Issue: 2015 March

Inspiration – Our Present Position

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If we hope to wear the crown, we must expect to bear the cross. Our greatest trials will come from those who profess godliness. It was so with the world’s Redeemer; it will be so with His followers. I should doubt whether I were a child of God, if the world, or even all professed Christians, spoke well of me. Those who are in earnest to win the crown of eternal life need not be surprised or disheartened because at every step toward the heavenly Canaan they meet with obstacles and encounter trials. The opposition which Christ received came from His own nation, who would have been greatly blessed had they accepted Him. In like manner the remnant church receives opposition from those who profess to be their brethren.

But “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (Romans 8:28; II Timothy 3:12). It is good for me to tread a hard and humble path, to encounter difficulties, to experience disappointments, to suffer afflictions and bereavements. The Saviour knows what is best. Faith grows by conflict with doubt and difficulty and trial. Virtue gathers strength by resistance to temptation. The life of the faithful soldier is a battle and a march. No rest, fellow-pilgrim, this side the heavenly Canaan.

When our enemies try to place upon us the black robes of unrighteousness, let us not become exasperated at their injustice. When your efforts are falsified, when your motives and your works are painted in colors black as ink, remember those who were treated the same before you. How have the saints of God in ages past been maligned, traduced, and persecuted! For centuries their names were covered with infamy. All that the hosts of hell could do was done to heap reproach upon them as the vilest of men. But John in holy vision beholds the faithful souls that come up out of great tribulation, surrounding the throne of God, clad in white robes, and crowned with immortal glory (Revelation 7:14, 9). What though they have been counted the offscouring of the earth? In the investigative Judgment their lives and characters are brought in review before God, and that solemn tribunal reverses the decision of their enemies. Their faithfulness to God and to His word stands revealed, and Heaven’s high honors are awarded them as conquerors in the strife with sin and Satan.

Brethren, we can afford to wait. Let our enemies exult because they have represented us in a character to suit their malicious fancy. But Christ will judge righteously, and will reward every man according to his deeds. To the faithful, who have been clothed by their enemies in the black robes of falsehood, He will give the spotless garments of truth and purity.

It will do our proud hearts good to suffer reproach for Christ’s sake. “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” “Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you, falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in Heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you” (Matthew 5:10–12). …

Cultivate fortitude, firmness, patience, humility, and self-control. The God whom we serve will arm us with courage in every emergency; but we must abase self, and let God be all in all. It was true faith that gave Caleb courage to bear his decided testimony for God, even when fellow-workers stood ready to take his life. God wants brave men in His cause today—men who in His strength are not afraid to do and dare.

The time is short. How will our cases appear in the Judgment? What is now our standing before God? Are we closely examining our own hearts? Are we by repentance and confession sending our sins beforehand to Judgment, that they may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come? This is an individual work—a work which we cannot safely delay. We should take hold of it earnestly; our salvation depends upon our sincerity and zeal. Let the cry be awakened in every heart, “What must I do to be saved?”

The adversary of souls is constantly seeking to divert our minds by bringing in side-issues. Let us not be deceived. Let enemies handle your name and mine as they please. Let them distort, misrepresent our words and deeds. Let them fabricate falsehoods as best pleases them. We cannot afford to allow our minds to be diverted from Jesus and the preparation of soul which we must have in order to meet Him in peace.

… In Christ’s stead, I beseech you to pray as you never prayed before, to seek earnestly for faith and love, that seem to be almost banished from the earth. Live each day as in the sight of God. …

… We must now make Christ our refuge, or in the days before us our souls will be overwhelmed with darkness and despair. There is a point beyond which human help cannot avail. Every one must live by faith as he is forced into close and apparently deadly conflict with the powers of darkness. Each must stand or fall for himself. The arrows of the destroyer are about to be hurled against the faithful ones, and no earthly power can turn aside the shaft. But could our eyes be opened we could see angels of God encircling the righteous, that no harm may come upon them. We have only to trust in God, and go forward in the way of obedience, and we shall be victorious.

Excerpts from The Review and Herald, August 28, 1883.

Keys to the Storehouse – A Second Trial

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Our first parents sinned and Jesus “proposed the only means that could be acceptable with God, that would give them another trial, and place them again on probation.” Confrontation, 17.

Did you know that angels also experienced a period of probation? “Angels on probation had been deceived by Satan, and had been led on by him in the great rebellion in heaven against Christ. They failed to endure the test brought to bear upon them, and they fell.” Ibid., 18.

There was no second trial for the angels! Why? “He left the fallen angels to perish in their rebellion, but stretched forth His hand to rescue perishing man. The angels who were rebellious were dealt with according to the light and experience they had abundantly enjoyed in heaven. Satan, the chief of the fallen angels, once had an exalted position in heaven. He was next in honor to Christ. The knowledge which he, as well as the angels who fell with him, had of the character of God, of His goodness, His mercy, wisdom, and excellent glory, made their guilt unpardonable.” [Emphasis supplied.] Ibid., 21.

They had it all—their sin was unpardonable!

“There was no possible hope for the redemption of those who had witnessed and enjoyed the inexpressible glory of heaven, and had seen the terrible majesty of God, and, in presence of all this glory, had rebelled against Him. … If they could rebel in the very presence of glory inexpressible, they could not be placed in a more favorable condition to be proved. There was no reserve force of power, nor were there any greater heights and depths of infinite glory to overpower their jealous doubts and rebellious murmuring. Their guilt and their punishment must be in proportion to their exalted privileges in the heavenly courts.” Ibid.

We have the privilege to be on probation. Are we “walking” with God each moment? Adam and Eve were separated from God by transgression of His expressed command. They knew the consequences of such transgression. We also know the consequences of our transgressions, our sins. Many are in a deplorable state, blinded by Satan to think all is well because sin really isn’t sin anymore—it is just a little departure from God’s word. Do not be tricked into believing a lie and losing the last opportunity to join the faithful angels in heaven.

You and I might redeem Adam’s disgraceful failure, and by humble obedience regain lost Eden. Ask Jesus for His Holy Spirit to transform your heart, to guide you and to teach you. Do not believe the devil’s lie that your “little” sins do not matter. This is the last trial you will have to prove your faithfulness to the God of heaven—to prove your love to Him. You do not need to fail in these last moments of probation.

Father in heaven: I am saddened that the angels failed their probation when they had it all. I do not want to fail. Help me to relinquish self and the sin which doth so easily beset me. Save me from my rebellious self, and let me run with patience the race that is set before me. Do not let me be ruined by Satan’s lying deceptions. Help Lord! Amen.

Current Events – Pope might visit Congress

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“The [United States] Constitution guarantees to the people the right of self-government, providing that representatives elected by the popular vote shall enact and administer the laws. Freedom of religious faith was also granted, every man being permitted to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience. Republicanism [No King] and Protestantism [No Pope] became the fundamental principles of the nation. These principles are the secret of its power and prosperity. …

“But the beast with lamblike horns ‘spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed; … saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live’ (Revelation 13:11–14).” The Great Controversy, 441

The Pope might visit Congress

WASHINGTON — Expectations are growing that Pope Francis will be ascending the House rostrum this fall, becoming the first pontiff ever to visit the Capitol and the most important voice of worldwide moral authority to address lawmakers in person since Nelson Mandela two decades ago.

Most politicians are unambiguously eager to bask in the reflective glow of an international celebrity, and the opportunity to be seen listening to the first Latin-American pope would prove irresistible to lawmakers wanting to solidify their appeal to the burgeoning Hispanic population. Beyond that, the Holy Father would be a big draw because he is the spiritual leader for more members of Congress than anyone else.

Catholicism has been the plurality religion in both the House and Senate for more than half a century. And the number of Catholics in Congress has been on the increase: They accounted for about 20 percent of all lawmakers in the 1960s and early 1970s, but their ranks have grown steadily to just above 30 percent now that includes four of the nine top leaders.

http://m.heralddemocrat.com/news/national/real-big-speech-pope-might-visit-congress

Pope Francis to address U.S. congress in 2015

Archbishop Bernardito Auza, who is Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and is organizing Pope Francis’ trip to the United States, said that the Catholic leader is planning to address a joint session of Congress and a visit to the White House during a trip to the country’s capital in September.

Auza said Francis will visit the White House and celebrate Mass at Washington’s Basilica on the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

“Pope Francis has inspired millions of Americans with his pastoral manner and servant leadership, challenging all people to lead lives of mercy, forgiveness, solidarity, and humble service,” Boehner said in a statement at the time. “His tireless call for the protection of the most vulnerable among us – the ailing, the disadvantaged, the unemployed, the impoverished, the unborn – has awakened hearts on every continent.”

In addition to his planned visit to the United States, Francis said Monday that he hopes to visit Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay this year, as well as the Central African Republic and Uganda.

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2015/01/19/pope-francis-to-address-us-congress-in-2015-hopes-to-visit-ecuador-bolivia/

“… and all the world wondered …” Revelation 13.3.

True Education Series – The Lesson Books

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“And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.” I Samuel 17:40

We are in the middle of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. At a critical time in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist church, we find this important statement from the pen of inspiration:

“Now, as never before, we need to understand the true science of education. If we fail to understand this, we shall never have a place in the kingdom of God.” Christian Educator, August 1, 1897.

What is involved in the true science of education?

“In the highest sense the work of education and the work of redemption are one, for in education, as in redemption, ‘other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ ‘It was the good pleasure of the Father that in Him should all the fullness dwell’ (I Corinthians 3:11; Colossians 1:19, R.V.)” Education, 30.

My parents and grandparents were all well educated people. They emphasized the importance of education in our lives. After I was converted to Christianity at 24 years of age, I became interested in the science of all sciences.

“The science of redemption is the science of all sciences—the science that is the study of the angels and of all the intelligences of the unfallen worlds; the science that engages the attention of our Lord and Saviour; the science that enters into the purpose brooded in the mind of the Infinite—‘kept in silence through times eternal’ (Romans 16:25, R.V.); the science that will be the study of God’s redeemed throughout endless ages. This is the highest study in which it is possible for man to engage. As no other study can, it will quicken the mind and uplift the soul.” Ibid., 126.

The Lord has been leading me in the study of this science now for over forty years. I am totally convinced of the truthfulness of this statement. “Five Smooth Stones” represents some of the significant findings in this science of all sciences. This article is an overview of the basic lesson books of this science.

Webster’s definition of science is “from scientia, from scio, to know. In a general sense, knowledge, or certain knowledge; the comprehension or understanding of truth or facts by the mind.”

“ ‘This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent’ (John 17:3). If this is the price of heaven, shall not our education be conducted on these lines? Christ must be everything to us. ‘Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace’ (Isaiah 9:6).” Christian Educator, August 1, 1897.

In John 15:1 we find one of the most beautiful illustrations of the Christian life. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.” In verse 5, we are brought into the picture. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” In other words, we can say that Jesus is the main stem.

“The central theme of the Bible, the theme about which every other in the whole book clusters, is the redemption plan, the restoration in the human soul of the image of God. From the first intimation of hope in the sentence pronounced in Eden to that last glorious promise of the Revelation, ‘They shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads’ (Revelation 22:4), the burden of every book and every passage of the Bible is the unfolding of this wondrous theme—man’s uplifting—the power of God, ‘which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ’ (I Corinthians 15:57).” Education, 125.

This truth is at the center of the great controversy. It is found in the meaning of the name “Jesus”. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21. “For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.” Isaiah 43:3. “I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” Exodus 20:2. “He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.” Psalms 89:26.

“The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light that streams from the cross of Calvary. I present before you the great, grand monument of mercy and regeneration, salvation and redemption, the Son of God uplifted on the cross. This is to be the foundation of every discourse given by our ministers.” Gospel Workers, 315.

I have worked for many years in various aspects of the construction industry. The blueprint, or plan, is the center of attention. As builders, our part is to study the plan and, to the best of our ability, fulfill the requirements. If we succeed, we are rewarded. If we fail, we are punished in one way or another. The plan is simply the means by which the workers can know what is expected of them. The basic plan, or will of God, His thought expressed, is the plan of redemption. The sanctuary was one of the tools that God used to communicate this plan.

“Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary:” Psalms 77:13.

In the camp of Israel, there was an exact order to follow. There were three tribes on each of the four sides, and one in the middle. One tribe on each side was chosen to bear an insignia, or banner, on which a creature was displayed. (See the illustration to right.) These same creatures were shown to Ezekiel in vision. “I saw visions of God.” Ezekiel 1:1.

“As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.” Ezekiel 1:10.

Since Jesus moved into the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844, we have been given even greater insight into the visions of God. One of the most significant is found in the book, Education.

“Christ came to demonstrate the value of the divine principles by revealing their power for the regeneration of humanity. He came to teach how these principles are to be developed and applied.

“With the people of that age the value of all things was determined by outward show. As religion had declined in power, it had increased in pomp. The educators of the time sought to command respect by display and ostentation. To all this the life of Jesus presented a marked contrast. His life demonstrated the worthlessness of those things that men regarded as life’s great essentials. Born amidst surroundings the rudest, sharing a peasant’s home, a peasant’s fare, a craftsman’s occupation, living a life of obscurity, identifying Himself with the world’s unknown toilers—amidst these conditions and surroundings—Jesus followed the divine plan of education. The schools of His time, with their magnifying of things small and their belittling of things great, He did not seek. His education was gained directly from the Heaven-appointed sources; from useful work, from the study of the Scriptures and of nature, and from the experiences of life—God’s lesson books, full of instruction to all who bring to them the willing hand [physical], the seeing eye [mental], and the understanding heart [spiritual].” [Emphasis added.] Education, 77.

“It [true education] is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers.” Ibid., 13.

These lesson books are illustrated by the four creatures on the banners of the tribes and the creatures in Ezekiel 1.

In the New Testament, these books also relate to the four gospels.

Each of these lesson books is full of instruction for every one of God’s children. There are five main lessons that we need to learn from these four books. That is what I refer to as the “Five Smooth Stones.”

In a following article will be an overview of these five lessons. I would like to encourage all to study the book, Education, carefully and prayerfully. It is a rich resource on this important topic.

May the Lord bless each of us as we seek to know the One who is “altogether lovely” (Song of Solomon 5:16).

Lynn Alan Humes became a Christian in 1974 at 24 yrs of age, and a Seventh-day Adventist two years later. Since then he has worked in many parts of the United States, doing canvassing, restaurant work, teaching, preaching, writing, building, agriculture, and whatever needs to be done. He and his wife, Lorraine (Butler) Humes, care for her father, Dr. Maurice Butler, and are involved with many aspects of Gospel Medical Missionary work, building and agriculture in rural Tennessee. He may be contacted by email at: optimalife@gmail.com.

 

Lack of the Holy Spirit

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“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me’ (John 15:26).

“It is not right for us to devote time, brain, bone, and muscle to gathering in the things of earth and drop eternity out of our reckoning, but we should gather sheaves from the Master’s garner. … The Lord wants us to expand, to grow like the seed introduced into the soil—first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. …

“Some have asked, What shall I do to receive the Holy Ghost? Ask God to search your hearts as with a lighted candle. Do nothing for selfish gratification. Suppose that Christ’s professed followers were representatives of Christ in our earth; would not worldlings see this and take knowledge of such that they had learned of Jesus? Will not such be a power? We want the religion of Christ. This will bring forth the fruits of love, joy, and peace. The desire of the Master is not for a scanty supply, but to bear it in abundance.” Christ Triumphant (1999), 300.

We are told: “The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who serve Him than parents are to give good gifts to their children.” The Acts of the Apostles, 50. So why is it that the Spirit appears to be so lacking in the Christian church today?

Here are twelve reasons why we do not have the Holy Spirit that we desire.

  1. Lack of unity. We are not seeking for unity with our brethren. Before the Holy Spirit came on Pentecost, the Bible says, “… they were all with one accord in one place.” Acts 2:1.
  2. Lack of faith. Because we do not see God move in miraculous ways every time we ask, we have trouble believing His promises are real. (See Signs of the Times, September 29, 1898, paragraph 3.)
  3. Lack of love for one another. We have to love each other as well as love the Lord. “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God Whom he has not seen?” I John 4:20.
  4. Unbelief. The Bible and Ellen White have much to say on the subject of unbelief. If you have access to a concordance or CD ROM you will find tons of information on that subject. (See The Review and Herald, July 9, 1895, paragraph 6.)
  5. Lack of confidence in one another. You cannot work together with people in whom you lack confidence. If you have absolutely no confidence in your family, how can you do anything together? Only with confidence and trust can you successfully accomplish something together. (Manuscript Releases, vol. 2, 26.)
  6. Content with mere theory of the truth. There are many people who know what is right and wrong theologically who do not apply the principles of truth to their life. Many people have listened to television programs or done Bible studies and would tell you that the seventh-day is the Sabbath, and can even prove it from the Bible, but they don’t keep it. They have a theory of the truth, but do not live according to what they know. (See Selected Messages, Book 2, 56.)
  7. Not following Jesus in self-denial. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24.Self denial, which is a huge subject, is His first requirement. No one will enter the kingdom of heaven that has not learned that lesson.
  8. Not following Jesus in stability. A synonym for stability is consistency. A Christian sets his goal for eternity and does not waver from that goal. He is consistent in his search for truth not letting go of the gift of salvation. If he stumbles, he immediately gets up and continues his journey holding the hand of One Who never lets go. But how often people let go and become tired of carrying His cross! (See Manuscript Releases, vol. 11, 54, 55.)
  9. Minor matters occupy the attention. One of the devil’s most successful tricks is to get the Christian sidetracked so that they spend much time concentrating on things that are not the most important. They allow minor matters to occupy their attention. (See The Review and Herald, May 19, 1904, paragraph 10.)
  10. Lack of sympathy and compassionate love. Many people are so busy with their own lives that they do not take the time to be interested in others’ needs. The world today is confused about true love. Most think that love is all about passion. That is only one aspect of love. (See The Review and Herald, December 23, 1890, paragraph 9.)
  11. Refusing Christ’s messengers. Often the messenger God sends is not recognized as such, maybe because they do not have the same social standing, or as much money as I have. Maybe they don’t have as much education or they are younger and have not had as much experience as I have. We may have many reasons why we think they are not qualified to give us any counsel or advice. That is what happened in 1888 in Minneapolis when A. T. Jones and E. J. Waggoner delivered a message to the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists on righteousness by faith; it was rejected because of the messengers. There are millions of people in the world that if God sent them a message through a woman, they would not accept it. There are many people that refuse to accept the Adventist message because of the messages of Ellen White—a woman. However, God does not ask our advice when He decides to send us a message. He chooses whom He sees the best, even if it is a little child. (See Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 97.)
  12. Refusing Christ’s message. It is a dangerous thing to refuse the Saviour’s invitation of salvation. There are many who have heard the truth as it is in the life of Jesus who are too busy or too comfortable in this life to take note and follow. All who refuse this last message of mercy will be lost. (See Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, 134.)

It is not too late to recognize your true spiritual condition, fall on your knees and ask for help to be delivered from sin. Remember, Jesus is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who love Him than are parents to give good gifts to their children.

Another Jesus, Another Spirit, Another Gospel

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The Bible tells us that in the last days, messages will be proclaimed in our churches, our homes and in great assemblies, but they will not all be from God. In Revelation 16:13 we are told, “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.” The unclean spirits coming out of the mouth represent a message or a doctrine, and here we see they are coming out of the three powers represented as the dragon, the beast and the false prophet.

These three unclean spirits giving messages are competing with the three angels’ messages recorded in Revelation 14:6–12. You need to know the spirit behind these messages and if they are being presented in your churches. Do you believe in the everlasting gospel or another gospel? Are you learning of Jesus the Creator of the world or another Jesus?

In Revelation 14:6 it says, “And I [John] saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” A second angel and then a third angel followed. This means that there are three parts to the message that is to go to the whole world.

The opposing message in Revelation 16:13 describes the three unclean spirits that do not come from heaven, but out of the beast, the false prophet and the dragon. Verse 14 says, “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” These spirits are not coming to meet the Lord in peace but to fight against Him. They are gathering the whole world together to fight against God when He comes. The messages given by the three angels are calling people out of the world to prepare them for the day that they might meet Him in peace.

Two messages are given: one calls the saints who receive the spirit of true worship of God out of the world and to receive the everlasting gospel, while the other will gather and bind the world in bundles ready to be burned and destroyed at the coming of Jesus. Both groups receive a spirit. However, the majority receive the spirit that is breathed out of the mouth of the beast power, breathed out of the mouth of the false prophet, and breathed out of the mouth of the dragon.

We should all be able to identify these three powers. They represent religious powers on the earth just as the three angels represent God’s truth and His messengers. Revelation 12:9 says, “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” The dragon power represents Satan. Revelation 12:9. Revelation 13:2 says, “The beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.” It is the dragon, Satan, that controls all of the heathen religions as well as the papacy.

Revelation 13:4 says, “And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.” The Papacy is here identified as a war-like religious power that ruled in a temporal power for 42 months or in prophetic time, 1260 years. The papacy breathes out a message that to a great degree is capturing another portion of the world.

The third power is called the false prophet. It is one of the three unclean powers with the beast—the papacy and the dragon—the heathen religions of the world, which are identified in Revelation 19:20. “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him [the papacy], with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”

This false prophet is specifically identified in Revelation 19:20 as that power, religious entity, or movement that will do miracles in the face of the papacy and for the papacy. These miracles will cause people to believe them; they will worship this image and ultimately the beast and receive his mark.

Revelation 13 speaks of two beasts. The second is the two-horned beast that has lamb-like horns and “spake as a dragon” (verse 11). Out of the bosom of the heart the mouth speaketh. This beast has a dragon heart. The principles of Satan that were received in the heart caused it to give power to the papacy just as the dragon himself gave power to the papacy in Revelation 13:4. The second beast is America.

Revelation 13:13–17: “And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

America is going to be the political power that causes this worship, this mark, and this image to receive worship and that turns back its power straight to the papacy. This action will happen as a political movement provoked by religious groups. Religion is a great factor in shaping policy and we see the religious right resurging and coming back strong. The evangelical world is strengthening by encouraging a resurgence of the ten moral principles of America or getting back to America’s Christian roots or by legislating morality—which also means the Sunday law and all of the various things that we as Seventh-day Adventists have been talking about for many years.

In Revelation 16, unclean spirits are coming out of the mouth of the papacy. The Marian movement has, for 30 years, been promoting the apparitions of Mary worldwide. The papacy has been promoting these prophecies of Mary and the esoteric exercises that she has been supposedly giving to the Catholics to preach, to teach, and to believe, causing the whole area of the world stamped with Catholicism to be bound together for the end. The whole heathen world claims to be waiting for the new age Christ to come. All of these exercises and religious teachings are being bundled together and given by séances. These teachings from the dragon power are binding together nations, kings, and leaders in preparation for the final fight against God.

Through the religious right in America, or apostate Protestantism, unclean spirits are being promoted and are affecting the people. The charismatic gift of the “Holy Spirit” supposedly descends upon these people, causing them to have aesthetic utterances and uncontrollable movements. Attached to this bedlam are all kinds of loud music and drums. This practice is prominent throughout the world where the three angels’ messages are also trying to do a work.

The influence of these practices permeates even our own churches with its loud music and entertaining type services. Would we notice if tongue speaking came in among us? What about the teachings that the Bible calls “the wine of Babylon” that are so popular in Catholicism as well as most other Christian churches? Sunday is becoming more prominent with even Sabbath-keeping churches conducting Easter sunrise services. Maybe the church raised up to spread the final warning to the world has come under the tainted breath of the dragon! Surely, these spiritualistic teachings do not come from the three angels’ messages. The Spirit of Prophecy and the Bible teach that before Jesus comes, all the world will be bound into these three groups and that the same teachings that cause the whole world to fight against God will come in among us.

“Many will stand in our pulpits with the torch of false prophecy in their hands, kindled from the hellish torch of Satan. If doubts and unbelief are cherished, the faithful ministers will be removed from the people who think they know so much. ‘If thou hadst known,’ said Christ, ‘even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.’ ” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 409.

There was a time when ministers boldly preached the unadulterated three angels’ messages. Today there are few preaching these messages, uncompromised, and giving a certain sound in our churches and with a trumpet call to the entire world.

The kings of the whole world will be gathered together because of a popular three-spirit message instead of the three angels’ messages. If that three-spirit message were allowed to come in among us, the same thing would be seen among us. We will see yoga classes and martial arts classes in Adventism. We already see Easter sunrise services among us. We already see ecumenical meetings among us. We already see our communion services set up like the mass among us. We already see drums and music among us. We already see tongue speaking among us.

The true message causes the development of character. If we had the three angels’ messages, we would have a specific work, a specific organization, a specific way of working and a specific result. When we have the three spirits, we are not going in the way of preparation for God’s coming but in rebellion against Him and are preparing to fight against Him.

These unclean spirits are going to the entire world to teach error and to seduce them into another type of movement. The Bible says in I Timothy 4:1, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” Many have been seduced from the faith and even departed from it because they have given heed and become attracted to the seducing spirits. Many who once had faith have heeded another message and accepted doctrines of devils. It is a dangerous thing to dabble with evil. If you listen to them, you shall depart from the faith. Departing from the faith does not mean departing from the church. Some “will stand in our pulpits with the torch of false prophecy in their hands, kindled from the hellish torch of Satan.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 409.

Eve initially had an experience with God and even though she was in a perfect place—the Garden of Eden—she was deceived and seduced by an evil spirit that gave her a doctrine of the devil. Paul warns in II Corinthians 11:3, 4, “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled [seduced] Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”

Could it be possible that some will sit in a Seventh-day Adventist church, will have given baptismal vows under faithful ministers, will have read the Spirit of Prophecy and continually done the things that God shows them that are part of being prepared for the end time, and still be deceived? They are health reformers, they dress right. They believe in the right type of music and they are educated correctly and do everything that God has asked them to do. They believe in His message. But, Paul says, “I fear … ye might well bear with him.” It is a scary thought that you can sit and listen to a false gospel from Sabbath to Sabbath and not be aware of who it is that breathes on you.

Tolerating the doctrines of devils will cause you to depart from the faith. God says that Eve was not safe to even go near the tree and to listen to that sophistry. She was seduced because she listened to the serpent and believed his lie. The three angels and the three unclean spirits are all contending for the minds and hearts of everyone in the world. A danger that exists today among church members is that although they know of the warning that there would be some in the church with “the hellish torch of Satan,” but they believe God will deal with them and push them out of the church. They just have to hold on until God purifies the church. In the meantime they are being seduced by messages of another Jesus, a new-age Jesus, a Roman Jesus, even an evangelical Jesus that Jesus does not know anything about. In many pulpits doctrines are being promoted that do not bear the principles of God’s three angels’ messages.

“The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error.” Selected Messages, vol. 1, 205.

Here are some areas of our doctrine that have been considered fanatical or even in error: health reform; the heavenly sanctuary and significance of it; keeping the Sabbath holy; true principles of worship and godly worship and godly music; keeping the commandments; preaching on prophecy, even Revelation 13; the mark of the beast; creation as opposed to evolution.

“A new organization would be established.” Ibid. This has happened decades ago and these things are tolerated and even condoned under church membership, under the church manual. “Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, [in many cities church members have no problem eating out at restaurants on the Sabbath] as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement.” Ibid.

Notice the word new movement. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is no longer the same as it was for many who were baptized many years ago and many long-time Adventists today feel out of place in many churches. The mood has changed, as has the music, the acting, the dress and the food.

“The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure.” Ibid.

“The spiritualistic theories concerning God make His grace of no effect. If God is an essence pervading all nature, then He dwells in all men; and in order to attain holiness, man has only to develop the power within him.” The Ministry of Healing, 429, 430

Depending upon the power within you, self-esteem is a philosophy taught by psychology. Psychologists say you need to develop the power within, bring out the good and repress the bad. However, the Bible declares that “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9.

It goes on to say: “These theories, followed to their logical conclusion, sweep away the whole Christian economy. They do away with the necessity for the atonement and make man his own savior. These theories regarding God make His word of no effect, and those who accept them are in great danger of being led finally to look upon the whole Bible as a fiction. They may regard virtue as better than vice; but, having shut out God from His rightful position of sovereignty, they place their dependence upon human power, which, without God, is worthless.” Guard the avenues to your soul. We are bombarded today with television, radio, the Internet. Select carefully the messages that go into your mind so that your light does not fade into darkness and you end up believing darkness to be light because you have not learned to love the truth and end up believing a lie.

God does not want us to come to a point when Jesus has to say to us, “Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.” Hosea 4:17. It is past time for a reformation in each life. Be determined to do God’s will. There is a world to be warned that they are keeping the spurious Sabbath. God calls His faithful ones to stand up for the truth. Get involved and do a work for your family and for your community. Jesus is coming very soon and many people are falling for the counterfeit. Soon all cases will be decided. Will you be bound in apostate Protestantism or will you be gathered together according to Revelation 14:12, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus”?

John R. Cofer is currently engaged in establishing training schools under the name, The Schools of the Prophets for the youth. He and his wife, Maria, have established a digital media company to create and promote video media teaching the unique message of Adventism using social media such as Facebook and Youtube. 

The World’s Biggest Cemetery

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Because of unbelief the children of Israel, after the miraculous delivery from slavery in Egypt, were not allowed to enter the Promised Land and for forty years they wandered around the wilderness. The story is told in the fourteenth chapter of Numbers.

“Then the Lord said: ‘I have pardoned, according to your word; but truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord—because all these men who have seen My glory and the signs which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have put Me to the test now these ten times, and have not heeded My voice, they certainly shall not see the land of which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who rejected Me see it. But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it. Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwell in the valley; tomorrow turn and move out into the wilderness by the Way of the Red Sea.’

“And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, ‘How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who complain against Me? I have heard the complaints which the children of Israel make against Me. Say to them, “As I live,” says the Lord, “just as you have spoken in My hearing [passing sentence on themselves], so I will do to you: The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness, all of you who were numbered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above. Except for Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun, you shall by no means enter the land which I swore I would make you dwell in. But your little ones, whom you said would be victims, I will bring in, and they shall know the land which you have despised. But as for you, your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness. And your sons shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty years, and bear the brunt of your infidelity, until your carcasses are consumed in the wilderness. According to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, for each day you shall bear your guilt one year, namely forty years, and you shall know My rejection. I the Lord have spoken this; I will surely do so to all this evil congregation who are gathered together against Me. In this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.” ’

“Now the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned and made all the congregation complain against him by bringing a bad report of the land, those very men who brought the evil report about the land, died by the plague before the Lord.” Numbers 14:20–37.

They wandered and kept wandering until all the people that had come out of Egypt above 20 years of age (except Caleb and Joshua) had died. The whole wilderness became a cemetery. Their experience was carefully recorded as an example to help the people who live at the end of time before the return of Jesus Christ. This story is for us, for we are those people.

In I Corinthians 10:1–13, it says, “Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

“Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.’ Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

Paul goes into great detail about their experience as they wandered back and forth for so many years. So that others may learn from it, He mentions some of the major sins that were committed, causing many of them to be destroyed. He says, “For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.’ For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” Hebrews 3:14–4:2.

John also mentions the wanderings in the book of Revelation. “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.” Revelation 2:14.

Ellen White said, “We here read the warnings which God gave to ancient Israel. It was not His good pleasure that they should wander so long in the wilderness; He would have brought them immediately to the Promised Land had they submitted and loved to be led by Him; but because they so often grieved Him in the desert, He sware in His wrath that they should not enter into His rest, save two who wholly followed Him. God required His people to trust in Him alone. He did not wish them to receive help from those who did not serve Him.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 281.

The older you get, the more you recognize that many of the difficulties experienced in life are the result of choices that have been made earlier. There is no way to escape the fact that choices you make as a youth will affect your future.

The Israelites made wrong choices during the first year or two in the wilderness that affected their outcome. They continually rebelled against the Lord. Their failure of not entering Canaan a few months after they left Egypt was the result of their own choices.

Remember what Paul said, in I Corinthians 10:11 that all these things happened to them for examples for the people that are living in the end of the ages. We are those people.

Listed below are the reasons the Israelites were prohibited from entering the Promised Land:

  1. In Hebrews 3:15, Paul says, “If you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” A heart is hardened by not listening. When the Holy Spirit speaks to your mind and you neglect to act on it and are determined to go your own way, the next time the Spirit speaks the voice will not be heard as distinctly. In that way a heart becomes hardened and less likely to respond to truth. Millions of people put off responding to the “still small voice” for a more convenient time, but the voice grows more faint with every rejection. (See Prophets and Kings, 169.)
  2. In Hebrews 3:16, Paul says, “For who, having heard, rebelled.” Rebellion occurs when God says to do something, and you decide to act differently.
  3. In Hebrews 3:17, Paul puts it plainly when he says, “They sinned.” Ellen White comments about that in the book Patriarchs and Prophets, 410. She says [towards the end of their wanderings], “Here Miriam died and was buried. From that scene of rejoicing on the shores of the Red Sea, when Israel went forth with song and dance to celebrate Jehovah’s triumph, to the wilderness grave which ended a lifelong wandering—such had been the fate of millions who with high hopes had come forth from Egypt. Sin had dashed from their lips the cup of blessing. Would the next generation learn the lesson?”
    After leaving Egypt and especially after crossing the Red Sea, the children of Israel were excited. They had all promised to be faithful and follow the Lord. We still have the same experiences today. When people get excited, they say, “O, we are going to finish the work in the next three to four years. We have a short-wave radio station. We’re going to reach the whole world.” The Lord allows things to develop so that the excitement wears off and the real heart is revealed. Often the situation takes a completely different turn. The Israelites thought they would be in the Promised Land in a few short months.

While they waited for Moses to return from the mount where he met with the Lord, the patience of the Israelites was tested. Led on by the mixed multitude that had left Egypt with them, they determined that they would not remain in the wilderness. Some wanted to go back to Egypt while others wanted to go forward to the Promised Land. One thing was sure—they did not want to stay in the wilderness. They had made their decision. However, they sinned and all died in the wilderness. “Sin had dashed from their lips the cup of blessing.” Ibid.

  1. In Hebrews 3:18, Paul explains it again. He says, “They did not obey.” There are many people today who want to be religious but they never understand the role that obedience must play as part of their religion.
  2. In Hebrews 4:3, Paul says that they did not enter into His rest.
  3. In Hebrews 3:19, Paul says, they could not enter into the Promised Land. These people had to die in the wilderness because of their unbelief. When the Bible talks about belief or unbelief, the same words can be translated faith or doubt. Unbelief means you do not trust what God has said enough to do what He says and put it into practice. We all need to pray to the Lord that we might have belief and never be a victim of unbelief. Life dishes up many situations where because of the circumstances Satan tempts unbelief.

John the Baptist said in John 3:35, 36, “The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” Unbelief will prohibit you from entering into the Promised Land.
Remember, these things are examples or types. The wilderness is the experience that we are going through right now in this world and represents the biggest cemetery. The land of Canaan is the Promised Land. It represents a land in heaven where God is going to take all of His faithful ones. The choices we make day by day will determine if we will make it or die in the wilderness. This death is not just temporal but is the loss of eternal life. Many Israelites who died in the wilderness will not be in the heavenly Canaan.

  1. Concerning the Israelite wandering, it says in Hebrews 4:1, “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.” This appears to be a description of people who are trying to get there but they never make it. This would make the worst kind of nightmare, with your mind all confused about everything, thinking that somebody is chasing but you cannot get away from them. It seems that the faster you run, you can never get away till something wakes you up. You come short. “They came short.” Tragically, they never made it.
  2. In Hebrews 4:2 is an especially sad reason for failure of the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. Paul says, “The gospel was preached to us as well as to them.” The Israelites had the gospel. We have the gospel, the good news of salvation through Jesus, and it is not complicated. Jesus said, “If you believe in Me, you have eternal life” (John 3:16). In the gospel of John that statement is made in different language over, and over, and over again. The word believe does not merely make reference to a mental assent, but it has reference to putting your trust in somebody. The Israelites had the gospel, but these people died in the wilderness. How can you perish if you have the gospel? Paul says that the gospel did not do them any good; it did not profit them because it was “not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” Hebrews 4:2.
  3. In I Corinthians 10:6, Paul says, “We should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.” When God took them into the wilderness, He put them on a different diet from that which they had been used to in Egypt. They were given some health reform principles, which you can read in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. These included sanitation, quarantine, disease control, cleanliness, and diet. They did not like the health reform and wanted flesh food and more highly spiced food than the manna that was provided for them. Paul says, “Do not lust after evil things.” They lusted after the fleshpots of Egypt.

There is tremendous resistance in Adventism today against health reform. The Bible says in Psalms that they were eating angel’s food (Psalm 78:25) and they didn’t like it. They preferred the food they had become used to while in Egypt. The manna provided was such that throughout all their wanderings in the wilderness, their feet never swelled up, even though they walked many miles in the desert. Although they remained in perfect health, they continually grumbled and complained.

  1. In I Corinthians 10:7, Paul says, “Do not become idolaters as were some of them.” Idolatry is a huge subject. When I was a child I never thought I was an idolater. I did not worship idols. I never fell down before them. So I thought I was not an idolater. Spending time in Myanmar with my missionary parents, I had witnessed people kneeling down to a huge image of Buddha, but we were Christians. We did not kneel down to it. How shallow is often our understanding of idolatry. In I John 2:15, 16, the apostle warns about making idols of worldly things. People make many things into idols.
  2. In I Corinthians 10:8, Paul says, “Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did.”
  3. In I Corinthians 10:9, Paul says, “Nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted.” With all the evidence at the Red Sea and the manna never failing to fall to sustain them, the Israelites still questioned the presence of the Lord. They queried if the Lord was with them. (See Exodus 17:1–3.) Could we be guilty of the same kind of thinking? “Well, if God was with me, then this would not happen to me.”
  4. Paul says, “Don’t complain like they did.”

Because of all these things, they were not allowed into the Promised Land and had to die in the wilderness. The wilderness became their cemetery, the biggest cemetery in the world.

The Lord has led modern Israel, us, out of Egypt, and we are on a journey through the wilderness on our way to the land that He has promised us. The question remains to be answered if modern Israel will reach the Promised Land and be allowed to enter or will she die in the wilderness as did Israel before her. The devil is determined to claim her as his and cause modern Israel to die in the wilderness, as did ancient Israel. He was successful enough the last time that there were only two who went in and he wants to make the same thing happen again. Ellen White says, “Today Satan is using the same devising to introduce the same evils and his efforts are followed by the same results that in the days of Israel laid so many in their graves.” The Review and Herald, February 4, 1909.

Our carnal traits of character are not to be retained. An honest perusal of the above list will bring the conviction that many of us have been guilty of some of the same things. That being the case, what are we going to do about it? The choice remains with us. We can continue to hold on to our wrong traits of character and continue wandering or make a complete surrender to Jesus. In The Youth Instructor, March 5, 1903, we are told: “God will call us to account if we retain wrong traits of character, refusing to call to our aid the power of the Word, and in the name of Jesus correct our faults and subdue the passions of the natural heart. Many enthrone Satan in the heart, to triumph over Christ by the indulgence of evil inclinations. Sin reigns where Christ should reign. Those who thus continue to cherish sin can never be saved as they are.”

Cherished sin causes a condition in which you cannot be saved. “Unless they change, they will never enter heaven themselves, and they make very difficult the path of those who are trying to overcome. Their faulty, unconsecrated lives place them on the side of the power of darkness, while they are professedly on the side of Christ. Jesus makes them the objects of His tender solicitude and unwearied labor, until, notwithstanding all His efforts, they become fixed in sin. Then those over whom He has wept and yearned in love and compassion are left to pursue their own course. The Saviour turns from them, saying, sadly, They are joined to their idols; let them alone. God forbid that this should be said of us.” Ibid.

“Many who, like ancient Israel, profess to keep God’s commandments have hearts of unbelief while outwardly observing the statutes of God. Although favored with great light and precious privileges, they will nevertheless lose the heavenly Canaan, even as the rebellious Israelites failed to enter the earthly Canaan that God had promised them as the reward of their obedience.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 162.

It is too late in earth’s history to continue playing games. The Lord knows your spiritual condition and whether you have made a complete surrender and are willing to forsake all your sins.

When all others had apostatized, Caleb and Joshua committed their case to the Lord. If you are willing to commit your case to the Lord, He can save you. “Satan stands at our right hand to accuse us, and our advocate stands at God’s right hand to plead for us. He has never lost a case that has been committed to Him.” The Review and Herald, August 15, 1893.

You may be the weakest, most sinful person and be in a lot of trouble right now; you may think that your sin is so great that you will never get out of here. In fact, you will not, unless somebody leads you out. That Somebody Who can lead you out is Jesus Christ. He is the only Way out of the wilderness and He has never lost a case that has been fully committed to Him.

“He [Jesus] is making intercession for the most lowly, the most oppressed and suffering, for the most tried and tempted ones.” Ibid. “He will help His believing children in every emergency if they will place their entire confidence in Him, and implicitly obey Him.” The Review and Herald, March 15, 1887.

Bible texts are from NKJV unless otherwise noted.

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

Editorial – Are you Ready for the Future?

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“Our people need to understand the oracles of God; they need to have a systematic knowledge of the principles of revealed truth, which will fit them for what is coming upon the earth and prevent them from being carried about by every wind of doctrine.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 273.

“Christians should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise, and this preparation they should make by diligently studying the word of God and striving to conform their lives to its precepts.” Prophets and Kings, 626.

Who is Your Leader?

“It is a marvel to the angels that human beings should choose to be incapable of realizing how greatly Christ humiliated Himself in their behalf. They marvel that men and women do not rejoice to acknowledge Christ as their Saviour, to accept Him as their Leader, and to follow His example of self-denial.” The Signs of the Times, December 20, 1905.

“There is to be no compromise with those who make void the law of God. It is not safe to rely upon them as counselors.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 371.

Christians cannot be faithful to the above counsels and at the same time fraternize with those who do not keep the commandments of God or follow the testimonies of His spirit. Christians cannot become members or associates of secret societies, or of confederacies labeled as a brotherhood of workers, or of confederacies that are labeled as an association to promote Christian unity. This has been done repeatedly in secret for decades but especially since 1982—Adventists have joined themselves with the ecumenical movement and in so doing denied the faith of the three angels messages. (This is the hidden reason behind much persecution Adventists are having in many countries.) Also, since the early 1980s Adventists have yoked up with lawyers and legal entanglements just as J. H. Kellogg did over one hundred years ago during the time of the alpha of deadly heresies. What will be the end of these things? Only the Lord knows. He has said through His messenger, “The developments of these last days will soon become decided. When these spiritualistic deceptions are revealed to be what they really are—the secret workings of evil spirits—those who have acted a part in them will become as men who have lost their minds. Letter 311, October 30, 1905, to Brethren Daniells and Prescott and their associates.” This Day With God, 312.

What side are you on? We should know without a doubt on what side we are exerting our influence.