Mercy, The Default Setting. Sabbath Afternoon 02/27/2021

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Mercy is not a naturally occurring characteristic in human nature for it is foreign to us and it is given by God as a gift to us, to be cultivated as a tender plant to the point where it becomes the default setting in our characters not merely an afterthought occurring after the fact.

While in most persons, a strict sense of justice is a preexisting condition, mercy, in stark contrast, has to be deliberately exercised in order for it to grow. In the character of God there’s to be found a unique blend of mercy and justice, but mercy will take the upper hand any day, for this is what God delights in.

There are not many television shows and movies in which mercy is highlighted, but there are a ton of them, in which the bad guys are apprehended, and made to pay for their wrongs. Such movies, where strict justice is meted out would always appeal to the multitudes, for that is where our default setting is usually set.

That is why we have such long-running series like judge Judy, judge Alex, judge Joe Brown, judge Mathis, divorce court, and You be the judge, for these shows appeal to the acute sense of justice that is found in human nature. But mercy shows, where persons are forgiven for a host of inadvertent, or deliberate acts, are in short supply and if such shows were to exist on television, we can be assured that their ratings would be at the very bottom.

It is not the will of God that His people should feed on justice too much, especially those shows where husbands and wives, friends and neighbors tear into each other on live TV.

By beholding we become changed, and if we dwell on justice, we will inevitably develop a craving for it and in consequence, anyone who crosses our path, or may do us wrong, could trigger a first response of strict justice which could be followed up by lawsuits and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

But the Bible teaches us a completely different way of doing things, a different approach that is more in line with the heavenly than with the earthly. It’s the will of God that His believing children should deal in a different currency than that which the world deals in.

Christians are set as lights in the world, not to do as the world does, but rather to show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Thus, the radiance beaming in the face of Jesus is to shine radiantly in and through His professed people, if we are to make a difference in the world.

As we have stated before, a peculiar people should have something peculiar about them, and that has to do with the espousing and practice of principles, laws, statutes, and methods that are mostly foreign to the secular world.

In a practical sense, persons should not be eager for justice even when it is due or warranted. We should avoid that mouth-watering craving to get even with persons who have done us wrong, and instead of a retaliatory spirit which is too often indulged, we are to follow in the footsteps of our Master, even Jesus Christ, who takes no pleasure in meting out justice.

Justice is something that God must do, but He does so reluctantly, all the while, hoping that there will be a change of course in those who are at odds with Him, wherever the possibility of repentance and change may exist.

This is the glory that is to be reflected through His people, and that is why, in the ancient tabernacle the mercy seat was set above the law, because law cannot save, but mercy can. Several passages of scripture reflect the above statements. Let’s read:

Psalms 103:8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

13 Like as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities them that fear him.

14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.

Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Proverbs 24:17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falls and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbles.

18 Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil but overcome evil with good.

In all of these and similar passages, God is showing to us in unmistakable terms that we are to track an entirely different course from that which the world embraces, for if we do not, there would not be any noticeable difference to the observer, and therefore no incentives or valid reasons why persons should switch masters.

The general tenor of the Christian’s life should be one of redemption, not a craving to get even. When this is the case the wrongs and slights that come our way are readily forgiven and forgotten, even before the offending person may ask forgiveness or seek a reconciliation. In fact, God does not expect persons who are in the wrong to initiate reconciliation.

Forgiveness, and reconciliation are to be initiated by the one who is in Christ, and Christ in them, for it is unrealistic in many cases to expect someone who is in an offending frame of mind, to trigger anything that’s even remotely close to reconciliation.

After Adam and Eve had sinned, they did not ask for forgiveness up front, neither did they try to initiate reconciliation. Instead, fallen human nature always seeks to blame others for their shortcomings, which effectively precludes any attempt of reconciliation on our part.

But God did not wait for us to make the first move. He took the initiative and offered mercy even when it was not requested, and thus, He set in motion the practice of offering forgiveness when it isn’t sought by those who are in the wrong. Let’s read:

Genesis 3:8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.

9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins and clothed them.

Now, there are a few things we should know about mercy so that we could discern between the true and the spurious. There is a difference between mercy and kindness, a difference that is too often confused by the secular world. Kindness: noun; the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

Persons can be friendly, generous, and considerate without being merciful. Not long ago in Texas, when the deep freeze gripped the lone star state, owners of a particular grocery let the customers leave with their carts full of groceries without paying, for they had compassion on the people who were hedged in with abnormal difficulty. That’s kindness for real.

Then there are others, like Bill and Melinda Gates who have donated millions to various charities and other organizations to help the less fortunate. That work and results of such efforts have undoubtedly resulted in alleviating hardship for many, which is kindness in real time.

But mercy is an entirely different matter, because persons can manifest great kindness, while at the same time harboring an unforgiving, unmerciful spirit. And even though the two characteristics are not mutually exclusive, yet the one is too often to be found existing without the other. Let’s read:

Mercy: noun; compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

There are often times when persons have a right to punish those who have inadvertently or deliberately done them wrong. But, even though such persons may have exhibited great kindness in times past, yet in some instances it is difficult to forgive, especially when an acute sense of justice has been cultivated for many years.

Case in point was David, who on many occasions did exhibit real compassion and kindness. In one special instance, he braved danger, and he carried food and drink for his brothers who were then engaging with the army in facing down the philistines. In another instance, he gracefully refused to drink water which his soldiers had hazarded themselves to procure.

David even manifested mercy at times, when Saul was seeking to take his life. In a couple of instances he actually refrained himself and his soldiers from doing Saul harm, which they had opportunity to do.

But when persons are ungrateful, or when they may repay good with evil, it touches a sensitive nerve in human nature, and like David, the default setting of justice can lead persons to do strange things. Here’s what the Bible teaches us in dealing with situations of ingratitude, or instances where good is repaid with evil. Let’s read:

Luke 6:27 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

28 Bless them that curse you and pray for them which despitefully use you.

Therefore, even though David had manifested great kindness in some situations, yet when someone had repaid his kindness with ingratitude, David forgot all about mercy, and that strict sense of justice which is the default setting in human nature kicked in. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 25:5 And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name.

6 And thus shall you say to him that lives in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.

7 And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel.

8 Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favor in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David.

9 And when David's young men came, they spoke to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased.

10 And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.

11 Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?

12 So David's young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings.

13 And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.

21 Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good.

22 So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.

David was actually correct in his assessment of the person in question, and without a doubt, justice seemed warranted, for Nabal’s ingratitude was also laced with references to slavery, something which touched a sensitive nerve in David.

But David’s reaction in this instance did not come from God, and the methods he chose to resolve the ingratitude did not harmonize with God’s ways of handling similar situations. In many instances, it’s not that persons do not have a point, or a right, the problem is the reaction and methods employed in resolving the issue.

In some families of the saved, some have old axes to grind while others hold tenaciously onto grudges for many years, until the keen sense of justice has all but sapped the lifeblood and sunshine out of their countenances. In other instances, we seem unable to get over the wrongs that were deliberately and systematically done to us.

If we were to spend more time studying Calvary, we would be less prone to revert to strict justice for we would be humbled and softened by what Christ did for us on the tree. Beholding Christ on the cross for our sins tends to make us more forgiving, merciful, and patient with others, and our reactions to wrong will be in the context of how Jesus treats us. Let’s read:

Isaiah 53: 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Jesus could have actually come down from the cross when the priests dared Him to, and He could have gone back to heaven free and clear, but He chose not to repay our ingratitude with strict justice.

Therefore, in our own experience, where husbands and wives have been estranged for valid or invalid reasons, where children have been deprived of the balance that the father and mother brings, and in those situations where brethren may have axes to grind with other brethren, let’s remember that God has shown us by example, the royal methods and ways seeking reconciliation.

Let valid grievances, such as David’s be put out of the equation; let a strict sense of justice not take any precedence over mercy, and let us try by the grace of God to dwell in the light that emanates from the face of Jesus, for if we dwell in the positive, we will react in the positive.

But if we harbor darkness, ill-will, and dwell upon the hurt that has been deliberately or inadvertently done to us, then not only will reconciliation become difficult, but the effect of harboring grudges will be etched into our very countenances. When mercy is the default setting, it results in a chain of positive reactions that are redemptive in nature.

Thus, as we go about our daily activities, let us ask God for that cheerful, merciful spirit which delights in forgiveness, and the sunshine of God’s presence will radiate to others, wherever we may go. We end with a passage of scripture which will help us in cultivating mercy, as the default setting. Let’s read:

Luke 6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

35 But love ye your enemies, and you shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

God Bless!

The Priest Of The Home. Sabbath Afternoon 02/20/2021

Over the years, individuals have sought to reverse God’s order that was established in the beginning so that the family unit could be founded upon the eternal principles of righteousness. Even after the fall of man, it was never God’s will for His order to be reversed, but sadly, it has been, in too many of the families who claim Christ as our leader.

For the record, God’s established order can be seen both in the way He created Adam and Eve, and the instructions which He gave to both of them. Adam was created first, showing that He was to take the lead in the formation and running of His family, and then Eve was created from the rib which God took from the man. Let’s read:

Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

8 And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

15 And the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat.

17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Obviously, the instruction pertaining to the tree of knowledge, of good and of evil was first given when Eve was not created as yet and thus, Adam, as the head of the home was expected to pass on to his wife the information God had given him, and she in turn was to believe and obey those instructions as coming not from Adam, but from God Himself.

Furthermore, The Lord instructed both of them to beware of the danger, so that the requirement of restraint as it pertained to the forbidden tree would rest upon God’s authority, not merely Adam’s own. In families where questions may arise as to where the priest of the home gets his instructions, the wife as well as the children only need double check with God’s word.

It was only after God had created Adam, put him to work, and gave him instructions, that Eve was made and because she was taken out of man, she was not to take the lead, nor to act independently of Adam. Now, we are almost certain to get into trouble for saying so, but this shows how far from God’s ideal we have fallen. Let’s read:

Genesis 2:21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

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

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

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

In our day there is a spirit of independence that has resulted in some men relinquishing their duties and responsibilities to their female wives, while on the other hand, women’s liberation movements have driven some wives to resist God’s order, and take to themselves both the position and duties that were originally delegated to the father.

While it is true that some wives have no choice but to take the lead in family and religious matters, for the lack of leadership, or absence on the part of the father, yet it was not God’s original ideal and wives would find it difficult to manage homes, where the father is culpable of a dereliction of duty.

However, there is to be a restoration of God’s ideals in those families which are called by His name, and even though there may be certain situations where better cannot be done, yet, The Lord is calling on us to do our very best to live in harmony with His wise instructions wherever possible.

Because of the numerous divorces that have done damage to so many families, God’s ideals for many now stand in disarray, but unlike humpty dumpty, Jesus is willing and able to put all the broken pieces back together again wherever humble hearts would submit to His guidance and leadership.

Thus, by observing what God did and how He did it, coupled together with His words of instruction, all can conclude that the priest, and head of the home was originally ideally intended to be the father. But with the passage of time, and with those subtle introductions of various divergent views, we have now reached a point where the priest and father in too many cases seems to be missing in action.

In our day, the various philosophies, and views on so-called freedom and liberty of the sexes has now caused many families to become discombobulated, to the point where the roles of parents and children husbands and wives, have in too many cases, been almost utterly reversed.

Thus, it is a solemn statement that we make that in the overwhelming majority of cases, the problem is with the husband, not the wife. After studying very carefully, how God holds persons responsible, we’re certain that He rests the bulk of responsibility of the family upon the man’s shoulders. This conclusion is to be observed in the following examples. Let’s read:

Genesis 3: 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.

9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

Genesis 16:2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.

16 And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.

Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

Exodus 4:20 And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.

24 And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him.

25 Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.

26 So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.

1st Kings 21:2 And Ahab spoke unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money.

3 And Naboth said to Ahab, The Lord forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.

4 And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.

5 But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?

6 And he said unto her, Because I spoke unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard.

7 And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.

8 So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth.

9 And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people.

10 And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.

15 And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.

17 And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

18 Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it.

19 And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.

The question is: Why does it seem as if God calls the man to account first, while the wife is addressed later? The reason is, believe it or not, regardless of what secular society thinks or teaches in the matter, God holds the husband accountable first for matters that take place under his roof. That is why Eli’s wife is not mentioned in the bad behaviors of their sons.

This is not to say that wives will be let off the hook if they do evil, but the Bible teaches that the brunt of the responsibility rests upon the shoulders of the father, to whom God originally gave the lead as the priest of the home.

Thus, as we study the pros and cons of being priest, it would be well if all of us can learn our lessons, for nothing has changed since God first instituted His established order. One of the pros of being priest is that the responsibility of training the children aright will result in blessings to households, communities, governments and nations.

Success or failures in life can often be traced back to the ground work that was done at home, where the father, as priest of his house, laid the foundation for righteousness by the faithful teaching of God’s word with an exemplary life to back it up, because actions speak louder than mere words.

Day by day, by precept and example, both parents, but especially the priest of the home should be the living embodiment of the principles and laws of the Bible, taking care to guide the young and restless in safe and wise paths.

Prayer is a vital necessity on an ongoing basis, but at the end of the day the children will generally follow where the priest took the lead, and as such, it is of critical importance that the father says and does the very best he can as far as a living breathing example goes.

On the other hand, one of the cons of being priest is that he will sometimes get pushback from the kids, or the wife, especially if both parents are not on the same page spiritually. This is one of the sources of much grief in families, where one parent says one thing and the next parent says another thing, to the utter confusion and dismay of the kids.

And children who are keen to discern the difference between the parents, will usually side with the one parent who is more lenient to their wishes. Thus, a wedge is driven between the instructions given by the priest and that of his wife, so that an unspoken uneasiness hangs in the atmosphere.

Both parents are always to present a united front to their kids, and should avoid countermanding each other in the presence of the children, because this will severely weaken their ability to demonstrate stability, unity, and authority in their households.

Furthermore, the priest is not to expect that every instruction from the word of God will go over well, without any resistance or remonstrance. Yet, he is still expected and is required by God to deliver the goods without fear or favor. Some priests will have some difficulty carrying this out in their homes, but God will grant grace and strength where needed. Let’s read:

Genesis 17:9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.

10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.

12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

Some individuals may question why some of God’s requirements may be disagreeable, and not always cool to carry out. That is because obedience, as well as one’s loyalty are primarily tested in disagreeable and negative circumstances, where persons would have to go against their own grain.

As priest of his home, Abraham could not even tell his wife of the instruction God gave him concerning the sacrifice of Isaac on mount Moriah, because he almost certainly would have run into serious trouble with Sarah. It is no guarantee, that in carrying out his duties that the children or spouse might readily agree, and in some instances, there will be definite resistance.

But the priest cannot and should never use these remonstrances and push-backs as an excuse not to faithfully carry out his God-given duties. Whenever such instances arise in the home, unceasing prayer to God must be made, peradventure the wife, and the kids may understand, but the priest of the home must never waver when it comes to right or wrong.

Even though no priest in our day will be called to do what Abraham was commanded to do, yet there are instances where disagreements between the priest and his spouse will certainly arise from time to time, as it pertains to the implementation of righteous principles and practices within the home.

Some spouses may be naturally more lenient than others, and where such disparities exist the priest of the home should be very careful not to abandon his duties for the sake of peace, such as occurred with Eli. Such fathers may seem cool to their children but in heaven, their names are written among the lost, for what may be cool with men, might not pass the smell test with The Lord.

Being priest includes the carrying out of unpleasant duties sometimes, and God must be sought in these situations to smooth out the rough edges, as far as is possible. For instance, if a proposal is made that is definitely in conflict with right principles such as the clandestine methods suggested by Jezebel, the man or priest of the home must tow the line faithfully in not succumbing to marital pressure.

When Sarah suggested an alternative route to what God stipulated, concerning the promised son, the priest of the home should have stood his ground, in love, and not yield to pressure. The same is true of Jacob when Rachel demanded “Give me children or I die”. The priest of the home may sometimes find himself faced with some unreasonable proposals.

Whenever unreasonable demands are made of the priest or whenever suggestions, contrary to God’s revealed will are made, that is a call to prayer for the priest, and God would grant both strength and wisdom to deal with the proposal in a firm, loving, and courteous manner. But if all these efforts fail, the priest of the home must not succumb to wrong.

Then there are those gray areas where satan is too often most successful in causing division, where the word of God might not spell out a definite course of action in black and white, and where decisions will need to be made through earnest prayer and sound judgment. In such instances, one spouse might not feel any need for prayer, while the other may see a potential for trouble on the horizon.

These differences in discernment should be taken to God first by the priest of the home, so that as he opens up his concerns in the matter to his wife, she peradventure may be willing to listen. More issues are solved by prayer than many Christians realize, and that is why we encourage everyone to take all matters to God in prayer first.

But, if and when things reach a boiling point where one insists on taking a certain route, without first consulting with God, then the priest of the home should lay out as best he can, the pros and cons of such actions, and he is expected to mutually bear the consequences or fallout of such an action, even if he may not participate in it.

Christ bore, and still bears in His Person, the fallout from our actions as His people, and since husbands are instructed to love their own wives even as Christ loves the church then we must expect some level of adverse fallout if differences in discernment persist.

This pertains only to the gray areas where a Biblical course of action may not be written in stone. Prayer between spouses is to be greatly encouraged, which will greatly diminish the heavy lifting the priest may find himself having to do from time to time. Let’s read:

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Again there might be differences of opinion that the priest of the home may encounter when it comes to the raising and training of children. Both the priest and his spouse are to raise their kids to love and to fear God, but the father, as priest of the home must take the lead. It is a responsibility that can never be shirked, without devastating consequences.

It is the solemn duty and responsibility of the father to lay out in clear, distinct lines, the laws, statutes, and principles of righteousness as is written in the Bible. The kids may not always agree, or like what is said and done but the priest must never present the word of God, and its instructions as being optional, or subject to the likes and preferences of any.

As was plainly stated before, being a faithful priest of the home will include push-back at times, but the combination of love and firmness will etch into the minds of the kids and the wife, that the priest does have the best interest of the family in mind, and all would benefit in the years to come, if the father and priest is unswerving and faithful to truth and duty. Let’s read:

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

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

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

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

There is a reading given to us by God, through His servant, that will do us well if we put into practice the lessons granted through the experience of others. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 578>579] God held Eli, as a priest and judge of Israel, accountable for the moral and religious standing of his people, and in a special sense for the character of his sons. Eli did not manage his household according to God's rules for family government.

He followed his own judgment. The fond father overlooked the faults and sins of his sons in their childhood, flattering himself that after a time they would outgrow their evil tendencies. Many are now making a similar mistake. They think they know a better way of training their children than that which God has given in His word.

Thus, wrong habits are left to strengthen until they become second nature. The children grow up without restraint, with traits of character that are a lifelong curse to them and are liable to be reproduced in others.

There is no greater curse upon households than to allow the youth to have their own way. When parents regard every wish of their children and indulge them in what they know is not for their good, the children soon lose all respect for their parents, all regard for the authority of God or man, and are led captive at the will of Satan.

The influence of an ill-regulated family is widespread and disastrous to all society. It accumulates in a tide of evil that affects families, communities, and governments.

In closing, we encourage all priests, whether they be father, or mother by default, to be faithful in the execution of duty, for it is a weighty responsibility resting upon our shoulders, the results of which will have eternal consequences. We therefore end with a passage that confirms the vital importance of the priest of the home. Let’s read:

Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

God Bless!

Fake Or Faith Healers. Sabbath Afternoon 02/13/2021

Over the years, a phenomenon of faith healing has all but engulfed Christianity, and because scriptural laws on health are being disregarded for the most part the services of these professed miracle workers have become all the more popular and in demand.

As with any violation of physical laws, there will be consequences that would follow, and rather than make the needed changes, some turn to a quick fix from the multitude of faith healers that have now overspread the land. But the question is, could it be that there are fake healers, as well as genuine faith healers?

The Bible study for this evening will seek to clear up this issue once and for all, so that those who may be sincere-hearted would be able to clearly distinguish between the true and the false, and thus, not fall a prey to the devices of devils.

To be clear, a fake healer is one who is not sent by or from God, and through whom the devil works to deceive souls. This does not necessarily mean that every miracle they do will be fake; it just means that the source of their healing is a counterfeit to that which comes from God.

This is an important point because some persons have the tendency to write off all miracles done by false prophets as being spurious. There will be times when real healing might occur through these agents but that does not make their work more authentic. The main difference between the fake, and genuine faith healers is the source of their power not merely the miracle itself.

For the record, the gospel commission includes the working of miracles for purposes of healing, when a situation might warrant God’s intervention. In such circumstances, prayer must be made according to God’s will, and if the particular individual is known to have contributed in any way to his/ her sickness, then confession of sin, and a turning away from the wrong course of action is required. Let’s read:

James 5: 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

There are also instances in which God might move upon one of His servants to offer healing to folks in need, as He sees fit, but in such situations, those under the guidance of God never presume to take it upon themselves to decide or to single out who to heal. The Holy Spirit is The One who is to decide in such matters, never the human agent.

Thus, in harmony with the gospel commission, the disciples went out, preaching and healing, as they were led by God, and the Bible records several of these miracles as proof that the gospel includes the restoration of both the spiritual, and the physical aspects of man’s being. Let’s read:

Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not.

6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Acts 19:11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul.

12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked for alms.

4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

8 And he, leaping up stood and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God.

But, because for every good thing God has given us, satan has a counterfeit, we must ask ourselves this question: Can satan work miracles too? We know from the story of Job that devils can inflict diseases but are they also able to heal? Unless we have very clear and concise answers to these questions, it will be quite difficult to tell the difference between fake and genuine faith healers.

Thus, we must let the Bible speak for itself on this point, before we proceed, so that the study may be established on the word of God alone. “Can satan work miracles?” Answer: Yes, he absolutely can. Let’s read:

Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

2nd Thessalonians 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

2nd Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Revelation 13:13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,

14 And deceives them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

These miracles referenced in the previous passages also include miracles of healing, done through the human agent, similar to how holy men of God were used as agents of healing under the auspices of The Holy Ghost. In both the genuine, and the false, the human agent becomes the vessel, through which either satan or The Holy Spirit works, and therefore it is imperative that we know the difference.

The following experience of an encounter with one fake healer is recorded in the Bible for our benefit, and it is the will of God that we should study it very closely, because as we near the close of time, it will become increasingly difficult for persons to discern between the fake and the genuine. Let’s read:

Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before-time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one.

10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

This obeah man, Simon, could not have had such a reputation among the people if he wasn’t delivering the goods. The above phrase “From the least to the greatest” means that it was not only your ordinary John Doe that went for healing.

His clientele ran the entire gamut, and included the prominent members of society, such as politicians, sheriffs, clergy and ordinary people. Apparently, this man had spent many years building his reputation among the people for being a reliable source of the miracles referenced, hence the reason why the Bible says they “all gave heed”.

But the sources he used stinks to high heavens and savors of something counterfeit, to those genuine miracles wrought by God’s servants. He’d employed witchcraft, as well as sorceries, the two branches of alternative medicine used by devils, and these two are still prevalent today, being used by those fake healers across the land. Let’s read:

Acts 8:11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

Here is Strong's Concordance on the meaning of the word “Sorceries”

Pharmakeia: the use of medicine, drugs or spells

Original Word: φαρμακεία, ας, ἡ Transliteration:

Definition: The use of medicine, drugs or spells

Usage:magic, sorcery, enchantment.

pharmakeía (from pharmakeuō, "administer drugs") properly, drug-related sorcery, like the practice of magical-arts, etc.

Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Verse 13 reveals to us unmistakably that Simon, the obeah man actually joined the Christian church, and became a nominal Christian, at the very least, which then raises the prospect that there might be other

fake healers parading under the name Christian.

This is not merely a prospect, or an assumption, it is what the Bible says unequivocally in one verse that we read previously. Satan has Christian ministers as well as fake healers, who are scattered throughout Christendom teaching erroneous doctrines that are dangerous to the soul and who perform counterfeit works of healing on the masses of people.

But what is even more disturbing is that Simon had proposed to purchase The Holy Ghost, so that his diabolical combination of the powers of good and evil would render him even more potent. Thus, it is that the great adversary has always sought a hybrid of truth and error, of light and darkness, so that his work may become too difficult to detect. Let’s read:

Therefore, the following pointers from the Bible are to be used in detecting the true from the false, the fake from the real thing. Under the guidance of The Holy Spirit, and the word of God, every stone must be turned over and every fake healer exposed as we apply the litmus tests.

[1] Any healer or preacher who pushes people down to the ground is a fake, period!

You read the Bible from cover to cover, and you will not find a single instance in Christ’s ministry where He pushed down anybody to the ground. Instead, we will read often where He took persons by the hand and lifted them up.

But pushing people down on the ground, with them lying on the floor, is an unmistakable sign that the supposed healer, or preacher is a total fake. And thus, regardless of his or her claims, they are being driven by satanic forces. The general tenor of the gospel is to lift persons, up never to push down.

There is a term that has become quite popular in Christian circles: “Slain in the spirit” by which folks would be seen collapsed on the ground around some preacher or healer. This again is unmistakable evidence that a counterfeit spirit is at work because Christ did not give His Spirit to slay anyone. Let’s read:

Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Mark 1:30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and they tell him of her.

31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

[2] Money and materialism often stands front and center of miracles performed by fake healers. Let’s read:

Acts 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money.

The incessant solicitation of money is in many cases a sure sign that a fake healer or preacher is at work. According to the scriptures, the miraculous works of healing, performed by false prophets, are closely associated with the love of money.

It is important for that link to be observed because in our day the same is true. It is too often the case that satanic works of healing, as done by fake these healers, are accompanied by what we describe as “stop and frisk” where congregations are too often shaken down for their personal funds.

These fake healers are often to be found badgering their congregants, and laying heavy burdens upon the conscience, so that folks are almost forced into returning their offerings, more from a sense of guilt, rather than from the willing heart, as the scriptures stipulate.

The constant solicitation of money is a definite red flag of the fake healers in our day, for wheresoever finances and donations seem to be front and center of their activities, and appeals, there you will most likely have Simon the sorcerer, operating in real time. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Micah 3:11 The priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us?

Acts 8: 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19 Saying, Give me also this power that on whoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

The above verses are even more disturbing than the rest, because Simon is proposing to pay for The Holy Ghost. When Christ in the parable of the ten virgins, stated that the five foolish were found destitute of oil, which represents The Holy Spirit they went out to buy, and apparently they found some oil for sale, because they later came back and requested entry. Let’s read:

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them.

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

These five virgins who became destitute of The Holy Ghost, represent Christians, who like Simon, have believed, for they also espouse the word of God, as represented by their lamps. But the truths of God’s word were never synthesized with a daily practice, and for this reason, their lamps and their oil were brought to naught.

Thus, with a noticeable void in their lives, they seek to make up the difference by paying for counterfeits too readily supplied by fake healers and preachers. That’s why in Christendom you will hear so much of the “Anointing” referring to persons having the Holy Ghost.

But persons who have The Spirit of God dwelling on the inside, do not usually brag to others about their state. Instead, they are to be found with a humble spirit that avoids the flashy and the eccentric which often characterizes the fake healers and preachers of our day.

[3] Fake healers and preachers almost never ever ask the reason for a person’s sickness. Healing is often offered en masse without any reference or mention of root causes.

If a person goes to their doctor, and he was to offer healing and medicines without him first ascertaining what the one is suffering from that doctor would be considered crazy at best and ludicrous at worst. But in the Christian world individuals are being offered healing with no reference to root causes, which will call for a change in habits and lifestyle if warranted.

Therefore, if the counsels given in the Bible are not being followed, persons will need to be very wary, lest the fake be mistaken for the true. In the days of Christ, the wealth of knowledge we now have was not available, and so the links between habits and consequences were not so clearly discernable.

But with the increase of knowledge we have, folks are required to do their homework in studying the relation of diets and foods to diseases, and where necessary, make appropriate changes in harmony with the restorative power of God. Let’s read:

James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

John 5:5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

9 And immediately the man was made whole.

14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

[4] Presenting private interpretations and other distortions of the gospel.

Closely associated with fake healers and preachers is the dissemination of false doctrines, for the word of God reproves their practice and thus, in order to avoid the needed reforms and changes, they resort to modifying the scriptures to confirm themselves in a wrong course of action, and also to quiet a seared conscience.

For instance, the very popular false doctrine of the natural immortality of the soul, seeks to accomplish two main things: [1] To remove any need for change and repentance. [2] To grant to the deceived a false sense of security outside of that which Jesus and His word require. The gospel, as taught in the Bible calls for a change of heart by the renewal of our minds, through the power of God’s Holy Spirit.

Fake preachers and healers beg to differ, and state that a change in habits and lifestyle are not needed, since God accepts persons as they are. This is the reason why, when persons go for healing by a fake healer, no mention is made of contributing factors on the part of the sick, if any.

And thus, a person who may have become sick with lung cancer because of smoking, is offered healing without addressing the root cause, only to return to their old ways which caused the problem in the first place. These offers of healing are a part and parcel of the deceptions that the Bible warns about in the last days. Let’s read:

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

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

As we near the close of time, and diseases, cancers and pandemics of all sorts continue to proliferate across the world, these counterfeit healings offered through satanic agencies, operating under a veneer of Christianity, will seem more and more as a viable option, and will soon culminate in the ultimate fake healer taking the stage of action to heal the many diseases of the people. Let’s read:

[Maranatha pp 276] As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Savior's advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come.

In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of God given by John in the Revelation. The glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld.

The shout of triumph rings out upon the air: “Christ has come! Christ has come!” The people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His disciples when He was upon the earth.

His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle, compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths which the Savior uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed the Sabbath to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed.

We are now getting dangerously close to that time, and therefore, it behooves every sincere-hearted person to be on full alert, lest they be swept away with the incoming tsunami of counterfeit miracles which will take the world by storm.

It’s not a mere knowledge of these things that will save anyone, it is the conscientious obedience and surrender to the word, and will of God that would enable persons to discern the difference, and thus, be enabled by The Holy Spirit to avoid those deadly snares that will be set for the feet of the unwary.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture that should encourage us to make thorough preparation while we still have the opportunity to do so, for God is still in the business of saving to the uttermost, if we will believe and obey His every word. Let’s read:

Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light.

13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

God Bless!

Laws Versus Suggestions. Sabbath Afternoon 02/06/2021

Psalms 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

Some persons view the instructions and laws given in the Bible as merely good suggestions, and based upon their perspective, some conclude that it is ok to pick and choose which ones will be obeyed. But, while it is true that God has given us the freedom of choice, if we desire to serve Him, He would have us understand that whatsoever is written in His word is much more than merely good ideas.

As far as we know from the scripture God has never ever given out any suggestions or good ideas to the human family. Things, such as advice, suggestions, opinions, concepts, theories and great ideas belong and pertain only to finite beings. God gives us laws instructions statutes and judgments, to which, any who serve Him must walk in obedience.

There is a right way to do good, and there are also consequences for doing both good and evil, but if a person chooses to do the good that’s in the Bible, it would have to be done God’s way, alone. The view that is currently, and commonly held by many folks in Christendom, is that the laws of God are merely good ideas, and as such strict obedience is not ever required.

Furthermore, because of viewing His laws as mere suggestions and not requirements, persons become ensnared into thinking that certain aspects, which they deem objectionable, can then be modified to suit their particular circumstance. Thus, the result is a host of man-made variations and modifications to what God has given by divine authority, which then is often watered down by culture and tradition.

From this philosophy springs the myriad strands of churches, and denominations, some subscribing to whatever they think is necessary or convenient, and others rejecting outright those portions of His word that may not rub them the right way. But Christians will soon discover that it is not always cool and easy to obey God, for doing so often involves a struggle. Let’s read:

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Romans 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man.

23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

In the days of Christ and the apostles there was only one brand of Christianity, the one that had Christ as Lord and Savior through faith which then always led persons to obey God. Faith in God, and a deliberate, continuous rejection of His laws were also mutually exclusive, and were never espoused by those earlier believers.

Back in the days of yore, persons who espoused the Person of Christ, and the gospel would demonstrate their desire to follow Him by being fully immersed in water through baptism and from then on persons were expected to walk in newness of life, being led and empowered by His Holy Spirit.

It was only later, when the perspective of viewing God’s instructions as merely good suggestions, that the practice of sprinkling took root, and with such a modification came others, such as taking the name of Christ whilst walking directly contrary to all of His laws, statutes and instructions.

Thus, the mass confusion, and plethora of options on the table today never existed in times past, and indeed it was never the will of God to have so many divergent views and different strains of Christianity, so that persons would get lost in the maze of beliefs interpretations, and preferences that do not clearly outline the truth as God would have it.

When the Bible is understood and obeyed as plainly stated, there could only be one type of believer and only one brand of Christianity. That’s why in the last days of earth’s history, God is calling us to reject the philosophy that holds His laws, and instructions as being optional, subjective, or merely as good ideas,

as is demonstrated in the next passages. Let’s read:

Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism.

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

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

Persons with a good understanding of God and His word will not only view God’s law as being absolute and final, they would go a step further by avoiding anything God does not like, even if it might not be written in stone. If Christ shows His displeasure for something, that should be sufficient for believers to shun it too, instead of waiting for fine print to tell us so, in no uncertain terms.

That is what is meant by being led by The Spirit, for The Holy Ghost may lead us to avoid things that are not specifically written, but which, if harbored will prove detrimental to spiritual growth. That is why the following two excerpts are so very important for they give a much wider perspective, and panoramic view, of what it means to obey God. Let’s read:

Romans 14:22 “Happy is he who condemns not himself in that thing which he allows”.

23 “For whatsoever is not of faith is sin”.

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin.

This last passage is important, for it hearkens back to the fall of man, when the system of sacrifices was first instituted. At that time, all the descendants of Adam were expected to bring a lamb as an offering to God thereby showing their faith in the promised, coming Redeemer.

And even though the Bible does not specifically say in Genesis 4 that it was given in legal format, yet it was what God had ordained, and as such it was not to be viewed as optional or a mere good suggestion. It was law, and as such, any deviation from it would be sin, because God’s law does not necessarily have to be written in stone for it to be valid or binding.

According to James, it just has to be “Good” for it to be required. It is worthy of note, that in addressing Cain God did not mention any law. Instead, He uses the word well which has a very broad connotation. Let’s read:

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

4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

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

Question: Why did The Lord not have respect unto Cain’s offering, while He clearly approved of Abel’s? Before we attempt to answer this question we must remember that Cain did in fact adopt several of the same instructions as did Abel. He built an altar, he was present for worship, and he acknowledged God in His capacity as God.

But Cain did not agree with the type of sacrifice God had specified, and because he viewed it as a mere suggestion he then presumed to modify it to suit his own convenience with the vain hope that someway, somehow God would accept what his idea. But Cain was to become very disappointed when he learned that God is not into modifications. Let’s read:

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

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

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

Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.

Genesis 4:6 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.

Some people may be quick to criticize Cain for what he did, but before pointing fingers, we should take a moment to examine his perspectives, for they are too often replicated in the modes of thought and action that are prevalent today.

By strictly human standards, Cain’s offering would be considered more humane, and certain animal rights activists may have balked at the command to sacrifice an innocent lamb. In other words, his view was that, in certain instances, God’s requirements are unnecessary, inconvenient, or disagreeable.

And as such, other options which Cain deems to be less objectionable or cruel should, and ought to be adopted. What is worthy of note is that the same one who seemed to be more humane, by sparing the life of an innocent animal, ended up taking the life of an innocent person, and thus his perfidy was exposed.

Now, it is true that most Christians and even secular folk would readily agree that it’s a good idea to take one day off per week from our busy schedules to be refreshed, recharged and reinvigorated. In some of the more prominent Christian circles, the concept is touted as a day for relaxation, family and removal from the mundane, temporal pursuits which have too often absorbed our best interests and energies.

That’s all well and good, but the question is, will we like Cain, modify the law God has given on this point because it is better suited to our convenience? And if so, will God accept a substitute day of rest, even if it may promulgate some of the very same aspects of rejuvenation as the seventh day Sabbath does?

God will never accept a substitute to His original 7th day Sabbath. He never has, and He never will, for if He does, then Cain would be owed an apology. A person’s good intentions never excuses him or her from the obligation of God’s law, and though it may be modified, and changed, while retaining some of the same good concepts, it falls short of God’s will, and as such it will never be accepted in His sight.

Now, there are some who have in sincerity, been in ignorance upon this point, and God sees and knows their hearts. That’s why He is now calling on folks to leave their congregations, churches, denominations and affiliations, if those organizations won’t, or do not subscribe to the entirety of His law.

The door of mercy will still be open for such persons but there would have to be definite separation from congregations and churches which continue to be in a selective and subjective mode of thought, when it comes to obeying God. Plain and simple! Let’s read:

Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

Isaiah 56:2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that lays hold on it; that keeps the sabbath from polluting it and keeps his hand from doing any evil.

3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying, The Lord hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

4 For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;

5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord to be his servants, everyone that keeps the sabbath from polluting it, and takes hold of my covenant;

7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

God is not merely looking for an acknowledgement of Himself by human beings, for while this may be a good starting point, it does not fulfill His will if folks do not follow on in willing obedience. It is worthy of note that acknowledgement is something the devils always did, when in the presence of Christ, and in this regard, they have done much better than men who refused to acknowledge Him for who He is.

Yet, for all of their acknowledgement the devils did not obey, unless forced to, which service God would never accept. Similarly, persons who acknowledge God, must go a step further by obeying His laws and instructions with a willing heart, or else they would have nothing over the devils. Let’s read:

Matthew 8:28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

Mark 1:23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well, the devils also believe and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

God is seeking those who are willing to worship Him in spirit and in truth, for that’s the only combination that is specified in His word by Jesus. Therefore, in our day, a true believer will not only be defined by an acknowledgement of God, or even one who may be baptized the correct way by immersion.

Neither will a true believer be defined by his or her affiliation with other believers. The test in our day is not even to believe in Christ, for devils also believe. The true test of a believer in our day will be his or her willingness to obey all of God’s commandments including the fourth which is the only one beginning with the word “Remember”.

Therefore, The Lord in His mercy is now calling all the inhabitants of earth to choose wisely, based on what has been made so plain in both the old and new testaments. The Sabbath points us to God in His capacity as Creator of heaven and earth, the fact which forms the basis for Him requiring obedience from those whom he has created.

In closing, the prophet Isaiah reminds us that God’s original day of rest is still binding, it has never been changed, or modified, and if any person expects, or desires to enter heaven, obedience to all of God’s commandments is required. This is the everlasting gospel and it carries everlasting consequences for those who submit and those who resist. Let’s read:

Isaiah 58:12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words.

14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

God Bless!

The Prosperity Gospel. Sabbath afternoon 01/30/2021

3rd John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.

In order for us to understand our first passage in its entirety, it would be necessary for us to remove far from us any preconceived ideas and personal biases or preferences for certain interpretations and allow the Bible to speak authoritatively for itself.

The gospel, which is often referred to as the good news does not push anyone down, as is so often the case when persons go for healing by false prophets, for it is designed to lift up souls, and bring out the fullest potential, and the very best in us, whenever it is properly received.

Devils will have persons believe that having Christ as Lord and Savior puts us at a disadvantage, but in reality, this is absolutely not the case, for wherever the laws of God, and the principles of His kingdom are adopted and practiced, the human agent would experience very great change for the better, not the worse.

Persons who truly receive Christ and His gospel of salvation become better persons on all fronts, for this is what the gospel is designed to accomplish in all who submit to its teachings. True Christians are to become better at whatsoever they do; they are to become better workmen, better citizens, better in health, better stewards, and better in their social relationships.

The gospel of Christ has never set a single soul on a downward trajectory in any area of life. Believers do have their struggles, and challenges like everyone else but when their lives, before and after accepting Christ are evaluated, it will always be found that the good news made persons better off, not worse.

After searching the scriptures from cover to cover, we have not discovered any evidence that the good news of salvation causes individuals to retrogress in life. On the contrary, real progress in every area of life, as well as character development is to be made for if it were otherwise then there would not be any motivating factors for persons to switch leaders.

Hence the reason why our first passage in John is so important, because it presents both the ideal, and the fine balance that should be found in those who have espoused the person of Christ. Prosperity in every aspect of life, including growth in holiness is a completely Biblical teaching, and not to be feared.

And even though it has been severely distorted by the false prophets of the day, yet we should never allow that which was meant for our good, to be so overrun by evildoers, that it causes us to go to the opposite extreme. The Bible teaches us balance in all things, which includes prosperity of the soul, the physical, and the temporal aspects of our existence. Let’s read:

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law does he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Deuteronomy 29:9 Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.

Job 36:10 He opens also their ear to discipline, and commands that they return from iniquity.

11 If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

1st Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.

12 Both riches and honor come of thee, and You reign over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

When ancient Israel was to be formed into a nation, God specified that they were not to be reckoned as being an average nation, for they were not serving an average God. His peculiar people should have at the very least, something peculiar about them, and that’s why throughout the Bible, God seeks to bring about that fine balance that the gospel offers.

Indeed, it was, and it still is the will of God that His people should shine radiantly as lights in the world, not coming up short on any front so that the people and nations of earth would then be attracted to the wisdom that comes from God alone. Let’s read:

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

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

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thus, in the last days of earth’s history, God desires that all the fullness of the gospel be manifested in the persons of the saints, just as He had purposed for Israel. In times past there were imbalances in some of His people, either on account of a lack of knowledge or a lack of practice.

But now, with the wealth of knowledge, the wisdom and understanding passed down through the many generations of saints; now, with the additional info granted through patriarchs and prophets, we who are living in our generation are to experience the culmination of all what it means to be a peculiar people.

The peculiar people of Christ are to be leading the charge, not only in correct scriptural interpretations but also in health and well-being, as well as in good financial management. For us to be enslaved in debt and drugs in our day, and for us to be at the mercy of lenders, after all God has taught us in His word, is to sell the good news short. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 28:1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth.

2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.

3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

8 The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto.

9 The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways.

10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee.

11 And the Lord shall make thee plenteous in goods.

Furthermore, God would have us understand that poverty isn’t a virtue, neither is it a virtue to be rich. The prosperity that the Bible speaks of always leads us to place the eternal above the temporal, and it is when the latter is held subserviently to the former, that God can do great things through His people.

God is actually itching to bless His people, but there are things that often stand in the way, which could produce what is termed as a dangerous blessing. It is often the case that the human agent manifests a level of humility in the valley, but on the mountain- top, where God grants prosperity and success, folks too often become puffed up.

To put it plainly, we might wait for God’s directions when we believe we have no choice, but as soon as we can afford not to, we go our own way, thinking, and acting independently of His guidance. This is the most common failure in the Christian which in turn prevents God to a large extent from prospering those who are called by His name.

Thus, even though it is God’s will that folks should prosper and be in good health, even as our souls prosper, yet there are pros and cons to prosperity, of which we should be aware. There’s usually not a problem in carrying an empty cup, it’s the one that is full which needs balancing with care. Let’s read:

James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

Proverbs 23:4 Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathers by labor shall increase.

Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

1st Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

If when God blesses us with riches, the first thought that comes to mind is to build, purchase, or procure temporal things, then we can fall into the snare of Solomon, who became overly obsessed with adding materials and home improvements, while the cause of God and the salvation of his fellowmen were held in subservient positions.

As prosperity from God came to Solomon, he at first was humble, but bit by bit, he started to add a host of material things to his inventory, and the more he added, the more he desired, until he became quite addicted to the temporal.

Purchasing a whole lot of stuff, just because one has the wherewithal to do so is not an upright ambition, and often results in the emptiness, and frustrations experienced by Solomon who sought for joy in the abundance of things which he possessed.

In like manner, those who are now showered with financial blessings should be very careful, lest their priorities become so mixed up, that the temporal or material things of life usurp the place of the eternal. Indeed, the joy of life comes not in the abundance of material things, but in the service of God and of our fellowmen. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 2:4 I made me great works; I built me houses; I planted me vineyards.

5 I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits.

6 I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees.

7 I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me.

8 I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I got me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

9 So I was great and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem.

10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all my labor.

11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

What is of great interest is that Abraham was also a very prosperous man, but he never experienced the lack of fulfillment that Solomon suffered. So, what’s the difference? Solomon used wealth to please and build up self, but Abraham used wealth to build up God’s kingdom, and that is what will make the huge difference between the two schools of thought.

Solomon used God’s riches to foster the principle of pleasure, while Abraham used wealth to foster the principle of service, and anyone who God prospers, who follows in Abraham’s footsteps will never come to that low point in life where they become suicidal because of prosperity. Let’s read:

Genesis 13:1 And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south.

2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.

[Patriarchs and Prophets pp 141] Abraham's household comprised more than a thousand souls. Those who were led by his teachings to worship the one God, found a home in his encampment; and here, as in a school, they received such instruction as would prepare them to be representatives of the true faith. Thus, a great responsibility rested upon him. He was training heads of families, and his methods of government would be carried out in the households over which they should preside.

Solomon in contrast, started to gradually trust to his own wisdom, and every departure from God’s word and His instructions, caused him to become more entangled in the snare of self-indulgence. God had given written instructions on how any king of Israel should comport himself, so that the prosperity and wealth incident to power would not ensnare him.

But little by little Solomon disregarded one principle and instruction after the next, until he’d lost sight of his need to seek God’s wisdom. And whereas in the case of Abraham he looked to God for the most part Solomon allowed pride and riches to distort his view of the world, and the temporal allurements became his undoing. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 17:14 When thou art come unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me;

15 Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the Lord thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee.

16 But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the Lord hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.

2nd Chronicles 9:25 And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

28 And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.

Deuteronomy 17:17 Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away.

1st Kings 11: But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites.

2 Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.

3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.

Deuteronomy 17:17 Neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.

1st Kings 10:14 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,

17 And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three pounds of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

18 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with the best gold.

21 And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.

27 And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones.

Deuteronomy 17:18 And it shall be, when he sits upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites.

19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them.

20 That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.

1st Kings 11:9 And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,

10 And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the Lord commanded.

11 Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.

Thus, we can clearly see that the fine balance in our first passage, where the apostle John says “I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health, “Even” as thy soul prospers”, was not materialized in Solomon’s latter days, and wherever there’s such an imbalance in any of God’s people, they would be in danger of missing the ideal set forth in the text.

Solomon had much clothes and fine linen, but he became naked in his soul, he was rich as far as the material wealth goes, but he became spiritually poor, and because he lost sight of his dependence on God, he lost the ability to clearly discern right from wrong, and the rest is history.

But according to the scriptures, we who are living on the brink of eternity are in danger of becoming dizzy with the material things of this world, and like Solomon of old, some are becoming obsessed with the accumulation of wealth and material things, to the neglect of our own souls. This is not merely the opinion of “crazy”, it’s the condition of the church in our day. Let’s read:

Revelation 3: 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind, and naked.

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Thus, while prosperity is not a sin in itself, God is calling on us to track a different course to Solomon, even the course which Abraham took. There is now more than ever a great need to fund the everlasting gospel to all the world, now that so many are going down into Christ-less graves.

Efforts are to be made in reaching the less fortunate and helping to blunt the incessant blows leveled at humanity by the adversary. Should we like Solomon be consumed with houses, and lands, and material things? Or should we be using the prosperity of the gospel to further the interests of God’s kingdom as much as possible, especially as the countdown to eternity is in full gear? The Lord Himself gives us the answer. Let’s read:

Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free?

7 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;

8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.

9 Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.

10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day.

11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

Let us therefore make the necessary adjustments to our priorities, wherever warranted, for if we seek to fulfill the call to service in our neck of the woods, God will be able to trust us with means, knowing that the urge to splurge will not be driving us to spend wantonly on things that do not satisfy.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture that will help us in refocusing on the commission given to us by Christ, and all those who will step up to the plate by putting the interests of God’s kingdom first, will be accounted as faithful stewards, and God can be trusted to provide all that is needed. Let’s read:

Matthew 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

God Bless!

Quenching All Fiery Darts. Sabbath afternoon 01/23/2021

Ephesians 6: 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

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

One thing we must never forget is that we are in a mortal war for our souls, and the agencies enlisted against us are not merely human. There are invisible forces of darkness working behind the scenes, in an effort to sow, trouble, calamity, sickness and death.

Very often we make the mistake of trying to solve spiritual problems with carnal solutions, and as the day of final accounts draws nearer, we will discover that nations and individuals will become more and more frustrated, as such solutions become less and less effective.

A vast number of evil angels are now spread across the globe, and mayhem, disturbances, and sickness of all sorts will be increasing both in frequency, and in severity, and that’s why we are counselled to put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand in the evil day, as our first passage states.

Christians should understand that God has given us different ways and means to deal with the varying issues and problems which would arise from time to time. These ways and means are often in very stark contrast to those methods employed by the secular or unbelieving mind and as such we must be careful not to have our minds invaded by secular modes of thought and action.

For instance, the current secular healthcare system is for the most part reactionary, whereas God’s way of dealing with health and well-being is proactive. In many instances man’s method of dealing with the sick is to treat symptoms, but in Christ’s healthcare system the root causes of diseases are ratted out and addressed.

Again, trillions of dollars are spent on remedies and cures, and big pharma will flood the market with a plethora of medicines and synthetic drugs which are often taken to procure temporary relief but in God’s healthcare system the focus is more on prevention, rather than on cure.

If God decides to work a miracle to save a believer, He will do so, according to His discretion, but He much prefers not to, if the disease can be avoided. In other words, His supernatural power isn’t to be summoned lightly, if God-ordained methods, and resources are available to take care of the issue in question.

With the secular mind, human science and logic are made to rule the day, in dictating, and determining what to do in difficult circumstances. The Christian, on the other hand lives by faith, meaning that God’s word reigns supreme, even if, and when it might go contrary to human science and logic, and we would often discover that the two modes of thought are at odds.

So, it is critically important, before we proceed, that we establish from the scriptures the method of faith by which any, and all difficulties and challenges are to be handled. Faith is not merely a theoretical idea that is held aloof from our everyday experience. On the contrary, it is the method for living that must be incorporated and synthesized in every aspect of life.

There’s also a practical side to faith in God, because faith without works is dead. However, the tendency of the secular, unbelieving world is to leave God out of the picture, whereas with the Christian, God is at the front and center of everything, being consulted first before decisions are taken. Let’s read:

Proverbs 3: 4 So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

In other words, those who exercise faith in God will incorporate His word, laws, and instructions as the rule and guide of life, to navigate through the maze of complex, and difficult challenges we often face. And even when to all appearances there may seem no need to pray, yet the Christian will invite God to the driver’s seat, where He is permitted to take the lead.

But with some persons, God is relegated to sit in the passenger seat, as a mere observer, or a sort of tag-along, while the accelerator, brake pedal, and GPS are controlled by the human agent. When this is the case, God is held in a subservient role while persons take the lead.

This is not how faith in God works, because genuine faith in God will always bring the human agent into subjection to God, and as such, it will color the very fabric and fiber of our life experiences. That is why we caution against leaving God out of the equation when confronting adversities, for faith in God would move us to seek Him in every situation. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

1st John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.

Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Romans 14:23 For whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Ephesians 6: 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

The words “Above all” mean most importantly, more than all the other pieces of armor mentioned in those passages of Ephesians chapter 6. Now the Bible does not say that darts wont be hurled at us, it says that they will be quenched, using the shield of faith, and thus, faith is the method by which we are to confront and survive any adverse situation.

Faith is that universal language of communication between God and man, and God has dispensed it to every inhabitable part of the globe, so that persons can exercise faith, even if they may not have access to the scriptures. In fact, faith was present, and was in active duty long before any scripture was written. Let’s read:

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah being warned of God of things not seen as yet moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

The reason why our faith in God stands out among the rest of the pieces of armor mentioned in our 1st passage, is because our very survival as Christians depends on it, for as the passage clearly states, the shield of faith should be able to quench not some, but every fiery dart that is hurled against Christians.

Then, Paul goes on to show us in real time how it is to be employed, in fending off the fiery darts of the enemy, for there are many different types of darts, which are hurled at us from time to time. There is the dart of disease, the dart of snitching, the dart of discouragement, the dart of doubt, and the dart of existential threats against one’s life.

Then there is the dart of encountering dangerous animals, and there are also financial darts, by which devils often seek to bring persons to ruin. The Bible tells us that we must not be ignorant of his devices, but with the caution comes the system and method by which they must be overcome, and that’s always through faith, always!

Some people view the instructions given by God as mere “suggestions” to be picked and chosen by the human agent as he or she sees fit. Others view His laws and instructions as a Thus saith the Lord, and here is where faith and practice converge. So, let’s expound on faith. Let’s read:

Hebrews 11: 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

28 Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephtha; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.

34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight, the armies of the aliens.

It is of great concern that we who are living in the 21st century may be permitting our faith to grow dim at a time when it should be shining radiantly, in the midst of great spiritual darkness. If we are truly a peculiar people, there must be something peculiar about us, and that’s the mode of thought and action that is based upon faith in God.

Of particular concern is one situation in which two blind men petitioned Jesus for healing. The question which Christ then asked them must be studied very closely, because the answer given is the hinge upon which the prospect of healing often hangs. Jesus is ready to do great things for them, but the question is, are they ready? Let’s read:

Matthew 9: 27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us

28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

That phrase “According to your faith” is the weak link with too many persons, for it teaches us that the possibility for healing from God often rests with the person in question. Little faith yields little returns, but large faith results in great things.

As Christians we are to expect great things from the God whom we serve, for very often we put invisible limits on what we think He can or cannot do. This is what made the difference when David, Saul and the men of Israel were facing a grave, national threat.

It’s worthy of note that faith does not dispense with or minimize the gravity of a given situation; instead, faith rises to meet any emergency, based upon the knowledge that with God, nothing is impossible. Thus, David’s confidence was not presumptuous or boastful; it was built upon literal experiences that he had with God, to the point where the fiery darts of the devil seemed like a piece of cake to him.

When Saul questioned him about his confidence, he reflected on, and rehearsed his varying experiences with God as living examples of how he had formerly quenched fiery darts. Some of us would have to kill some bears and some lions, before we would have the confidence and assurance that’s needed to pass through the time of trouble. This is according to the scriptures. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 17:32 And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:

35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

Thus, the invaluable experiences God has given us throughout our history are to be remembered and greatly treasured, so that whenever a dire situation or dart comes by, we would have the confidence to face and surmount it.

Believers should often take the time to reflect on the lions, and bears God strengthened us to defeat in times past, so that our faith may rest upon a very practical knowledge of God, not merely a hands-off theoretical knowledge of Him. The written word is to lead us to The Living word, for at the end of the day, we are in a relationship A Person, not a book.

Thus, we must ask ourselves a direct and simple question: Is Covid 19 a fiery dart, and if so, can it be quenched using the shield of faith? Diseases of all sorts are the productions of devils in varying forms and to different degrees.

Some diseases are inflicted directly upon the human family while others are the result of disobedience to God’s instructions and laws, but when it boils down to the root cause all roads will ultimately lead to the author of disease and death. Let’s read:

Luke 13:11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation;

15 The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite,

16 Ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

Job 2:7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

8 And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.

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

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

1st John 3:8 For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

From the Mayo clinic: Non-suicidal self-injury, often simply called self-injury, is the act of deliberately harming your own body, such as cutting or burning yourself. It's typically not meant as a suicide attempt. Rather, this type of self-injury is a harmful way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration.

While self-injury may bring a momentary sense of calm and a release of tension, it's usually followed by guilt and shame and the return of painful emotions. Although life-threatening injuries are usually not intended, with self-injury comes the possibility of more serious and even fatal self-aggressive actions.

There are no medications to specifically treat self-injuring behavior. However, if you're diagnosed with a mental health disorder, such as depression or an anxiety disorder, your doctor may recommend antidepressants or other medications to treat the underlying disorder that's associated with self-injury. Treatment for these disorders may help you feel less compelled to hurt yourself.

Mark 5:1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:

4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.

5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshiped him,

7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.

9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.

10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.

11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.

12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.

13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

[The Great Controversy pp 589>590] Satan has control of all whom God does not especially guard. While appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladies, he will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are reduced to ruin and desolation.

Even now he is at work. In accidents and calamities by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations are to become more and more frequent and disastrous. Destruction will be upon both man and beast.

Again, we ask the haunting question: Is Covid 19 a fiery dart, and if so, can it be quenched using the shield of faith? Yes it is, and it can be quenched by using the shield of faith. Here’s how. The following are scriptural instructions to deal with diseases in the Christian, who utilizes the shield of faith, when all known and available God-ordained remedies are exhausted.

James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

And for those who have not been infected, it is of critical importance for us to follow the eight laws of health outlined in a previous study, for this is how we can cooperate with God in maintaining a strong immune system. The health message is not a mere suggestion, it’s a “Thus saith The Lord” given for the benefit of all who will survive the terrors of the last days. Let’s read:

[Counsels on diets and foods pp 73] When the third angel's message is received in its fullness, health reform will be given its place in the councils of the conference, in the work of the church, in the home, at the table, and in all the household arrangements. Then the right arm will serve and protect the body.

In closing, it is important for us to remember that it started with food and it will end with food, meaning that whatsoever we ingest into our system will be a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. The first temptation on our planet was on food, the first temptation of Christ was on food, and the very last temptation will involve food, after the 666 dust has settled in.

Therefore, we will end with a favorite psalm which will point our hearts and minds to God, who takes the health of His people seriously, and has given us mighty promises to live by whereby we may quench every fiery dart that is hurled at us. Let’s read:

Psalms 103:2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits;

3 Who forgives all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases;

4 Who redeems thy life from destruction; who crowns thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The renewal of our youth is directly tied to what we eat!

God bless!

America In Prophecy. Sabbath afternoon 01/16/2021

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

All throughout the ages, different kingdoms have come upon the stage of action, either by permission or ordination of God, but howsoever they came into power, The God of heaven was always in control of all such authorities. Most of these kingdoms fought their way into prominence, and much turbulence and bloodshed occurred, but God was, and still is in control.

The scripture tells us that the powers that be are ordained of God, and though at times it may seem as if nations are like a runaway train, yet the good purposes of God are still being worked out behind the scenes, and whenever the tenure of a kingdom is up, God installs another in its place, so that there is no earthly kingdom that will stand forever. Let’s read:

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

Psalms 75:4 I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn.

5 Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.

6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

7 But God is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another.

The same is true of America, for this nation came into being through the direct providence of God and even though some may not give credit where credit is due, America’s prowess in the world, and all of its military might, together with advances in scientific discoveries and inventions that are upright, are the result of God’s blessings and providence.

Thus, according to our opening passage America did not come upon the stage of action by chance. It was because of God’s direct intervention, in providing a place of refuge for those pilgrims, who were fleeing religious oppression in parts of Europe, why God’s providence opened the way for the new nation to be established.

Therefore, before we proceed, it is important that we trace from the scriptures how it was prophesied that America would come upon the world stage. In all of the play and counter-play of the human agent, it was prophecy being fulfilled as the young nation was being established.

Several words and phrases would be highlighted in the following passages, and explanations will then be given, so as to establish beyond all doubt, that America is definitely mentioned in Bible prophecy. Let’s read:

Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast.

The two important words in this excerpt are “beast” and “another”. The Bible explains what a beast is in prophecy, for it refers to a nation or kingdom. Let’s read:

Daniel 7:2 Daniel spoke and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.

3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.

4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.

5 And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.

6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

15 I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.

16 I came near unto one of them that stood by and asked him the truth of all this. So, he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

17 These great beasts which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.

18 But the saints of the Most-High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even for ever and ever.

But in our excerpt from Revelation 13, John said he saw “Another” beast. “Another” is a pronoun and it can mean one of two things: (1) an additional thing or person of the same type as the one already mentioned or known about. (2) a different person or thing from one already mentioned or known about.

If a man is at a tiki bar, and after having one or two Budweisers he asked for another beer, that request could mean one out of two things; either he wants another Bud or he desires an entirely different beer.

Question: In the context of the passage, which one is it? The first or the second meaning? The Bible is clear on the interpretation, for although the second beast mentioned in the chapter arises in apparent innocence and gentleness, yet it is predicted to take on, or morph into some of the characteristics of the first beast. Let’s read:

Revelation 13: 12 And he exercises all the power of the first beast before him and causes the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

But the prophecy identifying America as the second beast has more pertinent information, so that none should have any doubts as to which nation is being referred to. Let’s read:

Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth.

Question: What does it mean to come up out of the earth? The Bible tells us that wherever in prophecy the seas or the waters are mentioned that’s a direct reference to masses people and since the surface of the earth consists of 71% water and 29% land, then the nation that is coming up out of the earth will be arising from a sparsely populated area. Let’s read:

Revelation 17:15 And he saith unto me, The waters which you saw, where the whore sits, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

In addition, according to Revelation 13: verses 11 and 12, the nation, or second beast will arise after the first beast mentioned in the chapter, receives a deadly wound. That deadly wound was inflicted on the first beast, which must now be identified, since the second beast comes into being around the same time.

John describes the first beast in the chapter as the persecuting power that made war on the saints, and which had exercised dominion over all the nations of earth. Without a doubt, John is referring to the papacy under whose reign during the dark ages, it is estimated that between 50 and 100 million persons were put to death for their faith. Let’s read:

Revelation 13: 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that kills with the sword must be killed with the sword.

Therefore, the following is a brief breakdown of the identifying pointers of the second beast, according to the scriptures:

[1] It arises out of obscurity, in a sparsely populated area.

[2] It comes upon the world stage just around the time that the papacy receives its deadly wound.

[3] It exhibits gentleness initially, but later speaks like a dragon.

[4] It espouses the agenda of the first beast.

God is telling us that the nation being referred to in the passages must be America, for it came upon the stage of action just around the time that the deadly wound was inflicted on the papacy, and thus, we’ll have to look for a nation arising around 1798, the year when the French general Berthier took pope Pius captive.

No other nation on earth matches that description except The United states of America, which came into existence when congress approved the nation’s independence on July 4, 1776. It’s the one and only nation to arise in a sparsely populated area, and as we all know, it is the only super-power remaining upon the planet.

Now, we are not going to delve into the rest of the prophecy this evening for it is important for us all to understand that nations, and individuals are never bound in an iron destiny, so that they cannot free themselves of the cryptic predictions made by God. It is God’s will that the prophecy in Revelation 13 will cause America to track a different course if we are thus disposed.

The mark of the beast and its implementation which is mentioned later on in the chapter isn’t something in which our nation would have no other choice. On the contrary it is God’s will that all nations should as well as individuals should come to repentance, and if we do, God has no problem at all if the prophecy is not fulfilled as stated.

In fact, according to the scriptures, if Jesus has to choose between the exact fulfillment of prophecies, and the salvation of nations and individuals, He’ll let the prophecy fail in a heartbeat, because Jesus died to save persons, not prophecies. Let’s read:

Jonah 2:1 And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying,

2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.

5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.

6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water.

8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.

9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?

10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

Now that America is about to turn a corner and now that there is the expectation of a soon changing of the guards, we wish America the best, for God has not forgotten us, and He is still willing, and able to turn the tide of current difficulties for good. One of the reasons why God bears so long with individuals and nations is that He takes no delight in our many troubles. Let’s read:

Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

2nd Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

His mercies are still extended over the nation, and if the incoming administration will do the right thing, if reforms are made in harmony with God’s revealed will, He will be more than pleased to help us reverse the many adversities and challenges we are facing.

The Bible makes clear which reforms and changes are necessary in order for us to have a reversal of fortunes, for just as the king and people of Nineveh took proactive steps in repentance and change, so should we as a nation, examine ourselves seriously.

And wheresoever we may discover departures from virtue, truth, and duty, if we make all the necessary changes, God would respond in the positive. Tough times scarcely occur in a vacuum, and thus, it will be well for us to reason soberly from cause to effect, because the benefits of physical and spiritual laws are contingent upon those actions and choices we make. Let’s read:

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

Proverbs 26:2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.

2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

The following therefore are the areas that will need to be addressed, if we desire a return to God’s favor for the spiritual laws of sowing and reaping can only be reversed to some extent, if persons and nations track a righteous course. Let’s read:

Isaiah 58:4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness.

6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

7 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?

8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.

9 Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day:

11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

As we head into unchartered waters with the new administration, there will be challenges to confront and there will be hurdles to be surmounted. There will be continuing dispersion of peoples, Covid and his brothers will still be around for many years, and the spirit of anarchy will be bubbling up from time to time.

In addition to this, the national debt will continue to spiral out of control, and the trickle-down effect is going to be seen and felt by individuals and families. Yet, in all of these things, if we keep our heads lifted to the skies and if deep soul-searching produces the needed reforms, America can still rise again.

Therefore, in the best interest of the country that is to be the last focal point of the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, we wish our incoming leaders well, and we hope and pray that all duly elected officials will be humble and willing enough to let God lead. Let us then join hands and hearts in praying for the best good of the country, for if we do, there could be a reversal of fortunes.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture which will encourage us to keep pressing forward in right lines, and those who are entrusted with the gospel are to be certain that well-directed efforts to save the lost are made in our neck of the woods, if haply, we might stave off for a while, the fulfillment of the second half of Revelation chapter 13. Let’s read:

Isaiah 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

God Bless!

Countdown To Eternity. Sabbath Afternoon. 01/09/2021

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

We are living at a time in earth’s history when the prophecies that were written of old, concerning the last days are now being fulfilled before our eyes. It does not take a scholar, or some great philosopher to tell us that something has gone very wrong in our world. And try as we might to get back to “Normal” we will have to get used to the new abnormal.

On every front and in every aspect of life, things are on a downward trajectory and even as governments and world leaders try to right the ship, new holes in the hull just keep springing leaks capriciously.

This is because there are forces greater than man involved in the battle for our minds, and it will do us well if we were found with The proven winner, even The Lord Jesus Christ.

First of all, we must establish from the scripture the fact that we are indeed living in the last days of this earth’s history, for when this fact is established, the countdown to eternity will be better understood. In the days of Noah, sin, evil and iniquity did not peak overnight.

It took time for the satanic principles and methods to be developed, practiced and indelibly etched into the consciences of man, until the voice of God went silent in the minds of those who had chosen sin as their master. Then the cascading effect brought the world to its lowest point and ultimately culminated in the waters of the flood.

Similarly, the unprecedented occurrences we are witnessing today did not happen overnight but are the results of years of rebellion against the word of God. Like pharaoh of old, persons have deliberately buried their heads in the sand, and when there was opportunity to correct the evils by doing the right thing, they reasoned away the voice of conscience on different grounds.

Therefore, our chickens are coming home to roost, and when they do, there will be no one to deliver, because all who have not availed themselves of the grace of God when it was available, will have no one to shelter them when the storm of trouble unfurls. The door of mercy is yet open, but like the door on Noah’s ark, it is swinging to a close.

It is a cryptic statement that we make, that all those who have truly accepted Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives will be mighty glad they did so, in the not too distant future. Therefore, before we proceed,

we beseech everyone listening to be reconciled to God while opportunity still lingers for whenever the sealing of God’s people is finished, all hell will break loose, literally. Let’s read:

Revelation 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

The winds that would hurt the earth, the sea, and any tree are references to strife and trouble that will be coming on the earth in the last days. And for the record those winds have already begun to blow. This is the reason why it is of great importance for us to understand why the countdown to eternity has already begun.

The following are the scriptural references that tell us that we are on the last leg of the marathon of earth’s history. We will give the pointers in precis form and then the Bible will explain itself.

[1] The age of the earth.

Our planet is not even close to one million years in age, as science has purported under the auspices of Darwin and others who have used flawed methods of dating to pervert that which is written. When the approximate age of the earth is calculated using the line upon line method, starting from Adam, there is no way that one can even cross six thousand.

Adam was created in the first week of this earth’s existence, and since that time to now, it’s just a bit less than six thousand years that have elapsed. The one thousand years of sabbatical rest mentioned in Revelation 20, represent the rest that is due to this earth, on account of six thousand years of constant activity.

And, because the scripture clearly states that for every six years of labor, toil and planting, the earth is required to rest one Sabbatical year, therefore, a period of one thousand years of rest is coming due, so as to complete the cycle of seven. It is because we are approaching that threshold of six thousand, why the entire world is now descending into an era of unprecedented turmoil. Let’s read:

Exodus 23:10 And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof.

11 But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still.

Leviticus 25:1 And the Lord spoke unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying,

2 When you come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the Lord.

3 Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof;

4 But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the Lord: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

Leviticus 25:34 Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye be in your enemies' land; even then shall the land rest and enjoy her sabbaths.

35 As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.

Revelation 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with him a thousand years.

7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison.

And for those of us who really believe the servant of The Lord, she makes no mention of this earth being millions of years old. On the contrary, throughout her writings, which were inspired by The same Holy Ghost who inspired the Bible writers she repeatedly states unequivocally that this world is allotted six thousand years, and after that eternity will begin.

Like the Bible writers, nothing in the millions is ever mentioned even once, as it pertains to the age of the earth, which is clearly shown by the following screen grab of a sample of her references on the subject matter in question. Let’s read:

Conflict and Courage, p. 21.3 (Ellen G. White) (99%) ... perverted habits and has continued for six thousand years. This fact of itself is ...

Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, p. 7.1 (Ellen G. White) (93%) The fact that he has for six thousand years withstood the ever-increasing weight of ….

The Great Controversy 1888, p. 659.3 (Ellen G. White) (93%) For six thousand years, Satan's work of rebellion ... the house of his prisoners.” For six thousand years his prison-house has received God ...

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 138.2 (Ellen

G. White) (93%) ... perverted habits and has continued for six thousand years.

The Desire of Ages, p. 413.4 (Ellen G. White) (93%) For six thousand years, faith has built upon Christ. For six thousand years the floods and tempests of satanic wrath have beaten upon the Rock of our salvation; but it stands unmoved.

Christian Education, p. 207.1 (Ellen G. White) (82%) ... have engaged men's study for six thousand years, were opened to their minds ...

The Great Controversy 1888, p. f.1 (Ellen G. White) (82%)

For six thousand years that master-mind that once was ...

The Great Controversy 1888, p. 656.1 (Ellen G. White) (82%) For six thousand years the great controversy has been ... God. The time has come for God to vindicate the authority ...

The Great Controversy 1888, p. 673.2 (Ellen G. White) (82%)

ruin is forever ended. For six thousand years he has wrought his will ... thunderings,” is heard, saying, “Alleluia; for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”

Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 59.3 (Ellen G. White) (82%) .... The continual transgression of man for six thousand years has brought sickness, pain, and ... more difficult to overcome. Testimonies for the Church 3:491, 492 ...

[2] The Gospel has almost reached every inhabitable part of the globe.

With the introduction of the internet, social media, satellites, radio waves and television, the gospel has been made accessible in one form or another to the overwhelming majority of earth’s inhabitants.

Therefore, according to the Bible, whenever all have heard the good news, salvation will come to a close, for each of us would have had sufficient knowledge to make an informed choice, for or against Christ. It is therefore a sign of the countdown to eternity that the gospel has almost encircled the entire globe. Let’s read:

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

[3] In the last days, perilous times will come.

The perilous times referenced in the Bible are not your everyday kind of peril; it is peril that would be arising on many different fronts, at the same time, thus forcing elected leaders and people alike to play peril whack-a-mole.

This is what is currently taking place, for on the one hand, Covid keeps shaking down millions, while at the same time national debts keep spiraling out of control and to add to the toxic mix, there’s constant infighting, finger-pointing, and large-scale corruption amongst elected officials.

Some are dealing with Brexit, Covid, school closures lockdowns, high unemployment, botched vaccine rollouts, and long food lines that stretch for miles, all at the same time, whilst there is sabor-rattling in the middle east and fool-hardy intransigence across the political landscape.

Therefore just as a woman in labor pain experiences bouts of painful contractions, increasing in severity, and frequency so the world has already entered the cycles of unprecedented trouble and pain, ranging from those weather-related events, to irresolvable differences among peoples, with much turmoil and adversity on a host of varying problems. Let’s read:

2nd Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof.

[4] People are losing their minds.

2nd Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

When persons begin to deliberately put darkness for light and evil for good, then we may be certain that the battle for the mind is being lost. When one buries his head in the sand, in order to stymie truth, and facts, that pattern of thought and action is not easily reversed.

Pharaoh of old deliberately refused to acknowledge the truth, until he and his underlings were deceived into committing mass suicide, by entering the Red sea. Nothing that God could do would reverse the downward spiral that had been set into motion, for with every revelation of truth, pharaoh steeled his heart more, against the indisputable evidences.

This is where we are in earth’s history, and it will culminate in one of our darkest chapters, if we do not reverse course. This leads us to study the battle for the mind, as it unfolded anciently in a particular incident among the Hebrews, and which would be repeated as we enter the countdown to eternity.

Moses and Aaron were the two Divinely appointed leaders of Israel, but several prominent leaders of the nation rose up against them, and they refused to acknowledge their duly appointed authority. In the process of time, through a series of lies and a host of seditious plottings, they then succeeded in inciting the multitudes to revolt.

What followed was a frightful departure from facts and truth, to the point where it became incurable, and God was left no choice but to destroy all those who deliberately buried their heads in the sand. When God shows us in unmistakable terms that we are in the wrong, that is a golden opportunity for us to repent, and if we do, our minds can be salvaged.

But if we continue in a pharaoh frame of mind, if we choose not to believe the evidences God is pleased to give, then there is nothing else He can do for us, and it will only be a matter of time before there will be a total collapse of the mind, for we will then be bereft of any reasoning power. Let’s read:

Numbers 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men.

2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown.

3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?

4 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:

5 And he spoke unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even tomorrow the Lord will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.

6 This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company;

7 And put fire therein and put incense in them before the Lord tomorrow: and it shall be that the man whom the Lord doth choose, he shall be holy.

12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up.

16 And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the Lord, thou, and they, and Aaron, tomorrow.

18 And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron.

19 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the congregation.

20 And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

21 Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.

22 And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?

23 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.

25 And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him.

26 And he spoke unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of their's, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

27 So they got up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and

Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.

28 And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.

29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the Lord hath not sent me.

30 But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord.

31 And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them.

32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.

33 They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.

34 And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.

35 And there came out a fire from the Lord, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

Here was unmistakable evidence given by God that should have appealed to the reasoning powers of those who rose up in rebellion against God’s leaders and if they had responded favorably via repentance, and renouncing their wayward actions, God could, and would have still saved them.

But when persons deliberately decide to bury their heads in the sand, or when they continue to refuse facts and truth, permanent damage to their minds is often done, and the pride of opinion often prevents them from acknowledging that they were in error.

This is what we refer to as the pharaoh mentality, where it does not matter how much evidence God may give, the stubborn heart refuses to relent, and as a result, there is nothing else that God can do to reach the mind. That is why, as the countdown to eternity gathers momentum, people will begin to lose their minds, as they walk in pharaoh’s shoes.

It is also worthy of note that it is more than just a mere attitude problem, it is demon possession in real time, because satan also tracks a similar course, whenever he is confronted with undeniable truths and facts. Jesus explained the syndrome in the following excerpt from the book of John. Let’s read:

John 8:44 “He abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks it of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it”

What this means is that after concocting a lie satan goes on to actually believe it so that his mind is now detached from reality. This is what happened to the pharaoh of Egypt during the 10 plagues, this is what happened to Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and their followers during the insurrection against God’s duly appointed leaders, and this is what will take place in the minds of all who would track a similar course.

After fleeing for their own lives, and after seeing the undeniable evidences of God’s displeasure, those who had become infected with a spirit of rebellion regrouped, and the very next day, they accused the men of God’s choosing, of killing their leader. Thus, they became ripe for destruction, for there was not anything else God could do to save them. Let’s read:

Numbers 16:41 But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the Lord.

42 And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord appeared.

44 And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying,

45 Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.

46 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; the plague is begun.

48 And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.

True Christians are commanded in the Bible to have the fear of God ever before their faces which means that all of the instructions God has given in His word are to be faithfully obeyed. This includes being law-abiding citizens, through a recognition of God’s duly appointed leaders, whether or not we might agree with them. Let’s read:

Romans 13:1 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 resists the power resists the ordinance of God, and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

In cases where a secular ruler may command those under his/her jurisdiction to violate God’s law of ten commandments, Christians are commanded in the Bible not to yield obedience, but in doing so, they are never to rise up in rebellion against the rulers of God’s choosing. In His own time and way, God will deal with the matter in question, for He still rules in the kingdom of men.

Therefore, as the countdown to eternity begins to accelerate and as the prophecies of Daniel and John begin to unfurl before our eyes, we would see some strange things occurring across the land, and some of us may be tempted to jump into the fray. But let us never lose sight of Christ, for He will be directing all of earth’s events as His coming draws nearer and nearer.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture that will help us to keep our heads lifted heavenward for we are indeed living on the brink of eternity and the kingdom of God will be ushered in, sooner than we may anticipate. Let’s read:

Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

God Bless!

Three Ways To be Healed. Sabbath Afternoon 01/02/2021

Jeremiah 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

Now that we have already entered the countdown to eternity it would be well for us to remember that there is a close symbioses between the physical and spiritual nature of man, and as such, it is of greatest importance that we try our best to keep both in the best condition possible because they’re inextricably intertwined, and one affects the other.

The author of disease and death will tempt persons at their weakest points, especially if by so doing, he can cause us to compromise our health. Therefore, most of the temptations we would endure will have to do with indulgences that will weaken our system. And now that we find ourselves in the middle of the pandemic, it will be well for us to consider ways and means whereby we may be healed.

There are three basic ways to be healed of diseases, sicknesses, and other disorders which afflict human beings. [1] By God, directly through miracles. [2] By man, using man’s methods and products. And [3] A hybrid version which incorporates features from the man-made system, and the God-ordained system.

Let’s start with number [1] By God directly through miracles. Whenever God heals a person directly through His miraculous power, it is very rare that there would be a resurgence, except that there is a violation of natural law, or that life and aging would take their natural toll.

However, healing via miracles is a last resort with God, when all else has failed, and should not be the first option persons turn to. God prefers not to have to work a miracle, if and when it can be avoided, so He expects us to first exhaust all the God-approved means and methods, with miracles as a last back up plan.

The current ways and means employed by so-called faith healers of the day, where the root causes of a person’s sickness is never addressed, does not bear God’s stamp of approval and as such, they are to be duly classified as counterfeits, in the overwhelming majority of cases.

In other words, diligent investigation must be made, and the root causes of diseases must be addressed, so that God’s miraculous power would not be seen as candy. And wherever correction and adjustment need to be made, these must be done diligently, so as to preclude as much as possible, any unnecessary resurgence of the issue in question. Let’s read:

James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

John 5:5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked.

14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

The second approach to healing is to adhere to a strictly man-made system of health, where human science is the only option considered. In this second tier of healing, miracles are never considered, God’s power is not brought into the equation and thus the finite limits of scientific discoveries, are what would determine the extent to which our expectations will rise, or sink. Let’s read:

2nd Chronicles 16:12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians.

13 And Asa slept with his fathers and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign.

Spiritual factors such as faith, obedience, trust, and promises written in the Bible are for all intents and purposes scorned, or frowned upon by science, and because of this, man-made systems of healing could only go thus far and no further. Thus, whenever any new disease puzzles science, persons will inevitably go into panic mode, for God is nowhere to be seen or heard, when He is excluded by science.

The third way to be healed involves a sort of hybrid between man’s methods and God’s instructions. In this third tier, God’s will is followed, in conjunction with scientific knowledge He has been pleased to dispense to the human agent and therefore God has often made great contributions to healing through science, when it does not go contrary to that which is written.

However, it’s worthy of note that wherever miracles from God are expected, as it pertains to healing, it is absolutely necessary that obedience to His word be incorporated, if He has given any command. There are rare instances where no instructions were given but if there are any given attention, they must be absolutely and implicitly obeyed. Let’s read:

John 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

Numbers 21:8 And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looks upon it, shall live.

9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

2nd Kings 20:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying,

3 I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

7 And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.

Mark 2: 3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

That word “Immediately” is a very important word, because the speed with which a person is willing to obey can actually determine whether or not he/she will be healed. We observe that he didn’t wait for New-Year’s day to obey, neither did he wait for that group setting, where others would be encouraging him and cheering him on.

This particular man did not schedule his obedience for some convenient period, nor did he stop to ask questions as to how and why such a command was given, even as he was still crippled. He obeyed while he was still disabled and thus, it was as he made an immediate effort to comply that a miracle ensued.

The excuses we often make for non-compliance are flimsy at best, when compared to the man with the palsy. New Year’s day is never the best day to start obeying what we already know, for procrastination is one of the devil’s main tools, and if he can tempt us to put off for tomorrow that which should done right now, then the battle is very often lost.

Luke 17:12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off.

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

In this instance it is obvious that nine out of the ten lepers had an attitude of ingratitude, yet they were still healed. This is a very important point, because, merely having a bad attitude does not necessarily prevent God from working a miracle for someone. It is their obedience to Christ’s word that mattered, as it is, and will always be with anyone who expects a miracle from God.

Naaman had a bad attitude too, yet he was healed, because, at the end of the day it’s not one’s attitude that makes the difference, it is obedience to all of God’s instructions on the matter in question. In fact, Naaman actually threw a temper tantrum against God’s prophet and he was on the verge of returning home with his sickness.

Yet, after he calmed down, and one of his officers reasoned with him concerning obedience to God’s instructions he relented, and he dipped seven times and the rest is history. The deciding factor is always obedience. Let no one be deceived concerning this critically important point. Let’s read:

2nd Kings 5:9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.

10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

13 And his servants came near and spoke unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, would thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Believing is one thing, but obeying what God says is another, for it is the latter that matters most at the end of the day. Faith without works is dead, and if in our current desperation we desire the miraculous intervention of God, we would need to obey every instruction He has been pleased to give us.

This takes us to an important passage of scripture where God promised to be the Mighty healer for His people. The promises then made were never meant to be for the Jews only but for anyone and everyone who would be willing to subscribe to the same rules of engagement. Let’s read:

Exodus 15:23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore, the name of it was called Marah.

24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?

The Hebrews had ingested tainted water that was the cause of their complaint, and in response God gave them instructions to remedy the situation. It was then left up to Moses to comply, and if he did, the people under his jurisdiction would benefit.

It is worthy of note that The Lord prefers to work through natural remedies, rather than the synthetic concoctions cooked up in secret laboratories, with names that cannot be pronounced. In fact, it is the simplicity of God’s remedies that often offends the worldly wise, even though it has been proven on many occasions that they do work. Let’s read:

Exodus 15:25 And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,

26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.

Even with the natural remedies at hand, there are two words used in the passage that are important in the implementation and application of the laws of health, if we would be found doing our best to be healed, and to stay healthy. [1] Diligent. [2] All.

Diligent Meaning: Characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort; painstaking, persistent, and studious.

All: Each and every, entire, everything, all, total.

The health message, which is labeled as the right arm of the gospel was never meant for Seventh day Adventists only, just as the decalogue was never to be for the Jews alone. Like the Hebrews of old, the remnant people of God are to represent in their own persons what God’s promises of healing and health literally translate into.

In this way, when the gospel goes out to the world, the right arm will also be present, for it represents the way in which Jesus worked for the masses of people in days of yore. Jesus would heal and preach and preach and heal so that the efficacy of the good news was not only seen and heard, but actually felt in their persons. Let’s read:

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

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

Luke 4:40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

Luke 6:17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him and healed them all.

But since the pandemic has struck it seems as if we have gone into hiding, as if the gospel and the right arm of the gospel must be put on hold for a more convenient season. Now that Covid is causing havoc across the land, isn’t it a golden opportunity for the gospel, and its right arm to be given to the people, instead of us waiting for science to rule the day?

Thus, because the needs of the people are urgent, and because too many are going down without God and without hope, the time has fully come for us to share with the world what God has disclosed to the remnant, so that they too can be partakers of the information we have long been given and which has been hidden under a bushel for too long.

The following are the eight laws of health, which if they are followed diligently, and in entirety will go a long way in the building, and stabilizing of immune systems. We are to do our very best by God’s grace and then trust His miraculous power to take up the slack, as He sees fit. We will the pointers in precis form, and then explain further as we go.

[1] Trust in God. [2] Sound nutrition. [3] Regular exercise. [4] Clean water. [5] Plenty sunshine. [6] Temperance. [7] Proper rest. [8] Clean air.

Trust in God is at the top of the list, because it calls us to believe and obey all His commandments, laws and instructions for healthful living. The consuming of any forbidden foods will greatly compromise our immune systems so that when viruses such as Covid come around the body would have already been at a disadvantage, and the ability to fight it off would have been weakened.

There is a reason why over 110,000 restaurants and diners were permitted to be permanently shuttered because in many cases, the foods that were being served in those places were doing more harm than good. The rare steak eaten late at night, together with alcohol, pork, shrimp and oysters were laying the foundation for casualties we are seeing today.

And even though some persons did not indulge in these items, yet it is the nature of sin to cause much collateral damage. This is where trust in God comes in for the believer, for He can be counted on to help mitigate the fallout of disobedience, in persons who may not have been in error.

Again, the consumption of soda does much damage to our internal organs, as can be observed when a can of soda is poured onto a rusted coin, or onto a corroded battery terminal. The same way it eats at the corrosion and rust is the same way it eats at our organs, and over a period of time great damage is done.

It’s much better to drink water than soda any day, especially between meals, for whereas soda would corrupt, clean water will help to wash away those impurities that have converged in the stomach. The water that is found in coconuts is very good for the human body, and contains elements that will help in a variety of adverse situations.

Again, regular exercise is very important, and even though some of us may have busy schedules, it will be well if we can make the time to exercise often, especially as we get older. Wherever possible, the mixture of strength training and aerobics should be incorporated intelligently, and the good effects of such efforts will be felt almost immediately.

But with various lock-downs in place, exercise has taken a hit, and some who were not inclined to do exercises in the first place have now been given a valid excuse not to do so now. But inactivity breeds sluggishness, weakness, brittle bones, and a host of other adverse side effects.

Temperance is also important, for we are told in the Bible to be temperate in all things. This includes the judicious use of that which is good, and dispensing entirely of that which is harmful. In other words, to eat a vegan meal very late at night before going to bed is not good, and will do us harm, because even though the meal may have been good, it was eaten intemperately.

Sunshine and clean air are much more preferable to air conditioning or recycled air, because the sunlight provides a dose of vitamin D, and the air that is not compromised by recycled germs and particles, does much good for the lungs, especially now that it is cooler in many states.

This year, as we close the book on 2020, and turn a new leaf in 2021, let everyone try by the grace of God to make those necessary changes that have been sitting on the back burner for too long. And we should remember that diligence in all of God’s instructions is a must, if we are to realize the great benefits in store.

We therefore close with a passage of scripture which promises God’s help if we cooperate with Him by doing our very best. Let’s read:

Psalms 103:2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

3 Who forgives all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases;

4 Who redeems thy life from destruction; who crowns thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The renewal of our youth is directly tied to what we eat and drink.

God Bless!

Good Trouble. Sabbath Afternoon 12/26/2020

Romans 8: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Even though there is much death and grief across the land because of the pandemic, there is also a lot of good that has come about as a result. The blows that nations and individuals have endured have also been tempered with changes that are for the better in many instances while in other situations, adverse effects will linger for many years.

The Bible teaches us to dwell on the positives, even in situations where we are confronted with serious challenges, difficulties, disappointments, and griefs. That’s why we’re advised not to grieve as do others who have no hope, but to look forward to that day when God will make all things new.

So, as nations and individuals continue to assess the fallout from the virus, many are concluding that it has been a scenario of “Good trouble”, a mixture of good and evil, so that even in the midst of ongoing adversities, there is much for us to be thankful for, and there is some reason to rejoice, because much trouble is often tempered with much good.

The Bible teaches us that in all things we should give thanks, for whenever an attitude of gratitude is incorporated into our outlook on life, it causes us to see the good that comes out of trouble, instead of the darkness that may be disseminated because of adversities.

Before the current pandemic struck, persons went about life as usual, travelling to and from work on busy highways, being stuck in traffic jams for hours in some cases, while the atmosphere was polluted with carbon dioxide from the exhausts of millions of cars, trucks, including the airline industry. (Good trouble)

But now, with many folks working from home, the air has become much cleaner and the smog which once hovered above many cities has seen dramatic decreases as a direct result. And because there are much less vehicles on the road, greenhouse gases have plummeted to levels not seen in recent years. (Good trouble)

People living in Punjab India are now able to see the peaks of the Himalayas, whereas before Covid, they were essentially hidden from view by a thick, dense smog which enveloped the city. In Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and Jakarta, clear blue skies have now emerged, where prior to 2020, air pollution was of grave concern, especially for those with allergies, or breathing issues. (Good trouble)

Another example of the “Good trouble” we are now experiencing is that many persons who formally had to live in the large metropolitan areas, with sky high rents, are now able to relocate to areas where there is much more affordable housing, where zero lots are a non-issue, and where their kids, and pets may have some room to romp and play. (Good trouble)

That is why many landlords in New York, and Los Angeles for example, are now offering incentives for persons and businesses to stay, because there is an ongoing, unprecedented flight from the big cities to more rural areas, where prices are much lower, and persons have more room for outdoor activities, and gardening. (Good trouble)

Another benefit that has accrued as a direct result of pandemic related changes is that there has been reduced transmission of flus and colds because of cramped office spaces where employees who were sick often came to work and infected others, because of close proximity and the use of common areas, bathrooms and amenities. (Good trouble)

Fuel costs to families and individuals have also seen significant decreases, and families that were once too busy to see each other, suddenly have more time to associate. Now that many parents have to work from home, and kids are doing virtual classes, they get to see and interact with each other more, which prior to the pandemic was difficult because of busy schedules. (Good trouble)

Another benefit of the changes that have accrued because of the pandemic is that people are realizing that what they formerly viewed as being important, and necessary, they can actually do without, and as a result great changes in spending and prioritization have been taking place. (Good trouble)

The movies, the stadium games, the cruises, the clubbing, and the myriad of other entertainments which consumed valuable time and energy, are now being reassessed as folks evaluate what is necessary and important, and what is not. (Good trouble)

By the way, the extra time that some now have on their hands, because of the pandemic, could wisely be spent reading and studying their Bibles, and not seeking to engage in more time-consuming video games that are being peddled as another distraction by the enemy of souls. (Good trouble)

Also, with the permanent closure of over 110,000 restaurants across America, persons are realizing that they can cook their own food, and because of this, some are becoming quite creative in cooking and baking, whereas formerly, dining out was the order of the day. (Good trouble)

Thus, when the effects of the current pandemic are evaluated, there is much good that has resulted for many, while for others, adversity has set in. But, in any situation we may have found ourselves, there is and will continue to be much good which comes out of trouble, especially for those who trust in God, for all things work together, as a cumulative whole, for the good of those who love God.

When Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, they set into motion, the knowledge of good and evil for the human family, and because God’s justice is ever tempered with mercy in most cases, the mixture of good and trouble has been the lot of humanity.

When, because of continued sinning and rebellion, The Lord had to destroy the antediluvians by a flood it was good trouble that ensued. Yes, it is true that many lost their lives because of the choices they made, but much good was accomplished by the deluge.

For instance, massive trees were buried deep in the earth, which has resulted in the vast reserves of oil and coal in some countries. In addition, the waters of the flood which rose to over five miles in height, were moved to those parts of the earth where the freezing temperatures have mostly preserved about two thirds of the world’s fresh water supplies. (Good trouble)

Again, it was when David was being hunted like a wild beast by king Saul, that he wrote some of the most sublime psalms, such as the one which says “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, therefore will not we fear”. And some of our favorite hymns were written by folks who were hedged in with serious difficulties such as blindness and physical disability. (Good trouble)

Therefore, as we head into unchartered waters, and as the history of earth winds down to a close, it is encouraging to know that through it all, there will be bright spots, and encouraging signs, experiences, and promises that will brighten our pathway as we stand on the brink of eternity.

What is actually taking place is a wake-up call from God alerting the inhabitants of earth to the urgency of the moment for there are brewing on the horizon issues that will determine the eternal destiny of the entire human race, and as such, we are being given time and space to reflect, consider and repent, if we are thus disposed.

The scriptures teach us that there will be a time of trouble such as never was, since there was a nation, but the same passage also states that at that time Michael shall stand up, The great Prince, for the deliverance of His people. Thus, even though it will be very intense for all the inhabitants of earth, yet it will be a time of “Good trouble”. Let’s read:

Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

God desires that His people would dwell on those positives that will accrue during that time, instead of focusing on all the turmoil that will characterize those days. In other words, we should be looking up instead of looking down.

We should be energized by the promises which God has given specifically for these times, and we should trust Jesus, that He will do only that which is in the best interest of all who would serve and obey Him. Yes, it will be a time of great trouble, but it will also be a time of very great good. Let’s read:

Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh.

Isaiah 21:11 The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?

12 The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night.

Jeremiah 30:4 And these are the words that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah.

5 For thus saith the Lord; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.

6 Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?

7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.

Therefore, in order for us to understand better, why the time of trouble spoken of by the prophet Daniel will be a time of good trouble, we must observe the various experiences of Jacob, as he passed through his own time of trouble. We will highlight the good as well as the trouble, for both are for the best good of God’s people.

[1] God will increase the retinue of holy angels who will be protecting the saints.

Genesis 32:1 And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.

2 And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.

These angels were sent for a valid reason, because Jacob and his family would need extra protection as they took the final leg of their journey back home. They would be exposed to marauders, and bandits, as well as the possibility of encountering Esau, who had previously vowed revenge upon Jacob.

Thus, before any such encounter could possibly take place, God sent a retinue of holy angels to guard His people as they traveled. The same God of Jacob will be repeating what He did back then, because God is not going to stand back and permit devils, and evil men to sabotage the righteous on the final stretch of their journey.

Therefore, as the time approaches for our own time of trouble God would increase the amount of angels who will be guarding His people from those who are bent on their destruction. None will be able to get pass the angels who excel in strength, for in Jacob’s experience, not once did he have to fight against any adversaries. Let’s read:

[Early Writings pp 271] My attention was then turned to the company I had seen, who were mightily shaken. I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and praying in agony of spirit. The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet. (Good trouble)

[2] Men, urged on by demons will still try to attempt destroying the righteous, but those attempts will signally fail.

Genesis 32:6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.

7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.

[3] The greatest threat will come from family members and former brethren.

It’s quite interesting to note that the greatest threat to Jacob came not from strangers, but from his own family, namely Esau his brother. Similarly, the true people of God will discover that the greatest threat to themselves during the time of trouble will arise, not from without, but from within.

There are church members, and family members who, will turn against their former brethren when the going gets rough, and they will be used by devils as the most effective agents against them. This is an unfortunate aspect of the time of trouble, because it would be difficult to see former brethren, helping out satan in his nefarious work. Let’s read:

Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

[The Great Controversy pp 608] As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position, and join the ranks of the opposition. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren.

When Sabbath-keepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them.

[4] It will be a time of earnest prayer.

Genesis 32:9 And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:

10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.

11 Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he come and smite me, and the mother with the children.

Previously the saints have prayed for protection, and there are times when we acknowledged God’s intervention in our behalf. But at the same time, we had various security measures in place, such as ADT, cameras, and in some cases weapons. But now, the saints will find themselves wholly unable to meet the imminent threat.

We will have to let go of all hands except the hand of Christ and pray like we never prayed before, for His omnipotence to guard us from the enemy. This season of prayer would escalate with the unfolding emergencies, and will lead the remnant to pray in earnest, whereas in former years, prayers have at times been methodical, rather than from the heart.

[5] Earnest, well-directed efforts should be made to make all wrongs right in lieu of the time of trouble.

This includes efforts to relinquish all debt, as much as is possible and to try to mitigate any outstanding issues between our fellowmen, that have not been resolved. The burden of anxiety would be increased tenfold if we never tried to right those wrongs that occurred in the temporal realm. Let’s read:

Genesis 32:13 And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother;

14 Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams,

15 Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals.

17 And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee?

18 Then thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us.

19 And so commanded he the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him.

20 And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.

[The Great Controversy pp 616] On reaching the borders of the land, he was filled with terror by the tidings of Esau's approach at the head of a band of warriors, doubtless bent upon revenge. And to the burden of anxiety and fear was added the crushing weight of self-reproach; for it was his own sin that had brought this danger.

His only hope was in the mercy of God; his only defense must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the wrong to his brother, and to avert the threatened danger. So should the followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience.

[6] The wrestling is not with man, but with God. The time of trouble for the saints, is actually a very close encounter with God, not with man.

Genesis 32:24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.

28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

Throughout Jacob’s experience, during his time of trouble, he went through highs and lows, fear and remorse, he was encouraged and he prayed like he had never prayed before, he was victorious, and he experienced gratitude, but through it all, he came forth a conqueror, so that the final assessment is that it was good trouble.

The heat of the furnace is never meant to destroy, but to purify, for God will keep none in the furnace of affliction any longer than is absolutely necessary for the dross and earthliness to be consumed. Thus, whenever those finishing touches would have been completed, the season of distress will also come to an end.

And thus, the good trouble that will be coming our way in the not too distant future should always be understood in the context of it being a necessary experience, so that the image of God in us might be reflected radiantly, in those who will be saved. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which is meant to clarify the issue of “Good trouble”. Let’s read:

Malachi 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver:

and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

God bless!

Fear Not. Sabbath Afternoon 12/19/2020

2nd Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

The spirit of fear does not emanate from God, and it does no one any good to indulge in fear, because it often crystalizes faith, especially at times when faith is needed most. On the contrary, the spirit of power and of love comes to us from God, and we are to be partakers of His Spirit, which gives us resilience, and fortitude and an indomitable outlook on life.

Even though we should not be naïve to the realities of life in an age of pandemics, yet we should be very careful lest we lose sight of God’s omnipotence and His power to mitigate any and all adverse conditions we may encounter. But to dwell in fear all day long will cause our problems to loom larger and larger, until we will start to plan an act from a perspective of fear.

In the scripture we are told that those who sincerely honor God in their lives, who obey His laws from an intelligent understanding of His principles are not to be lumped in together with the general public, as if there is no difference between true Christians, and those who serve, love and obey God.

Since God’s people are a peculiar people there must be something peculiar about them, and as such, the herd mentality that exists in the world should never be applied to the servants of The Living God. It was Christ who said ye are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill, and another prophet says that ye are a spectacle unto the world, unto angels and unto men.

Now, since these statements are true, then they are to translate into something palpable that the world may see that it is a blessed privilege to serve God in sincerity and truth. But for us to indulge in the spirit of fear-mongering will place us on the same platform as those who do not walk by faith, and as a result of this, great disservice can be done to the kingdom of God. Let’s read:

1st Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Deuteronomy 4:5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.

6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely, this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?

Thus, The Lord has given us a completely different modus operandi to live by. The Bible tells us that a person who is genuinely in Christ is not of the world and another scripture tells us that our citizenship is in heaven. Therefore, our mantra, and perspective on life ought to be wholly different to the world, as demonstrated in the following observations.

[1] The world lives by fear, we live by faith.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith.

[2] The world trusts in man, we trust in God.

Jeremiah 17:5 Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the Lord.

6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.

7 Blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreads out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

[3] The world relies on insurance; we rely on the blessed assurance.

Isaiah 32: 17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.

18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

[4] The world multiplies by hoarding, but we multiply by giving.

Proverbs 11: 24 There is that scatters, and yet increases; and there is that withholds more than is meet, but it tends to poverty.

25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that waters shall be watered also himself.

[5] The world loses by winning, we win by losing.

Mark 8: 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

[6] The world dies by living, but we live by dying.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Romans 8: 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

[7] And while most individuals focus their affections and interests in the here and now we look beyond that which is seen to that which is eternal.

Hebrews 11: 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

This amounts to two very different outlooks, and perspectives on life, and that is why we reiterate again that the remnant people of God are not to be lumped in with that herd mentality which exists in the world because there’s a big difference between the two, if and when we truly believe in the Bible.

The true Christian, under God, should be able to tackle difficulties, and solve problems which the average person may struggle with. At the direction of God, we are to confront disease, devils, dangers, and any other adverse situation that may arise, for the gates of hell will not prevail against the kingdom of God.

In fact, the scriptures from which these words are lifted point to an imminent and ongoing invasion of satan’s kingdom on all levels, from diets and foods, to faith and obedience to dealing with psychological problems and all infectious diseases. It is all there in the Bible if we would only believe. Let’s read:

Matthew 28: 18 And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo I am with you always even unto the end of the world.

Matthew 10: 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Luke 9: 6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

How is it, that with all of these promises, assurances and direct mandates from Christ, that so many are living in fear? How is it that so many have come to evaluate things on the same level with the world, as if God’s hand is shortened that it cannot save?

It must be that God is calling us back to revisit our call to service and to take up the commission He has given us in earnest. Thus, we ought not to be overly consumed with self-preservation, but rather with an entire surrender to the will of God.

And in doing so, there is sacred history, written for our admonition and instruction, especially since we are standing on the borders of the eternal world. It is a fact that human nature prefers to dwell on bad news, and of late, we have been so inundated on the right and on the left, that it’s quite possible, the constant barrage of negatives may have begun to affect our psyche.

The root of the problem may very well be the basic philosophy that is driving our thoughts, actions and decisions. In very many instances in the Bible where logical and rational thinking were employed without God, to solve difficult problems, the result was fear. In contrast, wherever faith was employed we would see boldness, victories, and resulting praise to God.

This begs a detailed definition of the words “Logic” and “Rational” before we proceed.

Rational: Logical, sensible, reasonable, intelligent, wise, common-sense, well advised, sound, practical Pragmatic, matter-of-fact, sane in one's right mind.

The antonyms, which are the opposite to “rational” are just as important for us to observe:

Antonyms to Rational: Insane, absurd, crazy, half-witted, harebrained, loony, mad, nonsensical, nutty, preposterous, simpleminded, stupid, weak-minded, senseless, thoughtless.

There are several examples given in the scriptures of instances where “rationality” and “logic” were employed, without bringing God into the equation. In such instances we find that logic turned out to be the diabolical enemy of faith and like it always does, it caused the human agent to severely limit God’s power.

Nothing so strengthens unbelief nothing so stirs up fear and trembling as when God’s people leave Him out of the picture when facing grave challenges. In fact, faith is the key which unlocks the resources of heaven, whereas logic and rationale often stifle an opportunity for great victory.

Thus it was when king Saul was facing an insidious threat from the giant, that he reasoned strictly from a rational perspective without bringing God into the equation and the sure result was fear and trembling to the point where his mentality and outlook had invaded the entire army.

As Goliath shook his steroid-laden fists at Israel they only saw their teeny-weeny capabilities, and when contrasted with the challenger before them, they could only see certain defeat. Thus, they reasoned along strictly logical lines, without trusting in God, to the point where fear effectually crystallized their faith. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 17:4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.

5 And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail.

8 And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.

10 And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

11 When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

In stark contrast was the bravery, and fearlessness of David, who through an experimental knowledge of the God whom he served, was neither fazed nor intimidated by the threat. In fact, his outlook on the very same problem was that a golden opportunity for God to be glorified had presented itself, and as such he was eager to make the most of it, at God’s direction.

But then again, you have logic and rational begging to differ, as they reasoned and came to conclusions based upon finite human limitations. And as Saul saw cute, little David in contrast to the knucklehead in the philistine army, he concludes as most would have done, that it would be a grossly uneven match.

Thus, whenever God is eliminated from the picture, problems, difficulties, and challenges always loom larger and larger, until our decisions and actions are based upon strictly logical modes of thought. This is what caused the men of Israel to flee, in the face of what they saw as an existential threat. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 17:32 And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

In other words, what Saul was saying to David was tantamount to the antonyms to rational we read of earlier, which were “Insane, stupid, nonsensical, looney and crazy. Even after David convinced Saul that God would defeat Goliath, the wavering king thought it necessary to arm David with his own sword and shield, for he just couldn’t see past the frailty of humanity.

When David decided to go to battle with only five stones and a slingshot, Saul was greatly dismayed, and even Goliath became deeply offended, for as he thought, the Hebrews were adding insult to injury by not only sending an inexperienced young man to fight him, but he is also coming with a slingshot, an insult to Goliath’s intelligence.

But the scriptures teach us that that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but spiritual, and thus, if and when we face our own giants, we must reach for spiritual weapons, not carnal, for if we presume to fight in our own finite strength, we will become entangled in the snares of the fouler, who has been in this business for nearly six thousand years.

The experience of David and Goliath, with the fears inculcated by the vast majority of the others, closely mirrors the experience of the twelve spies, only two of which were able to grasp unseen realities, while the rest dwelt on their frailties, and reasoned along strictly rational lines, until God was eliminated from the equation.

Therefore, any battle, emergency, trial, temptation, difficulty, challenge, disease, pandemic, and any of those adverse situations which may come our way from time to time, must be seen, dealt with, and overcome through the eyes of faith, by which the human agent can take hold of omnipotence through faith and obedience.

This is the absolute, and only way for the Christian to fight and win any battle, for we are up against foes that are wiser, stronger, and more experienced than we are, if God is not brought into the picture. Let’s read:

2nd Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to obedience of Christ.

Covid has presented unprecedented challenges and hurdles for everyone, and life might not get back to normal anytime soon. Yet, as we face this giant, it is important for us not to leave God out of the picture, for as we just read in the scriptures, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but spiritual”

This is not the last pandemic, or epidemic, by any means, according to the Bible, and many of those that will be coming down the pipe will not be able to be mitigated by using vaccines, drugs, and other man-made efforts.

There are invisible forces at work in these turbulent times of earth’s history, and they will tighten down the screws, and turn up the heat, seven times more than we are accustomed to. We have been given a heads-up, both in the scriptures, and through the pen of inspiration. Let’s read:

2nd Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

Matthew 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in different places.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

[The Great Controversy pp 589>590] While appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladies, he will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are reduced to ruin and desolation. Even now he is at work.

In accidents and calamities by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power.

He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations are to become more and more frequent and disastrous.

Therefore, instead of reasoning, deciding and acting along strictly logical, and rational modes of thought, without bringing the God-factor into the equation, let’s remember that the same God who took down Goliath is still more than able to slay any and every giant that may challenge those who believe in Him.

And just like how David was able to grasp unseen realities, by trusting, reasoning, and acting along lines of faith, let us likewise do the same, for God is the same yesterday, today and forever.

The following therefore are five smooth stones given in the scriptures, by which any giant can be vanquished, for with God nothing is impossible. The just shall live by faith, not by logic or rational, that is based solely man’s finite limitations. Let’s read:

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

[1] Truth.

Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

[2] Righteousness, which includes obedience to all the light that has been shed upon our pathway.

Ephesians 6:14 And having on the breastplate of righteousness. (It’s critically important, when facing any giant to have a clear conscience, void of offence before God and man).

[3] The shield of Faith.

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

[4] The sword of the Spirit.

Ephesians 6:17 And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

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

[5] Prayer.

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

We end with a passage of scripture that should enable us to walk by faith, not by fear, logic, or rational without the God-factor. 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!

Why Jesus Spoke In Parables. Sabbath Afternoon 12/12/2020

Psalms 49:3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.

4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

The ability to correctly process and understand the truths of God’s word, depends not so much on the intellect, but upon one’s willingness to obey all of God’s instructions. The attitude with which we may come to a study of scripture determines to a large extent, whether we will understand, or whether we will be confused.

Some persons wonder why Christ used so many of His parables in preaching and teaching, instead of saying things plainly. It had to do with the different minds that He encountered, for there were many times we would read in the scriptures where one came to Him “tempting Him”.

This means that in some cases, from the outset, the questioner had ulterior motives, and for that reason Jesus might give a certain answer in parabolic form, whereas if that same person came to Him, sincerely seeking for truth, such a person would get a straight answer. We are instructed in the Bible to avoid vain, foolish arguments which only produce strife.

Instead, the servants of God should be always ready with a humble spirit to deliver those words of truth and soberness to folks who may be willing to listen. But to merely engage in scriptural argument for the sake of winning an argument, will not move anyone to either believe or obey.

Thus, the attitude with which persons approach the word of God could make all the difference in the outcome, as is evidenced by the following examples in which Jesus used parables, or plain direct speech, depending on the listener in question. Let’s read:

Matthew 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting Him desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them and departed.

Matthew 22:35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

It is interesting that in our day many theologians have taken the above passage and ran with it, not considering that it was spoken to those of perverse hearts. When persons use this rendering of Christ’s answer to conclude that there are only two laws for us to obey, then they fall into the same snare as the one who came to Christ “Tempting Him”.

In contrast, here comes an earnest seeker for truth whose mind could be made susceptible to The Lord, and because Jesus senses the difference between a person who is trying to entrap Him, and one who is sincere, He then delivers the entire gospel message in one conversation, using the plainest of speech.

In fact, the attitude with which individuals came to Christ with their various inquiries would quite often determine what kind of answer they would get. In some instances, He would caution His disciples not to make known to the multitudes who He was, and at other times, He would reveal His true identity, as was the case with the woman at the well.

Thus, whenever He would come across those who were earnest in their inquiries, Jesus would deliver the goods, not in dark sentences or parables, but in a manner so as to make the truth plain. Let’s read:

John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Here it is again. Jesus comes across one who would be responsive to His gracious overtures, and since the soil of this person’s heart is receptive to truth, He reveals who He is, not in fuzzy parables, but in a way that the person in question would understand in no uncertain terms. Let’s read:

John 4:7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

With those words: “Go call thy husband and come” we can almost hear the woman sighing “my oh my”! Why did He have to go there? The Bible study was going so good, and I was just about to give Him an offering to continue speaking those smooth words.

But Jesus does not deal in smooth words which lull persons into a false sense of security when it comes to their soul’s salvation. Instead, He probes her on the most sensitive issues of her life, in order for her to see why the living water He is offering is of such great importance.

Those words: “Go call thy husband” trigger a tide of bitter memories, that she would have preferred left alone. She remembers the bitter separations of by- gone years, the angry custody battles in court for her children, the child support money that has been in arrears, her credit rating which got damaged as a result of the many divorces.

Then there is the alimony that is so long overdue, her different kids who have been raised by multiple fathers, who have come and gone, and added to all this her reputation in the hood has taken such a hit that her own morale has been shaken to the core.

And now, to cap it all off, a stranger whom she has met for the first time, who is of different nationality and culture is asking her to go call her husband! Will she become so deeply offended by the inconvenient truth, that she would walk away in utter disgust, or would she still desire to talk to The Stranger? Let’s read:

John 4:17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband.

18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

Christ senses behind the outward evasive answers that here is a soul who is for real, and even though like all of us she is far from perfect, yet in her heart of hearts she is sincere, and will respond favorably to the gospel when the right conditions converge.

Thus, she reveals that the soil of her heart is fertile ground for God to work, and as such, Jesus will stop at nothing until a clear revelation of Himself is given to her, so that she can take her sincerity to the next level of faith and obedience. She would not be on the shortlist for parables, but for clear and concise revelations from Christ. Let’s read:

John 4:19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah comes, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

Now let’s contrast this encounter of the woman at the well with another instance where Christ was to meet with a different set of minds, some of whom were those looking for arguments, some seeking to put Him to death, others trying to entrap Him, and others who were merely following for the loaves and fishes.

It’s not that the parables are bad, they are good, for Jesus often used them. It’s just that their meaning may not be readily apparent, especially to those of questionable motives. But to those who are earnest in their spirit, Jesus would speak plainly, while those who were not for real might be left with many more questions than answers. Let’s read:

Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

Thus, when Jesus would speak to the multitudes in parables, He would speak in such a manner so as to peak their interest in the truth, and if they desired, explanations would be given clearly when the right circumstances converged; but if not, then His words would appear vague and fuzzy, to those who were prone to listening conveniently. Let’s read:

Matthew 13:1 The same day went Jesus out of the house and sat by the seaside.

2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

3 And he spoke many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth.

6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up and choked them.

8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing, see not; and hearing they hear not neither do they understand.

14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive.

15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

34 All these things spoke Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them.

The reason for Him speaking in parables as given by Christ shows us that He was at times dealing with hearts that were not inclined to listen, or obey the truth in many cases, and as such, if folks continued to bury their heads in the sand conveniently when they heard something they preferred not to hear, then it would be a whole lot of parables that would be spoken.

The habit of deliberately closing our eyes to the truth when it rubs us the wrong way by revealing cherished errors and sins, will put us into a pharaoh frame of mind where no matter how undeniable the evidence of the truth, we would not be convinced.

In fact, the very first mention of the word parable in the Bible occurred when it was associated with the stubbornness of persons, who, notwithstanding all the undeniable evidences before their faces refused to acknowledge the truth until there was no remedy because they continued to deliberately bury their heads in the sand. Let’s read:

Numbers 22:3 And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

4 And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.

5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:

6 Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.

7 And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spoke unto him the words of Balak.

8 And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the Lord shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.

9 And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?

10 And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,

11 Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out.

12 And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.

15 And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they.

16 And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:

17 For I will promote thee unto very great honor, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.

18 And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.

19 Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the Lord will say unto me more.

20 And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.

21 And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.

22 And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.

From the outset of his journey everything seemed to start going wrong, and the evidences would pile up in a crescendo that would culminate in the raw exposure of Balaam’s stubbornness and yet, for all this, he still persists in going on his way. Let’s read:

Numbers 22:23 And the ass saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.

24 But the angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.

25 And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.

26 And the angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.

27 And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.

28 And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?

29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.

30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? and he said, Nay.

31 Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head and fell flat on his face.

32 And the angel of the Lord said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:

33 And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.

34 And Balaam said unto the angel of the Lord, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.

Numbers 23: 5 And the Lord put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.

7 “And he took up his parable”

18 And he took up his parable,

Numbers 24:3 And he took up his parable.

15 And he took up his parable.

20 And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable.

21 And he looked on the Kenites and took up his parable.

23 And he took up his parable.

Now, there are those who may say that the book of Revelation is sealed, and cannot be understood, and therefore the beasts, the signs, and all the figurative language used often spawns a plethora of different interpretations. This view is used in many instances to deter folks from studying the book, and because of this, many are left in darkness, as it pertains to issues which God intended for everyone to know.

Therefore, we will now speak, not in parables, but in the plainest manner, so as to make clear what the mark of the beast is, and the issues that will be on the front burner of the human experience in the very near future.

For the record, the issue that will bring the world to 666, the mark of the beast, or the seal of God, isn’t one of those wild conspiracy theories floating about on the internet. It’s an issue of worship. Plain and simple. So, come now let us reason together saith The Lord. Let’s read:

Revelation 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from

the foundation of the world.

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

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

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

Revelation 14: 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation.

11 And they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name.

12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Question: What do you think the issue is?

Answer: Worship!

The most prominent issue of worship, where “All the world” or the overwhelming majority of Christians are currently entrenched is Sunday, as the traditional day of rest. Yet God is saying to earth’s inhabitants, it’s not Sunday, it’s Saturday, even though there is only a teeny-weeny set of folks who do Saturday. (Like in Noah’s day).

God’s truth will never be found where the popular majority converge, and thus, God is calling us to the worship that was originally given to the world in the garden of Eden, not to the Jews only, for Adam was not a Jew, but to the entire human race for all time and for all eternity.

Thus, without any parables, or dark sentences, and without any vague or fuzzy interpretations, we will end our study with the truth about worship that will seal the destiny of earth’s inhabitants. Let’s read:

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

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

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

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

God Bless!

The Call To Repentance. Sabbath Afternoon 12/05/2020

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you.

Before the first coming of Christ to this earth during His incarnation, the prophet John was sent with the message of repentance that was pertinent to that generation. The Jews had long predicted the coming of The Deliverer, and now that Christ was just about to make His first debut on earth, the people were to be prepared for His appearance.

But just as it is today before Christ’s second coming, the people were not prepared to receive Him, since their hearts and minds had been inundated with the teachings of scribes and pharisees who for the most part were teaching things that robbed the scripture of the essence of Godliness.

The people had become sticklers for ceremony and forms, and they came to regard these as the sum total of godliness. Thus, the religion that pervaded those years before Christ was mostly centered on the external, while the heart remained entrenched in a formatted religion that did not inspire any real change.

When we become satisfied with celebrations, rites and forms, it is a sign that true godliness is lacking, and as such, repentance is coming due. Wherever there is an insatiable craving for ceremony, festivity, and celebrations, it is usually a sure sign that vital godliness has gone out the window, and the people will inevitably become dependent on the outward forms of religion for salvation.

The same was true in the days of John, where there was a strict enforcement of external washings, and purifications, while their hearts remained in a frigid condition. This led to a religion without compassion, and the multitudes who blindly followed the leaders came to accept the husk without the kernel as being the real deal.

Therefore, it was important that the forerunner of Christ preach repentance to the people, lest they remained in a deluded state. Those reforms that formed the backbone of John’s message were rooted in the commandments of God, and he encouraged people to make meaningful changes at the heart level, not merely in meaningless rites or ceremonies. Let’s read:

Luke 3: 2 The word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?

11 He answered and said unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?

13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

A careful observation of John’s instructions to the people reveal that he was pointing them to the law of God, which was being violated, while church was being attended religiously. For instance, when John spoke to the tax collectors “Exact no more than that which is appointed you” he was referring them back to the eighth commandment which says “Thou shalt not steal”

When John told the soldiers not to “Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” he was referring them back to the eighth, ninth, and tenth commandments which say “Thou shalt not kill” Thou shalt not steal” and “Thou shalt not covet” respectively. In fact, John stated the laws in the exact order in which they appear in the decalogue.

Thus, John’s preaching of repentance was not vague rambling over obscure matters; instead it was direct and targeted, so that those who were living in error could know exactly what the prophet was speaking about. When we speak of repentance in our day, we should never speak in the fuzzy, murky or indefinite.

Definite sins and errors where the multitudes have diverged from the paths of truth and duty should be clearly stated, so that all those who are willing could take concrete steps in much needed reforms. But to preach of repentance in vague terms will leave folks with consciences that have not been awakened to the urgency of the moment.

It is worthy of note that in preaching repentance in his day, John did not make mention of the Sabbath, and this is because up to that time, the validity of God’s Sabbath was without question, even in minds that did not fear God. Therefore, John was not sent to reprove things that were irrelevant, but rather to address current errors that were being held by the masses.

In speaking to the people of His day, Christ referred to John as “Elijah the prophet” who was to come. This is because of two main things: (1) John would come in the spirit and power of Elijah, (2) He would also be uplifting the downtrodden law of God, just as Elijah was sent to do in his day. Let’s read:

1st Kings 18:17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubles Israel?

18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.

21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

Matthew 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.

10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

But the scriptures also predict that just before the second coming of Christ a remnant people will be raised up in the spirit and power of Elijah, who are to uplift the law of God that has been downtrodden in our generation, just as it was in the days of John, and Elijah.

Those who have been called to preach the Elijah message in our day are not to present vagaries or irrelevant matters that to not address the problems that are affecting the churches of Christendom. It is a fact that many Christians have become riled up at what they view as the desecration of the marriage institution.

While it is true that alternative lifestyles and same sex marriage are contrary to the scriptures, yet we must be careful that these issues do not become a sort of distraction, from the real problems at stake in our day, for even though these are valid issues to be addressed, yet, it is the Biblical worship of God that is in focus.

In fact, there are many Christians currently who are irked by gay marriage on the one hand, while on the other, they have in some cases, unknowingly clung to erroneous teachings which do not have scriptural foundation. On this point, the Bible declares that he that is guilty of one is guilty of all and therefore, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth must be the focus of the Elijahs of our day.

Before Jesus puts in His appearing, He declares that the prophet Elijah will be sent to restore the broken law of God in the minds of the people, showing to them exactly where their feet have diverged from the path of righteousness and duty. This is the crux of the matter, with all other side orders to play 2nd fiddle. Let’s read:

Malachi 4:4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Revelation 14: 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation.

12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

These three angels’ messages form the backbone of any repentance in our day, because they are direct and targeted, and tailor-made to address the current sins of this generation. The first angels’ message is of such that it targets those forms of worship which do not honor God as The Creator.

Many Christians worship God as Savior, because of what Jesus did on Calvary for the human family, and that is all well and good. Others worship God in His capacity as Deliverer and Healer, and that’s why you hear songs such as “Jehovah Jireh”. Again, that is all well and good, but for persons to worship God only in these capacities stops short of His ideal.

It is in His capacity as the Creator of heaven and the earth, which is of the utmost importance, for this is the worship that acknowledges His sovereignty. It is His Creatorship which He almost always refers to as the real reason why He is worthy of worship.

In fact, when a detailed study is done of the various capacities and offices of God, none rises to the level of His Creatorship, because without Him creating us there would be no need for A Deliverer and without A Creator, A redeemer would never be needed, for there would not be anyone to redeem.

Therefore, in the preaching of repentance to our generation, the first angel’s message is direct and targeted, just like John the Baptist’s, for it calls the inhabitants of earth to worship God in His capacity as the Creator of the heavens and the earth, not only as Savior and Deliverer.

Since He has created us by His own power, then He has the right to order our lives according to His will which will bring the issue of submission, on the part of the human agent into play. Thus, the question to be settled in many minds will be “Does The God of Heaven have the inalienable right to tell me what to do, and how to worship?”

Every theological question, with the back and forth either for or against, really boils down to this one, singular question: Does God have the right, and the authority to tell us what to do? It is the very same question which arose in the heavenly courts when satan sinned, and it will be the final question to be settled upon the earth in the final conflict of the ages.

In Noah’s day there were many philosophers to be found, and some of them had presented powerful arguments against the predictions of the prophet, and all of their rebuttals were based on then known undisputed scientific facts. In fact, the Bible record also supported their science, as evidenced by the following verses. Let’s read:

Genesis 2: 5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.

6 But there went up a mist from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground.

But at the end of the day, all of their philosophy and science would boil down to one basic question: will we obey God according to what He is telling us, and find shelter in the ark, or will we stay put, contrary to His will? In other words, does God have the right, or the authority to tell us what to do?

Indeed, all of the theological arguments, and all of the religious books that are written and studied, all of the doctrines, and teachings that persons have learned in Sabbath school or Sunday school, and all of the sermons, religious concerts, and our regular attendance at any church, all comes down to one fundamental question: Does God have the right to tell us what to do.

The answer to this one question will determine our lifestyles, it would settle the issue of God-ordained marriage, it will determine the choices made at the restaurant or at the dinner table, it will affect all of the interactions between children and their parents and it would ultimately and inevitably decide when, and how we worship. Here it is again for the record:

Can God tell us what to do?

In the first angel’s message God is telling the human family to worship Him in accordance with scripture, in His capacity as Creator, which will inevitably lead folks to honor the seventh day Sabbath as of Divine origin. The mark of the beast begs to differ and says God does not have the right to tell us what to do. Let’s read:

Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

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

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

These are the two issues and the two choices that all of earth’s inhabitants must choose between. In other words, our eternal destiny will hang directly on whether we choose to serve and obey God by worshiping Him according to His command, or if we will choose the only other option on the table, to worship according to the dictates of man.

For the sake of clarity, God can only be worshiped in His capacity as Creator if the seventh day Sabbath is kept according to the commandment. There are those who may be sincere in their hearts, who are currently worshiping on the first day of the week, as the official day of rest, but according to the Bible, this is not correct.

True repentance in our day means not only to claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior, it also means to stop attending those churches which embrace erroneous worship, and to obey God’s voice, by worshipping Him on the 7th day Sabbath which He has blessed, plain and simple, because faith without works is dead.

In the beginning, there were two institutions given

in Eden: [1] The Sabbath, and [2] The marriage institution. These two institutions have always been reiterated throughout the scriptures, but in our day both of them have suffered tremendous violence.

When the laws of the land declared marriage to be legal between two consenting adults, or persons of any sex, a great breach in God’s law was made, and since that fatal day of darkness, society has steadily descended lower and lower to the point where we now have troubles on our hands, the likes of which most people were not anticipating.

Thus, with one institution out the window, there is only one more shoe to drop, in which the issue of worship will take center stage in the not too distant future. Therefore, The God of heaven is calling our attention to the urgency of the moment, because our personal decisions in this matter will determine our eternal destiny. Let’s read:

Isaiah 58: 12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:

14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Exodus 13:13 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.

14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you.

The issue of the mark of the beast centers squarely on the issue of worship, and it is scheduled take the world by storm when the enforcement of a brand of worship not supported by the scripture is instituted nationwide across America and subsequently engulf the entire world.

Therefore, as the issue percolates on the horizon, and as efforts are being made behind the scenes to bring it to a head, God is calling on all individuals, all churches, all pastors, all clergy, and everyone who lives and breathes, to awake out of slumber, for it will be the most decisive and cataclysmic event of our lives, when it occurs.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture, which declares to us that God’s mercy is still extended to the human family, and as such, He is calling us to a repentance that will take concrete steps in obeying not one, but all of His commandments. Let’s read:

Revelation 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

God Bless!

The Legacy Of Ruth. Sabbath Afternoon 11/28/2020

The story of Ruth, and the experiences of faith she endured, present a brilliant and exemplary legacy of commitment to God, His people and the interests of His kingdom, one that is not only worthy of note but also worthy of emulation.

Ruth got connected with the people of God through a series of very unusual circumstances, yet after she had witnessed the work of God in her mother-in law she made a decision to permanently cast in her lot with His people, regardless of cost or the outcome.

Her faith and her resulting legacy were not based on the here and now, nor was it based upon any of those material benefits or promises which too many in our day base their relationship with God upon. It was a faith that loved and appreciated God for who He is, not for what He has, and this made the world of difference when it came crunch time for decision making.

Sooner or later, our own decisions to follow Christ will be tested to demonstrate what it has been built upon, whether it is a faith of convenience where the benefits, material blessings, and promises of health are the top motivating factors, or whether we serve God because of who He is and what He has done for us through Christ.

Even though God has promised His people material benefits and protection from enemies and diseases, it’s what Christ did for us on Calvary that should be of the most importance to us. To save us from sin, and to restore His image in us, should be the source of our deepest gratitude and thanksgiving.

Thus, Ruth’s understanding of God was not material based, but spiritual, and because of this, God could, and would trust her with all the temporal blessings of life, because her priorities and her focus, were in the right direction.

The story begins with the departure of Naomi and her family from her native land, because of a famine that was taking its toll on the inhabitants. They had migrated to the land of the Moabites for economic reasons but while there a series of very unfortunate losses took hold of the family.

Naomi, her husband, and their two sons had come to dwell with the Moabites, most likely temporarily, so as to wait out the famine that had gripped their homeland. But Naomi’s husband died, and she was left alone with her two sons who then had become united with the Moabites through marriage. Let’s read:

Ruth 1:1 Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem-Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion. And they came into the country of Moab and continued there.

3 And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.

4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.

Even though it is not God’s ideal will for His people to be united in marriage with persons who do not serve or know Him, yet the marriage institution was given by God as the foundation of all society, and as such, it is to be honored, regardless of whether two persons are Christians or not.

It is the institution that is sacred, not merely those who engage in marriage, and because of its sanctity believers who might have married persons of other persuasions are counselled in the Bible to respect the institution, by trying to make the best of their situation, because the mercy of God is extended to all, even if the marriage may not have been in line with scriptural teaching.

As some persons like Ruth become acquainted with The God of heaven, as they gain an understanding of the wisdom of His laws and principles, some are moved to cast in their lot permanently with Christ, and in this God is glorified, for it is His will that none should perish but that all should have eternal life.

Thus, if persons find themselves in a position such as Ruth, or Naomi’s sons, let them try by the grace of God to make the most of it for God will work with such persons to bring salvation to themselves, and their families wherever there are willing hearts and minds. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 7:12 If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

However, not long after, Naomi’s two sons also died and she was now left with her daughters in law who continued with her for a while, until she heard that the famine had subsided in Judah, and thus, it came time for decision-making. Will the two widows now return to their families in Moab, where their roots and culture had been etched into their way of life?

Or would they follow Naomi to a strange land, to a strange people of entirely different culture, worship and practice. In Judah they had no friends, no family ties, and they would have to start from scratch to become acclimated to a new way of life. In addition, they were widows and thus their prospects of being remarried would be slim at best, according to man’s wisdom.

Even to the God-fearing Naomi, it seemed a bit of a stretch to ask, let alone expect them to uproot from their hometown, to move with her back to Judah, where she would be coming back to who knows what. And because the situation was weighing on her mind, she decided to confront the two directly, to know what their thoughts were on the matter. Let’s read:

Ruth 1:5 And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

6 Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread.

7 Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.

8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the Lord

deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

9 The Lord grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice and wept.

10 And they said unto her, Surely, we will return with thee unto thy people.

Thus far it seems as if both were bent on returning with Naomi, but a deeper probe revealed thoughts that were entirely different, the one from the other. As Naomi outlined to them in graphic detail the dim prospects of being remarried to her bloodline, put together with the challenges of relocating to a new place, it seemed as if the wise thing would be for them to stay put in their homeland.

How many of us faced with a similar situation would be willing to leave family, and friends behind, to go to a strange land, let alone a strange religion. Most would prefer the safety and security of the home they know, rather than take a gamble with a widow who has apparently lost everything.

Thus, as both Ruth and Orpah carefully weighed the pros and cons, one decided to return to her family, culture, and gods, while the other chose to cast in her lot permanently with God’s people, even as the prospects for success seemed quite slim. Let’s read:

Ruth 1:11 And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

12 Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also tonight, and should also bear sons;

13 Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters.

14 And they lifted up their voice and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

18 When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

If Orpah had chosen to go with Naomi because of the godly influence she exerted; if she had chosen character over matter, it is quite possible that the same God who provided a wealthy spouse for Ruth, would have done the same for her, but her choice placed her in a different position than Ruth, and no more is mentioned of her in the scriptures.

In fact, the Bible mentions Orpah only twice, while Ruth’s name is mentioned thirteen times, and it is quite possible, that in the day of final reckoning, she will be seen on the outskirts of the new Jerusalem, while Ruth would be safe and sound on the inside, with the same God whom she chose, when it might have seemed to be too much of a gamble to Orpah.

When God by His providence has brought strangers to a place where they could see and understand His character, His laws and His goodness, such persons will always have ample opportunity to return to the former life the once knew, because God would only accept the free service of those who appreciate Him.

Indeed, everyone who has accepted Christ as Lord and Savior will have opportunity to change course, because the decision to serve God must be personal and deliberate, even if it be against all odds, just as it was with Ruth. This fact about salvation will come into full focus as the day for our permanent decision draws near.

At that time, persons will be weighing the pros and cons, whether to proceed with what they have seen and heard of The God of heaven, or whether they should return to the so-called safety and security of man-made systems. Thus, the mark of the beast will draw a distinct line between the Ruths, and Orpahs of the day. Let’s read:

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

15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.

16 The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Hebrews 11:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come and will not tarry.

38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

It is not possible for us to fully grasp the effort and extent to which God went to save us from sin. Only in the earth made new, with holy vision undimmed by fallen nature, would we begin to understand the love of God in extending to us a lifeline through Christ.

Therefore, let all who like Ruth, have come to know something of His saving grace, not take His mercies lightly; let not the transient things of earth blur our vision, because at the end of life’s journey it will be discovered that the most important, and weighted decision anyone has ever made, is to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture that will remind and assure us that loving and serving God is never in vain, for the relationship with Christ is what makes all the difference in the world, and makes life worth living. Let’s read:

Matthew 19:27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29 And everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

God Bless!

Living Off The Grid. Sabbath Afternoon 11/21/2020

The time will come, maybe sooner rather than later, when those who preach the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will be directed by God to fall off the radar, meaning that their whereabouts will not be known, nor will be disclosed to those who are intent on eradicating them from the earth.

As the predicted sign of the Romans was rolled out against Jerusalem in the siege that was to follow, it became necessary for those who believed the word of Christ to relocate where they would be free from the interference of their enemies. And because they believed and obeyed, not one Christian was lost in the carnage that ensued.

Thus, because there is nothing new under the sun, and because history has always repeated itself, the people of God who live in the last days of earth’s history will soon find it necessary to relocate, in obedience to the word of God.

This is not merely a prediction of what will certainly come to pass, it is a scriptural teaching that must be clearly understood by those remnant people of God who would survive the last days of earth’s history, because the time will come when those who preach present truth will be regarded as the enemies of law and order.

For instance, it is becoming more and more difficult and awkward to speak against same sex marriage, especially since some very influential people have recently embraced it publicly. And therefore, those who dare to stand in the gap will soon be branded as troublemakers, as is the case currently in certain places.

Satan is hell bent on eradicating the true Christian from off the face of the earth, for he views them as a threat to his one and only opportunity to secure for himself the kingdoms of this world. And because of this, a startling warning is issued to the people of God in Revelation, chapter 12, so that the remnant may know the seriousness of the issues before us.

This information is not being given to scare anyone, for God has not given us the Spirit of fear. It’s just to make us aware of what will be coming our way, and as such, to be fully prepared, by learning to walk by faith alone, trusting God for any and everything that pertains to temporal and eternal life. Let’s read:

Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he hath but a short time.

13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Thus, the study of living off the “Grid” will become more and more relevant as we see the prophecies and developments spoken of by the prophets in the Bible, coming to pass in our generation. But before we delve into our study, it’s important for believers to know what constitutes living off the grid.

From time to time, some of the remnant people of God might choose to relocate to the countryside, in an effort to relinquish city living, where they will be surrounded by nature, and where the hustle and bustle of city life would not be a distraction in any way. That is all well and good, for this counsel has been given to the remnant who live in the last days.

However, in moving to the countryside, a lot of city baggage is also taken in order to live comfortably in the country. In addition to this, announcements of their imminent departure are most often made to the local church members and church memberships are often transferred to another church in the area where folks are relocated.

All of this is well and good, but for all intents and purposes it does not even come close to living off the grid. Again, the so-called “necessities” of life are often taken to the countryside, such as cell phones, laptops, credit cards, debit cards, Alexas, vehicles, and so forth.

Some even use G.P.S to guide them in their travel to the countryside, and for these reasons, living off the grid, as far as the Bible is concerned, is an absolute nonstarter. In fact, any tracking device in a person’s possession, whatsoever it may be, would effectually annul the very concept of living off the grid, for it is by faith and faith alone that we will survive the final conflict.

Tracking devices are often placed in very many, if not most of the new gadgets on the market, and it’s no coincidence or accident why this is taking place. Tracking devices will play a critically important role in the institution and the enforcement of the mark of the beast, that’s why there is a move to electric everything.

And Alexa is not innocent of tracking by any means, because information is constantly being gathered on the owners’ habits, preferences, whereabouts, conversations and so forth. Again, vehicles that are taken to the countryside also need to be registered with the county in question.

The same is true for land and home ownership. If a person or family were to purchase any property in a remote countryside location, registration with the county in question is required, and therefore folks can be tracked and traced through deeds, titles, cell phones, laptops, Fit-bits, computers and more.

Again, if one’s debit or credit card is swiped in the countryside, that transaction is always registered in the city, and thus, living in the countryside with all of the amenities, comforts, and conveniences of the city is not the same as living off the “Grid”. So, the following might be hard for some folks to swallow, but it is the truth.

According to the Bible, living off the grid requires a complete disconnect from any, and everything that savors of dependence on man-made systems, as we have become accustomed to, instead trusting God entirely from day to day for all that pertains to life.

It includes relinquishing our dependence on current health care systems entirely, where some have had the habit of running to your local pharmacy for the supplies needed to maintain health. Living off the grid includes relinquishing all those medicines and drugs in your medicine cabinets, which some have come to depend on for life.

It involves relinquishing all economic privileges, and access to all monetary systems together with formal schooling in colleges and universities as we know it. Then again, those visits to your local grocery store such as Publix, where shopping is a pleasure, would also have to be given up, in exchange for trusting in God alone to supply our daily needs.

God is able to take care of any, and every situation that might occur, to preserve the lives of His chosen people. This runs the entire gamut, from regulating temperature to clothing, food and shelter to natural remedies, and healing, and security in the fullest sense of the word.

Any, and every situation and circumstance would be covered by God, when He bids His people to live off the grid. At that time, we will not be depending on insurance, but assurance, for the just shall live by faith.

Thus, when carefully considered, living off the grid is no walk in the park, and it is not for the faint of heart by any means. Only those who have learned to trust in God fully, who have by habit and practice depended on Him for everything, will trust Him in those difficult days which will precede the second coming of Christ.

Therefore, let us turn to the scriptures and observe what it says about living off the grid, why such living becomes necessary, and the ways and means God employed to make such living even possible. Elijah was given a message to relate to king Ahab, that a devastating famine would begin shortly.

He went straight up to the king’s gates, entered the palace, unannounced and without invitation, and he delivered the goods in an unadulterated form, as he spoke truth to power. king Ahab becomes numb at hearing the message and when he recovers himself, Elijah has already left the palace, and is nowhere to be seen or found.

This announcement of a coming devastating famine was the result of Israel departing from the laws and principles given them by God, and now the chickens would be coming home to roost, and when they do, the economy will be left in shambles and very many dead bodies of man and beast would be left in the dust. Let’s read:

1st Kings 18:17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubles Israel?

18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.

After delivering that message of coming doom, the prophet vanishes and falls off the radar so that no amount of searching could discover him. Diligent searches are made, and all Ahab’s tracking devices are employed, and they search, and they search, but Elijah is nowhere to be found. This leads us to the first step in living off the “Grid”.

Elijah was nowhere to be found because God had instructed him to go to a specific location, where he would not be disclosed, and where the protection of God would cover him night and day. That’s why we stated in a previous Bible study, that wherever folks plan to relocate, let’s make certain that God is leading. Let’s read:

1st Kings 17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

2 And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying,

3 Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

4 And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.

5 So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

Those words, “Thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee” all mean that God is going to take care of all of Elijah’s needs, when living off the grid becomes necessary. There is no need for any believer to stock up with groceries, and much bottled water for many years, in some underground bunker.

No need to buy many rifles, and bullets to protect oneself, and there is no need to worry about those variations in temperature which are certain to occur for when God mentions bread and water, He would also include the regulation of temperature, and His protection against all enemies, seen and unseen. Let’s read:

Isaiah 4:5 And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense.

6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.

There are specific promises given in the Bible for all who will be called to live off the grid, which will be a sustaining, dependable assurance to all who believe and obey. Too much emphasis is laid upon what the human agent can and should do, and in the heat of the moment we often leave The Almighty God out of the picture. Let’s read:

Exodus 13: 21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

Exodus 14:19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:

20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

Isaiah 33: 16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.

Exodus 15:26 If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight and will give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, for I am the Lord that heals thee.

The habit or tendency of making plans for ourselves and then asking God to underwrite those plans isn’t good, for doing so puts us in the driver’s seat, with God as a sort of tag-along in our minds. The scripture teaches us “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and the result is that He will direct our paths aright”.

Elijah did not ask to go to this remote location, he did so by the command of God alone, and because of this, any, and every adverse situation that might occur, he would have the confidence that he was only following God’s will, not his own. This is what will make the world of a difference when the time comes for persons to live off the “Grid”.

Now folks, if you will receive it, Elijah’s undisclosed location was not too far from where Ahab lived, but because God sent him there, Ahab could search the entire planet, and he still would not find Elijah, for it is God, and not man who had directed the prophet. This aspect of living off the grid cannot be stressed enough, for it’s not our will, but God’s will that must be done. Let’s read:

1st Kings 17:10 As the Lord thy God lives, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not there; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.

The experiences of Elijah also teach us that it’s quite possible to live off the grid even in the city. The key to living off the grid is not human wisdom, cunning, or secretive planning; the one, and only key is our willingness to obey God. This has always been, and will always be the only key to success in all of life’s vicissitudes.

Thus, when the waters of the brook Cherith became exhausted, God directed his servant to continue to live off the grid, but this time it would be in the city. Again, in obedience to the word of God Elijah leaves the countryside, and heads to the city, but, because he is following God’s will, and not his own, Ahab still won’t be able to track him down. Let’s read:

1st Kings 17:8 And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying,

9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongs to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.

10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

And so, it was only when God was ready for Elijah to be found, did Ahab see the prophet. In fact, as we’ll read in the scriptures, Elijah was never really found; instead, in obedience to the word of God again, he disclosed himself. All of the planning, and execution was done by God alone, and all Elijah was required to do was to obey. Let’s read:

1st Kings 18: And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.

2 And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria.

7 And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah?

8 And he answered him, I am: go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.

But as is too often the case, sometimes, even the remnant may become so concerned for their lives that they begin to plan and make moves without first consulting God. When Elijah learned of those death threats issued by Jezebel, he feared for his life, and he once again went off the grid, but this time it was not at the command of God.

There was still work to be done in the city, because serious reforms were to be instituted in the wake of the contest on Mt Carmel. But Elijah became quite agitated because of Jezebel. Let’s observe what he now does in response to those threats. Let’s read:

1st Kings 19:1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.

2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.

3 And when he saw that, he arose, and ran for his life and came to Beersheba which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.

4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baked on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink and laid him down again.

7 And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have

forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

15 And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:

16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.

The mark of the beast, as predicted in the Bible will begin in America, and because, whenever America sneezes the world catches a cold, the mark would stretch its tentacles to every part of the inhabitable globe. Every Caribbean island, and every country on the planet would be affected because no territory will be exempt. Let’s read:

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

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

However, one of the safest places for “Elijah” to be will be in America, because just as it was in the days of Ahab, Elijah would not be discovered. Obedience to the commands of God is what will make all of the difference during that time of trouble such as never was, since there was a nation. Let’s read:

Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most-High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely, he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

There is an ongoing push for many tracking devices to pervade the human experience in our day. Most of the new gadgets some are so eager to procure do incorporate that common denominator of tracking, and indeed, these devices have proven instrumental in the apprehension of, bandits, terrorists and other most wanted criminals, including drug dealers.

We’ve come to depend on these devices to navigate the maze of websites, and online services that are now considered essential for everyday living. But if we do not now learn to trust in God alone, we will become prisoners of our own devices. If we find ourselves not being to live without these gadgets, then living off the grid will become an impossibility.

This is not to say that persons should now dump all their cell phones, or their laptops, nor are we saying that Alexa should be quarantined. What the Bible is teaching us is that we must never lose sight of our entire dependence on God, even as we benefit from the increases of knowledge that was predicted by Daniel.

It would be very difficult for persons to disconnect from the comforts, amenities and devices of life, in exchange for an existence living off the Grid and the switch will not take place overnight, for when Israel left Egypt headed for the wilderness, it was not long before complaints were heard, because uprooting from the norms of life presented real challenges.

Similarly, when the time comes to live off the grid, there are those who would find the difficulties too great, and because some of us have not used God-given opportunities to learn to walk by faith alone, this mode of living will seem impossible, and again, the call to return to spiritual “Egypt” will be heard. Let’s read:

Exodus 14:11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

Therefore, in lieu of what is looming on the horizon, and because history will repeat itself, the servant of The Lord writes to us in our day that we must learn from those who have gone before; we should study their history with a humble and teachable spirit, so that when our turn comes to walk by faith alone, living off the grid would not do us in. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 293] The history of the wilderness life of Israel was chronicled for the benefit of the Israel of God to the close of time. The varied experience of the Hebrews was a school of preparation for their promised home in Canaan.

God would have His people in these days review with a humble heart and teachable spirit the trials through which ancient Israel passed, that they may be instructed in their preparation for the heavenly Canaan.

We have seen with our two eyes and we have heard with our own ears how, in just a few short months the nations of earth can be brought to their knees. The turmoil that is percolating right here in America portends the climactic events predicted in the Bible and we are just at the tip of the iceberg.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture which should help us not to be overly worried about the developments that will take place on the earth and which indeed have already begun. Let us not take it upon ourselves to go live off the grid, without God directing us to do so. Instead, let us trust and obey, for there’s no other way to survive the final conflict. Let’s read:

Psalms 46: 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!

The Battle For The Mind. Sabbath Afternoon 11/14/2020

2nd Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

A sound mind, as referred to in the above passage is not what most people may understand it to be. It is not merely the state of not being mad, nor is it the mind that possesses good reasoning powers. Having a giant intellect or the ability to invent things, or the ability to philosophize eloquently isn’t necessarily a sign that a person has a sound mind.

In fact, some of the great Greek philosophers who have been revered by millions, and who have made many contributions to humanistic modes of thought, and the secular understanding of this world would be designated as being partially off their rockers as far as the scriptural definition of a sound mind is concerned.

Men such as Pythagoras, Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Xenophon, and Diogenes all made contributions to human modes of thought and understanding, but it is no guarantee that they possessed the sound mind that is referenced in the scriptures.

In fact, one such Greek philosopher, Epicurus, who founded a brand of philosophy called Epicureanism, taught his students that the greatest good is to seek modest pleasures so that they could attain a state of tranquility, freedom from fear, and absence from bodily pain. This philosophy is not the product of a sound mind, according to the scriptures.

A sound mind, according to the Bible is one that is Divinely balanced through the presence and power of the Holy Ghost, one that is temperate in all that is good; a mind that is prudent, that brings all of the feelings, emotions and propensities of fallen human nature under the jurisdiction of Bible truth.

When persons come into the possession of a sound mind, the brain remains where it should be, at the very top of the human anatomy, and the biological urges are all brought into obedience to the word of God, even if doing so would go contrary to popular thinking, or acceptable norms. Let’s read:

1st Corinthians 9:25 And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air;

27 But I keep my body under and bring it into

subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

2nd Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The temptations that abound in the world attempt to bring the mind into subjection to the lower laws of pleasure, feelings, and emotions, and wherever the principle of pleasure is adopted, impulsiveness will inevitably characterize our actions.

Thus, the work of God in giving us a sound mind, is to develop in each believer, the ability and capacity to not only reason along scriptural lines, but also to bring every thought, word, and deed into subjection to the laws of God, through the indwelling of The Holy Spirit. This constitutes both the purposes, and the original intentions of the plan of salvation. Let’s read:

Hebrews 8: 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.

2nd Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Therefore, the study for today will focus squarely on the battle for the mind as it plays out in our own life experiences, and what we need to do, to cooperate with the ongoing work of the Holy Ghost. However, there are some givens that we must be aware of up front so as to better understand what is involved in having and maintaining a sound mind.

[1] We will encounter external, and internal foes.

The assaults against our minds do not only come from the outside, they also come from within, for the natural man doesn’t naturally possess ability to govern his impulses. The pulling and tugging that we experience in our minds where the good strives against evil is not a naturally occurring syndrome.

It is the result of the enmity against evil which God had to put within us after the fall of man, and thus, the battle for the mind confronts latent and active tendencies in human nature which are sometimes aroused by external forces or internal cravings. It is important to know the nature of the battle so that we may understand what winning looks like. Let’s read:

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

To be carnally minded and to walk after the flesh is essentially one and the same thing, for it means to be governed by the senses, impulses, and feelings, which in turn will drive our decision making process. A person thus controlled may appear to be strong, for the outward manifestations will savor of self- opinionatedness.

But in fact the strength of a man is not measured by the feelings and impulses which control him, but by the propensities and urges which he controls. Thus, whenever you see a person being governed by his or her impulses and feelings, there you’ll have one who does not have a sound mind, as is the case now in high and low places.

In the garden of Eden when Adam and Eve fell, the sin that was committed was more extensive than a mere eating of forbidden fruit. What did occur was that damage was done to our senses, those tools we use to navigate through this world, and once the five senses were severely compromised, decisions began to be made on what was seen, heard, tasted, felt, and smelled.

There are grocery chains which have capitalized on this weakness of human nature, by pumping the smell of freshly baked bread or other foods into the isles where shoppers congregate. And as the scent wafts upon the air and our sense of smell picks it up, some decide to buy bread, even though it may not have been on the grocery list.

The same is true for what we see. Pornography has become a deep seated formidable vice with many in the secular world and also in the church, and we are not merely referring to the young, and the restless. It’s affecting elders, pastors, Bible workers, deacons and clergy of all stripes.

Politicians, and government workers, and even the married are not immune either, for the vice has all but permeated the entire spectrum of our society. Based upon that which appeals to the sense of sight decisions are made to succumb to desire and before you know it many persons become addicted to the porn god, and the mind is led captive at satan’s will.

The very same scenario is repeated, and played out in the indulgence of the other senses. The battle for the mind is essentially to either get persons to live, choose and act based upon the biological urges of the flesh; or on the contrary, to have our minds to be governed by the word of God and by the power of His indwelling Spirit.

This takes us to the very next area of concern in the battle for the mind:

[2] Choice

Though we are born with latent tendencies which naturally tend to drag us down, it is a fact that we can still choose. A person living in a drug infested area is not bound by such circumstances to an iron destiny, in which they have no other choice but to do drugs.

Others do not struggle with drugs, but they have their own set of problems with the clamors of the flesh which strive for the mastery. Some folks have a food fight on their hands, and try as they might, it seems as if the battle is lost, just as many times as they try to win.

The problem just keeps coming at us day in, day out, and even though some know what is the right choice to make, yet it seems to be very difficult to do so on a consistent, ongoing basis. In fact, in most cases, the main issue some persons face with food may not have anything to do with knowledge; it is the will to choose rightly, and to keep on doing so.

After a motivational speaker comes through, and delivers a pep talk to energize and encourage, we may begin to implement those choices that we are already aware of. That is all well and good, but as the months go by, we find will power waning, and before you know it we have taken one step forward and two steps backward.

This forms a fundamental part of the battle for the mind, and after dealing with the issues we confront from day to day, we will turn our attention to what the Bible says, as it pertains to living victoriously on a continuum. Let’s read:

Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man.

23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into

captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

This is the conundrum Esau faced as he was about to make the decision of a lifetime. Esau was not doing drugs, he was doing food, and thus it was a naturally occurring biological urge that did him in. If one has experienced fierce pangs of hunger, that urge to eat is not a sin.

The problem occurs if we decide to eat things that are contrary to the revealed will of God, because of our hunger. And it goes even deeper, because like Adam and Eve, we sometimes find ourselves eating even when we are not hungry.

Thus, as Esau mulled the choice before him, to eat contrary to sound judgment, or to wait until he can eat with a clear conscience, he decided to go with the former, and as a result, he gave the control of his mind to the lower laws of impulse, biological urges, and cravings.

For this he is described in the Bible as being profane, because he sold the immortal inheritance for some temporary satisfaction, and thus he lost the battle for the mind. Whenever persons discover that their decisions are being driven by urges, whether those urges are good or bad, there you have a problem on your hands that will need to be addressed, sooner rather than later. Let’s read:

Hebrews 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

When we feel very hungry, very thirsty, and very horny, there we are confronted with good trouble, for on the one hand, there is nothing wrong with those urges, but on the other hand, the way we do fulfill them will make all the difference in the battle for our minds.

If most of us were to level with ourselves, we would have to acknowledge that we have failed miserably in many of the struggles we have to meet, for there are internal as well as external foes that are striving for the mastery of our minds. Thus, it is important that the remedies and methods found in Christ and His word be adopted and appropriated.

The power of God is granted to every true believer so that we may protect the new mind which Jesus gives us as a gift. The work and the plan of salvation is not far-fetched nor slipshod by any means. It was designed to develop a formidable mind through the presence and power of the Holy Ghost.

When this new mind is given to us, it is empowered to withstand multiple assaults from without or from within, and those latent tendencies which do scream for attention are held in subjection by the power of the indwelling Christ. That new mind is described as a fortress which Christ holds in a revolted world.

Thus, in order to live victoriously on an ongoing basis, we must first renounce that fatal sophistry of devils, which suggests that it is impossible for us to overcome. If this were the case, then the original intent of God in restoring His image in us would be in vain, and the plan of salvation would not have any real meaning in the most literal sense.

Christians who believe in Jesus can absolutely live victoriously, regardless of how much the flesh may clamor for satisfaction. The clamors are not sin, and we will have to deal with the fact that they are real, but what is more real is the power of Christ unto salvation, which can harness and bridle those urges so that our minds remain in control.

This is where obedience and self-denial come in, for there can be no victory without cooperating with the work God is doing in our hearts. There are times when our internal and external foes might mount a military campaign against our souls, but with their onset comes the power of God to counteract and keep them at bay. This promise is given us in the Bible. Let’s read:

Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.

Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

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

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 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.

Again, we must avoid dwelling on our weaknesses and failings, for doing so will always have the effect of lessening the prospect of victory in our minds. It is a fact that if we want to win, we will have to think like a winner, and the power of the indwelling Christ is promised to all, who like Paul, would strive for the mastery.

There is no need for us to tell God how evil we are; He already knows this, and thus, the confession of sin from the Biblical perspective ought also to be an acknowledgment that we need the help which God alone can give. This will call for prayer and vigilance on an ongoing basis, but the promise is given to all who persevere, that God will keep our minds by His power. Let’s read:

Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.

Last but not least, is the material we allow our minds to feed on, for by beholding we will become changed. If we fill our minds with carnal, sensual things that’s what we will dwell upon and inevitably regurgitate when the right circumstances convene.

But if we fill our minds with Biblical truths, and if we habitually seek God earnestly, He will habituate our minds to dwell on that which is good and right. The battle for the mind can either be won or lost by that which we feed it and therefore it is incumbent upon every believer to guard well the senses, lest through carelessness or indifference, enemies enter within the gates.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture that reminds us to make wise choices in what we feed our minds, for if we feed it good, righteousness will almost always be the result, but if we feed it evil, then sin will inevitably conquer. Let’s read:

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

God Bless!

Thy Will Be Done. Sabbath Afternoon 11/07/2020

Matthew 26:39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Our first passage above is taken from the harrowing experience Jesus was passing through, as the fate of the human race hung in the balance. The world He came to save was arrayed against Him, and the devil had pulled out all the stops in his attempts to stop Christ from carrying out the plan of salvation.

Added to this was the fact that Jesus’s own disciples were going to desert Him in His hour of agony. And thus, as He considered the fearful prospect of Him laying down His life for us, He breathed that prayer that is to form the basis of any meaningful relation between God and man, “Thy Will Be Done”.

There are times in our life experience when we may prefer another route than that in which God may be leading us. Like Christ, we may prefer a plan “B” and we may not understand upfront why such and such way God has ordained is the best route to go.

But this is where faith comes in, for we are to trust God’s perfect wisdom in every situation, even if we may not see the end from the beginning as He does. God’s omniscience, His ability to know the future as perfectly and thoroughly as He does, often puts His plans and directions at odds with ours.

Because of His omniscience God’s plans may take a turn, which to finite minds may seem illogical at the moment, but He knows what He is doing, and what may seem illogical today would make perfect sense tomorrow, and as such we are to wait on Him, and watch keenly as His good purposes are unfolded.

Thus, it is His omniscience which allows Him to plan and execute His good will with precision in behalf of all who are willing to wait upon Him. And therefore, as was stated in a previous Bible study, we will need to understand that at times, our personal desires, and preferences may not align with God’s, yet, we should trust Him even where we cannot trace Him.

As the results of America’s choice filtered in, some persons rejoiced, while others wept with the bitter disappointment of unfulfilled expectation. To many it was a time fraught with nerve jangling wait and see moments as the results slowly came in. And it is true, that the wounds from the bruising battles will not be healed overnight.

But the scripture calls us to look beyond that which mortal man does, and instead, focus our attention on what God says He will do. Now more than ever, in a time of national suspense, Christians should be looking to God for guidance and direction, as those scenes, and prophecies in the Bible begin to unfold before our eyes.

Therefore, in lieu of God’s sovereignty, and of the instructions He has given us to live by, it would be well for us not to worry ourselves out of His hands, but instead patiently wait, as His will for the future of this nation, and all other nations is revealed. His will is going to be done any which way, regardless of who is in charge.

It matters not whether it is the left or the right, or some green candidate. It does not matter how the many billions are spent in support of this or that party. The fact is that God’s will is going to get done one way or the next, and as such, our focus should be on what God is doing, not so much on what the human agent may or may not do.

Therefore, we are given instructions in the word of God which should be followed, whether or not we agree with the choice made through the electoral process. The true Christian will put his or preference on the back burner, and obey God, just as Christ did when faced with a daunting situation in which He preferred another route. Let’s read:

Romans 13:1 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 resists the power, resists the ordinance of God.

There will be some difficult lessons to learn as we move forward, if we desire to tow the line between obedience and personal preference. Faith in God is not to be based on agreement with what He does or permits, for this mode of thought and action will run us into problems when we may not see eye to eye with Him.

Instead, believing Christians are to acknowledge His sovereignty, and obey His word, even if it does not sync with our personal preferences. There are times in our experience when we may have to give up our rights, in order to keep on serving God with a clear conscience.

There are other times when, for the truth’s sake we may have to surrender our plans, and preconceived ideas of what we think is best so that “Thy will” may be done. The basis of any relationship with God, as far as man is concerned is love which works through obedience, not by personal feelings or preferences.

But the contemporary faith of millions, where one’s obedience is based on agreement with God would not align with that humble spirit revealed in Christ, where we are willing to be led according to His will. Thus, the study for today will contain pointers that will guide our minds in right directions, as the time for Christ’s second coming draws near.

We will study the experience of David, between the time of his anointing, and the time when he actually became king, for his experiences are pregnant with instructions for all those who choose to wait upon God.

David was anointed as the future king of Israel, even while Saul was still on the throne, and in obedience to God’s revealed will, he accepted the solemn call. It is of critical importance, that whatever we do, or plan to do, that it be in harmony with God’s will, for it is only thus, individuals can be assured of the very best outcome.

Making plans, and choices, without consulting God first will almost always result in adversity, for we do not have the ability to see the future events as God does, and as a result we will almost always make a wrong move without His input.

David did not ask to be placed in that situation of being king, and thus, whenever he would encounter difficulty, he could pray with the confidence that God would hear and answer. The tendency to make plans on our own, and then ask God to underwrite those plans is often productive of undue adversity.

David was minding his own business, taking care of the sheep, when God called and anointed him to go in a completely different direction, and because of this, God could be trusted to mitigate any problems that would arise. Walking in obedience to God’s voice comes with the built-in promise that He will take care of any issues we may encounter. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 16:1 And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

The only problem here is that Jesse has eleven sons, and we’ll observe that God does not tell Samuel up front, who it’s going to be. That guidance would be given in the fullness of time, but until then, Samuel is to obey the first instruction by going to the house of Jesse.

This presents one of the most important lessons for us in our day, because, God often does not reveal His entire will all at once. The path of the just is like the shining light that shines more and more until the perfect day, and therefore it is an obey as you go system that we are called to adopt in all of our life experiences.

The human agent often prefers those detailed plans that stretch way into the future for many years, and if the will of God is not revealed in great detail some persons tend to worry themselves out of His hands. Walking by faith is a pray as you go and obey as you go system, and wherever it is adopted, God will lead in the best possible paths on an ongoing basis.

The same plan of action was given to Abraham, the father of the faithful, for when God called him to go to a land which he should afterward inherit, the fine details were not revealed up front. But as Abraham obeyed the first instruction, the way forward would be revealed on an ongoing basis.

Some people are not happy with the way things are going in this country, with the constant vitriol and hate that is spewing from lying lips. And because of this, many have already begun to make their move to more rural areas in the country, in harmony with the counsels given to the remnant. The pandemic is also causing many to relocate away from the cities.

That’s all well and good, but just make certain that it is “Thy will” and not “our will” that is being done, because one error in judgement could set a flurry of adverse regrettable circumstances in motion. When Abraham moved, it was always in obedience to the voice of God, and because of this, God would cover him with His presence whithersoever he went. Let’s read:

Genesis 12:1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee.

The words “That I will shew thee” imply that all of the fine details were not given up front, just like the anointing of David. God did not reveal to David that in the process of becoming king, he would first be the most wanted man in Israel, as king Saul would seek to hunt him as a wild beast for no valid reason.

When the children of Israel were instructed to pass through the red sea, they could not clearly discern the distant shore, yet, as they took that first step in obedience, the way forward became increasingly plain. They were following God’s instruction, and if any issue arose, they would have confidence that it was God’s will they were following, not theirs.

Just so it will be with all who choose to live by the pray as you go and obey as you go system. Thy will, the will of God would be revealed in ever increasing clarity until it is perfectly known. Until such time we must do what He bids us do in the here and now for this adds resiliency in the Christian’s life. Let’s read:

Isaiah 40: 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

After arriving on the scene, where the anointing of Israel’s future king was to take place another lesson for us unfolds, as Samuel made a rush to judgment based on what he saw. Even though God had told him that the chosen one would be revealed in due time, Samuel, as many of us often do, went ahead of God, and made a judgement based on externals.

The children of Israel had often rushed to judgment based also on what they saw. That’s why the giants in the land frightened them to the point where they were ready to turn back to the land from which God had rescued them. Walking by faith translates into a willingness to be led by God on an ongoing basis.

Even though folks may get a strong impression in a certain matter, we are not to live, or decide merely by impressions. Instead, persons must always leave some wiggle room, just in case, “Thy will” is not the same as our impressions. This is also true currently, for it is God who sets up rulers, and He takes them down at His discretion. Let’s read:

1st Kings 16:3 And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.

6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.

7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

Another issue that often arises in our walk with God is that of timing, for our timing, and God’s timing is mostly out of sync. In the fulfillment of God’s will, it will often be the case that the human agent thinks God is taking too long, and as such, we may at times find ourselves itching to make a move, or a decision, ahead of Him.

This lesson more than all others should serve as a beacon of warning for those who will live through the last days of earth’s history. Deliverance is often just around the corner from one hasty move and we will discover that here is where the enemy of souls lays many of his snares for believers.

David and his men were frustrated at the length of time it was taking for the fulfillment of God’s will to make him king. At every turn king Saul was seeking to take his life, and they came to believe that they would have to help God in bringing His purposes to pass.

Thus, when the situation seemed right, and all the stars seemed to line up by circumstance, they made a suggestion which, on the surface, seemed to be in harmony with God’s will. Yet, it was the old enemy of souls coming through as an angel of light to take advantage of their hastiness.

If we begin to think that God is taking too long to do such and such, we will make ourselves vulnerable to the assaults of satan, who is constantly on the alert to capitalize on our haste. Here in America there are those who are itching for a changing of the guards, and like David’s men, that haste may drive them to do things that are entirely out of sync with God’s will.

Especially is it necessary for us to pray and to wait upon God in a volatile or extreme circumstance, for His good purposes know no haste nor delay. In the fullness of time, His will is going to be done, but until such time, let none who believe in Jesus try to take matters into their own hands, as David’s men tried to do.

It is of critical importance that we study the next passages of scripture very closely so as to know how temptations on hastiness occur, even as they would appear to be logical, and may seem to have backing from God. The suggestions, and temptations coming from devils are often veiled in a veneer of logic, so, let buyers beware. Let’s read:

1st Samuel 26:2 Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.

3 And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.

4 David therefore sent out spies and understood that Saul was come indeed.

5 And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him.

6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.

7 So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him.

8 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.

What do you do when all the stars seem to line up? God had already anointed David, Saul was seeking to take his innocent life for no valid reason, David is armed to the tooth and to cap it all off an unnatural sleep from God has fallen upon the enemy, which, for all intents and purposes seems to suggest that God has set things up for David to take out Saul.

This logical line of reasoning resonates deeply in the mind of Abishai, and seems to be confirmed by the obvious Divine intervention in the unnatural sleep. Here is where satan makes his move upon Abishai’s hastiness and tempts him to employ his will rather than God’s will, by slaying the duly appointed king.

But David, who is being led by the Spirit of God now recognizes the temptation as being contrary to God, and he refuses to enter into temptation, as so many of us often do. The lesson for us here is that even if all the stars of heaven line up, we must never allow logical reasoning to drive us to go contrary to God’s revealed will. Never! Let’s read:

1st Samuel 26:9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless?

10 David said furthermore, As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle and perish.

11 The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.

12 So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they got them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the Lord was fallen upon them.

For us to avoid conflicts between “Thy Will and my will, it will be necessary for us to wait upon God in all circumstances. We should avoid drawing lines in the sand by giving God a set deadline to do such and such or else. We must avoid chomping at the bits impatiently, because satan can, and will take advantage of undue eagerness and haste.

Again, we are not to withdraw from adversities if it not God’s revealed will. Like Christ, as He faced the daunting prospect of imprisonment and death, let those who will live through the final conflict go to God to learn what is His will in any given situation.

The Lord has plainly stated that difficulties would arise for all during the final chapter of this earth’s history. Trouble will be coming on the earth from many different directions, and it will affect every person to a greater or lesser degree.

Let not these facts drive us to start planning on our own without God’s guidance, and direction. Instead, let “Thy will” and not my will be done. Very often in emergencies or dire situations persons will resort to planning and deciding for themselves without input from God who knows best.

As the election of a lifetime loomed large, gun sales skyrocketed, as millions across America began to arm themselves in order to protect themselves and their families. Walmart, which had stopped selling guns and ammunition resumed doing so in light of the unprecedented sales taking place.

Even though there will be a time of trouble, there will also be a simultaneous time of deliverance for God’s people, and because of this, we are advised to wait for His voice, before making any move based on logical reasoning alone. Let’s read:

Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon us not to worry or lose sleep over what is certainly coming upon the earth. Let us not like the secular world resort to a mode of self-preservation. Instead, let all who trust in God look beyond that which is seen to that which is eternal, for at the end of the day, when the dust has settled, the kingdom of God will stand forever.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reminds us of God’s care for His people through the final conflict, and let us learn to wait and trust Him in any given situation, for it is not my will, but “Thy will be done”. Let’s read:

Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most-High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely, he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most-High thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

God Bless!

Fright Night For Pharaoh. Sabbath Afternoon 10/31/2020

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins,

27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries.

God is love. The very foundation of His government is built upon principles of love, which when carried out by created beings produce tranquility, justice, and otherhood. In every precept of the decalogue there is nothing to be found that would drag human beings down to the pit.

Instead, whenever, and wherever the laws of God are obeyed, and wherever God is honored as being The Creator, the other downstream issues usually fall into place, for the acknowledgement of God as Supreme Sovereign, sets the stage for an amicable relationship between the Creator and the created.

But when poor mortals lift themselves up against The Most-High, when we take the glory and praise to ourselves for things that have been accomplished then we would bring upon ourselves the ruin which came upon Pharaoh after he crossed the invisible line between God’s mercy and His justice.

Thus, pharaoh began his downward spiral when he stated that he knew not God. In fact, what pharaoh was really implying by that statement is that he did not acknowledge God in His capacity of Sovereign, and as such, obeying God’s commands was neither necessary, nor relevant in his mind. Let’s read:

Exodus 5:1 And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.

2 And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.

This particular pharaoh must have known Egyptian history, for it was well chronicled that God worked to save the nation through His servant Joseph, and were it not for God’s mercies the nation would have been brought to its knees by the deadly famine, just like the other nations roundabout.

Thus, for pharaoh to declare that he knew not God, and what God did for Egypt will be the equivalent of a U.S president saying that he isn’t acquainted with the history of this nation, for there are landmarks in America’s history that must needs be remembered by all, let alone the leader of this country.

Therefore, we may safely conclude that pharaoh’s declaration was both atheistic and deliberate, and because of his resulting stubbornness, The God of the universe had to intervene, not only to correct the error, but to set a precedent for future leaders of nations, so that all could reason from cause to effect.

Several steps in the wrong direction were taken by pharaoh and his administration, but God who is rich in mercy, and takes no delight in the destruction of those whom He has created, gave them time and a bunch of opportunities and evidence, so that if they so desired, they might reverse course.

Some of those decisions taken by pharaoh and his administration have been chronicled, so that those who may be in leadership positions across the globe today may track a different course, and thus, spare the people under their jurisdiction, and themselves, the inevitable consequences of wrong-doing.

Some of those wrong actions are listed below with the intent that folks would better understand why adversity is being permitted to multiply currently, and, if we so choose, to change course.

[1] Cruelty

Exodus 5:13 And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfill your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.

14 And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and today, as heretofore?

15 Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants?

16 There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people.

17 But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore, ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the Lord.

18 Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet, shall ye deliver the quota of bricks.

Unwarranted cruelty to human beings, regardless of their nationality is an affront to The God who made them, for all individuals are His both by creation and redemption. Jesus Christ shed His blood to save all, irrespective of their race, creed or ethnicity. Thus, if and when cruelty is done to any human being for no valid reason, it resonates directly in Christ.

Especially are nations, and individuals obligated to treat the less fortunate and foreigners, or strangers with special regard. This is one of the reasons why Nebuchadnezzar was forced to eat a lot of grass, for Daniel pointed out undue cruelty as one of the evils done by of his administration.

Several passages of scripture address the treatment of strangers and foreigners, and just in case there are some who may have forgotten, The same God from Nebuchadnezzar’s and pharaoh’s day is still alive and well, and when nations and individuals pursue a similar course, justice will be served in due season. Let’s read:

Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

Daniel 4:27 Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility.

Leviticus 19:9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.

10 And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God.

33 And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him.

34 But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

Ezekiel 16: 49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

The issue of the proper treatment of strangers is so important to God that He saw fit to include it in one of the ten commandments, the only one that carries His name and title, so that persons in high and low places may understand the seriousness of the issue.

In other words, folks were not to enjoy Sabbath rest while the stranger under their roof was being made to work. Rest is intended for all, just as the Sabbath was made for man, all men. Let’s read:

Exodus 20: 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work:

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

Exodus 23:12 Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.

Thus, if all of these instructions are being flagrantly disregarded; if the stranger continues to be abused and mistreated by pharaoh, and if many entreaties, admonishing, and calls for mercy are disregarded by pharaoh and his administration, then the following passages of scripture will kick in, and there would be none to deliver. Let’s read:

Exodus 22: 21 Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. 23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;

24 And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

[2] Stubbornness.

God did everything that could be done to speak to Pharaoh’s conscience. He spoke through Moses and Aaron, He spoke through His providential workings, He spoke plagues and finally when all else failed, He spoke through the very magicians, who were closely affiliated with pharaoh.

What do you do with the leader of a nation who is not listening to God nor those in his administration? The magicians were spiritual advisors to pharaoh and his stubbornness reached a tipping point where even they remonstrated against the way that things were going.

Much of Egypt lay in ruins, many persons had died because of the plagues, the economy was shattered and the citizenry had become disoriented, but still pharaoh would not listen. God can, and is willing to work with anyone who is willing to listen. Folks are not rejected merely because of wrongdoing, it’s if we don’t listen when God speaks that there’s a big problem.

Nebuchadnezzar was stubborn for a while, but at least he listened to Daniel’s reproof, which showed that despite his actions, there was still hope. But pharaoh would not even listen, and he brushed off his own advisors, time and time again. This course of action is productive of evil as the following verses clearly show. Let’s read:

Exodus 8: 19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said.

Exodus 10:7 And Pharaoh's servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?

Proverbs 27:22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

1st Samuel 15: 22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

[3] Burying heads in the sand.

This one has to do with not only pharaoh, but to his underlings, for it seems that after a while, pharaoh’s mindset had infected his entire administration. The disposition to bury their heads in the sand, also to reason away reality, and their insane allegiance to a mad man that was taking down the entire country to ruin took its toll.

As plague after plague wrought ruin and desolation everywhere, and as pharaoh looked for excuses to reason it all away, that same disposition eventually took a hold on members of his administration, and after a while they became entirely numb to reality, even as the country descended into ruin.

Those who serve their country must at all times be amenable to principles of righteousness, and sound judgement, even if this may put them at odds with those who are in charge. Yes-men are not persons who can be trusted to speak or do right in any given emergency, for their highest motivation is to please their boss, even if doing so could cause great harm.

By remaining silent when they should have said something, by participating in the cruelties done to the Hebrews, they became partakers of pharaoh’s guilt, and as such, when the hammer is going to drop, not only pharaoh will suffer, but all those who aided and abetted him will also go down too.

Thus, it was with pharaoh’s administration. Not one of them would stand up for right and say enough is enough. From the politicians to the military, to the spiritual advisors, everyone, without exception will agree with pharaoh and stand by as the nation went over the cliff. And, so said, so done; they did go over the cliff. Let’s read:

Exodus 11:1 And the Lord said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.

4 And Moses said, Thus, saith the Lord, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: 5 And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born of Pharaoh that sits upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts. 6 And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it anymore.

Exodus 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.

30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

31 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said.

32 Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also. 33 And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.

God could have brought the last plague first, and He would have scared the living daylights out of those in Egypt. But His judgments were tempered with a whole lot of mercy from the onset, giving pharaoh a chance to reconsider and repent, but he would not.

It was not until the icy grip of death took a hold on the entire nation that pharaoh was brought to his knees, but even then, his so-called change of mind and attitude was only temporary. This goes to show us that even violent judgments against a stubborn person does not always guarantee repentance.

There are some, who like pharaoh, might seem to have a change of heart when their backs are against a wall. These may appear to repent because of the writing on the wall but, given some time or reprieve they would go back to doing exactly what they were doing before, just as it was with pharaoh. Let’s read:

Exodus 14:5 And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?

6 And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:

7 And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.

Pharaoh couldn’t be serious! After burying his own firstborn, after seeing the morgues throughout the land of Egypt overflowing with the dead, and after, the economy has been in shambles because of the national devastations, is he still so stubborn that he will return to his old ways of disregarding reality, and drag others into the snare that’s awaiting him?

Yes, he was serious, and this demonstrates in real time the difficulty God encounters with a perverse person who is set in his or her ways. It is stated that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks, but at least an old dog should have learned from experience.

With further evidence of his wrong course of action being given, he still refuses to accept reality. God’s pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night should have registered the facts of the matter in the mind of pharaoh. Especially, when the pillar of fire moved from before the camp of the Hebrews and settled as a wall between them and the Egyptians.

This should have been the last straw that broke the camel’s back, but stubbornness, when indulged can interfere with a person’s ability to reason rationally, and when this occurs, every evidence is interpreted according to what one desires, not according to the facts. This above all else shows a person to be under the control of evil spirits.

This leads us to fright night for pharaoh and those who supported him in a wrong course of action. All who knowingly buried their heads in the sand when they should have stood up courageously and said or did something, all who reasoned away the facts on this or that premise.

And all of pharaoh’s military generals who got their soldiers ready for the battle, knowing full well they were going to lose, and all of pharaoh’s spiritual and secular advisors are going to bite the dust during a fright night like no other, and this time, their will be no chance to reverse course.

The judgments of God against nations and persons are not employed until every means to save them have been utterly exhausted. God bears long with the perverseness of man, but at times things would reach a boiling point where the situation screams for justice.

For pharaoh and his deluded followers to follow the Hebrews into the middle of the Atlantic ocean, as it were, is not only folly; like Balaam who argued with his donkey, such an action by pharaoh shows him to be bereft of reason, and as such, there is no reason for him to continue his existence. Let’s read:

Exodus 14:22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,

25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drove them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.

26 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.

27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

In our day, the very same sins and actions taken by pharaoh and his administration are being repeated even as we speak. There is an unwarranted cruelty toward the stranger, minorities, and the poor, and the less fortunate are being thrown under the bus, while fat cats peddle lies and conspiracies.

Like in Egypt under pharaoh, thousands are dying because of the plague, and economies are heading for disaster, as the pandemic continues to take its toll. Then again, there is the burying of heads in the sand by which persons knowingly blind their eyes to grievous evils that would have landed your ordinary John doe in jail for years.

Then there is stubbornness, a blatant disregard of facts on the ground, and a proud unrepentant spirit that has pervaded some in high and low places. God warns us not to partake of this spirit, for when He is ready not only the pharaohs of the day will be taken down, but those also who participated and partook of the same spirit will also go down too.

The presentation of a one-sided God by many false prophets of the day Who, according to their warped understanding, only administers loving-kindness and mercy without impartial justice, belittles the perfect character of God, because love without justice will produce inequities of all sorts.

God is not to trifled with or misunderstood because of His great love towards us. That same Jesus, Who once carried the cross will soon carry a very big stick because mercy as well as justice are blended into an inseparable whole in His government, and thus, the same hand that was stretched forth in entreaty, will soon be stretched forth in strict justice.

In our own personal lives, as believing Christians, let it never be said of us that strangers were ill-treated by us. Let us not bury our heads in the sand when there are wrongs to be righted in our lives. Let us try not to reason away wrongdoing on any premise, and most of all, let us never ever be stubborn.

The momentous scenes passing before our eyes do portend a cataclysmic event on the horizon. Bible prophets wrote about it, they were shown in vision what we are now beholding in real time, and thus, it behooves every person living in this generation to live in readiness, for the time is nearer than when we first believed.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture which points us to the soon return of Christ, and it will be well for us to consider recent developments in the light of Bible prophecy, because the predictions of scripture will be fulfilled in the most literal sense. Let’s read:

Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light.

13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

God Bless!

The Chronicles Of Job. Part [2] Sabbath Afternoon 10/24/2020

Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Meaning of the word, “Prudent”:

[1] Acting with or showing care and thought for the future. [2] Marked by wisdom or judiciousness.

God is much more practical, and down to earth in His instructions than many persons realize. All of the Bible studies God has given us thus far are designed to help us to understand His will and ways more clearly, with the hope that we would put into practice the lessons we’ve learned. Light will dispel darkness, only if the switch is turned on, and now as we are heading into choppy waters it will be even more necessary for us to be humble and teachable.

Our comfort zones will be disturbed and the Biblical teachings would need to be applied in a very literal sense so as to guide our faith and practice in a right direction. Thus, as we study the Chronicles of Job 2 we will focus on the mitigating factors given in the Bible, so that whenever and wherever possible we may avoid adverse situations. It is a fact of life that living in this world of ours will involve risks of all sorts, for the work many people do naturally involves some level of inherent risk and the Bible teaches us that he that will not work shall not eat.

So, in the current crisis, it is inevitable that we will encounter some risks in the lines of duty. For instance, firemen, and police officers put their lives on the line everyday in protecting the populace and medical personnel do have to deal with the real possibility of Covid infection as they care for the sick and the dying. And there are other lines of work in which there are naturally occurring risks some more some less. That’s understandable, and God’s protection is over those who place their trust in Him intelligently.

But for us to deliberately place ourselves in a dangerous situation if there is no need to, would be the sin of presumption, which to some deluded minds, would force God to use His supernatural power to deliver. It is a sin for persons to knowingly put their lives at risk unnecessarily, without being bidden by God, or duty to do so, with the expectation that somehow God would deliver them if they run into trouble. It is of too often occurrence in our day, and because of this, some persons will cut their lives short, whereas if they had pursued a different course, they would have lived much longer. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 7:17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?

The mindset of knowingly taking unnecessary risk is an absolute nonstarter as far as the genuine faith of the Bible goes, for God teaches us to be humble and contrite in our outlook on life. The so-called faith of millions in our day reeks more of presumption than genuine faith in too many instances, and from time to time, persons will pay a heavy price as a direct result. There is no promise, nor guarantee in the Bible that God would deliver in such circumstances.

He may or may not at His discretion but for us to expect Him to deliver is a flawed mode of thinking, and therefore, the Chronicles of Job part [2] is now being given to correct this error. As was stated previously, Job did not go looking for trouble. Job did not ask for boils or sickness, nor did he knowingly expose himself, and his household to danger, and according to the sacred record, we can see that he exercised prudence in all his ways.

When he was smitten by satan with sickness, he did not go out mingling with the public, as is too often the case in our day. Instead, he stayed at home, and he quarantined himself lest the disease might infect others. His friends did come to visit, but Job himself stayed at home until he was healed of the disease. Let’s read:

Job 2:7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. 8 And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.

In mitigating those health risks caused by infectious diseases the Bible teaches us quarantine and social distancing as much as is possible, in our attempts to control the spread. The Bible does not teach us to claim God’s promises of protection, if we know we can avoid harm or adversity in any way. In fact, God’s miraculous intervention to deliver us from danger is always a last resort, after we have done our God-given best to avoid risk.

Unnecessary miracles, where persons believe God will be forced into using His supernatural power is an attempt to place man above his Creator, so that the lesser may manipulate the Greater at his or her discretion, or so they think. In our own human sphere, when dealing with those imminent threats of a hurricane, the fire and rescue departments often post a lock off time, after which no rescues should be expected since it will force the personnel to deploy in dangerous situations without a reasonable need to do so.

When Miriam got sick as a result of gossip, she was immediately removed from the camp, so as not to infect her family and associates. In times past lepers were made to announce their dreaded disease with the words unclean, unclean so as to warn the public not to come within range of being infected, for like Covid, there was no vaccine or cure available.

Thus, not only Miriam, but all others who became victims of contagious diseases were to isolate from the camp, so as not to force God to work a miracle to deliver the multitudes, if there was no need to do so. This represents the first scriptural method of us mitigating risks. Let’s read:

Numbers 12:10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 14 And the Lord said unto Moses, let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. 15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.

Leviticus 14:1 And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 2 This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest. 3 And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper; 4 Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop.

8 And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days.

Again, if we know in advance that there would be a situation where violence might erupt, it’s absolutely the will of God for us to avoid such a situation, if He did not bid us go. In recent months there have been uprisings and protests for different reasons, and it is a fact that some of them have turned violent. Christians who believe in the Bible are to exercise great prudence in such matters, for if we were to go unbidden by God there will be no guarantee that He will protect us miraculously, if things take a turn for the worse.

There are persons who may be willing to take the risk, and as such, the choice is theirs. In order for anyone to survive the terrors of the last days we would have to learn how to be humble and how to live soberly in this generation. The Bible, as well as the will of God would need to be abundantly clear in our minds so as to guide our feet in the way of peace.

After Jesus was born, Herod was inquiring as to His whereabouts, but the shepherds were warned in a dream by God, not to divulge Christ’s location, for in this instance, God foresaw what the shepherds did not see, and therefore He took the initiative to give them a heads up, and He then put in place, practical measures for Christ’s safety.

Now, it is quite interesting to observe how God will handle this matter, especially since His omnipotent power is at His disposal. Would He intervene to stop Herod, by using supernatural power? Will He shake down the proud monarch in a blaze of brimstone and fire? Or will He set a precedent in this instance for believers to follow in like situations? Let’s read:

Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. 19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

In setting the example for all who should follow in His footsteps God showed us in unmistakable terms that wherever possible, imminent dangers that we may know of should be avoided and every proactive measure we know of should be implemented all the while we are trusting in God to take up the slack. In other words, if in fleeing to Egypt, Joseph and his wife were to be apprehended by Herod’s soldiers, then God would intervene to stop him, just as God did when He stopped Saul on the road to Damascus.

But for Joseph’s family to remain where they knew imminent danger was, would have sent the wrong message to future generations of believers. If Job had known in advance of the coming adversity he certainly would have taken measures to mitigate the risk. Faith without works is dead and The Lord is now showing us the difference between faith and presumption in real time, and He desires that every person who truly believes in Him, should exercise an intelligent faith.

The last mitigating factor in avoiding adversity, as much as possible has to do with obedience to the laws of God, which were given for the good of man. Prevention is always better than cure, and thus, the Bible sheds great light on steps that should be taken in order to stave of diseases and pandemics, such as we are experiencing currently. When the laws were given in the decalogue by God, the reasons for doing so were also highlighted, for He desired us to understand that He has our very best good in mind.

To view the law of God as a yoke is to imply that He gave us instructions that weren’t for our good, and if that were the case, then some may have accused Him of maliciousness. But this is absolutely not the case, as can be clearly seen in the reasons given for God’s laws. It is a fact that most of our current miseries could have been avoided, if the laws of God were being adhered to, and now, as we reflect on our doings, God desires that we reconsider, that we reason from cause to effect, and make the necessary changes wherever warranted. Let’s read:

Deuteronomy 6:1 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it. 2 That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. 3 Hear therefore and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee.

Deuteronomy 4:39 Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. 40 Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, forever.

Adam and Eve originally fell by eating of forbidden food, and since that time, most of the human family have followed in their footsteps, going even farther and deeper in the same direction. In the days when Christ walked the earth, certain persons who knew better were raising swine for food consumption.

Thus, when Christ was about to cast of the devils named Legion, they made a reasonable request, in that Jesus would grant them permission to go into the swine when he would cast them out of the man, for they recognized the actions of the farmers as a flagrant violation of the laws on diets and foods. Let’s read:

Matthew 8: 28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. 32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. 33 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city.

Thus, it is in very many cases where we might read in the Bible that God did such and such. In many of those instances, God permitted agents of adversity to do damage, because people insisted on violating known laws. After it was discovered that Covid was the result of eating wild meat, some wet markets were forced to shut down. But not long after, many of them were reopened, and the same practice of eating forbidden foods has continued nonstop in many countries of the world.

And therefore, the next pandemic after Covid would be ten times as brutal, and there would not be any miraculous deliverance if we insist on violating the laws of health given in the Bible. Very many of our sicknesses, including the current pandemic can be traced back to forbidden foods, as the original cause, and as we draw near to the close of this earth’s history, the problem will become so pervasive, that it will set the stage for counterfeit healers to be manifested as is predicted in the Bible. Let’s read:

Mark 13:21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: 22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. 23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. Prior to Covid, there had been a proliferation of so- called faith healers across the land, and very many persons flocked to their meetings, in search of that healing which supposedly was done in the name of Jesus Christ.

But now, as the icy grip of reality has set in across the nation, and the world, these same faith healers seem to be missing in action. Now that the nation is battling with Covid, now that over two hundred thousand of our fellowmen have been laid to rest, one would think that the services of the faith healers would by now have sprung into high gear, but for some unknown reason, they seem to be conspicuously absent.

The fact of the matter is that most of our current diseases are being caused by a violation of the laws of health, and if there is to be a reversal of fortunes, everyone will have to do serious soul searching, to see if our feet are diverting from the laws that God has given us for our health and well-being. These laws and instructions cover a wide swath of foods and practices that can be found throughout the Bible, but especially in the books of Exodus and Leviticus, chapter 11.

In addition, God has given to His remnant people, knowledge that will greatly help in navigating those dangers and diseases that are on the horizon. It is of such grave importance, that we would now share it with whomsoever is willing to listen, and we will explain as we go. Let’s read:

[Counsels on Diets and foods pp 73] When the third angel's message is received in its fullness, health reform will be given its place in the councils of the conference, in the work of the church, in the home, at the table, and in all the household arrangements. Then the (right arm) 3rd John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers. serve and protect the body.

It is the good will of God that believers should do all in our power in the preservation of health, because the physical body is the medium through which the mind and character are developed, and therefore, we are under the most sacred obligation to try our best to be in good health even as our souls prosper. We therefore end with a passage of scripture that should help turn our focus to an investigation of the laws, principles and instructions God has given us in His word, and if our faith and practice converge God can be intelligently trusted to take up any slack. Let’s read:

Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. 4 So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

God Bless!

The Chronicles Of Job. Part [1] Sabbath Afternoon 10/17/2020

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

This first passage of Job confirms to us that he was a righteous man, walking by faith in obedience to all of God’s commandments as best he knew how. This fact should put whatsoever comes next in its proper context so as not to blur the lines between the truth and other fanciful interpretations of the narrative.

There are some in Christian circles who reject this account as being fictional, and others question the veracity of what the Bible says took place with Job. So, for starters, let us be as clear as possible, if one deliberately rejects the scriptural account of Job, it will become impossible to understand what’s taking place across the globe right now.

God went to extreme lengths to shed light on some questions that had haunted human minds for many centuries. Very important questions as it pertains to the unfolding of the great controversy; issues about human suffering and tragedy and issues pertaining to God’s great mercies towards us, which, prior to Job’s trials, had evaded our understanding for many years.

God pulled back the curtain to show humans what’s taking place behind the scenes, and if the historical account of Job had been studied, and believed as God had intended, there would not have been such great misunderstanding, as it pertains to disasters and calamities that are increasing in frequency and severity, even as we speak.

The experience of Job is therefore accurate, and it is the will of God that we study and understand it with a humble and teachable spirit. Even though there a lot of promises of God’s protection given in the holy Bible to His people we’re not entirely immune from suffering and adversity. We are living in an evil world and there are agencies of evil arrayed against every individual including the righteous, in so much that persons may suffer from sickness or poverty, and still others may experience difficulties in their marriages.

There’ll be some who like Job might lose almost everything this material world has to offer. And there are others who may suffer persecution for the truth’s sake. Whatever the adversity may be, we are given the assurance in the Bible, that at the end of the day, after the dust has settled, all things will have worked out for the greater good of those who love and obey God and as such, we should take comfort while studying the chronicles of Job.

Whatever the situation may be, and whatsoever we may do, it is important for folks to avoid at all costs what is termed as unnecessary temptations, where we may put ourselves needlessly in harm’s way, and suffer the natural consequences as a direct result. It is a fact of life for us that temptations will come, but we must avoid “entering into” these temptations. As far as the record goes, Job was doing everything right, to the best of his knowledge, and as we could clearly see, he did not go looking for trouble.

From his flocks to his servants and on to his children, Job did not take anything for granted, but he tried his best to cooperate with God in leading a righteous and prudent life. There is a promise which says: “I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children”. This is a blessed promise made to those who serve and obey God, but Job did not claim this promise without his fervent prayers being lifted up for his children each and every day. Let’s read:

Job 1: 4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, everyone his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Job did not leave anything up to chance, neither did he presume upon God’s goodness as so many in our day often do. Around his encampments there were stationed guards, human, as well as secret-service, for his righteousness, his faith and trust in God did not lead him to believe that he wasn’t to make any effort in the preservation of life and property.

In other words, if Job was alive today, we would see him wearing a mask, and doing social distancing all the while his faith is centered not in his own feeble efforts, but in the mighty power of God. The faith in the Bible does not lead the righteous to take those unnecessary risks that folks presume to take today. While we must not allow fear to govern our actions, yet, as Christians, we must do all we can to mitigate real risks, trusting God to take up the slack.

This is a vital point that should be understood by all who live in the last days, because the track of faith lies very close to the track of presumption. When the plague of hail was about to come upon Egypt, God sent warning in advance, so that anyone in Egypt could take refuge if they so desired. They were not required to be baptized, all they had to do was to believe, and act upon their belief by obeying what God said.

For individuals to scornfully disregard any sensible instructions, as it pertains to the current pandemic, is an act of presumption, and as such, they should not expect God’s miraculous power to protect them if they had chosen the correct course of action. Like those wise Egyptians in Pharaoh’s day, they would heed the instructions and avoid unnecessary risk as much as is humanly possible. Let’s read:

Exodus 9:18 Behold, tomorrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now. 19 Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die.

20 He that feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses. 21 And he that regarded not the word of the Lord left his servants and his cattle in the field.

Thus, when we read in the book of Job, that He was a righteous man, and that he feared God, we should understand by those declarations that he mitigated all risks to himself, his family, his servants and all his flocks, as best he could, trusting in God to do what it was impossible for him to do. With this understanding we may proceed to study the chronicles of Job, for his experiences in the first two chapters contain important revelations about things in the natural and invisible worlds.

There Job was, minding his own business, working hard like everyone else, and doing good in his community, when suddenly, without warning tragedy struck. No explanation is given to him by God in advance for his change of fortunes, nor for the tremendous blessings he was to receive thereafter, because, if God were to do this then Job’s response might be explained away as a part of the show.

To go through trials faithfully because of the blessings and rewards promised can cause some to become Christians for the wrong reason. God must be given due consideration by intelligent minds. His ways, His laws, and the principles of His kingdom must be studied carefully, understood and accepted by a free choice, based upon His inherent goodness, not because of blessings and favors, for if it were otherwise, the motivation for service would be loaves and fishes, not God’s goodness.

Yet, as Job reflects on his own doings, he cannot see anything that he could have done to trigger such an onset of adversities, but he chooses to keep trusting in God, and that against all odds. It was necessary to reveal to the inhabitants of this world certain truths about life, and this is why God chose a specific person whom He knew in advance, could handle such an ordeal.

God does not lay upon us more than we can bear, so there is no need for any believer to lose sleep by counting sheep and wondering if his or her turn will be next. Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof, and the promise is given to us: “As thy days, so shall thy strength be”. A serious charge had been made by the devil in the presence of created intelligences, that The Lord was bribing Job to serve him, by blessing him with those material comforts of life.

This charge is a very grave one indeed for if one person in a relationship has to bribe the other for service, then that relationship is seriously flawed. God is to be served and obeyed, not because of fear or because of His many gifts, but because folks love Him for who He is. The Lord is not a sugar-daddy, as so many in our day have misunderstood Him to be, for He is good at His core and requires an intelligent obedience motivated by love.

In our day the preaching of the health wealth gospel has produced millions of “Shine eye” Christians who live by the motif, “When praises go up, the blessings come down”. Not so with Job, for he served God in the good times as well as the bad, and he refused to resort to blaming God for his misfortunes, as is all too common in our day. There are those who may weather the storm if they had an explanation of their situation but it’s entirely different when no explanation is given.

Trusting the goodness of God’s character takes tremendous faith and courage, especially when He may do things that we may not necessarily agree with, or when He may not have given us a heads-up of what was coming our way. Thus, the saga of Job’s adversity sheds light on the sources of troubles which afflict the human family.

After the diabolical insinuation was made by the adversary of souls, God permitted him to try Job’s faith to the extreme, and in the process, very great revelations about occurrences which are now taking place, were exposed. Therefore, the charge of bribery must of necessity be settled once and for all, and God is going to pull back, and not intervene in any way to deliver Job, so that angels, as well as men may see, that it was, and is still possible to serve God in sincerity, not merely because of His gifts.

We are also going to focus on the five methods that are usually employed by devils and their agencies to do the unthinkable among the multitudes of people and in our next segment, we will study the promises and methods God has given us to help in mitigating adversities, if and when they arise. Let’s read:

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. 7 And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

12 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. 13 And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house. 14 And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them.

15 And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 16 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house.

19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Job 2:7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

The following therefore are the five adversities that were brought upon Job by satanic agencies, and we will trace the afflictions to their rightful source so that from here on out, we may have an intelligent understanding of what is currently taking place in our world. [1] The Sabeans. [2] The fire of God. [3] The Chaldeans. [4] A great wind. [5] Sore boils.

These five agencies are currently being used in an increasingly sustained and frequent manner against the human family. And as we get closer to the time when Christ will return, even greater adversities are predicted to take place across the globe, but very few persons are the wiser. Let us begin with the Sabeans and the Chaldeans, who they represent and what aspects of life are affected by them.

The Bible states that these two human agencies, motivated by devils made an attack on Job’s servants who were taking care of his oxen, asses and camels. The oxen were beasts of burden, which were used primarily for the tilling of the soil, but also on some occasions for sacrifices, when a grave sin had been committed.

Therefore, in one stroke, the adversary of man affected the means whereby Job made his living, his ability to make sacrifice for sins, and the lives of Job’s servants were taken in the process. The Sabeans, and the Chaldeans are still at work in our day, because currently, where we have become dependent on computers for everything, the ability to work is often compromised by hackers, who are always looking for ways to disrupt banking systems, companies, the electrical grid, and so forth.

But they have expanded their operations to include elections, and the problem is so pervasive that one former F.B.I agent described everyone who uses the internet as belonging to one of two groups: Those who know that they have been hacked, and those who don’t know they are hacked. The Sabeans and Chaldeans also came through on 9/11 when out of the blue sky, death and carnage rained down on America.

The beheadings, and the cruelties enacted by many groups across the world are the result of devils working though the human agent to bring us misery and destruction. And just as how the enemy sought to affect Job’s sacrifices and worship we have discovered in recent years that churches are not off limits to the Sabeans and Chaldeans, because several attacks have been launched in churches while folks were worshipping. It used to be that churches were one of the safest places to be, but in our day, nothing is off the table.

The next assault from the adversary of souls came in the form of what Job’s servant described as being the fire of God. In fact, it was lightening that struck without warning, burning up the sheep, which were a source of food for Job’s household. The devil is able to deliver bolts of lightning, thus sparking fires that have ravaged communities, and destroyed lives, and disrupted the food chain, from Job’s time until the present. But, do not take our word for it, let the record speak for itself. Let’s read:

(CNN) While people in the West are suffering through record-breaking heat, wildfires are ravaging many areas, especially in California, and red-flag warnings have been issued from the Northwest into the Rockies. There were at least 77 large complexes of wildfires burning in 15 states across the country as of Tuesday evening -- almost a third of them in California, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

The fires have burned at least 649,054 acres in the 14 states where fires are still spreading, according to the NIFC. Some 45 million people remain under some sort of heat warning or advisories, and no reprieve from the record heat in the West is expected until the weekend. Alaska: Acres burned: More than 26,000 acres. Cause: Lightning strikes have caused most of the 331 fires reported this year to date, according to the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center.

Arizona: Number of fires: 11. Size: More than 31,000 acres Cause: A lightning strike caused the largest, the Cassadora Springs Fire. California: Number of fires: 25. Total size: More than 345,000 acres Cause: The August complex, made up of 20 individual fires, was caused by lightning strikes in the Mendocino National Forest.

Colorado: Number of fires: Five. Size: More than 135,000 acres. Smoke is covering much of Colorado, and the Denver metro area is under an air quality alert. Cause: The Pine Gulch Fire, the largest burning now, was caused by lightning.

Many of the fires currently burning across the U.S have been started by lightening, but the old devil remains hidden in the background, while science chalks it all up to global warming or dry storms. This is one of the reasons why God had to pull back the curtain via the chronicles of Job, to reveal what many are too reluctant to acknowledge in our day, that lightning strikes cannot only be attributed to the weather. Evil angels can and have often brought lightening to cause destruction, just as in the days of Job. Let’s read:

Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

In the time of Moses, when the Hebrews were in bondage, because of pharaoh’s stubbornness, God let go the leash just a bit, and His restraining power, which has always protected the human family, was lifted from off the Egyptians for a single day. What followed was a tremendous plague of hail and lightening, of which the explanation of what really took place is given in the Psalms.

There are forces now, ready and waiting to cause major disasters on the earth, but permission must be granted first, and in our next segment we will study why permission is at times granted. Let’s read:

Exodus 9:19 Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die. 23 And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the Lord sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the Lord rained hail upon the land of Egypt. 24 So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.

(What actually took place?) Psalms 78:48 He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts. 49 He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.

The next calamity that was brought upon Job by the devil was as the Bible describes it A Great Wind. Like lightening, devils can also produce tornadoes and hurricanes to bring disaster and carnage across the world, as they have done recently, increasing in frequency and severity, as the records also show. If a drinking glass is pushed from off of a table to the ground it will break. It matters not whether a child does it or a dog does it the result will be the same.

Similarly, hurricanes can be caused by many tropical disturbances, and they can also be caused by devils. This is explicitly stated in the chronicles of Job, to the intent that we would not chalk up everything to merely scientific causes. The wind that smote the house on its four corners was a deadly tornado that was spawned directly by the devil. Let’s read:

Job 1:19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.

This brings us to the last and final affliction that was the direct result of satanic intervention, and which we are now grappling with across the globe, just in a different form. Boils. Boils represent any form of sickness, disease, physical or mental malady or pandemic that occurs as the result of the work of evil angels.

Whilst it is true that not every affliction may arise directly from their covert activities, yet the Bible clearly states that they have the ability to bring on such things, and as such, there are certain instances where a change in treatments, might be necessary. Drugs are often used to treat spiritual maladies in our day, but now, The Lord is going to expose the real cause, in many instances. Let’s read:

Luke 13:10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. 12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. 14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day. 15 The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?

16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

Mark 9:15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. 16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? 17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he tears him: and he foams, and gnashes with his teeth, and pines away: and I spoke to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. 20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him?

And he said, Of a child. 25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up; and he arose.

WHAT IS TOURETTE SYNDROME?

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder defined by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations, called tics. The condition is named for Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette who first described it in 1885. Because the incidence of this condition has skyrocketed over the last few decades, especially in western countries, and since the media has been giving it more attention, it’s now much more recognized. Once considered rare and unusual, Tourette syndrome is now considered “common.”

The National Institute of Health estimates (2015) that in the USA 1 in 100 have a mild case of tics and 200,000 have a severe form of Tourette’s. However, some research suggests these may be significant underestimates. A study of schoolchildren in and around Rochester, New York in 2001 revealed that nearly 20% of students in elementary through high school had some level of tics.

Although many millions of dollars have been spent in research over the past 40 years, the underlying causes of Tourette syndrome have not been clearly identified. Conventional medical efforts have focused on genetics, yet, attempts to isolate the genes involved have failed to yield suitable treatments.

For centuries, the protective shield of God has been covering the human family from dangers, seen and unseen, but as we approach the climax of earth’s history, the Bible tells us that adverse occurrences, and incidents of a supernatural nature will multiply across the globe. And as such, we will need to study all the remedial actions given in the scriptures so as to avert danger, if and wherever possible.

It is very important that the human family understand the sources of their problems, for if we conclude that God is doing these things to us, then we would not view Him as our Friend, and that will lead to an ultimate rejection of His offers of salvation. In our next segment, we will address the mitigations and remedies given in the Bible, but until then, let us bear in mind that Jesus is the friend of man, not our enemy, and His gracious overtures to save us is not only from sin, but its consequences.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture that should help us to lift our heads heavenward, from whence comes our help, for as the world digs itself deeper into the hole, we will discover that it is only God who can save us from ourselves. 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!