Issue: 2010 February

Keys to the Storehouse – Rescue Our Loved Ones

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The parable in Ezekiel 37:1–14 is very real to me and I am sure it is very real to you also. As we see our dear loved ones in the world and the signs of the times closing in, our hearts ache to see their precious souls saved. We ask, “Can these dry bones live?”

I know that when the Spirit of God comes upon their souls they shall believe, and be made willing, but until then we are dealing with dead bones that have no life. It is the influence flowing through us that continually touches their precious hearts. The Holy Spirit’s influence can be felt through all of our actions and courtesies, without saying one word. That is why we need the fruit of the Holy Spirit displayed in each of our lives so our loved ones may be drawn to our Lord.

In I Samuel 12:23 it says, “God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you.” We must never sin against God by ceasing to pray for a loved one or thinking that they are beyond help. As long as our Savior is in the Most Holy Place, the door of salvation is open.

You do not know which prayer, which act of kindness or love, or on what day that influence may penetrate those empty spaces in their hearts. We must never cease our pleading for the Holy Spirit to breathe upon them so their hearts may be melted. It would be terrible to miss an opportunity to send up a prayer and at a moment their heart may have been receptive to the Spirit’s calling. Never cease! Never cease!

What a miracle it will be to see the very life of God breathed into the life of our loved ones and those dead bones rise up with new life. Remember that it is God who draws their souls to Him through His Holy Spirit. We must wait on the Lord and not hamper His Holy Spirit from working through us by allowing the unholy spirit of impatience and condemning to take charge. “We are labourers together with God.” I Corinthians 3:9.

May God’s Holy Spirit reach out and touch your loved ones as you turn this Key to the Storehouse.

Heavenly Father,

My children have chosen this world over your heavenly kingdom. The god of this world has blinded their eyes; they are sleeping and do not know it. They are strangers to the heavenly country and are without hope and without Christ at this time. I plead for the Holy Spirit to remove the reluctance from their hearts, to subdue the obstinacy of their will, to remove the blinds from their eyes and hearts and to draw them to Jesus before it is too late. I am so thankful that you have continued to preserve their life thus far. I will never cease to intercede for my loved ones as long as Jesus is in the Most Holy Place in heaven interceding for me. Never let me miss an opportunity to pray for them, as that may be the very moment they would yield to you. Father, I have so much appreciated these precious gifts you gave to me. Please place their feet on the heavenly path—homeward bound to the mansions you are preparing. Thank you, Father.

God’s Covenant and Law

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People get the idea that the Law of God is unimportant. However, it is so important that rather than change it, God sent His Son to die. How can anything be more important than that?

There has been a lot of interest in the Ten Commandments the last few years in the public. But, what concerns me is that I have not seen the Ten Commandments in very many churches. In fact, it is the churches that have said it is really not important. Speaking of the Sabbath, the Catholics simply say, that is what the Bible says, but we changed it to Sunday. They admit this, claiming to have the authority to do so.

We do not believe that God has given anybody the authority to change this law. There are certain groups, rather than admitting that it has been changed by man, will try to twist their theology with certain Bible texts to make it look like God’s Law has been done away with. When you go through the Ten Commandments with them, you realize that there is only one law they are trying to get rid of and the other nine are okay. The only one they want to get rid of is the one that He wrote with His own finger and said remember. To think that the Fourth Commandment is not important should not even enter our minds.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” II Timothy 4:3. In other words, teachers wanting to tell people what they want to hear rather than what God said. People want their Certified Public Accountant or attorney to tell them the truth; but they want preachers to tell them what they want to hear rather than what the Bible says.

What does the Bible really say? It says, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12. The Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus are together and should always be together. There is no conflict between God and Jesus. Some people think that when Jesus came to this earth, He was a rebel and that He stood up against God’s law. Jesus not only taught the Law but He magnified God’s law.

In Luke 2:49 when his parents found Him in the temple, He said, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” He said, “I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5:30. This is the will that He seeks, not His own will. Jesus is not in conflict with the Fourth Commandment because it refers to creation. This is right in the heart of the Ten Commandments and here is the Creator.

“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:3. “All things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.” Colossians 1:16. He created all things. Then speaking of Jesus Christ, it says, “There is one lawgiver.” James 4:12.

When Moses brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, there was a cloud protecting them by day and the pillar of fire by night. That was Jesus. “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” I Corinthians 10:4.

If Jesus were in conflict He would be in conflict with Himself. The Bible was given to us by God through His prophets. One part of it He wrote with His own hand and amazingly that is the part that some people want to say is no longer in effect.

He is so clear in Matthew 5:17: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” People have said that means to destroy. Does that say: Think not that I have come to destroy the law; I have not come to destroy but to fulfil? Jesus uses the word to fulfill in Matthew 3:15. When Jesus was baptized, John the Baptist said that he was not worthy to baptize Jesus. “And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.”

Did Jesus do away with righteousness when He was baptized? Did He do away with baptism? No, remember His great commission in Matthew 28:19, 20: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” In other words, go and teach and baptize continually. The word fulfill means that He was bringing about a fulfillment of understanding and of knowledge.

Jesus said, “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matthew 5:18. Take your right foot and stomp on the ground. Is the earth still there? Has heaven and earth passed away? Jesus says not one jot or one tittle, until all pass away. Jesus said as long as it is still here, the law will not pass away.

Jesus talked about those people who teach that the commandments have been done away with in Matthew 5:19, first part: “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.” Being called least in the kingdom of heaven means you are not going to be there. Being called least means that you are the least regarded which means that you are not going to be there.

Jesus said whosoever shall do. I am glad He added the word do because we could teach it but not do it. The talk and the walk must line up together. He says, “But whosoever shall do and teach them the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (verse 19, last part) which means they will be in the kingdom of heaven. God is so very clear. He continues to amplify this: “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment.” He does not say that you can kill all you want to. He says, “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother.” Matthew 5:21. That really makes it serious.

He is talking about our heart, our response and how important that is. Jesus said, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matthew 27, 28. Did He tell the woman caught in adultery that it was all right now to go ahead and keep doing it? No. He said, “That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” That should convict each and every one of us, if not on that particular subject, but it shows that the heart is what God is after. He does not want us to be able to simply quote the Ten Commandments or to just memorize them. He does not want us even to try in our human power to perform them. God wants a change in the spirit.

What is the purpose of God’s law? The Bible is clear that the law does not save us. But it tells us what the function of the law is. In James 1:23–25 it tells us, “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

We all have mirrors at home. When I get up in the morning I wish I did not have a mirror. I drag myself in and I look and I start laughing. I have about 20 minutes to become a dynamic, enthusiastic individual and it is hopeless. The mirror tells me what kind of problems I have. I have another mirror also and she will tell me if this tie is perfect or if it goes with this suit. The law shows me that there is something wrong. The mirror can’t clean me up. The mirror can’t straighten me up. The mirror can’t tell me one thing. I can get rid of that mirror, but I am still as bad off. The law is how we know that there is sin. Roman 3:20 says, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 7:7 says, “I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except through the law.” Verse 12: “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” “Sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4.

People will say that the law was done away with 2,000 years ago. If you will stop and think about it, here we have the law and sin is the transgression of the law. Jesus is the One who brings us cleansing, forgiveness and grace. If the law was done away with 2,000 years ago, then nobody has sinned in the last 2,000 years. If the law is gone, there is no sin. Look around and you will see a lot of sin going on. The law is still being broken. If you get rid of the law, you have gotten rid of sin. You get rid of sin; you don’t need sin. Do you see how it breaks down when you take away God’s law?

The Bible tells me that there was something that was nailed to the cross. What was that?

One night I was in Washington D.C with a fairly well-known preacher who was preaching that the law had been done away with. We were talking and he asked me if I would attend a function with him on a specific date which happened to be on the Sabbath. I told him I would not be there and he asked me why not. I said because I keep the seventh day Sabbath. He said, “Oh, you do that?” I said, “Yes I do.” He said, “Don’t you know you do not need to do that?” I said to him, “I really do not want to be out of harmony with everybody. Why don’t you show me where I don’t have to do this.” I knew he could not do this. He had some new text that was in the Bible and I knew there was no new text because I had been all through the Bible. He asked me to come over to his hotel room because he had his Bible there and he was going to show me a text.

We got to his room and he read Colossians 2:14 to me. I said to him “Do you mean you brought me over here to read that text to me? That is not what that text says.” Let me read it: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.” What is this talking about—the handwriting of ordinances? Remember God’s law was written with his finger. There has to be two laws. “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances.” There are no ordinances in the Ten Commandments. There is nothing about washing or certain feast days or things of that nature.

In verses 15, 16 it says, “Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days.” There is nothing about meat in the Ten Commandments. There is nothing about drink in the Ten Commandments or respect of a holyday. It is not talking about the seventh day Sabbath. There is nothing about the new moon or of the sabbath days, those ceremonial sabbaths, that happen during those feast days, “which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” Verse 17.

We went back through and looked at all of the scriptures. He said, “You just can’t get around this, can you.” I said, “No, you can’t.” He told me that in 1949 H.M.S. Richards held a crusade at Fort Worth, Texas, and he went and was convicted that he should keep the seventh day Sabbath. He went home and his family opposed him. He said he just did not have the courage to stand up to them and so he decided not to do it. I told him it was not too late. You can do it now. We had prayer together. After I left his room that night I tried to call him, and he never accepted my phone calls again.

You can turn your back on truth. You can take subjects and you can twist them so they seem to say something they don’t say. My friend, who I thought an awful lot of, had done just that. It is dangerous. He had encountered truth the first time and then God gave him another opportunity and he encountered it again. I am just praying that God gives him another opportunity.

James 2:10 says, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” If we break the law we are guilty. In other words, if you keep nine of them and you don’t keep that fourth one, then you are guilty of not keeping them all. “For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.” Verses 11, 12.

Another text about abolishing is found in Ephesians 2:15: “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances.” All those ordinances were beautiful and wonderful but they did not save you. This was a big problem because people began to put emphasis on all of the to dos to be saved. Paul talks about them as the school teacher or the school master that brings you to the cross. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” Matthew 5:17.

Isn’t there a text that says we are not under the law but under grace? Yes, Romans 6:14, 15 says, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” God forbid. We are not under the penalty of the law if we have accepted Jesus Christ and He has come into our lives. We are not under that penalty.

When you read the Ten Commandments, it makes you wonder why anybody would want to get rid of them. In the Old Testament, sin was the transgression of the law. What is it in the New Testament?—the transgression of the law. There is absolutely no doubt that it is still the transgression of the law. God said, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23. When God has saved you, you want to be loyal to Him. You want to be His. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” John 15:10.

The Ten Commandments are written in stone but God wants to write them in our hearts and in our minds. He is going to change me and I really need changing. Hebrews 8:10 says, “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.” Jesus desires a loving spiritual relationship. He wants to change us so effectively that we really have a relationship with Him.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” John 15:4. Abiding in Him and receiving the gift. It changes our behavior and we become more like our indwelling Jesus. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8–10. He wants to change us.

I met a young man who was telling me that nothing needs to happen when you accept the Lord. There will not be any change in your behavior. I told him if you accept the Lord, there will be a change. God wants to take us and change us. I don’t want my same habits. I don’t want these same problems that I have. I want to be changed. He says, I will change you. In Ephesians 2:10: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” That is how we walk.

He loves you and cares about you. We are not under law but under grace. We are not under the penalty of the law. We are not standing with the law on the outside; we are standing with the law on the inside because we have been born again. It is written in our hearts. As it was taken from the tables of stone to these tablets of our hearts and flesh, it did not drop one or two commandments on the way. All ten came to be written upon our hearts.

Paul says, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20. We are His workmanship.

Pastor Jim Gilley’s sermon was taken from the Ten Commandments Weekend, 2008 series aired on 3ABN. For more information contact www.3ABN.org.

Secret Sins

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Do you have a longing for the return of Jesus?

Do you believe He is returning for a church without spot or wrinkle?

There is a heavy burden on my heart that I have carried for a while. The reason why this burden is heavy is because I realize that the presence and power of God, to a great degree, is missing from His church. The joy of the Lord, which is our strength, is not expressed on a daily basis. The gifts of the Spirit, which are promised, are as foreign to us as light is to darkness. The love of God, which is the bond of perfection, is as low as a river in the middle of the summer; it is almost dry. Indeed, for this realization, my heart is grieved. Now you may be wondering what my burden is. I am burdened by the thought that there are secret sins among God’s people and these secret sins are preventing the power of Jesus from being manifested within His church. Therefore, let us consider three interrelated results of secret sins and how to combat them.

First, what are secret sins? Simply put, they are cherished sins that are practiced by an individual or group within the church and which are hidden from the church body as a whole. For the purpose of space, we will only consider the secret sins of an individual.

In order to recognize three results of these secret sins, let us look at an event which occurred during the days of Joshua. In Joshua chapter 6 we see that the children of Israel had just crossed the Jordan River after 40 years of wilderness wandering and it was time for them to possess the promised land. Prior to them entering Jericho, the Lord gave them a clear command as to what they were to do with the inhabitants and their possessions. In Joshua 6:17–19 we read, “And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the Lord: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the Lord: they shall come into the treasury of the Lord.”

Well, what did Israel do? In Joshua 6:23, 24 we read, “And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had … And they burnt the city with fire, and all that was therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the Lord.” Yes! Mission accomplished! Praise God for His faithful people, right? Well, the story takes a bitter turn, and Israel is in for a secret surprise.

In Joshua 7:1 we read, “But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel.” Now in this passage it was Achan who took of the accursed thing. However, who was God’s anger aroused against? It was the entire camp of Israel. This brings us to the first result of secret sins.

Not only the perpetrator of the sin is affected but the secret sins of one individual will arouse the displeasure of God against His entire church. It only takes one.

Now as we consider this, we can look at various times and places in the Scripture and see that this is displayed on various levels. For example, Adam transgressed in the beginning. In those days there were only two souls who composed God’s church on earth. However, on whom is the judgment of God placed as a result of Adam’s sin? It was on all humanity. We have all inherited the result of Adam’s sin. In Romans 5:18 Paul states, “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation.” And in I Corinthians 5:6 Paul says that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump.”

In light of this, here is what the Lord’s prophet says: “Achan’s sin brought disaster upon the whole nation. For one man’s sin the displeasure of God will rest upon His church till the transgression is searched out and put away.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 497. “No man lives to himself. Shame, defeat, and death were brought upon Israel by one man’s sin … Various sins that are cherished and practiced by professed Christians bring the frown of God upon the church.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 493.

Now the questions for you to consider are: How much do you truly love the church of God? Do you love the church of God in private, when no one else is around or looking? Do you love the church so much that you will do nothing in secret to cause the frown of God to rest upon her? These are questions that we all must consider.

Let us now look at the second result of secret sins. Israel had destroyed Jericho, and it appeared as if all was well. God granted them victory and it was time to press forward. Unknown to them, however, was the fact that there was secret sin in the camp. They went forth ready to take the next city, little Ai. Joshua sent out spies to view the city, and they reported to him that the city was too small to send the whole army of Israel. Joshua consented and sent only 3,000 men. As they went to dispossess the city, the men of Ai came out and chased Israel away. In this pursuit, thirty-six Israelites were slaughtered. Now this may appear as a small defeat, but to Israel it was so great a defeat that their hearts melted and became like water.

In response to this, Joshua fell down before the Ark of the Covenant and began to mourn. Perplexed, he says, “Alas, O Lord God, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? Would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side of Jordan!” Joshua 7:7.

When he ended his complaint, Jehovah responded. “And the Lord said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed.” Joshua 7:10–12.

This brings us to the second result of secret sins. That is, the secret sins of one individual will cause the church to lose her battles and fall before her enemies.

Now, is the church engaged in warfare? Yes! And who is her enemy? In Revelation 12:17 we read, “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Satan and his legions are undoubtedly at war with the remnant church. And what is Satan’s main strategy? How does he effectively war against the church? Well, his main strategy is to work through false disciples who enter the sheepfold over the fence and destroy the church by sowing strife, teaching falsehood, casting doubt, and trampling upon our faith. We are told by inspiration that, “The great deceiver has many agents ready to present any and every kind of error to ensnare souls … It is his plan to bring into the church insincere, unregenerate elements that will encourage doubt and unbelief, and hinder all who desire to see the work of God advance and to advance with it.” The Great Controversy, 520.

Now, this only addresses the battle front that Satan attacks us on as a church body. But what about the battle that each individual member has against the enemy called self? Since the secret sins of one individual will cause the church to lose her battles, could it be that the secret sins of professed brethren has a weakening effect on those who are earnestly trying to overcome? Consider these inspired words: “The influence most to be feared by the church is not that of open opposers, infidels, and blasphemers, but of inconsistent professors of Christ. These are the ones that keep back the blessing of the God of Israel and bring weakness upon His people.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 497.

Let us move to the third result of secret sins. Now that the Lord had told Joshua the cause of their defeat, notice the warning He gave: “Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.” Joshua 7:12.

The Spirit of Prophecy gives implications that this text is applied to the church as a whole, but more importantly to the leaders. The Lord said that He would no longer be with Joshua unless he destroyed the accursed thing.

The third result of secrets sins is this: The secret sins of one individual will eventually fall upon the leaders of the church and they will be held accountable for those sins. Surprising? This is what inspiration says: “If the leaders of the church neglect to diligently search out the sins which bring the displeasure of God upon the body, they become responsible for these sins.”

“God’s displeasure is upon His people, and He will not manifest His power in the midst of them while sins exist among them and are fostered by those in responsible positions.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 269, 270.

Are you a leader in the church? Are you being faithful to your duty?

Now I have just presented three interrelated results of secret sins. Once again they are:

The secret sins of one individual will arouse the displeasure of God against His entire church.

The secret sins of one individual will cause the church to lose her battles and fall before her enemies.

The secret sins of one individual will eventually fall upon the leaders of the church, and they will be held accountable for those sins.

Now consider the most subtle secret sin that exists within the church—covetousness.

After the Lord warned Joshua that He would depart from him unless he removed the accursed thing, He tells him to sanctify and assemble the people (Joshua 7:13, 14). Joshua then conducted an investigation by the process of elimination. In the morning, all the tribes of Israel appeared before the Lord, and the tribe of Judah was taken. Out of Judah, the family of the Zarhites was taken. Out of the Zarhites, the household of Zabdi was taken. And out of this household, Achan was singled out. In Joshua 7:19–21 we read Joshua’s plea: “My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the Lord God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me.” (By the way, when we confess our sins to God, we are giving Him glory. We are recognizing that His law is just and that He is righteous.) Achan answers, “Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: When I saw …” Notice that he saw. Friends, we must be careful of what we see. There are three evils of this world, and one of these is the lust of the eyes. Achan says, “When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them.” Notice that he coveted and then took of the spoils. Covetousness was the root of Achan’s problem, and it led him to practice deceit and theft. We must beware of covetousness.

We often stress the importance of all of the Ten Commandments. We proclaim that they have not been abolished and that we are still obligated to keep them. It is easy for us to recognize when murder occurs or when someone is being disobedient to their parents. It is even easy for us to recognize when the fourth commandment is broken; we see this all over the Christian world. But how often do we recognize and reprove covetousness, the tenth commandment?

So what does it mean to covet? Well, one way to covet is to wish for something earnestly. This can be a positive action. But in a negative sense, to covet means to have a strong desire for what belongs to another. On a basic level, therefore, covetousness means to have a strong craving for possessions. We want so many things. We want and want until our wants are out of control.

In spite of this, coveting in itself is not evil. What makes it evil is the object of our desires mingled with our ambition to gain that object. For example, Achan coveted evil because his desire was for that which the Lord commanded to be destroyed or consecrated to Him. On the better side of coveting, the apostle Paul exhorts us to “covet earnestly the best gifts.” I Corinthians 12:31. We are told to covet spiritual things; we are to covet heaven; we are to covet after treasures that will last forever.

Why is it that covetousness is so subtle? Well, as humans we have desires; God has created us with the capacity to want. However, because of our lack of self-control, we allow our desire to overpower our ability to reason and make moral decisions. As a result we find ourselves thinking that our strong desires are legitimate when, in reality, we are being greedy and covetous. Inspiration says, “The deadly sin that led to Achan’s ruin had its root in covetousness, of all sins one of the most common and the most lightly regarded. While other offenses meet with detection and punishment, how rarely does the violation of the tenth commandment so much as call forth censure.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 496.

On top of this we have an astonishing quote from Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, 236: “The greatest sin which now exists in the church is covetousness.” This was written in 1860 and at that time the church was not as wealthy as she is today. So if covetousness was the greatest sin in 1860, how much more are we struggling with this leaven today?

In conclusion, I wish to make an appeal to all Adventists, especially the youth. I want you to consider a possible solution for secret sins. Do you realize that there is no institution more precious to God than is his church? It is the church of God that receives the affections of the entire universe, and all the angels of God are working on her behalf. With intensity they are working to bring the church into perfect unity, but their labors are limited because of secret sins. But change indeed is possible, and a final reformation will come. But what is needed in the church for this reformation to occur? What is needed in the church to bring her into that condition in which she may receive the latter rain? Yes, we have evangelists, we have pastors and teachers. We have Bible workers, colporteurs, and medical missionaries. But there is still a vital office that is empty, and until this office is filled, we will continue to journey in this wilderness. Church of God, what we need at this time are true living prophets. Not necessarily prophets who have visions and dreams, but prophets who rightly proclaim the truth into the context of their community; prophets who, as God’s mouthpiece, speak light into a situation full of darkness. And more than that, we need true prophets who, in the name of Jesus, will call forth order out of chaos. Now not all are called to be prophets. However, let those who have ears to hear, listen to what the Spirit says. The apostle Paul says, “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.” I Corinthians 14:1. And just as every other gift comes through constant prayer and obedience, so the gift of prophecy will be revived if you earnestly pray for it and obey Christ. Indeed, the only way to realize this gift is to learn what it means to truly love; to love God with all your heart, and to love your neighbor as yourself. I leave you with these final words of inspiration. “God would have His people disciplined and brought into harmony of action, that they may see eye to eye and be of the same mind and of the same judgment. In order to bring about this state of things, there is much to be done. The carnal heart must be subdued and transformed. God designs that there shall ever be a living testimony in the church. It will be necessary to reprove and exhort, and some will need to be rebuked sharply, as the case demands.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 360.

Once again I ask: Do you have a longing for the return of Jesus, and do you believe He is returning for a church without spot or wrinkle?

For a copy of the complete sermon or CD contact: orders@stepstolife.org or call 316-788-5559.

A member of Steps to Life staff, Demario Carter works in the Mail Order Services Department. He can be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org or by phone at: 316–788–5559.

Preparing for Heaven

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Time is speeding by and changes are constantly being made. Children are growing up and every day we all get a little older and hopefully wiser. Amazing scientific progress has been made in business, education, transportation, health resources and everyday life activities. The greatest changes seem to be in communication and travel. Many of you cannot imagine what it would be like to carry all the water you need each day into the house by bucket. Heating water, and all cooking and baking was done on wood burning stoves. Once the daylight was gone, a candle or a kerosene lamp had to be lit in the evenings. The differences in lifestyle are too many to be mentioned here. Even museums cannot accurately depict the way people used to live. It is certainly a different world in which we live today than the one in which our grandparents lived.

We have been told in the Word of God that, “Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel 12:4. This prophecy is literally being fulfilled before our eyes. We are living in the closing days of this earth’s history. Are we really aware of the fact that Jesus is planning to come and gather His people to take them to a better country? Are we truly His people and are we earnestly preparing for the move, or are we planting our interests here in the present country where we are now living?

Are we too involved with the numerous modern inventions and allowing everyday responsibilities to take the lion’s share of our time? Does spending hours on our computer or Internet take precedence over studying our Bible and talking to the Lord on our knees? Are we living above our means and constantly worried about debts, or have we learned to be like Paul and can honestly say, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11.

Those planning for a future home in the New Jerusalem are seriously preparing their lives to fit into the heavenly society of that beautiful city. It is necessary to know how to get ready. The Bible and the inspired writings of the Spirit of Prophecy are the precious gifts that have been given as a guide to the eternal light.

Jesus said, “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 13:35–37. Are we sleeping or watching? Do we see so much wickedness and hear so much of the world’s music that we do not realize its sinfulness? Do we get so busy that we are not wide awake to do the Lord’s will and have time for prayer and Bible study?

“And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” Luke 21:8–11. Only diligent study of the inspired writings will prepare us to recognize truth from the error of every wind of doctrine that is blowing today. Jesus said to “take heed that you be not deceived.”

And Paul said, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” Romans 13:11. Are we wide awake as to the time in which we are living? Are we ready to go home with Jesus if He should come today? Jesus also said, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:44.

Knowing the attributes of the kingdom of heaven makes us aware of the necessity for a personal commitment to shape our characters so fit we may in with the heavenly environment. For instance, Jesus said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14. And again He said, “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3. We must be as humble and as dependent as a little child. As a little child has to look to his parents for love and acceptance and for food and clothing, so we must realize our dependence on our heavenly Father for our very existence and sustenance.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Matthew 13:45, 46.

Eternal life is as a goodly pearl; it is worth everything we have. We must be like Job who said, “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12. We must rather miss our breakfast or our dinner than to miss worship or the study of His word.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: “the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just.” Matthew 13:47–49. Notice, only the good fish are kept. All that are in the net are not fit for the kingdom of heaven. There is a judgment coming and although our names may be on the church books and we may be in the net or profess to be Christians, that does not ensure us of a home in the kingdom of heaven.

Just as in Jesus’ parable, it takes all to buy the field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” Matthew 13:44. Heaven is worth more than anything we might attain on this earth and we must be willing to give up all for it, even our mortal life itself if necessary. Jesus gave all to save us and we must be willing to deny ourselves and give all that we have to gain eternal life.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21.

How do we do the will of the Father? To do His will we must first know what it is and that is found out by studying His word and talking to Him in prayer. We must daily study our Bibles and the Spirit of Prophecy so that we can recognize His voice and be guided by His word. Once we know the Lord’s will, we must be like Daniel and purpose in our heart to do His will regardless of the cost.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:1, 2.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” I Corinthians 2:9.

A member of Steps to Life staff, she worked for many years with her husband in the mission field. She may be contacted by e-mail at ruthgrosboll@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at 316-788-5559.

Preparing for Home

I’ve been waiting for Jesus to come back again;

I’ve been longing, preparing for home;

I’ve been praying and working for fitness within;

I’ve been longing, preparing for home.

I’ve been watching the final events tell their tale;

I’ve been longing, preparing for home;

I can almost see glory from heaven’s opening vale;

I’ve been longing, preparing for home.

I must join in the final great controversy;

I’ve been longing, preparing for home;

I must follow my Master through Gethsemane;

I’ve been longing, preparing for home.

by Marshall Grosboll

Wisdom

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Wisdom is “the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.” www.dictionary.com. Wisdom goes beyond knowing all the options available; it provides the ability to differentiate between the options and pick the best solution. In the Bible there are many things written about wisdom. In my personal study I have been looking at the books of Daniel and Proverbs which actually have a bit to say about wisdom.

Daniel and Wisdom

God gave Daniel wisdom.

“As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.” Daniel 1:17–20.

Again, when Daniel was older, we read how the people in the kingdom of Babylon remembered his wisdom. “The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came to the banquet hall. The queen spoke, saying, ‘O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your countenance change. There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers. Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.’ ” Daniel 5:10–12.

Did Daniel’s wisdom and intelligence come by chance? Daniel was not only wise in the things of God, he was wiser than all the wise men in Babylon. At this time Babylon was a world empire with the best and smartest people from all over the world. It is quite something that Daniel was wiser in all aspects of life than the wisest people on earth in the biggest empire at that time. This was because of God’s blessing.

“The case of Daniel was presented before me. Although he was a man of like passions with ourselves, the pen of inspiration presents him as a faultless character. His life is given us as a bright example of what man may become, even in this life, if he will make God his strength and wisely improve the opportunities and privileges within his reach. Daniel was an intellectual giant; yet he was continually seeking for greater knowledge, for higher attainments. Other young men had the same advantages; but they did not, like him, bend all their energies to seek wisdom—the knowledge of God as revealed in His word and in His works.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 569.

God wants people in the world today like Daniel who are wise and intelligent. “Many of our young men might today be intellectual giants, had they not been content to reach a low level. Those who do not love to study, are ever in great danger of becoming dwarfs in spiritual and mental growth. They consider that they have a moderate understanding of Scripture subjects, and they cease to investigate, cease to plow deep that they may obtain all the treasures of knowledge possible. Instead of cultivating studious habits, they yield to inclination, and are content to skim the surface, without going with energy to the bottom of the question under consideration. Those who have this superficial manner of study would not be prepared to meet an opponent in discussion should one oppose them. They penetrate only deep enough into a subject to meet the present emergency, and to conceal the real ignorance of their lazy minds. Gradually this course causes hesitancy, dwarfs the comprehension, and bars the way to successful effort.” The Review and Herald, April 6, 1886.

“But few reach what they might in excellence of character, because they do not make their aim high. Prosperity and happiness will never grow of their own accord. They are the acquisition of labor, the fruit of long cultivation.” This Day With God, 190.

“The Bible is the best book in the world for intellectual culture.” Reflecting Christ, 163.

“It is a law of the mind, that it will narrow or expand to the dimensions of the things with which it becomes familiar. The mental powers will surely become contracted, and will lose their ability to grasp the deep meanings of the word of God, unless they are put vigorously and persistently to the task of searching for truth. The mind will enlarge, if it is employed in tracing out the relation of the subjects of the Bible, comparing scripture with scripture, and spiritual things with spiritual. Go below the surface; the richest treasures of thought are waiting for the skillful and diligent student.” The Review and Herald, July 17, 1888.

So many times when we look at the life of Daniel we focus on the fact that he ate good food. That is part of it and that is good. As you read the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy you realize that it was more than just eating right; it was God’s blessing and a balance of physical and mental work that enabled Daniel to have the wisdom that he did. There has to be balance in the physical, mental and spiritual in our lives. Daniel had this balance in his life which put him in a place where God could use him.

“Daniel and his companions had been faithfully instructed in the principles of the word of God. They had learned to sacrifice the earthly to the spiritual, to seek the highest good. And they reaped the reward. Their habits of temperance and their sense of responsibility as representatives of God called to noblest development the powers of body, mind, and soul. At the end of their training, in their examination with other candidates for the honors of the kingdom, there was ‘found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.’ Daniel 1:19.” Education, 55. [Emphasis supplied.]

If you want to be balanced mentally, you need to be balanced spiritually and physically. One cannot just work the mind. The body also needs exercise and communion with our Father in Heaven.

“We are to learn how to equalize the labor done by brain, bone, and muscle. If you put to task the faculties of the mind, loading them with heavy burdens, while you leave the muscles unexercised, this course will tell its story just as surely as the wise course of the Hebrew youth told its story. Parents should follow a consistent course in the education of their children. Our youth should be taught from their very childhood how to exercise the body and the mind proportionately. It is not wise to send the children to schools where they are subject to long hours of confinement and where they will gain no knowledge of what healthful living means. Place them under the tuition of those who respect the body and treat it with consideration.” The Review and Herald, February 10, 1910. [Emphasis supplied.]

“Right physical habits promote mental superiority. Intellectual power, physical strength, and longevity, depend upon immutable laws.” Our High Calling, 269.

God gave Daniel wisdom, but Daniel put effort into gaining wisdom. Daniel had a balance in his life between the mental and physical.

The Book of Proverbs and Wisdom

Proverbs tells us where wisdom comes from. It says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. See Proverbs 1:7; 2:6; 9:10, 11.

Solomon tells us that wisdom is a valuable thing to have. “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.” Proverbs 3:13–18.

The book of Proverbs gives us lots of characteristics of wise people. Here are a few:

  • Wise people receive instruction and reproof—Proverbs 9:8, 9; 10:8; 15:31–33.
  • Wise people listen to counsel—Proverbs 12:15; 13:10.
  • Wise people are humble—Proverbs 11:2.
  • Winning a soul is wise—Proverbs 11:30.
  • Wise people study how to speak to others wisely—Proverbs 12:18; 14:3; 16:23; Ecclesiastes 10:12.
  • Wise people speak of knowledge—Proverbs 10:31; 15:2, 7.
  • If you associate with the wise you will be wise—Proverbs 13:20.
  • Wise people seek knowledge and understanding—Proverbs 14:33; 18:15; 22:17.
  • Reproof gives wisdom to a child—Proverbs 29:15–17.

Worldly Wisdom vs. God’s Wisdom

Paul talks about wisdom of this world versus God’s wisdom. “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” I Corinthians 1:20–30.

“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” I Corinthians 3:18, 19. To the world, Christianity is not wise but foolishness. The things that God tells us to do in the Bible sound crazy from a worldly point of view. I mean, give up everything to gain everything sounds pretty strange by worldly standards. As humans we have a tendency to think that we are wise. The wise, men in Daniel’s day claimed to be wise but when it came down to it, the God in Heaven had all the wisdom and the wise men didn’t have answers.

Human wisdom and engineering is not always wisdom. Sometimes the greatest achievements that man in his wisdom thinks are wise, turn out to be disastrous. I took a class when I was going to the University about engineering ethics. In this class we had many examples of engineering mistakes that had cost the lives of a lot of people. We think that we are so smart with all of our technology but, in fact, we make many mistakes in judgment before we get things engineered right. We need to realize that the only true wisdom comes from the Source of wisdom, and that is God. The wisdom of this world has many times turned out to be false.

When I was in college a teacher asked the question, “How do you know what is right or wrong? Who defines what is right or wrong?” He had a point that if you don’t believe in a God of all wisdom who has defined right and wrong, how do you know what is right? In the Bible there is wisdom that tells us what is right and what is wrong. Today, society really doesn’t know the difference. The other day I heard someone who was a polygamist saying that if a homosexual person can be married, why is it illegal for a polygamist to be married to more than one person? If you don’t have a Bible that tells you what is right and wrong in regard to marriage, that man would have a point. Worldly wisdom does not have the answers for hard moral questions, but the Bible does.

“However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” I Corinthians 2:6–8. The Christian religion is the wisest religion to be a part of because we serve the God of all wisdom.

Wisdom is something that we all need to know to deal with people, problems, situations, and to know what is the right moral thing to do in a situation. Wisdom will keep us from evil. The Bible is full of wisdom. The book with special tips on wisdom is Proverbs. God’s wisdom sounds like foolishness to the world, just like it did in Noah’s day. God needs wise people who are willing to expand their intellect as Daniel did. Wisdom can also help to exert a powerful influence in the world as Daniel and his friends were able to in the kingdom of Babylon.

A network engineer, Jana Grosboll lives in Derby, Kansas. She may be contacted by email at: janawwjd@yahoo.com.

Who Will be Ready for Jesus’ Return?

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The night Jesus was betrayed He disclosed to His disciples that the time had come for Him to leave. At this they became very troubled and depressed, as Jesus had become the best friend they had in this world and they could not stand the idea of being separated from Him and wanted to be with Him.

They were with Him as He opened the eyes of the blind, healed those with leprosy, gave people who were speech impaired the ability to speak, and those who were deaf, the ability to hear. They were with Him and witnessed as He raised the dead and understood that He was the Messiah.

It was their delight to be with Him and they looked forward to Him setting up a kingdom in Jerusalem. However, they did not realize that in less than 24 hours from that time, their Master would be dead on the cross and their hopes would vanish.

But now they were troubled because He told them that He was leaving. It was at this time, when they were so distressed and depressed and troubled, that Jesus gave to them one of the most wonderful promises in the Bible. He said, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1–3.

It is and always has been the Christian’s hope that Jesus is coming again. The apostle Paul called it the blessed hope. When Jesus comes again for His children, there will not be any more pain, sickness or death and there will be no more separation or loneliness.

Jesus made this promise to His disciples at the communion supper before his betrayal.

Six weeks later was Pentecost, which was the beginning of the apostolic Christian church. At that time when Peter preached, there were 3,000 converted in one day and Christ’s promise to return was made to His disciples and all of His followers since that time. However, this event does not provide any hope for the rest of the world. We who believe look forward to being reunited with our loved ones who have died in Christ. It is the most exciting hope that we have—the blessed hope.

But for some, this will not be a wonderful event, and they are going to be very upset and distressed at Jesus’ return.

Jesus said the last days are going to be like it was in the days of Noah (Matthew 24). We know that only eight people out of all those living at that time actually accepted the invitation, entered the ark and were saved. Mathematicians have estimated that the world could have had a population of easily over one billion people at the time of the flood.

In those days people lived several hundred years. It is recorded that Adam lived 930 years so he and Eve would have had many children in their lifetime. From all of those people only eight got on the ark.

Jesus said it is going to be like that again. Paul said, “It is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you [the church]; And to give you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.” II Thessalonians 1:6–9.

What is going to happen to those who do not know God and do not obey the Gospel? They are going to be punished with everlasting destruction. When Jesus returns it will be the most exciting time for the saints, but for some it will be punishment with everlasting destruction.

A most important question to ask is, Will He acknowledge me as being part of His people, part of His church and one of His disciples?

It is not enough to simply make a profession and call yourself a Christian. How can you be sure that you are part of His remnant people in these last days? I want to know for sure that when Jesus comes, He will recognize me as being part of His people, part of His believers and part of His church.

Does God have a last day people in the earth today and if so, are they described in Bible prophecy?

Jesus said, “And I also say to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades [that is the gates of the grave] shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18.

He said that the gates of Hades will not prevail against His church—so it must still be in existence today.

Notice what happened on the day of Pentecost: “Them that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about 3,000 souls. … And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:41, 47.

God knows the intent of each heart. No one can fool God. He looked at each heart and He saw those who were responding to the gospel and added them to the church.

Jesus said, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:18, 19.

One might wonder where is God’s true church today with over 300 different denominations in North America. However, the Bible has a very clear answer to that question because it was revealed to the prophets and the apostles, and we find it written down very clearly in the book of Revelation.

In Bible prophecy, a woman represents a church, and in Revelation 17 the counterfeit church and false system of worship is described as a great prostitute woman, called Babylon. This woman is not a pure woman. She is the great prostitute who is going to get worldwide influence. In fact, it says that everybody in the world is going to worship this woman except those who are saved. In Revelation 12 there is described an enormous struggle between the forces of good and the forces of evil.

Satan’s object of attack is God’s church which is described in Revelation 12 as a pure woman—a woman standing on the moon, with a crown, and twelve stars on her head.

“A great sign appeared in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars: Then being with child she cried out in labour, and in pain to give birth.” Revelation 12:1, 2.

This is not actually a woman in the flesh—this is a sign, or a wonder in heaven. She is clothed with the sun, that is, with light. On her head is a garland of twelve stars and she is described as getting ready to bring forth a son. This woman represents God’s church. It is a pure woman, not a prostitute woman like the woman in Revelation 17 who gains control over most of the world in the last days.

In Revelation 12 verses 7–9, is described a gigantic war between Christ and His angels and Satan and his angels. “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent.” In Hebrew the word Michael means one who is like God.

When Lucifer fell from heaven he became Satan and is referred to as the dragon. It was the dragon speaking through a serpent that deceived Eve and ever since that time he has been referred to as that ancient serpent. He was not created as a serpent. He was created as a leading angel in heaven. He was called in Ezekiel “the cherub that covers.” Ezekiel 28:14. His place was right next to the throne of God, but he rebelled. Then he persuaded a third of the angels to rebel with him and war broke out in heaven between Michael, that is, Christ and His angels, and the dragon, Satan and his angels. And it says, “The dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth [how much of the world?] the whole world.”

This dragon, the devil, was cast out into the earth and his angels were cast out with him.

He was cast out of heaven physically before the world was created, but he was not completely cast out from the hearts of the angels. Remember, the dragon, the devil, Lucifer and his angels had been friends and companions with the angels of God in heaven for we know not how long, but it could have been many, many millions of years.

Though he was cast out of heaven at God’s command the results of his rebellion had not been realized and the angels still had some sympathy for him.

God saw that if the universe was ever going to be safe, this sympathy the angels of heaven had for Lucifer had to be cast out, or heaven would never be safe.

The plan of salvation was put into operation. Angels of God watched with wonder the controversy between Christ and Satan during Jesus’ earthly life. They saw the devil following Him with every kind of temptation, trying to make His way as hard as possible. They witnessed him stir up the people against Jesus, causing the Jews to finally reject Him, which caused Him to be scourged and flogged. Angels wept as people spat in His face and then nailed their Commander to the cross, lifting it up and jamming it into the ground, causing the most excruciating suffering to the Majesty of heaven who was innocent of any crime.

The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross did not only benefit the people of this world. When the angels of heaven and the unfallen universe saw what the devil did to Jesus Christ, it totally uprooted any residual sympathy they had for their former friend.

Revelation 12:13 says, “And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman who brought forth the man child.”

Jesus was a descendent of Eve, a child of the church, born of the virgin, Mary. Satan knew that the “seed of the woman” would eventually “bruise his head” (Genesis 3:15). In an attempt to stop that prophecy from taking place he stirred up Herod, who sent his soldiers to Bethlehem to kill all the male babies two years old and under in an attempt to also destroy the promised seed, Jesus. God sent an angel to Joseph with the warning to flee down to Egypt right away, thus saving the life of Jesus. It is unknown how many babies were taken from their mother’s arms and put to death, causing great mourning in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16, 19–21).

The prophecy says that this child that was to rule all nations with a rod of iron was caught up unto God and to His throne (Revelation 12:5). That is exactly what happened. After his death He was resurrected and Jesus ascended to heaven. Angels came to comfort the disciples and told them that, “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, is going to come back in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11.

At the cross, the dragon saw that he had been cast down—cast out of the affections and sympathy of all the unfallen universe, which stirred in him more anger. He then turned his attack on the woman—the church.

Revelation 12:11 says, “And they overcame him [the devil] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

We will never know until the Day of Judgment, how many millions of Christians died violently at the hands of the pagan Roman government around the latter part of the 1st century. When the pagan persecution stopped, the Christian persecution began. The medieval church enlisted the power of the State to enforce its decrees and persecution started all over again. Christians were forced to make a decision. If they could not violate their conscience they were captured, taken in the dead of night from their hiding places to dungeons and prisons where many of them were cruelly martyred.

The Bible predicted this event in Revelation 12:14: “The woman fled into the desert, to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for twelve hundred and sixty days.”

In symbolic time prophecy, a day equals a year. “I have appointed you each day for a year.” Ezekiel 4:6.

During that prophetic time, faithful men and women of God kept the lamp of truth burning, but at the peril of their lives. They were constantly afraid, always aware of the danger each time they opened the Sacred Writings that they could be caught and punished with even death.

The freedom we enjoy today in the United States has been bought with much blood of the past.

In The History of the Popes, vol. 2, 334, it states: “Great numbers were driven from their habitations with their wives and children, stripped and naked, many of them inhumanly massacred.”

The Bible predicted that, “The serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.” Revelation 12:15, 16.

The water represents peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues (Revelation 17:15).

There were isolated and desolate places in the earth where people fled to escape the persecution to places like the Piedmont valleys in the Alps, which was the home of the Waldenses for many years. Instead of just fleeing into the Alps, or into southeastern France, eventually some people seeking to flee from the persecution fled all the way across the ocean to America. These Christians became known as pilgrims.

God’s faithful found refuge in a land that was to become the greatest nation on the face of the earth.

At the end of the 1,260 years was predicted the rise of God’s last day movement and last day events. “And the dragon was wroth [angry] with the woman [the church], and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17.

Notice it is the same woman. It is the remnant of her seed. The word remnant means that which remains and is like the original.

The book of Revelation reveals the characteristics of this remnant. “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Here we see that the remnant—God’s last people in the earth—keep the commandments of God. This means they would be Sabbath keepers because the Sabbath is the longest commandment in the whole law. They could not be idolaters because the second commandment is the second longest commandment in the whole law, condemning the practice of using idols or images in worship.

In the final angel’s message to the world, John describes God’s last people. “Here is the patience of the saints. Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12.

God’s people are described as keeping God’s commandments and having the same religion or the same faith that Jesus had. These two distinguishing characteristics of God’s remnant or last day people are:

Keeping all ten of the commandments of God. “If you keep the whole law and you offend in one, you are a lawbreaker; you are not a commandment keeper.” James 2:10.

Have the testimony of Jesus. “And I fell at his feet to worship him and he said to me, See that you do not do that, I am your fellow servant and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10.

The testimony of Jesus is to be confirmed in those who are waiting for Jesus’ coming. Paul said, “Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you; So that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 1:6, 7.

When Jesus left this world and ascended to heaven He gave to His church some spiritual gifts. It says, “And he gave some to be apostles; some prophets; some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers.” Ephesians 4:11. These spiritual gifts were given for the perfecting of the saints, or, in other words, until the church would be perfect in Christ.

God’s last day people will be keeping His commandments and they will have the testimony of Jesus, the spirit of prophecy, according to Revelation 12:17.

Toward the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, there was a great religious and spiritual awakening all over the world. Bible scholars at that time discovered that after the 1,260 years of hiding from persecution, the church was to appear again after 1798. It was discovered that this earth had reached the period in history that the Bible called the last days, or the time of the end.

For the first time in history God began to move upon His servants all over the world, in many different churches, to proclaim the news that the second coming of Christ was approaching. What was the result of this?

At first many people were very excited about the preaching of Jesus’ soon return. There was an awakening in all the different churches, the Roman Catholic as well as all the different Protestant churches. People started studying their Bibles and said, “We believe from Bible prophecy that Jesus is coming soon.”

As time went on, the people of the 1830s–1840s had the same problem that many Christians have today. They actually loved this world more than they loved Jesus and His soon return.

The Bible talks about this. The Ephesus church was rebuked by Jesus. “You have lost your first love; you have fallen.” See Revelation 2:4, 5. The people in the Christian churches loved the world, especially in the United States because this country was starting to become prosperous. They loved the world more than they wanted Jesus to come so there was opposition to the teaching that the Day of Judgment was approaching and that Jesus was coming soon. Those who persisted to advocate were actually disfellowshipped from the mainline churches in America and also other countries just because of their belief that Jesus was coming soon and that the whole world needed to hear the message. They were forced out. Where did they go?

From the prophecy in Daniel 8:14 Jesus was expected to return to this world in 1843 and then in 1844. The misunderstanding of the work of Jesus, the High Priest (Hebrews 8 and 9) and the meaning of the sanctuary caused a great disappointment when Jesus did not come as the prophecy predicted. Diligently, the faithful ones studied the Bible prophecy to find their error. “And he said to me, for 2,300 days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.” Daniel 8:14.

A prophetic day is a literal year. The prophecy predicted exactly when the Messiah would come. He came at the very time specified in Daniel 9:24–26. This prophecy predicted the exact time when Jesus would be crucified and also the exact time when the judgment would begin in the sanctuary in heaven.

In 1844 this group who believed the second advent of Christ was to occur that year were deeply disappointed when He didn’t return. Faithful to His word, God raised up the gift of prophecy to guide His disappointed people and lead them into a worldwide movement to proclaim the gospel. Now there are thousands of people teaching this all over the world because Jesus is coming soon and the world has to be warned.

Revelation predicted that God’s remnant, or last day people, would appear after the woman (the church) came out of the wilderness where she (the church) was in seclusion for 1,260 years. In other words, God’s last day people would be seen some time after 1798. As mentioned before, these last day people, or remnant, are described as having two prominent characteristics:

They would keep the commandments of God in a time of lawlessness. Jesus predicted in Matthew 24:12 that the last days would be a time of great lawlessness. That is exactly what we see. Paul also said the same thing in II Timothy 3.

These people would have the testimony of Jesus—the gift of prophecy.

“And I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth, to every nation, and tribe, and tongue, and people.” Revelation 14:6.

Notice that this message is going to go to the whole world, just like it did in Noah’s day. God is not going to destroy people in this world until they have had a chance to escape the destruction that is coming. The people who choose not to accept the gospel are going to be destroyed. Those who do not accept the mercy, so freely offered, will receive the just reward of their deeds (II Thessalonians 1:6–10).

God’s remnant people would not only keep God’s commandments and have the testimony of Jesus, the spirit of prophecy, but they would take the gospel to all the world (Revelation 14:6–12).

Matthew 24:14 says, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world as a witness for all nations; and then shall the end come.”

Jesus did not say that the whole world would be converted but only a very small percentage. The book of Revelation makes it very clear, exceedingly clear, that in the last days almost the whole world will reject the gospel and be destroyed. Everyone will have a chance to accept it, just like the people in Noah’s day who all had an opportunity to get on the ark and be saved from the flood. There are far more converts to the gospel in countries that are deprived than in the countries where there is much wealth. Remember Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24.

The gospel will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations and then the end will come.

There is a better world coming—a world with no death, no war, no sickness, and no pain. “And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, and there shall be no more pain; for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4.

Heaven is a good place. The time is coming when every single person in this world is going to want to be in that place. But now is the time to make that decision. If you want to be in heaven you need to make a decision today to follow Christ and be loyal to the government of God by keeping His commandments and receiving the Holy Spirit so that your heart can be transformed and changed. God cannot pollute heaven with taking those whose hearts are filled with the rubbish of earth.

Jesus is not coming back to this world to get church buildings or organizations. He is coming for His people, those who love Him and keep His commandments, who delight to do His will and live by the Spirit of Prophecy. These are those who make up His church on this earth.

Accept God’s invitation today and be part of His remnant church. He is coming soon. Be ready!

Pastor John Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at: 316–788–5559.

Editorial – Feast Keeping in the New Covenant, Part 1

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In the Old Covenant there were six yearly feasts and these six feasts had seven holy convocations. If you counted the Passover as a holy convocation, you would have eight. The first of these was the Passover feast on the 14th day of the first month which is very close to the time that Easter is celebrated today. Second was the feast of unleavened bread which was a seven-day feast and had a holy convocation on the first day of the feast (the day after the Passover) and on the last day of the feast. (The second day of the feast of unleavened bread or the 16th day of the first month was when the firstfruits or wave sheaf was offered.) The third feast of the year, and the last of the spring feasts, occurred 50 days after the last day of the feast of unleavened bread and was called the feast of weeks, or later, Pentecost.

The fourth feast was the first of the fall feasts, the feast of trumpets, on the first day of the seventh month, and the fifth feast was the Day of Atonement on the 10th day of the seventh month. The last feast of the year was the feast of tabernacles, which lasted seven days and had a holy convocation on the first day, and at the end of the feast there was a holy convocation on the 8th day.

It is our earnest desire to keep all of these feasts, not in the type but in the antitype, or reality, because all of them represent profound events in the development of the New Covenant which was ratified by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. This ratification brought to an end all the types of the Old Covenant and replaced them with the exciting realities of the New Covenant. As Paul said it, “He takes away the first, that He may establish the second.” Hebrews 10:9.

As implied already it is actually impossible to keep the feasts of the Old Covenant today because to do so requires a priest who is a descendant of Aaron; and, since the priests were destroyed in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, not even an orthodox Jew can keep the feasts according to what is written. See Exodus 28:1; Nehemiah 7:64; II Chronicles 13:9, 10.

However, it is our full intent to “keep the feast” (I Corinthians 5:8) not with the old leaven, but with the new leaven—not in the Old Covenant setting but rather in the New Covenant setting, with the veil taken away (II Corinthians 3:16), as we will explain in our next editorial.