooth, but in those difficult circumstances which will test the mettle of our faith in God.

The tensile strength of our faith is tested mainly in the fires of our affliction and adversity. Now that our backs are against a wall, with millions of persons losing their jobs, and with evictions and foreclosures looming on the horizon, it will be made manifest whether we will trust God, just as in those sunny days of our life experience. Our tithes, as well as our offerings should be returned on the stimulus check received from uncle Sam, for it is an increase.

One of the most important lessons God will have us learn from this current pandemic, is to be humble, because, way too much pride and love of praise was being indulged in high and low places, just as it was with king Saul. After the first signal victory God had given to Saul, his head began to swell with pride, and, as is too often the case, his will began to take precedence over God’s will. When God commanded through Samuel, that Saul was to defeat the Amalekites, he decided that he would bring back Agag alive as a national trophy, to boost his already inflated ego.

In other words, Saul desired his signature on the victory God had given, in addition to which he spared the flocks and herds which were supposed to be devoted to destruction. He did not fully agree with God that the command should be carried out to the letter, for he thought a mistake in judgement, and discretion was made by God. Thus, he thought of himself as wiser and more intelligent than God as too many in our day do. God has not called us primarily agree with Him, but to obey Him.

In the process of obeying God, it is true that we may come to agree with His commands, but at the onset we are often at odds with what God instructs us to do, and therefore, it becomes a matter of whether we will let God’s will be done, or whether our will is going to take precedence. Saul’s will was allowed to overrule God’s explicit commands, and even though God continued to give him great victories and continued to plead with him through His Holy Spirit, the time came when things would take a turn for the worse, and the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from him, because of his persistent resistance to God’s voice. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 16:14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. 15 And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubles thee.

It is critically important for us not to misinterpret that passage which says, “An evil spirit from God troubled Saul”. This current condition of Saul is the default setting, whenever The Holy Spirit leaves any person, and thus the question is asked: “How did Saul get from there to here? How did Saul go from being anointed by the Holy Ghost, to being demon possessed? The answer is given in the scriptures. Let’s read:

Matthew 12:32 And whosoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. 43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he finds 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.

Whenever this has taken place in a person, satanic traits of character, and all cultivated evils are often brought to maturity, where there’s opportunity to do so, in those who have rejected the only agency by which we can be saved. The Bible teaches that persons are taken captive at the will of evil spirits, whenever God is not sitting on the throne of the heart. And in Saul’s case evidences began to spring up that made it manifest God’s Spirit was missing in his life, and these evidences should be studied closely in the context of the times in which we now live for there is nothing new under the sun, and history would be, and is now being repeated, even as we speak. These evidences are outlined as follows:

[1] Wherever, and whenever there is an insatiable desire for commendation, applause, or praise, and approbation of men, there we may be certain that satan has, or is taking up residence. In certain cases, persons may not have passed the boundaries of God’s grace, but in other cases, the problem can be incurable. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 18:6 And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music. 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.

A desire for praise is what caused lucifer to become satan, and ever since his fatal fall, he has sought to imbue human beings with his own attributes. Thus, whenever and wherever persons are observed to be thriving on praise, and the commendations of men, there we may be certain that demons have, or are actively taking up residence. 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. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

[2] Wherever and whenever there is an irrepressible desire to harm or get rid of those with whom one may disagree, there we may be certain that satan has, or is in the process of taking up residence. The habit of indulging revenge upon one’s enemies does not come from the Holy Ghost, and should never be practiced by any person. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 18:10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand. 11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice. 12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul.

Proverbs 24: 17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falls, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbles; 18 Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

[3] Whenever, and wherever there is a continuous disposition to blame others for one’s misdeeds and sins, there we may be certain that satan has, or is taking up residence. One of the sure signs of godly repentance occurs when a person willingly accepts responsibilities for his or her actions. But the tendency to blame others for one’s faults or shortcomings is a manifestation of the presence of evil spirits, and if that practice is cultivated, it will eventually mummify the person in a stoical form of self-righteousness, which, not even The Holy Ghost can penetrate. Thus, it was with King Saul. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 15:14 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. 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.

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. 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.

When we contrast Saul’s attitude with David’s we see that the difference between them is like night and day. Not that David was faultless by any means, but whenever The Holy Spirit pointed out his wrong, he was quick to blame himself and not others. And it would be well if some persons would imitate his example under such circumstances. Let’s read:

1st Chronicles 21:8 And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly. 16 And David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

17 And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O Lord my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

And there are other evidences that we should be cognizant of, because whenever The Holy Ghost has left a person, they often experience very wild mood swings. They can go from laughing and smiling, to a state of resentment, self-pity and revenge. Happiness may suddenly turn into violent outbursts, and complimentary words can turn into cursing, as in a moment. This was unmistakable evidence that Saul was becoming unhinged, not able to rule his own spirit anymore but being moved upon by devils increasingly. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 20:25 And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty. 27 And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor today? 28 And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem.

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? 31 For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.

32 And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? 33 And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 650] Saul opened his heart to the spirit of jealousy by which his soul was poisoned. 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 anyone 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.

Years went by, but Saul did not improve, for any sort of improvement in one’s character can only take place by the power of God, working in our hearts to subdue evil tendencies, replacing them with upright motives and habits. But without the power of God to enable us, all who reject God’s Spirit will end up at Endor, just as king Saul did, for whenever God stops speaking, and we stop listening, then the only other remaining option on the table is to come under the direct power of devils. Thus, it was with Judas, and thus it was with Saul. 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 enquired 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 enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.

John 13:26 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. 28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spoke this unto him.

If anyone listening today is struggling with any of these traits of character, or any of the latent evil tendencies mentioned, there is still hope for such, because the very fact that there is a struggle going on in one’s mind, tells us that The Holy Spirit is still at work. Whenever The Holy Ghost leaves a person, there is no struggle with evil anymore, and therefore, if we find ourselves battling these evils it is usually a good sign that a breakthrough can still occur.

But persons should be willing to listen to the voice of God when He speaks through His word and in our consciences. Whenever the voice of God points out our sins and failures, it is not to embarrass us, nor to condemn; it is with the sole purpose of restoration, so that the dross in our characters may be removed. And if like David, we acknowledge our sins, the same God who pointed them out will be the first to forgive us and heal.

Therefore, let none despair because of their sins, but rather, let us turn to God, to The only One who can help us out of our predicaments, because God delights in showing mercy unto all who will see their need, and call upon Him when whenever we fall. We therefore end with two passages of scripture which encourage us to seek for help whenever we need it, for God stands always ready to deliver us from ourselves, as long as we do not harden our hearts. Let’s read:

Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction. 12 For whom the Lord loveth he corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights. 13 Happy is the man that finds wisdom and the man that gets understanding.

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

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

God Bless!

One Nation Under God. Sabbath Afternoon 04/11/2020

Just a few years prior to the time when the Roman pontiff Pope Pius V1 was about to be taken prisoner by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798, the young budding nation of America had just come upon the stage of action in July 4 of 1776. And as the Pilgrim fathers relished the moment of their new-found freedom, a new day was about to dawn upon the world which would usher in a flood of new inventions, technologies, and above all, the promise of civil and religious freedoms, which were to form the backbone of America’s genius.

But as time went by, the nation became embroiled in wars, and as communism began to threaten the very fabric of American culture, the author of our pledge of allegiance was moved to pen those now famous words. The author was a Baptist minister, by the name of Francis Bellamy, and for some historical content we should know that the original pledge of allegiance did not include the two words “Under God”. Those two words were added later, because of the threat of communism which existed in the 1950’s.

In 1954, in response to those perils posed by secular communism from the Nazis, President Eisenhower then encouraged Congress to add the words "Under God," which then resulted in the 31 word pledge we have currently. Thus, the phrase “Under God” was an afterthought, and was never originally intended. It is worthy of note that the addition of the words “Under God” was made when the nation felt it was being threatened, as is so often the case when folks are prone to make commitments to God when they face existential threats.

God much more prefers if we commit ourselves to Him in good times, because of His goodness and not merely as a last resort, when our backs are against a wall. However, when the words “Under God” were added a very serious omission occurred, because at that time congress did not stipulate which God was being referred to. And to this day it has never been written in stone, who is the God in our pledge.

Some assumed that it should be the Judeo-Christian God of the Bible, but that immediately causes apprehension in the minds of many, because America is indeed a melting pot of many different creeds, cultures, and religions, including atheism. When Moses was called by God to go into Egypt to lead out His people, and ultimately to incorporate them as one nation under God, Moses had at that time asked a valid question, for he stated that the Hebrews would ask him, what is God’s name, so that they could believe Him. In response, God said to tell them Yahweh, the great I Am, had sent him. Let’s read:

Exodus 3:13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.

Therefore, as we face uncertain times, when many existential threats exist, the same question is being asked of the God in our pledge of allegiance: What is His name? Can it be the God of the Bible or is it the god of the Quran or is it a Hindu god? To further add to the mystery, the phrase, “In God we trust” is printed on the back of our dollar bills, flanked on either side by a pyramid and an eagle. So again, the question is asked: “Which god is it that is being referred to in our pledge?

Could it be a composite god, of all of the previously mentioned gods, condensed into one generic god, who is relegated to humbly acquiescing to any, and every dictate of the human agent? Thus, because it has never been made abundantly clear, and also for purposes of this Bible study, we’ll humbly assume that it is the God of the Bible that is being referred to.

Now, if that is the case, there are a few things about the God of the Bible that must be made abundantly clear, because, to include that phrase: One nation under God is not a trifling matter by any means for pledges made to God are to be held sacred. In fact, when the nation of Israel was proposed by God to enter into a covenant relationship with Him, thus bringing the them under His direct jurisdiction, the invitation was based upon what God had done for them by delivering them from cruel, Egyptian bondage.

This signal deliverance was cited by God as one of the main reasons for the proposal, for it clearly demonstrated that God was well able to protect and provide for His people. In addition, it is worthy of note that it was God who had initiated it, and not man, and therefore, the terms and conditions of the covenant were originated and instituted by God. But whenever a nation takes the initiative of making a covenant with God, they will almost always do so on their own terms, as is the case currently, hence the reason why God is held in a subservient position to the human agent in the minds of many.

In other words, to many minds, God does not reign as Sovereign here in the United states but rather as a sort of tag-along, in which the human agent calls all the shots and God is expected to humbly sign off on our dictates, or to follow along where man leads the way. In fact, when we take a closer look at the pledge of allegiance, it becomes quite obvious that God is not even to play second fiddle, but third fiddle, because the commitment is made first and foremost to the flag, and then to the Republic for which it stands. Then in last place, we have “Under God. Let’s read:

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

This structure inevitably places the human agent at the helm, and God is expected to accept whatever we may designate as being right, and therefore, in too many instances, we have designated wrong as being right, and right as being wrong, at the same time we’re expecting God’s blessing and approval to whatsoever our standards of morality dictate.

But this will present very serious problems, because whenever there is a form of government, made by the people and for the people, the majority opinion will ultimately be dictating morality, which will then open the floodgates of popular, majority sentiment, as the driving force behind our moral compass. As a direct result, the conscience of the nation will devolve into one where there is no absolute truth anymore, and the standard of right and wrong will become something that is fluid, changing from state to state, and from person to person, as the laws of the land permit.

What this does is to create an umbrella to allow for a culture which countenances self-expression in any form, without any accountability, once the rights of others to do the same are respected. Religious and civil liberty are the two overarching principles which make this nation great, if and when those principles are respected. But lately there has been a tectonic shift under our feet, where those who may disagree with one form of morality, are prone to persecute those who beg to differ, and thus, without the moral compass of absolute truth many are left to drift upon a morasse of divergent views, personal preferences and widely different concepts of right and wrong.

Thus, cursing by public figures and cursing in movies is protected as free speech, marriage is now defined as being between two consenting adults, regardless of gender, and lying is accepted, and often expected in high and low places. In addition, there are other spin-offs of the concept of self-expression, because gender is being defined in many instances, not by birth anymore, but by the person in question, with freedom to be identified as a he or she, a queer, a trans, non-binary, or in some extreme instances as “They”.

A few days ago, a person identifying themselves as “They” was on the news, and for a while I became confused, for even the English language does not make accommodation for one, single person to be referred to as they. Therefore, the only way such a reference can be made is by using bad English. This is what occurs when the moral compass of any nation is left up to individuals who are driven by the popular majority opinions of the day, and whereas it may be for the benefit of those who might desire freedom to do any and everything, inevitably, those who choose to follow godly, Biblical principles will be persecuted, and boycotted for doing so.

It would have been nice if Cain were to allow Abel to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience, but Cain would have none of it, because he soon Boy-Cutted Abel. Therefore, even if the provision is made for free expression of a person’s religion, threats of persecution, isolation, and Boy-cuts have become the order of the day.

But when we read the scriptures, a very different picture of what one nation under God looks like emerges, for God is The One who determines what morality is, accountability is baked into the fabric of social justice, and the law of God is the only moral compass, guiding the practices and decisions of its citizens. A very far cry from what occurs currently. In other words, the phrase “One nation under God” that is currently sacredly enshrined in our pledge of allegiance, ought to have meaning, because it is an integral part of our pledge, and all pledges made to God, and man should be held sacred and binding.

Therefore, if the God in our pledge of allegiance is indeed the God of the Bible, it behooves us to see for ourselves what “One nation under God” would look like and for this we must turn to the scriptures. Let’s read:

Exodus 19:3 And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; 4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. 5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine. 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. 7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him.

Exodus 24:7 And he took the book of the covenant and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.

Obedience, and a willingness to obey all that God stipulated formed an integral part of the covenant made by the nation of Israel, and even though they apostatized many times, yet God recognized them as His people, until Christ was formally rejected. In addition, the covenant relationship included the temporal aspects of life, such as health, wealth, and protection from sickness and diseases, if the nation would follow God’s wise instructions. God isn’t only interested in the spiritual aspects of our lives, but also the temporal for they are a direct reflection of what obedience produces. Let’s read:

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

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 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. 3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. 6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. 7 The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way and flee before thee seven ways. 8 The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

9 The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways. 10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee. 12 The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

13 And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them.

Deuteronomy 7:15 And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee.

The principles and laws, statutes, and instructions were given for the spiritual and temporal good of the nation. And even though the covenant was only made with Israel, any other nation who desired to come under God’s jurisdiction would be more than welcome by God to do so, once the same terms and conditions laid out by Him were adopted. God desired that not only the nation of Israel, but that all peoples and nations would choose to be governed and instructed by Him, for He sent His Son Jesus to die for all and therefore, Israel was a sort of specimen in embryo form, of what any nation which desired to be “Under God” would look like. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 4:1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you. 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. 5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.

6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons; 10 Specially the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. 13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.

But as is the case currently Israel had departed from the covenant which they entered into with God, and the sure results followed. In the days of Elijah they were teaching their children in schools that it’s Baal, and not God who was their sole provider. Idolatry had overspread the land like a thick dark cloud, and strange forms of worship, together with warped concepts of God had been introduced, and almost imperceptibly the people had departed from truths and principles which had guided them in former years.

Thus, they refused to be one nation under God any- more, and with their fearful departures from right, their vulnerabilities became exposed, and famine, disease and death spread across the land. But God, who’s rich in mercy didn’t leave the nation to perish in its sins. Instead, He sent the prophet Elijah to show them the root cause of their distress, and how they could once more come into the divine favor. And thus, when the time had come for national reckoning, the prophet of God, traced the root cause of their trials. It was, and still is in our day, a departure from the great principles of righteousness. Let’s read:

1st Kings 18:17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? 18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim. 21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

In our day, God is asking us same question, both on a personal and national level: How long halt ye between two opinions? The teaching of evolution has done much to destroy the knowledge of God across the land, because it removes God from His creation and thus, if kids are taught that there was no intelligent planning in the making of our world then it follows that we are all here by chance.

In addition, the marriage institution ordained by an intelligent God, and which forms the nucleus of all society, has become greatly distorted, and violence is being done to that which was ordained to be as a cohesive, binding agent across all nations. When kids are taught gender neutrality pertaining to the use of bathrooms, or that having two moms or two dads is acceptable, then it is just a matter of time before the entire foundation of society comes crashing down, and how one feels from day to day will be made to determine their gender.

Therefore, The God of heaven is asking again: How long halt ye between two opinions? If we desire to be one nation under the God of the Bible, then we will need to return to Biblical teaching and laws. But if we insist on a composite god, then, like ancient Israel, our vulnerabilities will be exposed, and there will be none to deliver. God is now calling on us to choose.

There are great changes to be made across the land if we would be one nation under God, and the call to repentance must take place on a national and personal level, if we desire The God of the Bible to guide us with His wisdom and discretion. In harmony with this plea we will end with passages of scripture which lay before us the terms God has given to one and all, if we desire a change of heart, and a change of fortunes. 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.

Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

God Bless!

God Calls A Prophet. Sabbath Afternoon 04/04/2020

Prophets who are called of God are widely different from false prophets who are not ordained. There is a type of prophet whom God ordains to preach, and prophesy, and there is another type of prophet who does not receive any calling from God, but whom is permitted to preach. The latter type are always in the majority, and they manifest signature characteristics that can easily be identified by the word of God, and His Holy Spirit.

A true prophet of God deals in the currency of heaven by speaking the truth, whether it is pleasing to hear, or whether it is displeasing to the ear. Such true prophets are always to be found in the minority, for their ministry is not based on popular majority opinions. Instead, they are commissioned to speak only the word of The Lord, given under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and the Holy Ghost only deals in truth, and nothing else. Let’s read:

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. Thus, as a general rule of thumb, the prophets of God are never in abundance, when compared with false prophets. This singular fact can often be used as a starting point, when determining the true from the false, because the word of The Lord is generally in the opposite direction of where popular opinions converge. Let’s read:

1st Kings 18:17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubles Israel? 18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim. 19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table. 22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

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.

Daniel 5:1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords and drank wine before the thousand. 5 In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. 7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers.

8 Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof. 10 Now the queen spoke and said, O king, live forever. 11 There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods.

12 Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel. Now let Daniel be called and he will shew the interpretation. 13 Then was Daniel brought in before the king.

Before we proceed, it is necessary for us to seek out the definition of the word “Soothe” because several soothe-sayers were among those who were called to give their interpretation. And for the meanings of the word, we turn to none other than the renowned Google. Let’s read:

SOOTHE

[1] To bring comfort, solace, or reassurance to. [2] To gently calm (a person or their feelings). [3] To tranquilize or calm a person or the feelings; relieve, comfort, or refresh. [4] To exert a soothing influence; bring tranquility, calm, ease, or comfort.

This is a signature characteristic of false prophets, for they specialize in speaking peace, when God has not spoken peace. They also specialize in lulling the unwary to sleep, on the brink of disaster, and as the multitudes are about to go over the cliff, they often speak words of encouragement. Let’s read:

Ezekiel 13:3 Thus saith the Lord God; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! 4 O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts. 5 Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. 6 They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The Lord saith: and the Lord hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.

10 Because, they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; 16 To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord God.

Thus, whenever God ordains a prophet to stand in the gap, we can be assured that what He tells that person to speak, will not always be what the people would want to hear. God’s servants will often give encouragement and exhortations to do right, but they must never compromise the truth to soothe itching ears. Never! Noah’s message was not pleasing to the multitudes, even though it was given with a caveat, as to how men might escape.

Lot’s message to his family was not well received, even though it too was given with instructions on how to avoid the coming calamity. When Jeremiah prophesied that Jerusalem would be invaded on account of the sins that were being practiced, he too was given instructions by God as to how the judgments could be averted. But as it often is, the message and the messenger were not well received, and a multitude of soothe saying prophets predicted otherwise. Let’s read:

Jeremiah 26:2 Thus saith the Lord; Stand in the court of the Lord's house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the Lord's house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word. 3 If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.

8 Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the Lord had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die. 9 Why hast thou prophesied in the name of the Lord, saying, This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate without an inhabitant?

And all the people were gathered against Jeremiah in the house of the Lord. 11 Then spoke the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears.

Thus, throughout the history of this earth, prophets of God are often entrusted with carrying very heavy burdens of bringing unwelcome news, with caveats, to those they love and they will be often tempted to tone down and alter the message of God, to make it as palatable to those who may be in grave danger of going over the cliff. This leads us to the core of the Bible study today, in which a young prophet is being called by God to do a work of reformation in ancient Israel.

Samuel has begun serving in the temple at a pretty young age, under the tutelage of Eli, and before he is grown up, He is called by God to the prophetic office. Eli and His sons have disregarded numerous calls for them to repent, many years have elapsed as mercy still lingers, the conduct of the priests cause people to stop coming to church and according to the Bible, men have now come to hate the very mention of church, all because of the evil doings of Eli’s sons.

Let’s read: 1st Samuel 2:3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; 4 That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. 5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.

6 And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him.

At this time Samuel was probably wide awake and sitting up in his bed, wondering at the phenomena that seemed to defy logic. He is hearing voices, Eli is emphatically stating that he did not call, there isn’t anybody else in the building, and yet a distinct call has been made. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 2:8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child. 9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. 11 And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone that heareth it shall tingle. 12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.

13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knows of; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. 14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering forever.

It’s obvious that Samuel could not go back to sleep after that revelation from God for it must have been a terrible rush of feelings and emotions that swept over his young soul. Eli had been like a father figure to Samuel, for he only saw his biological parents once a year. A tide of memories floods his mind, he is severely stressed as he contemplates the ramifications and the import of the message, and it is quite possible that he is moved to tears, for the message is not a pretty one.

In most of the former examples given today, God had given warnings through His prophets, but He also instructed the people on how they may escape. But this message is of an entirely different nature, for Samuel is told that it does not even make sense for Eli to pray, because his probation, as well as his sons’ has been permanently closed with no type of recourse whatsoever. In other words, it is very bad news, the worst kind of news anyone can get about their future.

How is Samuel going to relate this information to someone whom he loves so dearly? Is he going to deliver the message faithfully if and when he is asked? Will he allow his feelings to get in the way of the message? Will he tone it down, adjust, or alter it with smooth encouraging words, even though God has explicitly shown him that Eli and his sons have gone over the cliff? Samuel tosses and turns, he tosses and turns, and he awaits with dread, the coming of the new day, when he is certain to be questioned about the revelations thus given. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 2:15 And Samuel lay until the morning and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.

Finally, the morning comes, he takes up his usual duties, but with a heavy heart. He tries to avoid Eli at all costs, for he fears the dreaded question. He probably seeks to do all of the outside chores first. He carries out the garbage, he makes new garbage, and he mows the entire lawn around the sanctuary. He does not presume to take the initiative in telling Eli what God had shown him, because God did not instruct him to do so.

Similarly, all true prophets of God are never to take it upon themselves to divulge information God showed them in private, except He bids them to make it known. But finally, the dreaded moment comes, when he must either prove himself a true prophet or become a sooth-sayer. Eli corners him and demands of him, under a solemn threat, to divulge all the details of the revelations that were given. And, Samuel delivers the goods. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 2:16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I. 17 And he said, What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide anything from me of all the things that he said unto thee. 18 And Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good.

There is another message soon to be delivered to the world at large and God is now actively preparing persons to deliver. The message constitutes the last call of mercy to a dying world, it is solemn in import and, because God is merciful, He is now searching for persons who will be faithful in delivery, just as was Samuel.

This world is coming to a climax, in which the forces of evil, and the forces of good will be locked in the deadliest cosmic battle of the ages, and those who have been sitting on the fence too long will have to make hard choices, that will determine their eternal destiny. Some of you who are listening today may like young Samuel, be called to preach, and if so, the tendency of succumbing to smooth words so as to palliate the consciences of the unwary must be done away with.

When God gives a message of warning to the world, it cannot be smoothed down, except at the eternal peril of those who are bidden to speak. Let’s read:

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

19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. The message is one of urgent repentance, with the instruction to flee the terrors that are predicted in Revelation 13 & 14.

In a nutshell, all who have been sitting on the sidelines and all who have been in the valley of decision, all those who have had Jesus as playing second fiddle, need to repent. If we have been allowing sports, bad movies, porn, and adultery to absorb our interests, we will need to repent. If we have been playing church, or living a double life, we will need to repent.

If lying, fraud, vanity, the love of approbation, and the love of this world has been causing us to neglect eternal our interests, we will need to repent. Again, if we have been harboring a spirit of unbelief, and if we have ignorantly subscribed to any false system of worship which the Bible does not endorse we will need to repent, because the stark reality is that God is only going to cover those who are found in Christ, after probation closes.

In other words, it is not what you know, but who you know, that will make all the difference, when the mark of the beast overspreads the land. Thus, while we still have opportunity, let’s turn our hearts over to God that He may save us from ourselves, for the message coming from God to the inhabitants of earth is pretty blunt. Let’s read:

Revelation 18:1 And I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

Love to God, and a deep, abiding relationship with Him does not spring up overnight, therefore it is of critical importance, that we make the most of the golden opportunity provided to us in Christ, before there is a rush for the door. Like young Samuel, when he delivered his inaugural message from God to Eli’s household, those whom God would call to deliver the last message of mercy, must not allow their feelings, or emotions, or family connections to interfere with, or water-down those cutting truths for this time.

Even though the message of God is to be delivered in love, it should never be altered, lest those who should have been warned of their imminent danger, inadvertently go over the cliff. Such is the very grim nature of the message to be delivered just before the final conflict commences. Let’s read:

Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; 2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.

6 Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness. 8 They shall walk everyone in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. 9 They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows.

11 And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executes his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? 12 Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repents him of the evil. 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly. 16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children.

23 Be glad and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.

29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered.

Thus, in harmony with the urgency of the moment, and because our day of grace will come to a close when least expected, we exhort everyone who has already accepted Christ to make your calling and election sure, and those who have not done so as yet, to make haste to repent for the time is at hand. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to do just that and we hope and pray that it will resonate in our minds, and cause change for the better to take place from the inside out. 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 you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

God Bless!

The Symbiosis Between Spiritual And Temporal. Sabbath Afternoon 03/28/2020

A very close sympathy exists between the spiritual and temporal aspects of daily life, which too many are prone to disregard, or otherwise are ignorant of. The moral law of God has jurisdiction over every other law, and it will deliver blessings or adversity in tandem with obedience or disobedience. Currently we are living in a mostly secular world, in which the spiritual aspects of life are disconnected, or divorced from the temporal, and as a result many erroneously believe that the one cannot affect the other.

In the minds of millions there’s no correlation whatsoever between what we do, and what takes place on wall street, or with weather related events. That’s why when you hear of financial analysts and experts speaking about those fundamentals of our economy, nothing is mentioned of spiritual factors, for the moral aspects of life are not brought into the equation, and as a direct result, their calculations or expectations are often dashed in pieces when their expectations do not pan out.

We will read in the news of those “fundamentals” such as supply and demand, job growth, housing starts, the energy sector, consumer confidence, liquidity, and unemployment rates. But you will never hear of lying, fraud, injustice, cruelty, and disobedience as being factors that can adversely affect businesses. Therefore, the system of analyzing all the temporal aspects of life, without incorporating the spiritual is a fundamentally flawed system, for wherever, and whenever it is adopted, it will subject its adherents at times, to sudden and severe disruptions without any logical explanation based on existing data.

The Bible greatly differs with the secular world in the way it calculates, predicts, and anticipates the outcomes and results we see in the temporal realm, because, as far as God is concerned, all the spiritual aspects of living actually take the preeminence in delivering blessings, or adverse circumstances to millions. Let’s read:

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.

Hosea 4:1 Hear the word of the Lord, for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. 2 By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood touches blood. 3 Therefore shall the land mourn, and everyone that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

Verse 3 of the last passage is particularly disturbing, for it tells of collateral damage to innocent animals which have nothing to do with the errors, and sins thus mentioned. It is estimated that the recent fires in Australia wiped out about one billion animals and from time to time we will see millions of dead fish washing up on our shores.

At other times thousands of birds will just fall out of the sky, dead, and whales, and dolphins leave their habitations for unknown reasons, and head to the shore to expire. Yet only scientific reasons are being sought for, while the much more important spiritual factors mentioned in the Bible are left on the back- burner. Let’s read again:

Isaiah 24:2 And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him. 3 The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken this word.

4 The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. 5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. 6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore, the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

The same close symbiosis can be found in the book of Deuteronomy, and indeed, throughout the entire Bible, which states unequivocally that righteousness is inextricably linked to health, prosperity, and our general well-being, while evil-doing is directly tied to adversity in so many instances.

Now, even though there are exceptions to this rule, yet the general tendency with many individuals and nations is to reap according to that which is sown. If one sows corn, it would be unreasonable to expect a crop of oranges, and vice-versa. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 11:26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; 27 A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: 28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so!

Balaam understood the correlation between the spiritual, and the temporal, that’s why after trying some voodoo on the Hebrews, and meeting with failure, he then sought to get them to sin, knowing full well that their course of action would severely compromise their security and prosperity in the temporal realm.

Even satan recognized this fundamental principle, for he observed Job’s wealth and prosperity as the direct result of righteousness. Even though he tried to put his own spin on the facts, as he always does, yet, the Bible clearly states up front, that Job was a perfect man. Then it goes on to list those blessings which attend such a course of action. Let’s read:

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. 2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. 3 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

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.

Thus, as we study the close symbiosis that exists between the spiritual and temporal aspects of life, we must always remember that God will do His best to mitigate the fallout of our errors through Christ, but as a general rule of thumb, He permits the laws of sowing and reaping to run their natural course. Let’s read:

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. 22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

When Nebuchadnezzar became terrified of a dream he had one night, he called for Daniel to give him the explanations, after his own ‘yes-men’ had failed to deliver. Then Daniel, after faithfully relating what was to befall the king did not give a pep talk, nor did he offer smooth words to palliate the king’s fears.

Instead, like all true prophets of God must do in the same or similar situations, Daniel faithfully laid out what was the root cause of the dire predictions, and then he articulated to Nebuchadnezzar what action needed to be taken preemptively to try to avert the fulfillment of the dreaded dream. Let’s read:

Daniel 4:24 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which is come upon my lord the king. 25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

27 Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility.

What was to befall Nebuchadnezzar was not to be attributed to any scientific causes, or any unknown condition or disease that was not yet discovered in some laboratory. The root cause was sin, and thus, if he desired a reversal of the predictions given, the king must adopt righteous principles in the running of his government.

On the flipside, when nations and persons choose to do right, it generally results in the extending of their tranquility, especially so, when the head of the nation takes the lead in following Daniel’s counsel. In other words, whenever righteousness is sown the inevitable results will generally follow. Let’s read:

Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. 18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

This leads us to the core of our study, in which one nation in particular had become ravaged by famine, disease, and death. Ahab and Jezebel sinned greatly on several fronts, leading the nation of Israel into believing that Baal was their sole provider of all the temporal benefits they had thus far enjoyed. In addition, they had conspired to take the farm of one of their citizens by force, just because the king had coveted it, and in the process, they killed the man and got other government officials involved in the clandestine plot.

Thus far they had succeeded, and they now sit back to enjoy the benefits of their wrong-doing. But just as sure as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, a day of reckoning was coming, and just as it is today, there will be severe disruptions to the economy, citizens will suffer tremendously, and as it is with all such departures from righteousness, a lot of collateral damage will occur. Let’s read:

1st Kings 18:2 And there was a sore famine in Samaria. 5 And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts. 6 So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.

The God of heaven takes no delight in the distress of nations and individuals, but there are times when He must give us a wake-up call, lest, like Jezebel and Ahab, we erroneously come to believe that we are more important than Him, and worst yet, that the wages of sin results in great temporal benefits. Whenever there is widespread calamity, war, or any sudden and severe disruptions, and disturbances, it is fitting that the affected nations and individuals do serious soul-searching to see if like Ahab, Jezebel or Nebuchadnezzar, the root cause may be at our own doorstep.

It was God’s good purpose that the nation of Israel be brought to repentance, and in harmony with this purpose, the people were not left without hope, for Elijah was sent to the head of the nation, to try and show the root cause of the calamity, and the way in which a reversal of fortune would be granted.

At such a time as this the multitudes may clamor for smooth words, and encouragement, because of the widespread suffering, but the true servants of God must, like Daniel and Elijah, show the people what is the root cause, and how it can be mitigated. Great care must be exercised in offering solace on terms which God has not ordained, for it may have the effect of temporarily easing the pain, whilst the underlying root causes remain unaddressed, only to resurface again at some opportune moment.

Earth’s teeming multitudes often turn to God when they are faced with existential threats, and even if this may not be the preferred method, it’s often the only option remaining on the table so to cause us to come to grips with reality. The tragedy of 9/11 was one such instance, when out of the blue, calamity struck without warning.

In the days following, it was discovered that churches, synagogues, and mosques across the land were full of attendees, as multitudes searched for answers. But since that time, the desire to seek God has all but evaporated in the minds of many, and here we are, back to business as usual. But, The Lord has not changed since the days of Elijah and He is now more than willing that nations, and individuals will come to repentance.

This is what Elijah was sent to do, and in calling the nation together for a day of soul-searching, it was of critical importance that the leaders of the nation be present. The secular and the religious leaders must of necessity show up, because as a general rule of thumb, a nation would follow in the footsteps of its leaders. Let’s read:

1st Kings 18:17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubles Israel? 18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim. 19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.

20 So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. 30 And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down.

31 And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be thy name. 32 And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord. 36 And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.

37 Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God. 41 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. 45 And it came to pass in the meanwhile, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain.

In our pledge of allegiance there exists this phrase: “One nation under God”, and we being a majority Christian nation, we claim to adhere to scriptural principles. But just as in the days of Elijah, there has been a gradual falling away from righteousness on several fronts. Evolution has usurped creation in our curriculum, the marriage institution, which is the foundation of all society has been dragged in the dust and lying is countenanced in high and low places, whilst the stranger among us is often treated with contempt.

If as a nation we desire a reversal of fortunes, we will have to do as ancient Israel did, when they got caught between a rock and a hard place. Just as in the days of Elijah, God stands ready and able to do what He delights in, by showing mercy and bringing deliverance where it’s most needed. But such an outcome will only be accomplished on Biblical terms, just as it was with ancient Israel, for when the people back then were brought to see the root causes for their misfortunes they repented and instituted the necessary changes, to accommodate God’s miraculous intervention.

Therefore, as the multitudes of earth reel from the fallout of the Corona-virus and as anxiety and worry grips the world, and as many are expiring daily, with many more on the horizon, let us remember that God is calling the nations of earth to repentance, and it we respond in the positive, there can be great reversal of fortunes. In harmony with this call to repentance we will close with a passage of scripture, which clearly outlines the course of action to be taken at this time. Let’s read:

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

God Bless!

Crunch Time Prophecies. Part [2] Sabbath Afternoon 03/21/2020

There are promises made in the Bible that point us to God’s miraculous care, provisions, and protection during the crunch times ahead. And these promises should be believed, embraced and expected for God can always be trusted to fulfill His word. In particular, the following passages in Isaiah would be pertinent to that time when all earthly supports will be cut off from the remnant people of God. The mark of the beast will have engulfed the earth, and the faithful who remain after the dust has settled, would be living by faith alone. Let’s read:

Isaiah 4:5 And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense. 6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.

But before we delve into our study there are a few things we must understand about God, and the way He works in behalf of His people. God’s miraculous power must never to be requested to do that which we can do for ourselves. God does not work unnecessary miracles, for what ever He does, there must be a good valid reason for doing so. God provides food for the sparrows, but those birds better get themselves out of their nests, and search diligently for the food He has provided or else, themselves and their young ones will starve.

God provides food and grain for man, but he better not sit down at home during the day, playing video games and surfing the internet, expecting Amazon to ring his doorbell with Jeff Bezos’ groceries. Like the sparrow, man must work for his daily bread by the sweat of his brow, just like everyone else. When it came time to feed the five thousand, the lunch of a little boy was summoned and the blessing of Christ made it multiply. Jesus, who is the Creator of everything, could have called millions of peanut butter sandwiches out of thin air, but He does not do this when there are resources readily available.

The current practice of some contemporary pastors and televangelists, of offering unconditional healing to persons who make no effort to help themselves, or turn from soul destroying habits, is a diabolically opposite method to the way in which God operates, for throughout the Bible, cooperation between God and man in all things is to be clearly seen. The crippled man, who was carried by his friends to Christ first ended up on the roof of the house where Christ was teaching.

Then he encouraged his friends as they removed the tiles, and dismantled the roof, digging a big gaping hole in the home-owner’s roof, so that he could be let down. The woman with the issue of blood had become very weak, on account of the amount of blood she had lost over the years, and beyond the shadow of a doubt, the reserves of iron in her body had been severely depleted. Yet she struggled on through that throng of people, being pushed this way and that until she was barely able to touch the hem of Christ’s garment.

Then, in response to her faith and earnest efforts, Jesus did what she could never do for herself, and the rest is history. Faith without works is dead, and therefore, it would be futile for us to study the Interim Period, without first understanding some fundamentals about the way in which God manifests Himself to help us. In the seven years of plenty, God expected Joseph, and all the Egyptians to make well-directed efforts to try to provide for the crunch time that was on its way.

God provided the sunshine, and rain, and food in abundance, but the human agent would have to harvest and store the temporal blessings supplied. Thus, Joseph built numerous cities, and warehouses to store food for 14 years until the Bible says he had to stop counting. Extreme efforts on the part of the human agent are required, and then we are to trust God to take up the slack, all the while, praying, and hoping, and working, and believing all things.

Now, without the luxuries of refrigeration, and air conditioning, it must have been a serious challenge to preserve those vast supplies of food and grain for such a long period of time, without them spoiling, and thus he trusted to the miraculous power of God to take up the slack, after he had done his very best. The promises of God are sure to those who believe and who act upon their belief. But for us to sit down on our lees, claiming Christ’s promises, and looking for miracles without any effort on our part will lead to very great disappointment.

In everything that pertains to the sustenance, and well-being of man, both in spiritual and in temporal matters, cooperation with God is an absolute must. Any doctrine or teaching to the contrary constitutes a very serious delusion. Overcoming sin will require a desperate struggle on our part, if we would be victorious. That is why the Bible tells us to fight the good fight of faith and Paul exhorts us to mortify the deeds of the body through the power of the Holy Spirit, and James tells us to resist the devil, because there will be no “fleeing” without resisting.

That which we have no power to do, like providing sunshine and rain, and power to overcome God will supply, but anything, and everything else we could do for ourselves must be done to the maximum. We should never ever forget this. God fought for Gideon and his men, but they had to fight long, and hard, as if the victory depended on them alone. In fact, they came close to fainting with hunger, yet they pressed on, trusting in Christ, and cooperating with Him. Let’s read:

Judges 6:11 And there came an angel of the Lord, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor. 16 And the Lord said unto him, Surely, I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

Judges 8:4 And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them. 5 And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.

[LT pp 117] The Lord wants us to do our work that He has given us to do with energy and perseverance as if success depended wholly on our efforts, and to look to God, and trust in Him, as the One who could make the work a success by His power working with our efforts.

principle will lead folks to exhaust all available supplies, and resources, before expecting Christ’s miraculous intervention. The current practice some have of claiming promises when there are resources and opportunities available at our fingertips is quite contrary to the way in which God works. Therefore, let us with a humble mind and teachable spirit trace the movements of God, as He provided for His people as they headed to the earthly Canaan for those experiences are to be carefully studied as we prepare for the heavenly Canaan. Let’s read:

Numbers 20:1 Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month; 2 And there was no water for the congregation, and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3 And the people chided with Moses, and spoke saying; 5 Wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed or of figs or of vines or pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.

Water is an absolute necessity, especially so, in the desert where one’s need of fluid is expected to go up exponentially. God knows this more than we do, for He made us and therefore, the question is: Why would the miraculous stream that had supplied the Hebrews previously, suddenly cease to flow? The water ceased to flow, because there was other water that could have been accessed and therefore, the miraculous water God had always supplied, now became unnecessary. Wherever there are available resources, and opportunities, God’s supernatural power is not to be solicited or expected. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 2: 2 And the Lord spoke unto me, saying, 3 Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward. 4 And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore. 6 Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink. 7 For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.

Again, when the Hebrews were just about to enter Canaan, the manner ceased to fall, and the stream of miraculous water ceased to flow, because they were entering the land of milk and honey, where there would be food and drink in abundance, and therefore, unnecessary miracles ought not to be expected. Let’s read:

Joshua 5:10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho. 11 And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the Passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day. 12 And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna anymore; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.

Now that we have understood this important fact of exhausting available resources, so that unnecessary miracles are not expected, we will now turn to our study of the interim period, that time which elapses between the institution of the mark of the beast, and when all earthly support will finally be cut off from God’s remnant people. Of that cut-off time, the Bible specifically states that food and water will be provided for the faithful, so that there will be no need to worry. In other words, when the faithful can no longer buy or sell, God will step in to take up the slack. Let’s read:

Revelation 13:16 And he causes 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.

Isaiah 33:16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. 17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.

But, before such miracles take place, the remnant would have learned by experience that God would only step in to take up the slack when it’s absolutely necessary to do so, and therefore He has sent to us instructions on how we ought to prepare for that interim period. Let’s read:

[L.D.E pp 99>100] The physical surroundings in the cities are often a peril to health. The constant liability to contact with disease, the prevalence of foul air, impure water, impure food, the crowded, dark, unhealthful dwellings, are some of the many evils to be met.

Raise Your Own Provisions

The Lord desires His people to move into the country, where they can settle on the land, and raise their own fruit and vegetables, and where their children can be brought in direct contact with the works of God in nature. 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 to us over and over again. Get out of the cities into rural districts, where the houses are not crowded closely together, and where you will be free from the interference of enemies.

Now, there are other statements written by the pen of inspiration, which may seem, on the surface to contradict the statements we just read. But when studied closely, they would appear to be in perfect harmony because they were written under the inspiration of The Holy Ghost, Who never makes a mistake. Let’s read:

[Early Writings pp 56] The Lord has shown me repeatedly that it is contrary to the Bible to make any provision for our temporal wants in the time of trouble. I saw that if the saints had food laid up by them or in the field in the time of trouble, when sword, famine, and pestilence are in the land, it would be taken from them by violent hands and strangers would reap their fields. Then will be the time for us to trust wholly in God, and He will sustain us. I saw that our bread and water will be sure at that time, and that we shall not lack or suffer hunger; for God is able to spread a table for us in the wilderness.

So, let’s understand the two statements, instructing us as to what course of action to pursue, when the time comes. The mark of the beast which will deny all commercial activity to those who refuse the false form of worship, will not begin at its most stringent level, for this is not how satan works. There are different stages to temptations, and thus, in the implementation of the national Sunday law, the use of force will be the last resort, after bribes entreaties, promises of promotion, offers to wipe out personal debt, and peer pressure have failed. Let’s read:

[G.C. pp 607] Some will be offered positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their faith.

When Balak wanted Balaam to bow to his demands, he first used briberies of silver and gold, promotions to great honor, and social pressure by sending more high-ranking government officials. When these had failed, then he threatened Balaam’s own life; that’s because satan never employs force upfront when bringing temptations. He much more prefers that individuals and nations bow by their own choice, but if they choose not to, then he has no problem whatsoever of employing the use of force.

That’s why in times past during the dark ages, Christians were first asked to recant their faith and if they refused, then the burning stake was employed. The three Hebrew worthies were not at first cast into the burning fiery furnace. They were first given more than one opportunity to bow, but after they steadfastly refused, then the use of force was the next and last step. Again, we reiterate this fact, that the devil hardly ever uses force at the outset. Let’s read:

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

Numbers 24:10 And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times. 11 Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honor; but, lo, the Lord hath kept thee back from honor.

Daniel 3:14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar; 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. 20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

When Joseph was being tempted by Potiphar’s wife satan did not move upon her, up-front, to grab him in a choke-hold. The devil first employed entreaties, enticements, nagging and solicitations to wear poor Joseph down. But when these failed to deliver the desired result, the use of force was at last resorted to, and the wife of Potiphar used “kung fu” to force Joseph’s hands. Let’s read:

Genesis 39: 7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 8 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master hath committed all that he hath to my hand; 9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

10 And it came to pass, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. 11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

Therefore, that interim period we keep referring to is very similar to the period of time which elapsed between the solicitations by Potiphar’s wife and the time she resorted to use force. The implementation of the mark of the beast will begin quite mildly and will be touted as being absolutely necessary for the greater good of humanity. This will take place for a while, while the screws are being gradually tightened down, and then stringent measures against all dissenters would be gradually increased, until it ripens into the use of brute force, which is referred to in Revelation. Let’s read:

Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the power of the first beast before him and causes the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

During this time, between its initial implementation and the use of force, the faithful will have to live off of the produce they have grown in obedience to the instructions given. Then as the heat of the furnace is turned up several notches, resulting in the use of force, God will step in to provide miraculously for His people. Currently, there are long lines at various stores, and once filled grocery shelves have become quite bare. Then there are some essential products that have become quite scarce, and others are not so readily available.

While it is not necessary to horde, yet if we see that there are problems looming on the horizon, and if we see the wolf coming, it will be contrary to faith and good common sense, for us to sit back on our lees, claiming God’s promises, while not making any effort to mitigate the situation. Remember that cooperation with God in all things is a scriptural teaching, and thus, wherever we could make an effort to provide for ourselves, we should do so.

The widowed woman of Elijah’s day was out and about, gathering sticks so she could make bread for herself and her household as the famine put the nation of Israel in an iron grip. Claiming God’s promises is good, and always to be encouraged, and praying without ceasing is highly recommended. But, without well-directed effort on the part of those who claim to believe, we would be exchanging reality for fantasy because faith without works is dead.

In preparing for the interim period, let us always remember that practice makes perfect, meaning that our cooperation with God in both spiritual and temporal matters is a must. We therefore close with a passage of scripture which encourages us to act with wisdom and discretion. Let’s read:

Proverbs 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.

God Bless!

Crunch-Time Prophecies. Part [1] Sabbath Afternoon 03/14/2020

For many years God has been giving us practical and down to earth instructions pertaining to godly living and how we may live in readiness for Christ’s return to this earth. He has sent us His prophets to warn us of things to come and to instruct us on how we may exercise wisdom and prudence based on knowledge of future events.

The wealth of information given to us throughout the Bible, and also through God’s end-time prophet will come in very handy, and useful as we enter the un-chartered waters referred to by Daniel, and the other prophets. When God sees fit to disseminate information to His believing children, He expects us to take note and act accordingly.

The phrase “Crunch Time” refers to those adverse situations that are permitted to cause individuals and nations to do serious soul-searching on account of violations indulged, such as took place in the days of Joshua when Achan’s actions brought the nation of Israel to its knees literally. At that time, it was discovered that one man and his family were responsible for the terrible losses which were incurred, and the collateral damage which was done to the morale of the people.

Thus, as we study part 1 of Crunch Time Prophecies, it is important for us to believe God’s word, and to act accordingly. Faith without works is dead and because of this, the information given out this afternoon is intended to make us aware that there are root causes, and also corresponding effects for things that are happening, and that are predicted to happen across the world.

The Bible teaches us that the curse causeless shall not come, and thus, before we fall into the snare of questioning God’s love for the human family, let us review some of the prophecies that are given in the Bible, and some of the reasons behind those cryptic predictions. We will highlight, and them explain as we go along.

[1] Before all is said and done and before the current dust settles, some persons will have to eat a whole lot of grass, just like Nebuchadnezzar, because, as the Bible teaches us, pride goes before a fall, and a haughty spirit before comes destruction.

For purposes of this Bible study “Grass” will refer to those humbling experiences God brings at times, on the human agent when we deliberately lose sight of our dependence on Him. Throughout human history, the general tendency when God exalts a person to a high position, is that we become puffed up, and we come to think that we do not need God’s advice, nor His instructions and counsels anymore.

Thus, it was with Solomon, thus it was with David, with Saul, and with so many other Bible characters whose egos and pride became inflated to the point where they forgot that God rules in the kingdom of men. David and Solomon were humbled tremendously in the eyes of their subjects, after their pride led them to disregard God’s laws, instructions, and warnings. In Nebuchadnezzar’s case a strict regimen of grass, and herbs was instituted, so that he would never forget that God rules as sole Sovereign. Let’s read:

Daniel 4:4 I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house and flourishing in my palace. 5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 6 Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.

19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. Belteshazzar answered and said; 20 The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; 21 Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation.

22 It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. 23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; 24 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most-High,

25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

Nebuchadnezzar had a serious “I” problem, for he came to think that he alone was the most important person in the world, because Babylon was the world leader of all nations back then, being represented as the golden kingdom of the image in Daniel 2. But whenever, and wherever pride is fostered and indulged, when God sends us warnings, reminding us to be humble, and whenever the human agent loses sight of his dependence on God, he would be made to eat grass, a whole lot of grass!

This crunch time prophecy, given and fulfilled to the king of Babylon was well-intended to be a beacon of warning to every world leader that is brought upon the stage of action through the providence of God, whether they be secular or spiritual. One does not have to be a Christian, in order to come under the direct jurisdiction of God.

Kings and princes, prime ministers and presidents, queens, judges, senators and lords of all stripes are to understand that they serve at God’s discretion, and as such, a humble dependence on Him is the best and safest course to pursue, for according to the apostle James, they will run into stiff resistance from God when they become puffed up. Let’s read:

James 4:6 Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 1st Peter 5: 5 Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Poor Nebuchadnezzar lost sight of the fact that it is God who sets up kings and leaders in the temporal realm, and therefore, God had to humble him into remembering that he reigned by God’s discretion alone. Whatever we do or accomplish in this life is done by the mercy and power of God, a fact that secular and religious leaders alike must never lose sight of, and which ought to be sacredly enshrined in the hearts of all those who are called to serve.

God, as His custom is, gave the king of Babylon time to repent, time to reform and change course, but as usual, God’s mercy was taken for granted, and was misinterpreted as weakness, just as it is today. Thus, after one year of grace the “crunch-time” prophecy was fulfilled, just as Nebuchadnezzar the king was in the midst of his boasting. Let’s read:

Daniel 4:29 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 of my majesty? 31 While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.

33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.

The same sin of pride is what the Bible pinpoints as the foremost reason for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, because wherever pride is indulged, it will result in the downfall of persons and nations. The letter “i” stands at the center of the word pride and it’s at the center of the name lucifer for pride is a derivative of lucifer, whose indulgence of pride caused him to be expelled from heaven. 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. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Ezekiel 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore, I took them away as I saw good.

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

[2] The reason why everything in the world seems to be peaking and bursting at the seams is because the earth is approaching its climax, which will usher in the reign of The Lord Jesus Christ.

The earth is not millions of years old, as is currently taught in secular schools of learning, for according to scripture, and the information given to us by God through His servant, it is approaching the 6000-year threshold. Hence the reason why things seem to be spinning out of control on multiple fronts.

Throughout the Bible, repeated over and over again is the principle of 6+1, beginning with creation, week and on through those instructions given in the Pentateuch. Follow closely the information below, for the interpretation is correct, and isn’t private by any means. Let’s read:

Genesis 1:31 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.

Exodus 21:2 If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.

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.

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

Leviticus 25:3 Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; 4 But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the Lord: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard. 5 That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed: for it is a year of rest unto the land.

2nd Chronicles 36:15 And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place. 16 But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.

20 And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia. 21 To fulfil the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate, she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

Leviticus 26:34 Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye be in your enemies' land; 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.

Jeremiah 4:23 I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. 24 I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly. 25 I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled.

26 I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the Lord, and by his fierce anger. 27 For thus hath the Lord said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.

Those last words of the previous verse are critically important, for they specifically say that a full end of the world would not be made during the time of the sabbatical rest which Jeremiah was shown in vision. This needs further explanation and for that we must turn to the scriptures. Let’s read:

Revelation 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with him a thousand years.

7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

[The Great Controversy pp 659>660] For six thousand years, Satan's work of rebellion has “made the earth to tremble.” He has “made the world as a wilderness and destroyed the cities thereof.” For six thousand years his prison-house has received God's people, and he would have held them captive forever, but Christ has broken his bonds, and set the prisoners free.

Even the wicked are now placed beyond the power of Satan; and alone with his evil angels he remains to realize the effect of the curse which sin has brought. For a thousand years, Satan will wander to and fro in the desolate earth, to behold the results of his rebellion against the law of God. During this time his sufferings are intense.

Since his fall, his life of unceasing activity has banished reflection; but he is now deprived of his power, and left to contemplate the part which he has acted since first he rebelled against the government of Heaven; And to look forward with trembling and terror to the dreadful future, when he must suffer for all the evil that he has done, and be punished for the sins that he has caused to be committed.

[3] Occurrences in the natural world, weather related events, and the distress of nations, with no resolve in sight, all portend the soon return of Christ. These events were particularly outlined in those crunch-time prophecies which point to that period of time, just prior to Christ’s return. They are being fulfilled even as we speak, and will continue to be fulfilled even if persons refuse to believe. Let’s read:

Luke 21:10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. 22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

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: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

[4] The current Corona virus which has single-handedly shaken up the sporting industry, stalled production lines, and which has rattled the stock market, is just the tip of the iceberg.

According to the scriptures, there are new diseases, viruses, pestilences, and plagues which will soon be coming upon the face of the earth, with increasing intensity, severity, and frequency, just as the birth pangs of pregnancy increase in severity, those labor pains which herald a woman’s delivery.

Some of the “pestilences” referred to in Matthew, and Luke are diseases, viruses, and deadly bacteria that are being experimented with in those secret laboratories of nature; not only by human beings, as some conspiracy theories might suggest, but more directly by fallen angels. These are then introduced to the human family via disobedience to God’s laws. Let’s read:

[The Great Controversy pp 590] In accidents and calamities by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations are to become more and more frequent and disastrous.

[5] The promises given to us in Psalms ninety one were specifically intended for the last days, when these pestilences are scheduled to proliferate. Thus, it is extremely important for those who know better, to be walking in obedience to all God’s laws and instructions on health, and all other matters, for the promises are made to the obedient. Let’s read:

Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most-High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

This one, and other prophecies which foretell God’s protection over His people during these troublous times, were written with the understanding that it is imperative for us to live up to all the knowledge, and truth shed upon our pathway. God has given to us gold diamonds and pearls in the form of the health message, and it’s now up to us to make adjustments and reforms where necessary for as we have been stated many times before, God is much more practical and down to earth in all of His instructions to us, than many Christians realize.

Let us take for example the following prophecy that is written for the remnant people of God, who will be living upon the earth when the promises of His protection would be fully materialized. Observe the word “Protect” in the context of what is being said. Let’s read:

[Councils on Health pp 434] When the third angel's message is received in its fullness health reform will be given its place in the councils of the conference, in the work of the church, in the home, at the table, and in all the household arrangements. Then the right arm will serve and protect the body. Currently, it is advised that we wash our hands with soap and water often, that we do social distancing, and there are restrictions on large gatherings, which will ultimately include religious meetings.

All of this is well and good and represents cooperation on our part to try to mitigate the spread of the virus. But we have to let you know, that with all of our good efforts, it is ultimately the mercy of God that will cover and protect us in these last days, for the promises were given to assure us of His presence when things begin to go downhill.

Therefore, as we close off this first installment of crunch time prophecies, it is fitting that we end with some of the passages which foretell of God’s care, and protection during perilous times. Obedience to all of His revealed will is necessary because He does not bless or sanction willful disobedience.

It’s not all bad news, but it is very important for all who are willing, to have a meaningful relationship with Christ, so that when the angels see the blood on our doorposts, they will be pleased to pass over, just as in the days when God’s people were soon to be delivered from pharaoh. The rest of Psalms 91 should be carefully studied and contemplated, for it represents, in a nutshell, the adverse events that are to be unfolded, and the counter measures God will put in place, over and about every sincere believer. Let’s read:

Psalms 91:2 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, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most-High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

God bless!

How To Raise Godly Children. Part [1] Sabbath Afternoon 03/07/2020

Raising godly children in 2020 presents far greater challenges than in former years, because although the instructions in the Bible have not changed, yet, in our day, children have more ready access to evil, which is literally at their fingertips, and parents now have to be doubly vigilant and proactive in an effort to raise them according to Biblical standards.

Also, there are certain laws of the land which have hamstrung the sincere efforts of parents, and when juxtaposed with the teachings of evolution, and the alternative lifestyles which have become mandatory in some school districts, we have a toxic mix on our hands which often counteracts the sacred teachings and principles of the Bible on these matters.

Thus, those who try to raise their children in this day and age, will have very severe challenges, and conflicts to deal with, and they will have to spend a whole lot of time on their knees, not only praying to God for guidance and direction, but also, that the forces of evil that have been put in motion, will not confuse the tender consciences of the young and restless.

Nothing is worse than growing up without a sense of right and wrong, and the current tendency to put evil for good and light for darkness is taking a toll on the moral compass of our children, so that what we understood as being wrong and inappropriate in the years gone by, has now become fashionable.

Not long ago it was unthinkable that an openly gay person could run for president of the United states, but it is now evident that this mode of thought, and feeling is being viewed as ludicrous in many circles, to the point where economic boycott together with accusations of hate will be hurled at those who dare to stand up for truth.

Therefore, it’s against these potent forces that have been put in motion, it is against these headwinds of change, that parents in our day are tasked with the challenge of raising godly children to be useful men and women of society, candidates for heaven, and moral lights in our world. It will not be an easy task for parents by any stretch of the imagination, but the grace of God is given to every parent who sees their need and asks for help.

Great care and planning must take place in deciding to have children in this day and age and even before they are born the work of raising them begins. The habits, and diet of the mother will affect the unborn child either for better or worse, so it would be much more preferable to get a head start even before and during pregnancy.

We are what we eat, and therefore, whatsoever the mother puts into her stomach would ultimately be transferred to the unborn child. The umbilical cord is mainly a means of transfer, not merely a filtering system, so that if booze, coffee, drugs and feverish foods are ingested by the mother, the baby will be adversely affected.  

On the contrary if the mother monitors closely what she eats and drinks during pregnancy, making sure to eat only wholesome foods wherever possible, it will go a long way in making good blood in the baby. This fact is not only scientific in nature, it is a biblical teaching. Let’s read:

 Judges 13: 2 And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not.

3 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto the  woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.

4 Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing. 5 For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.

 Manoah and his wife were apparently faithful in the discharge of duty as it pertains to diet and food and from the Biblical record, they seemed to have given Samson godly instruction that would serve to help him later on in life, when he would get into trouble.

But the friends Samson was permitted to associate with early on in life, exerted a telling influence, later on in his experience, and this affiliation molded his choices, preferences and tastes. In other words, the efforts made by godly parents will be counteracted by the influence of ungodly friends, in most cases.

The natural tendency of our fallen nature is to track in a downward trajectory and thus, it seems harder to swim upstream with god-fearing friends, who will encourage right-doing, than downstream where the popular majority converge, and where anything and everything goes.

We are all social beings, and influence has a ripple effect, especially on the minds of children who are generally inexperienced in discerning between right and wrong. Evil habits and vices are often suggested and shared amongst peers, and with some children the effects can be long lasting and devastating.

Many a problem, or bad habit, that is manifested in some adults can be traced right back to the friends they were permitted to have when young. At times, some may recover, but in other instances the habits thus derived and indulged can become very difficult to shake.

Parents are thus under the most sacred obligation, to closely monitor the associations of their children. It is too often the case that the young, and restless are left to make their own choices, but this should never be the case. Until the children reach the age of personal accountability, the onus rests squarely on the shoulders of parents.

Thus, there are many pitfalls, and errors in training that are to be avoided at all costs, if parents want to raise godly children for Christ’s kingdom. And it will be well worth the time and effort, if parents would carefully consider the following instructions, given in God’s word and also gleaned through experience.

[1] Pray without ceasing.

Parents who know better, should never attempt to raise their children without seeking God for Divine help, guidance, and direction from the Bible, and through the ongoing efforts of The Holy Ghost, for wherever this is attempted without Christ, serious errors will be made, one way or the next.

The Bible teaches us that children are an heritage of The Lord, and since they are His, both by creation and redemption, it is only fitting that parents pray without ceasing for their children, so that the forces of evil that are already arrayed against their young souls could be neutralized, at least to some degree.

This is what the faithful in times past did, and the results are before our faces so that we may follow where God led them in days of yore. Job prayed, and Abraham prayed, and the parents of the three Hebrew boys prayed, so that their children would do the right thing, even in difficult circumstances. Let’s read:

Genesis 18:17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

 Job 1: 1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Mark 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

[2] Beware of temper tantrums.

When children throw a temper tantrum, to try to force the hands of parents on some wrong desire they may have, the parents should never ever give in, to the demands thus made. Love must always be balanced with firmness for this is where many make serious mistakes in the training of children.

We reiterate again, kindness must be balanced with firmness on the part of both parents. Children must not be led to regard one parent as a savior, and the other as the devil. Both parents ought to present a united front, so that whatsoever good the mother says concerning training, the father will say too.

Jesus Christ is presented in the Bible not only as The Savior, but also as a Judge, meaning that He is kind, and very merciful but He also carries a big stick. The tendency to succumb to every demand or desire of the children without reference to their eternal well- being is described as hate, and not love in the Bible. Let’s read:

Exodus 34:6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.

Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction.

12 For whom the Lord loveth he corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights.

Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Worst yet, at such times when a child may throw a temper tantrum, one parent should never appear to sympathize with the child, while the other remains firm, because children are quick to discern cracks in the united front all godly parents should maintain. And when those cracks begin to appear the children will most likely press their cases, all the more, until their clamors are granted.

In other words, parents should never be bullied into subservience through a multitude of tears or screaming. Let the child know that such demonstrations will be entirely fruitless in producing results.

If there is a disagreement between parents on how any problem pertaining to training is to be handled, such disagreements should never surface in front of the children for this will inevitably weaken the force of instructions when given. In other words, parents may disagree all they like in private but never in the presence of their children.

 [3] Beware of comfort foods.

Be very careful in handing out comfort foods, where in order to stop children from crying, they are given sweets, candies, and other articles of food, for they would grow up with the habit of resorting to eating whenever they are depressed, or, are being faced with difficulties and challenges.

Sweets often produce sugar highs, and sugary highs produce peevishness, and therefore, in many cases the crying will only be exacerbated after the high is gone. When children cry, they are almost always asking for attention for some issue they are having, and therefore pacifiers and comfort foods will treat only the symptoms, not the cause.

Foods and drinks will play a critical role in whether the child will be strong or weak, whether they will have a good constitution, or whether they will be subject to every disease and virus that comes their way. Thus, food should never be offered as a means of pacifying the child.

[4] Love must be manifested in word and deed.

The saying, monkey see monkey do is true, because whatever characteristics the children view as being actively manifested in their parents, would in most cases be reproduced in their own lives. Love begets love, and it is of critical importance, that whether in times of celebration or discipline, the children know that they are loved by their parents.

This one characteristic will make all the difference and would make it much easier for the children to open up to parents about difficulties and problems they are dealing with. Training of children isn’t only about don’ts, it also about do’s, and therefore love must be reinforced as a pillar in training.

Kindly words, and deeds in friendly tones, physical interaction with children, and compliments where warranted, go a long way in encouraging them to do right. Rigid discipline without love often offsets the good that can be done otherwise and therefore, the springboard of all our actions, as parents, should be love.

Especially should the children see genuine love and concern being manifested in both parents towards each other, for this will increase a sense of security, and would most likely be reproduced in their own experiences, later on in life.

[5] Beware of social media.

This last one is huge, because very many children nowadays, know how to google before they can even say their abc’s. The internet can be used for much good, but just like the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, bad things are often interwoven with the good.

The five senses are the avenues to the soul, and all parents should be aware that deep and permanent impressions will be made on the minds of children when they spend hours and hours surfing without any supervision.

By so doing, seeds of pornography and other vices are driven home to the mind and would ultimately spring up and bear fruit accordingly. And since by beholding we become changed, parents are to be cognizant of what their children may be seeing and hearing and doing on social media.

Personal information should never be given out, if it is not warranted, and the practice of sexting should be strictly forbidden, because there are now virtual stalkers who are constantly on the lookout for the weak and vulnerable. Parents should also be aware that there are also virtual bullies, who often try to shame or pressure the child into submission.

Therefore, we say again, in the most solemn and grave manner possible, “Beware of social media”.

Even though the child may clamor for access, even though their peers may be allowed to surf without restraint by parents who may not know better, and even if tremendous pressure is brought against the parents to yield to the child’s demands, let godly wisdom and discretion rule the day.

It’s better to save than to surf, and if parents know that the horses will be let out of the barn when the unrestrained use of the internet is permitted, then let them be firm and kind in putting any necessary backstops or restrictions in place, because parent’s accountability to God is not changed by google.

In closing off this segment, we will like to encourage all would-be, and current parents of children to be resolute, to have a plan, and to be consistent and firm in the training of your children, for they are the leaders of tomorrow and if we do our part faithfully, trusting in the mercies of God, He will cooperate with our efforts to produce the desired results.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture that we would do well to keep in mind, as we face the enormous challenges of raising godly children. Let’s read:

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

                                   God Bless!

Diseases, Causes, and Cures. Sabbath Afternoon 02/29/2020

One day it will be discovered that every instruction, and law God has given to the human family is given with our best good in mind, for God lays no burden, or prohibition on us that is not well-intended. When we read of diseases, their causes, and their cures in the Bible, and in secular history, it reminds us of our sacred duty to find out what the scriptures have to say on the matter.

Some have erroneously concluded that dietary laws, as well as the ten commandments given in the Bible are a restriction on our liberties, when in fact, they were given to protect our liberty, longevity, and our health. Thus, our freedom of choice is not a license to depart from God’s laws, because, being a free moral agent comes with great responsibilities, and serious choices with consequences.

There are laws of cause and effect, laws of sowing and reaping which in many cases are allowed to run their natural course. God’s grace and mercies to the human family are not given to reverse the effects of a willful disregard of either physical or spiritual law, for if He were to constantly deliver us from a wrong course of action His instructions would be rendered useless.

Therefore, in times of grave national crisis, in times of personal danger from diseases, viruses and every other form affliction, God desires that we take time to reason soberly from cause to effect to find out if there are any contributing factors on our part and if there are any, repentance, and a permanent change of course will be required.

As a general rule of thumb, diseases are the result of violations of God’s instructions, and then there are spin-offs or ripple effects that often impact the innocent, and future generations. True cures, on the other hand, will involve a return to godly principles where applicable, with God’s mercies being applied at His discretion. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 4:39 Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. 40 Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, forever.

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.

Another cause of diseases occurs in the invisible world, where fallen angels are actively engaged in experimenting with the secrets of nature, and then, the human family is engaged through disobedience. The Corona virus is directly linked to a violation of dietary law, as is the Ebola virus, which has not yet been eradicated entirely.

Therefore, even though our current understanding of science may not acknowledge these facts, yet we will one day have cause to consider what the Bible states on this matter, because the frequency, and intensity of the occurrence of diseases, and viruses will finally cause scientific cures to fail, and if folks were to continue disregarding God’s instructions on these matters, dire consequences will be inevitable.

The Bible explicitly states that when satan was given permission he brought disease upon Job, thus giving us unmistakable evidence that devils have ability to wreak havoc through disease when permitted. This fact is often disputed by science, but God’s word is the truth. Let’s read:

Job 2:7 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. 8 And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.

But throughout the history of the world, the mercy of God has shielded the human family from the dire consequences of our choices and actions, to a large extent. This fact is not generally acknowledged by the secular world, and therefore, God is calling our attention to things in His word that have been too long despised. Thus, as we get closer to Christ’s second coming the word of God states that the protecting angels which stand on the four corners of the earth will cease the work of continual protection, this in response to the stubborn resistance of man. 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.

[The Great Controversy. pp 589>590] Satan works through the elements also to garner his harvest of unprepared souls. He has studied the secrets of the laboratories of nature, and he uses all his power to control the elements as far as God allows. He will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are reduced to ruin and desolation. Even now he is at work. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations are to become more and more frequent and disastrous.

The Biblical instruction on addressing the problem is not merely to find vaccines or drugs, but a change in our actions that will facilitate God’s intervention, if He so chooses. In many instances, our health-care systems work on the periphery, dealing mainly with symptoms, and not addressing the root cause. God’s way of dealing with diseases and viruses is to go to the source because prevention will always be better than cure.

It is quite preferable not to have the Corona virus, than to be cured from it. That is why, God has given specific instructions in His word, so that His miraculous power would not have to be engaged unnecessarily, because of presumption on our part. The following therefore are some of the dietary laws given in the scriptures, to help us avoid most of the afflictions we now suffer from, which almost run the entire gamut, with few exceptions, ranging from cancers, diabetes, sudden cardiac arrest, and blood disorders, compromised immune systems, viruses, and a host of other diseases and afflictions.

In particular, God has instructed the human family not to eat blood, in any way shape or form, for it is a known fact that doing so compromises health to a great extent. Then there are forbidden foods which must never be ingested, for if we do so, the laws of cause and effect will produce diseases that will take out millions of people.

Therefore, as we study from His word, the laws and instructions pertaining to healthful living, let us try to cultivate a humble and teachable spirit, so that His mercies may shield us in times of peril. In some instances changes will have to be made on our part, but if that be the case, it will be for our best good. Let’s read:

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

Wet markets are places where the blood of animals often comes in direct contact with human beings, for when a person purchases a live animal for his or her consumption, it is often slaughtered on site, in the presence of the purchaser. At such markets one can purchase almost anything, including rats, frogs, snakes, snails, civets, and a host of other forbidden creatures which should never be ingested. The Corona virus jumped from animals to humans at one such market, and the dire results are what we are seeing today.

Most people would never have imagined that the eating of forbidden foods could be the cause a stock market collapse or the shutting down of major businesses and schools worldwide. Disney theme parks have been deserted, highways are virtually empty, car parts are becoming scarce, face masks are scarcely to be found, lay-offs are coming, and the world now stands on the brink of a pandemic as well as a possible recession all because of eating forbidden foods.

In fact, Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross as a result of eating forbidden foods. Think about it! That’s why we have said again and again on this forum, that it began with food and it will end with food. The fall of man began by eating of forbidden foods, and earth’s final crisis will also involve food. Those who obey God will be fed by God, and those who obey man will be fed by man. Its that simple!

However, there are other dietary laws that must be brought to light, so that all would have opportunity to make changes where necessary. God is practical, and very down to earth in His instructions, and if we be willing and obedient, He will cooperate with our efforts to do the right thing. Let’s read:

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

Leviticus 7:24 And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it. (Under no circumstances) 27 Whatsoever soul it be that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

Many have mistakenly taken the phrase, “Cut off from his people” to mean something that God does to such individuals. But it has been discovered that the words “Cut off” refer primarily to the laws of cause and effect, whereby a disregard of God’s instructions is permitted to run its natural course. If folks were to drink a deadly poison they would die and if persons were to jump off of a cliff they should expect to have a lot of broken bones, or even death.

God does not have to “do” anything in particular for such a person to reap the consequences of their actions. That’s why the laws given to us in the Bible, are not arbitrary prohibitions or counsels, but were given so that we would not be subjected to unnecessary trial and tribulation. Certain animals and insects, certain birds and fish, together with shrimp, oysters, crabs, lobsters, and every other crustacean, should never be ingested, for they will do their dirty work in the human body.

And what is worse than eating them is eating them raw, for the dirty work is increased a hundredfold. Uncooked meat in any form, rare steaks, and sushi, which are considered delicacies, will in fact take us further than we are willing to go, and would cost us more than we are willing to pay. Let’s read:

Leviticus 11:4 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. 9 These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat. 10 And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you.

We now turn to an example of disease, cause, and cure as demonstrated live in the scriptures. A man has been disabled for a number of years, and he has tried to procure healing on many occasions, only to meet with utter failure and disappointment. Then one day, the great Physician, even The Lord Jesus Christ meets him and makes him an offer of a lifetime. He asks the man if he wants to be healed, the man then relates his plight, and Jesus grants to him a new lease on life. 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, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, 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, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

That is all well and good, because the Bible teaches that God delights in mercy. However, there is work for the man to do, and there are radical changes to be made in his life, in his habits and in his choices, for his affliction was a result of his sin that had run its natural course. And now, with the new lease on life given to him by Jesus alone, he would need to do some serious soul searching, to see where he had done wrong, and he must make the necessary changes, if he really wants God’s healing to last.

Otherwise, like many of those metastatic cancers in our day, he will fall back into retrogression, instead of remission and this time it wouldn’t be stage four, but stage five, six and seven. Let’s read:

John 5:14 Afterward Jesus finds him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

In other words, if it was some forbidden things he had been eating, if his cholesterol had peaked at a dangerous level of 540 on account of eating oysters, or if he had an amputated leg because of gangrene caused by extremely high blood sugar, then he will have to take the necessary steps to change both his habits and his lifestyle. If he does the right thing, his sickness will go into permanent remission, and he will relish the healing Christ gave him.

But if he does not take all proactive steps to change his ways the disease will come back with a vengeance and this time he won’t be able to pray and reasonably expect God to heal him. The well-being of the human body, together with the preservation and fostering of good health is linked inextricably in most cases to what we eat, how we eat, and when we eat.

Eating late at night, before going to bed will trigger a plethora of dire, adverse consequences which will often result in heartburn, indigestion, and insomnia, with nightmares! Instead of reaching for those antacids at Walgreens and CVS, God is teaching us to go to the root cause, and if like the disabled man in Christ’s day, we make the needed changes in habits and lifestyle, God can be trusted to cooperate with our efforts, uniting our weakness with His omnipotence, to produce desired results.

Very many diseases are preventable, and godly cures are still possible, but we must be willing to follow wherever God leads the way. We therefore close with three passages of scripture which should bring some balance to the equation and would help and encourage us to live the best life possible for as long as possible. Let’s read:

Psalms 103: Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; (Health and diseases are inextricably linked to what we eat in most instances) 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.

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

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

God Bless!