Jesus informed His followers that they would be persecuted and lied about for believing in Him. We live in a day when Satan is very happy to see millions of people ignoring the Ten Commandments and not trusting in the Bible as the true word of God. Those who have placed their trust in human error will not stand to listen to the word of God. In fact, they will develope hatred towards it and those who believe in it!
Even more sad are those who profess to be Christians and deny the moral standard of God. Many who claim to be Christians persecute those who believe in the Ten Commandments and make claims that the Ten Commandments were "nailed to the cross". They feel that those who keep the commandments of God are fanatics. "Thousands who pride themselves upon their wisdom and independence regard it as an evidence of weakness to place implicit confidence in the Bible; they think it a proof of superior talent and learning to cavil at the Scriptures and to spiritualize and explain away their most important truths." [E.G.White, GCp.583]
Please understand that it is Satan's work to destroy true Christian morality. "To deceive men, and thus lead them to transgress God's law, is the object which he has steadfastly pursued. Whether this be accomplished by casting aside the law altogether, or by rejecting one of its precepts, the result will be ultimately the same. " [E.G.White GCp.582] The war is between the "dragon" [Satan] and those "who keep the commandments of God." [Revelation 12:17]
"Already the doctrine that men are released from obedience to God's requirements has weakened the force of moral obligation and opened the floodgates of iniquity upon the world. " [E.G.White GCp.585] Look at the world, look at the shape that it is in. Truly we are living in the last days. Many true Christians will have family members turn against them with an evil hatred. This hatred is stirred in them because their pride doesn't want to make Jesus their Lord. Many want a saviour but not a Lord. They truly do not fear the Lord like they should so instead they attack the truth and those who proclaim it.
"The religious organizations of the day have refused to listen to unpopular truths plainly brought to view in the Scriptures, and in combating them they have adopted interpretations and taken positions which have sown broadcast the seeds of skepticism." [E.G.White GCp.586] Many so called "christians" of today have made idols of false doctrine. Why? They wish not to bow down to the perfect "law of liberty". "In rejecting the truth, men reject its Author. In trampling upon the law of God, they deny the authority of the Law-giver. It is as easy to make an idol of false doctrines and theories as to fashion an idol of wood or stone. By misrepresenting the attributes of God, Satan leads men to conceive of Him in a false character. With many, a philosophical idol is enthroned in the place of Jehovah; while the living God, as He is revealed in His word, in Christ, and in the works of creation, is worshiped by but few. Thousands deify nature while they deny the God of nature. Though in a different form, idolatry exists in the Christian world today as verily as it existed among ancient Israel in the days of Elijah. The god of many professedly wise men, of philosophers, poets, politicians, journalists--the god of polished fashionable circles, of many colleges and universities, even of some theological institutions--is little better than Baal, the sun-god of Phoenicia. " [E.W.White GCp.583]
I have received letters and testimonies from some who have gained from "The Adventist Way of Life" ministry. They have informed me that when they started keeping the true 7th day Sabbath of the Lord their families began to attack them verbaly. The fighting escalated into false accusations and hatred toward the Sabbath keeping family member. It is because the false Christians wish to loose themselves from the binding claims of God's Holy Law. "And as the claims of the fourth commandment are urged upon the people, it is found that the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath is enjoined; and as the only way to free themselves from a duty which they are unwilling to perform, many popular teachers declare that the law of God is no longer binding." [E.W.White GCp.587]
"The line of distinction between professed Christians and the ungodly is now hardly distinguishable." [E.G.White GCp.588] True Christians will be "the light of the world". They begin to stand out as a "sore thumb" more and more as we approach the end. False teachings of Christendom will become a cloak for fake Christians to hide behind as they persecute the true Sabbath keepers. "As the teachings of spiritualism are accepted by the churches, the restraint imposed upon the carnal heart is removed, and the profession of religion will become a cloak to conceal the basest iniquity. A belief in spiritual manifestations opens the door to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and thus the influence of evil angels will be felt in the churches." [E.G.White GCp.603,604]
"Blinded by Satan, the parent will exercise harshness and severity toward the believing child;" [E.G.White GCp.608] Jesus our Lord informed us: "And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." [Matthew 10:36] "Affection will be alienated; children will be disinherited and driven from home. The words of Paul will be literally fulfilled: "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12. " [E.G.White GCp.608]
Ex-Seventh Day Adventist Christians will be some of our worst enemies. " Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbathkeepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them. " [E.G.White GCp.608]
I, Eric W. King, encourage all true Christians to not give up! Hang in there. Times will get difficult but God is on our side! "Christ's ambassadors have nothing to do with consequences. They must perform their duty and leave results with God." [E.G.White GCp609-610]
Compiled and written by Eric W. King [March 18,2008]
Please visit "The Adventist Way of Life" and hear Eric speak on TAWOL Radio!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Is our reliance of God mere speculation?
Recently I received an email from a person who had listened to one of my TAWOL radio shows regarding the topic of, "The state of the dead". Their response was simple. The response to the message was basically;
"All Bible topics are of mere blind faith and speculation."
Wow! How sad this response was to me. Do we serve an impersonal God? According to this person we do. If you have children and you raise them do you teach them to use "reason" and "understanding"? Or must they guess about such important topics as "life" and "death"?
Isaiah 1:18 says, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
And...
"Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." Acts 17:11
So we can find truth in the Scriptures and we are told to "reason" with God. Jesus also said;
"If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him." John 14:7
Jesus came so that each of us could know and understand God in a personal way. Jesus alone can bring meaning and purpose to life. The Bible is clear about Heaven and what it will be like. The Bible is clear that Jesus want's to give those who believe in Him "everlasting life". There is no speculation about the character and person of God.
Many who have studied philosophy and human reasoning fall into the trap of believing in a semi-personal if not all together impersonal God. Why? Because instead of reading their Bible they begin to trust human reasoning all together outside the realm of God's word. God asks us to use reasoning along with His word, the Holy Bible.
Tis' true that Life is full of unprovable assumptions. So do we as Christians trust only limited human reasoning so that we can never arrive at certanties? No! We as Christians do use human reason with God's word, and then God responds! Christians testify to a supernatural reality. Most of all, we trust that an ultimate wise God in the person of the Holy Spirit will lead, guide, direct, and protect us into all true! God does give us answers!
No friends, our faith is not mere speculation. We do not have to guess what happens at death. We can look at those who have experienced it in the Bible and listen to what the Bible says. Jesus experienced death and resurrection and said that He would come back for us that we too may be raised unto life everlasting. Why must we speculate about what God says so clearly?
Yes, our God is personal! And He loves us personally!
Written by Eric W. King [March 11,2008]
http://www.adventist.7p.com/
"All Bible topics are of mere blind faith and speculation."
Wow! How sad this response was to me. Do we serve an impersonal God? According to this person we do. If you have children and you raise them do you teach them to use "reason" and "understanding"? Or must they guess about such important topics as "life" and "death"?
Isaiah 1:18 says, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
And...
"Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." Acts 17:11
So we can find truth in the Scriptures and we are told to "reason" with God. Jesus also said;
"If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him." John 14:7
Jesus came so that each of us could know and understand God in a personal way. Jesus alone can bring meaning and purpose to life. The Bible is clear about Heaven and what it will be like. The Bible is clear that Jesus want's to give those who believe in Him "everlasting life". There is no speculation about the character and person of God.
Many who have studied philosophy and human reasoning fall into the trap of believing in a semi-personal if not all together impersonal God. Why? Because instead of reading their Bible they begin to trust human reasoning all together outside the realm of God's word. God asks us to use reasoning along with His word, the Holy Bible.
Tis' true that Life is full of unprovable assumptions. So do we as Christians trust only limited human reasoning so that we can never arrive at certanties? No! We as Christians do use human reason with God's word, and then God responds! Christians testify to a supernatural reality. Most of all, we trust that an ultimate wise God in the person of the Holy Spirit will lead, guide, direct, and protect us into all true! God does give us answers!
No friends, our faith is not mere speculation. We do not have to guess what happens at death. We can look at those who have experienced it in the Bible and listen to what the Bible says. Jesus experienced death and resurrection and said that He would come back for us that we too may be raised unto life everlasting. Why must we speculate about what God says so clearly?
Yes, our God is personal! And He loves us personally!
Written by Eric W. King [March 11,2008]
http://www.adventist.7p.com/
Sunday, March 2, 2008
"Great swelling words"
In the second letter of Peter found in the New Testament we find some very important information regarding false teachers. Many Christians today have not really studied their own Bibles. If they have most have only approached the study of it from one or two points of view. Mostly an "evangelical" popular view or "baptist/calvinistic" type view. These have been the popular views.
Thus they may only have become grounded on one popular modern view of Christianity without feeling the need to go deeper. These students can easily fall prey to false movements. The Bible warns us about false teachers. Starting in 2 Peter 2:18 we read:
"For when they [false teachers] speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error."
Here Peter tells us that these false teachers speak "boastful words" [swelling words] by appealing to the lustful desires of human sinful nature. Here is described a false group of teachers who promise worldly glory. A regular teaching today within Pentecostal and Charismatic churches and ministries that compares to these false teachings that Peter is describing is the modern teaching that God wants all Christians to be financially wealthy. It seems that these false Christians also believed that to be "free from God's law" ment that they could break God's law. They thought that to be "not under law" ment that they were free from the moral restraint of God's law.
What does "free from the law" really mean? It simply means that Jesus Christ set us free from the guilt of the law. The law causes guilt because we cannot perfectly keep it. Jesus set us free from the "condemnation of the law" but Jesus never gave us license to break the moral standard.
Peter goes on in his explaination of the false teachers:
"While they promise them liberty [freedom], they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought to bondage." [2 Peter 2:19]
Here Peter suggests that those who do not want to be guided by God's moral standard inevitably get caught in sin and the bondage of it's grip. They become caught in the slavery of "self". True freedom from sin involves joyful "slavery" [service] to God. [see Romans 6:15-18] False teachers delight in making up their own rules to live by. To them "self" must always "feel good" and be "glorified".
It is easy to get caught in false teachings if you are not grounded in the Truth of God's word. People demonstrate what they value most by the time and energy they devote to something (see Matthew 6:21). When is the last time you truly studied your Bible? Many are waiting for somebody else to tell them what the Bible teaches, to follow the popular view, instead of searching God's word out for themselves.
Peter goes on in the passage that we are looking at to explain that these so called "christians" have returned to their sinful way of life while still calling themselves the followers of Jesus Christ. Their return to their old sinful ways showed that their knowledge of Christ was only superficial.
Peter says;
"For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning."
"For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them."
"But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." [2 Peter 2:20-22]
So,dear Christian, where do you stand regarding these issues today?
Written by Eric W. King [March 2,2008]
Visit more at: "The Adventist Way of Life"
Thus they may only have become grounded on one popular modern view of Christianity without feeling the need to go deeper. These students can easily fall prey to false movements. The Bible warns us about false teachers. Starting in 2 Peter 2:18 we read:
"For when they [false teachers] speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error."
Here Peter tells us that these false teachers speak "boastful words" [swelling words] by appealing to the lustful desires of human sinful nature. Here is described a false group of teachers who promise worldly glory. A regular teaching today within Pentecostal and Charismatic churches and ministries that compares to these false teachings that Peter is describing is the modern teaching that God wants all Christians to be financially wealthy. It seems that these false Christians also believed that to be "free from God's law" ment that they could break God's law. They thought that to be "not under law" ment that they were free from the moral restraint of God's law.
What does "free from the law" really mean? It simply means that Jesus Christ set us free from the guilt of the law. The law causes guilt because we cannot perfectly keep it. Jesus set us free from the "condemnation of the law" but Jesus never gave us license to break the moral standard.
Peter goes on in his explaination of the false teachers:
"While they promise them liberty [freedom], they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought to bondage." [2 Peter 2:19]
Here Peter suggests that those who do not want to be guided by God's moral standard inevitably get caught in sin and the bondage of it's grip. They become caught in the slavery of "self". True freedom from sin involves joyful "slavery" [service] to God. [see Romans 6:15-18] False teachers delight in making up their own rules to live by. To them "self" must always "feel good" and be "glorified".
It is easy to get caught in false teachings if you are not grounded in the Truth of God's word. People demonstrate what they value most by the time and energy they devote to something (see Matthew 6:21). When is the last time you truly studied your Bible? Many are waiting for somebody else to tell them what the Bible teaches, to follow the popular view, instead of searching God's word out for themselves.
Peter goes on in the passage that we are looking at to explain that these so called "christians" have returned to their sinful way of life while still calling themselves the followers of Jesus Christ. Their return to their old sinful ways showed that their knowledge of Christ was only superficial.
Peter says;
"For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning."
"For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them."
"But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." [2 Peter 2:20-22]
So,dear Christian, where do you stand regarding these issues today?
Written by Eric W. King [March 2,2008]
Visit more at: "The Adventist Way of Life"
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Do I have to be perfect?
Many people come to Jesus Christ in their early adulthood. They stay in a church or two for some time and then something terrible happens. I false teacher begins to tell them that they must be perfect or God will not accept them. Do you know who this false teacher is? It is the Devil!
It saddens me that many Christians that I talk to in my ministry say things like: "I used to go to church but I got depressed. I just felt judged and condemned all the time. Not only that, but all Christians are hypocrites!" You see, I notice that first they describe a sort of "guilt depression" which ends in anger towards all Christians.
Why does this happen? Many people want to believe in Jesus and want to live forever in Heaven but they are not quite sure how to really get there. This is where the root of the problem is. They look at the Ten Commandments and realize that they fall short of keeping them. So they look to Jesus and wonder if He really can help them become "perfect". You see, this is the problem.
People begin to focus on themselves instead of believing and trusting in Jesus. In the historical past of the Christian faith many different practices occurred that people invented. They beat themsleves, they starved themselves, they became celibate all in the hopes that this would get them to heaven.
Today people are turning to liberal churches for salvation. They want a religion with basically no moral standard at all, or at least one that they can re-write. This is the other extreme, and the more popular form of "inventive salvation".
The Bible is simple and clear about who makes it to Heaven. First the Bible instructs us to put our faith and believe in the person of Jesus Christ. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." [Romans 10:9,10]
So we see that we must truly believe. "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." [James 1:8] So if we truly believe in Jesus we will listen to what He says. Jesus said; "If you love me, keep my commandments." [John 14:15] Also, knowing that we cannot be saved by commandment keeping is very important. "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." [Romans 3:28]
So here are the characteristics of those who will be saved: "This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus." [Revelation 14:12] So we remain faithful to our Lord through belief in His word and second we obey His commandments through the strength that He gives us by the Holy Spirit. Our obedience is in response to His love.
We read; "This is love for God: to obey his commands." [1 John 5:3] So salvation is very simple! It is accomplished by, in, and through Jesus Christ alone and our faith in Him! The enemy will always attack this simple message. We read: "And the dragon [Satan] was wroth with the woman [Church], and went to make war with her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." [Revelation 12:17]
So it is not those who add special rules to their lives, or try and be celibate, or try and forget God's commandments all together. It is simply those who have found Jesus Christ and believe and trust in Him alone for salvation.
May you find Him today!
Written by, Eric W. King [March 1st, 2008]
Visit Eric's website at: http://www.adventist.7p.com/
It saddens me that many Christians that I talk to in my ministry say things like: "I used to go to church but I got depressed. I just felt judged and condemned all the time. Not only that, but all Christians are hypocrites!" You see, I notice that first they describe a sort of "guilt depression" which ends in anger towards all Christians.
Why does this happen? Many people want to believe in Jesus and want to live forever in Heaven but they are not quite sure how to really get there. This is where the root of the problem is. They look at the Ten Commandments and realize that they fall short of keeping them. So they look to Jesus and wonder if He really can help them become "perfect". You see, this is the problem.
People begin to focus on themselves instead of believing and trusting in Jesus. In the historical past of the Christian faith many different practices occurred that people invented. They beat themsleves, they starved themselves, they became celibate all in the hopes that this would get them to heaven.
Today people are turning to liberal churches for salvation. They want a religion with basically no moral standard at all, or at least one that they can re-write. This is the other extreme, and the more popular form of "inventive salvation".
The Bible is simple and clear about who makes it to Heaven. First the Bible instructs us to put our faith and believe in the person of Jesus Christ. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." [Romans 10:9,10]
So we see that we must truly believe. "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." [James 1:8] So if we truly believe in Jesus we will listen to what He says. Jesus said; "If you love me, keep my commandments." [John 14:15] Also, knowing that we cannot be saved by commandment keeping is very important. "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." [Romans 3:28]
So here are the characteristics of those who will be saved: "This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus." [Revelation 14:12] So we remain faithful to our Lord through belief in His word and second we obey His commandments through the strength that He gives us by the Holy Spirit. Our obedience is in response to His love.
We read; "This is love for God: to obey his commands." [1 John 5:3] So salvation is very simple! It is accomplished by, in, and through Jesus Christ alone and our faith in Him! The enemy will always attack this simple message. We read: "And the dragon [Satan] was wroth with the woman [Church], and went to make war with her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." [Revelation 12:17]
So it is not those who add special rules to their lives, or try and be celibate, or try and forget God's commandments all together. It is simply those who have found Jesus Christ and believe and trust in Him alone for salvation.
May you find Him today!
Written by, Eric W. King [March 1st, 2008]
Visit Eric's website at: http://www.adventist.7p.com/
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Give me some of that "feel good" religion!
Everybody wants to feel good. There is certainly nothing wrong with feeling good. Americans have created many electrical and mechanical gadgets to assist in the feel good arena. Even drugs play a role in the feel good game.
Many Americans spend 90% of their time trying to find ways to feel good. Perhaps that morning coffee, extra strength...or maybe a cigarette. While we're at it, a shot of whiskey would do in a pinch. Many also must find that pill that calms their nerves or helps them loose weight while still eating like a pig. And the list of feel good ideas could go on add infinitum.
What about discipline? When we find that we have areas in our lives that need to change what do we do? Many today are going to seminars and learning the skill of pretending that they are partially some kind of god or goddess. They are taught that they are in control, not God. In otherwards, those who have gone to these philosophical cults come back saying: "If you force yourself to feel confident, get the attitude that you can do anything, nobody can stop you! Then you will succeed."
Or they say: "Simply believe in your-self!" I have always wondered what this means. Does it mean that I must idolize a make believe image of myself and that I have some special power? Am I to stop believing in God and simply believe in my-self? Believe in my fallen and imperfect nature? My Bible does not tell me to believe in myself or in my own strength. Instead my Bible says:
"...put no confidence in the flesh." [Philipians 3:3]
And as far as trusting in yourself my Bible instead reads;
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him [God], and he shall direct thy paths." [Proverbs 3:5,6]
The hardest thing for a person to do is place their complete trust in another. Can I or should I give my complete life over to another? Wow! Yet this is exactly what God asks us to do. He asks us to die to self, not believe in self, but to die to fallen human nature and to place complete trust in Him!
This belief goes completely against human nature. We are greedy and needy!
Another trap that some Christians fall into; "Well, God wants you to feel good about yourself!" Really? So what does this involve? Can I make up my own standards and rules to live by? Can I take drugs, smoke, eat like a pig, cheat a little...etc. I mean, God does want me to feel good with myself, right?"
I mentioned earlier, what about discipline? Does discipline always "feel good"? Does growing up always "feel good"? Hhhhhmmmmm. It seems that many Christians want Jesus to be their Saviour but not their disciplinary because gues what...that can hurt! You mean a God that has moral boundries? A God that asks you to stay in His word to find all truth and not read Carl Jung or listen to Oprah Winfrey? Come on man...thats torture.
Here we see one of the main problems with Christianity. Many Christians stop reading God's word. They say; "Well, I already read the book and I go to church. End of story." So if God tells us that He speaks to us through His word and you stop reading it and going to the Bible for your answers...where are you turning to find answers? Self-help programs and books that tell you to simply believe in your-self. The New Age movement tells people to tap into their "Higher-Self". Some call it the "God-self". Why not? As god I can make up my own rules...no discipline needed!
Should our confidence be in ourselves or in the Christ that works within the true Christian? As true Christians our confidence is in our God! He is the Almighty, I am just His child! The Bible says that: "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident." [Proverbs 14:16]
As a matter of fact, people fear "failure" today more than they fear God! This leads to many other errors. Some who look for answers in human behavior or the study of human behavior say things like: "My faith is no longer blind. I only trust in what I can see." Well, then it's not really faith. Biblical faith is not blind but it is also not "all knowing".
Christianity is not a religion of "self". It is a relationalship religion. First, we are put in right relationship with God. That means we go through Christ Jesus alone. That means we put God's commandments, ways, and thoughts before our own or anybody elses. True happiness is in falling in love with God and His word. True love is trusting in God's word even if somebody says something different. If you truly love God you will want to believe in Him and His ways..not in your selfish desires.
Those who go to church for singing and ritual believe that they have made up for their disregard to obedience to God's commands. These type of so called Christians live mostly for themselves instead of for God. These type often perform religious rites. It at least makes them feel better.
You see, basically psychology is in the buisness of rephrasing the gopsel into selfist terminology. If you talk to a so called "Christian Psychologist" one of the first things that he might ask you is; "What do you want? How can I make you feel better?" Their idea of the gospel is proclaimed as "self-esteem".
So todays religionists cry out; "Give me some of that feel-good religion!" Why? Because no discipline is involved, no hurt in the growing process, no pain for true gain! One Christian author has rightly stated: "Christian psychology is an attempted balancing act, with one foot upon the solid Rock, Christ Jesus, and the other on the sinking sand of humanism."
So many people that I have talked with that claim to be Christians have attacked God's word by their continual and popular excuse: "So many denominations say different things about prophecy and Biblical interpretation....so get on with your self-righteousness." What they are really saying is that God must be some how messed up. He must have not been clear to the children that He supposedly loves and died for in the person of Jesus Christ. This really is an excuse not to study God's word. As a result of this attitude many will spend thousands of dollars studying Carl Jung and or Sigmund Freud.
Yet Jesus says to "remain in His word" and promises us that "there we will find the truth". So is Jesus a liar? Sadly, He is, to many supposed Christians floating around the globe who have their head stuck into the intellectual pit of despair. These type will mouth off the most recent dirty joke. Or tell you how they figured out a way to cheat on their taxes. The next sunday they will sit in their church and say a prayer or two. Perhaps do a ritual or two and head on home to catch the next football game. Across the room on their shelf sits a dusty old Bible which they claim that they have already read and know what it says. On the coffee table sits their favorite book titled: "Human Psychology..understanding human conscious...the key to success!" And in Heaven Jesus looks down with a tear in His eye and says; "They don't get it..they just don't get it."
Today I would ask all true Christians to pray for those caught in the psychology game. Pray that they come back to their Father's word and to the Saviour Jesus Christ. There is where we find our true hope, stength, wisdom, knowledge, and rest.
By Eric W. King
Febreuary 23rd,2008
For more truth visit:
"The Adventist Way of Life"
Many Americans spend 90% of their time trying to find ways to feel good. Perhaps that morning coffee, extra strength...or maybe a cigarette. While we're at it, a shot of whiskey would do in a pinch. Many also must find that pill that calms their nerves or helps them loose weight while still eating like a pig. And the list of feel good ideas could go on add infinitum.
What about discipline? When we find that we have areas in our lives that need to change what do we do? Many today are going to seminars and learning the skill of pretending that they are partially some kind of god or goddess. They are taught that they are in control, not God. In otherwards, those who have gone to these philosophical cults come back saying: "If you force yourself to feel confident, get the attitude that you can do anything, nobody can stop you! Then you will succeed."
Or they say: "Simply believe in your-self!" I have always wondered what this means. Does it mean that I must idolize a make believe image of myself and that I have some special power? Am I to stop believing in God and simply believe in my-self? Believe in my fallen and imperfect nature? My Bible does not tell me to believe in myself or in my own strength. Instead my Bible says:
"...put no confidence in the flesh." [Philipians 3:3]
And as far as trusting in yourself my Bible instead reads;
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him [God], and he shall direct thy paths." [Proverbs 3:5,6]
The hardest thing for a person to do is place their complete trust in another. Can I or should I give my complete life over to another? Wow! Yet this is exactly what God asks us to do. He asks us to die to self, not believe in self, but to die to fallen human nature and to place complete trust in Him!
This belief goes completely against human nature. We are greedy and needy!
Another trap that some Christians fall into; "Well, God wants you to feel good about yourself!" Really? So what does this involve? Can I make up my own standards and rules to live by? Can I take drugs, smoke, eat like a pig, cheat a little...etc. I mean, God does want me to feel good with myself, right?"
I mentioned earlier, what about discipline? Does discipline always "feel good"? Does growing up always "feel good"? Hhhhhmmmmm. It seems that many Christians want Jesus to be their Saviour but not their disciplinary because gues what...that can hurt! You mean a God that has moral boundries? A God that asks you to stay in His word to find all truth and not read Carl Jung or listen to Oprah Winfrey? Come on man...thats torture.
Here we see one of the main problems with Christianity. Many Christians stop reading God's word. They say; "Well, I already read the book and I go to church. End of story." So if God tells us that He speaks to us through His word and you stop reading it and going to the Bible for your answers...where are you turning to find answers? Self-help programs and books that tell you to simply believe in your-self. The New Age movement tells people to tap into their "Higher-Self". Some call it the "God-self". Why not? As god I can make up my own rules...no discipline needed!
Should our confidence be in ourselves or in the Christ that works within the true Christian? As true Christians our confidence is in our God! He is the Almighty, I am just His child! The Bible says that: "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident." [Proverbs 14:16]
As a matter of fact, people fear "failure" today more than they fear God! This leads to many other errors. Some who look for answers in human behavior or the study of human behavior say things like: "My faith is no longer blind. I only trust in what I can see." Well, then it's not really faith. Biblical faith is not blind but it is also not "all knowing".
Christianity is not a religion of "self". It is a relationalship religion. First, we are put in right relationship with God. That means we go through Christ Jesus alone. That means we put God's commandments, ways, and thoughts before our own or anybody elses. True happiness is in falling in love with God and His word. True love is trusting in God's word even if somebody says something different. If you truly love God you will want to believe in Him and His ways..not in your selfish desires.
Those who go to church for singing and ritual believe that they have made up for their disregard to obedience to God's commands. These type of so called Christians live mostly for themselves instead of for God. These type often perform religious rites. It at least makes them feel better.
You see, basically psychology is in the buisness of rephrasing the gopsel into selfist terminology. If you talk to a so called "Christian Psychologist" one of the first things that he might ask you is; "What do you want? How can I make you feel better?" Their idea of the gospel is proclaimed as "self-esteem".
So todays religionists cry out; "Give me some of that feel-good religion!" Why? Because no discipline is involved, no hurt in the growing process, no pain for true gain! One Christian author has rightly stated: "Christian psychology is an attempted balancing act, with one foot upon the solid Rock, Christ Jesus, and the other on the sinking sand of humanism."
So many people that I have talked with that claim to be Christians have attacked God's word by their continual and popular excuse: "So many denominations say different things about prophecy and Biblical interpretation....so get on with your self-righteousness." What they are really saying is that God must be some how messed up. He must have not been clear to the children that He supposedly loves and died for in the person of Jesus Christ. This really is an excuse not to study God's word. As a result of this attitude many will spend thousands of dollars studying Carl Jung and or Sigmund Freud.
Yet Jesus says to "remain in His word" and promises us that "there we will find the truth". So is Jesus a liar? Sadly, He is, to many supposed Christians floating around the globe who have their head stuck into the intellectual pit of despair. These type will mouth off the most recent dirty joke. Or tell you how they figured out a way to cheat on their taxes. The next sunday they will sit in their church and say a prayer or two. Perhaps do a ritual or two and head on home to catch the next football game. Across the room on their shelf sits a dusty old Bible which they claim that they have already read and know what it says. On the coffee table sits their favorite book titled: "Human Psychology..understanding human conscious...the key to success!" And in Heaven Jesus looks down with a tear in His eye and says; "They don't get it..they just don't get it."
Today I would ask all true Christians to pray for those caught in the psychology game. Pray that they come back to their Father's word and to the Saviour Jesus Christ. There is where we find our true hope, stength, wisdom, knowledge, and rest.
By Eric W. King
Febreuary 23rd,2008
For more truth visit:
"The Adventist Way of Life"
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Accusers of the Brethren - Response to cult bloggers
-This article is addressed to those people who think that they are Christians and make it thier duty to "fault find". They point to growing Christians who have had years of living in the "world" and are in the process of Biblical sanctification. They try and find all the sins of the person and then begin to tear him apart.
In the Bible Satan is called; "The accuser of the brethren". Some so called "christians" have taken this role upon themselves. They must not fully understand the power of sin in their own personal lives. God only knows what is going on in the minds of these individuals. Perhaps they have "arrived" and have no more "impure" thoughts. Perhaps they claim Christhood.
The sad thing about these people is their anger. Every act and word is an attack. They are paranoid individuals. Their attack process follows that of Satan. A friend sent me the following outline of this satanic-process with Christian weapons to fight back:
First: The Deceiver Satan's target - your mind; his weapons - lies; his purpose - to make you ignorant of God's will; your defense - the inspired Word of God.
Second: The Destroyer Satan's target - your body; his weapon - suffering; his purpose - to make you impatient with God's will; your defense - the imparted grace.
Three: The Ruler Satan's target - your will; Satan's weapon - pride; Satan's purpose - to make you independent of God's will; your defense - the indwelling Spirit of God.
Four: The Accuser Satan's target - your heart and conscience; Satan's weapon - accusation; Satan's purpose - to bring an indictment by God's will; your defense - the interceding Son.
One individual comes to mind as I write this article. He has a BLOG and it contains nothing but sarcastic and rude attacks on Seventh Day Adventist Christians. If an 18 year old Seventh Day Adventist Christian girl eats a "gummy bear" he condemns her to hell. He accuses the entire Seventh Day Adventist Church as being "Satanic". The millions of true Christian Adventists are praying for this self-righteous individual and all who fall into his cadegory.
He never once talks about the love of God. He instead plays the role of his idea of God and as judge he begins his satanic judgment. Tearing away at growing souls and those trying to understand true Christianity. How sad and evil!
I live in the mountains. I use a chain saw and do other physical tasks. All the mountain men I know work hard for a living, they don't sit around and attack Christians. One story comes to mind. In the town that I live in a young bully kept making rude comments and attacking those who had weaker wills. One day a person came into town and saw what this individual was doing.
Words were exchanged, the bully tried to fight the man. The man beat the bully up. Two weeks latter the "used to be" bully was in the SDA Hospital repenting of his sins. God knows how to humble the proud. It is a shame that the poor bully had to learn the hard way but the Bible says that God corrects those whom He loves. God loved the bully.
We can only pray that these "spiritual bullies" will learn to love others and come to Jesus Christ without their self-rightous pride, before it is too late.
E.W.King [February 16th, 2008]
In the Bible Satan is called; "The accuser of the brethren". Some so called "christians" have taken this role upon themselves. They must not fully understand the power of sin in their own personal lives. God only knows what is going on in the minds of these individuals. Perhaps they have "arrived" and have no more "impure" thoughts. Perhaps they claim Christhood.
The sad thing about these people is their anger. Every act and word is an attack. They are paranoid individuals. Their attack process follows that of Satan. A friend sent me the following outline of this satanic-process with Christian weapons to fight back:
First: The Deceiver Satan's target - your mind; his weapons - lies; his purpose - to make you ignorant of God's will; your defense - the inspired Word of God.
Second: The Destroyer Satan's target - your body; his weapon - suffering; his purpose - to make you impatient with God's will; your defense - the imparted grace.
Three: The Ruler Satan's target - your will; Satan's weapon - pride; Satan's purpose - to make you independent of God's will; your defense - the indwelling Spirit of God.
Four: The Accuser Satan's target - your heart and conscience; Satan's weapon - accusation; Satan's purpose - to bring an indictment by God's will; your defense - the interceding Son.
One individual comes to mind as I write this article. He has a BLOG and it contains nothing but sarcastic and rude attacks on Seventh Day Adventist Christians. If an 18 year old Seventh Day Adventist Christian girl eats a "gummy bear" he condemns her to hell. He accuses the entire Seventh Day Adventist Church as being "Satanic". The millions of true Christian Adventists are praying for this self-righteous individual and all who fall into his cadegory.
He never once talks about the love of God. He instead plays the role of his idea of God and as judge he begins his satanic judgment. Tearing away at growing souls and those trying to understand true Christianity. How sad and evil!
I live in the mountains. I use a chain saw and do other physical tasks. All the mountain men I know work hard for a living, they don't sit around and attack Christians. One story comes to mind. In the town that I live in a young bully kept making rude comments and attacking those who had weaker wills. One day a person came into town and saw what this individual was doing.
Words were exchanged, the bully tried to fight the man. The man beat the bully up. Two weeks latter the "used to be" bully was in the SDA Hospital repenting of his sins. God knows how to humble the proud. It is a shame that the poor bully had to learn the hard way but the Bible says that God corrects those whom He loves. God loved the bully.
We can only pray that these "spiritual bullies" will learn to love others and come to Jesus Christ without their self-rightous pride, before it is too late.
E.W.King [February 16th, 2008]
Friday, February 8, 2008
"Remember" means it already happened!
If I started out a sentance with the word "remember"....does that mean that I am asking you to think back about an event? Sure it does. So when God asks us all to "remember" the Sabbath day it would be to remember an event that cannot change.
We cannot change the past. Can we? The fourth commandment asks us to "remember" an original and unaltered event. So we know that God cannot be asking us to remember "sunday" if Saturday is the true Sabbath, the historical and unchangeable event!
In the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam and Eve laws to live by. He loved them and cared for their moral development. We see that after they took the fruit they were told not to and lied to God they became sinners. They knew God's commandments.
We see that God's fourth commandment, the Holy Sabbath, was given in Genesis chapter two.We see Cain and Abel practicing sacrificial laws in Genesis but the sacrificial laws were not yet written out. Why was there already the shedding of blood in Genesis? Because the Moral Law had been broken.
Sin is the transgression of the Ten Commandments and without the shedding of blood [sacrificial law] there is no atonement.We see that even before all the commandments were written on stone after the Egyptian exile that God chose Abraham “Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, [God said] and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” [Genesis 26:5]
We see that even before the Ten Commandments were written out on stone God was reminding Israel after pulling them out of bondage of the Sacred Law. God said to them before they reached mount Sinai; "How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?" [Exodus 16:28] How could God charge them thus had they not known beforehand? "And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To-morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord; bake that which ye will bake to-day, and seeth that ye will seeth; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until morning." [Exodus 16:23]
Here we notice God telling them, or reminding them, of His Holy Sabbath before mount Sinai. Why did God ultimately have to remind them and re-write the commandments out for them on stone? Because during their bondage and 40 year wandering in the wilderness a generation had been lost.
"And the Lord's anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the Lord, was consumed." [Numbers 32:13]
So here we are in the Church Age and a generation or so has again forgotten the Ten Commandments of our Lord. Let us learn from history!Remember, Jesus only promised to build one church, therefore, the rest of the churches that are here today were started by men, not by God.
The way we can be sure the church we are in is the church Jesus built is to look at the characteristics. We find the last-day characteristics of God's church listed in His word, the Holy Bible.
Look at these two important and foundational characteristics:Rev. 12:17: "And the dragon [the Devil] was wroth [angry] with the woman [church], and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."Rev. 19:10 "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit [gift] of prophecy."
Written by Eric W. King [Written on February 8th,2008] Some material from this article taken from and early article of Eric's
We cannot change the past. Can we? The fourth commandment asks us to "remember" an original and unaltered event. So we know that God cannot be asking us to remember "sunday" if Saturday is the true Sabbath, the historical and unchangeable event!
In the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam and Eve laws to live by. He loved them and cared for their moral development. We see that after they took the fruit they were told not to and lied to God they became sinners. They knew God's commandments.
We see that God's fourth commandment, the Holy Sabbath, was given in Genesis chapter two.We see Cain and Abel practicing sacrificial laws in Genesis but the sacrificial laws were not yet written out. Why was there already the shedding of blood in Genesis? Because the Moral Law had been broken.
Sin is the transgression of the Ten Commandments and without the shedding of blood [sacrificial law] there is no atonement.We see that even before all the commandments were written on stone after the Egyptian exile that God chose Abraham “Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, [God said] and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” [Genesis 26:5]
We see that even before the Ten Commandments were written out on stone God was reminding Israel after pulling them out of bondage of the Sacred Law. God said to them before they reached mount Sinai; "How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?" [Exodus 16:28] How could God charge them thus had they not known beforehand? "And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To-morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord; bake that which ye will bake to-day, and seeth that ye will seeth; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until morning." [Exodus 16:23]
Here we notice God telling them, or reminding them, of His Holy Sabbath before mount Sinai. Why did God ultimately have to remind them and re-write the commandments out for them on stone? Because during their bondage and 40 year wandering in the wilderness a generation had been lost.
"And the Lord's anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the Lord, was consumed." [Numbers 32:13]
So here we are in the Church Age and a generation or so has again forgotten the Ten Commandments of our Lord. Let us learn from history!Remember, Jesus only promised to build one church, therefore, the rest of the churches that are here today were started by men, not by God.
The way we can be sure the church we are in is the church Jesus built is to look at the characteristics. We find the last-day characteristics of God's church listed in His word, the Holy Bible.
Look at these two important and foundational characteristics:Rev. 12:17: "And the dragon [the Devil] was wroth [angry] with the woman [church], and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."Rev. 19:10 "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit [gift] of prophecy."
Written by Eric W. King [Written on February 8th,2008] Some material from this article taken from and early article of Eric's
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Response to the "Ed White" group.
Here is yet another false Seventh Day Adventist "ministry". The website known as the "Ed White" website touts itself as an authentic SDA website with an "Historical Adventist" message. [He has no relationship to the Ellen White family, thus he is a deceiver not to mention this on his website] This guy has called true Seventh Day Adventists every name in the book, in my opinion. His messages are full of arrogance as if only his view of Adventism is correct.
He and his ministry are NOT true Christian Seventh Day Adventists! He denies many of the 28 fundamentals of the true church. He falls into the "cult" category in my book. He calls the General Conference and over all ministry of the true Seventh Day Adventist Church "liars" and "deceivers". So this makes him "God".
If you have had any contact with this arrogant ministry and have questions, send them to me. We can discuss his claims using God's word. Remember, as I have pointed out in my other articles of the SDA off-shoot cults, they have called the church of Jesus Christ "Babylon the Great". This makes them fake and false. The only thing that these type of ministries want is ego-centric glory.
Written by; Eric W. King [January 31,2008]
He and his ministry are NOT true Christian Seventh Day Adventists! He denies many of the 28 fundamentals of the true church. He falls into the "cult" category in my book. He calls the General Conference and over all ministry of the true Seventh Day Adventist Church "liars" and "deceivers". So this makes him "God".
If you have had any contact with this arrogant ministry and have questions, send them to me. We can discuss his claims using God's word. Remember, as I have pointed out in my other articles of the SDA off-shoot cults, they have called the church of Jesus Christ "Babylon the Great". This makes them fake and false. The only thing that these type of ministries want is ego-centric glory.
Written by; Eric W. King [January 31,2008]
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Church not built on Ellen G. White!
Once again, I find myself responding to false accusations against the Christian Seventh Day Adventist believers. I recently recieved a letter telling me: "Destroy Ellen White and you have no church." Wow! First off this person assumes that Seventh Day Adventist Christians are Biblically illiterate . All true Chirstians know that the Christian church is built on Jesus Christ.
If you are a Seventh Day Adventist and know of any publication by our church that asserts that we believe that the Christian Church was built on the person of Ellen White please show me that publication.
What Adventist Christians do believe is that God has given the "spirit of prophecy" or "gift of prophecy" to some of His children. New Testament prophets are not above Scripture! Again, if you can show me from any SDA publication that we believe Ellen White's writings to be above that of the 66 canonized books, then please show me the publication.
I want to look at these three attacks sent to me on the Christian Adventist Church by this person I wish not to name and then give a sound response:
Attack One: One of the commandments is "thou shall not steal" and "thou shall not lie". (bear false witness) It seems to me EGW was doing both with her writings. As well she made all kinds of prophetic statements that failed and yet claimed divine inspiration for them. Would that be called lying or fortune telling?
Response: First, you are assuming that Ellen White stole something. You are referring to the charges of plagiarism.
Second, you claim that she made false prophecies and then you show me none. Have you even read her in context?
So let's deal with your false charges of plagiarism.
Did you know that in the Bible itself we find different authors such as Isaiah and Micah saying word for word the same thing? God showed two different people the same vision and they wrote it down. The apostle John's book of "Revelation" has many visions comparable with both the pre and post exilic prophets of the Old Testament.
So can we "prove" that the prophet Micah plagiarized from the prophet Isaiah? I suppose we could make this claim if we wished to not believe in what they said.
Do you believe that a person can receive a vision or a prophecy from God in this time of the Church Age? The Bible speaks about "the gift of prophecy" for New Testament believers. As a Seventh Day Adventist Christian I believe in the "gift of prophecy" and that God can share thoughts and visions with one who has the gift.
Now in doing so God may share with others, who have not had the gift of prophecy, things that they may have been trying to understand. Say many Christian's were writing information out that had a lot of Truth but they were not all correct in some of their understandings due to carnal human nature and reasoning. Could God share the correct information that had been written with a Christian who has the "gift of prophecy" and alow that person to re-write the information in the right manner, without the misunderstandings and without ever showing the person the other writtings?
I believe God could do that and as a matter of fact I believe that God did do that through the person of Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White has been accused of plagiarsim because many of her writtings contain similar and even some word for word information that other Christians had written.
My question to other Christian's is; Why can't you believe in a modern miracle? Why is it so hard to believe that God can do great and wonderful things?All true Seventh Day Adventist Christians realize that she sometimes used other literary sources, as God directed her. She admitted she read and used the works of others. How is this a lie?
We also believe that Ellen White's use of literary sources and assistants finds parallels in some of the writings of the Bible.
Now, what about the Bible itself? Here is something to consider; Did you know that scholars are now trying to prove that the entire Bible itself is a work of plagiarsim?
There is a whole documentary online that "proves" it. The video states that much of Christianity, specifically Jesus, was copied directly from a Egyptian and Greek mythology, among others.It's from the documentary Zeitgeist. Interesting film. Here's a transcript (with sources) of the portion of the film :http://zeitgeistmovie.com/transcript.htm The sources are there. So is it true? Read it and follow up. Is this simply another trick of Satan mixing Truth with error?
To dismiss it because it doesn't conform to your beliefs is just ignorance. The full documentary is longer than 28 minutes. The link to watch it can be found here: http://zeitgeistmovie.com/So have modern “scholars” “proven” that most all of the Christian Bible is a work of plagiarism? Take the flood story for instance.In Sumerian clay tablets dating from the third millennium BCE there is an account of a great flood whose hero is called Ziusudra. There is also a flood story in the second millennium BCE Babylonian legend of Gilgamish. In the Babylonian legend, preserved in much greater detail than that of Sumeria, the hero is named Utnapishtim.
All these pre-date the Mosaic texts that have been found.What about the fact that “word for word” passages are found in Isaiah and Micah? Who copied who? Did Isaiah copy Micah or visa versa?And what of “Mithraism”? There is much speculation that Christian beliefs were influenced by Mithraic belief.The worshippers of Mithras held strong beliefs in a celestial heaven and an infernal hell. They believed that the benevolent powers of the god would sympathize with their suffering and grant them the final justice of immortality and eternal salvation in the world to come. They looked forward to a final day of judgement in which the dead would resurrect, and to a final conflict that would destroy the existing order of all things to bring about the triumph of light overdarkness.
Modern scholars have found many of the Old Testament stories in religions that pre-date Jewish faith. Some found in ancient Egypt and Sumeria. When you say you can "prove" that people cannot be shown the same thing without plagiarism, guess what, you can't. What you are doing is questioning the authority and power of God. I can only assume you are doing this because you wish not to keep God's holy Sabbath day.
Attack Two: Even pictures in her books that she claimed were given to her in vision from God were direct copies from previously published books by other authors. This would be considered theft in any court of law.
Response: Wow! Did you know that some of the prophets of the Bible recieved the same visions? So what you are saying is that when God shows one person something He cannot share it through the power of the Holy Spirit with another person. Wow! So the "beasts" [the vision pictures that the prophet Daniel received] could not have been shown to John by the same Holy Spirit power in which they were shown the apostle John? Yikes! And I suppose if two people get the same idea in different parts of the world the one who got the idea first could claim that the other person is a liar and a thieve? Again...yikes!
Attack Three: As you know the SDA church rises and falls on the person of EGW. Remove her influence and there is no SDA church.
Response: No. I did not know that. And guess what, I am a Seventh Day Adventist. Again, what are you talking about? All Seventh Day Adventist Christians realize that the Church was built on the person of Jesus Christ. Are you saying that all those who came after Christ and spoke about Him or who received visions of Him, like the apostle Paul, after Christ came and left are fake? All Adventist Christians can hold to Biblical integrity without the writings of Ellen White. Her life and gift was a blessing to the Christian church.
As Seventh Day Adventist Christians we do not believe that the New Testament gift of prophecy add's anything to the teachings of the Scriptures and we believe that it cannot ever add anything to the completed 66 books of the Protestant Cannon.
Adventist author Ellen G. White states this very clearly in her own writings. Let's look at some of her statements;
"The word of God is sufficient to enlighten the most beclouded mind and may be understood by those who have any desire to understand it. . . . To leave men and women without excuse God gives plain and pointed testimonies, bringing them back to the word that they have neglected" (2T 454, 455).
"The written testimonies [Ellen's writings] are not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already revealed" (ibid. 605).
Ellen White referred to her counsels as "a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light" (Review and Herald 80:15, Jan. 20, 1903)."The Spirit was not given--nor can it ever be bestowed--to supersede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the word of God is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested" (GC vii).
Her writings are a gift to the church to edify and uplift it. To encourage the body of Christ is why her gift of prophecy was given. Here we need to understand that no Seventh Day Adventist Christian need's the writings of Ellen G. White, John Calvin, Martin Luther, or any other reformer to teach what the Bible teaches.God has sent reformers and the NT gift of prophecy to help guide His church. The Holy Spirit alone is our ultimate teacher! And to this all true Seventh Day Adventist's hold!
So we see that you, like many Evangelical Christians have showed yourselves unlearned and un teachable. Perhaps you should listen more closely before you make your accusations. "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him." [Proverbs 18:13]
And please, do not use such sorry excuses to ignore the Sabbath issue. "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." [Proverbs 28:9]
Written by, Eric W. King [January 27,2008]
Continue a deeper look at the charges against E.G.White and plagiarism.
For more Truth please visit: "The Adventist Way of Life"
If you are a Seventh Day Adventist and know of any publication by our church that asserts that we believe that the Christian Church was built on the person of Ellen White please show me that publication.
What Adventist Christians do believe is that God has given the "spirit of prophecy" or "gift of prophecy" to some of His children. New Testament prophets are not above Scripture! Again, if you can show me from any SDA publication that we believe Ellen White's writings to be above that of the 66 canonized books, then please show me the publication.
I want to look at these three attacks sent to me on the Christian Adventist Church by this person I wish not to name and then give a sound response:
Attack One: One of the commandments is "thou shall not steal" and "thou shall not lie". (bear false witness) It seems to me EGW was doing both with her writings. As well she made all kinds of prophetic statements that failed and yet claimed divine inspiration for them. Would that be called lying or fortune telling?
Response: First, you are assuming that Ellen White stole something. You are referring to the charges of plagiarism.
Second, you claim that she made false prophecies and then you show me none. Have you even read her in context?
So let's deal with your false charges of plagiarism.
Did you know that in the Bible itself we find different authors such as Isaiah and Micah saying word for word the same thing? God showed two different people the same vision and they wrote it down. The apostle John's book of "Revelation" has many visions comparable with both the pre and post exilic prophets of the Old Testament.
So can we "prove" that the prophet Micah plagiarized from the prophet Isaiah? I suppose we could make this claim if we wished to not believe in what they said.
Do you believe that a person can receive a vision or a prophecy from God in this time of the Church Age? The Bible speaks about "the gift of prophecy" for New Testament believers. As a Seventh Day Adventist Christian I believe in the "gift of prophecy" and that God can share thoughts and visions with one who has the gift.
Now in doing so God may share with others, who have not had the gift of prophecy, things that they may have been trying to understand. Say many Christian's were writing information out that had a lot of Truth but they were not all correct in some of their understandings due to carnal human nature and reasoning. Could God share the correct information that had been written with a Christian who has the "gift of prophecy" and alow that person to re-write the information in the right manner, without the misunderstandings and without ever showing the person the other writtings?
I believe God could do that and as a matter of fact I believe that God did do that through the person of Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White has been accused of plagiarsim because many of her writtings contain similar and even some word for word information that other Christians had written.
My question to other Christian's is; Why can't you believe in a modern miracle? Why is it so hard to believe that God can do great and wonderful things?All true Seventh Day Adventist Christians realize that she sometimes used other literary sources, as God directed her. She admitted she read and used the works of others. How is this a lie?
We also believe that Ellen White's use of literary sources and assistants finds parallels in some of the writings of the Bible.
Now, what about the Bible itself? Here is something to consider; Did you know that scholars are now trying to prove that the entire Bible itself is a work of plagiarsim?
There is a whole documentary online that "proves" it. The video states that much of Christianity, specifically Jesus, was copied directly from a Egyptian and Greek mythology, among others.It's from the documentary Zeitgeist. Interesting film. Here's a transcript (with sources) of the portion of the film :http://zeitgeistmovie.com/transcript.htm The sources are there. So is it true? Read it and follow up. Is this simply another trick of Satan mixing Truth with error?
To dismiss it because it doesn't conform to your beliefs is just ignorance. The full documentary is longer than 28 minutes. The link to watch it can be found here: http://zeitgeistmovie.com/So have modern “scholars” “proven” that most all of the Christian Bible is a work of plagiarism? Take the flood story for instance.In Sumerian clay tablets dating from the third millennium BCE there is an account of a great flood whose hero is called Ziusudra. There is also a flood story in the second millennium BCE Babylonian legend of Gilgamish. In the Babylonian legend, preserved in much greater detail than that of Sumeria, the hero is named Utnapishtim.
All these pre-date the Mosaic texts that have been found.What about the fact that “word for word” passages are found in Isaiah and Micah? Who copied who? Did Isaiah copy Micah or visa versa?And what of “Mithraism”? There is much speculation that Christian beliefs were influenced by Mithraic belief.The worshippers of Mithras held strong beliefs in a celestial heaven and an infernal hell. They believed that the benevolent powers of the god would sympathize with their suffering and grant them the final justice of immortality and eternal salvation in the world to come. They looked forward to a final day of judgement in which the dead would resurrect, and to a final conflict that would destroy the existing order of all things to bring about the triumph of light overdarkness.
Modern scholars have found many of the Old Testament stories in religions that pre-date Jewish faith. Some found in ancient Egypt and Sumeria. When you say you can "prove" that people cannot be shown the same thing without plagiarism, guess what, you can't. What you are doing is questioning the authority and power of God. I can only assume you are doing this because you wish not to keep God's holy Sabbath day.
Attack Two: Even pictures in her books that she claimed were given to her in vision from God were direct copies from previously published books by other authors. This would be considered theft in any court of law.
Response: Wow! Did you know that some of the prophets of the Bible recieved the same visions? So what you are saying is that when God shows one person something He cannot share it through the power of the Holy Spirit with another person. Wow! So the "beasts" [the vision pictures that the prophet Daniel received] could not have been shown to John by the same Holy Spirit power in which they were shown the apostle John? Yikes! And I suppose if two people get the same idea in different parts of the world the one who got the idea first could claim that the other person is a liar and a thieve? Again...yikes!
Attack Three: As you know the SDA church rises and falls on the person of EGW. Remove her influence and there is no SDA church.
Response: No. I did not know that. And guess what, I am a Seventh Day Adventist. Again, what are you talking about? All Seventh Day Adventist Christians realize that the Church was built on the person of Jesus Christ. Are you saying that all those who came after Christ and spoke about Him or who received visions of Him, like the apostle Paul, after Christ came and left are fake? All Adventist Christians can hold to Biblical integrity without the writings of Ellen White. Her life and gift was a blessing to the Christian church.
As Seventh Day Adventist Christians we do not believe that the New Testament gift of prophecy add's anything to the teachings of the Scriptures and we believe that it cannot ever add anything to the completed 66 books of the Protestant Cannon.
Adventist author Ellen G. White states this very clearly in her own writings. Let's look at some of her statements;
"The word of God is sufficient to enlighten the most beclouded mind and may be understood by those who have any desire to understand it. . . . To leave men and women without excuse God gives plain and pointed testimonies, bringing them back to the word that they have neglected" (2T 454, 455).
"The written testimonies [Ellen's writings] are not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already revealed" (ibid. 605).
Ellen White referred to her counsels as "a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light" (Review and Herald 80:15, Jan. 20, 1903)."The Spirit was not given--nor can it ever be bestowed--to supersede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the word of God is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested" (GC vii).
Her writings are a gift to the church to edify and uplift it. To encourage the body of Christ is why her gift of prophecy was given. Here we need to understand that no Seventh Day Adventist Christian need's the writings of Ellen G. White, John Calvin, Martin Luther, or any other reformer to teach what the Bible teaches.God has sent reformers and the NT gift of prophecy to help guide His church. The Holy Spirit alone is our ultimate teacher! And to this all true Seventh Day Adventist's hold!
So we see that you, like many Evangelical Christians have showed yourselves unlearned and un teachable. Perhaps you should listen more closely before you make your accusations. "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him." [Proverbs 18:13]
And please, do not use such sorry excuses to ignore the Sabbath issue. "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." [Proverbs 28:9]
Written by, Eric W. King [January 27,2008]
Continue a deeper look at the charges against E.G.White and plagiarism.
For more Truth please visit: "The Adventist Way of Life"
Monday, January 21, 2008
Response to, "Presents of God Ministry" also known as, POGM
Note: Within the first five minutes that this article was posted "The Adventist Way of Life" received what can only be described, in my opinion, as "hate email" from the founder of POGM. I don't dare post the comments made by this person. I would ask that all "born again" believers in Jesus Christ pray for those stuck in cults. Thank you
_____________________________________
"The Adventist Way of Life", online Christian website ministry, fully supports the true Seventh Day Adventist Church and the General Conference. "The Adventist Way of Life" is in no way legitimately, legally, or officially connected with the Seventh Day Adventist Church nor is it officially endorsed by the SDA Church. This ministry also contains opinions that are not held by all Seventh Day Adventist Christians. That being said, please understand that I believe that the official SDA Church is the Church that Jesus Christ built and I currently worship at my local SDA Church.
Now, I start this article out with that statement to show that by this article I am not trying to say that "my way is the only right way". I simply believe that what I understand to be true is TRUE! So many ex-adventist Christians try and start a "new movement". They try and find something exciting and different to cause a chaotic controversy within the true SDA Church.
This is how the Davidian's got their start. This is how the CSDA group got it's start. And this is even how some "evangelicals" got their start, such as the "elite" ex-adventist evangelical movement. I have responded to some of these groups without response. The CSDA group did respond and I talked to some of the "ex-adventists" on the phone. We certainly did not change each others view points.
In this article I am yet responding to another off-shoot ministry of the true Seventh Day Adventist Church. This ministry in question is called, "Presents of God Ministry". It's founder was once Catholic. As a Catholic he taught in the Catholic church. He once held to the fallen churches beliefs. But one day he was introduced to the Truth as it is in Jesus.
He found that the SDA Church was correct in identifying the anti-christ power. He even saw much more than the standard Adventist Christian sees because of his background in error all those years. He became a Seventh Day Adventist. Along the way he recognized "Romanism" happening within the SDA Church. This troubled him and he began to speak out. So far no true Adventist Christian would see a problem with this man's concern.
But......but then he began to call the true Seventh Day Adventist Church "Babylon the Great". This basically amounts to calling God's church the "Church of Satan". This is the unfortunate mistake that many misinformed Adventists fall into. This is the same mistake that the CSDA group made and got them into the mess their in today.
This is the same mistake that starts almost all the Adventist Cults. Ellen G. White saw a tendency of fanatacism and false excitement demonstrated shortly after the "Great Disappointment" of 1844. This lead her to write out against this fanatacism and the movements it generated.
She also warned in her writings that some people would set out to look for "something strange" and or "exciting" in some new found doctrine. With this information she warned that they will cause a division in the church, or at least try to. Ellen White clearly stated that the true Seventh Day Adventist Church can never be called "Babylon" [a phrase of the false church]. She did say that the Church leadership of a certain time was in danger of being called a "sister" [not daughter] of fallen apostate Babylon.
So if she said that the SDA Church could never be called Babylon but that some of it's leadership could, would, and did fall into apostasy we are talking about apostasy and not Babylon. Wow! Seems simple. Any apostate can be likened to "babylonian". This is why Sister White pointed out the danger of becoming like a "sister" to but not a "daughter" of spiritual Babylon. In other words, some SDA local churches and their leadership would completely "fall asleep", become the Laodiceans in practice and worship. Jesus said that the wheat and the tares would grow together, in the Church He said He built and that would never fall. Never did Jesus call His own Church "Babylon the Great" and neither did Ellen White!
She agrees with the Bible and further states that the entire world and Satan will have his final conflict with "Seventh Day Adventists", not "creation" or "davidian" Seventh Day Adventist Christians. [see TM, p.37] And not with "Presents of God" people.
Though local churches have their problems because of "Babylonian" influences this does not make Christ's church "babylon". All local Christian churches have their problems...but they are not the "harlot" church. They could only become a Babylonian church in the "sister" sense, but never collectively a "daughter of the harlot".
As I said before, I will state again, God's church will have true believers and false believers in it up until the Second Coming of Christ. [Laodicean church: Rev. 3:14-22] But no Christian has the authority or the right or the power to judge in the sense of separating the "wheat" from the "tares". This is the work of Jesus Christ and His angels! [Matthew 24:31] These false movements claim to be full of wheat only, if not they claim that there is a "remnant" within the Remnant. Are we confused yet?
Jesus informs us that when the "purification" of the Church of God begins, He will send His angels to separate the "wheat" from the "chaff". He will not send "independent ministries" to do the separating. So those who start "new movements", and claim that there is a "remnant" within the Remnant are liars! Plain and simple!The true Seventh Day Adventist Church has missionaries all over the world and hospitals healing the sick and hurting. None of these "off-shoot" groups have any Biblical authority or "good fruit doctrine" for their claims or existance. We pray for them.
Ellen White stated that the church may appear to be falling through all this confusion but that it will not fall! No doubt that their are spiritual "babylonians" or "tares" within the true church. But the true SDA Church is still the true church. One problem with these Adventist off-shoot groups is that they take Ellen White's statements out of context. In 1911 she emphasized that "regarding the testimonies, nothing is ignored; nothing is cast aside; but time and place must be considered."
As Herbert E. Douglass points out:
-"...in 1875 Ellen White wrote concerning the General Conference in session: "When the judgment of the General Conference, which is the highest authority that God has upon the earth, is exercised, private independence and private judgment must not be maintained, but be surrendered."
Why the difference in her position? During the late 1880s and 1890s, as the record shows in her letters and sermons, some of the policies of the General Conference officers were not ones that Ellen White could endorse. On April 1, 1901, the day before the General Conference session opened, she spoke these words: "It is working upon wrong principles that has brought the cause of God into its present embarrassment. The people have lost confidence in those who have the management of the work. Yet we hear that the voice of the conference is the voice of God. Every time I have heard this, I have thought that it was almost blasphemy. The voice of the conference ought to be the voice of God, but it is not." Obviously, times had changed and her observations changed accordingly.
But that 1901 General Conference session made significant changes in policies and personnel. Ellen White was pleased. Only two months after the changes, she became aware that her son Edson was quoting some of her pre-1901-session statements and applying them in the new, post-1901-session period. Times had changed--the statements of the 1890s no longer applied. She wrote to Edson: "Your course would have been the course to be pursued, if no changes had been made in the General Conference [1901]. But a change has been made, and many more changes will be made [in 1903, many more were made] and great developments will [yet] be seen. No issues are to be forced. . . . It hurts me to think that you are using words which I wrote prior to the Conference." -
So you see, it is true that "context controls meaning". How many more off-shoot, ex-adventist movements will arise before the Second Coming? Probably lots. This is unfortunate but it is the Signs of the Times. If you are currently attending a true Seventh Day Adventist Church stay with the "bride of Christ". Pray for the leadership. Pray for those who may be off in some wrong area of doctrine within the church. Show mercy for the bride that Christ is coming back for. She makes mistakes but God hates divorce! So stay faithful till the end.
God bless!
Written by, Eric W. King [January 21,2008]
_____________________________________
"The Adventist Way of Life", online Christian website ministry, fully supports the true Seventh Day Adventist Church and the General Conference. "The Adventist Way of Life" is in no way legitimately, legally, or officially connected with the Seventh Day Adventist Church nor is it officially endorsed by the SDA Church. This ministry also contains opinions that are not held by all Seventh Day Adventist Christians. That being said, please understand that I believe that the official SDA Church is the Church that Jesus Christ built and I currently worship at my local SDA Church.
Now, I start this article out with that statement to show that by this article I am not trying to say that "my way is the only right way". I simply believe that what I understand to be true is TRUE! So many ex-adventist Christians try and start a "new movement". They try and find something exciting and different to cause a chaotic controversy within the true SDA Church.
This is how the Davidian's got their start. This is how the CSDA group got it's start. And this is even how some "evangelicals" got their start, such as the "elite" ex-adventist evangelical movement. I have responded to some of these groups without response. The CSDA group did respond and I talked to some of the "ex-adventists" on the phone. We certainly did not change each others view points.
In this article I am yet responding to another off-shoot ministry of the true Seventh Day Adventist Church. This ministry in question is called, "Presents of God Ministry". It's founder was once Catholic. As a Catholic he taught in the Catholic church. He once held to the fallen churches beliefs. But one day he was introduced to the Truth as it is in Jesus.
He found that the SDA Church was correct in identifying the anti-christ power. He even saw much more than the standard Adventist Christian sees because of his background in error all those years. He became a Seventh Day Adventist. Along the way he recognized "Romanism" happening within the SDA Church. This troubled him and he began to speak out. So far no true Adventist Christian would see a problem with this man's concern.
But......but then he began to call the true Seventh Day Adventist Church "Babylon the Great". This basically amounts to calling God's church the "Church of Satan". This is the unfortunate mistake that many misinformed Adventists fall into. This is the same mistake that the CSDA group made and got them into the mess their in today.
This is the same mistake that starts almost all the Adventist Cults. Ellen G. White saw a tendency of fanatacism and false excitement demonstrated shortly after the "Great Disappointment" of 1844. This lead her to write out against this fanatacism and the movements it generated.
She also warned in her writings that some people would set out to look for "something strange" and or "exciting" in some new found doctrine. With this information she warned that they will cause a division in the church, or at least try to. Ellen White clearly stated that the true Seventh Day Adventist Church can never be called "Babylon" [a phrase of the false church]. She did say that the Church leadership of a certain time was in danger of being called a "sister" [not daughter] of fallen apostate Babylon.
So if she said that the SDA Church could never be called Babylon but that some of it's leadership could, would, and did fall into apostasy we are talking about apostasy and not Babylon. Wow! Seems simple. Any apostate can be likened to "babylonian". This is why Sister White pointed out the danger of becoming like a "sister" to but not a "daughter" of spiritual Babylon. In other words, some SDA local churches and their leadership would completely "fall asleep", become the Laodiceans in practice and worship. Jesus said that the wheat and the tares would grow together, in the Church He said He built and that would never fall. Never did Jesus call His own Church "Babylon the Great" and neither did Ellen White!
She agrees with the Bible and further states that the entire world and Satan will have his final conflict with "Seventh Day Adventists", not "creation" or "davidian" Seventh Day Adventist Christians. [see TM, p.37] And not with "Presents of God" people.
Though local churches have their problems because of "Babylonian" influences this does not make Christ's church "babylon". All local Christian churches have their problems...but they are not the "harlot" church. They could only become a Babylonian church in the "sister" sense, but never collectively a "daughter of the harlot".
As I said before, I will state again, God's church will have true believers and false believers in it up until the Second Coming of Christ. [Laodicean church: Rev. 3:14-22] But no Christian has the authority or the right or the power to judge in the sense of separating the "wheat" from the "tares". This is the work of Jesus Christ and His angels! [Matthew 24:31] These false movements claim to be full of wheat only, if not they claim that there is a "remnant" within the Remnant. Are we confused yet?
Jesus informs us that when the "purification" of the Church of God begins, He will send His angels to separate the "wheat" from the "chaff". He will not send "independent ministries" to do the separating. So those who start "new movements", and claim that there is a "remnant" within the Remnant are liars! Plain and simple!The true Seventh Day Adventist Church has missionaries all over the world and hospitals healing the sick and hurting. None of these "off-shoot" groups have any Biblical authority or "good fruit doctrine" for their claims or existance. We pray for them.
Ellen White stated that the church may appear to be falling through all this confusion but that it will not fall! No doubt that their are spiritual "babylonians" or "tares" within the true church. But the true SDA Church is still the true church. One problem with these Adventist off-shoot groups is that they take Ellen White's statements out of context. In 1911 she emphasized that "regarding the testimonies, nothing is ignored; nothing is cast aside; but time and place must be considered."
As Herbert E. Douglass points out:
-"...in 1875 Ellen White wrote concerning the General Conference in session: "When the judgment of the General Conference, which is the highest authority that God has upon the earth, is exercised, private independence and private judgment must not be maintained, but be surrendered."
Why the difference in her position? During the late 1880s and 1890s, as the record shows in her letters and sermons, some of the policies of the General Conference officers were not ones that Ellen White could endorse. On April 1, 1901, the day before the General Conference session opened, she spoke these words: "It is working upon wrong principles that has brought the cause of God into its present embarrassment. The people have lost confidence in those who have the management of the work. Yet we hear that the voice of the conference is the voice of God. Every time I have heard this, I have thought that it was almost blasphemy. The voice of the conference ought to be the voice of God, but it is not." Obviously, times had changed and her observations changed accordingly.
But that 1901 General Conference session made significant changes in policies and personnel. Ellen White was pleased. Only two months after the changes, she became aware that her son Edson was quoting some of her pre-1901-session statements and applying them in the new, post-1901-session period. Times had changed--the statements of the 1890s no longer applied. She wrote to Edson: "Your course would have been the course to be pursued, if no changes had been made in the General Conference [1901]. But a change has been made, and many more changes will be made [in 1903, many more were made] and great developments will [yet] be seen. No issues are to be forced. . . . It hurts me to think that you are using words which I wrote prior to the Conference." -
So you see, it is true that "context controls meaning". How many more off-shoot, ex-adventist movements will arise before the Second Coming? Probably lots. This is unfortunate but it is the Signs of the Times. If you are currently attending a true Seventh Day Adventist Church stay with the "bride of Christ". Pray for the leadership. Pray for those who may be off in some wrong area of doctrine within the church. Show mercy for the bride that Christ is coming back for. She makes mistakes but God hates divorce! So stay faithful till the end.
God bless!
Written by, Eric W. King [January 21,2008]
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Traces of God's morality from Genesis to Revelation
Today most people have developed their own standard of "right" and "wrong". This makes them feel justified when things happen. They call this "Christian freedom". Wow! Christianity with no incentive to be challenged or grow!
When we look at God's immutible standards, the Ten Commandments, they draw us to our need for a saviour. Without the Law pointing to our imperfections we receive a false sense of "freedom". We must remember that true freedom is found in Christ Jesus. Freedom from what? From guilt!
Nobody want's to live in constant guilt. This is the sad condition of most Christians who do not fully understand or appreciate what Jesus has truly done for us. God's Moral Law could never be changed. Thus, Jesus came to our rescue. We now can keep the Ten Commandments because of His perfection and His forgiveness. This is what delivers us from the guilt of sin and truly sets us free!
In the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam and Eve laws to live by. He loved them and cared for their moral development. We see that after they took the fruit they were told not to and lied to God they became sinners. They knew God's commandments. We see that God's fourth commandment, the Holy Sabbath, was given in Genesis chapter two.
We see Cain and Abel practicing sacrificial laws in Genesis but the sacrificial laws were not yet written out. Why was there already the shedding of blood in Genesis? Because the Moral Law had been broken. Sin is the transgression of the Ten Commandments and without the shedding of blood [sacrificial law] there is no atonement.
We see that even before all the commandments were written on stone after the Egyptian exile that God chose Abraham “Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, [God said] and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” [Genesis 26:5]
We see that even before the Ten Commandments were written out on stone God was reminding Israel after pulling them out of bondage of the Sacred Law. God said to them before they reached mount Sinai; "How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?" [Exodus 16:28] How could God charge them thus had they not known beforehand? "And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To-morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord; bake that which ye will bake to-day, and seeth that ye will seeth; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until morning." [Exodus 16:23]
Here we notice God telling them, or reminding them, of His Holy Sabbath before mount Sinai. Why did God ultimately have to remind them and re-write the commandments out for them on stone? Because during their bondage and 40 year wandering in the wilderness a generation had been lost.
"And the Lord's anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the Lord, was consumed." [Numbers 32:13]
So here we are in the Church Age and a generation or so has again forgotten the Ten Commandments of our Lord. Let us learn from history!
Remember, Jesus only promised to build one church, therefore, the rest of the churches that are here today were started by men, not by God. The way we can be sure the church we are in is the church Jesus built is to look at the characteristics. We find the last-day characteristics of God's church listed in His word, the Holy Bible. Look at these two important and foundational characteristics:
Rev. 12:17: "And the dragon [the Devil] was wroth [angry] with the woman [church], and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Rev. 19:10 "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit [gift] of prophecy."
Written by, Eric W. King [January 17,2008]
The most comprehensive Christian Seventh Day Adventist website online:
http://www.adventist.7p.com
When we look at God's immutible standards, the Ten Commandments, they draw us to our need for a saviour. Without the Law pointing to our imperfections we receive a false sense of "freedom". We must remember that true freedom is found in Christ Jesus. Freedom from what? From guilt!
Nobody want's to live in constant guilt. This is the sad condition of most Christians who do not fully understand or appreciate what Jesus has truly done for us. God's Moral Law could never be changed. Thus, Jesus came to our rescue. We now can keep the Ten Commandments because of His perfection and His forgiveness. This is what delivers us from the guilt of sin and truly sets us free!
In the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam and Eve laws to live by. He loved them and cared for their moral development. We see that after they took the fruit they were told not to and lied to God they became sinners. They knew God's commandments. We see that God's fourth commandment, the Holy Sabbath, was given in Genesis chapter two.
We see Cain and Abel practicing sacrificial laws in Genesis but the sacrificial laws were not yet written out. Why was there already the shedding of blood in Genesis? Because the Moral Law had been broken. Sin is the transgression of the Ten Commandments and without the shedding of blood [sacrificial law] there is no atonement.
We see that even before all the commandments were written on stone after the Egyptian exile that God chose Abraham “Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, [God said] and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” [Genesis 26:5]
We see that even before the Ten Commandments were written out on stone God was reminding Israel after pulling them out of bondage of the Sacred Law. God said to them before they reached mount Sinai; "How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?" [Exodus 16:28] How could God charge them thus had they not known beforehand? "And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To-morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord; bake that which ye will bake to-day, and seeth that ye will seeth; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until morning." [Exodus 16:23]
Here we notice God telling them, or reminding them, of His Holy Sabbath before mount Sinai. Why did God ultimately have to remind them and re-write the commandments out for them on stone? Because during their bondage and 40 year wandering in the wilderness a generation had been lost.
"And the Lord's anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the Lord, was consumed." [Numbers 32:13]
So here we are in the Church Age and a generation or so has again forgotten the Ten Commandments of our Lord. Let us learn from history!
Remember, Jesus only promised to build one church, therefore, the rest of the churches that are here today were started by men, not by God. The way we can be sure the church we are in is the church Jesus built is to look at the characteristics. We find the last-day characteristics of God's church listed in His word, the Holy Bible. Look at these two important and foundational characteristics:
Rev. 12:17: "And the dragon [the Devil] was wroth [angry] with the woman [church], and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Rev. 19:10 "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit [gift] of prophecy."
Written by, Eric W. King [January 17,2008]
The most comprehensive Christian Seventh Day Adventist website online:
http://www.adventist.7p.com
Saturday, January 12, 2008
How narrow is the Christian path?
Todays Christianity presents a much broader road than the true and early apostolic path. As a Seventh Day Adventist Christian it saddens me to see just how wide the path has become. In fact, in some cases the path is totally disregarded and people are trying to simply jump over the fence!
You may be saying; "What are you talking about, Eric?" Well, let me tell you; Jesus said this; "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." [Matthew 8:13,14] Here Jesus tells us that the gate that leads to Truth may seem a bit conceited and big headed.
We also note that the "narrow way" involves commandment keeping. Jesus showed that obedience to the commandments is the sign of true Christianity and discipleship. Jesus stated; “…but if though will enter into life, keep the commandments.” He then proceeds to quote the Ten Commandments. [see Matthew 19:17]
I have heard other "christians" today get upset when an Adventist Christian preaches a "one way" gospel. They say things like; "What? You and your church believe that you are the only ones who will be saved?" You see, yes, we do believe that only true Christians will be saved. There is only one way!
You hear "christians" saying things like; "Well, as long as you believe in one God you are okay." or "I can't judge other peoples faith." Both of these statements are devilish. Why? Because no matter if you believe in just "one God" or not, you must have Jesus Christ as your saviour. Look what Jesus said; "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." [John 14:6] And as far as testing ones faith or doctrine look what the Bible says; "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try [test] the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." [1 John 4:1]
One of the great apostate movements that Christian author Ellen G. White warned about and the Bible also warns us about is the Ecumenical Movement. This movement was started shortly after the Papal persecution which ended in 1798AD. This is the movement which is trying to unite all faiths...all religions into a false unity. In fact, most church denominations today are a part of, or are playing around with, the World Council of Churches. This organization seeks to unite all denominations into a sort of cunfusing [babylonian] "christianity".
Christian author Ellen White warned about this future movement. Let's look at some of the things she said about this;
“The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience.” [from GC]
"When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men to other sources for light and power .... Criticism and speculation concerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism and theosophy—those modernized forms of ancient heathenism—to gain a foothold even in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ." Desire of Ages, 258.
"History is repeating," Ellen White warned. "With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God." ....." Like ancient Israel, modern Babylon has accepted spiritualism into their midst. "Side by side with the preaching of the gospel, agencies are at work which are but the medium of lying spirits." [E.G.White]
She also went on to warn in her book, "The Great Controversy" that during the end time of trouble that the unified "christians" from numerous denominations would seek to destroy the small band of Adventist Christians because they would not give in to the apostate movement. She warns that the true remnant of Christians will be seen as "trouble makers" and the ones who are the true cause of "division and strife". Thus, those in the ecumenical movement will seek to destroy the small band of true Christians...they will even resort to killing them and or throwing them in jail! Look what Jesus said about this: "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synogogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." [John 16:1,2]
Yes, the true Christian path is indeed narrow.
How does one fall into the trap of ecumenicalism?
We can study the ancient Jewish people to see what lead them to error. They began to lay aside true doctrine and became complacent in their traditions and the idea that they were "chosen", not as a nation, but they were lead to believe that God hand picked every Jew before they were even born to be saved. Much like the false doctrine of Calvinistic election today seen taught in the fallen churches. This type of "salvation elitism" put's no emphasis on the study of true doctrine. The belief becomes; "Well, I am Christian so I was chosen before the foundation of the world. I really do not need to worry about others or share what I believe in. God will work it out in the end. The important thing is to respect all faiths and show up at the Christmas and Easter dinner. And be sure and bake those holiday cookies every year!"
The stress fall's more on the traditions rather than on true Christian living. This is what happened to the ancient Jewish people and this is exactly what is happening to the Christian Church today. Look at what Christian author Ellen G. White pointed out;
"The substitution of the precepts of men for the commandments of God has not ceased. Even among Christians are found institutions and usages that have no better foundation than the traditions of the fathers. Such institutions, resting upon mere human authority, have supplanted those of divine appointment. Men cling to their traditions, and revere their customs, and cherish hatred against those who seek to show them their error. In this day, when we are bidden to call attention to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, we see the same enmity as was manifested in the days of Christ. Of the remnant people of God it is written, "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17." [DA, p.398]
" As before, the ground of complaint was His [Jesus' ] disregard of the traditional precepts that encumbered the law of God. These were professedly designed to guard the observance of the law, but they were regarded as more sacred than the law itself. When they came in collision with the commandments given from Sinai, preference was given to the rabbinical precepts. " [DA, p.395]
Notice she says that "tradition" became more important than the Law itself. Has Christmas become more important than going to church on the holy Sabbath day? Has baking cookies for Easter become more important than Sabbath School? Wow! Indeed, we are living in the last days. The church has "fallen asleep".
The Christian way is narrow, and Jesus said that only a "few" find it. Only a few? But I thought all churches are "cool"? Nope! Not according to God's own word. Understand, it is not a matter of, if you know Jesus. It is a matter of, does Jesus know you? See Mt 25:12. Jesus shall say to many that are absolutely positive they are saved, "I know you not." [Lk 13:25]. The church of today is getting further and further away from the strait gate and the narrow way of the Bible. Look at how much of the "world" has come into the church. Many Christians gather on Sundays to feel comfortable and be entertained.
The "last day church" is described as being in the Laodicean condition. Jesus described the Laodicean church as lukewarm. The lukewarm are confident they are correct and righteous. But the fact is there is only One Truth. Todays churches embrace "many truths". Their teaching may consist of some sound doctrine mixed with confusion, false doctrine, deceit, doctrines of men and denominations, new fads, or other distortions of Scripture that come along.
So today I challenge you....how strait do you believe the Christian path to be?
Written by, Eric William King [January 12,2008]
For the best Christian SDA site online please visit:
The Adventist Way of Life
You may be saying; "What are you talking about, Eric?" Well, let me tell you; Jesus said this; "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." [Matthew 8:13,14] Here Jesus tells us that the gate that leads to Truth may seem a bit conceited and big headed.
We also note that the "narrow way" involves commandment keeping. Jesus showed that obedience to the commandments is the sign of true Christianity and discipleship. Jesus stated; “…but if though will enter into life, keep the commandments.” He then proceeds to quote the Ten Commandments. [see Matthew 19:17]
I have heard other "christians" today get upset when an Adventist Christian preaches a "one way" gospel. They say things like; "What? You and your church believe that you are the only ones who will be saved?" You see, yes, we do believe that only true Christians will be saved. There is only one way!
You hear "christians" saying things like; "Well, as long as you believe in one God you are okay." or "I can't judge other peoples faith." Both of these statements are devilish. Why? Because no matter if you believe in just "one God" or not, you must have Jesus Christ as your saviour. Look what Jesus said; "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." [John 14:6] And as far as testing ones faith or doctrine look what the Bible says; "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try [test] the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." [1 John 4:1]
One of the great apostate movements that Christian author Ellen G. White warned about and the Bible also warns us about is the Ecumenical Movement. This movement was started shortly after the Papal persecution which ended in 1798AD. This is the movement which is trying to unite all faiths...all religions into a false unity. In fact, most church denominations today are a part of, or are playing around with, the World Council of Churches. This organization seeks to unite all denominations into a sort of cunfusing [babylonian] "christianity".
Christian author Ellen White warned about this future movement. Let's look at some of the things she said about this;
“The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience.” [from GC]
"When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men to other sources for light and power .... Criticism and speculation concerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism and theosophy—those modernized forms of ancient heathenism—to gain a foothold even in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ." Desire of Ages, 258.
"History is repeating," Ellen White warned. "With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God." ....." Like ancient Israel, modern Babylon has accepted spiritualism into their midst. "Side by side with the preaching of the gospel, agencies are at work which are but the medium of lying spirits." [E.G.White]
She also went on to warn in her book, "The Great Controversy" that during the end time of trouble that the unified "christians" from numerous denominations would seek to destroy the small band of Adventist Christians because they would not give in to the apostate movement. She warns that the true remnant of Christians will be seen as "trouble makers" and the ones who are the true cause of "division and strife". Thus, those in the ecumenical movement will seek to destroy the small band of true Christians...they will even resort to killing them and or throwing them in jail! Look what Jesus said about this: "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synogogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." [John 16:1,2]
Yes, the true Christian path is indeed narrow.
How does one fall into the trap of ecumenicalism?
We can study the ancient Jewish people to see what lead them to error. They began to lay aside true doctrine and became complacent in their traditions and the idea that they were "chosen", not as a nation, but they were lead to believe that God hand picked every Jew before they were even born to be saved. Much like the false doctrine of Calvinistic election today seen taught in the fallen churches. This type of "salvation elitism" put's no emphasis on the study of true doctrine. The belief becomes; "Well, I am Christian so I was chosen before the foundation of the world. I really do not need to worry about others or share what I believe in. God will work it out in the end. The important thing is to respect all faiths and show up at the Christmas and Easter dinner. And be sure and bake those holiday cookies every year!"
The stress fall's more on the traditions rather than on true Christian living. This is what happened to the ancient Jewish people and this is exactly what is happening to the Christian Church today. Look at what Christian author Ellen G. White pointed out;
"The substitution of the precepts of men for the commandments of God has not ceased. Even among Christians are found institutions and usages that have no better foundation than the traditions of the fathers. Such institutions, resting upon mere human authority, have supplanted those of divine appointment. Men cling to their traditions, and revere their customs, and cherish hatred against those who seek to show them their error. In this day, when we are bidden to call attention to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, we see the same enmity as was manifested in the days of Christ. Of the remnant people of God it is written, "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17." [DA, p.398]
" As before, the ground of complaint was His [Jesus' ] disregard of the traditional precepts that encumbered the law of God. These were professedly designed to guard the observance of the law, but they were regarded as more sacred than the law itself. When they came in collision with the commandments given from Sinai, preference was given to the rabbinical precepts. " [DA, p.395]
Notice she says that "tradition" became more important than the Law itself. Has Christmas become more important than going to church on the holy Sabbath day? Has baking cookies for Easter become more important than Sabbath School? Wow! Indeed, we are living in the last days. The church has "fallen asleep".
The Christian way is narrow, and Jesus said that only a "few" find it. Only a few? But I thought all churches are "cool"? Nope! Not according to God's own word. Understand, it is not a matter of, if you know Jesus. It is a matter of, does Jesus know you? See Mt 25:12. Jesus shall say to many that are absolutely positive they are saved, "I know you not." [Lk 13:25]. The church of today is getting further and further away from the strait gate and the narrow way of the Bible. Look at how much of the "world" has come into the church. Many Christians gather on Sundays to feel comfortable and be entertained.
The "last day church" is described as being in the Laodicean condition. Jesus described the Laodicean church as lukewarm. The lukewarm are confident they are correct and righteous. But the fact is there is only One Truth. Todays churches embrace "many truths". Their teaching may consist of some sound doctrine mixed with confusion, false doctrine, deceit, doctrines of men and denominations, new fads, or other distortions of Scripture that come along.
So today I challenge you....how strait do you believe the Christian path to be?
Written by, Eric William King [January 12,2008]
For the best Christian SDA site online please visit:
The Adventist Way of Life
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Did Jesus build His church? Or many denominations?
The question has become; "Did Jesus just build one church....His Church?...or, did He build numerous denominations each with their own twist on truth?"
This question has been answered in many ways. Some people say; "Well, all churches have some truth but no church is perfect." Others say; "My church is the only right one. All others are wrong!"
So how do Seventh Day Adventist Christians answer this question; "Which church is the right church?" In this short article I will try and give you some Biblical rules to follow in finding the true Christian church.
First, it is very sad that when many find the Truth they begin to beat and hit people over the head with it [metaphorically speaking]. Just because a person has the intellectual understanding of God's word, this does not give liscense to "show off" about it. True faith will be seen in living the Word of God...not just talking about it. As Christians we are commanded to share the word of God but many are even unable to share it to the end of their own block. How sad.
One thing to keep in mind, true Christianity will result in some persecution. There is no getting around this issue. So if your faith is too weak to be hit with sarcasm or insult it is best to wait until you are more grounded in your faith. Truth has never been popular.
So here we go...let's look into this issue a bit more carefully;
In the United States of America there are more than 6,000 different Christian denominations. Most of these churches claim to be the "true church" Jesus established, or at least one of the “branches” of the true church. But the Bible states that Jesus came to build His church. He only built one church. He did not build hundreds or thousands of churches. If Jesus only built one church, why are there so many different churches?
We must understand that much of the confusion has occured by the humans tampering with God's law, his Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments are the moral foundation of the church and constitute an outline of God's character. Jesus came to this earth because the moral law was broken, not changed.
Here is a very important rule: "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." [Isaiah 8:20] Jesus warned us that He did not come here to destroy God's law but to fully live it. [Matthew 5:17,18] So we must understand that any church organization that has changed even one of God's commandments is a church full of lies.
We must also understand that Satan hates the people that recognize God's holy commandments. [see Revelation 12:17] The Bible also tells us: "He that saith, I know him [God], and keepeth not his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him." [1 John 2:3,4]
Grace and Truth does not remove the character of God. We are not and shall never be saved by the moral law of God, the Ten Commandments. But thank God for his commandments…for in them we see Jesus! Jesus was perfect. He never broke one of God’s commands. He is our example.If we only had the moral law we would be in trouble. Why? Because we are sinners. We need mercy from God. We need direction from God. We need forgiveness from God. This we have through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” [John 1:17]
Through God’s forgiveness we uphold the moral law. “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” [Romans 3:31] Thank God for His Holy Son, Jesus the Christ. Through Jesus we have forgiveness and redemption. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.” [Hebrews 4:15]
The apostle Paul tells us that the moral law is not destroyed through the Christian faith but instead it is properly understood. “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, working death in me by that which is good [the moral law]; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.” [Romans 7:12,13]
Another important fact to remember is that God's word, the Holy Bible, is where we as Christians find the final answer. We do not find absolute truth in human philosophy.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.” [Apostle Paul, Colossians 2:8-12]
The Christian churches in Colosse had a full plate when it came to problems of the deceptive spiritual kind. Paul delt with the problem of Gnosticism in this letter. It is true that full blown Gnosticism did not come into power until after Paul’s lifetime but the seed’s of this power were already manifesting. Paul immediatley addressed these issues. They began with some of the Greek philosophy.
This is why Paul states; “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. ” It appears that this strange new philosophy was being mixed with Judaism, forming a sort of New Age idea of Jesus.
These false Christians believed in the immortality of the soul which lead to praying to saints and fighting spiritual forces through the veneration of angels and past saints, much like some of the modern Roman Catholic teachings. These false mixed up Christians also were practicing strict asceticism and the observance of special holy days.
Some had incorporated the ceremonial Sabbath systems that the Jews kept into their worship. All of these ideas came from and were influenced by much of the Hellenistic period. Let’s look a little closer at some of these issues that the Colossian church had. After correcting the Colossians on such issues as the Deity of Christ, Paul goes on;
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a[the] Sabbath day[s]. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.” [Colossians 2:16-18 (NIV)]
The first issue that the apostle Paul addresses with these Gnostic Christians is the elaborate worship system which involved ceremonial sabbath days. The word for sabbath used here is the Greek word ‘sabbaton‘ and in this context is plural. These sabbaths had nothing to do with the fourth commandment of the Decalogue but were ceremonial. This differentiated them from the fourth commandment which is moral.
Not only that but these false teachers had added a strict asceticism to the observance of these days. Paul states that the original purpose of these Jewish feast days pointed to the greater fulfilment of Truth and that they foreshadowed the sacrifice of Christ by stating; “These are a shadow of things that were to come.”
Paul further stated that those practicing such things were involved in “false humility” and the “worship of angels“. This can all be compared to modern day New Age doctrines and even certain forms of Roman Catholicism. It is true that the way in which the apostle Paul used the Greek word “philosophy” and his warnings against it, was a direct attack on occultism.
We now know that some of the ancient Christian Jews had merged false angels with astral powers which were thought to be protecting the planets. These teachings, partly Christian, partly Jewish, and partly pagan developed into full blown Gnosticism. Today modern astrology is the fruit of this pagan doctrine.
We can learn a lot from this inspired letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the churches in Colosse. Let us never fall into the trap of “spiritism“ and let us never play with the false New Age message.
As I said earlier, one of the main points to remember when looking for Christ's true church is that it will uphold the Ten Commandments and keep them. God's people will not distort, change, or twist God's commandments. Christian author Ellen G. White has rightly pointed out;
"The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. The contest is between the commandments of God and the commandments of men." - Ellen G. White 5 Testimonies 81.
Remember, Jesus only promised to build one church, therefore, the rest of the churches that are here today were started by men, not by God. The way we can be sure the church we are in is the church Jesus built is to look at the characteristics. We find the last-day characteristics of God's church listed in His word, the Holy Bible. Look at these two important and foundational characteristics:
Rev. 12:17: "And the dragon [the Devil] was wroth [angry] with the woman [church], and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Rev. 19:10 "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit [gift] of prophecy."
We interprete the term "spirit of prophecy" to mean the "gift of prophecy". You can see a list of all the gift's given by the "same spirit" in 1st Corinthians 12:7-11. So God's "end time" church will have the gift of prophecy operative in it as given by the Holy Spirit.These two verses in the book of Revelation point out that two identifying marks of the last-day Christian Church will be that it "keeps the commandments of God" and has the "gift of prophecy". The Seventh Day Adventist Church meets these requirements.
Another thing to remember is, Jesus is the founder of his church and the only foundation (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:11). If a church has a founder other than Jesus, that church cannot be the church Jesus built. Most churches pray and preach in their worship services. What they pray and preach might, on some occasions, be right. But it is not enough just to be right in some areas only. We have to do things the way the Bible teaches (John 4:24). This brings us to the question of Christian growth.
I have heard some people say to me, “I have been a ‘born again’ Christian for 27 years!” Then I look at how they live, how they talk [the subject matter], and how they react to those around them.
One person told me that he had been saved for many years but he stopped going to church. He was listening to a rock song. The song was glorifying secular relationships and the ‘wild life’ living. So, does it really matter?
Jesus tell’s us to put away the things of this world and those things that have lead others into drugs, sexual relationships of all kinds, and many other sinful habits.
If two people in a room talked gossip, listened to worldly Rock music, smoked, drank liquor, cussed, and laughed at sexual jokes…which one would be representing Christ? Neither!
What is my point? As a Seventh Day Adventist Christian I have been accused of believing that “good works” can save me because I choose to obey God’s Sabbath, or talk different, eat different, or talk about Jesus when ever I get the chance. Does this mean I believe that my “good works” save me? No! It simply means that Christ is changing my life since I accepted Him as my Saviour and LORD. Jesus said;
“My Sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me . . .” John 10:27
Many want a Saviour but not a Lord. Nobody want’s to be told how to live. Many caught in the pride of what this generation has taught want the fast way, the easy way. They do not understand that Christian growth is an on-going process. Jesus is the Saviour of all true Christians but He is also the Master, King, and Law giver of all true Christians. Jesus wants not only to be your Saviour but He also wants to change your life. But will you let Him?
The problem with Christianity today is that it doesn’t teach nor understand the process of spiritual growth, maturity, true sanctification. What passes for Christianity is instead a diluted substitute. Where are the truly reformed lives? We live in the Laodicean period of the Church.
I have witnessed young girls dressing with low cut jeans that have holes in them expossing parts that should not be seen. Half shirts which show way too much. If Jesus invited you to dinner, would you wear such attire? Christians, please listen!
True Christianity involves a change in lifestyle!
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (NIV)
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (NIV)
Romans 1:25-27 "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator– who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion." (NIV)
So we can ask ourselves as Christians: “Am I changing? Have I changed since becoming a follower of Jesus Christ?” Now, some might say to me; “Your judging. We are not supposed to judge.” And this is true, we are not to judge by our personal standards. It is God’s Word that does the true judging and we as Christians are to point others who have wandered from God’s Word back to His Word with humilty and prayer. We lovingly plead with those who claim to be Christian but are not in the growing process of sanctification.
Galatians 6:1 "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." (NIV)
James 5:19-20 "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins." (NIV)
Are you one who claims to be a ‘born again’ Christian? Then you are baptised, you read the Bible and pray daily, you attend church on Sabbath, and have fellowship with other believers. Right?
If not…what happened? Have you began to give up habits and attitudes that conflict with your Christian faith? This is living sanctification! This is the daily process of growing into Christian maturity.
Last, I must continue to stress the importance of God's Holy Law as being a test. True Christianity will uphold the moral standard...the one truth that human carnal nature tries to avoid. Jesus came because humanity broke the unchangeable, immutable moral law of Jehovah. Through Christ Jesus our relationship can be restored.
The popular way to deal with God’s commandments for most is to move into what is called an “antinomianist Christian stance”. What does this mean? The word literally means, “anti-law”. The idea springs from a wrong interpretation of what it means to be “free from the Law”. This idea states that salvation is almost only for the soul, bodily behaviour is irrelevent along with physical health. The argument is, “love fulfills the law so just love”.
It is true that the Bible states that love fulfills the law but true love strives to obey God’s law. In other words, love is the true motivating factor behind healthy obedience. Many caught in antinomianism state that the Holy Spirit leads them to do things that even go contrary to God’s law. They deny the need to be guided by God’s law on issues. Freedom from the law as a way of salvation is assumed to bring with it freedom from the law as a guide to conduct.
In the first 150 years of the Reformation era this view was common. It is true that Christ kept the law perfectly for us but it is a gross error to conclude that Christians may freely embrace sin as a way of life. Extreme Calvinistic views hold to these errors. Passages such as Romans 3:31, James 2:8-13 clearly teach that law keeping is a continuing obligation for Christians.
Now the other popular form of antinomianism asserts that a motive and intention of love is all that God now requires of Christians, even if one of the commandments must be broken. These claim that all the Biblical stories were mere examples of how love was expressed “in the old times”. They say; “Many of those stories do not literal apply to us today.” Such who hold to this type of view support homosexuality and abortion.
As Seventh Day Adventists we believe that the Holy Spirit is given to empower law keeping and to make us more and more like Christ Jesus. The Bible offers no hope to anybody who does not seek to turn from sin.
Written by, Eric William King, [January 8,2008] Some portions of this article were taken from some earlier articles written by Eric in 2007.
This question has been answered in many ways. Some people say; "Well, all churches have some truth but no church is perfect." Others say; "My church is the only right one. All others are wrong!"
So how do Seventh Day Adventist Christians answer this question; "Which church is the right church?" In this short article I will try and give you some Biblical rules to follow in finding the true Christian church.
First, it is very sad that when many find the Truth they begin to beat and hit people over the head with it [metaphorically speaking]. Just because a person has the intellectual understanding of God's word, this does not give liscense to "show off" about it. True faith will be seen in living the Word of God...not just talking about it. As Christians we are commanded to share the word of God but many are even unable to share it to the end of their own block. How sad.
One thing to keep in mind, true Christianity will result in some persecution. There is no getting around this issue. So if your faith is too weak to be hit with sarcasm or insult it is best to wait until you are more grounded in your faith. Truth has never been popular.
So here we go...let's look into this issue a bit more carefully;
In the United States of America there are more than 6,000 different Christian denominations. Most of these churches claim to be the "true church" Jesus established, or at least one of the “branches” of the true church. But the Bible states that Jesus came to build His church. He only built one church. He did not build hundreds or thousands of churches. If Jesus only built one church, why are there so many different churches?
We must understand that much of the confusion has occured by the humans tampering with God's law, his Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments are the moral foundation of the church and constitute an outline of God's character. Jesus came to this earth because the moral law was broken, not changed.
Here is a very important rule: "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." [Isaiah 8:20] Jesus warned us that He did not come here to destroy God's law but to fully live it. [Matthew 5:17,18] So we must understand that any church organization that has changed even one of God's commandments is a church full of lies.
We must also understand that Satan hates the people that recognize God's holy commandments. [see Revelation 12:17] The Bible also tells us: "He that saith, I know him [God], and keepeth not his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him." [1 John 2:3,4]
Grace and Truth does not remove the character of God. We are not and shall never be saved by the moral law of God, the Ten Commandments. But thank God for his commandments…for in them we see Jesus! Jesus was perfect. He never broke one of God’s commands. He is our example.If we only had the moral law we would be in trouble. Why? Because we are sinners. We need mercy from God. We need direction from God. We need forgiveness from God. This we have through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” [John 1:17]
Through God’s forgiveness we uphold the moral law. “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” [Romans 3:31] Thank God for His Holy Son, Jesus the Christ. Through Jesus we have forgiveness and redemption. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.” [Hebrews 4:15]
The apostle Paul tells us that the moral law is not destroyed through the Christian faith but instead it is properly understood. “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, working death in me by that which is good [the moral law]; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.” [Romans 7:12,13]
Another important fact to remember is that God's word, the Holy Bible, is where we as Christians find the final answer. We do not find absolute truth in human philosophy.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.” [Apostle Paul, Colossians 2:8-12]
The Christian churches in Colosse had a full plate when it came to problems of the deceptive spiritual kind. Paul delt with the problem of Gnosticism in this letter. It is true that full blown Gnosticism did not come into power until after Paul’s lifetime but the seed’s of this power were already manifesting. Paul immediatley addressed these issues. They began with some of the Greek philosophy.
This is why Paul states; “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. ” It appears that this strange new philosophy was being mixed with Judaism, forming a sort of New Age idea of Jesus.
These false Christians believed in the immortality of the soul which lead to praying to saints and fighting spiritual forces through the veneration of angels and past saints, much like some of the modern Roman Catholic teachings. These false mixed up Christians also were practicing strict asceticism and the observance of special holy days.
Some had incorporated the ceremonial Sabbath systems that the Jews kept into their worship. All of these ideas came from and were influenced by much of the Hellenistic period. Let’s look a little closer at some of these issues that the Colossian church had. After correcting the Colossians on such issues as the Deity of Christ, Paul goes on;
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a[the] Sabbath day[s]. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.” [Colossians 2:16-18 (NIV)]
The first issue that the apostle Paul addresses with these Gnostic Christians is the elaborate worship system which involved ceremonial sabbath days. The word for sabbath used here is the Greek word ‘sabbaton‘ and in this context is plural. These sabbaths had nothing to do with the fourth commandment of the Decalogue but were ceremonial. This differentiated them from the fourth commandment which is moral.
Not only that but these false teachers had added a strict asceticism to the observance of these days. Paul states that the original purpose of these Jewish feast days pointed to the greater fulfilment of Truth and that they foreshadowed the sacrifice of Christ by stating; “These are a shadow of things that were to come.”
Paul further stated that those practicing such things were involved in “false humility” and the “worship of angels“. This can all be compared to modern day New Age doctrines and even certain forms of Roman Catholicism. It is true that the way in which the apostle Paul used the Greek word “philosophy” and his warnings against it, was a direct attack on occultism.
We now know that some of the ancient Christian Jews had merged false angels with astral powers which were thought to be protecting the planets. These teachings, partly Christian, partly Jewish, and partly pagan developed into full blown Gnosticism. Today modern astrology is the fruit of this pagan doctrine.
We can learn a lot from this inspired letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the churches in Colosse. Let us never fall into the trap of “spiritism“ and let us never play with the false New Age message.
As I said earlier, one of the main points to remember when looking for Christ's true church is that it will uphold the Ten Commandments and keep them. God's people will not distort, change, or twist God's commandments. Christian author Ellen G. White has rightly pointed out;
"The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. The contest is between the commandments of God and the commandments of men." - Ellen G. White 5 Testimonies 81.
Remember, Jesus only promised to build one church, therefore, the rest of the churches that are here today were started by men, not by God. The way we can be sure the church we are in is the church Jesus built is to look at the characteristics. We find the last-day characteristics of God's church listed in His word, the Holy Bible. Look at these two important and foundational characteristics:
Rev. 12:17: "And the dragon [the Devil] was wroth [angry] with the woman [church], and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Rev. 19:10 "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit [gift] of prophecy."
We interprete the term "spirit of prophecy" to mean the "gift of prophecy". You can see a list of all the gift's given by the "same spirit" in 1st Corinthians 12:7-11. So God's "end time" church will have the gift of prophecy operative in it as given by the Holy Spirit.These two verses in the book of Revelation point out that two identifying marks of the last-day Christian Church will be that it "keeps the commandments of God" and has the "gift of prophecy". The Seventh Day Adventist Church meets these requirements.
Another thing to remember is, Jesus is the founder of his church and the only foundation (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:11). If a church has a founder other than Jesus, that church cannot be the church Jesus built. Most churches pray and preach in their worship services. What they pray and preach might, on some occasions, be right. But it is not enough just to be right in some areas only. We have to do things the way the Bible teaches (John 4:24). This brings us to the question of Christian growth.
I have heard some people say to me, “I have been a ‘born again’ Christian for 27 years!” Then I look at how they live, how they talk [the subject matter], and how they react to those around them.
One person told me that he had been saved for many years but he stopped going to church. He was listening to a rock song. The song was glorifying secular relationships and the ‘wild life’ living. So, does it really matter?
Jesus tell’s us to put away the things of this world and those things that have lead others into drugs, sexual relationships of all kinds, and many other sinful habits.
If two people in a room talked gossip, listened to worldly Rock music, smoked, drank liquor, cussed, and laughed at sexual jokes…which one would be representing Christ? Neither!
What is my point? As a Seventh Day Adventist Christian I have been accused of believing that “good works” can save me because I choose to obey God’s Sabbath, or talk different, eat different, or talk about Jesus when ever I get the chance. Does this mean I believe that my “good works” save me? No! It simply means that Christ is changing my life since I accepted Him as my Saviour and LORD. Jesus said;
“My Sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me . . .” John 10:27
Many want a Saviour but not a Lord. Nobody want’s to be told how to live. Many caught in the pride of what this generation has taught want the fast way, the easy way. They do not understand that Christian growth is an on-going process. Jesus is the Saviour of all true Christians but He is also the Master, King, and Law giver of all true Christians. Jesus wants not only to be your Saviour but He also wants to change your life. But will you let Him?
The problem with Christianity today is that it doesn’t teach nor understand the process of spiritual growth, maturity, true sanctification. What passes for Christianity is instead a diluted substitute. Where are the truly reformed lives? We live in the Laodicean period of the Church.
I have witnessed young girls dressing with low cut jeans that have holes in them expossing parts that should not be seen. Half shirts which show way too much. If Jesus invited you to dinner, would you wear such attire? Christians, please listen!
True Christianity involves a change in lifestyle!
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (NIV)
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (NIV)
Romans 1:25-27 "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator– who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion." (NIV)
So we can ask ourselves as Christians: “Am I changing? Have I changed since becoming a follower of Jesus Christ?” Now, some might say to me; “Your judging. We are not supposed to judge.” And this is true, we are not to judge by our personal standards. It is God’s Word that does the true judging and we as Christians are to point others who have wandered from God’s Word back to His Word with humilty and prayer. We lovingly plead with those who claim to be Christian but are not in the growing process of sanctification.
Galatians 6:1 "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." (NIV)
James 5:19-20 "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins." (NIV)
Are you one who claims to be a ‘born again’ Christian? Then you are baptised, you read the Bible and pray daily, you attend church on Sabbath, and have fellowship with other believers. Right?
If not…what happened? Have you began to give up habits and attitudes that conflict with your Christian faith? This is living sanctification! This is the daily process of growing into Christian maturity.
Last, I must continue to stress the importance of God's Holy Law as being a test. True Christianity will uphold the moral standard...the one truth that human carnal nature tries to avoid. Jesus came because humanity broke the unchangeable, immutable moral law of Jehovah. Through Christ Jesus our relationship can be restored.
The popular way to deal with God’s commandments for most is to move into what is called an “antinomianist Christian stance”. What does this mean? The word literally means, “anti-law”. The idea springs from a wrong interpretation of what it means to be “free from the Law”. This idea states that salvation is almost only for the soul, bodily behaviour is irrelevent along with physical health. The argument is, “love fulfills the law so just love”.
It is true that the Bible states that love fulfills the law but true love strives to obey God’s law. In other words, love is the true motivating factor behind healthy obedience. Many caught in antinomianism state that the Holy Spirit leads them to do things that even go contrary to God’s law. They deny the need to be guided by God’s law on issues. Freedom from the law as a way of salvation is assumed to bring with it freedom from the law as a guide to conduct.
In the first 150 years of the Reformation era this view was common. It is true that Christ kept the law perfectly for us but it is a gross error to conclude that Christians may freely embrace sin as a way of life. Extreme Calvinistic views hold to these errors. Passages such as Romans 3:31, James 2:8-13 clearly teach that law keeping is a continuing obligation for Christians.
Now the other popular form of antinomianism asserts that a motive and intention of love is all that God now requires of Christians, even if one of the commandments must be broken. These claim that all the Biblical stories were mere examples of how love was expressed “in the old times”. They say; “Many of those stories do not literal apply to us today.” Such who hold to this type of view support homosexuality and abortion.
As Seventh Day Adventists we believe that the Holy Spirit is given to empower law keeping and to make us more and more like Christ Jesus. The Bible offers no hope to anybody who does not seek to turn from sin.
Written by, Eric William King, [January 8,2008] Some portions of this article were taken from some earlier articles written by Eric in 2007.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Politics? Or God's Kingdom?
Many Christians today are caught up in the politics of this world. They watch all the news regarding who said what and who did what among the worldy politicians. Let me ask you this question, as a Christian are you ready to live in God's Kingdom? No more sin...no more pain..no more death..and God's love will rule for all eternity!
Sad that many "Christians" will not think about nor talk about the Second Advent of our Lord. In fact, I have heard many Christians say things like; "I hope the Lord takes longer to return..I am having too much fun down here!" Now how sad is that? Is their "fun" defined as, watching who the latest killer is on TV?...watching Britney Spears and seeing what she will do next?...listening to AC/DC and smoking another cigarette? Because if this is their idea of having "fun" then they really don't know what sin is and they really don't know who the Lord is.
Well, if you are truly ready for God's kingdom then you will live like your already there! Remember the old saying; "Actions speak louder than words"? If you truly believe in God's kingdom it will show in the way you live your life. [Matthew 7:21-23; 15:7,8]
The fact of the matter is, there are only two masters. Look what the Bible says; "Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?" [Romans 6:16 NIV] Notice that true faith has obedience to God's commandments.
Who is the ruler of this fallen world? Look what the Bible says; "We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one." [1 John 5:19 NIV] So Satan is the ruler of this fallen world. Why then should Christians concern themselves with the politics of an evil kingdom? Look what Jesus said about His true disciples in this prayer; "I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours........They are not of the world, even as I am not of it." [John 17:9,16 NIV]
From this it is clear that true Christian Seventh Day Adventists are to keep separate from this world. The term used, "the world" is an expression which simply means rebellious fallen humanity. Satan's world is organized through the political systems of this earth. It is true that God has the final say and that no organization exists without His allowance, but this also means that though these fallen governments exist as part of God's plan it does not mean that He has blessed their fallen system of things or that He aproves of their decisions.
We as Christians are to "respect" the governments that be. [Romans 13: 1-7] The question then becomes, to what degree am I as a Christian to submit to government authority? First off, please consider that the Bible says nothing about Christians voting for the latest "Ceaser". No where, not one Scripture commands Christians to vote. Please keep in mind that it also gives no cammandment for Christians not to vote. We are simply commanded to give respect to authorities and realize that they are existing because God is allowing them to exist.
Please remember, that during the time of the apostle Paul the lunatic Nero rained supreme. Paul never said to agree with Nero or to even vote for the next Nero..he simply said respect the system and let it alone. Nero went on to kill Christians just because they were Christians. Christians literally did not resist this persecution when apprehended for their faith. They displayed what true martyrdom is: laying down their life for their faith as an example.
Christians did not vote for Satan's government in any way. Some Christians today say things like; "I am voting for the lesser of two evils." Wow! The Bible says that evil is evil and good is good. Lesser of two evils? Isn't this what the Jews did? They hated both Jesus and Barabbas....Barabbas was their "lesser of two evils".
Here is something that you must keep in mind as a Christian; In the book of Revelation the fallen churches are addressed as, "Babylon the Great". Now note this, in the same book of Revelation it says that the "kings [rulers] of this earth" are committing spiritual "fornication" with "Babylon" [the fallen churches]. So is Christ's true church involved politicaly with the "rulers of this earth"? The simple answer is, NO!
The political governments throughout Biblical prophecy are addressed as, "beasts". These "beasts" make up an important part of Satan's world....the world that Christians are to be separated from. In the prayer that Jesus gave us as an example He taught us to pray that God's kingdom come..."thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
The apostle John commands us; "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world." [1 John 2:15,16 NIV] And the apostle James warns us; "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." [James 4:4 NIV] Wow! How much more clear can the Bible get regarding this issue?
When government fails to protect its citizens from wickedness and/or simultaneously promotes wickedness, then Christians should begin to look for a new place to live or maybe even hide! We must be very careful. The final persecution is not too far away!
When the citizenry submits, complies and/or agrees with evil government, then the Christian minority should be very careful. This was the reality of the Roman Empire of Nero’s day. As Christians we cannot vote for people who worship another God. We cannot vote for people who kill babies. We cannot vote for people who support the gay lifestyle....who is left? In otherwords...Jesus is our only King! And we are to vote for and support only His kingdom!
May we have faith enough in these last days to stand strong for what we believe in as Christian Seventh Day Adventists...so help us God.
Written by, Eric W. King [January 6,2008]
For another article regarding God's Kingdom...click this article;
God's Kingdom? Or your kingdom?
Sad that many "Christians" will not think about nor talk about the Second Advent of our Lord. In fact, I have heard many Christians say things like; "I hope the Lord takes longer to return..I am having too much fun down here!" Now how sad is that? Is their "fun" defined as, watching who the latest killer is on TV?...watching Britney Spears and seeing what she will do next?...listening to AC/DC and smoking another cigarette? Because if this is their idea of having "fun" then they really don't know what sin is and they really don't know who the Lord is.
Well, if you are truly ready for God's kingdom then you will live like your already there! Remember the old saying; "Actions speak louder than words"? If you truly believe in God's kingdom it will show in the way you live your life. [Matthew 7:21-23; 15:7,8]
The fact of the matter is, there are only two masters. Look what the Bible says; "Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?" [Romans 6:16 NIV] Notice that true faith has obedience to God's commandments.
Who is the ruler of this fallen world? Look what the Bible says; "We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one." [1 John 5:19 NIV] So Satan is the ruler of this fallen world. Why then should Christians concern themselves with the politics of an evil kingdom? Look what Jesus said about His true disciples in this prayer; "I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours........They are not of the world, even as I am not of it." [John 17:9,16 NIV]
From this it is clear that true Christian Seventh Day Adventists are to keep separate from this world. The term used, "the world" is an expression which simply means rebellious fallen humanity. Satan's world is organized through the political systems of this earth. It is true that God has the final say and that no organization exists without His allowance, but this also means that though these fallen governments exist as part of God's plan it does not mean that He has blessed their fallen system of things or that He aproves of their decisions.
We as Christians are to "respect" the governments that be. [Romans 13: 1-7] The question then becomes, to what degree am I as a Christian to submit to government authority? First off, please consider that the Bible says nothing about Christians voting for the latest "Ceaser". No where, not one Scripture commands Christians to vote. Please keep in mind that it also gives no cammandment for Christians not to vote. We are simply commanded to give respect to authorities and realize that they are existing because God is allowing them to exist.
Please remember, that during the time of the apostle Paul the lunatic Nero rained supreme. Paul never said to agree with Nero or to even vote for the next Nero..he simply said respect the system and let it alone. Nero went on to kill Christians just because they were Christians. Christians literally did not resist this persecution when apprehended for their faith. They displayed what true martyrdom is: laying down their life for their faith as an example.
Christians did not vote for Satan's government in any way. Some Christians today say things like; "I am voting for the lesser of two evils." Wow! The Bible says that evil is evil and good is good. Lesser of two evils? Isn't this what the Jews did? They hated both Jesus and Barabbas....Barabbas was their "lesser of two evils".
Here is something that you must keep in mind as a Christian; In the book of Revelation the fallen churches are addressed as, "Babylon the Great". Now note this, in the same book of Revelation it says that the "kings [rulers] of this earth" are committing spiritual "fornication" with "Babylon" [the fallen churches]. So is Christ's true church involved politicaly with the "rulers of this earth"? The simple answer is, NO!
The political governments throughout Biblical prophecy are addressed as, "beasts". These "beasts" make up an important part of Satan's world....the world that Christians are to be separated from. In the prayer that Jesus gave us as an example He taught us to pray that God's kingdom come..."thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
The apostle John commands us; "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world." [1 John 2:15,16 NIV] And the apostle James warns us; "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." [James 4:4 NIV] Wow! How much more clear can the Bible get regarding this issue?
When government fails to protect its citizens from wickedness and/or simultaneously promotes wickedness, then Christians should begin to look for a new place to live or maybe even hide! We must be very careful. The final persecution is not too far away!
When the citizenry submits, complies and/or agrees with evil government, then the Christian minority should be very careful. This was the reality of the Roman Empire of Nero’s day. As Christians we cannot vote for people who worship another God. We cannot vote for people who kill babies. We cannot vote for people who support the gay lifestyle....who is left? In otherwords...Jesus is our only King! And we are to vote for and support only His kingdom!
May we have faith enough in these last days to stand strong for what we believe in as Christian Seventh Day Adventists...so help us God.
Written by, Eric W. King [January 6,2008]
For another article regarding God's Kingdom...click this article;
God's Kingdom? Or your kingdom?
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Has your veil been lifted?
Today so many Christians have no understanding of the Old Testament Scriptures. For this very reason much of the protestant New Testament theology is skewed. It is not that many New Testament believers are purposely twisting Scripture, it simply happens because they have not been properly taught the Old Testament in it's relationship to the New Testament.
Many today are looking into self-help programs and books not knowing that the Old Testament is full of examples of self-applied principles and programs. These old systems were mere shadows or types of a better system, a better reality.
People want to "feel" good about themselves. They want to be confident in the tasks of their daily lives. The problem with the self-help stuff is that it relies on only human strength and effort. It points to the idea of "rule following" or "repetitious following of some human law" for the ultimate in charactor perfection. So what happens is people who are stuck in this trap are constantly buying the latest human understanding of "perfection" regarding many different subjects such as; "How to keep your house clean at all times", "How to earn money while sitting at home","How to loose weight and still eat like a pig". Do you see how ridiculous this is? These people are "ever seeking yet never arriving at an accurate knowledge of the Truth." The Bible says; "Put no confidence in the flesh." [Philippians 3:3]
God gave a system of worship and economy to the Jewish people which was full of shadowy ceremonies of types which held great importance in the understanding of spiritual things. But these ceremonies were never meant to be looked upon as a "self-help" program of salvation. The Jewish people fell into the trap of glorifying their own works as a means of salvation rather than trying to understand what the ceremonies pointed to. Look at this statement by Christian author Ellen White:
"The death of Jesus Christ for the redemption of man lifts the veil and reflects a flood of light back hundreds of years, upon the whole institution of the Jewish system of religion. Without the death of Christ all this system was meaningless. The Jews reject Christ, and therefore their whole system of religion is to them indefinite, unexplainable, and uncertain. They attach as much importance to shadowy ceremonies of types which have met their antitype as they do to the law of the Ten Commandments, which was not a shadow, but a reality as enduring as the throne of Jehovah. The death of Christ elevates the Jewish system of types and ordinances, showing that they were of divine appointment, and for the purpose of keeping faith alive in the hearts of His people." [RH May 6,1875]
So we understand that the old system of worship was a "school master" [Galatians 3:24] which pointed to the "WAY". The Christian way! If you want answers to all the areas of your life. If you want to develop the ultimate beautiful charactor, then read your Bible and come to the Truth of ALL THINGS!
In the apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthians he addresses this subject. Let's look at what the Bible says here:
"He [Jesus] has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?" [2 Corinthians 3:6-8 NIV]
Let's look at Paul's statement closely here. Paul states that the Old System [Jewish Law] brought death. What does he mean? Paul is pointing out that the Moral Law given to the Israelites could not be perfectly kept by them so it "brought death." The Bible states that the "wages of sin is death" and that sin is the "transgression of the law." [Romans 6:23; 1 John 3:4] Paul further states here that the old system "came with glory". This means that it came with a sacrificial system which allowed pardon of sins. The Bible states that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." [Hebrews 9:22]
So the entire old system "came with glory", God's approval. Now Paul says that since the shadowy types, the ceremonial system of pardon is done away with in Christ will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?
Paul goes on to point out that when the Jews who are still under the old system read the Law a veil is over their faces. Which is to say that they cannot see Christ, the true Messiah, the perfect sacrifice for sin. Paul says it like this;
"And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. " [2 Corinthians 3:11-17 NIV]
Notice the last portion of this passage; "...where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." So true freedom from guilt, the breaking of the moral law, comes through and in Christ Jesus and through the Holy Spirit which He has given to all that truly believe in Him. It does not come from animal sacrifces practiced under the old system.
Now, I would argue that those who are in any other system other than the plan that Christ Jesus has offered still have a veil over their face. They cannot see Christ as the ultimate answer to the penalty of sin. So what do they do? They invent their own self-help program. One which they feel will liberate them and bring them true peace and happiness.
Let me ask you, has your veil been lifted?
Written by, Eric W. King [January 5,2008]
Many today are looking into self-help programs and books not knowing that the Old Testament is full of examples of self-applied principles and programs. These old systems were mere shadows or types of a better system, a better reality.
People want to "feel" good about themselves. They want to be confident in the tasks of their daily lives. The problem with the self-help stuff is that it relies on only human strength and effort. It points to the idea of "rule following" or "repetitious following of some human law" for the ultimate in charactor perfection. So what happens is people who are stuck in this trap are constantly buying the latest human understanding of "perfection" regarding many different subjects such as; "How to keep your house clean at all times", "How to earn money while sitting at home","How to loose weight and still eat like a pig". Do you see how ridiculous this is? These people are "ever seeking yet never arriving at an accurate knowledge of the Truth." The Bible says; "Put no confidence in the flesh." [Philippians 3:3]
God gave a system of worship and economy to the Jewish people which was full of shadowy ceremonies of types which held great importance in the understanding of spiritual things. But these ceremonies were never meant to be looked upon as a "self-help" program of salvation. The Jewish people fell into the trap of glorifying their own works as a means of salvation rather than trying to understand what the ceremonies pointed to. Look at this statement by Christian author Ellen White:
"The death of Jesus Christ for the redemption of man lifts the veil and reflects a flood of light back hundreds of years, upon the whole institution of the Jewish system of religion. Without the death of Christ all this system was meaningless. The Jews reject Christ, and therefore their whole system of religion is to them indefinite, unexplainable, and uncertain. They attach as much importance to shadowy ceremonies of types which have met their antitype as they do to the law of the Ten Commandments, which was not a shadow, but a reality as enduring as the throne of Jehovah. The death of Christ elevates the Jewish system of types and ordinances, showing that they were of divine appointment, and for the purpose of keeping faith alive in the hearts of His people." [RH May 6,1875]
So we understand that the old system of worship was a "school master" [Galatians 3:24] which pointed to the "WAY". The Christian way! If you want answers to all the areas of your life. If you want to develop the ultimate beautiful charactor, then read your Bible and come to the Truth of ALL THINGS!
In the apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthians he addresses this subject. Let's look at what the Bible says here:
"He [Jesus] has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?" [2 Corinthians 3:6-8 NIV]
Let's look at Paul's statement closely here. Paul states that the Old System [Jewish Law] brought death. What does he mean? Paul is pointing out that the Moral Law given to the Israelites could not be perfectly kept by them so it "brought death." The Bible states that the "wages of sin is death" and that sin is the "transgression of the law." [Romans 6:23; 1 John 3:4] Paul further states here that the old system "came with glory". This means that it came with a sacrificial system which allowed pardon of sins. The Bible states that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." [Hebrews 9:22]
So the entire old system "came with glory", God's approval. Now Paul says that since the shadowy types, the ceremonial system of pardon is done away with in Christ will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?
Paul goes on to point out that when the Jews who are still under the old system read the Law a veil is over their faces. Which is to say that they cannot see Christ, the true Messiah, the perfect sacrifice for sin. Paul says it like this;
"And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. " [2 Corinthians 3:11-17 NIV]
Notice the last portion of this passage; "...where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." So true freedom from guilt, the breaking of the moral law, comes through and in Christ Jesus and through the Holy Spirit which He has given to all that truly believe in Him. It does not come from animal sacrifces practiced under the old system.
Now, I would argue that those who are in any other system other than the plan that Christ Jesus has offered still have a veil over their face. They cannot see Christ as the ultimate answer to the penalty of sin. So what do they do? They invent their own self-help program. One which they feel will liberate them and bring them true peace and happiness.
Let me ask you, has your veil been lifted?
Written by, Eric W. King [January 5,2008]
Should Christians have creeds?
Should Christians have "creeds"? The simple answer is, NO! Why? As a Seventh Day Adventist Christian I can tell you that our church has always been against the development of a "Christian Creed". There are many reasons for this. First, just what is a "creed"?
Basically, a creed is a statement of beliefs or a "confession of faith". The word creed derives from the Latin: credo for "I believe" and credimus "for we believe". The early Christian church is said to have developed creeds as a "token" [symbol] by which people of like beliefs might agree and recognize each other.
There are many early creeds. The Roman Catholics developed the famous "Apostles Creed". This creed has been handed down to some protestant groups as well. During the reformation of the early church the Lutherans developed their famous, "Augsburg Confession" and we see that many churches today still use creeds and continue to develop creeds.
Here is the problem with Christian creeds: Man has used man-made creeds to start wars. Man has held these creeds above the Bible itself. Man has not allowed a creed to be changed when error was found. In this sense, creeds have become cement for theological error and human arrogance.
This is why early Adventist Christian, J.N. Loughborough stated:
"The first step of apostasy is to get up a creed, telling us what we shall believe. The second is, to make that creed a test of fellowship. The third is to try members by that creed. The fourth to denounce as heretics those who do not believe that creed. And fifth, to commence persecution against such."
This brings us to the question; Why then does the Seventh Day Adventist Church have a list of 28 beliefs that they refer to as; "The 28 Fundamentals"? And here is my official response to that question.....
One: Seventh Day Adventists have made a list of basic fundamentals derived from the Bible itself and at the end of each fundamental belief there is a list of Scriptures that validate the doctrines in question.
Two: One does NOT have to accept all of the 28 fundamentals to be a Seventh Day Adventist Christian. With "creeds" they have always been a "test of faith". One must believe all the statements of the creed to be a part of this sect or that. But not with the SDA 28 Fundamentals.
Three: Then why have 28 Fundamentals? The Bible commands us to be in basic unity and to always be ready to "give an answer for the hope that lies within". For these reasons they were developed. The 28 SDA Fundamentals can be changed or re-worded as God's Holy Spirit directs. The 28 Fundamentals are descriptors not prescriptors; that is, that they describe the official position of the church but are not a criterion for membership.
So please understand our position as Seventh Day Adventist Christians regarding the issue of "creeds". Here is what the introduction of our list of 28 Fundamentals begins with;
"Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. These beliefs, as set forth here, constitute the church's understanding and expression of the teaching of Scripture. Revision of these statements may be expected at a General Conference session when the church is led by the Holy Spirit to a fuller understanding of Bible truth or finds better language in which to express the teachings of God's Holy Word."
To read all 28 Fundamentals click here.
Written by, Eric W. King [January 5,2008]
Basically, a creed is a statement of beliefs or a "confession of faith". The word creed derives from the Latin: credo for "I believe" and credimus "for we believe". The early Christian church is said to have developed creeds as a "token" [symbol] by which people of like beliefs might agree and recognize each other.
There are many early creeds. The Roman Catholics developed the famous "Apostles Creed". This creed has been handed down to some protestant groups as well. During the reformation of the early church the Lutherans developed their famous, "Augsburg Confession" and we see that many churches today still use creeds and continue to develop creeds.
Here is the problem with Christian creeds: Man has used man-made creeds to start wars. Man has held these creeds above the Bible itself. Man has not allowed a creed to be changed when error was found. In this sense, creeds have become cement for theological error and human arrogance.
This is why early Adventist Christian, J.N. Loughborough stated:
"The first step of apostasy is to get up a creed, telling us what we shall believe. The second is, to make that creed a test of fellowship. The third is to try members by that creed. The fourth to denounce as heretics those who do not believe that creed. And fifth, to commence persecution against such."
This brings us to the question; Why then does the Seventh Day Adventist Church have a list of 28 beliefs that they refer to as; "The 28 Fundamentals"? And here is my official response to that question.....
One: Seventh Day Adventists have made a list of basic fundamentals derived from the Bible itself and at the end of each fundamental belief there is a list of Scriptures that validate the doctrines in question.
Two: One does NOT have to accept all of the 28 fundamentals to be a Seventh Day Adventist Christian. With "creeds" they have always been a "test of faith". One must believe all the statements of the creed to be a part of this sect or that. But not with the SDA 28 Fundamentals.
Three: Then why have 28 Fundamentals? The Bible commands us to be in basic unity and to always be ready to "give an answer for the hope that lies within". For these reasons they were developed. The 28 SDA Fundamentals can be changed or re-worded as God's Holy Spirit directs. The 28 Fundamentals are descriptors not prescriptors; that is, that they describe the official position of the church but are not a criterion for membership.
So please understand our position as Seventh Day Adventist Christians regarding the issue of "creeds". Here is what the introduction of our list of 28 Fundamentals begins with;
"Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. These beliefs, as set forth here, constitute the church's understanding and expression of the teaching of Scripture. Revision of these statements may be expected at a General Conference session when the church is led by the Holy Spirit to a fuller understanding of Bible truth or finds better language in which to express the teachings of God's Holy Word."
To read all 28 Fundamentals click here.
Written by, Eric W. King [January 5,2008]
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