Because of the unprecedented upset which took place on Tuesday, it’s in order that we give an explanation of how we came to our analysis, in predicting a potential landslide win for Hillary Clinton. The Bibles teaches us to study patterns in history, since they are often repeated, a fact that is clearly stated in Ecclesiastes 1:9&10. Thus, after observation of several occurrences in the Bible, together with was obviously taking shape in the political realm, we were moved to raise a note of warning, since the agenda of the now defeated Hillary, tended to greatly exacerbate the moral decline we are in.
This, put together with the Vatican’s favoring of the democratic agenda, increased our concern that we could be on the brink of a tectonic shift to life, as we know it. Thus, as watchdogs on the walls of Zion, it is our duty to bark if we see two wolves coming. A faithful watchdog will bark, even when friend or foe may be approaching, but he will leave the work of telling the difference to the owner.
Therefore, if we see someone approaching, who has an agenda that could have greatly accelerated the moral decline of the nation, in addition to the many verses which speak about the interaction between Jezebel and Elijah, we would have been moved to say something. However, because the issue was one in the temporal realm, and had no salvific value, then it was in order for us not to make unequivocal statements, and wherever we did, we apologize for the conclusions reached, and any inconveniences caused.
Thus it is in order for us to review briefly, what was actually said in the Bible study entitled “Women from beginning to end” in which we then treated extensively on the subject in question. Here is the brief excerpt of which we are speaking: Video. From 55:06>57:15.
And speaking of conclusions, there is not one true student of the scriptures who has been 100% in his or her analysis every time. From Abraham to Moses, from Samuel to Jonah, from John the Baptist to the disciples, and on to William miller, not a single person has always been 100% correct in their Biblical conclusions, however, our faith is not based upon conclusions, but rather on a Person, even Jesus Christ, and even though our conclusions may not materialize every time, yet, it is the will of God that we should keep pressing forward in faith. Let’s read:
The Desire Of Ages. pp 215>216] Like the Savior's disciples, John the Baptist did not understand the nature of Christ's kingdom. He expected Jesus to take the throne of David; and as time passed, and the Savior made no claim to kingly authority, John became perplexed and troubled. And now from his dungeon he watched for the Lion of the tribe of Judah to cast down the pride of the oppressor, and to deliver the poor and him that cried. But Jesus seemed to content Himself with gathering disciples about Him, and healing and teaching the people.
He was eating at the tables of the publicans, while every day the Roman yoke rested more heavily upon Israel, while King Herod and his vile paramour worked their will, and the cries of the poor and suffering went up to heaven. To the desert prophet all this seemed a mystery beyond his fathoming. There were hours when the whisperings of demons tortured his spirit, and the shadow of a terrible fear crept over him. Could it be that the long-hoped-for Deliverer had not yet appeared? Then what meant the message that he himself had been impelled to bear?
Having said that, there are now issues of grave concern facing the nation, and we will have much more to think about, as the new policies and laws take effect. Christ has taught us not to worry about tomorrow, but He has also stated in the old and new Testaments, that perilous times will come. In Daniel He speaks of a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation, and it may be, that the social unrest we have been witnessing is just the tip of the iceberg. However, we must be able to adapt to changing circumstances, which leads us to the Bible study for this afternoon: “Render unto Caesar”.
The last few days have been quite disturbing on several fronts, and it is in order for us to address the obvious concerns that have been raised with the upset victory of Donald Trump. Even though Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, yet we are still living on this planet, and the developments of the past week will directly affect us, in one way or another. Thus, we have a God-ordained duty to re-examine our relation to “Caesar”, since we all must deal with him sooner or later. And because of this, there are certain fundamentals we must clearly understand as it pertains to our civic duties and responsibilities.
[1] God is the final arbitrator in the setting up, and the dismantling of the kingdoms of this world, and as such, we must abide by the choices He makes, or the permissions He grants. Let’s read:
Daniel 2:20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings.
Daniel 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
[2] Not because God has chosen a person to rule, means that everything he does will be in harmony with God’s will. There are instances in history, when in order to accomplish His good purposes towards His people, He has allowed tyrants to rule. This is one of the more sensitive aspects of God’s choices, which may often baffle some, but from which the Christian is to take courage, knowing that all things work together for the good of His people. Let’s read:
Exodus 9:13 And the Lord said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.
14 For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.
16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.
1st Samuel 8:4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,
5 And said unto him, make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
7 And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
9 Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.
14 He will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your olive-yards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.
15 And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.
16 And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
17 He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
18 And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day.
With these two fundamentals in mind, we now turn to address our civic duties, and responsibilities to Caesar, even if he is as stubborn as pharaoh, or as rebellious as Saul. Great changes will be coming our way soon, and we will have to adapt to the varying circumstances as they unfold, whilst still adhering to the instructions of the Bible. We will also discover that obeying the word of God in a less than ideal situation is easier said than done, for it will require great faith as we move forward. Thus, the following is a list, or general overview of what some of those duties will entail. Let’s read:
[1] As Christians, we should pray for those who are in civil authority, who have been duly elected, by the will of God, and by the people. Protesting and rioting will not change the fact, and these activities will also tend to further ignite an already volatile situation. That’s why we should pray for the secular leaders, that God’s will may be done through them, and that they may be restrained from enacting the oppressive laws that will have adverse effects on the nation. Let’s read:
1st Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
[2] Christians should submit to duly elected leaders in obeying the laws of the land, whenever they do not directly conflict with the law of God. This issue will become very sensitive as we have already seen, because, some of the laws passed recently in 2015 have been catalysts in the moral decay of the fabric of society. Yet, if these laws do not force us to do evil, we should abide by them, even if we personally disagree from a scriptural perspective. Let’s read:
Romans 8:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
6 For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear
to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Matthew 23: 1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
2 Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
[3] When the laws of Caesar may attempt to force us into disobeying God’s express command, then we should obey God rather than men, because we must answer to a higher authority than mortal man. For instance, when we are forbidden to preach certain truths, or when false worship is being urged upon us then, civil disobedience, in a meek and quiet spirit is the only option on the table, for God must at all times, have the preeminence in our thoughts and actions. Let’s read:
Acts 5:27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine.
29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Daniel 3:4 Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,
5 That at what time ye hear the sound of all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
[Selected messages 3 pp. 424] The Lord of heaven permits the world to choose whom they will have as ruler. Let all read carefully the thirteenth chapter of Revelation for it concerns every human agent, great and small. Every human being must take sides, either for the true and living God, who has given to the world the memorial of Creation in the seventh-day Sabbath, or for a false Sabbath, instituted by men who have exalted themselves above all that is called God or that is worshiped, who have taken upon themselves the attributes of Satan, in oppressing the loyal and true who keep the commandments of God.
It's very important then for us rise to the occasion, by using the few remaining moments of time to finish the work God has given us to do. We are not to fear, nor falter, for God knows what He is doing, and in the end, after the dust settles, it will be seen that His good purposes together with the fulfillment of those prophecies in Daniel and the Revelation are some of the reasons why He permitted such a stunning upset. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which should encourage us to be faithful, in a time of upheaval and change. Let’s read:
Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
God bless!