Showing posts with label vigilance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vigilance. Show all posts
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Now—Always Now
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Matthew 25:13.
The coming of Christ will be as it were at midnight, when all are sleeping. It will be well for every one to have his accounts all straightened up before sunset. All his works should be right, all his dealings just, between himself and his fellow-men. All dishonesty, all sinful practices should be put far away. The oil of grace should be in our vessels with our lamps.... Sad indeed will be the condition of the soul who has had a form of godliness but has denied the power thereof; who has called Christ, Lord, Lord, and yet who has not His image and superscription....
God graciously grants a day of probation, a time of test and trial. He gives the invitation: “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” ...
Today the voice of mercy is calling, and Jesus is drawing men by the cords of His love; but the day will come when Jesus will put on the garments of vengeance.... The wickedness of the world is increasing every day, and when a certain line is reached, the register will be closed, and the account settled. There will be no more a sacrifice for sin. The Lord cometh. Long has mercy extended a hand of love, of patience and forbearance, toward a guilty world. The invitation has been given, “Let him take hold of my strength....” But men have presumed upon His mercy and refused His grace.
Why has the Lord so long delayed His coming? The whole host of heaven is waiting to fulfil the last work for this lost world, and yet the work waits. It is because the few who profess to have the oil of grace in their vessels with their lamps, have not become burning and shining lights in the world. It is because missionaries are few....
Every week counts one week less, every day one day nearer to the appointed time of the judgment. Alas that so many have only a spasmodic religion—a religion dependent upon feeling and governed by emotion. “He that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Then see that you have the oil of grace in your hearts. The possession of this will make every difference with you in the judgment.24The Review and Herald, March 27, 1894.
The coming of Christ will be as it were at midnight, when all are sleeping. It will be well for every one to have his accounts all straightened up before sunset. All his works should be right, all his dealings just, between himself and his fellow-men. All dishonesty, all sinful practices should be put far away. The oil of grace should be in our vessels with our lamps.... Sad indeed will be the condition of the soul who has had a form of godliness but has denied the power thereof; who has called Christ, Lord, Lord, and yet who has not His image and superscription....
God graciously grants a day of probation, a time of test and trial. He gives the invitation: “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” ...
Today the voice of mercy is calling, and Jesus is drawing men by the cords of His love; but the day will come when Jesus will put on the garments of vengeance.... The wickedness of the world is increasing every day, and when a certain line is reached, the register will be closed, and the account settled. There will be no more a sacrifice for sin. The Lord cometh. Long has mercy extended a hand of love, of patience and forbearance, toward a guilty world. The invitation has been given, “Let him take hold of my strength....” But men have presumed upon His mercy and refused His grace.
Why has the Lord so long delayed His coming? The whole host of heaven is waiting to fulfil the last work for this lost world, and yet the work waits. It is because the few who profess to have the oil of grace in their vessels with their lamps, have not become burning and shining lights in the world. It is because missionaries are few....
Every week counts one week less, every day one day nearer to the appointed time of the judgment. Alas that so many have only a spasmodic religion—a religion dependent upon feeling and governed by emotion. “He that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Then see that you have the oil of grace in your hearts. The possession of this will make every difference with you in the judgment.24The Review and Herald, March 27, 1894.
Maranatha, p.55.
Saturday, June 29, 2019
“Prepare to Meet Thy God”
February 3, 1903
“Prepare to Meet Thy God”
“Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.... Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”
We are here warned not to defraud our souls of the privileges that the Lord has provided in order that we may be rich in faith, and heirs according to the promise. We are to watch vigilantly for the coming of the Lord. The first symptoms of spiritual slumber are to be sternly overcome. The first inclinations to spiritual indolence are to be firmly resisted. “Be sober, be vigilant,” is the apostle's exhortation. Every moment is to be faithfully employed. “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” We are told to work out our own salvation, and the way in which we are to do this is plainly stated: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
Those who would be ready to meet their Lord must keep their lamps filled with the oil of grace. It was a neglect to do this that distinguished the foolish virgins from the wise. They had lamps, but no oil; their characters could not stand the test. The wise virgins had not only an intelligent knowledge of the truth, but through the grace of Christ their faith and patience and love constantly increased. Their lamps were replenished by their vital connection with the Light of the world. And while the foolish virgins awoke to find their lamps burning dimly or going out in the darkness, the wise virgins, their lamps burning brightly, entered the festal hall, and the doors were shut.
The oil with which the wise virgins filled their lamps represents the Holy Spirit. “The angel that talked with me,” writes Zechariah, “came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: and two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.... Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick, and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches, which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my Lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.”
By the holy beings surrounding his throne, the Lord keeps up a constant communication with the inhabitants of the earth. The golden oil represents the grace with which God keeps the lamps of believers supplied. Were it not that this holy oil is poured from heaven in the messages of God's Spirit, the agencies of evil would have entire control over men.
Only by knowing God here can we prepare to meet him at his coming. “This is life eternal,” said Christ, “that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” But many of those who profess to believe in Christ do not know God. They have only a surface religion. They do not love God; they do not study his character; therefore they do not know how to trust, how to look and live. They do not know what restful love is, or what it means to walk by faith. Opportunities to hear and receive the messages of God's love are unappreciated and unimproved. They fail of understanding that it is their duty to receive, in order that they may enrich others.
The world by wisdom knows not God. Many have talked eloquently about him, but their reasoning brings men no nearer to him, because they themselves are not in vital connection with him. Professing themselves to be wise, they become fools. Their knowledge of God is imperfect. They are not conformed to him.
Christ is a perfect revelation of God. “No man hath seen God at any time,” he says; “the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” Only by knowing Christ can we know God. And as we behold him, we shall be changed into his image, prepared to meet him at his coming.
So fully did Christ reveal the Father, that the messengers sent by the Pharisees to take him were charmed by his presence. As they heard the gracious words that fell from his lips, they forgot their commission. And when, returning without him, they were asked by the Pharisees, “Why have ye not brought him?” they answered, “Never man spake like this man.”
Now is the time to prepare for the coming of our Lord. Readiness to meet him cannot be attained in a moment's time. Preparatory to that solemn scene there must be vigilant waiting and watching, combined with earnest work. So God's children glorify him. Amid the busy scenes of life their voices will be heard speaking words of encouragement, hope, and faith. All they have and are is consecrated to the Master's service. Thus they prepare to meet their Lord; and when he comes, they will say, with joy, “This is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.... We will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”
Review and Herald, February 3, 1903.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Blessings Upon the Watchful Ones
Blessings Upon the Watchful Ones
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January 28
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Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. Luke 12:37.
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God has always given men warning of coming judgments. Those who had faith in His message for their time, and who acted out their faith, in obedience to His commandments, escaped the judgments that fell upon the disobedient and unbelieving. The word came to Noah, “Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me.” Noah obeyed and was saved. The message came to Lot, “Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city.” Genesis 7:1; 19:14. Lot placed himself under the guardianship of the heavenly messengers, and was saved. So Christ's disciples were given warning of the destruction of Jerusalem. Those who watched for the sign of the coming ruin, and fled from the city, escaped the destruction. So now we are given warning of Christ's second coming and of the destruction to fall upon the world. Those who heed the warning will be saved.
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Because we know not the exact time of His coming, we are commanded to watch. “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching.” Luke 12:37. Those who watch for the Lord's coming are not waiting in idle expectancy. The expectation of Christ's coming is to make men fear the Lord, and fear His judgments upon transgression. It is to awaken them to the great sin of rejecting His offers of mercy. Those who are watching for the Lord are purifying their souls by obedience to the truth. With vigilant watching they combine earnest working. Because they know that the Lord is at the door, their zeal is quickened to co-operate with the divine intelligences in working for the salvation of souls. These are the faithful and wise servants who give to the Lord's household “their portion of meat in due season.” Luke 12:42. They are declaring the truth that is now specially applicable. As Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses each declared the truth for his time, so will Christ's servants now give the special warning for their generation.
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Maranatha, p.36.
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Friday, December 18, 2015
"Present Truth"
Early Writings, p. 63
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Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Security Heightened in US Cities
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Suzanne Presto
April 16, 2013
American cities are assessing security following Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon. Washington DC went ahead with an annual parade as authorities across the country took security measures and people responded to them.
Washington's Emancipation Day parade, which commemorates the emancipation of more than 3000 slaves in 1862, went on as planned after city officials said there would be an increased police presence.
The heightened security wasn't evident to Elizabeth Rau, who came to see the parade. But she said she's sure it's there.
"I think it'd be more likely to get in a car accident than anything happening here," said Rau.
Peter Boyce said the attack in Boston reinforced his plan to attend the festivities.
"This is a land of freedom, and we will not be deterred by any cowardly acts on this country, whether it be in Boston or anyplace else, and that is why it was important that we come out here today," said Boyce.
It was personal for Boyce. He attended the parade with his wife and two young sons, but has another child who lives in the Boston area.
"We have a son who was on lockdown at Harvard yesterday," he said. "And I told him that definitely that we would make sure that we would come out in full force today to come to this Emancipation Day parade."
Deltha Jeffries brought her granddaughter. She said security concerns did cross her mind.
"I thought about there being a large crowd and this being another opportunity for terrorists to infiltrate," said Jeffries. "But, you know, if you're going to worry about that all the time, you're never going to have fun in the rest of your life."
President Obama said the FBI is investigating the Boston attack as an act of terrorism.
"In the coming days, we will pursue every effort to get to the bottom of what happened, and we will continue to remain vigilant. I've directed my administration to take appropriate security measures to protect the American people," said President Obama.
Those measures extend to the president's residence. A section of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House, often filled with tourists, is now closed to pedestrians.
In New York City, patrols near hotels were increased after the bombing, said Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.
"We also patrolled houses of worship - we'll continue to do that - and significant infrastructure locations in the city, iconic potential targets: Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, locations such as that," said Kelly.
The security presence was visible in New York City's train stations, its airports and in Times Square, which was targeted in a failed attack three years ago.
Across the country, from downtown Chicago to the baseball stadium of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the increased security presence was visible.
There was also another inescapable sight: the nation's flag at half-staff in honor of Boston's dead.
Source
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Sunday, March 31, 2013
The Firm Foundation of Our Faith
During this whole time I could not understand the reasoning of the brethren. My mind was locked, as it were, and I could not comprehend the meaning of the scriptures we were studying. This was one of the greatest sorrows of my life. I was in this condition of mind until all the principal points of our faith were made clear to our minds, in harmony with the Word of God. The brethren knew that when not in vision, I could not understand these matters, and they accepted as light direct from heaven the revelations given.
For two or three years my mind continued to be locked to an understanding of the Scriptures. In the course of our labors, my husband and I visited Father Andrews, [See note on page 206.] who was suffering intensely with inflammatory rheumatism. We prayed for him. I laid my hands on his head, and said, “Father Andrews, the Lord Jesus maketh thee whole.” He was healed instantly. He got up, and walked about the room, praising God, and saying, “I never saw it on this wise before. Angels of God are in this room.” The glory of the Lord was revealed. Light seemed to shine all through the house, and an angel’s hand was laid upon my head. From that time to this I have been able to understand the Word of God.
What influence is it would lead men at this stage of our history to work in an underhand, powerful way to tear down the foundation of our faith—the foundation that was laid at the beginning of our work by prayerful study of the Word and by revelation? Upon this foundation we have been building for the past fifty years. Do you wonder that when I see the beginning of a work that would remove some of the pillars of our faith, I have something to say? I must obey the command, “Meet it!”...
I must bear the messages of warning that God gives me to bear, and then leave with the Lord the results. I must now present the matter in all its bearings; for the people of God must not be despoiled.
We are God’s commandment-keeping people. For the past fifty years every phase of heresy has been brought to bear upon us, to becloud our minds regarding the teaching of the Word—especially concerning the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and the message of Heaven for these last days, as given by the angels of the fourteenth chapter of Revelation. Messages of every order and kind have been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists, to take the place of the truth which, point by point, has been sought out by prayerful study, and testified to by the miracle-working power of the Lord. But the waymarks which have made us what we are, are to be preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has signified through His Word and the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority.
Selected Messages Book I, pp. 206-208.
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Friday, August 19, 2011
Beware of Satan's Agents
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. 1 Timothy 4:1. After the passing of the time in 1844, we had fanaticism of every kind to meet.... The experience of the past will be repeated. In the future Satan’s superstitions will assume new forms. Errors will be presented in a pleasing and flattering manner. False theories, clothed with garments of light, will be presented to God’s people. Thus Satan will try to deceive, if possible, the very elect. Most seducing influences will be exerted; minds will be hypnotized.
Corruptions of every type, similar to those existing among the antediluvians, will be brought in to take minds captive. The exaltation of nature as God, the unrestrained license of the human will, the counsel of the ungodly—these Satan uses as his agencies to bring about certain ends. He will employ the power of mind over mind to carry out his designs. The most sorrowful thought of all is that under his deceptive influence men will have a form of godliness, without having a real connection with God. Like Adam and Eve, who ate the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, many are even now feeding upon the deceptive morsels of error.
Satanic agencies are clothing false theories in an attractive garb, even as Satan in the Garden of Eden concealed his identity from our first parents by speaking through the serpent. These agencies are instilling into human minds that which in reality is deadly error. The hypnotic influence of Satan will rest upon those who turn from the plain word of God to pleasing fables.
It is those who have had the most light that Satan most assiduously seeks to ensnare. He knows that if he can deceive them, they will, under his control, clothe sin with garments of righteousness, and lead many astray.
I say to all: Be on your guard; for as an angel of light Satan is walking in every assembly of Christian workers, and in every church, trying to win the members to his side. I am bidden to give to the people of God the warning: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked.” Galatians 6:7.
Maranatha, p.59.
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Saturday, August 13, 2011
The Church the Light of the World
The Lord called out His people Israel and separated them from the world that He might commit to them a sacred trust. He made them the depositaries of His law, and He designed, through them, to preserve among men the knowledge of Himself. Through them the light of heaven was to shine out to the dark places of the earth, and a voice was to be heard appealing to all peoples to turn from their idolatry to serve the living and true God. Had the Hebrews been true to their trust, they would have been a power in the world. God would have been their defense, and He would have exalted them above all other nations. His light and truth would have been revealed through them, and they would have stood forth under His wise and holy rule as an example of the superiority of His government over every form of idolatry.
But they did not keep their covenant with God. They followed after the idolatrous practices of other nations, and instead of making their Creator’s name a praise in the earth their course held it up to the contempt of the heathen. Yet the purpose of God must be accomplished. The knowledge of His will must be spread abroad in the earth. God brought the hand of the oppressor upon His people and scattered them as captives among the nations. In affliction many of them repented of their transgressions and sought the Lord. Scattered throughout the countries of the heathen, they spread abroad the knowledge of the true God. The principles of the divine law came in conflict with the customs and practices of the nations. Idolaters endeavored to crush out the true faith. The Lord in His providence brought His servants, Daniel, Nehemiah, Ezra, face to face with kings and rulers, that these idolaters might have an opportunity to receive the light. Thus the work which God had given His people to do in prosperity, in their own borders, but which had been neglected through their unfaithfulness, was done by them in captivity, under great trial and embarrassment.
God has called His church in this day, as He called ancient Israel, to stand as a light in the earth. By the mighty cleaver of truth, the messages of the first, second, and third angels, He has separated them from the churches and from the world to bring them into a sacred nearness to Himself. He has made them the depositaries of His law and has committed to them the great truths of prophecy for this time. Like the holy oracles committed to ancient Israel, these are a sacred trust to be communicated to the world. The three angels of Revelation 14 represent the people who accept the light of God’s messages and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth. Christ declares to His followers: “Ye are the light of the world.” To every soul that accepts Jesus the cross of Calvary speaks: “Behold the worth of the soul: ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.’” Nothing is to be permitted to hinder this work. It is the all-important work for time; it is to be far-reaching as eternity. The love that Jesus manifested for the souls of men in the sacrifice which He made for their redemption, will actuate all His followers.
But very few of those who have received the light are doing the work entrusted to their hands. There are a few men of unswerving fidelity who do not study ease, convenience, or life itself, who push their way wherever they can find an opening to press the light of truth and vindicate the holy law of God. But the sins that control the world have come into the churches, and into the hearts of those who claim to be God’s peculiar people. Many who have received the light exert an influence to quiet the fears of worldlings and formal professors. There are lovers of the world even among those who profess to be waiting for the Lord. There is ambition for riches and honor. Christ describes this class when He declares that the day of God is to come as a snare upon all that dwell upon the earth. This world is their home. They make it their business to secure earthly treasures. They erect costly dwellings and furnish them with every good thing; they find pleasure in dress and the indulgence of appetite. The things of the world are their idols. These interpose between the soul and Christ, and the solemn and awful realities that are crowding upon us are but dimly seen and faintly realized. The same disobedience and failure which were seen in the Jewish church have characterized in a greater degree the people who have had this great light from heaven in the last messages of warning. Shall we, like them, squander our opportunities and privileges until God shall permit oppression and persecution to come upon us? Will the work which might be performed in peace and comparative prosperity be left undone until it must be performed in days of darkness, under the pressure of trial and persecution?
There is a terrible amount of guilt for which the church is responsible. Why are not those who have the light putting forth earnest efforts to give that light to others? They see that the end is near. They see multitudes daily transgressing God’s law; and they know that these souls cannot be saved in transgression. Yet they have more interest in their trades, their farms, their houses, their merchandise, their dress, their tables, than in the souls of men and women whom they must meet face to face in the judgment. The people who claim to obey the truth are asleep. They could not be at ease as they are if they were awake. The love of the truth is dying out of their hearts. Their example is not such as to convince the world that they have truth in advance of every other people upon the earth. At the very time when they should be strong in God, having a daily, living experience, they are feeble, hesitating, relying upon the preachers for support, when they should be ministering to others with mind and soul and voice and pen and time and money.
Brethren and sisters, many of you excuse yourselves from labor on the plea of inability to work for others. But did God make you so incapable? Was not this inability produced by your own inactivity and perpetuated by your own deliberate choice? Did not God give you at least one talent to improve, not for your own convenience and gratification, but for Him? Have you realized your obligation, as His hired servant, to bring a revenue to Him by the wise and skillful use of this entrusted capital? Have you not neglected opportunities to improve your powers to this end? It is too true that few have felt any real sense of their responsibility to God. Love, judgment, memory, foresight, tact, energy, and every other faculty have been devoted to self. You have displayed greater wisdom in the service of evil than in the cause of God. You have perverted, disabled, nay, even besotted your powers, by your intense activity in worldly pursuits to the neglect of God’s work.
Still you soothe your conscience by saying that you cannot undo the past, and gain the vigor, the strength, and the skill which you might have had if you had employed your powers as God required. But remember that He holds you responsible for the work negligently done or left undone through your unfaithfulness. The more you exercise your powers for the Master, the more apt and skillful you will become. The more closely you connect yourself with the Source of light and power, the greater light will be shed upon you, and the greater power will be yours to use for God. And for all that you might have had, but failed to obtain through your devotion to the world, you are responsible. When you became a follower of Christ you pledged yourself to serve Him and Him alone, and He promised to be with you and bless you, to refresh you with His light, to grant you His peace, and to make you joyful in His work. Have you failed to experience these blessings? be sure it is the result of your own course.
In order to escape the draft during the war, there were men who induced disease, others maimed themselves that they might be rendered unfit for service. Here is an illustration of the course which many have been pursuing in relation to the cause of God. They have crippled their powers, both physical and mental, so that they are unable to do the work which is so greatly needed.
Suppose that a sum of money were placed in your hands to invest for a certain purpose; would you throw it away and declare that you were not now responsible for its use? would you feel that you had saved yourself a great care? Yet this is what you have been doing with the gifts of God. To excuse yourself from working for others on the plea of inability, while you are all absorbed in worldly pursuits, is mockery of God. Multitudes are going down to ruin; the people who have received light and truth are but as a handful to withstand all the host of evil; and yet this little company are devoting their energies to anything and everything but to learning how they may rescue souls from death. Is it any marvel that the church is weak and inefficient, that God can do but little for His professed people? They place themselves where it is impossible for Him to work with them and for them. Dare you continue thus to disregard His claims? Will you still trifle with heaven’s most sacred trusts? Will you say with Cain: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Remember that your responsibility is measured, not by your present resources and capacities, but by the powers originally bestowed and the possibilities for improvement. The question which each one should ask himself is not whether he is now inexperienced and unfit to labor in God’s cause, but how and why he is in this condition, and how it can be remedied. God will not supernaturally endow us with the qualifications which we lack; but while we exert the ability we have, He will work with us to increase and strengthen every faculty; our dormant energies will be aroused, and powers which have long been palsied will receive new life.
So long as we are in the world, we must have to do with the things of the world. There will ever be a necessity for the transaction of temporal, secular business; but this should never become all-absorbing. The apostle Paul has given a safe rule: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” The humble, common duties of life are all to be performed with fidelity; “heartily,” says the apostle, “as to the Lord.” Whatever our department of labor, be it housework or field work or intellectual pursuits, we may perform it to the glory of God so long as we make Christ first and last and best in everything. But aside from these worldly employments there is given to every follower of Christ a special work for the upbuilding of His kingdom—a work which requires personal effort for the salvation of men. It is not a work to be performed once a week merely, at the place of worship, but at all times and all places.
Everyone who connects himself with the church makes in that act a solemn vow to work for the interest of the church and to hold that interest above every worldly consideration. It is his work to preserve a living connection with God, to engage with heart and soul in the great scheme of redemption, and to show, in his life and character, the excellency of God’s commandments in contrast with the customs and precepts of the world. Every soul that has made a profession of Christ has pledged himself to be all that it is possible for him to be as a spiritual worker, to be active, zealous, and efficient in his Master’s service. Christ expects every man to do his duty; let this be the watchword throughout the ranks of His followers.
We are not to wait to be solicited to give light, to be importuned for counsel or instruction. Everyone who receives the rays of the Sun of Righteousness is to reflect its brightness to all about him. His religion should have a positive and decided influence. His prayers and entreaties should be so imbued with the Holy Spirit that they will melt and subdue the soul. Said Jesus: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” It would be better for a worldling never to have seen a professor of religion than to come under the influence of one who is ignorant of the power of godliness. If Christ were our pattern, His life our rule, what zeal would be manifested, what efforts put forth, what liberality exercised, what self-denial practiced! How untiringly should we labor, what fervent petitions for power and wisdom would ascend to God! If all the professed children of God would feel that it is the chief business of life to do the work which He has bidden them to do, if they would labor unselfishly in His cause, what a change would be seen in hearts and homes, in churches, yea, in the world itself!
Vigilance and fidelity have been required of Christ’s followers in every age; but now that we are standing upon the very verge of the eternal world, holding the truths we do, having so great light, so important a work, we must double our diligence. Everyone is to do to the very utmost of his ability. My brother, you endanger your own salvation if you hold back now. God will call you to account if you fail in the work He has assigned you. Have you a knowledge of the truth? give it to others.
What can I say to arouse our churches? What can I say to those who have acted a prominent part in the proclamation of the last message? “The Lord is coming,” should be the testimony borne, not only by the lips, but by the life and character; but many to whom God has given light and knowledge, talents of influence and means, are men who do not love the truth and do not practice it. They have drunk so deeply from the intoxicating cup of selfishness and worldliness that they have become drunken with the cares of this life. Brethren, if you continue to be as idle, as worldly, as selfish as you have been, God will surely pass you by, and take those who are less self-caring, less ambitious for worldly honor, and who will not hesitate to go, as did their Master, without the camp, bearing the reproach. The work will be given to those who will take it, those who prize it, who weave its principles into their everyday experience. God will choose humble men who are seeking to glorify His name and advance His cause rather than to honor and advance themselves. He will raise up men who have not so much worldly wisdom, but who are connected with Him, and who will seek strength and counsel from above.
Some of our leading men are inclined to indulge the spirit manifested by the apostle John when he said: “Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us.” Organization and discipline are essential, but there is now very great danger of a departure from the simplicity of the gospel of Christ. What we need is less dependence upon mere form and ceremony, and far more of the power of true godliness. If their life and character are exemplary, let all work who will, in any capacity. Although they may not conform exactly to your methods, not a word should be spoken to condemn or discourage them. When the Pharisees desired Jesus to silence the children who sang His praise, the Saviour said: “If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Prophecy must be fulfilled. So in these days, the work must be done. There are many departments of labor; let everyone act a part as best he can. The man with one talent is not to bury that in the earth. God has given to every man his work according to his ability. Those to whom larger trusts and capabilities have been committed should not endeavor to silence others who are less able or experienced. Men with one talent may reach a class that those with two or five talents cannot approach. Great and small alike are chosen vessels to bear the water of life to thirsting souls. Let not those who preach the word lay their hands upon the humblest worker and say: “You must labor in this channel or not work at all.” Hands off, brethren. Let everyone work in his own sphere, with his own armor on, doing whatever he can do in his humble way. Strengthen his hands in the work. This is no time for pharisaism to control. Let God work through whom He will. The message must go.
All are to show their fidelity to God by the wise use of His entrusted capital, not in means alone, but in any endowment that will tend to the upbuilding of His kingdom. Satan will employ every possible device to prevent the truth from reaching those who are buried in error; but the voice of warning and entreaty must come to them. And while only a few are engaged in this work, thousands ought to be as much interested as they. God never designed that the lay members of the church should be excused from labor in His cause. “Go, labor in My vineyard,” is the Master’s command to each of His followers. As long as there are unconverted souls in the world, there should be the most active, earnest, zealous, determined effort for their salvation. Those who have received the light should seek to enlighten those who have it not. If the church members do not individually take hold of this work, then they show that they have no living connection with God. Their names are registered as slothful servants. Can you not discern the reason why there is no more spirituality in our churches? It is because you are not colaborers with Christ.
God has given to every man his work. Let us each wait on God, and He will teach us how to work and what work we are best adapted to perform. Yet none are to start out in an independent spirit to promulgate new theories. The workers should be in harmony with the truth and with their brethren. There should be counsel and co-operation. But they are not to feel that at every step they must wait to ask some higher officer if they may do this or that. Look not to man for guidance, but to the God of Israel.
The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity she will have to do in a terrible crisis under most discouraging, forbidding circumstances. The warnings that worldly conformity has silenced or withheld must be given under the fiercest opposition from enemies of the faith. And at that time the superficial, conservative class, whose influence has steadily retarded the progress of the work, will renounce the faith and take their stand with its avowed enemies, toward whom their sympathies have long been tending. These apostates will then manifest the most bitter enmity, doing all in their power to oppress and malign their former brethren and to excite indignation against them. This day is just before us. The members of the church will individually be tested and proved. They will be placed in circumstances where they will be forced to bear witness for the truth. Many will be called to speak before councils and in courts of justice, perhaps separately and alone. The experience which would have helped them in this emergency they have neglected to obtain, and their souls are burdened with remorse for wasted opportunities and neglected privileges.
My brother, my sister, ponder these things, I beseech you. You have each a work to do. Your unfaithfulness and neglect are registered against you in the Ledger of Heaven. You have diminished your powers and lessened your capabilities. You lack the experience and efficiency which you might have had. But before it is forever too late, I urge you to arouse. Delay no longer. The day is almost spent. The westering sun is about sinking forever from your sight. Yet while the blood of Christ is pleading, you may find pardon. Summon every energy of the soul, employ the few remaining hours in earnest labor for God and for your fellow men.
My heart is stirred to the very depths. Words are inadequate to express my feelings as I plead for perishing souls. Must I plead in vain? As Christ’s ambassador I would arouse you to labor as you never labored before. Your duty cannot be shifted upon another. No one but yourself can do your work. If you withhold your light, someone must be left in darkness through your neglect.
Eternity stretches before us. The curtain is about to be lifted. We who occupy this solemn, responsible position, what are we doing, what are we thinking about, that we cling to our selfish love of ease, while souls are perishing around us? Have our hearts become utterly callous? Cannot we feel or understand that we have a work to do for the salvation of others? Brethren, are you of the class who having eyes see not, and having ears hear not? Is it in vain that God has given you a knowledge of His will? Is it in vain that He has sent you warning after warning? Do you believe the declarations of eternal truth concerning what is about to come upon the earth, do you believe that God’s judgments are hanging over the people, and can you still sit at ease, indolent, careless, pleasure loving?
It is no time now for God’s people to be fixing their affections or laying up their treasure in the world. The time is not far distant, when, like the early disciples, we shall be forced to seek a refuge in desolate and solitary places. As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal for flight to the Judean Christians, so the assumption of power on the part of our nation in the decree enforcing the papal sabbath will be a warning to us. It will then be time to leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded places among the mountains. And now, instead of seeking expensive dwellings here, we should be preparing to move to a better country, even a heavenly. Instead of spending our means in self-gratification, we should be studying to economize. Every talent lent of God should be used to His glory in giving the warning to the world. God has a work for His colaborers to do in the cities. Our missions must be sustained; new missions must be opened. To carry forward this work successfully will require no small outlay. Houses of worship are needed, where the people may be invited to hear the truths for this time. For this very purpose, God has entrusted a capital to His stewards. Let not your property be tied up in worldly enterprises, so that this work shall be hindered. Get your means where you can handle it for the benefit of the cause of God. Send your treasures before you into heaven.
The members of the church should individually hold themselves and all their possessions upon the altar of God. Now, as never before, the Saviour’s admonition is applicable: “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Those who are fastening their means in large houses, in lands, in worldly enterprises, are saying by their actions: “God cannot have it; I want it for myself.” They have bound up their one talent in a napkin and hid it in the earth. There is cause for such to be alarmed. Brethren, God has not entrusted means to you to lie idle nor to be covetously retained or hid away, but to be used to advance His cause, to save the souls of the perishing. It is not the time now to bind up the Lord’s money in your expensive buildings and your large enterprises, while His cause is crippled and left to beg its way, the treasury half-supplied. The Lord is not in this way of working. Remember, the day is fast approaching when it will be said: “Give an account of thy stewardship.” Can you not discern the signs of the times?
Testimonies for the Church Volume 5, pp. 454-466.
But they did not keep their covenant with God. They followed after the idolatrous practices of other nations, and instead of making their Creator’s name a praise in the earth their course held it up to the contempt of the heathen. Yet the purpose of God must be accomplished. The knowledge of His will must be spread abroad in the earth. God brought the hand of the oppressor upon His people and scattered them as captives among the nations. In affliction many of them repented of their transgressions and sought the Lord. Scattered throughout the countries of the heathen, they spread abroad the knowledge of the true God. The principles of the divine law came in conflict with the customs and practices of the nations. Idolaters endeavored to crush out the true faith. The Lord in His providence brought His servants, Daniel, Nehemiah, Ezra, face to face with kings and rulers, that these idolaters might have an opportunity to receive the light. Thus the work which God had given His people to do in prosperity, in their own borders, but which had been neglected through their unfaithfulness, was done by them in captivity, under great trial and embarrassment.
God has called His church in this day, as He called ancient Israel, to stand as a light in the earth. By the mighty cleaver of truth, the messages of the first, second, and third angels, He has separated them from the churches and from the world to bring them into a sacred nearness to Himself. He has made them the depositaries of His law and has committed to them the great truths of prophecy for this time. Like the holy oracles committed to ancient Israel, these are a sacred trust to be communicated to the world. The three angels of Revelation 14 represent the people who accept the light of God’s messages and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth. Christ declares to His followers: “Ye are the light of the world.” To every soul that accepts Jesus the cross of Calvary speaks: “Behold the worth of the soul: ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.’” Nothing is to be permitted to hinder this work. It is the all-important work for time; it is to be far-reaching as eternity. The love that Jesus manifested for the souls of men in the sacrifice which He made for their redemption, will actuate all His followers.
But very few of those who have received the light are doing the work entrusted to their hands. There are a few men of unswerving fidelity who do not study ease, convenience, or life itself, who push their way wherever they can find an opening to press the light of truth and vindicate the holy law of God. But the sins that control the world have come into the churches, and into the hearts of those who claim to be God’s peculiar people. Many who have received the light exert an influence to quiet the fears of worldlings and formal professors. There are lovers of the world even among those who profess to be waiting for the Lord. There is ambition for riches and honor. Christ describes this class when He declares that the day of God is to come as a snare upon all that dwell upon the earth. This world is their home. They make it their business to secure earthly treasures. They erect costly dwellings and furnish them with every good thing; they find pleasure in dress and the indulgence of appetite. The things of the world are their idols. These interpose between the soul and Christ, and the solemn and awful realities that are crowding upon us are but dimly seen and faintly realized. The same disobedience and failure which were seen in the Jewish church have characterized in a greater degree the people who have had this great light from heaven in the last messages of warning. Shall we, like them, squander our opportunities and privileges until God shall permit oppression and persecution to come upon us? Will the work which might be performed in peace and comparative prosperity be left undone until it must be performed in days of darkness, under the pressure of trial and persecution?
There is a terrible amount of guilt for which the church is responsible. Why are not those who have the light putting forth earnest efforts to give that light to others? They see that the end is near. They see multitudes daily transgressing God’s law; and they know that these souls cannot be saved in transgression. Yet they have more interest in their trades, their farms, their houses, their merchandise, their dress, their tables, than in the souls of men and women whom they must meet face to face in the judgment. The people who claim to obey the truth are asleep. They could not be at ease as they are if they were awake. The love of the truth is dying out of their hearts. Their example is not such as to convince the world that they have truth in advance of every other people upon the earth. At the very time when they should be strong in God, having a daily, living experience, they are feeble, hesitating, relying upon the preachers for support, when they should be ministering to others with mind and soul and voice and pen and time and money.
Brethren and sisters, many of you excuse yourselves from labor on the plea of inability to work for others. But did God make you so incapable? Was not this inability produced by your own inactivity and perpetuated by your own deliberate choice? Did not God give you at least one talent to improve, not for your own convenience and gratification, but for Him? Have you realized your obligation, as His hired servant, to bring a revenue to Him by the wise and skillful use of this entrusted capital? Have you not neglected opportunities to improve your powers to this end? It is too true that few have felt any real sense of their responsibility to God. Love, judgment, memory, foresight, tact, energy, and every other faculty have been devoted to self. You have displayed greater wisdom in the service of evil than in the cause of God. You have perverted, disabled, nay, even besotted your powers, by your intense activity in worldly pursuits to the neglect of God’s work.
Still you soothe your conscience by saying that you cannot undo the past, and gain the vigor, the strength, and the skill which you might have had if you had employed your powers as God required. But remember that He holds you responsible for the work negligently done or left undone through your unfaithfulness. The more you exercise your powers for the Master, the more apt and skillful you will become. The more closely you connect yourself with the Source of light and power, the greater light will be shed upon you, and the greater power will be yours to use for God. And for all that you might have had, but failed to obtain through your devotion to the world, you are responsible. When you became a follower of Christ you pledged yourself to serve Him and Him alone, and He promised to be with you and bless you, to refresh you with His light, to grant you His peace, and to make you joyful in His work. Have you failed to experience these blessings? be sure it is the result of your own course.
In order to escape the draft during the war, there were men who induced disease, others maimed themselves that they might be rendered unfit for service. Here is an illustration of the course which many have been pursuing in relation to the cause of God. They have crippled their powers, both physical and mental, so that they are unable to do the work which is so greatly needed.
Suppose that a sum of money were placed in your hands to invest for a certain purpose; would you throw it away and declare that you were not now responsible for its use? would you feel that you had saved yourself a great care? Yet this is what you have been doing with the gifts of God. To excuse yourself from working for others on the plea of inability, while you are all absorbed in worldly pursuits, is mockery of God. Multitudes are going down to ruin; the people who have received light and truth are but as a handful to withstand all the host of evil; and yet this little company are devoting their energies to anything and everything but to learning how they may rescue souls from death. Is it any marvel that the church is weak and inefficient, that God can do but little for His professed people? They place themselves where it is impossible for Him to work with them and for them. Dare you continue thus to disregard His claims? Will you still trifle with heaven’s most sacred trusts? Will you say with Cain: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Remember that your responsibility is measured, not by your present resources and capacities, but by the powers originally bestowed and the possibilities for improvement. The question which each one should ask himself is not whether he is now inexperienced and unfit to labor in God’s cause, but how and why he is in this condition, and how it can be remedied. God will not supernaturally endow us with the qualifications which we lack; but while we exert the ability we have, He will work with us to increase and strengthen every faculty; our dormant energies will be aroused, and powers which have long been palsied will receive new life.
So long as we are in the world, we must have to do with the things of the world. There will ever be a necessity for the transaction of temporal, secular business; but this should never become all-absorbing. The apostle Paul has given a safe rule: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” The humble, common duties of life are all to be performed with fidelity; “heartily,” says the apostle, “as to the Lord.” Whatever our department of labor, be it housework or field work or intellectual pursuits, we may perform it to the glory of God so long as we make Christ first and last and best in everything. But aside from these worldly employments there is given to every follower of Christ a special work for the upbuilding of His kingdom—a work which requires personal effort for the salvation of men. It is not a work to be performed once a week merely, at the place of worship, but at all times and all places.
Everyone who connects himself with the church makes in that act a solemn vow to work for the interest of the church and to hold that interest above every worldly consideration. It is his work to preserve a living connection with God, to engage with heart and soul in the great scheme of redemption, and to show, in his life and character, the excellency of God’s commandments in contrast with the customs and precepts of the world. Every soul that has made a profession of Christ has pledged himself to be all that it is possible for him to be as a spiritual worker, to be active, zealous, and efficient in his Master’s service. Christ expects every man to do his duty; let this be the watchword throughout the ranks of His followers.
We are not to wait to be solicited to give light, to be importuned for counsel or instruction. Everyone who receives the rays of the Sun of Righteousness is to reflect its brightness to all about him. His religion should have a positive and decided influence. His prayers and entreaties should be so imbued with the Holy Spirit that they will melt and subdue the soul. Said Jesus: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” It would be better for a worldling never to have seen a professor of religion than to come under the influence of one who is ignorant of the power of godliness. If Christ were our pattern, His life our rule, what zeal would be manifested, what efforts put forth, what liberality exercised, what self-denial practiced! How untiringly should we labor, what fervent petitions for power and wisdom would ascend to God! If all the professed children of God would feel that it is the chief business of life to do the work which He has bidden them to do, if they would labor unselfishly in His cause, what a change would be seen in hearts and homes, in churches, yea, in the world itself!
Vigilance and fidelity have been required of Christ’s followers in every age; but now that we are standing upon the very verge of the eternal world, holding the truths we do, having so great light, so important a work, we must double our diligence. Everyone is to do to the very utmost of his ability. My brother, you endanger your own salvation if you hold back now. God will call you to account if you fail in the work He has assigned you. Have you a knowledge of the truth? give it to others.
What can I say to arouse our churches? What can I say to those who have acted a prominent part in the proclamation of the last message? “The Lord is coming,” should be the testimony borne, not only by the lips, but by the life and character; but many to whom God has given light and knowledge, talents of influence and means, are men who do not love the truth and do not practice it. They have drunk so deeply from the intoxicating cup of selfishness and worldliness that they have become drunken with the cares of this life. Brethren, if you continue to be as idle, as worldly, as selfish as you have been, God will surely pass you by, and take those who are less self-caring, less ambitious for worldly honor, and who will not hesitate to go, as did their Master, without the camp, bearing the reproach. The work will be given to those who will take it, those who prize it, who weave its principles into their everyday experience. God will choose humble men who are seeking to glorify His name and advance His cause rather than to honor and advance themselves. He will raise up men who have not so much worldly wisdom, but who are connected with Him, and who will seek strength and counsel from above.
Some of our leading men are inclined to indulge the spirit manifested by the apostle John when he said: “Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us.” Organization and discipline are essential, but there is now very great danger of a departure from the simplicity of the gospel of Christ. What we need is less dependence upon mere form and ceremony, and far more of the power of true godliness. If their life and character are exemplary, let all work who will, in any capacity. Although they may not conform exactly to your methods, not a word should be spoken to condemn or discourage them. When the Pharisees desired Jesus to silence the children who sang His praise, the Saviour said: “If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Prophecy must be fulfilled. So in these days, the work must be done. There are many departments of labor; let everyone act a part as best he can. The man with one talent is not to bury that in the earth. God has given to every man his work according to his ability. Those to whom larger trusts and capabilities have been committed should not endeavor to silence others who are less able or experienced. Men with one talent may reach a class that those with two or five talents cannot approach. Great and small alike are chosen vessels to bear the water of life to thirsting souls. Let not those who preach the word lay their hands upon the humblest worker and say: “You must labor in this channel or not work at all.” Hands off, brethren. Let everyone work in his own sphere, with his own armor on, doing whatever he can do in his humble way. Strengthen his hands in the work. This is no time for pharisaism to control. Let God work through whom He will. The message must go.
All are to show their fidelity to God by the wise use of His entrusted capital, not in means alone, but in any endowment that will tend to the upbuilding of His kingdom. Satan will employ every possible device to prevent the truth from reaching those who are buried in error; but the voice of warning and entreaty must come to them. And while only a few are engaged in this work, thousands ought to be as much interested as they. God never designed that the lay members of the church should be excused from labor in His cause. “Go, labor in My vineyard,” is the Master’s command to each of His followers. As long as there are unconverted souls in the world, there should be the most active, earnest, zealous, determined effort for their salvation. Those who have received the light should seek to enlighten those who have it not. If the church members do not individually take hold of this work, then they show that they have no living connection with God. Their names are registered as slothful servants. Can you not discern the reason why there is no more spirituality in our churches? It is because you are not colaborers with Christ.
God has given to every man his work. Let us each wait on God, and He will teach us how to work and what work we are best adapted to perform. Yet none are to start out in an independent spirit to promulgate new theories. The workers should be in harmony with the truth and with their brethren. There should be counsel and co-operation. But they are not to feel that at every step they must wait to ask some higher officer if they may do this or that. Look not to man for guidance, but to the God of Israel.
The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity she will have to do in a terrible crisis under most discouraging, forbidding circumstances. The warnings that worldly conformity has silenced or withheld must be given under the fiercest opposition from enemies of the faith. And at that time the superficial, conservative class, whose influence has steadily retarded the progress of the work, will renounce the faith and take their stand with its avowed enemies, toward whom their sympathies have long been tending. These apostates will then manifest the most bitter enmity, doing all in their power to oppress and malign their former brethren and to excite indignation against them. This day is just before us. The members of the church will individually be tested and proved. They will be placed in circumstances where they will be forced to bear witness for the truth. Many will be called to speak before councils and in courts of justice, perhaps separately and alone. The experience which would have helped them in this emergency they have neglected to obtain, and their souls are burdened with remorse for wasted opportunities and neglected privileges.
My brother, my sister, ponder these things, I beseech you. You have each a work to do. Your unfaithfulness and neglect are registered against you in the Ledger of Heaven. You have diminished your powers and lessened your capabilities. You lack the experience and efficiency which you might have had. But before it is forever too late, I urge you to arouse. Delay no longer. The day is almost spent. The westering sun is about sinking forever from your sight. Yet while the blood of Christ is pleading, you may find pardon. Summon every energy of the soul, employ the few remaining hours in earnest labor for God and for your fellow men.
My heart is stirred to the very depths. Words are inadequate to express my feelings as I plead for perishing souls. Must I plead in vain? As Christ’s ambassador I would arouse you to labor as you never labored before. Your duty cannot be shifted upon another. No one but yourself can do your work. If you withhold your light, someone must be left in darkness through your neglect.
Eternity stretches before us. The curtain is about to be lifted. We who occupy this solemn, responsible position, what are we doing, what are we thinking about, that we cling to our selfish love of ease, while souls are perishing around us? Have our hearts become utterly callous? Cannot we feel or understand that we have a work to do for the salvation of others? Brethren, are you of the class who having eyes see not, and having ears hear not? Is it in vain that God has given you a knowledge of His will? Is it in vain that He has sent you warning after warning? Do you believe the declarations of eternal truth concerning what is about to come upon the earth, do you believe that God’s judgments are hanging over the people, and can you still sit at ease, indolent, careless, pleasure loving?
It is no time now for God’s people to be fixing their affections or laying up their treasure in the world. The time is not far distant, when, like the early disciples, we shall be forced to seek a refuge in desolate and solitary places. As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal for flight to the Judean Christians, so the assumption of power on the part of our nation in the decree enforcing the papal sabbath will be a warning to us. It will then be time to leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded places among the mountains. And now, instead of seeking expensive dwellings here, we should be preparing to move to a better country, even a heavenly. Instead of spending our means in self-gratification, we should be studying to economize. Every talent lent of God should be used to His glory in giving the warning to the world. God has a work for His colaborers to do in the cities. Our missions must be sustained; new missions must be opened. To carry forward this work successfully will require no small outlay. Houses of worship are needed, where the people may be invited to hear the truths for this time. For this very purpose, God has entrusted a capital to His stewards. Let not your property be tied up in worldly enterprises, so that this work shall be hindered. Get your means where you can handle it for the benefit of the cause of God. Send your treasures before you into heaven.
The members of the church should individually hold themselves and all their possessions upon the altar of God. Now, as never before, the Saviour’s admonition is applicable: “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Those who are fastening their means in large houses, in lands, in worldly enterprises, are saying by their actions: “God cannot have it; I want it for myself.” They have bound up their one talent in a napkin and hid it in the earth. There is cause for such to be alarmed. Brethren, God has not entrusted means to you to lie idle nor to be covetously retained or hid away, but to be used to advance His cause, to save the souls of the perishing. It is not the time now to bind up the Lord’s money in your expensive buildings and your large enterprises, while His cause is crippled and left to beg its way, the treasury half-supplied. The Lord is not in this way of working. Remember, the day is fast approaching when it will be said: “Give an account of thy stewardship.” Can you not discern the signs of the times?
Testimonies for the Church Volume 5, pp. 454-466.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Ye know neither the day nor the hour
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. -Matthew 25:13.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
The Call To Watch And Pray!
Volume XXX Issue I January 2011
Last Trumpet Ministries, PO Box 806, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Fax: 920-887-2626 Internet: http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org/
Last Trumpet Ministries, PO Box 806, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Fax: 920-887-2626 Internet: http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org/
The Call To Watch And Pray!
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
Ephesians 6:13-18
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
Ephesians 6:13-18
"Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."
Revelation 16:15
"But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch."
Mark 13:32-37
"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
Luke 21:34-36
In this issue of the Last Trumpet Newsletter, we will once again examine the current events of these last days as we obey our Saviour's command to "watch and pray." I write this newsletter with the full knowledge that many will reject it because the subject matter is so often uncomfortable to deal with. Yet, we are admonished many times in the Bible to "watch," and we obey that command by focusing our attention on what is happening in the world, watching for signs, looking for fulfillment of prophecy, and comparing what we see and learn to God's Holy Scriptures. The purpose of this newsletter has always been to encourage Christians and unbelievers to open their spiritual eyes to the truth so they can see what is happening all around them.
Unfortunately, we live in a time period where most people would rather escape reality than face it. I've talked to numerous people who say they no longer watch the news or read the newspaper because they consider it too depressing. It is those type of people who will hate this newsletter. However, if you are a Christian, I ask you to prayerfully consider the content. Wouldn't you prefer to know what is happening rather than be ignorant of current world events and be caught off guard by the adversary?
In addition to watching, the Bible often includes the admonishment to pray. If you watch only, the cares of this life, the trouble in this world, the spiritual darkness, the lies, the corruption, the deceit, and the wickedness in high places can tear at your soul and bring you down to the depths of despair. We need prayer to renew our spirits and to bring us comfort, peace, and inexplicable joy. Yes, we can be happy in the Lord even though we see the world crumbling around us.
We serve a mighty God who loves us and will protect us and provide for our needs if we only learn to trust Him. If you have not yet repented of your sins and given your heart to God, I encourage you to do so now. He will bless you mightily, and as you grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, your life will never be the same.
The Theft Of American Dignity!
When I think back to the summer of 1997, I recall the first time I flew in an airplane. It was a simpler time when all you had to do to get through security was empty your pockets and walk through a metal detector. Since the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the Department of Homeland Security and its division, known as the Transportation Security Administration or TSA, has been working non-stop to make air travel as miserable as they possibly can for the American people. Now, if you want to get through security, you have to take off your shoes, remove your belt, take your laptop out of your bag, make sure all your soaps, gels, and liquids are in tiny bottles placed in a one quart zip-top bag, and submit yourself to a rigorous and intrusive pat-down or scan. Every American is now considered a potential terrorist by the TSA, and because of that, everything about them is carefully scrutinized, including their bodies.
The TSA is now using full-body image detectors at many airports in the United States. The full-body scanners see through clothing and provide TSA screeners with what amounts to a black and white photo of a passenger's naked body, including the passenger's private areas. Many people view this as an invasion of privacy, and there's also a great deal of concern over the low-level radiation emitted by the scanners. (1)
If a passenger should refuse a full-body scan, the only other option he or she has is to be subjected to an invasive pat-down by a TSA screener. The TSA refers to this procedure as an "enhanced pat-down," and it includes touching people in areas that would ordinarily be grounds for a sexual assault charge. To make matters worse, it has been reported that TSA screeners do not change their gloves between screenings and therefore put passengers at risk of bacterial infections. Patrick Schlievert, a microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, stated, "When you touch people, you start picking up their organisms. That might be ok if you wear gloves, but what about everyone else you're touching down the road?" (2)
TSA chief John Pistole has made it very clear that every passenger is to be subjected to either the full-body scanners or the intrusive pat-downs. "I see flying as a privilege that is a public safety issue. Passengers have a number of options as they go through screening. But the bottom line is, if somebody decides they don't want to have screening, they don't have a right to get on that plane," said Pistole in an interview with the Christian Science Monitor. (3) When asked about the possibility of exempting grandmothers, he stated, "I hope no grandmother would ever be a suicide bomber. There have been two 64-year-olds who have committed suicide attacks in the world. What I'm concerned about is terrorists going out and getting someone who is 65, so where do you draw the line?" (4)
The new pat-down procedure has been humiliating for many travelers. One such example is Thomas D. Sawyer of Lansing, Michigan. Sawyer is a bladder cancer survivor who now wears a urostomy bag, which collects his urine from an opening in his abdomen. While being subjected to a pat-down by TSA officers, Mr. Sawyer tried to warn them of his medical condition. Describing the pat-down incident, Mr. Sawyer stated, "One agent watched as the other used his flat hand to go slowly down my chest. I tried to warn him that he would hit the bag and break the seal on my bag, but he ignored me. Sure enough, the seal was broken and urine started dribbling down my shirt and my leg and into my pants." The TSA officers never apologized, and Mr. Sawyer was forced to walk through the airport soaked in his own urine. Sawyer later stated, "I am totally appalled by the fact that agents that are performing these pat-downs have so little concern for people with medical conditions." (5)
So what could happen to a passenger if he should enter a screening line and then later refuse to undergo either the full-body scan or the pat-down? ABC News reports that as of August 20, 2009, the TSA has the authority to fine passengers up to $11,000 for refusing to be screened. (6) Although the TSA has yet to levy any fines, they have threatened to do so when dealing with uncooperative passengers. One such threat was issued by a TSA official to a passenger named John Tyner, who is now famous for having posted a video of his screening ordeal on YouTube. (7)
I suspect the new security screening procedures have less to do with safety and more to do with demoralizing and controlling the population. They want to herd us through like helpless cattle while we submit to their will and obey their every command regardless of how unreasonable it is. It has been the trend since the 9/11 attacks to slowly strip us of our rights. We are now starting to see the results of this gradual process as those of us in the United States now enjoy far fewer freedoms than we did on September 10, 2001. Yes, those were simpler days when neither the US Patriot Act, nor the Department of Homeland Security existed and your grandmother was not considered a potential terrorist.
End Times Economic Plight!
As the days, weeks, months, and now years continue to tick by, Barack Obama and his cronies continue to insist that our economy is recovering. In October 2010, the United States added 172,000 new jobs, and the headlines across the nation were suddenly jubilant and optimistic. The news stories left the impression that maybe the economy had finally turned the corner and the recovery was gaining momentum. Then November came along.
In a stunning turn of events, the United States added only 39,000 jobs in the month of November 2010. Based on positive reports from the previous month, economists had predicted an addition of 150,000 jobs. The official unemployment rate now sits at 9.8% with 15.1 million Americans considered unemployed. Paul Dales, U.S. economist for Capital Economics, had this to say, "November's U.S. employment report is a painful reality check for those hoping that a meaningful acceleration in economic activity was underway. The truth is that the economy is going nowhere at a time when companies are not willing to boost hiring." (8) According to a report by the Associated Press, the United States needs to add at least 120,000 jobs every month just to prevent unemployment from rising. (9) With so many millions of people out of work, it only takes common sense to realize that even within a growing economy, it would take several years for unemployment to recede to pre-recession levels. However, despite the so-called recovery, the unemployment rate has not been dropping. In fact, the official unemployment rate in the United States has been over nine percent for a record nineteen months. (10)
Even Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke is expecting the unemployment rate to remain high for an extended period of time. "Between the peak and the end of last year, we lost eight-and-a-half million jobs. We've only gotten about a million of them back so far. And that doesn't even account for the new people coming into the labor force. At the rate we're going, it could be four, five years before we are back to a more normal unemployment rate," said Bernanke in an interview with the CBS News program, "60 Minutes." (11)
Unless Congress acts soon to prevent it, millions of people will lose their unemployment benefits in the coming months. Considering there are not enough jobs to go around and many people may soon have no income coming in, we will likely see an increase in instances of adult children moving back in with their parents, multiple families sharing homes, a continued increase in reliance on food stamps, and even homelessness. Carol Hardison, executive director of Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte, North Carolina, stated, "We're going to have to have a new conversation with the people who are still suffering, about the potentially drastic changes they're going to have to make to stay out of the homeless shelter." (12)
Unemployment isn't the only issue plaguing the United States' economy. The housing market remains weak, the cost of food is rising, and many Americans are up to their ears in debt. In fact, nearly forty percent of retired Americans surveyed by CNBC said they've accumulated credit card debt during their retirement years and admitted they aren't planning to pay off the debt before passing on. Neil Ellington, executive vice president at CESI Debt Solutions, was quoted as saying, "At the end of the day, some people of a certain age say, 'it's too late in the game for me to do anything about it. I can't win. So I'm just going to stop playing the game.'" (13)
These are amazing and shocking times that we live in. For years our American money has been colloquially known as the "almighty dollar." Yet, Bloomberg News reported in November 2010 that the U.S. dollar may soon become the world's weakest currency. Tohru Sasaki, head of Japanese rates and foreign exchange research at JPMorgan & Chase stated, "The U.S. has the world's largest current-account deficit but keeps interest rates at virtually zero. The dollar can't avoid the status as the weakest currency." (14) It certainly appears that based on the news reports that we have been seeing over the last few months, the United States of America is on the decline.
When we consider the state of our American economy, it is easy to feel stressed out, worried, or angry as we struggle to get by. In fact, a recent ABC News/Yahoo poll found that 85 percent of respondents were angry about the state of the economy. (15) But as my father used to say, "This world isn't fair. There is no level playing field." However, there are manifold blessings in store for those who love and obey God. For as Jesus preached in the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew, chapter 5, "Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." We serve a mighty God who can send manna from heaven, provide an endless supply of flour and oil, or feed a multitude with five barley loaves and two small fishes. God has promised to take care of us, and I believe that He will.
Witchcraft - Is It Real Or Make Believe?
We're living in a time when witchcraft and paganism permeate throughout world culture. Pagan beliefs and philosophies have found their way into books, television programs, movies, and in the day-to-day lives of people around the world. One such example can be found in the days of the week. Every single weekday in the English language is named after a false god or goddess. Sunday was named after the sun god. Monday was named after the moon goddess. Tuesday was named after the Germanic god Teiwaz (Tiw in Old English, or Tyr in Norse). Wednesday was named after the English god Woden (or Odin in Norse). Thursday was named after the Norse god Thor. Friday was named after the goddess Frigg. Finally, Saturday was named after the ancient Roman god Saturn.
Considering the origins of the names of our days, it is not surprising that pagan influence is found throughout pop culture as well. I recall reading a plot summary for the movie "Avatar" when it was first released. In the description of the film, it was mentioned that the inhabitants of the fictional planet Pandora worship a "mother goddess." James Cameron obviously has a level of familiarity of paganism since the concept of worshipping a mother goddess is pure witchcraft.
Of course, few icons of pop culture have done more to raise awareness of witchcraft than the Harry Potter franchise. Many people, including Christians, claim it's just fantasy, and that there's nothing wrong with reading the books or watching the movies. However, the Bible makes it very clear that God hates witchcraft. Anything that attempts to put forth witchcraft in a positive light is contrary to the Word of God. Presenting witchcraft as child-friendly fantasy doesn't make God hate it any less.
Yet many Christians can't seem to get enough Harry Potter, and a theologian by the name of Dr. Stephen Holmes has even gone as far as to claim that Harry Potter should be seen as "Christ-like." Dr. Holmes has made the claim, "The behavior that is recommended in the Potter books is profoundly Christian." Holmes further stated, "JK Rowling is not saying to people 'you ought to be a witch'. She is trying to imagine a world in which wizardry and witchcraft are a reality and that is an important distinction." (16) It is not necessary to imagine a world where witchcraft is a reality. It already is a reality and has been for thousands of years.
Examples of witchcraft and paganism can be easily found all over the world. In fact, there are more "occult healers" in Russia than medical doctors. (17) At the recent climate change conference in Cancun, Mexico, the proceedings were opened with a woman named, Christiana Figueres, praying to the ancient pagan goddess known as Ixchel. (18) According to a recent news story, prisoners in the United Kingdom will now be given four days off per year to celebrate their pagan festivals. Prisons have also been told they must prepare special food for its pagan inmates if it is required for them to properly celebrate their customs. (19) Yes, witchcraft is real; it is dangerous too, and as Christians we should follow the Biblical admonishment to abstain from all appearance of evil.
Science Fiction, Minus The Fiction!
My father used to say that if Frankenstein were a real person and alive today they would award him the Nobel Prize. That seems like a very poignant observation when we consider some of the projects scientists are working on these days. Researchers at John Hopkins University are working on a pill that could permanently erase memories. Those involved in the study say it could be an effective treatment for people suffering from such afflictions as post traumatic stress disorder or other instances of painful memories. Kate Farinholt, executive director of the mental health support and information group, NAMI Maryland, was rather critical of the idea. "Erasing a memory and then everything bad built on that is an amazing idea and I can see all sorts of potential. But completely deleting a memory, assuming it's one memory, is a little scary. How do you remove a memory without removing a whole part of someone's life, and is it best to do that, considering that people grow and learn from their experiences?" (20) I'm sure there are many nefarious entities out there who would just love to have access to such a convenient and handy brainwashing tool.
A Technology Review article published by MIT has reported that researchers at Tufts University have now made a small implantable antenna from liquid silk and micropatterned gold. The antenna is designed to detect specific proteins and chemicals in the body and then send wireless alerts to doctors to warn them of signs of disease. (21)
As most of you probably already know, I've covered the advancement of cashless payment systems in previous newsletters. I've already written about various systems that are being developed to use smart phones for monetary transactions. Now another system is being designed through a joint venture with AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile. (22) The system is known as Isis, and the wireless companies are hoping to roll out the system in about a year and a half. Michael Abbott, the chief executive officer of Isis, seems to have big plans for the program. "While mobile payments will be at the core of our offering, it is only the start. We plan to create a mobile wallet that ultimately eliminates the need for consumers to carry cash, credit and debit cards, reward cards, coupons, tickets and transit passes." (23) It is interesting to note that the new system is called Isis, which is named after a pagan goddess from ancient Egyptian mythology. Isis was believed to be the mother of the Egyptian god Horus. Horus also has ties to our money system as his all-seeing eye is prominently featured on the back of the United States' one-dollar bill.
The Declining Health Of Americans!
In the United States we often hear about new breakthroughs in medical research. Yet, despite all the progress that has been made over the last century, Americans are facing an increasing number of health risks all the time. Obesity, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are all widespread and seem to be growing worse with every passing year. In fact, recent studies indicate that over half of all Americans will either be prediabetic or diabetic by the year 2020. The projected medical cost for the affliction is expected to rise to $500 billion per year. (24)
CNBC reported in November 2010 that 45 million Americans, or 20 percent of the adult population, were suffering from a mental illness in 2009. (25) A recent government survey found that one out of every ten children supposedly suffers from ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. (26) Of course, diagnosis of a mental illness or ADHD is usually left to the interpretation of doctors and those in the medical or psychiatric profession. Many patients may not actually be suffering from the disorders they're diagnosed with. The unfortunate end result is millions of Americans being put on drugs. Those drug prescriptions result in vast profits for the pharmaceutical companies while inhibiting the ability of a large portion of the American population to think clearly. In some cases, the side effects from drugs can be worse than the symptoms of the disorder. I recall seeing a recent commercial for an antidepressant which had an extensive list of side effects, including "suicidal thoughts" and "death."
As if Americans were not sick enough already, the state of California recently approved the use of a pesticide which had been previously linked to cancer. Officials in California have insisted that the chemical, which is known as methyl iodide, is safe to use despite the fact that it is toxic. (27) John Krist, CEO of the Ventura County Farm Bureau stated, "I appreciate people's concerns about the health risk, but the mere fact that the chemical is toxic is not an issue." Among those protesting the approval of methyl iodide was Assemblyman Bill Monning, who was quoted as saying, "I think there is sufficient scientific evidence to say that this chemical is unsafe at any speed." It is expected that California fruit producers will widely use the chemical on strawberry crops. Unfortunately, methyl iodide is already registered in 47 states and used on tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and other crops. (28)
The Growing Korean Crisis!
On November 23, 2010, North Korea attacked South Korea with what has been called the most aggressive act of war in Korea since the 1950s. After the South refused to heed warnings from the North to halt military drills near disputed waters, North Korea shelled the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong, which is home to military installations and a small civilian population. The attack resulted with the death of four people: two civilians and two marines, and it left eighteen people wounded. (29)
South Korea is understandably upset and has issued several threats of war to the North. The South's newly appointed defense minister, Kim Kwan-jin, stated in a speech, "If North Korea carries out a military provocation on our territory and people again, we must retaliate immediately and strongly until they completely surrender." (30) In response, North Korea has threatened the South with nuclear war. (31) North Korea already has nuclear weapons and is believed to be enriching weapons-grade plutonium at up to four sites, according to a report by The Daily Telegraph. (32)
Ultimately, the direction this crisis takes could depend on the actions of China. China is North Korea's only major ally, and without the Chinese aid they receive, North Korea would have likely collapsed a long time ago. The United States has been hoping that China would rebuke North Korea over the recent attacks, but so far China has continued to express support for North Korea. This situation has been quite distressing to the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen. In an interview with The Los Angeles Times, Mullen stated, "The Chinese have enormous influence over the North, influence that no other nation on earth enjoys. And yet, despite a shared interest in reducing tensions, they appear unwilling to use it.... Even tacit approval of Pyongyang's brazenness leaves all their neighbors asking, 'What will be next?'" (33)
A Fatal Mix Of Sin!
Although God has a remnant people, there is wholesale sin taking place all over the globe twenty-four hours a day. Here are a few shocking examples of things taking place around the world. A New Hampshire couple pulled their son out of high school after he was given an assignment to read a book entitled "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America." In the book, the author referred to Jesus Christ as "a wine guzzling vagrant and precocious socialist." (34)
Life News reported in November 2010 that the United States has aborted 53 million babies since the Roe Vs. Wade decision in 1973. (35) That number must seem quite delightful to Ted Turner who recently urged world leaders to adopt a global one-child per family policy in order to "save the earth's environment." (36) Here let it be noted that the hypocritical Mr. Turner is the father of five children.
Twenty-nine percent of children under eighteen in the United States now live with a parent or parents who are unwed or no longer married. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that 39% of respondents believe marriage is becoming obsolete. (37)
In November 2010, Muslims set fire to at least ten houses belonging to Christians in Egypt after rumors spread that a Christian man had an affair with a Muslim girl, according to a report by the Associated Press. (38) Once again, the true colors of Islam are showing, and it certainly is not a religion of peace.
In closing, I want to encourage you all to stay strong in the faith. The reality we face is a world that is growing ever harsher to the remnant Christian people. While many of the current events now happening are hard to bear, we can take comfort in the fact that all the signs we see point to the soon return of our Lord and Savior. Let us continue to watch and pray and look up, for our redemption draweth nigh. If you have any prayer requests, please do not hesitate to send them our way. Our teams of intercessors will give each prayer request individual attention. Grace and peace be unto you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Samuel David Meyer
Acknowledgements
01. Associated Press, November 16, 2010, By Joan Lowy and Adam Goldman, Washington, D.C.
02. MSNBC, November 24, 2010, By Amanda Chan, http://today.msnbc.msn.com.
03. The Christian Science Monitor, November 26, 2010, By Dave Cook, Washington, D.C.
04. Ibid.
05. MSNBC, November 22, 2010, By Harriet Baskus, http://msnbc.msn.com.
06. ABC News, November 23, 2010, By Susanna Kim, http://abcnews.go.com.
07. Ibid.
08. Associated Press, December 3, 2010, By Jeannine Aversa, Washington, D.C.
09. Ibid.
10. Politics Daily, December 6, 2010, By Carla Baranauckas, http://politicsdaily.com.
11. Ibid.
12. Associated Press, December 1, 2010, By Tom Breen, http://associatedpress.com.
13. CNBC, November 16, 2010, By Cindy Perman, http://cnbc.com.
14. Bloomberg News, November 17, 2010, By Shigeki Nozawa, http://bloomberg.com.
15. The Christian Science Monitor, November 24, 2010, By Patrik Jonsson, Atlanta, GA.
16. The Telegraph, October 24, 2010, By Auslan Cramb, http://telegraph.co.uk.
17. RIA Novosti, January 11, 2010, By RIA Novosti, Moscow, Russia.
18. Washington Post, November 29, 2010, By Juliet Eilperin, http://washingtonpost.com.
19. The Daily Mail, December 7, 2010, By Jack Doyle, http://dailymail.co.uk.
20. Baltimore Sun, November 22, 2010, By Meredith Cohn, http://baltimoresun.com.
21. MIT Technology Review, August 18, 2010, By Jennifer Chu, http://technologyreview.com.
22. Fox News, November 30, 2010, By John R Quain, http://foxnews.com.
23. Daily Tech, November 16, 2010, By Shane McGlaun, http://dailytech.com.
24. Medical News Today, November 23, 2010, By Christian Nordqvist, http://medicalnewstoday.com.
25. Reuters News Service, November 18, 2010, By Julie Steenhuysen, Chicago, IL.
26. Associated Press, November 11, 2010, By Mike Stobbe, Atlanta, GA.
27. Associated Press, December 1, 2010, By Garance Burke, Fresno, CA.
28. Ibid.
29. Associated Press, November 24, 2010, By Hyung-Jin Kim and Kwang-Tae Kim, Incheon, South Korea.
30. Associated Press, December 4, 2010, By Kim Kwang-Tae, Seoul, South Korea.
31. Associated Press, December 13, 2010, By Hyung-Jin Kim, Seoul, South Korea.
32. The Daily Telegraph, December 14, 2010, By Peter Foster, http://telegraph.co.uk.
33. The Christian Science Monitor, December 9, 2010, By Tom A Peter, http://csmonitor.com.
34. Fox News, December 06, 2010, By Diane Macedo, http://foxnews.com.
35. Life News, November 26, 2010, By Steven Ertelt, http://lifenews.com.
36. The Globe And Mail, December 5, 2010, By Shawn McCarthy, http://theglobeandmail.com.
37. Associated Press, November 18, 2010, By Hope Yen, Washington, D.C.
38. Associated Press, November 16, 2010, By Salah Nasrawi, Cairo, Egypt.
Special Note: A new tribute website for Pastor David J. Meyer can now be accessed at http://pastormeyer.org.
If you have a comment on this newsletter or would like to suggest future topics, you may send email to editor@lasttrumpetnewsletter.org.
http://lasttrumpetministries.org
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Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Vigilance
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
1Peter 5:8,9.
Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
1Peter 5:8,9.
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Friday, November 27, 2009
And they shall not escape
1 Thessalonians 5
1But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16Rejoice evermore.
17Pray without ceasing.
18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19Quench not the Spirit.
20Despise not prophesyings.
21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
25Brethren, pray for us.
26Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
27I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
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