Understanding Generational Curses And Blessings. Sabbath afternoon 12/02/2023

Exodus 20: 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth.

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Generational curses, and blessings pertain to every human being, for all of us are affected, one way or the next by the doings of our progenitors. This fact is inescapable and should thus serve the purpose of causing persons to make wise choices, knowing that not only ourselves will be affected, but also those of our children who may come after us.

Choices and decisions made by parents are like unto throwing a pebble into a river with the ripple effects to be seen and felt far and wide. When parents may choose to do good, by loving and serving God, they set in motion a train of mercies and blessings which extend to thousands of generations, long after those parents are dead and buried.

God does not forget His tender mercy to those who love and obey Him, and even when the up-coming generations may forget, God’s mercies are still to be extended to their offspring for they are beneficiaries of God’s grace, in behalf of the faithful who went on before.

On the other hand, persons who despise and forget God, transmit that disposition to their offspring and even though the destiny of such persons are not set in stone, it is more likely than not, for them to walk in the footsteps of their parents.

In addition to this the practices, indulgences, habits and lifestyles, are all likely to be mimicked by those who come after, for by precept, example and also by inheritance and cultivation, the stage is often set for replications, in those who are born to such parents.

Persons do retain their freedom of choice, and they are never inevitably chained in a hell-bound destiny. However, history has proven the words of Scripture to be true, in the overwhelming majority of cases.

As Esau, and Jacob came out fighting against each other, just so, the after history has demonstrated a continued animosity from generation to generation. Even though there was a pause due to the forced reconciliation brokered by God, yet they were never at peace permanently.

That’s because the propensities, tendencies, habits, practices, and dispositions, were all transferred to the coming generations, and because of this the bad blood persisted between the two. Let’s read:

Genesis 36:1 Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom.

2 Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite.

8 Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir: Esau is Edom.

9 And these are the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in mount Seir:

12 And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son;

and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau's wife.

Genesis 36:6 And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 207] This separation was in accordance with the divine purpose, concerning Jacob. Since the brothers differed so greatly in regard to religious faith, it was better for them to dwell apart.

Esau and Jacob had alike been instructed in the knowledge of God, and both were free to walk in His commandments and to receive His favor; but they had not both chosen to do this. The two brothers had walked in different ways, and their paths would continue to diverge more and more widely.

There was no arbitrary choice on the part of God by which Esau was shut out from the blessings of salvation. The gifts of His grace through Christ are free to all. There is no election but one's own by which any may perish.

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;

8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

Now, there are a few passages of scripture written in the New Testament that must be addressed, for they are often misinterpreted to mean that God is arbitrary in His choices and decisions, which is not the case in anyway shape or form. Let’s read:

Romans 9: 11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.

13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

16 So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that  runs, but of God that shews mercy.

Be very careful when seeking to understand what is meant by the previous passages. Let’s repeat: Great care must be taken in trying to unpack the previous passages for persons can draw incorrect conclusions about the character and purposes of God, as it will pertain to generational blessings and curses.

Jacob’s household would have their own share of issues, and Jacob himself was not the best of fathers for any to conclude that just because he feared God, that he was free from errors. In fact, Jacob’s life was riddled with faults, from polygamy, to lying and from dissembling to cunning.

But in all and through it all, the general bent of his household was towards God, and for this reason he would impart to his offspring a disposition to love, and serve The God of heaven, imperfect though he and they may be. In other words, Jacob would set a tone in his household that would be to-God-ward.

But Esau was of an entirely different disposition, for even though both himself, and Jacob them grew up in the same house, going to the same church, and having the same religious instruction, Esau did not take to God as his brother did, and God’s laws, and instructions were considered burdensome and even irritating to him.

Thus, he would pass on this disposition to his kids, and even though they had retained their freedom of choice, as a general rule, Esau’s family would harbor and averseness to God and that general tendency to hate God would be cemented with each successive generation, until it became a natural characteristic. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 178] Isaac made known to his sons these privileges and conditions, and plainly stated that Esau, as the eldest, was the one entitled to the birthright. But Esau had no love for devotion, no inclination to a religious life.

The requirements that accompanied the spiritual birthright were an unwelcome, and even a hateful restraint to him. The law of God, which was the condition of the divine covenant with Abraham, was regarded by Esau as a yoke of bondage. Bent on self-indulgence, he desired nothing so much as liberty to do as he pleased.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 178] Jacob had learned from his mother of the divine intimation that the birthright should fall to him, and he was filled with an unspeakable desire for the privileges which it would confer. It was not the possession of his father's wealth that he craved; the spiritual birthright was the object of his longing.

To commune with God as did righteous Abraham, to offer the sacrifice of atonement for his family, to be the progenitor of the chosen people and of the promised Messiah, and to inherit the immortal possessions embraced in the blessings of the covenant. Here were the privileges and honors that kindled his most ardent desires. His mind was ever reaching forward to the future, and seeking to grasp its unseen blessings.

Thus, Esau and Jacob would go their separate ways, one, to receive the blessings, and favors of God for many generations, the other to reap all the natural results that come with an averseness toward God.

The generational blessings and curses are never an arbitrary act on the part of God, but instead are the natural outworking of cause and effect, sowing and reaping, which determine the outcomes. Therefore, there very serious and pertinent questions we need to ask ourselves, in the context of what we’ve seen so far:

[1] Is the destiny of an individual inevitably set in stone, depending on the course of action pursued by one’s progenitors?

[2] Can the generational blessings and curses be reversed?

[3] What about those genetic factors which may be beyond a person’s control? Is there hope in such situations?

[4] Let’s say a person’s progenitors have a history of cancer, because of habitual violations of laws which pertain to diets and foods; is it then inevitable for the coming generations to come down with cancers, or would they have the ability to track an entirely different course?

[5] When The Lord says He will visit the iniquity of the fathers unto the third and fourth generation of those who hate Him, what does God mean by that statement?

[6] Can the generations of the wicked buck the downward trend, through freedom of choice, and could they be saved in God’s kingdom?

There are two statements in our first passage which need to be clarified, once and for all, because there are persons who study the Bible one-sidedly instead of line upon line, and precept upon precept, and if this is the case, wrong conclusions of God and of the passage in question will certainly be drawn.

Here are the two statements of interest which need clarity:

[1] “Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me.”

The word “Visiting” is too often interpreted to mean that God would directly place the sins of the fathers, and results thereof upon future generations, in ways that cannot be averted by the children. Nothing can be further from the truth, for that interpretation is quite contrary to other passages of Scripture.

There are laws of cause and effect, and there are laws of sowing and reaping that are, in many cases, allowed to run their natural course, without direct interference from God, and which bring to maturity the pertinent fruit, either for good, or for evil.

If one’s parents and grandparents, going back many years were to cultivate a love for smoking and a love for drinking, their children would be born with such tendencies, and by example, the habit can become set in stone, in the offspring of such, especially if the children were to now cultivate and practice the very same patterns of behavior.

The adverse results are not anything that God will be doing to the offspring. That word “Visiting”, for the most part refers to God allowing the natural law of action and consequence to run unimpeded.

In fact, what God does is to set in motion, ways, and means whereby persons who have been adversely affected, either genetically, or by the habitual wrong doing of one’s progenitors can make a U-Turn, and if such persons were to take hold of Christ, the only remedy, they can stop the downward trend in most cases. The following scriptures will confirm what is being said. Let’s read:

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

20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.

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

Mark 2: 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eats and drinks with publicans and sinners?

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.

God does not arbitrarily visit the iniquities of one’s parents upon the children, if the children will track a different, and right course. God gives much grace to the wicked, so that they can have equal opportunity just like the offspring of the righteous. This sacred truth must now be set in stone in our minds, once and for all.

Let’s pay very close attention to the following sacred records, so as to confirm, that the downward trend, initiated, and promulgated by one’s progenitors can be stopped, slowed or even reversed, for it all has to do with the choices the individual makes.

1st Kings 21: 25 But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.

26 And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel.

1st Kings 22: 40 So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.

51 Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned two years over Israel.

52 And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

53 For he served Baal, and worshipped him, and provoked to anger the Lord God of Israel, according to all that his father had done.

2nd Kings 11:1 And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.

2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.

21 Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign.

2nd Kings 12:2 And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

4 And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the Lord, even the money of every one that passes the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that comes into any man's heart to bring into the house of the Lord,

5 Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.

11 And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the Lord: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the Lord,

12 And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the Lord, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it.

19 And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

So, let’s recap what took place here. Ahab, and the infamous Athaliah were the progenitors of Ahaziah, who followed in the footsteps of Ahab, and Ahaziah has a son, namely Josiah, who chooses to track an entirely different course.

It's worthy of note that the training Josiah got from an early age at the hands of the priest Jehoiada, had a profound effect upon his mind, and according to the Scriptures, those early instructions played a vital role in overriding whatsoever genetic, and inherited tendencies to evil Joash’s progenitors bequeathed.

Thus, even though this is the exception rather than the rule, yet, it is possible, by the grace of God for a person to buck that downward trend, set in motion by one’s parents and grandparents. If it were not a possibility, then the grace of God would have limits on its ability to save to the gutter-most.

[2] The other statement from our first passage that needs to be addressed is that of “Keeping mercy for thousands of generations that love me and keep my commandments”

The generations of the righteous are promised grace and mercy, but this isn’t exclusively theirs, as we’ve seen in several previous passages. If the offspring of righteous do evil, in many cases they would reap the natural results just like the wicked because The Lord does not generally interfere with the laws of sowing and reaping.

God’s mercies are over the righteous, but they also are over the wicked, for if this were not the case, no one would be saved in God’s kingdom. The Hebrews struggled on this point of generational blessings and incorrectly concluded, that the favor of God would insulate and shield them from every departure from righteousness.

Furthermore, they had come to believe that those privileges, and blessings granted, and promised to Abraham would be theirs automatically, whether they did good or evil. And sadly, this thinking has seeped into the Christian psyche today, some more, some less.

Blessings and curses are generally dependent on the personal choices of the individuals in question, not merely some automatic bestowal regardless of one’s decisions and actions. This sacred truth must now be made crystal clear, since an overwhelming majority of contemporary Christians, erroneously believe that the Jews are still God’s chosen people. Let’s read:

John 8: 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

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

33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, whoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

Luke 3: 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Jews as well as Christians are under the same set of conditions laid forth for producing blessings and/or curses. In other words, any Jew in our day, who will accept the terms and conditions of salvation in and through Christ, will become a beneficiary of mercy promised to a thousand generations.

And conversely, a Christian who claims to believe in Jesus but yet walks contrary to the terms of the new covenant will be a recipient of the natural results of their choices, including generational curses.

However, because of His promises made to parents who love and obey Him, who have done their due diligence in planting the seeds of God’s word in the children’s hearts, God extends mercy, and grace to such, so that in the fullness of time, the seed sown may spring up and bear fruit.

In our day, erroneous concepts have seeped into the hearts, and minds of many persons, and distortions fostered by would be prophets stoke incorrect views and sentiments, that are given utterance by persons who may not know better.

For instance, if a person is really blessed, and highly favored of God, as a result of God’s mercies, which are promised to the generations of the righteous, he will not generally boast of this in the public square, but would rather maintain a humble spirit, knowing that it is because of God’s mercies, why we are not consumed. Let’s read:

Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of tomorrow for you know not what a day may bring forth.

2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Persons who are really loaded with The Spirit of God do not generally make a show of the fact. Instead, it may be the case that you could be sitting right next to such a person in church and have not a clue as to their true status. Let’s read:

Romans 8: 16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

[5 Biography pp 355] I want you to read the books Patriarchs, and Prophets, Great Controversy, Desire of Ages, and Ministry of Healing. I am not, as I said yesterday, a prophet. I do not claim to be a leader; I claim to be simply a messenger of God, and that is all I have ever claimed.

Again, generational curses and blessings are not to be understood as God doing something unto one’s offspring that would trigger a chain of adversities or circumstances, from which he or she cannot escape.

In almost every situation, the choice is ours. God provides the opportunities, success is what persons make of them, and therefore, if a person’s family tree includes indulgences in cancerous foods, and drink, you can in most cases, take concrete steps to slow down, stop or even reverse a downward trend, by the decisions and actions taken.

The salvation God offers is holistic in nature, and it ought to be understood as being applicable to the entire man. God does not propose to save the mind and leave the body behind, hence the reason why it is written, that we should keep our bodies, soul, and spirit blameless, for the one affects the other. 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.

And to those who might be withering under a load of generational curses, let us always remember that the grace of God through Christ was manifested for just such situations and if we so desire, the buck can stop at our doorstep.

In some cases, this will not be easy but grace as well as power is promised to all who would take the time to study their family tree, carefully observing where their progenitors went right or wrong, and thereby, purposing in the heart, to track an entirely different course.

[The D.A. pp 296] The apostles differed widely in habits and disposition. 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.

Like them, we too have our individual struggles and issues to deal with. The elders, and deacons of our church aren’t exempt, for we all have cultivated and inherited tendencies to confront which strive for the mastery.

But like the disciples of Christ, mercy and grace are granted to one and all, so that we will be enabled to live victoriously in the here and now, and because of this fact, there is no need for any to be shackled to the habits and indulgences of bygone years.

Instead, let us grab the proverbial bull by the horns, and wherever it be the case, that one’s progenitors may have passed on down to us tendencies, habits or deficiencies, now we know that God’s grace and mercy can put these latent tendencies into reverse gear, for this is the very essence of salvation.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture which will enable us to live strong, not groveling in failures or weakness, but rather taking hold of the grace and mercy promised to a thousand generations. Let’s read:

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

                                   God Bless!

How To Stand Your Ground. Sabbath afternoon 11/25/2023

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.

There are stand your ground laws across the United States of America, where persons have been given authority to stand their ground when they’re facing imminent danger. If threatened, persons could use guns to stop any potential attackers, before they are assaulted.

We are living in an increasingly dangerous world in which human life isn’t valued as it should be and for this reason, persons have armed themselves to the tooth, to protect themselves and their families.

The Christian will be facing even more dangerous foes, of the invisible kind, and there are going to be multiple instances where the Christian will have to stand his or her ground.

Thus, we should be aware of the ways, and means used by devils, to try to force their way upon us, so as to make us walk contrary to a Thus saith The Lord and thereby, not only imperil our lives, but also our very souls for eternity.

As a general rule, the use of force by devils is often the method of last resort, only employed after many other devices have been tried, and failed. One of his main methods used is that of flattery, by which he’ll seek to destabilize the soul, using pleasant words of praise.

This often goes to the person’s head, and before you know it, they become dizzy with flattery, and often go on to deny Christ in word and deed. But the devil also deals in heckling, by which he may try to make the Christian feel bad, especially if the popular, and the majority get involved and are arrayed against us.

The Christian therefore, will have to learn to stand his ground, “with his face to the foe” not backing down for a moment or in any degree, lest he be run over by man’s nemesis. Thus, anyone who is prone to buckle under flattery, or heckling, should be on guard, for both strategies will be drawn upon from satan’s arsenal.

Aaron was a man of pliant character, who often was found buckling under pressure; a man, whose mild mannerisms and gentle demeanor often caused him to say, and do things that should never have been said or done. And without a doubt, Aaron was the crowd’s favorite, when contrasted with his brother Moses.

Being the ordained high priest, it was fitting for him to be gentle, but firmness, gentleness and courtesy can and must always come wrapped up in a bundle in the Christian, so that the one would support the other, or otherwise offset the other when due.

For instance, if the devil were to come to you using flattery through some human agent, you should say no, in a courteous manner. No need to shout, or to make a brawl, for no should be a firm no, regardless of one’s demeanor. As Christians, we can stand our ground in a Christlike manner, without becoming all riled up.

But if flattery and praise do not work, devils will try another tactic, by trying to heckle the Christian into submission. Some persons are quite good at dealing courteously with flattery, but when the fiery darts of heckling, gossip, and character assassination are to hurled at us, some Christians blow a fuse.

Such was the case with Peter, who could not stand the thought of being linked with an unpopular Jesus and as satan got wind of it, he turned up the heat of the furnace several notches until in a fit of anger, he blew a fuse. Multiple rounds were fired by satan for he a careful observer, and saw that Peter courted a penchant for popularity.

Thus, as Christ was humiliated, and handcuffed in the public square, Peter sought to distance himself from Christ somewhat for he feared an association with Jesus, would draw him into an uncomfortable position, in the eyes of the popular majority. And as satan studied his tendency, he went to work, using  agents to cause Peter’s fall.

The true soldier of the cross in our day must be very careful of aligning himself / herself with the popular, for when it comes down to the wire, they could turn and rend you, like they did with Christ. When Jesus was healing all the diseases of the people, and was providing M.R.E s, He was no doubt the favorite and the disciples pressed closely about Him, seeking the seat closest to Him.

 But when the tide of popularity turned negative and following Jesus became a liability, the disciples were at a loss as to how they should deal with these new unfavorable ratings. As it is currently, it doesn’t cost us here in America, anything, or very little, to follow Christ, that is why any, and everyone can claim to be a Christian, without fear of retribution, and heckling and scorn.

But all of that is about to change, and when it does, we hope the lessons from Peter’s experience would have done its work already, so that, we too may be able to stand our ground, courteously, yet firmly. In the following passages, and excerpts, let us find out what exactly the devil was observing, as pertains to Peter. Let’s read:

Matthew 27:57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

Previously there was a strife amongst them, as to who should be the greatest, and when Jesus was transfigured to His glory, on the mount, Peter then offered to build three tabernacles, for he was beside himself with joy, wonder and admiration.

Again, when there was a storm on the lake that had threatened their existence, Peter was the one who had asked Jesus to walk on water, and as he did so, he looked back on his fellows as one being blessed and highly favored. Satan observes all this, but now, with Jesus in handcuffs, and potentially headed to jail, Peter follows at a distance. Let’s read:

[The Desire of Ages pp 710] After deserting their Master in the garden, two of the disciples had ventured to follow, at a distance, the mob that had Jesus in charge. These disciples were Peter and John.

The disciple John, upon entering the judgment hall, did not try to conceal the fact that he was a follower of Jesus. He did not mingle with the rough company who were reviling his Master.

He was not questioned, for he did not assume a false character, and thus lay himself liable to suspicion. He sought a retired corner secure from the notice of the mob, but as near Jesus as it was possible for him to be. A company drew about the fire, and Peter presumptuously took his place with them.

He did not wish to be recognized as a disciple of Jesus. By mingling carelessly with the crowd, he hoped to be taken for one of those who had brought Jesus to the hall.

These are two completely different approaches to the same situation, one, where John is not ashamed of the Gospel, or of Christ, the other, in which Peter is ashamed of being associated with the Gospel’s Author.

In our day, some preachers are ashamed or afraid of the gospel for this generation, for to preach present truth is like walking on pins and needles. Therefore, rather than be singled out by satan for some of the same assaults from human agents, some preachers avoid the hot button issues, or sensitive topics like gay marriage and weed.

 The marriage institution is like a house on fire, and burning down, yet for some strange reason, some of the contemporary preachers seem to dance around the issue, fearing to stand up, and take a stand for the right lest what recently happened to the United Methodist Church, happens to their congregations. Let’s read:

CNN Nov. 29 261 Georgia congregations leave the United Methodist Church over a divide on LGBTQ issues.

The North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church voted Saturday to accept the decision of 261 congregations to leave the denomination over a divide on LGBTQ issues.

The churches are breaking from the UMC after a 2019 decision by the national United Methodist Church to allow congregations to leave by the end of 2023, “for reasons of conscience regarding a change in the requirements and provisions of the Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality or the ordination or marriage of self-avowed practicing homosexuals.”

As of early August 2023, over 6,000 congregations of just over 30,000 in the United States have been approved for disaffiliation since 2019, according to the UMC’s website. Their exit marked a “solemn day,” the North Georgia Conference of the UMC said in a news release.

And we as Seventh Day Adventists are not to think, or consider ourselves as being insulated from these issues, for the waves of change are already lapping at our doorsteps. In other words, sooner or later we will have to confront the issue head on, and will be asked to make a statement of clarity, as to which side of the fence we stand.

Some, in order to avoid conflicts, backlash and the infamous financial persecution, vainly endeavor to thread both needles, if haply there might be some lengthening of our tranquility.

By so doing, some are actually following in Peter’s footsteps by following Jesus “Afar off”. The Christian in our day must stand his ground, by taking a public stand for present truth, even if it triggers economic boycotts, or even if congregations may have to split up because of irreconcilable issues. Let’s read:

[The Great Controversy pp 88] The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people. Their blameless deportment and unswerving faith were a continual reproof that disturbed the sinner's peace. Though few in numbers, without wealth, position, or honorary titles, they were a terror to evil-doers wherever their character and doctrines were known.

They felt that even peace would be too dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle. If unity could be secured only by the compromise of truth and righteousness then let there be difference, and even war.

Then, after folks decide not to associate themselves too closely with the gospel or with Christ’s kingdom, because the truth has become very unpopular, the very next step is to go in, and sit with the mob, just like Peter did, so as to hide one’s convictions under the proverbial bushel, lest the truth in the matters be known. And satan observes all this.

Therefore, by sitting in the seat of the scornful, one places himself on satan’s enchanted ground, and he will certainly buckle under pressure, when the heat of the furnace is turned up several notches, because all of the preliminary steps in denying Christ and the gospel have already been taken.

In other words, the Christian who only follows Jesus when it is convenient and pleasant to do so, will not be able to stand his ground in times of real peril, for a pattern of choosing the path of least resistance is established, and unless there is a radical change in one’s mode of thought and action, the observations made by satan will bear fruit in denial of Christ. Let’s read:

Matthew 26:69 Now Peter sat outside in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, you also were with Jesus of Galilee. 70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

This first assault shook Peter out of his comfort zone initially, but he had time to regroup, if he so chose. But once, having set his feet in a downward path by avoiding shame for Christ’s name, it is only a matter of time before the devil will open fire again.

This second time around the maid will not make the heckling accusation in any quiet manner, between herself and Peter; instead, the devil gives her a bull horn to ask the disturbing question, over the public address system. Let’s read:

Matthew 26:71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

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

Just as Jesus was tempted three times in the desert, just so Peter is being tempted three times, but this third time, the devil is going for the jugular, not by merely asking Peter a question, but by confirming in public, what Peter really prefers to keep quiet. The devil then goes to the sound room, and tells the sound engineer to turn up the volume to its loudest so that everyone could hear. Let’s read:

Matthew 26:73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, certainly, you are one of them; for thy speech betrays thee.

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

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

Multiple rounds were fired by satan, because he is a relentless foe, and therefore, if we intend to live and conquer as Jesus did, we must be reconciled to the fact that we might be the target of multiple assaults from the enemy of souls, some by flattery and some by heckling, among other devices.

Jesus suffered his first three bouts in the wilderness, back-to-back, as did Job, and many other heroes of faith who have gone before, but in all and through it all Jesus stood His ground albeit courteously, quietly and very firmly.

The love of praise, and the love of popularity will in many cases prove the ruin of some, who have never become accustomed to swimming upstream with Christ. One day soon it will be very unpopular to be a Christian, let alone a Seventh Day Adventist, in the true meaning of the name.

Therefore, the time is now and the place is here in which we must never be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation, and if we are really convicted of this truth in our hearts, we are to stand up and be counted as such, on the job, at the grocery, at the gym, or wherever we may be, so that satan wouldn’t observe what he once did in Peter.

Thus, with some historical context at our back. Let’s go into the Bible study for this afternoon, namely:  

    How To Stand Your Ground.

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 do not know what is become of him.

Aaron was a man of pleasant and gentle mien, both characteristics that are essential to a high priest. In this instance, the multitude clamored for something that both Aaron and themselves knew were wrong, and being vested with authority as high priest, the onus was on him, to take the lead in tamping down, that which was clearly out of line with God’s will.

But, like as it was with Peter, the devil observed that Aaron was pliable, for he loved, and often preferred the easier way of doing things and rather than come out of his tents, with his guns blazing with a definite no, he begins to reason and negotiate with them.

As Christians, we are to maintain decorum, and the truth need not spoken in fits of anger. Yet, when it comes time to stand up for right there must be no negotiation whatsoever, for if, and when persons do enter into negotiations with satan, he will absolutely win the day every time.

In fact, it was this singular disposition of preferring to choose the path of least resistance that led Aaron to overlook serious faults in his own sons, for rather than correct them, when correction was due, he let things slide, in order to remain in their favor.

When Christians choose to take the path of least resistance, when there is confrontation between truth and error, they will be bulldozed by devils, for the mob mentality will be invoked and the wavering pliable Christian, will be overwhelmed with the firm, unrelenting dispositions of the popular majorities. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 316] In the absence of Moses, the judicial authority had been delegated to Aaron, and a vast crowd gathered about his tent, with the demand, “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 wot not what is become of him.”

The cloud, they said, that had heretofore led them, now rested permanently upon the mount; it would no longer direct their travels. They must have an image in its place; and if, as had been suggested, they should decide to return to Egypt, they would find favor with the Egyptians by bearing this image before them and acknowledging it as their god.

Such a crisis demanded a man of firmness, decision, and unflinching courage; one who held the honor of God above popular favor, personal safety, or life itself. But the present leader of Israel was not of this character. 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. Aaron feared for his own safety; and instead of nobly standing up for the honor of God, he yielded to the demands of the multitude.

In the final conflict between good and evil, it is not a guarantee that all who would stand up for right will not lose their lives. God has promised to protect us, but this will be according to His will, and discretion. Others may not fare so well as to pass through the ordeal unscathed.

In Aaron’s case, he went a step further in the pursuit of favoritism, by announcing that there would be a feast to the Lord on the following day. The people had not asked for this, but Aaron, seeing the favor with which the newly formed idol was received, he went a step further and made the announcement for the following day.

Thus, by not standing his ground initially, he opened the door to a slippery slope, and the great observer that satan is, made the most of the situation, to the detriment of many thousands. Le’s read:

Exodus 32:5 And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 317] A religion that permits men, while observing the rites of worship, to devote themselves to selfish or sensual gratification, is as pleasing to the multitudes now as in the days of Israel. And there are still pliant Aarons, who, while holding positions of authority in the church, will yield to the desires of the unconsecrated, and thus encourage them in sin.

The question we have to answer for ourselves, in lieu of what we have studied, is “How can I stand my ground, when my turn comes?

First, we will need the presence and power of Christ in the heart in order for us to do so. Persons might have the will, but the motive power to stand firm is from God alone. Having said that, the Christian will have some definite things to do, so as to cooperate with The Holy Ghost in standing firm. 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.

For instance, if some young man in the church or at the job is harassing you, by trying to cozy up to you against your will and against your conscience, there are two ways to stand your ground by saying no.

The first way is to say a gentle stop, even while you may be smiling and grinning from ear to ear. Guess what, he will never stop, for he will rightly conclude that if he were to push the envelope a little further, you might buckle under pressure.

In fact, the dude will most likely interpret that type of gentle, loving “stop” in that loving, sensual voice to be an actual invitation to continue his forays into your private space. And he absolutely will. This is the kind of gentle “Stop” Aaron had used with the multitude and they continued to push him over the brink.

But if you were to say a very firm no, with your eyes bulging in anger, disgust, and righteous indignation, he will get the message loud and clear, and before long he will put his tail between his legs, and go his merry way. Let’s read:

[Testimonies Vol. 5 pp 595] Men who are doing God's work and who have Christ abiding in their hearts will not lower the standard of morality, but will ever seek to elevate it. They will not find pleasure in the flattery of women or in being petted by them.

Let men, both single and married, say: “Hands off! I will never give the least occasion that my good should be evil spoken of. My good name is capital of far more value to me than gold or silver. Let me preserve it untarnished.

Again, when it’s time to stand your ground on those occasions of social drinking, the Christian must not be pliable. If alcohol is being served on some festive occasion, and the Christian is prompted to indulge, for the sake of friendship, let a clearcut answer be given in favor of the truth, and the prompters will in most cases be reconciled to your firm principles.

Standing your ground also pertains to issues on the proper observance of the Sabbath, for there will be times when pressure will be brought against those who choose to honor God, by keeping holy the 7th day of the week.

When employers might need work done urgently, they may attempt to get the Christian to violate his or her conscience, by working on the sacred hours just this once.

And it may seem unreasonable if the Christian in question doesn’t buckle under the load of pressure. The Christian in such circumstances must be able to stand their ground, and leave the results in God’s hands.

Every year when daylight saving time comes around, and the hours are shortened there’s always that one thing that has to get done, or else. What we have all discovered over the years is that there can never be enough hours in the working day.

If the sun were to set at midnight, some will still be found rushing at the last minute to enter into God’s haven of rest and therefore whether it be six O’clock or 12:00 midnight when the sun sets the law of God doesn’t change. If one is threatened with firing for not working on the sacred hours, the results should be left in God’s hands.

And there are tools and remedies available through our own network, to try and mitigate such instances if the saint in question decides to go that route.

But persons must be aware that the secular and the religious world will become more antagonistic to the Sabbath of the4th commandment and therefore if currently we may experience push back on this issue, we are to view it as practice for the big one.

In learning to stand your ground on all matters that pertain to conscience, The Lord often gives us baby steps, beginning with the little things, and then the larger issues, if we will learn to be strong, trusting in God every step of the way.

Disciple and discipline are words that come from the same root, and if the three Hebrew boys had buckled under pressure on the issue of food, they could not stand their ground on the more important issue of worship.

Similarly, if we fail in taking baby steps on the issue of diets and foods, we may be steamrolled when the issue of worship surfaces, which it is scheduled to in the not-too distant future. Therefore, faithfulness in little things would pave the way for us to stand our ground on more consequential issues, for he that is faithful in that which is least, will also be faithful in much.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture that will enable us to stand our ground, not with carnal weapons, but with those that are given in the Bible, for without them, failure is not a matter of if, but when. Let’s read:

Ephesians 6: 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

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

                                   God Bless!

The Laws And Powers Of The Mind. Sabbath afternoon 11/18/2023

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

A fearful battle is being waged for our minds and it’s scheduled to increase in intensity and severity as we approach earth’s final crisis. No one can be ignorant of what is at stake, except at the peril of their souls. This battle affects persons across all age groups, and is no respecter of persons.

From tweenagers to the elderly, from the young and the restless, to those of more mature years, no one is exempt. Newborn babes do not get a free pass in this conflict and in fact the battle begins before they are even born.

Thus, we owe it to ourselves to try to understand how we can preserve our minds in this conflict so as to live victoriously in the here and now, and for the great hereafter.

Unlike the mark of the beast, the seal of God is only given in the forehead, where the seat of a person’s intelligence is located. Here is where things like our decision making, rational thought, judgement, and reasoning take place.

Thus, the seal of God is only given in the forehead, for wherever the mind goes, the body would follow. This is unlike the mark of the beast which is given in the hand, or in the forehead, for satan couldn’t care less whether or not persons fully understand what is at stake in the final conflict, once they end up taking the mark.

Everything we eat or drink will directly, or indirectly affect the mind, either for better or for worse, that’s why the health message for the remnant people of God, and indeed for the entire world, has to do with the preservation of both mind and body, in the best possible condition, so that clear discernment, and a quick understanding of the issues will be possible.

Knowing this, satan goes to work studiously, and in ingenious ways to adversely affect the food, and the drug industry. He moves upon the food companies to add such ingredients that would trigger a host of side effects, so that the drug industry, which waits in the wings will be ready with its “Remedies.”

Then, with clear understanding of the laws of cause and effect, he knows that persons who are careless about what they eat and drink, would end up at the doorsteps of drug companies, and then, the “Cures” and remedies will be overloaded with ingredients producing side effects that will in many cases, affect the mind in adverse ways.

Hence the reason why more and more drugs are to be found producing suicidal thoughts as one of the adverse side effects amongst many. But he does not stop here, for he also goes to work in congress, and moves upon the unwary to legalize Ganja, better known as the herb.

At first, weed was smoked in reefer form, or with a chalice, and was introduced by law under medicinal marijuana, but now satan has introduced more user friendly, and appealing versions of the same drug, for it’s available in candy, ice-creams, cakes, pastries and almost any rendition one can think of.

The Bible also clearly states the detrimental effects alcoholic beverages have upon the mind, contrary to what the X-Perts might say, for it makes a direct link between inebriation, and the decisions, and choices that certainly follow which are not for the better but for the worse. Let’s read:

Proverbs 23: 29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moves itself aright.

32 At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder.

33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

Therefore, there are laws and powers of the mind to be understood by all, especially in the context of the final conflict that is headed our way.

Several of them will now be given in detail, with the relevant Bible texts and references from the pen of inspiration, so that if persons so choose, we might be instructed in wise paths so as to make straight paths for our feet.

[1] The mind can be trained to think a certain way.

The human mind was so made by God that it can be trained in certain modes of thought. This fact is to be understood as being applied to both good, and evil. Much like a raw piece of dough from which you can make bread, bakes, pastries, or dumplings, the final product depends on how it is trained, and the ingredients that are added.

Thus, the Scriptures encourage parents to train the young, pliable minds of the children, in a way that is productive of good and to only add such ingredients that would produce the best results. And adults are advised to train their minds to familiarity with the word of God, so that better outcomes in life can be our lot. 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.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

This does not mean that children would not deviate from the script, they may, but at the very least, the foundational principles, and laws of God’s kingdom would be etched upon their minds at an early age so that they will have God’s moral compass to refer to, when making decisions later on in life. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 6: 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.

8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine  eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

For example, as one born, and raised in a Seventh Day Adventist home, my parents did their best to try to etch upon the tables of our hearts, the Bible, and its teachings, so as to implant God’s moral compass to guide us in our choices as we grew.

Therefore, in retrospect, we could accurately define in real time what that translates into. For starters, it taught us the definition of right and wrong, so that we could be guided in our decision-making process, even though my personal decisions did not always come down on the side of righteousness, to put it mildly.

But at least, I was aware that I was doing something wrong whenever I chose to do so. Thus, when it was time to return to God, I did not need a televangelist or a preacher.

I knew the way home because God’s moral compass had been embedded into our minds at a tender age, and it not only delineated right and wrong, it also specified Christ as the Only Savior as the be all, end all in salvation and righteousness.

Thus, when it came time to turn back to God, I knew exactly what to do. I didn’t need to attend those six- month evangelistic meetings where preachers start from scratch with the sinner. I didn’t need long Bible studies on the state of the dead, or any of the many doctrines we hold dear.

In fact, when the specific Bible worker came in to do the pre-baptism groundwork, and found out that all that she had been asking me I’d already known, and then some, it was then decided to dunk me without further questioning, for my parents had done their due diligence in instructing us in God’s word.

But what we have taking place today in many cases is that children are growing up without God’s moral compass, and as a result, the ability to differentiate good from evil is largely missing. Thus, without the steadfast moral compass of God’s word, kids end up with “My truth” since truth is made relative.

This point above all others should be given greatest and due consideration when persons are thinking of tying the knot in wedlock, for some set of guidelines for raising their children should be decided upon up front, or else the children will grow up, being pulled and tugged in every which direction by the winds of change, fashion, and popular majority opinion.

Thus, very serious questions need to be asked, and ironed out before uniting for life, if persons desire to have children. Questions such as: [1] How will we be teaching our children to differentiate between right, and wrong? [2] What will be our common reference point in making such determinations? The Bible, or the X-Perts?

 [3] When the kids get into trouble, like I did, once upon a time, who do they turn to? Christ or another set of experts.

 [4] Will we force our own arbitrary moral compass, according to what we “Feel” is right, and if so, when the children disagree, and question where we got our authority from, would we reach for that favorite answer, “We brought you into this world?”

When children are being taught in public school that it is morally correct to have two mommies, and two Daddies; when they come home, and ask for some clarification on the issues, what will the reference point be for settling the matter? Would they be told what the parents think is right, or will all roads lead to the word of God?

In our day currently, right and wrong, good and evil are defined by the clamors of fallen nature, and as a sure result, that which God’s moral compass says is an abomination, is now embraced as being right. If it feels good, if it tastes good, and if it sounds good, then it must be good, according to the principle of pleasure which wields jurisdiction over relativism.

But permit us to amplify that point we made earlier of God’s moral compass making us aware, when we were about to do something wrong. If one is not aware that they are doing something wrong, then there will be no desire to repent, and if there isn’t a desire to repent then there’s no need of The Savior.

One who is currently on trial was once asked if he had ever found it necessary to ask for forgiveness. He replied with an emphatic no, because, in his own words, he had not done nothing wrong. Insisting on innocence is an inevitable byproduct of relativism, for it is the individual who defines right and wrong, not God’s moral compass.

When the Scriptures are not entrenched in the mind everyone becomes a law unto himself and inevitably devils will take control of the mind that is not girded by the Living and written word. Let’s read:

[Chris’s Object Lessons pp 41] The study of infidel authors holds a large place in the educational system. Skeptical sentiments are interwoven in the matter placed in school books. Thus, the seeds of doubt are planted in the minds of the youth, and in time of temptation they spring up.

When faith in God's word is lost, the soul has no guide, no safeguard. To this cause may in great degree be attributed the widespread iniquity in our world today. When the word of God is set aside, its power to restrain the evil passions of the natural heart is rejected. Men sow to the flesh, and of the flesh they reap corruption.

In turning from God's word to feed on the writings of uninspired men, the mind becomes dwarfed and cheapened. It is not brought in contact with deep, broad principles of eternal truth. The understanding adapts itself to the comprehension of the things with which it is familiar. And in this devotion to finite things it is weakened, its power is contracted, and after a time it becomes unable to expand.

[2] The mind can be trained to the point where it can become second nature to do good or evil.

This point right here is so critically important to the study, that we must spend some time unpacking it. When persons initially decide to give their lives to Christ, conscientious decisions, have to be made, in favor of righteousness, for it takes awhile before a person does right without thinking about it.

In harmony, and in conjunction with the presence, and power of the Holy Ghost human minds could be trained to forgive and over a period of time, keeping our eyes on Christ our great Exemplar, it can and will become second nature since practice makes perfect.

It takes awhile before forgiveness becomes a default setting in the mind, for initially, most would have to think long and hard before letting things slide. But after some time, some more, some less, it becomes more, and more natural to forgive, and conversely, to hold onto old grudges and beefs becomes more unpalatable.

Then, after beholding Christ for some time, you do not have to think about it anymore, for it becomes the natural default setting in the character. If folks have to spend sleepless days and nights, or in some instances many months and years, trying to forgive someone, that tells us that there is work to be done in the heart.

This is what all of the disciples of Christ, who were already in the preaching ministry and who’d been baptized, were yet to experience.

Tit for tat laws still governed their behavior, and a strict sense of justice guided their interactions with others initially. This could be observed, when they were refused entry into a certain Samaritan town, upon which they resorted to their default setting at that time, which was the tit for tat mode of thought and action. Let’s read:

Luke 9: 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him.

53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

That’s tit for tat law. But over a period of time their minds were trained in righteousness by beholding Christ, in so much that forgiving others eventually became automatic, with them not having to think long, and hard with fasting and prayers, before they forgave others.

Let us pay very close attention to the two different modes of thought and action emanating from the same mind, one before conversion, the other, after the mind has been trained in forgiveness, through the indwelling of The Holy Ghost to the point where it becomes automatic.

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.

4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

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

11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

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? 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.

34 Then stood up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, who had a reputation among the people and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

40 And to him they agreed: 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.

That’s a completely different Peter, from the one we observed before Calvary, for he didn’t have to think twice, or pray about it before he forgave. So let us reiterate again: The mind could be trained, through the power of The Holy Ghost to the point where all righteousness can become second- nature, without persons having to think about it first.

Sadly, the opposite is also true, because the mind is also capable of being trained to choose evil, to the point where it becomes automatic. In other words, one’s aggregate choices over a period of time could culminate in sinful actions bypassing one’s freedom of choice, so that the very thought process becomes automatic or second nature.

Decision, repetition, and memory all play a major role in persons reaching this point where the mind becomes programmed to self-pilot mode. When the saints of God are doing affliction of soul, a good way to assess and measure where you and I stand in our relationship with Christ, is to observe spontaneous reaction when provoked suddenly.

It is the spontaneous, first reaction that reveals the real person. The scripted response, after thinking long and hard about it with much prayer and fasting is not usually the real you and me. If out of the blue satan can cause us to trip a fuse, then the impulsive reaction reveals the real person.

But if without thinking, the mind will automatically respond in righteousness, then we know that the image of God in us is being brought to perfection.

Again, when persons become addicted to drugs and pornography, it is an automatic sequence of events which essentially subjugates their freedom of choice even though they still retain it.

The very scent of ganja triggers a series of thoughts, and actions that could totally evade one’s rational thought processes, and render that person virtually incapable of resisting the urges, when he or she has reached the point of addiction.

In fact, there are many instances, where in the deep recesses of a person’s mind, they may want to stop, but they cannot on their own, because of the sheer force of habit which has locked them down in iron chains, from which they vainly try to escape.

In other words, their minds have been trained for so long, and those urges become so overmastering and fierce, that repetition eventually moves them from a manual transmission, to the automatic transmission mode of thought and action.

There are man-made solutions, and interventions that can help in such situations, but let it be known that any intervention without Christ would not last unto eternal life.

A person might be delivered from the bad habit, or they might be able to zip up their boots, and catch themselves, but without Christ sitting on the throne of the mind, the old devil will find some other back door through which he will enter, and he will cause just a different type of problem. 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.

[3] The human mind is endowed by our Creator with the power of choice and decision.

In most instances where addiction has not yet set in, everything must pass through the gateway of choice because decision sets the parameter for what would be permitted and what won’t.

Very often, when you hear folks making excuses for not doing something it’s because they really did not decide to do it, because, if the human mind firmly, and really decides on doing something, it will get done. Period!

Somone complains of having to leave church in the middle of service, because the preacher takes too long with his sermon. Instead of finishing in about an hour or so, he went overboard, and the person in question had no choice but to leave, because it had become impossible to stay.

Two weeks later here comes the Mega-millions for almost a billion dollars, and the same person is seen standing in line at Publix, waiting, and waiting, and waiting, without a mumbling word, complaint or a murmur.

Not only are they seen at Publix, they are also seen in the dead of night, sitting on a lawn chair outside of Walmart, waiting to be first in line for those Black Friday deals that are too good to pass up. And with the added risk of a frenzied rush for the door in the morning, where one can get hurt, or even die, the saint in question utters no mumbling word.

That’s because the human mind is endowed with the power of decision and when one’s mind is made up to do something, he or she will do it, let none be deceived on this point. Thus, the question is: How could we harness the powers of the mind, in ways that will be productive of good, to the honor and glory of God?

Three things are necessary to accomplish this, and if persons were to understand and adopt them, then the laws and powers of the mind will be used to the glory of God, and the upliftment of humanity. They are therefore enumerated as follows:

[1] The mind must be garrisoned by the Living and written word of God. Let’s read:

John 15: 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He who abides in me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit, for without me ye can do nothing.

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

[2] Our choices must be guided by the word of God and The Spirit of God. In other words, the default setting in the mind, for settling all issues, great and small, must first be the these two, The word and The Spirit.

If God so chooses to lead us to manmade agencies, then so let it be, but these two should always be the beginning point in addressing any and everything in life. Before running off to the experts, or to Oprah and Dr, Phil, let the Christian’s first resource be The Spirit and the word, with all other resources coming in downstream. Let’s read:

Romans 8: 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

Whatever may be the issue, whatever the problem, the disease, the finances, the sin, or the disturbance in our lives, we should form the habit of giving God a shot at it first. Too often, we leave the Spirit and the word behind for last, and only after a string of losses and disappointments that we might remember that there’s a God in heaven.

[3] Choice and decision are in large part the arbiters of outcomes and destiny.

As was stated before, in most situations, everything has to pass through the gateway of choice, and for this reason, persons can determine to a very large extent, outcomes. Whether in spiritual, or temporal things, a firm decision will be needed in order for us to accomplish anything worthwhile.

In making excuses, in blaming others, in placing the responsibility on the backs of the church, of church members, of situations, the weather, one’s race, the Feds or even satan who is too often made the scape goat for our failures, we essentially relinquish the power of decision and choice God has granted unto each of us.

As we near the final frontier in this earth’s history, and difficulties and hurdles loom on the horizon, we will have some hard choices and decisions to make, and if we were to understand the importance of the three previous points, and were to incorporate them into our everyday experiences, we will in large part be enabled to live victoriously from day to day.

 God desires that the laws and powers of the mind be engaged for His glory, for His seal will be placed in the foreheads of those who overcome, through the indwelling of The Living and written word.

We serve a God Who knows nothing of defeat, for in all that satan did or did not do, someway, somehow, we will observe Jesus Christ coming out on top each and every time after being squished. This victorious living is ours for the taking, if we will adopt the last three points, and for this reason, we will end with the following passages of scripture. Let’s read:

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.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

37 In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Joel 3: 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.

                                God Bless!

Worship God As Creator. Sabbath afternoon 11/11/2023

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.

In the passage above the inhabitants of planet earth are called upon to worship God as Creator, not only in the other capacities that persons have become accustomed to. The title of Creator trumps all other titles, for they all come under the jurisdiction of Him being Creator, and therefore, in earth’s final conflict when the issue of worship takes center stage, God’s Creatorship will be front and center.

Worshipping God in His capacity as The Creator of heaven and earth, constitutes the highest form of worship, for if one understands Him in this capacity, worshipping Him as Redeemer, Healer, Provider and Deliverer will be understood in the context of Him being our Creator.

For instance, if God did not create in the first place, He would not be able to redeem what He did not make. He also would not be able to heal all manner of sickness diseases, torments, and lunatics if He did not Create us initially. In fact, it is because The Lord created us from scratch, and thus, knows us inside out, why He is able to heal any type of disease.

There are many diseases for which man has no cure like Chron’s disease, Alzheimer's, Aids, the Common cold, corona virus, Cystic fibrosis, corneal ulcer, and Leukemia, just to name a few. The main reason why man is not able to cure these diseases, only treat them is because we didn’t make anybody.

But Jesus Christ who created us, as the Psalmist says “We are fearfully and wonderfully made”, He knows all the nuts and bolts about the human frame, for it is He who made us from scratch, and therefore the title of Mighty Healer, is actually a downstream derivative, coming from the top title of Creator. Let’s read:

Matthew 4: 23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

But someway somehow, humanity seems to tend to worship God in many other capacities, other than in His top-notch title of Creator. For instance, there are millions of people who worship Him as Redeemer of the world such as when the wise men from the east came to look for The Christ-Child. At that time, they worshipped Him in His capacity of Redeemer. Let’s read:

Matthew 2:10 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.

[The Desire of ages pp59] The wise men from the East were philosophers. In their own land were treasured prophetic writings that predicted the coming of a divine teacher.  

Balaam belonged to the magicians, though at one time a prophet of God; by the Holy Spirit he had foretold the prosperity of Israel and the appearing of the Messiah; and his prophecies had been handed down by tradition from century to century.

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. With eager steps they press onward, confidently expecting the Messiah's birth to be the joyful burden of every tongue. But their inquiries are in vain.

Again, in the book of Job, we observe him looking forward to the Redeemer, and that’s Okay, but the importance of God’s creatorship needed to be more clearly established in the forefront of his mind, and it is for this reason, why when God answered Job He immediately turned to His capacity as Creator.

The offices of Redeemer and Healer, which Job had earnestly craved to be manifested in real time could only be fully understood from that perspective, of God being Creator, for once this is understood, the worship of God takes on a whole new meaning and significantly clears up very, many questions.

Let’s pay close attention to the following excerpts from the narrative, before we proceed, for they are critically important to the clear understanding of the subject matter we’re dealing with. Let’s read:

Job 19: 25 For I know that my redeemer lives, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.

26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.

27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

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

3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

4 Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.

5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if you know? or who hath stretched the line upon it?

6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof.

8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?

9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddling-band for it,

10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,

11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

12 Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place;

13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?

And if we were to read on, and on, and on, and we would make a startling discovery, that God’s entire discourse with Job centers squarely on His Creation, while His capacities such as Healer, and Redeemer are never mentioned. And after Job’s lessons on the creatorship of God, he bows down and worships in a completely different frame of mind. Let’s read:

Job 40: 3 Then Job answered the Lord, and said,

4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

5 Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.

Job 42: 6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

You would notice in the book of Job, that once Job understands and worships God in His capacity as Creator, all of Job’s questions, and arguments stop immediately, for they pale into insignificance.

And many of the questions we, and other Christians may have about God, such as where is God in this or that situation, or why wouldn’t He intervene, often stem from the fact that we have not understood nor are we worshipping Him as Creator. In fact, when a person understands the worship of God from the perspective of Him being The Creator, most, if not all of our questions cease, for most of them become relegated to the irrelevant column.

Again, the multitudes in Christ’s day would often worship Him in His capacity as The Mighty Healer, who could heal and cure any and everything. This capacity was often used as a gateway by Christ to bring persons to a fuller knowledge of Himself, but sadly, in our day, some folks seem to be stuck on the title of Healer only. Let’s read:

Matthew 8:1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Matthew 9:18 While he spoke these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

There is a song we sometimes sing which contains several titles and offices of God, but, by far the most important one is strangely missing. We sing of God in His capacity of Jehovah Jireh, which means that He is our Provider, or Jehovah-Nissi, meaning that He is our banner or protecter, or Jehovah-Shalom, in His capacity as The Prince of peace.

But, as Creator of the heavens and the earth, barely any mention is made. Yet, God who is rich in mercy, and Who desires that we come to a fuller and better understanding of Him, bids us climb Jacob’s ladder, if haply we might behold Him in the full extent of His Creatorship for if and when this is accomplished, like Job, millions of would-be questions will cease.

As was stated before, the multitudes in Christ’s day accepted Him and worshipped Him as the Healer, Teacher, Provider, Deliverer or Redeemer; but when it came to worshipping Him as The Creator, many of them recoiled in great anger and alarm, as observed in the following narrative.

It is critically important to understand what ticked off the Jews in Jesus’ day, for many individuals still struggle on the very same issue, His Creatorship. So, let us study with a humble heart, and a teachable spirit. Let’s read:

John 8:54 Jesus answered, If I honor myself, my honor is nothing: it is my Father that honors me; of whom you say, that he is your God.

55 Yet you have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

57 Then said the Jews unto him, You are not yet fifty years old, and have thou seen Abraham?

58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

This particular claim is what sent the Jews into the tailspin of their lives, for obviously, Jesus was going much further than Healer, Provider, Deliverer, and Peacemaker. Christ reached to the very throne of God and declares Himself the One who created all things. This maddened the Jews to the point where they would not rest until they had slain Him. Let’s read:

John 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

The reference Jesus made of Him being that I Am, is taken from the book of Exodus, where God declared to Moses that the great I Am will send you unto the children of Israel. Therefore, what Jesus was saying in a nutshell is that He is the Person, the “I Am” who is being referred to in that passage. Let’s read:

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

14 And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am, and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the  children  of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.

[The Desire of Ages pp 469] With solemn dignity Jesus answered, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM.” Silence fell upon the vast assembly. The name of God, given to Moses to express the idea of the eternal presence, had been claimed as His own by this Galilean Rabbi.

He had announced Himself to be the self-existent One, He who had been promised to Israel, “whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity.”

Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

This particular passage presents a sticking point, for many Christians, and even for some Seventh Day Adventists, for the word “Everlasting” implies, and declares unequivocally, that Jesus had no beginning point. In other words, there was no point in time or in eternity where He did not exist.

And believe it or not my dear friends, it is this single fact upon which our hope must be based, for in His capacity as Creator, He is eternal, He has eternal life inherent in Him, and it is because of this why He has the power, the authority, and the inherent ability to offer eternal life to as many as will receive Him, for He cannot offer what He does not have.

As always, the word of God must be made to speak authoritatively to us, with the least amount of input and finite commentary. Several passages speak very clearly concerning the Divinity and Eternal nature of Christ. To put it as plainly as possible, there was not any time in history or in eternity when Jesus ceased to exist, including His brief stay in the grave. Let’s read:

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

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

1st John 5: 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

John 10: 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Note well that it was the command that He received from His Father, not the actual power, because the power to resurrect Himself was inherently within Him. Divinity cannot die, so it was the human aspect of Jesus that died, not His divinity. Let’s read:

John 10:19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

[The Desire of Ages pp 530] Still seeking to give a true direction to her (Mary) faith, Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived. “He that hath the Son hath life.” 1 John 5:12. The divinity of Christ is the believer's assurance of eternal life. “He that believeth in Me,” said Jesus, “though he were dead, yet shall he live.

[The Desire of Ages pp 785] When the voice of the mighty angel was heard at Christ's tomb, saying, Thy Father calls Thee, the Savior came forth from the grave by the life that was in Himself.

 Now was proved the truth of His words, “I lay down My life, that I might take it again.... I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” Now was fulfilled the prophecy He had spoken to the priests and rulers, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

Over the rent sepulcher of Joseph Christ proclaimed in triumph, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” These words could be spoken only by the Deity. All created beings live by the will and power of God. They are dependent recipients of the life of God. From the highest seraph to the humblest animate being, all are replenished from the Source of life. Only He who is one with God could say, I have power to lay down My life, and I have power to take it again. In His divinity, Christ possessed the power to break the bonds of death.

The very next time we sing that song in the hymnal: “Blessed Assurance” we ought to sing it with the understanding, for Christ could not give us what He didn’t have, and therefore, since He certifies that all who truly believe in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life, He is by so doing, sharing with us that which is inherently His. Let’s read:

2nd Peter 1: 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

 [The Desire of Ages pp 388] Christ became one flesh with us, in order that we might become one spirit with Him. It is by virtue of this union that we are to come forth from the grave; not merely as a manifestation of the power of Christ, but because, through faith, His life has become ours.

[Maranatha pp 302] Man has no control over his life. But the life of Christ was unborrowed. No one can take this life from Him. “I lay it down of myself,” He said. In Him was life, original, unborrowed, underived. This life is not inherent in man. He can possess it only through Christ.

Therefore, now that we have read, and understood the office of Christ in His capacity as Creator, we can move on, to what that fact will translate into in real time, for as Creator of the heavens and the earth, there are particular prerogatives which naturally belong to Him alone.

These are highlighted and explained using the Bible, so that modes of thought which vouch for so-called independence from God, would be instructed into the import of the three angel’s messages.

[1] As Creator, He can tell us what to do.

Jesus stipulates what we should do, using freedom of choice, to obey or disobey with consequences. It is incorrect to conclude that freedom of choice will render us free from responsibility for our actions.

Our freedom of choice is a gift, not a right, and even when God gives particular instructions to those who follow Him, the principles, laws, and statutes which are found in the Scriptures pertain to every person living on the planet; from Elon Musk, Taylor Swift, and Beyonce’, to the man sleeping under the bridge in down town Miami. None are exempt. Let’s read:

Daniel 2: 20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his.

21 And he changes the times and the seasons: he removes kings, and sets up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.

Daniel 4: 17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the Most-High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever he will, and sets up over it the basest of men.

In our world today a lot of emphasis is placed on my freedoms and my rights and my freedom to choose. And we have taken it upon ourselves to redesignate what marriage is, what the family structure should look like, and more and more, finite men are trying to force God out of the equation, by enacting laws that are contrary to what is written.

But God calls us to worship Him and to understand Him in His capacity as Creator, for one day soon all will have to give account for the choices and actions taken in this life. Therefore, let’s hear it from the horses’ mouth, not from a S.D.A Christian, nor from a moralist, but from a pagan king to whom it was given to understand these things. Let’s read:

Daniel 4:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

2 I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.

3 How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most-High, and I praised and honored him that lives forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation.

35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

[2] As Creator, it is His prerogative to define what is good or evil, what is right or wrong.

We have in our day currently the ongoing efforts to neutralize God’s moral compass, as is given to us in the Scriptures. Some poor souls have taken it upon themselves to conflate good with evil, and others in Christendom have gone so far as to call what God has defined as evil, good.

When we read in Thessalonians that the man of sin sits in the seat of God, showing himself to be God, it is saying to us that the bad habit of trying to usurp God’s prerogatives as Creator, are coming to a head in our day, and will culminate in a head-on collision between the commandments of God and the laws of men.

Whatsoever God has designated as good is good, and whatsoever He has designated as evil is evil. In the process of time, while His mercy lingers, He may allow folks to enact laws contrary to the Scriptures, but doing so, in no way annuls His designations. In fact, finite men are warned against pursuing such a course of action, for perilous would be the results. 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!

Deuteronomy 12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

[3] In His capacity as Creator, He can tell us how to worship.

The final conflict on planet earth would be centered around the issue of worship, for the three angels’ messages bring to light, the true and the false, with the pertinent consequences for following either.

Cain worship involves modifications to what God has designated as true worship. Contrary to what a lot of folks might think, Cain was a religious man. In fact, according to the sacred record, Cain showed up for worship regularly.

The only problem is that his form of worship wasn’t what God had designated, for it contained several humanistic errors, man-made modifications, and so-called “improvements” to say the least. For example it substituted fruit instead of the lamb, which God in His wisdom had ordained. Let’s read:

Genesis 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord.

4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his

flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

Cain had a problem with God telling him what to do, as far as worship is concerned, and because of this perspective, everything downstream, in Cain’s life, would thereafter be tainted with that tendency to substitute, modify, or alter, God’s word, according to the clamors of fallen human nature.

From the time when Cain decided to modify God’s instructions on worship, everything coming from him and from his line of descendants would go that same route, for where once worship is modified, it is just a matter of time before everything God says will be modified too. Let’s read:

Genesis 4:17 And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he built a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.

The tendency to name buildings, and “Towers” after the name of oneself is, in many instances, the same reflection of a Cain mindset.

Genesis 4:19 And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.

Close on the heels of worship modification, comes the modification of marriage, for substitution is a mode of thought and action that permeates every aspect of a person’s life. Hence the reason why we solemnly declare to you, by the direction of God, that there is only one more shoe to drop, because the modification of worship, and God-ordained marriage are closely intertwined.

Genesis 4: 21 And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.

Secular music came from the line of Cain, and up to this day, it is one of the most worshipped artforms. The “Stars” who peddle in secular music with lyrics that tend to draw the mind away from God, can be traced back to Jubal, Cain’s offspring.

Genesis 4:22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron…

The making of graven images, which was soon to be incorporated into Cain worship, came from his own descendants, and even though, like as it is with music, the abilities and talents can be used for God’s glory, yet sacred history traces the proliferation of these things back to Cain.

Genesis 4: 23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.

Cain introduced murder to our planet and ever since that time the earth has reeled in blood, in violence, and carnage. In fact, violence, and bloodshed were two of the main reasons why the antediluvian world had to wiped off the map.

And without a doubt, the violence, bloodshed, and carnage we are witnessing currently, are harbingers of the day when God will say enough is enough and like the antediluvians in Noah’s day, God will be left no choice but to wipe our slate clean too.

We have seen how Cain’s entire life history and his legacy was marred by his deliberate decision to try to modify God-ordained worship, and lest folks also follow in His train, God is calling all the inhabitants of this earth back to the true worship of God, in His capacity as Creator, which includes the seventh day Sabbath as the only God-ordained day of rest.

Is He still the Mighty healer of bygone years? Yes He is! Can He still deliver as He has done on numerous occasions in time past? Yes, He absolutely can. And, is He still that same Provider, who could call down bread from heaven, out of thin air, and give to the hungry multitudes M.R.E s, meals ready to eat? Yes, He can.

But it is His Creatorship, with its prerogatives that is currently on the line and as such, He’s calling on the you and me, in the here and now, to make up our minds as to how and who we will worship. Thus, in harmony with what is at stake, we will close with 3 passages of Scripture that would place these issues squarely on the front burner of our minds. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Revelation 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sits on the throne, and worship him that lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

11 You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for You have created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created.

Isaiah 66: 22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain.

23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.

                                   God Bless!

Dear Facebook, Twitter, And TikTok. Sabbath afternoon 11/04/2023

Deuteronomy 11: 26 Behold I set before you this day a blessing and a curse.

Very many of the inventions of man come with what we just read of in our first passage: a blessing and a curse, because in many cases, much good could be derived, but at the same time much evil can result. In most cases, it has to do with how the inventions are used, whether for good or evil.

For instance, nuclear energy can be used to provide much needed power to homes, and business alike, but it can also be used to cause terrible destruction and loss of life. The television can be used to share important information with the masses of people or in many cases be used to televise the gospel to the remotest places on earth.

But it could also be used as a vehicle to spread lots of conspiracy theories, and propaganda that can do more harm than good. The same is true of the social media platforms for they can be used for great good or for great evil, depending on the intentions of the users and creators of the platforms in question.

So, things are definitely not the way they used to be for great changes in our world have taken place, and continue to take place, from the time when Daniel prophesied that knowledge would be increased, to the here and now.

In a relatively short period of time earth has gone from land line phones to cell phones from those old type writers to computers, from working on the job to working at home, from the internal combustion engine, to the here and now where we have self – driving electric cars, and lots of artificial intelligence.

And it seems as if the more we invent, the more we are becoming prisoners of our own devices. To see if this is true, just take a minute, and reflect on all the things you think you can’t do without, the plethora of gizmos and modern inventions that have become an integral part of everyday living. But they do come with positives and negatives in many instances.

The friendly smile, the handshake, the embrace, the in-person chit chat between family, and friends have been replaced, in large part, with the phenomenon of social media platforms, in so much that we have become accustomed to talking, laughing, crying and sympathizing, all from a distance.

Not long ago, doing church via zoom would have been unthinkable, for no one would have thought that the physical in-person ambience of praise and prayer would have been be replaced by the distant forms of worship that social media platforms now afford.

With the exception of persons who are physically unable, it boggles the mind, how individuals, and churches, can do communion via Zoom, a concept that would have made the early Christians recoil in amazement.

Back then in the early days of Christianity, personal fellowship, in breaking bread from house to house, and gospel ministry on a personal level were the lifeblood of the church, and the results are there before us. Let’s read:

Acts 2: 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

But lo and behold, social media inventions allow the churches to provide services at a distance, so that the physical presence and interaction which in times past had characterized the fellowship of believers, is now replaced in many instances with a distant form of interconnection, and one of the reasons why it has taken deep root is that it appeals to our comfort zone.

This is not to say that social media does not play a vital role in getting the truth out to remote places. It does, for without these facilities, in places upon the earth where the true Gospel cannot be preached in person, individuals can now go on line and access a plethora of presentations from various missionaries, preachers, and televangelists.

Thus, social media does have its place; but the new tendency to sit at home in the comfort of one’s bed, snuggling under the covers, and sipping lemonade while Divine hour is going on, was something that a few years ago would have been unthinkable.

And as a direct result, even though we seem to be more electronically connected, yet many persons are becoming more-lonely, and a deep chasm, void of that personal touch has developed, to the point where A.I generated girlfriends are wreaking havoc on the male psyche, since persons could now order their very own tailormade A.I girl to suit their fancy.

Social media platforms have taken the lead in the work of transforming relationships and friendships to the electronic and digital, so that, a very heavy responsibility now rests upon their shoulders to try and mitigate some of the inevitable fallout that the principles of our democracy and freedoms afford, as it pertains to social media.

As was stated previously, very daunting challenges are now facing social media companies like TikTok, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter, in that they are finding themselves responsible for the publishing of content, some good, some evil, and in this, we can surely refer to our first passage which says: Behold I set before you this day a blessing and a curse.

The evaluation, and publishing of content, while at the same time, balancing, and protecting freedom of speech and expression has become an enormous problem, in so much that not even the Feds can put the genie back into the bottle, where it pertains to the responsible management of all content.

And artificial intelligence has added fuel to the fire, in that deep fake representations call into question such issues as copyright infringement, consent from unwilling persons, and the manipulation of pictures, facts, and information, on an increasingly alarming scale.

In fact, there is a particularly troubling trend taking the young and restless by storm, as it pertains to A.I. in the world of online relationships. It is making its way in darkness now but its debilitating and adverse results will soon begin to bubble up to the surface.

Thus, in order to avoid throwing out the baby with the bath water, good, and evil are allowed to thrive side by side, for there are no significant standards set forth by the authorities to determine what will be acceptable and what will be proscribed, for it has become a high wire dance between our freedoms, and moral responsibility.

Persons can now access a plethora of preachers and televangelists, presenting a cacophony of divergent views on the role of Israel, the rapture and the state of the dead. On the other hand, pornography, in its various forms, is permitted under guises which push the very limits of tolerance and rational thought.

Added to this conundrum is the fact that the Bible is no longer the moral authority in modern society, so that it is basically left up to social media executives to determine what will be acceptable, and what will be permitted in the name of freedom of speech and freedom of expression.

The Scriptures were given us as the universal moral compass, to guide the feet of fallen humanity back to the source of life and happiness, even to Christ, our Creator, Redeemer, and soon coming King.

But without a generally accepted moral reference point, everyone is left to determine for themselves what is right from wrong and from this perspective, phrases like “My truth” “I did it my way” and “Good without God” have taken deep root. This represents a replica of what had come to be the norm with the Hebrews in ancient times. Let’s read:

Judges 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

Therefore, the time has now fully come, to address the problem that is plaguing social media platforms, as well as the many billions of subscribers who are now hooked into their systems, with many persons being hooked to the point of addiction.

The following points with the pertinent information are directly addressed to the likes of Twitter, TikTok and Facebook, as well as to their audiences, so that all concerned may make wise choices, the results of which each would have to give an account of in the judgment.

As always, we will present the Scriptural guidelines first, and then we will go to “Huldah” the prophet to see what she says on the matter. This effort is being   done without malice, or bias, and with the best of intentions so that the horses which have already left the barn, might at the very least, be partially reined in.

[1] Just because the social media entities might be incorporated as companies or businesses, it doesn’t mean that they are exempt from the law of God nor from responsibility for the results which stem from what they do, or permit. In other words, they do not get a free pass just because it’s a company.

The principles, laws, and statutes found in the Bible cover every aspect of the human experience, and are applicable to individuals, businesses, entities, and governments alike. None are exempt, and each would be held accountable in the courts above.

For instance, there are guiding principles that are to govern what the mind is exposed to, and these carry both personal, and corporate responsibility, so that the people are held accountable for personal choice as well as Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok etc. who are responsible for corporate choices.

Persons who abuse Fentanyl are just as responsible as the drug dealers and pushers who might provide the dangerous substances. None are exempt from being held accountable.

Similarly, content providers, and subscribers alike are to be governed, and instructed by the very same Biblical principles, because the perspective of social media platforms being exempt from God’s law is an incorrect conclusion.

Thus, the Bible gives us the gold standard that must govern both personal, and corporate activities and choices, since the guiding principles pertain to all. 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.

Isaiah 33:15 He that walks righteously, and speaks uprightly; he that despises the gain of oppressions, that shakes his hands from holding of bribes, that stops his ears from hearing of blood, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil;

16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.

Psalms 34:12 What man is he that desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?

13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

These principles, laws, and instructions do pertain to you and me, as well as to Facebook, Twitter and Tik Tok. None are exempt, just because they might be incorporated as a business.

In fact, a greater responsibility rests with businesses that peddle content, and imagery that could destroy souls, and even though it is understood, that it is a fine balancing act between the freedoms granted in the constitution, and the moral imperative given to all in the Bible, yet the word of God speaks clearly for itself.

[2] Evil content that is not quarantined, and bridled when warranted, does grave harm to the mind that imbibes such information and imageries. There are two main ways in which the deleterious effects accrue:  [1] The mind is indoctrinated in evil for by beholding we become changed. [2] The mind is desensitized to the point where the once tender conscience, is not disturbed anymore. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 459] Satan is using every means to make crime and debasing vice popular. We cannot walk the streets of our cities without encountering flaring notices of crime presented in some novel, or to be acted at some theater. The mind is educated to familiarity with sin.

The course pursued by the base and vile is kept before the people in the periodicals of the day, and everything that can excite passion is brought before them in exciting stories.

They hear and read so much of debasing crime that the once tender conscience, which would have recoiled with horror from such scenes, becomes hardened, and they dwell upon these things with greedy interest.

Thus, the Bible specifically says that businesses and businessmen will also be held to the same standard of accountability, when the chips are tallied. This is not meant to shutter businesses; it is God’s will that all will pass the smell test when it comes. Let’s read:

Isaiah 24:2 And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him.

5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

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.

[3] The added issue of Copycats through Influencers.

Influencers can do much good, if they are guided by right principles and intentions. The apostle Paul was an influencer, but he used his influence to bring the people to Christ, because if this is not the case, the influencer in question will lead persons to perdition. Three passages of Scripture confirm what is being said. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Philippians 4: 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Matthew 12: 30 He that is not with me is against me and he that gathers not with me scatters abroad.

Thus, according to the Scriptures influencers can be divided up into two categories, namely gatherers or scatterers, and therefore an influencer can make the world of difference for the better if they would lead their followers in right paths.

But, as is too often the case, influencers often use their influence for purposes that lead the unwary, and the gullible to say and do things that do more harm than good. The shortages of Ozempic, Wegovy and other weight loss drugs could be traced back to influencers, who set the abuse in motion, and as is too often the case, millions have played follow the leader.

TikTok in particular does much to publish the doings of young influencers, and many tweenagers have been adversely affected by trying to emulate some of the daredevil acts and daredevil diets seen on the social media platform.

Some poor souls have become bulimic, in their vain attempts to follow some influencers down a rabbit hole, in chasing after a body sculpture that’s out of reach, or which would adversely affect one’s health and wellbeing, if the advice and the example of the influencer in question is followed.

Thus, even though much is produced and published under the guise of freedom of speech, and freedom of expression, we are reminded that businesses and individuals do not get a pass, just because they may be incorporated.  

In fact, efforts should be made by influencers, social media platforms, and subscribers, to rein in evils, by which the young and restless especially, are often led astray. Let’s read:

Matthew 18: 7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

[S.T December 21, 1891 par. 3] From the moment when he ceased to exert his influence for good, he became an influence for evil. He might have been the center of a hallowed influence, loyal and true, being good, and doing good, but he would not. In separating himself from God, he became a power for evil. Each act of selfishness exerts an influence on others.

[Test. Vol.6 pp 433] Everyone has an influence for good or for evil. If the soul is sanctified to the service of God and devoted to the work of Christ, the influence will tend to gather with Christ.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 323] Of all the sins that God will punish, none are more grievous in His sight than those that encourage others to do evil.

[4] The fear of backlash, and economic boycott do drive many companies and individuals to adopt the principles and policies that they themselves would cringe at, on a personal level, but for the craving of profit, truth and duty are too often sacrificed on the altar of popular demand.

Those who take a stand for the right, will have the favor of God at their backs, and even though man’s nemesis would be unwearied in trying to take them down, yet, at the end of the day, the right course of action will bear fruit to the honor and glory of God, and to the benefit of humanity.

Profit and Principle are two modes of thought and action that are often at odds with each other, and even though it is possible, under God, to reconcile the two, profit often rules the day, especially in the corporate environment in which most social media platforms thrive.

Yet, “Hulda” the prophetess has some encouraging  words for the likes of Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, if they’ll follow the rules of engagement, as outlined in the Scriptures. In other words, the social media platforms are to be careful of sacrificing principle for profit, lest millions of persons be dragged down to perdition inadvertently. Let’s read:

[Christ’s Object Lessons pp 349>350] Religion and business are not two separate things; they are one. Bible religion is to be interwoven with all we do or say. Divine and human agencies are to combine in temporal as well as in spiritual achievements.

They are to be united in all human pursuits, in mechanical and agricultural labors, in mercantile and scientific enterprises. God has proclaimed the principles on which alone this co-operation is possible. His glory must be the motive of all who are laborers together with Him. All our work is to be done from love to God and in accordance with His will.

[5] Last but not least is the issue of one’s Personal responsibility.

Everyone will have to answer for themselves before God, whether they be individuals or corporations. It is imperative that persons do their due diligence in guarding the avenues to their souls, from each and every corrupting influence that will taint the tender conscience with the knowledge of evil.

 Dear Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, in closing we do beseech you in Christ’s stead to take concrete action in reining in content that does mortal damage to the minds of subscribers, and the blessing of God would attend such earnest efforts.

And to subscribers, influencers and followers alike, we encourage you to make choices in the perusal of content, that will honor and glorify God. If you are sincerely able to invite God’s presence to view the content you are surfing, then God will be honored thereby. But if not, then great change is need

This cannot be stressed enough, because the mind is being bombarded day in, and day out with ideas, concepts, and suggestions that are contrary to the Scriptures, and thus, it takes deliberate effort on our part, in cooperation with the presence and power of The Holy Ghost to keep the mind from the evils with which we are surrounded. Let’s read:

1st Peter 1: 13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance.

15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation.

Proverbs 4: 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

[Patriarchs and Prophets pp 460] 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 will end with passages of Scripture that would help us to choose wisely, and let social media, and subscribers and influencers be guided by the truths presented today, for the choices we make will have ripple effects, either for good or for evil. Let’s read:

Psalms 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

                                   God Bless!

From Democracy To Theocracy. Sabbath afternoon 10/21/2023

Daniel 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

Part of the genius of democracy is that it allows tolerance of divergent views, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, or freedom from religion. Democracy, as it is enshrined in our constitution, allows people who are of different persuasions, different belief systems and different ethnic backgrounds to come together in a general melting pot, with specific freedoms and liberties granted to all.

Here, in the land of the free, and the home of the brave, different cultures intersect each other, and in many cases, a hybrid is made when two or more of these cultures, with their traditions are synthesized. Thus, the American experiment in democracy has in many ways, afforded a home and shelter for peoples from any and every background.

It is this perspective, of guaranteeing freedoms and liberties to all, under the constitution, that has in a great measure, contributed to the prowess of the American democracy, and under its influence, and protections, many are able to thrive and live side by side with persons who may not be of the very same persuasion.

And it is for this reason, why, even though the laws of the Bible do not in any way endorse alternative lifestyles, yet those who choose to live contrary to the scriptural teachings are afforded the shelters in the constitution so that the maxim “live and let live” rings true in such situations.

Now, before we proceed we must be aware that the God originated form of theocracy we read of in the Bible is quite different to the man made theocracies which exist in the world today.

God’s theocracy, as it was offered to the Hebrews, engaged the freedom of choice, unlike some of the nations today, which enforce religious dogmas upon the people, even if the dogmas are against the will of people, or may violate a person’s conscience.

For instance, when the Hebrews, as a nation, were about to be incorporated under God’s theocracy, they were made an offer by God, and then persons could use their freedom of choice to submit or resist if they did not agree with the founding principles. Let’s read:

Exodus 19:3 And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus, shall you say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;

4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.

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

6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him.

8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord.

The word “If” engages their freedom of choice as a nation, so that they are free to reject God’s offer, if they choose not to. This is quite different to nations on our planet where a manmade form of theocracy bears sway. In the Taliban’s version of theocracy, “If” is nonexistent, for persons under their jurisdiction are given no choice in matters of conscience.

You either obey their voice and their commands, or you are beaten into submission, or worse yet you’re hanged or executed in public. And there are certain countries where you cannot preach Jesus, without very serious risk to life and property, and there are other countries where it is forbidden to read the Bible, or proselytize.

But here in America people of different persuasions could endeavor to convert others to their particular creed, and many in so doing have had success. This is all going to change in the not to distant future but we will deal with that aspect later.

Again, the freedom of speech is a major pillar of our democracy, because it allows persons to speak truth or to speak lies, once lies aren’t spoken to the Feds, courts, or under oath by some judicial body.

Democracy also grants to commentators, and news anchors freedoms to heckle, taunt, and say things about the government, which, in other countries, will be met with very stiff penalties, or even death.

There are journalists who are now languishing in the prisons of countries ruled by dictators who engage a man-made form of theocracy, and wherever anyone dares to oppose the government, or the dear leader in certain places, they go missing or are abducted or are punished for walking contrary to the theocracy.

Thus, the rulers of these nations are never held to account, as it is here in America, for they rule with an iron fist in their man-made form of theocracy.

Again, in our American democracy, social or media platforms have the very delicate, and quite often, difficult balancing acts on their hands, because on the one hand the freedom of speech allows persons to do Bible studies and to preach the gospel and yet it allows for persons to spread conspiracy theories.

In fact, one of the arguments put forward under the current investigations of the former president is that it is not unlawful in America to tell lies, for as they understand it, lying is permitted under the freedom of speech enshrined in the constitution, once it isn’t done in a court of law, or when being questioned by the Feds.

And sadly, many politicians use that freedom to tell lies way too often, in so much that lying is not only to be expected, it has now become an integral part of the job description. Advertisers also often use the freedom of speech to inflate facts or deflate adverse side effects, so that lying, under the constitution is now an integral part of the fabric of our democracy.

Thus, the social media platforms are in a bind as to what will be deemed conspiracies, and what will be considered truth, and then, the big question is, will they be justified in censoring one while allowing the other, and if so, will the tendency to differentiate be a violation of our democratic values.

Another big question is whether to allow both good and evil in the name of democracy, so as to preserve the freedoms that are enshrined in our constitution. In other words, should they permit good and evil to thrive side by side, and the next logical question will be: Without the moral compass of the Bible, who’ll decide or determine what is good or evil.

What general standards and reference points should be used in determining what is right from wrong, or in differentiating between good and evil? These are just a few of the sticking points that are indigenous to our democracy, and while we might endeavor to sort them out, the scriptures reveal where it all will be headed really soon.

Man-made forms of government are deeply flawed in one way or the next, whether they be democratic or theocratic in nature, for wherever God, and the laws He has given us to live by are made subjective to national biases, preferences or clamors from the popular majorities, those forms of governments will eventually crumble.

This fact won’t be uniquely indigenous to American democracy, for as a nation, we are just scheduled to follow the pattern of “rise and fall” which has been historically documented in every man-made form of government. To be more precise, every nation that has come upon the face of the earth, where God is not the center has failed and will fail sooner or later. Let’s read:

Daniel 2:31 Thou, O king, saw and you beheld a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible.

32 This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass,

33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.

36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.

37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.

38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.

39 And after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.

40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things: and as iron that breaks all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.

41 And whereas you saw the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as you saw the iron mixed with miry clay.

42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.

44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

45 Forasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

We are beginning to see very troubling signs of the demise of our democracy and according to the Bible some wise soul will have the lights go on in his/ her head, and will come to the conclusion that America needs to turn back to God, for the problems we are facing each and every day are not only exponentially increasing, they are becoming more insurmountable every day.

Several undeniable pointers tell us that we are now reaching a climax in our democracy, and one of the sure signs is an increasing intransigency of congress. When it is the case that the beacon of democracy is losing the ability to govern itself, then the dictator forms of man- made theocracy would begin to look more attractive or at the very least, would be seen as the option of last resort.

Again, the forever wars and rumors of wars signal to us that the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation, pointing to a looming theocracy are just about to be fulfilled. In fact, almost every prophecy, pointing to the last days of earth’s history, is now converging on our doorsteps and it won’t be long before theocracy of the man-made sort, will emerge in America.

In American democracy we have government by the people, and for the people, a system, which on the surface may savor of the best of intentions. But John the Revelator, describes America as a lamblike beast which essentially means that initially, the nation will be a thriving democracy, but is later scheduled to be changed into a despotic theocracy.

Now, if “We the People” begin to clamor for good, and righteousness, that is all well and good, but if the “People” begin to clamor for evil as is defined in the Bible, then the gradual, and ultimate dissolution of our American democracy would ensue, and will pave the way for a man-made theocratic form of government.

To put it more plainly, wherever the majority of any people, is made to guide, and dictate the laws, and principles of any nation, where God is not honored, it will just be a matter of time before the majorities will make demands that will put them on a collision course with God. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 8: 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,

5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord.

7 And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.

9 Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.

18 And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day.

19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;

20 That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.

21 And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord.

22 And the Lord said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king.

Matthew 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

21 The governor answered and said unto them, which of the two will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

25 Then answered all the people and said His blood be on us, and on our children.

26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Let us reiterate again, before proceeding; wherever you have the guiding principle of a “government by the people, for the people whether it be democratic or theocratic “We the people” would sooner or later make demands that are diabolically opposed to God and righteousness, and that is because of inherent, fallen human nature.

This is actually the fundamental flaw in democracy, where majority rule bears sway. In other words, if in our democracy God is relegated to a subjective role, then the clamors of fallen human nature inevitably, will gain the ascendency, and will be pitted against God’s revealed will.

History is witness to this fact and it is now sweeping America like a tornado, as the majority of “We the people” clamor for more alternative marriages and lifestyles, which the Bible proscribes. Twenty years ago this was not the case but as the majority of “We the people” approved of, or demanded it, politicians and the judicial branch were goaded under pressure to acquiesce.

It will not only be about marriage, “We the people” will soon begin to clamor for the national day of rest and this in turn would pave the way for us to move from a democracy to a manmade form of theocracy. This is what the Scripture is warning us of, even as it looms larger on the horizon.

In other words, we are approaching a crossroads in our democracy where a “Dear leader” will emerge, who will, under the guise of man-made theocracy, seek to institute, and enforce laws which essentially eliminate the God of heaven from the minds of all would-be subscribers.

When John beheld in vision a lamblike beast coming up out of the earth, he was being shown America, a nation that arose in apparent obscurity. The nation arose out of a sparsely populated area, and rose to prominence amongst the nations of the earth, in so much that when America sneezes the world catches a cold, as the saying goes.

As the pilgrim fathers fled persecution and religious bigotry from Europe and other countries, they then determined that America will be built upon different principles, other than those which governed other oppressive regimes and because of this set purpose, the following was written down in stone, as it were.

[Declaration of Independence] We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

 Later on, the first amendment was added so as to offer protections to persons who might have quite different views on religion. This in turn allowed for Catholics, Muslims, and Witches to live on the same street, with the freedom to worship, and practice in accordance with their particular convictions. Let’s read:

The first Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and petition the government for a redress of grievances.

However, our first passage made reference to a king of fierce countenance, who would come upon the stage of action, at some point in time in the history of the world and after digging through the annals of world history, we discover that Daniel was referring to the pagan, and then papal Roman empire, which arose after the divisions of the Macedonian empire under Alexander the great became weak.

Thus, when papal Rome came upon the world stage, it gradually introduced religious dogmas, and edicts that would over time, force the individuals under its jurisdiction to worship God according to the laws of state.

The use of force in getting individuals to comply is particularly mentioned in Daniel and in Revelation, and therefore, the questions is: “Will our beloved American democracy devolve into a despotic form of theocracy, which would mirror the king of fierce countenance, mentioned in the book of Daniel?”

The short answer is absolutely yes, and we are now sitting on the very edge of what the Bible predicts. As we have shown from the Scriptures on several occasions, the incessant, and increasing troubles of our world will soon drive all the nations of earth to address the issue of worship, and in this last effort, America is scheduled to take the lead. Let’s read:

Revelation 13: 11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon.

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

15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

16 And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

[Maranatha pp 190] When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism; When, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is  near.

Each prophecy pointing forward to the times spoken of in Daniel, and in the Revelation is currently being fulfilled, and therefore, there is only one more shoe to drop, which is the inevitable transition from our democracy to a theocracy, as predicted in the Bible by which a national Sunday law legislation would be revived, invoked, and enforced.

In the following passages, every individual can read for himself or herself the clear word of God pointing us to the imminent fulfillment thereof. These signs will lead up to the issue of worship, and without a doubt, they are currently being fulfilled, even as we speak. Let’s read:

Luke 21:10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

11 And great earthquakes shall be in different places and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

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.

Therefore, the time is now and the place is here, for the inhabitants of earth will soon come to realize a grim truth, that it is God and God alone, who puts a restraining order on invisible forces of darkness with the sole purpose that any, and every person who is willing, may find salvation, pardon and shelter in the person of Christ.

But the bad news is that God’s restraining order has already begun to be lifted, and the sure result would be the fulfillment of end-time prophecies, with the increasing frequency, and intensity spoken of in the Bible, as a woman travails in her labor pains. Several passages of scripture confirm what is being said and we must let the Bible speak for itself. Let’s read:

Psalms 127:1 Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman awake but in vain.

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 following reading, with pertinent explanation is of critical importance as we seek to understand the train of events that will ultimately lead us up to the point of addressing the issue of worship nationally. Pay close attention to those triggering mechanisms that are mentioned, and then reflect on the state of our world currently, and be honest with yourselves. Let’s read:

[The Great Controversy pp 589>590] Satan delights in war; for it excites the worst passions of the soul, and then sweeps into eternity its victims steeped in vice and blood. It is his object to incite the nations to war against one another; for he can thus divert the minds of people from the work of preparation to stand in the day of God.

Satan works through the elements also to garner his harvest of unprepared souls. He has studied the secrets of the laboratories of nature, and he uses all his power to control the elements as far as God allows. While appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladies, he will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are reduced to ruin and desolation.

Even now he is at work, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations are to become more and more frequent and disastrous.

Destruction will be upon both man and beast. It will be declared that men are offending God by the violation of the Sunday-sabbath, that this sin has brought calamities which will not cease until Sunday observance shall be strictly enforced. And that those who present the claims of the fourth commandment, thus destroying reverence for Sunday, are troublers of the people, preventing their restoration to divine favor and temporal prosperity.

Our dear friends, God is still in the business of saving to the uttermost, those who desire to be saved. The door of mercy is still open, so that all who will hear His voice, may find pardon and peace in the midst of the increasing storm.

It is now, while mercy still lingers, that you and I are to make it right with God, meaning, that if we were formerly sitting on the fence of indecision, or if we were formerly playing in the river on the bank, now is the time for concrete decisions, in favor of Jesus, His truth, His salvation His Sabbath and His law.

Repentance will involve and include a turning away from cherished sin, and if there are known besetting evils lurking within the domain of the heart, they must be rutted out by the word of God and by His Spirit, so that a oneness and likeness to Christ may become our reality.

In harmony with this appeal, we implore you to seek for repentance and baptism where applicable, for it is a solemn truth that we speak, the close of earth’s probation will come suddenly, at a time when most of earth’s peoples are not expecting it. Let’s read:

Hebrews 3: 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast  unto the end;

15 While it is said, Today if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts…..

                                     God Bless!

A Substitute For Everything. Sabbath afternoon 10/07/2023

2nd Corinthians 11: 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

4 For if he that comes, preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might very well bear with him.

Ever since that day when our first parents fell for the substitute to God’s command, given by the serpent, the principle of substitution has taken deep root in every aspect of society, so that currently, there are replacements and substitutes available for almost everything God has given.

These alternatives always as a rule are advertised as being better, wiser, more profitable, and productive of good, than the original instructions and laws God gave to us. When the Bible speaks of being deceived in the last days, it’s not merely on one or two points but instead, it is an entire system of alternatives to God’s ideals.

And as persons adopt and subscribe to philosophies that are antagonistic to Scripture, mortal men seem to be wiser than God, in the eyes of those who will prefer anything other than what God says. Thus, the whole system of deception is riddled with a plethora of replacements, alternatives and substitutes, which in turn drive persons further and further away from God.

In other words, the worldly-wise are made to seem more intelligent than The Creator, and persons who believe in God are relegated in many instances to a much lower round on the totem pole of knowledge, science, and understanding.

Thus, the Christian in our day will find him or herself having to sift through a maze of confusing doctrines, philosophies, and substitutes, and then, intelligent and deliberate choices will have to be made in order walk the straight and narrow path that leads to life eternal.

The only way that this is possible is by adhering to the written and Living word, for the Bible gives us a clear moral compass so that if we so choose, we can differentiate between right and wrong, good or evil. The Holy Spirit then enables the written word into a living, breathing testimony, in those who choose 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.

Yet, we must be cognizant of the fact that there are very many substitutes to everything God has given, and some of them may look and sound so close to the original that Jesus Christ found it necessary to utter the following words, in the context of the last days, in which we are living: “Take heed that no man deceive you”.

The following are just a few samples of the plethora of substitutes we are currently inundated with, and later on in our study, we will take four of them, and expose them for what they really are, so that the sincere in heart can make informed decisions.

There are substitute diets, substitute priesthoods, substitute worship, substitute marriages, substitute prophets, substitute science, substitute doctrines, a substitute day of rest, there is substitute medicine, and there’s a substitute to the second coming of The Lord Jesus Christ.

There’s also a substitute Christianity, and substitute girl-friends, coming from the world of deep fake and artificial intelligence, of which persons were warned in a recent Bible study about deep fake. And now, the philosophers of the day are currently working on a substitute work week in which four days of work will replace the six God gave to us originally.

Though the X-perts might do their research and may come up with what seems to be better proposals, or ideas to God’s originals, it’ll be found sooner or later that the wisdom of God was manifested for the best good of all humanity and conversely, the wisdom of man when arrayed against the Bible would be found to be deeply flawed.

Therefore, the time has come for the unadulterated word of God to speak authoritatively to all of earth’s inhabitants, so that there’ll be no mistaking light for darkness, or bitter for sweet. In other words, when God says it, that settles it, period!

[1] Substitute marriages.

Genesis 2: 22 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

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

When God gave to the human family in Eden, that sacred institution of marriage between 1 man, and his female wife, He laid the foundation for societies the world over, to flourish, prosper and to be fruitful and multiply, and if God’s original ideal is followed, thus it shall be. It cannot be otherwise.

But with the advancement of the many alternatives available today, the gradual dissolution of society is scheduled to take place for when you hear the term “Alternative lifestyle” being used, it’s understood as being alternatives to the original. And wherever this is the case, you’ll inevitably have alternative results and outcomes.

Two men or two women can never procreate, and if we continue down this road we are travelling, we’ll soon discover that the human race would become extinct, if Jesus doesn’t come really soon.

In addition to those multitudes of discordant voices uttering a host of blasphemies against the truth, we also have persons in high places coming out in favor of the abomination.

When pastors and clergy lend their influence against the clear word of God, they essentially try to usurp God’s authority and prerogatives, and, by so doing they place themselves in the seat of God, and the end result is man worship, as individuals coalesce around humanistic errors. Let’s read:

2nd Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come except there comes a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

4 Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

CNN Oct 2 2023

Pope Francis suggests for first time some people in same-sex unions could be blessed by Catholic priests on a “case-by-case” basis, a seeming reversal of previous statements.

However, the word of God is still as clear as crystal, therefore, the time is now and the place is here that the trumpet must be given a certain sound. God will never accept gay marriage, regardless of politicians, pontiffs and clergy who may vouch for the contrary. God never has and He never will. Period! Let’s read:

Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

24 Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you.

25 And the land is defiled: therefore, I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomits out her inhabitants.

Psalms 89: 34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

[2] Substitute worship.

Exodus 20:1 And God spoke all these words, saying,

2 I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, and out of the house of bondage.

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work:

10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

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

The worship of images, including those claiming to portray Mary, St. Peter, or any of the other apostles and saints for that matter is strictly prohibited in the word of God and should never be a part of any form of worship, where God must be the center. Let’s read:

Isaiah 42: 8 I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

For instance, when the philistine priests attempted to have Dagon share the stage with the true God of heaven, they found the fish god badly mutilated the following day, and that attempt triggered a serious calamity that shook the nation to its core. That is because, as the Psalmist David declares, God does not share His praise or glory with any graven image.

Again, praying to any dead saint does absolutely nothing for the petitioner, for they cannot help any person, in any situation, nor do they hear, or answer any prayers. In addition, praying to or for one’s dead relatives does nothing whatsoever for such persons, for the Bible clearly says that any such attempted communication is anathema to sound doctrine. Let’s read:

Isaiah 8: 19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? instead of the living to the dead?

20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Again, on the issue of worship, the substitute day of worship that has taken the masses of people in its snare is not of heavenly origin. Sunday was named after the sun by pagan priests and worshipers, who, in direct contravention of the first commandment, bowed down to, and worshiped the sun as a god.

Thus, the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is God’s original ideal, that has never been changed from creation, and would never be changed in the earth made new.

Therefore, God is calling on people the world over, in our day, whosoever will hear His voice, that if you intend to go to heaven you will need to worship God on the day that God has blessed and sanctified. So says the scriptures. Let’s read:

Isaiah 66: 22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain.

23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.

Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

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.

18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.

[3] Substitute Diets and foods.

The first temptation upon our planet was upon food in which an alternative was suggested to Adam and Eve by man’s nemesis. When God created Adam and Eve, He gave to the human family the very best diet, that would in turn produce the best results. Let’s read:

Genesis 1: 29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creeps upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

It is true, that after the flood, God gave permission to eat flesh, which man was already eating, before any such permission was granted, yet, if we were to observe the elapsed time between God giving us His ideal, to when He finally gave permission after the flood, we will observe a span of almost 2000 years.

That tells us that it took rather long for God to okay the alternative and therefore, if it was indeed better than the original the logical question would be Why did God take so long to grant us something better, if God knew it would be productive of greater good to the human family?”

Thus, without going into arguments about the pros and cons of the original versus the alternative, let’s examine the raw facts in the case, and let the chips fall where they may.

There is a famous Roti shop in El Soccoro Trinidad, that is renowned for a delicious goat Roti, and some customers are known to wait in line for a substantial period of time to get their hands on the hot mouth-watering products. When coupled together with a drizzle of scorching pepper sauce, it can make for an eye-watering, unforgettable experience.

Now, if God says that the original diet is superior to the alternatives, we should expect to see better and superior results if persons made the switch to plant based diets, for if it turns out to be that individuals would become weaker, and suffer deficiencies as a result, then that would be a malicious thing to do.

In other words, persons should not be asked to give up the goat Roti from El Socorro, in exchange for the fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, which God gave us as His ideal, if they would suffer loss, and come up short, when compared with using substitutes.

So, let us ask a simple question directly, and we will let God answer for Himself: If an individual were to switch over from a flesh-based diet to God’s ideal in Genesis, will that person suffer loss, become weaker become unhealthier? Or will the opposite be true? This question is so loaded with ramifications that we must let God answer for Himself. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 34: 7 And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.

Now, some may argue that Moses’ longevity, and his ability to defy conventional wisdom on aging could have been because he’d been in close contact with The Life Giver on numerous occasions, and as such, longevity could have rubbed off on him as a natural byproduct. That’s one perspective.

So, we will have to look for someone who was not in close, direct contact with God, to make an unbiased objective judgment, on whether or not, God’s ideal is productive of better results physically. For this we turn to Caleb, who had never gone up to the mount to meet with God, in close proximity, as Moses had done.

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

That phrase: “Followed me fully” suggests to our reasoning powers that Caleb did not participate in the uprisings and murmurings that characterized a majority of the Hebrews, especially on the issue of diets and foods, or else, God could not reasonably declare that Caleb followed Him “Fully”.

Therefore, we must of necessity dig deeper so as to discover Caleb’s experience with God. According to what is written in the Scriptures, two facts surface, as it pertains to Caleb [1] He followed God fully. [2] As a result, God worked in him to bring to pass the preferred outcome.

These two factors are of critical importance to those who wish to make the transition from substitutes to God’s ideal, as it pertains to diets and foods. Folks must endeavor by God’s grace to follow God “Fully” and as a direct result God will work in behalf of such persons, to bring to pass the preferred outcome.

Believe it or not, there can be something such as a rebellious vegetarian, who eats fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, but who does not follow God fully, by keeping His other commandments and laws. It is of critical importance for persons to follow Caleb’s lead, and God, according to His purpose, will come through like clockwork for those who believe with a willing heart. 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 the man of God concerning me and you 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 mine heart.

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 you have 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.

12 Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said.

Before we proceed, we must of necessity find out who these Anakims were, for Caleb is going to do something that no 85 year-old in their right mind would do. He’s going to pick a fight with the Anakim at his age, which is long past the conventional age for retirement, and Caleb seems very confident, for some unknown reason. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 1: 25 And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down unto us, and brought us word again, and said, It is a good land which the Lord our God doth give us.

27 And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the Lord hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.

28 Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart saying the people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.

29 Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them.

Obviously, Caleb is referring to the giants in the land of Canaan, who caused the other ten spies to be so terrified when they beheld their enormous size.

And now, forty-five years later, when most normal retirees will be receiving social security, Medicaid, and other benefits, from the government, Caleb is going to pick a fight with some iron pumping giants, because, according to what he is saying, he has lost no strength whatsoever, nor has he aged at all for the last 45 years. Let’s read:

Joshua 14:13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.

14 Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel.

15 And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 378] God brought the Israelites from Egypt, that He might establish them in the land of Canaan, a pure, holy, and happy people. In the accomplishment of this object, He subjected them to a course of discipline, both for their own good and for the good of their posterity.

She is referring to diet, exercise, and faith in God, by which Caleb was certified as following God wholly. In other words, Caleb obeyed the commandments of God, he cooperated with God’s ideal for diets and foods, and the physical aspects of his being weren’t neglected, because following God wholly, is holistic in nature whereby every aspect of our being is to be brought into harmony with God’s ideal.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 378] Had they been willing to deny appetite, in obedience to His wise restrictions, feebleness and disease would have been unknown among them. Their descendants would have possessed both physical and mental strength.

They would have had clear perceptions of truth and duty, keen discrimination, and sound judgment. But their unwillingness to submit to the restrictions and requirements of God, prevented them, to a great extent, from reaching the high standard which He desired them to attain, and from receiving the blessings which He was ready to bestow upon them.

[4] The substitute work week.

One of the bargaining chips on the table currently in negotiations across the nation and across the globe is that of a four-day work week for certain workers. According to the X-perts, persons seem to be more productive overall when they work a short week of four days.

Several countries including Spain, and South Africa are among the nations that have embarked upon a trial of a four-day workweek for certain businesses, companies and workers. In fact, a test run done in the U.K involving almost 3000 workers from a total of 61 companies resulted in 92 % of the employers retaining the four-day work week.

Since the prophecy of Daniel stating that knowledge would increase, the world in general has gradually shifted to a format of less work, less activity, and more free time which has resulted in a spike in the many diseases and illnesses which currently plague the industrial world, and many developed countries.

We are just observing a particular trend, to see why we are heading for a crossroad, in the context of the substitute work week that is gaining momentum. In days gone by, persons and families would be found at the grocery, supermarket, or the mall, where they would spend hours on end shopping.

This obviously included a whole lot of walking so the shoppers would unconsciously be getting a certain amount of exercise as they would walk from store to store and from aisle to aisle, and thereby be burning calories. But gradually, going to shop in person was dumbed down by the likes of Amazon, Uber Eats, and Door Dash.

Then Covid came, and shut everything down across the world, and what used to be a convenience had now become a necessity, as individuals and families found it necessary to shop and work from home. In many cases, this resulted in less activity, and more free time, in so much that employees are loathed to go back to the office.

 Now in addition to this there are now driverless cars and gizmos that could clean and vacuum floors such as Roomba and there are other gadgets which make it unnecessary for individuals to engage in too much movement throughout the day, in so much that one has to be deliberate about their exercise regimen, if you desire some level of activity.

On top of this, here comes the prospect of a shorter work week, looming on the horizon, and businesses, employees, and X-perts are beginning to vouch for it. Thus, the question is, “What is God’s ideal, and why is His ideal the best for humanity?”

In days of old, the Hebrews were put on a rigorous regimen of walking through the desert, in addition to manual labor, which was required in the agrarian society in which they lived, and this, coupled with the abstemious diet God put them on, resulted in  health and longevity to those who were exercised thereby. Let’s read:

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

Now, we are not here to discuss the pros and cons of a shortened work week, nor are we here to throw cold water on your work from home convenience. We are just observing a particular trend to less and less movement, mobility, and physical activity that is almost certain to have adverse results.

Thus, lest we lose sight of God’s ideal, let us take a second look at the fourth commandment, and then we will consider what the Lord has to say about the days in which we live, in the historical context of the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Let’s read:

Exodus 20: 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work:

10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates.

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

When the Bible says that in six days The Lord made heaven and earth, it is certifying the fact that God was productive for each of the six working days and thus the Sabbath rest for us humans is not merely a command, it is a sheer necessity.

This does not mean that every person has to work a six-day week, for there are high intensity, and high concentration jobs in our day, which require rest at shorter intervals. But the concept of persons being productive throughout the working week is what is set as an example for us by God.

As a general rule, whenever the majority is headed in a certain direction, God’s way is almost always in the opposite direction. Thus, we must question who could possibly be behind the general push for more free time, less mobility, less physical activity, and on top of that, a shortened work week. Something just doesn’t smell right. Let’s read:

Patriarchs & Prophets pp 156] Fairest among the cities of the Jordan Valley was Sodom… With little thought or labor, every want of life could be supplied, and the whole year seemed one round of festivity. The profusion reigning everywhere gave birth to luxury and pride.

Idleness and riches make the heart hard that has never been oppressed by want or burdened by sorrow. The love of pleasure was fostered by wealth and leisure, and the people gave themselves up to sensual indulgence.

Their useless, idle life made them a prey to Satan's temptations, and they defaced the image of God, and became satanic rather than divine. Idleness is the greatest curse that can fall upon man, for vice and crime follow in its train.

It enfeebles the mind, perverts the understanding, and debases the soul. Satan lies in ambush, ready to destroy those who are unguarded, whose leisure gives him opportunity to insinuate himself under some attractive disguise. He is never more successful than when he comes to men in their idle hours.

In our day, we are inundated with substitutes and a  host of alternatives to God’s original ideals, and yet, the X-perts declare themselves wiser than God. The Christian in our day will soon find himself or herself having to make some very hard choices, if we intend to live in harmony with God’s ideal will.

When bombarded with multiple substitutes, let us therefore seek to understand God’s ideals as written in the Scriptures, for the word of God is given as a lamp unto our feet and a light to our path, to guide each one safely from the here and now to the great hereafter. Thus, we will end with a passage that will echo this very sentiment. Let’s read:

Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

                                  God Bless!

666 The Number Of A Man. Sabbath afternoon 09/23/2023

Revelation 13:16 And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.

17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

We begin with a stark warning: The freedoms, and liberties God has blessed America with will go up in smoke if we continue to squander the opportunities given, through brinkmanship and extreme views. When it becomes the case that reason, and sound judgement are no longer employed, the damages done to the country will become irreversible.

Throughout the Bible, God has warned folks against the worship of idols in any form, whether they be of stone, metal, wood or finite man, for wherever this is done, the concepts of God are severely distorted, and in consequence the concepts of right and wrong are reversed and upended, to reflect the opposite of that which is written in the Bible.

In ancient times, the idols of the heathen always as a rule, represented some intelligent entity that was endowed with Divine or humanistic characteristics.

This went on for many centuries but ultimately it led to the worship of finite man in some form or fashion for the foundational concept of idolatry is to remove God out of the picture, and replace Him with finite objects, or finite man.

One of the key components of worship is that of obedience to the one, or the object that is being worshipped, for it is the willingness to obey what one’s god says that sets them apart as a worshiper.

The gods of fashion therefore dictate what the in thing must be and worshipers bow down and obey by purchasing and wearing whatsoever the fashion god stipulates, even if it contravenes a “Thus saith The Lord.

If persons adopt the policy that they will be guided in their decisions and actions by the “In thing” there is bad news for such, because the mark of the beast will be the “In thing” one day soon, and subscribers will go with the flow, because their minds had been trained to follow that which is popular, fashionable, or that which is the latest.

Beyond the shadow of a doubt, 666, the mark of the beast will become the latest “In thing” when it will be released, and thus, according to the scriptures, it will have the backing of the overwhelming majority of earth’s inhabitants, for sure. Let’s read:

Revelation 13: And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

Therefore, folks are now being groomed to submit to the number of a man which is a manmade system of worship, living and decision making that’s arrayed against the God of heaven because the minds of the people are being programmed to follow the dictates of the stars, both religious and secular, and popular majorities, rather than the written word of God.

To be more specific, if one’s mode of thought, and action is governed by what Beyonce or Taylor Swift or Snoop Dog says, does or wears, then that person is obeying the dictates of the star in question, and since obedience is an integral part of worship, those who follow the stars are being trained to bow down to mortal man. Let’s read:

Romans 6: 16 Don’t you know, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Again, on the issue of worship, obedience is more important than praise and prayer, for it is what one does in obedience to God, that distinguishes him or her as a true worshiper.

In fact, if ever, God had to choose between praise and obedience, He will absolutely choose obedience hands down. The issue of obedience is so critically important that the true worshiper will do what God says, even if it goes against his, or her natural grain.

For instance, when Abraham was commanded by God to offer Isaac, it could not have felt all cute and comfy, since Isaac was the only son of promise, and both Abraham and Sarah had waited so many years for the fulfilment of what God had pledged to them.

But now, God tells Abraham to do the unthinkable, unbeknownst to his wife, to whom Abraham would have to do a lot of mansplaining. In other words, he would have a very difficult time explicating to Sarah that such a command came directly from God.

Yet, for everything to the contrary, yet, for all of his feelings, and emotions pulling and tugging at him, the true believer will obey, even though it turns his stomach inside out. That’s because it’s obedience that determines who or what is worshipped, it isn’t primarily or necessarily praise. Let’s read:

Genesis 22: 2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom you love, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

With every fiber in his being pulling Abraham in the opposite direction, a true worshiper is going to obey because there is no worship without obedience. Let no one be deceived on this point, because unless he is willing to obey God in this dire circumstance, his claim to worship God will be empty. Let’s read:

Genesis 22: 5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

[Patriarchs & Prophets 152] Isaac had been trained from childhood to ready, trusting obedience, and as the purpose of God was opened before him, he yielded a willing submission. He was a sharer in Abraham's faith, and he felt that he was honored in being called to give his life as an offering to God.

And now the last words of love are spoken, the last tears are shed, the last embrace is given. The father lifts the knife to slay his son, when suddenly his arm is stayed. An angel of God calls to the patriarch out of heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” He quickly answers, “Here am I,” And again the voice is heard, “Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that you fear God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from Me.”

That’s all well and good, because the command was coming from God. But if it was a man who Abraham was worshipping, and such a directive was issued to him, if he obeyed, that will put both the worshiper, and his worship directly at odds with The God of heaven, and as a direct result, the worshiper would have chosen mere mortal man as his god, instead of Jehovah.

When the politicians in our day do or say that which they know to be wrong, in obedience to some man, they are worshiping at that man’s altar, and all such altar boys, and acolytes will be registered under the number of a man if they don’t urgently or decisively change course.

In other words, 666, the mark of the beast and the number of a man has to do with the system of man worship, even if and when individuals may disagree in substance with the directive being given.

Some persons in our day found themselves in the unfortunate position of obeying the dictates of a particular man, even though they had their personal disagreement with what was being put on the table.

In other words, their hearts and minds weren’t fully persuaded, yet they obeyed, and that is the specific mindset that would one day acquiesce to the beast system, if a radical change in mode of thought, and action doesn’t occur, for it is worship and obedience to a mortal man at its very core.

When the issue of worship comes to the forefront in our day, there are many persons who wouldn’t fully be persuaded, yet they will go with the flow as they obey the dictates of a man.

In fact, the beast system may not even force anyone to go to church, once persons obey by accepting the mark, for obedience in and of itself is the essence of worship. The beast system, 666, under the auspices of the devil will make it as easy as possible to obey.

You don’t have to believe or be persuaded, and if a person may be embarrassed by accepting the mark publicly, especially those S.D.A s who would buckle under pressure, the devil will make certain that you can take it in private, all cozy and comfy, once you take it. Let’s read:

[Last Day Events pp 174] In the absence of the persecution there have drifted into our ranks men who appear sound and their Christianity unquestionable, but who, if persecution should arise, would go out from us. When the law of God is made void, the church will be sifted by fiery trials, and a larger proportion than we now anticipate will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.

Those who serve in the branches of our government as well as in religious circles must be holden to truth and duty, not to position and power, and, wherever there is a conflict between the two principles, truth and duty should bear sway, even if it might cost one his job, popularity, or his reputation amongst peers.

Our country is in dire need of individuals who have sterling characters, who will not be swayed by man worship, who will stand up for truth, righteousness, and justice, men who are willing to put their lives on the line in defense of the freedom and liberties God has entrusted America with.

This is what Joab had failed to do on more than one occasion, as David ordered him to do that which he knew was an act of wrongdoing. For example, when David told him to put Uriah in the forefront of the battle, and retire from him, so that he be slain, Joab obeyed, for his allegiance was given to the king, and for this reason he worshiped David rather than God. Let’s read:

2nd Samuel 11: 14 And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.

15 And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.

16 And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were.

17 And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.

Again, when David commanded him to number the people, he remonstrated, yet, even though it went against his grain, and his conscience bothered him, he went along with it, for David meant more to him than God, and as a result, Joab would ultimately be worshiping a mortal man instead of God in heaven as he obeys David in numbering the people.

What is most noteworthy about the particular case is that it was not merely David, from whom such a directive was coming. David was the human agent used, but it was satan who actually issued it. Thus, as Joab obeyed, he was worshipping not only David, but he was bowing down to the unseen god behind the diabolic directive, better known as the devil. Let’s read:

1st Chronicles 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

2 And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.

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

4 Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.

In the book of Revelation, where multitudes are to be seen worshipping a man, it’s not the man merely that is being worshiped and obeyed; it is the unseen god of this world to whom obedience and reverence are being rendered.

Thus, 666, the number of a man is representative of a system run by mortal man, that commands those individuals under its jurisdiction to do that which is diametrically opposed to what God says. It’s not the mere mortal man that is being worshiped; it is satan himself that folks are bowing down to. Let’s read:

Revelation 13: 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

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?

This worship of a mere mortal man is done in direct violation of the first and the fourth commandments, regardless of what The True God says and therefore, whenever deference is given to any finite command that is contrary to sound doctrine, there you would have the worship of men and devils taking place.

In the Egyptian pantheon, pharaohs were endowed with divine attributes, and therefore, it was not only customary, but it was also the law of the land, that the citizenry must worship, venerate, and reverence the king of Egypt as a god.

The devastation and tragedy experienced during one of the destructive judgments against Egypt was the result of a plague against the sun god Ra, and in our day, if persons continue to worship the sun, and the day of the sun, it will soon backfire because the sun will soon begin to wreak havoc on individuals who continue that form of worship. Let’s read:

Revelation 16:8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.

9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

The same thing had occurred in the days of Elijah when Israel was led into idolatry by worshiping the sun god. At that time, they were found following the dictates of Jezebel, a mere mortal, and thus, the sun god they worshipped was made to be their enemy.

History is soon to be repeated. Indeed, the horses have already left the barn, and all our efforts to try and mitigate all of earth’s problems, including global warming, and destructive floods and earthquakes in different places, will not be successful until the issue of worship is addressed.

Thus, as we study the topic”666, The Number of A Man” it will be necessary for us to delve into ancient history, so that a clear understanding of the dangers of worshipping and obeying a mortal man, in direct contravention of the scriptures, will be made plain. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 758>759] The ninth plague dealt a heavy blow to one of the greatest gods of Egypt, the sun god Ra, who had been continuously worshiped from the earliest times of that country's known history. In a land which hardly ever saw clouds in the sky, the sun was recognized as a never-failing power which provided warmth, light, life, and growth to the whole world.

Every Egyptian king considered himself as a “son of Ra,” and carried this expression in his titulary. When Amen of Thebes became chief god of Egypt during the eighteenth dynasty, the power of the sun god Ra was recognized as so great that a compromise was made by combining Amen and Ra to make one god—Amen-Ra.

A few years after the Exodus, when Ikhnaton introduced a short-lived monotheism, the only god retained was Aton, the sun disk.

Seeing how entrenched sun worship was in the religious life of the Egyptians, and how highly the sun god Ra, Amen-Ra, or Aton was revered, we can understand why the plague directed against the god was brought upon Egypt toward the culmination of the fight between the God of the Hebrews and His Egyptian adversaries.

Also, the tenth plague, the slaughtering of the first-born was striking at least one god, and that was the king, who was considered to be Horus, the son of Osiris. As the ruler of the Nile country, he was addressed by his subjects as “the good god.”

Hence, the last plague crowned the actions wrought by the miracle-working power of the Hebrew God. So far, the gods controlling the forces of nature or animals had been disgraced. But now, a god, living in a visible form among the Egyptians was also humiliated by the despised God of the Hebrew slaves, of whom the proud Pharaoh once had said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go?

Man-worship has therefore been in existence from ancient days, and, because it is showing alarming signs of resurgence, we must of necessity study the dangers associated with it, lest persons fall for the number 666, the finite number of imperfection.

Man was created on the sixth day of the week, and it was the seventh day that God instituted as being the Sabbath, which brought the weekly cycle full circle.

Thus, the number 6 represents both imperfection and incompletion, and therefore, a system such as the number 666 represents reflects the humanistic endeavors to control the three main aspects of our being, the physical, the spiritual, and the temporal. 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.

The book of Esther contains valuable information and blueprints which must be understood by those who know what’s coming. In that book, we observe that man-worship was the triggering mechanism for an all-out assault that was scheduled against God’s people.

God signally overturned it, as He will again do when the mark of the beast takes center stage, but we are to be informed as to the nuts and bolts of what took place back then, for in our day we are seeing some disturbing signs, which hearken back to the days of Mordecai.

We will pinpoint the similarities that are reflected in our day currently, and we will see in real time why we keep saying to our friends to study the book of Esther, for there is nothing new under the sun, and man worship always inevitably leads to persecution of persons who beg to differ. Always! Let’s read:

Esther 3:1 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.

2 And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.

[1] The words “All the king’s servants” tells us that it was the popular thing to do, since everyone was doing it, with the exception of Mordecai.

When 666, the worship and the number of a man surfaces in our day, it will be the popular majorities who would subscribe, with the exception of persons like Mordecai, who have trained their minds to be guided in their decisions by what God says, not by what man dictates.

To be clear, following Jesus in the fullest sense, will never be popular, and therefore, like Mordecai, we cannot and must not go with the flow whenever the flow is contraindicated by the Scriptures for the way to heaven is upstream, not downstream, where any and everything goes. Let’s read:

Matthew 7: 13 Enter in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth 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.

Esther 3:3 Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why do you transgress the king's commandment?

[2] The above verse tells us that the mandate came down in commandment form from the king, and as such it was not optional.

Similarly, when the issue of man worship comes to the forefront in our day, it will be mandatory, not optional, where persons can freely choose not to go that route. Very stiff penalties will first be instituted, and when these don’t work, the use of force would be employed, to try and coerce persons to bow.

But like Mordecai, there will be a peculiar people who will never bow. Economic sanctions, and loss of their economic privileges will only drive them closer to Christ, and though men, and demons may heckle, bribe, and offer different incentives to bow, those whose minds are captive to the word of God will not budge. Let’s read:

[The Great Controversy pp 607] The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and in this work, papists are solicited to come to the help of Protestants. The movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold, and decided. The law is invoked against commandment-keepers. They are threatened with fines and imprisonment, and some are offered positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their faith.

Esther 3:4 Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.

5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.

6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.

[3] Man worship always leads to the persecution of those who beg to differ.

One of the reasons why there is so much infighting among members of congress is because the worship of a man is sapping the lifeblood of common sense from the conscience, and those who refuse to bow are being ostracized, alienated and criticized daily, in so much that it’s near impossible for them to run for election again.

Again, as Mordecai refuses to bow, Haman extends his anger to all those who may be affiliated with him either by blood, or by similar religious views. When the dark ages were upon the land it was the worship of a man that was the catalyst for millions of Christ’s true followers to be put to death.

Similarly, as America is currently hurtling towards man worship, we may expect the ghost of Haman to start flitting around, causing upheaval, mayhem and dysfunction across all branches of government, and, when man worship is finally instituted the same way Haman tried to take vengeance on those who would not bow, will again be revisited. Let’s 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; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.

[4] “Their laws are diverse from all people”

This particular statement must be understood by all, for it could not be the laws governing most nations that are being referred to, or else they would not be “Diverse” from all other people.

 It could not be stealing that Haman is referring to, because in most nations of the earth, stealing is a crime. Just recently Sam Bankman Fried, the crypto king, was charged with stealing millions from his unsuspecting customers, and in the Middle east, if one is caught stealing, he can lose a hand or foot as a result. So, it’s not stealing Haman is referring to.

It's not lying either that Haman is speaking of. Just recently some persons were charged with lying to the congress and the F.B.I, and there are others who are currently facing their own day of reckoning for election lies and hush money payments. So, it’s not lying that Haman is referring to.

Neither is Haman referring to murder, because just recently Danelo Cavalcante, who was convicted for killing his girlfriend, was again apprehended in the state of Pennsylvania, after escaping custody, and he was again hauled off to prison, to continue serving his sentence.

So, the diverse laws Haman is speaking about are not the normal laws of nations. There is one, and only one law that could differentiate the Jews in Mordecai’s day from all other people, and that is the law found in the fourth commandment of the decalogue. Here it is, for persons who may not be aware. Let’s read:

Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work.

10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates.

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

Many of the other laws of the Decalogue are still implemented across nations and states, some more, some less, so, when Haman declares “Their laws are diverse from all people” he is primarily referring to the law of the Sabbath.

Esther 3:9 If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.

13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.

14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.

[Early Writings pp 282] I saw a writing, copies of which were scattered in different parts of the land, giving orders that unless the saints should yield their peculiar faith, give up the Sabbath, and observe the first day of the week, the people were at liberty after a certain time to put them to death.

Now, it is true that God has true Christians in every church, and there might yet be millions today who are inadvertently worshiping a man, by obeying the instruction to worship on Sunday, the first day of the week.

God would have all to understand that such worship was ordained by man, and has absolutely nothing to do with the command He gave to the inhabitants of earth, to rest upon the 7th day of the week, as being the only, official day of rest.

The Sabbath has never been changed by God, and even though the majority of Christians embrace the first day of the week as God’s day of rest, there is no Scriptural support for such worship anywhere.

Therefore, 666, the mark of the beast, and number of his name pertains directly to the worship of man, in opposition to the clear word of God, and it is for this reason that God is now calling His people out of that system, so that they would not be identified as being part and parcel to the beast’s worship system. Let’s read:

Revelation 18: 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

In closing, let’s keep in mind that obedience to God forms the bedrock essential of all true worship, and even if much praise and prayer are made in sincerity the fact remains that without obedience to God as the main component of worship, it cannot, and will never be accepted in God’s sight, for God will never take a substitute in exchange for “It is written”.

We’ll therefore end with a passage which confirms this sacred truth, and it is God’s will that people the world over, not be sucked into the worship of man in any shape or form, for those who will be saved in God’s eternal kingdom will be those who obey His voice. Let’s read:

Revelation 22: 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

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

                                    God Bless!

When God Goes Silent. Sabbath afternoon 09/16/2023

Job 23:1 Then Job answered and said,

2 Even today is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.

3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!

4 I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

5 I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.

The ways, means and strategies God uses are often baffling to finite minds, and there are times when a person will have to walk by faith alone, not seeing or hearing any evidence from God which would give clarity to the matter in question.

There are times in the Christian’s experience when God may speak loud and clear, and there are other times, when, for some unknown reason, God goes silent, and what we do under such circumstances, could make or break us.

The Hebrews had the pillar of cloud and fire as they journeyed through the wilderness, but whenever it was the case that some unexplained circumstances occurred, they exhibited an uneasiness which bore fruit in doubt and murmuring.

For instance, when they saw the hosts of pharaoh coming after them with his fleet of Cadillacs, they became uneasy, and voiced their complaints about what they then anticipated; their swift defeat by the forces of Egypt.

Again, when the water ceased to flow, just before they entered Edom that was an opportunity to walk by faith, but instead, the unexplained circumstance developed the same turbulent spirit, manifested on so many different occasions.

These things are written in the Scriptures for us to learn from the experiences of those who have gone before. Especially, as we stand upon the borders of the heavenly Canaan, should the people of God in our day seek to learn those lessons of faith, waiting, and humility, which would be greatly needed in the near future.

Even the most faithful have at times wondered at God’s silence, at times when they thought it needful to hear a word from Him. As John sat in prison, he must have wondered why Jesus wouldn’t come and look for him.

Like Job, John had been faithful to his charge and he had fearlessly rebuked sin in kings and people alike, in so much that a great movement, in favor of God’s kingdom had been set in motion, and many persons had been baptized.

Therefore, after doing his very best he wonders why Jesus would not at least visit him, to give him some explanation or encouragement. Added to this, Jesus was actually John’s cousin, so from a mere bloodline perspective, John believes that he should hear some word from God, as to the where, why and when.

But, as the questions continue to spin like a tornado in his mind and as he hears of Jesus, eating, drinking and mingling with publicans, he wonders why God seems to have gone silent, as if his faithful servant is forgotten. Thus, the questions continue to spin and to spin in John’s mind until at last he gives voice to the great turbulence he is currently experiencing. Let’s read:

Luke 7: 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

In our first passage, we find Job seeking an answer, or at least some sort of explanation for what he had recently been going through. His world was turned upside down suddenly, he had lost all of his kids, his income had been severely depleted and the workers who depended on Job for their livelihood had all but been killed, except for two or three.

Added to all this a mysterious illness has come upon him, for which there is not any rational explanation or cause, and therefore, as Job lays there licking his wounds, Job believes that he is in need of hearing a word from God, that would at least give him some explanation for his present plight.

He prays and he prays, he argues and he argues, he reasons and he reasons but for some strange reason it seems to him as if God has gone silent. Job’s utter bewilderment with God’s silence is then given voice in words that often resonate in our own experience. Let’s read:

Job 23:3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!  

4 I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

5 I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.

There are times when the Christian believes that he or she needs to hear from God. Our world might be turning upside down, we might be seeing pharaoh’s Cadillacs in the rearview mirror, and for all intents and purposes, it may seem as if everything is about to cave in, and yet, like Job, we might be bewildered by God’s silence.

Therefore, the issue of God’s silence, whenever it might occur, has to be addressed, if our faith is to avoid severe and life-threatening shocks. Thus, the following points must be studied carefully, and after, we will read from the Bible, how we could navigate God’s silence successfully, and come out stronger on the other side.

There are times when it is expedient for God to speak and there are times when, in the best interest of His people, it is wise for Him to go silent.

This might not be an easy pill for the Christian to swallow, but if we were to drill down further in retrospect, we will see the valid reasons why. For instance, if we were to observe carefully in the narrative pertaining to Job, we will see that God only answered Job beginning in chapter 38, only after his questions had swirled, and against all odds, Job decided to be faithful.

But even then, we will observe that God never gave Job an explanation as to why the terrible calamities, and misfortunes had overtaken him. God goes deep into science, creation, and occurrences that baffle mortal minds in the natural world, but God does not touch or address the root cause of Job’s dilemma. Let’s read:

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

2 Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?

3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

4 Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.

5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, or who hath stretched the line upon it?

6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;

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

8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?

And we could go down and read the entire chapter, and all those chapters that come after, but for some unknown reason God deliberately does not answer that most pressing question, as to why all of these sudden calamities happened to Job. So, let’s ask the question directly: Why did God not reveal to Job the root causes of his problems, and why did He not give him any explanations?

There are times when as Christians we might crave answers and explanations as to why such and such is happening to us or to our loved ones. And we may feel as if some answer, or explanation would help us or strengthen us to bear the adverse circumstances.

While this may be true in some instances, this is not necessarily the case in every situation, for in the history of Job, God teaches us that there are times when it is best for Him to remain silent in certain circumstances which to the finite mind may demand  immediate answers.

Jesus’ knowledge of what was to befall Him during His incarnation, did not make the brutal experience any easier to bear. In fact, as the knowledge of His fate loomed ever larger on the horizon, He uttered those words, that echo and reecho in the lives of a number of Christians, who may be now staring into an abyss of despair. Let’s read:

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

39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: never-the-less not as I will, but as thou will.

The knowledge of what is to befall true Christians during the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation, does not necessarily make the ordeal any easier to bear. We have been given many explanations and reasons up front, but according to the Scripture, many will still buckle under the heavy load.

That’s because a host of reasons and explanations do not always strengthen persons to bear trial, and it is for this reason, why in certain circumstances, it is prudent and wise for God to go silent. 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.

[Spirit of Prophecy Bk 4 pp 427] The Lord's servants have faithfully given the warning, looking to God and to his word alone. They have not consulted their temporal interests, or sought to preserve their reputation or their lives. Yet when the storm of opposition and reproach bursts upon them, they are overwhelmed with consternation; and some are ready to exclaim, “Had we foreseen the consequences of our words, we would have held our peace.”

Now, if God were to go the opposite route of giving Job the answers, He would have to explain why the devil was permitted to come to the gates of heaven in the first place. In other words, since God knows the end from the beginning, Job would most likely  be questioning why God permitted satan to come.

 Then God would have to explain to Job that satan had accused God of pay to play, or, of bribing Job to serve him, and this was done in the public square, in the presence of the other intelligences of heaven.

Then, in response to the devil’s claims, to set the record straight, God would have to explain to Job that he had granted satan the permission to prove his point, if it were indeed true, and that this is the reason why everything in Job’s life, came tumbling down.

So now, added to the tremendous pressure Job was already going through, he will now have to struggle with the question of why God gave satan permission and then, this would undoubtedly trigger a new set of other questions as to why Job’s children, and his cattle, and workers got caught up in the whole mix.

The finite mind would find it extremely difficult to reconcile the concepts of collateral damage, even to those of us who have been given numerous Biblical explanations, and therefore, rather than saddle Job with more questions and revelations than he could possibly handle, God goes silent.

Another question that puzzles the minds of persons is why The Lord did not in this instance, give Job a heads up of what was to ensue. In the Bible, there are very many instances where God gave his people a heads up of looming calamity, and they were able to navigate and escape.

But in this instance, God chose not to do so, and it is one of those points which perplexes the minds of some persons. It is not always God’s will that folks who believe in Him should escape the trial of faith, which may include adversity.

There are times when God will see fit to make a way of escape, and there are other instances when it is His will that we hang in there by His grace, until the adverse situation be past.

If God were to warn Job in advance of this particular situation, the natural thing to do would be to take all the necessary steps to avoid it. And since Job had the financial resources to do so, he very well might have gone that route.

If a billionaire like Elon Musk was given a heads up of some looming tragedy, he would then engage his resources to stave off the danger. And if it were the Sabeans and Chaldeans coming after him, it is most likely that he would beef up his security, with many bazookas and he would engage his star-link network to do 24/7 monitoring of the Chaldeans.

Furthermore, if God gave him advance warning of a tornado that would take out his kids, he most likely would again use his resources to build a doomsday bunker, so that his children could ride out the storm safely, in the bowels of the earth.

But in this particular instance, it was God’s will for Job to go through the trial, with all of the difficulties and sadness that would occur as byproducts. Some way somehow, it was in the depths of despair that Job confirmed his decision to follow God no matter what, and as a direct result, the issue of pay to play was forever settled. Let’s read:

 Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

16 He also shall be my salvation: for a hypocrite shall not come before him.

The Bible teaches us, that as Christians living in an evil world, that is becoming more and more hostile to righteousness, the true believer in Christ will at times suffer collateral damage, as a direct result of satan’s incursions into Christ’s kingdom.

The knowledge of this fact does not make the trials any easier to bear, but God, in this instance, chooses to give to us a heads up in the prophecies pointing to the last days, so that persons will manage their expectations prudently. At times, the forays of devils against the saints may get other family members involved, as was the case with Job, even though they may not be the specific target in question. It is just the nature of the beast we are dealing with. Let’s read:

Revelation 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The knowledge that we would be tempted does not necessarily make the temptations any easier to bear for even now, that God has given us this revelation, we often balk at the prospect of God granting satan permission to tempt us.

The explanations have been given, but yet, we still often cringe at the very thought. That is because it isn’t any fun to be tempted. Yet, it is a part of the purifying process to not only stabilize the believer in Christ, but also to cement his, or decision to go the full distance with God. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 10:13 There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not permit you to be tempted above that you are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

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 you shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

It is not in every instance that we will find it God’s will that we be delivered, and dodge the bullet. In some instances, deliverance is not His will, a fact that Peter was hard pressed to reconcile to. Then, there will be the issue of our attitude in perplexity, if and when this may be the case.

The attitude and outlook we cultivate during trials can go a long way in triggering resilience, and even if the fury of the storm does not abate immediately the eye of faith would be enabled to grasp unseen realities, to look beyond the here and now, to the great hereafter. Let’s read:

1st Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.

7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

Romans 12: 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.

These are just some of the issues which John also struggled with, as he sat in that dungeon, confined. He just couldn’t understand why God went silent as to the reasons, and explanations why he was lately cut off from his busy schedule, in serving faithfully as the forerunner of Christ.

Like Job, John longed to hear a word from Christ, especially since he had been faithful to truth and duty in preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry. But for some unknown reason to John, God goes silent, and John scratches his head day by day, searching for an answer or an explanation, but for a period of time, not a single word is spoken. Let’s read:

[The Desire of Ages. Pp 216] To the desert prophet all this seemed a mystery beyond his fathoming. There were hours when the whisperings of demons tortured his spirit, and the shadow of a terrible fear crept over him. Could it be that the long-hoped-for Deliverer had not yet appeared?

But again, in this instance, it was prudent that Jesus not visit John, for doing so would no doubt trigger a plethora of suspicions in the minds of Herod and his vile paramour, and then Jesus would make Himself the target of many premature assaults, even before His time had fully come.

Thus, rather than volunteer to put a target on His back, and cut His ministry short before His allotted time, God ordained that Jesus should stay clear of John in prison, and the fallout from that providence would be mitigated by God, for He never gives to us, more than He knows we can bear successfully.

And there were other valid reasons why God chose to go that route with John, for it is disclosed by the servant of The Lord, that Judas had planned that the forerunner must be delivered, the suggestion being offered up by devils through the human agent, and thus, under no circumstances would God be found obeying His arch enemy. Let’s read:

[The Desire of Ages pp 224] Jesus did not interpose to deliver His servant. He knew that John would bear the test. Gladly would the Savior have come to John, to brighten the dungeon gloom with His own presence. But He was not to place Himself in the hands of enemies and imperil His own mission.

[The Desire of Ages pp 718] Christ's oft-repeated statement that His kingdom was not of this world offended Judas. He had marked out a line upon which he expected Christ to work. He had planned that John the Baptist should be delivered from prison.

Jesus, instead of asserting His royal right and avenging the death of John retired with His disciples into a country place. Judas wanted more aggressive warfare. He thought that if Jesus would not prevent the disciples from carrying out their schemes, the work would be more successful.

The death of John to Judas would be a debilitating blow to his ambitions, for if the forerunner of Christ was permitted to suffer such an untimely demise, what then might be the lot of all those accountants who were following Christ?

Therefore, what God did and what He permitted the devil to do was strategic on several levels, which to the finite mind may not have made sense up front. True Christians in our day will experience their share of troubles, disappointments, adversities and griefs, but in all and through it all, God’s good purposes are being worked out.

We may not always agree with the ways, means and methods God chooses, but if we were able to see the end from the beginning, we will understand that it was the best productive path in the bigger picture. God does not call us to agree with Him, but to obey.

For instance, when Jesus was experiencing His own bout of depression in the garden of Gethsemane, He was shown what would be the end result of the trials before Him, and even though the heat of the furnace did not abate, Jesus saw that end result will benefit not only humanity, but the entire universe. Let’s read:

Isaiah 53: 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

[The Desire of Ages pp 693>694] The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most-High.

He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved. Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face.

Now, although we do not like to sound like a broken record, we should be reminded that in our day, the same antagonistic forces that came after Job, Jesus, John, David, Daniel, and every follower of Christ, in ages past, will again try to discourage, harass, tempt and destroy, if and when permitted to do so.

Yet, God has given us the assurance that the enemy is not left to run loose without restraint. Temptation and its byproducts, are carefully monitored by The God of heaven, so that if the Christian in question were to hang in there by faith, the adversity would not destroy, but would strengthen faith and resolve. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 10: 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

In other words, if one is currently going through the wringer, the guarantee is given that such a person is enabled to bear it, just as Job, Jesus, and John were enabled to bear their share of tribulation.

Thus, because the heat of the furnace is scheduled to be ratcheted up several notches in our day, as we approach the close of earth’s history, it will become even more urgent and important that we study the experiences of those who have gone before, so that we wouldn’t be shaken out by the turbulence that’s scheduled to take the world by storm. Let’s read:

[The Great Controversy pp 622] The “time of trouble such as never was,” is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess, and which many are too indolent to obtain.

 It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal. In that time of trial, every soul must stand for himself before God.

Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in the land, “as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.”

Thus, as we close off our discourse, let the followers of Christ be encouraged, knowing that if and when a trial of our faith takes place, we wouldn’t have been the only ones sailing in the boat.

Trials and temptations will intensify greatly, and we will be tempted to let go our hold on God, if we may not get reasons and explanations, but if we stay the course with Christ, He will bring us through as gold tried in the fire.

Therefore, buckle up your shoes, shake off the blues and let the good news of Christ’s coming kingdom cheer our hearts, as the dawn of eternity looms on the horizon. In harmony with this sentiment, we will end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to hold fast the profession of our faith. Let’s read:

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

36 For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, ye 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 draws 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.

                                    God Bless!

Information Versus Conviction. Sabbath afternoon 09/09/2023

Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The topic which we will address today is one that is to be clearly understood, especially in the context of the work of the Gospel being carried to all people of the earth in these last days of history.

The good news of God’s soon coming kingdom is to be preached, and all the instructions, principles, and laws of Chrit’s kingdom should be shared with those we come in contact with, because every Christian is called to take up the mantle of service, as is given in the great commission. Let’s read:

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

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

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

After coming to know The Lord, He bids us go, and let others know, the things of the kingdom, with all of its precepts and promises Jesus bids us to preach and live by.

But in going to preach, teach, or give Bible studies, we are to understand that there is a huge difference between giving out information, and the conviction of conscience that only the Holy Ghost can bring.

We will discover that presenting truth in a manner that cannot be controverted, does not necessarily translate into conviction. The individuals in question may not be able to dodge the straight truth, but the mind may still not be convinced.

That is because the servants of God cannot convict anyone in their conscience; it’s only God who can do the work of convicting. Hence the reason why when a person decides to give his/ her life to Christ today, in very many instances that will not be the first time that they had heard the truth.

One of the problems with fallen humanity is that we often don’t get it with the first round of information given to us in any matter. Very few persons on our planet are able to grasp with clarity, any subject that is presented to the mind, for it often takes several rounds of repetition for persons to understand fully.

Case in point is the 27 doctrines of our church which if you were to ask most Seventh Day Adventists of, it will be a teeny tiny minority who would remember, let alone explain what we believe.

Again, the prophecies of Daniel, including the 2300 day prophecy have been explained by preachers and evangelists such as Doug Bachelor and others on a number of occasions, yet very many don’t seem to get it, for one reason or another.

That’s because we only use a small percentage of our mental capacity, and therefore, the ability for us to grasp things readily, especially, deep, sacred truth is not something which takes place either rapidly, or regularly.

Persons may have already discovered that when the Scripture is read, it is very often the case that truths are missed on the first and second pass and it’s only after reading the same passages over and over again that the lights may finally go on in our heads.

Hence the reason why it becomes necessary for God to send several different preachers, so that the truth will finally sink in. In the majority of instances, it can take several passes, going over the very same info in different formats, before persons finally get it. 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.

Therefore, there are persons who might have been spoken to on some aspect of present truth, upon whom the truths just may not seem to register. And in some cases, because persons may not readily get the full meaning of the truth in question, they might even put up a stiff resistance to it, to the chagrin of the layman in question.

Just because folks might have grasped some sacred truth readily, does not mean that everybody else should be expected to do so, and if this is the case, then the matter of convincing should be left up to The Holy Spirit, who alone can send the rays of truth home to a person’s mind, in a way that will resonate with their understanding.

Hence the reason for the topic for this evening: Information Versus Conviction.

When we hear people say that a layman or preacher speaks with conviction, that does not necessarily mean that the Holy Spirit convicts the hearers to the point of decision making, anytime such a preacher opens his mouth to speak. It could also mean that the speaker is deeply persuaded by his or her own words.

It is true that whenever the unadulterated word of God is spoken, The Spirit of God is present to drive home the truths thus presented, but in many cases, the minds of persons may not be convicted enough to the point where they will make a decision for the right.

There is a difference between mere information and conviction and even though the two might work in tandem, it is often the case that information may sit on the backburner of a person’s mind, long before any conviction finally does its work, or even arrives.

This fact should not discourage, or dissuade the one who is sent to teach or preach, for our mission is to sow beside all waters not to convict. And thus, in the fullness of time, the God of heaven causes seed to germinate and grow, and it will often bring forth fruit, some thirty, some sixty, and some a hundredfold. This fact is clearly stated in the Bible. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Habakkuk 2: 2 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run who reads it.

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Psalms 126: 6 He that goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

There are times when some point of truth is spoken in clear lines, yet for some reason, it may not impact the hearts and minds of the hearers in ways that will bring conviction to the point of decision, even if The Holy Ghost is present.

This is what took place with William Miller, as truth of the Sabbath was presented to him from scripture. There it was before his face, he couldn’t reasonably deny it neither could he dodge it, yet Miller was not able to fully grasp its significance then, because of circumstances that were unfolding at that time.

Thus, even though the word of God was there, and The Holy Spirit was present, the convincing power of God did not sway Miller’s mind, to the point of decision and he died without accepting the present truth, yet he will be saved in God’s kingdom. Let’s read:

[Early Writings pp 257>258] My attention was then called to William Miller. He looked perplexed and was bowed with anxiety and distress for his people. The company who had been united and loving in 1844 were losing their love, opposing one another, and falling into a cold, backslidden state.

As he beheld this, grief wasted his strength. I saw leading men watching him, and fearing lest he should receive the third angel's message and the commandments of God. And as he would lean toward the light from heaven, these men would lay some plan to draw his mind away. At length William Miller raised his voice against the light from heaven.

He leaned to human wisdom instead of divine, but being broken with arduous labor in his Master's cause, and by age, he was not as accountable as those who kept him from the truth. But angels watch the precious dust of this servant of God, and he will come forth at the sound of the last trump.

Not only does information not guarantee conviction, but even the convincing power of God, at times, has to be engaged several times upon the person’s mind before he or she finally gets it.

The time when folks gave their lives to Christ, when they came up to the altar with tears, and confession of sin, after hearing the sermon, was most likely not the first time The Holy Ghost tried to reach such and such persons with conviction.

In some instances, it took The Holy Spirit hundreds, or thousands of attempts before the ice was finally broken, yet God did not throw in the towel after the very first try, just because persons refused to budge.

The Lord sends both His word, and His Holy Spirit on multiple occasions with convincing power to people, and in some cases the positive response comes right away, while in other instances it might come only years later.

This truth can be certified in the experiences of king Manasseh to whom God sent both prophets and His Holy Spirit for many years, yet the king didn’t budge. It was only after a very long time that Manasseh got it, and the rest is history. That’s because information does not always result in conviction, to the point of decision, even when The Holy Ghost is present. Let’s read:

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.

12 And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

13 And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God.

Now, it’s never advised to put aside the word of God for a later date, nor is it ever recommended for any person to say tomorrow, because procrastination is the devil’s tool and he can use it to his advantage, in tempting persons to delay and delay, until the cold fingers of death may close the person’s probation.

Thus, even though we are studying the facts on the ground, as it pertains to information and conviction, the God of heaven does issue a warning against any delay after one hears His word clearly, yet refuses to make good on the grace offered through the Holy Spirit’s convincing efforts. Let’s read:

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

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

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

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

12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Thus, even though persons are cautioned against a delayed response to the Holy Spirit’s work upon the heart, the raw facts on the ground teach us that, in many cases, after the seed of truth has been sown, a gestation period ensues, where persons may have to weigh the evidence presented, before making a determination upon the truth in question. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 3: 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

7 So then neither is he who plants, anything, neither is he that waters; but God that giveth the increase.

Isaiah 32: 20 Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.

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.

Acts 6: 7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

[L.D.E pp 197] The Lord has His representatives in all the churches. These persons haven’t had the special testing truths for these last days presented to them under circumstances that brought conviction to the heart and mind; therefore, they have not, by rejecting light, severed their connection with God.

The issue of information versus conviction also took place with all the disciples of Jesus Christ, who upon multiple occasions, were plainly told what was going to happen to their Master. Yet, though the info was given in the clearest lines, it just didn’t fully register in their minds, even though Jesus Himself was with them. Let’s read:

John 16: 28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

29 His disciples said unto him, now you’re speaking plainly, and not in a proverb.

30 Now are we sure that You know all things, and need not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that You came forth from God.

31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?

32 Behold, the hour comes, yea, is now come, that you shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

Matthew 17: 22 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men.

23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

Luke 9: 18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

20 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

21 And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;

22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

Matthew 16: 21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

We would think that by now they would have gotten it and be fully convinced in their hearts, for it wasn’t just any old preacher uttering these words, it was Christ Himself who was speaking, and therefore, if information, always, automatically translated into conviction, then the following would not be written. Let’s read:

Luke 24: 15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

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.

In fact, this particular encounter reveals something that needs to be understood by those who carry the everlasting Gospel to the people in our day. Unless The Holy Ghost illuminates a person’s mind, such a person is rendered incapable of understanding, or being convinced of truth, regardless of how much information on the subject in question is given out. Let’s read:

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

45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.

Layman preachers in our day, who are preparing to run the last leg of the long running marathon of the Gospel, must understand that The Hoy Spirit will be given to drive home specific truths pertaining to the issues of worship that will obtain in our day. He isn’t scheduled to convince people under the latter rain, of all 27 fundamental doctrines of the church.

In fact, when we read Revelation chapter 14 very carefully, we would discover that the message to be given under the latter rain is uniquely streamlined, for it deals with surgical precision upon the mark of the beast, and the commandments of God.

Therefore, the other hot button issues in Adventist circles, together with all Adventist hot potatoes will be stripped entirely of their former significance and the straight testimony John designates will be given to the masses of people. 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.

8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation……

Therefore, just like it was of old, this is not the very first time that most people would be hearing about the mark of the beast and the true Sabbath of the Bible. Some will be hearing it for the first time, but many others would have heard it years before, but now, the seed sown will spring up and bear fruit, to the tune of abundant harvests we didn’t anticipate.

In other words, the information had been given for many years in some cases, but the issues were not brought prominently to the forefront of the intellect and therefore, the outpouring of The Holy Spirit will accomplish that which could not be done under less favorable circumstances. Let’s read:

[Publishing Ministry pp 356] The results of the circulation of this book [The Great Controversy] are not to be judged by what now appears. By reading it, some souls will be aroused, and will have courage to unite themselves at once with those who keep the commandments of God. But a much larger number who read it will not take their position until they see the very events taking place that are foretold in it.

 The fulfillment of some of the predictions will inspire faith that others also will come to pass, and when the earth is lightened with the glory of the Lord, in the closing work, many souls will take their position on the commandments of God as the result of this agency.

Therefore, let not the laymen get frustrated, and let not the preachers be discouraged, if the immediate results of preaching the everlasting Gospel do not meet expectations. God knows those who are His in every single church, and in the fullness of time He’ll ratchet up the Latter rain, to produce persons who will obey His voice.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture that will help us to remember the differences between information and conviction, and God will bless those earnest efforts made by His people to reach persons who are now sitting in darkness. Let’s read:

Isaiah 55: 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not thither, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the Sower, and bread to the eater:

11 So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

                                    God Bless!

The Pros And Cons Of Grace. Sabbath afternoon 09/02/2023

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: never the less I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

The grace of God towards the human family which is manifested through Jesus has pros and cons that are associated with it, and depending on the mind upon which grace falls, it can have a positive or a negative effect. God’s purpose in granting us grace is because without it, no one would be saved.

Some folks believe that grace is all good, producing the desired effect God intended, but when we drill down further, we discover that this isn’t always the case. Grace does not always guarantee a favorable outcome, and at times it may seem as if grace was wasted upon persons who couldn’t care less about what Christ did for us on Calvary.

Yet, the grace of God is given in promise form, so that any person may avail themselves of it, and be saved if he or she so chooses. Again, grace isn’t only given in response to a specific request by persons, God gives grace to those who do not ask for it, and to those who may trample it under their feet.

It’s because of His goodness and mercy, why grace is granted, not because we deserve or even requested it, and because of His love for us grace is poured out in copious showers, upon believers and unbelievers alike. When we read in the Bible that Noah found grace, he was not the only one to whom grace was given.

Every single antediluvian was a beneficiary of God’s grace, what they did with it made all the difference, but as far as receiving it is concerned, they all were participants in God’s grace, for God had continued to feed and care for them, right up until the day of the flood. Let’s read:

Genesis 6: 3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

By itself, when received into the heart by faith, the grace of God is a good thing, but when it is resisted for various reasons, it can cause persons to become presumptuous, self-righteous, even more stubborn than they previously were. That’s because the same sun that hardens concrete also melts butter.

God’s grace was manifested towards pharaoh, but it did not have the desired effect, because of the king in question. God could have brought the last plague first, and pharaoh would have buckled under a load of pressure, but as grace was manifested, he dug in his heels even more, until he went completely mad.

Thus, the grace of God manifested to him which was intended to save him was not a savor of life unto life simply because of the type of heart it fell upon. And because of this pharaoh turned grace from a pro to a con, by his response.

Therefore, if a person is stubborn, proud, or mean spirited, that in and of itself does not determine the destiny of that person. It’s their response to God’s grace that becomes the deciding factor.

God is not so much concerned with fact that we are sinners; He is more concerned with what persons do with the remedy provided through the grace found in Christ. Pharaoh was not the worst person who’d ever lived on the planet, for if God could reach the people of Nineveh, He could have reached pharaoh.

When we read in the scriptures that God hardened the heart of pharaoh, the correct interpretation of that statement is that God did everything He could do to save pharaoh, but those waves of mercy were relentlessly beaten back time and time again, until it culminated in his demise.

But with Nebuchadnezzar, God’s grace produced the change of heart which God intends, and what took place with the Babylonian king could’ve taken with pharaoh; but the soil of the heart was different and that singular fact affected the outcome.

Thus, there are some fundamentals about the grace of God that should be understood by His servants as persons are preparing to make the final push against the gates of hell, to retrieve the sons, and daughters of God who are still sitting in darkness at this time.

Some of the stereotypes we’ve become accustomed to will be overturned, some of the perspectives we previously held would need to be revisited, and the fresh anointing from God, who desires that all men be saved, and come to a knowledge of the truth, is to be adopted.

[1] The grace of God is given to every person, and every inhabitant of earth is a beneficiary of God’s grace, directly and indirectly. Let’s read:

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

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

Hosea 1:10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.

Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.

35 But in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is accepted with him.

[Ms. 52 par 27] The Lord has His representatives in all the churches in the world. These representatives have not had the light of truth presented to them under circumstances that brought convictions to their hearts and minds; therefore, they have not severed their connection with God.

[2] God puts more grace where it is urgently needed and this fact explains in part why some persons who may not be believers, seem to be having less issues and problems than the believer. Let’s read:

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

Some Christians tend to stumble over the fact that the unbeliever might have things going so smoothly, while the servant of God may be under pressure, or trial, day in and day out. At times this can be quite difficult to swallow, especially if the Christian might be trying their best to live in harmony with God.

But the pros of grace often allow unlikely persons to prosper and do very well, even when to mortal eyes it may seem as if they are living carefree lives. This is not to say that the Christian’s life is inevitably always doom and gloom; it is not, but sometimes, there is a stark disparity that can cause persons to stumble.

This is what took place with David’s chief musician, as he compared his lot in life with those who did not fear God. The pros and cons of grace he just did not understand for as he observed and compared his lot with theirs, there seemed to be an inversion taking place, as far as the dispersion of grace is concerned. Let’s read:

Psalms 73:2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well-nigh slipped.

3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

[3] To the majority of earthlings, one of the cons of grace is that it is free. In other words, the freeness of God’s grace can cause a person to stumble.

The human agent generally prefers to pay for things, for doing so produces feelings of accomplishment, ownership, and achievement. But with grace, all of that is left in the dust at the Cross, where it’s Jesus alone who gets the glory.

Thus, if salvation was a thing that money could buy, millions would have signed on. The freeness of the grace of God can be a very hard pill for human pride to swallow, and because of this fact, concepts such as penances and indulgences will have more curb appeal, than believing in Christ alone.

To many people, the prospect of working, or paying one’s way into heaven is much more attractive than believing. Indeed, if tickets to heaven were being sold by Ticket Master for $100.00 a pop, they would have sold out by now.

And it is because of this why with very many people, God’s grace is rejected. The fact that Jesus died on the cross and did everything free of charge, denies the human agent any credit, and if works would not be considered as a contributing factor to eternal life some persons would have nothing to do with it. Let’s read:

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

It was the freeness of grace that caused Naaman to be fuming at the prophet Elijah, when he was told to go wash in the Jordan seven times. If Elijah had told him to do a thousand pushups, or five hundred crunches, Naaman might have jumped eagerly at the suggestion.

But to go wash in Jordan seven times was way too simple, and free, and since he could not pay for the healing, he went away in a rage. In fact, when we observe the narrative closely, we will discover that Naaman had intended upfront to pay for grace, for in his mind, he doesn’t think that it should be free. The very concept seems to bother him. Let’s read:

2nd Kings 5:1 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valor, but he was a leper.

2 And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.

3 And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would heal him of his leprosy.

5 And the king of Syria said, Go and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.

10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

11 But Naaman was angry, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

13 And his servants came near, and spoke unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldn’t you have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

The issue of the freeness of God’s grace is not only restricted to healing, because it applies to concepts of salvation which are held by many persons, who believe that some contributing factor on their part is a must in order for eternal life to become a reality. The Biblical teaching that it is a gift from God that is completely free, just does not sound right to some persons.

In fact, some individuals would only accept a hybrid version of salvation, where the goodness of God in Jesus is coupled together with meritorious works on their part, in order for it to seem viable. In other words, to accept salvation as a straight up gift, free and clear, does not sit right with many persons.

This can be verified by the following scriptural cases in which some folks advanced the concept of doing some sort of works or good deeds, so that salvation could be earned. This is not to say that such persons cannot be reached, they can be reached, but we are just unraveling the concept of merit, as it pertains to salvation. Let’s read:

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

6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him.

8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord.

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

Not long after making that solemn promise, they were found at a block party at the foot of Mt Sinai, complete with calypsonians and other reggae artists who provided the music Israel needed to foster the reveling that soon followed.

Some persons in commenting on the wild scene try to make it seem more conservative than it really is, but the Bible removes all the political correctness and describes a scene of riotous revelry at the foot of the mount.

The people obviously did not understand the pros and cons of grace, for when God said to them “If you will obey my voice” He was not expecting, nor was He intending that they should attempt this sort of heavy lifting on their own.

God’s will was that the people should access His grace to enable them in their efforts to obey, as is the case with every aspect of the Christian life. It is not by might nor by will power, or by determination or even by decision.

One can decide to obey God but without the motive power to do so, obedience will devolve into a bland, joyless experience which only produces the external rites, works, and efforts, without the heart and soul being in the mix. God’s will is that persons will serve Him with joy and gladness, not because they feel an obligation to do so against their will. Let’s read:

Psalms 40: 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

Psalms 100:1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures to all generations.

Here again is the same issue of freeness, as it often pertains to the Pros and Cons of grace, occurring in the experience of the prodigal son, who, after he had spent his father’s goods on girls, gadgets, blings and things, felt that he had to do something to gain favor with his father. He just could not see himself as being a candidate for grace. Let’s read:

Luke 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father I have sinned against heaven and before thee.

19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

By the way, the prodigal son, and the elder brother suffered from the same problem as Naaman, who had a hard time understanding that God’s grace is free. The elder brother pointed to his faithfulness over the years as the reasons why he was entitled to the father’s favor. Let’s read:

Luke 15: 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends.

30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

In other words, what the elder brother is saying is that there is an issue of entitlement, based upon his own meritorious works, as opposed to the prodigal son who did not deserve anything, based upon what he had failed to do. The fact is that none of us have ever deserved God’s grace, for it is a free gift, given by God because of His goodness alone.

When a Christian is sick, he or she is not entitled to healing, when financially broken, the Christian is not entitled to a cash bailout from God, and when he is in trouble, he is not entitled to deliverance.

God may choose to do so because of His grace, but to say that a Christian is entitled to these things, just because he or she is doing the right thing, is to put grace in a meritorious format, which the Bible never teaches. Here is the same issue of merit, pertaining to God’s grace, over and over again. Let’s read:

Luke 7: 2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this.

5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

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

John 6: 28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?

The issue of the freeness of God’s grace without any meritorious work can be difficult for one to swallow, especially if persons believe that they are wiser than God, because the simplicity of belief is often found to be anathema to their intelligence.

This is one of the reasons why, as Paul studied and observed the Pros and Cons of God’s grace, he was inspired to pen the following words. Let’s read:

1st Corinthian 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom.

23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness.

The laymen in our day, who are being prepared for the latter rain must seek to understand thoroughly the pros and cons of grace, as well as the freeness of the gospel, for as we have stated before, God is scheduled to go off script, in His bid to save to the uttermost, those of His people who are still sitting in Sunday churches.

Many of God’s people who currently attend church on Sunday, do not have the light and knowledge we have at our disposal, and therefore, based upon the freeness of the gospel there are things that may not be required of them that might be required in those who know better.

At the very forefront of our understanding of God’s grace is the fact that it is never based on merit, and thus, there are certain aspects of Adventism which should not be forced upon the invisible remnant, if and when God so directs.

For instance, even though diets and foods are used as an opening wedge to reach individuals, we must remember that eating vegetables is not the gospel.

The health message is described as the right arm of the gospel but it is not the gospel, and therefore, an understanding of the freeness of God’s grace should drive laymen in our day to preach present truth in a manner that will put the real issues at the front, and center of their efforts.

In Revelation 14, the focus of the everlasting gospel is worship, it’s not diets and foods, and thus, even if some were to use the opening wedge of the health message to perk a person’s interest, vegetables and exercise should not be permitted to overshadow the real issue on the front burner, for God is able to save to the uttermost, His people in protestant churches who are still eating meat.

The grace of God and the gift of eternal life are free, and therefore, the Christian does not score salvific points by eating either veggies or meat, as far as our salvation goes.

Now, it is true that there are definite benefits to be experienced in real time by appropriating the health message to oneself, and we are bidden to teach the people how to live healthy lives. But as far as being meritorious, veggies are an absolute non-starter.

Stereotypes, and formatted ways of doing things we have become accustomed over the years will have to be revisited, for vegetarians are not more worthy than meat-eaters. In fact, neither of them is worthy to begin with, for it is the freeness of God’s grace which brings salvation to all men.

For example, under the outpouring of the latter rain if a Sunday keeper were to accept the Sabbath, but may not fully grasp the health message, they’re not to be coerced into doing so, because the issue that will be at stake is the keeping of all God’s commands including the fourth, not diets and foods.

Therefore, if against all odds, such persons were to accept the Sabbath truth, at a time when it will be quite perilous to do so, the laymen should not insist on vegetables, as a must. The grace of God is able to cover those gray areas that may not be understood by our Sunday keeping brethren. Let’s read:

[LTMS LT 2 1899 Par 50] As the right arm is to the body, so is the reformatory health missionary work to the third angel’s message. But the right arm is not to become the whole body.

As was stated before on several occasions, God will be doing some very strange things, using ways and means that we may not be accustomed to, the same way that He introduced Peter and his fellows to the freeness of God’s grace, without the shackles of the rite of circumcision.

Therefore, our minds must now be trained to follow where God leads the way, even if it is a path that we are not accustomed to. The servant of The Lord, in her commentary upon the Latter Rain, describes to us the unorthodox ways and means that God would employ in finishing up the work of salvation. Let’s read:

[Last Day Events pp 206] The Spirit is poured out upon all who will yield to its promptings and, casting off all man's machinery, his binding rules and cautious methods, they will declare the truth with the might of the Spirit's power. When divine power is combined with human effort, the work will spread like fire in the stubble. God will employ agencies whose origin man will be unable to discern.

[Last Day Events pp 195] We may be sure that when the Holy Spirit is poured out, those who did not receive and appreciate the early rain will not see or understand the value of the latter rain. Only those who are living up to the light they have will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.

[Last Day Events pp 209] There is to be in the [Seventh-day Adventist] churches a wonderful manifestation of the power of God, but it will not move upon those who have not humbled themselves before the Lord, and opened the door of the heart by confession and repentance.

In the manifestation of that power which lightens the earth with the glory of God, they will see only something which in their blindness they think dangerous, something which will arouse their fears, and they will brace themselves to resist it. Because the Lord does not work according to their ideas and expectations, they will oppose the work. “Why,” they say, “should we not know the Spirit of God, when we have been in the work so many years?”

 The third angel's message won’t be comprehended, the light which will lighten the earth with its glory will be called a false light, by those who refuse to walk in its advancing glory.

Therefore, in all of our preaching and teaching, let’s never lose sight of the fact that God’s grace is free, and that the Pros and Cons of His grace will produce results that we may not expect. Most of all, let us be willing to be led by His Spirit, not restricting Him to those formats and orthodox ways and means we’ve become accustomed to over the years.

In harmony with this purpose, we will end with a passage of Scripture, which reminds us that we are to be tethered to The Living word, because it is the Person of the book we are following. Let’s read:

Romans 8: 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

                                    God Bless!

Living On The Brink Of Eternity. Sabbath afternoon 08/26/2023

Matthew 24:6 And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

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

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

All of the signs pertaining to Christ’s second coming are now converging on our doorstep, and even with science struggling for answers, and explanations as to the unprecedented heat and wildfires raging in so many parts of the globe, the word of God gives to us the reasons, so that we might reason from cause to effect, and make the necessary changes.

The changes that need to be made are not primarily scientific, but spiritual in nature. The science behind global warming, and the capricious outbreaks of our weather are primarily the results of the violation of spiritual law, which has jurisdiction over natural and physical laws.

Therefore, instead of addressing the problem from the bottom up, it should be addressed from the top down, for in this way the disturbances mentioned in our first passage can be mitigated, at least partially, since the horses have already left the barn.

For instance, in days of old, when the Hebrews were suffering severe drought, and excessive heat, Haggai gave them the reasons, and the way they should go about mitigating the problems. They were never to start with the scientific remedies because unlike the x-Perts in our day, Haggai understood that spiritual laws are far superior in their relation to science.

Thus, the prophet did not point to science, or global warming as the real problem, for the drought was a byproduct of violating spiritual law and thus, the remedies to be adopted must needs be spiritual in nature first. Let’s read:

Haggai 1:5 Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.

6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earns wages earns wages to put it into a bag with holes. (That’s inflation being referenced)

7 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.

9 Ye looked for much, and, lo it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the Lord of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.

10 Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit.

11 And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labor of the hands.

12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the Lord.

13 Then spoke Haggai the Lord's messenger in the Lord's message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the Lord.

The spiritual law that was being violated was the 1st commandment which says “You shall have no other gods before me”. In other words, they were putting their temporal interests first and God’s interests last and therefore, with this inverted approach, the laws of nature will be disrupted, thereby producing heat and the resulting drought.

The people back then heeded the words of Haggai the prophet, they reversed their inversion of priority and began to build the house of God, thus putting God first, and no sooner had they done this, a stark reversal of fortune ensued.

Now, we must observe, and carefully consider the problem and the way the solution was mitigated. A severe drought is ravaging the land, with famine and high inflation at their doorstep. And Haggai is saying to them that the way to resolve the issue, is to build the house of God.

The proposed remedy is very strange indeed and no doubt, science in our day would make a mockery of the solution stipulated. While it is true that burning fossil fuels contribute to global warming, proposed mitigations such as the transition to electric vehicles and the banning of gas stoves, will only go so far.

Unless the spiritual component is addressed, earth will continue to heat up, and the inhabitants thereof will continue to feel the adverse effects, as rivers dry up, as heat waves trigger severe drought and as wild fires continue their destructive march across islands and continents. The drought in Haggai’s day actually had nothing to do with global warming, because the reason for that severe famine was a spiritual problem. Let’s read:

Haggai 2:16 Since those days were, when one came to an heap of twenty measures, there were but ten: when one came to the press for to draw out fifty vessels out of the press, there were but twenty.

18 Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the Lord's temple was laid, consider it.

19 Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you.

But help is on the way for persons who choose to live by the principles and laws of the Bible. At God’s discretion, the promises made to the righteous will be fulfilled in due season, for nothing catches God off-guard, and as such, He has already made needed provisions, when the adverse results would become unbearable. It all has to do with living on the brink of eternity. Let’s read:

Isaiah 4: 6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.

Again, when diseases, pandemics, and epidemics began to suddenly ravage the land of the Philistines, the reason was a spiritual one, for they had taken an unlawful possession of the sacred ark, and until they reversed course by returning it to the Jews, nothing that they might try to abate the disasters will work.

In our day we must be very careful not to reason as the Philistines did, for they looked for every other cause, other than the most obvious. In our day the X-Perts are looking for every other possible reason for the fearful convulsions of nature, other than that which is written in the Bible.

As the Philistines looked back in retrospect, the only thing different that had been done was the capture of the ark, and thus, the preliminary providences which took place in their house of worship, should have been sufficient to alert their consciences, that something had gone wrong.

Yet they searched and searched for any other cause, and the strategies they applied, failed and failed, for unless they would acknowledge that some spiritual law had been violated, they would continue to beat around the proverbial bush and calamities would be escalating until their cries reached unto heaven. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 5:2 When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.

3 And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the Lord. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again.

4 And when they arose early on the following morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him.

As a person working in the Auto industry, if I were to install four spark plugs on a Honda Accord, and the next day I found them all removed and sitting on the ground next to the car, I personally will start to pray like never before, for it would be obvious that some intelligent entity had disturbed them.

However, like the Philistines, I would reinstall them, but I would be looking diligently the next day to see if it was just my imagination, or my mind just playing games with me.

But if the next day I were to discover the same spark plugs removed, and all four of them were smashed to pieces on the ground, then, I couldn’t reasonably conclude that it was just a fluke.

Some intelligent entity, or some individual must have deliberately done the damage, and the next logical questions would be “Who” and “Why?”.

My intelligence would then dictate that I retrace my steps, to see if I had done something differently, or out of line, for at this point, it would be either God, satan, or some other person responsible.

But for me to conclude that this just happened by chance, would be to bury my head in the sand and deny the most obvious. And if I were to continue to go down this path, my ability to reason rationally would certainly be damaged. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 6:6 Wherefore then do you harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?

7 Now therefore make a new cart, and take two new cows, on which there hath come no yoke and tie the cows to the cart, and bring their calves home from them.

9 And see, if it goes up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us: it was a chance that happened to us.

12 And the cows took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border.

The unnatural things we are currently witnessing in nature, together with the more than 5500 recorded temperatures broken recently should speak volumes to our intellectual powers, and cause us to reason, that maybe, just maybe, it might be the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy taking place in real time.

But the great fear is that if science was to draw that conclusion, it would trigger a major, embarrassing moment, and would cause worldwide upheaval, for if the Biblical prophecies are true then everything in the Bible is true.

And if that is the case, then the theory of Evolution would become the biggest lie ever told and then the Sabbath of the 4th commandment, pointing to The Creator, would also be true and still valid.

An acknowledgement such as this would then rock the entire globe to its very core, and would certainly spark tremendous pandemonium, and mayhem in the scientific community, because professors, and philosophers would now find themselves in the very awkward position of having to apologize to students who had been brainwashed with evolution for many years.

Thus, instead of acknowledging the truth, reporters and news anchors are in some instances, ignorantly or deliberately, beating around the bush, and using such terms as “Apocalyptic”, “Historic” and “Of Biblical Proportions” to describe current natural disasters, yet none of the prophecies written in the Bible are mentioned in the analysis of events. Let’s read:

Apr 22, 2020 · London CNN —. The world is facing multiple famines of “biblical proportions”

(CNN) See the 'apocalyptic' scenes after wildfire torches Hawaii…

(CNN) Oct 9, 2020 · The World Food Programme warned in April that the planet is facing multiple famines of "biblical proportions" in just a matter of months…

(Newsweek) Apr 22, 2020 · A top United Nations official has warned that humanity could be facing several famines of "biblical proportions" in the near future.

However, the focus of our attention will be the last two verses of our opening passages, which says:

Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same be saved.

The reason why we will focus on these two passages is because the collateral damage being done to the planet, in the form of weather-related events, stems primarily from spiritual causes, with calamities, and disasters in the physical world as natural byproducts in very many cases.

When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden, it was appetite that they were tempted on, as the issue of food was prepared as the snare by the devil. Eve fell for what she heard, while Adam fell for what he saw but both came under the umbrella of desire, which culminated in them eating forbidden food.

Ever since that day, satan has successfully tempted both men and women on the same two issues, and, that he has had great success could be seen in the wrecks of character that have been strewn upon the sands of time.

Desires are not in and of themselves sin, but if they aren’t held in with bit and bridle, they can sink men and women boys and girls in perdition. Therefore, as time progressed, the cravings became stronger and stronger, to the point where feelings would override intelligence, and persons would be driven to extremes and insanity, solely because of the urge to satisfy a desire.

 Some years ago, someone who had contracted the AIDS virus was going around sleeping with men. If they did not previously know of her condition, then persons might have concluded that they did so in ignorance.

But the person in question was known to alert her victims to her condition beforehand; but the urge to merge was so strong and uncontrollable, that they would turn a blind eye and brave the consequences. That is what unbridled cravings and desires will do to persons who are not garrisoned by the grace of God and sound reason.

Thus, when the scriptures predict that in the last days “Iniquity shall abound” God is telling us that temptations on appetite, in their various forms will become more difficult to overcome and as we stand on the brink of eternity, we’ll find ourselves having to do mortal battle with desires and cravings which strive for the mastery.

The purpose of man’s nemesis is one, to get craving to bypass the intellect so that desire would hold our intelligence in a subordinate position, whilst feelings and cravings rule the day. When Janet Jackson sings about the principle of pleasure, that is what she is referring to.

In other words, persons are encouraged in that song to allow the feelings, desires, and cravings to dictate what you do, so if it feels good, do it, and if it tastes good eat it, if it looks good, see it, if it sounds good, listen to it, and if it smells good, indulge the senses without restraint.

Whenever this becomes the case, the person is held in bondage to desire, and without firm decision, and the power of God to put into practice the principles of righteousness, persons can become enslaved for life.

Thus, the math is simple for if iniquity shall abound, and, as we have studied earlier, the violation of the spiritual law throws laws of nature and physical laws into discombobulation then inevitably, with increase of violations, will come increase of natural disasters.

Hence the reason why we have stated on numerous occasions that it’s not global warming that’s the real problem, it’s global sinning. The excessive heat, and outbreaks of nature we see, and do experience from time to time, are in many instances, just the natural byproducts of the violation of spiritual laws.

Therefore, to those persons who are looking for the appearance of the great God, and to those who are desirous, and looking for a better world, God desires that we study carefully the strategies employed by devils, using human agents, so that we be not found as contributors to the problems that are causing our planet to fall into disarray.

The children of Israel are sound asleep one night, in their tents, but unbeknownst to them, their enemy is scheming, and plotting to put a curse upon them. In the dead of night, ambassadors are sent from one of the surrounding nations, to tap Balaam for the purpose of casting a magic spell over the Hebrews.

Balaam tries on several occasions, without success, he being driven by the prospect of great reward, yet time and time again, his nefarious purposes are all signally defeated. Finally, he’s at his wits end, for try as he might, he just cannot poke holes in the guard God has set about His people.

He then retires with shamefacedness and failure, as his plots and efforts sink into oblivion. Yet, the very prospect of temporal gain drives him to think things over, to see if there might be a chink in the armor somewhere.

As he studies intently the events of the past days, as He rehearses in his mind, the words God forced him to speak, he stumbles upon something which grabs his attention, and because of this, he determines to try to understand the link between cause and effect. Let’s read:

Numbers 23:21 He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.

That turned out to be the key Balaam was searching for, because God Himself tied the prosperity and the security of His people to conscientious obedience of His laws and as a direct result they’re surrounded by an invisible and impenetrable armor on every side.

With this golden nugget of information before him, Balaam goes to work studiously, for if the equation can be upended, he just might have the success he craved and the magic spell he had failed to cast over them, might finally work.

Thus, human agents are sent in among the Hebrews with apparently the best of intentions but under the outer garb of friendship, is a focused determination to get the Hebrews to violate God’s laws, and as the after history of the Hebrews shows, Balaam indeed was successful. Let’s read:

Numbers 25:1 And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.

2 And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.

There’s nothing new under the sun and temptations we experience today are just ancient ones, recycled into different formats to suit the fancy or cravings of the gullible. Every temptation, from Eden to the present falls into one of three categories, namely: “The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”

When we speak of temptations upon appetite, we must understand that more than food is included. There is appetite for food, appetite for pleasure, appetite for beauty, appetite for the supernatural. But by far, the most difficult to overcome are those that deal with food.

Therefore, since it began with food, it will end with food, and as persons draw ever closer to the brink of eternity, these temptations will take on a life of their own, and will become more brazen, and more irresistible, if Christ is not in the heart at all times and in all places.  Let’s read:

Luke 17: 26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, 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 built.

Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

In lieu of the fact that we are now living on the brink of eternity, there are two excerpts from the pen of inspiration that deserve our consideration, for they are meant to put us on guard, against the cravings and desires that are running riot in the last days of earth’s history. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs And Prophets pp 457] As we approach the close of time, as the people of God stand upon the borders of the heavenly Canaan, Satan will, as of old, redouble his efforts to prevent them from entering the goodly land. He lays his snares for every soul. It is not the ignorant and uncultured merely that need to be guarded; he will prepare his temptations for those in the highest positions, in the most holy office; if he can lead them to pollute their souls, he can through them destroy many.

[Healthful Living pp 74] The controlling power of appetite will prove the ruin of thousands, when, if they had conquered on this point, then they would have had the moral power to gain the victory over every other temptation of Satan. But those who are slaves to appetite will fail in perfecting Christian character. ... As we near the close of time, Satan's temptation to indulge appetite will become more powerful and more difficult to overcome.

The way for us to keep temptations on appetite at bay, in all of their varied forms, and the way for the cravings and desires of the flesh not to faze us, is by having Christ formed within, for He alone is able to keep us from falling.

A common mistake that is made, even by many Christians is to try and tackle the issues of diets and food, and any other craving for that matter, on our own because they are issues in the temporal realm.

Again, there are persons who have fallen into the snare of becoming promise keepers, who believe that by strict self-denial, and sheer will power, they will be able to resist the clamors from within and without.

But while it is true that firm decision-making is an integral part of overcoming, our decision to do the right thing does not guarantee that persons always would. Decisions must be coupled together with the supernatural power of the Holy Ghost to give us the momentum, and staying power to resist the fierce urges of the flesh.

One of the problems associated with overcoming cravings is that persons start and stop, start and stop, until the cycles of beginning and not finishing become set in stone and thus, with every failure the motive power, and will to pick up and move forward again is gradually diminished.

The way to overcome this syndrome is by asking the Lord to give us the grace and strength through The indwelling Christ each and every day, so that we can run the Christian race with a steady and even tread. Victory over cravings does not come by accident, for it is like swimming upstream as the salmons do.

Therefore, the energy, the stick-to-itiveness, power, resilience and determination to do right, must come from a source outside of ourselves, and the Gospel teaches us that it is God alone who can work within us, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. 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.

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.

Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spoke unto me saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.

As we are living on the brink of eternity, let persons be wide awake, making deliberate decisions to do right, and asking God for grace to help us in times of need. We cannot afford to get weary of asking, for grace and strength is promised only for today.

Let us then seek God every day, and He will grant to us increasing measures of His Holy Spirit, so that we may fight the good fight of faith, for it is His will that everyone who names the name of Christ, should live like a conqueror.

In harmony with this purpose, we will end the study with the following passage, and quote because they contain the key to living victoriously in an age where feeling, cravings, and latent tendencies are gaining the ascendency in society. Let’s read:

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.

[M.H pp 58] All who are under the training of God need the quiet hour for communion with their own hearts, with nature, and with God. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. He will receive a new endowment of both physical and mental strength.

                                   God Bless!

Laymen Will Finish The Work. Sabbath afternoon 08/19/2023

Joel 2:23 Be glad then, you 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.

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.

As always, when studying and interpreting prophecy history must also be studied, because what God has done in times past is often repeated in future events as He has declared in His word. Future events that are scheduled to take place during the closing days of earth’s history are often previewed in the former experiences of nations and individuals.

That’s one of the reasons why the scripture says we have “A more- sure word of prophecy” meaning that when precedent and prophecy converge, a person can be anchored more securely in the utterances of the Bible, and thus, faith gets the evidence needed, and becomes more firmly established.

For instance, whenever we see the issue of worship, diets and foods surfacing in the book of Daniel, with his companions, God is telling us to expect these to be a part of last day events upon our planet.

When we see the issue of worship surfacing on Mt. Carmel with Elijah the prophet, and then heavy rain falling right after, God is saying to us that the issues pertaining to worship in our day will call for copious showers of the latter rain, as prophesied by Joel. Again, when we see plagues upon Egypt, because of the issue of worship, we should also expect plagues in the last days, on account of worship and when we see frogs coming up out of the waters, and going in among the Egyptians, we must also expect frogs of some sort to surface again in the book of Revelation which deals with last day events. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 1: 9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

10 Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

Similarly, when the Gospel was taken to the entire then known world by the servants of God. We must seek to understand the ways and means Jesus then employed for as with almost everything else, history is scheduled to be repeated.

Therefore, in the study of historical precedent we’ll observe some stunning similarities between sacred history and the here and now, as God wraps up the work of the Gospel throughout the world.

The first observation pertains directly to how Jesus chose His servants, who were scheduled to take the Gospel to the entire then known world.

[1] None of the twelve disciples were ordained by the religious institutions of the day for the work of carrying the Gospel. The establishment leaders were not responsible for their ordination, for it was Jesus, who laid His hands upon them and anointed them for the ministry. Let’s read:

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

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.

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

Similarly, when the great work of salvation is to be brought to a close, it will be the ordination of God upon the laymen He has chosen that will finish the work of the Gospel in all the world. This isn’t to say that great men would not be used, but for the most part, it will be ordinary people, whom God has set apart for the specific work. Let’s read:

[Last Day Events pp 204] In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged.... God will work a work in our day that but few anticipate. He will raise up and exalt among us those who are taught rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the outward training of scientific institutions. These facilities aren’t to be despised or condemned; they are ordained of God, but they can furnish only the exterior qualifications.

The twelve did not learn the ways and means of the orthodox teachings of the Rabbis, for their methods of studying and interpreting the Scriptures were too riddled and interwoven with tradition and sayings of men.

As a result, in their presentation of the word of God, the Rabbis tended to make persons worse off than they were before. That is because they had lost the simplicity of the Gospel, being bogged down with the baggage of sophistication. And as a result, their instructions were vague, and without authority, and they were not able to reach the heart.

When preparing their presentations, the Rabbis did not ask themselves the question: How will this draw persons closer to God, and how will it impact their lives in a manner that would produce growth, faith and obedience that comes from the heart?

Instead, they would spend hours fiddling with those linguistic technicalities that would give persons the impression that they were learned men. They would focus on tradition and technicalities of the law while the spirit of the law found no entrance whatsoever into their own everyday experience.

Thus, when individuals went to church, it was more format than substance, more husk than kernel that was being presented, and people often left church more frustrated, empty, and discouraged than when they first came. This is what prompted Jesus to utter the following words. Let’s read:

Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

Thus, when Jesus unleashed an entirely new brand of preaching, it was with authority and persons who were disposed to believe would then be sure of the doctrine.

Jesus used everyday references that persons could readily relate to for they were familiar with all of the illustrations He used, and His methods of teaching, as a general rule, would lead to a definite change of heart, in persons who were willing to receive Him.

Sermons and presentations are not so much about information, as they are about The Person of Christ, and thus, when preaching or giving Bible studies the servants of God, and the information they dispense should be Christocentric in nature. This leads us to our second observation, drawn from precedent.

[2] Laymen in our day must be able to start at any verse or chapter in the Scripture, and preach Jesus to persons.

A direct link to Jesus should be made, whenever a sermon, or Bible study is given by laymen in our day, because, salvation in the Bible is about The Person of Christ; His ministry, His character, His goodness and His love. It’s not so much about information.

This is what Phillip did when he was sent by God to help the Ethiopian eunuch find Christ. The man was reading from the book of Isaiah, and Phillip began with the passage he was reading, and led him to Jesus. Let’s read:

Acts 8: 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Isaiah and said, do you understand that which you are reading?

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

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

In our day, the laymen who will finish the work must be able to start at any passage in the Scriptures, and preach Christ. The health message is to lead to Jesus and the three angel’s messages, complete with the commandments of God and the Sabbath, must lead to Christ.

In other words, all roads must inevitably lead to the Jesus of the Bible, or else the preaching will be void of substance, purpose, and meaning. This leads us to our third observation from historical precedent.

[3] The laymen who are ordained of God must also be able to draw from their own experiences, for this is how the Gospel is made to make sense to people, in real time, and in the most practical manner. Let’s read:

1st John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

The laymen in our day must be able to sing a “New Song”, for according to Revelation, it is the song of their own personal experience with The Lord. For instance, testimonies from ten, or twenty years back should be replaced with new, living experiences, as the relationship with Christ grows ever deeper.

In other words, the laymen in our day, who are to lead the charge in taking the everlasting Gospel to the ends of the earth, are to have an intelligent, and intimate knowledge of the Jesus whom they preach, and in addition to this, they would have to be living testimonies of the sermons they present.

This aspect of the layman’s life is of vital and critical importance, and cannot be stressed enough, for The Lord seeks laborers who are being brought to a full maturity, through the indwelling and working of The Holy Spirit. To properly represent Christ, the laymen should not be found lacking in any aspect of their lives.

By this we mean that the knowledge that is found in the Scriptures is to be applied in the most practical, and literal manner because laymen must be hearers and doers of the word.

In other words, not only are the laymen to strive for excellence in spiritual things, by the grace of Christ, through their conscious obedience, and intelligent understanding of the principles, and laws of God’s kingdom, but they should also have their temporal aspects of life under the control of The Holy Ghost.

This is of critical importance, so that when they are inspected like Daniel was, the world would discover a person who is well balanced in every aspect of life.

As such, they should seek to rid themselves of debt, wherever possible, the health message should be an integral part of their lives, and their interaction with fellow citizens of earth should be beyond reproach, when subjected to the closest scrutiny by all friends, foes, and frenemies.

In other words, the laymen must become the living, breathing embodiment of what God’s grace will do to those who trust and obey, so that their testimony cannot be gainsaid nor questioned, even by their bitterest enemies. Let’s read:

Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Malachi 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

There’s a form of preaching that can talk extensively, at a distance about truths that are not applied in the one who is making the presentation. In such cases, a lack of conviction and sincerity will be sensed by the people because the sermon was not the song of the person’s experience.

Describing Christianity is quite different than living out the principles and laws of God’s kingdom, for a person may be able to describe or define the many aspects of the Christian’s life, without them actually walking the walk.

To give out a lot of information just for information’s sake, does nothing to heal the wounds of the soul, neither do such methods prompt sinners to repent. And worse yet, Christ is hidden from view, under the mirage of intellectual sophistries that wearies souls.

Hence the reason why Jesus found it necessary to personally ordain the twelve, for He would be with them to not only instruct them but to give them the hands-on knowledge they would need, in order to effectively preach Christ and the Gospel. Let’s read:

[The Desiree of Ages pp 296] When Jesus had ended His instruction to the disciples, He gathered the little band close about Him, and kneeling in the midst of them, and laying His hands upon their heads, He offered a prayer dedicating them to His sacred work. Thus, the Lord's disciples were ordained to the gospel ministry.

This is the reason why, when those who were called by Christ to preach, opened their mouths to speak, their listeners took knowledge that they had been with Jesus. In other words, they could speak with authority, and conviction, for they had experienced a personal, deep seated relationship with Jesus. Let’s read:

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

If and when the laymen in our day become sticklers for technicalities and information, the true word of God is buried under a maze of utterances that does not change hearts and minds, nor goads individuals to turn their lives over to the only One who would make a difference for the better.

Even Paul had to be anointed by Christ for the work  of the ministry he was going to be called to, because by him coming up under the teaching, or instruction of Gamaliel, he would tend to make his preaching more information based, instead of the food for the soul as God intends.

Thus, Paul must first encounter Christ before he can preach Christ with conviction and his anointing must come from God directly, not merely from the Rabbis or even Gamaliel. Even if Gamaliel might previously have laid his hands on him, Paul would need a fresh anointing from God, in order to be outfitted for the work of carrying the Gospel. Let’s read:

Acts 9: 3 And as Paul journeyed, he came near to Damascus: and suddenly, there shined round about him a light from heaven.

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord

said, I am Jesus whom you persecute. It’s hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

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, has sent me, that you might receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Institutions of learning such as the many theological seminaries are not to be despised, for they generally do a very good work in the world. There they teach proper exegesis, old and New Testament linguistics, and many other nuts and bolts of ministry.

But the laymen should be careful not to fall into the snare of graduating with honors in theology, while receiving an F grade in the Holy Ghost, for whenever this is the case, much personal instruction from God will be needed, in order for such persons to preach Christ effectively.

Again, charisma is not truth, and those laymen, who are scheduled for the last days, to take the message of mercy to a dying world, must steer clear of using charisma to reach hearts and minds. Instead, let the pure, unadulterated word of God be prioritized, and The Holy Ghost will take it from there to the next level. Let’s read:

[L.D.E pp 205] The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by 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.

This leads us to our final observation, that is drawn from the precedents found in the Scriptures:

[4] The laymen who will finish up the work should be able to support themselves by the grace of God, either through employment, or by their skills.

Every one of the disciples had their skills, trade, or profession. Peter, James, and John were fishermen, Luke was a doctor, Mathew worked for the IRS, even Judas was an accountant, and Christ who set us the example was a carpenter. None were found idle. Let’s read:

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.

22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

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.

Later on, when Paul was called to the ministry it was discovered that he also was a tentmaker, and thus, he could support himself if and when he needed to. In other words, if it became necessary, as a result of low funding from the ministry, for Paul to support himself, he could always fall back on the skill, trade, or whatsoever he specialized in. Let’s read:

Acts 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and worked: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

1st Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Never the less we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

15 But I have used none of these things…

1st Corinthians 4:11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place;

12 And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

Currently, pastors are paid by their employers, but with inflation so high, it is a valid question whether or not some could make ends meet on the salaries they receive. But the laymen who are independent of employers, can help themselves if they needed to or if God so directs.

That model manifested by Paul and other laymen, of preaching the Gospel while laboring with their own hands, with their specific skills or trade, may just be the answer we need for Gospel workers in our day.

God is much more down to earth, and is practical in His ways than many realize, and for this reason, the laymen who are scheduled to finish up the work of the Gospel, might very well have to follow the Paul model, if they are led to do so by God.

 Therefore, as the shortage of pastors deepens, and as less and less persons enter the ministry, it will be seen that the predictions made by God through His servant will become more and more of a reality. Let’s read:

[Last Day Events pp 204>205] The Comforter is to reveal Himself, not in any specified, precise way that man may mark out, but in the order of God—in unexpected times and ways that will honor His own name.

He will raise up from among the common people men and women to do His work, even as of old He called fishermen to be His disciples. There will soon be an awakening that will surprise many. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by 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.

Therefore, let the laymen in our day therefore step up to the plate, being willing and ready to be led by God in the ways of His choosing, and the latter rain that is promised for the finishing up of the work, will fall upon those whom God chooses, fitting them up to carry the gospel to every inhabitable place on the earth.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reminds us that that which is prophesied will surely come to pass, and because of this, the laymen and ordinary people in our day should be found ready, willing and able if and when God calls them to stand in the gap. Let’s read:

Joel 2: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

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

                                     God Bless!

The Close Of Probation Approaches. Sabbath afternoon 08/12/2023

Mark 13: 33 Take heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house comes, at evening, 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.

The Bible study for this evening can be condensed in the following brief statement: The close of human probation is approaching. It is scheduled to occur in the, not too distant future, for the characteristics of history are being aligned with the here and now.

In the Bible we read of nations and populations and peoples whose probation came to a close, and what transpired, in the run up to the expiration of their allotted time, is now taking place across the globe, especially here in the United States.

One of the sure signs that probation is drawing to a close, is the deliberate destruction of one’s ability to reason rationally, because whenever the intellectual powers of the mind become permanently damaged through one’s choice to believe a lie, there is very little else God can do to save persons, and therefore it then becomes futile to try and reach such.

Therefore, there is one word, and one word alone that will form the basis of our study today. Here it is:

              Reason

Whenever nations and individuals lose the ability to reason properly, the work of God’s Spirit upon the human heart is greatly retarded, and because God’s Spirit speaks to us through the seat of intelligence, the gateway to the conscience becomes shuttered, after prolonged and deliberate rejection of truth.

And for this reason, efforts to reach human beings become severely restricted. When this is the case, history teaches us that the close of probation for such nations and individuals is just a stone’s throw away.

There is a valid reason why the people of God are to be sealed in their foreheads, for this is where things like judgement, reason, intelligence, discretion, and decision-making take place.

That is the reason why the seal of God will never be given in the hand, like the mark of the beast is, for some persons, because satan couldn’t care less if he bypasses one’s intellect, to have his way. In the book of Revelation we observe that persons will receive the mark of the beast in their foreheads or in their hands.

Receiving it in the forehead means that there will be many persons who would make an intellectual, and deliberate decision to do so. But for those who may not be thoroughly convinced, satan would make it available in the hand. In other words, persons would not necessarily have to understand it or believe it.

They can just take it to retain all of their economic privileges, such as working, doing regular business, and purchasing goods and services, all the while the intellectual aspect is avoided or circumvented.

Not so with God. A person or nation will need to be deliberate in their decisions, and if the powers of the mind, if the powers of reasoning are poisoned through deliberate choice, God may still be speaking but persons would not be listening, and this signals the time to wrap up the work of trying to save the persons in question.

This is the reason why the prophet Isaiah warns us against deliberately distorting truth in any manner, for doing so is known to have a crippling effect on one’s ability to reason rationally.

In other words, when a person deliberately chooses to reject truth and facts, the mind is then trained to interpret truth as error and vice-versa, to the point where one can become permanently embroiled in a frozen intellect, which could no longer distinguish between right and wrong, good or evil. 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!

Thus, it’s an indisputable fact that the powers of the mind, such as reasoning, judgement, discretion, and choice, are all engaged whenever The Holy Spirit is doing His work, and as such God always appeals to our intelligence wherever salvation, and the Gospel are being presented to the mind.

As we study the following examples of what is being spoken of, let us look diligently for the word reason, or reasoned, so that we might understand why any damage to one’s reasoning powers could produce a debilitating effect on their ability to either recognize or accept truth. Let’s read:

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like

crimson, they shall be as wool.

19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.

20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Daniel 4:34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and my understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most-High, and I praised and honored him that lives forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation.

36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honor and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.

Matthew 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.

8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?

Matthew 21:24 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?

26 But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.

27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

Acts 17:2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures.

Acts 18:4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

Acts 24: 24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

It becomes obvious that a person’s ability to reason rationally, weighing the facts presented, is of critical importance to the acceptance of truth, and thus, if one’s reasoning powers become distorted it can and will eventually lead to a point of no return.

The following examples from the scriptures give us clear evidence of the perversion of reason, just prior to the close of probation for the nations and people in question. For instance, in the case of the people in Noah’s day, God gave irrefutable evidence which was intended to appeal to their reasoning powers.

They may have had their questions about Noah, and the message he was preaching, since it was contrary to precedent. And since science could not support it with any research, they could have been forgiven for indulging their unbelief.

But when the animals began marching into the ark in an orderly manner, when the male and female of birds and beasts, walked calmly, and without any apparent interference into the vessel, that singular providence was intended to arouse the reasoning powers of the antediluvians but alas, it fell on deaf ears.

That’s because over a period of many years the folks back then had trained their minds to reject the most convincing evidences of the truth, and now, because practice makes perfect, they became utterly unable to shake that state of mind which had consistently rejected the clearest evidence provided.

And, as history has it, not long after, their probation came to and end. They had long put bitter for sweet and had habitually exchanged light for darkness and error for truth, and now they are trapped in a mind that distorts any, and everything God may throw at it. 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 commanded Noah.

Pay very close attention to what we’re going to read and observe carefully the crippled state of the mind that has been trained to habitually reject truth. The reason for this is that history is soon to be repeated. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 97] The period of their probation was about to expire. And now the servant of God made his last solemn appeal to the people.

With an agony of desire that words cannot express, he entreated them to seek a refuge while it might be found. Again, they rejected his words, and raised their voices in jest and scoffing.

Suddenly a silence fell upon the mocking throng. Beasts of every description, the fiercest as well as the most-gentle, were seen coming from mountain and forest and quietly making their way toward the ark.

A noise as of a rushing wind was heard, and lo, birds were flocking from all directions, their numbers darkening the heavens, and in perfect order they passed to the ark. Animals obeyed the command of God, while men were disobedient. The world looked on in wonder, some in fear.

Philosophers were called upon to account for the singular occurrence, but in vain. It was a mystery which they could not fathom. But men had become so hardened by their persistent rejection of light that even this scene produced but a momentary impression.

As the doomed race beheld the sun shining in its glory, and the earth clad in almost Eden beauty, they banished their rising fears by boisterous merriment, and by their deeds of violence they seemed to invite upon themselves the visitation of the already awakened wrath of God.

Unless we are missing something, we cannot see what’s so funny about animals walking calmly into Noah’s ark that the antediluvians should be laughing and making merry at the scene. But they had for so long exchanged truth for error that their reasoning powers had become utterly dismantled.

Something similar took place with the children of Israel who were backing three losers in the form of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. These three amigos had formed a confederacy to overthrow the government God had ordained, and they began spreading a host of conspiracy theories and lies to garner support.

They continued their diabolical work, knowing full well that what they were doing was based on false narratives, yet, when confronted with the truth they dug in their heels and continued repeating the lies they had concocted. 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. (Allegory)

3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye 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?

This false claim the co-conspirators knew to be not true, for God Himself had ordained Moses and his brother Aaron, in the most public manner, at mount Sinai and then later on, when Aaron, and two of his sons were anointed to the ministry of sacrifices.

Yet, Korah and his cohorts continued to push the lies and as is always the case one lie often spawns many others, because it becomes necessary, to shore up the first lie with other falsehoods, in order to fill out the narrative. There is never one lie, just as there is never one cockroach.

This is what was developing in real time as the 3 amigos sought more reasons in favor of their first allegation. And since the father of lies is never in short supply, they were fed additional falsehoods to try and give structural integrity to the first one. Here are the additional allegations. Let’s read:

Numbers 16: 12 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 thou hast 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?

So now they are referring to Egypt, the land of their former bondage, in which pharaoh’s officers beat them up on numerous occasions, and where they had to make bricks without straw; they are referring to it now as a land of milk and honey. That is how lies often morph over time, into something very far removed from the original script.

Therefore, God who is rich in mercy, is going to do just as He once did with the antediluvians; He would give them the unmistakable evidence they need, so that they could use their reasoning powers, and not go over the cliff of unbelief, thereby, closing their off probation. 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.

18 And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron.

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 theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

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 mine 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 ye 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 clave asunder that was 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.

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

These multiple evidences coming from God should have been sufficient to now permanently settle the matter beyond the shadow of a doubt, but the mind that has been damaged by the deliberate imbibing of falsehood, can and will reach a point of no return, where there is nothing else God can do, but to close off probation for such persons. Let’s read:

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

42 And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord appeared.

Here comes trouble, because their probation is now going to close real soon, for there is nothing left for God to do. To put it in a nutshell, they could not be retrieved from the self-inflicted deception, for their minds had been deliberately barricaded against any evidences of truth.

They had been given time that night to roll over the matter in their minds. They could, if they so desired, recall with clarity what they saw, and heard and just maybe, there might be a chink in the armor of lies they had been taking refuge in.

But no; the disposition to choose lies over truth had taken so deep root in the conscience, that there was nothing God could do to save them from going over the cliff permanently. The servant of The Lord puts it this way. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 402] Jesus, the Angel who went before the Hebrews, sought to save them from destruction. Forgiveness was lingering for them. The judgment of God had come very near, and appealed to them to repent.

 A special, irresistible interference from heaven had arrested their rebellion. Now, if they would respond to the interposition of God's providence, they might be saved. But while they fled from the judgments, through fear of destruction, their rebellion was not cured.

They returned to their tents that night terrified, but not repentant. They had been flattered by Korah and his company until they really believed themselves to be very good people, and that they had been wronged and abused by Moses.

Basically, the same thing occurred, prior to the close of probation for the Jewish nation. God had sent His own Son to appeal to the Jews. Numerous prophets were sent over and over again, but every evidence of truth was beaten back until there was no remedy.

When Lazarus was raised from the dead, this should have forever settled any question pertaining to the Divinity of Christ, but instead of humbly bowing out to the truth, we read a completely opposite reaction which tells us that their reasoning powers were just about evaporated. Let’s read:

John 12:10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death.

37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,

40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

Yet God who is rich in mercy, The Lord, who keeps on trying and trying, even when He knows that His efforts will be futile, continues to send evidences of truth to His people, for He cannot stand the thought of giving up on persons whom He died to redeem.

He then finally sends Stephen who gave his very last sermon to the Jews, but instead of embracing truth, they dug in their heels even deeper than before, as they rushed upon Stephen and started to bite him.

When the reasoning powers of the mind become so severely damaged by the habitual rejection of truth and facts in any form, the situation reaches a tipping point as it did with the Jewish nation, because their probation also came to an end just a few years later. 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.

57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

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.

The servant of The Lord in commenting on the close of probation for the Hebrews writes the following, and we must of necessity observe carefully what is being said concerning the state of mind that gripped the nation. We will see that with the demise of their reasoning powers the close of their probation is also closely linked. Let’s read:

[The Great Controversy pp 88] The long-suffering of God toward Jerusalem only confirmed the Jews in their stubborn impenitence. Satan aroused the fiercest and most debased passions of the soul. Men did not reason; they were beyond reason.

The same situation obtained with the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah whose close of probation was closely associated with the utter dissolution of their reasoning powers.

For instance, when the angels smote the crowd that was gathered at Lot’s front door with blindness, that singular providence should have been sufficient to arrest any reasonable thinking person in their tracks but because the damage to their minds was already done, they had now crossed over into never land, and the rest is history. Let’s read:

Genesis 19: 11 And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

As it is currently, millions upon millions of persons across America still believe that the 2020 election was stolen, even after ballots have been recounted on numerous occasions. Several investigations into election fraud have yielded no significant evidence of widespread forgery and yet, in spite of the facts very many people still refuse to believe.

The issue has consumed the news cycles, so that it hasn’t left any breathing room for other important issues to be addressed, and even as multiple legal woes are revealed from day to day, millions of folks still would not believe. It has now reached a tipping point, where, if three angels flying in the midst of heaven were to declare that the election was not stolen, some people still would not believe.

While there is no political affiliation on Omegatruth, we must declare a grim revelation, coming from the historical precedents we’ve observed. According to what we have studied this evening, persons are now doing irreparable damage to their reasoning powers which is the only way that The Holy Ghost can reach us.

And if persons who insist on believing a lie were to continue down this path, it will reach a point of no return, when other momentous issues come to the forefront, because their minds would have already been trained to interpret truth as error and error as truth.

When this becomes the case, persons would not be able suddenly change course, because it would be a mode of thought that has been adopted, cultivated and groomed, and it can reach a stage, where any type of truth, even those written in the Bible, will be rejected.

Self-deception is the very worst kind, for it is one thing to be lying to others, but when persons begin to lie to themselves, and believe it, they would have crossed over into satan’s territory, and when this is done, the damage done to the mind could become incurable, for there is no way for God, angels, men or even demons to reach that person.

This is what took place with pharaoh of old who dug  himself deeper and deeper into an abyss of lies and self-deception, until not only God or Moses, but also his personal magicians could not reach him. He did to himself irreparable harm and the rest is history. Let’s read:

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

If pharaoh wouldn’t listen to God, the very least he could do is listen to satan. But what do you do with a person who will not listen to either God or a devil. It then signaled the close of probation for pharaoh, and those under his influence, as took place not too long after in Egypt.

It won’t be possible to suddenly switch gears, when other vital truths are presented, because the mind would have already been trained to reject the most indisputable facts. Pharoah couldn’t switch, the men of Sodom could not switch, the antediluvians could not switch, and the Jews could not switch, for there comes a time when the habitual rejection of truth can never be reversed.

 This, more than anything else is the very grave, and serious danger the nation is facing, for whenever or wherever truth goes out the window, freedoms and liberties and the rule of law follow soon after. When the Bible, with the truths of God’s word was burned publicly in France, the rapid deterioration of society, and the nation as a whole followed not long after.

 But there is still hope. The way to reverse course is to be honest with ourselves and not pick or choose what we prefer to hear. We are now living in an age where deep fake concepts have taken root, and the satellite strands of delusion in various forms are on the rise in many minds.

When studying the word of God, when dealing with temporal matters, when taking an introspect look at ourselves, let’s deal in the currency of truth always, and if this is done habitually, a love for the truth and nothing but the truth will develop as it is nourished.

God stands willing, ready, and able to help America, and individuals who have been adversely affected by the tsunami of lies that has engulfed the nation, yet there are concrete steps that must be taken in order to reverse course. Confession is a must, and a turning away from that which is false is necessary, as well a deliberate and firm decision by persons, to appropriate truth and  facts in an unbiased manner.

As with anything else that is good and upright, the love for truth, and facts is something that has to be cultivated, and with God’s help, the dark cloud that hangs over the nation can be dissipated. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which will help us to navigate that which has gripped the nation, because, it is needful that we deal in the currency of heaven at all times, which is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Let’s read:

John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those which believed on him, If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed;

32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

                                   God Bless!

When Your Comfort Zone Gets Disturbed. Sabbath afternoon 08/05/2023

2nd Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

The Christian’s life is not a bed of roses, nor is it a carefree way of life, where persons are insulated from the change of fortunes and circumstances that affect ordinary people. There are times in our lives when we may have easy-going days, and there are other times when things may not work according to plan, or expectation.

At times the Christian experiences disappointment, grief, sickness, stress, and discouragement when the will to move forward is strained and persons could feel as if their drive is lost. At other times we might have mountaintop experiences, and we may feel as if we are on top of the world.

This is all well and good, but God reminds us in His word that we are walking a straight and narrow path that leads to heaven, and as such we may not have our own preferences always. All of the heroes of the Bible had their days of victory, as well as times when they felt deflated.

Not a single one was, or is exempt, and because of this fact, we will need that resilience that is born of God that would enable us to run the Christian race with a steady and even tread. Successful Christian living, and one’s faithfulness, are quantified as folks are able, by God’s grace, to navigate the vicissitudes of life, whether favorable or adverse.

The hiccups and bumps in the road are there for a reason, so that we might develop Christlike virtues, and characteristics such as patience, steadfastness, fortitude, bravery, resilience, courageousness, and an indomitable spirit that is impossible to defeat.

These characteristics are not developed overnight, nor do they come by accident. On the contrary, the Christian must first win his battles on his knees, and as folks seek God for grace and strength in each and every varying situation, the character is chiseled and molded, developed, and matured, until we reflect Christ in a consistent manner, in every situation life may throw at us.

Thus, the scripture cautions us against believing that following Jesus will mean that everything in life will go smoothly. On the contrary, the Christian is made the target of numerous incursions coming from our invisible foes, and it’s only by wielding the shield of faith that persons can survive. Let’s read:

1st Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

John 16: 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.

Ephesians 6: 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

However, the Bible teaches us that some persons can become desperate, and buckle under a load of pressure, and disappointment, while others zip up their boots and grab the bull by the horns, trusting in God alone to carry them through. It all has to do with the approach to life that is adopted.

Daunting situations, challenges and hurdles are to be viewed and understood as being stepping stones, by which persons might climb to a higher round on Jacob’s ladder. And as the song goes, every round or every step of advance one makes, in navigating the hurdles of life, will take persons higher and higher.

 Several examples in the Bible demonstrate what is being said, and it is always left up to the individual in question to determine victory or defeat. The Lord gives grace and strength for every emergency, every puzzling situation, but what folks do with that grace and strength ultimately determines the outcome.

Job and his wife were going well, they were in good and regular standing, until their comfort zone was disturbed. Disappointment, tragedy, and financial loss took a toll on them, until Mrs. Job blurted out the unthinkable.

And the Scriptures show us that not even faithful Job was immune to the change of fortunes, for he cursed the day that he was born. When shaken out of our comfort zones, the true character of a person is often made manifest.

Moses was doing quite well, until his comfort zone was disturbed by the unbelief and stubbornness of the people. When he believed he had reached the upper limits of forbearance, he struck the rock two times in his anger and utter frustration.

Again, Aaron and Moses had just about had it when the children of Israel took up missiles to stone them. It was a very different situation than when they had come through the Red, sea successfully, as pharaoh and his armies were overthrown in the midst.

At that time, they had a mountaintop experience, as they celebrated God’s victory in their behalf. At that time, they relished the moment as they reflected on the great deliverance God wrought for them, and no doubt, their feelings found expression in their song and dance, as can be seen in the following passages. Let’s read:

Exodus 15:1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spoke, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

2 The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him a habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

3 The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name.

4 Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.

20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

21 And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

But after a while, their comfort zone was disturbed, and the change of circumstances produced a change in mood and outlook, and praise was exchanged for complaints, courage was exchanged for fear, and the latent human tendency to become frustrated when things do not work out the way we expected, took a hold of the multitudes, and the rest is history.

There are times when satan pushes the envelope to the brink, and we might be tempted to say and do things that are not ordained of God. The Christian should form the habit of falling to his or her knees when faced with frustrations and challenges, even though it may be difficult to pray at such times. Let’s read:

Exodus 17:1 And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the Lord, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink.

2 Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the Lord?

3 And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?

4 And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.

The devil repeatedly brought up that charge against the leaders of God’s choosing, that they had ulterior motives in bringing the children of Israel so far into the desert, to kill them, and then take their property as personal bounty.

Over and over again, we read in the scripture where this accusation was brought, until one day, Moses couldn’t take it anymore, and he blew a fuse in public.

The issue of being disturbed from our comfort zone is not relegated to the Old Testament, for it can also be observed in numerous occasions in the New, as Paul and his fellows became frustrated with those of the Jewish nation, who’d refused to relinquish their unbelief. Paul finally got fed up with preaching to them and he threw in the towel in utter disgust.

And were it not for the resilience that God gives, he would have called it quits, for his comfort zone had been disturbed. Preaching to receptive minds is one thing, but when Paul preached to the unresponsive Jews, it seemed to him as if he were preaching to a stone wall, and that could really wear down one’s patience. Let’s read:

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 issue of being disturbed from the comfort zone also took place with Christ as He wrestled with the powers of darkness in Gethsemane. Prior to this Jesus was at the top of the world, commanding evil spirits to depart from persons, healing the sick, and raising the dead. At this time, Jesus could say with conviction, “I delight to do Thy will, O my God”.

But then a change of fortune grips Him, He is placed in a very uncomfortable position, and Jesus’ comfort zone is being severely shaken. His distress is given expression in words that tell of the difficulty of the time, and to make things worse, His disciples who should be there to encourage Him, are snoring at a distance.

When one’s comfort zone is disturbed, very strange things can happen, and words that usually wouldn’t be spoken under more favorable circumstances are often given utterance. Let’s read:

Matthew 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: never-the-less not as I will, but as thou wilt.

40 And he comes unto the disciples, and finds them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

Our first passage teaches us that we are called not only to be light-bearers, by preaching, giving out tracks, distributing food, and visiting the sick and the fatherless. These things are very good, but the passage says that persons are also called to endure hardness as good soldiers of the cross.

This means that whenever a change of fortune, or a change of circumstance comes our way, that we did not expect, or did not prefer, persons are to take the matter to God in prayer, asking Jesus for resilience, and grace to deal with the change of circumstance.

The reason why this teaching is important and even relevant to those of us who are living in a troubled world, is because like those who have gone before, we too may be shaken out of our comfort zone, and if and when it’s disturbed, what we do at such times will determine the outcome.

There are difficult days coming upon the planet, on multiple fronts. The excessive heat that the prophet Isaiah predicted, will cause adverse ripple effects across the globe, and persons will be shaken out of their comfort zones.

 Some will be affected one way or the next, either by having to deal with the heat, or by dealing with the increasing cost of energy needed to cool you down. The electric grid is coming under great strain, and the prospect of rationing electricity is becoming a new reality.

Inflationary pressures are now taking a sizeable bite out of person’s finances, and with the saber-rattling taking place between Russia and Ukraine, with the continued destruction of thousands of tons of grain that feeds many millions, things could go South very quickly.

But more than this is what the Scripture says would certainly come to pass. There will be a time of pain and trouble, for the world at large, and especially for the remnant people of God, who will be forced to regroup and do things differently.

 Covid was a dry run where we our comfort zone was disturbed, when churches were shuttered suddenly, and when life as we previously knew it, was turned upside down. During that practice run, over seven thousand churches across America were forced into insolvency, and as a result had to close their doors permanently.

Choir practice had to be halted, Pathfinders had to be suspended, and the one, on one fellowship and interaction individuals had become accustomed to over the years was now put on hold. Nurses were placed under severe strain, and very many left the industry for good, because the stresses that Covid brought seemed too great for some to bear.

But someway, somehow, the Bible is saying that we must endure hardness as good soldiers of the Cross, and therefore the logical question will be: How can we maintain our balance and equilibrium when our comfort zone is disturbed?

To answer this question, we must now turn to the example of Paul, the very person who penned our first passage, encouraging us to endure hardness as good soldiers of the Cross. It was the song of his very own experience he was singing, and those who are preparing for the most difficult days of earth’s history, will do well to study carefully what Paul now is saying. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

The Remnant people of God will soon realize that it is becoming an ever-increasing reality, that we will have to learn how to live and survive under the most difficult and adverse circumstances. Yes, it is true that we now enjoy the comforts of life, and we seem to have all our ducks in a row.

But if some unforeseen event, or change of fortune should come our way suddenly, that shakes us out of our comfort zone, will we be resilient, trusting in God who knows best, or will our countenances fall     like Cain’s?

Adverse circumstances which disturb our comfort zone can bring out the best or the worst in us, and therefore it was in the context of some unforeseen, sudden disturbance during the last days of earth’s history that Jesus gave the following warning. Let’s read:

Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife.

After working hard all his life, crowned with success and material blessings beyond measure, Lot and his  wife were faced with a sudden disturbance that had apparently came out from nowhere. The angel’s had told them that they must leave immediately with no time to plan or pack.

Thus, when their comfort zones would be severely shaken, their response to the sudden disturbance, and uprooting, from their retirement home, would define their future.

They deliberated, delayed, and lingered, loathed to leave behind a life of luxury for the discomfort of country living, where there would not be any tap water, electricity or air-conditioning to deal with the excessive heat such as we’re currently experiencing. Just wondering how they would do! Let’s read:

Genesis 19: 15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

18 And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord.

19 Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die.

20 Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 160] Lot returned sorrowfully to his home and told the story of his failure. It was hard to forsake his luxurious home and all the wealth acquired by the labors of his whole life, to go forth a destitute wanderer. Stupefied with sorrow, he lingered, loath to depart.

 Although so greatly favored in being called out from the wicked city, she felt that she was severely dealt with, because the wealth that it had taken years to accumulate must be left to destruction.

It is quite possible that some who may be currently preaching the 3 angels’ messages might not really believe it because the actions, the perspectives, and aspirations harbored make it manifest that like Lot, one’s treasure is where the heart is, in Lot’s wife’s case, it was buried in the earth.

Many difficulties, upheavals, and disturbances of no ordinary character are scheduled to ramp up across the earth, and without a doubt, our comfort zones will be disturbed. Already, there are clear fractures appearing in political and judicial systems, which tell us that great changes are underway.

The climate crisis, the forever wars, and rumors of war, the deliberate destruction of food supplies, and the utter intransigence of political parties at home and abroad, should be a wake-up call to those who are looking for Christ’s soon return, and as such, we must expect that sooner or later, the comfort zones we have come to love and cherish, will be disturbed.

God’s purpose in saving persons is singular and very streamlined in that everything and every experience we are to pass through, is in preparation for a better world. And because of this, Christians should never exchange the pilgrim mindset for a secular frame of mind that relishes, and revels only in the here and now.

Building sterling characters for eternity is at the very forefront of the Christian experience, and thus, if we be comfortable or uncomfortable in doing so, let it be said that we were found faithful in weathering the changes that come from time to time.

In harmony with this truth, we will end with two passages of scripture which should remind us of the work Christ is doing in our hearts, in preparation for that great day. And, if in the process, it means that our comfort zones may be disturbed, let us, like the faithful in all ages, be found resilient by God’s grace. Let’s read:

Malachi 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap.

3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

                                     God Bless!

Lessons From The Great Depression. Sabbath afternoon 08/29/2023

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

During these increasingly difficult last days of earth’s history, God desires that His people exercise a good understanding and prudence in spiritual, as well as temporal matters. As light bearers, Christians are to set a good example in every aspect of life, for this is how God’s kingdom is magnified, and multiplied in the earth.

That lopsided form of Christianity, where only the spiritual is emphasized while the temporal aspects lag way behind does damage to one’s testimony of God’ grace upon the heart, because the perspective we see in the Bible presents a balanced approach to life, blending the spiritual with the temporal.

The abundant life which Christ came to give us is an all-inclusive package, which when applied, practiced and adopted by the Christian, would bring maturity, balance, and stability, so that persons can walk with a steady and even tread which in turn will ultimately make manifest the wisdom and the discretion that is born of God.

Several passages of scripture bring to light the grave responsibility resting upon the shoulders of persons who have experienced God in real time, because the world’s perspective of God’s kingdom is informed by what is seen in the Christian. Hence the reason why the following passages must be taken very seriously. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 4:5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord God commanded me that you should do so in the land whither you go to possess it.

6 Keep therefore and do them; because this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?

Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which

is in heaven.

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

All the laws, the commandments, the principles and the instructions given in the Bible are intended to demonstrate in real time, and in the most literal way what following Christ means. And therefore, as the ambassadors of His grace, we should be dispensing a living, convincing testimony of what Jesus will do in persons who trust and believe in Him.

And therefore, when the Bible is made to synthesize with our daily experiences, the Christian should be able, in most instances, to deal with crisis of varying sorts, including inflation, deflation, and all the other vicissitudes life may throw at persons.

The Great Depression of the 1930s does not merely refer to the economic crisis that brought the nation to its knees; the term refers to the general mood of the people, as resources tanked, and opportunities for employment dwindled sending many families on the bread line.

The actual meaning of the word depression refers to the feelings of severe despondency, and dejection, a mood disorder which is characterized by feelings of guilt, helplessness, discouragement, desperation, remorse, regret, and defeat. Thus, greenbacks do not really suffer from depression, but people do.

The Great Depression was the worst economic crisis in modern history, which lasted for about ten years, from 1929 to 1939, the year in which World War 2 began. A convergence of contributing factors led to the depressed mood of people living at that time, in which very many persons, and families went from hero to zero.

The rapid and the imprudent ballooning of the stock market, greatly increased consumer debt, dramatic decreases in industrial production, and in consumer demand, just to name a few. These factors are the precursors which converged, triggering the great depression, and the resulting bread lines and soup kitchens that sprang up during that time.

During those dark days, many banking institutions went out of business permanently, unemployment surpassed 20 percent, and the general desperation pervading the atmosphere caused a mad stampede of bank runs, very similar to what took place not too long ago, when a few of the nation’s banks became illiquid.

During the Great Depression, many workers were laid off because there just was not enough demand to warrant continued levels of production, and this in turn forced millions of people deeper into debt.

In addition to this many reckless speculators on Wall Street who had invested heavily in the stock market with borrowed money were entirely wiped out, and a general sense of gloom and doom now settled on the nation.

Prior to this, the U.S economy had expanded almost incredibly, and the wealth of the nation had more than doubled. But as history often goes, after a time of great increase, comes a time of great decrease. It is just the law of gravity running its natural course as they say, for what goes up must come down.

The inevitable result was that very many Americans were forced to buy goods and services on credit and as a result, the debt noose put a stranglehold on the masses of people who were ill-prepared for sudden and rapid changes and therefore, repossessions and foreclosures and liquidations went through the roof.

An increasing number of people became homeless, farmers could not afford to pay workers to harvest their crops, and as a result, valuable articles of food had to be left in the fields to rot, at a time when the masses of people were being forced onto the bread line.

Thus, there are very valuable lessons to be learned from the Great Depression, and happy would be the individuals who would reason from cause to effect, and will take prudent action in the here and now, to avert a possible repeat of the 1930s.

One of the lessons we can deduce from the Great Depression is that God in His mercy blesses nations and individuals at times with much materials, and resources and what we do at such times determines whether or not we would honor God by surviving a severe downturn, or a change of fortunes.

The study of the parable of the 3 stewards reveals a lot of truth which when understood correctly, would serve to guide our feet in wise paths. In the parable, we observe that God gave the talents, as He often does. It was not because of anything good that the stewards had done, but just because God delights in giving good gifts to the human family. Let’s read:

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

15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

In other words, there are times when The Lord may shower persons with temporal blessings, and what such individuals do with the blessings could make or break them for life. Successful stewardship has to do with the prudent management of any resources and opportunities, God places at our disposal.

It was through the providence of God that Joseph was brought down to Egypt, because, if it were left up to his parents alone, Joseph would never have ended up in Potiphar’s house. Thus, the blessings God gave to Joseph had to do with the windows of opportunity that His Divine providence opened up.

It had nothing to do with Joseph, for everything was permitted and orchestrated by God alone, so that the prosperity of Joseph we read of afterward has to be credited to God, just like the three stewards we read of in the parable, who received the talents, or the material blessings from God’s hands. Let’s read:

Genesis 39: 2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

Again, just like those three stewards in the parable, God gave material blessings to Abraham, opening up opportunity he never dreamed of, and thus what Abraham does with those gifts, will demonstrate if he is being guided by that wisdom and discretion which comes from God. 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:

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.

14 And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair.

15 The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.

16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and asses and menservants and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.

Genesis 20:14 And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and women servants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.

We observe that in both instances, Sarah’s beauty was used as the trigger for opportunity, very similar to what took place with Esther, whose beauty was used to pave the way for numerous blessings to fall upon God’s people. God does not think like we do, and for this reason, some of His methods, and ways might raise eyebrows in persons who may not know Him.

During the years just prior to the Great Depression, God again opened up opportunities for nations and individuals just as He did for Joseph, for Abraham, and for the three stewards in the parable.

What we now refer to as the roaring twenties, was actually God in His kindness, opening up windows of opportunity to the stewards of that era, and what they did with the blessings would make manifest if they were being led by the prudence and discretion found in Christ alone.

Just a few years ago, a convergence of contributing factors was permitted and orchestrated by The God of heaven, to open up windows of opportunity for stewards in our day. As Covid ravaged the country, working from home became the norm, which in turn triggered massive internal migration.

At the same time, interest rates were at an all time low, near zero, triggering a buying frenzy, which in turn caused a ripple effect of the phenomenal spike in the price of real estate, and like Joseph, Abraham and the three stewards in the parable, it was left up to persons to make the most of the opportunity.

Since that time interest rates have skyrocketed, and persons who did not, or could not get their foot into the door of opportunity, are finding it very difficult to do so now because to many individuals and many families, that window of opportunity has all but run its course, at least for the foreseeable future.

Therefore, just to reiterate our first lesson again, so that we never lose sight of the fact: God in His great kindness will at times grant folks material blessings, meaning that at times He will open the windows of heaven, opening the window of opportunity, and it is His will that as stewards of His goodness, we will make manifest the wisdom that is born of God.

[Christ’s Object Lessons pp 343] Religion and business are not two separate things; they are one. Bible religion is to be interwoven with all we do or say. Divine and human agencies are to combine in temporal as well as in spiritual achievements. There must be co-operation in everything embraced in Christian activity.

The second lesson that we can learn from the Great Depression is that it doesn’t really matter how much blessings God bestows; what matters most is how it is managed. In the parable of the stewards, the one who received five talents did not have an advantage over the one who received one, just because he had received more.

If fortunes were reversed and the one who received one talent got five, the results would have been the same, because it is the attitudes, the state of mind, the modes of thought and action, which ultimately determine the results. Let’s read:

Matthew 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

18 But he that had received one went and dug in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

Stewards are required to make things work, by the grace and wisdom of God. In other words, whatever the hand life might deal persons whether it be much or little, with God’s guidance it can, and should be multiplied, as was manifested with two of the three.

During the Great Depression many persons were left holding the proverbial bag, and many others balked at the adverse change of fortune which overtook so many. This need not be the case, for even a little can become much, when the God-factor is adopted into our thought processes.

Whatever may be our lot in life, whether at the top or bottom of the Totem pole, stewards can be found faithful and productive when the right approach is implemented. The servant of The Lord gives us the right perspective, and we will do well to adjust our outlook, wherever warranted. Let’s read:

[Christ’s object lessons pp 359] If your duty is in the kitchen, seek to be a perfect cook. If it is your work to till the soil or to engage in any other trade or occupation, make a success of the present duty. Put your mind on what you are doing. In all your work represent Christ.

Do as He would do in your place. However small your talent, God has a place for it. That one talent wisely used will accomplish its appointed work. By faithfulness in little duties, we are to work on the plan of addition, and God will work for us on the plan of multiplication.

Another observation we should take away from the Great Depression, and from the parable of the stewards, is that God blesses persons even when He knows up front that they would not administer the blessings to the best of their ability.

God knew well in advance that the roaring twenties would be followed by the mumbling thirties, and yet He still went ahead and blessed anyway. Similarly, God knew in advance that the steward with the one talent would not handle the blessing well, and yet, in His wisdom and kindness God still gave him the talent.

God’s foreknowledge of our failures does not always prevent Him from blessing us with resources. This is of concern to some persons, for it may seem to the logical thinking mind to be counterintuitive, to bless persons and nations with resources, when He knows in advance that the blessings would not be handled well. 

But, how will we ever learn if we are not granted an opportunity? Errors in judgment are not considered as permanent blunders, if the stewards in question can retrace their steps and learn. Thus, God often grants numerous blessings, as opportunity for folks to learn, and if they do, they can also be numbered among the faithful.

This fact can be observed in several scriptural cases in which the blessings of God were either misused, abused, mismanaged, or squandered. In the case of Solomon for example, God knew in advance that he would not always manage the wealth given him in a prudent manner.

God saw up front that Solomon would spend very lavishly for things he really didn’t need, and that he would splurge on women, on real estate, and on a host of material things that he could not reasonably use on a regular basis, yet God still went ahead and blessed him with resources and opportunities.

Similarly, the father of the prodigal son also knew in advance that the resources given would be used in a manner that would bring the son to poverty; yet the father did not withhold the blessing. This baffles the minds of some people, for very often what God may do in certain circumstances is very different to how the finite mind thinks and acts.

In the experiences of some Christians, persons may be able to point back to times when God’s blessing rested very heavily upon them, but for one reason or another the blessing evaporates into thin air after a while. Therefore, the question is asked by persons: Why did God bless such and such in the first place, if He knew in advance of the outcome? Let’s read:

1st Kings 3: 5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said: Ask what I shall give thee.

6 And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

7 And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.

9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.

14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

Solomon then began his tenure as a faithful steward as he managed the material blessings in accordance with the wisdom that is born of God. But, after the dawn of great opportunity, like many persons from the Great depression, Solomon went on to hide his talents in the ground, and instead of multiplication, subtraction took hold of him, and those under his jurisdiction.

Some may be wondering what all of these lessons have to do with persons who are living on the brink of eternity, and who are preparing for the promised latter rain?

The information, resources, and opportunities God has granted to His people are intended to bring us to a state of maturity in Christ, where persons will become well balanced in development of character, for it is God’s will, that the subjects of His grace be found faithful both in faith and practice.

When Daniel was scrutinized by his opponents, they started with the temporal aspects of Daniel’s living, such as his taxes, his credit, his business deals. And they searched diligently to see if there was insider trading, given the close connections he had with the government.

Then, after they came up with nothing, they had no choice but to turn to the issue of worship, for as a faithful steward, Daniel passed the smell test, and God was greatly honored by the results, as they had to bear testimony of their findings. Let’s read:

Daniel 6: 4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

Similarly, the Remnant people of God in these last days should be able to pass the closest scrutiny, as friends and foes may seek to dig up dirt in any of the temporal pursuits, persons are engaged in. Like as it was with Daniel they would begin with the handling of material blessings, and if they find nothing, then they will turn to the issue of worship.

In harmony with these statements, the servant of The Lord writes the following, and it would be well if we can step up to the plate, and make the necessary changes and adjustments in our perspectives by the grace of God. Let’s read:

[The Great Controversy pp 616] So should the followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble, make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people to disarm prejudice and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience.

Thus, as we end, it is in the context of faithfulness as stewards, both in spiritual, and in temporal lines that God makes the following pronouncement, and even if we have made blunders in the past, it’s God’s will, that the opportunities He grants us will be used to correct any errors in judgment that might have occurred. Let’s read:

Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

                              God Bless!

God's Defense Department. Sabbath afternoon 07/22/2023

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.

7 And the Lord said unto Satan, from whence do you come? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth and from walking up and down in it.

8 And the Lord said unto Satan, have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fears God, and hates evil?

9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for naught?

10 Have you not made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he has on every side? you have blessed the work of his hands, and  his substance is increased in the land.

God’s defense department on planet earth is run by The Holy Spirit, to whom Jesus turned over entire jurisdiction over everything which takes place with God’s people, and under auspices of The Holy Ghost there are angels who excel in strength.

These angels are involved in various tasks such as restraining the malice of evil angels, and holding in check the winds of strife lest the earth devolves into utter chaos and carnage. Were it not for their work humanity would have ceased to exist long ago.

Thus, according to what is written, holy angels are much more familiar with the day-to-day operations that take place upon the earth, than many realize, and they do regularly intermingle with the human family on a daily basis, invisibly, and also in the form of men.

For instance, when the two angels passed through the gates of Sodom on the last night of that city’s probation, they were wearing what persons of that day would usually wear, which, if it were in our day would probably be Jeans, Jordans, and some of the clothing items you may find at your local Walmart.

In addition, if they were making such a visit in our day, they would probably have had cellphones, and might have been driving one of those Ford F 150s we often see on the I 95. This is one of the reasons why the following passage was written in the Bible, because it is only in the great hereafter that we will find out what was really taking place upon earth. Let’s read:

Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Persons often have no clue whatsoever of how the angels who work in God’s defense department are actively engaged in our everyday life, and because of persons being unaware, many have actually been in direct contact with angels, and knew it not. Many passages in the scripture confirm what is being said. Let’s read:

Psalms 34: 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.

Matthew 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

9 And he went out, and followed him; and knew not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

[The Great Controversy pp 631>632] In all ages, God has wrought through holy angels for the succor and deliverance of His people. Celestial beings have taken an active part in the affairs of men.

They have appeared clothed in garments that shone as the lightning; they have come as men, in the garb of wayfarers. Angels have appeared in human form to men of God. They have rested, as if weary, under the oaks at noon.

They have accepted the hospitalities of human homes. They have acted as guides to benighted travelers. They have, with their own hands, kindled the fires of the altar. They have opened prison doors and set free the servants of the Lord.

 In the form of men, angels are often in the assembly of the righteous, and they visit the assemblies of the wicked, as they went to Sodom to make a record of their deeds to determine whether they have passed the boundary of God's forbearance.

 Angels have defeated purposes and arrested evils that would have greatly retarded the work of God, and would have caused great suffering to His people. Though the rulers of this world know it not, yet, often in their councils, angels have been spokesmen.

 Human eyes have looked upon them; human ears have listened to their appeals; human lips have opposed their suggestions, and ridiculed their counsels.

Human hands have met them with insult and abuse. In the council hall and the court of justice, these heavenly messengers have shown an intimate acquaintance with human history.

Angels are stationed around those who fear God, and they deliver us from evils, dangers, and prevent certain adverse occurrences from happening to the Christian, according to God’s will and discretion.

However, not because they do encamp round about the people of God 24/7, means that persons will be entirely exempt from difficulty and suffering. Angels do all of their work, in harmony with, and according to the discretion of God, in varying circumstances.

Thus, there are three critically important admissions that the devil makes in the opening passages, which many persons who might not know better, often fail to make. And we would do well to consider carefully what the enemy of souls is saying, in the context of our topic: “God’s Defense Department”

Admission # [1] God has made a hedge around Job.

Admission # [2] God has placed a hedge around his home, and around all that pertains to him.

Admission # [3] God has blessed the work of his hands and as a result, his substance or possessions are increased in the land.

It is worthy of note that all of Job’s possessions, his family, and all who work at his ranch, and the safety of everything and everyone pertaining to Job, are all attributed by satan to God alone and not to Job, and for these admissions we must give satan credit, for in this case, he is actually speaking the truth, a very rare occurrence indeed.

God’s defense department is much broader, and is more comprehensive than many persons believe, and this apparent ignorance is reflected in the way persons often tend to take credit for accomplishing, and protecting that which they have.

It's funny that satan does not share this perspective, for in his admissions, he credits God, as the reason why Job reached where he was in life. His success, his riches, and his ongoing preservation are all the results of God’s mercy and His defense department.

We also have to observe that the household of Job, together with all of his employees also shared in the collateral benefits of God’s defense department, for being connected to Job in any way, would render a person a beneficiary of God’s blessings.

When Jesus declares that “We are the light of the world” very much more than giving out tracks, and preaching sermons is included. God designs that all who may come within our sphere of influence on a regular basis would be recipients and beneficiaries of God’s goodness, including the collateral blessings coming from His defense department.

This sacred truth should startle the daylights out of the righteous and those who may not know God, for this special truth about collateral blessings has been revealed countless times in both the Old, and New Testaments.

For example, the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah benefited directly from the presence of Lot, even though they had probably never known it, let alone acknowledged the fact. This is what God stated plainly to Abraham several times, even as the prophet interceded for them. So, let’s see for ourselves, if what satan is saying about Job’s collateral blessings, especially on the issue of security is true. Let’s read:

Genesis 18:26 And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.

27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes.

28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.

29 And he spoke unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake.

30 And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.

31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake.

32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.

Genesis 19:18 And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord:

20 Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.

21 And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken.

22 Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do anything till thou come thither. Therefore, the name of the city was called Zoar.

Genesis 39:2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

Thus, according to the scriptures, it’s apparent that God places His people strategically across the earth so that the inhabitants thereof may be beneficiaries of His goodness, grace, mercy, and His security, and thus, a very heavy responsibility rests upon persons who are Christians, to live like Job and Joseph.

On the flipside of this truth are the ominous results of walking contrary to the commandments of God, for Christians who violate the word of God, actually put others in jeopardy, and as such, unbelievers can suffer collateral damage if the Christian isn’t walking straight. This important truth is also revealed in the Bible.

Therefore, if and when a Christian is thinking about relocating to Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, or even North Florida, the primary reasons should not only be because of the costs of living; instead, very careful consideration must be made, concerning the impact one would have on the community, to which he or she may be heading.

In other words, will such a move to a different state result in collateral blessings to the neighborhood in which they plan to reside, or would it be the flipside of insecurity and damage to the community that is in question. Persons ought to consider carefully the admissions satan makes in Job chapter 1. Let’s read:

Jonah 2:3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

4 But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

5 Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

7 And they said everyone to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So, they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

8 Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou?

9 And he said unto them, I am a Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.

10 Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him. Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them.

11 Then said they unto him, what shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous.

12 And he said unto them, take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.

13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them.

14 Wherefore they cried unto the Lord, and said, we beseech thee, O Lord, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O Lord, hast done as it pleased thee.

15 So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging.

16 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord, and made vows.

[The Desire of Ages pp 306] Though the wicked know it not, they owe even the blessings of this life to the presence in the world, of God's people whom they despise and oppress.

However, the enemy of souls also made a claim in Job chapter 1 that warrants closer investigation, for he credits Job’s security, not to weapons of defense, security cameras, or any of the other offerings that are available today, such as Ring, ADT, or the many gadgets and gizmos persons often put their trust in.

Absolutely none of these are mentioned as being the real reason why Job, and all that pertains to him are secure. Instead, satan points us directly to God’s defense department alone.

We are hard pressed to believe that an individual of such social, and financial stature, such as Job, would not have some measure of security in place, for it is a fact, that even Abraham who was wealthy, had his own private army of trained soldiers. Thus, it should be reasonable to conclude that Job also had his own security apparatus in place.

Therefore, this raises a very serious question as to whether Job and Abraham can protect themselves and their families, if God’s defense department is taken out of the equation.

To put it plainly, if God removes His “Hedge” from around Job, will Job’s security detail be able to stand their ground on their own, against the incursions of  man’s nemesis, using human agents, or would they be powerless with all of their prior planning for such an event?

What is worthy of note, is that when the hedge was removed, satan never once appeared in person, but instead, took possession of the minds of his human agents to carry out the part of the carnage that took out Job’s family, his employees, and his livestock.

This fact raises several other serious questions, as it pertains to the issue of security for Christians, which we will address next.

[1] Does, and can satan take possession of a human agent, and direct him to attack a specific location, or specific individuals?

Jobs friends came to visit him after the carnage, and thus, it is very likely that Job’s family was not the only one residing in his neighborhood. Therefore, we must question whether or not devils can impress the human agent to handpick specific locations, and persons on a specific street, to carry out their acts of carnage? Let’s read:

Job 1:12 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.

14 And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:

15 And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

(This single servant was probably spared only so that he could bring back the bad news.)

On February 14, 2018, Nikolas Cruz opened fire on students and staff at the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland Florida and the investigators later found out that considerable planning went into the fatal act, before it was carried out.

Again, on 9/11 considerable planning, surveillance, and logistics had to have taken place for months and years before, as specific targets of the Twin Towers were singled out by America’s enemies. Did this take place in a vacuum, or could devils possess a person’s mind, and direct specific attacks, as took place with Job?

If so, this will lead us to another important question that must be addressed sooner or later by those in authority, for try as we might, violence is increasing:

[2] Can such attacks as took place on Job’s family be attributed to “Mental illness” as some X-Perts in our day often do? Was Bin Laden mentally ill? Or are we dealing with something that’s more ominous within the framework of society?

Interestingly enough, the Bible never says that the Chaldeans and Sabeans were mentally ill, for if they were, we will be hard-pressed to believe that they could carry out such an attack with surgical accuracy as they did. This raises the prospect that the world could now be facing an astronomical rise of demon possession, of which the X-Perts are chalking up to mental illness.

[3] Is the Christian’s confidence to be put in arming himself/ herself, and if so, can he, or she withstand an onslaught by satan, through his human agents, if they are permitted to do so?

[4] Who are the Sabeans, and the Chaldeans in our day? And are they kept at bay only because of God’s defense department, or is it because folks might be armed to the tooth?

[5] If persons were to discover that more and more hedges are being removed in our day, can it be that God’s defense department may be in the process of wrapping up its operations on planet earth?

[6] How does God’s defense department figure into the equation, and what does that mean for those of us Christians, who are now living in an increasingly dangerous world?

To answer these very haunting questions, we must let the Bible speak with clarity for itself, because the Christian in our day will soon discover that very hard choices and decisions would have to be made as per the issue of security.  Let’s read:

Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.

Revelation 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

If demons can go directly to kings, and control their minds, then it is a no-brainer that they could also go to Nicholas Cruz, who delivered carnage to Marjorie Stoneman High school. It is worthy of note, that in verse 14 of Revelation 16, the minds of those kings are being directed and prepared for battle. Let’s read:

Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath because he knows that he hath but a short time.

17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

[Early Writings pp 274] An innumerable host of evil angels are spreading over the whole land and crowding the churches.

[Testimonies 8, pp 49] I was shown that a terrible condition of things exists in our world. The angel of mercy is folding her wings, ready to depart. Already the Lord's restraining power is being withdrawn from the earth.

[Review and Herald January 30, 1900 para. 6] The world is not improving. Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse deceiving and being deceived. By rejecting the Son of God …… and choosing a murderer in his stead, the Jews showed what human nature can and will do when the restraining power of the Spirit of God is removed, and men are under the control of the apostate. Those who choose Satan as their ruler will reveal the spirit of their chosen master.

In the instance with Job, it becomes evident that no matter what security measures may be put in place, if the hedge is removed, or missing for some reason, the Christian on his own stands powerless against a foe, who can move upon human agents to plan and carry out acts of carnage.

As we study, we must remember that Job’s case was an extreme example of what takes place behind the scenes, because God does not usually permit such incursions against His people on a regular basis. But it was necessary for God to draw back the curtains, between the visible and invisible world.

Hedges are removed for other reasons than what took place with Job by permission. By the rejection of God’s law, and by casting aspersions on His word, persons, communities, cities, and governments can cause hedges to be removed, for angels often would not go where they are not welcome or needed.

Especially should we consider what is taking place in our world, as more and more cold water is thrown over the sacred utterances of the scriptures, in favor of philosophies, doctrines, and modes of thought and action that are diabolically opposed to God.

This inevitably will result in the removal of hedges, if and when the mercy and long-suffering of God has run its course. God is merciful indeed, and he bears with humanity’s failings, and errors for very, many years, but there comes a time when He must pack up and leave, if we insist on rejecting His overtures.

When things do reach a tipping point, then God’s defense department winds down its operations, in behalf of those who reject His word. This, above all other reasons, is why we are witnessing increases in crimes, in violence, in endless wars, in diseases, in temperatures, and in the utter intransigence of our political apparatus.

In other words, with the accelerated rejection of the word of God, will come the inevitable, accelerated winding down of God’s defense department, and it would reach a stage where God can only protect His own. This isn’t a figment of our imagination, it’s the unadulterated word of God speaking. Let’s read:

Isaiah 24: 3 The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken this word.

4 The earth mourns and fades away, the world languishes and fades away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.

5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore, the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

We are now living in momentous times, where the leaders of this world are at a loss for answers as to how to address the emerging threats that keep on arising almost daily. Devils are mounting incursions on several fronts, and according to what is written, it is scheduled to get a whole lot worse. Let’s read:

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

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

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

4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

However, we are not left without hope, because all who will cling to God during these difficult days will be Shepherded through, according to God’s will, for He has made plain in His word, that when the going gets rough, He will manifest Himself in behalf of all those who love and obey Him.

Therefore, instead of stocking up on weapons, arms, and man-made food that could last for twenty-five years, let us stock up on The Holy Ghost, and build characters by the grace of God that would stand the test of time. God has already given us His word that He will be there for us when we need Him most and thus, we are to rest in His promises. Let’s read:

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

Joel 3: 16 The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most-High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Under the early rain that fell on the believers on the day of Pentecost, we do not find a single recorded instance where we read of them taking up weapons to protect themselves. When Peter was arrested for preaching, the church made unceasing intercession for him, and thereby, God sent His angel to deliver him.

Similarly, under the latter rain, there is not a single scripture calling on the remnant to arm themselves with weapons, because the battle is not ours, but The Lord’s. Our preparation and our defense ought to be centered in and around Christ, and we know we can trust Him to do what’s best for His people.

The arm of flesh will fail us and we have seen clearly from the experiences of Job, that without The Lord’s defense department covering us, we do not stand a chance against the invisible forces of darkness, who are much stronger, more intelligent and experienced than we are, in planning and executing destruction.

Therefore, it is fitting that we end our study today with a gentle reminder that Christians are not called to employ carnal weapons but spiritual, because we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities and powers of darkness in high places. 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.

                                    God Bless!

Why God Does Not Always Intervene. Sabbath afternoon 07/08/2023

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

There is no doubt that God is preparing His people to stand during the final days of earth’s history, and this preparation would involve having an intelligent knowledge of The God whom we serve. Truths that have been swept under the rug for centuries must be revisited and clearly understood, lest fall into the errors that have spread across the land as a plague.

Coming to grips with the sin problem, and having a clear understanding of the issue of choice, will go a long way in resolving some of those haunting issues and questions that do bubble up to the surface from time, from deep within our thoughts.

One of the pitfalls we must avoid at all costs is that of buying into satan’s version of events, because for the most part the philosophies, teachings, the views and perspectives that are generally held by popular majorities are largely in sync with doctrines of devils and as such we will often find that such views would be diabolically opposed to God and truth.

For starters, the sin problem carries with it natural consequences, as stated in our first passage. Death, with all of its derivatives, such as sickness, sorrow, pain, crime, war and diseases, are by-products of sin and the collateral damage that results is a normal part of man’s existence.

It is true that God sent His Son Jesus into the world to save us from our sins, and to grant us abundant life, but this does not always translate into living a life that is free from the adverse results of sin. To a great extent, the consequences of transgression are mitigated in those who accept Christ, but the fallout from sin can persist for years.

The sin we are referring to is not only that which a person may have committed, but also the original sin which occurred in our first parents. Even though we were not there when they chose to sin, the fact remains that we are their offspring, and collateral damage in us is the natural result of what occurred back then. Let’s read:

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

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

Therefore, with the understanding that sin causes collateral damage in persons, we must now address some of the unresolved questions and issues which haunt our minds from time to time. When persons suffer, for seemingly no reason, folks are disturbed, and may voice their concern, but when God blesses those who are rebelling against Him, not a word of remonstrance is heard.

For years, God’s blessings fell upon Sodom, and the people enjoyed the bounties of heaven, yet, in the account of their history, most people usually tend to focus on their demise, and almost nothing is ever mentioned of the many years God had poured out His rich gifts upon the cities. Let’s read:

Genesis 13:10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as you come unto Zoar.

The phrase: “Even as the garden of The Lord” means that it was compared to Eden; that is how much the place was blessed by the bounties of heaven. Yet, it is almost never mentioned in the narrative of their history. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 156] Fairest among the cities of the Jordan Valley was Sodom, set in a plain which was “as the garden of the Lord” in its fertility and beauty. Here the luxuriant vegetation of the tropics flourished. Here was the home of the palm tree, the olive, and the vine.

And flowers shed their fragrance throughout the year. Rich harvests clothed the fields, and flocks and herds covered the encircling hills. Art and commerce contributed to enrich the proud city of the plain. The treasures of the East adorned her palaces, and the caravans of the desert brought their stores of precious things to supply her marts of trade.

With little thought or labor, every want of life could be supplied, and the whole year seemed one round of festivity. The profusion reigning everywhere gave birth to luxury and pride.

Again, when the king of Sodom was invaded by the surrounding nations which were bent on destroying the towns it was God who sent Abraham to rescue the men of Sodom. God’s mercy was poured out for very many years upon the cities, and yet these facts are almost entirely left out of the history of the twin cities. Let’s read:

Genesis 14:10 And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain.

11 And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way.

13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.

15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.

16 And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.

17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.

21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.

22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the Most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoe latchet and I will not take anything that is yours ,lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich.

We must be very careful not to harbor the spin that devils concoct to portray God as one who only seeks vengeance and judgements while the millions of His blessings which He bestows every day upon persons often go entirely unnoticed, or unmentioned by the majority of people.

Therefore, we must now turn our attention to some of the reasons why God does not intervene in this, or that situation, for many are at a loss for words, if and when adverse circumstances may occur.

[1] Choices made carry natural consequences, and God is not duty-bound to deliver, intervene, prevent or mitigate adverse consequences from happening. In other words, Jesus is never obligated under any circumstances to prevent the natural results of sin from accruing.

This particular truth must now be revealed in clear distinct lines, for some persons believe that God is the great preventer-in-chief. This is absolutely not the case, for it is His sole prerogative to decide if or when He will deliver in this or that circumstance.

Jesus volunteered to take upon Himself the sins of the world, but if He had not chosen to do so, God would still be a loving God. In addition to this, all of His promises are to be understood in the context of Him exercising discretion in different situations, and not the blanket guarantees as some might view His promises to be.

Especially is this sacred truth pertinent to persons who have deliberately chosen to walk contrary to what God has said.  In such cases, the prospect of deliverance is even more farfetched than those who are trying their best to live up to the light they have received.

Our choices carry consequences, and God has given instructions, laws and principles in His word that will go a long way in mitigating the natural results of sin. But since we are free moral agents, we can choose to do either good or evil with the pertinent results.

When we are finished doing Bible study today, you can join us at Red Lobster to eat our fill of all those finger-licking, forbidden crustaceans, and we would guarantee that there will be no angel standing with a flaming sword at the entrance to the restaurant.

What ever may be the result, God is not obligated to deliver us if things take a turn for the worse. We can pray and repent, if the result of our actions turn out to be debilitating, and God, in His mercy to us might choose to deliver, but under no circumstances is He obligated to do so.

Again, when God has blessed us with finances, and resources, we may manage them prudently, or, like the prodigal son, we may go splurging on blings and things. But if we were to run into trouble, God is not obligated to deliver, nor is He compelled to reverse the natural results of our course of action.

In His great mercy and love, He may choose to do so and we would always encourage persons to repent and pray for pardon and deliverance, but as far as God being obligated to show mercy, it’s an absolute non-starter.

A father has warned his son of the dangers of using drugs. He has pleaded with him to leave the Ganja alone, but try as the parents may, the son continues to do weed. Year after year passes and many prayers are said, and many tears are shed on his behalf, but for some unknown reason, that son continues, day by day, to smoke the herb.

Finally, the son is arrested for possession of drugs, and he is put in jail, where he wishes he had heeded the warnings of his loving parents. But now it is too late, and he is incarcerated with drug dealers, gang bangers, crypto bandits and robbers, and as he sits in jail twiddling his thumbs, he wishes his parents would intervene. Hear the word of The Lord!

His parents are under no obligation whatsoever to get him out of jail. In their love for the wayward son, they may post bail, but as far as being obligated to do so, this is absolutely not the case.

Furthermore, if the parents decided to leave him in prison, to suffer the natural consequences of all his actions, the decision on the part of the parents does nothing whatsoever to change their status as being the loving parents they have always been. If they decide to deliver, it would be of their own free will, but they are never to feel coerced into doing so.

Similarly, God is under no obligation to deliver the sinner, or the righteous. Jesus reserves the right to show mercy on whom He will have mercy, and to let others bear the brunt of collateral damage of sin in general. However, that does not change His status whatsoever as being The loving God He has always been. Let’s read:

Romans 9: 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

16 So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shews mercy.

Just because we may be doing right does not entitle us to deliverance, for God is merciful by decision not by obligation. This truth needs to be understood by all Christians in our day, just as it was understood by Daniel and the three Hebrew boys.

Even though they were eating their vegetables with singleness of heart, and even though they’d braved the consequences of standing up in defense of truth by refusing those diabolical requests of the greatest earthly king at that time, they did not think for once that God was obligated to deliver them.

Some contemporary televangelists who preach the health/ wealth gospel, will sometimes portray God as being under obligation to bless and have mercy. But just because one may be walking in the ways of God’s choosing does not make him or her entitled to one of God’s blessings, as if God were obligated to bless.

Let us be very, very careful of subscribing to satan’s version of events, because in doing so, some could risk sinking deep down into spiritual darkness, from which it can become difficult for persons to recover. Instead, let’s all read from the same script as did the three Hebrew worthies. Let’s read:

Daniel 3:16 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.

This leads us to the second reason why God may not always choose to intervene:

[2] God reserves the right at all times to exercise His discretion, meaning, that there are times when He may choose to deliver or prevent certain things, and there are other instances when He might say not so much.

The promises made to the righteous are not blanket guarantees which are automatically scheduled to be fulfilled to the letter, in every which circumstance. The promises are subjected to God’s discretion, and since every case is different, He may choose to fulfill in one instance, whereas in another, He may see fit not to intervene.

When the Hebrew boys faced the prospect of being thrown into the fiery furnace, they had promises to rely on, and they could have quoted passages in the Bible, and they could have pointed to precedent, as reasons why they should have confidence that they would be delivered, for sure.

However, notwithstanding the promises, they left some wiggle room for God to exercise His discretion so that God’s will and not theirs would be done. Not all who follow Christ will be delivered from the fires of the furnace. Some would and some won’t, but all would be declared victorious when Jesus comes to claim His own.

If God were to guarantee deliverance in every case, there would be no need to exercise faith, because it would be a no-brainer to follow God without risk. In some instances, the best thing to do will be for God to deliver, but in other instances, in the best interest of the kingdom, it would be best for Him to leave things alone.

This is what the disciples did not understand as they saw Jesus being handcuffed and hauled off to prison where He was to stand trial for things He did not do. In that episode, God’s discretion saw fit to let things slide, because, in the bigger picture, God saw that millions of persons would be saved as a result.

Hence the reason why Jesus said: “Not My will, but Thy will be done” meaning, that Jesus was willing to leave the ball in God’s court, so that God’s discretion would have the final word. Let’s read:

Matthew 26: 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

53 Don’t you think that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

[3] The third reason why God might not intervene is because in some cases God is prevented from doing so, on account unbelief.

There are countless cases where God was, and is ready to help, but the state of mind harbored, and thoughts cherished preclude any deliverance from taking place. In very many instances where folks hit a roadblock in the Bible, and resolution to problems seemed impossible, the real reason was because of unbelief.

In our day, trouble keeps piling on and some wonder why God isn’t intervening. A couple years ago earth was shaken to its core by Covid, which came about as a natural result of eating forbidden foods.  Very many people lost their lives, and collateral damage was felt in every corner of the globe.

Yet, for all the carnage and trouble we went through persons still insist on eating that which is forbidden, and, instead of putting our thumbs directly on the issue, investigators are looking for any other cause, other than that which God says is the problem. Let’s read:

Leviticus 11: 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 carcasse 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.

Yet, for all the information God has given to us so as to mitigate the fallout of sin, we dig in our heels and continue to ingest that which will produce adverse results. Then, when Covid comes around and shakes down everybody, we ask questions such as: “Where is God?” and Why doesn’t He intervene?

Unbelief is what got us into the mess that we are in today, for Adam and Eve chose not to believe God, and we are not to expect or believe that The Lord is obligated in any way, shape or form to deliver us, if we deliberately disregard His laws and instructions.

In fact, unbelief stands out as the root cause for most of Israel’s failures, and if we look for a different out-come, we will have to track a different course. Very many passages in both the Old Testament and the New echo the very same sentiment. Let’s read:

Psalms 78: 22 Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:

23 Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,

32 For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.

33 Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.

37 For their heart was not right with him, neither were they steadfast in his covenant.

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

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

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

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

5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

6 And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

Proverbs 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded;

25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord:

30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

An example of what is being spoken of took place as the twelve spies were sent to search out the land of Canaan. Two brought back a good report, but as is always the case, the majority, brought back the bad tidings which aroused the unbelief that was already residing in the hearts of most of the people.

Thus, before we move forward, there is a statement of interest that we should carefully consider. Here it is, for it is a statement of fact that must of necessity be brought into the equation, whenever persons are desirous of God’s intervention, especially in adverse situations:

[The Desire of Ages pp 535] When the Lord is about to do a work, Satan moves upon someone to object.

Numbers 13:31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.

32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eats up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.

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

[Patriarchs and Prophets pp 389] Revolt and open mutiny quickly followed; for Satan had full sway, and the people seemed bereft of reason. They cursed Moses and Aaron, forgetting that God hearkened to their wicked speeches, and that, enshrouded in the cloudy pillar, the Angel of His presence was witnessing their terrible outburst of wrath.

Then their feelings rose against God: “Wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?

Thus, they accused not only Moses but God Himself of deception, in promising them a land which they were not able to possess. And they went so far as to appoint a captain to lead them back to the land of their suffering and bondage, from which they had been delivered by the strong arm of Omnipotence.

In our day there are many calamities taking place on every hand. There is the war between Ukraine and Russia, there is war between Israel and Palestinians, there are ongoing riots in France, tensions are rising between the United States and China, and over the July 4th holiday, several mass shootings took place in various parts of America.

The sad thing about all of these situations is that a lot of people, including little children are losing their lives, and some persons are driven almost to despair as they try to understand the reasons why God isn’t intervening to prevent this or that adverse situation from happening.

Though we may never have all the correct answers, this one thing we do know, that God is not obligated to intervene or prevent anything, and His discretion will guide His actions and purposes as He works for the best interest of the human family.

Questions we may have, and answers we might not get, but at the end of the day, God’s good purposes to all will one day be revealed, and it will be known and seen clearly, that everything God ever did, and permitted, was always in the best interest of earth’s inhabitants.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encapsulates the closing thought and it is our prayer that wherever answers are lacking, faith in The Living God will take up the slack. Let’s read:

Jeremiah 29: 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

                                  God Bless!

Darkness Envelops The Earth. Sabbath afternoon 07/01/2023

Isaiah 60: 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

The darkness spoken of in the above passage refers primarily to spiritual darkness, by which it would be increasingly difficult for the multitudes of earth to tell the difference between right and wrong, good and evil.

This darkness will not happen suddenly, for we have studied before that the principles of gradualism are employed by the kingdom of darkness, in order to bring to pass its diabolical ends. A person’s mind can become enveloped in darkness to a greater or lesser extent when erroneous views of God are cherished or held, either deliberately or ignorantly.

Some preachers portray God as being One who only deals in mercy and grace, whose great love for the human family prevents Him from being just. Even though God is indeed love, this one-sided view is a form of spiritual darkness, through which persons are led to perdition.

Another view is that God is strict, looking for every little deviation and mistake made by persons, so as to breathe out fire and brimstone on offenders who sin against Him. This view also constitutes a form of spiritual darkness, and can drive away persons from the only source of salvation, even Christ.

Thus, it is of critical importance that we cultivate a balanced understanding of God, especially as He is scheduled to do strange things upon the earth as we near the brink of eternity. The perspective of A God of grace alone would eventually lead persons to take His love for granted.

 This in turn will cause persons to presume upon His, goodness, with the thought that He’ll never call us to account. On the other hand, the perspective of A God of strict justice and no mercy, will drive some folks to serve Him out of fear, and when this is the case, a robotic form of obedience, without any joy or delight becomes the sad lot of those who harbor this view.

Both unbalanced views could cause individuals to stumble, and both perspectives are actively used by devils to try to distort the knowledge of God in the minds of millions. Thus, when Isaiah predicts that darkness shall cover the earth, unbalanced views of God form the bulk of what the prophet is referring to. Let’s read:

Proverbs 4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

2nd Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

We are now at the very time of which Isaiah and the other prophets spoke, where light is exchanged for darkness, bitter is put in place of sweet, and truth is sacrificed in favor of error, and as a result, concepts of right and wrong which in former years were taken for granted and clearly understood are now clouded in a deep, and darkening mist of error, fueled, and backed up by philosophy.

What contemporary society accepts as being normal is now so far removed from God’s revealed will, that many persons are confirmed in erroneous patterns of thought and action, to the point where some are currently exhibiting great confidence in doing that which earlier generations would have recoiled from in former years.

Error has taken deep root in the consciences of the popular majority, and, because much of it is being lauded and fostered by persons in high places, it has now become risky, and even downright dangerous in some cases to speak out about it.

Yet the servants of God must be found faithful while delivering Christ’s last message of mercy to a dying world, even if present truth may not bode well with political or social correctness. God has not called His servants to be popular, but instead, to be faithful to Him, to truth and duty.

Thus, as persons prepare for the big one, the light of truth must now scatter the darkness which has been accumulating for many years. Especially should this be the case with those who will be trusted to carry the Elijah message better known as the three angels messages to the teeming multitudes of earth.

One of the facts which must be understood is that truth never goes through a metamorphosis with the passage of time, neither do the principles, and laws of God’s kingdom change with the fads and fashions of the day. The truths found in the Bible are eternal in nature, and therefore, will stand the test of time.

Therefore, there are three areas of concern which we must address, since great spiritual darkness has overshadowed the truth on these issues. They are: [1] Marriage. [2] The Sabbath. [3] Protection.

The first one has to do with the marriage institution that was given to the human family, directly by God Himself. When God pronounced Adam and Eve as being married, He did set in stone the format of one man and his female wife, as the gold standard for all future generations to follow.

And since that time, God has not changed His mind one iota. God has not taken into consideration any social norms, or what popular majorities think, say, or legislate on the matter. Cultural biases and one’s personal preferences and choices do not move God to change His mind on certain issues, for which He has already stated what is the right thing to do. Let’s read:

Genesis 2:21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

22 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones,

and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

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

Matthew 19: 4 And he answered and said unto them, Have you not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

Therefore, any other belief, philosophy, teaching, or lifestyle which goes contrary to what is stated in the Bible, constitutes a form of spiritual darkness, and the more we dig in our heels into erroneous modes of thought and action, the more we would become enveloped in the shadows of night.

To put it plainly, God will never accept gay marriage or any of the multitude of alternative lifestyles that are currently on the menu, as viable substitutes to the gold standard He has set. He will accept those who turn to Him, when repentance and confession are made, but the marriage institution of itself will remain as sacred as it was the first day God gave it.

That’s because God cannot be coerced, persuaded, bullied, or bribed into changing truth, and as such, the clamors of earth’s multitudes do not move the needle one notch to the left or to the right. Above the confusion, and discordant voices which root for this or that right, the word of God will always stand unchanged.

Censure and applause are often used by devils to get persons to buckle under pressure, and bribes, gifts, and promotions are often employed by the Balaamites of our day, to try to get some to recant their convictions of truth. But it must never be so with those who are called to deliver present truth.

They might be booed, heckled, insulted, maligned, and economic boycotts may take a fearful toll on a person’s finances, but the truth in the matter must never be sacrificed for some temporary advantage. What God has said on the issue of marriage is set in stone, and will never be changed by any mortal man whoever he may be.

The next issue has to do with the Sabbath, for which there is now a generally accepted substitute in the world of Christendom. When God commanded Cain and Abel to bring a lamb to worship, He did so with the sole purpose of pointing humanity to the great sacrifice to be made by Jesus for our redemption.

Abel obeyed and was accepted, but Cain rejected the word of God, yet he was a religious person who showed up for worship, albeit with his own version of what he thought the sacrifice should be. After he was reprimanded by God, he still continued insisting on his version of worship, and as such, his offering could not be accepted.

After he was told of the natural results of his course of action, he complained about the consequences, and God then promised to protect him as long as he would live. Yet, for all the guarantees of protection God then gave, the requirement of a lamb did not in anyway change.

Just because God promised to protect Cain for as long as he lived does not mean that he was in God’s favor. Instead, he was in God’s mercy. Persons in our day who point to the fact that there are some who prosper or seem to be blessed while disobeying God are deep into the spiritual darkness, which has now enveloped the earth.

God blesses and He protects people because of His goodness, not merely because of anything good we may have done. In fact, if God’s blessings to us were to be based on our own goodness, not a single one of us would be blessed.

God makes His sun to shine on the evil and on the good, and He sends His rain on the just and on the unjust, so material blessings, and general protection are not inevitable indicators that God accepts forms of worship that are contrary to the scriptures. This is a form of spiritual darkness that has overspread the earth.

With Cain, God would never accept anything other than what He had required, and the same is true in our day as it pertains to a substitute day of worship, which has taken deep root in Christendom. There are persons who really believe that Sunday is the correct day of worship, and they may be sincere in their convictions.

But although God understands their sincerity, and the force of habit and tradition, yet the Sabbath of the fourth commandment remains unchanged as the only day of worship God recognizes, and as such God will never ever accept Sunday as a substitute.

Politicians may legislate it, preachers might preach it and the clergy in our day may support it, but it will never be accepted by God, the same way that Cain’s brand of worship was rejected, because the passage of time does not alter any eternal truths which God has given to us. Let’s read:

Exodus 20: 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work:

10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

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

Isaiah 66: 22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain.

23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.

The third and final issue we’ll address, as it pertains to spiritual darkness enveloping the earth, is that of protection, which has always been of great concern to earth’s inhabitants.

In our day, it has morphed into an issue which many persons have decided to take into their own hands, and for this reason, the rest of the Bible study will center around some of the truths which need to be understood about protection.

God generally protects all the peoples of earth, and this has become necessary, because our mortal foe only seeks to kill and destroy. Were it not for God’s protection, persons and dumb animals would have been wiped off the face of the earth, many years ago. But God’s mercies are renewed to us every day, and this is why we continue to exist. Let’s read:

Lamentations 3:21 This I recall to my mind therefore have I hope.

22 It is because of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Psalms 127:1 Except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keeps the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

However, there were times, and there will be times when for some reason, God’s protection is removed, and there are other times when God’s judgment has and will become due. There’s no need for such cases to be a reason for stumbling, for God has given to us sufficient light and knowledge in His word, to dispel the darkness that pertains to protection.

And though we may not completely understand the reasons every time, we may rest assured of the fact that God does not do things arbitrarily, neither is He moved to spontaneous action, without first thinking things through, a format we would do well to follow.

There are several instances in the Bible, where, on account of a certain course of action taken by some, The Lord saw it fit to administer justice, and these instances could cause persons to sink into spiritual darkness, if certain truths about God are not fully understood.

There are instances where there may seem to be a mismatch in the administration of justice, and the surface reader, risks going away with an incomplete or distorted view, if the time was not taken to study the issues through.

Some persons wonder why God visited the city of Jerusalem in days of old with such a devastating judgement in response to David’s numbering of the people. What is worthy of note in that episode is that the narrative begins with these very words: “And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel”.

In other words, over the years, satan has figured out what he needs to do, in order to trigger an adverse event, and though he may not succeed every time, because of God’s mercies, yet he knows that laws of sowing and reaping do run their natural course. Now, some may wonder, what is the big deal with David numbering the people, why it would trigger such an adverse response.

 Others may stumble at what they think was a heavy-handed response from God to Uzzah when trying to prevent the sacred ark from falling while the men of Philistia were permitted to take the ark captive, as they travelled for several miles, with no immediate response from God.

In that episode, even David had a problem with the response from God, and his comments reflect the same spiritual darkness concerning protection that now envelops the earth. In other words, to David, it seemed arbitrary for God to destroy someone, just for trying to save the ark from falling. Let’s read:

2nd Samuel 6:6 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: and he called the name of the place Perez-uzzah to this day.

In David’s finite mind, this judgment seemed to be a mismatch, because the Philistines years before, had taken the same ark, handling it and placing it in the house of Dagon, their God, and yet, those who then touched it were not immediately visited. But Uzzah, who tried to prevent the ark from falling was intelligently singled by God, and struck mortally for what seemed to David as a good thing, with the best of intentions. That is according to man’s short-sighted wisdom. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 5:1 And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod.

2 When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.

The fact is that God is a Spirit, and as such He reads between the lines correctly, and He takes motives, intentions, purposes, objectives and one’s vein of thought, together with a person’s knowledge into account when evaluating a person’s actions.

We often do not or cannot see these invisible things and therefore our evaluations and assessments are very often entirely different to God’s when drawing conclusions about persons. This became evident as Samuel went to anoint a new king for Israel.

At that time, he saw the first son of Jessie, and said the Lord’s anointed is before Him. Yet the infinite perspective revealed that God had refused him. In other words, what seemed to Samuel as the perfect fit for a king, was in God’s eyes, an absolute non-starter. The reasons for these differences in seeing things is explained in the following passages.

1st Samuel 16: 6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.

7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord sees not as man sees for man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart.

Isaiah 55: 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Hebrews 4: 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

These are just some of the reasons why in certain instances which might seem to be similar, there is what may seem to be an apparent mismatch in the way God responds. He looks at what is in the heart while we judge things from the mere externals.

Again, David had a problem with the way God saw fit to address his sin of numbering the people, as an angel of God destroyed 70,000. We must go back to the fact that God is a Spirit and as such He evaluates situations, and actions much differently than we do.

Recently, a submersible sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean and imploded, killing all five persons on board. They were on their way to see the Titanic which sank many years ago. Back then, in 1912, it was purported by some people that the Titanic was unsinkable, and some persons went so far as to say that “Not even God could sink it”

The owner and CEO of Ocean-gate was found to be partaking of the same spirit, or mindset, that was to be found in the heart of the captain of the titanic. A brief recount of their words and actions reveals that they were reading from the same script, and shared the same fate.

Some persons believed that the technologies that were employed, and the strength of the materials used, rendered the Titanic unsinkable, and though several warnings of icebergs in the area were given to the ship’s captain, he saw it fit to disregard those warnings, believing that the Titanic’s sturdy frame could withstand anything.

Fast-forward to 2023, and the owner of Ocean Gate believes that the materials used in the construction of the submersible were indestructible. Even though several warnings had been given by employees, and other entities in the business, that CEO disregards them all, and insists that the submersible is safe.

In addition, to this, the CEO’s wife is a descendent of a couple who died on the Titanic. And therefore, the same spirit, and mindset found on the Titanic, was also found in the CEO of the submersible that just imploded. So, when we say God is a Spirit, we mean that He assesses a situation spiritually, taking mindsets and intentions, purposes and one’s vein of thought into consideration.

Therefore, in the situation with David numbering the people, the persons who fell that fateful day were partaking of the exact same spirit which had motivated David, the only difference being that he repented quickly, whilst they did not.

Thus, they became candidates for that collateral damage which was to follow, for their protection was removed by the thoughts and purposes they were harboring. This is one of the reasons why in our day, some persons who may seem to have no connection to a crime, may suffer along with the perpetrators. Let’s read:

1st Chronicles 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

2 And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.

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

4 Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.

7 And God was displeased with this thing; therefore, he smote Israel.

8 And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 746] The numbering of the people would show the contrast between the weakness of the kingdom when David ascended the throne and its strength and prosperity under his rule. This would tend still further to foster the already too great self-confidence of both king and people.

The prosperity of Israel under David had been due to the blessing of God rather than to the ability of her king or the strength of her armies. But the increasing of the military resources of the kingdom would give the impression to surrounding nations that Israel's trust was in her armies, and not in the power of Jehovah.

Yet, David thought there was an imbalance in the way God handled the matter, for, as far as he could see, the ordinary people were innocent, and did not deserve the severe judgments which followed. His sentiments are echoed in words that resonate with the spiritual darkness that has now enshrouded the earth on the issue of protection. Let’s read:

1st Chronicles 21:16 And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

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

When the times spoken of by the prophets begin to take shape, when the time of trouble such as never was, since there was a nation, begins to unfurl, the same situation that unfolded after David numbered the people, will be repeated.

And if persons have not understood the reasons for collateral damage, they will most likely go with the popular flow of thinking that God is arbitrary in His assessments and judgements. When you may hear statements such as “Where was God” in this or that adverse situation, in most cases, it is a rekindling of the same sentiments David once uttered.

 Again, on the issue of protection, God has promised to be with His people until the end of the age, and since we are now living in the wild-wild west, folks will be making decisions on how to move forward in an increasingly dangerous world.

God has given specific promises to those who would be scheduled to pass through the trials of the last days, and as such, individuals would have to decide whether they would defend themselves, or whether they would trust God alone to do so. Let’s read:

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

Joel 3: 15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.

16 The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most-High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely, he shall deliver thee from the snare of the  fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness; nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Joel 2: 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.

As the prophet Elijah was sent by God to deliver the stern message to Ahab, he didn’t take anything with which to protect himself except the promises of God alone. And throughout the entire episode, from the contest on mount Carmel, to being hunted down by both Ahab and Jezebel, he never needed to defend himself, for He was “Abiding under the shadow of The Almighty”

Those who subscribe to the prevailing philosophies on self-preservation will most likely have to depend upon the arm of flesh to save them in time of real danger. In other words, if persons decide to take the matter of protection into their own hands, then there will be no need for God to send holy angels to protect such, for they have already decided to protect their own selves.

Angels are sent where they are needed, and thus, it becomes useless for God to put resources in places and situations where folks have already decided to fend for themselves. In a nutshell, it would all boil down to trusting in God, and God alone. Let’s read:

[The Great Controversy pp 631] The heavenly sentinels, faithful to their trust, continue their watch. In some cases, before the time specified in the decree, enemies will rush upon the waiting ones to put them to death. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and villages; but the swords raised against them break and fall as powerless as a straw. Others are defended by angels in the form of men of war.

Let us then allow the sacred truths of God’s word to dispel the darkness that has enveloped the earth for it is His will that we be settled into the truth, both in practice, and intellectually. We therefore end with a passage of scripture that should encourage us to search out, and know God for ourselves, because it is an intelligent knowledge of Him that would keep us calm during the difficult days of earth’s history that are ahead. Let’s read:

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

24 But let him that glories glory in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

                                   God Bless!

Three Problems With Laodicea. Sabbath afternoon 06/24/2023

Revelation 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you 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 may see.

Laodicea represents the very last Christian church to be upon the planet just before Jesus comes, but the assessments made by Christ reveal that there are three main problems plaguing the modern Christian church: [1] It claims to be rich [2] It claims to be increased with goods [3] It claims to have need of nothing.

The claim of being rich and increased with goods is for all intents and purposes true. Not only does the claim refer to literal wealth, but it also refers to the spiritual wealth which comes with the increase in knowledge, Daniel once spoke about.

 We currently do have at our disposal, the resources, information and tools we need to obtain a clearer understanding of God’s will, than in bygone years.

We have the Bible in a plethora of versions, we have multiple commentaries from which we can draw the Hebrew, Hebrew and Aramaic versions of texts, with exhaustive exegesis, and linguistic explanations in so much that anyone who so desires could go digging for the treasure that lies deep beneath the surface.

No longer do folks have to wait for priests, prelates and pastors to give their own private interpretation as took place during the dark ages, when the Bible was chained to monasteries and persons were told that only the clergy could understand the scripture.

Those days are forever behind us and thus, whoever would take the time to search out the deep things of God could do so, and would be richly rewarded. Thus, Laodicea’s claim to be rich and increased with goods, do have some merit.

But as if these two claims were not serious enough Laodicea is plagued with a third problem, which is the most dangerous of the three, because the third claim is the the most detrimental to the soul, and if not urgently addressed, can render folks incapable of recognizing their dire need of Christ.

In order for a person to appreciate, and appropriate that which Christ has done for the human family on Calvary, one would first have to understand why He had to do what He did, for it was the only option on the table, as far as salvation goes.

In other words, all the counsels and deliberations of The God-head, led to only one viable way to save us from ourselves, and that was to have Jesus come to earth, live a life of perfect righteousness, and then die for the sins of the world, through the shedding of His own blood. Let’s read:

Hebrews 9: 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Thus, the burning question to be answered is: Why was Christ’s sacrifice necessary? And why does the Laodicean church need to think again, when making the claim of having need of nothing? To answer this question, we will have to understand some of the fundamentals about fallen human nature.

Last week we mentioned a few passages in passing, which treat on this important topic, but because of the constraints of time, we did not delve too deeply into the implications and ramifications thereof.

But now, the time has fully come for the truth in the matter to be known, so that we will understand why we keep preaching Christ alone, all by Himself, as far as delivering us from bondage, and setting us free, if the choice is made by us, to have Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives.

After Adam and Eve sinned, they and their offspring, without the intervention from Jesus, would have become inextricably tethered to the sinful, human nature which became indigenous in every person,  and it is a direct production of the efforts of satan who is the king of fallen, sinful nature.

In every individual that is born on planet earth, with the singular exception of Christ, sinful human nature is capable of producing involuntary, reflex actions which are antagonistic to God and righteousness.

Some folks do stumble on the question of whether or not there is inherent innocence, and neutrality, at birth until a person could come to the age of reason where he or she can make deliberate choices, either for or against sin.

The sin problem is much deeper than mere choice, because, when it comes to our sinful nature, folks do not necessarily have to choose to be sinful, or to do that which is evil. That condition is actually who we are at our very core. This is what Jesus tried to relay to the people at His first sermon, when they became infuriated and grabbed Him.

We mentioned last week the situation that obtained with Rebekah, as her two unborn children fought one another in her womb. What is really interesting is that God told her that the reason for the ongoing conflict was that there were two different kinds of people within her womb.

And there is another passage of scripture which says that God “Loved Jacob” but “Hated Esau”. Although that passage in question poses significant challenges to theologians, we must now bypass philosophizing to take a closer look at what Christ is saying to us in those passages. Let’s read:

Genesis 25: 21 And Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the Lord.

23 And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.

24 And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.

25 And the first came out red, all over like a hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

26 And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bore them.

Paul’s rendition of the same event offers another bit of important information, because he specifically says that even though they were fighting, they did not sin. That is because they didn’t deliberately start a fight, by thinking and acting upon it. They fought it out, because it is in our nature naturally to fight, as an involuntary, reflex action. Let’s read:

Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.

13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

To understand what God is showing to us in these passages, we must observe that both were fighting. Even though Romans 9 tells us God loved Jacob, the narrative makes clear to us that it takes at least two have a fight and in fact, according to the story, Jacob continued to fight his twin brother, even after Esau was born.

Now let’s leave deliberate choice in the dust for a while, because it becomes obvious that the sinful nature that is indigenous to all persons goes much deeper than deliberate choice. In other words, the twins did not think it through, and then started to fight.

They fought, because that’s who they are at their core, for choice is not needed for our sinful human nature to manifest itself. If, and when persons find themselves spontaneously blurting out a flurry of unbecoming words when another may step on their toes we must remember this one thing, that in most cases, you did not have to think about it first.

What was said and done in such instances did come forth involuntarily, as a natural reflex reaction driven by sinful human nature, in most cases. This is the reason why babies, and young children do not need to deliberately choose to fight off another whenever their candy is taken away. They will do what they do because that’s who we are at our core.

In order for a woman’s egg to be fertilized, millions of sperm are released and they each swim upstream frantically, with the singular purpose of finding, and penetrating the egg. In the process, they battle each other on their way to the fallopian tubes, or in other words, they start off by seeking the “highest place”

Furthermore, the next passage we will read is very, critically important to our understanding of why we need Christ. Jesus does not condemn us for who we are, He never does, but He bids us consider the only remedy that is to be found in Him, in His sacrifice and righteousness in our behalf. Let’s read:

John 3: 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Thus, when persons speak of “Innocent children” in the context of not having done good or evil, it is to be understood from the perspective that the young members of the human family have not necessarily chosen conscientiously do good or bad. Neither do they need to see evil done, to then act as copycats.

If stranded on a remote island at birth, without any Facebook, or Instagram, or Twitter, for them to learn how to do evil, they will end up doing sin all on their own. The bad behaviors are generated involuntarily by the sheer force of sinful human nature.  

Esau and Jacob were not watching Mc-Gregor in the womb, on Netflix in order to learn how to fight. The behavior they manifested is the natural by-product of sinful human nature, and this is what God points us to as the reason why we need Jesus, and the new heart and mind that comes with His salvation.

In other words, they do not need to choose to fight for according to the scriptures, our natural bent is to do evil, to retaliate, to seek revenge, and, like those unruly sperm we spoke of earlier to seek the highest place.

And these latent tendencies are indigenous in all descendants of Adam and Eve, who are born upon planet earth. Hence the reason why the beatitudes Christ taught us in Matthew chapter 5, present to us a virtual impossibility, without the intervention and salvation that is found in Christ alone.

No man in his natural, carnal state is going to turn the other cheek, if someone deliberately does him wrong. When persons are wronged in the U.S they will sue the daylights out of the offender, for it isn’t indigenous in sinful human nature to let offenders off the hook.

Again, the following passage presents profound and literal impossibilities to our natural sinful nature and it is indeed futile for a person to attempt any of that which Jesus is teaching, without the change of heart which God alone can give. Basically, in a nutshell not happening! Let’s read:

Matthew 5: 44 But I say unto you love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

These be-attitudes do not occur naturally in human nature, for we are born at the opposite end of the spectrum, when it comes to inherent goodness. It is not to be found naturally, in babies, in tweenagers, in adults, nor in grandparents.

One day, someone offended the child of an elderly woman, full of gray hair, and when the elderly lady got wind of it, she showed up on the scene and she threatened to shoot up the offender if the situation was not resolved in her child’s favor. Therefore, the truth about us must now be disclosed. Let’s read:

Psalms 58: 3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

Psalms 51: 5 Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in  sin did my mother conceive me.

Jeremiah 17: 9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

[Faith & Works pp 88] Adam sinned and the children of Adam share his guilt, and its consequences; but Jesus bore the guilt of Adam, and all the children of Adam that will flee to Christ, the second Adam, may escape the penalty of transgression.

[The Great Controversy pp 533] Adam could not transmit to his posterity that which he did not possess; and there could have been no hope for the fallen race, had not God, by the sacrifice of his Son, brought immortality within their reach.

This brings us to a critically important juncture in the study of sinful human nature, for if Laodicea were to hold tenaciously to the teaching of natural, inherent innocence and neutrality at birth, it raises the question of whether children and babies would be eligible for God’s grace.

Let the question be posed bluntly: Does a child who has not come to the age of reason, or accountability need salvation, forgiveness, and grace just like those who are in their adult years?

Answer: They absolutely do. Babies and underaged children who would be saved in God’s kingdom can only be saved through Christ, who came to save His people from their sins.

The scripture teaches us that not a single member of the human family, whether young or old can be saved without Christ, and the salvation He procured for us on Calvary.

Not long ago, a person in the news media asked the former president Trump if he would pardon himself if re-elected. His response is interesting, because he replied by saying it may not be necessary to pardon himself, for he did nothing wrong.

He actually has a point, for “if” and that’s a big “IF” there is no wrong there is no need of a pardon, and then youngsters would have no need of The Savior, for they did not in most cases, deliberately choose to do wrong.

In other words, if sinful human nature is predicated on, and determined by one’s choice alone, then the involuntary or reflex acts of sin, are not sin, for they manifested themselves spontaneously, and thus are not to be reckoned as a willful, deliberate act. That this is absolutely not the case is borne out by the following scriptures.

1st John 5: 17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

Isaiah 1: 6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

This is where the righteousness of Christ, and His death for us on Calvary comes in, for his death and life cover all who are brought to God through Him, from the helpless babe in its mother’s arms to the senior adults, who suffer from bouts of deliberate, and involuntary sin. The salvation Christ brings is sufficient to cover all. Let’s read:

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned;

17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

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

[ Special testimonies April 10 par 4] We are not to serve God as if we were not human, but we are to serve him as those who have been redeemed by the Son of God and through the righteousness of Christ we shall stand before God pardoned, and as though we had never sinned.

The fact of the matter is that if a person is not guilty he/she does not need pardon, or a Savior, and if the babies and children were exempted from the state of sinful human nature, they cannot be eligible for God’s grace through Christ. That they being exempt from sinful human nature is absolutely not the case, is born out in the scriptures. Let’s read:

Isaiah 49:24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty or the lawful captive be delivered?

25 But thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contends with thee, and I will save thy children.

As Laodicea contemplates the assessments given to us by The True witness, it will be necessary for us to first humble ourselves by accepting the diagnosis as being true.

This is the first step in bringing about the necessary changes, because if we were to conclude that God is wrong in His analysis of Laodicea, the appropriate remedial measures will not have meaning to us, and persons would turn away from Christ, encased in a sarcophagus of self-righteousness.

When one believes that there is some inherent form of goodness within the natural human heart, then that person risks suffering a severe shock, when, out of the blue they might do things, and speak words that they never believed, or knew that they were capable of.

Jesus does not make His assessments of our fallen condition just to make us feel bad; instead, He has to make us aware of our dire need, because Jesus deploys resources and remedies only where they’re needed.

Hence the reason why He bids the members of the last Christian church, to take stock of ourselves, to buy the gold that is tried in the fire, and be clothed with the righteousness of Christ, without which no one will be saved.

We therefore end with a message of hope, for it is the will of God that Laodicea would turn and live, and indeed, according to what is written in the Bible very many persons would heed the counsel, and will be saved in God’s kingdom. Let’s read:

Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

21 To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

                                    God Bless!