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For The Lord Hath A Controversy With His People (Micah 6:2)
Introduction
Ellen White wrote the book called The Great Controversy. A wonderful book that all should read despite the movement among our people to refer to it as hateful or hate speech. And that is sad. But what is sadder still is that many of those who are aware of the Great Controversy between Christ and Satan see such as a battle between those two only. They may see it as a battle between Sabbath and Sunday. They may even see it as a battle between God’s church and the world, though they include all other’s that are not in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church as part of the church, counting them as misguided. But hardly a person is found that actually sees the depth of the Great Controversy. For it is even in the little things in each of our individual lives as well for “Satan is watching and artful and subtle” (Evangelism, page 101). You can tell that people do not see the great controversy at the individual level when they use the phrase, “What’s wrong with this?” or “Every thing is not black and white” or “But, there is good being done” or any other similar phrases.
How Many Options Are There?
As noted in the February 2009 newsletter, there is a trial progressing. The trial involves God and Satan and we are to be God’s witnesses (1 Thessalonians 2:10). There are your options. There is God’s side (pure white) and Satan’s side (black or as the Bible also refers to it as darkness). Unfortunately Satan is allowed to use more than black. He may use gray, light gray, off white, peach, in fact, he can use all of the colors. Now, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see” (Revelation 3:18).
As you see, we need to be on the white side but the only way we are going to be on that side is with proper eyesight. We need the Holy Spirit. We need to be truly converted, equipped with the gifts of the Spirit and bearing the fruits of the Spirit. “Minds that are quickened by the Holy Spirit will discern the value of these words. When our eyes are anointed with the holy eyesalve, we shall be able to detect the precious gems of truth, even though they may be buried beneath the surface” {Reflecting Christ, page 111}.
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). And in the contrast, those that are found in darkness will be condemned.
Is The Use Of “Good” A Test?
Many times when in study with someone regarding the antichrist, a popular reaction is that “But he’s such a good man.” Of course it is not the man specifically as it is the system represented by “the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things” (Daniel 7:8). But nonetheless, with absolute evidence before them, even above fifty points of identification and at least eighty-four verses used, it is dismissed because of the good that is done.
The amount of good is not a measure. Although we are told that “by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20), there is a clarification. “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit” (Matthew 7:16-19). The clarification is that evil or error is never to be part of the good. There is only wholly good and wholly bad fruit in the parable, for a corrupt tree cannot produce any good fruit, even if it appears to be good, yet it is still bad fruit. Do you understand? Bad fruit may appear with good. For instance, ever see a shiny, red, mouthwatering apple, but once bitten into one finds out that the contents are dry and mushy and brown and just plain bad? If it is not wholly good, then it is bad fruit no matter how many “good” tests are performed.
The same is with Satan. There is to be “no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). Clearly he will use the good, appear good, and look good to further his mission.
“He will favor and prosper some, in order to further his own designs; and he will bring trouble upon others and lead men to believe that it is God who is afflicting them” {Counsels on Health, page 460.2}.
Good is not the test. That is how Satan has brought on all the error. “Would it not be a good thing to hold church services on Sunday to win the pagans to church?”, is what Constantine proposed. “Would it not be a good thing to honor the birth of the Son of God at the time when pagans honor the rebirth of the Sun?” This was proposed and accepted by the early Catholic Church. And much, much more.
“The spirit of concession to paganism opened the way for a still further disregard of Heaven's authority” {The Great Controversy 1888, page 52}.
But what of today? Look how much good our church is doing. It is a good thing that our youth have become more involved with the church. Oh, do not worry that it involves worldly entertainment. Do not worry that we dare not correct any error or sin in their life. Let them dress immodestly, look like the devil, pierce and tattoo anything without saying a word. The good thing is that they are in church. Or is it?
And speaking of doing good, note the following prediction regarding our church. Be careful though, you have probably heard this one many times before, so do not read it too quickly:
The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure {Selected Messages Book 1, page 204}.
First of all, everything listed here is a result of the “enemy of souls” bringing in his (Satan’s) counterfeit reformation. Now, please note the use of “wonderful” or good work being done.
Have you noticed the latest push in our churches? Gone is the symbol of the Three Angels. It was replaced with some flaming symbol copied from other denominations. That was a subtle step one. With that the Three Angels’ messages have also quietly been laid aside along with the conviction of the advent nearing and the seventh day as the Sabbath, all of which was step 2. In step three there is the thrust of adding or even changing the words on the churches. The word community has now been placed there. In most cases, it is the leading word. In some cases, it is the only word. We now promote the “wonderful” community services (work) we provide. Further, notice “the leaders would teach that virtue (merits) is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power (good deeds), which, without God, is worthless.”
There was only one thing that was to go hand and hand with the Three Angels’ messages. The medical missionary work is a door through which the truth is to find entrance to many homes in the cities. In every city will be found those who will appreciate the truths of the third angel's message.--Counsels on Health, p. 556. (1906) {Evangelism, page 533}. Medical missionary work is not the same as community service and fellowship, especially since the later has silenced or greatly decreased our true message.
There is so much that we could dissect in that quote [see “It Shall Come to Pass In the Last Days” section for a closer look], but sticking to the subject of this article, “good works” is the focus.
How Involved Is The Controversy?
How few contemplate the unseen agencies. Men are acting their part either for God or for Satan, the Prince of light, or the prince of darkness. All heaven is intensely interested in human beings who seem to be so full of activity, and yet have no thought for the unseen. Their thoughts are not on the Word of God and its instruction. If they would appropriate the Word of God, they would be astonished that there are agencies, good and evil, observing every word and deed. They are in every assembly for business transactions, in councils, and in meetings for the worship of God. There are more listeners in these public assemblies than can be seen with the natural sight, and every man has his work to do. Those unseen agencies are co-laborers with God or with Satan, and they work more mightily and more constantly than do men. Sometimes the heavenly intelligences draw aside the curtain that hides the unseen world, that we may have our minds withdrawn from the hurry and rush, and consider that there are witnesses to all we do and say when we [are] engaged in business, or when we think ourselves alone {The Upward Look, page 84}.
Satan summons all his forces, and throws his whole power into the combat. Why is it that he meets with no greater resistance? Why are the soldiers of Christ so sleepy and indifferent?--Because they have so little real connection with Christ; because they are so destitute of his Spirit. Sin is not to them repulsive and abhorrent, as it was to their Master. They do not meet it, as did Christ, with decisive and determined resistance. They do not realize the exceeding evil and malignity of sin, and they are blinded both to the character and the power of the prince of darkness. There is little enmity against Satan and his works, because there is so great ignorance concerning his power and malice, and the vast extent of his warfare against Christ and his church. Multitudes are deluded here. They do not know that their enemy is a mighty general, who controls the minds of evil angels, and that with well-matured plans and skillful movements he is warring against Christ to prevent the salvation of souls. Among professed Christians, and even among ministers of the gospel, there is heard scarcely a reference to Satan, except perhaps an incidental mention in the pulpit. They overlook the evidences of his continual activity and success; they neglect the many warnings of his subtlety; they seem to ignore his very existence. {The Great Controversy 1888, page 507}
While men are ignorant of his devices, this vigilant foe is upon their track every moment. He is intruding his presence in every department of the household, in every street of our cities, in the churches, in the national councils, in the courts of justice, perplexing, deceiving, seducing, everywhere ruining the souls and bodies of men, women, and children, breaking up families, sowing hatred, emulation, strife, sedition, murder. And the Christian world seems to regard these things as though God had appointed them, and they must exist. {The Great Controversy 1888, page 508}
From the evidence provided, we see that we need to be careful, very careful of everything we do and say. Even Jesus said, “That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36).
A Danger To Adventists
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
There are people that know the absolute truth on who and what the Antichrist is. There are people that know exactly where one goes when they die. They know what the Mark of the Beast is. They know what the wrath of God is. They know an awful lot about prophecy. Some can even draw the complete timelines of Daniel and Revelation. But what of spiritual matters. What of the things in the Word and Spirit of Prophecy that strikes close to home? Many have cast off those things as being optional. They have the big things under control. Those little things are, well, legalistic. They are being careful of not being a Pharisee.
Such terms are thrown around without proper understanding. First, Pharisee is one that imposes rules and regulations that they themselves become exempt from. Whatever we preach, we follow.
Second, a legalist is one that works to the point of satisfaction of a requirement but no more. They will make sure they cease from labor at the very minute Sabbath comes in and start laboring the minute Sabbath goes out. Asked to join in with other families in a closing Sabbath worship that may extend a little past the closing of the Sabbath and they are gone. There are Vegetarians that are so much at odds with being a Vegetarian but they have read: “Meat should not be placed before our children. Its influence is to excite and strengthen the lower passions, and has a tendency to deaden the moral powers. Grains and fruits prepared free from grease, and in as natural a condition as possible, should be the food for the tables of all who claim to be preparing for translation to heaven” {Counsels on Diet and Foods, page 63}, so they stick with the Vegetarian diet so they can be translated. Again, by definition, a legalist is one that successfully meets the requirement but the love of God being absent they give no more than they are commanded.
And such that throw those terms at those that are truly not legalistic say, “Who cares about characters and Christian witness through lifestyle choices?” Who really cares about jewelry? Caffeine? Go ahead and eat the blood of clean animals? Who wants to learn about proper Sabbath preparation or even observation for that matter? Well, those things are too high of a standard to obey!” Yet, Ellen White wrote:
The word of the Lord to His people is that we lift the standard higher and still higher. If we obey His voice, He will work with us, and our efforts will be crowned with success. In our work we shall receive rich blessings from on high and shall lay up treasure beside the throne of God {Colporteur Ministry, page 12.1}.
The danger is that too many are caught up in the everyday news items and seeing how they apply to end time events. Doing such is not wrong, but when they are consumed in such a way that no attention is given to their present spiritual condition of how you live, talk, walk, think, feel, revealing their fruits, they have treated the events as a god.
The truths of God's word must be brought to bear upon us, and we must lay hold upon them. If we do this, they will have a sanctifying influence upon our lives; they will fit us that we may have a preparation for the kingdom of glory; that when our probation shall close, we may see the King in his beauty, and dwell in his presence forevermore. {The Review and Herald, April 19, 1870 par. 3}
You want to open your minds, to gird up the loins of your mind, and hope to the end. You do not want to get many things upon the mind to take it away from the truth the angel is proclaiming. When the latter rain comes upon the people of God, you must have a preparation to press right on, because those whose vessels are clean, whose hands are free just when that latter rain comes, get the light that comes from on high, and their voices are lifted, every one, to proclaim the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. {Sermons and Talks, volume one, page 50}
What Needs To Be Done?
Pray for the spiritual eyesalve. The physical logic of our beliefs are not enough. We need to have the spiritual understanding and see the spiritual application of all things and how they pertain to our Christian witness. There is far more to it then whether you feel the physical wearing of jewelry or any other issue is wrong. What does it mean spiritually? And if we see these things, pray for others to have it, even though prophecy states that the majority will not receive it and will be lost.
No truth essential for the enlightenment and salvation of man is to be left untaught, no act of mercy, compassion, and benevolence is to be left unperformed. Every perfection of the divine nature is to come to man's assistance in the work of saving souls. Let the church arise from her stupor, and go to work in earnest, leaving no field destitute of workers. Let consecrated workers be sent forth by consecrated means, and let them labor devotedly, going from house to house, opening the Scriptures, and praying with families that the Spirit of God may be poured out upon his people. {The Home Missionary, December 1, 1894 par. 11}
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ANSWERS FOUND IN THE SCRIPTURE OF TRUTH (Daniel 10:21)
QUESTION: Last month you posted an article regarding the allowance to marry first cousins. It was stated that there was not a specific forbiddance. There is actually an example of cousins marrying in the Bible.
ANSWER: Joshua 15:16-17 states “And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.”
So Caleb has a daughter named Achsah that he will marry off based upon a condition. And that condition was satisfied by a relative. Caleb had a brother named Kenaz. Kenaz’s son was Othniel. That makes Achsah and Othniel first cousins.
Debt Reduction Progress
Over our 10 year history, $80,000 accumulated in ministry debt both from short periods of time of not being able to cover all of the expenses and the over 4 year period (Jan. 2004 - May 2007) when we personally could not sustain this ministry.
Jerry had lost his employment due to refusing to work on Friday afternoons during the winter, which would have infringed upon the Sabbath hours. Without that income we were not able to sustain this ministry and so the debt accumulated.
Financial blessings are occurring in his work, but to recover financially it requires him to work very long hours. Can you help eliminate this ministry debt faster?
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OVERALL STATS |
FEB. STATS |
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$80,000
- 12,645 - 45,198 $22,157 |
Starting Balance
Readership O'Donnell's Current Balance |
$22,873
- 216 - 500 $22,157 |
Starting Balance
Readership O'Donnell's Current Balance |
We are over TWO-THIRDS of the way there! We praise the Lord for your help!
WALK, EVEN AS HE WALKED (1 John 2:6)
Jesus was given to stand at the head of humanity, by His example to teach what it means to minister. His whole life was under a law of service. He served all, ministered to all. {The Acts of the Apostles, page 359}
How many are actively seeking to tell the truth? Seeking an opportunity to further God’s Word?
We are not on this planet to simply join the church, gather once a week, and live a so-called Christian life. Some people can get very serious about their own personal relationship with Jesus, yet they let the weightier matters alone.
Jesus said, “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” (Matthew 24:14).
Are you afraid to offend someone with the truth? We are not here to make friends, but rather to save souls. We are to work for God. They may become our friends as a result, but that is not the focus.
The social committees of today typically try to entertain the members, especially the youth. The social committees should be teaching our people how to interject snippets of truth into the world. Of course if they advertised this objective, they would be the only ones in attendance. How sad.
Jesus came to serve others. Our service to others is to help save them as long as we have that saving relationship with Jesus.
Do you know the address of a MINISTER outside of our faith?
IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THE LAST DAYS (Acts 2:17)
In the main article of this newsletter we presented the quote from Selected Messages Book 1, page 204, but what does it mean? Let us dissect this quote as it applies to last day events.
The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists,
Who is “The enemy of souls”? These are the fruits of a divided heart, open to the suggestions of the enemy of souls. Satan exults when he can sow seeds of dissension. {Sons and Daughters, page 286}
So a Satan initiated reformation is to take place. Some may know that in the 1970’s Desmond Ford’s teachings were a type of reformation. It was labeled such by outside church leaders in criticizing our church for rejecting it. Substantial evidence is found throughout the Internet. They stated that a reformation has come knocking on the door of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but by disfellowshipping Desmond Ford, they (the church) have rejected it. The good news is that such people have stopped criticizing our church. The bad news is that the criticizers did not change – the church did.
And that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, -
George Knight, former professor of church history at Andrews University, wrote “Most of the founders of Seventh-day Adventism would not be able to join the church today if they had to subscribe to the denomination’s Fundamental Beliefs.“
And how many sermons apologize for speaking against doctrines as they lift up Jesus? The doctrines are about Jesus. “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2 John 1:9). The push away from presenting our unique beliefs (doctrines) began in the 1980’s as the ecumenical movement took hold even upon us.
And engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result?
As former General Conference President Neal C. Wilson acknowledged, when one changes the doctrines they change the very organization and religion of the church.
“This situation creates a paradox. If you believe the Seventh-day Adventist Church was raised up by God, why did he raise the movement up in what is today considered to be gross error by the main-line church? God allowed the pioneers of Adventism to be corrected on the time to keep the Sabbath, proper dietary laws, and gave them the truth about the mortality of humanity, but on the central doctrine of all, the most basic doctrine of Christianity, he allowed them to be in great error for over 50 years before correction was begun? In fact, it has been clearly documented that the Seventh-day Adventist Church did not officially accept the trinity doctrine until fifteen years after the death of Ellen White.” (Excerpt from Letter by Allen Stump) So the answer is no. We were not in error during the pioneer days. We have been in error since at least 1930.
The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded.
Many have tossed EGW’s writings for Jack Sequeira’s writings. She has been pawned off as the prophet of then. Further, the name of this church to be used to convict people of the truth of the soon Advent and the Seventh-day is the Sabbath is also being discarded.
Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error.
The fundamental change that affects the whole religion is that of Christ Righteousness. Unheard of before the 1950’s but today it is taught that we are simply covered by Christ’s blood. That is Justification. What of Sanctification? The new religion teaches that it is credit given just like being justified, and that we should not expect a sinless life on this side of the second coming. The church in general has adopted the false Christ Righteousness that all other Christian denominations have been preaching for years. It is fulfilled of “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3:5).
When straight messages of Ellen White are presented to this false movement, it is counted as simply that she did not have all of the light. In fact, look at most ABC’s. Out front are other denominational books and in the back is Ellen White.
A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written.
Since the book that answered some doctrinal questions in the 1950’s, a different order of belief began. “True” Adventists find it hard to shop at our ABC’s. Enter cautiously.
A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced.
No longer is the simple Word accepted. Ever sit down to study with the false teachers? Eventually the Greek and Hebrew will be argued. And try to move them out of Romans and Galatians is almost impossible. One pastor recently called our pioneer beliefs error!
Today we have a system of intellectual philosophy where the ministers are to have masters or doctorate degrees and those with the unction of the Holy Spirit are ignored. Ellen White wrote against long term education in most instances (Fundamentals of Christian Education, page 337) but did say, “Those who really have good abilities such as God will accept to labor in His vineyard, would be very much benefited by only a few months' instruction at such a school” (ibid, page 45).
The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work.
After reading our main article and the “Walk, Even As He Walked” article, need we say more? Community service is the focus today. Even the members are caught up and stating, “What good things our church does!”
The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it.
This would not be a call for Sunday worship, but rather, “We should jealously guard the edges of the Sabbath. Remember that every moment is consecrated, holy time” {The Faith I Live By, page 34}. Recently, Religious Liberties published a flyer. It told of how a man was unjustly fired over the Sabbath despite his effort to work up to the last minute before sundown and be available immediately afterwards. Verbally it has been conveyed to us directly from Religious Liberty that their belief is that anyone who ceases labor for an employer, despite still needing to drive home during Sabbath hours, is honoring the Sabbath. That is wrong. That is lightly regarding the Sabbath. How can that be holy time when one still has to, in many cases, fight traffic? If one is driving home, how can one fulfill, “Before the setting of the sun let the members of the family assemble to read God's word, to sing and pray” {Testimonies for the Church, volume 6, page 356}.
Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement.
And it is true. Even the staunchest of members who have rejected other false teachings brought into the church see no alarm at this time over these matters. “I seldom weep, but now I find my eyes blinded with tears; they are falling upon my paper as I write. It may be that erelong all prophesyings among us will be at an end, and the voice which has stirred the people may no longer disturb their carnal slumbers.” {Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, page 77}. How many have been silenced because they tried to stand in the way?
The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless.
By virtue, merit is a definition. And relying on good deeds is the human power. Human power can also mean to reject the book Evangelism, and seek human means such as celebration, entertainment, story telling sermons, and worldly activities.
Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure.” {Selected Messages, Book 1, page 204}
We are concerned for those that worship the structure and all of its structural rules without God being consulted. And when she says structure, it is easy to understand that the church buildings, school buildings, offices, printing presses, hospitals and others will all disappear, but what of the structure that is without buildings. Shall the pastors still pastor the members? Shall the pastors confer with the conference? Shall the conference leaders confer with the Unions? Shall there still be a GC? “The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexity and confusion. Satan, clothed in angel robes, will deceive, if possible, the very elect. There will be gods many and lords many. Every wind of doctrine will be blowing. Those who have rendered supreme homage to "science falsely so called" will not be the leaders then” {Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, page 80}.
The sad reality is that those perpetrating this false doctrine of the wrong Christ Righteousness will not be the leaders in the very end.
More of the quote from page 80 is, “Those who have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent will not then stand at the head of rank and file. They did not keep pace with the light. Those who have proved themselves unfaithful will not then be entrusted with the flock. In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged. They are self-sufficient, independent of God, and He cannot use them. The Lord has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view. There are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
God still has a true church and a remnant people who have not accepted the errors of the church today, but rather have held to “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude3).
The last day prophecy of the church giving in to a new order is not yet future. It is now. Though we presented that Satan has a good grip and some may even want to leave, remember, “The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out--the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place."--2SM 380 (1886) {Last Day Events, p. 180}. “We cannot now enter into any new organization, for this would mean apostasy from the truth.--2SM 390 (‘05).” {LDE, p 55}
Do you know an SDA that is not on our mailing list?
ART THOU IN HEALTH (2 Samuel 20:9)
Prayer Is Very Important
“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14).
When all appears hopeless, people feel that the last ditch effort is to pray.
But usually that prayer is for a sick person or for one that is dying. But what of the living?
It seems that earnest prayer has a positive affect on one’s attitude. It creates a positive outlook. Such extends people’s lives.
Do not discount the power of prayer. As one eats three meals a day, be like Daniel and also pray three times a day (Dan 6:10).
Do you know someone from the GENERAL PUBLIC that is not on our mailing list?
WHO HATH BELIEVED OUR REPORT? AND TO WHOM IS THE ARM OF THE LORD REVEALED? (Isaiah 53:1)
Mail Online, February 9, 2009 - Pupil reduced to tears after teacher tells her...
Aisher Smyth might have expected a firm ticking-off for adjusting her school skirt to make it shorter. Mrs Green is then said to have made the ‘slut’ comment before adding that the short skirt was ‘not doing much for your cellulite’. Last night, Aisher’s mother Amanda, 36, said: ‘I couldn’t believe that a teacher would use such foul and disgusting language to a pupil.
COMMENT: "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression" (Isaiah 58:1). Although the cellulite comment was a bit much, the use of the word slut was not. Mom needs to cease the victim role and realize that daughter more than likely has heard it before and it is through such stark statements that a child may learn what sin really is. Mrs. Green could have also been careful and called the child over for a private moment assuming the circumstances allowed it. On the other hand, "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear" (1 Timothy 5:20). We live in too much of a sensitive environment. To have used nicer words would simply be a thing the child would see as just school rules. The terms used by Mrs. Green conveys deep concern about the young girls future life. Girls that dress like that tend to be sluts. Period. Although the word “slut” does not appear in the Bible, God did make frequent use of “whore” and “harlot”. These terms were used towards His beloved Israel.
The Christian Post, February 7, 2009 - Church Ignoring Jesus' Teaching on Money, Says Charity Head
The head of a national money education charity based in London (Keith Tondeur) spoke of the challenge facing the Church to preach on what the Bible has to say about money, debt and possessions. He chided the Church for failing to present the world with a Christ-inspired alternative to debt and borrowing. “We are irrelevant to virtually everybody in this country because we do not show a radical alternative where we live out Jesus’ unconditional love and we are Jesus and we are God’s hands on earth and God’s wallets on earth to every single person Jesus puts in our path. But we are no different; we handle money in the same way,” he said.
COMMENT: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2). Keith on this subject is right on. Too many Christians are still caught up in wanting the things of this world and go in debt for it. And we're not talking necessities. Giant screen TV's, new vehicles every couple years, exotic vacations, all kinds of gadgets, bigger home than they need, etc. All this should not be mentioned among true Christians.
BBC, January 2, 2009 - Vatican divorces from Italian law
The Vatican City State, the world's smallest sovereign state, has decided to divorce itself from Italian law. Vatican legal experts say there are too many laws in Italian civil and criminal codes, and that they frequently conflict with Church principles. With effect from New Year's Day, the Pope has decided that the Vatican will no longer automatically adopt laws passed by Italy. All Italian laws will be examined one by one before they are adopted. Under the Lateran treaties signed exactly 80 yrs ago between Italy and the Pope, and the Italian Parliamentary system, Italian laws were applied automatically.
COMMENT: But Romanism as a system is no more in harmony with the gospel of Christ now than at any former period in her history. The Protestant churches are in great darkness, or they would discern the signs of the times. The Roman Church is far-reaching in her plans and modes of operation. She is employing every device to extend her influence and increase her power in preparation for a fierce and determined conflict to regain control of the world, to re-establish persecution, and to undo all that Protestantism has done. Catholicism is gaining ground upon every side. {GC88 565.3}
WHAT THE PAPER COPY LEFT OUT:
Herald Net, Feb. 7 - Racy espresso stand upsets preschool's parents
An espresso stand featuring semi-nude baristas that opened next to a preschool and across the street from an elementary school is raising hackles. Still, he said he isn't interested in abandoning the sexy marketing gimmick that has allowed him to add locations in the same rotten economy that is forcing Starbucks to shut her stores and lay off thousands of employees.
COMMENT: As usual, when life appears to be miserable, they look for an out. The most popular is that of a sexual nature. God did warn of a time that the world would be like Sodom and Gomorrha, sex driven. "Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire" (Jude 1:7).
WND, Feb. 7, 2009 - Ark hunter: Christianity packed with paganism
A Tennessee historian and author best known for his searches for the Ark of the Covenant - the box containing the Ten Commandments - is now challenging much of modern Christianity, claiming the traditional version of the faith has more in common with ancient paganism than actual biblical content. "First century believers would have never accepted [today's practices]," the 56-year-old ark hunter told WND. "We must earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints." "Modern Christianity tells people about Jesus and what He has done for us," he explained. "Modern Christianity does a good job in presenting 'justification.' It does a pitiful job in presenting 'sanctification.'
COMMENT: "As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:9). Upon this general view that today's Christianity is nothing like the first century and we ought to be like times of old for God does not change, people do, we whole heartedly agree.
Times Online, February 1, 2009 - Two children should be limit, says green guru
Jonathon Porritt, who chairs the government's Sustainable Development Commission, says curbing population growth through contraception and abortion must be at the heart of policies to fight global warming. He says political leaders and green campaigners should stop dodging the issue of environmental harm caused by an expanding population.
Human Events, January 27, 2009 - Pelosi's Abortion Stimulus Package
Pelosi justified the inclusion of expanded federal funding for abortions as part of an economic stimulus plan on the grounds that reducing the number of children being born would help stimulate the economy.
COMMENT: "And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth" (Genesis 1:22). There is no warning of overpopulation from God. In fact, making man made gods (global warming, economy) and sacrificing children to the cause is condemned. "Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. [Is this] of thy whoredoms a small matter, That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through [the fire] for them?" (Ezekiel 16:20-21).
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A "Thus Saith the Lord..."
We need to study diligently that we may gain a knowledge of the laws of God. How can we be obedient subjects if we fail to understand the laws that govern the kingdom of God? Then open your Bibles and search for everything that will enlighten you in regard to the precepts of God; and when you discern a Thus saith the Lord, ask not the opinion of men, but whatever the cost to yourself, obey cheerfully. Then the blessing of God will rest upon you....
{That I May Know Him, page 297}
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Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.