Sunday August 1, 2010

Continuing with our look at the Shaking. Think back with me over the years you have known, do you remember meeting someone who was quite in earnest? someone who was not “indifferent and careless,” who was resisting the darkness? I’ll bet that you can remember at least one.

Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud.

Now tell me how many people you know, in the church, who seem to be happy, may even blest by God, yet, they have not converted anyone to the faith; they can not tell you just what the Advent message is all about, they know not what true conversion is. Their religion is composed of something, somewhere, in their past. Their present is composed of “happy” things, good stories, good friends, good events, good sermons, good, good, good.

It is a good thing to keep things positive and in the light, but, how do you define “light?” Here is where many fail. They do not really know what it is that they believe and why. They blindly support the church “as if” “it’s all good.”

The angels of GOD left them, and went to the aid of those earnest, praying ones. I saw the angels of GOD hasten to the assistance of all those who were struggling with all their energies to resist those evil angels, and trying to help themselves by calling upon GOD with perseverance. But the angels left those who made no effort to help themselves, and I lost sight of them. p. 184, Para. 1, [GC58].

Calling upon God with perseverance is secret prayer. Prayer made while you are working, commuting, all activity and especially prayer, vocal prayer alone with God.  I thought it was useless because God is inside your brain all the time anyway, right? Wrong. It is called “spiritual exercise.” We will get into it from time to time, for now you can read this. No. 20, p. 189, Para. 2.

As these praying ones continued their earnest cries, at times a ray of light from JESUS came to them, and encouraged their hearts, and lighted up their countenances. p. 184, Para. 2, [GC58].

This is especially meaningful to me as it shows the perfect harmony within the body of the authentic Spirit of Prophecy. Come with me now to The DayStar, and Ellen’s first vision.

I turned to look for the Advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a voice said to me, Look again, and look a little higher. At this, I raised my eyes and see a strait and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling to the City, which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set up behind them at the first end of the path, which an angel told me was the Midnight Cry. This light shone all along the path and gave light for their feet so they might not stumble. And if they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the City, they were safe. But soon some grew weary, and said the City was a great way off, and they expected to have entered it before. Then Jesus would encourage them by raising his glorious right arm, and from his arm came a glorious light which waved over the Advent band, and they shouted, Hallelujah!

Notice the intense similarities between the two passages. It is a work of God, pure truth, harmonous truth, truth you can anchor your soul to, for the storm we enter, as the loud cry goes forth.

God Bless

Sabbath July 31, 2010 8:27 PM

Just doing some thinking here…. out loud, as it were.

My current understanding of our current position. No references given. Search the blog for info.

All these items are now concurrent.

1.) Since October 22, 1844, we are in The Great Day of Atonement.

2.) Since October 22, 1844, we are now in the third watch. Apparently the first watch was the watch for the first time set for the second coming of Christ. Then, apparently, the second watch was the second time set for the second coming of Christ, October 22, 1844. This makes us in the third watch, which is an indeterminate time.

3.) We now walk by faith on the path to the city, in the light of the Midnight Cry.

4.) The Shaking has been on-going since, at least, January 26, 1850

5.) We are in the time of the six men with slaughter weapons slaying and one with a writers inkhorn placing a mark or seal on God’s people.

6.) The message to the church of the Laodiceans applies to us now.

7.) We are in the patient, waiting, watching time.

8.) The third woe started October 22, 1844 with the sounding of the trumpet of the seventh angel.

We wait for that is yet to come….

Mostly in order.

1.) Satan raises an excitement in the religious bodies.

2.) USA exercises all the power of the first beast before him.

3.) Sunday law is made a test.

4.) The Loud Cry is God’s response to the Sunday law.

5.) The world raises a persecution against God’s people.

6.) Close of probation for all mankind and the closing ceremony for the temple in Heaven. Some begin to run to and fro to the north and to the east searching for the word of God.

7.) Plagues fall on the wicked.

8.) Voice of God sounds to resurrect those who have died in the faith of the third angel’s message.

9.) Voice of God sounds making a covenant with those who have kept his law and proclaiming the day and hour of Christ’s second coming.

10.) Second coming of Christ.

11.) God people truly live happily ever after, ever after, ever after!

Sabbath July 31, 2010 9:36 AM

I just checked out another prophecy site, at the behest of a friend, which has a man, Charles Wheeling, preaching that the Advent pioneers were wrong in their interpretation of one of the 1260 year prophecies.

I remember Charles’ tapes from years back. He has been feeding on the fringe of SDAventism for many years. He is teaching gross error.

The pioneers had the truth, the present truth, the truth that is an anchor for us today and will be our anchor to the end of time.

I was shown like this. The truth once got out now, will stand; for it is the truth for the last days, and it will live, and less need to be said upon the truth after it is out. Numberless words need not be put upon paper to justify what speaks for itself, and shines in its clearness. But it is not so with error. It is so winding and twisting that it needs a multitude of words to explain it in its crooked form. But truth is straight, plain, clear, and stands out boldly in its own defense. The cause of truth should not be hindered in its onward progress for want of means. p. 14, Para. 2, [SUPCEV].

Many who embraced the third message had not an experience in the two former messages. [ that would be all of us at this present day ] Satan understood this, and his evil eye was upon them to overthrow them; but the third angel was pointing them to the Most Holy place, and those who had an experience in the past messages were pointing them the way to the heavenly Sanctuary. Many saw the perfect chain of truth in the angels’ messages, and gladly received it. They embraced them in their order, and followed JESUS by faith into the heavenly Sanctuary. These messages were represented to me as an anchor to hold the body. And as individuals receive and understand them, they are shielded against the many delusions of Satan. p. 165, Para. 2, [GC58].

The path is the same path God put us on and showed to us in Ellen’s first vision; it has not been changed.

God Bless your Sabbath

Sabbath July 31, 2010

While studying I came upon this item and want to share with you ASAP.

This now from the 1911 Great Controversy, further evidence of Satan’s sophistry (Spirit of Prophecy His Try).

The Bible declares that before the coming of the Lord, Satan will work “with all power and signs and lying wonders,
page 390
and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness;” and they that “received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,” will be left to receive “strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11. Not until this condition shall be reached, and the union of the church with the world shall be fully accomplished throughout Christendom, will the fall of Babylon be complete. The change is a progressive one, and the perfect fulfillment of Revelation 14:8 is yet future. {GC 389.390}

This is a half truth which is a whole lie!

The second angel’s message met it’s perfect fulfillment when it was given in 1844. This is Satan’s sly shifting of the truth.

What we do now wait for, that is yet future, is the perfect fulfillment of Revelation 18: especially 1-4.

This is what God warned us about in the 1858 Great Controversy, pages 168-169. It is Satan’s attempt to “move a block or stir a pin in these messages.” It denies the past, perfect work of God.

God Bless your Sabbath

Friday July 30, 2010

As we look at “The Shaking” keep in mind some items.

1.) No where in this chapter is there a sentence or phrase that tells us that the Shaking is yet future. That is an assumption.

2.) We have a date for when God has told us that the Shaking started, it is January 26, 1850.

3.) Nothing in this chapter indicates that the Shaking is other than a process, which has been ongoing since it started.

4.) God is passing information to us, through his prophet, Ellen. This information is in concentrated form, and just like all communications from God, humans need God’s help, through the Holy Ghost, to properly understand truth.

5.) This vision is a high level overview of the process. Just like the vision God gave to us where his people are represented as traveling a path, high and lifted up; also the Bible shows us the activity of God’s people represented as an angel flying in the midst of heaven. So in this chapter are representations made to reveal the activity of God’s people during the time of the great antitypical Day of Atonement.

6.) Please remember, this is not Ellen’s thoughts written out after a long day’s travel on a horse or any other such thing, it is God talking to you.

7.) Hear ye him.

THE SHAKING

I saw some with strong faith and agonizing cries, pleading with GOD. Their countenances were pale, and marked with deep anxiety, which expressed their internal struggle. There were firmness and great earnestness expressed in their countenances, while large drops of perspiration rose upon their foreheads, and fell. Now and then their faces would light up with the marks of GOD’S approbation, and again the same solemn, earnest, anxious look settled upon them. p. 183, Para. 1, [GC58].

Evil angels crowded around them, pressing their darkness upon them, to shut out JESUS from their view, that their eyes might be drawn to the darkness that surrounded them, and they distrust GOD, and next murmur against him. Their only safety was in keeping their eyes directed upward. Angels were having the charge over the people of GOD, and as the poisonous atmosphere from these evil angels was pressed around these anxious ones, the angels, which had the charge over them, were continually wafting their wings over them to scatter the thick darkness that surrounded them. p. 183, Para. 2, [GC58].

Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. The angels of GOD left them, and went to the aid of those earnest, praying ones. I saw the angels of GOD hasten to the assistance of all those who were struggling with all their energies to resist those evil angels, and trying to help themselves by calling upon GOD with perseverance. But the angels left those who made no effort to help themselves, and I lost sight of them. p. 184, Para. 1, [GC58].

God Bless your study

Thursday July 29, 2010

Covetousness, it’s something that grabbbbsss you,… or is it?

Men and women may escape this doom if they will. It is true, Satan is the great originator of sin; yet this does not excuse any man for sinning; for he cannot force men to do evil. He tempts them to it, and makes sin look enticing and pleasant; but he has to leave it to their own wills whether they will do it or not. p. 122, Para. 1, [17OT].

There is the answer.

And here is another answer.

It is a surrender to God which you have to make, which no other can make for you. It is only the Spirit’s power, working through mighty faith, that can make you able to successfully resist the many snares Satan has laid for your feet. The words and example of your Redeemer will be the light and strength of your heart. If you follow and trust in him, he will not leave you to perish. p. 67, Para. 2, [16OT].

Back to the ’58.

Satan took advantage of Judas’ covetous, selfish disposition, and led him to murmur against the ointment Mary dedicated to JESUS. Judas looked upon it as a great waste; it might have been sold and given to the poor. He cared not for the poor, but considered the liberal offering to JESUS extravagant. Judas prized his LORD just enough to sell him for a few pieces of silver. And I saw that there were some like Judas among those who profess to be waiting for their LORD. Satan has the control over them, but they know it not. Not a particle of covetousness or selfishness can GOD approbate. He hates it, and he despises the prayers and exhortations of those who possess it. As Satan sees his time is short, he leads them on to be more and more selfish, more and more covetous, and then exults as he sees them wrapt up in themselves, close, penurious and selfish. If the eyes of such could be opened, they would see Satan in hellish triumph, exulting over them, and laughing at the folly of those who accept his suggestions, and enter his snares. Then he and his angels take the mean and covetous acts of these individuals, and present them to JESUS and the holy angels, and reproachfully say, These are CHRIST’S followers! They are getting ready to be translated! Satan marks their deviating course, and then compares it with the Bible, with passages which plainly rebuke such things, and then presents it to annoy the heavenly angels, saying, These are following CHRIST and his word! These are the fruits of CHRIST’S sacrifice and redemption! Angels turn in disgust from the scene. GOD requires a constant doing on the part of his people, and when they become weary of well and generous doing, he becomes weary of them. I saw that GOD was greatly displeased with the least manifestation of selfishness on the part of his professed people, for whom JESUS has not spared his own precious life. Every selfish, covetous individual will fall out by the way. Like Judas, who sold his LORD, they will sell good principles, and a noble, generous disposition for a little of earth’s gain. All such will be sifted out from GOD’S people. Those who want heaven, must, with every energy they possess, be encouraging the principles of heaven. And instead of their soul’s withering up with selfishness, they should be expanding with benevolence, and every opportunity should be improved in doing good to one another, and increasing and growing more and more into the principles of heaven. JESUS was held up to me as the perfect pattern. His life was without selfish interest, and was marked with disinterested benevolence. p. 181, Para. 1, [GC58].

God Bless your study

Wednesday July 28, 2010

The last portion of No. 16 is really meaningful to me right now and so we will continue our journey.

I looked to see who of those who professed to be looking for Christ’s coming, possessed the spirit of sacrificing offerings to God of their abundance. I could see a few humble, poor ones, who were stinting themselves, and casting in their mite, like the poor widow. Every such offering is accounted of God as precious treasure. But those who are acquiring means, and adding to their possessions, are far behind. They do comparatively nothing to what they might. They are withholding, and robbing God. They are fearful they shall come to want. They dare not trust God. This is one of the reasons, that as a people, we are so sickly, and so many are falling into their graves. The covetous are among us. The lovers of the world, also those who have stinted the laborer in his hire, are among us. Men who had none of this world, who were poor and dependent on their labor, have been dealt with closely and unjustly. The lover of the world has, with a hard face, and harder heart, paid over the small sum earned by hard toil, grudgingly. Just so they are dealing with their Master, whose servants they profess to be. Just in this grudging manner do they put into the treasury of God. Like the man in the parable, who had not where to bestow his goods, and the Lord cut short his unprofitable life, so will he deal with many. How difficult, in this corrupt age, to keep from growing worldly and selfish. How easy to become ungrateful to the Giver of all our mercies. Great watchfulness is needed, with much prayer, to keep the soul with all diligence. “Take ye heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is.” p. 104, Para. 1, [16OT].

I want to be ready. God will not bear with the folly of mankind forever. The end will come. Events seem to be pointing to this nation exercising all the power of the first beast before him. Soon. Get ready, get ready, get ready. I am laboring to minimize my own collection of “stuff,” you know, that was where Saul went and hid, among the stuff. So I’m getting rid of stuff. I’m getting ready for Heaven. I’m starting out, preparing to journey…. No. 20, p. 28-32.

God Bless your study

Tuesday July 27, 2010

We have been looking in the 1858 Great Controversy chapter on “Covetousness” and noticing it’s position, with “Spiritualism,” right between “A Firm Platform,” on the one side and “The Shaking” on the other side. Everything God gives to us is important or he would not be calling our attention to it. Time is running out. The end cometh.

Let’s go now to No. 16, page 101.

I have been shown that God’s people who profess to believe present truth, are not in a waiting, watching position. They are increasing in riches, and laying up their treasures upon the earth. They are becoming rich in worldly things, but not rich toward God. They do not believe in the shortness of time. They do not believe that the end of all things is at hand. They do not believe that Christ is at the door. They will act out all the faith that they really possess. They may profess much faith but deceive their own souls. Their works show the character of their faith. Many testify to those around them, by their works, that the coming of Christ is not to be in this generation. According to their faith will be their works. Their preparations are being made to remain in this world. They are adding house to house, and land to land, and are citizens of this world. The condition of poor Lazarus feeding upon the crumbs from the rich man’s table is preferable to these. If they possessed genuine faith, instead of increasing their treasures upon the earth they would be selling off, freeing themselves from the cumbersome things of earth, and transferring their treasure before them to Heaven. Then their interest and hearts will be where their treasure is. The heart of man is where is his greatest treasure. The most of those who profess to believe the truth testify that that which they value the most is in this world. For this they have care, wearing anxiety and labor. To preserve and add to their treasure is the study of their lives. They have transferred so little to Heaven that their interest is not especially exercised in that better country. They have taken so little stock in the heavenly treasure that their minds are not attracted in that direction. Their investments have been made in the things of this world. They have taken large stock in the enterprises of this earth, and these matters involve the interest, and like the magnet draw down their souls from the heavenly and imperishable to the earthly and corruptible. Where your treasure is there will your heart be also. Selfishness girds them about as with iron bands. It is my farm, my goods, my trade, my merchandise. [My body] Even the claims of common humanity by many are disregarded. Men and women professing to be waiting and loving the appearing of their Lord, are shut up to self. The noble, the godlike, they have parted with. The love of the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life, have so fastened upon men and women that they are blinded. They are corrupted by the world, and discern it not. They talk of love to God, but their fruits show not the love they express. They rob him in tithes and offerings, and the withering curse of God is upon them. The truth has been illuminating their pathway on every side. [No. 20, p. 42-49] God has wrought wonderfully in the salvation of souls in their own households, but where are their offerings, presented to God in grateful thanks for all his tokens of mercy to them? Many of them are as unthankful as the brute creation. The sacrifice for man was infinite, beyond the comprehension of the strongest intellect. Yet, men who claim to be partakers of these heavenly benefits, which were brought to them with so much cost, are too thoroughly selfish to make any real sacrifice for God. The world, the world, the world, their minds are upon. In the forty-ninth psalm, we read, “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him (for the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth forever.)” If all would bear in mind, and in a small degree appreciate, the immense sacrifice made by Christ, they would feel rebuked for their fearfulness and their supreme selfishness. “Our God shall come and shall not keep silence; a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” Because of selfishness, and love of the world, God is forgotten, and many have barrenness of soul, and cry, My leanness, my leanness. God has lent means to his people to prove them, to test the depth of their professed love for him. Some would let go of God, and give up their heavenly treasure, rather than to decrease their earthly possessions and make a covenant with God by sacrifice. God calls for them to sacrifice; but the love of the world closes their ears, and they will not hear. p. 102, Para. 1, [16OT].

God Bless your study

Monday July 26, 2010

Having covered much of the subject of spiritualism in our discussion of psychology, which we now understand to have taken the precedence over other forms of spiritualism in the patient waiting time, we will more on to the next chapter in the 1858 Great Controversy.

“Covetousness.” As I began studying the 58GC I wondered at the subject of this chapter and it’s location, it seemed so out of place. But when you actually read the whole chapter, the issue comes alive. You see things like never before. As humans we are blinded. We desperately need God to help us to do our part, to understand things from Heaven’s viewpoint.

We begin.

I saw Satan and his angels consulting together. He bade his angels go and lay their snares especially for those who were looking for CHRIST’S second appearing, and who were keeping all GOD’S commandments. Satan told his angels that the churches were all asleep. He would increase his power and lying wonders, and he could hold them. But the sect of Sabbathkeepers we hate. They are continually working against us, and taking from us our subjects, to keep that hated law of GOD. p. 179, Para. 1, [GC58].

Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with cares. If you can make them place their affections upon these things, we have them yet. They may profess what they please, only make them care more for money than the success of CHRIST’S kingdom, or the spread of the truths we hate. Present the world before them in the most attractive light, that they may love and idolize it. We must keep all the means in our ranks we can. The more means they have, the more will they injure our kingdom by getting our subjects. And as they appoint meetings in different places, then we are in danger. Be very vigilant then. Cause all the distraction you can. Destroy love for each other. Discourage and dishearten their ministers; for we hate them. Hold up every plausible excuse to those that have means, lest they hand it out. Control the money matters if you can, and drive their ministers to want, and distress. This will weaken their courage and zeal. Battle every inch of ground. Make covetousness and love of earthly treasures the ruling traits of their character. As long as these traits rule, salvation and grace stand back. Crowd all you can around them to attract them, and they will be surely ours. Not only are we sure of them, but their hateful influence will not be exercised toward others to lead them to heaven. And those who shall attempt to give, put within them a grudging disposition, that it may be sparingly. p. 179, Para. 2, [GC58].

I saw that Satan carried out his plans well. And as the servants of GOD appointed meetings, Satan and his angels understood their business, and were on the ground to hinder the work of GOD, and he was constantly putting suggestions into the minds of GOD’S people. Some he leads in one way, and some in another, always taking advantage of evil traits in the brethren and sisters, exciting and stirring up their natural besetments. If they are disposed to be selfish and covetous, Satan is well pleased to take his stand by their side, and then with all his power he seeks to lead them to manifest their besetting sins. If the grace of GOD and the light of truth melt away these covetous, selfish feelings for a little, and they do not obtain entire victory over them, when they are not under a saving influence, Satan comes in and withers up every noble, generous principle, and they think that they have to do too much. They become weary of well-doing, and forget all about the great sacrifice JESUS made for them, to redeem them from the power of Satan, and hopeless misery. p. 180, Para. 1, [GC58].

If you and I are going to be in Heaven, we must overcome on this point and begin to live as if we were in Heaven now.

God Bless your study

Sunday July 25, 2010

Back to the 1858 Great Controversy.

The next chapter is on Spiritualism, and titled the same.

Please notice the subject matter and it’s location in the book in reference to the subject matter of the surrounding material. This is very important information from God for our benefit.

I saw that the saints must have a thorough understanding of the present truth, which they will have to maintain from the Scriptures. They must understand the state of the dead; for the spirits of devils will yet appear to them, professing to be beloved friends and relatives, who will declare to them unscriptural doctrines. They will do all in their power to excite sympathy, and work miracles before them, to confirm what they declare. The people of GOD must be prepared to withstand these spirits with the Bible truth that the dead know not anything, and that they are the spirits of devils. p. 173, Para. 2, [GC58].

I saw that we must examine well the foundation of our hope, for we shall have to give a reason for it from the Scriptures; for we shall see this delusion spreading, and we shall have to contend with it face to face. And unless we are prepared for it, we shall be ensnared and overcome. But if we do what we can on our part to be ready for the conflict that is just before us, GOD will do his part, and his all-powerful arm will protect us. He would sooner send every angel out of glory to make a hedge about faithful souls, than that they should be deceived and led away by the lying wonders of Satan. p. 174, Para. 1, [GC58].

I believe we are on the verge of battle with Satan and his agents. Prepare, for the battle will be fierce.

God Bless your study