"We have no time to lose. We know not how soon our probation may close. Eternity stretches before us. The curtain is about to be lifted. Christ is soon to come. The angels of God are seeking to attract us from ourselves and from earthly things. Let them not labor in vain.
"When Jesus rises up in the most holy place, lays off His mediatorial robes, and clothes Himself with the garments of vengeance, the mandate will go forth: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still:...and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be." [Revelation 22:11, 12]
"A storm is coming, relentless in its fury. Are we prepared to meet it?" [8T 314,315]
I sat wondering what I might write in addition to what is quoted above; and it occurred to me that there is really nothing to say. Christ and His servant have said it all. But I will ask a question; Who is listening?
Be in the Word. Sabbath is coming, and just as surely, so is the Christ. e.c.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
SCHADENFREUDE in the church? NOT!
There it was, a new word, waiting for me in the business section of online news. Of course you can tell it's a German word. It emerged in the 1890's and means SCHADEN (damage) + FREUDE (joy). Phonetically it's pronounced "shawden froyda" and describes in one word (as German words often do) someone(s) who find happiness/joy in the ills and misfortunes of others. In the article, the writer used the word to describe how GM, Chrysler, et ali, are most probably reacting to Toyota's massive recall. Detroit was embarrassed at having to be "bailed out" by the government...and...by decades of being considered #2 in quality to Japan.
Of course, Satan is the author and master of SCHADENFREUDE. He invented it, he inspires it, and he tries his best to bring it into the church...with some success. Ellen White encourages church members to "...press together, press together...": to enter into the unity of the truth as it is in Christ. No more "Well, he/she sure got what he/she deserved."
Listen to the Apostle Paul: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy, love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away...And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. [1st Corinthians 13:1-8, 13].
SCHADENFREUDE: an interesting word, but not to be admitted through the doors of the church nor in the minds and hearts of God's people.
Think on these things. e.c.
Of course, Satan is the author and master of SCHADENFREUDE. He invented it, he inspires it, and he tries his best to bring it into the church...with some success. Ellen White encourages church members to "...press together, press together...": to enter into the unity of the truth as it is in Christ. No more "Well, he/she sure got what he/she deserved."
Listen to the Apostle Paul: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy, love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away...And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. [1st Corinthians 13:1-8, 13].
SCHADENFREUDE: an interesting word, but not to be admitted through the doors of the church nor in the minds and hearts of God's people.
Think on these things. e.c.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Isaiah: Twice Dissected
Parts of certain parts are partially accepted while the rest are dissected out of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible).
The writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews, speaking of believers of old, says this: "Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two (that would be Isaiah), were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented---of whom the world was not worthy" [Hebrews 11:36-38].
Twice have Israel's children dissected Isaiah: once with a saw when murdered, and a second time with the scalpel of unbelief when they rejected the prophet's inspired words regarding the suffering Messiah. Israel is no different today than when they chose king Saul rather than Jehovah as King.
Modern Protestantism is infatuated with Israel because they, like the Jews of old, are looking for Christ to set up a temporal kingdom in Jerusalem. Neither Israel nor Protestants truly comprehend that the war that rages is not about land or political power, it is about souls. It is a battle between things good and things evil; a battle between Christ and Satan.
When Seventh-day Adventists broach the subject of spiritual Israel vs. literal Israel they are accused of preaching a replacement theology; replacing Old Testament scriptures that refer to then literal/spiritual Israel with a New Testament understanding of spiritual Israel; those who have accepted God and His Christ whom the Jews rejected and continue to reject. They are still a stiffnecked and disobedient people. [Deuteronomy 9:6]
The words of Christ are clear enough when, as He left the temple for the last time before His crucifixion he said, "See! Your house is left unto you desolate." [Matthew 23:38] Paul, a pharisee and the son of a pharisee wrote these words: "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumscision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.: [Romans 2:28, 29]
So this comes down to what? to a prejudiced unbelief.
The Jews have slipped from being number one to some other place down the chart. Protestants prop up the Jews because they too have edited and reinvented the words of the prophets and the Christ.
Seventh-day Adventists ought to be leaders in rightly dividing the Word; but to rightly divide is to be expert in operating within the pages of the Bible. Perhaps it's time for an advanced externship in the "meat" of the word, rather than "milk".
Study on! e.c.
The writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews, speaking of believers of old, says this: "Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two (that would be Isaiah), were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented---of whom the world was not worthy" [Hebrews 11:36-38].
Twice have Israel's children dissected Isaiah: once with a saw when murdered, and a second time with the scalpel of unbelief when they rejected the prophet's inspired words regarding the suffering Messiah. Israel is no different today than when they chose king Saul rather than Jehovah as King.
Modern Protestantism is infatuated with Israel because they, like the Jews of old, are looking for Christ to set up a temporal kingdom in Jerusalem. Neither Israel nor Protestants truly comprehend that the war that rages is not about land or political power, it is about souls. It is a battle between things good and things evil; a battle between Christ and Satan.
When Seventh-day Adventists broach the subject of spiritual Israel vs. literal Israel they are accused of preaching a replacement theology; replacing Old Testament scriptures that refer to then literal/spiritual Israel with a New Testament understanding of spiritual Israel; those who have accepted God and His Christ whom the Jews rejected and continue to reject. They are still a stiffnecked and disobedient people. [Deuteronomy 9:6]
The words of Christ are clear enough when, as He left the temple for the last time before His crucifixion he said, "See! Your house is left unto you desolate." [Matthew 23:38] Paul, a pharisee and the son of a pharisee wrote these words: "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumscision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.: [Romans 2:28, 29]
So this comes down to what? to a prejudiced unbelief.
The Jews have slipped from being number one to some other place down the chart. Protestants prop up the Jews because they too have edited and reinvented the words of the prophets and the Christ.
Seventh-day Adventists ought to be leaders in rightly dividing the Word; but to rightly divide is to be expert in operating within the pages of the Bible. Perhaps it's time for an advanced externship in the "meat" of the word, rather than "milk".
Study on! e.c.
Knowledge works transformation
"The knowledge of God as revealed in Christ is the knowledge that all who are saved must have. It is the knowledge that works transformation of character. This knowledge, received, will re-create the soul in the image of God. It will impart to the whole being a spiritual power that is divine."
'We all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory.' [2nd Corinthians 3:18 ARV]
"Of His own life the Saviour said: 'I have kept my father's commandments.' 'The Father hath not left Me alone; for I always do those things that please Him.'[John 15;10; 8:29 ARV] As Jesus was in human nature, so God means His followers to be. In His strength, we are to live the life of purity and nobility which the Saviour lived.'" [8T pg.289]
Blessings for the day. e.c.
'We all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory.' [2nd Corinthians 3:18 ARV]
"Of His own life the Saviour said: 'I have kept my father's commandments.' 'The Father hath not left Me alone; for I always do those things that please Him.'[John 15;10; 8:29 ARV] As Jesus was in human nature, so God means His followers to be. In His strength, we are to live the life of purity and nobility which the Saviour lived.'" [8T pg.289]
Blessings for the day. e.c.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Off we go, into the wild blue wonder...
Actually, the lyrics to that song read "yonder" rather than "wonder." But I'm wondering about the yondering that's taken place at our Air Force Academy. Just yesterday I read a piece (forwarded to a few people) about the newest worship site that was added to the Academy's roster of "Churches." Do you know? Can you guess? Or am I going to have to tell you?
Ok, lets make this short and to the point. Paganism and Wicca are not accepted alternatives to the old standby's: The ones we all know and strive to respect. But Paganism? Diana goddess of the Ephesians? Stonehenge?
I guess its best to be politically correct in the place where one gets their wings. Really, I won't be insulted if some don't believe me, so go ahead and google something like..."paganism and air force academy...
This one calls for a really big...GO FIGURE. Where will this end? I expect all Christians to get 100% on that question, but how about "When will it all end?" Soon, I pray. And while we are praying, pray for Shawn Boonstra who is in Rome trying to start his meetings while some are trying to shut him down. Pray for Shawn.
Blessings. e.c.
Ok, lets make this short and to the point. Paganism and Wicca are not accepted alternatives to the old standby's: The ones we all know and strive to respect. But Paganism? Diana goddess of the Ephesians? Stonehenge?
I guess its best to be politically correct in the place where one gets their wings. Really, I won't be insulted if some don't believe me, so go ahead and google something like..."paganism and air force academy...
This one calls for a really big...GO FIGURE. Where will this end? I expect all Christians to get 100% on that question, but how about "When will it all end?" Soon, I pray. And while we are praying, pray for Shawn Boonstra who is in Rome trying to start his meetings while some are trying to shut him down. Pray for Shawn.
Blessings. e.c.
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Creator Christ
"It is through the gift of Christ that we receive every blessing. Through that gift there comes to us day by day the unfailing flow of Jehovah's goodness. Every flower, with its delicate tints and sweet fragrance, is given for our enjoyment through that one Gift. The sun and moon were made by Him; there is not a star that beautifies the heavens which did not make. There is not an article of food upon our table that He has not provided for our sustenance. The superscription of Christ is upon it all. Everything is supplied to man through the one unspeakable Gift, the only-begotten Son of God. He was nailed to the cross that all these bounties might flow to God's workmanship." [8T pgs. 287.9 - 288.3]
What a blessing! Thank You Lord. e.c.
What a blessing! Thank You Lord. e.c.
The True Sanctuary...
Adventists are ridiculed or brushed aside by many Protestant denominations and the Church of Rome for their teaching on the 2300 days, the heavenly Sanctuary, and the investigative judgment. For their part, many life-long Seventh-day Adventists yawn, sniff, ignore, and deride these teachings with words I cannot write (but have heard, directly and clearly).
Paul writes in Hebrews, a more authoritative source than any church or church member, and essentially grabs us by the collar of our dis-attention when he says: "Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man, for every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to build the tabernacle. For he said, 'See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.'" [Hebrews 8:1-5]
Isaiah writes concerning the Christ: "Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors" [Isaiah 53:12].
Again Paul writes "Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore, is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us" [Romans 8:34]. And in Hebrews; But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them [Hebrews 7:24, 25]. Because He (is) "...a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" [Hebrews 7:17].
Therefore...those who believe that Christ's work for man was finished on the cross, either have not read (guided by the Holy Spirit) or deny out of hand, the main points the writer makes throughout the book of Hebrews.
If the reader desires to learn more of what Seventh-day Adventists believe about the Heavenly Sanctuary and the powerful Salvific (referencing salvation) symbolism intrinsic in the divinely directed desert Tabernacle constructed under the supervision of Moses. I recommend that you google and then select "Peter Gregory GYC Baltimore 2008 1 of 4".
The speaker is a dynamic Korean-born preacher named Peter Gregory. Whoever chooses to follow this link will learn more about a fundamental Seventh-day Adventist belief than is (very probably or perhaps) known by a majority of contemporary Adventists. Speaking for myself, this is the best, most informative, most spiritual sermon I have heard on the topic of the sanctuary and the 2300 days in 63 years...the years I have been paying attention.
Blessings await you. e.c.
Paul writes in Hebrews, a more authoritative source than any church or church member, and essentially grabs us by the collar of our dis-attention when he says: "Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man, for every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to build the tabernacle. For he said, 'See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.'" [Hebrews 8:1-5]
Isaiah writes concerning the Christ: "Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors" [Isaiah 53:12].
Again Paul writes "Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore, is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us" [Romans 8:34]. And in Hebrews; But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them [Hebrews 7:24, 25]. Because He (is) "...a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" [Hebrews 7:17].
Therefore...those who believe that Christ's work for man was finished on the cross, either have not read (guided by the Holy Spirit) or deny out of hand, the main points the writer makes throughout the book of Hebrews.
If the reader desires to learn more of what Seventh-day Adventists believe about the Heavenly Sanctuary and the powerful Salvific (referencing salvation) symbolism intrinsic in the divinely directed desert Tabernacle constructed under the supervision of Moses. I recommend that you google
The speaker is a dynamic Korean-born preacher named Peter Gregory. Whoever chooses to follow this link will learn more about a fundamental Seventh-day Adventist belief than is (very probably or perhaps) known by a majority of contemporary Adventists. Speaking for myself, this is the best, most informative, most spiritual sermon I have heard on the topic of the sanctuary and the 2300 days in 63 years...the years I have been paying attention.
Blessings await you. e.c.
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