Issue: 2010 September

Keys to the Storehouse – Those Weary Feet

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The footwashing service is a time when I never know what to think or what to say. It is such a solemn occasion. I know that my heart is pleading for God to cleanse me from all of my unrighteousness, but sometimes I think that even that is kind of selfish, because I am just praying for myself. What or how do I pray for another at this special, solemn time of serving others? It is just amazing that here we are, brothers and sisters, gathered together in the name of Jesus, but are at a loss for words to entreat humbly for one another.

As I am washing another’s feet, my prayer is ascending to God that He will continually wash the dust from our feet that has been collected while walking on this earth and that His healing touch be applied where the dust has caused harm. My mind has been blank to what other blessing I may ask God to give to my sister in footwashing. I think that we forget that each one of us is struggling to walk on that straight path. We are told to, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:4. How thoughtless we become at times to just think of ourselves and pray only for ourselves.

As I was reading through volume 2 of Manuscript Releases one evening, the following was revealed to me and I was so excited and humbled that God would bring this to my attention. I want you to be as excited and blessed as I was in reading this.

On pages 346, 347, Sister White shares her experience: “I was greatly blessed while engaged in washing the feet of my dear mother. It seemed to me to be the last time I should have the privilege. I felt called out to cry earnestly unto God that those weary feet might run in the way of God’s commandments, travel the whole length of the Christian road, and after her weary pilgrimage is ended lay off her armor at the feet of her Redeemer, and finally stand upon the Mount Zion and walk the streets of gold. We wept together and that season will be long remembered. A holy solemnity pervaded the congregation. The place seemed awful and solemn on account of the presence of the Lord. After we had followed the example of our Lord in washing feet, we partook of the communion. It was an impressive scene as we called to mind the sufferings of our dear Saviour for our sins. Our hearts were deeply melted, and overflowed with gratitude and love to Him who had paid such a dear price to ransom us from the power of Satan and hopeless misery.”

Do you feel called out to cry earnestly unto God and to plead for another’s feet as you are washing? Plead for God’s Holy Spirit to put words within your heart for them. Use the above as the basis for your own personalized silent prayer as follows:

O Heavenly Father, as I bow in humiliation before Thee to wash these precious feet, I ask earnestly that these weary feet might run in the way of Your commandments. I pray that these precious feet will travel the whole length of the Christian road and when their weary pilgrimage is ended, that they lay off their armor at the feet of our dear Redeemer and Savior, Jesus Christ, to stand upon Mount Zion and walk those streets of gold. I pray that these feet will be able to walk on those streets of gold. Thank you, Father. Amen.

Turn this Key to the storehouse and walk into His presence where there are wonders beyond our imagination!

Children’s Story – Building a Bridge

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In 1883, a creative engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with Long Island. However, bridge building experts throughout the world thought that it was an impossible feat, telling Roebling to forget the idea and that it just could not be done. It was not practical, and a project like that had never been done before.

Roebling could not ignore the idea he had in his mind of building the bridge. He thought about it continually and he knew, deep in his heart, that it could be done. He just had to share the idea with someone else, and after much discussion and persuasion, he managed to convince his son Washington, a construction engineer, that the bridge could be built.

Working together for the first time, the father and son developed concepts of how it could be accomplished and how any obstacles could be overcome. With great excitement and inspiration, and the prospect of a wild challenge before them, they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge.

The project started well, but when it was only a few months underway a tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling. Washington, also seriously injured, was left with a certain amount of brain damage, which resulted in him being paralyzed, unable to walk or talk. Many of the scoffers said, “We told them so.” “Crazy men and their crazy dreams.” “It’s foolish to chase wild visions.” Everyone seemed to have negative comments to make and felt that the project should be stopped since the Roeblings were the only ones who knew how the bridge could be built. In spite of his handicap, Washington’s mind was still as sharp as ever and he maintained a burning desire to complete the bridge, never becoming discouraged.

He tried to inspire and pass on his enthusiasm to some of his friends, but they were too discouraged to tackle the task without him. As he lay on his bed in his hospital room, with the sunlight streaming through the windows, a gentle breeze blew the flimsy white curtains apart, enabling him to see the sky and the tops of the trees outside for just a moment.

It seemed that there was a message for him not to give up. Suddenly an idea hit him. He was limited to only moving one finger so he decided to make the best use of it. By moving his finger, he slowly developed a code of communication with his wife.

Touching his wife’s arm with that finger, he indicated to her to call the engineers again and using that same method of tapping her arm he communicated to the engineers what they needed to do. It seemed foolish, but the project was again under way.

For 13 years Washington tapped out his instructions with his finger on his wife’s arm, until the bridge was finally completed. Today the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man’s indomitable spirit and his determination not to be defeated by circumstances. It is also a tribute to the engineers and their teamwork, and to their faith in a man who was considered by half the world to be mad. It stands, too, as a tangible monument to the love and devotion of his wife who, for 13 long years, patiently decoded the messages of her husband, instructing the engineers what to do next.

Perhaps this is one of the best examples of a positive attitude that overcame a terrible physical handicap, achieving a seemingly impossible goal.

Often when we face obstacles in our day-to-day life, our hurdles seem very small in comparison to what many others have to face. The Brooklyn Bridge shows us that no matter what the odds are, God will give us strength to accomplish all that it is His will to do.

Each can say with confidence, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me” [Philippians 4:13]. Never forget that God is our strength at all times and in all circumstances.

Like Paul, there can be no higher goal than living out our own unique talents to the best of our ability in service to those whom Christ loved. We are called to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14), and as we do so, whether it is visible or not, we are making great progress.

Inspiration – A Letter from Sister White regarding Man-made Tests

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St. Helena, California, February 21, 1901

I am sorry indeed to hear that you have been passing through trials caused by any who claim to believe the truth.

God does not lead any man to advocate such actions as praying with eyes open. We have not a particle of evidence that this was done by the disciples of Christ.

Removing the shoes from the feet when entering the house of worship is not a duty required of us. Anciently those who ministered in sacred office were required, upon entering the sanctuary of God, to remove their sandals, and wash their feet on which dust has accumulated. But there is not the least occasion for this to be done now.

If those who claim to believe the sacred truth for this time should go back to the practice of the ceremonial observances required of the Jews, what kind of a representation would be made before angels and before men?

We should use the utmost care to cleanse every corner of the heart from sin. Those who, in the place of cleansing the soul-temple, perform outward ceremonies, thinking that these will recommend them to God, will find themselves enshrouded in spiritual darkness, even as were the Jews.

To ensure cleanliness God required many ceremonies from ancient Israel. These ceremonies were to illustrate the necessity of carefulness in all their actions, that they might be preserved from all the impurity that it was possible for them to avoid. But these outward ceremonies have not the least bearing upon the people of God at this time. When Christ, our Sin-bearer, died upon the cross, these ceremonies lost their force; for in His death type met antitype.

Those who present such tests to the people of God today only confuse the mind. They put outward performances in the place of the precious truth, making works take the place of religion of heart and life.

God’s Great Test

God has given a test to all the world. “The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily, my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people [Exodus 31:12–14].” …

This is the Lord’s test. Let us not descend from it to man-made tests.

Grand Truths vs. Nonessential Fables

These weak productions, presented to the church for their instructions and practice, are the product of minds who need that one teach them the first principles of the gospel of Christ.

I have received from the Lord warnings to give to Seventh-day Adventist churches. He has instructed me that Satan is the inventor of unimportant, nonsensical fables, which he presents to human minds to eclipse the grand, elevating, purifying truths for this time. The enemy strives by these miserable inventions to lower the sacred principles of truth, to lead the mind away from health-giving truth to sham ceremonies.

Satan is not pleased when the people of God demonstrate the ennobling, elevating influence that pure truth has upon human minds. He is the author of the silly fables which some have been presenting. The cheap, weak tests which he leads men to advocate should not be received or tolerated in our churches.

Let Us Pray With Closed Eyes

It would seem that the ideas of believers praying with their eyes open, as though looking into heaven, is one of Satan’s cheap fables, and the taking off the shoes when entering the house of worship is another production of his. The Lord is not pleased when His people, who have received such grand, noble truths from His word, allow their minds to dwell on the weak, silly fables which have been presented to me for my opinion. These deceived souls are told that Sister White prays with her eyes open. No; Sister White closes her eyes when she prays, that with spiritual vision she may behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. …

As people, we shall have to meet all classes of professed Christians. There will be those who will bring to the foundation a large amount of wood, hay, stubble, which will be consumed by the fires of the last day, and if they themselves are saved, it will be as by fire. Only by straightforward repentance and conversion can they be purified and made white and tried.

Take Heed to Yourselves

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them [Acts 20:28–30].” Here is plainly shown the difficulties that will come into the church through men who are not satisfied to dwell upon the lessons given them by our Lord Jesus Christ, who are always seeking for something strange and odd, to present as new light which other men have overlooked. …

Not Swayed by Every Wind of Doctrine

The fourth chapter of Ephesians contains instruction which we should all heed. After speaking of the need of unity, the apostle says, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” [Verses 14, 15]. To speak the truth in love means to walk in the truth, to practice the truth in the transactions of life, to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called, doing works which correspond to the elevating influence of the truth. It means to have a faith which works by love and purifies the soul, making us alive in Christ. It means to have in the soul the living water, which Christ gives and which springs up unto everlasting life.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 3, 55–59.

Be Ye Separate

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“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

II Corinthians 6:14–18

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Romans 12:2

Be ye separate. The theme of a great separation runs through the Bible. There are only two sides—him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not. Those who serve God have chosen to leave behind anything that would separate them from Jesus. Those who love and copy the ways of the ungodly world around them have chosen a different path. Today, in the very last days of earth’s history, it is of the greatest necessity that we know which side we are on. For to choose to be partly on the side of the world is to be completely an alien to the side of Christ.

“The Lord, by close and pointed truths for these last days, is cleaving out a people from the world and purifying them unto Himself.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 52.

“It is God’s design to manifest through His people the principles of His kingdom. That in life and character they may reveal these principles, He desires to separate them from the customs, habits, and practices of the world.” Medical Ministry, 187.

“God’s people today are to keep themselves distinct and separate from the world, its spirit, and its influences.” Counsels on Health, 290.

How important is it that we as Christians separate ourselves from the world, its values, practices, and influences? Any concept that encourages laxity of Christian principles in this area is like a small needle that deflates the balloon of the entire Christian experience. In fact, the very biblical definition of a Christian is one who has separated from the sinful ways of the world.

“A Christian, as described by the Scriptures, is a person who is separated from the world in his aims and practices and is united with Christ—a possessor of the peace which Christ alone can bestow, finding that the joy of the Lord is his strength and that his joy is full.” In Heavenly Places, 168.

“Those who come out of the world in spirit and in all practice may regard themselves as sons and daughters of God.” Manuscript 11, 1901.

In other words, God regards as His followers only those who are willing to leave the world behind. Those who still grasp its ways with one hand, as Lot’s wife did, unwilling to give them up, are not His sons and daughters. In fact, our separation from the ways of the world is a thermometer of the depth of our Christian experience.

“The strength and spirituality of the people of God are manifest by the distinctness of the line of demarcation which separates them from the world.” The Southern Work, 17.

“There are conditions to meet if we would be blessed and honored by God. We are to separate from the world, and refuse to touch those things that will separate our affections from God.” The Review and Herald, January 2, 1900.

“Do you desire to become the sons and daughters of the Most High? Here is stated the condition of this great privilege. Come out, be separate, touch not the unclean. You cannot keep the fellowship of the world, participate in its pleasures, identify yourself with its interests, and still be the sons of God.” That I May Know Him, 310.

Each of us desires to be a son or daughter of the Most High, and God mercifully makes known to us how we can cooperate with the work He wants to do in us. He has not left us to stumble in the dark, seeking for acceptance with God. Instead, He has made the conditions plain, and one of them—a very important one—is separation from the world. “The condition of our acceptance with God is a practical separation from the world.” Counsels on Health, 51.

Practically speaking, what is separation from the world, and how separate are we to be? This revolves around our upholding and living the Law of God, which is trodden down by those around us. It involves our believing and teaching the great message of truth committed to us by God in His Word. And, just as importantly, it involves our living out this truth in our daily lives. Our daily lives must be in wide contrast to the habits and customs of those around us.

“We are not to elevate our standard just a little above the world’s standard, but we are to make the distinction decidedly apparent. The reason we have had so little influence upon unbelieving relatives and associates is that there has been so little decided difference between our practices and those of the world.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 146, 147.

“In the service of God there is no middle ground. … Let none expect to make a compromise with the world, and yet enjoy the blessing of the Lord. Let God’s people come out from this world, and be separate.” Our High Calling, 305.

There is no middle ground, no gray area. The distinction is to be decidedly apparent. In other words, by observing my daily life, I ought to be able to see without a shadow of a doubt that I am a follower of Jesus.

“We have a representation to make to the world of pure principles, holy ambitions, noble aspirations, that will distinguish us from all other people, making us a separate nation, a peculiar people.” God’s Amazing Grace, 249.

The principles given to us by the Lord are so high and holy that they should distinguish us from every other group of people.

“By waiting and watching, God’s people are to manifest their peculiar character, their separation from the world. By our watching position we are to show that we are truly strangers and pilgrims upon the earth. The difference between those who love the world and those who love Christ is so plain as to be unmistakable.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 194.

“We are called to be the Lord’s special people in a much higher sense than many have realized. The world lies in wickedness, and God’s people are to come out of the world, and be separate. They are to be free from worldly customs and worldly habits. They are not to accord with worldly sentiments, but are to stand out distinct, as the Lord’s peculiar people, earnest in all their service.” This Day With God, 248.

Do I stand out as distinct? This is an important question that each of us must answer. And yet it is a difficult question. It can be uncomfortable to stand out in the crowd, to be noticed for our convictions, to be different from our associates. For this reason, many people have chosen the easier route of, to a greater or lesser degree, conforming to the world’s styles and practices. And for this reason, we experience so little of the power of God, because we are not wholly on His side.

“Will separation from the world, in obedience to the divine command, unfit us for the work the Lord has left us? Will it hinder us from doing good to those around us? No; the firmer hold we have on heaven, the greater will be our power of usefulness.” In Heavenly Places, 312. God would not so clearly command us to separate ourselves from this world’s way of living if it were not for the best good of the upbuilding of His kingdom. In fact, “The reason we have had so little influence upon unbelieving relatives and associates is that we have manifested little decided difference in our practices from those of the world.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 289. Obedience to God will not make us less effective in witnessing, but rather more. The world must see that ours is a religion that transforms the daily life.

Jesus told His followers that they would not be loved by the world. The natural human heart cannot understand spiritual things. True religion will not make us popular. However, the honest in heart will be attracted to the beauty of holiness. If people of the world see no difference between us and themselves, we have not reached the high standard of God.

It is true that a person can be very different from all around him, and still have a heart unsurrendered to God. Yet, it is equally true that when the heart is surrendered to God, we will respond in loving obedience by choosing the clean and pure and rejecting the polluted. There is no merit in being different of itself. What God asks is obedience, and because of the condition of the world around us, obedience automatically means being different.

This, then, is the special work we must focus on in this time. “There must be a straining of every nerve and spirit and muscle to leave the world, its customs, its practices, and its fashions. …” Selected Messages, vol. 3, 155.

Coming into line with God’s heavenly principles of life needs to be our top priority. Any worldly weight that anchors us down to this earth needs to be dropped overboard. Our lives must be searched for any hidden corner where the world has put down its roots, any area in which we are out of harmony with the life that Jesus lived on this earth.

The message of separation from the world has for a great part been lost sight of by most professed Christians. It is essential that we not neglect it now. In His great mercy, God has built the wall of separation between His pure people and the sinful world. Although many have hoped to break down this wall, they have not succeeded, but have merely succeeded in placing themselves completely on the enemy’s side. God’s separation between holiness and unholiness remains. It is our responsibility to be certain that all blinders are removed from our eyes, and that we know without a doubt on which side we are.

“The Lord Himself has established a separating wall between the things of the world and the things which He has chosen out of the world and sanctified to Himself. The world will not acknowledge this distinction. … But God has made this separation, and He will have it exist. In both the Old and the New Testaments the Lord has positively enjoined upon His people to be distinct from the world, in spirit, in pursuits, in practice; to be a holy nation, a peculiar people, that they may show forth the praises of Him who hath called them out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). The east is not farther from the west than are the children of light, in customs, practices, and spirit, from the children of darkness. This distinction will be more marked, more decided, as we near the close of time. …” That I May Know Him, 308. The distinction is a great one—so marked as to be unmistakable. And it will become more marked as we near the close of time, which certainly is now. Why is this? While the world’s people are sinking deeper and deeper in sin and lack of restraint, God’s people are to be coming higher and higher, always learning more of the character of Jesus, and rising to meet the standard.

This is not a time to relax our principles. It is not a time to enjoy what unbelievers enjoy. It is not a time to follow the fashions. It is not a time to let the world shape our recreational tastes, or to heap up treasures on this earth. This is a time to come apart and be separate. Which side will you be on?

Amy Pavlovik has been a teacher and missionary in Macedonia but her highest calling at present is mother to two year-old Naomi and helpmeet to her husband Mile Pavlovik, Bible worker at Steps to Life.

Dangerous Path – Secret Protector

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As I looked out of the window, I knew I was in trouble. Two men, who I knew to be hit men, drove up in front of the little house where I lived with my little girl. I had crossed one of the leaders of a group I seemed to have become a part of and I knew my number was up. At that point I did not know God as a Father, but as a God of wrath. Still the familiar words came out, “Oh God, help me.” I watched as they got out of their car and headed toward the gate in my front yard. Time froze at that window as I watched them draw nearer; then, all of a sudden they turned quickly and headed back toward their car. My eyes looked again and, amazingly, there was my grandmother walking toward the gate of my yard. This was the first time she had ever come to my home and at just the time when I needed somebody to intervene, God did it through my grandmother. I know my life was spared.

Grandma stayed for a little while and I knew that when she left, those men would be back. I phoned my mother in Minnesota and told her that I was in real trouble. I grabbed my little girl and a few clothes and left that house never to return again. I did not know God, but He loved me even in the midst of all the filth.

After staying with Mom for a short period in Minnesota where she tried to redirect me, my brother offered that I could stay with him and his family in Idaho until I got settled. I had not yet turned my life around when we moved in with them and several weeks later my sister-in-law found some drugs on me. Before I knew it, my brother asked me to leave because they were concerned for the safety of their children. Now I had no place to go and knew nobody in that area. My little girl and I lived in my car for about two weeks. One morning a very nice lady knocked on my car window and asked me if we would like to stay in her little camper until I could find some place to live. She was concerned about my daughter. Amazing how God stepped in again!

Later, I decided to go back to my home town and ended back in with some of the old friends. One night after joining with these friends in some drugs, I lost my mind. I don’t know what happened for several hours. I was told that I just sat and stared with no response. After three hours with no improvement my friends became afraid for me and decided to take me into the hospital. I suddenly started asking for my little girl so they went and picked her up from the sitter and brought her to me. She started screaming and crying, “Mommy, Mommy!” Suddenly I snapped out of it and immediately realized how close I had come to insanity and even death. I cried and squeezed my daughter. Looking back now I know that God had put her into my life especially for that moment. I am amazed how often God stepped in.

After that experience, needless to say, I quit drugs, but still had not changed anything else in my life.drug

God had another plan for me. Shortly afterward my brother and his family were in a horrific car accident. His wife and eldest daughter were killed instantly but my brother and the youngest were still alive. I immediately caught a flight to see him though it was only to be for a few minutes. He was unable to talk because of the tubes down his throat and up his nose. Oh! What a mess! I told him I loved him and I know that when he reached out and touched me, that he loved me also. I told him I would be back in later but I never saw him alive again, as he died.

Oh, I was heartsick and blamed God. I believed that my brother was in heaven so I tried to contact him. He never answered, so I thought I needed to become a witch and then I could contact him. I picked up witchcraft books and started incantations, etc. Oh my; I look back now and see how God had His hand over me again and I did not even know it.

Finally, I came back to reality and considered what my brother would have wanted me to do with my life. The first thing I did was to quit where I was working because it was not a nice place and my brother never did approve of me being there. I went back to school for training and ended up working in law offices. Had it not been for my brother’s death, I would not be here because the thought of changing my life had not occurred before this. God truly works in mysterious ways. He knew that was the only way He could get my attention—through my brother’s death.

As I started working in my new field, I fitted in well with the lawyers and I was outspoken, etc. After several years, I received a flyer from a friend advertising a healthful cooking class. Since I had not been feeling well, I decided to attend. I thoroughly enjoyed it as it was a most wonderful and informative class. On the last night we were asked to fill out a card and to check whether or not we wanted Bible studies. I do not know why I checked yes, but I did. Amazing how the Spirit works!

On the first night of the arranged Bible studies something happened that changed my life. Jesus was presented to me in such a way that I broke down in tears. What a loving Savior. I thought of all those wasted years that I did not know Him and His Father.

I now had such a yearning to learn more of my Savior. I was so diligent in studying and I went the extra mile and read the Spirit of Prophecy. I just could not keep myself away from the Word of God and Spirit of Prophecy and I gave my heart and my all to God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

I look back and can see God’s hand in protecting me in so many instances. Behold what manner of love He had for me, a sinner—a chief of sinners. Now I am truly free in Him.

The law office where I worked soon noticed the change in me. They even quit cursing, etc., around me—it was a totally different atmosphere that was created.

God had a plan for me, but first He had to get my attention. Now He had my attention and my dad came down with cancer. I was able to share with him about the love of Jesus and before he died, he said he gave his heart to Jesus.

Early one morning while studying, God moved upon my heart to move to Minnesota. I said, “No Lord, not Minnesota.” But the impression was so strong to go tell the remaining family what God had done in my life.

I moved, and the first couple of years were rough because they all thought I was a member of a cult. Mom started having strokes so I stayed with her in the evenings. I would get her tucked in and go out and spend time reading and singing. She would come out and ask me why I was always so happy and humming. I was always singing Scripture songs in my heart. I would say it was Jesus; do you want to hear about Him? She would say no. One night I was spending time with God and He so impressed me to go back and tell Mom about Jesus, and I said, “No Lord, she does not want to hear about Him.” But the Lord kept moving upon my heart, so I went back and I said, “Momma, do you want to hear about Jesus?” Amazingly she said yes, so I sat her up and we talked. That was the first time I had ever prayed with Momma. Those were very special moments. The next morning she had a massive stroke.

Did God have a plan for my life? Yes, and if I had not followed, many would not have heard about Jesus. My sister has now given her heart to the Lord. God has saved me from much and now He is working through me to touch others.

I am so thankful for a God who loved me before I knew Him. I am so thankful for a God who protected me from the Devil’s wrath that was trying to destroy me. I praise God for the life He has given me and I treasure each moment.

I look back and I know why Grandma showed up at my gate that day. It was the only time she had been there. It was because God loved me and had plans for my life. I look back and I can see God’s hand of protection over me. I know why all those things happened and there are many more experiences I could share. I can honestly say that truly, I “know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:28–31.

Because He lives, I live and I can face tomorrow with joy in my heart. He has predestined me for a high calling and I choose to follow Him because He first loved me. Truly, if God be for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)? God has saved me from much. He has given me a life and I have returned it to Him for His use and for His glory.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.” Psalm 103:1-–4.

Judy Hallingstad is on the LandMarks team. She can be contacted by email at: judyhallingstad@stepstolife.org.

Joseph and Jehovah-Jirah

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Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. The ancient elders were commended for this (Hebrews 11:1, 2).

Joseph, one of my favorite Bible characters, I believe is one of the most remarkable characters in the Bible. I hope this sketch impels you to study and contemplate his life story, as the applications and lessons from his life are innumerable. My goal is to illustrate from the life of Joseph what a firm belief and obedience to the God he knew, Jehovah-Jirah, ultimately did for him and what that same belief can and will do for all who choose to believe as did Joseph.

Let’s begin by looking at the dizzying heights to which he suddenly ascended following his rather routine childhood and the inexplicably terrifying and difficult years of youth and young adulthood.

Joseph became nothing less than the second greatest person on the face of the earth. Egypt was the premier nation at this time, excelling in the arts, culture, architecture, writing, etc. And Joseph was the head, the leader, the one in power as it says in Genesis 41:41, 44. We read, “So Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.’ … Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt.’ ” Now that is power. One person only, one human being had greater power than Joseph and that person was Pharaoh.

But what led up to this position of trust and power? Did Joseph have a smooth, gradual, typical rise? Did he have the usual grooming we would prescribe for one being prepared for this type of position? How did he come to possess the qualifications for the position that he came to occupy?

Let’s travel back in time about 18 years. The time is not given exactly, nor is Joseph’s age at this time precisely known. Jacob, Joseph’s father, had left his land of sojourn and had arrived back in Canaan along with his large family. Here Joseph meets for the first time his aged grandfather, Isaac, about whom he has undoubtedly heard so much. Without doubt Joseph is drawn to this patriarch and spends much time listening to the stories his grandfather has to relate. Remember, Joseph is the undisputed favorite of his father; the son of the only woman he truly loved who is now dead. Joseph has 10 older brothers to take care of the flocks and herds. Joseph has time on his hands, and I can imagine that Jacob would naturally encourage the attachment between his own aging and beloved father and this favored son. Let’s join as Joseph listens to these stories; imagine how he would relate to them and integrate them into his own life.

We read in Patriarchs and Prophets, 209 that Joseph was intelligent, kind, affectionate, thoughtful, and pure, with moral earnestness and firmness. He would have listened intently, engaging deeply in the stories of his illustrious ancestors and cherishing the lessons illustrated by them. There is one story in particular I would like to focus on that to me must have been a most powerful influence in Joseph’s coming years. But first some background.

The story begins with the first promise God made to Abram as he was called out of Ur. God said to Abram, “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you … .” Genesis 12:2. Then followed the long, the very long delay waiting for the birth of the promised heir. Joseph was told of the efforts of humans to help out God, with the utter chaos and pain that resulted. Then he was told of the miracle. Oh, the miracle of a tiny baby born to a woman of 90 and her husband of 100 years of age. We can’t truly comprehend the joy, the wonder, the awe they experienced, when after so long this yearning husband and wife, well beyond childbearing years, are granted this miracle.

Then there were many years of happiness, of training the child to worship, love, trust and fear the God who had the power to bring such a miracle to be. And Abraham had experiences to tell. And tell them he did. He was not too proud to admit his mistakes, to humbly share with this promised son what he had learned through such costly and painful lessons. And now is the story that grounded Joseph for his crucible, his trial, his time of preparation for the mighty role he was to play in the history of this world. Remember, the one relating the story is Isaac, the very Isaac involved in the story. As he relates the story, he relives it vividly, awestruck once again by the loving providences of the God he serves.

One night Abraham, now 120 years old, was peacefully sleeping, maybe dreaming of this promised son, and what a blessed young man God had given him. One night he was suddenly wakened by a voice. It was a voice he knew well. But the message was foreign, totally unexpected and totally shattered everything he knew of God. The voice said to him, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Genesis 22:2.

It was crystal clear. There was no doubt. God said who? “Your son, your only son, Isaac.” God said where? “The region of Moriah.” God said what to do? “Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering.” Abraham was filled with doubt and anguish, yet he knew the voice, and he must obey. Joseph, listening, was on the edge of his seat. He knew that human sacrifices were condemned by God and even at his tender age in his early to mid teens he understood something of the great test before Abraham.

Isaac continued, “My father and I often sacrificed together so that morning when he woke me early, it was nothing unusual. However, as we traveled, I noticed my father’s silence, his introspection, his unusual demeanor. It took us three days to reach the region where we were to sacrifice and he hardly said a word; just looked at me, studied me. It was not until that third day that I asked a question that had been baffling me, ‘The fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?’ Genesis 22:7. Do you know, Joseph, what my father said? He replied, ‘God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering.’ Verse 8.

“Joseph, God is Jehovah-jireh. Do you know what that name means? Jehovah-jireh, the Lord will provide. Joseph, God will see to it. My father understood and trusted.

“So we continued on, leaving the servants at the foot of the mountain. We built the altar, we arranged the wood, and then was the time. With intense emotion my father laid open to me the instruction God had given him. Remember, Joseph, my father was 120 years old. I was 20. I could have easily overcome him and prevented what God had told him to do. I knew and understood what he was saying, what he was proposing—death. I had seen it many times before. Sacrifices—I had participated in them for years. I knew what it meant to see the victim slain, had often seen it laying bleeding on the altar, the innocent suffering for the guilty.

“However, I saw the anguish of my father. I trusted my father. I trusted that this was God’s will and I trusted God, Jehovah-jirah. How I endeavored to lighten his grief and encourage him in what he must now do. Soon, I was tied and laid on the altar. The knife was raised. I was waiting for the lowering of the knife. Time hung in the balance. But the blow never came. An angel of God called Abraham and told him, ‘Do not lay a hand on the boy.’ Verse 12. And Joseph, God, Jehovah-jirah did provide. He did see to it. Caught in a thicket close by was a ram. God provided.”

As Joseph listened to this story related by the very one laid on the altar, the lesson sank deep into his soul and he knew without any doubt that God was Jehovah-jirah.

So, friends, when Joseph was thrown in the pit, he knew that God was Jehovah-jirah and would see to it. When he was sold as a slave he knew that God was Jehovah-jirah and He would see to it. When thrown in a dungeon for his stellar integrity he knew that God was Jehovah-jirah and He would see to it.

When you have experiences such as those that Joseph went through and face them with faith and courage, they change you. From the pen of inspiration: “God brings His people near Him by close, testing trials, by showing them their own weakness and inability, and by teaching them to lean upon Him as their only help and safeguard. Then His object is accomplished. They are prepared to be used in every emergency, to fill important positions of trust, and to accomplish the grand purposes for which their powers were given them.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 86. Would you not say that this was exemplified beautifully in the life of Joseph? I believe that those early stories played a significant role in preparing Joseph for facing and learning from his trials.

What is your pit, what is your trial in slavery or what is your dungeon? I would like to challenge you to put your trust in Jehovah-jirah, the God who will provide, the God who will see to it because He does and He will.

God is still Jehoveh-jireh, the God who will see to it. Remember it, know it, act on it. Jehoveh-jireh; God will provide!

Brenda Douay is a staff member at Steps to Life. She can be contacted by e-mail at: brendadouay@stepstolife.org.

Immorality Before Crossing the Jordan

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“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14

God said in five words what others take many thousands to explain.

Martin Luther’s right hand man, Melanchthon, once said that the Bible must first be understood grammatically before it can be understood theologically. In other words, we must first determine what the words are, then determine what those words mean individually and only then can it be determined what those words mean compositely. Only after that groundwork has been done can we then deduce a theological meaning.

The word Thou is of the second person pronoun which can be either singular or plural. In other words, it is you, the second person. The word shalt, or shall, in the more familiar English, is a strong assertion or an intention, you shall.

The word not is added to any auxiliary verb in the English language and forms the negation of that verb. You will not do this. The word commit means to carry out, to accomplish.

The fifth and final word is adultery. Mr. Webster defines adultery as a violation of the marriage bed via sexual intercourse, unchastity. God therefore commands that you will not violate the marriage bed, you will not be unchaste, you will not be immoral. You will not be licentious. It is very interesting to note that the very command, you will not do this, implies that you can. What would be the purpose in God commanding something that we could not do? When we talk about the moral law of God, God is asking us either to do or not to do that which we are capable of doing.

In the Hebrew text this command is even clearer, because it is stated in just two words: no adultery. We have already modified this statement into the English, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” In the Hebrew it simply states, “No adultery.” Is that unclear? The essence of the command is, “Do not be sexually involved with anyone who is not your spouse.” Often we take a very narrow view of adultery, and I have had people say to me that they cannot break that commandment because adultery is only violating the marriage vow, so if they are not married, how can they violate the marriage vow?

The essence of this command is to prohibit any sexual involvement outside of a marriage commitment. This commandment can also be violated by those who are not married. Jesus utterly affirmed this in Matthew 5:31 where He intensified the command: “Furthermore, it has been said, Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” “You have heard that it hath been 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 has already committed adultery in his heart.” Verses 27, 28. Jesus does not diminish the requirement of the law; He does not take away from the letter or the spirit, but He magnifies it and says, You thought it only pertained to the literal act, but I am telling you, you can be found guilty of this command somewhere between your ears.

Immorality is widespread today and it has become a major problem even in the Christian church. Not only are there blatant affairs going on, but many are looking at magazines and computer screens depicting every imaginable thing. People’s lives are being ruined, families are shattered and children are left with little or no direction with no proper role models to follow and it is happening all within the private confines of their own perverted imagination.

Jesus says in verse 32, “I say to you, That whosoever divorces his wife for any reason except for sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery.” Our definition of adultery is the violation of that marvelous union that God has instituted. Whoever marries a woman who is divorced without proper Biblical grounds commits adultery. Jesus magnified the law when adding that if you look on a woman to lust after her, and if you divorce a woman for a non-Biblical reason, that is the proliferation of adultery. Jesus in no way diminished the command, but He intensified it.

Jesus said, “Out of the heart proceeds all these evil thoughts, murders” (Matthew 15:19), which is commandment number six. And then He says, “adulteries, fornications,” referring to the seventh commandment. Jesus used two words to encapsulate this. He then goes on to say, “thefts” referring to commandment number eight. “Thou shalt not steal” and then, “false witness,” which is commandment number nine. This is very interesting; Jesus here describes commandments six, seven, eight and nine in a single word, except in the case of “Thou shalt not commit adultery” where He uses the words, adulteries and fornications. Here again Jesus is letting us know, as He did in Matthew, chapter five, that the command, “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” is not simply something a married individual can do. It involves the whole umbrella of sexual vice and impurity. He uses two words, adulteries, which is the Greek word for the violation of the marriage bed and the word fornications which is the word for porneo, pornography.

This commandment Jesus describes, is as broad and does not just refer to adultery between married people. This commandment covers all kinds of sexual perversity and immorality. I don’t think anyone would disagree with the fact that we live in a sex-crazy, sensual, seductive society. Our culture is sex consumed.

God made man to be a social creature, and not be alone. The vast majority of us are social beings with a desire for a permanent relationship in which to share the most intimate experiences of life. God gave man the institution of marriage as a haven of safety, a place of sacred trust, in which to enjoy and to satisfy this most basic longing to be one with another. The oneness that a man shares with his wife in mind, body and soul is designed to be a type of the oneness that Jesus desires of His people, giving all to that relationship and forsaking all others.

Primarily there are two groups of people that fall into sexual sin, which is plainly forbidden: the unmarried, that is to say the single, whether never married, or married and divorced, and the unhappily married. As a general rule, those who are happily married in a wonderful, mutual, godly relationship are not usually the people who fall into sexual sin. This does not mean that they are immune and cannot fall, but it does mean that the people who are generally struggling with sexual sin are either single, or they are unhappily married. A happy, contented marriage will not only solve the problem of adultery, but it also solves the problem of pornography.

This is not to say that there would not be some who would remain single. Jesus did say and Paul agreed that there were certain people who could receive the gift of celibacy and these people are in the minority, but to those who desire companionship, the Apostle Paul advises in I Corinthians 7:9, “It is better to marry than to burn.”

Pornography has grown into a multi-billion dollar per year industry, destroying morals, people and marriages along the way. Internet pornography has not gotten any worse in terms of its substance in the last twenty years, but it has just become more accessible. Previously it used to be only available in the more seedy places, in truck stops, along the wrong side of the tracks and the red light district. Some people had the victory over pornography because they were afraid of being seen in these places, but now it is readily available in the public library or right in the living room of your own home. The percentage of pornography related Internet usage is off the charts and, incidentally, the top Google search words are all porn-related.

Tragically, pornography has become too accessible, and almost impossible to escape. Regular advertising of general products now often use sexual innuendos with suggestive pictures plastered on billboards and simply going through the checkout at local grocery stores makes it difficult to ignore the numerous magazines advertising the sexual exploits of the rich and famous.

But what a blessing to be able to have victory over the curse of a sin that is completely accessible!

Just as the children of Israel were on the borders of the land of Canaan preparing to cross the Jordan River Satan attacked with one of his most effective weapons—ungodly licentious adultery. Women were brought into the camp and the men became far too familiar with them, causing many to lose sight of the Promised Land.

When Satan’s temptations are the strongest and the most accessible, that is the time when God’s people will stand the strongest. It is of no great virtue to have victory over an inaccessible temptation, but it is a tremendous honor to God when standing strong in the face of overwhelming temptation. Licentiousness is the special sin of this age. I believe that the person who is committed to the lifestyle of pornography is in an absolute violation of their marriage vow.

This is distinguished from the person who falls and makes a mistake and stubs his toe and utterly repents. If you are struggling with this sin, you need two things. You need Biblical spirituality and you need genuine accountability. The Bible says the flesh lusts against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17). You need the Spirit in your life. Jesus said in John 6:63, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you, Jesus said, they are spirit, and they are life.” You need to daily be filling your tank with spiritual food. If you find that you are failing and falling and fumbling, it is likely because you have not filled up your spiritual tank with true spiritual words from Jesus. His words are spirit and life. You need accountability.

The Bible says in II Corinthians 10:3–5, “For though we walk in the flesh [that means we are stuck in these bodies], we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses, the pulling down of strongholds. We are destroying speculations, and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” Spiritual food is needed to fuel the spiritual energy in your tank if you are going to get the victory over these specific temptations, which are the sin of our age. No one is immune to sexual temptation. You would need to be wiser than Solomon, more godly than David, stronger than Samson, and that seems unlikely.

It is a proven fact that men are primarily driven by their eyes and they are visually stimulated. This is why Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, “If a man looketh on a woman …” He constituted men that way. The Bible says, “God made Adam.” Genesis 1:27. But when it comes to Eve the Hebrew text says, “He built her.” The temptation for women is to build castles or have fantasies. Women are more likely to watch soap operas and read romance novels where all the characters are beautiful, rich and famous, leaving her discontented with reality. While women are castle-building, dreaming up the ideal life, and the men are looking around being driven sensually or visually, you can see what happens when a conflict arises in the marriage. The woman starts going her way, looking for that perfect man bearing flowers to come and sweep her off her feet. And the man starts to go his way and he is looking for a woman who is looking to be swept off her feet, and these two collide neither recognizing in each other what they need because they think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Men have the ability to size up a woman in one second with just a passing glance. So, the advice I have for men is simply this: Stop looking! There are way too many lookers. Make a covenant with your eyes to turn them away and stop looking! Jesus said, “Husbands, love your wives.” Ephesians 5:25. Learn the true meaning of love and you will never be happier than with your wife.

For women, stop being dissatisfied with your husband. Maybe he doesn’t have six pack abs, and maybe he doesn’t bring you roses every single night, but get over it! You are his helpmeet, the one God has chosen to help your husband meet his potential. You have the power to make your home a sanctuary where peace and love reign if you will but take seriously your God given responsibility to your husband and your children. Learn the meaning of grace; learn the meaning of forgiveness and your home will be a haven where angels love to dwell.

Beloved, I suggest to you a simple remedy for a good marriage: It is the five “Cs.”

Get converted—Figures show that the divorce rate is going down, now at about 42%, but research shows that it is because fewer people are getting married. Think about it. Marriage is a Christian institution and it is understandable not to expect unconverted people to do well in a Christian institution. So, if you want a good marriage, get converted. If two people are genuinely converted in a marriage, they cannot get a divorce. The reason for this is that God hates divorce and He would not lead two godly people, two converted people, to do something He hates.

Be committed—Not for a day, not for a year, not for a decade, but be committed for life.

Learn to compromise—You want the blue car and she wants the red car —you get the black car.

Have a little compassion—My advice to newlyweds who come into my office is, “You worry about the compassion, and the passion will take care of itself.”

Have a healthy dose of communication—Spend time talking together. There are many resources available that are excellent tools to help you develop your communication skills. e.g., Love and Respect, by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs.

Beloved, in closing, I just want to appeal to your hearts. Some of you are divorcees and God does give Biblical grounds for divorce. I believe in my heart He gives only one single ground for divorce on Biblical grounds and that is the violation of the marriage bed, adultery. In the book, The Adventist Home, 341, God sent a message through His prophet because we were mistaking the plain words of Jesus. It says, “Nothing but the violation of the marriage bed can either break or annul the marriage vow.”

Nothing, nothing, but the violation of the marriage bed can annul the marriage vow. Is that clear enough? Is there any confusion there? Now, if you have been divorced on Biblical grounds or even non-Biblical grounds, and you want to start anew, you want to start afresh, the good news about our God is that He meets you where you are. But grace is not a license to sin.

I stand before you here today as a man who has been happily married for almost ten years and I can say in the fear of God and with absolute candor, I am more in love with my wife today, ten years later, than I was the day I married her. She is more beautiful to me. She is a fantastic mother. She has put up with all of my idiosyncrasies. She is a godly woman. Perfect? Not yet—close, but not perfect yet! But I would invite you to give your marriage to God, give your struggles to God, give your sexuality to God, and I would close with five simple words: “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”

David Asscherick’s sermon was taken from the Ten Commandment Weekend, 2008 series aired on 3ABN. For more information contact 3ABN.org.

Rapture and The Second Coming

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We are living in the final period of the time of the end, or the last days. As we approach the end of world history, the Book of Revelation teaches that God has sent a special message for the final generation.

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth—to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people—saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment is come; and worship Him that made heaven and earth, and the sea and the fountains of waters.’ ” Revelation 14:6, 7. This is an appeal to worship God as the Creator. God knew the theory of evolution that would be prominent in the last days and gave this warning.

The first angel’s message is described as being given by an angel flying in the midst of heaven (Revelation 14:6). The second angel announces, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, and has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Verse 8. These are followed by a third message which says, “And a third angel followed saying with a loud voice, ‘If any one worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture [or full strength], into the cup of His indignation. And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends for ever and ever; and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.’ ” Revelation 14:8–11.

This is a most fearful warning that is given to the last generation living on the earth. The final verse in the third angel’s message says, “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12.

Here are pointed out two classes of people. The first class is the group who receive the mark of the beast, the mark of destruction, the mark of antichrist which involves the breaking of God’s commandments. The second class are the saints, or the holy ones of God, identified as those who keep God’s commandments.

The Book of Revelation pulls the curtain of mystery aside. Bible prophecy predicted that Christ would come to this earth twice. The first time He would come as a suffering servant. His visage would be marred more than any man (Isaiah 52:14) and He would be killed as a trespass offering for the sins of the world (Isaiah 53).

It is important to know exactly who Jesus really is. John says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:1–3. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” Verse 14. Jesus is the Word.

Paul says, “By Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on the earth.” Colossians 1:16. Jesus was with God in the beginning and He was the creator of all things. He created this world for a purpose, to be inhabited. This Jesus is the same One who came to this world to pay the price of my sins and your sins.

The Bible says the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and God’s law is so holy and so unchangeable, not only can it not be changed, even the penalty for breaking God’s law cannot be changed. When God’s law is broken, the penalty must be paid and Jesus was willing to give up His life in order for each person in this world to have life. During His trial, three times Pilate declared that he found no fault in Him (John 18:38; 19:4, 6). The Jews could not find any fault in Him. Nobody could find any fault with Him, but they crucified Him anyway because He said He was a king. Jesus was crucified for telling the truth. His innocent body was nailed to the cruel cross where He suffered an agonizing death to save man. It would do us all well to see Him on the cross more often than we do and contemplate why this had to happen. Was this the price for breaking God’s law?

The day of the crucifixion was the day the Bible describes as preparation day, preparation for the Sabbath. Jesus died in the middle of the afternoon on the day we call Friday. As the Sabbath drew on there was an urgency to prepare the body of Jesus for His burial. What did they do? “And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulcher, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.” Luke 23:55, 56. From this Scripture it is very clear that the Sabbath, according to the commandment, is the day between Good Friday and resurrection Sunday—Saturday!

The next day after the Sabbath Jesus rose and said, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” John 11:25. In Revelation 1:18, Jesus said to John, “I am He who lives (or who is living), and was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore. And I have the keys of the grave, I have the keys of death and the grave.” In some Bibles this is translated hell, which really means grave. There is only one person who has the keys to the grave, and He is the One you need to know if you should die and want to be resurrected to eternal life. That person is Jesus.

It was imperative that the sacrifice would occur, in order for my sins to be forgiven and to have eternal life. There had to be a blood offering for the price of sin to be paid. Without Jesus going to the cross and paying the price, I would have to pay myself, and that would mean the second death. If the price of sin was a ten-year prison sentence, you could pay the price yourself, but that is not what the price of sin is. Even in this world there are some crimes that the price is capital punishment which means death.

The strongest evidence that can be given to prove that the law of God cannot be changed is the cross of Christ. If the law could have been changed there would have been no need for Jesus to die. It says in I Corinthians 15:3 that, “He died for our sins.” And “sin is breaking the law,” I John 3:4. Jesus died because we broke the law. Jesus uplifted the law when He told His disciples, “Pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day.” Matthew 24:20. Here Jesus was referring to an event that was going to happen many years after the cross and He instructed His disciples to continue to keep holy the Sabbath day.

In the end, there is going to be a group of people ready and waiting for Jesus to come. They are described in Bible prophecy in Revelation 14:12: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15. Jesus not only created the world, but He is the One who spoke the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai. He also wrote them with His own finger in tables of stone. Christ died to save us from our sins, our law breaking. It says in Titus 2:14, “He gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous of good works.”

Today, probation has not closed yet and the invitation for salvation is still being given to the whole world. Jesus died on the cross once and He is coming back again for those who are waiting for Him and ready to meet Him. Just before He left this world to go back to heaven again, He told His disciples what they were to do. As He was ascending, the angels came and told the disciples that, “This same Jesus will come as you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11. In other words, He would come back the same way. It says, “A cloud received him out of their sight.” Verse 9. There are several places in the Bible that says when He comes back He will be coming with clouds.

Bible prophecy predicted that Jesus would come the first time as a suffering servant and would sacrifice His life to save sinners (Isaiah 53), thereby establishing the kingdom of grace whereby sinners could be saved from the guilt and power of their sins. Prophecy also predicted that Jesus would come the second time, not as a suffering servant to pay the price for our sins, but as a conquering Prince. The first time He came was to bear our sins and to pay the price for our sins. The text says that, “Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.” Hebrews 9:28. The last part of the verse says, “And to those who eagerly await for Him He will appear the second time, without sin, unto salvation.”

Jesus is the rightful owner of this world for two reasons. First, He created it and second, because He paid the price on the cross to redeem it. Jesus warned us when He was here that before He would come again there would be a tremendous effort by Satan to deceive the whole world concerning His return. Notice what Jesus said about these deceptions that were going to come:

“For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ, and will deceive many.’ ” Luke 21:8. Not every deceiver would claim to be Christ; some would just claim to be His prophets. “False Christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Mark 13:22. There are going to be a lot of miracles worked in the last days which will be very impressive. Your faith needs to be in the Word of God if you are not going to be deceived because the devil and his agents are going to work a lot of miracles in the last days. Jesus said, “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it.” Matthew 24:26. In other words, do not believe anybody who comes along teaching about a secret coming of Christ.

Jesus told His disciples the night He was betrayed, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. 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 to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1–3. He said that He was going to come back and when He came back He was going to take His followers with Him to heaven.

Fact One—Literal Event

Christ’s coming is a literal event. He is going to come in the clouds and He is going to take His people, His children, with Him back to heaven. Notice what the apostle Paul wrote about this. He said, “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13.

Fact Two—Personal Event

Christ’s coming is a personal event. When Jesus left, while the apostles were looking up and watching, the angels said to them, “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11. Notice, He will come the same way you saw Him go. The disciples witnessed His ascension and just so, His modern disciples will see Him return.

Fact Three—Visible Event

Christ’s coming is a visible event. “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him.” Revelation 1:7. It is going to be the most exciting thing you have ever seen if you are one of His children. Most of the people living at that time will not be rejoicing at all. Notice these words of Christ Himself: “Then the sign of the Son of man will appear in heaven and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn.” Matthew 24:30. Why will they mourn? In the last days there is going to be a tremendous religious controversy over the subject of worship. Are you going to worship the Creator or are you going to worship the beast? How many people are going to worship the beast? Revelation says, “And all who dwell upon the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Revelation 13:8.

The greatest deception of all time will be practiced on the people of this earth in the last generation. The dragon will deceive the whole world (Revelation 12:9). As a result, the whole world will marvel and follow the beast from the sea. The earth is then deceived by the beast from the earth. He deceives those who dwell on earth by those miracles which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast from the sea, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast. After the earth is deceived by the dragon, the beast from the sea and the beast from the land, the earth is deceived by spirits who they think are spirits from God in heaven.

The majority of people are going to mourn when Jesus comes because they have been deceived. They will realize too late that they have been worshiping the antichrist they thought was the real Christ. Incidentally, the word antichrist originally meant, somebody who stands in the place of Christ. The deceived will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory and they are going to mourn. Revelation 6:14–17 says, “Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who shall be able to stand?’ ” Revelation 6:15–17.

Fact Four—Audible Event

The coming of Christ back to this earth will be an audible event. It is literal, personal, visible and audible. There is going to be a lot of noise when Jesus comes back. It says in Revelation 16, “And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake. Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.” Revelation 16:18, 20. Paul says, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.” I Thessalonians 4:16. When that shout occurs, the graves are going to open up with that mighty earthquake and God’s children, who have been sleeping in death, are going to be raised up. Paul continues on to say, “And the dead in Christ will rise first.” I have often asked, Lord, if it’s all right with You, when it is the day of the resurrection, I would like to be at a cemetery. I would like to see the graves open up. I think it will be the most exciting thing that has ever happened.

At that trumpet sound when the graves open up you will be reunited with your loved ones who have been torn from you in death, never to be separated from them again. There is not going to be any sorrow or any pain attached to it; the resurrection does not hurt. “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” I Thessalonians 4:17.

Meaning of Rapture

The word rapture is not found anywhere in the Bible. It means to catch up or snatch away something. When Jesus comes, His people are going to be taken out of this world; they are going to go up in a cloud with Jesus to heaven.

Christ’s coming is described in one or two Bible verses as a thief. This, however, does not refer to how He comes, but when He comes. To those who are unprepared, it will be unexpected and a surprise. When a thief enters a house, he may tie the people up and there may be even gunfire and all kinds of noise, but he does not want anyone to know when he is coming. The coming of Jesus is described over and over as a surprise to this world. That is the way of a thief. It is going to be a surprise. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” I Corinthians 15:52. The word mortal means that you are subject to death. Immortal means that you are not subject to death. The second coming is described as literal, personal, visible, and audible (I Thessalonians 4:16, 17).

But, what about the text about two being in the field (Luke 17:36)? The Bible does not teach that those left are left alive. The wicked are destroyed with the brightness of his coming. “For the great day of His wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand?” Revelation 6:17. It says, “They hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!’ ” Revelation 6:15, 16. How many are going to be left alive? Nobody!

The Bible says, “And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse [Jesus] and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and the false prophet who worked signs in His presence by which He deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worship his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.” Revelation 19:19–21.

When Jesus comes again, one of two things is going to happen. Either you will be saved, or you will be lost; there is no middle ground and there is no second chance. Each person, by then, will have made his/her decision for eternity. Jesus said that time will be like it was in the days of Noah. For one hundred and twenty years while Noah was building the ark he preached to the people what had been told him that the world was going to be destroyed by a flood. The masses did not believe him and scoffed at his message. Jesus said it will be the same in the last days. People will scoff at the soon coming of Christ and the judgment.

The people scoffed at Noah and even though they saw the animals go into the ark guided by an unseen hand, they still considered Noah a fanatic and crazy, refusing to go in. Only Noah and the seven other people in his family went into the ark. The nonbelief of the scoffers did not stop the flood. The time came when the rain, something they had never seen before that time, started to fall, eventually covering the whole earth. The Bible says the water covered the tops of the highest mountains (Genesis 8:20). People, terrified, climbed to the highest places, but when they got there it was just a temporary reprieve. They saw the ark floating on the water knowing that Noah and his family were safe inside and they were lost. Once the door of that ark was closed, they did not have a second chance.

Those who listened to God’s warning and entered the ark were saved. The people who were skeptical and scoffed, not believing, had no second chance. The flood came and all were destroyed. Jesus said when I come again it will be the same. There are many people today who have not studied history carefully enough. The idea of a rapture followed by a second chance is a relatively new doctrine. Jesus, as well as the apostles, taught that there would be no second chance after Jesus returns and there is no mention of a rapture. Read Matthew 13 or II Thessalonians 1 and 2.

Neither the Roman Catholic Church, nor any of the Protestant churches, had heard of or knew of this doctrine even fifteen hundred years after Christ in the days of Martin Luther, as this doctrine had not yet existed. The doctrine of the rapture was invented later in the sixteenth century and not until about a hundred years ago did it become popular in Protestant churches.

What is going to happen when Jesus comes? It says, “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 (IIThessalonians 1:7, 8), whom the Lord will consume with the brightness of His coming (II Thessalonians 2:8).” Are they going to get a second chance? No. When Jesus comes again, you will either be saved or lost and that is the end. The Bible says you will either go up to heaven with Jesus, or you will be destroyed by the brightness of His coming.

God’s elect will say, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” Isaiah 25:9. In this world, not only is it the unbelievers, but Christians also suffer grief, trouble, trial and bereavement. When Jesus comes, that experience will be over. At last we will be reunited with our loved ones. The graves will be opened up and God’s children will awake and rise from their dusty beds and go up on the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

Fact Five—Glorious Event

Jesus said His return would be a very glorious event. He said, “And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” Matthew 24:30. It will be seen all over the sky. The Bible says, “As the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Verse 27.

Fact Six—Climactic Event

The second coming of Christ brings the climax to this world’s history. “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True. And the armies in heaven, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations.” Revelation 19:11, 14, 15.

Fact Seven—Decisive Event

Christ’s coming is a decisive event. Jesus is coming as a conquering king with ten thousand of His holy ones to execute judgment upon all and to convict all who are ungodly of their ungodly deeds. Jesus said, “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12.

The prophets and the apostles wrote about what was going to happen to both the righteous and the wicked when Jesus returns. The angels will come forth to separate the wicked from among the just (Matthew 13:49). “There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.” Luke 13:28. At that time no one will want to be on the outside looking in and not be able to go in. Everybody in the world will then want to go in that place with an inexpressible desire for salvation and eternal life. Jesus said, “What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” Matthew 16:26. What does it profit?

Heaven is a good place, a place you want to go and where you want to live. Jesus loves you and has done everything possible that you will be welcome there. Will He be able to welcome you in? He says, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every man according to his work.” Revelation 22:12. What reward is He bringing for you? Is it the gift of eternal life because you have accepted His invitation and washed your robes in His precious blood or are you one of the scoffers enjoying the pleasures of this world that will soon come to an end? Remember your eternal destiny will be decided before Jesus comes back and there will be no second chance. The Bible says in Revelation 22:11, 12, “He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every man according as his work shall be.”

Jesus is coming soon; He is waiting for you to accept His invitation to be one of the people who is looking for Him anxiously waiting to meet Him. Or will you be one of the group looking for a place to hide because, “The great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Revelation 6:17.

Heaven is a good place where,

“ ‘They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,’ says the Lord.” Isaiah 65:25. There will be people there from all countries of the world. Jesus said, “And I say unto you, many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down … in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 8:11.

Isaiah described heaven: “Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth. The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, nor the voice of crying. They shall build houses and inhabit them. They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain.” Isaiah 65:17, 19, 21, 22, 25.

Heaven is a good place, one to be desired. Today, without delay, ask the Lord to write His commandments in your heart that you will find His law a delight and be governed by the principles of heaven. “And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 66:23.

In comparison to the world population, very few people are accepting the invitation of Jesus. Do not be alarmed to find yourself in the minority. When the flood came, Noah and his family were in the minority inside the ark. Though they were few, they were glad to be in safety and not drowning with the majority. “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And whoever desires, let him take of the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17.

This world is full of exclusive places with signs saying, “Keep out,” where the common people are not welcome but right at the end of the Bible God has hung up a sign; He says, “Come in!” Now is the time to accept the invitation and say, Lord, I am choosing to commit my life to You. I am not just going to profess to be a Christian and then go on living like the devil. Give me a new heart and live out your life in me so I can be obedient to all of Your commandments. I want to follow You all the way and be ready when Jesus comes to take me home with Him. I am tired of playing games and I give You my whole heart.

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 – The Testing Time

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In the letter to the Ephesians the Apostle Paul said that Jesus was going to purify to Himself a church that would be without spot or wrinkle or any such thing but rather would be holy and without blemish or defect. We are in the period of time when this process is in its final development. Instead of quibbling about things like the church militant versus the church triumphant as has been the habit of so many, we should be earnestly asking ourselves the question, “Am I ready for Jesus to come or not?” We are in the testing time right now: “Though all nations are to pass in judgment before God, yet He will examine the case of each individual with as close and searching scrutiny as if there were not another being upon the earth. Everyone must be tested and found without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.

“Solemn are the scenes connected with the closing work of the atonement. Momentous are the interests involved therein. The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above.” The Great Controversy, 490.

The following quotations explain the issues at stake in this testing process and what we must do if we are to pass the test.

“What is it to be a light to the world? It is to recognize Christ as our example. It is to show Christian politeness, never to scold and fret, but to be in a condition where we can constantly carry the minds of others upward. This is the work of everyone who names the name of Christ. It is to depart from the works of iniquity; it is to wash our garments in the blood of the Lamb. We are in the washing and ironing time. Now we are to have every sin and iniquity taken from us, and the white linen put upon us, the wedding garment.” Sermons and Talks, vol. 2, 52, 53.

“Many now pass as Sabbath-keepers who, when the test comes upon the question, will no longer have a place among those who observe God’s commandments.” The Signs of the Times, June 2, 1890.

“The worshipers are to pass under the measuring line of God. Who will bear the test? Christ says, ‘I know thy works.’ Nothing is hid from him of whom John says, ‘His head and his hair were white like wool, white as snow, and his eyes were as a flame of fire.’ How many are purifying their souls by obeying the truth? How many are now in this time wholly on the Lord’s side? How many are seeking to be a blessing to those around them? Many need help, kind words, thoughtful attentions; and if you pray with such, you may be a blessing to them.” The Youth’s Instructor, August 25, 1886.

“All earthly honors are soon to pass away. It is moral worth that will endure, and will stand the test of trial.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, 191.