Showing posts with label APOSTASY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label APOSTASY. Show all posts
Saturday, August 20, 2022
Monday, August 08, 2022
Satan’s Chief Work is at the Headquarters of our Faith
2022
July
8
Adventists, Apostasy, Remnants, SDA
Spread the love
The great heart of the work is at —–; and, as the human heart throws its living current of blood into all parts of the body, so does the management at this place, the headquarters of our church, affect the whole body of believers. If the physical heart is healthy, the blood that is sent from it through the system is also healthy; but if this fountain is impure, the whole organism becomes diseased by the poison of the vital fluid. So it is with us. If the heart of the work becomes corrupt, the whole church, in its various branches and interests, scattered abroad over the face of the earth, suffers in consequence. 4T 210.4
Satan’s chief work is at the headquarters of our faith. He spares no pains to corrupt men in responsible positions and to persuade them to be unfaithful to their several trusts. He insinuates his suspicions and jealousies into the minds of those whose business it is to do God’s work faithfully. While God is testing and proving these helpers, and fitting them for their posts, Satan is doing his utmost to deceive and allure them, that they may not only be destroyed themselves, but may influence others to do wrong and to injure the great work. He seeks by all the means in his power to shake the confidence of God’s people in the voice of warning and reproof through which God designs to purify the church and prosper His cause. 4T 210.5
It is Satan’s plan to weaken the faith of God’s people in the Testimonies. Next follows skepticism in regard to the vital points of our faith, the pillars of our position, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and then the downward march to perdition. When the Testimonies, which were once believed, are doubted and given up, Satan knows the deceived ones will not stop at this; and he redoubles his efforts till he launches them into open rebellion, which becomes incurable and ends in destruction. 4T 211.1
Satan has gained marked advantage in —– because the people of God have not guarded the outposts. The very men whose labors God has signified that He would accept if they were fully consecrated have been the ones to be deceived, to fail in their duties, and to prove a terrible burden and discouragement, instead of the help and blessing that they should have been. These men who have been trusted to keep the fort have well-nigh betrayed it into the hands of the enemy. They have opened the gates to a wily foe, who has sought to destroy them. 4T 211.2
Men of experience have seen stealthy hands slipping the bolts that Satan might enter; yet they have held their peace with apparent indifference as to the results. Some have been glad to see this, as it seemed an extenuation of their past neglect, which made it a necessity to call for others to fill the posts of responsibility that they had abused or neglected. This lack of watchfulness on the part of these newer incumbents seemed to excuse the former for their own want of faithfulness, as it showed that others were fully as derelict in duty. These persons do not realize that God holds them responsible for every advantage gained by the foe who is admitted to the fort. The desolation and ruin following lie at the door of the unfaithful sentinels, who, by their neglect, become agents in the hands of the adversary to win souls to destruction. Men in responsible positions should seek wisdom and guidance of God, and not trust to their own judgment and knowledge. Like Solomon they should earnestly pray for faith and light, and God will give them freely of His abundant supply. 4T 211.3
Spread the love
The great heart of the work is at —–; and, as the human heart throws its living current of blood into all parts of the body, so does the management at this place, the headquarters of our church, affect the whole body of believers. If the physical heart is healthy, the blood that is sent from it through the system is also healthy; but if this fountain is impure, the whole organism becomes diseased by the poison of the vital fluid. So it is with us. If the heart of the work becomes corrupt, the whole church, in its various branches and interests, scattered abroad over the face of the earth, suffers in consequence. 4T 210.4
Satan’s chief work is at the headquarters of our faith. He spares no pains to corrupt men in responsible positions and to persuade them to be unfaithful to their several trusts. He insinuates his suspicions and jealousies into the minds of those whose business it is to do God’s work faithfully. While God is testing and proving these helpers, and fitting them for their posts, Satan is doing his utmost to deceive and allure them, that they may not only be destroyed themselves, but may influence others to do wrong and to injure the great work. He seeks by all the means in his power to shake the confidence of God’s people in the voice of warning and reproof through which God designs to purify the church and prosper His cause. 4T 210.5
It is Satan’s plan to weaken the faith of God’s people in the Testimonies. Next follows skepticism in regard to the vital points of our faith, the pillars of our position, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and then the downward march to perdition. When the Testimonies, which were once believed, are doubted and given up, Satan knows the deceived ones will not stop at this; and he redoubles his efforts till he launches them into open rebellion, which becomes incurable and ends in destruction. 4T 211.1
Satan has gained marked advantage in —– because the people of God have not guarded the outposts. The very men whose labors God has signified that He would accept if they were fully consecrated have been the ones to be deceived, to fail in their duties, and to prove a terrible burden and discouragement, instead of the help and blessing that they should have been. These men who have been trusted to keep the fort have well-nigh betrayed it into the hands of the enemy. They have opened the gates to a wily foe, who has sought to destroy them. 4T 211.2
Men of experience have seen stealthy hands slipping the bolts that Satan might enter; yet they have held their peace with apparent indifference as to the results. Some have been glad to see this, as it seemed an extenuation of their past neglect, which made it a necessity to call for others to fill the posts of responsibility that they had abused or neglected. This lack of watchfulness on the part of these newer incumbents seemed to excuse the former for their own want of faithfulness, as it showed that others were fully as derelict in duty. These persons do not realize that God holds them responsible for every advantage gained by the foe who is admitted to the fort. The desolation and ruin following lie at the door of the unfaithful sentinels, who, by their neglect, become agents in the hands of the adversary to win souls to destruction. Men in responsible positions should seek wisdom and guidance of God, and not trust to their own judgment and knowledge. Like Solomon they should earnestly pray for faith and light, and God will give them freely of His abundant supply. 4T 211.3
Saturday, June 04, 2022
Friday, May 20, 2022
Sunday, April 24, 2022
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Friday, July 10, 2020
‘Crossing the Tiber River'
‘Crossing the Tiber River’ is a 2-part documentary that will show how Seventh-day Adventists have been sold down the Tiber River since 1968 and are adrift on the “track to Romanism” (Testimonies, Vol. 7, p . 181).
Part 2
Source
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Saturday, April 04, 2020
The Devil's Trio - Part 1 · May 01, 2002
The Devil's Trio - Part 1 · May 01, 2002
By Elder Lawrence Nelson
In our last two sermons we have discussed two members of the devil’s trio. The first is the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13, which the Bible clearly identifies to be the papacy. The second is the lamb-like, two-horned beast found in the same chapter which is the United States of America, established as a Protestant nation and described as becoming so apostate as to join hands with the papal power of Catholicism.
In this message I will discuss the third member which comprises the devil’s end-time trio which the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy reveal to be spiritualism. The following quotation from Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 451 reveals what we are to expect from this evil, last-day union of the Papacy, apostate Protestantism and spiritualism. “When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of 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. As the approach of the Roman armies was a sign to the disciples of the impending destruction of Jerusalem, so may this apostasy be a sign to us that the limit of God’s forbearance is reached, that the measure of our nation’s iniquity is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight, never to return.”
With this sad, heartbreaking introduction, let us pray. Our loving Father, in the name of Jesus we plead for divine guidance as we discuss this third power of spiritualism, which is an intricate member of the devil’s end-time trio. We realize that we are attacking the very dragon himself, which in Thy Word describes Satan as being able to produce wonder-working miracles of deception for the purpose to honor his papal mark of authority – Sunday worship. We plead that Thou wilt awaken Thy sleeping church to this danger. Help each member to become such students of Thy Word, through divine guidance, that we shall be able to resist this deceiving power of Satan and gain victory over his delusions, for we must discern truth from error. This we ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let us now turn to the scriptures where we find this third part of the trio – spiritualism – which comprises the devil’s trio. Let us read Revelation 13:13, 14 and Revelation 16: 14, 15. “And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”
We begin with a question: “What major belief is held in common by the religions of this world (except God’s remnant) which makes it absolutely impossible to resist the power of spiritualism?” – We will find the answer in The Great Controversy p. 551. “The doctrine of natural immortality, first borrowed from the pagan philosophy, and in the darkness of the great apostasy incorporated into the Christian faith, has supplanted the truth, so plainly taught in Scripture that, ‘the dead know not anything.’”
This false doctrine of man’s consciousness in death opens the door for the supposed spirits of the dead to communicate with the living. This becomes a secret channel used by Satan to perform miracles by the impersonation of evil angels to deceive anyone who believes in the immortality of the dead. Inspiration informs us the coming of the Lord is to be preceded by “the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10.
The apostle John, describing the miracle-working power that will be manifested in the last days declares, “He doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do.” Revelation 13:13, 14. “No mere impostures are here foretold. Men are deceived by the miracles which Satan’s agents have power to do, not which they pretend to do.” Great Controversy p. 553.
Let us never underestimate what Satan is planning to do with his miracle-working power in this end time for we are told, “That mighty being who could take the world’s Redeemer to an exceedingly high mountain and bring before Him all the kingdoms of the earth and the glory of them, will present his temptations to men in a manner to pervert the senses of all who are not shielded by divine power.” Great Controversy p. 554. Can you imagine what it will be like when Satan appears as Christ performing unbelievable miracles to prove that he has changed the seventh-day Sabbath to Sunday worship and that all must keep Sunday holy – the first day of the week? Have you considered the result? The answer is very obvious. The entire world will be turned against Seventh-day Adventists with satanic zeal to force them to comply or die.
By Elder Lawrence Nelson
In our last two sermons we have discussed two members of the devil’s trio. The first is the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13, which the Bible clearly identifies to be the papacy. The second is the lamb-like, two-horned beast found in the same chapter which is the United States of America, established as a Protestant nation and described as becoming so apostate as to join hands with the papal power of Catholicism.
In this message I will discuss the third member which comprises the devil’s end-time trio which the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy reveal to be spiritualism. The following quotation from Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 451 reveals what we are to expect from this evil, last-day union of the Papacy, apostate Protestantism and spiritualism. “When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of 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. As the approach of the Roman armies was a sign to the disciples of the impending destruction of Jerusalem, so may this apostasy be a sign to us that the limit of God’s forbearance is reached, that the measure of our nation’s iniquity is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight, never to return.”
With this sad, heartbreaking introduction, let us pray. Our loving Father, in the name of Jesus we plead for divine guidance as we discuss this third power of spiritualism, which is an intricate member of the devil’s end-time trio. We realize that we are attacking the very dragon himself, which in Thy Word describes Satan as being able to produce wonder-working miracles of deception for the purpose to honor his papal mark of authority – Sunday worship. We plead that Thou wilt awaken Thy sleeping church to this danger. Help each member to become such students of Thy Word, through divine guidance, that we shall be able to resist this deceiving power of Satan and gain victory over his delusions, for we must discern truth from error. This we ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let us now turn to the scriptures where we find this third part of the trio – spiritualism – which comprises the devil’s trio. Let us read Revelation 13:13, 14 and Revelation 16: 14, 15. “And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”
We begin with a question: “What major belief is held in common by the religions of this world (except God’s remnant) which makes it absolutely impossible to resist the power of spiritualism?” – We will find the answer in The Great Controversy p. 551. “The doctrine of natural immortality, first borrowed from the pagan philosophy, and in the darkness of the great apostasy incorporated into the Christian faith, has supplanted the truth, so plainly taught in Scripture that, ‘the dead know not anything.’”
This false doctrine of man’s consciousness in death opens the door for the supposed spirits of the dead to communicate with the living. This becomes a secret channel used by Satan to perform miracles by the impersonation of evil angels to deceive anyone who believes in the immortality of the dead. Inspiration informs us the coming of the Lord is to be preceded by “the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10.
The apostle John, describing the miracle-working power that will be manifested in the last days declares, “He doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do.” Revelation 13:13, 14. “No mere impostures are here foretold. Men are deceived by the miracles which Satan’s agents have power to do, not which they pretend to do.” Great Controversy p. 553.
Let us never underestimate what Satan is planning to do with his miracle-working power in this end time for we are told, “That mighty being who could take the world’s Redeemer to an exceedingly high mountain and bring before Him all the kingdoms of the earth and the glory of them, will present his temptations to men in a manner to pervert the senses of all who are not shielded by divine power.” Great Controversy p. 554. Can you imagine what it will be like when Satan appears as Christ performing unbelievable miracles to prove that he has changed the seventh-day Sabbath to Sunday worship and that all must keep Sunday holy – the first day of the week? Have you considered the result? The answer is very obvious. The entire world will be turned against Seventh-day Adventists with satanic zeal to force them to comply or die.
Saturday, February 01, 2020
North American Division Hosts More Than 100 at Second Annual Religious Freedom Prayer Breakfast
North American Division Hosts More Than 100 at Second Annual Religious Freedom Prayer Breakfast
January 22, 2020 | Columbia, Md. | Kimberly Luste Maran
On Jan. 16, 2020, Community members and church leaders from different faith traditions gather at the North American Division headquarters for the second annual Religious Freedom Prayer Breakfast. Photo by Pieter Damsteegt
More than 100 people from diverse faith traditions attended the second annual Religious Freedom Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America (NAD). The event held on Jan. 16, 2020, recognized Religious Freedom Day in the U.S., and included prayer for elected officials, the community, the nation, for peace and places of worship, and for unity of spirit. Adventist, Jewish, Muslim, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and non-denominational Christian representatives offered the various petitions. Several NAD leaders participated through prayer and music.
Special greetings from the governor’s office were shared by Boyd Rutherford, lieutenant governor of Maryland. Jonathan L. Weaver, senior pastor of the Greater Mt. Nebo African Methodist Episcopal Church and social justice advocate, delivered remarks during the prayer breakfast.
This commemorative day dates back to 1786, but, said Orlan Johnson, director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for the NAD, “religious freedom faces ongoing challenges in current public policy debates.”
During the welcome, Johnson invited those gathered to take the time to contemplate the religious freedom we enjoy while recognizing that “preserving or obtaining this freedom for future generations should be a concern of all citizens and all government at all levels.”
Rutherford, during his remarks, talked about recent assaults on places of worship across the country. “It’s disheartening and concerning to hear of attacks targeting people because of their religion, no matter if it’s a church in South Carolina or a synagogue in Pennsylvania or a mosque in California,” he said. “We should all be willing to stand up for those who are subject to attacks, even if their views on religion are a little different from yours or mine. An attack on someone’s religious beliefs is an attack on all of us.”
Friday, December 27, 2019
Ganoun Diop: The Truth About Inter-Church/Interfaith Relations
Commentary
December 19, 2019
The Truth About Inter-Church/Interfaith Relations
By: Ganoune Diop, director of General Conference Public Affairs and Religious Liberty
This article addresses some concerns that have been expressed regarding the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s engagement with other Christians.
Though most Adventists, since the establishment of a department of Public Affairs and Religious liberty in 1901, understand the necessity to mingle with other Christians, the questions are still asked: “Why mingle with other Christians? Is this not a betrayal of Adventist identity, message, and mission?” To these, our unequivocal answer is no, it is not. The mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church cannot be fulfilled without mingling as Jesus did. Fears and objections are part of human experience, but they have to be addressed rationally.
First, a clarification. Inter-church and interfaith relations do not mean ecumenism in the sense of union with other churches, doctrinal alliances, obliteration of differences, or the loss of distinctive emphasis on biblical truths.
A misunderstanding of this basic fact has prompted a few at the fringes of the church to accuse Adventist leaders of betraying the church’s position, which they assume demands there be no interaction with other Christians at all. This radical rejection of mingling with others is, at times, expressed through violent and angry rhetoric.
Both in the Bible and in the writings of Ellen White, we have a clear picture that antagonism and hostility toward other Christians should have no place in a heart in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit. Love of even enemies is at the heart of the teachings and lifestyle of Jesus. Ellen White admonishes Adventists to present ourselves in a favorable light before all the world. The gospel, the good news of God, should never be sidelined. The gospel of the kingdom must be proclaimed, and then the end shall come, said Jesus. But this gospel of the kingdom cannot be separated from the fruit of the Holy Spirit, the first of which is love. After all, a distinctive mark of discipleship is love of God and love of one’s neighbor.
Saturday, July 06, 2019
Love Does Not Mean We Accept, Tolerate, or Approve of Sin
Written By David C. Cook
THE WORLD AND MANY CHURCHES HAVE A “FALSE VIEW” OF LOVE.WE MUST NOT REDEFINE WHAT TRUE GODLY LOVE IS ! TRUE LOVE IS NOT DEVOID OF THE HOLINESS OF GOD AND DOES NOT COMPROMISE WITH SIN.
A.To many ‘love’ means we must accept, tolerate and even approve of sin and never speak out against it and to never give a word of warning or correction concerning false doctrine or ungodly living. But this is a false worldly love.
- 1. True love speaks the Truth and will not compromise even if it offends others but it may convict others and set them free as they obey the Truth. Jesus Himself called men to repent or perish. Jesus Himself warned of eternal hell. Jesus said in John 7:24 to ‘judge with righteous judgment.’
- 2.Many churches have “redefined” what real love is and will allow all kinds of sin and false doctrines to infect the church and therefore will cease to be a real church. At all costs they must stay positive
and upbeat and avoid they lack biblical Truth.They entertain and keep things shallow! They seek to make everyone happy even if it grieves the Holy Spirit!anything that deals with real serious issues.They lack real substance because - 3.Today it’s happiness instead of holiness. Its “compromise instead of commitment” to the Truth. It’s about pleasing people instead of pleasing God. What ever happened to holiness? What ever happened to preaching against sin? What ever happened to training true disciples who have a holy passion for God? What about preaching Christ and the attributes of God ?
- 4.When I read my Bible and read all of what Jesus taught and read all the New Testament inspired letters I see a loving, godly zeal for truth and I see many very serious warnings and rebukes along with many serious exhortations.
2 Timothy 3:16″All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.’ Are we really hearing the Word of God today?
- 1.Doctrine – Tells us what is right.
- 2.Reproof – Tells us what is not right.
- 3.Correction – Tells us how to get right.
- 4.Instruction in righteousness -T ells us how to stay right. And we need all four in our lives by allowing the Word of God to teach us sound doctrine, to reprove us,to correct us and to teach us to live a godly and righteous life in a very ungodly world!
C.What does the bible say about this? 2nd Timothy 4:2-4 “Preach the Word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,and shall be turned unto fables.”
SCRIPTURES IN PROVERBS TO STUDY.
- 1.Proverbs 10:17 “He is in the way of life that keeps instruction, but he that refuses reproof erreth.”
- 2.Proverbs 15:10 “Correction is grievous unto him that forsakes the way and he that hates reproof shall die.”
- 3.Proverbs 15:31 “The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise.”
- 4.Proverbs 15:32 “He that refuses instruction despises his own soul, but he that hears reproof gets understanding.” VERY FEW WANT A MESSAGE OF REPROOF. WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT MOST CHURCHES THESE DAYS? A POPULAR MESSAGE IS ONE THAT PLEASES THE FLESH.
- 5.MANY NEED TO READ THESE HOLY SCRIPTURES OVER AND OVER AGAIN. WE HAVE MANY ‘ITCHING EARS ‘TODAY ! WE HAVE MANY FOLLOWING TEACHERS THAT TELL THEM WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR AND NOT WHAT THEY NEED TO HEAR ! Notice it says ‘but after their own lusts they shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.’
D.Many ‘professed believers’ follow their own desires and do not follow Jesus and they look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. Many have a distaste for Truth and if you bring a word of rebuke or correction they will then rebuke you for not being loving.
- 1.You will be accused of being mean and not tolerant and having a judgmental critical spirit. They sure show a lack of discernment and a lack of what the bible really teaches.
- 2. I mean read the scriptures in this post and if you do not agree with God then you have an issue with Him. The fact is many do not want the Truth,’ ‘they turn away their ears from the truth.’ Why? Because they want to please their fleshly desires.
- 3. STUDY BIBLE NOTE: “Many within the churches will no longer tolerate sound biblical teaching. Those who turn from the truth will want preaching that demands less than the true gospel. They will not accept God’s Word when it speaks of repentance, sin, the judgments of God, the necessity of holiness and separation from the world.”
LET US PREACH, TEACH AND WALK IN THE TRUTH. OUR GOAL IS TO PLEASE GOD NOT TO COMPROMISE WITH THE CROWD.
Source
Saturday, March 23, 2019
The Devil's Trio - Part 1 · May 01, 2002
The Devil's Trio - Part 1 · May 01, 2002X
By Elder Lawrence Nelson
In our last two sermons we have discussed two members of the devil’s trio. The first is the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13, which the Bible clearly identifies to be the papacy. The second is the lamb-like, two-horned beast found in the same chapter which is the United States of America, established as a Protestant nation and described as becoming so apostate as to join hands with the papal power of Catholicism.
In this message I will discuss the third member which comprises the devil’s end-time trio which the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy reveal to be spiritualism. The following quotation from Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 451 reveals what we are to expect from this evil, last-day union of the Papacy, apostate Protestantism and spiritualism. “When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of 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. As the approach of the Roman armies was a sign to the disciples of the impending destruction of Jerusalem, so may this apostasy be a sign to us that the limit of God’s forbearance is reached, that the measure of our nation’s iniquity is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight, never to return.”
With this sad, heartbreaking introduction, let us pray. Our loving Father, in the name of Jesus we plead for divine guidance as we discuss this third power of spiritualism, which is an intricate member of the devil’s end-time trio. We realize that we are attacking the very dragon himself, which in Thy Word describes Satan as being able to produce wonder-working miracles of deception for the purpose to honor his papal mark of authority – Sunday worship. We plead that Thou wilt awaken Thy sleeping church to this danger. Help each member to become such students of Thy Word, through divine guidance, that we shall be able to resist this deceiving power of Satan and gain victory over his delusions, for we must discern truth from error. This we ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let us now turn to the scriptures where we find this third part of the trio – spiritualism – which comprises the devil’s trio. Let us read Revelation 13:13, 14 and Revelation 16: 14, 15. “And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”
We begin with a question: “What major belief is held in common by the religions of this world (except God’s remnant) which makes it absolutely impossible to resist the power of spiritualism?” – We will find the answer in The Great Controversy p. 551. “The doctrine of natural immortality, first borrowed from the pagan philosophy, and in the darkness of the great apostasy incorporated into the Christian faith, has supplanted the truth, so plainly taught in Scripture that, ‘the dead know not anything.’”
This false doctrine of man’s consciousness in death opens the door for the supposed spirits of the dead to communicate with the living. This becomes a secret channel used by Satan to perform miracles by the impersonation of evil angels to deceive anyone who believes in the immortality of the dead. Inspiration informs us the coming of the Lord is to be preceded by “the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10.
The apostle John, describing the miracle-working power that will be manifested in the last days declares, “He doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do.” Revelation 13:13, 14. “No mere impostures are here foretold. Men are deceived by the miracles which Satan’s agents have power to do, not which they pretend to do.” Great Controversy p. 553.
Let us never underestimate what Satan is planning to do with his miracle-working power in this end time for we are told, “That mighty being who could take the world’s Redeemer to an exceedingly high mountain and bring before Him all the kingdoms of the earth and the glory of them, will present his temptations to men in a manner to pervert the senses of all who are not shielded by divine power.” Great Controversy p. 554. Can you imagine what it will be like when Satan appears as Christ performing unbelievable miracles to prove that he has changed the seventh-day Sabbath to Sunday worship and that all must keep Sunday holy – the first day of the week? Have you considered the result? The answer is very obvious. The entire world will be turned against Seventh-day Adventists with satanic zeal to force them to comply or die.
Consider the devil’s preparations that all will accept the manifestations of spiritualism as divine. In Great Controversy p. 556 we read, “Spiritualism, which numbers its converts by hundreds of thousands, yea, by millions, which has made its way into scientific circles, which has invaded churches, and has found favor in legislative bodies, and even in the courts of kings — this mammoth deception is but a revival, in a new disguise, of the witchcraft condemned and prohibited of old.”
I can testify to this by personal knowledge. During the months I spend in Europe while engaged in the General Conference youth work it became evident to me that spiritualism was spreading all through Europe. In Zurich, Switzerland while preparing for the Youth World Congress for all of our young people I was astonished to discover that this city, which for so many years had been a haven of Protestantism, had now become the European center of spiritualism.
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Monday, January 21, 2019
The Death Knell of Seventh-day Adventist Institutions of Higher Learning
January 21, 2019 by Andy Roman
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:19. When worldly beliefs and influences attack the church they usually aren’t isolated incidents. The extent of these attacks go far and wide, way beyond just one institution. All of our institutions are under assault. Every faculty, every student body and every university within Adventism is being targeted.
But what will bring about the death knell to Seventh-day Adventist seminaries and universities is when the guardians and gatekeepers of these institutions begin to pay nice compliments and show solidarity and appreciation to those who attack our faith. Instead of protecting our schools from these attacks and sounding an alarm of warning when they happen, many are actually welcoming these attacks; and in some cases certain Seventh-day Adventist schools are providing the attackers with a voice and a platform from which to launch their attack on the faith.
Last year Walla Walla University’s official publication, The Collegian, agreed to dedicate an entire issue to the LGBT+ question. This special issue was a one-sided discussion with 100% pro-LGBT+ essays, editorial and articles. [1] This was done to show inclusiveness and solidarity with its LGBT+ students. When any Seventh-day Adventist institution of higher learning dedicates an entire issue of its official publication that consists of 100% pro-LGBT+ arguments, this is a clear sign that shows where our schools are headed.
1. The Editorial – On page 2 of Issue 19 of The Collegian there is an editorial that says that this special issue is meant to provide a “more honest discussion” on the LGBT+ issue. Then the editorial lashes out against those who show hate towards members of the LGBT+ community. The only problem with this editorial is that the author doesn’t mention anything about the anger and hate that is manifested daily by radical LGBT+ activists. Somehow this important detail was conveniently left out. Well, it’s not a “honest” discussion when you only mention the hate coming out from one side and portray the other side as the only victims. This is actually showing a LGBT+ bias.
2. Article #1 – On page 3 is an article entitled “Queer Reflections” and was written by an openly gay student who attends WWU. He spends most of his time showing how discriminating SDA institutions (WWU) are. The author wonders if worship services at WWU will become “safe” places or will they “bash” people by saying that “homosexuality is a sin.”
3. Article #2 – On page 4 is an article called, “Is Gender Variation Possible?” The author attempts to show that not everything with regard to sexual development is black and white, or male and female. Unique cases of sexual development are presented with the notion that it may be time to consider more than just two sexual classifications. References are given that present only one side to this debate. You can find studies and experts on both sides to every issues. Sadly, only one side was presented. Here is a link that shows a different perspective the WWU community never received. [2]
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Saturday, December 08, 2018
The Torch of False Prophecy in Our Pulpits by Louis F. Were
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The Torch of False Prophecy in Our Pulpits by Louis F. Were
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Soft cover - 20 pages
The Lord’s servant has warned Seventh-day Adventists: “Many will stand in our pulpits with the torch of false prophecy in their hands, kindled from the hellish torch of Satan”
Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 409, 410.
Loyal Adventists would not knowingly accept false teaching, but when such is presented before them wrapped in sentiment by one of our accredited ministers, they unsuspectingly and trustingly accept it. However, it is wrong for any of God’s people to accept any teaching merely because it is preached from an Adventist pulpit. “No man should be relied upon to think for us…. Each one of us must look to God for Divine enlightenment” Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 109, 110. The author looks at teachings of a military Palestinian Armageddon, and shows how these destroy the truth of Bible prophecy and lead people astray. Though the instances cited are over half a century past, the same teachings abound today, if not more so, hiding the glorious truth of Righteousness by Faith and victory through keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Loyal Adventists would not knowingly accept false teaching, but when such is presented before them wrapped in sentiment by one of our accredited ministers, they unsuspectingly and trustingly accept it. However, it is wrong for any of God’s people to accept any teaching merely because it is preached from an Adventist pulpit. “No man should be relied upon to think for us…. Each one of us must look to God for Divine enlightenment” Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 109, 110. The author looks at teachings of a military Palestinian Armageddon, and shows how these destroy the truth of Bible prophecy and lead people astray. Though the instances cited are over half a century past, the same teachings abound today, if not more so, hiding the glorious truth of Righteousness by Faith and victory through keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Sunday, October 07, 2018
Saturday, August 11, 2018
The Bill Hybels News Isn’t Just Another Pastor Sex Scandal
Quick to Listen/Episode 122 | 43 min
Willow Creek changed how Americans do church. What happens now?
Image: GLS Site 219 / Flickr
Last year, Willow Creek Community Church founder and lead pastor Bill Hybels announced he was passing the baton to two heirs and would be retiring in October 2018.
A lot has changed in 10 months.
Since that announcement, 10 women have accused Hybels of misconduct. Earlier this week, The New York Times reported that one of leader’s former assistants accused the Willow Creek founder of repeatedly groping her. And on Sunday, Steve Carter, whom Hybels who indicated would succeed him as teaching pastor, announced his resignation.
All of this occurred several days before Willow’s Global Leadership Summit, an annual event hosted at Willow’s Barrington campus and streamed at hundreds of locations around the world.
As CT, the Chicago Tribune, and now The New York Times have reported on allegations of sexual misconduct and complaints about the Willow Creek board’s response, some less familiar with Willow Creek wonder why the ministry deserves all this attention.
“Willow Creek was revolutionary in that previously, churches assumed that all that was needed to reach unbelievers with the gospel was simply to say it one more time and not do anything particularly different,” said Marshall Shelley, a longtime editor for Leadership Journal.
Rather than just continue to sling religious language at the world, Willow’s leaders realized that “our culture is spiritually blind and is not going to respond to positively to a message that has grown overly familiar or has grown stale,” said Shelley. “Willow Creek said ‘We need to communicate in a way that is going to get people’s attention. Not say it the way we’ve said it thousands of times before but say it in a way that they’ve never heard it before.’”
This insight grew the ministry of the church and spawned the Willow Creek Association, a network for like-minded churches thousands of congregations strong. It’s this latter ministry that organizes the annual Global Leadership Summit, which is simulcast around the world at hundreds of locations.
Shelley joined associate digital media producer Morgan Lee and editor in chief Mark Galli to discuss what influenced and drove Hybels to do church the way he did, what inspired the church’s leadership and business mentality and focus, and what’s next for Willow in the wake of allegations of misconduct against its founder and former leader.
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