Issue: 2022 September

Keys to the Storehouse – Invited, but …

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King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon is an example of an invitation received and accepted. We know that the invitation was not accepted at first. In fact, every manifestation of God’s power and presence were denied, including the most obvious example when Christ walked among the flames of the fiery furnace with the three worthies. Repeatedly, Nebuchadnezzar rejected the extended invitation until God, in His mercy, took from Nebuchadnezzar all that he had, including his senses.

“They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.” Daniel 4:25

For seven years, Nebuchadnezzar lived like a beast, no longer a king, with no subjects, eating grass in the field. And then, his reason was restored and Ellen White says:

“[L]ooking up in humility to the God of heaven, he recognized the divine hand in his chastisement. In a public proclamation he acknowledged his guilt and the great mercy of God in his restoration. …

“God’s purpose that the greatest kingdom in the world should show forth His praise was now fulfilled. This public proclamation, in which Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the mercy and goodness and authority of God, was the last act of his life recorded in sacred history.” Conflict and Courage, 253

Brought to see his own weakness, he acknowledged the supremacy of God.

“ ‘At the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing. And He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest Thou? … Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the king of heaven, all whose works are truth and His ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase.’ ” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 3, 186

“King Nebuchadnezzar, before whom Daniel so often honored the name of God, was finally thoroughly converted, and learned to ‘praise and extol and honor the King of heaven.’ ” The Review and Herald, January 11, 1906

“The king upon the Babylonian throne became a witness for God, giving his testimony, warm and eloquent, from a grateful heart that was partaking of the mercy and grace, the righteousness and peace, of the divine nature.” The Youth’s Instructor, December 13, 1904

Lord, You have extended this same invitation to the whole world. You loved the people of this world so much that You gave Your life for us and promised to save us from our sins. Two thousand years ago You said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. Help us not to leave the invitation unopened. Let us accept it with joyous hearts and then extend it to all with whom we come in contact.

Story – Life Friendship

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Jesse Owens and Carl Ludwig LuzMany people feel that in this current atmosphere it is hard to make and maintain friendships. It seems that people are so busy, no one has any time for anyone else, even within Christian circles. Invitations to a home for a meal, visits to make new church members welcome, making friends for friendship’s sake, all seem to be things of the past. The modern attitude is: “I am so busy making money, taking care of family, household chores, and hobbies, what’s in it for me?”

Let me introduce you to a story about friendship that was born in the most inhospitable circumstance between two most unlikely people.

Jesse Owens, son of an Alabama sharecropper and grandson of slaves and Carl Ludwig “Luz” Long, an attorney in Leipzig, Germany, were both competing in the long jump preliminaries, hoping to qualify for the event in the afternoon of August 4, 1936, Olympic games in Berlin.

Jesse Owens won gold for the 100-meter dash. The following day he won gold again for long jump with a leap of 8.06 meter (26 ft. 5 in.), later crediting this achievement to the technical advice that he received from Luz Long, the German competitor whom he defeated. Jesse continued to win another gold medal with the 200-meter sprint and collected a fourth gold when the relay team won the 4 x 100-meter relay. He was competing in the most intimidating environment imaginable, where the racist ideology of the Nazi regime was building in intensity and where the instigator, Adolf Hitler, was a regular spectator in the stands of the Olympic stadium.

Luz was the German long jumper—tall, blue-eyed and blond—the personification of the Aryan ideal and Hitler’s opportunity to see the Nazi’s theory of racial superiority in action. Jesse had fouled in the qualifying round in the long jump and had one jump left, and sat dejected on the ground waiting for his final jump.

In view of the stadium of 100,000 capacity, Luz walked up to Jesse and introduced himself. Recognizing Jesse was having some trouble and should have been doing better, Luz advised Jesse to jump from a spot several inches behind the take-off board. Jesse took the leap and qualified. Hitler left the stadium.

When Jesse won the gold medal, Luz won the silver and was the first to congratulate his new friend. Jesse later recalled, “It took a lot of courage for him to befriend me in front of Hitler. … I would melt down all the medals and cups I have, and they wouldn’t be a plating on the twenty-four-karat friendship that I felt for Luz Long at that moment.”

Jesse and Luz corresponded after the 1936 Olympics. In his last letter, Luz asked Jesse to contact his son Kai and tell him about his father and “what times were like when we were not separated by war. I am saying, tell him how things can be between men on this earth.”

Luz served in the Wehrmacht during World War II. During the Allied invasion of Sicily, he was killed in action on July 14, 1943. After the war, Jesse revisited Germany to meet Kai Long and later was best man at Kai’s wedding.

Friends, would you have the courage, in the middle of the stadium for all to see, to reach out to the perceived enemy of the Aryan race? Think of it. This friendship was witnessed by 100,000 people!

I want this kind of courage. Let us reach out to people and make friends for Jesus.

Paul said, “Look not every man on his own thing, but every man also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:4, KJV

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Colossians 3:12–14, KJV

What a courageous friendship!

Inspiration – The Fight of Faith

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Everyone who shall be found with the wedding garment on, will have come out of great tribulation. The mighty surges of temptation will beat upon all the followers of Christ; and unless they are riveted to the eternal Rock, they will be borne away. Do not think you can safely drift with the current; you must stem the tide, or you will surely become a helpless prey to Satan’s power. You are not safe in placing your feet on the ground of the enemy, but should direct your path in the way cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. Even in the path of holiness you will be tried; your faith, your love, your patience, your constancy, will be tested. By diligent searching of the Scriptures, by earnest prayer for divine help, prepare the soul to resist temptation. The Lord will hear the sincere prayer of the contrite soul, and will lift up a standard for you against the enemy.

Jesus left His home in heaven, and came to this dark world to reach to the very depths of human woe, that He might save those who are ready to perish. He laid aside His glory in the heavenly courts above, clothed His divinity with humanity, and for our sakes He became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich. He came to the earth that was all seared and marred with sin; “And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” He submitted to insult and mockery, that He might leave us a perfect example. When we are inclined to magnify our trials, to think we are having a hard time, we should look away from self to Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith, “who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” All this He endured that He might bring many sons and daughters to God, to present them before the universe as trophies of His victory.

Will man take hold of this divine power which has been placed within his reach, and with determination and perseverance resist Satan, as Christ has given example in his conflict with the foe in the wilderness of temptation? God cannot save man against his will from the power of Satan’s artifices. Man must work with his human power, aided by the divine power of Christ, to resist and to conquer at any cost to himself. In short, man must overcome as Christ overcame. Christ was a perfect overcomer; and we must be perfect, wanting nothing, without spot or blemish.

In order to be overcomers, we must heed the injunction of the apostle: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” He is the Pattern that we, as His disciples, must follow. We cannot cherish selfishness in our hearts, and follow the example of Christ, who died to make an atonement for us. We cannot extol our own merits, and follow His example; for He made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant. We cannot harbor pride, and follow Christ, since He humbled Himself until there was no lower place to which He could descend. Be astonished, O heavens, and be amazed, O earth, that sinful man should make such returns to his Lord in formality and pride, in efforts to lift up and glorify himself, when Christ came and humbled Himself in our behalf even to the death of the cross.

Christ came to teach us how to live. He has invited us to learn of Him to be meek and lowly of heart, that we may find rest unto our souls. We have no excuse for not imitating His life and working His works. Those who profess His name, and do not practice His precepts, are weighed in the balances of heaven, and found wanting. But those who reflect His image will have a place in the mansions which He has gone to prepare.

The redemption that Christ achieved for man was at infinite cost to Himself. The victory we gain over our own evil hearts and over the temptations of Satan will cost us strong effort, constant watchfulness, and persevering prayer; but, gaining the victory through the all-powerful name of Jesus, we become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. This could not be the case if Christ alone did all the overcoming. We must be victors on our own account. Then we shall not only reap the reward of eternal life, but shall increase our happiness on earth by the consciousness of duty performed, and by the greater respect and love that we shall win from those about us.

He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a part of the cross of Christ, a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and to save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he is bought with a price, to stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel, to fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life. He is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-denial, the self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love that were manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of His followers. In order to do this, we must put on the whole armour of God; “for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” If we do not overcome, we lose the crown; and if we lose the crown, we lose everything. Eternal loss or eternal gain will be ours. If we gain the crown, we gain all things; we become heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.

Christ is coming in a little while. He has been our brother in suffering; and if we overcome through His grace, we shall see Him as He is. We shall suffer here but a few days longer, and then enter into an eternity of happiness; for there is sweet rest in the kingdom of God. For those who fight the good fight of faith, there is reserved a crown of glory, a palm of victory, an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. Let the determination of every soul be, “I must run the race; I must overcome.” The Bible Echo, January 1, 1893

What Would Jesus Do?

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I have heard a multitude of times these days the question, “What would Jesus do?” Sometimes the question is asked with earnest interest and desire to follow in His footsteps. Other times it is asked with sarcasm. It is true that in Christianity today there are many people who claim to know what Jesus would do, but don’t themselves do what they claim.

All around the world people are shouting acceptance and tolerance, but I’m not sure we understand what true acceptance and tolerance really are. As sinners, we want to do the things we want to do and not be chastised or condemned for it. We want to be accepted as we are. We want others to tolerate our feelings and behavior. This is not exclusive to those outside of Christianity. Christians are just as guilty. And when you listen to the cries of the world, it is a tragic truth that those who expect tolerance are least willing to be tolerant; and those who expect to be accepted are the least willing to extend acceptance.

Many times, “What would Jesus do?” is used to belittle those who stand true to what the Bible says, making them seem as though they are being intolerant, unloving—not like Jesus. If a person steps up and calls an action or behavior sin, then he or she is often considered a hater, a racist, a phobic. This has been my experience. But it is also true that many Christians misinterpret or really don’t know what Jesus would do, and thus they use it in a harmful and hurtful way to condemn and force people to change.

I would like to be clear. True Christians are like Christ. That’s what the name means. Their lives have been surrendered to the moving of the Holy Spirit, a transformation has occurred, and they are no longer the selfish, sinful humans they used to be. Their characters are now Christlike. It is Jesus and His love they present to the world. But sadly, too many Christians only wear a coat of Christianity, something they can wear or take off at their own leisure. The life has not been surrendered and the Holy Spirit has not been allowed to make the needed change in the heart that transforms a character into Christlikeness.

So, let’s look closer at the answer to this very important question, “What would Jesus do?”

It seems that the answer really would be very simple. If we want to know what Jesus would do today, we just need to look at what He did do while here on earth.

First, I want to suggest some spiritual definitions of acceptance and tolerance.

I believe that true acceptance is loving the sinner, but hating the sin. While there is no text in the Bible that specifically states these words, there are texts that lay out the principle. Jude 1:22, 23 is one such example. “And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” We can and should, with prayerful compassion and respect, compelled by the love of Christ Jesus, encourage a brother or sister living in sin to turn away from that sin. Knowing that sin ultimately leads to eternal death, how can we say that we truly love our brother or sister if we let them continue in sin without a word?

I would define spiritual tolerance as grace, mercy.

“Mercy implies the imperfection of the object upon which it is bestowed. Because of man’s imperfection, mercy was brought into active existence. Sin is not the object of God’s love, but of His hatred. Yet He pities the sinner, because the guilty one bears the Creator’s image and has received from Him the capabilities that make it possible for him to become a son of God, not through his own merits, but through the imputed merits of Jesus Christ, through the great sacrifice the Saviour has made in his behalf. …

“… We are all dependent on one another. … Every human being on earth is subject to temptation. And all are in need of human influence and sympathy. …

“God’s love and mercy are ever extended toward sinners. Shall men who themselves have sinned against God, refuse to forgive and accept a repentant sinner? … God loved us while we were yet sinners. … ‘As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise’ (Luke 6:31). … Only those who walk with Christ can be truly merciful.” That I May Know Him, 46

Sadly, most people in the world want all the benefits of a Saviour without having to give up their own will. Everyone wants acceptance without the expectation of change. They expect others to tolerate them as they remain convinced that how they choose to live is not sin. There is a plethora of excuses, justifications and just plain “I can’t help being the way I am” being flung around today. But is any of that true? Because the Bible says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. That includes the choices we make and the sins we must overcome.

When we study the life of Christ, we see an example completely lacking in excuses or justification. Jesus simply said, “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” John 5:30. And again in John 6:38, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

Jesus offered acceptance to all who came to Him for help. How does He expect us to accept our fellow man? He said to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34, 35. Jesus is very clear that we are to love others more than ourselves, and if every person, Christian or not, followed this guidance, acceptance and tolerance would not be an issue.

Inspiration tells us that we are under the “most solemn obligation to present the word of God, without fear or favor. He [We] must call sin by its right name.” In fact, Inspiration continues much more compellingly and says, “The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.” Sons and Daughters of God, 214

We must have the same love for our fellow man as Jesus has for them. Our characters must be like Christ’s, else we will not have the humility and love needed to accept others as those for whom Jesus died, nor can we help sinners recognize their sinfulness and desperate need of a Saviour. We must first recognize our own sins and need of a Saviour or else it will be impossible for us to show the true acceptance and tolerance that is generated by the love of God.

People with a worldly heart, including those who claim to be Christian, too often use the Scriptures like a baseball bat, beating others over the head regarding the actions that are called sin. The Bible says that sin is transgression of the law. The law says that idolatry, the unsanctified use of God’s name, not keeping the Sabbath holy, disrespecting parents, murder, adultery, lying, stealing, and coveting are sins. The Bible is also specific in many places, listing other actions not listed by name in the law.

“Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals [effeminate KJV], nor sodomites [abusers of themselves KJV], nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners [blackmailers] will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9, last part, 10. Other texts condemn foolish talk and course jesting (Ephesians 5:4).

Do I ever find myself condemning others for the sins they willfully and openly commit, while glossing over or excusing my own? Do I claim to be a Christian yet shout at the top of my lungs that the Bible says, “Thou shalt not,” all the while I am?

The world has two definitions of acceptance.

One is represented this way: “I’m going to tell you what your sins are and you have to change.”

The other changes direction: “This is the way I am and you just need to accept me. Who are you to tell me how to live my life? Besides, for all your talk about changing and being like Jesus, I don’t see you giving up your sin.”

When we have handled the business of surrendering our lives to the Holy Spirit and have repented from our sins, then our lives are changed to be like Jesus, and we will be able to offer the kind of acceptance that allows people to see Jesus instead of us. We must remember that our work is to share the gospel with the world. It is the Holy Spirit’s work to change lives.

Christ offered acceptance and tolerance to all with whom He came in contact while He lived here on earth as a man. Let’s look at a few examples.

Judas was not a “called” disciple, although he was not a rejected one. He came and insinuated himself into the disciples, but Jesus did not turn him away (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 20, 105). Judas was selfish, prideful, covetous, greedy, and dishonest. He was a thief and a betrayer. His whole purpose in joining the disciples was to work his way into a high and powerful position in the new kingdom that he assumed Jesus would establish when He overthrew the Romans and freed Israel from their control, restoring them to their rightful place as His chosen nation.

But the person Jesus saw and loved was a sinner who needed a Saviour, and He would be that Saviour, if Judas would accept His offer. Jesus extended grace and mercy to Judas for as long as it took him to make his final choice.

“Jesus knew that Judas was defective in character, but notwithstanding this, He accepted him as one of the disciples, and gave him the same opportunities and privileges that He gave to the others whom He had chosen. Judas was left without excuse in the evil course he afterward pursued. Judas might have become a doer of the word, as were eventually Peter and James and John and the other disciples. Jesus gave precious lessons of instruction, so that those who were associated with Him might have been converted, and have no need of clinging to the defects that marred their characters.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 46, 47

At the last supper, Jesus openly exposed to Judas his character. With love and sorrow, Jesus pled with the heart of Judas to repent. Sadly, we know that he did not.

In 1 Samuel 13, the Bible tells us that God had turned His back on Saul as king of Israel and sought another man, one who was “after His own heart.” That man was David. How was David a man after God’s heart? He trusted in God and obeyed Him. David had an amazing life, one that began as a young shepherd; then he became a mighty warrior—the slayer of a lion and a bear, and a giant—until ultimately, he became the king of Israel. But David failed God. He followed his own desires and stole another man’s wife and then murdered him to keep his affair a secret. But it became very public, and the consequences of his actions brought a heavy toll. He lost four of his own sons and the evil influence of his sins provided a justification among the children of Israel for their sins—a justification that we find is still used today.

But God loved David. He extended to him grace. In His mercy, God sent the prophet Nathan to rebuke David (2 Samuel 12) and when he recognized how terrible were his sins and, perhaps more so, the consequences of them, David repented and again became a man after God’s own heart (Conflict and Courage, 180). He pleaded, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” Psalm 51:10–12

Jesus accepted Mary with love and sympathy for the sinner she was, but granted to her grace and mercy until, after seven times casting out her demons, she repented of her sins. Her life was changed and she was able to obey His injunction to “Go, and sin no more.” He saw Mary for what she was, but He also saw what she could become if she were to accept His love and the offer of grace and salvation He extended to her.

“When to human eyes her case appeared hopeless, Christ saw in Mary capabilities for good. He saw the better traits of her character. The plan of redemption has invested humanity with great possibilities, and in Mary these possibilities were to be realized. Through His grace she became a partaker of the divine nature. The one who had fallen and whose mind had been a habitation of demons, was brought very near to the Saviour in fellowship and ministry.

“It was Mary who sat at His feet and learned of Him. It was Mary who poured upon His head the precious anointing oil, and bathed His feet with her tears. Mary stood beside the cross, and followed Him to the sepulcher. Mary was first at the tomb after His resurrection. It was Mary who first proclaimed a risen Saviour.” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 254

Peter was strong-willed, confident, and arrogant. He knew that he was a sinner, but he trusted in himself and was confident that he could overcome anything. He was determined that he could follow Jesus. Jesus loved Peter and He said to him, “ ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.’ ” Luke 22:31, 32

“It is not wise to boast. Peter fell because he did not know his own frailty. …” This Day With God, 260. Peter was confident that he would be willing to go with Christ, no matter where He had to go, even if it meant death. He said, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” Luke 22:33

But that isn’t what happened, is it? When put to the test, Peter repeatedly denied his Lord. And looking upon His face, filled with loving pity and mercy, Peter at last saw himself for what he was: a sinner who needed grace.

“Peter followed his Lord after his betrayal. He was anxious to see what would be done with Jesus. And when he was accused of being one of his disciples, he denied it. He was afraid for his life, and when charged with being one of them, he declared that he knew not the man. The disciples were noted for the purity of their words, and Peter, to deceive, and convince them that he was not one of Christ’s disciples, denied it the third time with cursing and swearing. Jesus, who was some distance from Peter, turned a sorrowful, reproving gaze upon him. Then he remembered the words which Jesus had spoken to him in the upper chamber, and also his zealous assertion, Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended. He denied his Lord, even with cursing and swearing; but that look of Jesus melted Peter at once, and saved him. He bitterly wept and repented of his great sin, and was converted, and then was prepared to strengthen his brethren.” Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1, 49, 50

Friends, acceptance is loving someone because God loves them, full stop. And tolerance is loving while you wait for them to see just who they are and extending a helping heart and hand. It is being so filled with Jesus that when people look at you and interact with you, all they will see and hear is Him.

What did Jesus do? He didn’t hate me because I am a sinner and struggling to come to Him to receive His mercy and grace so that I can obey Him. Jesus loved me before I was ever born. He has loved me every minute of my life and nothing I can do will make Him stop loving me. He says so through Paul in Romans 8:31–39. He lived a life on this earth so that I would know how to live and then could one day be with Him forever. He died on the cross to pay the debt I couldn’t pay. He rose from the grave so that He could return to heaven and intercede with the Father on my behalf even when I am determined to live my own way, following my own desires. And He speaks to my heart, offering me acceptance and tolerance—grace and mercy—so that I can clearly see just how much I need Him.

Jesus accepts me where I am, but the beautiful thing is that He doesn’t leave me there. “The Bible does not teach that man must repent before he comes to Christ.” The Signs of the Times, March 18, 1903. But if I seek forgiveness and surrender my will to His, He will transform me to be like Him. What did Jesus do? He loved me when I didn’t love Him. He waited for me when I was far away from Him.

“[B]eing confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

“Christ does not leave us in our weakness and inefficiency, but, gathering us in the arms of His mercy, binds us to His great heart of infinite love.” The Watchman, October 16, 1906

What will Jesus do? He will make me just like Him so He can use me to tell others how He saved me from my sins and is waiting to save them from theirs.

“Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, very sinful. You may be, but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns no weeping, contrite one away. He does not tell to any all that He might reveal, but He bids every trembling soul take courage. Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration.” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 254, 255

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. The Lord lifts up the humble … . The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.” Psalm 147:3–6, first part, 11

The Bible is not a bat, it is the revelation of God’s love and mercy for mankind. Scripture tells us that a life of sin is a life lost. But God accepts the sinner, and through His grace and mercy, transforms the life lost into a life saved, if we will surrender to Him. Filled with His love and compassion, this is the message we are meant to take to the world.

[Emphasis supplied.]

Judy Rebarchek is a member of the LandMarks team. She may be contacted by email at: judyrebarchek@stepstolife.org

As in the Days of Noah

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The world is in turmoil and the nations are enraged, but this will not come as a surprise to anyone who is a Bible student. In studying our Bibles, we read about end time prophesies. “Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.’ ” Psalm 2:1–3

We see the obvious wickedness of war and the human tragedy, but miss the underlying causes of it all. As we read in the Psalms, it is because of the world’s hatred for God. That might seem a strange statement when we think of all the religious organizations in the world, yet the reason for all the heartache and misery is because the world does not love God.

Isaiah says, “Unless the Lord of hosts had left to us a very small remnant, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been made like Gomorrah.” Isaiah 1:9. A remnant is the very last of something. In this case, there will be very few in the last days who love God and are called His people, compared to the billions in the world who have no love for Him at all.

Noah and his family were the remnant, saved out of a people whose thoughts and hearts were continually wicked. They did not care for the law of God, nor did they adhere to it, and because of this attitude, there was murder and war, adultery and fornication. They took what they wanted even if it belonged to another. They hated and were greedy and self-centered. “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5. Sounds a lot like today, doesn’t it?

There will always be acts of kindness done toward people. We see this all the time during disasters, wars, and times of strife—people coming to the need of their fellow human beings. But these acts must be attributed to the workings of God on the hearts of men, because the minds of men and women are overrun by thoughts of self rather than a desire to follow the law of God.

If we examine ourselves, will we find that we are in perfect obedience to God? Is love for God the first thing we think of in the morning? Do we pray and offer thanksgiving as we start each day? Do we study His word and is His law foremost in our minds? Jesus tells us that it is not so with most living in the world today.

“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:37–39

Why did they not know that a flood was coming? Noah had been telling them for over 100 years. They had ample warning. They could see the huge ocean liner Noah was building. Why did they not believe in the disaster that was about to befall them? They were carrying on in their daily lives, wrapped up in the cares of this world and not in the leading of God and His Son Jesus. They were busy finding “love.” They were busy entertaining guests at parties. They were busy with their business practices and gaining wealth. There was no time given to the consideration of God’s law and righteousness.

It is the same in our day. Many people give lip service to God, claiming to be righteous, as the Pharisees did in Jesus’ day. They make a show of piety by going to church, attending the social gatherings, volunteering in the community, and paying their tithe to support their local church or conference; but their hearts refuse the workings of the Holy Spirit. Unconverted and unchanged, not having experienced the power that would make them heavenly citizens, they remain citizens of the world.

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you unexpectedly.” Luke 21:34. For most it is nothing more than the cares of this world that weigh them down and they do not seek to spend time with God each day.

“Cares, riches, pleasures, all are used by Satan in playing the game of life for the human soul. The warning is given, ‘Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.’ 1 John 2:15, 16. He who reads the hearts of men as an open book says, ‘Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life.’ Luke 21:34. And the apostle Paul by the Holy Spirit writes, ‘They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil; which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.’ 1 Timothy 6:9, 10.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 55, 56

God will not spare any in this world who have not permitted a change to be made in their character and heart. He did not spare the angels who sinned and were cast from heaven with Satan, nor did He spare the world in Noah’s day. “For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly.” 2 Peter 2:4, 5. “For I am the Lord, I do not change.” Malachi 3:6, first part. Why do we think He would now save those of this world who have the same character and choose to walk the same path?

The people who will be saved are those who are mourning and crying over the wickedness in this world and in their own hearts. They will be calling on God to cleanse their hearts and renew their lives through His grace, with His law, the ten commandments, as the mirror that reflects their standing with God. When obeyed out of love for God, it is this law that will bring peace and love and conversion to the heart.

“ ‘Now, therefore,’ says the Lord, ‘Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’ ” Joel 2:12. As we read His commandments and clearly see our true condition, we will see that only one prayer is appropriate.

“Look on my affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins.” Psalm 25:18

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:7–10

God wants to write His law in our hearts and purge our sinfulness. He is asking today for us to accept His Holy Spirit to enter into and remove the wickedness from our minds. When we let Him cleanse our hearts, submitting to His will and not our own, this is His promise: “ ‘This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,’ then He adds, ‘Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.’ ” Hebrews 10:16, 17

We must ask for the grace of God to fill us and redeem us from this world. If we have not accepted this saving grace from Jesus, we are still in the clutches of Satan and sin. There is only one result of sin and that is eternal death. But Jesus, if we let Him, can change our hearts. He paid the price; He only asks that we accept His sacrifice and leave all sin behind. That is what Jesus meant when He said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23

Jesus has repeatedly said that we cannot enter heaven, we cannot have salvation, unless we leave all sin behind. To the woman accused of adultery, He said, “… ‘Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.’ ” John 8:10, 11. Jesus knows the degradation that sin has caused in the world. He knows mankind’s struggles in dealing with sin, but sin cannot enter heaven again, and anyone who continues to harbor sin in their heart will not enter that holy place.

Jesus would rather us enter heaven maimed or lame if that is what it takes for us to be rid of sin (Matthew 5:30). Jesus does not want to condemn us for our sins, He would rather forgive us of our sins (John 3:17), but we must follow His instructions, “go and sin no more.”  Jesus came to save us from sin, not as we continue in sin. When Joseph was told that Mary was to give birth to the Saviour of the world, the angel of God specified why Jesus was coming to this world. “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21. If we are His people, we will have done away with sin through the power of the Holy Spirit.

As we see nations rage and wars abound, as we watch the world slowly destroying itself, it is time to start looking to God for answers. The world is filled with pain and suffering, but Jesus can bring peace and happiness even in times of suffering. Call on Jesus today, ask Him to show you His goodness, give all to Him, and let Him sort out the rest. Jesus can help you overcome any obstacle in your life. He wants us to be ready for His soon coming. We have limited time here to prepare our hearts and minds for that glorious event. Our lives are but a whisper of time. “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” James 4:14, last part

What matters is how we spend our time in this life. Be a part of God’s last-day remnant. Make your life count for Jesus, and He will make your eternal life secure.

[Emphasis supplied.]

Michael C. Wells is the director of Anointing Oil Ministries.

Taking Christ for Granted

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“His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it, but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, ‘Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.’ And He said to them, ‘Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?’ ”

Luke 2:41–49

Verse 44 is key to the statement we just read: “But they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.”

According to Bible prophecy, God’s last church in this world will have the following characteristics: (1) it will keep the commandments of God, (2) it will have the Testimony of Jesus, and (3) it will have the same faith that Jesus had. (See Revelation 12:17 and Revelation 14:12.)

Jesus has promised to be with His church until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). But it is possible for the church in the last days to take for granted that Christ is with them while they live in a way that will result in their losing His promised presence, just as the vast majority of the leaders and almost the entire Jewish nation lost the Saviour, even though He had come to them in the flesh and blood, desiring to be with them forever. Only a few accepted the Son of God. Why? What was their major problem?

Elder F. C. Gilbert, a converted Jew who for many years was in charge of our work to bring Christ to our Jewish friends, had knowledge on the problem of the Jewish nation. He knew all about the Jewish language, the Jewish culture, and when he spoke and wrote it was with authority. Elder Gilbert wrote an article in Ministry magazine in December, 1933, about the Jewish church leadership at the time of Christ’s first advent. He explained that the Jews as a nation rejected their Messiah because of higher learning. The rabbis thought that they could reach the world through scholastic achievements.

He wrote: “It was suggested by the Greeks that the Jews send their talented young men to Alexandria for training and instruction in the philosophies, sciences, and learning of the Greeks.

“Many of the elders of Israel feared the results of such a course, the sages remembering the sorrowing of their ancestors who came into contact with heathen manners and customs. They counseled the younger men against such a procedure. These, in turn, argued that it would be an advantage for strong, thoughtful, vigorous young men who could enter the schools of Greece, as they might influence the philosophers and the Greek scholars to see the value and the beauty of the Jewish religion, and some of the learned Greeks might embrace Judaism. Still, the aged men of Israel advised against it. They maintained that should the younger men come into contact with the learning of the heathen, it might be ruinous to the future of the Jewish race. …

“Many of Israel’s influential men yielded to Greek urging. They said that God would help their young men to be true to their religion, and the training schools of Jewry would have a better standing in the eyes of the nations. The men of Israel were made to feel that the advantages of the Jewish scholars would be immeasurable. The young men would gain knowledge, influence, and prestige.

“Gradually the Jewish schools came to confer degrees upon their graduates. There were the Rav, or rabbi, the Tana, the Gayon, the Sadi, and the Rabbon. It was thought necessary for the graduates of the rabbinical schools to display their rank by wearing different clothing. Little by little an educational aristocracy was formed, which was called the Sanhedrin. This term is of Greek origin, the Hebrew name being Beth din ha-go-dol, Great House of Judgment.

“The religious schools continued to operate, but a marked declension in spiritual influence and power was apparent. Year by year the word of God was studied less, as studies based on culture and philosophy increased. Human concerns became exalted and God was less thought of.”

What a picture of the condition of the Jewish church because of higher education at the very time Christ came to this world!

The Desire of Ages, 29, confirms this. “As they departed from God, the Jews in a great degree lost sight of the teaching of the ritual service. … The Jews lost the spiritual life from their ceremonies, and clung to the dead forms. … In order to supply the place of that which they had lost, the priests and rabbis multiplied requirements of their own; and the more rigid they grew, the less of the love of God was manifested. They measured their holiness by the multitude of their ceremonies, while their hearts were filled with pride and hypocrisy.”

Quoting again from Ministry magazine, Elder Gilbert writes: “Because the leaders of Israel failed to accept the message of John [the Baptist] as coming from God, they were unprepared to receive the message of the Saviour, although He assured them that His life and advent were based on sacred Scriptures. The rabbis argued: ‘How knoweth this Man letters, having never learned?’ John 7:15.”

You see, Jesus never went for this higher education from Babylon.

“The Israelites did not realize that to be … unlike other nations was a special privilege and blessing.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 607

Oh, somehow I wish that we, as a church, would read and think that through today.

“God had separated the Israelites from every other people, to make them His own peculiar treasure. But they, disregarding this high honor, eagerly desired to imitate the example of the heathen! … As they depart from the Lord they become ambitious for the gains and honors of the world. … Many urge that by uniting with worldlings and conforming to their customs they might exert a stronger influence over the ungodly. But all who pursue this course thereby separate from the Source of their strength. Becoming the friends of the world, they are the enemies of God. …

“Thus it has been in every age of the world.” Ibid., 607, 608

We have not been able to reach the surrounding churches with our God-given three angels’ messages, and the sad news is that the teachings of Babylon have infiltrated our educational system, our preaching, and the books that are being printed. We are losing our cardinal truths as we mingle with the churches in the ecumenical movement. We need but two divine streams to close the door of apostasy—the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, and nothing more. These two heavenly sources will keep us in touch with Jesus and prepare us to be ready to meet Him when He comes.

Consider with me the doctrine of the sanctuary. No other people in the world except the Jews of old who were faithful to God’s truth understood the living Christ within the heavenly sanctuary teaching. For instance, every sanctuary emblem represents Jesus Christ—the Lamb, the bleeding victim; the laver, in which Christ washes away the iniquity; the candlesticks, Christ the light of the world; the showbread, Christ the bread of life; the altar of incense, the place where Christ presents our requests to God the Father; the ark, the law, a transcript of Christ’s character. Yet when the living Christ appeared to His people they rejected Him. Why? Because they had taken Christ for granted. They supposed they really knew Him when all they actually had was a form of religion, and for this God rejected the whole Jewish nation.

And what about us? We hear less and less today of the sanctuary, for it is within this doctrine that the true Christ is discerned. The majority will likewise reject Him in the time of judgment.

Consider more closely the truths of the heavenly sanctuary. Do you realize that you may know beyond a doubt that Christ entered the Holy place in heaven at Pentecost, there to act as our High Priest, cleansing our sins with His own blood? Do you realize that you may know with equal certainty that He entered the Most Holy place in 1844, and is this very moment standing before the ark of the ten commandments as our advocate until the final moments of this world? At that time God will declare, “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.” Revelation 22:11

When Jesus appears the second time, will you and I be ready to meet Him? Or will we have followed in the path of the Jews of old, been misled by the teachings of Babylon? Will we listen to educated men who teach that there is no sanctuary in heaven, that Christ kept the law for us; that we are saved by faith alone, so we need only believe and continue in sin until Jesus comes? Rather than studying for themselves to know the truth, millions accept these false teachings because they are being presented by doctors of divinity. They are preparing to reject Him as did the Jews and will not be ready to meet Him when He comes.

Let’s consider the Magi. “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East, and have come to worship Him.’ ” Matthew 2:1, 2. Can you imagine the sensation that this caused? All Jerusalem was astir. Even King Herod was alarmed. Had not prophecy precisely predicted that Bethlehem would be the King’s birthplace? The shepherd’s experience with heavenly angels was known to all the priesthood. Zacharias’ encounter with the angel was also known widely. The birth of John the Baptist was revealed to thousands, yet both the priests and almost all the Jewish nation knew not that it was time for the Messiah to come. Sadly, only a few were ready to meet the Messiah.

Consider with me the dedication of the baby Jesus. The Christ child was to conform to the law in every particular. God had promised the Firstborn of heaven to save sinners and this gift was to be acknowledged by His consecration in commemoration of God’s people being delivered from Egypt—Egypt meaning full deliverance from sin.

“Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Israel is My son, My firstborn. So I say to you, let My son go that He may serve Me. But if you refuse to let Him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn.” ’ ” Exodus 4:22, 23. After these judgments God commanded, “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.” Exodus 13:2. “… On the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, … They shall be Mine: I am the Lord.” Numbers 3:13

When the tabernacle service was instituted, the tribe of Levi took the place of the firstborn. However, the firstborn was still regarded as the Lord’s and must be bought back by a ransom. Just as the blood on the doorpost saved the firstborn, so the blood of Christ was to save the sinner. What a message was to be found in this dedication of the baby Jesus!

Picture with me the baby Jesus in the arms of Mary. The priest does not seem to comprehend the divine significance, for to him this is just an everyday common occurrence. As he begins the dedication service, he sees nothing unusual in Joseph and Mary except that they are very poor, offering the smallest gift the law allowed. He takes the Christ child from Mary’s arms into his own and lifts Him high above the altar. This priest has no idea that this baby boy is the Majesty of heaven or that he is holding in his arms the King of glory.

God made every effort to alert His people in the day of Christ, so why was this priest not prepared for this divine moment? Because he took his religion for granted. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. At the precise moment of Jesus’ dedication as the priest lifted Him up before the altar, Simeon enters the temple and takes the Baby out of the priest’s arms and praises God that he has now seen the Messiah. How is this? Simeon took nothing for granted. He had been praying for the Messiah to appear. He has never before experienced such joy as he returned Jesus to Mary’s arms. And before the astonished priest he speaks, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation.” Luke 2:29, 30. Then he blessed the child Jesus, and Mary and Joseph also.

Immediately, God sends Anna the prophetess to alert the priesthood also. She, too, has taken nothing for granted. She has “served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” Verse 37, last part. She confirms Simeon’s testimony. “And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” Verse 38

Such an acknowledgement by Inspiration quickly spread to every priest, ruler, and scribe. So why did the priests and the people reject Him? The people supposed that they were correct. They did not study or pray for themselves to discover the truth. They took for granted what the church leaders said and believed it.

Now let’s return to the Passover visit when Jesus was 12 years old. The journey took several days as a large company traveled together. They passed historical sights and recounted the providences of God. Songs of victory filled the air when Jerusalem finally came into view and the whole company would burst into song, “Our feet have been standing within Your gates, O Jerusalem!” Psalm 122:2

During this Passover visit, Jesus takes His first look at the temple. He is captivated by the sights and the wonders. He beholds the white-robed priests performing their solemn duties. He sees the bleeding victim of sacrifice. He bows in prayer amidst the cloud of incense. Hour by hour the sanctuary truth unfolds to His mind. His every act of life seems bound up in this Passover ritual and new impulses are awakened within Him. Alone in the temple, He studies the sin problem, and the mystery of His mission unfolds before Him. God is teaching Him the facts of His mission.

“With most of the people in the days of Christ, the observance of this feast had degenerated into formalism. But what was its significance to the Son of God!

“For the first time the child Jesus looked upon the temple. He saw the white-robed priests performing their solemn ministry. He beheld the bleeding victim upon the altar of sacrifice. With the worshipers He bowed in prayer, while the cloud of incense ascended before God. He witnessed the impressive rites of the paschal service. Day by day He saw their meaning more clearly. Every act seemed to be bound up with His own life. New impulses were awakening within Him. Silent and absorbed, He seemed to be studying out a great problem. The mystery of His mission was opening to the Saviour.

“Rapt in the contemplation of these scenes, He did not remain beside His parents. He sought to be alone. When the paschal services were ended, He still lingered in the temple courts; and when the worshipers departed from Jerusalem, He was left behind. …

“While He [Jesus] was obedient in every particular to the word of God, He did not conform to the rabbinical rites and usages. … Jesus in the temple had been taught by God. That which He had received, He began at once to impart.

“Seating Himself at the feet of these grave, learned men, He listened to their instruction. As one seeking for wisdom, He questioned these teachers in regard to the prophecies, and to events then taking place that pointed to the advent of the Messiah. …

“The doctors turned upon Him with questions, and they were amazed at His answers. With the humility of a child He repeated the words of Scripture, giving them a depth of meaning that the wise men had not conceived of. If followed, the lines of truth He pointed out would have worked a reformation in the religion of the day. A deep interest in spiritual things would have been awakened; and when Jesus began His ministry, many would have been prepared to receive Him.” The Desire of Ages, 78, 79.

Can you imagine what would have happened had these priests listened to God? They supposed they knew it all for they had taken for granted that they were acquainted with God’s truth.

A day’s journey from Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary realized they had completely lost sight of Jesus. They had supposed that He was with them. They did not know that He had stayed in Jerusalem. They had become absorbed in visiting with their friends. How many like Joseph and Mary feel the presence of Jesus at a religious service, but lose the blessing on the way home?

“Jesus will not be found in the company of those who are careless of His presence, and who engage in conversation having no reference to their Redeemer, in whom they profess their hopes of eternal life are centered. Jesus shuns the company of such, so also do the angels who do His commands. These heavenly messengers are not attracted to the crowd where minds are diverted from heavenly things. These pure and holy spirits cannot remain in the company where Jesus’ presence is not desired and encouraged, and His absence not marked. For this reason, great mourning, grief, and discouragement exist. Through lack of meditation, watchfulness, and prayer, they have lost all that is valuable.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 2, 37

This is exactly what happened to Joseph and Mary as they left Jerusalem to return home. As the day closed they prepared to pitch their tent only to miss the ever-ready hands of Jesus. Suddenly it struck them that He had not been with them all day. They had taken it for granted that He had been by their side. Now they shudder with fear for they remember how Herod had tried to kill Him. They remember that they had been charged with heaven’s most precious gift. They reproached themselves as they retraced their steps. All through the long dark night until early in the morning they walked the silent streets of Jerusalem looking for the boy Jesus. For three days they searched every nook and cranny.

Finally, they see a crowd of early worshipers entering a room of the temple. Following, they hear a familiar voice—serious, earnest, youthful, filled with melody. There’s no mistake. They have entered the school of the prophets. They cannot contain their grief any longer as they listen to His meaningful answers. Mary cries out, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” Luke 2:48

Every ear listens for the answer. “And He said to them, ‘Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?’ ” Verse 49. We are told in the Spirit of Prophecy that as the boy Jesus spoke, He lifted His hand and pointed to heaven. Jesus was already engaged in His life work. Joseph and Mary had neglected theirs and blamed Jesus.

In committing His Son into their care, God had given to Joseph and Mary the highest honor. “If Joseph and Mary had stayed their minds upon God by meditation and prayer, they would have realized the sacredness of their trust, and would not have lost sight of Jesus. By one day’s neglect they lost the Saviour; but it cost them three days of anxious search to find Him. So with us; by idle talk, evilspeaking, or neglect of prayer, we may in one day lose the Saviour’s presence, and it may take many days of sorrowful search to find Him, and regain the peace that we have lost.” The Desire of Ages, 83

How often we take Christ for granted!

“In our association with one another, we should take heed lest we forget Jesus, and pass along unmindful that He is not with us. When we become absorbed in worldly things so that we have no thought for Him in whom our hope of eternal life is centered, we separate ourselves from Jesus and from the heavenly angels. These holy beings cannot remain where the Saviour’s presence is not desired, and His absence is not marked. This is why discouragement so often exists among the professed followers of Christ.” Ibid.

How can God’s people mingle with the lost in attending rock concerts, in visiting sports arenas, where drinking, smoking, and profanity occur? How can one spend hours looking at movies in the theater or in the home, or reading novels that have been authored by Satan?

But you say, the youth are so young, they cannot understand. Look at the boy Jesus, only 12 years old. He understood because of the faithfulness of His parents. Parents, you, too, have a responsibility. God has given you a son or a daughter who is very precious in the sight of God. Are you having daily worship with them, teaching them to pray, and giving Godly counsel? Never forget, God gave you these children that you may lead them to Jesus to be saved for all eternity. Never, never take for granted that your child is with Jesus.

What of yourself? Could this be the reason you experience spiritual discouragement? “Many attend religious services, and are refreshed and comforted by the word of God; but through neglect of meditation, watchfulness, and prayer, they lose the blessing, and find themselves more destitute than before they received it. Often they feel that God has dealt harshly with them. They do not see that the fault is their own. By separating themselves from Jesus, they have shut away the light of His presence.” Ibid.

Don’t take Christ for granted. He’s heaven’s most precious gift. He’s the Pearl of great price. Don’t neglect one day in having morning devotions and searching to make sure you know that Jesus is with you in all that you do, and that the truth that you believe is the truth of God. “As we associate together, we may be a blessing to one another. If we are Christ’s, our sweetest thoughts will be of Him. We shall love to talk of Him; and as we speak to one another of His love, our hearts will be softened by divine influences. Beholding the beauty of His character, we shall be ‘changed into the same image from glory to glory.’ 2 Corinthians 3:18.” Ibid.

For more than fifty years, Elder Lawrence Nelson served the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a pastor, evangelist, and then in Conference, Union, and General Conference leadership. When God laid upon him the responsibility to “tell it like it is” to alert the people how the church was leading them into the worldwide ecumenical movement, he was forbidden to preach in any church within the Oregon Conference. Though nothing could be found in his preaching that was contrary to the doctrines of the church, he was considered divisive. As a result, Keep the Faith Audio Tape Ministry was born. Elder Nelson passed to his rest on April 18, 2012.

Editorial – Will Few Be Saved? (Luke 13:23)

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Felix was convicted on the truth when the apostle Paul spoke to him of righteousness, temperance and judgment to come. Paul showed him that God’s law “extends to the deep secrets of man’s moral nature and throws a flood of light upon that which has been concealed from the sight and knowledge of men. … The law searches his thoughts, motives, and purposes. The dark passions that lie hidden from the sight of men, the jealousy, hatred, lust, and ambition, the evil deeds meditated upon in the dark recesses of the soul, yet never executed for want of opportunity—all these God’s law condemns.” The Acts of the Apostles, 424

“[Felix] saw himself licentious, cruel, rapacious. Never before had the truth been thus brought home to his heart. Never before had his soul been so filled with terror. The thought that all the secrets of his career of crime were open before the eye of God, and that he must be judged according to his deeds, caused him to tremble with dread.

“But instead of permitting his convictions to lead him to repentance, he sought to dismiss these unwelcome reflections. … ‘Go thy way for this time,’ he said; ‘when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.’ ” Ibid., 425, 426

That convenient season never came and you will not see Felix in the kingdom of heaven. Paul had plainly declared to him “that there would surely come a day of judgment when all would be rewarded according to the deeds done in the body … . He showed that this life is man’s time of preparation for the future life. Should he neglect present privileges and opportunities he would suffer an eternal loss; no new probation would be given him.” Ibid., 424

But Felix lost his golden opportunity. There have been multitudes of people in every generation who have planned to be saved, but they wanted to do something else first. “The first step taken in the path of unbelief and rejection of light is a dangerous thing … .” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 16, 226

“[I]f there is a neglect to follow the light, it becomes darkness.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 263

“Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God. They do not now choose to be Christians.” Steps to Christ, 48