Saturday, April 13, 2013

2520 Deception - M. Bauler



2520 Deception- 1/2- speaker M. Bauler


Michael Nicholas


Uploaded on Feb 19, 2012


Very significantly, the 2520 year prophecy was rarely discussed after 1844 by anyone in the Ad¬vent movement, except by Edson for several years.
It is doubly significant that the 2520 prophecy is not included in James White's 1850 prophetic
chart. That fact provides us with solid evidence that the "errors" in the 1843 Chart must have included the number "2520" on that chart! It is also significant that the Millerites in 1843 thought so little of the 2520 prophecy—that they only placed the four-digit number in the chart, with¬out any words to explain it. Even more significant, it was totally dropped after the new denomina¬tion came into existence after 1844.
It is believed, by some, that it was the 2520 year theory, and some of the other strange ideas which entered the Millerite movement, which kept Mil¬ler from accepting the midnight cry until just before it ended. The midnight cry was based on a pure Biblical message which combined Daniel 8:14, Leviticus 16, and Hebrews 8. It is never good for the human mind to become fascinated with error.
It is of the highest significance that Great Con¬troversy, 324-329, focuses exclusively on the 2300 year prophecy and the 70 week prophecy, which was part of it. Read Great Controversy, chapter 18, thoughtfully. Not one word about a 2520 prophecy is mentioned or even hinted at. Also notice that Leviticus 26 is not mentioned in those pages as the source of any time prophecy. The facts are clear.
Then read chapter 20 of Great Controversy, which tells about many leading people who preached the true message. Harriet is not included.

William Miller was a good man. We value his dedication and contributions to the Advent Move-ment. But we must keep in mind that Miller never accepted the Third Angel's Message. He had the wrong view of Daniel 7:25, Revelation 13; 11:19; 12:17; and 22:14. He rejected a correct understand¬ing of Daniel 7:9-10, 13 and the Investigative Judg¬ment. He did not understand the true meaning of Daniel 8:14. He did not have the light on the state of the dead and punishment of the wicked. He rejected the Fourth Commandment, the heavenly Sanctu¬ary, and the Spirit of Prophecy.
Although he was a good man and will be in heaven (SG 168), he was not a Seventh-day Adventist. We are not to base our doctrinal beliefs on his theo¬ries, when they do not agree with Bible/Spirit of Prophecy teachings.

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2520 Deception- 2/2- speaker M. Bauler


Michael Nicholas 


Uploaded on Feb 25, 2012


Again and again I have been warned in regard to time setting.
There will never again be a message that will be based on time. We are
not to know the definite time either for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit or
for the coming of Christ." (1SM 188)
Time will never be a test again. I saw that some were getting a false excitement, arising4
from preaching time." (1SM 188)
We are not to live upon time excitement. We are not to be engrossed with speculations
in regard to the times and the seasons which God has not revealed . . . . No
one will be able to predict just when that time [second coming] will come .
. . . You will not be able to say that He will come in one, two, or five
years, neither are you to put off His coming by stating that it may not be
for ten or twenty years." (1SM 189)
E. 1892:
"I have no specific time of which to speak when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
will take place . . . . My message is that our only safety is in being ready for the
heavenly refreshing . . . . O, how much time has been wasted through giving
attention to trifling things." (1SM 192, from RH, March 29, 1892)
F. 1893:
False teachers may appear to be very zealous for the work of God, and may expend means to bring their
theories before the world and the church; but as they mingle error with truth, their
message is one of deception, and will lead souls into false paths. They are to be
met and opposed, not because they are bad men, but because they are teachers of
falsehood and are endeavoring to put upon falsehood the stamp of truth.
(TM 54, 55 from RH, Sept. 12, 1893)
G. 1894:
But there is no command for anyone to search the Scripture in order to
ascertain, if possible, when probation will close. God has no such message for
any mortal lips. He would have no mortal tongue declare that which He has
hidden in His secret councils." (1SM 191-92)
. . . .6
"There must be no long discussions presenting new theories in regard to
prophecies which God has already made plain . . . ."
(Manuscript 32a, 1896 [Manuscript Release #1308])
"The people now have a special message to give to the world, the third
angel's message. . . . ."
(2SM 102)

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What is the source of the current resurfacing of the 2520 and in what form is it being offered to the church?


From an article: (An Evaluation of The 2520, by Ty Gibson)


The movement that is advancing the 2520 holds this teaching within a larger package of ideas, which includes the following:
1. that the 9/11/2001 terrorist attack is a fulfillment of the “third woe” brought to view in the seventh trumpet (Rev 11:14);

2. that the judgment of the living began on 9/11/2001, beginning with the SDA Church, for whom probation will close before it closes for the world;

3. that the latter rain began to fall from 9/11/2001 onward;

4. that the discovery of the 2520 is a vital part of the “new light” brought to us by the latter rain;
5. and that the 2520 is, therefore, the “testing message” for SDAs. Those who accept the 2520 are thereby receiving the latter rain and successfully passing the inspection process of the judgment of the living, and those who reject the 2520 are rejecting the latter rain and thus failing to bear up under the judgment of the living. Probation is closing for SDAs individually and finally for the corporate body by our acceptance or rejection of the 2520 and the attending package of ideas listed above.

These are huge and grave claims. If true, then the church is currently undergoing the judgment of the living and closing its probation by failing to receive the “new light” offered by the 2520 movement. Thus we can expect to see those who offer this message to the SDA church feel justified in separating from the church because of its rejection of the “latter rain message.” If false, then the 2520 movement is a misguided deception calculated to divert our attention from the real latter rain message.


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Friday, April 12, 2013

2520 - Never Once Mentioned- Bill Hughes




Michael Nicholas

Published on Jul 8, 2012


1. "We need to realize that the Holy Spirit, who is as much a person as God is a person, is walking through these grounds."—Ev, 616
2. "The Holy Spirit is a person, for He beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God. When this witness is borne, it carries with it its own evidence. At such times we believe and are sure that we are the children of God . ."The Holy Spirit has a personality, else He could not bear witness to our spirits and with our spirits that we are the children of God. He must also be a divine person, else He could not search our the secrets which lie hidden in the mind of God. "For what man knoweth the things of man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.' "— (Man.20, 1906).
3. "The Holy Spirit [is] the Third Person of the Godhead."—TM392.
4. The Father and the Son work through the Holy Spirit, to help people and to accomplish Their objectives throughout the universe. "The prince of the power of evil can only be held in check by the power of God in the Third Person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit."— (Ev 617).
5. "The work is laid out before every soul that has acknowledged his faith in Jesus Christ by baptism, and has become a receiver of the pledge from the three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."— 6 BC, 1074
6. "The prince of the power of evil can only be held in check by the power of God in the Third Person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit."— (Ev 617).
7. "The Lord Jesus acts through the Holy Spirit; for it is His representative."—MYP, 55.
8. The Power of God in the Third Person.--The prince of the power of evil can only be held in check by the power of God in the third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit.-- {Ev 617.2}
9. He (Christ) determined to give His representative, the third person of the Godhead. {ML 36.3}
10. "Evil had been accumulating for centuries, and could only be restrained and resisted by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power."—TM 392
11. "There are three living persons of the heavenly trio; in the name of these three great powers—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these powers will co-operate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts to live the new life in Christ."— (Ev 615).
12. "Evil had been accumulating for centuries, and could only be restrained and resisted by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. Another spirit must be met: for the essence of evil was working in all ways, and the submission of man to this satanic captivity was amazing."—TM, 392.
13. "When God's people search the Scriptures with a desire to know what is truth, Jesus is present in the person of His representative, the Holy Spirit, reviving the hearts of the humble and contrite ones."—12 MR 145
14. "We are to co-operate with the three highest powers in heaven,—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,—and these powers will work through us, making us workers together with God."— (Ev 617).
15. The eternal Godhead—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost—is involved in the action required to make assurance to the human agent."—UL, 148.
16. "The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, powers infinite and omniscient, receive those who truly enter into covenant relation with God. They are present at every baptism, to receive the candidates who have renounced the world and have received Christ into the soul temple.—6 BC, 1075
17. "When we have accepted Christ, and in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit have pledged ourselves to serve God, the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit—the three dignitaries and powers of heaven—pledge Themselves that every facility shall be given to us if we carry out our baptismal vows to 'come out from among them, and be . . separate . . and touch not the unclean thing.' "—6 BC 1075
18. "Our sanctification is the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit . . Have you been born again? Have you become a new being in Christ Jesus?—7 BC, 908
19. "Keep yourselves where the three great powers of heaven—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, can be your efficiency. These powers work with the one who gives himself unreservedly to God. The strength of heaven is at the command of God's believing ones."—
20. "The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost supply the power that makes him victorious in every conflict with the prince of darkness."—6 MR, 167
21. "The three highest powers in the universe are pledged to labor with those who will seek to save the lost."—Review, Aug 12, 1909.

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Steve Wohlberg and the 2520 prophecy


Steve Wohlberg comments on the 2520 Prophecy


The 2520
By Steve Wohlberg

[Oct. 2011] The “2520” is being discussed in my home church. After reading arguments on both sides of the controversy, here are my (present) views. Note: This paper was not written for the general public, but only for those already familiar with the topic.

First, those who support the 2520 conclude:

1. It is a divine prophecy embedded in Leviticus 26

2. Leviticus 26:18 says that if Israel disobeyed God, He would punish her “seven times” for her sins. Those “seven times” should be interpreted as “seven years,” or 2520 days (based on a 360-day Hebrew calendar year), and then, based on the day-for-a-year principle, viewed as 2520 prophetic years.

3. The 2520 began in 677 BC (William Miller’s view, when King Manasseh of Judah was taken to Babylon), and ended in 1844.

4. The 2520 “prophecy” is a “second witness” to the 2300-year prophecy because both end in 1844. This “second witness” is necessary to maintain the integrity of the 2300-year prophecy because “out of the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Cor. 13:1).

5. Adventists have lost sight of the 2520 and should start teaching it again.

Some of the main arguments used to support the above conclusions are:

1. Ellen White wrote that God led William Miller in his studies in the early 1800s.

2. William Miller believed in the 2520 prophecy based on his study of Leviticus 26.

3. Ellen White wrote that God led in the publication of the 1843 and 1850 Millerite charts, and both charts contained the 2520 prophecy (based on Miller’s views).

4. Ellen White also stated that those charts fulfilled Habakkuk 2:1-4.

After reading arguments on both sides of this controversy, here is my (present) position:

1. I have read Leviticus 26 many times in the last month or so and my honest evaluation is that the chapter itself does not easily support the teaching that “seven times” represent “seven years,” or 2520 days, or 2520 years. Four times (verses 18,21,24,28) God says that He will punish Israel “seven times” for her sins if she disobeys Him. The wording implies that these will be four separate, sequential “seven times,” each falling with increasing severity if the preceding punishment fails to produce repentance. Additionally, the original Hebrew word translated “seven times” (sheba) is an adverb (indicating intensity), not a noun (indicating duration). Thus the proper translation of the word “sheba” in Leviticus 26 should be “sevenfold,” not “seven times” representing “seven years.”

2. Numbers 14:34 is the first time the day-for-a-year principle is mentioned in the Bible. But in Leviticus 26, it isn’t mentioned, or even hinted at.

3. The book of Judges reveals that many of the curses listed in Leviticus 26 had already started falling on Israel long before 677 BC.

4. The 70-week/2300-day prophecy begins with a clear and easily recognizable “command to restore and to build Jerusalem” (Dan. 9:25). Leviticus 26 contains no such clear starting point for a supposed 2520 prophecy.

5. Leviticus 26 is also filled with conditional “if…then” statements (see verses 3,4,23,24,27,28,40,42). “If” Israel obeys, blessings come. “If” not, curses will follow. Thus free will is involved. This strongly suggests that God’s “I will punish you seven times” warning cannot be a day-for-a-year prophetic timeline with clear starting and ending dates. By contrast, the 70-week/2300-day timeline is unconditional, with easily identifiable starting and ending points.

6. In Babylon, Daniel realized that Israel’s prophesied 70-year captivity was soon to end (Dan. 9:2). His prayer (verses 3-19) recognized that the curses recorded “in the law of Moses” (verse 13) had overtaken Israel, yet he hoped they would end soon and that Israel would be restored (verse 17). Such hope would be impossible if Daniel thought the Lev. 26 curses would continue for 2520 years! During the rule of Persia, the curses were reversed, Israel returned home, and once again God placed His “tabernacle” (see Lev. 26:11) among them. Now blessings had come.

7. When the next prophecy “chart” was published in 1863 (the year the SDA church was organized), the 2520 was left out. From 1863 until today the Adventist Church has never officially recognized the 2520 as a real prophecy at all.

8. One reason for this is because James White rejected the 2520. In a January 26, 1864 Review article he stated that the “2520” theory was unbiblical. Uriah Smith, in the Appendix of his book, Daniel and the Revelation, pps 784-785, agreed with James. Both believed the adverb “sheba” meant intensity, not duration, that the 2520-prophecy lacked biblical support, and that Adventists shouldn’t preach it.

9. In The Great Controversy, chapters 18-24, Ellen White wrote in great detail about the life of William Miller, about how he discovered the 2300-day prophecy, and about the history of the Advent Movement, and yet she never mentions the 2520 even once. If such a prophecy did exist and was significant, then why didn’t she mention it in her most important work when discussing the Millerites? Not only that, but during her entire 70-year ministry she never mentioned it anywhere.

10. I have seen no convincing proof that the 2300-year prophetic timeline must have a “second witness” to validate it, or that this witness must be the 2520. The original “out of the mouth of two or three witnesses” statement applied to civil court cases (see Duet. 17:9), not prophetic timelines. Other biblical applications don’t apply it to prophetic timelines either (see John 8:17; Matt. 18:16; 2 Cor. 13:1). But even if the 2300-year prophecy should require a “second witness” to its validity, it seems to me that Revelation 10 and 14, plus the existence of Adventist Church itself (which grew out of 2300-day prophecy), would more than suffice. Then there are the 1260, 1290 and 1335 time periods (Daniel 12:7,11,12), which, when linked together, also point to 1844, providing even more support. The fact is that from 1863 until today, Adventist evangelists haven’t needed the 2520 to validate either the 2300-year prophecy, or the Adventist movement in general.

2520 proponents may still argue: “But Ellen White said that angels guided William Miller. Miller believed the 2520. The 2520 prophecy is on the first two charts. Ellen White endorsed both charts, plus she said the Millerite charts fulfilled the prophecy of Habakkuk 2:1-4. Therefore the 2520 must be an important prophecy from God!”

This chain of arguments sounds good, but the biggest problem I see is that its final conclusion(that the 2520 prophecy must come from God) lacks even one clear “Thus saith the Lord” to support it. Such reasoning also neglects the core issue that Lev. 26: 18,21,24,28 doesn’t really support the 2520 in the first place. “There is no prophetic period in Lev. xxvi,” wrote James White in the Review, and trying to “imagine that such a thing exists” is “beating the air.” Uriah Smith agreed. Yes, Ellen White wrote that angels guided William Miller, and that God’s hand was on the Millerite charts, but she also wrote that angels of God guided James White and had “oversight” of the Review.

I saw that the papers [R & H] would go and that it would be the means of bringing souls to a knowledge of the truth. I saw that James had not borne the burden alone, but that the angels of God had assisted and had oversight of the paper. 8 MR, 221

Additionally, concerning the Millerite charts being a fulfillment of Habakkuk 2:1-4, notice carefully what Ellen White actually wrote in The Great Controversy:

As early as 1842 the direction given in this prophecy to "write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it," had suggested to Charles Fitch the preparation of a prophetic chart to illustrate the visions of Daniel and the Revelation. The publication of this chart was regarded as a fulfillment of the command given by Habakkuk. GC, 392

Look carefully. Habakkuk 2:2 says, “write the vision, and make it plain upon tables,” and Ellen White clarified that the main purpose of the “prophetic chart” was “to illustrate the visions of Daniel and the Revelation.” The 2300-day prophecy is part of a “vision” given by God (see Dan. 8:1,2,17) which qualifies it to be a fulfillment of Hab. 2:1-4. But there is no “vision” in Leviticus 26. All of this suggests that Ellen White’s support of William Miller, the early charts, and even the “figures” on the charts, primarily concerned the 2300-day “vision,” not the 2520. And in her explanation in The Great Controversy of these details, this is what she focused on without mentioning the 2520 even once.

The Adventist Church’s biblical mission is to proclaim Heaven’s “sure word of prophecy” (2 Pet. 1:19) and the Three Angel’s Messages to the world (Rev. 14:6-12). To do this effectively, our facts must be solid. Yes, God led the Millerites, but then in 1844 He also began giving direct guidance to Ellen White whose counsel always pointed back to the Bible; and in her 70 years of public ministry, she never specifically mentioned the 2520 even once. It’s obvious that Adventism as a whole no longer believes the 2520, and it seems to me that there are two possible reasons for this: 1) the 2520 was lost sight of due to an Adventist failure, or 2) advancing light and careful Bible study led Adventist leaders to realize that the 2520 was a really an unbiblical, unnecessary, and unfortunate distraction away from our core biblical message. Presently, I favor the latter, and hate to see people divided over this issue. One thing’s for sure: “Preach the Word” (2 Tim. 4:2) is our mandate.

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Related:


What is the 2520 Year Prophecy? | Presenttruth.com

www.presentruth.com/2008/.../what-is-the-2520-year-prophec...Share
Nov 18, 2008 – The 2520 “prophecy” is not a time prophecy at all. 2520 years on the Pioneer chart do measure the time between 677 BC and 1843-44 AD.


THE BIBLE ECHO: WHY THE 2520 PROPHECY IS NOT IMPORTANT

thebibleecho.blogspot.com/.../why-2520-prophecy-is-not-imp...Share
There are Adventists today that go around saying there is a 2520 prophecy. We have fallen away from the truth God has given us as a people. We were taught ...


WHY THE 2520 PROPHECY IS NOT IMPORTANT By Dwayne Lemon - Adventist ...

www.adventistonline.com/.../why-the-2520-prophecy-is-not-i...Share
13 posts - 3 authors - Sep 22, 2012
There are individuals today that will take a figure that was on William Millers chart and they will use that figure as a means of saying if you do ...


The So-called “2520 Prophecy,” or Seven Times of Leviticus 26

greatcontroversy.org/gco/rar/mcnn-pippengerpt4.phpShare
Dec 19, 2011 – On the 1843 chart, both the 2300 days and the 2520 days end in 1843. While it is true that the 2520 prophecy is present on the 1843 chart, ...


Is 2520 a Prophetic Number? :: Perspective Digest

www.perspectivedigest.org/.../18.../is-2520-a-prophetic-numb...Share
The 1843 chart has in the right-hand top corner a time prophecy of 2520 years, based on the “seven times” in Leviticus 26:28, which the Millerites believed refers ...

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Modern Revivals




     Wherever the word of God has been faithfully preached, results have followed that attested its divine origin. The Spirit of God accompanied the message of His servants, and the word was with power. Sinners felt their consciences quickened. The "light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" illumined the secret chambers of their souls, and the hidden things of darkness were made manifest. Deep conviction took hold upon their minds and hearts. They were convinced of sin and of righteousness and of judgment to come. They had a sense of the righteousness of Jehovah and felt the terror of appearing, in their guilt and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts. In anguish they cried out: "Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" As the cross of Calvary, with its infinite   sacrifice for the sins of men, was revealed, they saw that nothing but the merits of Christ could suffice to atone for their transgressions; this alone could reconcile man to God. With faith and humility they accepted the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Through the blood of Jesus they had "remission of sins that are past."

     These souls brought forth fruit meet for repentance. They believed and were baptized, and rose to walk in newness of life--new creatures in Christ Jesus; not to fashion themselves according to the former lusts, but by the faith of the Son of God to follow in His steps, to reflect His character, and to purify themselves even as He is pure. The things they once hated they now loved, and the things they once loved they hated. The proud and self-assertive became meek and lowly of heart. The vain and supercilious became serious and unobtrusive. The profane became reverent, the drunken sober, and the profligate pure. The vain fashions of the world were laid aside. Christians sought not the "outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but . . . the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." 1 Peter 3:3, 4.

     Revivals brought deep heart-searching and humility. They were characterized by solemn, earnest appeals to the sinner, by yearning compassion for the purchase of the blood of Christ. Men and women prayed and wrestled with God for the salvation of souls. The fruits of such revivals were seen in souls who shrank not at self-denial and sacrifice, but rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer reproach and trial for the sake of Christ. Men beheld a transformation in the lives of those who had professed the name of Jesus. The community was benefited by their influence. They gathered with Christ, and sowed to the Spirit, to reap life everlasting.

     It could be said of them: "Ye sorrowed to repentance." "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter." 2 Corinthians 7:9-11.

     This is the result of the work of the Spirit of God. There is no evidence of genuine repentance unless it works reformation.  If he restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, confess his sins, and love God and his fellow men, the sinner may be sure that he has found peace with God. Such were the effects that in former years followed seasons of religious awakening. Judged by their fruits, they were known to be blessed of God in the salvation of men and the uplifting of humanity.

     But many of the revivals of modern times have presented a marked contrast to those manifestations of divine grace which in earlier days followed the labors of God's servants. It is true that a widespread interest is kindled, many profess conversion, and there are large accessions to the churches; nevertheless the results are not such as to warrant the belief that there has been a corresponding increase of real spiritual life. The light which flames up for a time soon dies out, leaving the darkness more dense than before.

     Popular revivals are too often carried by appeals to the imagination, by exciting the emotions, by gratifying the love for what is new and startling. Converts thus gained have little desire to listen to Bible truth, little interest in the testimony of prophets and apostles. Unless a religious service has something of a  sensational character, it has no attractions for them. A message which appeals to unimpassioned reason awakens no response. The plain warnings of God's word, relating   directly to their  eternal interests, are unheeded.

     With every truly converted soul the relation to God and to eternal things will be the great topic of life. But where, in the popular churches of today, is the spirit of consecration to God? The converts do not renounce their pride and love of the world. They are no more willing to deny self, to take up the cross, and follow the meek and lowly Jesus, than before their conversion. Religion has become the sport of infidels and skeptics because so many who bear its name are ignorant of its principles. The power of godliness has well-nigh departed from many of the churches. Picnics, church theatricals, church fairs, fine houses, personal display, have banished thoughts of God. Lands and goods and worldly occupations engross the mind, and things of eternal interest receive hardly a passing notice.

     Notwithstanding the widespread declension of faith and piety, there are true followers of Christ in these churches. Before the final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for the Lord's second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will make it appear that God's special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious   interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working  marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world.

     In many of the revivals which have occurred during the last half century, the same influences have been at work, to a greater or less degree, that will be manifest in the more extensive movements of the future. There is an emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with the false, that is well adapted to mislead. Yet none need be deceived. In the light of God's word it is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements. Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from those plain, soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunciation of the world, there we may be sure that God's blessing is not bestowed.

     And by the rule which Christ Himself has given, "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16), it is evident that these movements are not the work of the Spirit of God.

     In the truths of His word, God has given to men a revelation of Himself; and to all who accept them they are a shield against the deceptions of Satan. It is a neglect of these truths that has opened the door to the evils which are now becoming so widespread in the religious world. The nature and the importance of the law of God have been, to a great extent, lost sight of. A wrong conception of the character, the perpetuity, and the obligation of the divine law has led to errors in relation to conversion and sanctification, and has resulted in lowering the standard of piety in the church. Here is to be found the secret of the lack of the Spirit and power of God in the revivals of our time.

     There are, in the various denominations, men eminent for their piety, by whom this fact is acknowledged and deplored. Professor Edwards A. Park, in setting forth the current religious perils, ably says: "One source of danger is the neglect of the  pulpit to enforce the divine law. In former days the pulpit was an echo of the voice of conscience. . . . Our most illustrious preachers gave a wonderful majesty to their discourses by following the example of the Master, and giving prominence to the law, its precepts, and its threatenings. They repeated the two great maxims, that the law is a transcript of the divine perfections, and that a man who does not love the law does not love the     gospel; for the law, as well as the gospel, is a mirror reflecting the true character of God. This peril leads to another, that of underrating the evil of sin, the extent of it, the demerit of it. In proportion to the rightfulness of the commandment is the wrongfulness of disobeying it. . . .
 
  "Affiliated to the dangers already named is the danger of underestimating the justice of God. The tendency of the modern pulpit is to strain out the divine justice from the divine benevolence, to sink benevolence into a sentiment rather than exalt it into a principle. The new theological prism puts asunder what God has joined together. Is the divine law a good or an evil? It is a good. Then justice is good; for it is a disposition to execute the law. From the habit of underrating the divine law and justice, the extent and demerit of human disobedience, men easily slide into the habit of underestimating the grace which has provided an atonement for sin." Thus the gospel loses its value and importance in the minds of men, and soon they are ready practically to cast aside the Bible itself.

     Many religious teachers assert that Christ by His death abolished the law, and men are henceforth free from its requirements. There are some who represent it as a grievous yoke, and in contrast to the bondage of the law they present the liberty to be enjoyed under the   gospel.

     But not so did prophets and apostles regard the holy law of God. Said David: "I will walk at liberty: for I seek Thy precepts." Psalm 119:45. The apostle James, who wrote after the death of Christ, refers to the Decalogue as "the royal law" and "the  perfect law of liberty." James 2:8; 1:25. And the revelator, half a century after the crucifixion, pronounces a blessing upon them "that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Revelation 22:14.

     The claim that Christ by His death abolished His Father's law is without foundation. Had it been possible for the law to be changed or set aside, then Christ need not have died to save man from the penalty of sin. The death of Christ, so far from abolishing the law, proves that it is immutable. The Son of God came to "magnify the law, and make it honorable." Isaiah 42:21. He said: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law;" "till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law." Matthew 5;17, 18. And concerning Himself He  declares: "I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40:8.

     The law of God, from its very nature, is unchangeable. It is a revelation of the will and the character of its Author. God is love, and His law is love. Its two great principles are love to God and love to man. "Love is the fulfilling of the law." Romans 13:10. The character of God is righteousness and truth; such is the   nature of His law. Says the psalmist: "Thy law is the truth:" "all Thy commandments are righteousness." Psalm 119:142, 172. And the apostle Paul declares: "The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." Romans 7:12. Such a law, being an expression of the mind and will of God, must be as enduring as its Author.

     It is the work of conversion and sanctification to reconcile men to God by bringing them into accord with the principles of His law. In the beginning, man was created in the image of God. He was in perfect harmony with the nature and the law of God; the principles of righteousness were written upon his heart. But sin alienated him from his Maker. He no longer reflected the divine image. His heart was at war with the principles of God's law. "The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Romans 8:7. But "God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son," that man might be reconciled to God. Through the merits of Christ he can be restored to harmony with his Maker. His heart must be renewed by divine grace; he must have a new life from above. This change is the new birth, without which, says Jesus, "he cannot see the kingdom of God."

     The first step in reconciliation to God is the conviction of sin. "Sin is the transgression of the law." By the law is the knowledge of sin." 1 John 3:4; Romans 3:20. In order to see his guilt, the sinner must test his character by God's great standard of righteousness. It is a mirror which shows the perfection of a righteous character and enables him to discern the defects in his own.

     The law reveals to man his sins, but it provides no remedy. While it promises life to the obedient, it declares that death is the portion of the transgressor. The gospel of Christ alone can free him from the condemnation or the defilement of sin. He must exercise repentance toward God, whose law has been transgressed; and faith in Christ, his atoning sacrifice. Thus he obtains "remission of sins that are past" and becomes a partaker of the divine nature. He is a child of God, having received the spirit of adoption, whereby he cries: "Abba, Father!"

     Is he now free to transgress God's law? Says Paul: "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we  establish the law." "How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" And John declares: "This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous." Romans 3:31; 6:2; 1 John 5:3. In the new birth the heart is brought into harmony with God, as it is brought into accord with His law. When this mighty change has taken place in the sinner, he has passed from death unto life, from sin unto holiness, from transgression and rebellion to obedience and loyalty. The old life of alienation from God has ended; the new life of reconciliation, of faith and love, has begun. Then "the righteousness of the law" will "be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:4. And the  language of the soul will be: "O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day." Psalm 119:97.
 
 "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Psalm 19:7. Without the law, men have no just conception of the purity and holiness of God or of their own guilt and uncleanness. They have no true conviction of sin and feel no need of repentance. Not seeing their lost condition as violators of God's law, they do not realize their need of the atoning blood of Christ. The hope of salvation is accepted without a radical change of heart or reformation of life. Thus superficial conversions abound, and multitudes are joined to the church who have never been united to Christ.

     Erroneous theories of sanctification, also, springing from neglect or rejection of the divine law, have a prominent place in the religious movements of the day. These theories are both false in doctrine and dangerous in practical results; and the fact that they are so generally finding favor, renders it doubly essential that all have a clear understanding of what the Scriptures teach upon this point.

     True sanctification is a Bible doctrine. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonian church, declares: "This is the will of God, even your sanctification." And he prays: "The very God of peace sanctify you wholly." 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23. The Bible clearly teaches what sanctification is and how it is to be attained. The Saviour prayed for His disciples: "Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth." John 17:17. And Paul teaches that believers are to be "sanctified by the Holy Ghost." Romans 15:16. What is the work of the Holy Spirit? Jesus told His disciples: "When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth." John 16:13. And the psalmist says: "Thy law is the truth." By the word and the Spirit of God are opened to men the great principles of righteousness embodied in His law. And since the law of God is "holy, and just, and good," a transcript of the divine    perfection, it follows that a character formed by obedience to that law will be holy. Christ is a perfect example of such a character. He says: "I have kept My Father's commandments." "I do always those things that please Him." John 15:10; 8:29. The followers of Christ are to become like Him--by the grace of God to form  characters in harmony with the principles of His holy law. This is Bible sanctification.

     This work can be accomplished only through faith in Christ, by the power of the indwelling Spirit of God. Paul admonishes believers: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." Philippians 2:12, 13. The Christian will feel the promptings of sin, but he will maintain a constant warfare against it. Here is where Christ's help is needed. Human weakness becomes united to divine strength, and faith exclaims: "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57.

     The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive. When in conversion the sinner finds peace with God through the blood of the atonement, the Christian life has but just begun. Now he is to "go on unto perfection;" to grow up "unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Says the apostle Paul: "This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13, 14. And Peter sets before us the steps by which Bible sanctification is to be attained: "Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. . . . If ye do these things, ye shall never fall."  2 Peter 1:5-10.

     Those who experience the sanctification of the Bible will manifest a spirit of humility. Like Moses, they have had a view of the awful majesty of holiness, and they see their own  unworthiness in contrast with the purity and exalted perfection of the Infinite One.

     The prophet Daniel was an example of true sanctification. His long life was filled up with noble service for his Master. He was a man "greatly beloved" (Daniel 10:11) of Heaven. Yet instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people: "We do not present our supplications before Thee for our righteousness, but for Thy great mercies." "We have sinned, we have done wickedly." He declares: "I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people." And when at a later time the Son of God appeared, to give him instruction, Daniel says: "My comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength." Daniel 9:18, 15,20; 10:8.

     When Job heard the voice of the Lord out of the whirlwind, he exclaimed: "I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." Job 42:6. It was when Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord, and heard the cherubim crying, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts," that he cried out, "Woe is me! for I am undone." Isaiah 6:3, 5. Paul, after he was caught up into the third heaven and heard things which it was not possible for a man to utter, speaks of himself as "less than the least of all saints." 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, margin; Ephesians 3:8. It was the beloved John, who leaned on Jesus' breast and beheld His glory, that fell as one dead before the feet of the angel. Revelation 1:17.

     There can be no self-exaltation, no boastful claim to freedom from sin, on the part of those who walk in the shadow of Calvary's cross. They feel that it was their sin which caused the agony that broke the heart of the Son of God, and this thought will lead them to self-abasement. Those who live nearest to Jesus discern most clearly the frailty and sinfulness of humanity, and their only hope is in the merit of a crucified and risen Saviour.

     The sanctification now gaining prominence in the religious world carries with it a spirit of self-exaltation and a disregard for the law of God that mark it as foreign to the religion of the Bible. Its advocates teach that sanctification is an instantaneous work, by which, through faith alone, they attain to perfect holiness. "Only believe," say they, "and the blessing is yours." No further effort on the part of the receiver is supposed to be required. At the same time they deny the authority of the law of God, urging that they are released from obligation to keep the  commandments. But is it possible for men to be holy, in accord with the will and character of God, without coming into harmony with the principles which are an expression of His nature and will, and which show what is well pleasing to Him?

     The desire for an easy religion that requires no striving, no self-denial, no divorce from the follies of the world, has made the doctrine of faith, and faith only, a popular doctrine; but what saith the word of God? Says the apostle James: "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? . . . Wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? . . . Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." James 2:14-24.

     The testimony of the word of God is against this ensnaring doctrine of faith without works. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions upon which mercy is to be granted, it is presumption; for genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.

    Let none deceive themselves with the belief that they can become holy while willfully violating one of God's requirements. The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God. "Sin is the transgression of the law." And "whosoever sinneth [transgresseth the law] hath not seen Him, neither known Him." 1 John 3:6. Though John in his epistles dwells so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God. "He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected." 1 John 2:4, 5. Here is the test of every man's profession. We cannot accord holiness to any man without  bringing him to the measurement of God's only standard of  holiness in heaven and in earth. If men feel no weight of the moral law, if they belittle and make light of God's precepts, if they break one of the least of these commandments, and teach men so, they shall be of no esteem in the sight of Heaven, and we may know that their claims are without foundation.

     And the claim to be without sin is, in itself, evidence that he who makes this claim is far from holy. It is because he has no true conception of the infinite purity and holiness of God or of what they must become who shall be in harmony with His character; because he has no true conception of the purity and exalted loveliness of Jesus, and the malignity and evil of sin, that man can regard himself as holy. The greater the distance  between himself and Christ, and the more inadequate his conceptions of the divine character and requirements, the more righteous he appears in his own eyes.

     The sanctification set forth in the Scriptures embraces the entire being--spirit, soul, and body. Paul prayed for the Thessalonians that their "whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Again he writes to believers: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God." Romans 12:1. In the time of ancient Israel every offering brought as a sacrifice to God was carefully examined. If any defect was discovered in the animal presented, it was refused; for God had commanded that the offering be "without blemish." So Christians are bidden to present their bodies, "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God." In order to do this, all their powers must be preserved in the best possible condition. Every practice that weakens physical or mental strength unfits man for the service of his Creator. And will God be pleased with anything less than the best we can offer? Said Christ: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart." Those who do love God with all the heart will desire to give Him the best service of their life, and they will be constantly seeking to bring every power of their being into harmony with the laws that will promote their ability to do His will. They will not, by the indulgence of appetite or passion, enfeeble or defile the offering which they present to their heavenly Father.

     Peter says: "Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2:11. Every sinful gratification tends to benumb the faculties and deaden the mental and spiritual perceptions, and the word or the Spirit of God can make but a feeble impression upon the heart. Paul writes to the Corinthians: "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1. And with the fruits of the Spirit--"love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness"--he classes "temperance." Galatians 5:22, 23.

     Notwithstanding these inspired declarations, how many professed Christians are enfeebling their powers in the pursuit of gain or the worship of fashion; how many are debasing their godlike manhood by gluttony, by wine drinking, by forbidden pleasure. And the church, instead of rebuking, too often encourages the evil by appealing to appetite, to desire for gain or love of pleasure, to replenish her treasury, which love for Christ is too feeble to supply. Were Jesus to enter the churches of today and behold the feasting and unholy traffic there conducted in the name of religion, would He not drive out those desecrators, as He banished the money-changers from the temple?

     The apostle James declares that the wisdom from above is "first pure." Had he encountered those who take the precious name of Jesus upon lips defiled by tobacco, those whose breath and person are contaminated by its foul odor, and who pollute the air of heaven and force all about them to inhale the poison--had the apostle come in contact with a practice so opposed to the purity of the gospel, would he not have denounced it as "earthly, sensual, devilish"? Slaves of tobacco, claiming the blessing of entire sanctification, talk of their hope of heaven; but God's word plainly declares that "there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth." Revelation 21:27.

     "Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. He whose body is the temple of the Holy Spirit will not be enslaved by a pernicious habit. His powers belong to Christ, who has bought him with the price of blood. His property is the Lord's. How could he be guiltless in squandering this entrusted capital? Professed Christians yearly expend an immense sum upon useless and  pernicious indulgences, while souls are perishing for the word of life. God is robbed in tithes and offerings, while they consume upon the altar of destroying lust more than they give to relieve the poor or for the support of the gospel. If all who profess to be followers of Christ were truly sanctified, their means, instead of being spent for needless and even hurtful indulgences, would be turned into the Lord's treasury, and Christians would set an example of temperance, self-denial, and self-sacrifice. Then they would be the light of the world.

     The world is given up to self-indulgence. "The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" control the masses of the people. But Christ's followers have a holier calling. "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean." In the light of God's word we are justified in  declaring that sanctification cannot be genuine which does not work this utter renunciation of the sinful pursuits and gratifications of the world.

     To those who comply with the conditions, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, . . . and touch not the unclean," God's promise is, "I will receive you, and will be a     Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18. It is the privilege and the duty of every Christian to have a rich and abundant experience in the things of God. "I am the light of the world," said Jesus. "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12. "The path of the just is as the  shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Proverbs 4:18. Every step of faith and obedience brings the soul into closer connection with the Light of the world, in whom there "is no darkness at all." The bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shine upon the servants of God, and they are to reflect His rays. As the stars tell us that there is a great light in heaven with whose glory they are made bright, so Christians are to make it manifest that there is a God on the throne of the universe whose character is worthy of praise and imitation. The graces of His Spirit, the purity and   holiness of His character, will be manifest in His witnesses.

     Paul in his letter to the Colossians sets forth the rich blessings granted to the children of God. He says: We "do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness." Colossians 1:9-11.

     Again he writes of his desire that the brethren at Ephesus might come to understand the height of the Christian's privilege. He opens before them, in the most comprehensive language, the marvelous power and knowledge that they might possess as sons and daughters of the Most High. It was theirs "to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man," to be "rooted and grounded in love," to "comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge." But the prayer of the apostle reaches the climax of privilege when he prays that "ye might be filled with all the fullness of God."   Ephesians 3:16-19.

     Here are revealed the heights of attainment that we may reach through faith in the promises of our heavenly Father, when we fulfill His requirements. Through the merits of Christ we have access to the throne of Infinite Power. "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32. The Father gave His Spirit without measure to His Son, and we also may partake of its fullness. Jesus says, "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your  heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" Luke 11:13. "If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it." "Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." John 14:14, 16:24.

     While the Christian's life will be characterized by humility, it should not be marked with sadness and self-depreciation. It is the privilege of everyone so to live that God will approve and bless him. It is not the will of our   heavenly Father that we should be ever under condemnation and darkness. There is no evidence of true humility in going with the head bowed down and the heart filled with thoughts of self. We may go to Jesus and be cleansed, and stand before the law without shame and remorse. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."  Romans 8:1.

     Through Jesus the fallen sons of Adam become "sons of God." "Both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them        brethren." Hebrews 2:11. The Christian's life should be one of faith, of  victory, and joy in God. "Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." I John 5:4. Truly spoke God's servant Nehemiah: "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10. And Paul says: "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."  Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
 
 Such are the fruits of Bible conversion and sanctification; and it is because the great principles of righteousness set forth in the law of God are so indifferently regarded by the Christian world that these fruits are so rarely witnessed. This is why there is manifest so little of that deep, abiding work of the Spirit of God which marked revivals in former years.

     It is by beholding that we become changed. And as those sacred precepts in which God has opened to men the perfection and holiness of His character are neglected, and the minds of the people are attracted to human teachings and theories, what marvel that there has followed a decline of living piety in the church. Saith the Lord: "They have forsaken Me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water." Jeremiah 2:13.

     "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly. . . . But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3. It is only as the law of God is restored to its rightful position that there can be a revival of primitive faith and godliness among His professed people. "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16.


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Social Doctrine of the Church and the Economy: Centessimus Annus Foundation celebrates anniversary




 

romereports

Published on Apr 11, 2013


http://en.romereports.com The goal of the papal Centessimus Annus Foundation is to spread the Social Doctrine of the Church in the world of economics. The issue is especially relevant nowadays, with more than 200 million are unemployed.

To help spur growth, the foundation organized a conference in May, which is expected to draw about 300 people. Today, it also announced the winners of the first-ever Economy and Society awards, which mark's the foundation's 20th anniversary.

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And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars,..see that ye be not troubled...



1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.


Matthew 24:1-8.
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Simple Agencies Will Be Used


Representations have been made to me, showing that the Lord will carry out His plans through a variety of ways and instruments. It is not alone the most talented, not alone those who hold high positions of trust, or are the most highly educated from a worldly point of view, whom the Lord uses to do His grand and holy work of soulsaving. He will use simple means; He will use many who have had few advantages to help in carrying forward His work. He will, by the use of simple means, bring those who possess property and lands to a belief of the truth, and these will be influenced to become the Lord’s helping hand in the advancement of His work.—Letter 62, 1909. 

Selected Messages Book I, p.128.

Ban on homophobic teacher upheld


The High Court has upheld a classroom ban on a Christian school teacher who condemned the "homosexual lifestyle" in front of pupils.


Science teacher Robert Haye outside the Royal Courts of Justice Photo: NEVILE AYLING



By news agencies

1:10PM BST 12 Apr 2013


In what is believed to be the first case of its kind, a judge rejected an appeal by science teacher Robert Haye against the decision to ban him indefinitely - a decision he says is likely to end his teaching career.


Mr Haye told a Year 11 class of students aged 15-16 that the way homosexual people lived was "disgusting" and a sin, according to the Bible.


He also told Year 9 pupils aged 13-14 on another occasion that "anyone who worships on Sunday is basically worshipping the devil".


Mr Haye, 43, and his family belong to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which observes Saturday as the Sabbath.


Following his February 2010 comments at Deptford Green School in Lewisham, south-east London, a teaching assistant complained and triggered an investigation.

Mr Haye was sacked from his job at the 1,200-pupil inner city comprehensive.

He was also prohibited from teaching at any school or sixth form college last July after the Education Secretary backed a decision of regulatory body The Teaching Agency recommending the ban.

Mr Justice King rejected his appeal at London's High Court, saying the ban was justified because Mr Haye had shown lack of insight when he made his "inappropriate" comments and was found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.

Mr Haye can apply to return to the classroom after two years. But he said after his High Court defeat he thought his teaching career in the UK was over because he was not prepared to give up his religious beliefs - and the right to express them - in order to teach again.

Now unemployed and facing a £4,200 legal costs bill, he said: "I will not recant my beliefs. God comes first."

He added: "Christians are now being persecuted in this country for believing in the Bible.

"That cannot be. We have a right to believe and express what we believe, but people are now afraid of being punished for not being politically correct.

"This country is a free and democratic society, but is it? Is it really?"

Robert Ogilvy, representing Mr Haye in court, said that no students had been distressed or offended by his comments and he had been responding to their questions, rather than propagating his Bible beliefs.

As well as science, Mr Haye taught personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) and had a reputation as a good teacher.

Mr Ogilvy argued the teaching ban was "fundamentally unreasonable, unfair and disproportionate".

It violated Mr Haye's right to freedom of speech and freedom of religious belief under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mr Ogilvy said the prohibition order would in reality amount to a life ban from teaching because Mr Haye was not prepared to "denounce or renounce" Bible teachings.

Dismissing the appeal, Mr Justice King said it was "misconceived and must fail".

The judge said: "This case is not about the right of a teacher to hold sincerely-held beliefs based on the Bible in relation to homosexuality or attendance at church on Sundays.

"It has been about how those beliefs and views are manifested in the context of teaching in schools with young people with diverse sexuality, backgrounds and beliefs."

The judge said Deptford Green had a policy which made it clear that teachers were expected to present positive information on lesbians, gays and bisexuals "to enable students to challenge derogatory stereotypes and prejudice".

The policy was part of "modern British values of tolerance", said the judge.

The human rights convention allowed limitations to be placed on free speech and religious belief in order to protect the rights of others, and in this case the limitations were "undoubtedly proportionate".


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North Carolina university campus locked down after gunman reported


Reuters - ‎9 minutes ago‎

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina | Fri Apr 12, 2013 10:16am EDT. WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina (Reuters) - A university in Greensboro, North Carolina, issued a campus-wide lockdown alert on Friday after reports that a man was seen carrying a rifle on ...