Sunday July 1, 2012

I think it will be best to do a mix of real deep stuff, and not so deep. When it comes to studying God’s Word, many things will take soaking time. Here is an example with me.

In my studies, within the bounds of the authenticated, original Spirit of Prophecy, I was led to understand that the 144,000 are composed of all those who are saved — that have been exposed to the Advent message, since October 23, 1844, to the end. This being the date of the beginning of the third angel’s message. That understanding I still believe to be correct. I might be wrong on this point. You need to prove all things yourself. Check out the topics on the right of this page.

Thinking from that view, very, very few of those professing SDAs will be in the kingdom. They are entangled in the world. Busy with too many other things, instead of putting God first. And it does not matter what the distraction is, A N Y  THING except seeking truth and striving to enter at the strait gate.

Since the very first conversation with Jerry, the Holy Ghost was impressing me on this one point, that so few would be saved, who have heard this message. Then, the other day, was kinda like a high-point, the high-water mark. It was nothing Jerry was doing, it was the emphases the Holy Ghost was making in my own mind about such a small number.

After some meditation on it, I realized that all my life I had been taught that everyone should be urged in. This is why the story of the rich young ruler, Mark 10, impressed me, very much. Christ never went after him to urge him anything!! This story is in three of the gospels, but only Mark states that he “loved him.” Now we know that God loves everybody. Here, that love is made prominent. Still, he let him go, no urging, no force, no pressure. It’s a preservation of personal space to make a free choice. Like Adam and Eve in the garden. No pressure from God. Only preservation of free choice.

Choices have consequences.

God has hidden his treasures of wisdom in the field, and it will take all to buy it. And those who are not asking, seeking and knocking will not find the right field. They will be deluded and deceived by the seductive whisperings of the beautiful woman, the false church. They are buying her lies because they think it is the truth. The real deception is back at asking, seeking and knocking. For whatever reason they rationalize, they are not making truth their highest goal.

I heard a great line once. “To rationalize, is to tell rational lies.”

We must be about truth. Many SDAs visit this site. But they can not see the importance of the truth revealed. If they do see it, it’s like 911, it’s too big, it’s too huge, it would flatten to nothing the whole SDA church structure. So they put it out of mind, besides, the 6:00 news will be on soon. One day, the six o’clock news will be about a bunch of crazies all over the world, declaring the fearful warning (No. 6, p. 22) of God and working miracles. Some will then wake, as from a deep sleep, too late to form a character fit for Heaven, or study to understand the hidden treasure.

God is all about saving those who make a free will choice to “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.” All the honest in heart will be rescued. No. 15, page 95. But all those who are not actively following and cherishing the light they have, will not find the hidden treasure. That mystery of godliness they will not discover. They will believe the strong, seductive delusion, of a wicked woman, which God created, the GCSDA church.

Follow this.

 In the beginning God created the heaven (true church) and the earth (false church). And the earth (false church) was without form, and void; and darkness (lack of understanding, error, evil works) was upon the face of the deep (people). And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters (people). And God said, Let there be light (wisdom, knowledge and understanding, hidden treasure ) and there was light (wisdom, knowledge and understanding, hidden treasure ). And God saw the light (wisdom, knowledge and understanding, hidden treasure ), that it was good ( for spiritual food and spiritual meat )  and God divided the light (wisdom, knowledge and understanding, hidden treasure ) from the darkness (lack of understanding, error, evil works). Genesis 1:1-6

    I form the light (wisdom, knowledge and understanding, hidden treasure), and create darkness (lack of understanding, error, evil works): I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things. Isaiah 45:7

You might not have known that God did this!
It brings a whole new level of understanding, a new day dawns in your mind; suddenly the Bible is flooded with light and understanding! Wonderful beginning!!

Here I have not shown the source of the words defined. If you do not have a Bible software program, there are many that are free. “E-sword” is a good one. What you want to be able to do is search on the word you want to define, like “light.” Then other texts will show definitions for that word. Use the one that makes sense. God made it easy, you just got to want it.

God Bless your study

Sabbath June 30, 2012

 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. Genesis 11:5-9

It is therefore correct that God is the author of all languages. Man, choosing to reject God, says language came this way; and he proceeds to create a graphic, an image, trying to depict what they want you to believe. In the front of my dictionary, that graphic is drawn as a tree, with “indo-european” roots; out of which all languages grew.

Satan is on every side, and, he never sleeps. Everything about this world he taints with his lies. Herein lies the great impetus to separation from the world and the things of the world. We don’t even understand all the ways that Satan is perverting our faith, by staying in touch with the world, trying to be friends with the world, &c.

Cease, forever cease, your murmurings in regard to this poor life, but let your soul’s burden be, how to secure the better life than this, a title to the mansions prepared for those who are true and faithful to the end. If you should make a mistake here, everything is lost. If you devote your lifetime to secure earthly treasures, and lose the heavenly, you will find you have made a terrible mistake. You cannot have both worlds. “What will it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul; or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Says the inspired Paul “For our light afflictions, which are but for a moment, work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” p. 96, Para. 2, [14OT].

I saw that it was impossible to have the affections and interests engrossed in worldly cares, increasing their possessions, laying up treasures upon the earth, and yet be in a waiting, watching position, as our Saviour has commanded. Said the angel, “They can secure but one world. In order to acquire the heavenly treasure, they must sacrifice the earthly. They cannot have both worlds.” p. 98, Para. 1, [16OT].

This separation includes the language. We can not talk like the world. Especially is this true as it relates to other professing Christians. They are using the bread, defiled by man. That is what all the other translations of the Bible are. Satan has worked through his human agents to entirely cut off the hidden treasure of the wisdom of God, by replacing God’s words with his words. Thus, the defiled Bible can not be used to define itself.

God created the languages. God authored the Bible. God wrote the Bible, in, sometimes cryptic appearing ways, to hide the treasures of his wisdom from those “who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thes. 2:12

And it is God that “shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:” 2 Thes. 2:11
You are going to have to put some distance between you and the world — full of man’s wisdom. When you take time to meditate and pray, you take time away from watching TV. Oh!,… yeah Oh! TV does not even qualify as bread to be defiled. It’s just pure mold, poison.

God is drawing you with his truth. It has a charm, designed to captivate your mind, long enough to get you to come back, again, and again. Truth will unfold to you, like a rose bloom in slow-motion beauty. You only get that by using the KJV. All the rest (modern versions) are defiled by man.

Here is an important example.

And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Rev. 17:15

God is defining exactly what the “water” is, that he showed John in vision. Not all the Bible is this plain. That is why you need to take some time with it in study. That is what we are going to do more of right here.

God Bless your Study

Friday June 29, 2012

Recently, I received an email decrying the RFID chipping of all Americans, and was asked what I thought about the same. Here was my answer.

I believe we will only get the truth from studying what God has given us, i.e., the Bible and the authentic Spirit of Prophecy.

At the current time, my understanding is this:

 1.) Sunday is made a test. No. 6, page 22.

2.) “And THEN the fearful warning from God” [read Loud Cry] No. 6, page 22, “declares the penalty of bowing to the beast and his image.”

 3.) We are to make a firm decision NOW to stand firm against the Sunday law, not run from it.

And those who will not receive the mark of the beast and his image, when the decree goes forth, must have decision now to say, nay, we will not regard the institution of the beast. Christian Experience and Views, 1851, page 55.

4.) SDAs are reading the SOP that has been counterfeited, it looks and feels better than the original [Satan gives feelings], carries certificates of authenticity [faked ones], and there is tons of it to look thorough. Reading the counterfeited SOP they are preparing to follow this instruction, should the Sunday law be passed.

As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal for flight to the Judean Christians, so the assumption of power on the part of our nation in the decree enforcing the papal sabbath will be a warning to us. It will then be time to leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded places among the mountains. 5T, p. 465

 I believe this to be a deception of Satan. Look at what is not said, but inferred.

It implies that you can stay in the city until then; wrong! Even today, zerohedge.com is reporting the truth about the reality of the headlines, that “new home sales are up!” In all probability, here is what will happen at that time. Laodicean SDAs will fulfill exactly what God predicted in 1849.

About one week since, the Lord showed me in vision, that houses and lands would be of no use in the time of trouble, and in that time they could not be disposed of. I saw it was the will of God that the saints should cut loose from every encumbrance–dispose of their houses and lands before the time of trouble comes, and make a covenant with God by sacrifice. I saw they would sell if they laid their property on the altar and earnestly inquired for duty. Then God will teach them when to dispose of these things. Then they will be free in the time of trouble, and have no clogs to weigh them down. 1849  Broadside

I saw if they held on to their property, and did not inquire duty of the Lord, he would not make duty known, and they would be permitted to keep their property, and then in the time of trouble their property would come up before them like a mountain to crush them. Then they tried to get rid of it, but could not. I heard them mourn like this,– the cause was languishing–God’s people were suffering for truth, and we made no effort to supply the lack, and now our property is useless. Oh! that we had let it go, and laid up treasure in heaven. I saw a sacrifice did not increase, but decrease, and was consumed. I also saw that God had not required all of his people to dispose of their property at the same time, but in a time of need he would teach them, if they desired to be taught, when to sell and how much to sell. I saw that some had been required to dispose of their property in past time to sustain the advent cause, while he permitted others to keep theirs until a time of need. Then as the cause needs it, their duty is to sell. 1849  Broadside

Now is the time to lay up treasure in heaven, and to set our hearts in order, ready for the time of trouble. Those only who have clean hands and a pure heart will stand that trying time. Now is the time for the law of God to be in our minds (foreheads), and written in our hearts. The Lord has shown me the danger of letting our minds be filled with worldly thoughts and cares. I saw that some minds were led away from present truth and a love of the holy Bible, by reading other exciting books; and others were filled with perplexity and care for what they shall eat, drink and wear. I saw some, looking too far off for the coming of the Lord. Time has continued on a few years longer than they expected, therefore they think it may continue a few years more, and in this way their minds are being led from present truth, out after the world. In these things I saw great danger; for if the mind is filled with other things, present truth is shut out, and there is no place in our foreheads for the seal of the living God. This seal is the Sabbath. I saw that the time for Jesus to be in the most holy place was nearly finished, and that time can last but a very little longer; and what leisure time we have should be spent in searching the Bible, which is to judge us in the last day. 1849  Broadside

Here is laid out a course of action. It’s up to each one to decide to follow it or not. If not,… you are on your own. If so, you place yourself right where every true believer of God has done, in his hand, to be used by him. It means giving up your plans and accepting God’s plan.

God Bless your choice

Thursday June 28, 2012

There is this very interesting story in Chronicles. God is using the king of Egypt to run an errand for him and the king of Judah interferes.

After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Charchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him. But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy thee not. Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. 2 Chron. 35:20-22

In this particular story, not listening to God cost Josiah his life. Here is further instruction.

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Corinthians 10:11

We can safely conclude that something in this story is for our learning in these last days. It’s just possible that this could be applicable.

  Yea, all that thou art looking at, thou shalt not see just now. Be careful, let no light be set aside which comes from another way from which thou art looking for. November 18, 1848, Bates noted vision.

The king of Judah goes out to meddle with something that is sanctioned by God and he, in the process, rejects… a warning from God! from the mouth of a non-SDA!!!

If we will apply the instruction from God, found in the November 18, 1848 vision, we will be much more attuned to God, and not man. Man would teach us that there is no light from anyone who is not a Jew SDA. God is telling us to be very careful, he may be sending us light, from ways and directions that we do not expect, even from non-SDAs!

I think we have a clear case of that today. The GCSDA church is promoting the NIV bible. This bible is the defiled bread that God warns us about. The reason is, Satan has destroyed the hidden treasure from that bible. The KJV is the only true Word of God.

Because the GCSDA church has refused to follow God’s instruction, God has raised up others who will do his bidding.

Gail Riplinger is one such, in my opinion. I would encourage you to cruise over to her site and start reading. It is quite clear to me that God has raised her up to do what the SDA church has refused to do. She has been blessed with mental strength to do the laborious work her research required. Today, she is a world famous, ( world infamous? ) expert on the KJV Bible. I encourage everyone to get her book, “In Awe of Thy Word.” It will set you back $30.00, but it will be the best money you have spent in some time. I just recently received my copy and it is incredible! in the lessons on allowing God to define his own words.

Here is her site http://www.avpublications.com/avnew/home.html (copy and paste if the link will not work)

It has become clear, through my studies with Jerry M. that God’s people are going to have to learn something of the hidden treasure, something of the mystery of God’s Word, in order to get through to see him come in the clouds. We will be doing nothing but following in the same path the pioneers, those of the church of Philadelphia, trod. This is the path, “cast up high above the world,” (The Day-Star) and the path “which continued to grow narrow.” No. 20, page 28-32.

It is this path that leads to life, and “few there be that find it.” As you travel, you will see the bloodstains of others before, and you will know, you are not alone. Gail has some detractors on the net. Satan hates the KJV and all who promote it. Listen to the voice of God, not the voice of the serpent.

Now you might be tempted to think that this just could not be. Better think again….

 God works through human instrumentalities; and whoever shall awaken the consciences of men, provoking them to good works and a real interest in the advancement of the cause of truth, does not do it of himself, but by the Spirit of God which worketh in him. p. 124, Para. 2, [29OT].

God Bless your… Decision

Wednesday June 27, 2012

Inspiration. It has been debated and dissected ad nauseam. This was the whole purpose of the 1919 Bible Conference, to move the church away from a correct understanding of the term, “inspiration.” But the only reason for that is because people are not willing to accept what God has said. They are not converted.

I am reading around, surfing my books, and found this tidbit buried in a story.

The scene of Christ’s temptation was to be a lesson for all his followers. When the enemies of Christ, by the instigation of Satan, request them to show some miracle, they should answer them as meekly as the Son of God answered Satan, “It is written, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” If they will not be convinced by inspired testimony, a manifestation of God’s power would not benefit them. God’s wondrous works are not manifested to gratify the curiosity of any. Christ, the Son of God, refused to give Satan any proof of his power. He made no effort to remove Satan’s “if,” by showing a miracle. The disciples of Christ will be brought into similar positions. Unbelievers will require them to do some miracle, if they believe God’s special power is in the church, and that they are the chosen people of God. Unbelievers, who are afflicted with infirmities, will require them to work a miracle upon them, if God is with them. Christ’s followers should imitate the example of their Lord. Jesus, with his divine power, did not do any mighty works for Satan’s diversion. Neither can the servants of Christ. They should refer the unbelieving to the written, inspired testimony for evidence of their being the loyal people of God, and heirs of salvation. p. 150, Para. 2, [4SGa].

The immediate question in my mind was about the terms here used. Clearly, the Bible is being referenced. If so, why not just say “Bible?” Because God is teaching his people with the Testimonies. By referring to the Bible as “inspired testimony” God has given us his own definition of that term.

This is exactly what is going on in the KJV Bible. God is teaching all who will listen. But many are not interested in this, Greek and Hebrew must have a better answer. No so.

 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:21

God tells us here, what that really means.

   The scribes of God wrote as they were dictated by the Holy Spirit, having no control of the work themselves. No. 26, page 5.

Many there are who do not want to believe this. Why? Because Ellen was a scribe of God.

God Bless your Study

Tuesday June 26, 2012

On this site, we are about the Vindication of the authentic Spirit of Prophecy. This is because of the existence of the counterfeit SOP, or also known as, Satan’s SOP-His-Try.

Because of our stance on the truth, God has blessed us with more truth for his true church of the end. One of those items is the following information I got from Jerry M.

Jerry says, “Hey Art! Grab your ‘41 Miller book and turn to page 116.” So I did, and then listened while he read to me. How amazing! Here it is for you.

 But, my brethren, there is one more battle, and then the mystery of God will be finished. The enemies of truth have one weapon yet. They wield it now; they begin to shout the victory. It is to pervert the word of God, and wrest it’s meaning: to change the truth into a lie. This will be the last struggle. Here the enemies of the truth will fall to rise no more forever; for “truth is mighty and will prevail.” “Which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being lead away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge [hidden treasure] of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: to him be glory, both now and forever. Amen.” So says Peter; and it is a solemn admonition to us, in this last day. Let us not pervert or wrest the scriptures from their own simple meaning. The word of God must be it’s own expositor. It is a chain of truth which cannot be broken without doing despite to the Spirit of God by whom it was indicted. “Views of the Prophecies and Prophetic Chronology, selected from manuscripts of William Miller with a Memoir of His Life; by Joshua V. Himes.,” page 116.

For God’s true church there are two great bodies of information; the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. Both are authored by God, but the Spirit of Prophecy walls the Bible about with light, and uses it to try to reach us. No. 20, p. 42-49.

Satan has moved in these last days to counterfeit both. This is what Miller identified in the paragraph above. It is our purpose to sound the warning, let people know just what is happening and that all counterfeits are from Satan; this is the defiled bread.

Using defiled bread, … will get you killed.

God Bless your Study

Monday June 25, 2012

Some of the material we posted yesterday from No. 30 needs a closer look. Like good food, time should be taken to chew on the thoughts presented. In the full, clear, light of day the mystery of the hidden treasure is laid bare. But even this is hidden from the church. Only a few even study at all, even of what God has revealed in plain English!

They could not fathom the mystery of his providence, should they study with all their power for a life-time. And because the works of God [hidden treasure] cannot be explained by finite minds, Satan brings his sophistry [Spirit Of Prophecy – HIS – TRY ] to bear upon them, and entangles them in the meshes of unbelief. If these doubting ones will come into close connection with God, he will make his purposes clear to their understanding. p. 89, Para. 2, [30OT].

This “close connection with God,” is none other than a total commitment. What would Heaven look like anyway, to a bunch of people who are not totally committed? They would be like the children of Israel on the way to the Land of Canaan, constantly murmuring and complaining! God will not allow that in Heaven. All such are carnally minded.

Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. The carnal mind cannot comprehend these mysteries. If questioners and doubters continue to follow the great deceiver, the impressions and convictions of God’s Spirit will grow less and less, the promptings of Satan more frequent, until the mind will fully submit to his control. Then that which appears to these bewildered minds as foolishness will be the power of God, [1 Corinthians 2:14 ] and that which God regards as foolishness will be to them the strength of wisdom. p. 90, Para. 1, [30OT].

 The religion of the Bible is simply the mystery of godliness; no human mind can fully understand it, and it is utterly incomprehensible to the unregenerate heart. p. 90, Para. 2, [30OT].

The Son of God compared the operations of the Holy Spirit to the wind, which “bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth.” Again, we read in the Sacred Record that the world’s Redeemer rejoiced in spirit, and said, “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” p. 91, Para. 1, [30OT].

The Saviour rejoiced that the plan of salvation is such that those who are wise in their own estimation, who are puffed up by the teachings of vain philosophy, cannot see the beauty, power, and hidden mystery of the gospel. But to all those who are of a humble heart, who have a teachable, honest, childlike desire to know and do the will of their Heavenly Father, his word is revealed as the power of God to their salvation. The operation of the Spirit of God is foolishness to the unrenewed man. The apostle Paul — says, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” p. 91, Para. 2, [30OT].

If in looking at this page, you are not comprehending what this is about — you really should stop — and take a good measure of your own self.

1.) Are you totally committed?
2.) Have you put all your money and possessions on the altar?
3.) If Christ were to show up today… would you be ready to go?

Why not be true to your own self? You think this is all bunk? Live out your own religion. Enjoy this earth. Because that is all you will have. You will then be called from the grave to stand before an offended God, who did everything in his power to entice you to his service, even gave up his own Son to save you, and you preferred the lies of Satan to the truth of an Almighty God.

The youth have not realized that freedom and light can be retained only through self-denial, constant watchfulness and prayer, with a continual reliance upon the merits of the blood of Christ. When the Holy Spirit is breathing upon the soul, the will and the powers of the man must respond to its influence. Those who abide in Jesus will be happy, cheerful, and joyful in God. A subdued gentleness will mark the voice, reverence for spiritual and eternal things will be expressed in the actions, and music, joyful music, will echo from the lips; for it is wafted from the throne of God. This is the mystery of godliness, not easily explained, but none the less felt and enjoyed. A stubborn and rebellious heart can close its doors to all the sweet influences of the grace of God, and all the joy in the Holy Ghost. But the ways of wisdom are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. The more closely we are connected with Christ, the more, will our words and actions show the subduing, transforming power of his grace. p. 148, Para. 1, [30OT].

Wouldn’t you like to have the peace that passes all understanding? You can. All you need to do is ask. Send me an email art@sopvindicated.org I’ll help you.

God Bless your Decision

Sunday June 24, 2012

We are studying Bible Words Spiritually Discerned, to name a practical title. This is also the hidden treasure, and the mystery of godliness, hidden of ages. Showing here, in these excerpts from No. 30 only, with sparse comments, the beauties of harmony, a hand in hand relation, between two bodies of material. One, thousands of years old; the other, just over one hundred and thirty.

Showing that the same author crafted both, unchanging, unmoved by time, with purposes forever true; this is “the God of my rock, in him will I trust.”

A strict compliance with the Bible requirements will be a blessing not only to the soul, but to the body. The fruit of the Spirit is not only love, joy, and peace, but temperance also. We are enjoined not to defile our bodies, for they are the temples of the Holy Ghost. The case of Daniel shows us, that, through religious principle, young men may triumph over the lust of the flesh, and remain true to God’s requirements, even though it cost them a great sacrifice. What if he had made a compromise with those heathen officers, and had yielded to the pressure of the occasion by eating and drinking as was customary with the Babylonians? That one wrong step would probably have led to others, until, his connection with Heaven being severed, he would have been borne away by temptation. But while he clung to God with unwavering trust, the spirit of prophetic power came upon him. While he was instructed of man in the duties of court life, he was taught of God to read the mysteries of future ages. p. 69, Para. 2, [30OT].

 

Are you interested in the future? Study the hidden treasure. William Miller, there, discovered the truth of Christ’s second coming! What wonders are there for us to know?

The word of God will judge every one of us at the last great day. Young men talk about science, and are wise above that which is written; they seek to explain the ways and works of God to meet their finite comprehension; but it is all a miserable failure. True science and inspiration are in perfect harmony. False science is a something independent of God. It is pretentious ignorance. This deceptive power has captivated and enslaved the minds of many, and they have chosen darkness rather than light. They have taken their position on the side of unbelief, as though it were a virtue, and the sign of a great mind to doubt; when it is the sign of a mind too weak and narrow to perceive God in his created works. They could not fathom the mystery of his providence, should they study with all their power for a life-time. And because the works of God [hidden treasure] cannot be explained by finite minds, Satan brings his sophistry [Spirit Of Prophecy – HIS – TRY ] to bear upon them, and entangles them in the meshes of unbelief. If these doubting ones will come into close connection with God, he will make his purposes clear to their understanding. p. 89, Para. 2, [30OT].

Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. The carnal mind cannot comprehend these mysteries. If questioners and doubters continue to follow the great deceiver, the impressions and convictions of God’s Spirit will grow less and less, the promptings of Satan more frequent, until the mind will fully submit to his control. Then that which appears to these bewildered minds as foolishness will be the power of God, [1 Corinthians 2:14 ] and that which God regards as foolishness will be to them the strength of wisdom. p. 90, Para. 1, [30OT].

One of the great evils which has attended the quest of knowledge, the investigations of science, is that those who engage in these researches, too often lose sight of the divine character of pure and unadulterated religion. The worldly-wise have attempted to explain upon scientific principles the influence of the Spirit of God upon the heart. The least advance in this direction will lead the soul into the mazes of skepticism. The religion of the Bible is simply the mystery of godliness; no human mind can fully understand it, and it is utterly incomprehensible to the unregenerate heart. p. 90, Para. 2, [30OT].

The Son of God compared the operations of the Holy Spirit to the wind, which “bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth.” Again, we read in the Sacred Record that the world’s Redeemer rejoiced in spirit, and said, “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” p. 91, Para. 1, [30OT].

The Saviour rejoiced that the plan of salvation is such that those who are wise in their own estimation, who are puffed up by the teachings of vain philosophy, cannot see the beauty, power, and hidden mystery of the gospel. But to all those who are of a humble heart, who have a teachable, honest, childlike desire to know and do the will of their Heavenly Father, his word is revealed as the power of God to their salvation. The operation of the Spirit of God is foolishness to the unrenewed man. The apostle Paul — says, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” p. 91, Para. 2, [30OT].

The youth have not realized that freedom and light can be retained only through self-denial, constant watchfulness and prayer, with a continual reliance upon the merits of the blood of Christ. When the Holy Spirit is breathing upon the soul, the will and the powers of the man must respond to its influence. Those who abide in Jesus will be happy, cheerful, and joyful in God. A subdued gentleness will mark the voice, reverence for spiritual and eternal things will be expressed in the actions, and music, joyful music, will echo from the lips; for it is wafted from the throne of God. This is the mystery of godliness, not easily explained, but none the less felt and enjoyed. A stubborn and rebellious heart can close its doors to all the sweet influences of the grace of God, and all the joy in the Holy Ghost. But the ways of wisdom are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. The more closely we are connected with Christ, the more, will our words and actions show the subduing, transforming power of his grace. p. 148, Para. 1, [30OT].

God Bless your Study

Sabbath June 23, 2012

We have been looking at the gifts of the Spirit the past couple of days. Yesterday this excerpt from James’ book, “Life Sketches,” 1880, page 335-336, was posted, but important content was not commented upon then. We’ll do that now.

James was one of the people that, present on October 22, 1844, received the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. He was then, prepared for translation and perfect before God, see page 142 of the 1858 Great Controversy. In later years he was told by God to “write, write, write.”

James understood large portions of the Bible. He also understood much of the hidden treasure. This part shows forth portions of that understanding as he makes his point.

The dragon is a symbol of the first great rebel against God’s government. The woman is a symbol of the true church. The common and well-understood figure of the remnant represents a small body of Christians in the last generation of men, just prior to the second coming of Christ. This body of Christians, waiting for the coming and kingdom of the Redeemer, are keeping the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
We now inquire, What is the testimony of Jesus Christ? The angel gives John the answer to this question in its broadest signification. “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Rev.19:10. The spirit, soul, and substance of prophecy, is the testimony of Jesus Christ. Or, the voice of the prophets, relative to the plan and work of human redemption, is the voice of the Redeemer.

That God is the author of the authentic Spirit of Prophecy can not be denied by any believer who studies it. It is far too complex to have been the product of the mind of Ellen. She was not trained in any degree to have even come close to such a production. Just the harmony of perfection, threading it’s way through the tiniest of corners, shows the work of God. It “is the voice of the Redeemer.”
Ellen was a prophet of God. The authenticated Spirit of Prophecy is God seeking to reach his church. No. 20, p. 44.

Ever wonder just what the testimony of Jesus really is? Notice again the words James uses to craft his message.

Bible words… then…. spiritual meaning.

The spirit  —  Holy Ghost and hidden treasure: John 7:38-39; 1 Corinthians 2:10; Revelation 19:10

soul —  mind of God: Leviticus 26:30

and substance —  faith: Hebrews 11:1

of prophecy — words of God; hidden treasure: 2 Peter 1:19-21, 1 Corinthians 13:2

is the testimony — hidden treasure: Psalms 19:7-11 [commandments]

To paraphrase James’ words, using the spiritual meaning, we might say this:

 The [spirit] hidden treasure is the mind [soul] of God, and understood only by faith [substance], is the [prophecy] word of God; this is the [testimony] true hidden treasure; or, the voice of the Redeemer.

God Bless your Study

Friday June 22, 2012

Spiritual Gifts is a huge subject, of vast importance to God’s true church. The fact that there exists no true spiritual gifts in the SDA church today is testament to it’s condition. James lays these facts on the line in his book, “Life Sketches,” pages 335-336.

    Of all the blessings which God has bestowed upon his people, the gift of his Son excepted, none have been so sacred and so important to their welfare as the gifts of his holy law, and his Holy Spirit. And none have been so well calculated to thwart the plans of Satan, and consequently to stir his rage, as these. And when that people arise in the last generation of men, who shall observe all ten of the precepts of God’s holy law, and recognize the revival of the spirit of prophecy, they may expect to feel that bitterness from their opponents which can arise only from the direct inspiration of Satan. “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev.12:17.
    The dragon is a symbol of the first great rebel against God’s government. The woman is a symbol of the true church. The common and well-understood figure of the remnant represents a small body of Christians in the last generation of men, just prior to the second coming of Christ. This body of Christians, waiting for the coming and kingdom of the Redeemer, are keeping the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
    We now inquire, What is the testimony of Jesus Christ? The angel gives John the answer to this question in its broadest signification. “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Rev.19:10. The spirit, soul, and substance of prophecy, is the testimony of Jesus Christ. Or, the voice of the prophets relative to the plan and work of human redemption, is the voice of the Redeemer. Christ undertook the work of redemption, and who should inspire a book upon the subject but the Redeemer himself?
    The Jewish age, notwithstanding its apostasies, opened and closed with special manifestations of the Spirit of God. And it is not reasonable to suppose that the Christian age, the light of which, compared with the former dispensation, is as the light of the sun to the feeble rays of the moon, should commence in glory, and close in obscurity. And since a special work of the Spirit was necessary to prepare a people for the first advent of Christ, how much more important the work of the Spirit to prepare a people for his second advent.
    God has never manifested his power to his people simply for their gratification; but according to their necessities has he wrought for them. Then we may safely conclude that, as his people are passing the perils of the last days in the final struggle with the aroused powers of darkness, when false prophets shall have power to show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they would deceive the very elect, our gracious God will bless and strengthen his fainting people with the gifts, as well as the graces, of the Holy Spirit.

What we are seeing today is a church body ignorant of it’s true position before God. The Laodicean message comes to mind. They think feel that because they own some books with Ellen’s name on them that they, somehow, have, or possess, “the gift” and therefore need no more. There is no urgency with the many to find more truth. Satan has them in his snare, them thinking they are ok. They are in gross darkness and know it not.

The solution is, and has always been, the same, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13:24 Strive for the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth, and don’t stop until you get it!

God Bless your striving