Fear Not

The world was in a very severe state when Christ arrived and walked thereon -

 A world power ruled and mandated with tyranny, oppressive force, cruelty, intolerance and coercion

Demon possessed people were visible everywhere

Diseased and dying people were at every turn, suffering in misery

Church leaders were sold out to political factions

The people’s minds were controlled through fear

There were abuses of every kind

Corruption was in every quarter

Extortion was used to control the people, grinding them down, taking all that they had

Injustice was seen in the family, church, community, nation, world

Self-filled, lustful, outward display was the order of the day for the rich leaders as they dominated the poor

 

The deception of sin had reached its height. All the agencies for depraving the souls of men had been put in operation. The Son of God, looking upon the world, beheld suffering and misery. With pity He saw how men had become victims of satanic cruelty. He looked with compassion upon those who were being corrupted, murdered, and lost. They had chosen a ruler who chained them to his car as captives. Bewildered and deceived, they were moving on in gloomy procession toward eternal ruin,—to death in which is no hope of life, toward night to which comes no morning. Satanic agencies were incorporated with men. The bodies of human beings, made for the dwelling place of God, had become the habitation of demons. The senses, the nerves, the passions, the organs of men, were worked by supernatural agencies in the indulgence of the vilest lust. The very stamp of demons was impressed upon the countenances of men. Human faces reflected the expression of the legions of evil with which they were possessed. Such was the prospect upon which the world's Redeemer looked. What a spectacle for Infinite Purity to behold! Sin had become a science, and vice was consecrated as a part of religion. Rebellion had struck its roots deep into the heart, and the hostility of man was most violent against heaven. It was demonstrated before the universe that, apart from God, humanity could not be uplifted. A new element of life and power must be imparted by Him who made the world. 

With intense interest the unfallen worlds had watched to see Jehovah arise, and sweep away the inhabitants of the earth. And if God should do this, Satan was ready to carry out his plan for securing to himself the allegiance of heavenly beings. He had declared that the principles of God's government make forgiveness impossible. Had the world been destroyed, he would have claimed that his accusations were proved true. He was ready to cast blame upon God, and to spread his rebellion to the worlds above. But instead of destroying the world, God sent His Son to save it. Though corruption and defiance might be seen in every part of the alien province, a way for its recovery was provided. At the very crisis, when Satan seemed about to triumph, the Son of God came with the embassage of divine grace. Through every age, through every hour, the love of God had been exercised toward the fallen race. Notwithstanding the perversity of men, the signals of mercy had been continually exhibited. And when the fullness of the time had come, the Deity was glorified by pouring upon the world a flood of healing grace that was never to be obstructed or withdrawn till the plan of salvation should be fulfilled. 

Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory. DA 36,37 

At the time of Christ's first advent, the race had degenerated so rapidly that an accumulation of disease pressed upon that generation, bringing in a tide of woe, and a weight of misery inexpressible. FE 22,23

The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses—extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.

Again and again Christ had been asked to decide legal and political questions. But He refused to interfere in temporal matters. Christ stood in our world as the Head of the great spiritual kingdom that He came to our world to establish—the kingdom of righteousness. His teaching made plain the ennobling, sanctifying principles that govern this kingdom. He showed that justice and mercy and love are the controlling powers in Jehovah's kingdom.

The spies came to Him, and with apparent sincerity, as though desiring to know their duty, said, “Master, we know that Thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest Thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?”

Christ's reply was no evasion, but a candid answer to the question. Holding in His hand the Roman coin, upon which were stamped the name and image of Caesar, He declared that since they were living under the protection of the Roman power, they should render to that power the support it claimed, so long as this did not conflict with a higher duty.  

When the Pharisees heard Christ's answer, “they marveled, and left Him, and went their way.” He had rebuked their hypocrisy and presumption, and in doing this He had stated a great principle, a principle that clearly defines the limits of man's duty to the civil government and his duty to God. CCh 314,315

We hear Him say -

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 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; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:39-45

As our Example He humbly lived this justice, mercy and love every moment and was then able to say:

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 10:28

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

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

And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but He was asleep. And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And He saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:24-26

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. John 16:33

How are we to live now, during this time when all the powers of evil, at every level, are at their absolute peak of activity and “The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating”?

In exactly the same way as for every other issue that we have to deal with:

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth 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. Galatians 2:20

Here is the patience (Gr. endurance, constancy) of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus - the 3AM.

As Christ was entirely dependent on the Father, you must be dependent on Christ Jesus. Ms 171,1905

The True Motive in Service

“Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them.”—Matthew 6:1, margin.

The words of Christ on the mount were an expression of that which had been the unspoken teaching of His life, but which the people had failed to comprehend. They could not understand how, having such great power, He neglected to use it in securing what they regarded as the chief good. Their spirit and motives and methods were the opposite of His. While they claimed to be very jealous for the honor of the law, self-glory was the real object which they sought; and Christ would make it manifest to them that the lover of self is a transgressor of the law. 

But the principles cherished by the Pharisees are such as are characteristic of humanity in all ages. The spirit of Pharisaism is the spirit of human nature; and as the Saviour showed the contrast between His own spirit and methods and those of the rabbis, His teaching is equally applicable to the people of all time. 

In the days of Christ the Pharisees were continually trying to earn the favor of Heaven in order to secure the worldly honor and prosperity which they regarded as the reward of virtue. At the same time they paraded their acts of charity before the people in order to attract their attention and gain a reputation for sanctity. 

Jesus rebuked their ostentation, declaring that God does not recognize such service and that the flattery and admiration of the people, which they so eagerly sought, was the only reward they would ever receive. 

“When thou doest alms,” He said, “let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly.” In these words Jesus did not teach that acts of kindness should always be kept secret. Paul the apostle, writing by the Holy Spirit, did not conceal the generous self-sacrifice of the Macedonian Christians, but told of the grace that Christ had wrought in them, and thus others were imbued with the same spirit. He also wrote to the church at Corinth and said, “Your zeal hath stirred up very many.” 2 Corinthians 9:2 

Christ's own words make His meaning plain, that in acts of charity the aim should not be to secure praise and honor from men. Real godliness never prompts an effort at display. Those who desire words of praise and flattery, and feed upon them as a sweet morsel, are Christians in name only. 

By their good works, Christ's followers are to bring glory, not to themselves, but to Him through whose grace and power they have wrought. It is through the Holy Spirit that every good work is accomplished, and the Spirit is given to glorify, not the receiver, but the Giver. When the light of Christ is shining in the soul, the lips will be filled with praise and thanksgiving to God. Your prayers, your performance of duty, your benevolence, your self-denial, will not be the theme of your thought or conversation. Jesus will be magnified, self will be hidden, and Christ will appear as all in all. 

We are to give in sincerity, not to make a show of our good deeds, but from pity and love to the suffering ones. Sincerity of purpose, real kindness of heart, is the motive that Heaven values. The soul that is sincere in its love, wholehearted in its devotion, God regards as more precious than the golden wedge of Ophir. 

We are not to think of reward, but of service; yet kindness shown in this spirit will not fail of its recompense. “Thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly.” While it is true that God Himself is the great Reward, that embraces every other, the soul receives and enjoys Him only as it becomes assimilated to Him in character. Only like can appreciate like. It is as we give ourselves to God for the service of humanity that He gives Himself to us. 

No one can give place in his own heart and life for the stream of God's blessing to flow to others, without receiving in himself a rich reward. The hillsides and plains that furnish a channel for the mountain streams to reach the sea suffer no loss thereby. That which they give is repaid a hundredfold. For the stream that goes singing on its way leaves behind its gift of verdure and fruitfulness. The grass on its banks is a fresher green, the trees have a richer verdure, the flowers are more abundant. When the earth lies bare and brown under the summer's parching heat, a line of verdure marks the river's course; and the plain that opened her bosom to bear the mountain's treasure to the sea is clothed with freshness and beauty, a witness to the recompense that God's grace imparts to all who give themselves as a channel for its outflow to the world. 

This is the blessing of those who show mercy to the poor. The prophet Isaiah says, “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily.... And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought: ... and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” Isaiah 58:7-11. 

The work of beneficence is twice blessed. While he that gives to the needy blesses others, he himself is blessed in a still greater degree. The grace of Christ in the soul is developing traits of character that are the opposite of selfishness,—traits that will refine, ennoble, and enrich the life. Acts of kindness performed in secret will bind hearts together, and will draw them closer to the heart of Him from whom every generous impulse springs. The little attentions, the small acts of love and self-sacrifice, that flow out from the life as quietly as the fragrance from a flower—these constitute no small share of the blessings and happiness of life. And it will be found at last that the denial of self for the good and happiness of others, however humble and uncommended here, is recognized in heaven as the token of our union with Him, the King of glory, who was rich, yet for our sake became poor.

The deeds of kindness may have been done in secret, but the result upon the character of the doer cannot be hidden. If we work with wholehearted interest as a follower of Christ, the heart will be in close sympathy with God, and the Spirit of God, moving upon our spirit, will call forth the sacred harmonies of the soul in answer to the divine touch. 

He who gives increased talents to those who have made a wise improvement of the gifts entrusted to them is pleased to acknowledge the service of His believing people in the Beloved, through whose grace and strength they have wrought. Those who have sought for the development and perfection of Christian character by exercising their faculties in good works, will, in the world to come, reap that which they have sown. The work begun upon earth will reach its consummation in that higher and holier life to endure throughout eternity. MB 79-83

The Never Failing Strategy

Divide & Conquer

For 6000 years this satanic never failing strategy has been used with frightening success. Here are just a few examples -

Adam & Eve

Cain & Abel

Jew & Greek

Catholic & Protestant

Jew & Christian

Conservative & Liberal

Republican & Democrat

Capitalism or socialism

Black or white

Parents & children 

Muslim or Christian

Young & old

Right or wrong

Truth or error

Life & death

Good & evil 

Then we have seen on each side of each of these categories, a constant attempt to divide the ones who are supposed to be on the same side, hence weakening or totally destroying their influence. 

Marriages

Families

Churches

Communities

Districts

States

Nations

The world

Our church has been under constant internal attack straight after the 1st vision on the 31st December, 1844, even from the first week in 1845 and it has not ever backed off to this day. We have all noticed that there is always conflict between the many independent ministries, when they needed to be working closely together to do what the church has not done. This division in the ranks has too often been related to competition in an attempt to gain possession of the tithe dollars. We have all witnessed even the remnant of the remnant in the Present Truth, constantly infiltrated and eroded in recent years. The sieve is working; the sifting will continue until all that is left is the pure grain.

The strategy of Divide & Conquer will continue unrelentingly upon this world because of its profound success throughout history. This will be seen, especially in the church, until Christ comes to take His faithful ones home to be with Him for eternity. His prayer in John 17 will definitely be fulfilled (for like all of His other words, they have gone out of His mouth and they will not return unto Him void); “that they may be one as We are One”, amongst His faithful, trusting believers - total, perfect unity. We will witness an absolute victory over the great deceiver and his tactics, and a glorious outcome for Christ and His loyal followers. It can be done, and it will be done, as a witness to the entire universe, and that very soon. For, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

As we all realise with absolute certainty that there is only One Way that we can have “all Truth”, this perfect unity and the glorious outcome -

Every believer in the Present truth dead to self, living by the 3AM - “the faith of Jesus”, waiting on Christ, as each one of us allows Him to abide continually in our hearts, to impart to each one of us His mind and His perfect Life of victory as He constantly gives each one of us our next thought, word, deed and place to go. 

Let us all be absolutely certain that this is exactly what is happening in each of our lives at this crucial time in the world’s history.

The Sabbath - Much More Than A Day

Yesterday we saw that the everlasting gospel is far better than we have been told.

Today we will see that the Sabbath is far better than we have been told also.

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. Exodus 31:12-17

Let us ask ourselves a few questions firstly -

For 6000 years, as the sun sets each Friday, the Sabbath has been a memorial of the creation of this world and of the rest and absolute dependence that we are to have in our God moment by moment and while it is also one of the 10 Commandments, the only one that we are told to "Remember", and the one that has the Name, Title and Realm - the Seal of God identified within in it; can you see that history and the present events in the world demonstrate to us that the obedience of the law of God is going to be the focal point of interest very soon and that you will need the “faith of Jesus”  to come victoriously through "the impending conflict" which is developing at this time?

 

Are you allowing Christ's creative power to recreate you as He sanctifies you, and resting in Him every moment all week, the holy Sabbath being a perpetual reminder of both?

 

Is each Sabbath now a triumphant Day due to the eternal victories that Christ has effectuated, as He lives His life each day in you?

 

Do you understand that it is impossible to keep the Biblical Sabbath holy unless you are holy, and that this is possible only by having the Holy One continually dwelling in you?

 

Having entered His Rest, have you ceased from your own works and now allow only Him to work His works in and through you every moment, every day, out of pure love for your Beloved and His law?

 

Do you now appreciate that only as Christ lives His perfect life in and through you is it possible to actually obey any, or all, of the Ten Commandments?

 

You may like to do a search in the EGW Writings App for “Sabbath”.

Now we will give the 1888 “boys” another chance today, to show us what the Sabbath is really all about, here are a few quick quotes from them -

The Christ/Sabbath connection – acknowledge His divinity and the true spiritual rest of the Sabbath. Only in Christ. 

We cannot compel someone to keep the Sabbath or to be saved.
The Sabbath is a sign of perfect creation, the seal of a perfect new creation in Christ. The sign of rest for eternity with God.
Before man accepts the word of God everything is self.
Stop our own works and allow God to do the work in us. “To will and to do of His good pleasure.”
All our works are wrought in Him and they are right – that is indeed rest.
Keep it holy, it is.
Impossible for us to make it holy, only God can. We can't make ourselves holy to keep it holy. The only way to keep it holy is if we have The Holy One dwelling continually in us.

The same power that sanctified the day, sanctifies us.
We come and rest on the word that upholds the universe. A little piece of Eden preserved. 

Identical to the rest enjoyed by the saints through all eternity.
We can have Heaven now and that is a delight.
The Sabbath is a sign of perfect creation, the seal of a perfect new creation in Christ. 

Christ has the same honour due to God, He is God.
The rightful place of Christ is set forth in order that His power to redeem might be better appreciated. He is not among all created things, He is above all creation and not part of it. 

All things have origin from Him.
It is a comfort that the Head of the church is Creator of all. Anything that keeps before us the creative power of Christ must tend to renew our spiritual strength and courage. This is just the design of the Sabbath. The greatest reinforcement in the battle.
The Sabbath is the grand fulcrum for the lever of faith. It lifts the soul to the heights of heaven, God's throne, to hold communion with Him.
It is His ability to create that measures the power of God. The gospel tells of the same power that He uses to create and bring worlds into existence is now exerted for the salvation of men. Redemption is creation. “Commit the keeping of your soul to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:19.
The Sabbath is absolute rest in Him and His word. Everything placed in subjection to the plan as long as he is in subjection to God. 

Everyone who measures their progress by feeling is an evolutionist. 

Unless I recognise His creative power in my life, moment by moment, my Sabbath keeping is a fraud. Unless I am resting in Him every moment, all week, my Sabbath keeping is a farce.

May it be a blessed and holy Day of Rest and gladness for you.

The Gospel to All the World

If you were to ask almost every church member, what has got to happen before Christ returns, you will get the standard answer -

“When the gospel has been preached in all the world”

On one hand the church has told us for years that they have gone into every nation and language, but He hasn’t come.

They sing the church’s anthem from the General Conference session, circa 1980 -

“We have this hope that burns within our hearts,

Hope in the the coming of the Lord”

But secretly, as they sing, many, underneath, are hoping that it is not yet, they have so many things that they would like to do on this earth, before He comes. We have heard all sorts of theories from them as to how the gospel will go to all the world. One satellite TV ministry even had the audacity to claim that their ministry was the 4th angel of Revelation 18. We see the counsel of the Scriptures and "the Testimony of Jesus, which is the Spirit of Prophecy" totally ignored and “they love what the world loves and do what the world does”. So, what is the gospel, we need to ask at this point?

The same as Genesis 3:15, it is “the everlasting gospel” of Christ, to the close of time.

Then He came and demonstrated how to live the gospel and how to preach it. As He was about to ascend He said -

All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I Am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Note carefully the “therefore” - Whose power?

We were told that Cain and Abel represent the two great classes of people who shall exist til the end of time. One believed and lived the everlasting gospel and the other was going to DO it himself. The everlasting gospel can only be preached by those who live it, which is absolute dependance on Christ for everything, where they wait on Him to open the way for entrance of truth in to a receptive heart at the right time, e.g. Peter to Cornelius, Philip to the Ethiopian.

We were told that the message of 1888 was “the 3rd angel’s message in verity” and also “the latter rain” - it was all about “union with Christ”, so that gives us a very clear indication of what the everlasting gospel is all about. Here are a few quick quotes from “the boys” who gave it -

“The gospel is the creative power of God in men. Any gospel that leaves out creation is a false gospel.”; Every false gospel is a human gospel.”; “The gospel is the power of God, not the power of man. The only thing that has any efficacy in the way of salvation is the life of God in Christ. He may use men as instruments/channels but He alone is the giver.”; “The same gospel is to be preached in the church as the world.”; “When there is bickering, strife and fighting in the church, you can be sure that the gospel has been sadly perverted.”; “The gospel tells of the same power that He uses to create and bring worlds into existence is now exerted for the salvation of men.”; “In the days of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God shall be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets. That mystery of God finished is the gospel preached to all the world, that the end may come. That mystery of God finished in the world is the work of God finished in preaching the gospel to the nations.
And it is more than that, along with that. The mystery of God is God manifest in the flesh. The finished mystery of God is the completion, the perfection, of the manifestation of God in the flesh, in the believers in Jesus who belong to the church. Thus there are two places occupied in the finishing of the mystery of God. One place is the world itself, to which the gospel is to be preached, the other place is in the lives of the believers of the truth. We might preach and proclaim in words to the ends of the earth, to every soul on the earth in our generation, so that phase of the work would be completed, and would be finished, yet if the manifestation of God in the lives of those who preach that, is not completed also, we could preach that thing ten thousand years, and the end would never come. It is not simply that the gospel shall be preached to all the world, and fill all the world, but it is that when that is done, there shall be a people ready to meet Him at the end. Without the finishing of that manifestation of God in the flesh of each believer, there can be no finishing of the mystery of God.”

One more profound quote from them for us, who are striving “with all the power that God has given to be among the 144,000 -

Victory, in order to be victory, must be eternal. 

But the final victory over death is only the present victory over sin, which is the sting of death. The translation of the 144,000 at the second coming is not due to the accident of their being on earth at this time, but to their life of perfect righteousness by faith. It is the natural working out of the life of Christ in them.

By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every human being to obey God's commandments. When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness. Then as the Lord looks upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf garment, not the nakedness and deformity of sin, but His own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah. COL 311

We see in the 3AM, they come -

“with the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 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…Here is the patience (Gr. endurance, constancy) of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”.

The gospel is in all 3 but note the beginning and the end words/phrase. The “everlasting gospel” is lived by “the faith of Jesus”. In this time of the judgement, when the sanctuary in heaven will be cleansed, the hearts of His people will also be cleansed of every defilement. These two events are synonymous, and are occurring now.

Maybe just one more well known quote -

Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own. It is the privilege of every Christian not only to look for but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. COL 69

They Love This Formula

And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine. And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house. And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth. And Joseph said, 

Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail. And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year. When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands: Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? 

Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate. 

And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so the land became Pharaoh's. And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof. Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands. Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land. And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones. 

And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants. And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part; except the land of the priests only, which became not Pharaoh's. Genesis 47

Those who have thought that they rule the world in every era since have used this formula, they take -

All the money

All the animals 

All the land, and all moved to the cities

All the people, all slaves

This sounds familiar and they have kept on taxing the people in all countries of the world. It was such a successful plan that the evil ones very quickly adopted every aspect of this story, to ensure that they can continue to have total control over every person on the earth. We do know this also -

For every beast of the forest is Mine,

and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

I know all the fowls of the mountains:

and the wild beasts of the field are Mine.

If I were hungry, I would not tell thee:

for the world is Mine, and the fulness thereof. Psalm 50:10-12

So, the day is coming; when everyone will have to give an account for all of their actions to the One Who actually owns everything and twice owns every person on earth, by His creation and His redemption! 

But, in the meantime, we are seeing this tyranny increasing to alarming levels at present and their aim would be to continue to repeat this story down to the finest detail in these closing scenes. They are using mind control, in various forms, that they have been developing for a very long time. They are constantly coming up with new methods to enslave us and to take our freedoms from us. Brainwashing is one of their preferred options; their latest slogan, being pushed by them onto us all, is - “You will own nothing, and you will be happy”. This one has really enraged all of those who are awake to their tactics - so they are “pulling out all stops” to fight back against these evil ones, in a worldwide movement now. (Please note carefully the satanic blending of truth and error - as Christians, stewardship is one of our most important principles that we live by and we do not own anything, it all belongs to God, we manage it all under His direction, but we are happy and totally free in Him. See text above.) It will be interesting to see how it all (Revelation & GC) plays out in the various twists and turns from now on, as we continue to heed Christ’s advice to -

Watch

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, Who left His house, and gave authority to His servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. Mark 13:33-37

Titus 2:2

That the aged men be 

sober, 

grave, 

temperate, 

sound in faith, 

in charity, 

in patience.

God Is In Control

This is a common expression that we hear when people are feeling that things are out of control and want to feel some comfort, but is it actually accurate in the fullest sense?

We would all like to feel that S/someone is in control when all seems to be to all appearances out of control. This is a natural human response to a situation that we have no hope of having any input into, or any ability to influence the powers that be, who are causing or inflicting the setting upon us, that we are experiencing. 

We will mention the powerful God given gift, which He bestows upon every created human being - free choice. In this sense He has no control whatsoever over any of us and He will never force His will upon anyone ever.

You have heard the expression -

“If it is not willing, it is worthless”.

He does continually offer all to “come”, for He can only accept a willing coming to Him.

So, who is in control?

It is our own choice that decides our destiny.

We do know that God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”. We do know that He makes certain that every soul has every opportunity possible to be in a position of choosing intelligently which way they will decide in the great controversy between Christ and satan.

Those who choose not to come and be dependant on Christ and would rather serve self or even go into full satanic worship, will cause us many frustrations and even pain, suffering and death, and will in turn suffer the consequences for everything that they have done to others and to God. But, we have a God that allows it to all play out and can work and counterwork anything that they do in this world, for the glory of His kingdom and the protection of His people. 

So, whose side do you want to be on?

So, who do you think is in control in a world that seems out of control?

Please search for any texts or quotes on this subject to settle it in your mind.

Names of Christ - Forerunner

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 after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 6:19,20

Children

A very serious and important topic, to remind of the possibilities at this time -

Already we are seeing right around the world, constant threats being made to parents who are not going along with the evil agenda that is being forced upon everyone in every nation, by those who want to rule the world, and have particular interest in children, who are unfortunately aways used in their satanic worship rituals.

You will recall this quote that we posted earlier and explained why it is so crucial to strictly maintain this policy -

To fathers and to mothers I am instructed to say, Fail not to keep your children within your own premises. CL 12

Think of these stories at this time also -

Little Maid

Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. 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. And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel. 2 Kings 5:1-4

Since that time the Syrians had maintained against Israel a constant border warfare, and in one of their raids they had carried away a little maid who, in the land of her captivity, “waited on Naaman's wife.” A slave, far from her home, this little maid was nevertheless one of God's witnesses, unconsciously fulfilling the purpose for which God had chosen Israel as His people. As she ministered in that heathen home, her sympathies were aroused in behalf of her master; and, remembering the wonderful miracles of healing wrought through Elisha, she said to her mistress, “Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.” She knew that the power of Heaven was with Elisha, and she believed that by this power Naaman could be healed. 

The conduct of the captive maid, the way that she bore herself in that heathen home, is a strong witness to the power of early home training. There is no higher trust than that committed to fathers and mothers in the care and training of their children. Parents have to do with the very foundations of habit and character. By their example and teaching the future of their children is largely decided. 

Happy are the parents whose lives are a true reflection of the divine, so that the promises and commands of God awaken in the child gratitude and reverence; the parents whose tenderness and justice and long-suffering interpret to the child the love and justice and long-suffering of God, and who by teaching the child to love and trust and obey them, are teaching him to love and trust and obey his Father in heaven. Parents who impart to the child such a gift have endowed him with a treasure more precious than the wealth of all the ages, a treasure as enduring as eternity. 

We know not in what line our children may be called to serve. They may spend their lives within the circle of the home; they may engage in life's common vocations, or go as teachers of the gospel to heathen lands; but all are alike called to be missionaries for God, ministers of mercy to the world. They are to obtain an education that will help them to stand by the side of Christ in unselfish service. 

The parents of that Hebrew maid, as they taught her of God, did not know the destiny that would be hers. But they were faithful to their trust; and in the home of the captain of the Syrian host, their child bore witness to the God whom she had learned to honor. PK 245,246

There are also the stories of Joseph (18), Moses (12), Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach & Abednigo (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) (18), and other related stories, but this one story illustrates perfectly what needs to be highlighted at this time. 

We do not know what the future dramatic events hold for us or our children, what if the LORD allows them to be taken captive, away from us, like the list above, because it has certainly been definitely threatened even in the past week and months, and they are serious, it is not an idle threat. Literally ANYTHING could happen from now on!

While it is hoped that not one of you here have to deal with such a heart wrenching situation, it does not hurt at this stage, to be thinking and preparing for any scenario, for we can most certainly trust the LORD to see that all will end well and we will all be together with Him for eternity, but… 

Here is one of the many promises -

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 contendeth with thee,

and I will save thy children. Isaiah 49:25

What if this was to happen? -

The Lord has often instructed me that many little ones are to be laid away before the time of trouble. We shall see our children again. We shall meet them and know them in the heavenly courts. Put your trust in the Lord, and be not afraid. Letter 196, 1899. CG 566

On a brighter note -

Let parents teach their little ones the truth as it is in Jesus. The children in their simplicity will repeat to their associates that which they have learned. In Christ's day the children sang in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” So in these days children's voices will be raised in giving the last warning to a perishing world. By them God's message will be made known, and His saving health to all nations.”

AUCR June 1,  1900

Pure, simple, and fervent was the piety of these followers of Christ. The principles of truth they valued above houses and lands, friends, kindred, even life itself. These principles they earnestly sought to impress upon the hearts of the young. From earliest childhood the youth were instructed in the Scriptures and taught to regard sacredly the claims of the law of God. Copies of the Bible were rare; therefore its precious words were committed to memory. Many were able to repeat large portions of both the Old and the New Testament. Thoughts of God were associated alike with the sublime scenery of nature and with the humble blessings of daily life. Little children learned to look with gratitude to God as the giver of every favor and every comfort. 

Parents, tender and affectionate as they were, loved their children too wisely to accustom them to self-indulgence. Before them was a life of trial and hardship, perhaps a martyr's death. They were educated from childhood to endure hardness, to submit to control, and yet to think and act for themselves. Very early they were taught to bear responsibilities, to be guarded in speech, and to understand the wisdom of silence. One indiscreet word let fall in the hearing of their enemies might imperil not only the life of the speaker, but the lives of hundreds of his brethren; for as wolves hunting their prey did the enemies of truth pursue those who dared to claim freedom of religious faith. GC 67

From the professor's chair, through the press, and in his favorite occupation as teacher of children he continued for many years to exert an extensive influence and was instrumental in calling the attention of many to the study of the prophecies which showed that the coming of the Lord was near. In Scandinavia also the advent message was proclaimed, and a widespread interest was kindled. Many were roused from their careless security to confess and forsake their sins, and seek pardon in the name of Christ. But the clergy of the state church opposed the movement, and through their influence some who preached the message were thrown into prison. In many places where the preachers of the Lord's soon coming were thus silenced, God was pleased to send the message, in a miraculous manner, through little children. As they were under age, the law of the state could not restrain them, and they were permitted to speak unmolested. 

The movement was chiefly among the lower class, and it was in the humble dwellings of the laborers that the people assembled to hear the warning. The child-preachers themselves were mostly poor cottagers. Some of them were not more than six or eight years of age; and while their lives testified that they loved the Saviour, and were trying to live in obedience to God's holy requirements, they ordinarily manifested only the intelligence and ability usually seen in children of that age. When standing before the people, however, it was evident that they were moved by an influence beyond their own natural gifts. Tone and manner changed, and with solemn power they gave the warning of the judgment, employing the very words of Scripture: “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.” They reproved the sins of the people, not only condemning immorality and vice, but rebuking worldliness and backsliding, and warning their hearers to make haste to flee from the wrath to come. 

The people heard with trembling. The convicting Spirit of God spoke to their hearts. Many were led to search the Scriptures with new and deeper interest, the intemperate and immoral were reformed, others abandoned their dishonest practices, and a work was done so marked that even ministers of the state church were forced to acknowledge that the hand of God was in the movement. GC 366,367

God will bless each one of us, for if we are faithful to Him, He will keep His word and His promises.

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:5,6