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In the Fear of the Lord Is Strong Confidence (Proverbs 14:26)
Introduction
When a person is uncompromising, firm, unyielding, or whatever you want to describe them as, are they just preparing themselves for destruction because they are full of pride? Of course it depends upon the matter. If someone is not willing to give up sin, then of course they are. But if one is not open to discussing error or compromising the truth, they are being mislabeled.
[This article was begun in response to multiple speakers and teachers who have reported to us their experiences and we thought we would encourage them, however, as timing would have it, we too have recently experienced similar treatment.]
Mislabeling
Many Adventists believe that just because they are an Adventist they legally deserve by title to go to heaven. This is no different than the Jews saying, “We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man” meaning they have legal right being descendants of Abraham. We have no more of a legal right to heaven in this manner than any works we could do to earn heaven. The proper reference for those who believe this is “legalist”. And unfortunately, they are Adventists in name only. Of course, as discussed in other issues, legalist is a misused term today thrown at those that want to adhere to a plain “Thus Saith the Lord.”
True legalists keep the Sabbath holy. Well, not really. They go to church on the right day to gain their legal title but their conversations, actions, and even their thoughts are less than holy.
We are told, “My brethren in the Lord, I am instructed to say that you must raise the standard of piety and truth and holiness higher, still higher.” {Manuscript Releases, volume 20, page 170}
Yet just as the Pharisees attacked Jesus as He preached truth and did good deeds…
Now, as in former ages, the presentation of a truth that reproves the errors and sins of the times, will call forth a storm of opposition. "Every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." [JOHN 3:20.] Those who cannot sustain their position by the Scriptures are stubbornly determined that it shall be sustained at all hazards, and with a malicious spirit they attack the character and motives of those who stand in defense of unpopular truth. Though very unbelieving in regard to the sure word of prophecy, they manifest the utmost credulity in accepting anything detrimental to the Christian integrity of those who dare to reprove fashionable sins. This spirit will increase more and more as we near the close of time. {The Spirit of Prophecy, volume 4, page 292}
And Jesus summarized as, “It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more [shall they call] them of his household?” (Matthew 10:25)
Why the mislabeling?
Since they cannot provide a “Thus Saith the Lord” to justify the sin or argue against the message, they attack the character and apply erroneous labels in which “for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:11). For some strange reason, people are more prone to accept lies than what the actual person says in their own defense. This is the danger of submitting to the world’s reports. Through printed media, television, and radio, people are constantly being bombarded by opinions of commentators, voices of the general public, and the agendas from the media that lead them to not trust what people say or do. Sure, in many cases of politics it is true, but how dare we believe that a person is guilty before proven innocent inside our own church!
A second and most alarming fact is the worldliness that has come into the church. When the church that continues to compromise is asked a simple question of why they do something contrary to the Bible or spirit of prophecy, the question is looked upon as being extreme. The church has come so far from obedience to the truth that the truth now appears extreme to them.
This point can be best illustrated using colors. If people hold on to the pure truth, white is the color the Bible states. Now if one were to compromise a little, it is no longer pure white. And if another compromise is made, it is even less white. Eventually a number of compromises makes the color appear as light gray or darker gray. And if enough compromises are made, there is a stark contrast between pure white and the new color. So that when pure white is held up, it seems to be an extreme.
What was foretold?
The work that men have done faithfully will be disparaged and underrated, because apparent prosperity did not attend their efforts. By misrepresentation, these men will be clothed in the dark vestments of dishonesty, because circumstances beyond their control made their work perplexing. They will be pointed to as men that cannot be trusted. And this will be done by the members of the church. God's servants must arm themselves with the mind of Christ. They must not expect to escape insult and misjudgment. They will be called enthusiasts and fanatics. But let them not become discouraged. God's hand is on the wheel of His providence, guiding His work to the glory of His name.
God calls upon His people to be bright lights in the world shining amid the darkness of sin. Living the life of the Life-giver brings its reward. He went about doing good. This, every true follower of His will do, filled with a sacred sense of his loyalty to God and his duty to his fellow beings. Through the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, Christians are to grow in grace, constantly drawing nearer perfection of character.--Manuscript 156-b, 1901, "The Signing of Agreements." {The Upward Look, page 177}
Did you catch that? From inside our own church, the insults will come. Those putting forth an effort to work for God may not appear to prosper, thus bringing condemnation by church members upon them. Further, these instruments of God, being attacked by the church, are on a path drawing nearer the perfection of character. And anyone on a journey that has a pleasant ending in sight is not going to want to go alone. The invitation will be made to others. In other words, sermons will contain calls to perfection. But such messages are going to be attacked because the pure white message is not going to be accepted by the gray or dark color of practicing sinners and those not desiring perfection. That includes those that do not believe that such perfection is attainable.
How bad can the mislabeling get?
I would speak in warning to those who have stood for years resisting light and cherishing the spirit of opposition. How long will you hate and despise the messengers of God's righteousness? God has given them His message. They bear the word of the Lord. There is salvation for you, but only through the merits of Jesus Christ. The grace of the Holy Spirit has been offered you again and again. Light and power from on high have been shed abundantly in the midst of you. Here was evidence, that all might discern whom the Lord recognized as His servants. But there are those who despised the men and the message they bore. They have taunted them with being fanatics, extremists, and enthusiasts. Let me prophesy unto you: Unless you speedily humble your hearts before God, and confess your sins, which are many, you will, when it is too late, see that you have been fighting against God. Through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, no longer unto reformation and pardon, you will see that these men whom you have spoken against have been as signs in the world, as witnesses for God. Then you would give the whole world if you could redeem the past, and be just such zealous men, moved by the Spirit of God to lift your voice in solemn warning to the world; and, like them, to be in principle firm as a rock. Your turning things upside down is known of the Lord. Go on a little longer as you have gone, in rejection of the light from heaven, and you are lost. "The man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation."
I have no smooth message to bear to those who have been so long as false guideposts, pointing the wrong way. If you reject Christ's delegated messengers, you reject Christ. Neglect this great salvation, kept before you for years, despise this glorious offer of justification through the blood of Christ and sanctification through the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit, and there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation. I entreat you now to humble yourselves and cease your stubborn resistance of light and evidence. Say unto the Lord, Mine iniquities have separated between me and my God. O Lord, pardon my transgressions. Blot out my sins from the book of Thy remembrance. Praise His holy name, there is forgiveness with Him, and you can be converted, transformed.
"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" {Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, pages 96-98}
This quote also reveals the answer to our opening comment. The term proud or full of pride does not apply to a messenger who will not compromise with his message that calls men away from error, from sin, from unrighteous acts in general. The term fanatic and even extremists do not properly apply either. It is the proud legalist, proud of his heritage or his name on the church books that needs to humble himself before the subject of sin.
A humble person is willing to give up sin and be cleansed by Christ’s blood. A humble person is going to submit to the full will of God. A humble person will seek the standards of God.
In fact, did you know that the use of extreme can also be applied to the liberal side? We could say that there is the “balanced” and then there are the two other extremes, neither of which is correct. “Another extreme which Satan has led the people to adopt is entirely to overlook the justice of God, and the threatenings in His Word, and to represent Him as being all mercy, so that not one will perish, but that all, both saint and sinner, will at last be saved in His kingdom.” {Early Writings, page 219}
Let us take a test!
As in just about all cases, each position has three options. There are those that have gone too far called “overboard”; there are those who are “balanced”; and then there are those that have “compromised” and thus mislabel what extreme is. Let us look at some examples.
Stance #1: God calls the wearing of jewelry and makeup a form of worshipping strange gods (Genesis 35:1-4). Ellen White states that Americans have no obligation to wear even the wedding band as is mandated in other countries {Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, page 180}. The “balanced” view is to not be baptizing people with makeup and jewelry on. The “overboard” view would be not only to forbid the wearing of jewelry but to also mandate operations to remove every sign of ever being pierced. The “compromised” view is to permit people to be baptized with the makeup and/or jewelry and to even allow these people to hold church positions.
Of course the “compromised” would be calling the “balanced”, those that forbid makeup and/or jewelry, legalists or extremists. And that is our point. That position is wrong. And those who continue to attack messengers with such a view, according to the long quote from Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, will eventually be cut off. That is cut off from the congregation. That is cut off from the church of heaven. And the standard-bearers, as we are all called to be, do not want to see that. So it is out of the love of our hearts for all, that we do not remain silent and are willing to receive condemnation from church members.
Stance #2: God is clear through the Bible and Ellen White that the church will appear to fall. Paul writes this in 2 Timothy 3:1-7. Ellen White writes many references that before Sunday law comes the church will appear to fall, those that are the leaders, leading up to that time, will not be the leaders after (shared in detail last month), and the Omega apostasy will rise being more devastating than the Alpha in her day. And there are many more references one can look up. The “overboard” view would label the church as Babylon, which we have condemned time and time again. They go on to say that there are no good ministers and all the members have bought into the lies and are all lost. The “balanced” view, acknowledge that the signs of the times we are in and the condition of the church spiritually can only conclude that we are in the very midst of fulfillment. However, there are still seven thousand that have not bowed the knee to Baal. The “compromised” however accuse the messengers of being too critical, attacking the brethren, and state that there are some minor problems in the church.
It is very hard to be cured of something if you do not rightly diagnose the problem. There are not just a few problems. Compromised thinking has come in through many avenues all of which appeal to the winning of worldly type people yet sadly they remain unconverted. This same thinking is what brought paganism into the other churches.
Not only that, the misuse of the term “critical” or “criticize” is also used. We are to be critical of the message. We are to be critical of the actions of the church. Ellen White writes that it is wrong to criticize the character or appearance of a messenger. The Bible even taught that Paul’s message was analyzed in a critical manner to see if it were true (Acts 17:10-12).
Stance #3: Worship styles are very different among the churches. In the 1980’s and 1990’s it was called celebration. Now it is contemporary. Ellen White refers to the drummed instruments returning to the church just before the close of probation as not being a good thing {Selected Messages, book 2, page 36}. Even the Bible declares that we are to be in the mode of atonement, for celebration happens in the next period of time, which begins at the second coming. An “overboard” view would be to cease all musical instruments and be very somber. The “balanced” view is to not use instruments in a manner that resembles the beat that causes the swaying instead of the marching. And that includes the taped music. The “compromised” side will see nothing wrong with praising God in any form. They declare that all views are acceptable to God making Him pluralistic.
Stance #4: In keeping the Sabbath holy, the Bible identifies some very specific points, including that cooking should be completed prior to the Sabbath (Exodus 16:23), that gathering wood should be done prior (Numbers 15:32-33), and more. Ellen White also brings out specific do’s and don’ts including guarding the edges of the Sabbath by being in our homes with the family, fully bathed and shaved beforehand {Testimonies for the Church, volume 6, page 356}. The “overboard” view is to take the entire preparation day off from secular employment so as to prepare, to not heat any food on the Sabbath, to.walk only a short distance on the Sabbath for service, and to stay in the house until the sun goes down. The “balanced” view is for people to not only leave work on time but to request time off if need be so as to be home before the sun goes down on Friday. Now of course there is a small opening for medical allowance, but where avoidable it should be practiced. Further, conversations are not going to be about things to be done after the Sabbath or even of secular experiences of the week. They will get out and learn of God’s second book, nature, and they will keep the whole day holy. The “compromised” will see nothing wrong with driving home during the Sabbath from work. They will see nothing wrong with planning their “after Sabbath” activities. Some focus on self not working but see nothing wrong with dinner out after church. In addition, they see nothing wrong with wearing common everyday clothing to worship God.
Conclusion
If we are not willing to accept as a standard of God a plain “Thus Saith the Lord”, then that means human opinion is in place of what is rightly called “overboard” and “compromised”. And what one congregation may consider overboard may be compromised to another. So let us all drop the names and simply follow a “Thus Saith the Lord”, thus being balanced, true Christians.
We wish we could share dozens of more examples that have weakened our influence as a church in regards to the gospel message. The church in general has been denying “the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11-14).
Those that throw around the term “proud” and “extremists” and even “fanatic” and “critical” do so at the condemnation of their own souls while we try to appeal to them for change. It is not proud, extreme or fanatical to stay on the strict standard of God seeing “strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life” (Matthew 7:14).
We acknowledge that there are extremists and fanatics that try to dictate additional requirements than what God has revealed. These bring a bad name to those that are the true messengers of God.
But for those that wonder what we ought to do when falsely labeled as such or for those that are on the more liberal side of beliefs and wonder what we will do as there appears to be no stopping the new order of the wrong movement, the answer is found in the Bible. Shall we go hide? Shall we accept our silence? “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” (Titus 2:15). “For years the voice of God has been saying to us, ‘Agitate, agitate, agitate.’ Study every point of truth, that you may know for yourselves what is truth in distinction from error. Let students search for themselves, that they may know the deep things of God. Let this work be done in the Spirit of Christ. Put no restriction upon the students.” {Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work, page 55}
Who gives the average lay person the right to stand up and call out even ministers? God!
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ANSWERS FOUND IN THE SCRIPTURE OF TRUTH (Daniel 10:21)
QUESTION: (No space available this month in the printed newsletter)
ANSWER: (None provided)
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 |
APR. STATS |
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$80,000
- 13,400 - 47,780 $18,820 |
Starting Balance
Readership O'Donnell's Current Balance |
$22,873
- 365 - 2,022 $18,820 |
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)
Playing (or watching) Ball Games
"I do not condemn the simple exercise of playing ball; but this, even in its simplicity, may be overdone."
"I shrink always from the almost sure result which follows in the wake of these amusements. It leads to an outlay of means that should be expended in bringing the light of truth to souls that are perishing out of Christ. The amusements and expenditures of means for self-pleasing, which lead on step by step to self-glorifying, and the educating in these games for pleasure produce a love and passion for such things that is not favorable to the perfection of Christian character."
"The way that they have been conducted at the college does not bear the impress of heaven. It does not strengthen the intellect. It does not refine and purify the character. There are threads leading out through the habits and customs and worldly practices, and the actors become so engrossed and infatuated that they are pronounced in heaven lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. In the place of the intellect becoming strengthened to do better work as students, to be better qualified as Christians to perform the Christian duties, the exercise in these games is filling their brains with thoughts that distract the mind from their studies. . . ."
"Is the eye single to the glory of God in these games? I know that this is not so. There is a losing sight of God's way and His purpose. The employment of intelligent beings, in probationary time, is superseding God's revealed will and substituting for it the speculations and inventions of the human agent, with Satan by his side to imbue with his spirit. . . . The Lord God of heaven protests against the burning passion cultivated for supremacy in the games that are so engrossing." {Adventist Home, pages 499-500}
In modern times with the addition of television, just how much time should be given to watching baseball, football, soccer, even car racing, and other such sports? Just how much should be invested in buying sports shirts and paraphernalia? The time is short, work, for the night is coming.
Do you know the address of a MINISTER outside of our faith?
IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THE LAST DAYS (Acts 2:17)
By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {Testimonies for the Church, Volume Five, page 451}
The institution of the papacy is found in the following quote: "The whole world is to be stirred with enmity against Seventh-day Adventists because they will not yield homage to the papacy by honoring Sunday, the institution of this antichristian power." {Last Day Events, page 136}
According to the Supreme Court of the United States 1961 briefings (Pp. 366 U. S. 431-444), "In the light of the evolution of our Sunday Closing Laws through the centuries, and of their more or less recent emphasis upon secular considerations, it is concluded that, as presently written and administered, most of them, at least, are of a secular, rather than of a religious character, and that presently they bear no relationship to establishment of religion, as those words are used in the Constitution of the United States."
This in affect allows for the use of Sunday Blue Laws for “secular” reasons and without opposition by those who would have a “religious” say in the matter. Now we are not necessarily advocating that this act in 1961 is actually the fulfillment of prophecy, but what we are about to share is the fact that those who do not think this country could repudiate the constitution, think again. We either have or are well set to do so. Interestingly, the activities we are about to share came on the scene after 1961.
Because of limited space, let us look at just the Bill of Rights (all ratified in 1791), which we believe is the focus of the repudiation:
Amendment #1: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Prohibiting the free exercise of religion began with the removal of prayer from public schools in 1963. Today, the threat of losing free speech on the radio is of great concern to many. As of April 14, 2009 according to Fox News, it has been revealed that many groups inside our country have been placed on the terrorist watch list. Any group that is focused upon End Time Events is automatically on the list. "Thus Saith the Lord…” Ministries, was placed on the watch list in January 2000. We have been accused of “proving that the pope is the Antichrist". At least they got it right.
Amendment #2: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
How many times have you heard that the second amendment is regarding hunters? What a lie! The founders were very general. The public has the right to bear arms. They have a right to own whatever gun they wish. There were no restrictions in the amendment. And just how many laws are there today restricting guns, and how many can be purchased at one time, and how many you can own, etc.? Now before you go getting upset with us, we own none, however, that does not preclude the honest conclusion that our government has gone greatly against this amendment. That is our point here.
Amendment #3: No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Unless someone else has insight, we believe we have not seen this one broken.
Amendment #4: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Under the guise of fighting terrorism, also currently referred to as a man made conflict, these rights have become infringed upon.
Amendment #5: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Emanate Domain seems to trump private property and so does the property taxes in some states. People are given very little for their homes and not the future value of the property when that high rise or strip mall goes in. And owe some states property taxes and you can have your house forced into auction, which does not yield much. The state takes their cut, the auctioneer gets theirs, and the property owner is left with little.
Amendment #6: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Though we could write a bit more, there are exemption rules in place that protect the witnesses from having to face the one on trial. This leaves the defendant helpless because it is very difficult to respond to accusations without time, place, and person. It is understandable that victims have difficulty in coming forth if they have to face the offender but again, we have already repudiated the constitution on this point and that is not the discussion. We are just pointing out that just about every Bill of Right has already been compromised.
Amendment #7: In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
One way this has been repudiated is that this country usually tries and passes verdict even before coming to trial by jury. It is the invasion of the media.
Amendment #8: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
We will not try to argue the finer points of this.
Amendment #9: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
This amendment was put in place to control the expansion of government, at least this is what certain encyclopedias state. Has our government gone beyond the original intent? Sure, it is nice for the government to provide health care. Sure it is nice for the government to provide a retirement package. Sure it is nice for the government to make sure we have clean air. Sure it is nice for the government to provide welfare to those in need. Sure it is nice for the government to provide (you name the provision). But all these things are not what the government was to provide or expand into. Unfortunately it has become a situation where the party that provides the biggest incentive for the money has bought the votes. Our forefathers knew best.
Amendment #10: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Another amendment towards limiting government, of which has been repudiated. Several states with Texas taking the lead, as of April 4, have legislation being voted upon to take back state rights from the federal government. The federal government was created to serve the states. It has become an environment where the states serve the demands of the federal government. And one way they do this is by dictating laws with state incentives or punishments. For instance, states have been encouraged to enforce the seat belt law. If they comply, there is a financial incentive. Another law regarding the age of drinking comes with a loss of revenue.
These are just the Bill of Rights. We did not even touch on the guarantee to pursue life, liberty, and happiness, as long as you are not an unborn child. Since 1972, abortion was legalized. Even if one does not believe in life at conception, purposely killing cells that lead to life is going against the constitution of pursuing life.
So our point to all of this is that there is no security or freedoms found in the Bill of Rights that the government cannot change at will to suit its needs, including the enforcement of Sunday Law, which is coming soon. It is not a far reach for the prophecy of Ellen White to come true. Are you ready? Are your friends and family ready? Are your neighbors ready? Is the world ready?
Do you know an SDA that is not on our mailing list?
ART THOU IN HEALTH (2 Samuel 20:9)
Wormwood (Part 1)
"Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood" (Deuteronomy 29:18).
Revelation 8:11 brings out the fact that death and bitterness is associated with wormwood. According to the Bible version, God’s Word Translation, wormwood is translated to poison.
Roots that grow producing poison that kills the body is condemned of God.
How serious is it? "The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven" (Deuteronomy 29:20). Continuing to put poisonous plants into the bodies will result in having the name removed from the Book of Life. With the name out of the Book of Life that means no life eternal. Now that is serious.
But what poisonous plants do people place into their bodies? One category is tobacco in any form. No Christian ought to smoke or even chew. Although in the 1800’s it was prescribed as a cure for ailments, today we understand that there is no health benefit to it. In fact, we know on average that people enter into the grave earlier when taking in tobacco products. We also know that it creates debilitating affects upon the body despite living a longer life. And sure, there are people like George Burns, who smoked until his death, living over 100 years. Are we going to point to an exception or obey God’s commands?
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)
Christian Today, April 14, 2009 - Most U.S. Christians don't believe Satan, Holy Spirit exist
The majority of American Christians do not believe that Satan is a real being or that the Holy Spirit is a living entity, the latest Barna survey found.
COMMENT: "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11). No wonder Satan is winning. Most of America is unable to fight against something they are not aware of. This explains why it seems to be easy pickings for Satan. Also, the strongest instrument used to fight against Satan has also just become nullified. "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:8). One job of the Holy Spirit is to convict of sin. That explains why hardly an American feels convicted to do anything righteous or have a fear of the judgment.
World Net Daily, April 12, 2009 - Homeland Security on guard for 'right-wing extremists'
A newly unclassified Department of Homeland Security report warns against the possibility of violence by unnamed "right-wing extremists" concerned about illegal immigration, increasing federal power, restrictions on firearms, abortion and the loss of U.S. sovereignty and singles out returning war veterans as particular threats. The report also mentions "'end times' prophecies could motivate extremist individuals and groups to stockpile food, ammunition and weapons. These teachings also have been linked with the radicalization of domestic extremist individuals and groups in the past, such as the violent Christian Identity organizations and extremist members of the militia movement."
COMMENT: "The whole world is to be stirred with enmity against Seventh-day Adventists because they will not yield homage to the papacy by honoring Sunday, the institution of this antichristian power."--TM 37 (1893). {Last Day Events, 136.2} The spirit of enmity has government backing. Watching will eventually turn into action. It is time to stay as true to government laws as possible without compromising the Bible stance for when the two conflict, we are to chose the Bible. But disobedient citizens are not going to have a leg to stand on when this conflict peaks. So even now, be the best citizen you can be even if taxes go up, the property is taken, etc.
Other News Items Not Found In The Paper Copy:
Times Online, April 11, 2009 - Adoption chiefs sever links with the Church to ensure survival
Leading Roman Catholic adoption agencies have severed their links with the Church so that they can comply with the law and provide a service to gay couples. Maxine Smeaton, head of fundraising at Cabrini, said that it had to be pragmatic. "It was important not to get sentimental and too caught up in the name. We are here to provide services for children," she said. "If we stopped the adoption service no one else would be providing it in the South of England. We are here for the children and that is our primary concern."
COMMENT: It may be a noble effort for the children's sake to stay in business while going against church teaching, which in this case, is also against the Bible's teaching, but Jesus said, "He that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:37). To hand children over to an environment that God calls an abomination (Leviticus 20:13) is plainly wrong. How many times will we be willing to do evil for the sake of accomplishing good? I have not found one example of Jesus doing wrong to accomplish good. Seeing that this service is the only one available in South of England, this agency should have called the government's bluff and let them reconsider. What is stopping the government from making further encroaching rules? Compromising once leads to compromising again and again. Over and over the Bible tells us to STAND.
Tampa Bay Online, April 3, 2009 - Man Tortures Girl As Punishment For Finding His Porn
A Tampa man charged with torturing a 10-year-old female relative because she discovered his pornographic movie collection remains jailed this afternoon.
COMMENT: 1 John 3:13 "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." Although the girl should not be snooping into personal things of another as the full article revealed, this situation is an example that goes on daily. Our ministry also feels it. Almost every request to be removed from one of our mailing list has come at a point where we have convicted them of error or even sin. Do people not realize that getting rid of the thing that convicts does not take away the guilt? Submitting to God's way is the only way to remove the guilt. Many of you probably have experienced it. Tell a supposed Christian that they ought not to do something and they turn angry. Try telling someone to give up their harmful way and they try to harm you instead. Now for those that would say, "See, this is why we ought to leave people believe what they want" is actually going against God. We are not here on earth to keep the peace. We are here to chose heaven for ourselves and then draw others to the same point of choice as well. In other words, we have been put to work to "seek and save the lost". To not be willing to do that is an example of not truly loving your neighbor as yourself. It is selfish of you to want heaven alone.
Catholic News Network, March 26, 2009 - Baseball home opener on Good Friday ends 20-year attendance streak
Michael Ochab's 20-year streak of rooting for the Detroit Tigers as part of the opening day crowd is coming to an end. Home opening day this year falls on Good Friday, April 10. "It's a no-brainer for me," said the 47-year-old lifetime Hamtramck resident. "He died for us on that cross."
COMMENT: Ephesians 4:14 "That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." Now we are not going to discuss here the keeping of Good Friday as being biblical or not for some hold the whole lenten period as another example of how pagan practices were covered with a Christian appearance deceiving the world. What we would like to see in this world of secularism is a basic step that is lacking in the vast majority of Catholics and Protestants alike. It is so these days to excuse religion away. Michael has taken a stance and not just a stance but a "no-brainer". How many today are willing to make the same expression regarding other practices? Look at the Sabbath day. Very few correctly keep the day from all secular activity. Some for example go to church and then out to the movies, including the R-rated ones, without any thought.
World Net Daily, March 23, 2009 - Guess who says pope was right about condoms, AIDS
A senior Harvard research scientist confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI, who endured heavy criticism for declaring that condom distribution programs worsen the AIDS epidemic in Africa, was actually correct. "There is," Green added, "a consistent association shown by our best studies, including the U.S.-funded 'Demographic Health Surveys,' between greater availability and use of condoms and higher (not lower) HIV-infection rates.
COMMENT: So the pope agrees with God on this one. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 says, "For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication." Abstinence is the best policy while condoms give a false sense of security and protection.
Catholic News Network, March 23, 2009 - Pope tells Africans faith can liberate them from superstition, fear
Pope Benedict XVI urged African Catholics to help eradicate widespread superstitious beliefs, saying they have left many people living in fear of evil spirits. The pope's words hit a nerve in Africa, where belief in witchcraft and sorcery has led to killings and discrimination, especially against children.
COMMENT: Matthew 15:7-9 "[Ye] hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men." The Pope should give up his superstitions. The Catholic Church is full of them. It is very difficult to help someone out of an addiction while you are addicted. "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." (Matthew 7:5)
Telegraph, March 19, 2009 - Too much red meat could lead to blindness, claim scientists
Researchers have shown that those who consume 10 portions or more a week are nearly 50 per cent more likely to experience deterioration of the retina in old age.
About.Com, August 22, 2007 - Can Eating Too Much Sugar Lead to Blindness?
The study suggests that high amounts of glucose may harm the retina and the capillaries that supply blood to the eyes, and that a diet of high glycemic index foods increases inflammation. The authors of the study do not advocate a carbohydrate-free diet, but instead suggest limiting simple sugars. Simple carbohydrates, like those in cakes and cookies, cheese pizza, white bread or other foods sweetened with sugar or corn syrup should be limited.
COMMENT: "I do not like the looks of your eyes," said I. He was eating large quantities of sugar. I asked him why he did this. He said that he had left off meat, and did not know what would supply its place as well as sugar. {Testimonies To The Churches, Volume 2, page 369} Keep in mind that 10 or more portions are not the same as 10 or more meals. One can have several portions at one sitting. Ten can add up real quickly. But what you see here is that Ellen White was on top of things in her day. Giving up the meat diet is good health sense, but switching over to sugar is just as bad. But for your eyes sake, we need to have a more restrictive diet.
World Net Daily, March 17, 2009 - Webster's dictionary redefines 'marriage'
The new definition references "marriage" as the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife. But the definition also includes "the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage."
COMMENT: Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." God will judge those that corrupt or even pervert marriage.
Mail Online, March 16, 2009 - EU bans use of MISS and MRS (and sportsmen and statesmen) because it claims they are sexist
Using 'Miss' and 'Mrs' has been banned by leaders of the European Union because they are not considered politically correct. Instead of using the standard titles, it is asking MEPs to address women by their names.
COMMENT: And if you don't know the name? There is nothing sexist about referring to a person by their gender title. "Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female"? (Matthew 19:4) In Deuteronomy 22:5, God made a distinction between men and women. Do not give in to this! On the surface it may appear as a small matter in comparison to other issues, but that is exactly how Satan works. He does not care how he gains or how much at a time he gains, but every compromise is a step against God's way.
AFP, March 16, 2009 - French island gripped by "Christ face" on church cushion
Thousands flocked to a Roman Catholic church on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion Saturday after believers said they saw the "face of Christ" in the pleats of a church cushion.
COMMENT: Matthew 24:26-27 "Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, [he is] in the secret chambers; believe [it] not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." The principle here is that there will be reports that Jesus is appearing here or there, but we are not to flock to go see it because Jesus is not there. As the sky lights up in a lightning storm, the Bible says, "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him" (Revelation 1:7).
Catholic News Service, March 16, 2009 - Splendidly pure: Receiving indulgences in the year of St. Paul
As spring started showing its colors in Rome, many of the pilgrims coming out of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls were glowing -- and not only because the sun was shining brightly. Crossing the threshold of the "Pauline Doors," praying at the tomb of St. Paul, confessing their sins, receiving the Eucharist and offering specific prayers, they came away with a plenary indulgence. Sister Palmagnese Rossini, a member of the Sisters of Mary Reparatrix, made her pilgrimage March 10. Asked why she wanted an indulgence, she said: "We are all children of Adam and Eve and despite the sacraments and the sacrifice of Jesus, we have a residue of sin. We want to be splendidly pure like the Blessed Mother," and an indulgence gives repentant Christians that extra shine. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines an indulgence as "the remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sin whose guilt has already been forgiven." Especially for the Pauline year -- marking the 2,000th anniversary of the apostle Paul's birth -- the Catholic Church is offering an indulgence to pilgrims who visit his tomb at the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Walls.
COMMENT: Hebrews 10:12 "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God." Jesus paid the sacrifice, and there is only one sacrifice. Catholics, free yourself from indulgences. Protestants, free yourself from good works. Neither earns or diminishes from salvation. Once you have salvation, you will want to do good works. You will indulge yourself in religious activities.
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A "Thus Saith the Lord..."
The Lord's work is earnest and decided, above deceit and hypocrisy. His true shepherds will not praise and exalt man. They will come before the people with a plain "Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel." They will bear His message, whether men will hear or whether they will forbear. If men despise God's Word, and trust in oppression, hypocrisy, and worldliness, they must declare against them God's denunciations, that, if possible, they may be aroused to repentance.
{This Day With God, page 55}
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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.