The Good Samaritan. Sabbath afternoon 03/26/2022

The war in Ukraine is taking a very heavy toll on the citizens of that country, and together with the fear and destruction that is occurring, persons are now forced to flee and relocate to other accommodating countries, many of which have nobly stepped up to the plate, to lend a helping hand in the face of the ongoing carnage.

 Individuals and nations from all around the world, including the United States, are now helping, to a greater or lesser extent, depending on their ability, their capacity, and their willingness to help, in spite of the existential threats and risks which do exist, and for this, they must be commended, for we are indeed our brother’s keeper.

 And whenever or wherever a crisis arises upon the face of the earth, those who can, should help where it is possible, for we are all a part of the great family of humanity and what affects one country adversely will ultimately produce ripple effects in some other places, for none are to think of themselves as being the untouchables.

 There would be continued pain at the pump and the price of wheat, corn and other staples will skyrocket as a result of supply shortages. Thus, we give kudos to every nation, and every individual who steps up to the plate to fulfill our duty to humanity at such a time as this, for we have a moral obligation to help others who are in grave danger.

 What we are witnessing is not a mere aberration, it is the fulfillment of Bible prophecies, which point to a time in earth’s history when trouble after trouble, and perplexities of nations will be coming upon the planet, with increasing frequency, and severity, as precursors to the second advent of Christ, who will usher in His everlasting kingdom once and for all.

 But in the interim period, we should study the true story of the “Good Samaritan”, for it contains very valuable lessons for us who are tasked with helping wounded humanity, not only in Ukraine, but all over the entire world, for this is the essence of the great commission given to every believer in Christ. Let’s read:

Luke 10: 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay thee.

36 Which now of these three, do you think, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

In the story three different attitudes are displayed, and they are of great interest now, especially as our fellowmen in Ukraine are under fire. The priest who was supposed to be the most spiritual of the three, did not even stop to take a look, and by his inaction he manifested that he had no interest whatsoever in the misfortune or welfare of his fellowmen.

 If one’s religion produces stoical unconcern for the wellbeing of others, it most likely does not originate with God, for we’ll read in the scriptures where true Christianity would always move us to spend, and be spent for the eternal good of others.

 True Christianity is not only about studying all the great laws, principles, and doctrines of the Bible; it includes actually putting them into practice in our interaction with our fellowmen, or else religion will become a hands-off, theological farce that would be ultimately centered on rites and ceremonies.

 Thus, as the priest in the narrative passed by on the other side, his religious beliefs didn’t interface with the needs of suffering humanity, and as such, it had become vain and empty, lacking the nuts and bolts of what God has stipulated as being true godliness.

 To be a stickler for form and ceremony, while at the same time turning a blind eye to the dire needs of  others, is to take the husks of religion, without the kernel of love. Indeed, the very essence of Christian life is service, and wherever the lives of those whom Jesus came to save are being taken wantonly, well- directed efforts to help should be made.

 After the priest left the scene, the Levite showed up and he, at least, manifested some curiosity, yet his interest did not lead to concrete actions. It may be that his feelings were stirred, and that conscience was awakened, to the inhumane attack on the man in question, yet he did not go any further than his interest being peaked.

 It is not good enough for persons to show interest in the plight of others. Interest, without concrete action is the equivalent of faith without works, for God does not evaluate persons on the mere interest that is shown; it’s the follow-up actions, that comes from the heart which gives one’s interest meaning.

 It could be that the Levite was considering the risks associated with helping the wounded man, because if robbers could do this to the stranger, what then might be his fate, if he stopped to help? And thus, he decided to go on his way, without following the promptings of his conscience.

 The third person, who is the focus of the story is the Samaritan, who may not have known the scriptures as the priest and Levite did, yet, by his actions, he demonstrated that the love of God was in his heart. He did not allow risks to deter him from moral duty, and he went a step further by arranging for the man to be taken care of until he was fully recovered.

However, there is one important question that must have occurred in the minds of the three characters in the narrative, which will always loom large in our day whenever our fellowmen are in grave danger or may be suffering adversely; and this question now haunts the minds of many leaders of the nations, as well as individuals who may be disposed to help.

 With the real threat of a nuclear retaliation, many nations are now grappling with this question, which must have surfaced in the narrative of the wounded man and the good Samaritan.

 And we are not to believe that it is a question which pertains only to our fellowmen in Ukraine, and to the good Samaritan in the story, because even God had to struggle with the same question, when it was time to decide on rescuing humanity from the sinful wounded state that man would fall into, at the hand of an invisible tyrant. Here’s the question:

Should people who are in grave danger, be rescued only if there is no risk to us personally? 

 We will be focusing on this question for the rest of the Bible study, for the answer has great implication for the good Samaritans in our day, who would be encountering not only the physically wounded, but also the spiritually wounded. So, here is the same question again:

 Should people who are in grave danger, be rescued only if there is no risk to us personally? 

 When the Ebola virus reared its head in one country doctors, without borders had to consider the same question. When Delta, and Omicron variants were ravaging the United States, and all other countries across the world, nurses, and healthcare workers all had to grapple with the very same question.

 When hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf coasts and many people became stranded on their rooftops, as well as the many who were drowning in the floods, and the hundreds who were wounded physically or emotionally, the very same question that must have arisen in the minds of the priest, the Levite, and the good Samaritan, arose again.

 When the tsunami tore up Indonesia, and hundreds of thousands of its citizens became displaced, and many more went missing, the same question would have needed to be answered, because any person, nation, or humanitarian organization that decided to be a part of the rescue mission, would encounter some level of risk. So, we ask again:

Should people who are in grave danger, be rescued only if there is no risk to us personally? 

 Firefighters have had to face the same question and anywhere there is a potential threat to one’s person the same question will need to be addressed. Do we rescue wounded, suffering humanity, only if there’s no risk to us personally?

 The reason why this question must be addressed and answered by each of us individually, is because the wounded man in the parable also represents all who have been spiritually wounded, and may have been left for dead, on the highways and byways of life.

 In the preaching of the everlasting gospel, there are risks to those who go rescue the perishing, for some are ostracized, criticized and others suffer economic boycotts as a result. Whenever the truth comes into conflict with social norms, or philosophical ideology that is contrary to scripture, there is an elevated risk to any who would preach the unadulterated truth.

 Therefore, in order to fully address the issue of risk, as it pertains to rescuing the physically or spiritually wounded, we would do well to observe what Christ had to go through to save us, when we were in dire need, for the scriptures teach us that our salvation cost Jesus very dearly indeed, as he came to save us from eternal ruin.

 As the mortal adversary of man leveled his artillery against generations of people, we would have been helpless, like the wounded man in the story, unless Someone stepped up to the plate to rescue us, but in doing so Jesus exposed His own soul to the fiery darts of the wicked one, and in the process, Jesus finally lost His life.

 And as the good Samaritan did in the narrative, God not only took the risk, but He went on to provide all that we would need in order to be fully restored. In many cases, rescuing persons who may be in grave danger would involve some level of risk. Therefore, as The God of heaven pondered our salvation, the prospect of inherent risk loomed large. Let’s read:

Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

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

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.

8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 63] The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth; for Christ is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” yet it was a struggle, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race.

The angels could not rejoice as Christ opened before them the plan of redemption, for they saw that man's salvation must cost their loved Commander unutterable woe.

 In grief and wonder they listened to His words as He told them how He must descend from heaven's purity and peace, its joy and glory and immortal life, and come in contact with the degradation of earth, to endure its sorrow, shame, and death.

 Yet, Jesus made a deliberate decision to run the risk to save us, and it is because He did, why we are now given the opportunity to live eternally. Thus, issues of risk, pertaining to the rescue of fallen humanity are to be given due consideration, in the light of what Christ went through to save us.

 The apostles of old soon found out that in order to rescue fallen humanity, they would run the risk of irking earthly authorities, and in doing so, many of them would follow in Christ’s footsteps, by suffering at the hands of those who would oppose the truth.

 Often, after a great many people were rescued from the spiritual chains, with which the devil had bound them the apostles would have a “valley” experience in which an outright assault on their persons would be launched.

 Thus, in addressing the issue of risk, as it pertains to saving the physically, and the spiritually wounded, those who follow where Jesus leads the way, must be reconciled to the fact that doing so will in some cases involve real danger. Let’s read:

Acts 15:25 It seemed good unto us being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 12: Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.

4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him.

The remnant people of God in our day are called to be good Samaritans, not only to heal the wounded and the sick through the health messages, and our medical missionary work but also to attend to those who have become spiritually wounded.

And just like the good Samaritan in the Bible story, and the apostles of old God will have us understand that rescuing persons from the grasp of devils will involve some level of risk, because, whenever, and wherever the truth is spoken, devils will be astir to prevent the wounded from being rescued.

 In the story of the good Samaritan, it was robbers who had stolen from the stranger, and left him for dead at the side of the road. But, there are now robbers to be found in the form of philosophical ideologies which have invaded the hearts and minds of many people, and as a result, many persons have been left on the roadside, spiritually wounded.

 Others have been wounded by the false doctrines which teach folks that obedience to God’s law is no longer binding upon men, and by this teaching, the floodgates have been opened for persons to indulge in unbridled iniquities, with all of the accompanying adverse consequences.

Some persons have been mortally wounded on the issue of marriage, for the many current variations of the sacred institution God had given to us originally in Eden, together with a plethora of philosophical or divergent views on the issue, are now eating out the very fabric of social structure, and separations have left many persons permanently wounded.

 And thus, the original family unit as described in the Bible has, for all intents and purposes, been tossed out the window and in its place, any, and every type of union that can be imagined is, or has become the norm. Let’s read:

[The Great Controversy pp 583] In rejecting truth, men reject its Author. In trampling upon the law of God, they deny the authority of the Lawgiver. It is as easy to make an idol of false doctrines and theories as to fashion an idol of wood or stone.

With many, a philosophical idol is enthroned in the place of Jehovah; while the living God, as He is revealed in His Word, in Christ, and in the works of creation, is worshiped by but few.

                  Philosophy:

The study of general and fundamental questions, such as those about existence, reason, knowledge, values, mind, and language. Such questions are often posed as problems to be studied or resolved.

[G.C pp 583] The god of many professedly wise men, of philosophers, poets, politicians, journalists, -the god of polished fashionable circles, of many colleges and universities, even of some theological institutions, is little better than Baal, the sun-god of Phoenicia.

Thus, it is against this backdrop of most frightening departures from the word of God, that we are now called to be the good Samaritans in our day, for we are to preach and teach the unadulterated truth in our efforts to save the lost, and the wounded.

 And as we consider the issue of risks, we, like Jesus, would have to make some deliberate decisions as to whether we would preach the truth at all costs, to save individuals who are in grave danger of eternal loss, or whether we will take the route of uttering smooth words, in order not to ruffle feathers. What we are referring to is as real as today is the 26th. Let’s read:

Acts 5: 25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Unlike the priest and the Levite in the story of the good Samaritan, the remnant people of God are not to present pleasing fables to appease itching ears in order to avoid the risk of backlash that might result. Let the chips fall where they may, because the good Samaritan decided to help the wounded, no matter the cost. Let’s read:

[The Great controversy 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.

 The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the majority, not one or all of these should be regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious faith. Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord” in its support.

As we consider both the import, and the impact of the three angels’ messages, we too would have to answer for ourselves the question we posed earlier: Should we rescue persons who are in grave danger, only if there will be no risk to us personally?

 We are not to deceive ourselves into believing that the invisible robbers would hand over the spiritually wounded without a desperate struggle. Every inch of advance for the truth will be contested, and the entire arsenal of devils will be leveled against those who will preach the truth only, and nothing but the truth.

 So, yes, it would involve risk; but as Christ left us an example for us to follow, we should determine even now, that come what may, regardless of the risk, we will be faithful to truth and duty, just like the good Samaritan, who once rescued that wounded person who fell among thieves.

 Thus, we’ll end with a sobering passage of scripture to be given due consideration, as the outpouring of the promised latter rain is scheduled to bring all the inhabitants of earth to the valley of decision spoken of by the prophet Joel. Let’s read:

Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

                                     God Bless!

When You Are Converted. Sabbath afternoon 03/19/2022

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.

32 But I have prayed for thee, that your faith fails not: and when you are converted, strengthen thy brethren.

It’s of critical importance for us to observe that the above assessment was made by Christ, Who never makes a mistake in His evaluation of persons. When Christ says to Peter directly those words “When you are converted” Jesus is implying by default that the one to whom He is speaking is not converted at this present time, and therefore, conversion would take place at some later period.

Some persons have been alarmed at this statement from Christ, for Peter, as well as the other disciples had been so close to Christ for most of His ministry, and because of this, many would take it for granted that Peter should have been converted by then.

 This should immediately ring alarm bells in our souls for it is a documented fact that being close to Christ does not always mean that a person is converted. In fact, when we study Peter’s experiences, before and after conversion we often would see the man in the mirror, in our own experiences, for there are those who may be currently close to Christ and yet, some are not converted.

 At this juncture it’s important for us to be reminded that the plan of salvation was not founded on shaky ground, it was founded on The Rock, even the man Christ Jesus, who ever lives to make intercession for those who are, and aren’t converted just yet.

Thus, in order for us to better understand what The Lord meant by His statement to Peter, we only have to observe Peter’s behavioral patterns, before and after his conversion, and when we do this, we will be better able to know where we stand currently, as it pertains to our own conversion.

 Very many years ago before migrating to the United States we had to convert all our Trinidadian money into U.S currency and thus, when we took our funds to the bank in Trinidad for exchange, they took our cash and converted it into greenbacks, and thus, in the process we entirely gave up the old for the new.

 As we left the bank in Trinidad, headed for the U.S. we retained nothing of the former currency on our persons, for the process of conversion had already taken place and therefore, nothing of the old would be present, to raise eyebrows as we passed through customs. It is called currency conversion.

 The same was true of Peter, for after his conversion, there should not be found anything of the old man, mingled with the new. This sacred truth should be studied closely by all of us, who are members of the Laodicean church, for in some cases, there are still remnants of the old currency in our persons.

 Thus, there are several points for us to take note of as we drill down into Peter’s experiences, because his before and after behavioral patterns will appear in stark contrast like night and day. To put it bluntly, there are certain things a truly converted individual does not do.

 It cannot be otherwise, because every scriptural description of true conversion leaves us no doubt whatsoever, as to what this great change called conversion entails. Let’s read:

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

This must become the case with everyone who may currently be in a pre-conversion state, for the very same Jesus who once made Peter’s assessment has also made a similar evaluation of Christians living in our day, and beyond the shadow of any doubt, this includes us, the remnant people of God. Let’s read:

Revelation 3: 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

The following therefore are behavioral patterns, as well as actions, deeds, and words, delineated in the pre-conversion state of Peter. They will include the good, the bad, and the ugly for we must keep in our minds that he has not been yet converted, although he is close to Christ.

 [1] Peter was at this time baptized, and he had also been baptizing other people. Question: Is it possible for some preachers to be baptizing folk, while they themselves are unconverted? It is a very sobering question indeed. Let’s read:

John 3: 22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

It is very unlikely that Jesus would have His disciples baptizing other people, if they themselves were not baptized, for that would have set up a contradiction which the scriptures do not endorse.

[2] Peter was a preacher at this time. Preaching the everlasting gospel, and actually winning persons to Christ, does not necessarily prove that the preacher in question is converted. This fact must cause every preacher, and teacher, including myself, to put our own selves in Peter’s shoes, to see if maybe, we are in a pre-conversion state and know it not. We read:

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

2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother.

5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not.

6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

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

[3] Peter was studying the word of God. One who is studying the word of God regularly could still be in an unconverted state for a knowledge of the Bible does not necessarily guarantee that the person in question is converted. Let’s read:

Matthew 17: And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart.

2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

13 Then the disciples understood that he spoke unto them of John the Baptist.

[4] Peter, in his unconverted state, had been given the power to heal diseases. This should be of grave concern to persons in our day, for there are many faith, and fake healers nowadays who may seem to be close to Christ, who claim to heal the diseases of people who go to them for healing.

Now, even though most of them were nowhere to be found during the pandemic, when the citizens of this country could have used their services, the fact that Peter had been given power to heal, raises the prospect that certain faith healers can, like Peter be unconverted. Thus, the ability to actually heal is no guarantee that the healer in question is converted. Let’s read:

Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not.  

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

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

Then there were the other behavioral patterns that were made manifest in Peter from time to time that demonstrated distinctly that he was not converted at the specific time when Jesus made the disturbing assessment. There was to be found in Peter, the use of expletives, revenge, self-preservation, lying, pride and boasting.

 These elements of the “Old man” would surface from time to time whenever the right circumstances converged. We are not railing on Peter at all, for we are to see ourselves through Peter, so that a serious assessment of our true condition may ensue.

 On Peter’s boasting and cursing, the Biblical record leaves no doubt. When Christ declared that Peter would deny Him, the disciple then became deeply offended, for in his mind, Jesus was questioning his loyalty. And in response, Peter uttered words that a truly converted person should never ever utter. Let’s read:

Matthew 26: 31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All of you shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

33 Peter answered and said unto him, though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.

We do not know for certain what we will or will not do in certain situations, for what we plan to say and do in a given circumstance is quite often derailed by devils who present their temptations tailormade for our weakest points. Thus, a truly converted person will walk humbly with God, not boasting about his or her spiritual strength, even if they are sincere.

However, it’s not all bad news, for the good news is that Peter was finally converted and when that took place, an entirely different person emerged, which mirrored the “New Creature” referenced in God’s word. A very great, and marked change came over Peter, and we must highlight those changes as they contrast with the behavioral patterns of the former man.

 For clarity and distinctness, we will have some of the contrasting verses juxtaposed together, so that we may be certain about what Christ was stating, when He spoke of Peter’s conversion. Let’s read:

Previously, on the issue of boasting: Matthew 26:33 Peter answered and said unto him, though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

 After conversion: John 21: 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, You know all things; you know that I love thee.

Previously, on the issues of anger, cursing, and retaliation: John 18: 3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear.

 After conversion: Acts 5: 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name?

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and  said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

40 And when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

It’s becoming more obvious to us that some drastic change must have taken place in Peter, for it seems as if the behavioral pattern of impulsive retaliation when his rights were violated is somehow, nowhere to be found. When folks become truly converted, a marked and decided change is made by God, which puts the former person into stark contrast.

 There is no more use of expletives, for conversion also directly affects one’s speech. If you read the Bible from cover to cover, you would never find one single instance where Peter cursed after conversion for there are certain things a person does not do if they are converted.

 And there is no more denial of Christ in the public or private square, for his conversion includes holy boldness for Christ, to the point where others took knowledge of him, that he must have been with Jesus.

 Therefore, unless we become reconciled to the fact that true conversion, creates a radical, 180 degree change in the person, we will continue to buy into a distorted version of what Christ is endeavoring to accomplish in us, and as a direct result, persons will remain in a lukewarm state, if the necessary change in our perspective does not take place.

 It is not the will of God, that after studying the life of Peter, that we should try to adjust, or modify our behaviors, for God is not looking for behaviors, He is seeking our total conversion, because, for too long, our walk with Christ, in many cases, have centered on behaviors.

 In other words, if our understanding of conversion is strictly a behavioral change, then any guru, could give instructions on how that is to be accomplished externally. The problem with their version is that it does not come from, or reach the heart, and thus, persons can end up with a well-behaved preacher or priest externally, who is a pedophile internally.

 The fact is that when persons are truly converted by God, the appropriate behaviors would surely follow, for if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. In other words, we are not to behave well, in order to be converted; we must be converted in order for us to behave well, even under trying circumstances.

 When this type of conversion is accomplished in us, our faith would not fail when subjected to ferocious temptations from the devil. There would not be any responding chord on the inside, for satan’s darts to latch onto, so as to trigger an ungodly response, like the old man was accustomed to do.

 Persons can then be shaken upside down and inside out, and yet temptations, trials and challenges will only make us stronger. To put it more plainly, it can then be said of such persons that “the prince of this world cometh, and finds nothing in me.” Let’s read:

[Great Controversy pp 622] Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foot-hold; some sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power. But Christ declared of himself, “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” [John 14:30.]

 Satan could find nothing in the Son of God that would enable him to gain the victory. He had kept his Father's commandments, and there was no sin in him that Satan could use to his advantage. This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble.

 Therefore, the following is of critical importance, and must be understood by all: It isn’t necessary for persons to have a “Peter moment” like what took place in the court of Caiaphas for true conversion to take place.

 Conversion does not need to be gory, and full of embarrassment in the public square, for when this occurs, as was the case with Peter, the kingdom of God is brought into reproach, and the skeptics and infidels, are given fodder to continue their mockery of Christianity.

 God much prefers that conversion take place in the quietness, and privacy of the audience chamber of The Most-High, just as it did with Daniel, and Isaiah, for we do not read anywhere in the scripture where these two men had a Peter moment in public.

 Instead, they were in the audience chamber of The Most High God, privately, when the grisly revelation and assessment was made and because they agreed with the assessment, there was no occasion for the devil to shame them in public on their weak points. Let’s read:

Isaiah 1: In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

2 Above it stood the Seraphim. Each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.

6 Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar.

7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

Daniel 10: 2 In those days I Daniel was fasting three full weeks.

3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel.

5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz.

6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.

Thus, it can and should be with us living in Laodicea, if we will only accept God’s assessments of us, and like Isaiah and Daniel, confess our utter sinfulness, then, the conversion processes would be a private matter, not a public shaming like what took place with Peter, when he fell a prey to the devices of devils.

 This is what he failed to do, which then ultimately resulted in him spilling the beans in public, and thus making his profession of being Christian a mockery. If he had accepted the evaluation given by Jesus, he would have been saved from that earth shattering experience, which almost did him in.

Therefore, as we seek thorough conversion where warranted, we must return to the story of migrating to the United States when we surrendered all of our former currency to the bank in question. We did not do the converting, it was the bank that did it, for all we did was to surrender the old for the new.

 Similarly, true conversion is not something that the human agent is capable of accomplishing. It must be done for us and in us, and it’s the work of God alone upon the human heart, without any human input or suggestions and additions.

 Yes, we must cooperate with God by surrendering ourselves to be changed, but beyond that, it is an entirely creative work that never originates with man.  It must be accomplished by a power outside of and beyond ourselves for it is the power of God working within us which brings us to that elevated state of spiritual maturity.

 Thus, there is hope for us, living with the Laodicean frame of mind; if we would accept the evaluation of the true witness, we too may walk in the footsteps of those who underwent that radical transformation and change, the Bible speaks of.

 So in closing, we are reminded and encouraged that God is still in the business of converting old Humpty Dumpty, for this work must be accomplished in all who would face earth’s final conflict. Let’s read with a humble spirit.

 [D.A. pp 294] God takes men as they are, with the human elements in their character, and trains them for His service, if they will be disciplined and learn of Him.

 They are not chosen because they are perfect, but notwithstanding their imperfections, that through the knowledge and practice of the truth, through the grace of Christ, they may become transformed into His image.

[The Desire of Ages. Pp 295] All the disciples had serious faults when Jesus called them to His service. Even John, who came into closest association with the meek and lowly One, was not himself naturally meek and yielding.

 He and his brother were called “the sons of thunder.” While they were with Jesus, any slight shown to Him aroused their indignation and combativeness. Evil temper, revenge, the spirit of criticism, were all in the beloved disciple.

 He was proud, and ambitious to be first in the kingdom of God. But day by day, in contrast with his own violent spirit, he beheld the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus, and heard His lessons of humility and patience.

 He opened his heart to the divine influence, and became not only a hearer but a doer of the Savior's words. Self was hid in Christ. He learned to wear the yoke of Christ and to bear His burden.

 The apostles differed widely in habits and disposition. There were the publican, Levi-Matthew, and the fiery zealot Simon, the uncompromising hater of the authority of Rome; the generous, impulsive Peter, and the mean-spirited Judas.

Thomas, truehearted, yet timid and fearful, Philip, slow of heart, and inclined to doubt, and the ambitious, outspoken sons of Zebedee, with their brethren. These were brought together, with their different faults, all with inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil. But in and through Christ they were to dwell in the family of God, learning to become one in faith, in doctrine, in spirit.

The time of trouble spoken of by Daniel the prophet will be at our doorsteps much sooner than we now expect, and therefore, it is high time that we awake from slumber, and surrender ourselves fully to God so that when the shaking intensifies, as it surely would, we will be found rooted, and grounded in Christ.

 We therefore end with a passage of scripture which should help us to do that which needs to be done, and we pray God that all who are so disposed, may be converted as soon as possible. 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 fulfil the lusts thereof.

                                   God Bless!

Spouses On The Same Page Spiritually. Sabbath afternoon 03/12/2022

Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

The short answer to the above question is no. As it pertains to marriage, if the husband and the wife are not on the same page spiritually, and if there is a disconnect between one spouse and God, if both husband, and wife are not reading from the same script, and if they do not see eye to eye in spiritual things, then the answer to the question is no: Two can’t walk together except they be agreed.

 If different concepts other than what is written are embraced by one and not the other, then there will be a marked difference in the way situations will be evaluated, and resolved, because the decisions and actions would be based on information, conclusions and ideologies, drawn from different sources.

 If one spouse is prone to follow the secular experts, when God’s word differs on some particular subject, then there will be pulling and tugging when it’s time for decisions to be made. Again, if one spouse is led by God’s Spirit, and the other is not, then there will be a very noticeable disconnect in perspectives and views. These are just some of the reasons why it is important for spouses to be on the same page.

 In other words, even though husbands, and wives might be in different stages of spiritual growth, the mere fact that both are being led by The Holy Spirit would make life a whole lot easier even when many problems arise, because the common denominator of The Holy Spirit will make resolution and mutual agreement easier to accomplish.

 For reference purposes, spouses being on the same page spiritually involves much more than the verbal agreements that they come to. It goes much deeper than that for it includes the foundational element of God being enthroned in each other’s heart, and as a result, God’s word is held supreme, when it comes time for decisions and actions.

 It is not the will of God that marriages should hang by a thread where spouses are barely holding on for dear life. God desires robust relationships with good understanding between each other so that when an issue arises that needs to be dealt with urgently, the husband and his wife would already be on the same page spiritually, so as to make resolution as speedy and simple as is possible.

 Especially should this be the case, as we move into unchartered territory in the history of this world for there are serious decisions, and actions to be made, which would call for full agreement by both the wife and husband. Relocating to a new place of abode is one of those decisions, being referred to.

 If one spouse is ready to move, for strictly financial reasons, and the other spouse considers spiritual factors as of greater concern, such as the influences that would obtain in the new environment, and the effect they will have on the family, then resolving of such an issue can potentially be a stretch.

 As Abraham informed Sarah of God’s revealed will, she encouraged him by first agreeing with the God-given command and then she facilitated obedience by helping to pack up all their belongings. Thus, as both of them said goodbye to friends and family in their hometown it wasn’t with hesitation, grumbling or questioning.

 Instead, with the living faith in God, shared by both spouses, their journey was made with anticipation, and expectancy, not with foreboding. This was not the case with Mr. and Mrs. Lot who were not on the same page spiritually, and who were reading from entirely different scripts when it was time for them to relocate.

 At that time, one spouse became hesitant and upset at God’s command, and the differences began to be noticeable as one fell behind on their journey to the country, for unlike Sarah, some spouses are not too comfortable with country living. Thus, it was with Lot and his wife, one followed on with murmuring and complaining, whilst the other forged ahead in obeying God’s instructions.

 In Abraham’s case, if Sarah had doubted, and if they were not on the same page spiritually the command from God would have seemed arbitrary to her and if she wasn’t reading from the same script, as was her husband Abraham, she could have made his life and his obedience very miserable.

The same is true of Abraham, for if he’d encouraged doubt, he might have infected his own wife with the same spirit of unbelief and he in turn could’ve made Sarah’s eagerness miserable. It’s critically important for God’s commands and instructions to be viewed through the same spiritual lens, for hesitance and unbelief in one spouse could adversely affect the other. Let’s read:

[P&P pp 161] If Lot himself had manifested no hesitancy to obey the angels’ warning, but had earnestly fled toward the mountains, without one word of pleading or remonstrance, his wife also would have made her escape.

 The influence of his example would have saved her from the sin that sealed her doom. But his hesitancy and delay caused her to lightly regard the divine warning.

 It was an entirely different scenario with Abraham and Sarah because they two were on the same page spiritually, therefore God’s command was received in faith and they made their journey with singleness of heart. Let’s read:

Genesis 12:1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee.

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.

When both spouses exercise faith in God, it usually makes overcoming hurdles a thousand-fold easier, for their general perspective on life is that nothing is impossible with God, and that common mindset, between them, paves the way for many problems, and difficulties to be resolved amicably.

 This was not the case with Nabal and Abigail who in their marriage were not on the same page. The wife was obviously being led by The Spirit, but the other spouse was reading from an entirely different script spiritually, and thus, there would always be marked undercurrents of differing opinions and views when decisions needed to be made. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 25: 3 Now the name of the man was Nabal and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.

Because of the spiritual disconnect between them, one would make life difficult for the other, whereas if they were walking together in agreement, as our first passage states, the request of David for food in his time of need, would most likely have triggered the same godly response from both.

 But because they were not on the same page, that request of David caused a splintered response, with her husband refusing to help, but with Abigail going the extra mile to make sure that David’s reasonable request was granted.

 It is worthy of note that in this situation, she had to actually hide what she had purposed to do from her husband, because as was later revealed, knowledge of her warranted kindness would cause division that ended with a heart attack, suffered by the one who dissented. It all has to do with the issue of spouses being on the same page spiritually. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 25:4 And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.

5 And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name.

6 And so shall ye say to him who lives in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.

7 And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel.

8 Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favor in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants and to thy son David.

9 And when David's young men came, they spoke to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased.

10 And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.

11 Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?

An entirely different response comes from the wife, who views the same request in a different light, and she rises to the occasion to do that which was right. These are the times when the spiritual disconnect between spouses becomes markedly evident, and if the issue of walking in agreement is not addressed, an irreversible splinter could arise in the marriage, as it became evident in this narrative. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 25: 14 But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.

15 But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we anything, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields.

16 They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.

17 Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him.

18 Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses.

19 And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal.

20 And it was so, as she rode on the ass, that she came down by the covert on the hill, and, behold, David and his men came down against her; and she met them.

37 But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone.

Therefore, in addressing the issue of spouses being on the same page spiritually, our case study would center around the circumstances surrounding the birth of our Savior, Who came into this world under unprecedented circumstances, that would have left any rational thinking man, scratching his head.

 Joseph was engaged to Mary, and they were soon to tie the knot in holy marriage when lo and behold, Mary becomes pregnant. This situation, in and of itself would be cause for great concern by any man, but Mary’s explanation of the situation caused her fiancée, Joseph to think twice.

To become pregnant with a child from a different father, whilst engaged to a man is grief enough, but to say that the father of the child is A Spirit can send a man completely off his rockers, and if it were not for the fact that both Mary and Joseph were on the same page, having that common denominator of God enthroned in their hearts, the narrative could have taken a very different turn. 

 The explanations, the dreams and the visions given would only make sense to spouses who are spiritual because the natural man does not receive things of The Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. To try to explain to a person who is not spiritual, that one became pregnant by A Spirit would cause most folks in the secular realm to recoil with scorn.

 Even Joseph was not buying the explanation initially given by Mary, because the Bible says that he was thinking to put her away, to call off the marriage, albeit in the most-kind manner possible.

Me personally, I would have a hard time swallowing that explanation, and we believe that is the reason why God had to intervene in a dream to Joseph, to allay his fears and concerns. Situations which present grave perplexities would become extremely difficult to resolve if spouses are not on the same page spiritually, with the common dominator of God being present in the relationship.

 Even for Joseph to accept that explanation from God would require a leap of faith, yet it was the same faith that was required for his wife to believe that it was the Holy Ghost who impregnated her. They were on the same page spiritually, and this facilitated explanations, conclusions and decisions that would otherwise have caused a permanent rupture. Let’s read:

Matthew 1: 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife.

Can two walk together except they be agreed? The answer to this question would become all the more relevant as husbands and wives in our day seek to be on the same page spiritually. We are living at a time in earth’s history where final movements will be rapid ones, and because of this, serious decisions may have to be made quite suddenly.

 Some spouses, with their families had to make their move suddenly in Ukraine, as the prospect of war overshadowed normal daily life, and many families were forced to make quick decisions, whether they would stay, leave, or split up their families so as to procure the best outcome.

 And we too here in the West are not to think that everything will be smooth sailing forever, for the Bible has stated unequivocally that perilous times will come. It may be, that like Lot and his wife, split second decisions would have to be made, under the direction of God, and if spouses are not on the same page spiritually, cracks in their relationship would certainly appear.

 Therefore, it is of great importance that as nations are increasingly becoming embroiled in real turmoil, that spouses seek to be aligned spiritually. This will call for soul-searching and often deliberations with the understanding, seeking to address whatsoever differences in spouses’ faith, and perspectives may exist.

 Praying together, staying together, going to church together, studying God’s word together and talking together often, would go a long way in cementing the bond between husband and wife, so that their marriage could be bullet proof, if, and when tested severely by trials.

 It is the will of God that as husbands and wives head into unchartered territory, that the same spiritual union which existed between Abraham and Sarah, be our own experience. One spouse walking by faith whilst the other spouse walks by sight is a recipe for disaster, because it is the faith factor that will loom large and necessary as earth’s final conflict unfolds.

 Therefore, wherever palpable differences may exist spiritually, let husbands and wives seek to close the gap as soon and as much as possible, for we would need to be on the same page spiritually, now more than ever. We end with a passage of scripture that should help us to achieve this by God’s grace. Let’s read:

Ephesians 4: I therefore, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.       

God Bless!

Salvation To The Gutter-most. Sabbath afternoon 03/05/2022

Hebrews 7: 25 Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them.

The purpose of God’s plan of salvation is to save as many people as possible, by renewing God’s image in man; and in the process, everyone who is born is given an opportunity at eternal life. What persons do with that opportunity depends on their freedom of choice, but it is granted to all.

 As the latter rain looms on the horizon our concepts of God’s salvation, would need to be revisited, and understood. This will include a knowledge of various ways and means He employs, and the persons who will be targeted, especially at the time of the latter rain.

 From our finite perspective, everyone has a chance, no matter how low or far they may have fallen, and as such, we are to see in every person, the potential for them to be heirs of God’s kingdom. Persons are not to be prevented for any reason, such as religion, race, social standing, education, riches, poverty, or even addictions.

 The gospel call is to go forth, untrammeled to every part of the inhabitable globe, traversing all borders, penetrating all ethnicities, and creeds, and offering life and freedom to all, just like Christ did when He was upon the earth. Heaven will be a place of many surprises, and some of the seemingly most unlikely people will be there, while some who are expected to make it will be absent.

There are some politicians, some sports stars, some news anchors, some priests, some pastors of other Sunday churches, who, when the final call goes out, will hear God’s voice speaking directly to their souls and they will respond in the positive, just like it was on the day Pentecost.

 Thus, we are never to erect any man-made barriers or hurdles to prevent anyone from entering. Let all who will, be given ample opportunity, even if they may seem to be unlikely candidates, and The Holy Ghost, who is in charge of operations, would handle the winnowing process.

 This sacred truth must be understood by everyone to whom the three angel’s messages is entrusted to disseminate to the people. In other words, our view should be to make it as easy for a person to accept Christ, not to make it as difficult, for God is the only One who can accurately read the hearts and minds of persons. Let’s read:

Matthew 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind.

“Every kind” means every kind. It means that there were some clean fishes with fins and scales, but the net also pulled in some sharks, octopus and shrimp. In other words, the gospel will take in different folk who might be attracted to the church for different reasons. Some may be attracted by the prospect of health and wealth.

 Others may be attracted by the prospect of power, while others may even be attracted by the prospect of finding a spouse. The personal reasons why they would come, should not be as a deterrent, or as an approval to those who are giving the gospel call. It is left up to God to make the correct determination. Let’s read:

Matthew 13:48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.

49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just.

Acts 10: 9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour.

10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance.

11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth.

12 Wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.

15 And the voice spoke unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

As the early rain fell upon the disciples, a mixture of people were drawn to church, which included many of the very priests who were at one time adamantly against Jesus, and there were also some who were deceived previously; some who had had the seeds of truth sown in their own hearts earlier, which now sprung up and bore fruit to the glory of God.

 Also included were many who were sitting on the fence, in the valley of decision, some who had been prevented from making their choice by some family members, some who had persecuted the church, and yes, there were even some witch doctors and their adherents who were given a shot at eternal life.

 This then tells us that as the latter rain begins to fall upon the earth, millions of people will be coming in, and as such, the remnant church must be prepared to receive all who will be brought in at that time. No barriers, prejudices, and formalisms are to interfere with the rapid work that God will be doing, for it is a short work that will be done at that time.

 Often, when The Spirit of God is about to convict a person of the truth, the individual may put up some forms of resistance to their awakened conscience, and this initial resistance could be misconstrued by those giving the message, as infertile ground to sow upon.

 In fact, some resistance is often evidence that God is working behind the scenes, and as such, we are to be encouraged in our efforts when resistance arises.  The natural response of the human heart, when the truth is presented, is to resist it, and because of this resistance is to be expected, as something normal. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Acts 18: 5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

9 Then spoke the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace.

10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

The same will be true at the time of the latter rain, for we are not to expect smooth sailing as it would pertain to eleventh hour conversions. Like as it was with Paul, we would run into stiff opposition from some persons, before they surrender to Christ, and therefore, stubborn resistance from some may not necessarily mean that God has counted them out, neither should we. Let’s read:

Joel 3:13 Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.

14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.

Thus, for our case study we will observe both the work of The Holy Spirit, and the movements of the early Christians as they preached the good news of the gospel, under His guidance and direction. It will be of critical importance as we study to make a note of what God allowed, and what He did not prevent, or intervene to stop, even though He always knows all things.

 Phillip goes down to Samaria to preach, and like as Christ stated in the parable, he casts the gospel net into the sea of humanity living there, and behold, a multitude of different “fish” are reeled in.

 Phillip is not to decide who is reeled in, and he is not to cast the net with any prejudice or preference, for all must be granted equal opportunity to be saved, even those whom God knows in advance, will be lost. This is one of the most important facts for us to keep in mind as the latter rain is poured out. Let’s read:

Acts 8: 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

8 And there was great joy in that city.

9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before-time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one.

10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

A few questions would obviously arise in the hearts of some, about why this particular experience has been recorded in the scriptures. The obeah man has obviously not been converted, as was later revealed in the scriptures, he has ulterior motives, and yet he comes in for baptism, because he believes. Let’s read:

Acts 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19 Saying, Give me also this power that on whoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

23 For I perceive that you’re in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.

What is worthy of note is that The Holy Spirit, given His thorough understanding of all things, does not prevent Simon from being baptized into the new body of believers. God sees his utter insincerity and He knows more than finite man does, what the end product will be, yet He allows it to go through. Why would God allow this witch doctor to be baptized? Why would not The Holy Ghost give Phillip a heads-up, as He had done with Peter, when Ananias and his wife, Saphira, proved to be insincere?

 Since the witch doctor was obviously not changed in his heart, why would God allow him to join the body of new believers? Remember, that the servants of God were baptizing in the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost, and therefore, some of us would expect that this fraud would have been duly exposed up front, to prevent him from joining.

 But that isn’t how God works; and especially during the time of the latter rain, the motives, intentions, and purposes of individuals are to be left solely in God’s hands. God does not view the witch doctor as a risk to the true believer, neither did He view Judas as a risk to the other disciples. This fact was clearly sated by Christ as He treated on the topic. Let’s read:

John6: 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

65 And he said, Therefore, said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

John 10: 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my

 Father's hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

So, let’s reiterate again, under the outpouring of the early rain, The Holy Ghost does not view the witch doctor as an existential threat to the true believer. God didn’t use His foreknowledge to try to preempt Simon from having a shot at eternal life because the good news of the gospel is for anyone who believes.

 For the record, here are the words from the witch doctor’s own mouth, in response to Peter’s rebuke; words that many individuals may have missed, who read the story:

Acts 8:24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

 Therefore, if Simon fulfills the stated prerequisites, and if he wants to join the church, he should not be prevented from doing so, for if Phillip were to try and prevent Simon, he may inadvertently prevent other witch doctors from joining, some of whom may actually be sincere in their motives. Let’s read:

Acts 19: 18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

Equal opportunity means equal opportunity, and for anyone who believes and is baptized, the possibility of being converted and saved is there for the taking. This is one of the reasons why we stated up front, that our ways, means, methods and understandings would need to be revisited, as the last-ditch effort to save the lost ramps up. Let’s read:

Matthew 13: 24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field.

25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?

28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

The natural response of the human agent would be to root out the tares, but Christ issued a warning against this desire, for man looks on the outward appearance, whereas God looks on the heart. If God allows us to pull up the tares it’s inevitable that very grave mistakes would be thus made, for there are persons who look like wheat, but in their heart of hearts, they may be tares, only God alone knows.

 If anyone of us had heard Peter carrying on, and speaking the way he did, at the judgment hall, we most likely would’ve labeled him a tare, and would have uprooted him from the church, and we would have had scripture to “apparently” back us up. Let’s read:

Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

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

71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.

73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrays thee.

74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man.

This is the reason why Christ cautioned any person against uprooting what we may believe to be tares, for Peter went on to be thoroughly converted, he wrote in the Bible, he preached, he laid down his life for Jesus, and his name will be engraved on one of the foundations of the new Jerusalem. That’s one of the reasons why The Holy Ghost did not prevent the witch doctor from being baptized, for if He were to leave salvation up to the human agent, we would certainly err in judgement. Let’s read:

Matthew 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

During the time of the latter rain, specific groups of individuals would be targeted by The Holy Spirit and some of them would seem to be unlikely candidates for heaven. Many folks will be coming from Sunday churches, and some who have heard of the Three angel’s messages for the first time would respond positively.

 And many of our children who have gone astray in forbidden paths, will be granted the opportunity to repent and turn to Jesus in sincerity and truth.

 And there are many persons from different religious creeds who will be brought in at the eleventh hour, when the conscience is awakened to the realities of the message for God has people in every nation and in every religion under the sun. Let’s read:

Acts 2:38 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.

39 For the promise is unto you and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

And there are some persons in the church who are currently in a lukewarm state, yet The Lord has not written them off, for after issuing a stern rebuke in Revelation chapter 3, Jesus goes on to encourage us to repent, which means that there is still hope and room for change and thorough conversion, for if it were not so, He would have ended with the rebuke.

 It is true that none of us should put off our salvation for another day, for The Spirit of God speaks to all expressly: “Today if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts”.

 Yet, persons are not to lose courage, just because they may not be where they ought to be spiritually. Instead of groveling in our weakness, let’s take the counsel of Christ to heart, and make the necessary changes by God’s grace. Let’s read:

Revelation 3: 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness does not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Salvation to the gutter-most means exactly what it says, for God will leave no stone unturned until we are given ample opportunities to both understand, and accept the truth. This perspective must now be adopted by all who would partake of the latter rain, for we must never forget that the main purpose of the gospel is to restore Gods’ image in man, and to save as many people as possible. Let’s read:

[Early Writings pp 271] 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.

 The honest who had been prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it. All fear of their relatives was gone, and the truth alone was exalted to them. They had been hungering and thirsting for truth; it was dearer and more precious than life. 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, in our interaction with our fellowmen, let us see in every person we meet, the potential to become a son or daughter of God, and let’s be very careful not to write off anyone, based on prejudice or bias, for salvation to the gutter-most is an equal opportunity perspective that hopes against hope, and allows Jesus to save as many as He will.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture that would remind us of this perspective, and may God grant us the grace to live it out, as we’ll come into contact with persons. 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!

Latter Rain Obedience. Sabbath afternoon 02/26/2022

Joel 2: 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?

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.

31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come.

32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.

Some of us are yet to learn what true obedience to God’s word really entails, for some have cultivated strange, weird, fuzzy, and distorted variants of what God requires when He speaks to us. That type of obedience currently done by many Christians would not even come near to cutting it, at the time of the latter rain, which is to fall just prior to the close of human probation.

 Currently, some persons question God before they obey, some require logical answers before moving upon His word, others require a detailed outline of future events, others have to agree first before they obey, while some even presume to argue with God, about the right or more rational course of action to pursue, before obeying His word.

 There are others, who must obtain permission first from family members and friends before they obey, for in their minds the approval of loved ones is most essential to obedience. Jesus took care of this last view on obedience, when He called His disciples, so that some of them who responded by saying they had this or that to do first before they obeyed, were corrected in love, on the matter.

 Some whom Jesus called claimed that they had a few necessary duties to fulfill before they obeyed, and indeed, when we study the calls then made and some of the reasons, and excuses given, they might seem to be important. But as it pertains to obeying God, those reasons ae not that important.

 In fact, in the life of Christ on earth we are informed in the scriptures that He was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, which means that even if obedience to God might involve losing one’s life in the process, it is the first and most important thing, to obey implicitly, what God commands. Let’s read:

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Luke 9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which

are at home at my house.

62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

 In a nutshell, nothing is of more importance than obedience, for if God has to choose between praise and obedience, He would take obedience any day, hands-down. This is the critically important lesson Saul failed to learn, and many persons in our day are yet to learn. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 15: 22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

Again, nothing is of more importance, when the call to obedience is given directly by God, and this is especially the case when it comes to the fulfilling of the gospel commission. The many, various reasons and excuses some folks currently put forth, for not obeying God’s revealed will, would fall flat when the books of record are examined.

 As it pertains to Latter Rain Obedience, we are now looking at a completely different animal, as pertains to our attitudes towards obeying God’s voice. It is absolutely not essential to first get details upfront. before we obey God. The Bible teaches us that.

 In fact, when it comes to folks obeying God, the fine details are often filled in, or revealed along the way as persons proceed to obey. But to wait for, or even to a demand fine print before acting upon His word would be an absolute non-starter when it comes to latter rain obedience.

 We have such an example of obedience in Abraham   the father of the faithful, who, when he was called by God to go out into a foreign land, obeyed and he went forth, without waiting for details or maps. At that time God did not even tell him which direction to go in; all God said was go, and I will direct you as you go.

 In response, Abraham went to the nearest U-Haul, and rented a one-way truck to nowhere, packed up all his belongings, took his wife (Mercy!), and with others who were willing to make the journey, they set out in obedience to the voice of God. Let’s read:

Genesis 12: Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee.

2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.

3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curses thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

4 So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

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.

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.

In our opening passage, we observe that God refers to those who would be called to preach during the time of the latter rain, as being soldiers in His army. These are not your average soldiers, for they would have already learned by experience not to question, argue, or even agree with God, for it’s not necessary for us to agree with God before obeying Him.

 Ananias, the disciple, had a few serious questions about the command God gave him, to go and anoint Saul, who was recently hunting down the Christians of the early church like wild beasts. He raised these valid concerns when the call came to him but he did not allow his logical reasoning, nor his premonitions to get in the way of swift obedience, for logic would often be found to be the diabolical enemy of faith.

 Often, what God commands us to do does not make any sense up front, but as persons obey, they can see clearly why God directed us in such and such a path. It is the disposition to obey God in spite of our human logic, forebodings, and valid concerns, that God is now looking for, as he prepares His army of soldiers for the outpouring of the latter rain. Let’s read:

Acts 9: And Saul, yet breathing out threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

 10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prays,

12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he  might receive his sight.

13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem.

14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.

17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as you came, hath sent me, that you might receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Thus, it is of critical importance for us to train our minds to a ready obedience, in spite of what some may or may not think about God’s direct command. A ready and obedient mind is of far more value to God, in the finishing work of the gospel, than one that is prone to question and hesitate on so called intellectual, or philosophical grounds. 

 At the time of the former rain, the Holy Ghost was on the ground to do a major work of reformation and transformation in the minds of those who had previously been deceived or hesitant to accept the sacred truth about Christ being our Savior.

 Therefore, when, as promised the early rain fell, the hearts of those who were called to preach would’ve previously been trained to obey implicitly, the word and directives coming from God. This is very clearly outlined in our case study, and it should serve as a sort of template for those who are expecting, and who will receive the latter rain.

 The purpose of the latter rain is to accomplish two main objectives: [1] To prepare The Lord’s chosen people to stand during earth’s final conflict. [2] To deliver the everlasting gospel in unmistakable ways to those who may still be sitting in darkness.

 Some persons have had the seeds of truth already sown in their hearts, but the latter rain would bring them to maturity where they would make a decided choice in favor of God, and all His commandments. Others have been sitting on the fence, in the valley of decision, but were prevented by circumstances from boldly taking their stand for Jesus.

 But now, as The Holy Spirit will be convicting hearts and minds, the sacred truth about the three angel’s messages will be brought home to the mind in clear steady rays, and the deep, convincing power of God will “Prick” persons in their consciences to make their move.

Therefore, at such a time of grave national peril and worldwide emergency, God would not have time to explain every move and action He will require from His soldiers. The days for lengthy explanations will be over, and now is time for raw obedience to His voice; obedience that is freed from the shackles of human logic, questionings, hesitations and personal forebodings. Let’s read:

Joel 2: 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.

3 A fire devours before them; and behind them a flame burns, yea, and nothing shall escape them.

4 The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.

5 Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devours the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.

6 Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.

7 They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks.

8 Neither shall one thrust another; 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 like a thief.

10 The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.

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?

This is what transpired after the day of Pentecost in the days of yore, when God’s Holy Spirit was giving directives to those who had been called to preach in the time of the early rain. The time for asking many questions was over, and now, the foot soldiers are doing their appointed work, without requiring any explanations and detailed fine print upfront.

 The Holy Spirit doesn’t have time for explanations at this juncture, for He was dead focused on getting as many persons into God’s kingdom as possible, in the shortest amount of time possible, before men and demons would think to thwart the sacred work. He speaks the word authoritatively, and He expects the soldiers of the cross to yield an unquestioning obedience. 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.

The early rain soldier, Phillip, does not ask why he is being sent towards the south; he does not ask how long it will take to get there, nor does he ask about food, raiment and shelter. “Go towards Gaza means go towards Gaza, and thus, implied in the command from God, is everything that Phillip would need, as he goes.

Acts 8:27 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 Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

It shouldn’t be necessary for The Holy Ghost to give Phillip a reason for joining himself to the Ethiopian’s chariot, for it should have been understood by all of the early rain soldiers, that their sole focus was the great commission, and as such, the preaching, and disseminating of the gospel should be understood as being a given.

 In our day, when God calls on His soldiers to go join themselves to “this chariot” or any other chariot for that matter, it’s not to talk about the big games, or the latest release in the theatres, or on Netflix. The soldiers of the cross must have understood by now that their sole focus is the mission, and as such, any opportunity granted us by God must be to preach, as Phillip did.

 In our daily interaction with our fellowmen, there are many chariots, with Ethiopians sitting in them, waiting and hoping that someone would explain the scriptures to them. These are not primarily business opportunities, as some have erroneously believed; they are in most cases an opportunity that The Holy Spirit is giving, and He expects us to step up to the plate. Let’s read:

Acts 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth.

33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaks the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

Stop right there! The soldiers of the cross in our day should be able to start at any scripture, and preach Jesus unto persons. This would call for our thorough understanding of the meaning and the import of the three angels’ messages including the very important aspect of obeying all of God’s commandments.

But too often, when brought into contact with our fellowmen, our conversations savor of the temporal and carnal, rather than the spiritual, and issues that pertain to the building up of God’s kingdom. Thus, it may be necessary in most cases, for our minds to be rewired or reprogrammed to focus on ministry, not as an afterthought but as the focal point of our very existence. Let’s read:

Acts 8:36 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?

37 And Philip said, If you believe with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

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.

40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

After completing the crux of the mission, Phillip is not left to socialize as we often do. During the time of latter rain obedience, some of the norms we’ve become accustomed to would become relics of the past, as The Holy Ghost would strip away all of the nonessentials to a bare-bones, all hands on deck, approach, to save the lost at all cost.

 Phillip was sent to preach and baptize, and thus, if it’s mission accomplished, The Holy Spirit moves on to the next opportunity and Phillip, whose mind has been trained to yield an unquestioning obedience to anything God says, is ready to be transported via unconventional methods we know nothing of, the same as would take place when the latter rain falls. Let’s read:

Joel 2: 7 They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march everyone on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks.

8 Neither shall one thrust another; 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 like a thief.

With latter rain obedience already in place, these soldiers of God are not going to be dependent on such modes of transportation such as we have been accustomed to, such as Uber, Lyft, and any public transportation. God will make it evident that He is not dependent on self-important mortals to get His work done.

 And thus, all who are called to latter rain obedience must be prepared for whatsoever methods, or ways and means, The Holy Ghost will employ, as He sees fit. Current modes of transportation will most likely be thrown out the window by God, for those who would use Lyft and Uber at that time must first have succumbed to the mark mentioned in Revelation 13 and 14.

 [Maranatha pp 63] It is discipline of spirit, cleanness of heart and thought that is needed. This is of more value than brilliant talent, tact, or knowledge. An ordinary mind, trained to obey a “Thus saith the Lord,” is better qualified for God's work than are those who have capabilities, but do not employ them rightly.

As new challenges will arise worldwide, and as the drumbeat of war and new viruses and variants get louder, isn’t it high time that we regroup as pertains to our understanding of what obeying God’s voice really means?

 Those attitudes and dispositions that have been indulged for to long will have to change, where necessary, and instead, the following mantra will have to be adopted: God says it, I believe it, and that settles it for me, period.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reflects the urgency of the moment, and wherever any adjustments and changes in our perspectives on latter rain obedience is needed, let’s ask God to give us the heart and mind to submit fully to Him so that a ready, willing, and obedient disposition will be our own personal experience. 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.

                                     God Bless!

Diseases, Causes, And Cures. Sabbath afternoon 02/19/2022

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

During the last two years, as the covid pandemic in America and elsewhere took the lives of millions, and sent millions more to the hospital, it was found that certain groups of people were more adversely affected than others, and the reasons for this must be addressed, understood, and where necessary, a change in outlook and practice should ensue.

 Among those who were deeply affected by the virus were the immunocompromised, the elderly and the segment of the population who had any preexisting conditions. As it pertains to the elderly, there is only so much one can do to stave off disease, for as folks grow older the conventional wisdom states that the body’s ability to fight off infectious disease is greatly diminished.

 That wisdom, though true in most cases, has to be taken with a pinch of salt, because there are things that one can do to live a quality life well into one’s golden years. In fact, a study done in Europe, which followed the health and wellbeing of older athletes, found that aging cyclists who rode regularly, in their seventies and eighties, had the same ability to fend off infections, as those in their twenties and thirties.

 Testosterone levels in older men who exercise, are also found to be significantly higher than those who lead a strictly, sedentary lifestyle void of meaningful physical activity. This truth is borne out in the Bible where we will observe that many physically, active individuals such as Caleb, and Abraham were still “Busy” well into, what folks describe as retirement age. Let’s read:

Genesis 21: 5 And Abraham was one hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.

 Genesis 23:1 And Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah.

Sarah was actually 91 years of age when Isaac was born, and since Abraham was 100 years old at that time, then the simple math would tell us that there were 36 years which elapsed, between Isaac’s birth and Sarah’s death. That would then put Abraham squarely on the other side of the hill as it pertains to the evening of his days.

 At this age we would be expecting him to be frail or weak, and at the very least his days of busyness had long been over. According to the X-Perts, he would be crunching numbers as it pertains to his will, with only an occasional bout of golf.

 But not according to the wisdom of God, for we discover that he was still fired up and ready to go, at 136 years of age, and he wasn’t infertile as some would be prone to believe. In fact, according to the scriptures, Abraham continued to have children for several years after Sarah died. Let’s read:

Genesis 25:1 Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.

2 And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.

That is six children after the age of 136, and that is why we caution persons who read and quote from the X-Perts, who often leave God out of the picture. Caleb was not slack, as some men count slackness either, for he too conflicted with the conventional wisdom on aging. Let’s read:

Joshua 14: 6 Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, you know the thing that the Lord said unto Moses concerning me and thee in Kadesh-barnea.

7 Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in my heart.

8 Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the Lord my God.

9 And Moses swore on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's forever, because thou hast wholly followed the Lord my God.

10 And now, behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, as

he said, these forty and five years, even since the Lord spoke this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.

11 As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

Again, we have the historical facts on Gideon, who was a full-grown man when the angel of The Lord, said unto him: “Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?”

 But lo and behold, we discover that Gideon went on to have a multitude of children, well into his golden years, hence the reason why we stated earlier, that the conventional wisdom on the elderly and aging must be taken with a pinch of salt. Let’s read:

Judges 8:28 Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon.

30 And Gideon had threescore and ten sons of his body begotten.

32 And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the sepulchre of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

 Thus, in addressing the issue of Diseases, Causes, and Cures, we must distinguish clearly between the causes which trigger diseases in the first place, and the cures that are endorsed by God. The causes will be divided up into two main categories:

 [1] Physical or natural causes, which deal with the laws of cause and effect in the physical realm.

 [2] Spiritual causes, which will deal with diseases and sickness which are caused by strictly spiritual factors, which have nothing to do with viruses or infections.

 Let’s begin with those diseases which are caused by physical or natural factors. There is such a thing as cause and effect, or, as described in the scriptures as sowing and reaping. There are things which folks do that will produce adverse effects on their person if such things are in violation of natural law.

 God does not generally interfere with the laws of sowing and reaping, for if He were to do this, He would essentially make His own laws of none effect. Therefore, what many persons think God is doing to them is in fact what they have done to themselves, without any interference or input from God. 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.

As the Wet Markets in Wuhan China sold various exotic meats, and so-called delicacies, the laws of God pertaining to diets and foods were disregarded. In many instances, that word “Exotic” really means forbidden, as it pertains to foods. Civets, Mice, Pork, Snakes, Crabs, Oysters, Monkeys, Shrimp, and yes, man’s best friend, “brother Dog”, were all to be found on the menu.

 And it is not China alone that regularly indulges in these violations, they have become a worldwide phenomenon, crossing all borders and all countries where forbidden foods are consumed. And thus, we have the seeds of death already sown in the bodies of billions of people, so that when viruses like covid and his brethren arise, we are already at a serious disadvantage, as far as fighting them is concerned.

 These forbidden foods were never intended for the human family to consume; they were black-listed by God, Who created them, and Who best knows their consistency, and the adverse effects they will have on any person who consumes them.

 The seeds of death would absolutely be sown in the bodies of those who consume forbidden foods, and even if one works out regularly, and seems to be fit externally, the dirty work of breaking down systems vital organs, and a person’s immunity will continue uninterrupted, while the violations continue. This is a statement of fact that individuals can take to the bank, and cash.

 In the New Testament, where we see Christ letting demons go into the herd of swine which was being raised for human consumption, Jesus was not then merely attempting to deprive those farmers of their livestock.  He was doing them a great favor in the eventual destruction of the swine, for it was one of the causes of leprosy and other fatal diseases that had plagued folks in that era. 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 chews the cud, but divides not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.

5 And the coney, because he chews the cud, but divides not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.

6 And the hare, 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.

10 And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you.

11 They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcasses in abomination.

12 Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.

13 And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the osprey,

14 And the vulture, and the kite after his kind;

15 Every raven after his kind;

16 And the owl, and the night hawk and the cuckoo,

and the hawk after his kind,

17 And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl,

18 And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle,

19 And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.

29 These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind,

30 And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole.

31 These are unclean to you among all that creep: whosoever doth touch them, when they be dead, shall be unclean until the even.

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 it’s not only diets and foods that are forbidden which contribute to diseases that are proliferating, for the culture of drug dependence, which has now become the norm in so many countries, adds to the toxic mix. When we speak of drugs we aren’t merely referring to heroin, cocaine, and weed.

We are primarily referring to the taking of drugs for any and every reason, without due consideration of counting the cost that would be leveled against the body. There are certain drugs taken which cause the body’s immune system to be compromised, so that when infections occur, the body is already in such a state that would make it difficult to defend itself.

 Organ transplant recipients in particular, are given certain types of drugs, so that the body would not reject the organ that was transplanted. The reason for this is that the body views transplanted organs as foreign entities, and begins to attack them as such. Thus, in order to prevent this, certain drugs are prescribed.

 But one of the adverse side effects of such drugs is that the body’s immune system is weakened in the process, so that such persons become particularly susceptible to infections of all sorts. In addition to organ transplant recipients, persons who are given drugs to treat psoriasis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, will have the same effect of a weakened immune system.

 We are not here advising any person to stop taking their medications; we are just stating the bare facts as they are, so that we may be aware of root cause and effect as it pertains to an immunocompromised condition, as a direct result of taking certain drugs.

 Wherever possible, the use of any drugs should be avoided, for just like trees in the natural world, God made our bodies with the wherewithal to heal, and regenerate in most cases, together with those God-ordained remedies and treatments as necessary.

 If a person’s current medication includes the names of any of the drugs listed below then you can know for certain that adverse effects of a compromised immune system are already at play. Here is a list of the names those drugs, which we will not presume to pronounce:

Corticosteroids: prednisone (Deltasone,

Orasone), budesonide, (Entocort EC) prednisolone (Millipred), Janus kinase inhibitors, tofacitinib (Xeljanz)

Calcineurin inhibitors: cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, SangCya), tacrolimus (Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR, Prograf),

mTOR inhibitors: sirolimus (Rapamune)

everolimus (Afinitor, Zortress)

IMDH inhibitors: azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran), leflunomide (Arava), mycophenolate (CellCept, Myfortic)

Biologics: abatacept (Orencia), adalimumab (Humira), anakinra (Kineret), certolizumab (Cimzia)

etanercept (Enbrel), golimumab (Simponi)

infliximab (Remicade), ixekizumab (Taltz),

natalizumab (Tysabri), rituximab (Rituxan), secukinumab (Cosentyx)

tocilizumab (Actemra), ustekinumab (Stelara)

vedolizumab (Entyvio),

 Monoclonal antibodies: basiliximab (Simulect), daclizumab (Zinbryta)

Now we will move to the spiritual causes, for there are other issues that can affect the immune system, which are not in the physical realm, and yet, could cause persons to be prone to succumb to diseases. Selfishness and a unforgiving spirit, greed, unbelief, depression, remorse, grief, loneliness, lust, laziness, and other adverse conditions of the mind, just to name a few.

 Several examples of the spiritual causes for various diseases are given in the scriptures. For instance, a man by the name of Nabal suffered a heart attack, and died as a direct result of selfishness. Gehazi was Elisha’s servant, but he was diagnosed with leprosy because of unbridled greed.

 David suffered from osteoporosis, because of deep remorse and regret for his sin with Bathsheba. And Daniel fainted and became sick “certain days” after erroneously believing that the Jewish exile would last very much longer than the 70 years prophesied. Michal, Saul’s daughter became barren for the sole reason of trying to shut down David’s praise.

 Miriam came down with leprosy after she coveted Moses’ position, and because of her racial profiling of Moses’ wife. And the list goes on and on, for in the New Testament we have several examples of diseases cause by spiritual factors, which persons suffered from and, in some instances, died.

 Ananias and Sapphira succumbed to sudden death syndrome for withholding tithes and offerings. One man became crippled because of sin, whom Jesus healed, and later warned him against retrogressing into the same error, and old Judas became severely depressed, and committed suicide, because of his inordinate love of money.

 Some persons died and others became sick because they partook of the holy communion, without the prerequisite preparation. All of these are spiritual causes, issues of the mind, which if left unaddressed often cause very serious illness, disease, and death and in many cases, the body’s ability to heal itself is severely compromised. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 11: 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

29 For he who eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

30 For this cause, many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

But one of the causes of diseases, which hardly gets any attention is disease that is caused by a person’s imagination, where folks became sick after believing they were sick, when they actually weren’t. A spirit of unbelief can weaken our immune systems to the point where negative, foreboding thoughts sap our vital forces, and our health becomes compromised.

 As a general rule of thumb, if one dwells in the light of God’s promises, the promises tend to be fulfilled. And the converse is true, for when persons adopt a spirit of fear, and unbelief, the after- effects in the physical world often savors of those negatives they were dwelling on. This is one of the reasons given in the scriptures, why Job’s ordeal materialized. Let’s read:

Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. 26 I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.

 In fact, God was watching over Job night and day for so many years and His providence protected him for all of his life, together with all that Job owned, and thus, the belief, and the statement that he was not in safety was unfounded, and it savored of unbelief. And guess what, so said, so done. Let’s read:

Job 1: 9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nothing?

10 Hast not thou made a 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.

During the course of the pandemic, the constant barrage of bad news, together with covid numbers and daily deaths, caused many persons to go into depression, and as a result, in some cases the bad news actually became a self-fulfilling prophecy.

 As some persons crunched the numbers daily, and as some chose to dwell upon the darker side of the crisis, the prospect of coming down with the virus, and the accompanying adverse side effects, scared the living daylights out of some people, and fear in turn, weakened their body’s ability to fight off the dreaded infection.

 It is quite possible that some who may just have had a regular cough, or flu, were prone to believe that it must be the virus, and the resulting worry and fear may have driven them to get tested, and retested until they actually came down with it.

 Now while it is true that folks simply believing may not prevent disease, harboring a positive outlook of belief in God will often go a long way in setting the stage for resisting disease. And we will discover that our immune systems will be much better prepared to deal with diseases as they arise, for again, as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.

 As we confront a new variant, (Stealth Omicron) it is of critical importance for persons to believe God’s promises, even if He may not deliver in your own, particular circumstance, for believing paves the way for health, wellness and recovery, whereas unbelief casts a dark shadow over the body’s efforts to heal and recover. Let’s read:

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

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

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

There is a valid reason why persons are encouraged in the scriptures to cultivate a believing mind, for although this aspect of the human experience may not get the attention it deserves, it could and often affects outcomes.

Therefore, we must pay very close attention to the following statements coming from the servant of The Lord, for they reveal what persons may need to take into consideration, as we consider the prospect of many other diseases, viruses and variants arising as we get closer to Christ’s 2nd coming. Let’s read:

 [Ministry Of healing pp 241] The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression.

 Grief, anxiety discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and tend to invite decay and death. Disease is sometimes produced, and is often greatly aggravated, by imagination. Many are lifelong invalids who might be well if they only thought so.

 Many imagine that every slight exposure will cause illness, and the evil effect is produced because it is expected. Many die from disease, the cause of which is wholly imaginary. Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. “A merry [rejoicing] heart doeth good like a medicine.” Proverbs 17:22.

 In addressing diseases, causes, and cures our efforts should run the entire gamut from diets and foods to regular exercise, faith in God, and a believing mind, because when these factors are juxtaposed one to another, positive outcomes would become far more frequent, than if we were to take the other beaten path of drugs, inactivity, poor diet, and unbelief.

 The health message that God has granted to all who would believe and practice, will become more and more relevant, as new diseases, and variants arise. This knowledge is not to be held only theoretically, it is to be applied across the board, in our everyday experiences, wherever possible, because it’s not the hearers, but the doers of the word who will be most benefitted thereby.

 We therefore end with a passage of scripture which would encourage us to cooperate with God in living healthy lives and fending off disease where possible for it is the will of God, that His people be blessed with long quality of life, to serve to the best of our ability, for as long as possible. Let’s read:

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

3 Who forgives all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases;

4 Who redeems thy life from destruction; who crowns thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

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

                                   God Bless!

Overcoming Phantom Temptations. Sabbath afternoon 02/12/2022

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

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.

20 These are the things which defile a man.

The human family is tempted in two main ways: [1] Via our five senses, through which we communicate with the outside world. [2] Through temptations or cravings that are cultivated internally, in the mind.

 And while temptation in and of itself is not a sin, the much more dangerous of the two previous methods mentioned, is the temptation which often occurs internally, without any provocation from devils, for while it is true that they continue to do their dirty work relentlessly, the fact is that if left alone, folks can run on automatic, without any external input.

 This issue must be addressed head-on, for far too long folks have blamed devils wrongfully, when in very many instances, devils did not interfere nor did they trigger the evil thoughts that set into motion the temptation with which one was tempted in his or her mind.

 Individuals do not necessarily need to be tempted externally in order for sinful thought to be triggered or for any sinful suggestions to reach maturity into actions. The human mind will run involuntarily in a downward trajectory so that without Christ, no one has to be tempted, provoked or encouraged to sin.

 Thus, because of our fallen nature, and all the latent tendencies it comes with, persons naturally follow the lead of carnal cravings and desires, unless they are constrained by the presence and power of God continually.

 In other words, if God were to destroy devils in the morning, and if God were to put them permanently out of commission, or consign them to never-land, phantom temptations would continue to exist, and would continue to morph into evil words and deeds, just the same as if the devil was alive and well.

 This means that the problem with temptation is not so much external as it is internal as the first passage makes plain. Jesus pointed poignantly to this issue of the human experience, as the cause of the sinful action in most instances, and then He further makes mention of the fact that persons often sin in their minds, without any follow-up overt actions.

 This fact above all else should cause each one of us to engage in deep and thorough soul-searching, to determine and know whether the temptations we are afflicted with are being engineered externally, or if perchance, they are being churned out in our own private factory.

 In the case of Christ’s temptations, we would read in the scriptures that “the devil came to him”. But in our situation, the devil does not necessarily have to come to us; he can leave us all by ourselves, and if we are not rooted in Christ, the sinful outcome will become inevitable. Two deeply troubling passages on this point are worthy of our consideration. Let’s read:

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

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.

20 These are the things which defile a man.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man.

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Both of these passages point to internal temptation as the main driver, and producer of most external evils and, James states unequivocally that there is also a gestation period of sorts where evil thoughts, temptations, and decisions do converge, before the entire process ruptures into open sin.

 It almost never occurs in a vacuum as many persons claim as a cop-out that “the devil made me do it”. Thus, before we proceed, we must understand the meaning of the word “Phantom”: Something that is not real and exists only in a person's mind.

This definition, as given by the dictionary, does not capture the full scope or the severity of the problem because, although temptations in the mind may not produce tangible effects, they are indeed palpable, and they are as real as if they literally existed in the physical world.

 Both men and women do suffer from this syndrome  and the honest in heart will be first to admit that it is real, for it was the reason why God had to bring a flood upon the antediluvian world. In that episode, the internal problem of the mind loomed large, and it prompted God to make the following declaration. Let’s read:

Genesis 6: 5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

David recognized the seriousness of the problem, after he fell on the issue of fatal attraction, and as we stand upon the borders of the heavenly Canaan, internal and external foes will endeavor to get our minds bent in a downward trajectory, by indulging or cultivating phantom temptations.

 As David considered the extent, and the depths to which he fell, he penned words that all who would live victoriously in these last days, would do well to consider, and appropriate to ourselves, wherever the situation may warrant such consideration. Let’s read:  

Psalms 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts. and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

It’s very worthy of note, that throughout the entire chapter of Palms 51 not a single mention is made of the devil. That is because, like Christ later stated, it isn’t really a “devil” problem as such, it is a latent, internal problem of the mind, phantom temptations if you will, and unless it’s addressed and understood as such, our mitigation efforts would certainly lead to failure and ruin.

 However, Jesus does not teach us to grovel in our human weakness, because dwelling on our failures and errors does not strengthen us to face problems within the mind. In fact, the opposite is true, for if we dwell on our weaknesses, they would loom even larger, and before you know it, our fears would then crystalize our faith, which is an outlook on life which God never endorses. Let’s read:

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

This leads us to our study for this evening:       “Overcoming Phantom Temptations”

 There are certain facts in the spiritual realm that are to be clearly understood by all, especially those who are a part of the remnant people of God, for these facts will greatly strengthen our resolve to keep on fighting the good fight of faith and would ultimately empower us to live victoriously from day to day.

 [1] A mind that is constantly stayed on God is kept by His power from dwelling on, and cultivating external or internal temptations which occur, for they could, and should be signally dismissed by the word of God, and by the power of His Holy Spirit dwelling in us.

 The gospel of Jesus Christ is never a make-believe gospel; it is a living, breathing power which enables all who so desire to live victoriously on an ongoing basis. Some persons become frustrated, and others become disappointed with themselves because the desired outcome, after accepting the gospel might seem to have not been materialized.

 On this point, we must state unequivocally that God does not work and plan as we do. He brings His own omnipotent and creative power to the table, so that all who are found in Christ will become partakers of His victory. This point is clearly stated in the Bible. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.

The real problem is never with the true gospel; it is always with the human agent because every person who truly believes in Jesus, who would follow all the rules of engagement by God’s grace, as written in the Bible, will be victorious on all levels. Christ did not die to grant us a spurious victory as a figment of our imagination; He died so that we could live like conquerors. Let’s read:

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

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

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

[2] Phantom temptations would be signally dismissed and overcome through a constant connection to the power of Christ, who will work in collaboration with our freedom of choice to rat out every real, or imaginary temptation.

 No need to worry or grovel in our weaknesses, for if we look to Jesus throughout the day, it will become very difficult, if not nearly impossible for individuals to be overthrown by either external or internal foes. This fact about Christ’s salvation needs to be given due consideration, for some people dwell too much upon what devils can do, and not upon what Christ has done, and will continue to do. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.

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.

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.

[Desire Of Ages pp 324] When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature.

 The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan.

Impregnable: (Cambridge English dictionary) A building or place that is impregnable is so strongly built and defended that it cannot be entered by force. Powerful and impossible to beat.

The previous statement of fact begs the question: why then had David fallen so low, when he had had so many mountaintop experiences. David fell and all others will fall, whenever persons allow themselves to become unhinged from the source of power.

 Just two weeks ago, we were forced to cancel our broadcast because we were disconnected from the cable company, through no fault of our own, and as a result we lost the power to perform. A few weeks ago, we had a power outage in our neighborhood, and it temporarily took all of our computers out of commission.

 Then, when power was restored, we had to reboot our equipment, so that they could function again at full capacity. But while they were down, because of a lack of vital power, we could do no surfing or work because being disconnected from the power source rendered them incapable of doing what they would normally be able to do.

 The same is true for any light bulb, or floodlight or any electrical equipment, including this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine; if it gets disconnected from the source of its power it will inevitably lose its ability to function, and thereby resist the incursions coming from without and within.

 This is exactly what took place with David, when he temporarily got disconnected from God. He lost the power to resist the phantom temptations that were lurking in his mind, which were only waiting for the opportune moment to become unhinged, and thus, to converge into actions that caused his downfall.

 The next obvious and logical question is: What then causes God fearing persons to become temporarily disconnected from the source of their power? This question and the two answers that would be given must be clearly understood by all.

 Answer: [1] Anything or anyone that is allowed the first place in our affections, will ultimately engage our utmost attentions and energies, and if it is not Christ or the interests of His kingdom, we may know for certain that separation has already begun. Let’s read:

John 14:4 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 who abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 717] As soon as Satan can separate the soul from God, the only Source of strength, he will seek to arouse the unholy desires of man's carnal nature.

The word “arouse” must be given due consideration at this time, because something cannot be aroused except it be present and/or dormant. For example: “The pit-bull was “aroused” when it heard the mail-man at the front door”. The pit-bull in question would first have to be present, in order for it to be “aroused”

 As it pertains to phantom temptations, every sinful tendency and craving that is cherished, which then remains in a latent state within our minds, can and will absolutely be aroused into action whenever the right set of circumstances converge.

 And that’s why the Bible study today is so critically important for us to grasp, for some of us might be walking around, thinking that we’re ok when we’re not, just because there may not be any overt sinful action.

 [Patriarchs & Prophets pp 717] The work of the enemy is not abrupt; it is not, at the outset, sudden and startling; it is a secret undermining of the strongholds of principle. It begins in apparently small things—the neglect to be true to God and to rely upon Him wholly, the disposition to follow the customs and practices of the world.

 This temporary separation is often accomplished by devils using what we refer to as good temptations. For clarity, a “Good temptation” is one that is not inherently bad, in and of itself, but at the end of the day, it ultimately serves the purpose of drawing us away from Christ, sometimes almost imperceptibly.

 Case in point is the situation which obtained when Jesus became very hungry, and went to the home of Mary and Martha to do lunch. At this time Martha became quite busy with preparing the meal because there was an important need to be addressed, for The Creator of the universe was very hungry, and was and was sitting in her living room.

 But although her cooking was important, it was not that important in the bigger picture, because, as the Lord soon pointed out if one has to choose between cooking a meal for The Creator, and listening to the words of life coming from His lips, cooking becomes less of a priority, even though it is something good. Let’s read:

Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she helps me.

41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things.

42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her.

Another example of a good temptation, occurred just as Christ was delivering a sermon to the people. He was in the middle of speaking important truths when His family showed up, and instead of joining the throng to listen in, they waited on the outside, and sent messengers to ask Jesus to come to them.

 But doing so would have cut short His sermon, and even though, seeing His mother, and His brethren was important, again, it wasn’t that important, for whenever the work of the gospel is interrupted for reasons, other than those ordained by God, there we will have a good temptation sitting at our door. Let’s read:

Matthew 12: 46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

It is worthy of note that the timing of this particular interruption occurred just as Jesus was making such a revelation about the work of devils on the human heart, that would warrant from them an immediate response to try if possible, to divert the attention of the multitudes from truths that would be critically important to their understanding of the invisible world.

 So, let’s observe in context and timing, what’s really taking place, when out of the blue, the request to stop speaking, and attend to some family matters took place. If we’ll receive it, it’s just another good temptation coming from the enemy of souls. Let’s read:

Matthew 12: 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 takes 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.

46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

Disturbances and temptations such as these often take place at a critical moment when the pastor or an elder may be delivering some sacred truths that would make a difference in some person’s life. It is most often a good temptation that’s occurring even though some may be none the wiser.

[2] The soul can also be separated from God by what we choose to feed upon mentally.

 If persons desire to live victoriously over phantom temptations, we must be very careful about what we choose to see or hear, because the five senses are the avenues to the soul, and because of this, the information and images coming into the mind could exert a deleterious effect on those who are careless upon this aspect of spiritual warfare.

 To put it bluntly, if phantom temptations are to be held at bay and uprooted, there are certain things one cannot do. For example, deliberately looking at pornography in any form will effectually render the work of the Holy Spirit null and void, for situations such as this sets up an antagonistic atmosphere in the mind that pits the carnal against the spiritual.

 And wherever this takes place, the soul will become separated from God; temporarily at first, and then, permanently if the practice is never surrendered. It must be stated here that porn is a cancer that’s now eating out the soul of millions of persons, including members of the clergy. Thus, it creates a tug of war between good and bad impulses within one’s soul. Let’s read:

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other, so that you cannot do the things that you would.

As knowledge and inventions increase over time, evil will become more readily available, even at our fingertips, and thus, the Christian living in today’s world will have to follow God’s instructions on how to avoid the many pitfalls and snares that are being laid for the feet of the unwary.

 Phantom temptations in particular will need to be addressed, and overcome, by the grace of God, in preparation for the latter rain. We are told in the Bible that “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” which means that the thoughts and imaginations would need to be cleansed from the stains of sin, whether real or phantom. Let’s read:

[The Great Controversy pp 622] Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. Not even by a thought could our Savior be brought to yield to the power of temptation.

 Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foot-hold; some sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power. But Christ declared of himself, “The prince of this world comes, and has nothing in me.” [John 14:30.]

 Satan could find nothing in the Son of God that would enable him to gain the victory. He had kept his Father's commandments, and there was no sin in him that Satan could use to his advantage. This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble.

The path to victory, as it pertains to overcoming phantom temptations, is by the word, and through the indwelling Spirit of God. Those who do not see the necessity of prayer will find out sooner or later that cherished, latent tendencies would eventually place the mind in an iron grip, from which it will be very difficult to escape.

 But God has made available to every believer, the power to overcome on a daily basis, if persons will only watch and pray. Having one’s mind stayed on God throughout the day is the equivalent of living in the Spirit, and all who will submit themselves to the instructions given on this point, would not be made the sport of temptations, whether they be internal or external.

 We therefore end with a passage of scripture that calls on us to throw in our two cents, together with God’s 100 %, for it is by cooperating, and laying the framework for an atmosphere that will be favorable to spiritual growth, that we would live victoriously over phantom temptations. Let’s read:

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

                                    God Bless!

Living With Covid, And Christ. Sabbath afternoon 02/05/2022

Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.

36 For we have need of patience, that, after we have done the will of God, we might receive the promise.

37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

What many persons are discovering is that there is something such as long covid, whereby some of the after effects of the virus continue long after persons have tested negative, and were supposed to have been recovered. Lingering symptoms such as brain fog, headache, fatigue, and issues with taste and smell, can last in some cases for up to 22 months.

 In addition, we find ourselves having to deal with the collateral damage, such as supply chain issues, worker shortages, fatigue of many in the medical community, and the fact that many nurses are now ditching their profession, because of the constant stress of work overload that they are facing day in and day out.

 The after-effects have also taken a toll on the food chain, for in some places, processing plants have as much as 50 percent of their workforce out, because of the virus, and as a result, some food companies do not have the labor resources to process chickens into wings, legs and thighs, so they are selling them whole, and Mc-Donald’s has had to ration its French fries in some areas.

 In addition to these disruptions, some businesses and churches have been forced to close temporarily because of the virulence of the omicron variant. The constant washing of hands, the disinfecting of many surfaces and the wearing of masks are adding to the inconveniences that are affecting persons, so that in one way or another, we all have had to make some adjustments on some level, to living with covid.

 Therefore, for the foreseeable future, we will have to deal with covid over the long haul, but as we’ve stated before, and will continue to emphasize, it is critically important for us not leave God out of the picture, for throughout all of the vicissitudes of life, whether in good times or in bad, Christ must be the center, and the One stabilizing force to preserve our souls and our sanity.

This is not the last pandemic, and omicron is not the last variant, and thus, our mitigation efforts would have to go over, and beyond what the experts are advising. The new abnormal will have to include The God of heaven who has told us that these things are going to be taking place more frequently, and with greater intensity, because this is what the phrase “As a woman travails with child” really means.

 Therefore, while the nations are trying their best to weather the storm Christians are to incorporate the God factor in all of our planning, because the just shall live by faith. Conversely, fear crystalizes trust in God and if we were to follow all of the guidelines, restrictions, and precautions being handed down, we’ll find ourselves in very unfortunate situations.

 The Bible study for this evening will therefore focus on bringing Christ into the experiences we are now faced with. Whatever the Christian does, it must of necessity include faith in God, because we fight and win our battles using different strategies than what the world uses.

 In other words, in addition to the many mitigation efforts that are being advised, in the secular realm, faith in Jesus, and a childlike trust in Him, will help us to deal with any collateral damage brought about as a result of covid. The Bible teaches us of the ways and means whereby we may address the current dilemma. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 10: 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.

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 obedience of Christ.

Ephesians 6: 10 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.

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

 Whenever seemingly insurmountable difficulties arise, whether in the temporal, social, marital or spiritual realm, the Christian is to incorporate the foundational element of faith in God, if victory is to be achieved. This is where the secular and spiritual would often part ways, for one is antithetical to the other.

In other words, by using strictly carnal methods and strategies, our problems will often loom larger than they really are, and it is very often the case, that by dwelling on the daunting issues in life, the God of heaven is left out.

 The Bible does not teach us that we would not have difficulties; it teaches us several ways and means to navigate such difficulties. However, in every single instance, without exception, faith and trust in God must of necessity be included, for faith is the door through which new opportunities, strategies, and mitigation efforts are to be accessed. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians trying to do were drowned.

 As was stated before, there are only so many ways that the secular mind will find to cross the red sea. Without faith, finite limitations would restrict man-made efforts to only sailing, flying or swimming. But faith in Jesus introduces new possibilities, which, in many instances would scare the living daylights out of those who only use “Carnal weapons”.

 Faith in God announces that folks can walk across the Red sea. The Egyptians tried to follow the Jews, through the waters; they saw them walking on dry land in the middle of the ocean, and they believed that they could do the same. The only problem is that the Hebrews were walking by faith whereas the Egyptians were walking strictly by sight.

 Wherever individuals make decisions and actions based strictly upon what they see or hear, without incorporating the God factor into the equation, it becomes inevitable that defeat, failure, and much perplexity would be the result.

Therefore, wherever this is the case, where God is left out of the picture, the waves that persons face, whether they be waves of despair or waves of some new virus, using carnal, man-made strategies alone would never be sufficient. Some new variant of the problem will arise to frustrate, annoy, or, as was the case with the Egyptians, “Drown”. Let’s read:

 Exodus 14:28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

 And we can go on and on, and we can give several examples of trials, difficulties, problems and hurdles being confronted and surmounted by the faithful in ages past, and we will discover that they all had one thing in common; they did not leave God out of the picture, but rather exercised a living faith in Christ, who has promised. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

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

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

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

It is worthy of note that in the passages given above, every difficulty, every hurdle, and every perplexity, was handled by the faithful, using that one common denominator of faith. Yes, it is true that at times the weapons employed included the temporal, such as swords, stones and the other items commonly used by those who didn’t know God.

 However, with the Christian, our faith in God has to run as a common thread, throughout the fabric of our everyday experiences, for without it, we will be using what the Bible describes as being carnal weapons. David used five smooth stones and a sling, but the main ingredient interwoven throughout his close encounter with Goliath was faith.

 Gideon used trumpets and torches, but the main element in bringing him success was his faith in the living God. Similarly, the Hebrews used horns and they marched around Jericho for several days, but here again, the fundamental element that brought them victory was their faith in God.

 The same is true of covid, for some persons might choose to use vaccines, while others may opt to try natural remedies, such as garlic, ginger and other bitter herbs, but at the end of the day, it is our faith in the living God that will sustain us over the “covid long haul”, a fact that we must never lose sight of. 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.

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

This leads us to the case study for this evening, for the apostle Paul had to live with a thorn in the flesh for many years. Even though the Bible does not say exactly what the thorn was, it obviously presented an ongoing challenge to the apostle, and he found out that he would have to live with it, just like many are discovering that we will have to live with covid.

 Yet, Paul did not leave God out of the picture, for he like so many who had walked that road before, saw the necessity, and the value of living with the thorn, and Christ at the same time, and by his attitude and example, he left on the record, the ways and means whereby all who should encounter ongoing physical or spiritual difficulties, are to live victoriously. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 12: 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

 As we face daunting challenges, and as we sail into unchartered territory, Christians will be tempted to use and employ only man-made strategies, without that fundament element of the God-factor. This is what is sorely lacking in the public square, as the X-Perts are now discovering that covid would become endemic, and there is a new variant that has just emerged.

 As a direct response, big pharma is now working on variant specific vaccines to stave off what is now on the front burner, namely omicron. The problem is that several shots and many boosters have not been able to prevent the viral spread across nations and individuals, and so the question is: Will we look for only man-made strategies, or will we like Paul, seek to include Christ in all of our mitigation efforts?

The Bible does not leave us without answers, for it is an imperative that we walk by faith, if we are to live like conquerors. When decisions and actions are taken in times of difficulty and emergency, without a living faith in Christ, we would certainly err in our conclusions, for whatsoever is not of faith, will lead us into undesirable paths.

 [Testimonies vol. 4 pp 26] The Hebrews were weary and terrified; yet if they had held back when Moses bade them advance, if they had refused to move nearer to the Red Sea, God would never have opened the path for them.

 In marching down to the very water, they showed that they had faith in the word of God as spoken by Moses. They did all that it was in their power to do, and then the Mighty One of Israel performed His part, and divided the waters to make a path for their feet.

 The clouds that gather about our way will never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. Unbelief says: “We can never surmount these obstructions; let us wait until they are removed, and we can see our way clearly.” But faith courageously urges an advance, hoping all things, believing all things. Obedience to God is sure to bring the victory. It is only through faith that we can reach heaven.

 Let us therefore be reconciled to the prospect of having to live with covid and Christ, for the work of the gospel was never intended to be impeded by a plethora of daunting challenges. The preaching of the word and the ultimate fulfillment of the gospel commission would always involve risk at some level, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood.

 Let us therefore buckle up our shoes, and gird on the full armor of God, that we may be able to live, and still do God’s work, at a time when many are running for cover. God will grant us grace to deal with, and navigate the arising emergencies, but we also must step up to the plate, and learn to endure hardness as good soldiers of the cross.

We will end with three passages of scripture which would encourage us to keep the gospel commission at the fore-front of our minds, and God will grant us grace to do exploits for Him at a time when morale is low. Let’s read:

2nd Timothy 2: 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Matthew 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

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

 Matthew 16: 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.

                                God Bless!

The New Abnormal. Sabbath afternoon 01/22/2022

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

Even though many of us are hoping to get back to a sense of normalcy, it is quite possible, that in just a few months we could be looking at a very different world. The collateral damage from the pandemic is not going anywhere anytime soon and the political and economic fallout could continue to rattle many already frayed nerves.

 In addition, there is much saber-rattling taking place in different places so that the nations of earth could have their hands full while some have already bitten off more than they can chew. The utter inability of political parties to get along, and reach a consensus for the betterment of the country, and the myriad of conspiracy theories that multitudes have bought into, only adds instability to the toxic brew.

 Yet, God did not leave us to figure out things on our own, for He has forewarned us that “Perilous times will come”. That statement actually pertains to the here and now, for it is obvious, even to the casual observer, that the condition of our world is now in a much more fragile and unstable state, than it was, just two decades ago.

 What is even more disturbing is the willingness of persons to deliberately believe a lie, even though the undisputable facts are on full display. When one refuses to be reconciled to truth, when the facts are exchanged for fictions, and when a cult-like mindset has upended rational thought, then we may know that we have already entered the new abnormal.

 Permanent, and nearly irreversible damage will be done to the minds of millions of people, when they deliberately choose erroneous theories over truth, for wherever this occurs, there remains very little that God can do for such persons, since the mind is where the Holy Spirit does the work of conviction. This, above all things is cause for great alarm.

 And if one knowingly chooses falsehoods over facts, conviction of truth cannot take place, for whenever truth or facts are presented, the minds of such folks relegate the truth to the null and void column. Thus, the problem we’re now experiencing was predicted in the Bible, with the intent that all those who wish to escape the errors of the last days, might track a different course.  

In other words, the preservation of a sound mind is contingent upon our willingness to be reconciled to truth, even if such truths may not be palatable. The prophets warned us that such a time as this would come, and now that it is here, it would do us well to revisit those passages in the Bible which deal with the current phenomena. Let’s read:

Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

2nd Thessalonians 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness

in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.

12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

However, the current situation is nothing new, for it has occurred throughout history, but it is scheduled to metastasize as we get closer to Christ’s second coming. At such a time as this, the remnant people of God should be especially careful not to get sucked into the vacuum of lies and conspiracy theories which abound, for they will certainly distract us from our mission, and will inevitably lead us into false paths, and thus cause us to make erroneous decisions.

A striking example of the damage, currently being done to many minds, is written in the scriptures. In the experiences of the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, we see on full display, the deliberate hardening of one’s mind against the truth and the facts.

 At that time, a covert operation was concocted to undermine the God-ordained authority granted to Moses and Aaron. The rebels talked and rummaged over errors and lies, until they actually came to the point of really believing what they said even though it was not rooted in fact or truth.

 One of the strategies of devils is to repeat an error over and over again, for when this is done, without any remonstrance from the hearers, the falsehoods finally take deep root in one’s conscience, and it can become so firmly entrenched in the mind, that not even The Holy Spirit could appeal to one’s reason.

 As the conspirators rehashed their errors, more and more people joined in, for it is a weakness of human nature that as a general rule of thumb, we prefer to hear lies than the truth. This tendency was handed down by our first parents, and from one generation to the next, until in our day presently, it has driven some persons to the point of no return.  

As we read of the rebels, deliberately setting aside truth for alternate facts which suit what they desire, we will observe the downward progression of lies, which take on a life of their own, for whenever folks decide to imbibe error it can become a self-fulfilling   prophecy which produces more falsehoods with the passage of time. Let’s read:

Numbers 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men.

2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown.

3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, You take too much upon you seeing all the congregation are holy every one of them and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?

2 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up.

13 Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land that flows with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?

Question: Are the allegations made by the rebels in the above verses true? Did Moses and Aaron really appoint themselves over the people? Is it true that all the congregation was holy, everyone of them? And is it true that Moses brought them up out of a land that flows with milk and honey, namely Egypt? Let’s examine the facts in the case! Let’s read:

 Exodus 5: 10 And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spoke to the people, saying, Thus, saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.

11 Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished.

12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.

13 And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfill your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.

14 And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore, have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and today, as heretofore?

Exodus 3:7 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 4:14 And the Lord said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee. and when he sees thee, he will be glad in his heart.

15 And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

Exodus 32: 7 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which you brought out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves.

8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

9 And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiff-necked people.

10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 396] Korah and his fellow conspirators were men who had been favored with special manifestations of God's power and greatness. They were of the number who went up with Moses into the mount and beheld the divine glory. But since that time a change had come. A temptation, slight at first, had been harbored, and had strengthened as it was encouraged, until their minds were controlled by Satan, and they ventured upon their work of disaffection.

 Professing great interest in the prosperity of the people, they first whispered their discontent to one another and then to leading men of Israel. Their insinuations were so readily received that they ventured still further, and at last they really believed themselves to be actuated by zeal for God. In this work of disaffection there was greater union and harmony among the discordant elements of the congregation than had ever before existed.

 Korah's success with the people increased his confidence, and confirmed him in his belief that the usurpation of authority by Moses, if unchecked, would be fatal to the liberties of Israel. He also claimed that God had opened the matter to him, and had authorized him to make a change in the government before it should be too late.

 Thus, it became necessary for God to set the record straight, if perchance, the deceived ones would turn from their falsehoods and repent. What The Lord did next was to remove entirely, any questions and any doubt, so that the truth in the matter would be established upon irrefutable facts. Let’s read:

Numbers 16:16 And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the Lord, thou, and they, and Aaron, tomorrow.

17 And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the Lord every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aaron, each of you his censer.

19 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the congregation.

20 And the Lord spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.

25 And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him.

26 And he spoke unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of their's lest you be consumed in all their sins.

27 So they got up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.

28 And Moses said, Hereby, ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of my own mind.

29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the Lord hath not sent me.

30 But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then you shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord.

31 And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground parted asunder under them.

32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.

33 They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them, and they perished from among the congregation.

34 And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.

Here, God gave unmistakable proof that the rebels were in the wrong, and that their fabrication of lies were unfounded. But God didn’t stop there, for He is merciful; therefore, He gave the 250 princes time to see their error clearly, if haply they might repent.

 But they had become so firmly entrenched in their lies, together with the embarrassment of having to admit they were wrong, that they dug in deeper in their falsehoods, and thus they became ripe for the destruction that followed, for whenever the human agent becomes so deeply rooted in lies that his/her rational reasoning is distorted, there is very little, if anything, God can do to save them. Let’s read:

Numbers 16:35 And there came out a fire from the Lord, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

To any rational thinking individual, the allegations posed by the leaders in the rebellion should have been settled unequivocally, since God showed by His intervention, that the insurrection was not in good faith. Any reasonable mind would conclude in no uncertain terms that the facts and the truth had been clearly established by God Himself.

 But, as was stated earlier, any deliberate decision to choose erroneous, conspiracy theories over truth, will eventually render the adherents incapable of being reached by God with appeals to one’s better judgment. Wherever persons exchange light for darkness, or put bitter for sweet, the mind can suffer permanent irreparable damage, as was evident by the reaction of such persons on the following day. Let’s read:

Numbers 16:41 But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, You have killed the people of the Lord.

44 And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying,

45 Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.

46 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; the plague is begun.

48 And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.

49 Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.

The same disposition to embrace lies, instead of an acknowledgement of the truth, could be observed in pharaoh, who had repeatedly hardened his heart against the facts and the truth, until, like the rebels we just read of, his mind became incapable of any positive response to conviction, and as a result of his course of action, he went completely insane, his mind being damaged beyond repair. Let’s read:

Exodus 10:3 And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.

4 Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, I will bring the locusts into thy coast tomorrow.

5 And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remains unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which grows for you out of the field.

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: don’t you know yet, that Egypt is destroyed?

Exodus 8:16 And the Lord said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.

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: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.

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 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 is the children's of Israel.

5 And the Lord appointed a set time, saying, To morrow 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.

The very same phenomenon of persons deliberately resisting the truth and the facts, occurred in Christ’s day, when He raised Lazarus from the dead. After Jesus was informed of Lazarus’ death, He remained where He was, so as to give time for decomposition to set in.

 This would remove the earlier falsehood that was disseminated by those who were bent on resisting the truth and facts. Earlier, when Christ has brought back a maid to life, the Pharisees had used Jesus’ own words against him, and declared that the girl was not really dead, only in a coma. Let’s read:

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

52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but Jesus said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleeps.

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

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

55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her food.

John 11:1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he remained two days still in the same place where he was.

38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

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

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

42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

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

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

Their response to the truth and the facts, in the face of an undeniable miracle? We were Just wondering if the minds of the priests would be any different to pharaoh’s, as pertains to their reaction to the truth. Let’s read:

John 11:47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

53 Then from that day forth they took counsel to put him to death.

John 12: 9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death.

The same self-inflicted wounds were done to the minds of so many who witnessed the stoning of Stephen. They, just like pharaoh, and the priests with Christ and Lazarus, and the rebels in Moses’ day, all had one thing in common: They refused to accept the truth and facts even when they were presented with undeniable evidence. Let’s read:

Acts 6: 8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke.

11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.

12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,

13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceases not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law.

15 And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

We were just wondering again what their response would be, as they saw with their own two eyes, his face glowing radiantly with the glory of God. Would they change their minds, or would they walk in the footsteps of pharaoh, the priests, and the rebels? Let’s read:

Acts 7: 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

In our day currently, it is of grave concern that the tendency to deliberately believe lies and conspiracy theories, is damaging the minds of millions beyond repair, and if we think that such a situation will not affect us in adverse ways, we’ll need to think again, for that spirit of unbelief never remains dormant for too long.

 As it was in days of old, the disposition to embrace falsehood morphs into something more ominous, taking more people into the snare, until, at some opportune moment, it spills over, and does great, irreparable harm, not only to the adherents, but it also often produces collateral damage in persons who may not have been directly involved.

 If persons continue to deny the truth and the facts, it will inevitably lead to a grave national disturbance the likes of which we have never seen. And those of us who are not rooted in Christ and the truth could be swept away, with the incoming tsunami of error.

 The national intransigence which we are currently witnessing will not remain at this level forever, for we are headed for a downward spiral that would cause a national upheaval, if we are not pulled back from the brink, by folks tracking a different course.

 The problem is that the very same mind that is thus hardened against truth and facts in temporal things will most likely be also hardened against the truth in the spiritual realm and therefore, the urgency of the everlasting gospel, as given in Revelation 14 could fall on deaf ears.

 Now, while it is true that the latter rain is promised to mitigate the situation, we must understand that the outpouring of The Holy Spirit does not force a person to believe truth. God brings the truth home to the mind in clear, steady, and irrefutable ways, but the choice to believe is always left with persons.

 Thus, in lieu of what is transpiring, we’ll have very limited time to fulfill the great commission in our neck of the woods, because we are looking at the prospect of having to deliver the everlasting gospel at a time when it will become increasingly difficult to do so.

 With this prospect before us, we should individually and collectively, be doing all we can to spread the everlasting gospel, both locally and internationally via social media and every other avenue, now at our disposal. As the spirit of insurrection or intolerance gains steam, the freedoms we now enjoy would be increasingly curtailed.

Therefore, God is calling on us to do our very best to finish the work of the gospel in all the world. In the capacities, and talents God has given us, let us then be found faithful, because the time is at hand. We therefore end with two passage of scripture which are to call us to the urgency of the moment, and by the grace of God, let everyone in whom the seeds of truth have been sown, rise to the occasion in earnest, as we readapt to the new abnormal.

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.

Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

                                    God Bless!

Anatomy Of God's Promises. Sabbath afternoon 01/15/2022

2nd Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

 We are living at a time in earth’s history when it will become even more important for us to trust in the mighty promises God has given us to live by. At such a time as this, when morale is low, when death and diseases have overspread the land, and when there is a stoical intransigence among political leaders the promises of God should be looming ever larger in our minds as we transition to living by faith alone.

 As the passage above teaches us, all of the promises of God, in Christ Jesus are yes, and Amen; meaning, that God’s promises are certain, and can absolutely be depended upon, in those who believe and obey, according to the light and knowledge shed upon our pathway.

 But what we need to understand is that there are factors which affect the fulfilment of the promises, and there are elements contained in them that are to be studied very carefully, so that our faith would not be shaken, if and when God’s promises may not always be fulfilled as some expect.

 Again, there are promises which address every need of man, ranging in scope from man’s protection and provisions for all that pertains to life, onto salvation, and eternal life; and yes, the promises do also cover diseases, cures, prosperity and health. They are all to be found in the scriptures, and the reason why they are written is so that we should believe, for they apply across the board to all who will believe. 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 prospers.

Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear him, and delivers them.

8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusts in him.

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

3 Who forgives all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases;

4 Who redeems thy life from destruction; who crowns thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

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

 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.

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

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

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

 However, there is an anatomy of the promises, that would shed great light on the where, when and how of fulfillment. When this anatomy is understood our faith in God will be greatly strengthened and we will serve Him intelligently, knowing that God does what He does in perfection, always!

 Thus, we will use as our case-study the certain Jews, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who, through faith in God’s promises had been delivered from the fiery flames, which was kindled seven times hotter, in response to their utter refusal to bow down to the golden image, that had been set up in the plain of Dura.

 Nebuchadnezzar had at that time issued a mandate for the false worship of his golden image, which was actually a form of rebellion against what The Lord of heaven had plainly revealed to him earlier. Babylon was never to stand forever, just as any other earthly kingdom which will inevitably meet with demise.

 But the king insisted on doing the exact opposite of what God showed him, and in his stubbornness, he issued a mandate for forced worship, a decree that had cut right across the path, and convictions of the Hebrew young men, and in response, they uttered  sacred truths that are based upon the anatomy of God’s promises. Let’s read:

 Daniel 3:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.

2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which the king had set up.

4 Then a herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded O people, nations, and languages,

5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up.

6 And whosoever falls not down and worships shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

8 Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.

9 They spoke, and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live forever.

10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image.

11 And whoso falls not down and worships, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.

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, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, 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, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

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.

 There are three critically important phrases in the above verses which highlight the anatomy of God’s promises, and if we were to grasp the sacred truths that are contained therein, we could become very firmly entrenched in our relationship with God, and in the mighty promises He has given us to live by.

 Here are those three phrases juxtaposed together and highlighted: [1] God is able. [2] He will deliver. [3] But if not.

 Let’s start with the first element in the anatomy of God’s promises: [1] “God is able”

 Before claiming any promises of God, we will need to be reconciled to the fact that “God is able”. The very same God who healed Hezekiah and Naaman, the same Jesus who in His day healed multitudes of people who came to Him is still alive and well today.

 And, His hand is not shortened that it cannot save, for God is quite able to do abundantly more than we can ask or think. Thus, the fact that God is able, will give structural integrity to the anatomy of His promises, for whatsoever He has promised, He is well able to perform. Let’s read:

 Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages.

 Luke 6:17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

 However, in most cases, the fulfillment of a promise is contingent upon one’s ability, and our willingness to believe, because faith in God’s ability to do what He has promised is the very first step in accessing the promises. In other words, the belief that “God is able” would determine to a great extent, whether the fulfillment of His promise will apply in our particular situation. Let’s read:

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

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

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

 It is to be observed, that in the current crisis, the overwhelming majority of experts leave God out of the picture, hence the reason why you would often hear the following statement spoken on radio and television: “Science will save us”. Thus, in all of the ongoing efforts to mitigate the pandemic, the name and the power of God is hardly, if ever, mentioned.

 Now, although God has gifted men and women with an increase of knowledge and understanding in the sciences, it is not His will that we tackle crises such as the current one, without consulting with Him, for the exercise of knowledge, independent of God will often lead to perplexity, which is one of the results that are scheduled to occur more and more, as we move forward into unchartered territory.

 This leads us to the second element in the anatomy of God’s promises, for now that we’ve established beyond the shadow of a doubt, from the scriptures, that He is able to deliver, the next obvious question is “Will He deliver? The answer to this question as it pertains to the believer, is an absolute yes.

 The three Hebrew worthies exhibited a clear and an unambiguous understanding of God’s promises, for in their reply to Nebuchadnezzar, they manifested no wavering, uncertainty, or doubt, as to whether God will come through for them. Their answer was in the definite positive, as it must always be for all those who trust In God. Let’s read:

Daniel 3:17 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.

 The certain Jews were not speaking like this from a perspective of arrogance, or overconfidence. They were basing their conclusions on promises which were written in the scriptures, and as such we must be very careful when evaluating the motivations of persons who trust implicitly in God.

 Unshakeable confidence in God should never, ever be misconstrued for arrogance, if such confidence is based upon what is written. God wants everyone of us to believe unto death, the promises that are in His word, for this is what is included when the Bible states unequivocally: “Man shall live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

It was the prophet Isaiah, who was moved upon by The Holy Spirit, to write promises for such a time as this, as the three Hebrews were currently enduring, and therefore, wherever the situation warrants the claiming of God’s promises, we too must manifest unshakeable confidence in God’s word. Let’s read:

 Isaiah 43:1 But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

3 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior.

This leads us to the third, and extremely important element in the anatomy of God’s promises: “But if not”.

This one right here is the one that often causes folks to stumble, for if God is able, and we have exhibited an unshakeable confidence in Him based upon what He has promised, then the question is: How does the phrase “But if not” figure into the equation?

 It is worthy of note that there were other believers who did not fare as well, and they too must have rehearsed the promises written in Isaiah, yet, just like the three Hebrew worthies, they manifested unshakeable confidence in God, even unto death.

 In fact, the those who died by the stake were just as much heroes of faith like the Hebrew worthies who walked through the fire without being burned. All of them without exception remembered the promises. However, they left the fulfilment up to The Lord, who would always do what is best and right in their particular circumstance, and because of this, their faith was not shaken, even though it was severely tried. Let’s read:

 Hebrews 11:36 And others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment.

37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

38 They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And all these obtained a good report through faith.

Romans 8: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 Like all those who would follow in their footsteps, our understanding of the anatomy of promises must include the three basic, fundamental, and structural elements namely: [1] God is able. [2] He will deliver. [3] But if not. When these fundamentals are understood, it leaves in God’s hand the exercise of discretionary power to do or to permit whatsoever will be best in any given situation.

 Therefore, as we confront Omicron, Delta, Beta, and every other variant found in the Greek alphabet, we too must have clear understanding of the anatomy of God’s promises. And like those who in times past, had trial of faith and stood unshaken, we absolutely must include the three fundamental elements: [1] God is able. [2] He will deliver. [3] But if not.

 It is imperative in the exercise of faith, that we seek to employ all of the principles, and laws which God has given us to live by. In addition to these we must remember that, as the time for Christ’s 2nd coming draws near, final movements would be rapid ones, and as such we should be prepared to adapt to any situation which God would deem best for us.

 The health message, which is the right arm of the gospel, must be adopted diligently, for it would go a long way in building robust immune systems which, in tandem with God’s restorative power would then enable us to confront and surmount, many of those diseases that are scheduled to arise during the last days of earth’s history.

Our lives and our salvation are secure in Christ, so whether we live or die, we are The Lord’s, and the same victory that was granted to the three Hebrews in the city of Babylon, will be granted one day to all who believe in Christ. Not one will be lost, and not one will be disappointed, if we stay the course with Him.

 We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, and if like those who went before, our faith in God remains unmovable, regardless of the vicissitudes of life, then when Jesus comes, we’ll hear the words: “Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Let’s read:

 John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own….

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

                                 God Bless!

What Matters Most In Life. Sabbath afternoon 12/25/2021

1st John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

12 He that has the Son has life; and he that has not the Son of God has not life.

 One of the results of the current pandemic is that it has caused many people to reassess, and reconsider what is, and what is not important in life. As the toll numbers keep rising, and as country after country is battling the virus, individuals have been moved to regroup, and restructure their priorities.

 Persons, who had in times past, lived without any thought of the great hereafter, are now seeking a better understanding of the meaning of life, and in doing so, some have discovered that the things they cared about greatly in former years, are not really the things which matter most in life.

 The holiday season is usually one of joy, celebration and gladness, but instead persons find themselves overshadowed by thick clouds of uncertainty and an ominous foreboding about what the future could hold, and when, if ever, we would be returning to normal.

 Folks are indeed weary and tired from the endless restrictions, testing, lockdowns, social distancing, and the other difficulties by which we are hedged in. In addition to which, many nurses are leaving the medical profession in droves, because of the stress, death, and suffering they must endure every day.

 Yet, as the holiday season wears on, and as people are earnestly seeking for a brief reprieve from the constant barrage of bad news, we should take good cheer in the thought that God did not leave us alone to do battle with the hosts of darkness that are now arrayed against the human family.

 Even though some persons may not understand His Providence in the current issue, yet, God has made ample provision so that what matters most in life can be realized and obtained by any who would see the value in what God is offering to us.

God took several proactive measures to solve all of our problems permanently, and Jesus Christ is the embodiment of the solution to our perplexities. This sacred truth has been recorded quite often in the Bible, and yet very few persons have taken the time to investigate what God has done, and is currently doing to give us eternal life.

 Just recently, Jamie Dimon, chairman of JP Morgan Chase made a skeptical statement regarding Bitcoin by saying “It’s got no intrinsic value”. The fact is that many of the things, persons hold dear, do not have any intrinsic value, because, in most cases, value is a relative word, being fluid, because of market forces that often pull values in either direction.

 Homes that are valued at sky high prices now, were not doing very well in 2008, when the stock market crash had rattled the markets and had shaken down so-called value from off its high horse. This teaches us that values do fluctuate, and that what matters most in life today can be worthless tomorrow.

 Hence the reason why our opening passage gives us the bottom line when assessing what matters most: “He that has The Son has life.” Life and all that could pertain to living, should be assessed in the context of having Jesus enshrined in our hearts, for it is He who gives to our lives both value and any meaning.

In other words, to live without The Son of God is to live an empty and hopeless life, regardless of one’s achievements, for what shall it profit a person, if he or she would gain the whole world and lose their souls?

 Thus, the truth about what matters most in life will come vividly to the forefront when, as the scripture states, the final day of reckoning comes to a head. As persons, and merchants alike, would assess what they have been scrambling and fighting for all their lives, they then see that it was all worthless, if they never included the God-factor in their assessments. Let’s read:

 Revelation 18:11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buys their merchandise any more.

12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

13 And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.

 Therefore, if one’s happiness, contentment, joy and hopes are tethered to material things, then, when such things lose all their value, then the purpose for living is lost, and life can become a dead-end, when there is nothing else to lean upon.

 Therefore, the following parable must be given due consideration, especially in the context of the many perplexities which are now knocking on our doors. God is beckoning us to take some time to consider where our energies and focus are centered, for if this is done, many will discover that what we think is important isn’t really that important. Let’s read:

 Luke 12:16 And he spoke a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully.

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

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

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

 There are several fundamental problems with this man’s perspective on life, and when his views are observed carefully, we would see that they are all centered in the here and now. Not only does he not acknowledge God as the Giver of his goods, but he seems to be consumed about retirement.

 Now, it is wise to plan for your retirement, because the grim reality is that if Christ does not come soon, then folks would have to count the cost of living in the latter years, with inflationary pressures tugging at one’s savings and investments.

 But while this is true, it is not what matters most in life for there are higher interests and things of much greater value to be considered. Just recently, about thirty tornadoes touched down in the Midwest, and utterly demolished hundreds of businesses, homes and vehicles. In a few moments of time, everything that some persons worked and saved for, vanished without a trace.

 Thus, if we find ourselves in such an unfortunate situation, and we do not “Have the Son”, then our our world could go up in smoke, and it can become very difficult and challenging to pick up the pieces, especially if one is a senior citizen, living on social security.

 But when one “Has The Son of God” though he/she may very well lose everything this life has to offer, yet, because of the blessed hope of eternal life, and the earth made new, such losses can then be taken in stride, for we know that God would create a new heaven and a new earth, where tornadoes, wildfires and viruses will be things of the past, and would be no more.

 But, if like the man in the parable, all our hopes and dreams are only centered in the here and now, and if what matters most to folks is the accumulation of material things that are perishable, then, when the carpet is pulled out from under our feet, we will be left holding a bag of nothing burgers, that will send us into panic mode. Let’s read: 

 Luke 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

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

 Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

 This takes us to our study for today: What Matters Most in life”. Christ was soon to be born, and in the east, the minds of some wise men were astir as they pondered and anticipated the arrival of King Jesus, who was predicted to enter the human experience to save us.

 As they studied the scrolls of scripture, and some of the prophecies handed down though generations, they became convinced that the time of Jesus’ birth was near, and as such, they dedicated time, energy, and resources, to avail themselves of the heavenly gift, for as far as they were concerned, this is what mattered most in life.

 It’s no coincidence that they are referred to as wise men for even though they had come from the upper echelons of society, and were well learned, yet they were humble and willing enough to search in the scriptures for what they understood as the greatest treasure, and, in this sense they were wise indeed. Let’s read:

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

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

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

 The reason why all of Jerusalem were troubled by the inquiry of the wise men is that they were at that time consumed with other things that had absorbed their best energies and resources. They were busy with buying and selling and laying up their treasure where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves do break through and steal.

 In addition, their religion had devolved into a cold formalism devoid of the life-giving energies of The Spirit, and as an inevitable result, they had become sticklers for rites and ceremonies and celebrations, the husk without the kernel, the letter without The Spirit, very similar to our current situation today.

 The inordinate pursuit of temporal interests often tends to put the higher eternal values on the back-burner and whereas the chosen people should have been at the forefront the announcement of Christ’s birth, they were overtaken by others who held the kingdom of God in preeminence.

 And now, the chosen people are sent into full panic mode, because, what had been prophesied for so long, and the information they had at their disposal had already been fulfilled, yet, they were none the wiser. Thus, a mad scramble to establish the truth in the matter ensued much to the embarrassment and chagrin of the elders. Let’s read:

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

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

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

 Before we proceed to the next verse, two preceding phrases must be juxtaposed together in order for us to understand why Herod is now on full alert, for it seems as if a deep-laid conspiracy to overthrow his government is underway. Here are the two phrases together: “Herod the king” …. “A Governor that shall rule my people”

 Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

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

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

[The Desire of Ages pp 60] As these magi studied the starry heavens, and sought to fathom the mystery hidden in their bright paths, they beheld the glory of the Creator. Seeking clearer knowledge, they turned to the Hebrew Scriptures.

 In their own land were treasured prophetic writings that predicted the coming of a divine teacher. But in the Old Testament the Savior's advent was more clearly revealed. The magi learned with joy that His coming was near, and that the whole world was to be filled with a knowledge of the glory of the Lord.

 The wise men had seen a mysterious light in the heavens upon that night when the glory of God flooded the hills of Bethlehem. As the light faded, a luminous star appeared, and lingered in the sky.

 It was not a fixed star, nor was it a planet, and the phenomenon excited their keenest interest. That star was a distant company of shining angels, but of this the wise men were ignorant. Yet, they were impressed that the star was of special import to them.

 They consulted priests and philosophers, and searched the scrolls of the ancient records. The prophecy of Balaam had declared, “There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Numbers 24:17.

 Could this strange star have been sent as a harbinger of the Promised One? The magi had welcomed the light of heaven-sent truth; now it was shed upon them in brighter rays. Through dreams they were instructed to go in search of the newborn Prince.

 Again, the pronouncement of Christ’s birth is not given to the general public, nor are the angels sent to the Jewish headquarters to meet with the high-priest, executives and religious leaders, for God is a Spirit, and angels won’t usually go where they are not welcomed.

 In other words, if business and temporal interests are absorbing our best energies, to the neglect of what matters most in life, then, when it’s time to give a heads-up on the fulfillment of prophecies, it will be to “shepherds” and wise men who correctly value God’s greatest gift, that angels will be sent.

 God declares: “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.” And “Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness.” Thus, it is to those who are seeking for light, and who will accept it with gladness, that the bright rays coming from the throne of God will shine. Let’s read:

 [The Desire of Ages. pp 47] In the fields where the boy David had led his flock, shepherds were still keeping watch by night. Through the silent hours they talked together of the promised Savior, and prayed for the coming of the King to David's throne. “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them.

 We are gravely concerned about the chosen people of God in our day, for like the Hebrews in the days of Herod, many seem to be consumed with rites, celebrations and ceremonies, while God’s greatest treasure to us, in the person of Jesus, who should matter most to us in life, is too often relegated to a second fiddle position.

 Anything, and everything except Christ is earnestly sought after, and celebrations and ceremonies take the place of that deep, abiding relationship with The only One who could make life worth the living.

Thus, when it comes time for the announcement of the fulfillment of those prophecies which herald the second coming of Jesus, many persons, like those in Herod’s day will be going into panic mode and many will be found scrambling at the last minute, to find out that which would have already taken place.

 It is in this life that our priorities are to be made manifest by the choices we’ll make. Throughout the pandemic, God has been urgently seeking to call our attention to that which matters most in life. Yet, for all of His efforts, many seem to be consumed with temporal interests, just as it was, when Christ first came to this earth.

 Amid all the hustle and bustle of life, the shepherds and the wise men never lost sight of that which matters most in life, and even though they too had to work, and pay their mortgage, and send their kids to college, just like everyone else, they never lost sight of what matters most in life, God’s great gift to us in Jesus.

Let us therefore take a page out of their experience, and try to refocus our attention on Christ, on what God is now doing for us in the heavenly sanctuary, and let us seek to understand the prophecies which pertain to the last days of earth’s history, so that we would not be “Troubled” like Herod, and all those who lived in Jerusalem at the time of Christ’s first advent.

 We therefore end with a passage of scripture which cautions us against having our priorities mixed up, for at the end of the day after the dust has settled, it will be those who earnestly sought out God’s gift to us, who will be saved eternally. 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.

36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

                                   God Bless!

Why Some People Hate God. Sabbath afternoon 12/18/2021

There are several reasons why some persons hate God, not that any of these reasons are valid, but the fact is that the overwhelming majority of the earth’s inhabitants harbor a very deep resentment against our Creator. Even though He has died to save the human family, and even though He loads us with so many gifts, mercies, protections and blessings, yet, for one reason or another, some people hate God.

 The Bible speaks extensively of The Triune God who constantly works in behalf of all the creatures that have been created by Him. From the little sparrows singing in the trees, to the mountains adorned with trees and flowers, to the food on our tables, and to the rain and sunshine coming in due season; all of them without exception, testify to God’s goodness.

Were it not for the tender mercies of God, devils would long ago have wiped the entire human race from off the face of the earth; and they would not have stopped there, for they would also have slain all the animals, birds, fish, and insects which share the planet with ourselves. It is nothing other than God’s grace and mercies why we are not consumed. Let’s read:

 Psalms 104:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honor and majesty.

2 Who covers thyself with light as with a garment: who stretches out the heavens like a curtain.

3 Who lays the beams of his chambers in the waters: who makes the clouds his chariot: who walks upon the wings of the wind.

4 Who makes his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire.

5 Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it  should not be removed forever.

6 He covers it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.

8 They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them.

9 Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.

10 He sends the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills.

11 They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst.

12 By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.

13 He waters the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.

14 He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

16 The trees of the Lord are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;

17 Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house.

18 The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.

19 He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knows his going down.

20 He makes darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth.

21 The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.

22 The sun arises, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens.

23 Man goes forth unto his work and to his labor until the evening.

24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

25 So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.

26 There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.

27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.

33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.

 Yet, for all of His blessings and mercies, some folks still hate God. This animosity toward our Creator is indeed a naturally occurring phenomena, as it was handed down from generation to generation after the fall of our first parents. At that time God had to do something specific, in order to save the human family from eternal ruin. Let’s read:

 Genesis 3: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

 This enmity between ourselves and the serpent is something that God had to “Put” because without it every person would see eye to eye with the devil, in his rebellion against the government of God, and as a direct result, everything that would be done by us would have been, to a greater or a lesser extent, a reflection of the war which was started in heaven by the devil.

 But the Bible is unequivocal in its declarations, that there is no good reason to hate God. Folks may, and do have their issues with Him, and His word, but at the end of the day, there exists no valid reason for anyone to hate God. Let’s read:

 John 15:23 He that hates me hates my Father also.

24 If I had not done among them the works which no other man did they had not sinned, but now they have both seen and hated both me, and my Father.

25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law: They hated me without a cause.

 The following may be difficult to come to grips with or to acknowledge, but it is the truth, about why some people hate God. The three main reasons will be delineated with clarity, so that if any person so chooses, he/she may ask God for grace to correct any erroneous views that may have been harbored over the years.

[1] Some people hate God because of His commands pertaining to the sexes. Let’s read:

Genesis 2:18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof.

22 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

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

25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

 This was, and still is God’s original order for all the human family, but over the years, conflicting views and philosophies on gender have greatly distorted God’s original plan. Thus, we have a multitude of genders in existence and a host of varying marriage situations which He neither recognizes or endorses.

 It will be observed, that one of the first things folks usually do after deciding to embark upon any of the current alternative lifestyles, is to entirely disavow their relationship with God. This is usually because they view God’s laws on the matter as an affront to their personal desires, which directly conflict with what is written.

And therefore, rather than humble themselves, and ask God for grace to help in time of need, they take the other route, of having nothing to do with God or the Bible. This phenomenon has occurred so often that it can now almost be expected. Let’s read:

 Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.

24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves.

25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature.

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that  recompense of their error which was meet.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.

[2] Some people hate God because they view His laws as being too restrictive.

There are those who view God’s commands as being too restrictive on their so-called liberties, not considering that the liberty they claim to have was originally given them by God. God could have made us like robots, to do His bidding like Rhumba or like Alexa, but in His wisdom and love, He chose not to do this.

Instead, He endowed us with the freedom of choice to obey or rebel, with consequences. Thus, in most areas of our lives, persons often choose to live in a contrary manner to what God has commanded for our best good. From diets and foods, to issues on gender, to entertainment, and to the original day of rest, the majority of earth’s inhabitants view God’s laws as being too stringent.

 The current virus which continues to wreak so much havoc across nations, and which has many brethren waiting in the wings is the inevitable result of eating forbidden foods. But most folk prefer not to reason from cause to effect, and rather than adopt the diet that’s in harmony with the scriptures, some balk at having to give up ingestion of forbidden foods.

 The fact of the matter is that laws are the means by which true liberty is protected, for wherever God’s law is made void in the hearts and minds of people, the inevitable result will be social chaos and unrest, such as took place in France, after that nation had burned the Bible publicly and instead, installed the goddess of reason.

 Every law and every commandment that’s given in the Bible was given with our best interest in mind, and every departure from it is written will inevitably work ruin to those who choose to go that route. The God-given freedom of choice is actually the fulcrum upon which our destiny swings towards eternal life, or eternal death. The choice is ours. Let’s read:

 Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law does he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

 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.

 Conversely, those who use their freedom of choice to take unwarranted liberties will soon discover that the way of the transgressor is hard. Every spiritual law of sowing and reaping, that is found in the Bible comes down like clockwork, and sooner or later the natural consequences of us choosing either good or evil will come to fruition. Let’s read:

 Deuteronomy 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee.

46 And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed forever.

47 Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;

59 Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance.

60 Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou was afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee.

61 Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the Lord bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed.

62 Because thou would not obey the voice of the Lord thy God.

66 And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life.

67 In the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were evening! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.

[3] Some people hate God because of His discretionary corrections.

 Whenever God sees fit to administer corrections that are in most cases overdue, the human agent often finds fault with God, and resentment builds as in their view, His corrections were too harsh. Thus, a finite measuring stick is used to determine if God has gone too far in correcting this or that person.

Concerning God’s discretionary corrections, we are not to pass any judgment on God for doing what, in His wisdom He sees fit. The sole, determining factor which is to be taken into consideration, when trying to determine whether God’s actions were just is the mere fact that God did it.

 This is what makes it appropriate and right, not our protracted views on what correction and justice is to be. In other words, even if we may not agree, or understand His actions in administering corrective measures in some situation, the very fact that God did it, makes it right.

 When Joshua was just about to hand over the baton of leadership, he implored the Hebrews to serve the Lord in sincerity and truth. And at that time he laid before the people the fact that they were left free to choose whom they would serve, with the natural consequences. Let’s read:

 Joshua 24:14 Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

 What is of great concern in this instance is that the people at this time, renewed their pledges to serve God. But lo and behold, Joshua uttered a statement that would cause even the casual observer to ask: “Why would Joshua give such a reply to the pledges made by the people to serve The Lord? Why not encourage them to do as they had promised? Let’s read:

 Joshua 24:16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods;

17 For the Lord our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed.

18 And the Lord drove out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore, will we also serve the Lord; for he is our God.

19 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the Lord: for he is a holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.

20 If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, after that he hath done you good.

              The Bible study.

Some people hate God because of His discretionary corrections. Let’s read:

2nd Samuel 6:2 And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baal of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the Lord of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubim.

3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart.

5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.

6 And when they came to Nachon's threshing floor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.

7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.

8 And David was displeased, because the Lord had made a breach upon Uzzah.

9 And David was afraid of the Lord that day, and said, How shall the ark of the Lord come to me?

10 So David would not remove the ark of the Lord unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

11 And the ark of the Lord continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the Lord blessed Obededom, and all his household.

12 And it was told king David, saying, The Lord hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.

 There absolutely has to be some differentiating factor, why Uzzah is slain while apparently trying to do something good, and Obededom is prospering because of the presence of the ark. How is it that in one instance it brings death and in another instance it brings prosperity? Something isn’t adding up! For answers we must address this haunting question:

   Why was David displeased? Answers: David was displeased for several reasons.

 [1] He thought that God had dealt too harshly with Uzzah for doing something that was apparently good. The ark had seemed as if about to fall, and if Uzzah tried to prevent it from falling, then God was unfair and unjust in His response. This is according to David’s line of reasoning.

 [2] Other persons had touched the ark previously, and nothing had happened to them immediately. In fact, these “Other persons” were vile, and were the sworn enemies of Israel, and therefore, if they had touched the ark, with no immediate response from God, then how is it that Uzzah is struck dead for trying to keep it from falling?

 [3] David was displeased because it was a joyous occasion, and even if God had found some fault with Uzzah’s actions, He could have at least waited until the ark was returned to the city. But to stop the procession and celebration in such a manner, was, in the mind of David, in bad taste.

 Like David, many persons, after reading this story, and others like it in the Bible, are “displeased with God, for many are at a loss to explain or understand why God administered such a serious correction, at such a time as this. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 4: 2 And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.

3 And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it comes among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.

4 So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubim: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

5 And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.

6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What means the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the Lord was come into the camp.

7 And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.

8 Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.

10 And the Philistines fought and Israel was smitten and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.

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.

 Again, the question is asked: Why was David displeased? For it seems as if there is a missing link in the chain of circumstances. In other words, to the person looking from the outside, it does not add up! Yes, the ark was holy, and only the priests should touch it, but the shew bread was also holy too, and only the priests were supposed to touch and eat it.

 So, if in one instance, David and his regular men did eat of the shew bread which was strictly designated for the priests alone, then how is it that in another Instance, Uzzah is slain for trying to prevent the ark from falling? David was displeased. Let’s read:

 Luke 6:3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was hungry, and they which were with him;

4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?

 1st Samuel 21:2 And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know anything of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed my servants to such and such a place.

3 Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present.

4 And the priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under my hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women.

5 And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy….

6 So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread.

[Patriarchs And Prophets pp 705>706] David was astonished and greatly alarmed, and in his heart, he questioned the justice of God.  He had been seeking to honor the ark as the symbol of the divine presence. Why, then, had that fearful judgment been sent to turn the season of gladness into an occasion of grief and mourning? The fate of Uzzah was a divine judgment upon the violation of a most explicit command.

 Transgression of God's law had lessened his sense of its sacredness, and with unconfessed sins upon him he had, in face of the divine prohibition presumed to touch the symbol of God's presence. God can accept no partial obedience, no lax way of treating His commandments.

 Most Christians and believers living today have not a clue as to what God would do when probation is over, and many will be at a loss for words to explain His actions. That is why, in describing God’s work in the closing scenes of earth’s history Isaiah call it His strange act. Let’s read:

Isaiah 28:21 For the Lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.

22 Now therefore be ye not mockers, for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.

 Some individuals may be on the verge of hating God for things they do not understand. Persons question His goodness, since He has all the power to restrain Covid and his brethren, but yet it seems to many, as if God is missing in action, and like David, many are “Displeased”.

 The fact is that God has long been trying to get our attention, but we seem not to get the message. He is permitting adverse things to transpire across the earth so that its inhabitants would be awakened as it were, out of slumber, because the great day of  final accounts is just over the horizon.

 Therefore, instead of us questioning and hating God let us humble ourselves under His mighty hand, to see if like Uzzah, we may be walking contrary to any of the truths He has given us to live by; and if so, let us then confess and forsake sin, and all unscriptural philosophies, which would lead us to presumption, as was the case with the one who touched the ark.

 God’s presence will be a blessing to all who love and obey Him, but God is also a consuming fire to those who deliberately reject His offers of mercy. Thus, in all of His providences and dealings with persons, let us not find fault with Him, for faults only dwell with created beings, not with God.

 We’ll therefore end with two passages of scripture which should help to dispel the darkness and errors that have enveloped the minds of many persons as it pertains to God’s dealings with the human family. Let’s read:

Ezekiel 18:2 What mean ye, that ye use this proverb saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?

3 As I live, saith the Lord God, ye shall not have occasion anymore to use this proverb.

4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sins, it shall die.

5 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right;

9 Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord God.

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

25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?

32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live.

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.

                                     God Bless!

The Sealing Process. Sabbath afternoon 12/11/2021

The sealing process as described in different parts of the Bible should be understood by all, especially those who desire to spend eternity with Christ. The truth about this most important matter should be made more and more plain, as we get closer to the time when probation will close, for at that time the process will come to a permanent end.

 There are some who may not have fully grasped the truth about the sealing and for this reason they may be unduly anxious about being left out. There is no reason to worry about being left out, because The God of our salvation has left no stone unturned in His far-reaching efforts to save to the uttermost.

 Everything that pertains to our salvation has been thoroughly thought out, and in His planning, God has catered for the obvious, the odd, and what we may view as being the unexpected. They are taken care of in the great plan of salvation, so that no one needs to worry themselves about being sealed, if in fact they have given themselves to God in sincerity.

 Therefore, before we get into the process of itself, there are some important truths about the sealing that must be clearly understood by all, and they are enumerated below so that often asked questions on the matter would be resolved from the revelations given us by God.

 [1] The seal of God is His stamp of approval which designates the receiver as being His, and this stamp, or seal is actually The Holy Ghost Himself, who enables the receiver to obey God.

 Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

 Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he has made us accepted in the beloved.

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.

[2] Any, and everyone who would pass through the pearly gates must first be sealed.

 This includes the living, who would be translated without seeing death, the dead in Christ, and every person those who has died in Jesus during the dark ages, without a complete knowledge of God’s will, as it pertains to Sabbath observance. All, without exception must be sealed. Let’s read:

 2nd Corinthians 1:21 Now, He which establishes us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

22 Who hath also sealed us, and given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

 [3] The word “Earnest” is likened to a security deposit. A person can receive “The earnest of The Spirit” and still be lost, because the initial down-payment does not coerce individuals to remain in their covenant relationship with God. Day by day the covenant is to be renewed.

 Anyone can walk into Auto Nation Ford, right down the street, and put a down-payment on a Mustang, or one of the hybrids that the dealer sells. But the down-payment of itself does not always guarantee that the vehicle will be theirs, except the rest of the money due has been received by the dealer.

 Similarly, the “Earnest/Down-payment” of The Spirit does not always guarantee that folks will be sealed for eternity, except we continue to abide in Christ. This is one of the very important truths which need to be understood by all. Let’s read:

 Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

 There are several examples of persons in the Bible who had received a security deposit, or “Earnest” but who will not be saved. Cases in point are those such as Eli, Saul, Judas and the disobedient prophet, Balaam, and the infamous Ananias and Sapphira, who partook of the former rain when The Holy Ghost was given at the time of Pentecost. Let’s read:

 [Acts Of the Apostles pp 72>73] In sharp contrast to the example of benevolence shown by the believers was the conduct of Ananias and Sapphira, whose experience, traced by the pen of Inspiration, has left a dark stain upon the history of the early church.

 With others, these professed disciples had shared the privilege of hearing the gospel preached by the apostles. They had been present with other believers when, after the apostles had prayed, “the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.” Acts 4:31.

 Deep conviction had rested upon all present, and under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, Ananias and Sapphira had made a pledge to give to the Lord the proceeds from the sale of a certain property. Afterward, Ananias and Sapphira grieved the Holy Spirit by yielding to feelings of covetousness.

 [4] Sabbath Keeping in and of itself does not constitute the seal of God, for there are many Sabbath keepers who will be weighed in the balances and found wanting. The seal is actually the Holy Spirit of God, who is to reside permanently in one’s heart, and thereby to empower us to keep the Sabbath together with all of God’s other commandments.

 The reason why we emphasize the Sabbath as being critically important to the sealing process in our day is because of the gross imbalances which do exist in Christendom, where grace is often used to render God’s law as of non-effect.

 Thus, the remnant may at times seem to present a gospel that is off-balanced, or heavily tilted towards the commandments of God. This does not mean to say that they are ignorant of God’s grace, or of the importance of The Holy Ghost.

 In fact, when studied carefully, the scriptures teach us that the primary reason for God giving us grace, together with His Holy Spirit, is not merely to speak in tongues; it is first and foremost to empower us to obey God. Let’s read:

 Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

 Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

 [5] It is not necessary for one to be a part of the 144,000 in order to be sealed. The 144,000 would be anointed by God to do a specific work during the closing scenes of earth’s history but they represent a very miniscule number of all those who will ultimately be sealed. Let’s read:

 Revelation 7:2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

 Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

[6] Those who will be sealed in the last days, under the loud cry, must be found keeping the Sabbath for it is the one distinctive sign that would distinguish those who are loyal to God from those who are not. Let’s read:

 Revelation 14: 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

 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.

14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you.

[Last Day Events pp 221] Those who would have the seal of God in their foreheads must keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. True observance of the Sabbath is the sign of loyalty to God.

 The fourth commandment alone of all the ten contains the seal of the great Lawgiver, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The observance of the Lord's memorial, the Sabbath instituted in Eden, the seventh-day Sabbath, is the test of our loyalty to God.

 [7] There are persons now currently living who have already been sealed for it isn’t absolutely necessary for The Lord to wait until the mark of the beast comes about, before sealing some of His servants. In fact, the 144,000 of Revelation 14 will actually be sealed sometime before the mark of the beast is instituted. Let’s read:

 [Last day Events pp 219>221] Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads—it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved-just as soon as God's people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come. Indeed, it has begun already.

 The remnant are never to wait for the mark of the beast to take center stage, before they settle into the truth both intellectually and spiritually, for if they do they may not make it into God’s kingdom. That work of bringing us to spiritual maturity is to be accomplished before the storm breaks. No one in their right mind waits for a battle to begin, before they make ample preparation.

        “The Sealing Process”

As was stated before, the sealing is not an event, but a process by which the believer willingly gives his /her heart to Christ to be molded into the image of Christ, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and in cooperation with the person who so chooses.

 When persons are found abiding in Christ from day to day, the sealing process continues uninterrupted, and for this reason such persons are secure in Jesus so that if they were to die prematurely because of Covid, or for any other reason, they would be saved in God’s kingdom.

 However, whilst life continues, the sealing process is also to continue, meaning that as we surrender to God daily, spiritual growth, maturity, advancement, and an increase of knowledge and understanding of spiritual things is to continually take place. In other words, even though we may experience ups and downs, yet, our general trajectory must be headed to the skies.

 Therefore, one who is being sealed cannot remain in stagnation, for this is a sign that the process has either slowed or paused, by the choices we make. The lukewarm condition mentioned in Revelation chapter 3 is a condition of stagnation in which there is no forward movement, where spiritual growth has become frozen for one reason or another. Let’s read:

Revelation 3: 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

 In stark contrast with this lukewarm condition is the constant growth in grace, where, over time, persons are brought to a point where they can serve God intellectually, meaning that their obedience is not formal but is laced with an intelligent understanding of God’ revealed will to which they whole-heartedly agree with joy.

 In other words, persons who are in the process of continual sealing do not merely serve God because it is the right thing to do, they serve Him because it is a joy to do so and the laws and principles of God’s kingdom make sense to their minds.

 There is a huge difference between doing the right thing just because it’s the right thing, and doing it because one understands, agrees and enjoys doing it. Huge difference! Thus, Christ has given us several instructions on how the sealing process should, and must be facilitated, because whatsoever progress is made, must be accomplished in cooperation with the human agent. Always!

 The following stipulations therefore constitute the ongoing work of the sealing process, and they are subdivided between the human agent and the Holy Spirit, who supervises, and empowers the entire process from kindergarten to maturity, while life goes on. Let’s begin with the human agent’s part in the sealing process. Let’s read:

 Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

 1st Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance.

15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

 Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

 Hiding God’s word in our hearts, girding up the loins of our minds, and keeping the heart and mind with all diligence requires much more than a knowledge of God’s will.

 It is true that we must study the scripture daily, but whatever we study must also be synchronized, and interfaced with our everyday experience, because a knowledge of God’s will without active participation produces stagnation, and luke-warmness.

As we study God’s revealed will, and become more knowledgeable in spiritual truths, we are then to ask God for grace, not to argue with Him, but rather to obey Him, for it is only as we obey that God’s will makes any sense. Initially, one might begin keeping the Sabbath because they may have read, or heard that it is the right thing to do.

 But it is only as they obey on an ongoing basis that the command to keep the Sabbath makes sense and thus, by obedience and surrender, they are brought to the point where the Sabbath becomes a real joy to the person who keeps it.

 In other words, the Sabbath becomes something that is eagerly looked forward to, instead of being a cold, formal day, with persons checking the clock to see when the sun would set. It’s a huge difference!

 Then again, the human agent has to pray always, and must exercise a living faith in God, so that the promises of salvation would be realized in the most literal sense. The Bible teaches us that without faith it is not possible to please God, for everything that pertains to the sealing process, is accomplished via faith.

 The Christian wins His battles on his knees and thus, as faith takes a firm grasp on unseen realities, the human agent is empowered with divine energy to live victoriously, and thereby facilitate the sealing process. Our energy should never be generated by applause, popularity, man’s favor.

 Instead, as persons wait upon God, in the audience chamber of The Most-High, God then imparts to the one who is being sealed, both physical and spiritual strength, so that we can run the Christian race with a steady, even tread, without becoming burned out.

 Not always, but very often when one complains of being burned out, it is because their energy is not coming from the right source, for God gives grace and strength to do His will. The same is true for the sealing process, for we must cooperate with God in this work, but even the power to cooperate also comes from God, and thus, we must pray. Let’s read:

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

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.

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.

 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.

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

 We now move to the work that The Holy Spirit does in the sealing process, which persons cannot do for themselves. The law of God was originally imprinted in the minds of Adam and Eve, but after man sinned it became severely blurred and distorted, so that we cannot of ourselves, discern clearly between right and wrong, without God enabling us to do so.

Thus, the work of The Holy Spirit in our hearts is to renew the image of God in us by writing His law into our consciences. The frontal lobes of the human brain deal with judgement, discretion and decision, and therefore, the Holy Spirit seals God’s law in our consciences, so that we would have an intelligent understanding of God’s will. Let’s read:

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

11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

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

Not only does The Holy Spirit seal the law of God in our minds, He also empowers us to put into practice that which He imprints upon our consciences. Thus, there must be a very close symbiosis between doing and knowing God’s will. A clear indicator of whether one is being sealed is the presence, or the absence of a blend of knowledge and obedience. Let’s read:

 Philippians 2: 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

 1st John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the  truth is not in him.

5 But whosoever keeps his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

[Patriarchs And Prophets pp 460] Yet we have a work to do to resist temptation. Those who would not fall a prey to Satan's devices must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts.

 The mind should not be left to wander at random upon every subject that the adversary of souls may suggest. This will require earnest prayer and unceasing watchfulness. We must be aided by the abiding influence of the Holy Spirit, which will attract the mind upward, and habituate it to dwell on pure and holy things.

We end with a passage of scripture that should help and encourage us to surrender ourselves daily to the sealing process, so that in cooperation with God we can be brought to full spiritual maturity, while the opportunity still lingers. Let’s read:

 2nd Peter 1:3 According as his divine power has  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.

                                    God Bless!

The Train has Left The Station. Sabbath afternoon 12/04/2021

Luke 19:41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

42 Saying, If thou had known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knew not the time of thy visitation.

The last sentence of the above passage teaches us of the utter blindness that had gripped those who had lived in Jerusalem, a few years before it became a heap of ruins. As Christ passed through the gates of the temple for the last time, He wept over it, for the majority of its inhabitants had no clue that their day of grace was almost ended.

 That same blindness is referred to in Revelation 3, where Christ mentions His last day church, Laodicea as not being able to see clearly nor correctly discern the signs of the times that are upon us.  Not only do we have difficulty in ascertaining what’s transpiring, we also seem to have a problem with self-evaluation, which inevitably leads to spiritual complacency.

 The fact is, that by the time the inhabitants of the city of Jerusalem figured out what was upon them, in the siege by the Romans, the train had already left the station, for although their empty religious rituals continued uninterrupted, The Spirit of God had long left the people, and they were now being controlled by devils, though they knew it not. Let’s read:

[The Great Controversy pp 24] The shekinah no longer abode between the cherubim in the most holy place; the ark, the mercy-seat, and the tables of the testimony were not to be found therein. No voice sounded from Heaven to make known to the inquiring priest the will of Jehovah.

 For forty years after Jesus Christ had predicted the overthrow of Jerusalem, God’s grace and mercy had continued to shield them from themselves. God had delayed the coming destruction so that those who desired to be saved from it could find their refuge in Jesus.

 But as is so often the case, many had mistaken His grace for weakness and most of them continued in sin, just as if Christ had never spoken. The grace and longsuffering of God is very often misunderstood to mean that Christ would not fulfill that which He has warned us about. This misinterpretation of grace is explained in the scriptures. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

12 Though a sinner does evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him.

13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he fears not before God.

2nd Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Noah preached the same sermon for 120 years until it began to sound like a broken record, and for all intents and purposes, it seemed as if he was under a serious delusion, for the evidences of history, and the evidences of science suggested that his message could be completely off the rails.

 Noah could have preached some of those positive sounding sermons, given by motivational speakers, to have their congregants pumped and fired up with the promise of a bright future. The only problem is, God had not commanded him to deliver any such sermon.

 The day of grace for the Antediluvians was drawing to a close, and every person then living was to be made aware of what was coming, so that they could make a clear choice, either for or against God. Thus, because there is nothing new under the sun, those messages given in Revelation 13 and 14 would have to be repeated, until earth’s inhabitants make their choice on the matter in question.

 In Noah’s day the sun had risen and set in the east and west respectively for hundreds of years and the earth was watered by a mist that arose from the ground in the wee hours of the morning; added to which no rain had ever fallen upon the earth. So, both science and nature literally debunked Noah’s sermons, until the train left the station, and they knew it not.

 Those who deliver the three angel’s messages may not always find support in nature or in science, yet they must persevere in delivering the truth, so that all who will may find shelter in Christ, before there is a rush for the door as it was in the days of Noah.

It is because of the mercies of God why we are not consumed, and it’s because of His restraining power upon the human heart, why our planet has not yet convulsed into chaos and self-destruction. It is all due to the power of God alone, and nothing else.

 But there comes a time when His mercies become exhausted, and because of our persistent refusal to accept His gracious overtures, He has to let go, for He has given us the freedom of choice, and He will honor our decisions, either for good or for evil.

 Now folks, we do not mean to sound like a broken record, but we must speak forth the words of truth and soberness, as God has commanded us to do in these last days of earth’s history, for if we do not, many who could have heard the message, wouldn’t have a clue as to why our world, and our nation are currently in such an unsettled state.

 At no other time in our history have so many flight attendants been assaulted, both in the air, and on the ground. Persons feel free to punch and attack those who are tasked with assisting travelers in flight. It just seems as if there is a profound lack of self-control where there may be disagreement on some issue.

 At no other time in history has civility, decency, courtesy and forbearance seemed to be relics of the past, and in their place a blind, unreasoning attitude has taken hold of many persons. And authorities, as well as observers cannot rationally account for this tectonic shift towards insurrection, intransigence, and violence.

 Then we have the latest phenomenon of smash and grab, where out of the blue, many individuals would rush into stores and snatch all they can, scaring the shoppers and store owners alike. There was a time when seasonal shopping would be pleasant, as folks would take joy in buying gifts for friends and family.

 But shoppers cannot feel safe anymore, for no one knows when and where looters may strike, and for this reason, what used to be an exciting experience, previously, is now fraught with an uncertainty, and danger that befuddles the most intellectual minds.

 At no other time in American history have sitting members of congress been threatened with such violence openly, and the perpetrators been cheered on as if they were heroes. When persons are willing to go to the capitol, and threaten openly to hang a person who has been duly elected, then we know that our train has left the station.

 Again, at no other time in history have our scientists been scrambling to play catch up with a virus which shows no sign of slowing down, and which has now mutated in so many ways that we are firing scatter shots, hoping that some antiviral would stick. It is true that former pandemics did wreak havoc on populations, but the speed at which new viruses, and diseases are emerging causes great concern.

 The global economy was shuttered for a long while, bringing us to our knees, and yet we do not seem to grasp what is taking place. Our supply chains have become so clogged up that, merchants, and buyers alike are scrambling to fill the void whereas in times past, such situations scarcely existed.

 Thus, with the convergence of all of these problems two important questions are now being asked: Are these things a passing, temporary blip, and will we be going back to normal? The short answer is that we have now entered into a permanently unsettled state, that will not be going back to “normal” as we know it.

 That’s because the four angels standing at the four corners of the earth holding back the winds of strife have already begun to loosen their grip, which is the reason why the problems of earth are intensifying as they are, and that’s why the Bible study is titled: “The Train Has Left the Station”.

 In other words, unleashing the winds of strife does not refer to a specific event, but to a process which will culminate in the restraining power of God being completely removed from the multitudes of people who reject Christ. The four angels will not suddenly release their grip.

 Instead, they will gradually remove restraint from members of the human family who reject Christ, and the forces of nature would increasingly be let loose, in tandem with the rejection of truth, until a crescendo has been reached and then an unbridled, cascading effect will envelope the entire world in irretrievable ruin.

According to the scriptures, and according to light given to God’s remnant people, this is where we are currently, in the stream of time, and that is why the good old days of wine and roses are fast becoming relics of the past. Let’s read:

Revelation 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

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

26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

[Last Day Events pp 143] At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble would be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel.

There are two very important points for everyone to understand, as it pertains to the climactic events referred to in the scriptures, and in the writings of God’s servant. [1] The reason why such strife would come to pass. [2] The Remnant’s response to the rising emergency.

[1] The reason why the winds of strife will come to pass.

Without God, human beings don’t have any means by which to control themselves. Let’s repeat, so that all may hear clearly: Without God human beings have no means whereby to control themselves.

Some persons may dispute this fact, and others may endeavor to debunk this truth by pointing to efforts made by human agents in drug rehabilitation, and a myriad of other ways and means employed by the professionals in solving deep-rooted societal issues.

This year alone, more than 100,000 persons died in this country from drug overdoses, and governments and certain states have taken measures to address, and hopefully curb the dilemma. Counselling, and medicines, crackdowns on dealers, and bathrooms specifically designed as safe for drug users, are now being implemented, with some measure of success, no doubt.

 But God will have us to understand that whatever success is thus achieved, occurs only because Christ is still in the heavenly sanctuary and because of this sacred truth, His restraining power is still exercised even in persons who may not be aware that this is indeed the case.

 There is a phrase coined by atheists: “Good without God.” This phrase is a misnomer, and is absolutely a non-starter in the spiritual realm, for what we often describe as following our own dictates, is really the dictates of another mind. Eve did not eat of the fruit all by herself; she was following the thoughts of another mind through her freedom of choice. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 55>56] Whatsoever contradicts God's word, we may be sure proceeds from Satan. The serpent plucked the fruit of the forbidden tree and placed it in the hands of the half-reluctant Eve.

 Then he reminded her of her own words, that God had forbidden them to touch it, lest they die. She would receive no more harm from eating the fruit, he declared, than from touching it. Perceiving no evil results from what she had done, Eve grew bolder.

Thus, the evil thoughts and intentions coming from the prince of darkness are then infused, embedded and embodied into our own consciences through our freedom of choice, becoming our own because of our embrace of them, but at the end of the day, the author is absolutely another. Thus, without the restraining power of God to hold us in check, we would be at the mercy of another master, who in fact does not know what the word mercy means. Let’s read:

Revelation 12: 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you having great wrath because he knows that he has but a short time.

2nd Timothy 2:24 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.

Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

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 who abides in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

[The Great Controversy pp 28>29] The long-suffering of God toward Jerusalem only confirmed the Jews in their stubborn impenitence. In their hatred and cruelty toward the disciples of Jesus, they rejected the last offer of mercy.

 Then God withdrew his protection from them, and removed his restraining power from Satan and his angels, and the nation was left to the control of the leader she had chosen. Her children had spurned the grace of Christ, which would have enabled them to subdue their evil impulses, and now these became the conquerors.

 Satan aroused the fiercest and most debased passions of the soul. Men did not reason; they were beyond reason, controlled by impulse and blind rage. They became Satanic in their cruelty. In the family and in the nation, among the highest and the lowest classes alike, there was suspicion, envy, hatred, strife, rebellion, murder. There was no safety anywhere.

 The rulers of the people had no power to rule themselves. By their actions they had long been saying, “Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” [Isaiah 30:11.] Now their desire was granted. The fear of God no longer disturbed them. Satan was at the head of the nation, and the highest civil and religious authorities were under his sway.

[Desire Of Ages pp 337>338] With authority He bade the unclean spirits come out of them. His words penetrated the darkened minds of the unfortunate men. They realized dimly that One was near who could save them from the tormenting demons.

 They fell at the Savior's feet to worship Him; but when their lips were opened to entreat His mercy, the demons spoke through them, crying vehemently, “What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God most high? I beseech Thee, torment me not.”

 This is where we are now heading with lightening speed, and that’s why it’s important for us to know that January 6 was a very faint inkling of what is to engulf nations and states, when God’s restraining power has been removed, when the train has left the station.

[2] The Remnant’s response to the rising emergency.

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.

29 And he spoke to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

The phrase “Lift up your heads” refers to the mental attitude that we are to cultivate during these times in which we are living. Whilst faith, courage, hope and anticipation of Christ’s soon return are to move us to greater godliness, we must at the same time be careful not to become influenced and inundated by the barrage of bad news engulfing the airwaves.

 At no other time in earth’s history have so many, in high and low places, succumbed to a multitude of conspiracy theories, and never before have so many been willing to believe a lie. Therefore, the remnant are to shun, and avoid as much as possible, hearing and reading of these things, for as the Bible says “By beholding we become changed.” Let’s read:

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

The other pressing issue that is to grasp our utmost attention and energies, is the fulfilling of the great commission in our neck of the woods, and wherever possible, worldwide.  Just as Noah invested time, energy, and money into what he believed, and preached, just so should the Remnant people of God be busy with advancing the interests of God’s kingdom throughout the world.

 On this point, it is worthy of note that as the rise of instability increases, there is also a corresponding rise of a flurry of business activity. And because of this, we are to be very careful lest we get sucked in to that mindset which places our temporal interests first, and God second. Let’s read:

2nd Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

There is work in God’s kingdom for everyone to do. Not all are called to preach or teach, for some are given other gifts whereby the kingdom of God and His righteousness can be advanced in our sphere of influence.

 In other words, there are homeless people to be sheltered, there are hungry mouths to feed, there are sick and dying persons who are to be given the opportunity of knowing that Jesus still saves. Let not it be said that there is nothing for us to do, because we are all called to serve in one capacity or another.

 Therefore, we’ll end with two passages of scripture which remind, and encourage us to do our part, in lieu of the times in which we now live. And if we were to ask God He would show us ways and means whereby the gospel commission can be applied and implemented in our interaction with our fellowmen. Let’s read:

Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.

Matthew 28:19 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. Amen.

                                    God Bless!

The Problem Of Favoritism. Sabbath afternoon 11/27/2021

James 2:9 But if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

Showing favoritism is a cancer that is eating out the very fabric of society, bringing about imbalances in social order, and it is a serious problem within many churches. In the secular square politicians and those who are well positioned financially are treated quite differently than your ordinary John Doe who might not have such resources.

 Special favors are very often shown to those in the higher echelons of society, while the ordinary man on the street is treated as inferior. Just recently the United States Congress issued subpoenas for some former Whitehouse aids, and many defied for a long time the requests that were thus made without any arrests taking place.

 But if the same subpoenas were issued to the man on the street and he didn’t readily comply he would certainly be sitting in jail many moons ago. Respect of persons and favoritism can also be found in the courts of law across the land, in which some races are sometimes treated differently than others in the administration of justice.

 It is an undisputed fact that throughout society this problem of favoritism is pervasive, and according to the prophet Isaiah, it constitutes one of the signs of the last days, and it is scheduled to cascade into an irreversible fact of life that will call for God’s direct intervention. Let’s read:

Isaiah 59: 4 None calls for justice, nor any pleads for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

8 The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths.

9 Therefore is judgment far from us, neither does justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.

13 In transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

14 And judgment is turned away backward, and justice stands afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.

15 Yea, truth fails; and he that departs from evil makes himself a prey: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.

In the scriptures, we are counselled never to show favoritism, especially when it comes to issues which pertain to God’s kingdom. When administering that sound judgement which the Bible calls for, we must not manifest preference or bias. In other words, sin is to be treated as such, regardless of who may be involved.

 Priests and members of the clergy should not be treated for sexual crimes any differently than the pedophiles who walk our streets. No hush money payments should be allowed to cover any wrongs in those who should be brought to justice.

 And when reproof is warranted by God, the laity and a person’s familiar friends or family should be treated with the same measure, as strangers and those who may not be close associates or relatives. In other words the truth must not be watered down for some, and made acute and piercing for others.

 Even though wisdom is to be exercised in dealing with transgressions, no bias of any sort should be allowed to taint the work of reformation when it is due, for this would have the undesirable effect of weakening God’s requirements in the minds of the very ones who are in danger of parleying with sin.

 Moses, Aaron, David, Abraham and Jacob were men who were close to God, yet whenever they became entangled in sin, God sent reproof and correction to arrest the evils that were being indulged. God didn’t deal differently with those who were in authority as opposed to those who were subordinate.

 Grace was never granted to one, and then withheld from another, for wherever the prerequisites of real confession and repentance occurred, the persons in question were forgiven just like anyone else. Folks were never allowed to pay their way to forgiveness, for this would also foster partiality.

 Several examples of the exercise of impartiality, or not showing favoritism are given in the scripture for us to study carefully, so that all would be aware of what The Lord expects of those who are to give the final message of mercy to earth’s inhabitants.

 Thus, the following story brings into clear focus the issue of not showing favoritism or biases, in cases where corrections are warranted, and in situations where it could be pretty difficult for us refrain from showing respect of persons.

 The children of Israel had departed from God in the institution of idolatry, and as a result their defenses were severely weakened, to the point where they became subservient to their enemies. So, God sent an angel to Gideon, with the message that he was chosen as the agent of deliverance for his people.

 But before he could be used in such a mighty way, he would have to demonstrate in real time, that he could be trusted to bring about the much-needed reform, and God’s instructions to him would test his mettle, as it pertained to being impartial, for he was not to show favoritism at a time when it could have been very difficult.  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, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor.

13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.

14 And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

16 And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

25 And it came to pass the same night, that the Lord said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by It.

26 And build an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.

27 Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the Lord had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.

28 And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.

29 And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.

30 Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.

As Gideon considered the command of God in his mind and as he weighed the terrible ramifications of obeying, he shuddered in his boots, because, for him to obey would almost certainly trigger a bitter family feud that could potentially end in bloodshed.

 Worst yet, if his father were to react in a revengeful way by attacking him, Gideon would be forced into the most uncomfortable position of fighting his own dad for the sake of truth and duty, and he being the man of valor that he was, the whole episode could end in a manner that wasn’t cute at all.

 Furthermore, The Lord had specified that he use his father’s bullock to do the terrible work. Now, under normal circumstances, any other bullock could have been used, since the first work to be accomplished was to throw down the altar. But God had stipulated that Gideon should use his father’s own bullock, which would cost his dad a lot of money because of its value.  

Reformation would have to begin at Gideon’s own house, because the very reason why the Hebrews were being harassed by the Midianites was because the idolatry that had overspread the land was being practiced in his own home.

 His own father had instituted a form of idolatry that had led the men of his town into very, gross errors. Therefore, the cancer must be cut out at its roots, and in doing so Gideon would be required to start at his own front door, which would put him in one of the most precarious situations that can arise in families.

 When God calls upon one person in a household to take a definite stand for the right, those who live in the same house could become riled up against such a person, especially if they are of different religious persuasions.

 The problem can also affect churches in the same way for there are times when some are tempted to show bias or favoritism when there’s inconvenient truth to be delivered. There are times when the performance of Christian duty may put us at odds with those whom we love, and if our immediate family members are involved, it could be quite difficult, because of the potential pushback and opposition that we might encounter.

 Christians who are called by God to do any specific work are never to show any favoritism or bias when carrying out God’s commands, for when this is done the work of God is compromised, and great evils do often result.

 Especially is this the case when elders are called to deal with some difficult church matter involving one of their own. In such instances, The Lord may give a certain elder a specific message to correct some evil that has occurred.

 But because he sits on the board, and he might be privy to some sensitive, inside information, he may be tempted to alter, or to water down the message God gave him, in order not to make it appear that he is targeting the individual in question, based on what he knows. Thus, favoritism can become a problem if and when it is allowed to change God’s message into one that savors of smooth words, such as are currently used by the myriad of Sooth-Sayers in our day.

 At this juncture, it is in order that we rehearse the words of Paul, because, as the scripture rightly says knowledge increases sorrow. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

Thus, the method which God commanded Gideon to employ should be of grave concern to us because Gideon would be dealing with his family, especially his father who is the head of the household.  

Question: Couldn’t entreaty be used?

 Couldn’t persuasion, or reasoning be employed, as when, in times past, Gideon would sit, and talk and deliberate with his father over some pressing issue? Why would The Lord choose such a seemingly harsh method, that could potentially ignite a firestorm in Gideon’s family? Let’s read again:

Judges 6:25 Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by It.

The fact is that all of the previously mentioned ways and means had been used by God in times past with Gideon’s father but none of them worked. God had used entreaty, He had used loving-kindness, He had employed long-suffering, and He had used grace for grace but for some unknown reason, idolatry wasn’t purged from Israel.

 And thus, after none of those measures had worked God is left no choice but to use a blunt method that will bring the issue to a head. This method, chosen by God, as a last resort, to bring about reform, leads us to a fundamental problem with human nature: As a general rule of thumb, human beings do not listen!

Parents can speak to their children over and over again about some addiction or other vice that they are indulging. Then they might use entreaties, and loving-kindness in various ways, praying, hoping and supplicating for change. And the problem does not only pertain to the youth, for it also affects the old.

 There are times when a cellphone would ring during Divine hour and the sound may distract the speaker and the congregants. Now, even though the notice is put up on the screen, and some elders may make an announcement from week to week, that phones should be silenced during service, the fact is that it continues ever so often, for one reason or another. That’s because of the basic fact that in a majority of cases human beings whether young or old, do not listen. Let’s read:

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.

17 Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand.

19 And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof.

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.

As a general rule of thumb, human beings do not listen!

2nd Chronicles 33:9 So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel.

10 And the Lord spoke to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken.

11 Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.

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.

The same problem of whether or not to indulge in favoritism, arose after God revealed to Samuel that Eli’s probation was permanently closed, without any possibility of repentance or pardon. At that time Eli was like a father to young Samuel; he was his only mentor, and being a child, he looked up to the prophet and priest as the one person with whom his life was entrusted.

 Now, even though God did not command Samuel to deliver the terrible message, the fact is that Eli must have sensed that something had gone very wrong. Therefore, because of the voice Samuel had heard in his bed, it would mean that no sooner than the morning comes, he would obviously be pressed by Eli for the information given him by God.

 Thus, as Samuel arose from his bed that morning, he would do all he can to avoid Eli, for he would be tempted sorely, to show favoritism and thus dilute the info God gave him. He takes out the garbage, he mows the lawn, he trims the trees, and every other outside duty that he could or couldn’t find, he did.

 But sooner or later Eli would confront him, and then it would be made manifest if God could trust him to deliver the goods, or whether he would allow bias and favoritism to cause him to buckle under a load of pressure, and thereby water down the truth and speak smooth words that will palliate itching ears.  

Would Samuel, like the 400 hundred prophets who were on Ahab’s payroll, speak what Eli preferred to hear or would he like Micaiah, speak forth the word of truth and soberness, even if he would be fed with bread of affliction. Indeed, it was the most terrible ordeal to date that Samuel had to endure. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 3:10 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 hears 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.

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.

[Patriarchs And Prophets pp 582] Samuel was filled with fear and amazement at the thought of having so terrible a message committed to him. In the morning he went about his duties as usual, but with a heavy burden upon his young heart.

 The Lord had not commanded him to reveal the fearful denunciation, hence he remained silent, avoiding, as far as possible, the presence of Eli. He trembled, lest some question should compel him to declare the divine judgments against one whom he loved and reverenced.

 Eli was confident that the message foretold some great calamity to him and his house. He called Samuel, and charged him to relate faithfully what the Lord had revealed. The youth obeyed, and the aged man bowed in humble submission to the appalling sentence. “It is the Lord,” he said: “let Him do what seems good to Him.”

Let us just say here that the messages that Samuel was given by God were very bad news for Eli and his household, for there is nothing worse than for one to know that his or her probation is permanently closed. The work of the 144,000 is similar in nature in some respects to the messages God revealed to Samuel.

The 144,000 would have to inform the world that the judgement in heaven will be closing shortly, and any person who has not received the seal of God would forever be debarred from heaven, with no chance of recourse, repentance, or change, once Jesus has declared “It is done”.

Therefore, like Samuel, and any other prophet who God had called in times past, the 144,000 must not be in the habit of showing favoritism. Practice often makes perfect, and therefore, to whomever it may concern, if The Lord gives you a specific message to deliver, let him or her be found faithful in doing so.

 Very few persons have any correct concept of the nature of the work of reformation to be done in our day. It is spoken about, referenced in sermons, and in Bible studies, but the seriousness of the message and its import has not yet fully dawned on most minds. For years God has been using entreaties, and He has used grace for grace hoping that earth’s inhabitants would listen. But as a general rule of thumb, human beings do not listen.

 God has sent His prophets in different ways and on different occasions to speak against the false forms of worship that have overspread the land. Again, He has sent others to speak up against philosophies on gender neutrality and alternative marriages that are eating at the fabric of society, from the inside out. But, as a general rule of thumb, human beings do not listen!

Therefore, those who are called to deliver the three angel’s messages of Revelation 14, and those who will comprise the 144,000 will, like Gideon, be given a terrible message to deliver and very difficult work to do, which would certainly put them at great odds with friends, families, and close associates.  

Hence, the reason why the following inclusion was made by Christ as He described, and warned of the terrors of the last days. Jesus discerned in prophetic vision that the preaching of the straight truth, when delivered without bias and favoritism, would cause divisions to spring up, and in lieu of this fact He put us on notice. Let’s read:

Matthew 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

It is worthy of note that Gideon was commanded to not only throw down the altar of Baal, he was also instructed to restore the true worship of Jehovah, a work very similar in nature, to what Brother Elijah did back in the days of yore, for after he had utterly demolished, by exposure, the false worship of Baal, the Bible says he then repaired the altar of God. Let’s read:

1st Kings 18: 27 And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he is sleeping, and must be awaked.

28 And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.

29 And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.

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.

Thus, the work of reformation to be done in our day must be entirely free from the shackles of respect of persons, favoritism, or bias. According to what is written God is scheduled to destroy by exposure the false systems of worship in our day. The things that are written in Revelation chapters 13 and 14 would also be made plain.

 And like it was with all true reformers, like Gideon, Elijah, and John the Baptist, the 144,000 will go in the strength and power of The Holy Ghost to speak forth the word of truth without fear or favor, even if some family members, and friends might be irked at their course of action. Let’s read:

[The great controversy pp 606] Thus, the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to his service.

 The laborers will be qualified by the unction of His Spirit rather than the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of Spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power; all will be unmasked.

 By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her from Heaven. As the people go to their former teachers with the eager inquiry, Are these things so? the ministers present fables, prophesy smooth things, to soothe their fears, and quiet the awakened conscience.

 But since many refuse to be satisfied with the mere authority of men, and demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” the popular ministry, like the Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is questioned will denounce the message as of Satan, and stir up the sin-loving multitudes to revile and persecute those who proclaim it.

 Thus, we must reiterate again as we close, let none whom God has called to preach, or speak be found using favoritism, but let them be found as faithful stewards of the riches of His grace, for error never saved anyone, but the truth shall make you free. We will end with a passage of scripture that should encourage us to be faithful to truth and duty, thus avoiding the deadly snare of favoritism. Let’s read:

Ezekiel 2:3 And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.

4 For they are impudent children and stiff-hearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus, says the Lord God.

5 And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.

6 And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.

7 And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.

                                    God Bless!

The Coming Tsunami Of Unbelief. Sabbath afternoon 11/20/2021

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

 It is a true and time-proven statement, that in the spiritual realm, unbelief is infectious, and it often causes those who once believed in Jesus to recant their former positions. This is not a figment of our imagination; it is supported by factual evidences given in the scriptures.

Truths of God’s word that were once held dear and sacred are often surrendered by individuals, if and when the right set of circumstances converge. The devil knows this, and he works ingeniously to bring about a strong atmosphere of unbelief which in its turn produces a tsunami of opposition to the truth, which is then endorsed by the masses of people.

 Indeed, after the dust has settled in the judgment, it will be discovered that the overwhelming majority of persons were at some point convicted in their consciences of specific truths, but for one reason or another the truth faded, conviction waned, and the result is a mind that became hardened in unbelief.

 When we read the Bible, and correct interpretation is gleaned and we are convinced in our minds of the truth, we should believe it unto death. Sacred truth should be held onto tenaciously, for only thus can our minds be anchored on the Rock, and not on the shifting sand.

 Not fear or favor, popular sentiment or dissent, not the gravitational pull of the masses, not seducers who may use philosophy, not persuasion, economic threats, or intimidation, not ostracization, not the forsaking of family, friends and brethren, and not even persuasion by former pastors or clergy must ever be allowed to shake our convictions of truth.

 To put it plainly, persons must be prepared, if needs be to die for what we believe, for if we cannot stand for something we will fall for anything. Saying no to temptations on unbelief should not be a one-time occurrence. Ten, twenty, or thirty years from now the answer should still be no, for the Bible teaches us that our saying should be yea, yea or nay, nay. Let’s read:

Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.

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

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

28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine.

[Last Day Events pp 173>181] We are in the shaking time, the time when everything that can be shaken will be shaken. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat. Soon God's people will be tested by fiery trials, and the great proportion of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal.

As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition. The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out—the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place.

The Bible gives us several examples of how unbelief can spread like a plague, even in those who are not fully convinced one way or another. One device the devil uses, and often with great success, is to corral multitudes into some course of action, by bringing the sheer numbers of people, or popular sentiment to bear against the truth.

 When such devices are implemented, he doesn’t really care if persons do not understand the facts or truth in the matter. The primary concern is to get persons to go with the general flow, suggesting that if everybody is doing it, then it must be right.

 That diabolical reasoning should raise red flags, for the very fact that everyone is subscribing to a belief means that something is most likely wrong with it in the overwhelming majority of cases. Therefore, the fact that something is popular is no grounds for it to be endorsed, or practiced by the peculiar people of God.

 In most cases, where the multitudes of people are headed in one direction, God’s way is usually in the opposite direction. Sacred history has borne this out over and over again, hence the reason why the true Christian must never ever follow the crowd, just for the sake of going with the flow.

 God’s ways are almost never with the flow, added to which the very nature of true Christianity causes its adherents to be swimming upstream. Therefore, the premise of going with the flow should always be an absolute non-starter for the Christian. Let’s read:

Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction and many there be which go in there at.

14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.

Acts 19:29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

John 6:25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?

26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

27 Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?

31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.

66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Again, in the instance of the golden calf at Mt Sinai, there were multitudes on the side of evil while very few were on the side of right. Standing up for right would almost always put the true Christian at odds with the general flow, and that’s the reason why we are referred to as a peculiar people.

 Just to sidetrack a bit into what we have beseeched you to study carefully in the book of Esther, we will discover in the days of Mordecai and Esther, even the secular folk understood that God’s people were not your average, run of the mill persons. We read:

Esther 3:8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people….

 Thus, as the popular sentiment in favor of idolatry gained momentum at Mt Sinai, even those who had previously had good conviction of conscience, then reasoned away the truth on one pretext or another, and at the end of the day as the tsunami of unbelief swept over the multitudes, most of them ended up going with the flow. Let’s read:

Exodus 32:1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we don’t know what is become of him.

5 And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord.

6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 316>317] Aaron feebly remonstrated with the people, but his wavering and timidity at the critical moment only rendered them the more determined. The tumult increased. A blind, unreasoning frenzy seemed to take possession of the multitude.

 There were some who remained true to their covenant with God, but the greater part of the people joined in the apostasy. A few who ventured to denounce the proposed image making as idolatry, were set upon and roughly treated, and in the confusion and excitement they finally lost their lives.

 There are several different reasons why the tsunami of unbelief sweeps so many individuals into the net, some of which we will address later, but the most prominent one by far is the gravitational pull of the masses of people, contrary to the truth.

 There are persons who originally had no intention of not believing, but when they were bombarded with the sheer numbers of unbelievers, a magnetic pull was exerted, which often bypasses reason and sound judgement in favor of popular sentiment and the rest is history.

 The same wave of unbelief gripped the multitudes in Noah’s day as he preached of a coming flood. It is true that rain had never fallen upon the earth up to  that time. But, even when the unexplainable mystery of the animals going meekly into the ark, in exact order, occurred, popular sentiment against the evidence of their senses led most of them to reason away what they were actually seeing and a tsunami of unbelief swept about seven billion people into an eternity of eternal night. Let’s read:

Genesis 7: 8 Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean and of fowls and of everything that creeps upon the earth.

9 There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah.

10 And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth.

The following are snippets of what transpired at the time of Noah’s preaching and the highlighted words are to be given special consideration, since they will both warn and encourage us not to succumb to the tide of unbelief that is soon going to overspread the land. Let’s read:

 [Patriarchs And prophets pp 95] While Noah was giving his warning message to the world, his works testified of his sincerity. It was thus that his faith was perfected and made evident. He gave the world an example of believing just what God says. All that he possessed, he invested in the ark.

 As he began to construct that immense boat on dry ground, multitudes came from every direction to see the strange sight and to hear the earnest, fervent words of the singular preacher. Many at first appeared to receive the warning; yet they did not turn to God with true repentance. They were unwilling to renounce their sins.

 Overcome by the prevailing unbelief, they finally joined their former associates in rejecting the solemn message. Some were deeply convicted, and would have heeded the words of warning; but there were so many to jest and ridicule, that they partook of the same spirit.

They resisted the invitations of mercy, and were soon among the boldest and most defiant scoffers; for none are so reckless and go to such lengths in sin as do those who have once had light, but have resisted the convicting Spirit of God. Many professed to be worshipers of God. They claimed that their idols were representations of the Deity, and that through them the people could obtain a clearer conception of the divine Being.

 This class were foremost in rejecting the preaching of Noah. As they endeavored to represent God by material objects, their minds were blinded to His majesty and power. They ceased to realize the holiness of His character, or the sacred, unchanging nature of His requirements. As sin became general, it appeared less and less sinful, and they finally declared that the divine law was no longer in force; that it was contrary to the character of God to punish transgression.

 And they denied that His judgments were to be visited upon the earth. their minds had become so blinded by rejection of light that they really believed Noah's message to be a delusion. It was not multitudes or majorities that were on the side of right. The world was arrayed against God's justice and His laws, and Noah was regarded as a fanatic.

 The world made merry at the folly of the deluded old man. Instead of humbling the heart before God, they continued their disobedience and wickedness, the same as though God had not spoken to them through His servant.

 The book of Revelation warns us that a tsunami of unbelief, of epic proportions, is coming soon. In the thirteenth chapter of Revelation, we are warned of a coming one world religion that would begin in The United States and that will overspread, and engulf all countries and territories.

 And as a direct result, every living person on earth will be forced to make a clear choice in the matter on pain of losing their economic freedoms on all levels. Comments that were made recently in the public square should alarm everyone, for although swift rebuke was made, it will be discovered that many are actually in agreement. Let’s read:

 CNN, Paul LeBlanc, 11/15 21: Michael Flynn, former National Security adviser, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and was later pardoned…wants to make it clear that in the United States, "If we are going to have one nation under God -- which we must -- we have to have one religion."

 Flynn triggered a wave of backlash with his suggestion America should have one singular religion. "One nation under God, and one religion under God," he said. "I don't care what your ecumenical service is or what you are."  The former national security advisor was most likely referring to Christianity as being the “one religion.”

There are several issues with that mode of thought which suggests that every American should become a Christian. The most immediate, and most pressing question would be: Which brand of Christianity will be chosen to take the lead? The Christianity which goes with the flow, or the peculiar Christianity of the Bible?

 The next concern would be the issue of freedom of choice, and what measures will be taken to coerce persons who may beg to differ. The genius of true Christianity is that it allows persons of all different religious persuasions to live on the same street for it honors and preserves our God-given freedom to choose. Let’s read:

Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Therefore, even though on the surface some folks seemed to be outraged at his statement, when we dig into the scriptures, we will find that many of the same persons who now appear to be angered by his suggestions may actually be drooling for such a plan to be implemented, especially some in Italy.

 The mark of the beast as mentioned in the scripture is referring to a one world religion that will seek to force all persons to subscribe to a certain brand of Christianity that is anti-Christ in nature. And believe it or not this brand of Christianity is actually mostly popular among Christians of all denominations.

 That’s the reason why Mr. Flynn’s statement is not so farfetched, for it is actually a reflection of what the Bible has predicted will certainly come to pass, right here in America, and will inevitably pan out to other countries worldwide. Indeed, there are many in high places who would love nothing more than to help in putting such a mandate in place right now.

 However, we are cautioned in the scriptures not to play with fire, for those who presume to do so will get burned very badly, according to what is written. And if you will receive it, at least one of the plagues would be targeting a critical piece of infrastructure, which will essentially pull the carpet out from under our feet.

 Thus, God is issuing the sternest warning against a move to mandate religion. We are already seeing how the issue of mandates is roiling many people, and if there is such great pushback against what is touted as being good for the nation, imagine what kind of national upheaval will occur when mandated religion takes center stage.

 We are not left to wonder or guess what will be the result of such a move, for whereas Covid brought us to the edge of the cliff, this one will absolutely take us over the cliff, into an abyss from which there will be no return, this, according to the scriptures. Let’s read:

Revelation 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

[The Great Controversy pp 614] When he (Jesus) leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth. The restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent.

 The Spirit of God persistently resisted has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they have no protection from the wicked one. Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble.

 As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old.

 The same destructive power exercised by holy angels when God commands, will be exercised by evil angels when he permits. There are forces now ready, and only waiting the divine permission, to spread desolation everywhere.

 Beware of succumbing to the tsunami of unbelief that is coming, which will seek to persuade people that God’s word will never come to pass. The same reasoning was put forth by the antediluvians until prophecy converged with reality, in the waters of the flood, which according to the Bible, swallowed the earth whole, to the tune of more than five miles high.

 The truths and predictions of God’s word are sacred utterances given under the direct inspiration of God and cannot be neglected or dismissed by any except at great peril to our souls. Thus, the word of God to us this evening is as simple and straight forward as it gets:

 Do not, under any circumstances let that genie out of the bottle, for it will take the world to a point of no return. In other words, mandated religion in America will be its downfall, and will result in its permanent undoing.

 And to those who still sit in darkness as to the issue mentioned above, now is high time to make your move, in accepting Christ as Lord and Savior, for the close of human probation will come suddenly and unexpectedly, at a time when most people will not be looking for it.

 We will end our study with passages of scripture, and words from the pen of inspiration that would encourage us to stand firm in what we believe, so as not to be swept away with the tsunami of unbelief that is scheduled to take the world by storm. Let’s read:

Luke 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noah, 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, and destroyed them all.

28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

[The Great Controversy pp 491] The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the earth in their mortal state—men will be planting and building, eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above.

 Silently, unnoticed as the midnight thief, will come the decisive hour which marks the fixing of every man's destiny, the final withdrawal of mercy's offer to guilty men. Perilous is the condition of those who, growing weary of their watch, turn to the attractions of the world.

 While the man of business is absorbed in the pursuit of gain, while the pleasure-lover is seeking indulgence, while the daughter of fashion is arranging her adornments, it may be in that hour the Judge of all the earth will pronounce the sentence, “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.” [Daniel 5:27.]

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.

                                     God Bless!

The Epidemic Of Loneliness. Sabbath afternoon 11/13/2021

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.

 There’s no doubt that an epidemic of loneliness that is even greater than Covid, has overspread the land, but unlike the current pandemic, it must be handled differently, because it can be quite difficult to live with. Over the past two years many persons who were already dealing with loneliness were further isolated when the lock downs were instituted.

 Then, being isolated from friends and fellow church members, many fell into depression, for nothing so weighs on the human spirit as being alone. We are social beings, for God created us that way, and it’s essential to have close friends and associates that one can interact with on some level regularly.

 But even more than the isolation brought about by Covid, at no other period in the history of earth has there been so many single-parent families, and at no other period has it been so difficult to find the right spouse.

 Good men and women of sterling character seem to be in short supply, and even though there is nothing wrong with being single, yet it is a fact that many do yearn for companionship, which is becoming harder to come by.

 And Covid complicated, and exacerbated the matter when lockdowns were put into place and folks were prevented from interacting with others as they used to. We are social beings by nature and wherever the need or desire for companionship is not fulfilled, a person can be adversely affected.

 There used to be a time when the marriage vow was held sacred, and lifelong companionship was looked forward to eagerly. But as various cultural movements and philosophies began to take deep root in society, people found themselves now more alone than ever before, even though we are more connected via phones and social media, than at any previous time.

 According to the experts, single parent families are increasing and much more so in North America than anywhere else in the world. Researchers have also discovered that there isn’t any difference between Christian and Non- Christian households, since the problem affects both groups equally. Let’s read:

 Pew Research Center: BY STEPHANIE KRAMER : For decades, the share of U.S. children living with a single parent has been rising, accompanied by a decline in marriage rates and a rise in births outside of marriage.

 A new Pew Research Center study of 130 countries and territories shows that the U.S. has the world’s highest rate of children living in single-parent households. Almost a quarter of U.S. children under the age of 18 live with one parent and no other adults (23%), more than three times the share of children around the world who do so (7%).

 The study, which analyzed how people’s living arrangements differ by religion, also found that U.S. children from Christian and religiously unaffiliated families are about equally likely to live in this type of arrangement.

 The issue of loneliness does not only apply to single- parent families, it also includes persons who find it difficult to meet Mr. or Miss right, a fact that can be observed by the proliferation of dating sites all over the world, and especially here in the United States, where about 1000 dating sites are launched every year.

 If unaddressed, loneliness could sap the joy of living from a person, to the point where desperation and depression can be an ongoing issue. And if such an one is not vitally connected with God, the problem can become quite exacerbated.

 Now, it is true that Jesus is to be our all in all, but human nature does crave companionship that we can see, touch, hear, and converse with. These are just some of the reasons why God said it is not good for the man to be alone.

 As Adam named all the animals that were brought before him, he observed that all of them did have companions, a fact that was eerily absent in his own world. Pets cannot take the place of the human face because Adam had buckets full of pets of all sorts.

 There before him were a bunch of cuties and many loveable fuzzballs in the form of dogs, cats, and any other pet you can think of, and yet, Adam felt an unknown void within himself which only Eve could fill.

 Now, this does not minimize the part pets and other animals can play in the human experience, but at the end of the day, they do not adequately fill that void of human companionship that may be missing, because, just as human beings were made a little lower than the angels, animals were made a little lower than us, and whereas we were endowed with intelligence, they were given instinct to guide them.

Instinct: noun: an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli.

Thus, only a woman could fill that void in Adam, and after Eve would be brought upon the stage of action she too would feel that longing for the human touch and companionship which only a male man would be able to fill. Any other gender philosophy, to the contrary, is a production of man, and would inevitably fall flat on its face, sooner or later. 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; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.

21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

22 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

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

 Thus, as the epidemic of loneliness continues to deepen across the globe, many persons would find themselves having to deal with that void, in ways that can be quite challenging. In such situations, we are advised to befriend others; also, service to God and our fellowmen will serve to keep the mind from being consumed by the issue.

 Now, it is true that some persons may be loners by nature, and therefore, living by themselves may not faze them as do others. Indeed, according to what is written in the scriptures, there are persons who are better off by themselves, than with a companion of the opposite sex, for some are not bothered by the urge to merge as others, as is usually the case. Let’s read:

 Matthew 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. 12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

 There are several factors which contribute to the issue of loneliness, and there are causes and many triggers which bring such a situation about. When interviewed by the Pew Research Center, the most common reason given by the heads of single parent households was financial independence.

 In other words, those who become financially viable may not feel the weight of obligation to live with a person with whom they may not be compatible.

 But there are other social factors such as women’s and men’s liberation movements. Marriage with a person of different religious persuasion. Infidelity, the philosophies of the day, difficulty in finding the right spouse, the death of a parent, and separations which result from dissolved unions.

 In addition to these factors, the servant of The Lord informs us that marriages will become increasingly harder to sustain and for this reason, advice is given for individuals to tread very softly and consider very carefully before becoming married.

 This is not meant to discourage anyone, but the raw facts in the matter bear out the truth, for after the euphoria of the marriage moment has passed, and after the ceremonies, flowers, and limousines have faded, and the rubber meets the road, the realities of living together for life set in.

 And over a period of time, if the relationship is not nurtured and cared for, folks at times begin to have second thoughts, which, if left to run riot without being addressed, can morph into loneliness.

In fact, one of the signs of Christ’s second coming is that persons would be marrying, and being given in marriage, which means that lifelong commitment to one person alone will become rarer as the days go by. This will result in more persons becoming lonely, hence the reason for the following statement. Let’s read:

 [Last Day Events pp 37] In this age of the world, as the scenes of earth's history are soon to close and we are about to enter upon the time of trouble such as never was, the fewer marriages contracted the better for all, both men and women.

 However, like with any other aspect of living, the scriptures give us ways and means of navigating the epidemic of loneliness, so that it should not take a heavy toll on the Christian, just as it would on those who do not know God. Sol let’s dig into a few of the main causes, and find solutions in the scriptures.

   [1] Financial Independence.

 The problem with the above phrase is that second word: Independence. It is good for persons to be able to stand on their own two feet as it pertains to dinero. However, in marriage, things are to be done differently.

 Mutual agreement, consultation, and a disposition to share are characteristics that will go a long way in preventing separations, and consequent loneliness. When there is a disproportionate use of funds by one spouse, the other can feel left out.

Husbands and wives are both to be sharers in the blessings of God, and as such, both should ideally be involved in the planning and spending, wherever it’s warranted. If one spouse earns more than the other as is usually the case, that fact should not cause any person to become proud, tightfisted, or dogmatic in their attitudes.

 There is something such as one being humble while carrying a big stick, meaning, that if one spouse is loaded with cash, that fact does not have to move him or her to become independent in their thought or decision-making process. Let humility pervade a relationship, and many other rough edges will soon be smoothed out. 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 18:22 Whosoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the Lord.

23 The poor uses entreaties; but the rich answers roughly.

 [The Adventist Home pp 378] You must help each other. Do not look upon it as a virtue to hold fast the purse strings, refusing to give your wife money.

 You should allow your wife a certain sum weekly and should let her do what she pleases with this money. Give your wife a share of the money that you receive. Let her have this as her own, and let her use it as she desires.

 She should have been allowed to use the means…. as she in her judgment deemed best. If she had had a certain sum to use as her own, without being criticized, a great weight would have been lifted from her mind.

 We can almost hear many complaints coming from some spouses concerning the above statement, but remember, it was written under the inspiration of God who knows best. The above counsel will almost certainly open the door for mistakes in judgment to be made, but believe it or not, that is actually a part of the plan.

 Let’s repeat again so that we would hear clearly; the occurrence of mistakes in judgment is an integral part of one’s growth, because that is how judgment is developed and refined. We do live in an imperfect world, married, where applicable, to imperfect folks and thus, allowances must be made for spouses to fall and get back up again.

With this understanding, criticisms would cease and encouragement in right paths would be the order of the day, and when this aura pervades the marriage, persons would be far less likely to leave, and thus, become lonely.

[2] Difficulty finding the “Right” spouse.

Who is the “Right” spouse? The right spouse is not what Hollywood may make him or her to be. The right spouse is a fallen human being, with some good and some bad characteristics, and who would need mutual help in navigating life’s journey.

 Some persons are lonely because the bar has been set too high, and as a result any and everyone who they may come across would have some feature or characteristic that might fall short of expectations. In fact, if God Himself were to choose a spouse for another, some persons may find some fault with the blessing.

Mr. Perfect and Miss Right are two peas in one pod who live in heaven, and are nowhere to be found on this planet, and because of this, some who are now lonely and single might have to stomach one or two objectionable features, with the hope of growth in grace.

 Jacob was a hardworking man, which is very good, for the Bible plainly states that providing for one’s family is one of the most basic duties of married life. But Jacob had some flaws in his character that needed to be addressed. Rebekah was pretty, but she had some issues when it came to dissembling.

 And we can go through all of the Bible characters, and we will find some good and some objectionable features, some more some less. Therefore, if one is single and lonely it will be best to pray, but let it be known that in the real world a perfect fit is more of a fantasy than a reality.

On this point, it must be said that one will always be better off uniting with a real Christian than with one who isn’t a believer in God. In other words, for the purpose of being united a real Christian, with some flaws would always be better for another Christian with some flaws.

 When we mention real Christians, we are referring to persons who have a covenant relationship with Christ, one who is willing to live by the word of God, as the absolute truth and guide of life.

 The reason for this is that a real Christian could be spoken to, and be reasoned with, and because he or she has surrendered to Christ they can be instructed by God, if errors in their judgement and practice do occur. Also, when there are differences of opinion on some matter, the word of God can become the stabilizing force, if both have committed to live by the word.

When David became revengeful after the rebuttals of Nabal, he girded on his sword in anger, after he’d vowed to do the unthinkable. But when Abigail met him with words of wisdom born of God and pointed out his error, he became subdued, and changed his purposes to be aligned with the great principles of right.

 Observe the attitude of a real Christian in the real world, for folks must remember, that, just like any other human being, David had faults, but the fact that Christ was seated on the throne of his heart, meant that he could be reasoned with and spoken to. Let’s read:

 1st Samuel 25:32 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 my own hand.

Still dealing with the difficulty of finding the right spouse, there are certain things, and certain actions that would go a long way in facilitating such a find. Faith without works is dead, and therefore, when a person is praying to God constantly for a spouse, it is also necessary for such persons to make diligent search, in cooperation with God.

 A single must mingle with like minded persons, and should attend functions and church services where others of like persuasions are likely to be present.

 In most cases where prayers are being made for a spouse by one who is lonely, an angel will not bring Miss or Mr. right and rest him or her in your lap. Interaction with other people on a regular basis will certainly provide much more opportunity for being connected. Let’s read:

 Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

[3] When separation becomes inevitable.  

There are times when loneliness may loom on the horizon because separation becomes inevitable. In cases where well directed efforts have been made to save the day but without success, persons may decide that dissolution of the relationship is the only way to go.

 If there is no viable alternative, then persons should earnestly seek God in prayer so as to make the right move going forward. Separation would always bring sadness, since it was never a part of God’s original ideal, yet, there are times when it is inevitable.

 In such instances, persons can be rendered quite vulnerable as they may make haste to fill the void. It is therefore necessary for persons to take it to The Lord in prayer, while at the same time continuing to associate with fellow believers and friends, so that loneliness will not consume one’s thoughts.

 In addition, if counselling and therapy is sought, let a wise choice be made as to who would be the best to address such matters, because there are some counsellors nowadays who give advice contrary to what the Bible teaches.

 But whatsoever might be done, isolating oneself in loneliness would only make the burdens harder to bear. Physical activities of some sort, and regular social interaction will help in alleviating loneliness to a great degree.

 This is what Christ did, for He was single, just like many persons today. But Jesus busied Himself with ministering to others to the point where he had no time to even think about loneliness. We often read of Him helping folks from morning until dusk, and because of this, any potential lonely feelings were ultimately swallowed up in service. Let’s read:

 Acts 10:38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

 Mark 1:32 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

33 And all the city was gathered together at the door.

34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.

37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.

38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

 God is able to sustain those who trust in Him, and it is quite often the case that when separation occurs, or when folks are single, such situations can actually bring persons closer to God so that loneliness loses its sting.

After Moses became separated from his brethren in Egypt because of what he had done, he went on to experience a much deeper, and a more meaningful relationship with God, as can be observed from the next passages. Let’s read:

 Hebrews 11: 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

 To those who are still single, keep looking and keep on knocking, and keep on ministering, for God is not short on resources, even if there may be a famine in the land. Just as God provided Elijah with food and drink during times of drought, He can still supply all your needs at a time when a good spouse may seem hard to come by.

And to those who may still be married, let not your hearts be troubled by the ups and downs of married life. Those defects in character, in habit and practice that may be seen in your spouse, are opportunities for growth and both should pray to God for wisdom to help each other make it into His kingdom.

 Do not think of leaving and take dissolution off the table where it might still be possible to salvage the relationship. It’s better to work with what you have than to work with what you do not have, for God’s specialty often is in working with what one already has. That is why He asked Moses: What is that in your hand?”

 As we close, let us look beyond that which is seen to that which is eternal, because the deterioration of our society on account of the violence done to the marriage institution, together with those divergent philosophies on gender, would only make finding a good spouse more difficult.

 We will have to live one day at a time, trusting in God for wisdom, guidance, and discretion, and who knows, it may be that something good will happen to someone today. We therefore end with two passages of scripture which encourage us not only to trust God, but also to live contentedly from day to day. Let’s read:

 Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

                                  God Bless!

Moses Wrote Of Me. Sabbath Afternoon 11/06/2021

John 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.

47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

 Persons who reject the Old Testament in favor of the New Testament are making a terrible mistake, for the Old Testament points forward to the New, and explains prophecies that would otherwise be virtually impossible to understand, by reading the New Testament alone.

 Furthermore, according to the words of Jesus, if the Old Testament is deliberately rejected, an individual cannot truly believe in Jesus, because his or her belief system would lack the structural integrity of the Decalogue, which is nowhere to be found in its entirety as a complete document in the New Testament.

 In addition to this declaration, we must remember that the overwhelming bulk of the Bible consists of the Old Testament, having 66 books, whereas the New Testament has only 27. That’s less than half of the Old Testament, and because of this, those who claim to be New Testament believers only, would be in danger of being seduced by devils.

 In many of His discourses Christ quoted from the Old Testament. He often referred to the law of Ten Commandments, and He referred to Daniel, Elijah, Moses, David and many of the prophets who wrote directly under the inspiration of The Holy Ghost.

 Therefore, if one rejects the Old Testament, it is The Holy Ghost, and by default, Jesus, who are actually being rejected, for by so doing, persons will render His utterances in the Old Testament as being either irrelevant or worthless. Those utterances, written in the Old Testament are immutable facts, certified by The Holy Spirit, and which cannot be gainsaid, except at a great peril to those who choose to go that route. Let’s read:

 2nd Timothy 3:16 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.

1st 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.

 For instance, after the resurrection of Christ, two of His disciples were walking to a certain place, and as they talked together, their utter discouragement with what had recently transpired at Jerusalem was palpable, for they all but gave up on Jesus being the Messiah.

 Thus, to address this problem, Christ joined them unannounced, and spoke to them extensively from the Old Testament, beginning with Moses’ writings, and then on to the other prophets, showing that the things which had just taken place was actually predicted in the scriptures. When passages of scripture pertaining to Jesus are correctly tied together as an indivisible whole, then a completely different picture emerges, and things which previously seemed vague become plain. Let’s read:

 Luke 24:13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.

16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people.

20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done.

22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulcher;

23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulcher, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.

26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

 According to the previous verse above, not only did Moses write extensively concerning Christ; but all of the other major, and minor prophets wrote about some aspect of His life, His ministry, His death, and His second and third coming.

In the Old Testament these references aren’t always readily apparent, for some are written into laws, as can be observed in the sacrifices ordained for the priesthood and the people. Other references are written in dark sentences or shadows, where the experience of some person foreshadows another aspect of Christ’s experience.

 This is one of the reasons why when reading the Psalms, some persons may become confused as to who is being spoken about in a particular passage, because David moves between the first and second person very often in his writings, in which he would foreshadow Christ in his own experience.

 Therefore, when reading or studying the Bible, we must be careful to remember that the entire word of God directs our minds to Christ, who should be the center of our focus. Many of the Levitical laws given to Moses, actually have Christ in the shadows, but we would only know what is being referenced if we see Jesus as the fulcrum of the scriptures.

 Take for instance the laws pertaining to redemption by which persons who were sold into servitude may be reinstated to their former freedoms. While on the surface it seems to pertain to dealings between the Hebrews, the laws are a foreshadowing of what Jesus was to accomplish for the human family. Let’s read:

Leviticus 25:47 And if a sojourner or stranger waxes rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him wax poor, and sell himself unto the stranger or sojourner by thee, or to the stock of the stranger's family.

48 After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him.

49 Either his uncle, or his uncle's son, may redeem

him, or any that is nigh of kin unto him of his family may redeem him; or if he be able, he may redeem himself.

When Adam and Eve succumbed to the treachery of the devil, the human family was sold under sin, and we lost the original dominion that was given to our first parents at creation. Hence the reason why the prophet Isaiah refers to folks as being lawful captives of satan, that is, until Christ would come and break every chain with the human family was thus bound.

Therefore, in order for our redemption to take place someone would have to purchase us back from the one to whom we were sold. Thus, the law pertaining to redemption is actually a foreshadowing of what Christ would do, and thus, the New Testament reinforces the same truth that was written by Moses at the direction of God. This is the reason why Christ stated on many different occasions, that Moses wrote of Him. Let’s read:

Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

 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.

Again, the Psalmist writes about Christ’s mission and His incarnation, but he does so in ways that are not readily apparent to the cursory reader. On the surface, David seems to be referring to the creation week, and while that is true in one sense, the real object and subject of the matter is Jesus Christ. Let’s read:

 Psalms 8: 3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor.

6 Thou made him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;

8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passes through the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Those declarations are true as it pertains to man, to whom God gave the dominion, and Genesis chapter one no doubt confirms this sacred truth. Let’s read:

 Genesis 1: 26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

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

 However, if Jesus is not our focal point as we study, we will absolutely miss the point, because the Bible was not written by Moses and the other prophets to merely highlight what Adam and Eve did or didn’t  do; the scripture is a revelation of Jesus, and thus, He must be sought for as gold, in all of the sacred writings, for they ultimately point to Him. Lets’ read:

Hebrews 2:6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him?

7 Thou made him a little lower than the angels; thou crowned him with glory and honor, and did set him over the works of thy hands.

8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him.

9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Again, the law of redemption written by Moses in Leviticus, stipulates who is authorized to make the redemption. It has to be one of the person’s family and it should be a male. Let’s read:

 Exodus 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats.

6 And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

Leviticus 1: 10 And if his offering be of the flocks, namely, of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.

 That’s the reason why Christ became one of us, so as to fulfill the requirement of the Levitical law in order to save us. If one surface reads the Bible in a manner that is not Christ-centered, essential truths would be hidden from view, and the law in Leviticus may then seem to have no relevance for us today. Let’s read:

 Leviticus 25:48 After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him.

 Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

11 For both he that sanctifies, and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he

might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.

Thus, without the writings of Moses, in which he makes the stipulation of blood-line redemption as law, the reason for Christ’s incarnation in the New Testament would be vague, for the question would be asked: “Why couldn’t He save us in His former self as a Spirit?”

 Thus, Moses and the other Old Testament writers show that humanity needed Divinity for redemption to be accomplished, but that Divinity also needed humanity as the vehicle by which the redemption price was to be paid. The Old Testament affirms the Divinity of Christ, and the New Testament certifies both His divinity and humanity. Therefore, in everything pertaining to our salvation, there must of necessity be the same concurrence of divinity and humanity, Old Testament and the New Testament.

 By rejecting the Old Testament, several doctrines are fanned into life, which are antichrist in nature, of which we must be careful not to succumb to. In some instances, Christ is relegated only to humanity and is never elevated to His rightful original position in The God-head.

 By rejecting the Old Testament, and the writings of Moses, others have removed far from their belief system, the need for obedience, for in their minds the grace of God is adequate for our salvation all by itself. Thus, the necessary concurrence between the Divine and the human is rejected in favor of the Divine alone.

 From this view springs the doctrine of just believe, without any corresponding works. Just believe is a doctrine of devils, since it leaves the humanity side out of the equation, and because of this a one-sided Christianity that’s void of obedience is the inevitable result. Let’s read:

Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

 Therefore, wherever the writings of Moses and the Old Testament prophets are rejected, a profound imbalance in one’s Christianity would be seen, for whereas the Old Testament may focus heavily on one’s obedience, New Testament writers focus our attention heavily on grace, something that is much more palatable for most persons to swallow.

 The truth is that both are essential to our salvation, for as was stated before there must be concurrence between the Old and New testaments, between our humanity and God’s Divinity if the work of The Holy Spirit is to be accomplished in our lives. God caused the sun to stand still by His miraculous power so that Joshua and his brethren could route their enemies. But they had to fight as if the victory depended on them alone.

 It was God who fought against Amalek as the Jews were on their way in the wilderness, but Aaron had to help Moses’ keep his two hands lifted to the skies because concurrence between the Divine and the human is an indispensable necessity of life for the Christian. God healed Naaman by His power alone, but the human agent had to dip seven times. Jericho was shaken down from off its high horse, but the Jews had to march around the city and blow their horns like little boy blue, as if there was no tomorrow.

 It all has to do with concurrence between the Divine and the human, the obedience and works of the Old Testament and the grace and power that is focused on in the New Testament. This is a basic necessity of life for every Christian who will desire to live like a conqueror. And it is not only in the spiritual things where this concurrence is to be incorporated. It must also pervade the temporal aspects of life through which the bulk of our growth and development will often take place. Let’s read:

[Christ’s Object Lessons pp 82] In everything that tends to the sustenance of man is seen the concurrence of divine and human effort. There can be no reaping unless the human hand acts its part in the sowing of the seed. But without the agencies which God provides in giving sunshine and showers, dew and clouds, there would be no increase. Thus, it is in every business pursuit, in every department of study and science.

 Thus, it is in spiritual things, in the formation of the character, and in every line of Christian work. We have a part to act, but we must have the power of divinity to unite with us, or our efforts will be in vain. Whenever man accomplishes anything, whether in spiritual or in temporal lines, he should bear in mind that he does this through co-operation with his Maker.”

 In order for us to have a balanced view of God, we must therefore study the writings of Moses and the other Old Testament prophets, as well as the New Testament writers, or else we will only see Jesus as being cute, but without the authority and character to administer judgements when they come due.

 Let us therefore be careful not to subscribe to the New Testament only, for the seduction of devils is often accomplished through the imbalances and the many half-truths lifted from the scriptures in ways that appeal to carnal nature.

 We therefore end with the last written words of the Old Testament, as the baton was being handed over to the New Testament writers, as they prepared to take up from where Moses and the other prophets had left off. Let’s read:

Malachi 4:4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

                                    God Bless!

Elijah Goes Off The Grid. Sabbath afternoon 10/30/2021

Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whosoever reads 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.

 Sooner or later, the Bible teaches us that those who honor and keep the commandments of God during the last days of earth’s history, would be ostracized from society via the institution of the mark of the beast. As satan would seek total dominion over the world, there will be a remnant people of God who will steadfastly resist his incursions.

 And for this reason, many will have to flee for their lives, just as Elijah did in times past. But just like it is with every other aspect of godly living, the faithful who would come up to that time must have already made it a habit to trust and obey God in all things, and therefore, living off the grid is not something they would initiate on their own.

 Living off the grid during those very difficult days of earth’s history would require a faith that has been severely tested and tried in the furnace of affliction, and thus, when it comes to crunch time, those who have had an experimental knowledge of God would have understood that it would come down to a total dependence on God for everything that pertains to life. This is no light statement that is made, for there’s a valid reason why Christ said of that time “Whoso readeth, let him understand”.

 Our humble guess is that many persons do not as yet understand, because those cryptic statements from Christ are coming to us fully loaded with very serious implications, which run the entire gamut, from food and drink to health-care and security. In other words, living off the grid during those days will mean a total disconnect from every man-made system we currently know of and conversely, entire dependence on God alone will be needed.

 This will include dispensing with luxuries, services, comforts, accessories, and all the other electronic gizmos we have come to depend on for daily living. It would also include a total disconnect from every Every credit and debit card, bitcoin, cash, and every type of cryptocurrency; every savings, and checking account, every cell-phone, laptops, and all driver’s licenses together with any form of identification.

 All health-care and insurance cards from Blue cross and Blue Shield, Amazon prime, Rhumba and Alexa will have to be surrendered, and all retirement and investment funds, together with our homes and the beautiful furnishings accumulated over a number of years; all of these will have to be left behind, when that time comes.

 No type of vehicle, that uses electricity, gasoline, or diesel fuel will be permitted; the use of any type of public transportation, all personal computers and weapons of any sort would have become relics of the past for all who will live through the last days.

 In addition to these things, every type of snack that could be purchased from Publix, where shopping is a pleasure, including the beloved Oreos, twinkies, and other favorites will have to be left in the dust.

 Just in case some may be thinking that we are going off the rails with the extensive list of things that we must leave behind, we will just rehearse the words of Jesus in our hearing, to make certain that we are hearing correctly, for it is the one and only place in the scriptures where those words are to be found. Let’s read:

 Matthew 24:15 (Whosoever reads, let him understand)

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.

 All of the previous enumerations are involved in the singular command which came from God to Elijah when he began to live off the grid. It had nothing to do with his personal decisions, and preferences for we will observe over and over again where the Bible says that “the word of The Lord came to him.”

 Therefore, it is of critical importance that we study how in Elijah’s experience, he was led to depend on God for everything that pertains to life. It is worthy of note that he did not presume to decide or choose courses of action on his own but was rather obeying those directives which came to him, directly from God.

 The highlighted words in the following passages are the keys to living off the grid when that time comes. Let’s read:

 1st Kings 17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

2 And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying,

3 Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward,

and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

4 And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.

5 So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

7 And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.

8 And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying,

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

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

 1st Kings 18:1 And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.

2 And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria.

The gravity of the situation, as it pertained to Elijah being hunted down, is observed by those thorough searches made for him night and day. In fact, if we study the situation closely the search for him began to consume valuable time and resources, but, even though he was not far removed, he just could not be found for any reason. Let’s read:

 1st Kings 18:7 And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah?

8 And he answered him, I am: go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.

9 And he said, What have I sinned, that you would deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me?

10 As the Lord thy God lives, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not there; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.

11 And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.

 The fact is that from the brook Cherith to Zidon, or Zarephath as it is referred to, is just about 85 to 100 miles, and being the marked man at the top of the most wanted list, with many bounty hunters hot on his heels, Elijah had better be obeying God’s voice alone.

Country living, as it has been encouraged Biblically, and in the writings of the servant of The Lord, and living off the grid are thus two completely different things, and must never be mixed up, taking the one for the other. Country living is to be encouraged, because of the spiritual and physical benefits that will accrue, but God would have us understand that living off the grid, as Elijah did, is a completely different animal.

 In the case of country living, it would take planning and well thought out decisions by us, under God’s guidance to make it a wise and worthwhile move. But living off the grid during the days of Elijah must be devoid of any previous planning whatsoever by the human agent. Let’s read:

 [Last day events pp 99] 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 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.

 But living off the grid, as Elijah did will require a raw faith, with no additional trappings of human inputs, which too often result in hybrids, that tend to leave God in the passenger seat. In our daily walk with God, extensive plans are often made by the human agent and then submitted to God for His signature. This is what we refer to as a hybrid form of faith.

 But this here which is happening with Elijah, is God driving the vehicle alone, taking routes that Elijah is not familiar with, and Elijah is riding humbly along, not uttering a single word, even when God seems to be doing dangerous and risky moves on the road. It’s what we refer to as a rugged faith. Let’s read:

 1st Kings 18:1 And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.

2 And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab.

 As the bounty hunters are drooling for Elijah, God commands him to deliberately go and show himself to Ahab openly, a move that may seem to most of us as being suicidal in nature. In fact, this here is so serious that when Jezebel could not locate him, she took out all the other prophets of God, except the 100 that Obadiah hid in a cave by fifties. Let’s read:

 1st Kings 18:4 For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.

  Many of us have some very important and difficult lessons to learn in the spiritual realm, as it pertains to believing and obeying God. We might often take our concerns to God in prayer, but to leave burdens at His feet is another matter.

 Others have yet to learn how to surrender their driver’s seat, with the steering wheel fully to God. And even if we let Him drive, some are often found applying brakes from the passenger seat when we believe He is not following the script, as it pertains to what we may consider as reasonable driving.

Thus, when it comes our turn to live off the grid, in the last days of earth’s history, the valuable lessons of trusting God fully would pay great dividends, as it pertains to assurance, and confidence during that time. Let’s read:

 Jeremiah 30:5 For thus saith the Lord; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.

6 Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?

7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.

 [The Great Controversy pp 621] Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger of falling under the power of Satanic delusions and the decree to compel the conscience.

And even if they endure the test, they will be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the time of trouble, because they have never made it a habit to trust in God. The lessons of faith which they have neglected, they will be forced to learn under a terrible pressure of discouragement.

 However, there are a few things we should know about Elijah, before he went missing in action, for he was a person just like us. He was a homeowner just like many of us, he had at least one employee, and he was a working man, since God usually calls working people to ministry, those who are engaged in some trade or profession.

 But to those who might be unemployed for some reason, or who may choose not to work because of supplemental income from governments, Christ says to such: “Why stand ye here idle all the day?” There are a few things we must know about Elijah.  Let’s read:

1st Kings 19:19 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

 Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

 Matthew 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

 Again, some of the same issues that bother us also bothered Elijah, and because of this, we are never to believe that those experiences he had with God, are far removed from the remnant in our day. He struggled with self-righteousness, discouragement and fear, as some of us often do. Let’s read:

 James 5:17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

 Up until the time when God embarked him on his mission, Elijah was living and working like many of us, but he always kept in the forefront of his mind that this world is not our home, and that we’re just passing through, and as such, the temporal things of life are at all times to be held subservient to eternal interests, and God’s work in the earth.

 Thus, when it came time to suddenly drop, all of his previous engagements and preoccupations, he was not phased in the least, for the pilgrim mindset was always his perspective on life, just as it ought to be with those who are standing on the brink of eternity in our day.

 Recently, there’s been a flurry of economic activity across the nations of earth, as the post-pandemic surge of business comes roaring back to life. And as a consequence, prices of homes have gone through the roof, and some may be thinking of cashing in on the windfall before the frenzy abates, and the laws of financial gravity begin to take their inevitable toll.

That’s all well and good, as God may direct, but let us never forget this one thing, that we are pilgrims here on this earth, like Elijah, Abraham and all of the faithful who went before, we’re passing through heading for a better world.

 And as such, it is important that we do not become too ingratiated with the prosperity of today that we forget the fact that God may call us quite suddenly, as He did with Elijah, to relinquish those temporal interests of life, which too often absorb our best energies and interests.

 We should never lose sight of the fact that one day our turn may come, when for the sake of the gospel and the salvation of souls, including our very own, we may be called to deliver the Elijah message, and to consequently live off the grid as he did, trusting in God alone for all that pertains to life.

 Even though the Lord says “Occupy till I come” that does not mean that every waking moment should be spent chasing after mean green. Quality time is to be spent in the audience chamber of the Most- High, having our minds and thoughts focused on the work He has given us to do, and on eternal realities.

 Doing so regularly will serve the purpose of keeping our temporal concerns in check, so that they do not overwhelm us to the point where ministry becomes something foreign to us. Like Elijah, in his day, our priorities are to reflect the kingdom of God and His righteousness as being of primary concern.

 In this way, whenever the call of God may come to us, we would have already had temporal concerns as being subservient to our higher calling, and thus, living off the grid will just be an extension of that pilgrim mindset that was being cultivated all along.

 We therefore end with a passage of scripture which cautions us not to sink our roots too deep in this world, for the more we dig in, the more difficult it will be to uproot when the Elijah message is due for delivery. 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.

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

                                        God Bless!

A Bit Of bad news. Sabbath Afternoon 10/23/2021

Jeremiah 8:20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.

When studying the Bible, we must of necessity take into consideration what God does, when He does it, why He does it, and how He does it, for when this approach is used, it gives us a window into the mind of God and better prepares us to understand His purposes.

In addition, the study of what persons refer to as His providences, will shed great light on things to come, and whereas, under normal circumstances, we may overlook some sacred truths, when God’s ways are studied in an in-depth manner, things that were hidden in darkness, suddenly become plain.

Gems of truth must be dug for like hidden treasure, and they usually do not lie on the surface, therefore as we may study line upon line, and precept upon precept, let us never forget that the study of God’s movements via His providences, would give us deep insights into His character, His ways, and His means. Let’s read:

Hebrews 5:13 For every one that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

14 But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1st Corinthians 2: 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 teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things yea, the deep things of God.

Having said that, let us turn to deep thoughts in the Bible. It should concern us, that of all the people available back then in the days of Elijah, that God would send His servant to reside with a widowed woman, who was poor as you can get, and living in a heathen nation. This providence of God is of particular concern, not only because she wasn’t a Hebrew, but because at that time, there were other faithful persons among the remnant who had not bowed the knee to Baal.

 Even though the apostasy of Israel had reached epic proportions, yet there were still a few thousand folk who had not subscribed to the prevailing apostasy, and being in the minority, as they always would be, God took notice, and made mention of them when Elijah mistakenly thought he was the only remaining faithful person. Let’s read:

1st Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

Therefore, the question of concern is, “Why didn’t God send His servant Elijah to stay with any one of the other faithful remnant people, but instead sent him to a foreign land, to a woman who was not a blood descendant of Jacob? Could it be just a mere coincidence, or is The Lord, through this singular providence, seeking to teach us some solemn truth? Let’s read:

1st Kings 17:7 And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.

8 And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying,

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

It is worthy of note, that Elijah was at this very time, preparing for the contest on Mt, Carmel which was to take place between the commandments of God and the commandments of men and thus, he would be sustained by the providences of God through the woman of Zidon, who would take care of all Elijah’s food, and shelter. Very interesting! In fact, this strange providence of God did not go unnoticed by Jesus, as He delivered one of His earlier sermons given in the temple at Jerusalem.

At that time, He referenced the fact that a prophet of God is not usually accepted by his or her kindred, and because of the unwarranted animosities manifested towards them they are at times instructed to “turn to the gentiles.” Let’s read:

Luke 4:24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.

25 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;

26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.

Before we proceed it is necessary to have some historical context, so as to fully grasp the meaning of that move on the part of God. At that time, the Hebrew people were divided into the northern and southern kingdoms.

 The northern kingdom under the rule of Ahab and the notorious Jezebel, had descended deep into an abyss of idolatry of the darkest hue, while the tribes of Judah and Benjamin had comprised the southern kingdom, in which was to be found the written law of God, and the ark of His testimony. Let’s read:

1st Kings 12:1 And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king.

2 And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;)

3 That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spoke unto Rehoboam, saying,

4 Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.

6 And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?

7 And they spoke unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants forever.

8 But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him.

9 And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter?

10 And the young men that were grown up with him spoke unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spoke unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.

11 And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day.

13 And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him.

16 So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

17 But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

19 So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.

21 And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin, an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel, to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam the son of Solomon.

 Thus, it was, that the twelve tribes of Israel were divided into two distinct entities, the tribes of Judah and Benjamin under Rehoboam to the south, and the other ten tribes under Jeroboam, to the north, which gradually departed from the true worship of Jehovah, and who then set up an alternative system and times of worship, to try to dissuade their members from ever joining ranks with the southern tribes.

 It is worthy of note, that this move on the part of Jeroboam was made for self-preservation reasons, and as a result, he set in motion a train of adverse circumstances that paved the way for the likes of Jezebel and Ahab to take substitute worship to the next level. Let’s read:

1st Kings 12:26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David.

27 If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.

28 Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

29 And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.

30 And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.

31 And he made a house of high places and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.

32 And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made.

33 So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel.

There are four, critically important areas of worship that were targeted by the king Jeroboam: [1] The object of worship. [2] The place of worship. [3] The time of worship. [4] The minsters of worship.

Let’s start with the first one.

                 [1] The Object of worship.

1st Kings12:28 “The king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, behold

thy gods, O Israel”

                  [2] The place of worship.

1st Kings 12:28 “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem.”

29 And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.

30 And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.

                   [3] The time of worship.

1st Kings 12:33 So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart.

                [4] The minsters of worship.

1st Kings 12:31 And he made a house of high places and made priests of the lowest of the people which were not of the sons of Levi.

Whenever the four areas mentioned are interfered with or altered, contrary to God’s instructions it will be just a matter of time before there’s total collapse and apostasy as was seen in the northern kingdom under the auspices of Ahab and Jezebel.

Do you know, that in our day, those same four areas have been targeted, because the object of worship has been changed from being the God of heaven, to images, to relics, and to idols, real and phantom, as can be observed in how the concepts and practices of worship have evolved over the years.

[The Great Controversy pp 583] It is as easy to make an idol of false doctrines and theories as to fashion an idol of wood or stone. With many, a philosophical idol is enthroned in the place of Jehovah; while the living God, as He is revealed in His word, in Christ, and in the works of creation, is worshiped by but few.

Thousands deify nature while they deny the God of nature. Though in a different form, idolatry exists in the Christian world today as verily as it existed among ancient Israel in the days of Elijah. The God of many professedly wise men, of philosophers, poets, politicians, journalists—the God of polished fashionable circles, of many colleges and universities, even of some theological institutions—is little better than Baal, the sun-god of Phoenicia.

The place of worship has also been changed in our day, for when persons ask about the house of God, it is not clear what is being referred to. Let’s take for example the following passages: Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

Isaiah 56:7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer, for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Deuteronomy 12:13 Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that you see.

14 But in the place which the Lord shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.

 The time of worship has also been changed for it is an undisputed fact that the overwhelming majority of earth’s Christians now worship on the first day of the week, instead of the seventh day, as The Lord has ordained for time and for eternity. Let’s read:

Daniel 7: 25 And he shall speak great words against the Most-High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Revelation 13: 4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

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

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.

Revelation 14: 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation.

11 And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name.

13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.

And last but not least is the change that has taken place with the ministers of worship, for just as the king made minsters and priests of the lowest of the people, just so, known pedophiles, and persons who are leading alternative lifestyles are now delivering the word from the pulpit.

2nd Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Therefore, just as it was in the days of the southern and northern kingdoms, there are really only two remaining branches of Christianity today. There’s a southern kingdom, represented by those who have, and are supposed to be following the law of God.

The northern kingdom in our day is represented by apostate Christianity, who like Ahab, have forsaken the commandments of The Lord, and have instead instituted the laws of men. Thus, Elijah was sent to the northern kingdom, and not to the southern. To put it bluntly, the Elijah message in our day will be primarily heading north, not south! 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.

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.

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.

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.

This brings us to the title of our Bible study today:  “A Bit of Bad News” Those to whom Elijah is sent represent two main groups of people: [1] The woman of Zidon, who is a representative of those persons who are following God to the best of their ability, but do not have a distinct knowledge of God’s laws, and His truths. Let’s read:

1st Kings 17:24 And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in thy mouth is truth.

[Prophets And Kings pp 129] This woman was not an Israelite. She had never had the privileges and blessings that the chosen people of God had enjoyed; but she was a believer in the true God and had walked in all the light that was shining on her pathway. And now, when there was no safety for Elijah in the land of Israel, God sent him to this woman to find an asylum in her home.

The Elijah message, which the remnant, Sabbath- keeping people of God claim to have, is not to be given primarily to the Southern kingdom; it is meant and intended primarily for the Northern kingdom, which means that the loud cry, which we read of in Revelation 14, is not primarily for SDA’s who should already have God’s law enshrined into their hearts and doctrines. It is Sunday-keeping Christians that the message is primarily intended for, to bring them back to the knowledge and obedience of God’s law.

Therefore, many of us who are now sitting on the fence, and who may be waiting for the loud cry to make a last-minute rush for the door, when the mark of the beast is instituted, might find out too late that the harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.

 In fact, if we will receive it, by the time Revelation 14 swells to a loud cry, the probation of most of us would have already been closed, for as the scripture clearly states, judgment must begin at the house of God. In other words, it starts with those who know better and it ends with those who were in darkness. Let’s read:

1st Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begins at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Ezekiel 9:3 And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side;

4 And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

5 And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite.

6 …But come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.

The “Ancient men” referenced in the previous verse are those who had a knowledge of God’s will, such as the elders, deacons, bishops, preachers and the teachers. Next in line came the congregation who had been instructed in the laws and principles of God’s kingdom, and who knew God’s will.

 Therefore, to put it as plainly as possible, the Bible predicts a mass exodus of God’s people from the truth, just around the same time that the loud cry of Elijah’s message will begin to inundate the entire world. This is the bad news! It does not have to be that way, but the Bible predicts it will take place.

                  The riddle.

Numbers 14:31 But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.

Those of us who have been playing church for many years, could find ourselves destitute of The Holy Ghost, who alone is able to enable us to survive the time of the latte rain. Elijah survived on Mt Carmel because he was loaded, and those who will survive spiritual Mt Camel in our day must of necessity also be fully loaded. Let’s read:

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.

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.

[L.D.E. pp 182] The broken ranks will be filled up by those represented by Christ as coming in at the eleventh hour. The time of God's destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who now have no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched, and His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter. Large numbers will be admitted who in these last days hear the truth for the first time.

{C.E.T pp 228} Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust, as company after company from the Lord's army joined the foe, and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God.

(C.E.T pp177) 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.

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.

7 They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks.

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?

[C.E.T pp 177] I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. 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.”

 Now is a time of deep soul-searching, a time above all others when we must, as the Bible instructs, work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, for God stands ready to work within us to will, and to do His good pleasure.

 It does not have to be all bad news, for the gospel brings hope and present opportunity for all those who would shake off the shackles of materialism, sensualism, and all the other isms, and schisms that seek to inundate our minds, and cause us to focus on things which do not satisfy.

 Let us therefore zip up our boots, and do that which has too long been neglected. Let all the families and individuals seek God earnestly each day for grace to help in time of need, so that we can live victoriously on a continuum.

 Those things which consume valuable amounts of time, while our devotions to God, and the hour of prayer sit on the back burner, are to be routed to a subservient place on our totem poles, so that our relationship with God, which is what matters most, may not suffer violence and neglect because of our mixed-up priorities.

 We therefore end with a passage of scripture that should keep us in step, and in tune with the urgency of the moment, and may God help all of those who will take up the mantle of service and godliness in every area of our lives. 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 fulfil the lusts thereof.

                                   God Bless!