Ask In Faith - 2

When perplexities arise, and difficulties confront you, look not for help to humanity. Trust all with God. The practice of telling our difficulties to others only makes us weak, and brings no strength to them. It lays upon them the burden of our spiritual infirmities, which they cannot relieve. We seek the strength of erring, finite man, when we might have the strength of the unerring, infinite God.

You need not go to the ends of the earth for wisdom, for God is near. It is not the capabilities you now possess or ever will have that will give you success. It is that which the Lord can do for you. We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him. He longs to give you understanding in temporal as well as in spiritual matters. He can sharpen the intellect. He can give tact and skill. Put your talents into the work, ask God for wisdom, and it will be given you.

Take the word of Christ as your assurance. Has He not invited you to come unto Him? Never allow yourself to talk in a hopeless, discouraged way. If you do you will lose much. By looking at appearances and complaining when difficulties and pressure come, you give evidence of a sickly, enfeebled faith. Talk and act as if your faith was invincible. The Lord is rich in resources; He owns the world. Look heavenward in faith. Look to Him who has light and power and efficiency. COL 146

External/Internal

It would be wise for us all to review “The Principles of Biblical Interpretation” regularly and instruct our children in them also.

One of these important God-given principles is -

External/Internal -

World/Church

Church/Remnant (Present Truth)

The easiest and most famous example occurred in the early 1900s. Our prophet was given a vision on how to handle the many errors that were entering the church at that time. You will remember the ship heading for the iceberg vision and she was told to “Meet It” head on. At the time that this was all happening there was a ship being built in the North of the British Isles that was designed especially for this purpose and was therefore deemed “unsinkable”. On its maiden voyage they did indeed encounter icebergs and despite all of the expensive preparation for this moment, the captain at the helm, for some incredible reason decided to turn the wheel instead of meeting the iceberg head on as it was designed especially to do. As you know, he managed to take out the side of the unsinkable ship and it broke though to the safety chambers and down she went to the bottom of the Atlantic. 

External/Internal.

God’s denominated people do not have a good track record when it comes to a tarrying time, in fact, history is replete with continual examples of what Christ's denominated people will DO during the delay of a tarrying time, instead of having their characters perfected, being prepared, ready, watching and patiently waiting on Him to unfold events in His time.

”Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11

There is a definite tarrying time now for the world, church and for the Remnant in the Present Truth. Things are not unfolding quite as the good/right side have all expected, it seems that evil is having a field day in each of these categories. This is tempting those who believe in the right and know that God will win, to start doing things, for we all like to see something happening. Well, there is plenty happening behind the scenes, but God’s ways are “higher than our ways”, His thoughts “higher than our thoughts”, He is continuing to use his trusted and foolproof methods to flush out the evil, for they always have to expose themselves eventually, without fail. They are certainly doing just that at present and all of those on the right side of the issues are wondering how much further He will allow this evil run to continue unabated. He is working continually behind the scenes, but He also does not want anyone to perish, so, in His mercy, He is allowing all to see for themselves, individually, so they can decide which side they would like to join.

In the meantime, while this evil run continues in the nations of the world, in the church and in the splits of the Present truth, the devil is tempting those on the right side to get involved in things, especially those that they were instructed not to do - come on:

Do something, you have to do something, don’t wait, just do anything.

We have been counselled not to ever take his bait. 

They shall not be ashamed that wait for Me. Isaiah 49:23

This is the secret of the faithful in all ages.

Each day we all continue to hear of unbelievable things happening in the world, church and the splits in Present Truth. It may not all be happening exactly as we have always thought that it would, but, we are seeing this time proven principle displayed openly and it is a safe check-point as a guide for us at every stage -

External/Internal.

If you see something in the world you will also find it has been introduced into the church and also amongst those who claim to be in the Present Truth or maybe you have noticed it in the opposite order.

We have all seen the infiltration that has occurred by the various enemies into all three categories. There has been many errors introduced, and accepted by those who were not vigilant, but we will only give one example at this time -

Time-setting. 

This delay of a tarrying time is our test, the hidden evil also finally exposes itself during the same time.

He that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matthew 10:22 

Here is the patience (endurance, constancy) of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:12

Remember - the Bride will not be asleep, she will not be tempted to do any evil thing but will be alert, using this time wisely; waiting, watching, in preparation for what is about to strike unexpectedly to those who have disregarded the warnings.

We do not have any idea how to correctly handle this or any other situation and we will not be drawn into anything that we have been instructed to avoid, as Christ abides in our heart He will give us our instructions, and unfold each day for us moment by moment, so we do not give the devil an inch of ground and we will do only the will of God, and be victorious overcomers. The 3AM - living by “the faith of Jesus”.

A final word from our Leader -

And what I say unto you I say unto all,

Watch.

Mark 13:36,37

The Last Journey From Galilee

Luke 9:51

As the close of His ministry drew near, there was a change in Christ's manner of labor. Heretofore He had sought to shun excitement and publicity. He had refused the homage of the people, and had passed quickly from place to place when the popular enthusiasm in His favor seemed kindling beyond control. Again and again He had commanded that none should declare Him to be the Christ.

At the time of the Feast of Tabernacles His journey to Jerusalem was made swiftly and secretly. When urged by His brothers to present Himself publicly as the Messiah, His answer was, “My time is not yet come.” John 7:6. He made His way to Jerusalem unobserved, and entered the city unannounced, and unhonored by the multitude. But not so with His last journey. He had left Jerusalem for a season because of the malice of the priests and rabbis. But He now set out to return, traveling in the most public manner, by a circuitous route, and preceded by such an announcement of His coming as He had never made before. He was going forward to the scene of His great sacrifice, and to this the attention of the people must be directed.

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” John 3:14. As the eyes of all Israel had been directed to the uplifted serpent, the symbol appointed for their healing, so all eyes must be drawn to Christ, the sacrifice that brought salvation to the lost world.

It was a false conception of the Messiah's work, and a lack of faith in the divine character of Jesus, that had led His brothers to urge Him to present Himself publicly to the people at the Feast of Tabernacles. Now, in a spirit akin to this, the disciples would have prevented Him from making the journey to Jerusalem. They remembered His words concerning what was to befall Him there, they knew the deadly hostility of the religious leaders, and they would fain have dissuaded their Master from going thither.

To the heart of Christ it was a bitter task to press His way against the fears, disappointment, and unbelief of His beloved disciples. It was hard to lead them forward to the anguish and despair that awaited them at Jerusalem. And Satan was at hand to press his temptations upon the Son of man. Why should He now go to Jerusalem, to certain death? All around Him were souls hungering for the bread of life. On every hand were suffering ones waiting for His word of healing. The work to be wrought by the gospel of His grace was but just begun. And He was full of the vigor of manhood's prime. Why not go forward to the vast fields of the world with the words of His grace, the touch of His healing power? Why not take to Himself the joy of giving light and gladness to those darkened and sorrowing millions? Why leave the harvest gathering to His disciples, so weak in faith, so dull of understanding, so slow to act? Why face death now, and leave the work in its infancy? The foe who in the wilderness had confronted Christ assailed Him now with fierce and subtle temptations. Had Jesus yielded for a moment, had He changed His course in the least particular to save Himself, Satan's agencies would have triumphed, and the world would have been lost.

But Jesus had “steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” The one law of His life was the Father's will. In the visit to the temple in His boyhood, He had said to Mary, “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?” Luke 2:49. At Cana, when Mary desired Him to reveal His miraculous power, His answer was, “Mine hour is not yet come.” John 2:4. With the same words He replied to His brothers when they urged Him to go to the feast. But in God's great plan the hour had been appointed for the offering of Himself for the sins of men, and that hour was soon to strike. He would not fail nor falter. His steps are turned toward Jerusalem, where His foes have long plotted to take His life; now He will lay it down. He set His face steadfastly to go to persecution, denial, rejection, condemnation, and death…

During these last months of His ministry, many of Christ's parables were spoken. The priests and rabbis pursued Him with ever-increasing bitterness, and His warnings to them He veiled in symbols. They could not mistake His meaning, yet they could find in His words nothing on which to ground an accusation against Him. In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, the self-sufficient prayer, “God, I thank Thee that I am not as the rest of men,” stood out in sharp contrast to the penitent's plea, “Be merciful to me the sinner.” Luke 18:11, 13, R. V., margin. Thus Christ rebuked the hypocrisy of the Jews. And under the figures of the barren fig tree and the great supper He foretold the doom about to fall upon the impenitent nation. Those who had scornfully rejected the invitation to the gospel feast heard His warning words: “I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of My supper.” Luke 14:24.

Very precious was the instruction given to the disciples. The parable of the importunate widow and the friend asking for bread at midnight gave new force to His words, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Luke 11:9. And often their wavering faith was strengthened by the memory that Christ had said, “Shall not God do justice for His elect, which cry to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will do them justice speedily.” Luke 18:7, 8, R. V., margin.

The beautiful parable of the lost sheep Christ repeated. And He carried its lesson still farther, as He told of the lost piece of silver and the prodigal son. The force of these lessons the disciples could not then fully appreciate; but after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as they saw the ingathering of the Gentiles and the envious anger of the Jews, they better understood the lesson of the prodigal son, and could enter into the joy of Christ's words, “It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad;” “for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” Luke 15:32, 24. And as they went out in their Master's name, facing reproach and poverty and persecution, they often strengthened their hearts by repeating His injunction, spoken on this last journey, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:32-34. DA 485-495

Tidal Wave of Evil

The most interesting aspect to the current situation is that all/every one of the following categories are experiencing the exact same affects; which is unprecedented in the history of the world.

The genuine, law abiding, loyal believers in their -

Nation

State

District

Community

Church

Family

Cannot understand where the original, true beliefs, that they have held all of their lives, have gone. Everything that they stood for has been destroyed by a tidal wave of evil opposition. It is hitting people very hard and many questions are being asked as to how this could have happened. When we look closely at it - we see that it has actually been creeping up on them for quite a few years, but this past year it seems to have burst out into the full and open display of evil. Watch closely what is happening worldwide in each of the categories above, very concerned people are now rising up against this onslaught.

Lets just take religion, the various churches and the people in each one of them that have lived and believed as described above in the introduction, as one example -

Roman Catholics in this genuine category, we could call them traditional, cannot believe what is happening to their church, everything they once held dear has been wiped out recently, they are in shock and many deeply concerned leaders and members are banding together in an attempt to arrest this unexplainable and painful experience that they are going through.

Protestants in every denomination are seeing an extreme erosion of their beliefs and long held positions falling like dominos. Many are trying to stop this onslaught or they are just breaking away and meeting in smaller congregations, or home churches, where they can maintain the truth as they believe it.

Our denomination is certainly no exception, we have all seen what has happened in the 4 generations 

1844-1888

1888-1919

1919-1957

1957-1989

We are still here in this world, so something is very wrong given our name, and we are witnessing an even greater deterioration in the rejections of the Testimony of Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness and His counsels to His own denominated people, than ever before. 

Yes, this is all prophesied to occur - but nothing, not even the counsels, could have prepared us for what we are seeing in all of the categories mentioned above, and it is worldwide in each.

This quote comes to mind at this time -

Soon the battle will be waged fiercely between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. Soon everything that can be shaken will be shaken, that those things that cannot be shaken may remain. 9T 15,16

Can you think of any other quotes or texts?

The Day of the Lord at Hand

“The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord.” 

“And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil.”

 
“Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord's anger come upon you. Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.” 

We are near the close of time. I have been shown that the retributive judgments of God are already in the land. The Lord has given us warning of the events about to take place. Light is shining from His word; yet darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people. “When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them; ... and they shall not escape.” 5T 99

Evil Formula

(((ALERT)))

Worldwide events and current circumstances have caused us to revisit a principle that has been in play ever since, “the mystery of iniquity” arose in the mind of that covering cherub in heaven. It has been successfully used throughout history, in every sector, and every level of society worldwide, but it is really being played to the full at present. You will be sure to see it too - 

Watch!

It is an unfailing formula of evil -

“A” does some thing to “B”, 
“B” retaliates (which is exactly what they were hoping would happen)
and then “A” gets off “scot-free” (i.e. without any consequences), or so it seems in the short term. 

Unless our Almighty God is involved in the equation, then it will certainly fail. 

This is the main problem in families, churches, communities, states, nations, the world; they need to break anyone who is trying to do the right thing, in an attempt to wipe out the guilt that they carry. If they can find something that is said, a weakness or a sinful act that someone has been involved in, it is used to gain the maximum mileage possible out of the situation, and to accuse the person of not being able to live the life that they profess to be wanting to live - to do the right thing.

Throughout history, it has almost always proven to be successful, even many great leaders of God’s people, have fallen victim to this evil formula.
There are many and varied temptations all tailored to us individually but, this one is extremely dangerous, due to its high success rate and is what we have to abide in Christ mostly for. He conquered every sin but, He won this particular victory for us every day on this earth in the midst of unrelenting provocation and temptation in this matter. They were trying to break Him constantly, BUT, He would not ever take the bait!

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously. 1 Peter 2:21-23

This is also the power of our GOD, for He was “God with us”, and it is the security of His government and the universe. He allows it to all play out fully, taking all of the false accusations, etc., thrown at Him, without retaliating, so that the enemy (“the accuser of the brethren”) is exposed and all can clearly see the full picture of what is really happening in the Great Controversy. Very, very powerful; very, very effective - which is why it can be said, “In Whom are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”.

If “B” does not retaliate when provoked/tempted then that leaves “A” with the guilt, which is the sole reason they are provoking in the first place; they always try to bring others into the evil they are participating in to make themselves feel better, even though they know they are in the wrong. 

The provocation will not cease, it will keep coming even more strongly -
Our only hope is to live by the "faith of Jesus", the 3rd Angel's message, moment by moment. He will have a people who will reflect His image/character perfectly - He is calling you to chose to be one of them from this moment, today, for all eternity.

“Thou blest Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee”. 

What a Beautiful, Beloved Husband He is! 

Very soon we will be with Him for eternity.

Double

“If any man would go to law with thee, and take away thy coat [tunic], let him have thy cloak [mantle] also. And whosoever shall impress thee to go one mile, go with him twain.” 

Jesus bade His disciples, instead of resisting the demands of those in authority, to do even more than was required of them. And, so far as possible, they should discharge every obligation, even if it were beyond what the law of the land required. The law, as given through Moses, enjoined a very tender regard for the poor. When a poor man gave his garment as a pledge, or as security for a debt, the creditor was not permitted to enter the dwelling to obtain it; he must wait in the street for the pledge to be brought to him. And whatever the circumstances the pledge must be returned to its owner at nightfall. Deuteronomy 24:10-13. In the days of Christ these merciful provisions were little regarded; but Jesus taught His disciples to submit to the decision of the court, even though this should demand more than the law of Moses authorized. Though it should demand a part of their raiment, they were to yield. More than this, they were to give to the creditor his due, if necessary surrendering even more than the court gave him authority to seize. “If any man would go to law with thee,” He said, “and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.” And if the couriers require you to go a mile with them, go two miles. 
Jesus added, “Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” The same lesson had been taught through Moses: “Thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: but thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.” Deuteronomy 15:7, 8. This scripture makes plain the meaning of the Saviour's words. Christ does not teach us to give indiscriminately to all who ask for charity; but He says, “Thou shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need;” and this is to be a gift, rather than a loan; for we are to “lend, hoping for nothing again.”. MB 71-72

Fear

Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth. Luke 21:26

Say to them that are of a fearful heart,

Be strong, fear not:

behold, your God will come with vengeance,

even God with a recompence;

He will come and save you. Isaiah 35:4

And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Mark 4:40

But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only. Luke 8:50

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:26-28

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:31,32

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:7,8

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Charity never faileth. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

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

“An Anchor…Sure”

A physician friend of mine shared the results of some interesting research. In the experiment they placed a lamb in an enclosure and supplied it with food, water, and straw. They arranged it so that they could give the lamb an electric shock when they wished. As the lamb was quietly feeding, the scientist gave it a shock. At once he ran all around the pen. Finally, he calmed down and started eating again, but they noticed he never went back to that spot where he had been shocked. Presently they shocked him the second time. Again he ran. Now he had two places to avoid. And they kept it up until finally the lamb had no place left to run. The lamb just huddled in fear. 
As I heard the story, the picture that Jesus paints of our time came vividly to mind: “Distress of nations, with perplexity...men’s hearts failing them for fear” (Luke 21:25, 26). 
But let me share with you the rest of the doctor’s story. In a similar arrangement they placed the twin brother of the lamb, but with him they put his mother. When he was shocked, he ran to his mother. I don’t know what she told him, but it must have been something nice. By and by as he was feeding he received another shock. Again he ran! Yes, to his mother. They kept it up until finally when the shock came, he would just twitch a little and go right on feeding. No nervous breakdown for him! He knew where to run. 
Thank God, we “have a strong consolation, who have ed for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever” (Hebrews 6:18-20). 
Yes, hope is an anchor to those who have fled for refuge. Ahead of us lies a terrible storm. Many a ship will crash upon the rocks. But “we have an anchor that keeps the soul, Steadfast and sure while the billows roll.”
 
There is one thing worse than not having any anchor, and that is having your anchor fixed in something unreliable. The world today largely consists of two classes—those who have no hope and those who have a false hope. But thank God, we don’t have to be in either class. Our anchor is fastened to the Rock which cannot move. It is “both sure and stedfast, and...entereth into that within the veil.” This is sanctuary language. Does it make any difference in our hope whether we know where Jesus is and what He is doing? As our great High Priest stands before the ark engaged in His closing mediatorial work, He has invited us to “send up our petitions in faith within the second veil” (EW 72). 
Something important happened October 22, 1844. Jesus not only opened the door of the second apartment of the heavenly temple, but He also shut the door of the first apartment. And things have never been the same since. In one of the earliest visions given to Ellen G. White, she saw the transfer of Christ’s ministry from the holy to the most holy place. She observed that those who followed the Saviour and sent up their prayers to Him in the holiest received the true Spirit of God, bringing love, joy, and peace. On the other hand, those who failed to follow Jesus seemingly received answers to their prayers from the enemy (see EW 54-56). 
Yes, Satan can bestow power that results in “many wonderful works” (Matthew 7:22). He “deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles” (Revelation 13:14). In the religious world today we witness a great interest in “the baptism of the Spirit.” Multitudes seek for an experience of miraculous power. Years ago Ellen G. White warned that just before the time for the latter rain and the loud cry, Satan would seek to introduce a counterfeit. “In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will make it appear that God’s special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvellously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world” (GC 464). 
If it were possible, the very elect would be deceived, so subtle are the deceptions, so close the counterfeit. What preserves the true people of God? What keeps them from being caught in the snare that takes the whole world captive?
 
“My dear Brethren and Sisters. This is a very important hour with us. Satan has come down with great power, and we must strive hard, and press our way to the kingdom. We have a mighty foe to contend with; but an Almighty Friend to protect and strengthen us in the conflict. If we are firmly fixed upon the present truth, and have our hope, like an anchor of the soul, cast within the second veil, the various winds of false doctrine and error cannot move us. The excitements and false reformations of this day do not move us, for we know that the Master of the house rose up in 1844, and shut the door of the first apartment of the heavenly tabernacle; and now we certainly expect that they will ‘go with their flocks,’ ‘to seek the Lord; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself (within the second vail) from them.’ The Lord has shown me that the power which is with them is a mere human influence, and not the power of God” (PT, March, 1850). If our anchor is “within the second veil,” we will not be deceived by false revivals and miracle-working movements. 
What is up there within the second veil? “ The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament” (Revelation 11:19). We see the ark with the Ten Commandments, and that law is just what the wicked world with all its “religion” does not want. This is the setting for the proclamation of the Sabbath in the third angel’s message (GC 433-438). In this final judgment hour we must measure up to the divine standard. The third angel closes his message thus, “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). “As he repeated these words, He pointed to the heavenly sanctuary. The minds of all who embrace this message are directed to the most holy place, where Jesus stands before the ark, making His final intercession” (EW 254). 
The spotlight focuses on three great pillars: 
1. “The earthly sanctuary was a figure or pattern of the heavenly.” 
2. “The law deposited in the ark on earth was an exact transcript of the law in the ark in heaven.” 
3. And “an acceptance of the truth concerning the heavenly sanctuary” involves “an acknowledgement of the claims of God’s law and the obligation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment” (GC 435). 
And here is “the secret of the bitter and determined opposition” to the message revealing “the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary” (Ibid.). Soon all of Earth’s inhabitants will be divided into two classes— those who are anchored within the second veil, beholding their great High Priest and clinging to His Sabbath, and those who follow the beast and his partners in their rebellion against God’s law and their persecution of His church. Will your anchor hold? Is it cast within the second veil? Satan’s masterpiece of deception is the great counterfeit system of the Papacy. If has a priesthood, but it is on the earth. It has a sanctuary, but it is on the earth. It offers forgiveness of sins, but through a human priesthood. And it has its law, but it is a substitute for God’s law in the ark in the temple in heaven. The Papacy “is prepared for two classes of mankind, embracing nearly the whole world—those who would be saved by their merits, and those who would be saved in their sins. Here is the secret of its power” (Ibid., p. 572). 
However, God’s message in the sanctuary protects against these two perversions. Consider this matter of “those who would be saved in their sins.” The sanctuary clearly shows that if a sinner desires salvation, he must repent, give up his transgressions, and put them on the lamb. Then on the Day of Atonement, he joins in heart-searching and affliction of soul while the high priest sprinkles the blood on the mercy seat. “For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord” (Leviticus 16:30). Yes, the sanctuary shows that God intends to deliver His people from sin. e program that Rome offers—sinning and doing penance, sinning and doing penance—is not the gospel. Also we must beware of the idea which some Protestants hold—that all we must do is to keep our sins confessed. 
From the most holy place Christ has sent His angel to warn us: “No man can cover his soul with the garments of Christ’s righteousness while practicing known sins, or neglecting known duties. God requires the entire surrender of the heart, before justification can take place; and in order for man to retain justification, there must be continual obedience, through active, living faith that works by love and purifies the soul” (1SM 366).
 
“When it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are put forth to this end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as man’s best service, and He makes up for the deficiency with His own divine merit. But He will not accept those who claim to have faith in Him, and yet are disloyal to His Father’s commandment. We hear a great deal about faith, but we need to hear a great deal more about works. Many are deceiving their own souls by living an easy-going, accommodating, crossless religion” (Ibid., 382).
 
God provides more than pardon. He offers us power. “The gospel...is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16). But Babylon offers an easy religion. “Come to the altar, decide for Christ, claim that Jesus has accepted you, and go on your way. Don’t worry. Just have peace.” The sanctuary, however, contemplates our complete recovery from the power of sin. Our anchor reaches within the second veil. 
The Papacy appeals not only to “those who would be saved in their sins” but also to “those who would be saved by their merits.” Rome offers ceremony, penance, and ritual. And Protestantism has its counterpart. The enemy’s lie—the idea that something we have done or can do will save us—can even creep right into our midst, into our own hearts. Luther struggled long with that burden. Finally when the glorious light of justification by faith broke upon his soul, he experienced peace. John Wesley went through a struggle, too, and joy filled his heart when he cast his helpless soul upon Jesus as his only hope!
 
To us today the warning comes: “There are conscientious souls that trust partly to God, and partly to themselves. They do not look to God, to be kept by His power, but depend upon watchfulness against temptation, and the performance of certain duties for acceptance with Him” (Ibid., 353). Such individuals must have their prayers every day at a certain time and read a certain number of chapters in the Bible, or they have a guilt complex. “There are no victories in this kind of faith. Such persons toil to no purpose; their souls are in continual bondage, and they find no rest until their burdens are laid at the feet of Jesus” (Ibid.).
 
And how does the sanctuary free us from this bondage? Above the law we see the mercy seat. While we acknowledge the divine standard, we behold a great High Priest bearing our nature and the nature of the Deity, lifting His wounded hands and sprinkling His blood in our behalf. We know that our entrance is through His name. We do not scale down the standard to meet our poor attainments, but we trust in His all-sufficient merits, “being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in...[us]” will finish it (see Philippians 1:6, margin). False revival will not move us as long as we keep our anchor within the second veil. There the Forerunner has entered with the pledge that He will complete what He has started and present us “faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24). R&R WDF

Names of Christ - Finisher

Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Ask In Faith - 1

Christ said to Martha at the grave of Lazarus, “If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God.” John 11:40.

But many have not a living faith. This is why they do not see more of the power of God. Their weakness is the result of their unbelief. They have more faith in their own working than in the working of God for them. They take themselves into their own keeping. They plan and devise, but pray little, and have little real trust in God. They think they have faith, but it is only the impulse of the moment. Failing to realize their own need, or God's willingness to give, they do not persevere in keeping their requests before the Lord.

 
Our prayers are to be as earnest and persistent as was the petition of the needy friend who asked for the loaves at midnight. The more earnestly and steadfastly we ask, the closer will be our spiritual union with Christ. We shall receive increased blessings because we have increased faith.

Our part is to pray and believe. Watch unto prayer. Watch, and co-operate with the prayer-hearing God. Bear in mind that “we are labourers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Speak and act in harmony with your prayers. It will make an infinite difference with you whether trial shall prove your faith to be genuine, or show that your prayers are only a form. COL 145,146

3 Fold Tests

Father * Son * Holy Spirit 

Sin * Righteousness * Judgement

Purified * Made white * Tried

Fear God * Give glory to Him * The hour of His judgement

Fear God * Is fallen, is fallen * Judgement

Daniel 1:1 Jehoiakim * Ezekiel 1:2 Jehoiachin * Jeremiah 1:3 Zedekiah

Daniel 1 * Daniel 2 * Daniel 3

Daniel 4 * Daniel 5 * Daniel 6

Gold * White Raiment * Eyesalve

Love * Rebuke * Chasten

Way * Truth * Life

Faith * Hope * Love

Courtyard * Holy Place * Most Holy Place

Justification * Sanctification * Glorification 

Called * Chosen * Faithful

1st Woe * 2nd Woe * 3rd Woe

Elijah * John the Baptist * 3rd Elijah

Beast * DragonFalse * Prophet

Papacy * Spiritualism/UN * USA

Kingdom * Power * Glory

Pagan Rome * Papal Rome * Modern Rome

Lovingkindness * Righteousness * Judgement

Priests * Levites * Nethinims 

Lamentations * Mourning * Woe 

Watch

We have been counselled to be watching the USA at this time, and it is becoming very obvious -

If a significant entity does not intervene very, very soon, there will be nothing left in the world to salvage.

The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are watching the strained, restless relations that exist among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element, and they recognize that something great and decisive is about to take place—that the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis. Ed 179

Please take the time to read this passage very carefully:

We as a people have not accomplished the work which God has committed to us. We are not ready for the issue to which the enforcement of the Sunday law will bring us. It is our duty, as we see the signs of approaching peril, to arouse to action. Let none sit in calm expectation of the evil, comforting themselves with the belief that this work must go on because prophecy has foretold it, and that the Lord will shelter His people. We are not doing the will of God if we sit in quietude, doing nothing to preserve liberty of conscience. Fervent, effectual prayer should be ascending to heaven that this calamity may be deferred until we can accomplish the work which has so long been neglected. Let there be most earnest prayer, and then let us work in harmony with our prayers. It may appear that Satan is triumphant and that truth is overborne with falsehood and error; the people over whom God has spread His shield, and the country which has been an asylum for the conscience-oppressed servants of God and defenders of His truth, may be placed in jeopardy. But God would have us recall His dealings with His people in the past to save them from their enemies. He has always chosen extremities, when there seemed no possible chance for deliverance from Satan's workings, for the manifestation of His power. Man's necessity is God's opportunity. 
My brethren, do you realize that your own salvation, as well as the destiny of other souls, depends upon the preparation you now make for the trial before us? Have you that intensity of zeal, that piety and devotion, which will enable you to stand when opposition shall be brought against you? If God has ever spoken by me, the time will come when you will be brought before councils, and every position of truth which you hold will be severely criticized. The time that so many are now allowing to go to waste should be devoted to the charge that God has given us of preparing for the approaching crisis. We are near the close of time. I have been shown that the retributive judgments of God are already in the land. The Lord has given us warning of the events about to take place. Light is shining from His word; yet darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people. “When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them; ... and they shall not escape.”
The Lord is removing His restrictions from the earth, and soon there will be death and destruction, increasing crime, and cruel, evil working against the rich who have exalted themselves against the poor. Those who are without God's protection will find no safety in any place or position. Human agents are being trained and are using their inventive power to put in operation the most powerful machinery to wound and to kill. CCh 336 (you may like to also read the setting around this passage in 333-346)

Watch and pray,

Watch very, very closely,
All that is happening.

Pray very earnestly, fervently, effectually,
That you are abiding and remaining in Christ, and He in you, with His faith.

Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, 
Watch. 
Mark 13:36,37

Wait on Him, moment by moment, for your next instructions - thought, word, deed and place to go.

Absolute dependance on Christ for everything!

The Divine Shepherd - Part 2

John 10:11,14,15

Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, “Follow Me,” and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth…

It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.

As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. “When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them.” The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne.

Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today the same tender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world. “And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast.

Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper. He does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore.” Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept. The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken. Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. “The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.” Isaiah 54:10.

However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our “everlasting Father.” And He says, “I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father.” John 10:14, 15, R. V. What a statement is this!—the only-begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be “the Man that is My fellow” (Zechariah 13:7), — the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth!

Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore trust. DA 479-483

Turn the Other

“Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”—Matthew 5:39

Occasions of irritation to the Jews were constantly arising from their contact with the Roman soldiery. Detachments of troops were stationed at different points throughout Judea and Galilee, and their presence reminded the people of their own degradation as a nation. With bitterness of soul they heard the loud blast of the trumpet and saw the troops forming around the standard of Rome and bowing in homage to this symbol of her power. Collisions between the people and the soldiers were frequent, and these inflamed the popular hatred. Often as some Roman official with his guard of soldiers hastened from point to point, he would seize upon the Jewish peasants who were laboring in the field and compel them to carry burdens up the mountainside or render any other service that might be needed. This was in accordance with the Roman law and custom, and resistance to such demands only called forth taunts and cruelty. Every day deepened in the hearts of the people the longing to cast off the Roman yoke. Especially among the bold, rough-handed Galileans the spirit of insurrection was rife. Capernaum, being a border town, was the seat of a Roman garrison, and even while Jesus was teaching, the sight of a company of soldiers recalled to His hearers the bitter thought of Israel's humiliation. The people looked eagerly to Christ, hoping that He was the One who was to humble the pride of Rome.

With sadness Jesus looks into the upturned faces before Him. He notes the spirit of revenge that has stamped its evil imprint upon them, and knows how bitterly the people long for power to crush their oppressors. Mournfully He bids them, “Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” 

These words were but a reiteration of the teaching of the Old Testament. It is true that the rule, “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (Leviticus 24:20), was a provision in the laws given through Moses; but it was a civil statute. None were justified in avenging themselves, for they had the words of the Lord: “Say not thou, I will recompense evil.” “Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me.” “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth.” “If he that hateth thee be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink.” Proverbs 20:22; 24:29, 17; Proverbs 25:21, 22 

The whole earthly life of Jesus was a manifestation of this principle. It was to bring the bread of life to His enemies that our Saviour left His home in heaven. Though calumny and persecution were heaped upon Him from the cradle to the grave, they called forth from Him only the expression of forgiving love. Through the prophet Isaiah He says, “I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not My face from shame and spitting.” “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth.” Isaiah 50:6; 53:7. And from the cross of Calvary there come down through the ages His prayer for His murderers and the message of hope to the dying thief. 

The Father's presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world. Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. The blow that is aimed at him falls upon the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Whatever comes to him comes from Christ. He has no need to resist evil, for Christ is his defense. Nothing can touch him except by our Lord's permission, and “all things” that are permitted “work together for good to them that love God.” Romans 8:28. MB 69-71