How To Stand Your Ground. Part [8] 12/04/2023 (Evening thought)

2nd Timothy 3: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.

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.

[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.

Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are yeou when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!

How To Stand Your Ground. Part [7] 12/03/2023 (Morning thought)

Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

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.

Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.

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