Author: David

Reading Time: 10 minutes

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. (Mat 24:6-8, NIV)

Recent headlines for our area here yesterday read as follows:

The Russians Warned The West Again:

“No One Will Be Able To Prevent Our Retaliation, Learn the Nuclear Doctrine by Heart.”

So many people are dying because of this man and his aspirations. How many more will die? Not a pleasant subject to think about.

Our world has never been in such a state of war and rumors of war. Much sabre-rattling, threats,fighting, and slaughtering are breaking out everywhere. Russia and “The Axis Of Evil” countries are gaining new confidence to impose terror and fear upon the world. Russia seems to be on a hell-bent runaway. With help from North Korea and Iran, things look very frightening and uncertain. Yes, it’s quite true that Putin with his recent nuclear doctrine can possibly impose much death and destruction and spread abject fear, world wide. But Mr Putin is not immune to the hand of God.

My friends, if that is all we do is to read “the news” then yes. We are going to be scared. But, is there really something else we might read that will address what we are talking about and that give us assurance and hope, and that will help to inform us on what is happening in our world today? I believe that kind of reading is found in the Bible which just happens to be more up to date than next weeks news.

And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. (Dan 2:43, KJV)

History has shown consistently the accounts of other men, who thought they could do whatever they wanted to and rule the world. Or to  rule over Europe. In every single case, they have utterly failed. Yes, the death and destruction they imposed was formidable but no one has ever succeeded in trying to unite or rule all countries of the world, or even just the countries in Europe.

Did you know that the Bible, talking about the kingdoms in Europe, says “they shall not cleave, one to another?” No matter what they do today, kingdoms and rulers will never be able to accomplish the uniting of Europe, or of ruling the world. The question has been asked before:

“Will One Power Rule The World?”

In an Adventist publication called “Signs of The Times,” there was penned a very bold statement about this. The year was 1940 and Arthur S Maxwell penned the following bold words concerning the ancient Roman Empire and the future of Europe:

“Crushed beneath the weight of it’s own vast proportions, it crumbled to pieces. Never to be united again.It’s elements lost the power of cohesion, and no man, or combination of men can consolidate them.”

In all of the long years since those days, that Adventist magazine has never had to go back on this interpretation of the great prophecy in the second chapter of Daniel. And no matter how crazy things get today, that is one point that will never have to be retracted. “THEY SHALL NOT CLEAVE ONE TO ANOTHER.” (Dan 2:43)

Maxwell continues in the same magazine article:

“True, many are beginning to ask questions and to entertain doubts. The Adventist interpretation here is under fire from many quarters People are saying things to us like “Look what is happening in Europe today. This new Napoleon is so strong that no one can stop him. He is bound to spread his dominion over the whole continent.”

Friends,today we are seeing another repeat of this kind of scenario. Many are literally shaking in “their boots” as we witness the horrors Putin and his helpers are forcing upon our world today. Putin himself, like people in the past, is now saying publicly that

“No one will be able to prevent our retaliation.”

History shows a long line of over-confident men. Over estimating their power and their level of control. For it is God alone that sets Kings up or brings them back down. (Dan 2:21)

As an Adventist, my only reply to what we are seeing in the world today is exactly what my brethren of the past have said about this prophecy. There is no need to retract or revise anything we have taught about the prophecy of Daniel 2:43. This prophecy is the most remarkable,the most significant to be found anywhere in the Bible. Daniel 2 is absolutely authentic and 100% reliable. It is not possible that this interpretation of Daniel 2 will ever be overthrown by any sequence of world events that we are seeing now or that we will see in the near future.

The Daniel 2:43 prophecy is the only prophecy in the Bible to which the words “certain” and “sure” are both attached. If for no other reason, with these two seals upon it, then surely we can trust it 100%. It has never failed in the past. It cannot fail now.

Perhaps this is partly why the Apostle said later in The New Testament:

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:(2 Pet 1:19, KJV)

There is a compelling reason in the witness of Bible prophecy, through which the faith of all might be confirmed and securely anchored. “We have also,” Peter declared, “a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” {AA 534.3}

While exalting the “sure word of prophecy” as a safe guide in times of peril, the apostle solemnly warned the church against the torch of false prophecy, which would be uplifted by “false teachers,” who would privily bring in “damnable heresies, even denying the Lord.” (1 Tim 4:1, 2 Thes 2:3, Acts 20:30, 2 Tim 3:1-5) To such false teachers, arising in the church and accounted true by many of the superficial brethren in the faith, the apostle compared to “wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever.” “The latter end is worse with them,” he declared, “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.” {AA 535.1}

Looking down through the ages to the close of time, Peter was inspired to outline conditions that would exist in the world just prior to the second coming of Christ.

“There shall come in the last days scoffers,” he wrote, “walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” But “when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them.” 1 Thes 5:3.

Not all, however, would be ensnared by the enemy’s devices. As the end of all things earthly should approach, there would be faithful ones able to discern the signs of the times. While a large number of professing believers would deny their faith by their works, there would be a remnant who would endure to the end. {AA 535.2}

I recently spoke to a friend who said they were going to preach about something in Bible prophecy. I felt that I should remind them about the centrality of the cross and how they should make sure their message comes across as centered in Christ and Him crucified. The reply I got was something like this:

“I agree but I am teaching on signs of the times, and where we are in the prophetic time from Daniel’s statue.”

As if there was no way the cross needed to be included, much less be the central message of that part of Daniel, which, by the way is found in Dan 2.I am not talking about just one individual here. Quite a few people have told me recently that “the cross” is not really a part of Bible prophecy,

The biggest reason that Bible prophecy is scary to people is because when we talk about the Bible’s views on end time prophecy, we rarely talk about Jesus. As humans we often gravitate towards the beast, the mark, and all of the horrific things associated with them. In Gal 6:14 we are told to glory in nothing but the cross of Christ. The three angel’s message does just that. Prophecy is really just the story of Jesus, and His role in the great controversy with the devil. Rather than doting too much on history when we talk about prophecy, we desperately need a renewed focus on HIS-STORY. Lets look briefly at how the three angel’s message does this:

And I saw another angel flying in heaven: and with blood, he had the everlasting gospel, to proclaim to dwellers on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; (Rev 14:6, Murdock)

“With blood” is the phrase that tells us how God desires us to focus more on “Christ and Him crucified.” Thats why Paul said in Gal 6:14 “God forbid that I glory in anything but Christ and Him crucified.” One Christian writer put it like this

There is one great central truth to be kept ever before the mind in the searching of the Scriptures–Christ and Him crucified. Every other truth is invested with influence and power corresponding to its relation to this theme. The soul palsied by sin can be endowed with life only through the work wrought out upon the cross by the Author of our salvation. When Christ bowed His head and died, He bore the pillars of Satan’s kingdom with Him to the earth. He vanquished Satan. {FLB 50.2-3}

The very reason the gospel is therein called “everlasting” is because the cross has always been a fact and always will be the foundation of everything. Because of the cross we can all count on a solid foundation, no matter how horrible we have been or how much we have fallen short now.

“Those that are afar off are made near by the blood of Christ.” (Eph 2:13)

If the three angel’s message starts with Christ and Him crucified,then why don’t we? “I saw another angel WITH BLOOD,” says what it means and means what it says. Yes, Bible prophecy tells us that terrible things are coming, but it also tells us that Jesus is coming. And that is the whole point of Bible prophecy. Satan loses. Jesus wins. And when Jesus returns, we will finally win with Him. Christ is coming the second time, with power unto salvation. To prepare human beings for this event, He has sent the first, second, and third angels’ messages. These angels represent those who receive the truth, and with power open the gospel to the world. {7BC 978.11}

Through His servants, God gave the Jewish people a last opportunity to repent. He manifested Himself through His witnesses in their arrest, in their trial, and in their imprisonment. Yet their judges pronounced on them the death sentence. They were men of whom the world was not worthy, and by killing them the Jews crucified afresh the Son of God. So it will be again. The authorities will make laws to restrict religious liberty. They will assume the right that is God’s alone. They will think they can force the conscience, which God alone should control. Even now they are making a beginning; this work they will continue to carry forward till they reach a boundary over which they cannot step. God will interpose in behalf of His loyal, commandment-keeping people. {DA 630.1}

On every occasion when persecution takes place, those who witness it make decisions either for Christ or against Him. Those who manifest sympathy for the ones wrongly condemned show their attachment for Christ. Others are offended because the principles of truth cut directly across their practice. Many stumble and fall, apostatizing from the faith they once advocated. Those who apostatize in time of trial will, to secure their own safety, bear false witness, and betray their brethren. Christ has warned us of this, that we may not be surprised at the unnatural, cruel course of those who reject the light. {DA 630.2}

The Bible is clear that Putin cannot win. He will never control the world the way he wants to. For the simple reason that he is not the one that is in control.

As Christians, our calling from God is to become like Christ (Rom 8:29). This is a gradual, lifelong process that will be completed when we see Christ face to face (1 John 3:2). To be “worthy” of this calling means to want to do what is right and good as Christ would do and help us to do. (John 7:17, John 1:12).

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1 Thes 4:13-18, NIV)

Bible prophecy is a real eye opener on the activities of Christ throughout history and how because of His death on the cross, we all can get through the crazy times in which we now live. Bible prophecy tells us that we may look forward with peace, strength, and assurance that as we glorify God now in our life, He too will glorify us as He leads us into the next life.

“…when [Jesus] comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thes 1:10-12, ERV)

Jesus once said that

“People who really want to do what God wants will know that my teaching comes from God. They will know that this teaching is not my own. (John 7:17, ERV)

Those who sincerely attempt to know God’s will and do it will know beyond any reasonable doubt that Jesus was telling the truth about Himself. Have you ever listened to religious speakers and wondered if they were telling the truth? Test them.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)

Whatever they are saying should always end up glorifying God. Pointing others to Jesus. Not to themselves. (Acts 20:30) Just as the first angel of Rev 14:6 admonishes. If you want to know how to respond to what is happening around us today, just listen once again to that first angel:

I saw another angel flying in heaven: and with blood, he had the everlasting gospel, to proclaim to dwellers on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; saying with a loud voice, Worship God, and give glory to him; because the hour of his judgment is come; and adore ye Him, who made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water. (Rev 14:6-7, Murdock)

A friend just reminded me of the following as I was penning this article

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“Jesus reminds us that no matter what we face; His victory is our source of real hope. These words encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that Christ’s triumph over the world  assures us of His enduring support and love.”

Reading Time: 10 minutes

And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you(Gen 9:9,KJV)

I have entitled this article How Many Covenants because contrary to the popular notions of Churchianity, and our ever stretching “truth” there is technically no such thing as The Old and New Covenants. God’s covenant promise is always the same and can be seen recorded back in the book of Genesis. And ending in the book of Revelation. There is the odd context in Scripture, where a “new covenant” is mentioned but it is only called “new” because it’s typically something that the people concerned have never done before. Gods message of salvation never changes from Old Testament to New Testament. Much like the “new commandment of love” that Jesus reminded His hearers of in the New Testament, He knew that for His disciples, it was very new, since they had never done that before. That “new commandment” is also found in Lev 19:18.

Jesus once said:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34, NIV)

When you think of it, how could this be literally a “new commandment” as in a different or revised gospel message of some kind? Scripture tells us how that “God never changes,” “God never lies,” “God never contradicts Himself,” We may rejoice that this very same commandment can be found way back in Leviticus and further:

“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” (Lev 19:18)

There is something sometimes called “The Old Covenant” simply because its something that people have tried to do that is not a part of the “everlasting” covenant on the shed blood of Christ. As humanity we tend to seek ways and means of doing God’s will in our own strength and wisdom, even though God gives us plenty of reminders that He wants to do it through us. As they said in the Old testament, “all that you have said God WE WILL DO.” And God has to keep reminding by saying “I WILL write my law on your hearts. God has always wanted to be there for us and do what we can never do in our own strength or supposed wisdom. In our opening text God says I WILL ESTABLISH my covenant.” So there is always this tug of war between I WILL or God Will. That is why the Bible says “Christ in you THE HOPE in glory.” (Col 1:27)

A Covenant is simply a promise or undertaking resting on certain conditions, with a sign or token attached to it. The bow in the cloud, the Lord’s Supper, etc are signs and seals of their respective covenants. We should never witness a rainbow without remembering that as God hath sworn that the waters of Noah shall no more go over the earth, so He will not withdraw His loving kindness.

“To me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So now I have sworn not to be angry with you, never to rebuke you again. Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. (Isa 54:9-10, NIV) here, the Covenant is called “everlasting.” From beginning to the end in the Bible, ‘everlasting’ is the favorite word used to describe the covenant. “From the foundation of the world” means “everlasting.”

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Rev 13:8)

“From the foundation of The World” means ‘everlasting.’ Another verse does call the blood of Christ “the everlasting covenant.”

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,(Heb 13:20)

It is not Biblically correct to just say “Jesus Himself is the “everlasting covenant,” for a covenant by it’s very nature is an agreement about something by two parties. There is a covenant, or agreement between God and His people about the shed blood of Christ. The cross is the only thing in our earthly realm that can be called “everlasting.” No other belief or event can be called “everlasting.” Thats why the gospel is called simply wonderful and wonderfully simple.

“OLD”  COVENANT

Made when Israel came from Egypt. This is what God says about what we tend to call an “Old Covenant”

For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said: “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord. This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. (Heb 8:7-10, NIV)

It is more accurate to just call them the first covenant, and the second covenant, but not “the old” or “the new.” The reason it’s not a literal “new covenant” is because once again, it was just something that the people had not done before:

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. (Jer 31:31-33)

First promise to obey by the people, Exodus 19:5-8. Second promise, Exodus 24:3. Third promise, Exodus 24:4-7.

This covenant was broken by our human efforts to keep it. Jer 31:32.

As humanity we have always promised to obey in our own strength and failed. It is always and only in Christ’s strength can anyone keep their covenant with God. Thats why John 14:15 says

Scripture says that the covenant made by God with the people was then ratified by blood, Exodus 24:8; Heb 9:17-21

This is called the first covenant, not because it was the first one made, or because its a different gospel, but because it was the first covenant ratified by blood. By the blood of Christ. By the blood of the Lamb, “slain from the foundation of the world.” Thats what makes “the covenant” EVERLASTING.

“NEW” COVENANT

Law of God the basis for the new Covenant. As with what we call “the old covenant,” The New Covenant was simply an agreement about the law between God and His people. Jer 31:33; Heb 8:10. What we now call The New Covenant was actually initiated very early in the Old Testament and will continue until the second coming of Jesus. Otherwise how can it be an “everlasting covenant” as scripture calls it? Forgiveness of sins are a central part of the covenant. Jer 31:34. ONLY Christ’s blood cleanses from sin, 1 John 1:7. Christ is the lamb slain “from the foundation of the world”, Rev 13:8; therefore, the new covenant began in the beginning and extends until sin is destroyed forever at the second coming.

Obedience to the law of God through the blood of Christ is the object of the everlasting, or new covenant, Heb 13:20-21. Technically speaking, it is only called “new” because as people learn about it they realize through The Holy Spirit that it is a way of life in Christ they have never done before. As humanity, we tend to always think “we can do that,” (Exodus 19:8) yet God, in His infinite love, mercy, and grace, tenderly reminds us that “I will do that.” (Jer 31:33, Heb 8:10)

Upon the first promise of a Savior, Gen 3:15 God promised that He alone would establish enmity between His people and the Devil. The Lord pledged the new, or everlasting covenant, to Noah and his posterity, Gen 9:9-17. The rainbow was given as a pledge of the covenant, Gen 9:13-16. This same covenant was pledged to Abraham and his children, Gen 17:2-7; Gen 17:21; and to Abraham’s seed, Gal 3:16; Gal 3:19.

A covenant is very much the same as a will, or a last testament. (Gal 3:15, margin; Heb 9:16-17). The death of testator seals the will, or covenant/testament made , Heb 9:16. Christ’s death sealed or ratified what people often call the new covenant, John 19:28-30. But as we have already seen, the covenant re the blood of Christ is everlasting, being called that “from the foundation of the world.” A person’s will cannot be broken after the death of the testator, Gal 3:15. Therefore, nothing can be added to Christ’s covenant after His death. Nothing else is needed in addition to the shed blood of Christ! (Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13) For that reason Jesus instituted baptism and the Lord’s supper,- HIS divinely appointed memorial of His death and resurrection. Even though Jesus was resurrected on Sunday, Sunday is not THAT memorial. Sunday is simply “the first day of the week” in Scripture.

Christ has, however, reaffirmed the Sabbath commandment before His death, Mat 24:20.

Pray that it will not be winter or the Sabbath day when these things happen and you have to run away,

The strongest advocates for Sunday observance give nothing earlier than the first day of the week upon which Christ arose from the dead as evidence for Sunday observance; but Sunday is on the wrong side of the cross to be included in the everlasting, or new covenant. Nothing can be added to the new covenant after Christ’s death. Scripture provides us with the following illustration of living under what some call the new covenant:

Moses said to the LORD, “You told me to lead these people, but you did not say who you would send with me. You said to me, ‘I know you very well, and I am pleased with you.’ If I have really pleased you, then teach me your ways. I want to know you. Then I can continue to please you. Remember that these people are your nation.” The Lord answered, “I myself will go with you. I will lead you.” Then Moses said to him, “If you don’t go with us, then don’t make us leave this place. Also, how will we know if you are pleased with me and these people? If you go with us, we will know for sure. If you don’t go with us, these people and I will be no different from any other people on the earth.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will do what you ask. I will do this because I am pleased with you and because I know you very well.” Exodus 33:12-17. Moses depended on God continually. Christ exemplified dependence on God fully in His life and ministry too

Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. John 8:28

“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.  John 5:30.

The one who walks by faith, trusting in God for help continually, lives under the new/second covenant. The individual who walks by sight, trusting in their own strength, lives under the old/first covenant.

Under which covenant are you living today?

The LORD said to Moses

“I am coming to you in a storm cloud so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always believe you.” Moses told the LORD what the people had said. (Exodus 19:9, GW)

The cloud that guided Israel, stood over the tabernacle. The glory of the cloud emanated from Jesus Christ, who from the midst of the glory talked with Moses, as He had talked with him from the burning bush. The brightness of God’s presence was enshrouded in the darkness of the cloud which He made His pavilion, that the people could endure to look upon the cloud, as seeing Him who is invisible. This is God’s plan whereby He might approach humanity today. Rev 1:7 tells us that Jesus will come again on a cloud. (Rev 1:7) In all the dark clouds of our experience today, Jesus is there. Jesus is the “light of the world” (John 8:12)in every cloud.

Jesus talked to the people again. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never live in darkness. They will have the light that gives life.” (John 8:12)

“That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” The world has had its great teachers, men of giant intellect and wonderful research, men whose utterances have stimulated thought, and opened to view vast fields of knowledge; and these men have been honored as guides and benefactors of their race. But there is One who stands higher than they.

“As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” “No man hath seen God at any time; the only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” John 1:12, John 1:18.

We can trace the line of the world’s great teachers as far back as human records extend; but the Light was before them. As the moon and the stars of the solar system shine by the reflected light of the sun, so, as far as their teaching is true, do the world’s great thinkers reflect the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. Every gem of thought, every flash of the intellect, is from the Light of the world. In these days we hear much about “higher education.” The true “higher education” is that imparted by Him “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” Col 2:3; John 1:4. “He that followeth Me,” said Jesus, “shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” {DA 464.4}

In the words, “I am the light of the world,” Jesus declared Himself the Messiah. The aged Simeon, in the temple where Christ was now teaching, had spoken of Him as “a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.” Luke 2:32. In these words he was applying to Him a prophecy familiar to all Israel. By the prophet Isaiah, the Holy Spirit had declared, “It is too light a thing that Thou shouldest be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give Thee for a light to the Gentiles, that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth.” Isa 49:6, R. V. This prophecy was generally understood as spoken of the Messiah, and when Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” the people could not fail to recognize His claim to be the Promised One. {DA 465.1}

 

 

Reading Time: 9 minutes

The Book of John shows us some amazing and some awesome things about “the everlasting gospel.” (Rev 14:6-7) Both Old and New testament verify the wonder-working power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Phil 3:10)

A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.(Isa 40:3, ESV)

John told them the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am the voice of someone shouting in the desert: ‘Make a straight road ready for the Lord.'” (John 1:23, ERV)

Preparing a straight highway means removing obstacles and rolling out the red carpet for the coming of the Lord. The wasteland is a picture of life’s trials and sufferings. We are not immune to these, but our faith need not be hindered by them. Isaiah told people to prepare to see God work. John the Baptist used these words as he challenged the people to prepare for the coming Messiah (Life Application Study Notes)

When it was the right time, John the Baptizer began telling people a message from God. This was out in the desert area of Judea. John said, “Change your hearts and lives, because God’s kingdom is now very near.” John is the one Isaiah the prophet was talking about when he said, “There is someone shouting in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord. Make the road straight for him.'” (Mat 3:1-3, ERV)

John The Baptist Born for a Special Work

In every stage of this earth’s history God has had His agencies to carry forward His work, which must be done in His appointed way. John the Baptist had a special work, for which he was born and to which he was appointed–the work of preparing the way of the Lord. . . . His wilderness ministry was a most striking, literal fulfillment of prophecy. {5BC 1115.2}

The Old Testament has the same gospel as the New Testament. Through John, Peter, Paul, Mathew, Mark, Luke and all of the New testament writers, under the inspiration of The Holy Spirit, we are told again and again how Jesus of Nazareth’s life, death, resurrection, and ascension to the throne of God in Heaven are all fulfillments of their corresponding Old testament prophecies.

Pilate, Herod, and Caiaphas were the most powerful leaders in Palestine, but they were one-upped by a wilderness prophet, (John The Baptist) a back-woods man from rural Judea. God chose to speak through this poorly dressed loner, who probably looked much like some of our homeless people that we see today. John the Baptist, has gone down in history as greater than any of the rulers of his day, as Jesus said. (Mat 11:11). How often people judge others by the superficial standards of power, wealth, and beauty, and miss the truly great people through whom God works! Greatness is measured not by what you have but by your faith in God. Like John, give yourself entirely to God so God’s power can work through you.

In a discourse about John the Baptist, Jesus honored the prophet with these words: “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). John certainly did not see himself as “great”—he did not see himself as worthy enough to baptize Jesus (Matthew 3:13–14) or even to carry His sandals (Matthew 3:11).

The “greatness” that Jesus refers to concerning John has to do with John’s unique position in history, not with any special talent, holiness, or personal merit. In fact, immediately after stating that John is the greatest “among those born of women,” Jesus says, “Yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11)

One reason that Jesus called John the Baptist the “greatest” was that John held the honor of being chosen by God as the forerunner to the Messiah. John’s mission was to personally prepare the world for Christ’s arrival. John’s ministry was predicted in Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1. After Jesus came, John introduced Him to the world as the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world (John 1:35–36). John was the herald who introduced to the world the Hero of all history. It was this introduction that accredited Jesus before the Jewish crowds and leaders, some of whom believed on Jesus, and many of whom did not.

John was also the “greatest” in that he preached with the power of Elijah (Luke 1:17; 3:7–18). John shared many qualities with Elijah, including calling a nation to repentance, rebuking the king, and persevering in the face of public misunderstanding and malicious persecution (Matthew 11:16–18; Mark 6:14–19).

John was also the “greatest” in that God had chosen him to break the 430 years of divine silence that had existed since the prophet Malachi. John was the Spirit-anointed bridge from the Old Testament to the New. John was the last of the Old Testament prophets and stood on the cusp of a new dispensation. His preaching was the end of the Law and the beginning of the Promise. He was the last in the long line of prophets who predicted Christ, yet he was the only one who could actually see Christ in the flesh. Moses, Isaiah, and the rest of the prophets had pointed to a far-distant personage they could see only faintly. John pointed at an actual human being who stood directly in front of him. No other prophet had that privilege.

Jesus’ full statement in Matthew 11:11 is paradoxical: “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” How can John be the greatest, if even the “least in the kingdom” is greater than John? Again, the answer has to do with the Christian’s unique position in history, not with his personal merit. John died without seeing the fullness of God’s plan in Christ (see Mark 6:17–29). John never saw the crucifixion of Christ or His glorious resurrection. Yet even the “least in the kingdom of heaven” knows of these events and understands their meaning.

Jesus was our example in all things that pertain to life and godliness. He was baptized in Jordan, just as those who come to Him must be baptized. The heavenly angels were looking with intense interest upon the scene of the Savior’s baptism, and could the eyes of those who were looking on, have been opened, they would have seen the heavenly host surrounding the Son of God as He bowed on the banks of the Jordan. The Lord had promised to give John a sign whereby he might know who was the Messiah, and now as Jesus went up out of the water, the promised sign was given; for he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God, like a dove of burnished gold, hovered over the head of Christ, and a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” {5BC 1077.6}

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Mat 3:13-17, NIV)

What does this scene mean to us? How thoughtlessly we have read the account of the baptism of our Lord, not realizing that its significance was of the greatest importance to us, and that Christ was accepted of the Father in man’s behalf. As Jesus bowed on the banks of Jordan and offered up His petition, humanity was presented to the Father by Him who had clothed His divinity with humanity. Jesus offered Himself to the Father in man’s behalf, that those who had been separated from God through sin, might be brought back to God through the merits of the divine Petitioner. Because of sin the earth had been cut off from heaven, but with His human arm Christ encircles the fallen race, and with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite, and earth is brought into favor with heaven, and man into communion with his God. The prayer of Christ in behalf of lost humanity cleaved its way through every shadow that Satan had cast between man and God, and left a clear channel of communication to the very throne of glory. The gates were left ajar, and heavens were opened, and the Spirit of God, in the form of a dove, encircled the head of Christ, and the voice of God was heard saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” {5BC 1078.1}

The voice of God was heard in answer to the petition of Christ, and this tells the sinner [today] that their prayer will find a place at the throne of the Father. The Holy Spirit will be given to those who seek for its power and grace, and will help our infirmities when we would have audience with God. Heaven is open to our petitions, and we are invited to come “boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4:6) We are to come in faith, believing that we shall obtain the very things we ask of Him {5BC 1078.2}

The authority of Scripture is “rightly divided” (2 Tim 2:15) only when we use them to show who Jesus is. If we use the scriptures to simply say “I/we are right, and you are wrong” then we are still wrong no matter how many verses we whip people with.

True Christianity will always “make the way straight” by pointing people to the cross. To who Jesus is. The cross will always show us exactly who Jesus is. The cross is or should be the focal point of every doctrine. All of the things that the Old testament writers said and that were verified by new Testament writers, pointed to the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.

Friend, Jesus died for us. There is one great central truth to be kept ever before the mind in the searching of the Scriptures–Christ and Him crucified. Every other truth is invested with influence and power corresponding to its relation to this theme. The soul palsied by sin can be endowed with life only through the work wrought out upon the cross by the Author of our salvation. {FLB 50.2}

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8.

Jesus was always pointing His disciples to the Scriptures which foretold of His ministry here on Earth. But when did the disciples finally understand correctly that the Scriptures pointed to His life, death and resurrection? It was only after Jesus died and was resurrected, and appeared to them after His death that they finally got it.

When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. (John 2:22)

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. (John 20:8-9)

Jesus was not talking about the Temple made of stones, but about his body. His listeners didn’t realize it, but Jesus was greater than the Temple (Mat 12:6). His words would take on meaning for his disciples after his resurrection. That Christ so perfectly fulfilled this prediction became the strongest proof for his claims to be God.

Jesus’ resurrection is the key to the Christian faith. Why? (1) Just as he said, Jesus rose from the dead. We can be confident, therefore, that he will accomplish all he has promised. (2) Jesus’ bodily resurrection shows us that the living Christ, not a false prophet or imposter, is ruler of God’s eternal Kingdom. (3) We can be certain of our own resurrection because Jesus was resurrected. Death is not the end—there is future life at our resurrection. (4) The divine power that brought Jesus back to life is now available to us to bring our spiritually dead selves back to life. (5) The Resurrection is the basis for the church’s witness to the world.

Paul once said

It’s far more than that! I consider everything else worthless because I’m much better off knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. It’s because of him that I think of everything as worthless. I threw it all away in order to gain Christ and to have a relationship with him. This means that I didn’t receive God’s approval by obeying his laws. The opposite is true! I have God’s approval through faith in Christ. This is the approval that comes from God and is based on faith that knows Christ. Faith knows the power that his coming back to life gives and what it means to share his suffering. In this way I’m becoming like him in his death, with the confidence that I’ll come back to life from the dead. (Phil 3:8-11)

Paul gave up everything—family, friendship, and freedom—in order to know Christ and his resurrection power. We, too, have access to this knowledge and this power, but we may have to make sacrifices to enjoy it fully. What are you willing to give up in order to know Christ? A crowded schedule in order to set aside a few minutes each day for prayer and Bible study? Your friend’s approval? Some of your plans or pleasures? Whatever it is, knowing Christ is more than worth the sacrifice.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

A Special Blessing In Not Being “Offended”

“…blessed is the one who is not offended [scandalized, tripped up, enticed to sin] by Me (Luke 7:23,ESV)

Jesus is saying something very interesting here. There is something for everyone in this.

Nain lay near the plain of Esdraelon, on the slopes of Little Hermon. Two confluent streams met there-those with Christ and those with death, Luke 7:11-12. He wipes away tears by removing the cause. When the people are being borne by their companions to graves of sin, it is right there that the Master arrests them. See Eph 5:14. There was a threefold gradation in the power He put forth-to Jairus’ daughter, just dead; to this young man, on the way to burial; and to Lazarus, who was three days dead.

The depression from John’s long confinement in the gloomy fortress of Machaerus, east of the Dead Sea, and the fact that Jesus had not sent to deliver him, were the double root of this sad lapse from the position taken up on the Jordan bank, when he recognized and indicated the Lamb of God. But our Lord did not chide; He understood, Psalms 103:9. His miracles of mercy and power are His best evidences, and He left John to draw his own conclusions, Isa 35:5-6. May ours be the blessedness of the un-offended, who will trust Christ, even though He does not hasten to deliver them just as they had hoped!

It is sometimes very difficult not to be offended in Jesus Christ. The offenses may be circumstantial. I find myself in a prison-house– a narrow sphere, a sick chamber, an unpopular position– when I had hoped for wide opportunities. Yes, but He knows what is best for me. My environment is of His determining. He means it to intensify my faith, to draw me into nearer communion with Himself, to ripen my power. In the dungeon my soul should prosper.

The offense may be mental. I am haunted by perplexities, questions, which I cannot solve. I had hoped that, when I gave myself to Him, my sky would always be clear; but often it is overspread by mist and cloud. Yet let me believe that, if difficulties remain, it is that I may learn to trust Him all the more implicitly– to trust and not be afraid. Yes, and by my intellectual conflicts, I am trained to be a tutor to other storm-driven people.

The offense may be spiritual. I had fancied that within His fold I should never feel the biting winds of temptation; but it is best as it is. His grace is magnified. My own character is matured. His Heaven is sweeter at the close of the day. There I shall look back on the turnings and trials of the way, and shall sing the praises of my Guide. So, let come what will come, His will is welcome; and I shall refuse to be offended in my loving Lord

John was confused because the reports he received about Jesus were unexpected and incomplete. John’s doubts were natural, and Jesus didn’t rebuke him for them. Instead, he responded in a way that John would understand: Jesus explained that he had accomplished what the Messiah was supposed to accomplish. God can handle our doubts, and he welcomes our questions. Do you have questions about Jesus—about who he is or what he expects of you? Admit them to yourself and to God, and begin looking for answers. Only as you face your doubts honestly can you begin to resolve them.

Reading Time: 7 minutes

“Do good things for the city I sent you to. Pray to the LORD for the city you are living in, because if there is peace in that city, you will have peace also.” (Jer 29:7, ERV)

Many people around the world are so worried about current political event and affairs of the great nations of the world. But there is a bigger picture we can focus on. A better story that we can be a part of.

What the church needs in these days of peril is an army of workers who, like Paul, have educated themselves for usefulness, who have a deep experience in the things of God, and who are filled with earnestness and zeal. Sanctified, self-sacrificing men are needed; men who will not shun trial and responsibility; men who are brave and true; men in whose hearts Christ is formed “the hope of glory,” and who with lips touched with holy fire will “preach the word.” For want of such workers the cause of God languishes, and fatal errors, like a deadly poison, taint the morals and blight the hopes of a large part of the human race. {AA 507.2}

Jeremiah wrote to the captives in Babylon (Jer 29:4-23) instructing them to move ahead with their lives and to pray for the pagan nation that enslaved them. Life cannot grind to a halt during troubled times. In an unpleasant or distressing situation, we must adjust and keep moving. You may find it difficult to pray for those in authority if they are evil, but that is when your prayers are most needed.

First of all, I encourage you to make petitions, prayers, intercessions, and prayers of thanks for all people,for rulers, and for everyone who has authority over us. Pray for these people so that we can have a quiet and peaceful life always lived in a godly and reverent way.(1 Tim 2:1-2).

When we enter times of trouble or of sudden change, we should pray diligently and move ahead, doing whatever we can with whatever God has set before us rather than giving up because of fear and uncertainty.

God didn’t give us a cowardly spirit but a spirit of power, love, and good judgment. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord or be ashamed of me, his prisoner. Instead, by God’s power, join me in suffering for the sake of the Good News. God saved us and called us to be holy, not because of what we had done, but because of his own plan and kindness. Before the world began, God planned that Christ Jesus would show us God’s kindness.
Now with the coming of our Savior Christ Jesus, he has revealed it. Christ has destroyed death, and through the Good News he has brought eternal life into full view. I was appointed to be a messenger of this Good News, an apostle, and a teacher. (2 Tim 1:7-11, GW)

Although God is all-powerful and all-knowing, he has chosen to let us help him change the world through our prayers. How this works is a mystery to us because of our limited understanding, but it is a reality. Paul based his instruction about prayer for everyone on his conviction that God’s invitation for salvation extends equally to all people. God’s messengers will capture the true nature of the gospel. The world that God loves includes every person.

Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world. He did not send him to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17, ERV)

You formed the way I think and feel. You put me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because you made me in such a wonderful way. I know how amazing that was! You could see my bones grow as my body took shape, hidden in my mother’s womb. You could see my body grow each passing day. You listed all my parts, and not one of them was missing. Your thoughts are beyond my understanding. They cannot be measured! If I could count them, they would be more than all the grains of sand. But when I finished, I would have just begun. (Psalms 139:13-18)

“He formed the way you think or feel” (Psalms 139:13)

God’s character goes into the creation of every person. When you feel worthless or even begin to hate yourself, remember that God knows exactly who you are, what you are like. Yet He is ready and willing, through His Holy Spirit to work within you. We should have as much respect for ourselves as our Maker has for us. We need to see ourselves and others the same way Jesus sees us. Knowing and loving Jesus, we proclaim:

“I am the one that Jesus loves.”

Our acceptance with God is sure only through His beloved Son, and good works are but the result of the working of His sin-pardoning love. They are no credit to us, and we have nothing accorded to us for our good works by which we may claim a part in the salvation of our souls. Salvation is God’s free gift to the believer, given to him for Christ’s sake alone. The troubled soul may find peace through faith in Christ, and his peace will be in proportion to his faith and trust. He cannot present his good works as a plea for the salvation of his soul. {5BC 1122.1}

How often do we pray for the well-being of our communities? The prosperity of the places we live in impacts us all. By lifting our communities in prayer and action, we contribute to a greater good that benefits everyone. What steps will you take today to help your community prosper?

First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need. And give thanks. You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority. Pray for these leaders so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives—lives full of devotion to God and respect for him.
1Ti 2:3  This is good and pleases God our Savior. God wants everyone to be saved and to fully understand the truth. (1 Tim 2:1-4)

Jesus will never coerce our will. When we kneel before Him in heartfelt prayer from an open honest heart He respects our choice to have Him personally intervene more fully in our lives. It’s time for THAT kind of prayer.

Our Heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service of God supreme, will find perplexities vanish and a plain path before their feet. – MH 481.2

Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him. – SC 93.2

When Jesus was upon the earth, He taught His disciples how to pray. He directed them to present their daily needs before God, and to cast all their care upon Him. And the assurance He gave them that their petitions should be heard, is assurance also to us. (SC 93:3)

Our Heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God. What can the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God’s heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they love to be near Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of His Spirit, the companionship of His presence. (SC 94:1)

And I will shake all nations, and the Desire of All Nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
(Hag 2:7), ERV)

Before this shaking, God assures us:

don’t be discouraged!”…Don’t be discouraged! And all you people who live in the land, don’t be discouraged! Continue this work, because I am with you.” This is what the LORD All-Powerful said. (Hag 2:5)

Do not let any of today’s world events discourage you. The main “glory in the Church” (Eph 3:21) is NOT how beautiful the building is, but my presence. As I covenanted to be with you when ye came out of Egypt, so I will fulfill my covenant even today in this “time of the end” that you live in now. Be of good courage for my Spirit remains among you, fear not; Hag 2:5. What is the most beautiful church in the world, if God is not in it, influencing all by his presence and by His Holy Educating Spirit?

We need to remember that God will not be in it unless there be a messenger of the Lord there, and unless said messenger delivers the Lord’s message on praying for others. Even ones we do not like.

Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again. See how farmers wait for their precious crops to grow. They wait patiently for fall and spring rains. You, too, must be patient. Don’t give up hope. The Lord will soon be here. Brothers and sisters, stop complaining about each other, or you will be condemned. Realize that the judge is standing at the door. Brothers and sisters, follow the example of the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. They were patient when they suffered unjustly. We consider those who endure to be blessed. You have heard about Job’s endurance. You saw that the Lord ended Job’s suffering because the Lord is compassionate and merciful. (James 5:7-11)

The prophets who had spoken to their forefathers by the authority of God, were often persecuted by the very people to whom they delivered the Divine message; but they suffered affliction and persecution with patience, commending their cause to him who judges righteously; therefore we can also be of that kind of “good courage” choosing each moment whom we will serve. The world’s “Gods” or our GOD.

Just keep saying “I am the one that Jesus loves.” People will get the message. Because you will be the message. People will know how that The Desire of All Nations Will Come!