Revelation 14 The Third Angel

Rev. 14: 9-12

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture 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:

14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Identifying the Three Angels. Christ is coming the second time, with power unto salvation. To prepare human beings for this event, He has sent the first, second, and third angels' messages. These angels represent those who receive the truth, and with power, open the gospel to the world (Letter 79, 1900). {7BC 978}

The Law of God Made Void. A time is coming when the law of God is, in a special sense, to be made void in our land. The rulers of our nation will, by legislative enactments, enforce the Sunday law, and thus God's people be brought into great peril. When our nation, in its legislative councils, shall enact laws to bind the consciences of men in regard to their religious privileges, enforcing Sunday observance, and bringing oppressive power to bear against those who keep the seventh-day Sabbath, the law of God will, to all intents and purposes, be made void in our land; and national apostasy will be followed by national ruin (RH Dec. 18, 1888). {7BC 977}

Contempt for the Great Lawgiver. The sins of the world will have reached unto heaven when the law of God is made void; when the Sabbath of the Lord is trampled in the dust, and men are compelled to accept, in its stead, an institution of the papacy through the strong hand of the law of the land. In exalting an institution of man, above the institution ordained of God, they show contempt for the great Lawgiver, and refuse His sign or seal (RH Nov. 5, 1889). {7BC 977}

Prepared for Injustice. As Christ was hated without cause, so will His people be hated because they are obedient to the commandments of God. If He who was pure, holy, and undefiled, who did good and only good in our world, was treated as a base criminal and condemned to death, His disciples must expect but similar treatment, however faultless may be their life and blameless their character. {7BC 977}

Human enactments, laws manufactured by satanic agencies under a plea of goodness and restriction of evil, will be exalted, while God's holy commandments are despised and trampled underfoot. And all who prove their loyalty by obedience to the law of Jehovah, must be prepared to be arrested, to be brought before councils that have not, for their standard, the high and holy law of God (RH Dec. 26, 1899). {7BC 977}

2 Thess. 2:3, 4.

2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

Living in a Momentous Period. We are living in a momentous period of this earth's history. The great conflict is just before us. We see the world corrupted under the inhabitants thereof. The man of sin has worked, with a marvelous perseverance, to exalt the spurious sabbath, and the disloyal Protestant world has wondered after the beast, and has called obedience to the Sabbath instituted by Jehovah, disloyalty to the laws of the nations. Kingdoms have confederated to sustain a false sabbath institution, which has not a word of authority in the oracles of God (RH Feb. 6, 1900). {7BC 977}

Rev. 7:2-3 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

The Question Before Us Now. The Sabbath question is to be the issue in the great final conflict, in which all the world will act a part. Men have honored Satan's principles above the principles that rule in the heavens. They have accepted the spurious sabbath, which Satan has exalted as the sign of his authority. But God has set His seal upon His royal requirement. Each Sabbath institution, both true and false, bears the name of its author, an ineffaceable mark that shows the authority of each. {7BC 977}

The great decision now to be made by every one is, whether he will receive the mark of the beast and his image, or the seal of the living and true God (ST March 22, 1910) {7BC 977}

Mark of Beast Not Yet Applied. Sundaykeeping is not yet the mark of the beast, and will not be until the decree goes forth causing men to worship this idol sabbath. The time will come when this day will be the test, but that time has not come yet (MS 118, 1899). {7BC 977}

Christ says that there will be those in the church who will present fables and suppositions, when God has given grand, elevating, ennobling truths, which should ever be kept in the treasure house of the mind. When men pick up this theory and that theory, when they are curious to know something it is not necessary for them to know, God is not leading them. It is not His plan that His people shall present something which they have to suppose, which is not taught in the Word. It is not His will that they shall get into controversy over questions which will not help them spiritually.... {7BC 978.4}

My brethren and sisters, appreciate and study the truths God has given for you and your children. Spend not your time in seeking to know that which will be no spiritual help. "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" This is the all-important question, and it has been clearly answered. "What is written in the law? how readest thou?" (MS 26, 1901). {7BC 978.5}

God's People Follow the Lamb Now. The Lord has a people on the earth, who follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. He has His thousands who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Such will stand with Him on Mount Zion. But they must stand on this earth, girded with the whole armor, ready to engage in the work of saving those who are ready to perish. Heavenly angels conduct this search, and spiritual activity is demanded of all who believe present truth, that they may join the angels in their work. {7BC 978.6}

We need not wait till we are translated to follow Christ. God's people may do this here below. We shall follow the Lamb of God in the courts above, only if we follow Him here. Following Him in heaven, depends on our keeping His commandments now. We are not to follow Christ fitfully or capriciously, only when it is for our advantage. {7BC 978.7}

We must choose to follow Him. In daily life, we must follow His example, as a flock trustfully follows its shepherd. We are to follow Him by suffering for His sake, saying, at every step, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." His life practice must be our life practice. And as we thus seek to be like Him, and to bring our wills into conformity to His will, we shall reveal Him (RH April 12, 1898). {7BC 978}

Revelation 14 The Second Angel

This post will look at verse 8, the 2nd angel.

Rev. 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Who or what is Babylon? The churches that refused to receive the first angel's message.

"THE churches that refused to receive the first angel's message, rejected light from heaven. That message was sent in mercy to arouse them to see their true condition of worldliness and backsliding, and to seek a preparation to meet their Lord.

It was to separate the church of Christ from the corrupting influence of the world, that the first angel's message was given. But with the multitude, even of professed Christians, the ties which bound them to earth were stronger than the attractions heavenward. They chose to listen to the voice of worldly wisdom, and turned away from the heart-searching message of truth.

God gives light to be cherished and obeyed, not to be despised and rejected. The light which He sends becomes darkness to those who disregard it. When the Spirit of God ceases to impress the truth upon the hearts of men, all hearing is vain, and all preaching also is vain.

When the churches spurned the counsel of God by rejecting the advent message, the Lord rejected them. The first angel was followed by a second, proclaiming, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." Rev. 14:8.

This message was understood by Adventists to be an announcement of the moral fall of the churches, in consequence of their rejection of the first message. The proclamation, "Babylon is fallen," was given in the summer of 1844, and as the result, about fifty thousand withdrew from these churches. {SR 364}

What does that mean for us today? Let's examine the above statement.

"THE churches that refused to receive the first angel's message rejected light from heaven. That message was sent in mercy to arouse them to see their true condition of worldliness and backsliding, and to seek a preparation to meet their Lord".

In, and after, 1844, the message was given to the churches of that era. "It was to separate the church of Christ from the corrupting influence of the world. that the first angel's message was given. But with the multitude, even of professed Christians, the ties which bound them to earth were stronger than the attractions heavenward. They chose to listen to the voice of worldly wisdom, and turned away from the heart-searching message of truth.

When the churches spurned the counsel of God by rejecting the advent message, the Lord rejected them. The first angel was followed by a second, proclaiming, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." {SR 364}

"The churches"
In todays language, it means people. The church building is a place for people to come together to worship God. The Sancuary in the wilderness, was where God dwelled with His people. The temple in Jerusalem was a place where God's people came together to worship. Since the destruction of Jerusalem, many churches has be erected for the purpose of gathering together.

The Word says:
1 Cor. 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

When the churches (the people of God) spurned the counsel of God by rejecting the advent message, the Lord rejected them. The first angel was followed by a second, proclaiming, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."

Let's rewrite that: When the people of God, reject, despise, look down on, the counsel of God, by rejecting the health message, the character building message, the second coming of Jesus, the Lord rejects them. That is when God sends another messenger saying, the worldly churches are corrupt, God has rejected them, so they want others to suffer the wrath of God, with them.

From the days of Adam and Eve, till the day when Jesus returns, God has always had a true church, a people, who will not reject the counsel of God. They have, and still others will not, be part of Babylon. They will be in the world, but not part of the world. Their standards of living will be elevated to the Highest level.

"This message was understood by Adventists to be an announcementof the moral fall of the churches in consequence of their rejection of the first message". SR365

Their will be some who will claim to have the garments of God on, but the actions will be contrary. Some will claim to speak the Words of God, yet, when the truth is spoken to them, they will reject the message, and seek to lay hands on them.

Luke 20: 1-20
20:1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
20:2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
20:3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
20:4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
20:5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?
20:6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.
20:7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.
20:8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
20:9 Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.
20:10 And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.
20:11 And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.
20:12 And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.
20:13 Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.
20:14 But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.
20:15 So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?
20:16 He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.
20:17 And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?
20:18 Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
20:19 And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.
20:20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

The question then is: What church am I a part of? God's church, or the world's church?

"Since the rejection of the first message, a sad change has taken place in the churches. As truth is spurned, error is received and cherished. Love for God, and faith in His Word, have grown cold. The churches have grieved the Spirit of the Lord, and it, the Spirit of the Lord, has been in a great measure, withdrawn." {SR 366.2}

Even in God's remnant church.

Revelation 14 First Angel, part 2

Today we will look at Revelation 14:7

"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."

What does it mean to "fear God". The answer is pretty simple. It does not mean to be afraid of Him. It simply means to reverence Him, "and give glory to Him".

When one goes into the courtrooms of the world, whether they are defending themselves, whether a juror, and even just a spectator, they usually present themselves clean and orderly. Some go a far a putting on their "Sunday best". I was actually in a court room where the court clerk call up an individual and presented him with a paper, with the charges on them, and had him sit back down. One of the court officers whispered something to the clerk, and the clerk told that same person, who had shorts on, to go home and change his pants. That was done in reverence for the judge. There is no talking, no chewing of gum, there is nothing that is disrespectful to the judge, allowed to go on in that courtroom.

But, we come into the house of God, into His Courtroom, His Sanctuary, with all kinds of noise, all kinds of manner of food items, all kinds of, just total disrespect and honor, to the one we claim to love and follow. The meaning of, "take off your shoe because you are on Holy ground", is totally gone from our minds. All manner of conversation is going on, "in His presents", without remorse.

What are we to do? We are to "fear God, and give glory to Him", just as we do when we come into the presents of a worldly judge. Even more!

With the "everlasting gospel", the power of God unto salvation, and the fact that we are living in the judgement time, "for the hour of His judgement is come", that is what will bring us into unity with the first angel that said to fear God and give Him glory. God, allowing His Son to die for us, that we may live, is what should bring us together to love Him. The point that Jesus has move from the Holy, to the Most Holy place of the Heavenly Sanctuary, should move us to get right with God, now.

"When the twenty-three hundred days closed in 1844, Christ entered the second apartment of the heavenly sanctuary. When this change was about to take place in heaven, God commissioned an angel to fly earthward with a message to mankind that would prepare the human heart for the closing work on the earth".
Steven N. Haskel, Seer of Patmos, pg. 253

This is the time when our hearts are to be prepared for the judgement of God.

"The message itself sheds light as to the time when this movement is to take place. It is declared to be a part of the "everlasting gospel;" and it announces the opening of the judgment. The message of salvation has been preached in all ages; but this message is a part of the gospel which could be proclaimed only in the last days, for only then would it be true that the hour of judgment had come. The prophecies present a succession of events leading down to the opening of the judgment." GC 356

We are now living in the "day of atonement". What is the day of atonement?

The most important part of the daily ministration was the service performed in behalf of individuals. The repentant sinner brought his offering to the door of the tabernacle, and placing his hand upon the victim's head, confessed his sins, thus in figure transferring them from himself to the innocent sacrifice. By his own hand the animal was then slain, and the blood was carried by the priest into the holy place and sprinkled before the veil, behind which was the ark containing the law that the sinner had transgressed. By this ceremony the sin was, through the blood, transferred in figure to the sanctuary. In some cases the blood was not taken into the holy place; but the flesh was then to be eaten by the priest. . . . Both ceremonies alike symbolized the transfer of the sin from the penitent to the sanctuary.

Such was the work that went on day by day throughout the year. The sins of Israel being thus transferred to the sanctuary, the holy places were defiled, and a special work became necessary for the removal of the sins. God commanded that an atonement be made for each of the sacred apartments, as for the altar, to "cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel." Lev.16:19.

Once a year, on the great Day of Atonement, the priest entered the most holy place for the cleansing of the sanctuary. The work there performed, completed the yearly round of ministration. . . . FLB 198

Are you ready to be judged by God?

1 Corithians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

"By the inspiration of the Spirit of God, Paul the apostle writes that "whatsoever ye do," even the natural act of eating or drinking, should be done....to the glory of God." Every part of the man is to be guarded; we are to beware, lest that which ....shall banish from the mind, high and holy thoughts.

May I not do as I please with myself? ask some, as if we were seeking to deprive them of a great good, .... and conforming all their habits to the laws God has established. There are rights which belong to every individual. We have an individuality, and an identity, that is our own. No one can submerge his identity in that of any other. All must act for themselves, according to the dictates of their own conscience. As regards, our responsibility and influence, we are amenable to God as deriving our life from Him. This we do not obtain from humanity, but from God only. We are His by creation and by redemption. Our very bodies are not our own, to treat as we please, to cripple by habits that lead to decay, making it impossible to render to God perfect service. Our lives and all our faculties, belong to Him. He is caring for us every moment; He keeps the living machinery in action; if we were left to run it for one moment, we should die. We are absolutely dependent upon God.

A great lesson is learned when we understand our relation to God, and His relation to us. The words, "Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price," should be hung in memory's hall, that we may ever recognize God's rights to our talents, our property, our influence, our individual selves. We are to learn how to treat this gift of God, in mind, in soul, in body, that as Christ's purchased possession, we may do Him healthful, savory service. CD 56

To God be the glory.

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Revelation 14 The First Angel

Revelation 14:6-12 is the last message to a dying world. It comes from 3 angel's.

Today we are going to start at verse 6. Verses 6 and 7 goes together, however, we may not get to verse 7 today.

Let's start.

Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

The first thing we see is that it says, "another angel". So if it is another angel, where did the first, or the forerunning angel, come from? Let's look at Revelation 10.

10:1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

10:2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,

10:3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.

10:4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

10:5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,

10:6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

10:8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

10:9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

10:10 And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

10:11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

Pay attention to verse 11, where it says, "Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings".

Here is a commentary on the same topic.

"With the sixth verse of chapter fourteen begins a view of the last work of the Gospel in the earth. A glimpse of the spread of truth during the last days is given in the tenth chapter. Rev. 14:6-12 is a further development of the message given by the mighty angel which came down from heaven, and stood upon the earth with an open book of prophecy in his hand. This angel proclaimed that time should be no more, and the prophetic time to which he referred was the twenty-three hundred days of Daniel 8;14. The message was given between 1833 and 1844. When the twenty-three hundred days closed in 1844, Christ entered the second apartment of the heavenly sanctuary. When this change was about to take place in heaven, God commissioned an angel to fly earthward with a message to mankind that would prepare the human heart for the closing work on the earth. The angel flew in the midst of heaven, that the divine word which he brought might be heard by all the world; for the message was universal. he carried the everlasting Gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people". Seer of Patmos, Steven N. Haskell

There are more than a few who believe that Matthew 28 is the message to be given for today.

They are partly true, because that message is one that brings the believers into one fold. That message is a two fold message, however, one part seems to be missing. The baptising is always presented, but the teaching part seems to be missed. Don't get me wrong, that's just my observation. Let's look at that verse.

Matt. 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

Teach all nations. Teach them what? Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Yes, baptise them, but also, teach them. Teach them to "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".

We are now living in the last hours of earths history. It is time for us to get our lives, and character together, because the soon coming of Jesus is very near, even at the door, Amen?

Amen.

Next post we will look at verse 7.

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

My Blog's Title: Revelation 14

It just dawned on me that I have not fully addressed the name of this blogsite. As you have seen, the name of this blog is Revelation 14.

The only part of Revelation that has been addressed so far, were the first 3 verses.

14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

14:2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. see The One Hundred Forty-Four Thousand

So for the next few posting, I will address the rest of the chapter. However, before I continue, I have to make a few statements. When I came into the Adventist Message, which was some 20 years ago, I was impressed by what the Spirit of the Lord had shown me concerning what needed to be done in my life, that I may have the opportunity to live forever with Christ. I first thought that all I had to do was believe in Jesus and I would be saved. John 3:16 I could keep on doing everything that I was doing, and be saved. The more I studied, the more I was shown, by God, that, that was far from the truth. There is a part that I have to play in order to be part of the Kingdom of Heaven. When Christ addressed the man with the infirmity of 38 years, to take up his bed and walk, he did as he was instructed, and he indeed did walk, John 5:5-9.

This is where I was shown, by the Holy Spirit, that I needed to repent of the sins that I have committed, ask for forgiveness, and then, by the grace of God, walk with a new purpose, with new motives, and new desires. And my utmost desire was to live forever with Christ. I know that I can not do this all by myself, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, I am confident that He will do it, Philippians 1:6. Praise God. This is where Revelation 14:4-5 comes in.

Revelation 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

14:5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

I began to question, what does those verses mean? If Christ was to come now, would I be among those that have not been defiled with woman? Have I commit adultery with any woman? Am I a virgin? Oh my, I thought, I'm doomed. However, praise God, I was shown that woman in bible language, means church. That means, have I been defiled by church doctrines? Am I of the Pure Church?

Look at the following statement concerning the subject:

"We are not in a dreamland of inaction. We are soldiers of Christ, enlisted in the work of showing our loyalty to him who has redeemed us. What we are in the heavenly home, when saved, eternally saved, will be the reflection of what we now are in character and holy service. Shall we not show our loyalty by keeping God's commandments here, in this, our place of probation? Shall we not raise the standard of loyalty to the God of heaven, irrespective of consequences, unheeding the reviling and hatred of the churches that have apostatized from the service of their Creator?

The Lord has a people on the earth, who follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. He has his thousands who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Such will stand with him on Mount Zion. But they must stand on this earth, girded with the whole armor, ready to engage in the work of saving those who are ready to perish. Heavenly angels conduct this search, and spiritual activity is demanded of all who believe present truth, that they may join the angels in their work.

We need not wait till we are translated to follow Christ. God's people may do this here below. We shall follow the Lamb of God in the courts above only if we follow him here. Following him in heaven depends on our keeping his commandments now. We are not to follow Christ fitfully or capriciously, only when it is for our advantage. We must choose to follow him. In daily life, we must follow his example, as a flock trustfully follows its shepherd. We are to follow him by suffering for his sake, saying, at every step, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." His life practise, must be our life practise. And as we thus seek to be like him, and to bring our wills into conformity to his will, we shall reveal him.

Are we following Christ with unswerving loyalty, keeping his life of perfect obedience, of purity and self-sacrifice, ever before us, that, by beholding, we may become changed into his image? Do we strive to imitate his fidelity? If we educate ourselves to say, Be thou my Pattern; if by the eye of faith we see him as a living Saviour, we shall be strengthened to follow him. Then, with the undefiled, we shall follow him in the future life. As eye- and heart-witnesses, we can bear testimony to his majesty; for by faith we have been with him in the holy mount." RH, April 12, 1898.

I have been convicted that it is time to walk with Jesus , NOW, TODAY, and EVERYDAY, and not to be indoctrinated by the beliefs of man.

Thank you Jesus.

The Two Crowns

Greetings today from our Lord, Jesus Christ.

I would like to share this reading with you today because I found it very interesting.
I pray that you will also feel the same after you read this.
It comes from a book called, " Christian Experience and Teachings" by Ellen G. White, pg 161.

May God add a blessing to this reading. Amen.

Let's start by opening up the Word of God in the book of Matthew.

Matthew 6:19-24
6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

THE TWO CROWNS

In a vision given me at Battle Creek, Michigan, October 25, 1861, I was shown this earth, dark and gloomy. Said the angel, "Look carefully!" Then I was shown the people upon the earth. Some were surrounded by angels of God, others were in total darkness, surrounded by evil angels. I saw an arm reached down from heaven, holding a golden scepter. On the top of the scepter was a crown, studded with diamonds. Every diamond emitted light, bright, clear, and beautiful. Inscribed upon the crown were these words: "All who win me are happy, and shall have everlasting life."

Below this crown was another scepter, and upon this also was placed a crown, in the center of which were jewels, gold, and silver, reflecting some light. The inscription upon the crown was: "Earthly treasure. Riches is power. All who win me have honor and fame." I saw a vast multitude rushing forward to obtain this crown. They were clamorous. Some in their eagerness seemed bereft of reason. They would thrust one another, crowding back those who were weaker than they, and trampling upon those who in their haste fell. Many eagerly seized hold of the treasures within the crown, and held them fast. The heads of some were as white as silver, and their faces were furrowed with care and anxiety. Their own relatives, bone of their bone, and flesh of their flesh, they regarded not; but, as appealing looks were turned to them, they held their treasures more firmly, as though fearful that in an unguarded moment they should lose a little, or be induced to divide with them. Their eager eyes would often fasten upon the earthly crown, and count and recount its treasures.

Images of want and wretchedness appeared in that multitude, and looked wishfully at the treasures there, and turned hopelessly away as the stronger overpowered and drove back the weaker. Yet they could not give it up thus, but with a multitude of deformed, sickly, and aged, they sought to press their way to the earthly crown. Some died in seeking to reach it. Others fell just in the act of taking hold of it. Many had but just laid hold of it when they fell. Dead bodies strewed the ground, yet on rushed the multitude, trampling over the fallen and dead bodies of their companions. Everyone who reached the crown possessed a share in it, and was loudly applauded by an interested company standing around it.

A large company of evil angels were very busy. Satan was in the midst of them, and all looked with the most exulting satisfaction upon the company struggling for the crown. He seemed to throw a peculiar charm upon those who eagerly sought it.

Many who sought this earthly crown were professed Christians. Some of them seemed to have a little light. They would look wishfully upon the heavenly crown, and would often seem charmed with its beauty, yet they had no true sense of its value and glory. While with one hand they were reaching forth languidly for the heavenly, with the other they reached eagerly for the earthly, determined to possess that; and in their earnest pursuit for the earthly, they lost sight of the heavenly. They were left in darkness, yet were anxiously groping about to secure the earthly crown.

Some became disgusted with the company who sought it so eagerly; they seemed to have a sense of their danger, and turned from it, and earnestly sought for the heavenly crown. The countenances of such soon changed from dark to light, from gloom to cheerfulness and holy joy.

I then saw a company pressing through the crowd with their eyes intently fixed upon the heavenly crown. As they earnestly urged their way through the disorderly crowd, angels attended them, and made room for them to advance. As they neared the heavenly crown, the light emanating from it shone upon them and around them, dispelling their darkness, and growing clearer and brighter, until they seemed to be transformed, and resembled the angels. They cast not one lingering look upon the earthly crown. Those who were in pursuit of the earthly, mocked them, and threw black balls after them. These did them no injury while their eyes were fixed upon the heavenly crown, but those who turned their attention to the black balls were stained with them. The following scripture was presented before me:

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:19-24.

Then that which I had seen was explained to me as follows: The multitude who were so eagerly striving for the earthly crown, were those who love this world's treasure, and are deceived and flattered with its short-lived attractions. Some, I saw, who profess to be the followers of Jesus, are so ambitious to obtain earthly treasures that they lose their love for heaven, act like the world, and are accounted of God as of the world. They profess to be seeking an immortal crown, a treasure in the heavens; but their interest and principal study is to acquire earthly treasures. Those who have their treasures in this world, and love their riches, cannot love Jesus. They may think that they are right, and, although they cling to their possessions with a miser's grasp, they cannot be made to see it, or to feel that they love money more than the cause of truth or the heavenly treasure.

"If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" vs. 23
There was a point of time in the experience of such, when the light given them was not cherished, and it became darkness. Said the angel, "Ye cannot love and worship the treasures of earth, and have the true riches."

When the young man came to Jesus and said to Him, "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" Matt. 19:16, Jesus gave him his choice, to part with his possessions and have eternal life, or retain them and lose it. His riches were of greater value to him than the heavenly treasure. The condition that he must part with his treasures and give to the poor in order to become a follower of Christ and have eternal life, chilled his desire, and he went away sorrowful.

Those who were shown me as clamorous for the earthly crown, were those who will resort to any means to acquire property. They become insane upon that point. All their thoughts and energies are directed to the acquirement of earthly riches. They trample upon the rights of others, and oppress the poor, and the hireling in his wages. If they can take advantage of those who are poorer and less shrewd than they, and thus manage to increase their riches, they will not hesitate a moment to oppress them, and even see them brought to beggary.

The men whose heads were white with age, and whose faces were furrowed with care, yet who were eagerly grasping the treasures within the crown, were the aged, who had but a few years before them. Yet they were eager to secure their earthly treasures. The nearer they came to the grave, the more anxious they were to cling to them.

Their own relatives were not benefited. The members of their own families were permitted to labor beyond their strength to save a little money. They did not use it for others' good, or for their own. It was enough for them to know that they had it. When their duty to relieve the wants of the poor, and to sustain God's cause, is presented before them, they are sorrowful. They would gladly accept the gift of everlasting life, but are not willing that it should cost them anything. The conditions are too hard. But Abraham would not withhold his only son. In obedience to God he could sacrifice this child of promise more easily than many would sacrifice some of their earthly possessions.

It was painful to see those who should have been ripening for glory, and daily fitting for immortality, exerting all their strength to keep their earthly treasures. Such, I saw, could not value the heavenly treasure. Their strong affections for the earthly, cause them to show by their works that they do not esteem the heavenly inheritance enough to make any sacrifice for it.

The "young man" manifested a willingness to keep the commandments, yet our Lord told him that he lacked one thing. He desired eternal life, but loved his possessions more. Many are self-deceived. They have not sought for truth as for hid treasures. Their powers are not put to the best account. Their minds, which might be illuminated with Heaven's light, are perplexed and troubled. "The cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." Mark 4:19
"Such," said the angel, "are without excuse." I saw the light waning away from them. They did not desire to understand the solemn, important truths for this time, and thought they were well off without understanding them. Their light went out, and they were groping in darkness.

The multitude of deformed and sickly, pressing for the earthly crown, are those whose interests and treasures are in this world. Although they are disappointed on every side, they will not place their affections on heaven, and secure to themselves a treasure and home there. They fail of the earthly, yet while in pursuit of it, lose the heavenly. Notwithstanding the disappointment and unhappy life and death of those who were wholly bent upon obtaining earthly riches, others follow the same course. They rush madly on, disregarding the miserable end of those whose example they are following.

Those who reached the crown, and possessed a share in it, and were applauded, are those who obtain that which is the whole aim of their life, riches. They receive that honor which the world bestows upon those who are rich. They have influence in the world. Satan and his evil angels are satisfied. They know that such are surely theirs, that while they are living in rebellion against God, they are Satan's powerful agents.

The ones who became disgusted with the company clamoring for the earthly crown, are those who have marked the life and end of all who strive for earthly riches. They see that such are never satisfied, but are unhappy; and they become alarmed, and separate themselves from that unhappy class, and seek the true and durable riches.

Those who were urging their way through the crowd for the heavenly crown, attended by holy angels, were shown me to be God's faithful people. Angels lead them on, and they are inspired with zeal to press forward for the heavenly treasure.

The black balls which were thrown after the saints, were the reproachful falsehoods put in circulation concerning God's people, by those who love and make a lie. We should take the greatest care to live a blameless life, and abstain from all appearance of evil, and then it is our duty to move boldly forward, and pay no regard to the reproachful falsehoods of the wicked. While the eyes of the righteous are fixed upon the heavenly, priceless treasure, they will become more and more like Christ, and thus they will be transformed and fitted for translation.

Keep reaching for that Heavenly Crown.

Amen

Modern Day Movie "The Lost" part 2

Today we will look at the tribe of Dan, as promised.

Dan was the fifth son of Jacob, and his descendants composed one of the strong tribes of Israel. Sixty-four thousand four hundred warriors were marshaled under the standard of Dan, as they entered the promised land. Numbers 26:42,43

For some reason, the large tribe of Dan was given one of the smallest portions of the inheritance, and in time, they pushed northward and fought against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father. Joshua 19:40-48

Jeroboam set up his golden calves, one in Bethel in the territory of Ephraim, the other in the city of Dan; and the Danites were given over to idolatry. Even before the days of Jeroboam, we find the Danites worshiping graven images. Judges 18:30

When the tabernacle was built in the wilderness, God especially endowed Aholiab, of the tribe of Dan, with wisdom to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, Exodus 31:3-6 and also gave him ability to teach others the same art. Exodus 35:34. These gifts remained with the tribe of Dan, and were doubtless the reason why they were attracted toward the wealthy city of Tyre, and intermarried with its inhabitants. 1 Kings 7:13,14

Years afterward, when Solomon built the temple, Hiram, king of Tyre, sent a descendant of Dan, one still possessing the gifts given his forefathers by the Lord, to make the cunning work in gold, silver, and brass, for the temple, 2 Chronicles 2:13,14 in Jerusalem.

The tribe of Dan still kept its place among the Israelites in the time of David; 1 Chronicles 27:22 but after that, the name, as applied to the tribe, vanishes, and it is seldom mentioned, except when referring to the northern city by that name.

Samson is the only ruler furnished Israel by the tribe of Dan. He judged Israel for twenty years. Judges 13:2; 15:20

The blessing pronounced upon Dan by Jacob, portrays his character: Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. Genesis 49:16,17

Like the blessing pronounced upon Reuben, the first part portrays the character he might have possessed, if he had embraced the opportunities God placed in his pathway. What a contrast between a judge, respected and honored by all, and a serpent by the roadside, ready to fasten its deadly fangs into the flesh of every passer-by!

Dan was the first son born of the concubines, but the old patriarch gave him an honored place among the tribes of Israel. Naturally he was endowed with the quick, keen discernment that makes a good judge; but he did not exercise the gift as God designed; he used it in detecting the evil in others, instead of the good.

An adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward! What words could better describe the evil tongue that is set on fire of hell and is full of deadly poison?

James 3:6-8 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

Dan represents the backbiter, for the adder strikes the heels of the horse. Such characters are hated by both God, and man.

The word of the Lord says, Whoso privily slandereth his neighbor, him will I cut off. Psalm 101:5

The prophetic words of Jacob reveal why the tribe of Dan has no part in the eternal inheritance; God had decreed, long before they sealed their destiny by their wicked course, that no backbiter should ever stand on Mount Zion.

The psalmist asks the question, Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? In other words, Who will serve Thee day and night in Thy temple, and stand with Thee upon Mount Zion? He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up reproach against his neighbor, is the answer of Jehovah. Psalm 15:1,3

Reuben, by great searching of heart, overcame his natural character, which was unstable as water, until it could be said of him, Let Reuben live, and not die;

And Levi, by the grace of God, changed his father's dying curse into a blessing.

Judah, by the help of the Lord in his daily life, prevailed above his brethren to such an extent that the dying father could say, The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

Gad, although overcome by a troop of temptations, gained the victory, and overcame at last.

Benjamin, from ravening as a wolf, learned to trust in God so fully, that of him it could be said, The Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between His shoulders.

Asher learned to dip his foot in oil, and pass smoothly over the trials that, without the spirit of God, could never have been mastered.

Ephraim and Dan, with the same opportunities that their brethren had of overcoming evil traits in their characters, failed to gain the victory, and are not reckoned with the one hundred and forty-four thousand who will stand on God's holy hill and abide in His tabernacle.

In families all over the land today, the same story is being repeated. Brothers, reared by the same parents, surrounded by the same environments, are passing over the same experiences as are recorded of the sons of Jacob. Of them, like the wheat and the tares, the commandment is given, Let both grow together until the harvest. The same sunshine and storm that ripen the golden heads of wheat for the garner, ripen the tares for the final destruction; so the same daily blessings from the Father of lights, ripen one individual for the kingdom of God, and the other for final destruction. Each one is the architect of his own character.

To all the call is given, Look unto Me, and be ye saved. The one who will keep his mind stayed on God, by beholding will be changed. Day by day, a transformation will take place in the soul, which will cause angels to marvel at the work wrought in humanity.

The same Christ who once walked the earth, clothed in human form, will by His divine Spirit, dwell in every human being who will open wide the door of his heart, and bid Him enter. He who will meditate upon Christ, and study His sinless life, by beholding the glory of the Lord, will be changed into the same image from glory to glory.

Christ is sitting for His portrait in every disciple. It is possible for poor fallen humanity, through the power of God, to reflect the divine character. Christ covers the marred life with the spotless robe of His own righteousness. God, and angels, beholding the individual thus clothed, see only the perfect character of the divine Son of God; and throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity, the redeemed will witness to the transforming power of the blood of Christ.
Steven N. Haskell "The Cross and The Shadow", chap. 50

I must say at this point, I am guilty of the same spirit. However, now that I know, I will pray to God, that His spirit be placed in me, the spirit of love and compassion for every soul that is within my reaches, so that I may not loose the blessings that is offered to me, through the death of His only begotten son, Jesus of Nazereth. And that blessing is, life eternal with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Modern Day Movie "The Lost"

There is this theory that none will be lost if they believe in Jesus. Today we will look at such theory.

Much has been said and written about the lost tribes of Israel, and many fanciful theories have been invented in regard to them. We will not attempt to follow any of these lines of argument, but will speak of those tribes which are truly lost.

The tribes of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin, and Manasseh, not only had a part in the land of Palestine, but that their names are immortalized, and will be represented in the kingdom of God throughout eternity, while the names of Ephraim and Dan sink into oblivion. They are the lost tribes of Israel.

Why was proud Ephraim, who was the strength of the kingdom of Israel, and Dan, who was surpassed only by Judah in the number of its warriors when they entered the promised land, left out of the final great gathering of Israel as tribes?

Ephraim was the son of an Egyptian princess who was an idolater, as far as we have any record.

It is very probable that most of Ephraim's life was spent among the Egyptians, for we can hardly suppose that, with his proud connections, he associated much with the Israelites in Goshen, until "a king arose that knew not Joseph". Exodus 1:8.

Ephraim was about twenty-one years of age when he received Jacob's blessing. He had the godly example of his father before him for many years; "for Joseph lived to see Ephraim's children of the third generation". Genesis 50:23

Ephraim, as a tribe, had many advantages; but they failed to profit by them. They were envious and jealous, always sensitive over supposed slights. Judges 8:1; 2 Samuel 19:41-43

After the death of Solomon, the kingdom was divided, and from that time, the history of Ephraim is the history of the kingdom of Israel.

Jeroboam, their first king, was an Ephrathite. It was God that rent the kingdom out of the hands of Rehoboam, and gave ten tribes to Jeroboam; 1 Kings 11:29-31, and if he had walked humbly with God, an entirely different history would have been written of Ephraim.

It was the same spirit of jealousy and suspicion that had marred the history of his tribe, that influenced Jeroboam to make the golden calves, and set them up in Bethel and Dan, thus establishing a system of idolatrous worship.

Hosea gives the reason for the downfall of Ephraim: "Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned". Hosea 7:8

God's kingdom, and the kingdoms of the world, are entirely distinct. No one can serve God and mammon. Ephraim was a cake not turned; he did not have a thorough experience in the things of God. One cannot mix himself among the people of the world, spending his strength in the pursuit of wealth and fame, and at the same time be a member of the true Israel of God.

The Lord pleaded with Ephraim, saying, "How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel?" Hosea 11:8. Again, He said, "I have written to him the great things of My law, but they were counted as a strange thing." Hosea 8:12

Idolatry was the great sin of Ephraim; he failed to appreciate the sacred things of God. After the pleadings of the Lord were rejected, then the word went forth, "Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone." Hosea 4:17

"My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto Him" Hosea 9:17, nor accept His love.

There are many idolaters in the world today, traveling the same road over which Ephraim passed. They are not worshiping idols made of metal, wood, or stone, for the popular gods of the present day are not of that form; they are money, wealth, pleasure, and high position. God is calling after them, but they, like Ephraim, are joined to their idols. Like Ephraim of old, they are reckoned as a part of the church of God, but the theatre and pleasure resorts have more attraction for them than the house of prayer, and worldly society is more enjoyable than the companionship of saints. They will one day be taken captive by a King greater than the kings of Assyria and Babylon. The great King of all kings will arise and shake terribly the earth.

"In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they have made each one for himself to worship, to the moles, and to the bats, . . . for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly, the earth." Isaiah 2:20,21

What are our idols?

Steven N. Haskells "The Cross and Its Shadow", pg 368

Next posting we will look at Dan.

The One Hundred Forty-Four Thousand

Rev. 14:1

I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.


Upon the crystal sea before the throne, ....are gathered the company that have "gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name." With the Lamb upon Mount Zion, "having the harps of God," they stand, the hundred and forty and four thousand that were redeemed from among men; and there is heard, as the sound of many waters, and as the sound of a great thunder, "the voice of harpers harping, save the hundred and forty and four thousand. It is the song of Moses and the Lamb, a song of deliverance.

None but the hundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song; for it is the song of their experience, an experience such as no other company have ever had. "These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth." These, having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as "the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb." Revelation 15:2, 3; 14:1-5. "These are they which came out of great tribulation;" they have passed through the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation; they have endured the anguish of the time of Jacob's trouble; they have stood without an intercessor through the final outpouring of God's judgments.

But they have been delivered, for they have "washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." "In their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault" before God. "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them."

They have seen the earth wasted with famine and pestilence, the sun having power to scorch men with great heat, and they themselves have endured suffering, hunger, and thirst. But "they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat." Revelation 7:14-16. {Mar 328}

I have heard, and was told on a few occasions, that this subject should not be presented before the people, because it is too controversial. I would like to send you also to a book, a web site, for further study.

http://dedication.www3.50megs.com/haskell_144000.html

It may sound a little far fetched, but when Jesus comes and redeems His people from amongst the billions of people now on earth, it is said that only 144,000 will be redeemed.

In the days of Noah, only 8 remained after the flood.

In the Day's of Moses, only 2 went into the land of Canaan.

Listen to what Sister White says:

Strive to Be Among the 144,000. Rev. 7:9-17 quoted.

Those whom the Lamb shall lead by the fountains of living waters, and from whose eyes He shall wipe away all tears, will be those now receiving the knowledge and understanding revealed in the Bible, the Word of God. . . ...We are to copy no human being. There is no human being wise enough to be our criterion. We are to look to the man Christ Jesus, who is complete in the perfection of righteousness and holiness. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the pattern man. His experience is the measure of the experience that we are to gain. His character is our model.

Let us, then, take our minds off the perplexities and the difficulties of this life, and fix them on Him, that by beholding we may be changed into His likeness. We may behold Christ to good purpose. We may safely look to Him; for He is all-wise. As we look to Him and think of Him, He will be formed within, the hope of glory.

Let us strive, with all the power that God has given us, to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand (RH March 9, 1905).

We may have an idea when Jesus will come, but if He comes today, will we be among the 144,000.

That is a personal decision that has to be made.

Our prayers are with you all. Amen.

What Happens Before Jesus Comes

Amos 8:11-12

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

8:12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.

"Then I saw Jesus lay off His priestly attire, and clothe Himself with His most kingly robes. Upon His head were many crowns, a crown within a crown. Surrounded by the angelic host, He left heaven.

The plagues were falling upon the inhabitants of the earth. Some were denouncing God and cursing Him. Others rushed to the people of God, and begged to be taught how they might escape His judgments. But the saints had nothing for them. The last tear for sinners had been shed, the last agonizing prayer offered, the last burden borne, the last warning given. The sweet voice of mercy was no more to invite them.

When the saints, and all heaven, were interested for their salvation, they had no interest for themselves. Life and death had been set before them. Many desired life, but made no effort to obtain it. They did not choose life, and now there was no atoning blood to cleanse the guilty, no compassionate Saviour to plead for them, and cry, "Spare, spare the sinner a little longer." All heaven had united with Jesus, as they heard the fearful words, "It is done. It is finished." The plan of salvation had been accomplished, but few had chosen to accept it. And as mercy's sweet voice died away, fear and horror seized the wicked. With terrible distinctness they heard the words, "Too late! too late!"

Those who had not prized God's Word, were hurrying to and fro, wandering from sea to sea, and from the north to the east, to seek the Word of the Lord. Said the angel, "They shall not find it. There is a famine in the land; not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but for hearing the words of the Lord".

What would they not give for one word of approval from God! but no, they must hunger and thirst on. Day after day, have they slighted salvation, prizing earthly riches, and earthly pleasure higher than any heavenly treasure or inducement. They have rejected Jesus and despised His saints. The filthy must remain filthy forever.

Many of the wicked were greatly enraged as they suffered the effects of the plagues. It was a scene of fearful agony.

Parents were bitterly reproaching their children, and children their parents, brothers their sisters, and sisters their brothers. Loud, wailing cries were heard in every direction,

"It was you who kept me from receiving the truth which would have saved me from this awful hour."

The people turned upon their ministers with bitter hate, and reproached them, saying,

"You have not warned us. You told us that all the world was to be converted, and cried, Peace, peace, to quiet every fear that was aroused. You have not told us of this hour; and those who warned us of it, you declared to be fanatics and evil men, who would ruin us."

But I saw that the ministers did not escape the wrath of God. Their suffering was tenfold greater than that of their people." {EW 281}

Brothers and Sisters, it's up to you to make your calling and election sure. Dig into the Word, for the Word is life. Don't be left behind.

Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Amen

Need of Education in Health Principles

Education in health principles was never more needed than now. Notwithstanding the wonderful progress in so many lines relating to the comforts and conveniences of life, the decline in physical vigor and power of endurance is alarming. It demands the attention of all who have at heart, the well-being of themselves, and their fellow men. {MH 125.2}

Our artificial civilization is encouraging evils, destructive of sound principles. Custom and fashion are at war with nature. The practices they enjoin, and the indulgences they foster, are steadily lessening both physical and mental strength, and bringing upon the race, an intolerable burden. Intemperance and crime, disease and wretchedness, are everywhere. {MH 125.3}

Many transgress the laws of health through ignorance, and they need instruction. But the greater number know better than they do. They need to be impressed with the importance of making their knowledge a guide of life. {MH 126.1}

A practice that is laying the foundation of a vast amount of disease, and of even more serious evils, is the free use of poisonous drugs. When attacked by disease, many will not take the trouble to search out the cause of their illness. Their chief anxiety is to rid themselves of pain and inconvenience. So they resort to patent nostrums (ineffective remedies/treatments), of whose real properties they know little, or, they apply to a physician for some remedy to counteract the result of their misdoing, but with no thought of making a change in their unhealthful habits. If immediate benefit is not realized, another medicine is tried, and then another. Thus the evil continues. {MH 126.2}

People need to be taught that drugs do not cure disease. It is true that they sometimes afford present relief, and the patient appears to recover as the result of their use; this is because nature has sufficient vital force to expel the poison, and to correct the conditions that caused the disease.

Health is recovered in spite of the drug. But in most cases the drug only changes the form and location of the disease. Often the effect of the poison seems to be overcome for a time, but the results remain in the system, and work great harm at some later period. {MH 126.3}

By the use of poisonous drugs, many bring upon themselves lifelong illness, and many lives are lost that might be saved by the use of natural methods of healing. The poisons contained in many so-called remedies, create habits and appetites, that mean ruin to both soul and body. Many of the popular nostrums, called patent medicines, and even some of the drugs dispensed by physicians, act a part in laying the foundation of the liquor habit, the opium habit, the morphine habit, that are so terrible a curse, to society. {MH 126.4}

The only hope of better things, is in the education of the people in right principles. Disease is an effort of nature to free the system from conditions that result from a violation of the laws of health. In case of sickness, the cause should be ascertained. Unhealthful conditions should be changed, wrong habits corrected. Then nature is to be assisted in her effort to expel impurities and to re-establish right conditions in the system. {MH 127.5}

Natural Remedies

Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power, these are the true remedies.

Every person should have a knowledge of nature's remedial agencies and how to apply them. It is essential both to understand the principles involved in the treatment of the sick,and to have a practical training that will enable one rightly to use this knowledge. {MH 127.2}

The use of natural remedies requires an amount of care and effort, that many are not willing to give. Nature's process of healing and upbuilding is gradual, and to the impatient, it seems slow.

The surrender of hurtful indulgences, requires sacrifice. But in the end, it will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely, and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws, will reap the reward in health of body, and health of mind.

Too little attention is generally given to the preservation of health. It is far better to prevent disease, than to know how to treat it when contracted. It is the duty of every person, for his,or her own sake, and for the sake of humanity, to inform himself, or herself, in regard to the laws of life, and conscientiously, to obey them. All need to become acquainted with that most wonderful of all organisms, the human body. They should understand the functions of the various organs and the dependence of one upon another, for the healthy action of all. They should study the influence of the mind upon the body, and of the body upon the mind, and the laws by which they are governed. {MH 128.1}

Thanks and God Bless, Anthony

Jeremiah 31:3 .... Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ, that a man should have to seek Him first, to find her.

The Touch of Faith..."Desire of Ages"

Luke 8:41 And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
8:42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
8:44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
8:45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
8:46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. 8:47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

Returning from Gergesa to the western shore, Jesus found a multitude gathered to receive Him, and they greeted Him with joy. He remained by the seaside for a time, teaching and healing, and then repaired to the house of Levi-Matthew to meet the publicans at the feast. Here Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, found Him.

This elder of the Jews came to Jesus in great distress, and cast himself at His feet, exclaiming, "My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray Thee, come and lay Thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live."

Jesus set out at once with the ruler for his home. Though the disciples had seen so many of His works of mercy, they were surprised at His compliance with the entreaty of the haughty rabbi; yet they accompanied their Master, and the people followed, eager and expectant.

The ruler's house was not far distant, but Jesus and His companions advanced slowly, for the crowd pressed Him on every side. The anxious father was impatient of delay; but Jesus, pitying the people, stopped now and then to relieve some suffering one, or to comfort a troubled heart.

While they were still on the way, a messenger pressed through the crowd, bearing to Jairus the news that his daughter was dead, and it was useless to trouble the Master further. The word caught the ear of Jesus. "Fear not," He said; "believe only, and she shall be made whole."

Jairus pressed closer to the Saviour, and together they hurried to the ruler's home. Already the hired mourners and flute players were there, filling the air with their clamor. The presence of the crowd, and the tumult jarred upon the spirit of Jesus. He tried to silence them, saying, "Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth." They were indignant at the words of the Stranger. They had seen the child in the embrace of death, and they laughed Him to scorn. Requiring them all to leave the house, Jesus took with Him the father and mother of the maiden, and the three disciples, Peter, James, and John, and together they entered the chamber of death.

Jesus approached the bedside, and, taking the child's hand in His own, He pronounced softly, in the familiar language of her home, the words, "Damsel, I say unto thee, arise."

Instantly a tremor passed through the unconscious form. The pulses of life beat again. The lips unclosed with a smile. The eyes opened widely as if from sleep, and the maiden gazed with wonder on the group beside her. She arose, and her parents clasped her in their arms, and wept for joy.

On the way to the ruler's house, Jesus had met, in the crowd, a poor woman who for twelve years had suffered from a disease that made her life a burden. She had spent all her means upon physicians and remedies, only to be pronounced incurable. But her hopes revived when she heard of the cures that Christ performed. She felt assured that if she could only go to Him she would be healed. In weakness and suffering she came to the seaside where He was teaching, and tried to press through the crowd, but in vain. Again she followed Him from the house of Levi-Matthew, but was still unable to reach Him. She had begun to despair, when, in making His way through the multitude, He came near where she was.

The golden opportunity had come. She was in the presence of the Great Physician! But amid the confusion she could not speak to Him, nor catch more than a passing glimpse of His figure. Fearful of losing her one chance of relief, she pressed forward, saying to herself, "If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole." As He was passing, she reached forward, and succeeded in barely touching the border of His garment. But in that moment she knew that she was healed. In that one touch was concentrated the faith of her life, and instantly her pain and feebleness gave place to the vigor of perfect health.

With a grateful heart she then tried to withdraw from the crowd; but suddenly Jesus stopped, and the people halted with Him. He turned, and looking about asked in a voice distinctly heard above the confusion of the multitude, "Who touched Me?" The people answered this query with a look of amazement. Jostled upon all sides, and rudely pressed hither and thither, as He was, it seemed a strange inquiry.

Peter, ever ready to speak, said, "Master, the multitude throng Thee and press Thee, and sayest Thou, Who touched Me?" Jesus answered, "Somebody hath touched Me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of Me." The Saviour could distinguish the touch of faith from the casual contact of the careless throng. Such trust should not be passed without comment. He would speak to the humble woman words of comfort that would be to her a wellspring of joy, words that would be a blessing to His followers to the close of time.

Looking toward the woman, Jesus insisted on knowing who had touched Him. Finding concealment vain, she came forward tremblingly, and cast herself at His feet. With grateful tears she told the story of her suffering, and how she had found relief. Jesus gently said, "Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." He gave no opportunity for superstition to claim healing virtue for the mere act of touching His garments. It was not through the outward contact with Him, but through the faith which took hold on His divine power, that the cure was wrought.

The wondering crowd that pressed close about Christ realized no accession of vital power. But when the suffering woman put forth her hand to touch Him, believing that she would be made whole, she felt the healing virtue. So in spiritual things. To talk of religion in a casual way, to pray without soul hunger and living faith, avails nothing. A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts Him merely as the Saviour of the world, can never bring healing to the soul. The faith that is unto salvation is not a mere intellectual assent to the truth. He who waits for entire knowledge before he will exercise faith, cannot receive blessing from God. It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power.

After healing the woman, Jesus desired her to acknowledge the blessing she had received. The gifts which the gospel offers are not to be secured by stealth or enjoyed in secret. So the Lord calls upon us for confession of His goodness.

"Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God." Isa. 43:12.

Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven's chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christ-like life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls.

When the ten lepers came to Jesus for healing, He bade them go and show themselves to the priest. On the way they were cleansed, but only one of them returned to give Him glory. The others went their way, forgetting Him who had made them whole. How many are still doing the same thing! The Lord works continually to benefit mankind. He is ever imparting His bounties. He raises up the sick from beds of languishing, He delivers men from peril which they do not see, He commissions heavenly angels to save them from calamity, to guard them from "the pestilence that walketh in darkness" and "the destruction that wasteth at noonday" (Ps. 91:6); but their hearts are unimpressed. He has given all the riches of heaven to redeem them, and yet they are unmindful of His great love. By their ingratitude they close their hearts against the grace of God. Like the heath in the desert they know not when good cometh, and their souls inhabit the parched places of the wilderness.

It is for our own benefit to keep every gift of God fresh in our memory. Thus faith is strengthened to claim and to receive more and more. There is greater encouragement for us in the least blessing we ourselves receive from God than in all the accounts we can read of the faith and experience of others. The soul that responds to the grace of God shall be like a watered garden. His health shall spring forth speedily; his light shall rise in obscurity, and the glory of the Lord shall be seen upon him. Let us then remember the loving-kindness of the Lord, and the multitude of His tender mercies. Like the people of Israel, let us set up our stones of witness, and inscribe upon them the precious story of what God has wrought for us. And as we review His dealings with us in our pilgrimage, let us, out of hearts melted with gratitude, declare,

"What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people." Ps. 116:12-14.

Desire of Ages, pgs. 342-348

Have a great day.