without you O Lord where would I be without you my soul would be filled with hopelessness THANK YOU for allowing me to be afflicted so that I could learn true wisdom comes from THE MOST HIGH the FATHER of Jesus Christ my Lord and savior
Good morning Father thank you for saving me so many years ago no more drugs or alcohol Thank you for all your blessings and grace Mercy father help me so I can take care of my wife she needs a liver transplant Amen 🙏
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each, I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints; other times there was only one. During the low periods of my life I could see only one set of footprints, so I said, "You promised me, Lord, that you would walk with me always. Why, when I have needed you most, have you not been there for me?" The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you
@@gensha4770 Thank you for your For yours My wife was not a drinker. She has fatty liver. I couldn't understand why she has that sourceswhen I was the drinker in the family, not her? I was saved in 1978. I believe the Lord did that so I would be able to take care of her in my family.
@ I’m so sorry to hear that, and you are right, you are here for important reasons. May God bless you both with good health and with a wonderful life! Have a good day and know that God will heal her. 💞
In every situation, remember that you're never alone. God leads the way, stands by your side, and walks behind you. Approach life with confidence, knowing that God is with you every step of the way. Amen! 🙏❤🙌
I command your cancer to be in remission and to be flushed out of your body, with your daily bodily functions., as no disease or sickness can remain. In Jesus Christ's Mighty and Matchless Name, I Humbly Pray, with so much Love, Light, Peace, Joy and Blessings to you. Amen 🎚️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🎚️🔥⚔️🪽🕊️🛡️🦅⚔️🔥
I love you all, Praise Yeshua and our Father. I'm happy you're all out there battling your temptations your sins. Even if you're losing right now, the desire for repentance and the love you have to come here i pray for you all.
In You I trust, in You is the meaning to Life, In You we Joy! In You we praise, In You Jesus we worship, In You we have peace... Thank you so much God for helping and saving us, children of God we love You!!
The word of God is New everyday and so we feed on something different everyday which gives us the Strength to Overcome whatever we may face just continue to Believe and Receive it in the mighty name of Jesus Amen ❤🕊✨️🕊
When I was 11, I seen a demon. My mom, and cousin know it's true. I opened up to Psalms 91, randomly. After that, I had years of chaos, then In my 40s , Jesus Christ saved my life and delivered me from schizophrenia, addiction and blood clots from drugs and hell ❤️💯 led me here! Delivered me from weed and cigarettes, toxic relationships with family, friends and I need prayer for fasting, it's the last vice. I cut beef and pork, and need prayer! To fast as I should. God bless you brother ❤️
Same here. Everything you said same with me. My name is Lauren. I am 43. Born 6/9/80. Jennifer I am praying for us. Lord give us strength to fast and pray ..every other maybe every 3rd day ..start slow. God bless you. We survived God gave us a second chance ❤ Thank you Jesus for grace and mercy Help us be better help us bless us protect us lord 🙏 ❤
EZEKIEL 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Even in the darkest of nights, know that God is the light that guides your path. Trust in His unfailing love and let it illuminate your way forward. With Him by your side, you can face tomorrow with confidence. Amen.
⁸ Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. *-Luke 21:8*
*Maranatha* *Satan Personates Christ-1* *July 16* ⁸ Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. *-Luke 21:8* Mar 205.1 “In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be fully made void in the nations of our world. Rebellion against God’s holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth, *`Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.’”[Revelation 18:8]* Mar 205.2 Disguised as an angel of light, he [Satan] will walk the earth as a wonder-worker. In beautiful language he will present lofty sentiments. Good words will be spoken by him, and good deeds performed. Christ will be personified, but on one point there will be a marked distinction. Satan will turn the people from the law of God. Mar 205.3 He will declare that the Sabbath has been changed from the seventh to the first day of the week; and as lord of the first day of the week he will present this spurious sabbath as a test of loyalty to him. Mar 205.4 It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who shall be alive upon the earth when celestial glory and a repetition of the persecutions of the past are blended. They will walk in the light proceeding from the throne of God. By means of the angels there will be constant communication between heaven and earth. And Satan, surrounded by evil angels, and claiming to be God, will work miracles of all kinds, to deceive, if possible, the very elect. God’s people will not find their safety in working miracles, for Satan will counterfeit the miracles that will be wrought. God’s tried and tested people will find their power in the sign spoken of in *Exodus 31:12-18.* They are to take their stand on the living word: *“It is written.”* This is the only foundation upon which they can stand securely. Mar 205.5
*Maranatha* *Satan Personates Christ-2* *July 17* ¹⁴ And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. *-2 Corinthians 11:14* Mar 206.1 Satan is preparing his deceptions that in his last campaign against the people of God, they may not understand that it is he. *“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”* ... Satan will go to the extent of his power to harass, tempt, and mislead God’s people. Mar 206.2 He who dared to face, and tempt, and taunt our Lord, and who had power to take Him in his arms and carry Him to a pinnacle of the temple, and up into an exceeding high mountain, will exercise his power to a wonderful degree upon the present generation, who are far inferior in wisdom to their Lord, and who are almost wholly ignorant of his subtlety and strength. Mar 206.3 In a marvelous manner will he affect the bodies of those who are naturally inclined to do his bidding. Mar 206.4 He will come personating Jesus Christ, working mighty miracles; and men will fall down and worship him as Jesus Christ. Mar 206.5 We shall be commanded to worship this being, whom the world will glorify as Christ. What shall we do? *-Tell them that Christ has warned us against just such a foe, who is man’s worst enemy, yet who claims to be God; and that when Christ shall make His appearance, it will be with power and great glory, accompanied by ten thousand times ten thousand angels and thousands of thousands; and that when He shall come, we shall know His voice.* Mar 206.6 The time is coming when Satan will work miracles right in your sight, claiming that he is Christ; and if your feet are not firmly established upon the truth of God, then you will be led away from your foundation. Mar 206.7 Satan is determined to keep up the warfare to the end. Coming as an angel of light, claiming to be the Christ, he will deceive the world. But his triumph will be short. No storm or tempest can move those whose feet are planted on the principles of eternal truth. They will be able to stand in this time of almost universal apostasy. Mar 206.8
*Maranatha* *The Crowning Act of Deception* *September 25* ¹⁰ Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. *-Revelation 3:10* Mar 276.1 As the second appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ draws near, satanic agencies are moved from beneath. Satan will not only appear as a human being, but he will personate Jesus Christ; and the world who has rejected the truth will receive him as the Lord of lords and King of kings. Mar 276.2 The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction will reach its culmination in the time of trouble.... Mar 276.3 As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour’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. *Revelation 1:13-15.* 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 Saviour 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. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming his name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion. Like the Samaritans who were deceived by Simon Magus, the multitudes, from the least to the greatest, give heed to these sorceries, saying: This is *“the great power of God.”* *Acts 8:10* Mar 276.4 But the people of God will not be misled. The teachings of this false Christ are not in accordance with the Scriptures. Mar 276.5
Today lord I ask for you guidance as I approach this new day with a new task ahead many are waiting on me to fail but with God by m side today I will be successful
Pray for my daughter Vanessa and her boyfriend Robby they are so busy in life they know Jesus but I pray they get married they are living together fill them with the Holy Spirit cover them with the blood of Jesus I pray for this salvation show them the way the truth and the life with you out people will life, put Godly people into their lives and bless them, give them peace and comfort in their life in Jesus name Amen 🙏🏻 ❤
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each, I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints; other times there was only one. During the low periods of my life I could see only one set of footprints, so I said, "You promised me, Lord, that you would walk with me always. Why, when I have needed you most, have you not been there for me?" The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you
Live by obedience to the HOLY SPIRIT and GOD’s GRACE by living like JESUS CHRIST showed us and taught us through his GOSPELS. Remain faithful to GOD. It starts by repenting of all sins, seeking him, read his words, align your thoughts, mind, and heart with GOD’s LOVE in JESUS CHRIST. It the purest of love and peace you’ll ever feel. May GOD BLESS YOU all ❤
I pray to my Lord and savior for the salvation of my children Eric his wife Joanna for they have fallen away from the truth and live in this world, break that chain father you did it for me I believe you can do it for them, plz pray for my children for they are not being taught Gods word fill them all with the Holy Spirit and show them the way the truth and life you are the only way father I give all honor and glory to you show them the love you have for them in Jesus name I pray 🙏🏻 ❤ cover them with the blood of Jesus open their hearts so they may hear you calling them back to you.
Timestamps *Chapters and substories/sections Ch 1 Preface: 0:19 (or 0:00 if you're patient) Birth of John foretold: 0:55 The Birth of Jesus foretold: 4:00 Mary visits Elisabeth: 6:00 The song of Mary: 6:54 The birth of John the Baptist: 8:02 The song of Zacharias: 9:08 Ch 2 The birth of Jesus: 10:48 The angels and the shepherds: 11:41 Jesus presented in the temple: 13:32 The boy Jesus in the temple: 16:27 Ch 3 John The Baptist: 18:02 The baptism of Jesus: 21:17 The genealogy of Jesus: 21:40 Ch 4 The temptation in the wilderness: 24:17 Jesus rejected at Nazareth: 26:28 The unclean spirit cast out: 28:39 The sick healed, devils cast out: 29:36 Ch 5 The call of the first disciples: 30:49 The leper cleansed: 32:22 A man palsy healed: 33:06 The call of Levi: 34:37 The question about fasting: 35:18 Ch 6 Jesus the Lord of the Sabbath: 36:26 The choosing of the Twelve: 38:02 Beatitudes and woes: 38:38 The law of love: 39:59 Judging others: 41:12 The wise and foolish builders: 42:51 Ch 7 The centurion's servant healed: 43:41 The raising of the widow's son: 45:06 Tribute to John the Baptist: 46:06 Jesus forgives a sinful woman: 48:56 Ch 8 The parable of the sower: 51:29 Jesus' true family: 54:14 The storm stilled: 54:32 Devils cast out: 55:24 A ruler's daughter raised: 57:29 Ch 9 The mission of the Twelve: 59:56 The five thousand fed: 1:00:59 Peter's confession of faith: 1:02:11 The transfiguration: 1:03:40 A demoniac boy healed: 1:04:56 True discipleship: 1:06:09 James and John rebuked: 1:06:45 The teaching about discipleship: 1:07:27 Ch 10 The mission of the seventy: 1:08:30 The good Samaritan: 1:12:02 Jesus visits Mary and Martha: 1:13:51 Ch 11 Jesus' teaching on prayer: 1:14:40 The Pharisees' slander: 1:16:35 Warning against seeking signs: 1:18:33 The parable of the lighted candle: The warning against Pharisaism: 1:19:56 Ch 12 The value of life: 1:22:38 The parable of the rich rich fool: 1:24:18 The teaching about anxiety: 1:25:29 Parable of the watching servants: 1:27:08 Jesus the divider: 1:29:10 Interpreting the present time: 1:29:48 Ch 13 Jesus' call to repentance: 1:30:45 A woman healed on the Sabbath: 1:31:56 Parables about the kingdom: 1:33:08 The strait gate: 1:33:36 The lament over Jerusalem: 1:34:47 Ch 14 Jesus heals on the Sabbath: 1:35:51 The honoured place: 1:36:26 The parable of the great supper: 1:37:42 The cost of discipleship: 1:39:03 Ch 15: 1:40:34 The parable of the lost sheep: 1:40:48 The lost piece of silver: 1:41:24 The parable of the lost son: 1:41:50 Ch 16 The unrighteous steward: 1:44:58 The rich man and Lazarus: 1:47:42 Ch 17 Faith and forgiveness: 1:49:42 The healing of the ten lepers: 1:51:13 The coming of the kingdom: 1:52:10 Ch 18 The widow and the judge: 1:54:31 The Pharisee and the publican: 1:55:24 Jesus and the little children: 1:56:17 The rich young ruler: 1:56:44 Jesus again foretells his death: 1:58:18 A blind man healed: 1:58:48 Ch 19 The conversation of Zacchaeus: 1:59:54 The parable of the pounds: 2:01:04 The triumphal entry: 2:03:14 The cleansing of the temple: 2:05:21 Ch 20 Jesus' authority challenged: 2:05:56 The parable of the husbandmen: 2:06:49 Tribute to Caesar: 2:08:20 Sadducees and the resurrection: 2:09:26 The question about David's son: 2:10:57 Ch 21 The widow's offering: 2:11:48 Signs of the end of this age: 2:12:15 Ch 22 The plot to kill Jesus: 2:16:44 The last supper: 2:17:21 Jesus' agony in Gethsemane: 2:21:12 Jesus' betrayal and arrest: 2:22:04 Peter's denial of Jesus: 2:22:58 Jesus before Pontius Pilate: 2:24:26 Ch 23: 2:25:17 Jesus crucified: 2:28:19 The death of Jesus: 2:30:56 Jesus laid in the sepulchre: 2:31:52 Ch 24 The resurrection of Jesus: 2:32:49 The walk of Emmaus: 2:34:15 Jesus appears to the ten: 2:37:12 Jesus' ascension: 2:38:53 *Chapters Ch 1: 0:00 (or 0:19 if you're impatient) Ch 1: 0:55 (No preface) Ch 2 10:48 Ch 3: 18:02 Ch 4: 24:17 Ch 5: 30:49 Ch 6: 36:26 Ch 7: 43:41 Ch 8: 51:29 Ch 9: 59:56 Ch 10: 1:08:31 Ch 11: 1:14:40 Ch 12: 1:22:38 Ch 13: 1:30:46 Ch 14: 1:35:51 Ch 15: 1:40:34 Ch 16: 1:44:57 Ch 17: 1:49:42 Ch 18: 1:54:31 Ch 19: 1:59:54 Ch 20: 2:05:56 Ch 21: 2:11:48 Ch 22: 2:16:45 Ch 23: 2:25:17 Ch 24: 2:25:16 Ch 25: 2:32:50
*1:47:41* *Chapter 21-“A Great Gulf Fixed”* This chapter is based on Luke 16:19-31. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Christ shows that in this life men decide their eternal destiny. During probationary time the grace of God is offered to every soul. But if men waste their opportunities in self-pleasing, they cut themselves off from everlasting life. No after-probation will be granted them. By their own choice they have fixed an impassable gulf between them and their God. COL 260.1 This parable draws a contrast between the rich who have not made God their dependence, and the poor who have made God their dependence. Christ shows that the time is coming when the position of the two classes will be reversed. Those who are poor in this world's goods, yet who trust in God and are patient in suffering, will one day be exalted above those who now hold the highest positions the world can give but who have not surrendered their life to God. COL 260.2 *“There was a certain rich man,”* Christ said, *“which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table.”* COL 260.3 The rich man did not belong to the class represented by the unjust judge, who openly declared his disregard for God and man. He claimed to be a son of Abraham. He did not treat the beggar with violence or require him to go away because the sight of him was disagreeable. If the poor, loathsome specimen of humanity could be comforted by beholding him as he entered his gates, the rich man was willing that he should remain. But he was selfishly indifferent to the needs of his suffering brother. COL 261.1 There were then no hospitals in which the sick might be cared for. The suffering and needy were brought to the notice of those to whom the Lord had entrusted wealth, that they might receive help and sympathy. Thus it was with the beggar and the rich man. Lazarus was in great need of help; for he was without friends, home, money, or food. Yet he was allowed to remain in this condition day after day, while the wealthy nobleman had every want supplied. The one who was abundantly able to relieve the sufferings of his fellow creature, lived to himself, as many live today. COL 261.2 There are today close beside us many who are hungry, naked, and homeless. A neglect to impart of our means to these needy, suffering ones places upon us a burden of guilt which we shall one day fear to meet. All covetousness is condemned as idolatry. All selfish indulgence is an offense in God's sight. COL 261.3 God had made the rich man a steward of His means, and it was his duty to attend to just such cases as that of the beggar. The command had been given, *“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5);* and *“thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18).* The rich man was a Jew, and he was acquainted with the command of God. But he forgot that he was accountable for the use of his entrusted means and capabilities. The Lord's blessings rested upon him abundantly, but he employed them selfishly, to honor himself, not his Maker. In proportion to his abundance was his obligation to use his gifts for the uplifting of humanity. This was the Lord's command, but the rich man had no thought of his obligation to God. He lent money, and took interest for what he loaned; but he returned no interest for what God had lent him. He had knowledge and talents, but did not improve them. Forgetful of his accountability to God, he devoted all his powers to pleasure. Everything with which he was surrounded, his round of amusements, the praise and flattery of his friends, ministered to his selfish enjoyment. So engrossed was he in the society of his friends that he lost all sense of his responsibility to co-operate with God in His ministry of mercy. He had opportunity to understand the word of God, and to practice its teachings; but the pleasure-loving society he chose so occupied his time that he forgot the God of eternity. COL 261.4 The time came when a change took place in the condition of the two men. The poor man had suffered day by day, but he had patiently and quietly endured. In the course of time he died and was buried. There was no one to mourn for him; but by his patience in suffering he had witnessed for Christ, he had endured the test of his faith, and at his death he is represented as being carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. COL 262.1 Lazarus represents the suffering poor who believe in Christ. When the trumpet sounds and all that are in the graves hear Christ's voice and come forth, they will receive their reward; for their faith in God was not a mere theory, but a reality. COL 262.2 *“The rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”* COL 263.1 In this parable Christ was meeting the people on their own ground. The doctrine of a conscious state of existence between death and the resurrection was held by many of those who were listening to Christ's words. The Saviour knew of their ideas, and He framed His parable so as to inculcate important truths through these preconceived opinions. He held up before His hearers a mirror wherein they might see themselves in their true relation to God. He used the prevailing opinion to convey the idea He wished to make prominent to all-that no man is valued for his possessions; for all he has belongs to him only as lent by the Lord. A misuse of these gifts will place him below the poorest and most afflicted man who loves God and trusts in Him. COL 263.2 Christ desires His hearers to understand that it is impossible for men to secure the salvation of the soul after death. *“Son,”* Abraham is represented as answering, *“remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed; so that they which would pass from hence to you can not; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.”* Thus Christ represented the hopelessness of looking for a second probation. This life is the only time given to man in which to prepare for eternity. COL 263.3 The rich man had not abandoned the idea that he was a child of Abraham, and in his distress he is represented as calling upon him for aid. *“Father Abraham,”* he prayed, *“have mercy on me.”* He did not pray to God, but to Abraham. Thus he showed that he placed Abraham above God, and that he relied on his relationship to Abraham for salvation. The thief on the cross offered his prayer to Christ. *“Remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom,” he said. (Luke 23:42.)* And at once the response came, Verily I say unto thee today (as I hang on the cross in humiliation and suffering), thou shalt be with Me in Paradise. But the rich man prayed to Abraham, and his petition was not granted. Christ alone is exalted to be *“a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31. “Neither is there salvation in any other.” Acts 4:12.* COL 263.4 The rich man had spent his life in self-pleasing, and too late he saw that he had made no provision for eternity. He realized his folly, and thought of his brothers, who would go on as he had gone, living to please themselves. Then he made the request, *“I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him [Lazarus] to my father's house; for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.”* But *“Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham; but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.”* COL 264.1 When the rich man solicited additional evidence for his brothers, he was plainly told that should this evidence be given, they would not be persuaded. His request cast a reflection on God. It was as if the rich man had said, If you had more thoroughly warned me, I should not now be here. Abraham in his answer to this request is represented as saying, Your brothers have been sufficiently warned. Light has been given them, but they would not see; truth has been presented to them, but they would not hear. COL 264.2 *“If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”* These words were proved true in the history of the Jewish nation. Christ's last and crowning miracle was the raising of Lazarus of Bethany, after he had been dead four days. The Jews were given this wonderful evidence of the Saviour's divinity, but they rejected it. Lazarus rose from the dead and bore his testimony before them, but they hardened their hearts against all evidence, and even sought to take his life. *(John 12:9-11.)* COL 265.1 The law and the prophets are God's appointed agencies for the salvation of men. Christ said, Let them give heed to these evidences. If they do not listen to the voice of God in His word, the testimony of a witness raised from the dead would not be heeded. COL 265.2
Those who heed Moses and the prophets will require no greater light than God has given; but if men reject the light, and fail to appreciate the opportunities granted them, they would not hear if one from the dead should come to them with a message. They would not be convinced even by this evidence; for those who reject the law and the prophets so harden their hearts that they will reject all light. COL 265.3 The conversation between Abraham and the once-rich man is figurative. The lesson to be gathered from it is that every man is given sufficient light for the discharge of the duties required of him. Man's responsibilities are proportionate to his opportunities and privileges. God gives to every one sufficient light and grace to do the work He has given him to do. If man fails to do that which a little light shows to be his duty, greater light would only reveal unfaithfulness, neglect to improve the blessings given. *“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10.* Those who refuse to be enlightened by Moses and the prophets and ask for some wonderful miracle to be performed would not be convinced if their wish were granted. COL 265.4 The parable of the rich man and Lazarus shows how the two classes represented by these men are estimated in the unseen world. There is no sin in being rich if riches are not acquired by injustice. A rich man is not condemned for having riches, but condemnation rests upon him if the means entrusted to him is spent in selfishness. Far better might he lay up his money beside the throne of God, by using it to do good. Death cannot make any man poor who thus devotes himself to seeking eternal riches. But the man who hoards his treasure for self can not take any of it to heaven. He has proved himself to be an unfaithful steward. During his lifetime he had his good things, but he was forgetful of his obligation to God. He failed of securing the heavenly treasure. COL 266.1 The rich man who had so many privileges is represented to us as one who should have cultivated his gifts, so that his works should reach to the great beyond, carrying with them improved spiritual advantages. It is the purpose of redemption, not only to blot out sin, but to give back to man those spiritual gifts lost because of sin's dwarfing power. Money cannot be carried into the next life; it is not needed there; but the good deeds done in winning souls to Christ are carried to the heavenly courts. But those who selfishly spend the Lord's gifts on themselves, leaving their needy fellow creatures without aid and doing nothing to advance God's work in the world, dishonor their Maker. Robbery of God is written opposite their names in the books of heaven. COL 266.2 The rich man had all that money could procure, but he did not possess the riches that would have kept his account right with God. He had lived as if all that he possessed were his own. He had neglected the call of God and the claims of the suffering poor. But at length there comes a call which he cannot neglect. By a power which he cannot question or resist he is commanded to quit the premises of which he is no longer steward. The once-rich man is reduced to hopeless poverty. The robe of Christ's righteousness, woven in the loom of heaven, can never cover him. He who once wore the richest purple, the finest linen, is reduced to nakedness. His probation is ended. He brought nothing into the world, and he can take nothing out of it. COL 267.1 Christ lifted the curtain and presented this picture before priests and rulers, scribes and Pharisees. Look at it, you who are rich in this world's goods and are not rich toward God. Will you not contemplate this scene? That which is highly esteemed among men is abhorrent in the sight of God. Christ asks, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36, 37. COL 267.2
*“And now also,”* said the prophet, *“the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”* *-Luke 3:9* *Not by its name, but by its fruit, is the value of a tree determined.* If the fruit is worthless, *the name cannot save the tree from destruction.* John declared to the Jews that their standing before God was to be decided by their character and life. *Profession was worthless.* If their life and character were not in harmony with God’s Law, they were Not His people. -DA 107.1 Under his heart-searching words, his hearers were convicted. They came to him with the inquiry, *“What shall we do then?”* He answered, *“He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.”* And he warned the publicans against injustice, and the soldiers against violence. DA 107.2 All who became the subjects of Christ’s kingdom, he said, would give evidence of faith and repentance. Kindness, honesty, and fidelity would be seen in their lives. They would minister to the needy, and bring their offerings to God. They would shield the defenseless, and give an example of virtue and compassion. So the followers of Christ will give evidence of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. In the daily life, justice, mercy, and the love of God will be seen. Otherwise they are like the chaff that is given to the fire. DA 107.3 *“I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance,”* said John; *“but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.”* Matthew 3:11, R. V., margin. The prophet Isaiah had declared that the Lord would cleanse His people from their iniquities *“by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.”* The word of the Lord to Israel was, *“I will turn My hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin.”* Isaiah 4:4; 1:25. To sin, wherever found, *“our God is a consuming fire.”* Hebrews 12:29. In all who submit to His power the Spirit of God will consume sin. But if men cling to sin, they become identified with it. Then the glory of God, which destroys sin, must destroy them. Jacob, after his night of wrestling with the Angel, exclaimed, *“I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”* Genesis 32:30. Jacob had been guilty of a great sin in his conduct toward Esau; but he had repented. His transgression had been forgiven, and his sin purged; therefore he could endure the revelation of God’s presence. But wherever men came before God while willfully cherishing evil, they were destroyed. At the second advent of Christ the wicked shall be consumed *“with the Spirit of His mouth,” and destroyed “with the brightness of His coming.”* 2 Thessalonians 2:8. The light of the glory of God, which imparts life to the righteous, will slay the wicked. DA 107.4
I wish I could walk the path that JESUS CHRIST our LORD OF LORD AND KING OF KINGS walked. I would have fallen on his feet and sobbed. How could people not see that he is the MESSIAH… His second coming will be powerful and his wrath will be poured on evil once and for all.
*“Strive to enter in at the strait gate.”-Luke 13:24.* The belated traveler, hurrying to reach the city gate by the going down of the sun, could not turn aside for any attractions by the way. His whole mind was bent on the one purpose of entering the gate. The same intensity of purpose, said Jesus, is required in the Christian life. I have opened to you the glory of character, which is the true glory of My kingdom. It offers you no promise of earthly dominion; yet it is worthy of your supreme desire and effort. I do not call you to battle for the supremacy of the world’s great empire, but do not therefore conclude that there is no battle to be fought nor victories to be won. I bid you strive, agonize, to enter into My spiritual kingdom. The Christian life is a battle and a march. But the victory to be gained is not won by human power. The field of conflict is the domain of the heart. The battle which we have to fight-the greatest battle that was ever fought by man-is the surrender of self to the will of God, the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty of love. The old nature, born of blood and of the will of the flesh, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The hereditary tendencies, the former habits, must be given up. He who determines to enter the spiritual kingdom will find that all the powers and passions of an unregenerate nature, backed by the forces of the kingdom of darkness, are arrayed against him. Selfishness and pride will make a stand against anything that would show them to be sinful. We cannot, of ourselves, conquer the evil desires and habits that strive for the mastery. We cannot overcome the mighty foe who holds us in his thrall. God alone can give us the victory. He desires us to have the mastery over ourselves, our own will and ways. But He cannot work in us without our consent and co-operation. The divine Spirit works through the faculties and powers given to man. Our energies are required to co-operate with God. The victory is not won without much earnest prayer, without the humbling of self at every step. Our will is not to be forced into co-operation with divine agencies, but it must be voluntarily submitted. Were it possible to force upon you with a hundredfold greater intensity the influence of the Spirit of God, it would not make you a Christian, a fit subject for heaven. The stronghold of Satan would not be broken. The will must be placed on the side of God’s will. You are not able, of yourself, to bring your purposes and desires and inclinations into submission to the will of God; but if you are *“willing to be made willing,”* God will accomplish the work for you, even *“casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5.* Then you will *“work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12, 13.* But many are attracted by the beauty of Christ and the glory of heaven, who yet shrink from the conditions by which alone these can become their own. There are many in the broad way who are not fully satisfied with the path in which they walk. They long to break from the slavery of sin, and in their own strength they seek to make a stand against their sinful practices. They look toward the narrow way and the strait gate; but selfish pleasure, love of the world, pride, unsanctified ambition, place a barrier between them and the Saviour. To renounce their own will, their chosen objects of affection or pursuit, requires a sacrifice at which they hesitate and falter and turn back. Many *“will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13:24.* They desire the good, they make some effort to obtain it; but they do not choose it; they have not a settled purpose to secure it at the cost of all things. The only hope for us if we would overcome is to unite our will to God’s will and work in co-operation with Him, hour by hour and day by day. We cannot retain self and yet enter the kingdom of God. If we ever attain unto holiness, it will be through the renunciation of self and the reception of the mind of Christ. Pride and self-sufficiency must be crucified. *Are we willing to pay the price required of us? Are we willing to have our will brought into perfect conformity to the will of God?* Until we are willing, the transforming grace of God cannot be manifest upon us. The warfare which we are to wage is the *“good fight of faith.” “I also labor,” said the apostle Paul, “striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.” Colossians 1:29.* Jacob, in the great crisis of his life, turned aside to pray. He was filled with one overmastering purpose-to seek for transformation of character. But while he was pleading with God, an enemy, as he supposed, placed his hand upon him, and all night he wrestled for his life. But the purpose of his soul was not changed by peril of life itself. When his strength was nearly spent, the Angel put forth His divine power, and at His touch Jacob knew Him with whom he had been contending. Wounded and helpless, he fell upon the Saviour’s breast, pleading for a blessing. He would not be turned aside nor cease his intercession, and Christ granted the petition of this helpless, penitent soul, according to His promise, *“Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5.* Jacob pleaded with determined spirit, *“I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Genesis 32:26.* This spirit of persistence was inspired by Him who wrestled with the patriarch. It was He who gave him the victory, and He changed his name from Jacob to Israel, saying, *“As a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” Genesis 32:28.* That for which Jacob had vainly wrestled in his own strength was won through self-surrender and steadfast faith. *“This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4.* -Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings Chapter 6
*“Beware of false prophets.”-Matthew 7:15.* Teachers of falsehood will arise to draw you away from the narrow path and the strait gate. Beware of them; though concealed in sheep’s clothing, inwardly they are ravening wolves. Jesus gives a test by which false teachers may be distinguished from the true. *“Ye shall know them by their fruits,”* He says. *“Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”* We are not bidden to prove them by their fair speeches and exalted professions. They are to be judged by the word of God. *“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them.” “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” Isaiah 8:20; Proverbs 19:27.* What message do these teachers bring? Does it lead you to reverence and fear God? Does it lead you to manifest your love for Him by loyalty to His commandments? If men do not feel the weight of the moral law; if they make light of God’s precepts; if they break one of the least of His commandments, and teach men so, they shall be of no esteem in the sight of heaven. We may know that their claims are without foundation. They are doing the very work that originated with the prince of darkness, the enemy of God. Not all who profess His name and wear His badge are Christ’s. Many who have taught in My name, said Jesus, will be found wanting at last. *“Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.”* There are persons who believe that they are right, when they are wrong. While claiming Christ as their Lord, and professedly doing great works in His name, they are workers of iniquity. *“With their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.”* He who declares God’s word is to them *“as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear Thy words, but they do them not.” Ezekiel 33:31, 32.* A mere profession of discipleship is of no value. The faith in Christ which saves the soul is not what it is represented to be by many. *“Believe, believe,” they say, “and you need not keep the law.”* But a belief that does not lead to obedience is presumption. The apostle John says, *“He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4.* Let none cherish the idea that special providences or miraculous manifestations are to be the proof of the genuineness of their work or of the ideas they advocate. When persons will speak lightly of the word of God, and set their impressions, feelings, and exercises above the divine standard, we may know that they have no light in them. Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of love. When the doctrine we accept kills sin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement, bears fruit unto holiness, we may know that it is the truth of God. When benevolence, kindness, tender heartedness, sympathy, are manifest in our lives; when the joy of right doing is in our hearts; when we exalt Christ, and not self, we may know that our faith is of the right order. *“Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” 1 John 2:3.* -Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings Chapter 6
*“It fell not; for it was founded upon the rock.”* *-Matthew 7:25, R. V.* The people had been deeply moved by the words of Christ. The divine beauty of the principles of truth attracted them; and Christ’s solemn warnings had come to them as the voice of the heart-searching God. His words had struck at the very root of their former ideas and opinions; to obey His teaching would require a change in all their habits of thought and action. It would bring them into collision with their religious teachers; for it would involve the overthrow of the whole structure which for generations the rabbis had been rearing. Therefore, while the hearts of the people responded to His words, few were ready to accept them as the guide of life. Jesus ended His teaching on the mount with an illustration that presented with startling vividness the importance of putting in practice the words He had spoken. Among the crowds that thronged about the Saviour were many who had spent their lives about the Sea of Galilee. As they sat upon the hillside, listening to the words of Christ, they could see valleys and ravines through which the mountain streams found their way to the sea. In summer these streams often wholly disappeared, leaving only a dry and dusty channel. But when the wintry storms burst upon the hills, the rivers became fierce, raging torrents, at times overspreading the valleys and bearing everything away on their resistless flood. Often, then, the hovels reared by the peasants on the grassy plain, apparently beyond the reach of danger, were swept away. But high upon the hills were houses built upon the rock. In some parts of the land were dwellings built wholly of rock, and many of them had withstood the tempests of a thousand years. These houses were reared with toil and difficulty. They were not easy of access, and their location appeared less inviting than the grassy plain. But they were founded upon the rock, and wind and flood and tempest beat upon them in vain. Like the builders of these houses on the rock, said Jesus, is he who shall receive the words that I have spoken to you, and make them the foundation of his character and life. Centuries before, the prophet Isaiah had written, *“The word of our God shall stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8);* and Peter, long after the Sermon on the Mount was given, quoting these words of Isaiah added, *“This is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Peter 1:25).* The word of God is the only steadfast thing our world knows. It is the sure foundation. *“Heaven and earth shall pass away,” said Jesus, “but My words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35.* The great principles of the law, of the very nature of God, are embodied in the words of Christ on the mount. Whoever builds upon them is building upon Christ, the Rock of Ages. In receiving the word, we receive Christ. And only those who thus receive His words are building upon Him. *“Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11. “There is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.* Christ, the Word, the revelation of God,-the manifestation of His character, His law, His love, His life,-is the only foundation upon which we can build a character that will endure. We build on Christ by obeying His word. It is not he who merely enjoys righteousness, that is righteous, but he who does righteousness. Holiness is not rapture; it is the result of surrendering all to God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father. When the children of Israel were encamped on the borders of the Promised Land, it was not enough for them to have a knowledge of Canaan, or to sing the songs of Canaan. This alone would not bring them into possession of the vineyards and olive groves of the goodly land. They could make it theirs in truth only by occupation, by complying with the conditions, by exercising living faith in God, by appropriating His promises to themselves, while they obeyed His instruction. Religion consists in doing the words of Christ; not doing to earn God’s favor, but because, all undeserving, we have received the gift of His love. Christ places the salvation of man, not upon profession merely, but upon faith that is made manifest in works of righteousness. Doing, not saying merely, is expected of the followers of Christ. It is through action that character is built. *“As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14.* Not those whose hearts are touched by the Spirit, not those who now and then yield to its power, but they that are led by the Spirit, are the sons of God. Do you desire to become a follower of Christ, yet know not how to begin? Are you in darkness and know not how to find the light? Follow the light you have. Set your heart to obey what you do know of the word of God. His power, His very life, dwells in His word. As you receive the word in faith, it will give you power to obey. As you give heed to the light you have, greater light will come. You are building on God’s word, and your character will be builded after the similitude of the character of Christ. Christ, the true foundation, is a living stone; His life is imparted to all that are built upon Him. *“Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house.” “Each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord.” 1 Peter 2:5 , R.V.; Ephesians 2:21 , R.V.* The stones became one with the foundation; for a common life dwells in all. That building no tempest can overthrow; for- *“That which shares the life of God,* *With Him surviveth all.”* But every building erected on other foundation than God’s word will fall. He who, like the Jews in Christ’s day, builds on the foundation of human ideas and opinions, of forms and ceremonies of man’s invention, or on any works that he can do independently of the grace of Christ, is erecting his structure of character upon the shifting sand. The fierce tempests of temptation will sweep away the sandy foundation and leave his house a wreck on the shores of time. *“Therefore thus saith the Lord God, ... Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” Isaiah 28:16, 17.* But today mercy pleads with the sinner. *“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?” Ezekiel 33:11.* The voice that speaks to the impenitent today is the voice of Him who in heart anguish exclaimed as He beheld the city of His love: *“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her own brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Luke 13:34, 35 , R.V.* In Jerusalem, Jesus beheld a symbol of the world that had rejected and despised His grace. He was weeping, O stubborn heart, for you! Even when Jesus’ tears were shed upon the mount, Jerusalem might yet have repented, and escaped her doom. For a little space the Gift of heaven still waited her acceptance. So, O heart, to you Christ is still speaking in accents of love: *“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Revelation 3:20; 2 Corinthians 6:2.* You who are resting your hope on self are building on the sand. But it is not yet too late to escape the impending ruin. Before the tempest breaks, flee to the sure foundation. *“Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” “Ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.” Isaiah 28:16, R.V.; **45:22**; **41:10**; **45:17**.* -Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings Chapter 6
Narrow is the way because Jesus is the only way! Only by his blood and trusting completely in his finished redemptive work of the cross are we saved. 🙏❤️
@@lettinggracenarrow is the way because we must die to ourselves, take up our crosses daily and fight the good fight of faith and eradication of sin from our lives through the righteousness made available by what Jesus did at the cross!!! Jesus Himself said He will spit the lukewarm Christian out of His mouth!! You must submit your will to Jesus and do as He commands! Read your Bible!! It is very clear!! Do not trust in the once saved always saved lie that permeates the American church! We must overcome sin! Jesus came to set us free from sin!! But it is a battle daily to wake up early, spend time every day in the secret place, speak in tongues for hours daily, repent and confess to the body before taking communion, take every though captive, and stand for His truth!! Seek the Lord like the woman that would not stop asking the judge to avenge her! We must Love and desire a relationship with our God, and seek His love and righteousness to be imputed to us above all!! Do NOT BE DECEIVED. I beseech you to seek the Lord about where you stand with Him if you are trusting solely on what He did at the cross! That was a way made for us to be reconciled. The battle begins after we repent, confess our sins to the brethren, get baptized for the forgiveness of sins, and receive His glorious Holy spirit so long as we seek to be sanctified and consecrated!! If you aren't seeking sanctification and consecration than the enemy will leave you alone because He knows you won't enter the Lords Kingdom!! I pray the Holy spirit lead and guide you into ALL truth and righteousness and cause you to be consecrated!! We MUST receive the whole loaf of bread that is the word. We CANNOT cherry pick the verses that make us feel warm and fuzzy! The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom my sister!!
The Review and Herald December 27, 1898 *Words of Warning-No. 3* *“Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”* Par. 1 Here, again, the warning regarding the destruction of Jerusalem is blended with the warning of the second advent. The disciples heard Christ’s words, but they did not then fully understand them. It was necessary for the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth, bringing to their remembrance all things that Christ had said to them. They could not understand why he connected the perils of the overthrow of Jerusalem with the perils of the last days. But those who live in this age may understand Christ’s warning, and should place it in the period where it belongs. The gospel must be carried to every kingdom under heaven, and then shall the end come. Par. 2 Christ knew that the disciples could not comprehend the instruction he had given them in answer to their question, “When shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” He knew the terrible future of the once-chosen people of God; but he knew, also, that his disciples could not then fully understand his description of the fearful scenes to be enacted at the destruction of Jerusalem. In his answer, the two events-the destruction of Jerusalem, and the end of the world-were merged into one. It was in mercy to his disciples that Christ blended these events, leaving them to study out the meaning for themselves. Par. 3 Christ had made every effort to keep his disciples informed in regard to the truth. He had given them every opportunity to know the truth. He had invited them to put their confidence in him as the Messiah, and in his mission and work, but they had not yet a proper understanding of the nature of his kingdom. They were thrilled with distress as they listened to his lamentation over Jerusalem; but they did not realize the true meaning of his words. Had Christ opened the future to them as he saw it, they would have been unable to endure the scene. To the last, they looked for a temporal kingdom, to be established at Jerusalem. Christ’s revelation of the scenes to take place at the destruction of Jerusalem, they associated with his personal coming, when he himself would punish the Jews, but would also free them from Roman bondage. He had told them definitely that he would come a second time, and they thought that probably his judgments would fall upon those who had rejected his love. He would then, they thought, lay low every stone in the temple; for they believed that no earthly power could do this. Par. 4 But long before Christ’s second coming, retribution fell upon the apostate nation, which was still further to show its hatred against Christ by its treatment of his followers. Par. 5 From the destruction of Jerusalem, Christ passed on to a much greater event,-the last link in the chain of this earth’s history,-the coming of the Son of God in majesty and glory. “Immediately after the tribulation of those days,” he said, “shall the sun be darkened and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, when they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Par. 6 Christ gave special directions in regard to this event. “Now learn a parable of the fig-tree,” he said; “when his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation [the generation that saw the signs] shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Par. 7 “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” Christ plainly said that he himself could not make known the day or the hour of his second appearing. Had he been at liberty to make this time known, what need would there have been for him to exhort his followers to maintain an attitude of earnest watchfulness, living, working, and waiting as if their time was not their own, but the Lord’s; cultivating fidelity, faith, and love; and purifying the soul through the truth? Par. 8 Christ told his disciples that the time of his coming was involved in secrecy; yet notwithstanding this, there have been and will be those who claim to know when this great event will take place. Very earnest they are in trying to map out the future, which the Lord has placed in a thick cloud; and notwithstanding their failures, they continue their work. But their reasoning is false, and the Lord has warned them off the ground they occupy; for the coming of the Son of man is God’s mystery. “Secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever.” Par. 9 “But as the days of Noe were,” Christ continued, “so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Christ does not here bring to view a temporal millennium,-a thousand years in which all are to prepare for eternity. He tells us that as it was in Noah’s day, so will it be when the Son of man comes. Par. 10 How was it in Noah’s day?-“God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Had man co-operated with God, there would have been no Cain-worshipers. Abel’s example of obedience would have been followed. Men might have worked out the will of God. They might have obeyed his law, and in obedience they would have found salvation. God and the heavenly universe would have helped them to retain the divine likeness. Longevity would have been preserved; and God would have delighted in the work of his hands. But the inhabitants of the antediluvian world turned from Jehovah, refusing to do his will. They followed their unholy imagination and perverted ideas. “God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, ... Make thee an ark of gopherwood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.... And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die.” Par. 11 Remember the warning, “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” It was because of the wickedness of the inhabitants of the old world, that they were destroyed; and today the world is following in the same way. No flattering signs of millennial glory are to be seen. Human lawmakers open their law-books, and pronounce sentence against those who do not keep their laws. But those who frame and enforce these laws are themselves transgressors of God’s law, and their transgression is filling the earth with wickedness. Betting, horse-racing, gambling, dissipation, lustful practises, untamable passions, are fast filling the earth with violence and moral pollution. Bank failures ruin thousands of families. Widows and orphans are left to starve. Every species of indulgence prevails. Men have become so infatuated with vice that they will not listen to warnings or appeals. Par. 12 “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.... Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Par. 13 This is the day of the Lord’s preparation. He says: “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” The great work from which the mind should not be diverted, is the consideration of our safety in the sight of God. The storm is coming, relentless in its fury. Are we prepared to meet it? Are our feet on the Rock of Ages? Are we one with Christ, as he is one with the Father? Par. 14
*Signs of the Times* *May 21, 1902 - Mercy* God’s love for the fallen race is a peculiar manifestation of love,-a love born of mercy; for human beings are all undeserving. Mercy implies the imperfection of the object toward which it is shown. It was because of sin that mercy was brought into active exercise. Sin is not the object of God’s love, but of His hatred. But He loves and pities the sinner. The erring sons and daughters of Adam are the children of His redemption. Through the gift of His Son He has revealed toward them His infinite love and mercy. He “so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
*Receiving that We May Give* *“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”* Mercy is an attribute that the human agent may share with God. As did Christ, so man may lay hold on the divine arm and be in communication with divine power. To us has been given a service of mercy to perform for our fellow-man. In performing this service, we are laboring together with God. We do well, then, to be merciful, even as our Father in heaven is merciful. *“I will have mercy,”* God says, *“and not sacrifice.”* Mercy is kind, pitiful. Mercy and the love of God purify the soul, beautify the heart, and cleanse the life from selfishness. Mercy is a manifestation of divine love, and is shown by those who, identified with God, serve Him by reflecting the light of heaven upon the pathway of their fellow-creatures. The condition of many persons calls for the exercise of genuine mercy. Christians, in their dealing with one another, are to be controlled by principles of mercy and love. They are to improve every opportunity for helping fellow-beings in distress. The duty of every Christian is plainly outlined in the words: *“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.” “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”* These are the principles that we shall do well to cherish.
*We Receive Mercy as We Bestow Mercy* Let those who desire to perfect a Christlike character ever keep in view the cross on which Christ died a cruel death in order to redeem mankind. Let them ever cherish the same merciful spirit that led the Saviour to make an infinite sacrifice for our redemption. Let not those who themselves have sinned against God, refuse to forgive a repentant sinner. Just as they deal with a fellow-being who is in spirit or in action has done wrong and has afterward repented, so God will deal with them for their defects of character. He who does not show mercy to his fellow-men can not expect to be shielded by the mercy of God. He himself is dependent on the mercy that God has enjoined him to exercise in seeking to restore every unsaved soul brought within the sphere of his influence. If he refuses to cultivate this divine grace, he himself will suffer the result of his neglect. Sometime, when he is in need of the mercy of God and of his fellow-men, he will find himself beyond mercy. The attributes of mercy and love are nearly lost from the hearts of many, many members of the church. We should remember that all make mistakes: even men and women who have had years of experience sometimes err; but God does not cast them off because of their errors; to every erring son and daughter of Adam He gives the privilege of another trial. The true follower of Jesus manifests a Christlike spirit toward his erring brother. Instead of speaking in condemnation, he remembers the words, *“He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”*
*The Need and Effect of Mercy* In the church militant, men will be ever in need of restoration from the results of sin. The one who in some respects is superior to another is in other respects inferior to him. Every human being is subject to temptation, and in need of brotherly interest and sympathy. The exercise of mercy in our daily relations with one another is one of the most effective means of attaining perfection of character; for only those who walk with Christ can be truly merciful. The merciful *“shall obtain mercy.” “The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”* There is sweet peace for the compassionate spirit, a blessed satisfaction in the life of self-forgetful service for the good of others. He who was given his life to God in ministry to His children, is linked with Him who has all the resources of the universe at His command. By the golden chain of the immutable promises his life is bound up with the life of God. The Lord will not fail him in the hour of suffering and need. *“My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”* And in the hour of final need the merciful shall find refuge in the mercy of the compassionate Saviour, and by Him shall be received into everlasting habitations. Mrs. E. G. White
The Review and Herald December 13, 1898 *Words of Warning-No. 1* “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Par. 1 This was the most solemn denunciation ever uttered against Jerusalem. After denouncing the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders, who, while they worshiped the temple, were working with a hatred inspired by Satan to destroy the only One who made the temple sacred, Christ bade adieu to the once hallowed courts. He quitted the temple forever, declaring, *“Your house is left unto you desolate.”* Par. 2 Henceforth a cloud blacker than sackcloth hung over the once favored nation. Looking into the future, Christ saw the gates of Jerusalem burst open by the Roman legions. He saw the walls broken, and the beautiful stones, which had been laid with artistic skill one upon another, torn down, so that not one was left standing. The Arm strong to save had become strong to smite. Par. 3 Solemn judgments had been pronounced against Jerusalem by the prophets. Its iniquity and crime had once caused it to be destroyed, and its people carried captive to Babylon. In their humiliation, many sought the Lord with repentance and confession; and when they returned from captivity, they seemed for a time to reform. In his mercy, God forgave them, and gave them his blessing. *“I will not contend forever,”* he declares, *“neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him.”* Par. 4 But the leaders of the people did not remain converted. They did not, as faithful sentinels, keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. Again and again the word of the Lord through his prophets was rejected. Then God sent his only begotten Son with a message of mercy; but they refused to receive him, and said, *“This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.”* Christ *“came unto his own, and his own received him not.”* Par. 5 The time of the greatest responsibility for the Jewish people was when Christ was among them. And had they but known it, this was also the time of their greatest privilege and blessing. But they refused every overture of mercy, and rejected the Son of God, and thus made themselves guilty of the greatest of all sins. Par. 6 Christ charged the whole nation with this sin. In rejecting my servants and prophets, he said, *you have not only rejected them, but the Son of God, whose you are by creation and by redemption. You would none of my counsel, you despised all my reproof. If you are destroyed, you yourselves will be responsible. I have offered you help because I loved you, but you would not come unto me, that you might have life.* Par. 7 *“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” You have refused to see in me a merciful Saviour, offering your redemption. When God’s heavy judgments fall upon you, you will still refuse to see in me a sin-pardoning Saviour. But you will one day long for the Deliverer who was once among you, and whom you would not receive.* Par. 8 Thus with power and authority our Lord reproved the Jewish nation. *“Ye shall not see me henceforth,”* he continued, “till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” When the Jewish people see Christ again, they will ask no sign. That day will not be to them a day of joy, although, as they see the One they rejected, the acknowledgment will come from their lips, with overwhelming power, *“Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”* When Christ comes in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory, they will praise him whom they once cursed; but it will then be too late. Par. 9 Jerusalem was lost because of its obstinate refusal to acknowledge the truth. This the world is doing today. Men refuse to see the truth that is plainly revealed in the word of God. A *“Thus saith the Lord”* is regarded as of no account, while the words of men are given great authority. And as the inhabitants of Jerusalem were punished, so will those be punished who refuse to receive truth. God would have us realize that by the city of Jerusalem a world is represented. Christ’s utterances regarding the destruction of Jerusalem are ever to be connected with the more terrible destruction of the world. Par. 10 The disciples were unable to understand Christ’s words with reference to the temple. They called his attention to its massive stones, saying, *“Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here.”* The stones of the temple were of the purest marble, of perfect whiteness, and the pillars supporting the porches were of massive dimensions. How such stones could be overthrown, the disciples could not comprehend. They could not understand words which doomed to destruction the walls that had withstood the devastation of armies. Their ideas were vague, and it was difficult for the Lord to make his lessons intelligible to them. Par. 11 As the attention of the rejected One was called to the magnificence of the temple, what must have been his thoughts! The view before him was indeed beautiful; but he said, sadly: *I see it all, and the buildings are indeed wonderful. You point to these stones as apparently indestructible, but listen to my words. I tell you solemnly that the day will come when there shall not be left one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down.* Forty years after Christ uttered this prediction, his words were fulfilled to the letter. In the siege of Jerusalem it is stated that more than a million people perished, and that many were led into captivity. Par. 12 Christ’s words had been spoken in the hearing of a large number of people; but when he was again alone, Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him, saying, *“Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”* Par. 13 In his answer, Jesus did not take up separately the destruction of Jerusalem and the last great day of his coming. He mingled the description of these two events. *When he spoke of the destruction of Jerusalem, his words referred also to the final destruction that will take place when the Lord rises out of his place to punish the world for its iniquity.* The entire chapter in which are recorded Christ’s words regarding this, is a warning to all who shall live during the last scenes of this earth’s history. Par. 14 Turning to his disciples, Christ said, *“Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Many false Messiahs will appear, claiming to work miracles, and declaring that the time for the deliverance of the Jewish nation has come. These will mislead many.* Par. 15 These words were fulfilled. Between the death of Christ and the siege of Jerusalem, many false Christs appeared. But this warning is given also to those who live in this age of the world. The same deceptions practised prior to the destruction of Jerusalem will again be practised. The same events that took place at the overthrow of Jerusalem will take place again. Par. 16 *“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.”* Prior to the destruction of Jerusalem, men wrestled for the supremacy. Emperors were murdered. Those standing next to the throne were slain. *“All these things must come to pass, but the end [of the Jewish nation as a nation] is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”* As the rabbis see these signs, Christ said, they will declare that they are God’s judgments on the nations for holding his chosen people in bondage. They will say that these signs are the tokens of the advent of the Messiah. Be not deceived; they are the beginning of his judgments. The Jewish people have looked to themselves. They have not repented and been converted, that I should heal them. The signs that they argue as tokens of their release from bondage are signs of their destruction. Par. 17
The Review and Herald December 20, 1898 *Words of Warning-No. 2* *“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted,”* Christ continued, *“and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.”* All this the Christians suffered. Fathers and mothers betrayed their children; children betrayed their parents; friends delivered their friends to the Sanhedrin. Until he himself was converted, Saul of Tarsus was exceedingly bitter against all who believed in Christ. He then began to preach Christ and him crucified, and the enemies of the gospel caused him and Silas to be whipped, and thrown into prison. Par. 1 Through the apostles, God gave the Jewish people a last opportunity to repent. But they turned away from every entreaty. In the arrest, the trial, and the imprisonment of his witnesses, God manifested himself. He gave them words to speak, and a tongue and voice with which to vindicate the truth and acknowledge him as the Son of God. They were men of whom the world was not worthy, yet their judges pronounced on them the death sentence. They were not allowed to live and serve their God. By killing them, the Jews crucified afresh the Son of God. Par. 2 So it will be again. But it is over the seventh-day Sabbath that the battle will be fought. The authorities of this world will rise up in their pride and power to make laws to restrict religious liberty. They will assume a right that is God’s alone, and, like Nebuchadnezzar, will think that they can force the conscience, which only God can control. Even now they are making a beginning, and this they will carry forward till they reach a boundary over which they can not step. Then God will interpose in behalf of his loyal, commandment-keeping people. Par. 3 Christ told his disciples that they would be delivered up to councils; but he told them, also, that they were not to be anxious as to how they should vindicate the truth; for he would give them a mouth and wisdom that all their adversaries could not gainsay nor resist. These words were fulfilled at the trial of Stephen, and at the trial of Paul, who made Felix tremble as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come. Par. 4 Whenever persecution takes place, the spectators make decisions either for or against Christ. Because of persecution, many will be offended. The principles of the truth cut directly across their practise, and they will stumble and fall, apostatizing from the faith they once advocated. Many who have professed to love the truth will then show that they have no vital union with the True Vine. They will be cut away, as branches that bear no fruit, and will be bound up with unbelievers, scoffers, and mockers. Par. 5 Those who apostatize in time of trial will bear false witness and betray their brethren, to secure their own safety. They will tell where their brethren are concealed, putting the wolves on their track. Christ has warned us of this, that we may not be surprised at the cruel, unnatural course pursued by friends and relatives. “Little children, it is the last time,” John writes, “and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” Par. 6 “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” False Christs did arise, deceiving the people, and leading great numbers into the desert. Magicians and sorcerers, claiming miraculous power, drew the people after them into the mountain solitudes. But this prophecy was also spoken for the last days. Companies inspired by Satan will be formed to deceive and delude. This will be a sign of the second advent. Par. 7 “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 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. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place (whoso readeth, let him understand), then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains [let there be no presumptuous dallying]: let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house: neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day.” Forty years afterward, at the siege of Jerusalem, the Christians obeyed this warning; and not a Christian perished in the destruction of the city. Par. 8 “Pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day.” Christ made the Sabbath, and he never abolished it. The Sabbath was not rendered null and void by the crucifixion, as many claim. Christ’s death on the cross is an unanswerable argument in favor of the changeless character of every precept of God’s holy law. Par. 9 “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets,” Christ said; “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” As the head of the human family, he lived every precept, every jot, every tittle, of the law. He lived in humanity the life that he requires his followers to live, and therefore there is no excuse for any one to fail of reaching the standard of perfection. Par. 10 Christ emphasizes his words: “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” So long as the heavens and the earth remain, so long will the Sabbath of the fourth commandment hold its claim on the human family. Par. 11 The Sabbath was given to the world as the memorial of creation. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,” God says. “Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: 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 man servant, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 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.” Par. 12 God gave explicit directions concerning his Sabbath. “Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep,” he declared; “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.... Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh he rested, and was refreshed.” Par. 13 But human lawmakers speak, saying: Verily, the first day of the week shall ye keep, because it is the world’s sabbath. The churches keep this day holy, and those under our supervision shall keep it also, because it is so ordained on our statute-books. We have chosen Sunday as the sabbath, and men must keep it. Par. 14 But this day so universally exalted is a spurious sabbath, a common working-day. It is accepted in the place of the day that the Lord has blessed and sanctified; but the sure result of this course may be seen in the punishment which fell upon Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron. As priests of God, these men had been commanded to offer always the fire of God’s own kindling, which was kept burning before God day and night. This was ever to be strictly observed. But Nadab and Abihu drank wine too freely; and because of this their minds were not keen, but confused, and they were unable to distinguish between the sacred and the common. They took their censers, “and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.” Par. 15 God has given full directions regarding his law, so that none need be left in darkness, unless they choose darkness rather than light. But the apostasy of the Jewish nation represents the apostasy that will be made by the world in the last days. Just as the Jews chose darkness in regard to the message that Christ came to the world to bring, so men today are choosing darkness. Sanctified and blessed by God, the Sabbath was designed to be the great memorial of creation, and a blessing to mankind. But men are trampling it underfoot. It is the test of today, as Christ was the test when he was in our world in human form. It will ever stand unmoved, a rock of offense to the Christian world, as was Christ to the Jewish nation. As the rejection of Christ decided the eternal destiny of the Jews, so the rejection of God’s holy memorial will decide the fate of many professing Christians. Par. 16
Men may ignore the Sabbath, they may trample it under their feet; but they can not make it less binding upon them. No one has any excuse for accepting the rubbish that has been piled upon the Sabbath of the Lord. No one has any excuse for accepting a human sabbath, created by him whom God designates as the *“man of sin,”* who shall think to change times and laws. He thinks to, but he does not do it; although he may think thus to show his supremacy over God, he can not change God’s law; this is God’s prerogative only. God is over all kings and rulers. He is God, and besides him there is none else. Par. 17 The statutes of the Lord are to be reverenced and obeyed. God is supreme authority; and when his law is set aside as a matter of no consequence, the transgressor must surely bear the results of his own sin, though God bears long with him. Par. 18
The Joy of the Lord is my strength
without you O Lord where would I be without you my soul would be filled with hopelessness THANK YOU for allowing me to be afflicted so that I could learn true wisdom comes from THE MOST HIGH the FATHER of Jesus Christ my Lord and savior
Good morning Father thank you for saving me so many years ago no more drugs or alcohol Thank you for all your blessings and grace Mercy father help me so I can take care of my wife she needs a liver transplant Amen 🙏
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with
the Lord. Scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In
each, I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were
two sets of footprints; other times there was only one.
During the low periods of my life I could see only one set of
footprints, so I said, "You promised me, Lord, that you would
walk with me always. Why, when I have needed you most,
have you not been there for me?"
The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set
of footprints, my child, is when I carried you
We are praying for your wife❤ he saved me from drugs and alcoholism too.😊 congratulations on your sobriety!
@@gensha4770 Thank you for your For yours My wife was not a drinker. She has fatty liver. I couldn't understand why she has that sourceswhen I was the drinker in the family, not her? I was saved in 1978.
I believe the Lord did that so I would be able to take care of her in my family.
@@CharlesThomas-f3q Aman 🙏🙏
@ I’m so sorry to hear that, and you are right, you are here for important reasons. May God bless you both with good health and with a wonderful life! Have a good day and know that God will heal her. 💞
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.🙏🏻
Glory to God 🙏
Amen Jesus thank you
Thank you for the book.❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Pray that I May abound in God words and with fear and reverance to God words in christ.pray for me.
In every situation, remember that you're never alone. God leads the way, stands by your side, and walks behind you. Approach life with confidence, knowing that God is with you every step of the way. Amen! 🙏❤🙌
I needed to read that today.. so much. You have no idea
Know that Jesus always walks in front of us. We're His followers He's our leader
Amen
Amen
Prayers to abolish the evil Men from the Living area of God and Lord and holy Spirit and disciples
I rebuke the cancer in my body in your name, JESUS CHRIST! AMEN
Have no fear my brother in Christ The King of Kings is with you and for you remember by his stripes you are healed. In the name of JESUS CHRIST
I command your cancer to be in remission and to be flushed out of your body, with your daily bodily functions., as no disease or sickness can remain. In Jesus Christ's Mighty and Matchless Name, I Humbly Pray, with so much Love, Light, Peace, Joy and Blessings to you. Amen 🎚️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🎚️🔥⚔️🪽🕊️🛡️🦅⚔️🔥
If GOD is with us we are complete and a whole again. Praise The LORD GOD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH ❤
Amen thank you Jesus. Protect us
Thank u King Jesus IAm blessed thank u for loving me❤
The spirit of the Lord is upon me.For thy Comfort me.
Amen Amen God love protect and bless you❤
@@gotcha9983kkmo9szbnff,nzzzźcr
He is truly the SON OF GOD that's who he is 💕 I love u KING JESUS ❤😊
He is my friend and deliver in him I thrust
Did you do that during COVID?
One letter can make a big difference
Bless Be To God!!!🙏🙏🙏
I love you all, Praise Yeshua and our Father. I'm happy you're all out there battling your temptations your sins. Even if you're losing right now, the desire for repentance and the love you have to come here i pray for you all.
Yes and i believe thank u Saints for leaving these word for me to read and so i can no JESUS CHRIST OF NAZERATH ‼️😊
In You I trust, in You is the meaning to Life, In You we Joy! In You we praise, In You Jesus we worship, In You we have peace... Thank you so much God for helping and saving us, children of God we love You!!
So rich, Glory to you Father, your word is so good and the sharpest sword of all 🙏
The word of God is New everyday and so we feed on something different everyday which gives us the Strength to Overcome whatever we may face just continue to Believe and Receive it in the mighty name of Jesus Amen ❤🕊✨️🕊
Please Father God have mercy on me and fix my marriage. Lead me into separation or lead me to safety
In Jesus name
May the Lord Jesus hear your prayer and lead you where you should go, in Jesus' name. 🙏
Most High lead this person on the right path let your will be done.
@@paiger6058 has the Lord answered your prayer my sister???
In Jesus name.
God bless everyone reading this. Peace and blessings to all, in Jesus name, amen 🙏 🙌 ❤
Praise God, bless Jesus!
Thank you father for loving us Amen 🙏
Magnificent speaking voice; excellent reading of the Word of God.
I am Saved and so grateful for my Jesus being my stay pslams 18:18 ✝️ ❤️🔥🕊
Lord have Mercy on all of your children, hallelujah praise our Lord🙏❤️
When I was 11, I seen a demon. My mom, and cousin know it's true. I opened up to Psalms 91, randomly. After that, I had years of chaos, then In my 40s , Jesus Christ saved my life and delivered me from schizophrenia, addiction and blood clots from drugs and hell ❤️💯 led me here! Delivered me from weed and cigarettes, toxic relationships with family, friends and I need prayer for fasting, it's the last vice. I cut beef and pork, and need prayer! To fast as I should. God bless you brother ❤️
Beef?
Pork? God made all foods clean!!
You have th we v victory just believe ❤
Same here. Everything you said same with me. My name is Lauren. I am 43. Born 6/9/80. Jennifer I am praying for us. Lord give us strength to fast and pray ..every other maybe every 3rd day ..start slow. God bless you. We survived God gave us a second chance ❤
Thank you Jesus for grace and mercy
Help us be better help us bless us protect us lord 🙏 ❤
@@jenna338read the scriptures fam swine is unclean to eat God has put dietary laws in the word
Thank you Jesus
Praise the the lord n hope he will fight fore is people Amen 🙏
GOD IS MY EVERYTHING 😊❤
Amen 🙏 lord Jesus Christ I am the lost sheep thank you lord Jesus Christ amen 🙏
Amen 🙏 Amen 🙏 in Jesus Christ Name even small praye n thank lord Amen 🙏
EZEKIEL 36:26
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Even in the darkest of nights, know that God is the light that guides your path. Trust in His unfailing love and let it illuminate your way forward. With Him by your side, you can face tomorrow with confidence. Amen.
gods words and songs makes me feel so good i know god and i believe in him giory to god
I love the book of Luke
Thank you for creating the audio Bible.
GLORY! GLORY! GLORY! 😇😊
Have faith n do in is law n rightesness Amen 🙏
Thank you for the comfort of the words of God.
Praise be to God! ❤
Luke 9:23 King James Version
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow me.
AMEN
Lord blessed me with a faith woman fix my relationship bless me the one so we can honor you Amen 🙏
GLORY TO GOD🙏🙏
Protect us Lord ❤❤❤
⁸ Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
*-Luke 21:8*
*Maranatha*
*Satan Personates Christ-1*
*July 16*
⁸ Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
*-Luke 21:8*
Mar 205.1
“In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be fully made void in the nations of our world. Rebellion against God’s holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth, *`Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.’”[Revelation 18:8]*
Mar 205.2
Disguised as an angel of light, he [Satan] will walk the earth as a wonder-worker. In beautiful language he will present lofty sentiments. Good words will be spoken by him, and good deeds performed. Christ will be personified, but on one point there will be a marked distinction. Satan will turn the people from the law of God.
Mar 205.3
He will declare that the Sabbath has been changed from the seventh to the first day of the week; and as lord of the first day of the week he will present this spurious sabbath as a test of loyalty to him.
Mar 205.4
It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who shall be alive upon the earth when celestial glory and a repetition of the persecutions of the past are blended. They will walk in the light proceeding from the throne of God. By means of the angels there will be constant communication between heaven and earth. And Satan, surrounded by evil angels, and claiming to be God, will work miracles of all kinds, to deceive, if possible, the very elect. God’s people will not find their safety in working miracles, for Satan will counterfeit the miracles that will be wrought. God’s tried and tested people will find their power in the sign spoken of in *Exodus 31:12-18.* They are to take their stand on the living word: *“It is written.”* This is the only foundation upon which they can stand securely.
Mar 205.5
*Maranatha*
*Satan Personates Christ-2*
*July 17*
¹⁴ And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
*-2 Corinthians 11:14*
Mar 206.1
Satan is preparing his deceptions that in his last campaign against the people of God, they may not understand that it is he. *“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”* ... Satan will go to the extent of his power to harass, tempt, and mislead God’s people.
Mar 206.2
He who dared to face, and tempt, and taunt our Lord, and who had power to take Him in his arms and carry Him to a pinnacle of the temple, and up into an exceeding high mountain, will exercise his power to a wonderful degree upon the present generation, who are far inferior in wisdom to their Lord, and who are almost wholly ignorant of his subtlety and strength.
Mar 206.3
In a marvelous manner will he affect the bodies of those who are naturally inclined to do his bidding.
Mar 206.4
He will come personating Jesus Christ, working mighty miracles; and men will fall down and worship him as Jesus Christ.
Mar 206.5
We shall be commanded to worship this being, whom the world will glorify as Christ. What shall we do? *-Tell them that Christ has warned us against just such a foe, who is man’s worst enemy, yet who claims to be God; and that when Christ shall make His appearance, it will be with power and great glory, accompanied by ten thousand times ten thousand angels and thousands of thousands; and that when He shall come, we shall know His voice.*
Mar 206.6
The time is coming when Satan will work miracles right in your sight, claiming that he is Christ; and if your feet are not firmly established upon the truth of God, then you will be led away from your foundation.
Mar 206.7
Satan is determined to keep up the warfare to the end. Coming as an angel of light, claiming to be the Christ, he will deceive the world. But his triumph will be short. No storm or tempest can move those whose feet are planted on the principles of eternal truth. They will be able to stand in this time of almost universal apostasy.
Mar 206.8
*Maranatha*
*The Crowning Act of Deception*
*September 25*
¹⁰ Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
*-Revelation 3:10*
Mar 276.1
As the second appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ draws near, satanic agencies are moved from beneath. Satan will not only appear as a human being, but he will personate Jesus Christ; and the world who has rejected the truth will receive him as the Lord of lords and King of kings.
Mar 276.2
The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction will reach its culmination in the time of trouble....
Mar 276.3
As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour’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. *Revelation 1:13-15.* 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 Saviour 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. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming his name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion. Like the Samaritans who were deceived by Simon Magus, the multitudes, from the least to the greatest, give heed to these sorceries, saying: This is *“the great power of God.”*
*Acts 8:10*
Mar 276.4
But the people of God will not be misled. The teachings of this false Christ are not in accordance with the Scriptures.
Mar 276.5
Lord set your world in your righteousness Amen in your law Amen 🙏
Today lord I ask for you guidance as I approach this new day with a new task ahead many are waiting on me to fail but with God by m side today I will be successful
Amen 🙏 thank you 🙏 lord blessing Anen
CHRIST IS LORD ❤️🙏🏻
God faith sheep all in the world let praise the n old together n be hope lord will fight fore us Amen 🙏
Pray for my daughter Vanessa and her boyfriend Robby they are so busy in life they know Jesus but I pray they get married they are living together fill them with the Holy Spirit cover them with the blood of Jesus I pray for this salvation show them the way the truth and the life with you out people will life, put Godly people into their lives and bless them, give them peace and comfort in their life in Jesus name Amen 🙏🏻 ❤
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with
the Lord. Scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In
each, I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were
two sets of footprints; other times there was only one.
During the low periods of my life I could see only one set of
footprints, so I said, "You promised me, Lord, that you would
walk with me always. Why, when I have needed you most,
have you not been there for me?"
The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set
of footprints, my child, is when I carried you
Amen ❤
I'm enjoying this channel. It makes it alot easier to fit in Bible readings every day even when I'm busy! God bless you all!
IT TRULY WAS A BLESSING TO HAVE A CHILD AT HIS AGE .
Let pray 🙏 night n day in is way in is rightesness Amen 🙏
God is my refuge
🌱
@user-rw9hn7xl5v😅😅
*And a pleasant help in times of trouble*
*✰Amen✰*
Amen!
Amen 🙏
Amen❤❤❤PRAISE JESUS
Peace+ Repent+ Return+ Repents+Peace+ Pray + Prays+ Praise Jesus Christ alone.Peace Today 2023+2024+......?
???
Live by obedience to the HOLY SPIRIT and GOD’s GRACE by living like JESUS CHRIST showed us and taught us through his GOSPELS. Remain faithful to GOD. It starts by repenting of all sins, seeking him, read his words, align your thoughts, mind, and heart with GOD’s LOVE in JESUS CHRIST. It the purest of love and peace you’ll ever feel. May GOD BLESS YOU all ❤
The multitude of possibilities is not beyond my capabilities. I am God and I am going to change the world.
You will get it right. Yahweh willing 😊
So powerful and amazing
Praise God
God bless
I pray to my Lord and savior for the salvation of my children Eric his wife Joanna for they have fallen away from the truth and live in this world, break that chain father you did it for me I believe you can do it for them, plz pray for my children for they are not being taught Gods word fill them all with the Holy Spirit and show them the way the truth and life you are the only way father I give all honor and glory to you show them the love you have for them in Jesus name I pray 🙏🏻 ❤ cover them with the blood of Jesus open their hearts so they may hear you calling them back to you.
Amen.
Take heed that ye be not deceived for many shall come in my name saying I am christ and the time draweth near go ye not therefore after them
Timestamps
*Chapters and substories/sections
Ch 1 Preface: 0:19 (or 0:00 if you're patient)
Birth of John foretold: 0:55
The Birth of Jesus foretold: 4:00
Mary visits Elisabeth: 6:00
The song of Mary: 6:54
The birth of John the Baptist: 8:02
The song of Zacharias: 9:08
Ch 2 The birth of Jesus: 10:48
The angels and the shepherds: 11:41
Jesus presented in the temple: 13:32
The boy Jesus in the temple: 16:27
Ch 3 John The Baptist: 18:02
The baptism of Jesus: 21:17
The genealogy of Jesus: 21:40
Ch 4 The temptation in the wilderness: 24:17
Jesus rejected at Nazareth: 26:28
The unclean spirit cast out: 28:39
The sick healed, devils cast out: 29:36
Ch 5 The call of the first disciples: 30:49
The leper cleansed: 32:22
A man palsy healed: 33:06
The call of Levi: 34:37
The question about fasting: 35:18
Ch 6 Jesus the Lord of the Sabbath: 36:26
The choosing of the Twelve: 38:02
Beatitudes and woes: 38:38
The law of love: 39:59
Judging others: 41:12
The wise and foolish builders: 42:51
Ch 7 The centurion's servant healed: 43:41
The raising of the widow's son: 45:06
Tribute to John the Baptist: 46:06
Jesus forgives a sinful woman: 48:56
Ch 8 The parable of the sower: 51:29
Jesus' true family: 54:14
The storm stilled: 54:32
Devils cast out: 55:24
A ruler's daughter raised: 57:29
Ch 9 The mission of the Twelve: 59:56
The five thousand fed: 1:00:59
Peter's confession of faith: 1:02:11
The transfiguration: 1:03:40
A demoniac boy healed: 1:04:56
True discipleship: 1:06:09
James and John rebuked: 1:06:45
The teaching about discipleship: 1:07:27
Ch 10 The mission of the seventy: 1:08:30
The good Samaritan: 1:12:02
Jesus visits Mary and Martha: 1:13:51
Ch 11 Jesus' teaching on prayer: 1:14:40
The Pharisees' slander: 1:16:35
Warning against seeking signs: 1:18:33
The parable of the lighted candle:
The warning against Pharisaism: 1:19:56
Ch 12 The value of life: 1:22:38
The parable of the rich rich fool: 1:24:18
The teaching about anxiety: 1:25:29
Parable of the watching servants: 1:27:08
Jesus the divider: 1:29:10
Interpreting the present time: 1:29:48
Ch 13 Jesus' call to repentance: 1:30:45
A woman healed on the Sabbath: 1:31:56
Parables about the kingdom: 1:33:08
The strait gate: 1:33:36
The lament over Jerusalem: 1:34:47
Ch 14 Jesus heals on the Sabbath: 1:35:51
The honoured place: 1:36:26
The parable of the great supper: 1:37:42
The cost of discipleship: 1:39:03
Ch 15: 1:40:34
The parable of the lost sheep: 1:40:48
The lost piece of silver: 1:41:24
The parable of the lost son: 1:41:50
Ch 16 The unrighteous steward: 1:44:58
The rich man and Lazarus: 1:47:42
Ch 17 Faith and forgiveness: 1:49:42
The healing of the ten lepers: 1:51:13
The coming of the kingdom: 1:52:10
Ch 18 The widow and the judge: 1:54:31
The Pharisee and the publican: 1:55:24
Jesus and the little children: 1:56:17
The rich young ruler: 1:56:44
Jesus again foretells his death: 1:58:18
A blind man healed: 1:58:48
Ch 19 The conversation of Zacchaeus: 1:59:54
The parable of the pounds: 2:01:04
The triumphal entry: 2:03:14
The cleansing of the temple: 2:05:21
Ch 20 Jesus' authority challenged: 2:05:56
The parable of the husbandmen: 2:06:49
Tribute to Caesar: 2:08:20
Sadducees and the resurrection: 2:09:26
The question about David's son: 2:10:57
Ch 21 The widow's offering: 2:11:48
Signs of the end of this age: 2:12:15
Ch 22 The plot to kill Jesus: 2:16:44
The last supper: 2:17:21
Jesus' agony in Gethsemane: 2:21:12
Jesus' betrayal and arrest: 2:22:04
Peter's denial of Jesus: 2:22:58
Jesus before Pontius Pilate: 2:24:26
Ch 23: 2:25:17
Jesus crucified: 2:28:19
The death of Jesus: 2:30:56
Jesus laid in the sepulchre: 2:31:52
Ch 24 The resurrection of Jesus: 2:32:49
The walk of Emmaus: 2:34:15
Jesus appears to the ten: 2:37:12
Jesus' ascension: 2:38:53
*Chapters
Ch 1: 0:00 (or 0:19 if you're impatient)
Ch 1: 0:55 (No preface)
Ch 2 10:48
Ch 3: 18:02
Ch 4: 24:17
Ch 5: 30:49
Ch 6: 36:26
Ch 7: 43:41
Ch 8: 51:29
Ch 9: 59:56
Ch 10: 1:08:31
Ch 11: 1:14:40
Ch 12: 1:22:38
Ch 13: 1:30:46
Ch 14: 1:35:51
Ch 15: 1:40:34
Ch 16: 1:44:57
Ch 17: 1:49:42
Ch 18: 1:54:31
Ch 19: 1:59:54
Ch 20: 2:05:56
Ch 21: 2:11:48
Ch 22: 2:16:45
Ch 23: 2:25:17
Ch 24: 2:25:16
Ch 25: 2:32:50
Jesus said its finished.
@@MeeEee-ge1zg When Jesus said “It is finished” he meant it once and for all.
@@bighand1530 so be it. Amen.
@@bighand1530 still came back though.
@@bighand1530 u do have a big hand sir. Microscopic to that of gods though.
Amen 🙏 💛
God 1st ❤
Amen
I'm not married, but not single, blessed are those who hated their lives!? No woman no cry!
goodnight teacher and classmates
Good 😊
Hallelujah!
*1:47:41*
*Chapter 21-“A Great Gulf Fixed”*
This chapter is based on Luke 16:19-31.
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Christ shows that in this life men decide their eternal destiny. During probationary time the grace of God is offered to every soul. But if men waste their opportunities in self-pleasing, they cut themselves off from everlasting life. No after-probation will be granted them. By their own choice they have fixed an impassable gulf between them and their God.
COL 260.1
This parable draws a contrast between the rich who have not made God their dependence, and the poor who have made God their dependence. Christ shows that the time is coming when the position of the two classes will be reversed. Those who are poor in this world's goods, yet who trust in God and are patient in suffering, will one day be exalted above those who now hold the highest positions the world can give but who have not surrendered their life to God.
COL 260.2
*“There was a certain rich man,”* Christ said, *“which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table.”*
COL 260.3
The rich man did not belong to the class represented by the unjust judge, who openly declared his disregard for God and man. He claimed to be a son of Abraham. He did not treat the beggar with violence or require him to go away because the sight of him was disagreeable. If the poor, loathsome specimen of humanity could be comforted by beholding him as he entered his gates, the rich man was willing that he should remain. But he was selfishly indifferent to the needs of his suffering brother.
COL 261.1
There were then no hospitals in which the sick might be cared for. The suffering and needy were brought to the notice of those to whom the Lord had entrusted wealth, that they might receive help and sympathy. Thus it was with the beggar and the rich man. Lazarus was in great need of help; for he was without friends, home, money, or food. Yet he was allowed to remain in this condition day after day, while the wealthy nobleman had every want supplied. The one who was abundantly able to relieve the sufferings of his fellow creature, lived to himself, as many live today.
COL 261.2
There are today close beside us many who are hungry, naked, and homeless. A neglect to impart of our means to these needy, suffering ones places upon us a burden of guilt which we shall one day fear to meet. All covetousness is condemned as idolatry. All selfish indulgence is an offense in God's sight.
COL 261.3
God had made the rich man a steward of His means, and it was his duty to attend to just such cases as that of the beggar. The command had been given, *“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5);* and *“thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18).* The rich man was a Jew, and he was acquainted with the command of God. But he forgot that he was accountable for the use of his entrusted means and capabilities. The Lord's blessings rested upon him abundantly, but he employed them selfishly, to honor himself, not his Maker. In proportion to his abundance was his obligation to use his gifts for the uplifting of humanity. This was the Lord's command, but the rich man had no thought of his obligation to God. He lent money, and took interest for what he loaned; but he returned no interest for what God had lent him. He had knowledge and talents, but did not improve them. Forgetful of his accountability to God, he devoted all his powers to pleasure. Everything with which he was surrounded, his round of amusements, the praise and flattery of his friends, ministered to his selfish enjoyment. So engrossed was he in the society of his friends that he lost all sense of his responsibility to co-operate with God in His ministry of mercy. He had opportunity to understand the word of God, and to practice its teachings; but the pleasure-loving society he chose so occupied his time that he forgot the God of eternity.
COL 261.4
The time came when a change took place in the condition of the two men. The poor man had suffered day by day, but he had patiently and quietly endured. In the course of time he died and was buried. There was no one to mourn for him; but by his patience in suffering he had witnessed for Christ, he had endured the test of his faith, and at his death he is represented as being carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom.
COL 262.1
Lazarus represents the suffering poor who believe in Christ. When the trumpet sounds and all that are in the graves hear Christ's voice and come forth, they will receive their reward; for their faith in God was not a mere theory, but a reality.
COL 262.2
*“The rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”*
COL 263.1
In this parable Christ was meeting the people on their own ground. The doctrine of a conscious state of existence between death and the resurrection was held by many of those who were listening to Christ's words. The Saviour knew of their ideas, and He framed His parable so as to inculcate important truths through these preconceived opinions. He held up before His hearers a mirror wherein they might see themselves in their true relation to God. He used the prevailing opinion to convey the idea He wished to make prominent to all-that no man is valued for his possessions; for all he has belongs to him only as lent by the Lord. A misuse of these gifts will place him below the poorest and most afflicted man who loves God and trusts in Him.
COL 263.2
Christ desires His hearers to understand that it is impossible for men to secure the salvation of the soul after death. *“Son,”* Abraham is represented as answering, *“remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed; so that they which would pass from hence to you can not; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.”* Thus Christ represented the hopelessness of looking for a second probation. This life is the only time given to man in which to prepare for eternity.
COL 263.3
The rich man had not abandoned the idea that he was a child of Abraham, and in his distress he is represented as calling upon him for aid. *“Father Abraham,”* he prayed, *“have mercy on me.”* He did not pray to God, but to Abraham. Thus he showed that he placed Abraham above God, and that he relied on his relationship to Abraham for salvation. The thief on the cross offered his prayer to Christ. *“Remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom,” he said. (Luke 23:42.)* And at once the response came, Verily I say unto thee today (as I hang on the cross in humiliation and suffering), thou shalt be with Me in Paradise. But the rich man prayed to Abraham, and his petition was not granted. Christ alone is exalted to be *“a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31. “Neither is there salvation in any other.” Acts 4:12.*
COL 263.4
The rich man had spent his life in self-pleasing, and too late he saw that he had made no provision for eternity. He realized his folly, and thought of his brothers, who would go on as he had gone, living to please themselves. Then he made the request, *“I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him [Lazarus] to my father's house; for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.”* But *“Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham; but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.”*
COL 264.1
When the rich man solicited additional evidence for his brothers, he was plainly told that should this evidence be given, they would not be persuaded. His request cast a reflection on God. It was as if the rich man had said, If you had more thoroughly warned me, I should not now be here. Abraham in his answer to this request is represented as saying, Your brothers have been sufficiently warned. Light has been given them, but they would not see; truth has been presented to them, but they would not hear.
COL 264.2
*“If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”* These words were proved true in the history of the Jewish nation. Christ's last and crowning miracle was the raising of Lazarus of Bethany, after he had been dead four days. The Jews were given this wonderful evidence of the Saviour's divinity, but they rejected it. Lazarus rose from the dead and bore his testimony before them, but they hardened their hearts against all evidence, and even sought to take his life. *(John 12:9-11.)*
COL 265.1
The law and the prophets are God's appointed agencies for the salvation of men. Christ said, Let them give heed to these evidences. If they do not listen to the voice of God in His word, the testimony of a witness raised from the dead would not be heeded.
COL 265.2
Those who heed Moses and the prophets will require no greater light than God has given; but if men reject the light, and fail to appreciate the opportunities granted them, they would not hear if one from the dead should come to them with a message. They would not be convinced even by this evidence; for those who reject the law and the prophets so harden their hearts that they will reject all light.
COL 265.3
The conversation between Abraham and the once-rich man is figurative. The lesson to be gathered from it is that every man is given sufficient light for the discharge of the duties required of him. Man's responsibilities are proportionate to his opportunities and privileges. God gives to every one sufficient light and grace to do the work He has given him to do. If man fails to do that which a little light shows to be his duty, greater light would only reveal unfaithfulness, neglect to improve the blessings given. *“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10.* Those who refuse to be enlightened by Moses and the prophets and ask for some wonderful miracle to be performed would not be convinced if their wish were granted.
COL 265.4
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus shows how the two classes represented by these men are estimated in the unseen world. There is no sin in being rich if riches are not acquired by injustice. A rich man is not condemned for having riches, but condemnation rests upon him if the means entrusted to him is spent in selfishness. Far better might he lay up his money beside the throne of God, by using it to do good. Death cannot make any man poor who thus devotes himself to seeking eternal riches. But the man who hoards his treasure for self can not take any of it to heaven. He has proved himself to be an unfaithful steward. During his lifetime he had his good things, but he was forgetful of his obligation to God. He failed of securing the heavenly treasure.
COL 266.1
The rich man who had so many privileges is represented to us as one who should have cultivated his gifts, so that his works should reach to the great beyond, carrying with them improved spiritual advantages. It is the purpose of redemption, not only to blot out sin, but to give back to man those spiritual gifts lost because of sin's dwarfing power. Money cannot be carried into the next life; it is not needed there; but the good deeds done in winning souls to Christ are carried to the heavenly courts. But those who selfishly spend the Lord's gifts on themselves, leaving their needy fellow creatures without aid and doing nothing to advance God's work in the world, dishonor their Maker. Robbery of God is written opposite their names in the books of heaven.
COL 266.2
The rich man had all that money could procure, but he did not possess the riches that would have kept his account right with God. He had lived as if all that he possessed were his own. He had neglected the call of God and the claims of the suffering poor. But at length there comes a call which he cannot neglect. By a power which he cannot question or resist he is commanded to quit the premises of which he is no longer steward. The once-rich man is reduced to hopeless poverty. The robe of Christ's righteousness, woven in the loom of heaven, can never cover him. He who once wore the richest purple, the finest linen, is reduced to nakedness. His probation is ended. He brought nothing into the world, and he can take nothing out of it.
COL 267.1
Christ lifted the curtain and presented this picture before priests and rulers, scribes and Pharisees. Look at it, you who are rich in this world's goods and are not rich toward God. Will you not contemplate this scene? That which is highly esteemed among men is abhorrent in the sight of God. Christ asks, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Mark 8:36, 37.
COL 267.2
Oh Lord, my God, forgive these people. They know not what they do.
*“And now also,”* said the prophet, *“the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”*
*-Luke 3:9*
*Not by its name, but by its fruit, is the value of a tree determined.* If the fruit is worthless, *the name cannot save the tree from destruction.* John declared to the Jews that their standing before God was to be decided by their character and life. *Profession was worthless.* If their life and character were not in harmony with God’s Law, they were Not His people.
-DA 107.1
Under his heart-searching words, his hearers were convicted. They came to him with the inquiry, *“What shall we do then?”* He answered, *“He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.”* And he warned the publicans against injustice, and the soldiers against violence.
DA 107.2
All who became the subjects of Christ’s kingdom, he said, would give evidence of faith and repentance. Kindness, honesty, and fidelity would be seen in their lives. They would minister to the needy, and bring their offerings to God. They would shield the defenseless, and give an example of virtue and compassion. So the followers of Christ will give evidence of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. In the daily life, justice, mercy, and the love of God will be seen. Otherwise they are like the chaff that is given to the fire.
DA 107.3
*“I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance,”* said John; *“but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.”* Matthew 3:11, R. V., margin. The prophet Isaiah had declared that the Lord would cleanse His people from their iniquities *“by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.”* The word of the Lord to Israel was, *“I will turn My hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin.”* Isaiah 4:4; 1:25. To sin, wherever found, *“our God is a consuming fire.”* Hebrews 12:29. In all who submit to His power the Spirit of God will consume sin. But if men cling to sin, they become identified with it. Then the glory of God, which destroys sin, must destroy them. Jacob, after his night of wrestling with the Angel, exclaimed, *“I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”* Genesis 32:30. Jacob had been guilty of a great sin in his conduct toward Esau; but he had repented. His transgression had been forgiven, and his sin purged; therefore he could endure the revelation of God’s presence. But wherever men came before God while willfully cherishing evil, they were destroyed. At the second advent of Christ the wicked shall be consumed *“with the Spirit of His mouth,” and destroyed “with the brightness of His coming.”* 2 Thessalonians 2:8. The light of the glory of God, which imparts life to the righteous, will slay the wicked.
DA 107.4
I wish I could walk the path that JESUS CHRIST our LORD OF LORD AND KING OF KINGS walked. I would have fallen on his feet and sobbed. How could people not see that he is the MESSIAH… His second coming will be powerful and his wrath will be poured on evil once and for all.
Amen 🙏
*“Strive to enter in at the strait gate.”-Luke 13:24.*
The belated traveler, hurrying to reach the city gate by the going down of the sun, could not turn aside for any attractions by the way. His whole mind was bent on the one purpose of entering the gate. The same intensity of purpose, said Jesus, is required in the Christian life. I have opened to you the glory of character, which is the true glory of My kingdom. It offers you no promise of earthly dominion; yet it is worthy of your supreme desire and effort. I do not call you to battle for the supremacy of the world’s great empire, but do not therefore conclude that there is no battle to be fought nor victories to be won. I bid you strive, agonize, to enter into My spiritual kingdom.
The Christian life is a battle and a march. But the victory to be gained is not won by human power. The field of conflict is the domain of the heart. The battle which we have to fight-the greatest battle that was ever fought by man-is the surrender of self to the will of God, the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty of love. The old nature, born of blood and of the will of the flesh, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The hereditary tendencies, the former habits, must be given up.
He who determines to enter the spiritual kingdom will find that all the powers and passions of an unregenerate nature, backed by the forces of the kingdom of darkness, are arrayed against him. Selfishness and pride will make a stand against anything that would show them to be sinful. We cannot, of ourselves, conquer the evil desires and habits that strive for the mastery. We cannot overcome the mighty foe who holds us in his thrall. God alone can give us the victory. He desires us to have the mastery over ourselves, our own will and ways. But He cannot work in us without our consent and co-operation. The divine Spirit works through the faculties and powers given to man. Our energies are required to co-operate with God.
The victory is not won without much earnest prayer, without the humbling of self at every step. Our will is not to be forced into co-operation with divine agencies, but it must be voluntarily submitted. Were it possible to force upon you with a hundredfold greater intensity the influence of the Spirit of God, it would not make you a Christian, a fit subject for heaven. The stronghold of Satan would not be broken. The will must be placed on the side of God’s will. You are not able, of yourself, to bring your purposes and desires and inclinations into submission to the will of God; but if you are *“willing to be made willing,”* God will accomplish the work for you, even *“casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5.* Then you will *“work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12, 13.*
But many are attracted by the beauty of Christ and the glory of heaven, who yet shrink from the conditions by which alone these can become their own. There are many in the broad way who are not fully satisfied with the path in which they walk. They long to break from the slavery of sin, and in their own strength they seek to make a stand against their sinful practices. They look toward the narrow way and the strait gate; but selfish pleasure, love of the world, pride, unsanctified ambition, place a barrier between them and the Saviour. To renounce their own will, their chosen objects of affection or pursuit, requires a sacrifice at which they hesitate and falter and turn back. Many *“will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13:24.* They desire the good, they make some effort to obtain it; but they do not choose it; they have not a settled purpose to secure it at the cost of all things.
The only hope for us if we would overcome is to unite our will to God’s will and work in co-operation with Him, hour by hour and day by day. We cannot retain self and yet enter the kingdom of God. If we ever attain unto holiness, it will be through the renunciation of self and the reception of the mind of Christ. Pride and self-sufficiency must be crucified. *Are we willing to pay the price required of us? Are we willing to have our will brought into perfect conformity to the will of God?* Until we are willing, the transforming grace of God cannot be manifest upon us.
The warfare which we are to wage is the *“good fight of faith.” “I also labor,” said the apostle Paul, “striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.” Colossians 1:29.*
Jacob, in the great crisis of his life, turned aside to pray. He was filled with one overmastering purpose-to seek for transformation of character. But while he was pleading with God, an enemy, as he supposed, placed his hand upon him, and all night he wrestled for his life. But the purpose of his soul was not changed by peril of life itself. When his strength was nearly spent, the Angel put forth His divine power, and at His touch Jacob knew Him with whom he had been contending. Wounded and helpless, he fell upon the Saviour’s breast, pleading for a blessing. He would not be turned aside nor cease his intercession, and Christ granted the petition of this helpless, penitent soul, according to His promise, *“Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5.* Jacob pleaded with determined spirit, *“I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Genesis 32:26.* This spirit of persistence was inspired by Him who wrestled with the patriarch. It was He who gave him the victory, and He changed his name from Jacob to Israel, saying, *“As a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” Genesis 32:28.* That for which Jacob had vainly wrestled in his own strength was won through self-surrender and steadfast faith. *“This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4.*
-Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings
Chapter 6
*“Beware of false prophets.”-Matthew 7:15.*
Teachers of falsehood will arise to draw you away from the narrow path and the strait gate. Beware of them; though concealed in sheep’s clothing, inwardly they are ravening wolves. Jesus gives a test by which false teachers may be distinguished from the true. *“Ye shall know them by their fruits,”* He says. *“Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”*
We are not bidden to prove them by their fair speeches and exalted professions. They are to be judged by the word of God. *“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them.” “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” Isaiah 8:20; Proverbs 19:27.* What message do these teachers bring? Does it lead you to reverence and fear God? Does it lead you to manifest your love for Him by loyalty to His commandments? If men do not feel the weight of the moral law; if they make light of God’s precepts; if they break one of the least of His commandments, and teach men so, they shall be of no esteem in the sight of heaven. We may know that their claims are without foundation. They are doing the very work that originated with the prince of darkness, the enemy of God.
Not all who profess His name and wear His badge are Christ’s. Many who have taught in My name, said Jesus, will be found wanting at last. *“Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.”*
There are persons who believe that they are right, when they are wrong. While claiming Christ as their Lord, and professedly doing great works in His name, they are workers of iniquity. *“With their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.”* He who declares God’s word is to them *“as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear Thy words, but they do them not.” Ezekiel 33:31, 32.*
A mere profession of discipleship is of no value. The faith in Christ which saves the soul is not what it is represented to be by many. *“Believe, believe,” they say, “and you need not keep the law.”* But a belief that does not lead to obedience is presumption. The apostle John says, *“He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4.* Let none cherish the idea that special providences or miraculous manifestations are to be the proof of the genuineness of their work or of the ideas they advocate. When persons will speak lightly of the word of God, and set their impressions, feelings, and exercises above the divine standard, we may know that they have no light in them.
Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of love. When the doctrine we accept kills sin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement, bears fruit unto holiness, we may know that it is the truth of God. When benevolence, kindness, tender heartedness, sympathy, are manifest in our lives; when the joy of right doing is in our hearts; when we exalt Christ, and not self, we may know that our faith is of the right order. *“Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” 1 John 2:3.*
-Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings
Chapter 6
*“It fell not; for it was founded upon the rock.”*
*-Matthew 7:25, R. V.*
The people had been deeply moved by the words of Christ. The divine beauty of the principles of truth attracted them; and Christ’s solemn warnings had come to them as the voice of the heart-searching God. His words had struck at the very root of their former ideas and opinions; to obey His teaching would require a change in all their habits of thought and action. It would bring them into collision with their religious teachers; for it would involve the overthrow of the whole structure which for generations the rabbis had been rearing. Therefore, while the hearts of the people responded to His words, few were ready to accept them as the guide of life.
Jesus ended His teaching on the mount with an illustration that presented with startling vividness the importance of putting in practice the words He had spoken. Among the crowds that thronged about the Saviour were many who had spent their lives about the Sea of Galilee. As they sat upon the hillside, listening to the words of Christ, they could see valleys and ravines through which the mountain streams found their way to the sea. In summer these streams often wholly disappeared, leaving only a dry and dusty channel. But when the wintry storms burst upon the hills, the rivers became fierce, raging torrents, at times overspreading the valleys and bearing everything away on their resistless flood. Often, then, the hovels reared by the peasants on the grassy plain, apparently beyond the reach of danger, were swept away. But high upon the hills were houses built upon the rock. In some parts of the land were dwellings built wholly of rock, and many of them had withstood the tempests of a thousand years. These houses were reared with toil and difficulty. They were not easy of access, and their location appeared less inviting than the grassy plain. But they were founded upon the rock, and wind and flood and tempest beat upon them in vain.
Like the builders of these houses on the rock, said Jesus, is he who shall receive the words that I have spoken to you, and make them the foundation of his character and life. Centuries before, the prophet Isaiah had written, *“The word of our God shall stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8);* and Peter, long after the Sermon on the Mount was given, quoting these words of Isaiah added, *“This is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Peter 1:25).* The word of God is the only steadfast thing our world knows. It is the sure foundation. *“Heaven and earth shall pass away,” said Jesus, “but My words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35.*
The great principles of the law, of the very nature of God, are embodied in the words of Christ on the mount. Whoever builds upon them is building upon Christ, the Rock of Ages. In receiving the word, we receive Christ. And only those who thus receive His words are building upon Him. *“Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11. “There is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.* Christ, the Word, the revelation of God,-the manifestation of His character, His law, His love, His life,-is the only foundation upon which we can build a character that will endure.
We build on Christ by obeying His word. It is not he who merely enjoys righteousness, that is righteous, but he who does righteousness. Holiness is not rapture; it is the result of surrendering all to God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father. When the children of Israel were encamped on the borders of the Promised Land, it was not enough for them to have a knowledge of Canaan, or to sing the songs of Canaan. This alone would not bring them into possession of the vineyards and olive groves of the goodly land. They could make it theirs in truth only by occupation, by complying with the conditions, by exercising living faith in God, by appropriating His promises to themselves, while they obeyed His instruction.
Religion consists in doing the words of Christ; not doing to earn God’s favor, but because, all undeserving, we have received the gift of His love. Christ places the salvation of man, not upon profession merely, but upon faith that is made manifest in works of righteousness. Doing, not saying merely, is expected of the followers of Christ. It is through action that character is built. *“As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14.* Not those whose hearts are touched by the Spirit, not those who now and then yield to its power, but they that are led by the Spirit, are the sons of God.
Do you desire to become a follower of Christ, yet know not how to begin? Are you in darkness and know not how to find the light? Follow the light you have. Set your heart to obey what you do know of the word of God. His power, His very life, dwells in His word. As you receive the word in faith, it will give you power to obey. As you give heed to the light you have, greater light will come. You are building on God’s word, and your character will be builded after the similitude of the character of Christ.
Christ, the true foundation, is a living stone; His life is imparted to all that are built upon Him. *“Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house.” “Each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord.” 1 Peter 2:5 , R.V.; Ephesians 2:21 , R.V.* The stones became one with the foundation; for a common life dwells in all. That building no tempest can overthrow; for-
*“That which shares the life of God,*
*With Him surviveth all.”*
But every building erected on other foundation than God’s word will fall. He who, like the Jews in Christ’s day, builds on the foundation of human ideas and opinions, of forms and ceremonies of man’s invention, or on any works that he can do independently of the grace of Christ, is erecting his structure of character upon the shifting sand. The fierce tempests of temptation will sweep away the sandy foundation and leave his house a wreck on the shores of time.
*“Therefore thus saith the Lord God, ... Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” Isaiah 28:16, 17.*
But today mercy pleads with the sinner. *“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?” Ezekiel 33:11.* The voice that speaks to the impenitent today is the voice of Him who in heart anguish exclaimed as He beheld the city of His love: *“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her own brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Luke 13:34, 35 , R.V.* In Jerusalem, Jesus beheld a symbol of the world that had rejected and despised His grace. He was weeping, O stubborn heart, for you! Even when Jesus’ tears were shed upon the mount, Jerusalem might yet have repented, and escaped her doom. For a little space the Gift of heaven still waited her acceptance. So, O heart, to you Christ is still speaking in accents of love: *“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Revelation 3:20; 2 Corinthians 6:2.*
You who are resting your hope on self are building on the sand. But it is not yet too late to escape the impending ruin. Before the tempest breaks, flee to the sure foundation. *“Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” “Ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.” Isaiah 28:16, R.V.; **45:22**; **41:10**; **45:17**.*
-Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings
Chapter 6
Narrow is the way because Jesus is the only way! Only by his blood and trusting completely in his finished redemptive work of the cross are we saved. 🙏❤️
@@lettinggracenarrow is the way because we must die to ourselves, take up our crosses daily and fight the good fight of faith and eradication of sin from our lives through the righteousness made available by what Jesus did at the cross!!! Jesus Himself said He will spit the lukewarm Christian out of His mouth!! You must submit your will to Jesus and do as He commands! Read your Bible!! It is very clear!! Do not trust in the once saved always saved lie that permeates the American church! We must overcome sin! Jesus came to set us free from sin!! But it is a battle daily to wake up early, spend time every day in the secret place, speak in tongues for hours daily, repent and confess to the body before taking communion, take every though captive, and stand for His truth!! Seek the Lord like the woman that would not stop asking the judge to avenge her! We must Love and desire a relationship with our God, and seek His love and righteousness to be imputed to us above all!! Do NOT BE DECEIVED. I beseech you to seek the Lord about where you stand with Him if you are trusting solely on what He did at the cross! That was a way made for us to be reconciled. The battle begins after we repent, confess our sins to the brethren, get baptized for the forgiveness of sins, and receive His glorious Holy spirit so long as we seek to be sanctified and consecrated!! If you aren't seeking sanctification and consecration than the enemy will leave you alone because He knows you won't enter the Lords Kingdom!! I pray the Holy spirit lead and guide you into ALL truth and righteousness and cause you to be consecrated!! We MUST receive the whole loaf of bread that is the word. We CANNOT cherry pick the verses that make us feel warm and fuzzy! The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom my sister!!
@@mostgreatfullI would love to sit and glean from you!!!
Beatitudes 39:00
Luke 1:12:00
01:17:40
Please pray for me? My name is Joshua Croy. God bless you.
The Review and Herald
December 27, 1898
*Words of Warning-No. 3*
*“Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”*
Par. 1
Here, again, the warning regarding the destruction of Jerusalem is blended with the warning of the second advent. The disciples heard Christ’s words, but they did not then fully understand them. It was necessary for the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth, bringing to their remembrance all things that Christ had said to them. They could not understand why he connected the perils of the overthrow of Jerusalem with the perils of the last days. But those who live in this age may understand Christ’s warning, and should place it in the period where it belongs. The gospel must be carried to every kingdom under heaven, and then shall the end come.
Par. 2
Christ knew that the disciples could not comprehend the instruction he had given them in answer to their question, “When shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” He knew the terrible future of the once-chosen people of God; but he knew, also, that his disciples could not then fully understand his description of the fearful scenes to be enacted at the destruction of Jerusalem. In his answer, the two events-the destruction of Jerusalem, and the end of the world-were merged into one. It was in mercy to his disciples that Christ blended these events, leaving them to study out the meaning for themselves.
Par. 3
Christ had made every effort to keep his disciples informed in regard to the truth. He had given them every opportunity to know the truth. He had invited them to put their confidence in him as the Messiah, and in his mission and work, but they had not yet a proper understanding of the nature of his kingdom. They were thrilled with distress as they listened to his lamentation over Jerusalem; but they did not realize the true meaning of his words. Had Christ opened the future to them as he saw it, they would have been unable to endure the scene. To the last, they looked for a temporal kingdom, to be established at Jerusalem. Christ’s revelation of the scenes to take place at the destruction of Jerusalem, they associated with his personal coming, when he himself would punish the Jews, but would also free them from Roman bondage. He had told them definitely that he would come a second time, and they thought that probably his judgments would fall upon those who had rejected his love. He would then, they thought, lay low every stone in the temple; for they believed that no earthly power could do this.
Par. 4
But long before Christ’s second coming, retribution fell upon the apostate nation, which was still further to show its hatred against Christ by its treatment of his followers.
Par. 5
From the destruction of Jerusalem, Christ passed on to a much greater event,-the last link in the chain of this earth’s history,-the coming of the Son of God in majesty and glory. “Immediately after the tribulation of those days,” he said, “shall the sun be darkened and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, when they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
Par. 6
Christ gave special directions in regard to this event. “Now learn a parable of the fig-tree,” he said; “when his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation [the generation that saw the signs] shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
Par. 7
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” Christ plainly said that he himself could not make known the day or the hour of his second appearing. Had he been at liberty to make this time known, what need would there have been for him to exhort his followers to maintain an attitude of earnest watchfulness, living, working, and waiting as if their time was not their own, but the Lord’s; cultivating fidelity, faith, and love; and purifying the soul through the truth?
Par. 8
Christ told his disciples that the time of his coming was involved in secrecy; yet notwithstanding this, there have been and will be those who claim to know when this great event will take place. Very earnest they are in trying to map out the future, which the Lord has placed in a thick cloud; and notwithstanding their failures, they continue their work. But their reasoning is false, and the Lord has warned them off the ground they occupy; for the coming of the Son of man is God’s mystery. “Secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever.”
Par. 9
“But as the days of Noe were,” Christ continued, “so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Christ does not here bring to view a temporal millennium,-a thousand years in which all are to prepare for eternity. He tells us that as it was in Noah’s day, so will it be when the Son of man comes.
Par. 10
How was it in Noah’s day?-“God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Had man co-operated with God, there would have been no Cain-worshipers. Abel’s example of obedience would have been followed. Men might have worked out the will of God. They might have obeyed his law, and in obedience they would have found salvation. God and the heavenly universe would have helped them to retain the divine likeness. Longevity would have been preserved; and God would have delighted in the work of his hands. But the inhabitants of the antediluvian world turned from Jehovah, refusing to do his will. They followed their unholy imagination and perverted ideas. “God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, ... Make thee an ark of gopherwood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.... And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die.”
Par. 11
Remember the warning, “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” It was because of the wickedness of the inhabitants of the old world, that they were destroyed; and today the world is following in the same way. No flattering signs of millennial glory are to be seen. Human lawmakers open their law-books, and pronounce sentence against those who do not keep their laws. But those who frame and enforce these laws are themselves transgressors of God’s law, and their transgression is filling the earth with wickedness. Betting, horse-racing, gambling, dissipation, lustful practises, untamable passions, are fast filling the earth with violence and moral pollution. Bank failures ruin thousands of families. Widows and orphans are left to starve. Every species of indulgence prevails. Men have become so infatuated with vice that they will not listen to warnings or appeals.
Par. 12
“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.... Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Par. 13
This is the day of the Lord’s preparation. He says: “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” The great work from which the mind should not be diverted, is the consideration of our safety in the sight of God. The storm is coming, relentless in its fury. Are we prepared to meet it? Are our feet on the Rock of Ages? Are we one with Christ, as he is one with the Father?
Par. 14
Please pray that my car gets fixed. I really need it to get to work
³⁷ Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
*-Luke 6:37*
*Signs of the Times*
*May 21, 1902 - Mercy*
God’s love for the fallen race is a peculiar manifestation of love,-a love born of mercy; for human beings are all undeserving. Mercy implies the imperfection of the object toward which it is shown. It was because of sin that mercy was brought into active exercise.
Sin is not the object of God’s love, but of His hatred. But He loves and pities the sinner. The erring sons and daughters of Adam are the children of His redemption. Through the gift of His Son He has revealed toward them His infinite love and mercy. He “so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
*Receiving that We May Give*
*“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”* Mercy is an attribute that the human agent may share with God. As did Christ, so man may lay hold on the divine arm and be in communication with divine power. To us has been given a service of mercy to perform for our fellow-man. In performing this service, we are laboring together with God. We do well, then, to be merciful, even as our Father in heaven is merciful.
*“I will have mercy,”* God says, *“and not sacrifice.”* Mercy is kind, pitiful. Mercy and the love of God purify the soul, beautify the heart, and cleanse the life from selfishness. Mercy is a manifestation of divine love, and is shown by those who, identified with God, serve Him by reflecting the light of heaven upon the pathway of their fellow-creatures.
The condition of many persons calls for the exercise of genuine mercy. Christians, in their dealing with one another, are to be controlled by principles of mercy and love. They are to improve every opportunity for helping fellow-beings in distress. The duty of every Christian is plainly outlined in the words: *“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.” “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”* These are the principles that we shall do well to cherish.
*We Receive Mercy as We Bestow Mercy*
Let those who desire to perfect a Christlike character ever keep in view the cross on which Christ died a cruel death in order to redeem mankind. Let them ever cherish the same merciful spirit that led the Saviour to make an infinite sacrifice for our redemption. Let not those who themselves have sinned against God, refuse to forgive a repentant sinner. Just as they deal with a fellow-being who is in spirit or in action has done wrong and has afterward repented, so God will deal with them for their defects of character. He who does not show mercy to his fellow-men can not expect to be shielded by the mercy of God. He himself is dependent on the mercy that God has enjoined him to exercise in seeking to restore every unsaved soul brought within the sphere of his influence. If he refuses to cultivate this divine grace, he himself will suffer the result of his neglect. Sometime, when he is in need of the mercy of God and of his fellow-men, he will find himself beyond mercy.
The attributes of mercy and love are nearly lost from the hearts of many, many members of the church. We should remember that all make mistakes: even men and women who have had years of experience sometimes err; but God does not cast them off because of their errors; to every erring son and daughter of Adam He gives the privilege of another trial. The true follower of Jesus manifests a Christlike spirit toward his erring brother. Instead of speaking in condemnation, he remembers the words, *“He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”*
*The Need and Effect of Mercy*
In the church militant, men will be ever in need of restoration from the results of sin. The one who in some respects is superior to another is in other respects inferior to him. Every human being is subject to temptation, and in need of brotherly interest and sympathy. The exercise of mercy in our daily relations with one another is one of the most effective means of attaining perfection of character; for only those who walk with Christ can be truly merciful.
The merciful *“shall obtain mercy.” “The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”* There is sweet peace for the compassionate spirit, a blessed satisfaction in the life of self-forgetful service for the good of others.
He who was given his life to God in ministry to His children, is linked with Him who has all the resources of the universe at His command. By the golden chain of the immutable promises his life is bound up with the life of God. The Lord will not fail him in the hour of suffering and need. *“My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”* And in the hour of final need the merciful shall find refuge in the mercy of the compassionate Saviour, and by Him shall be received into everlasting habitations.
Mrs. E. G. White
1:15:00
The Review and Herald
December 13, 1898
*Words of Warning-No. 1*
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”
Par. 1
This was the most solemn denunciation ever uttered against Jerusalem. After denouncing the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders, who, while they worshiped the temple, were working with a hatred inspired by Satan to destroy the only One who made the temple sacred, Christ bade adieu to the once hallowed courts. He quitted the temple forever, declaring, *“Your house is left unto you desolate.”*
Par. 2
Henceforth a cloud blacker than sackcloth hung over the once favored nation. Looking into the future, Christ saw the gates of Jerusalem burst open by the Roman legions. He saw the walls broken, and the beautiful stones, which had been laid with artistic skill one upon another, torn down, so that not one was left standing. The Arm strong to save had become strong to smite.
Par. 3
Solemn judgments had been pronounced against Jerusalem by the prophets. Its iniquity and crime had once caused it to be destroyed, and its people carried captive to Babylon. In their humiliation, many sought the Lord with repentance and confession; and when they returned from captivity, they seemed for a time to reform. In his mercy, God forgave them, and gave them his blessing. *“I will not contend forever,”* he declares, *“neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him.”*
Par. 4
But the leaders of the people did not remain converted. They did not, as faithful sentinels, keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. Again and again the word of the Lord through his prophets was rejected. Then God sent his only begotten Son with a message of mercy; but they refused to receive him, and said, *“This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.”* Christ *“came unto his own, and his own received him not.”*
Par. 5
The time of the greatest responsibility for the Jewish people was when Christ was among them. And had they but known it, this was also the time of their greatest privilege and blessing. But they refused every overture of mercy, and rejected the Son of God, and thus made themselves guilty of the greatest of all sins.
Par. 6
Christ charged the whole nation with this sin. In rejecting my servants and prophets, he said, *you have not only rejected them, but the Son of God, whose you are by creation and by redemption. You would none of my counsel, you despised all my reproof. If you are destroyed, you yourselves will be responsible. I have offered you help because I loved you, but you would not come unto me, that you might have life.*
Par. 7
*“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” You have refused to see in me a merciful Saviour, offering your redemption. When God’s heavy judgments fall upon you, you will still refuse to see in me a sin-pardoning Saviour. But you will one day long for the Deliverer who was once among you, and whom you would not receive.*
Par. 8
Thus with power and authority our Lord reproved the Jewish nation. *“Ye shall not see me henceforth,”* he continued, “till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” When the Jewish people see Christ again, they will ask no sign. That day will not be to them a day of joy, although, as they see the One they rejected, the acknowledgment will come from their lips, with overwhelming power, *“Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”* When Christ comes in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory, they will praise him whom they once cursed; but it will then be too late.
Par. 9
Jerusalem was lost because of its obstinate refusal to acknowledge the truth. This the world is doing today. Men refuse to see the truth that is plainly revealed in the word of God. A *“Thus saith the Lord”* is regarded as of no account, while the words of men are given great authority. And as the inhabitants of Jerusalem were punished, so will those be punished who refuse to receive truth. God would have us realize that by the city of Jerusalem a world is represented. Christ’s utterances regarding the destruction of Jerusalem are ever to be connected with the more terrible destruction of the world.
Par. 10
The disciples were unable to understand Christ’s words with reference to the temple. They called his attention to its massive stones, saying, *“Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here.”* The stones of the temple were of the purest marble, of perfect whiteness, and the pillars supporting the porches were of massive dimensions. How such stones could be overthrown, the disciples could not comprehend. They could not understand words which doomed to destruction the walls that had withstood the devastation of armies. Their ideas were vague, and it was difficult for the Lord to make his lessons intelligible to them.
Par. 11
As the attention of the rejected One was called to the magnificence of the temple, what must have been his thoughts! The view before him was indeed beautiful; but he said, sadly: *I see it all, and the buildings are indeed wonderful. You point to these stones as apparently indestructible, but listen to my words. I tell you solemnly that the day will come when there shall not be left one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down.* Forty years after Christ uttered this prediction, his words were fulfilled to the letter. In the siege of Jerusalem it is stated that more than a million people perished, and that many were led into captivity.
Par. 12
Christ’s words had been spoken in the hearing of a large number of people; but when he was again alone, Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him, saying, *“Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”*
Par. 13
In his answer, Jesus did not take up separately the destruction of Jerusalem and the last great day of his coming. He mingled the description of these two events. *When he spoke of the destruction of Jerusalem, his words referred also to the final destruction that will take place when the Lord rises out of his place to punish the world for its iniquity.* The entire chapter in which are recorded Christ’s words regarding this, is a warning to all who shall live during the last scenes of this earth’s history.
Par. 14
Turning to his disciples, Christ said, *“Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Many false Messiahs will appear, claiming to work miracles, and declaring that the time for the deliverance of the Jewish nation has come. These will mislead many.*
Par. 15
These words were fulfilled. Between the death of Christ and the siege of Jerusalem, many false Christs appeared. But this warning is given also to those who live in this age of the world. The same deceptions practised prior to the destruction of Jerusalem will again be practised. The same events that took place at the overthrow of Jerusalem will take place again.
Par. 16
*“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.”* Prior to the destruction of Jerusalem, men wrestled for the supremacy. Emperors were murdered. Those standing next to the throne were slain. *“All these things must come to pass, but the end [of the Jewish nation as a nation] is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”* As the rabbis see these signs, Christ said, they will declare that they are God’s judgments on the nations for holding his chosen people in bondage. They will say that these signs are the tokens of the advent of the Messiah. Be not deceived; they are the beginning of his judgments. The Jewish people have looked to themselves. They have not repented and been converted, that I should heal them. The signs that they argue as tokens of their release from bondage are signs of their destruction.
Par. 17
The Review and Herald
December 20, 1898
*Words of Warning-No. 2*
*“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted,”* Christ continued, *“and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.”* All this the Christians suffered. Fathers and mothers betrayed their children; children betrayed their parents; friends delivered their friends to the Sanhedrin. Until he himself was converted, Saul of Tarsus was exceedingly bitter against all who believed in Christ. He then began to preach Christ and him crucified, and the enemies of the gospel caused him and Silas to be whipped, and thrown into prison.
Par. 1
Through the apostles, God gave the Jewish people a last opportunity to repent. But they turned away from every entreaty. In the arrest, the trial, and the imprisonment of his witnesses, God manifested himself. He gave them words to speak, and a tongue and voice with which to vindicate the truth and acknowledge him as the Son of God. They were men of whom the world was not worthy, yet their judges pronounced on them the death sentence. They were not allowed to live and serve their God. By killing them, the Jews crucified afresh the Son of God.
Par. 2
So it will be again. But it is over the seventh-day Sabbath that the battle will be fought. The authorities of this world will rise up in their pride and power to make laws to restrict religious liberty. They will assume a right that is God’s alone, and, like Nebuchadnezzar, will think that they can force the conscience, which only God can control. Even now they are making a beginning, and this they will carry forward till they reach a boundary over which they can not step. Then God will interpose in behalf of his loyal, commandment-keeping people.
Par. 3
Christ told his disciples that they would be delivered up to councils; but he told them, also, that they were not to be anxious as to how they should vindicate the truth; for he would give them a mouth and wisdom that all their adversaries could not gainsay nor resist. These words were fulfilled at the trial of Stephen, and at the trial of Paul, who made Felix tremble as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come.
Par. 4
Whenever persecution takes place, the spectators make decisions either for or against Christ. Because of persecution, many will be offended. The principles of the truth cut directly across their practise, and they will stumble and fall, apostatizing from the faith they once advocated. Many who have professed to love the truth will then show that they have no vital union with the True Vine. They will be cut away, as branches that bear no fruit, and will be bound up with unbelievers, scoffers, and mockers.
Par. 5
Those who apostatize in time of trial will bear false witness and betray their brethren, to secure their own safety. They will tell where their brethren are concealed, putting the wolves on their track. Christ has warned us of this, that we may not be surprised at the cruel, unnatural course pursued by friends and relatives. “Little children, it is the last time,” John writes, “and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”
Par. 6
“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” False Christs did arise, deceiving the people, and leading great numbers into the desert. Magicians and sorcerers, claiming miraculous power, drew the people after them into the mountain solitudes. But this prophecy was also spoken for the last days. Companies inspired by Satan will be formed to deceive and delude. This will be a sign of the second advent.
Par. 7
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 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. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place (whoso readeth, let him understand), then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains [let there be no presumptuous dallying]: let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house: neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day.” Forty years afterward, at the siege of Jerusalem, the Christians obeyed this warning; and not a Christian perished in the destruction of the city.
Par. 8
“Pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day.” Christ made the Sabbath, and he never abolished it. The Sabbath was not rendered null and void by the crucifixion, as many claim. Christ’s death on the cross is an unanswerable argument in favor of the changeless character of every precept of God’s holy law.
Par. 9
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets,” Christ said; “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” As the head of the human family, he lived every precept, every jot, every tittle, of the law. He lived in humanity the life that he requires his followers to live, and therefore there is no excuse for any one to fail of reaching the standard of perfection.
Par. 10
Christ emphasizes his words: “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” So long as the heavens and the earth remain, so long will the Sabbath of the fourth commandment hold its claim on the human family.
Par. 11
The Sabbath was given to the world as the memorial of creation. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,” God says. “Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: 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 man servant, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 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.”
Par. 12
God gave explicit directions concerning his Sabbath. “Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep,” he declared; “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.... Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh he rested, and was refreshed.”
Par. 13
But human lawmakers speak, saying: Verily, the first day of the week shall ye keep, because it is the world’s sabbath. The churches keep this day holy, and those under our supervision shall keep it also, because it is so ordained on our statute-books. We have chosen Sunday as the sabbath, and men must keep it.
Par. 14
But this day so universally exalted is a spurious sabbath, a common working-day. It is accepted in the place of the day that the Lord has blessed and sanctified; but the sure result of this course may be seen in the punishment which fell upon Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron. As priests of God, these men had been commanded to offer always the fire of God’s own kindling, which was kept burning before God day and night. This was ever to be strictly observed. But Nadab and Abihu drank wine too freely; and because of this their minds were not keen, but confused, and they were unable to distinguish between the sacred and the common. They took their censers, “and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.”
Par. 15
God has given full directions regarding his law, so that none need be left in darkness, unless they choose darkness rather than light. But the apostasy of the Jewish nation represents the apostasy that will be made by the world in the last days. Just as the Jews chose darkness in regard to the message that Christ came to the world to bring, so men today are choosing darkness. Sanctified and blessed by God, the Sabbath was designed to be the great memorial of creation, and a blessing to mankind. But men are trampling it underfoot. It is the test of today, as Christ was the test when he was in our world in human form. It will ever stand unmoved, a rock of offense to the Christian world, as was Christ to the Jewish nation. As the rejection of Christ decided the eternal destiny of the Jews, so the rejection of God’s holy memorial will decide the fate of many professing Christians.
Par. 16
Men may ignore the Sabbath, they may trample it under their feet; but they can not make it less binding upon them. No one has any excuse for accepting the rubbish that has been piled upon the Sabbath of the Lord. No one has any excuse for accepting a human sabbath, created by him whom God designates as the *“man of sin,”* who shall think to change times and laws. He thinks to, but he does not do it; although he may think thus to show his supremacy over God, he can not change God’s law; this is God’s prerogative only. God is over all kings and rulers. He is God, and besides him there is none else.
Par. 17
The statutes of the Lord are to be reverenced and obeyed. God is supreme authority; and when his law is set aside as a matter of no consequence, the transgressor must surely bear the results of his own sin, though God bears long with him.
Par. 18
❤
😊😊
I thought keeping us temptation and delivery from evil was a warning about marriage!
Chapter 6
What Gospel were they preaching? They went out preaching all over!!
That time is here.
Keeping timestamps here
Luke 1: 0:15
Luke 2: 10:45
Luke 3: 17:55
Luke 4: 24:15
Luke 5: 30:45
Luke 6: 36:25
Please excuse my leaving the sermon early, I should stay. Let the Lord forgive me.
I got 20 did lurn about the 5