Category: bible study

None Besides God!

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Asa prayed to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one but you who can help the weak when they are vastly outnumbered. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you and have marched on your behalf against this huge army. O LORD, you are our God; don’t let [anyone] prevail against you!” (2 Chron 14:11, NET)

"only by The Blood of The Lamb"
“only by The Blood of The Lamb”

The RV version of the Bible says it like this:

“Lord, there is none beside thee to help.” (2 Chron 14:11, RV).

As Christians, as the adopted sons and daughters of God, we can remind God of His entire responsibility and claim this promise in prayer and by stepping out in faith, towards the direction of said prayer.

“There is none beside thee to help.”

The odds against Asa were enormous. There was a million soldiers in arms against him, in addition to three hundred chariots. It seemed impossible to hold his own against that vast multitude. There were no allies who would come to his help; his only hope, therefore, was in God. According to Rev 3:10  we will all face such times of severe testing where we can only rely on Jesus and His word. There will be no other avenue of hope of help. But so often so may of us tend to rely on our own knowledge, our own actions as the religious panacea that is needed.

It may be that your difficulties have been allowed to come to such an alarming a pitch that you might also be compelled to renounce all creature aid, all human comforts and resources to which in lesser trials you have had recourse, and cast yourself back on your Almighty Friend.

Most of us Christians don’t worry too much about such things as long as we have our properties, our assets, our savings,our beliefs liturgical practices. But are any of these able to take the place of relying ONLY on Christ? As Paul stated it:

When I talked with you or preached, I didn’t try to prove anything by sounding wise. I simply let God’s Spirit show his power. That way you would have faith because of God’s power and not because of human wisdom. (1 Cor 2:4-5, CEV)

Put Jesus between yourself and the your biggest impossibility. Your very worst enemy. To Asa’s faith, God seemed to stand right between the might of Zerah and himself, as one who had no strength. Nor was he mistaken. We are told that the Ethiopians were destroyed before the Lord and before His host, as though celestial combatants flung themselves against the foe in Israel’s behalf, and put the large host to rout, so that Israel had only to follow up and gather the spoil.

In verity, our God is Jehovah of hosts, who can summon unexpected reinforcements at any moment to aid His people. Believe that He is there between you and your difficulty, and what baffles you will flee before Him, as clouds before the gale. “”The LORD said He would dwell in the dark cloud.” (1 Kings 8:12) Exodus 19:9  And the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever.” So Moses told the words of the people to the LORD.

There truly IS “light in every cloud.” That light is Jesus! He has assured us in many Bible passages that He alone is the “light of the world.” Joh 8:12  Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

“When nothing whereon to lean remains,
When strongholds crumble to dust;
When nothing is sure but that God still reigns,
That is just the time to trust.

“’tis better to walk by faith than sight,
In this path of yours and mine;
And the pitch-black night, when there’s no outer light
Is the time for faith to shine.” (author unknown)

Maybe we think of our faith and our Christian walk as failure. Maybe the way seems impossible. But according to the everlasting gospel, it is just at such a time when the gospel can go forth with ever increasing light and power:

Exodus 19:9 Glory of Cloud Emanated From Christ.

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 was God’s plan whereby He might approach man {1BC 1103.12}

Jesus once said:

“Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” (John 6:12)

Christ often tests us to show what we shall say and do in the presence of overwhelming difficulty, but He always knows the way out. We at once begin to calculate our paltry resources, and to confess their inadequacy. We come back to explain that when we have done our utmost, we can provide very little. Then He steps in, determined that everyone shall be filled, with an ample supply left over. He makes His guests sit down in comfort on the grass, because there is plenty of time, as well as an abundance of food, for a happy and comfortable meal. We must bring Him what we have, however small it may be; the Church must enter into His great plan and arrange the people for the banquet; we too must distribute the food and gather up the broken pieces. The world is to be fed by the cooperation of Christ and His Church.

According to the everlasting gospel, there is hope among the fragments. if your heart has been broken by grief, by worry, by fear, or by anything else, JESUS will just make art with the pieces. We are borne by the anguish we bear, and as Christ-followers, we turn that into the love that we want to give. This can only happen as we reach out to Him in total dependence. (John 14:6) We can take all the tattered fragments of our life to Jesus and He will  make beautiful art out of the pieces.  (Eccl 3:11, Rom 8:28), Praise God!

Isa 43:19  Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

Isa 42:16  I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.

None Besides Thee: If you are facing battles you feel you can’t possibly win, don’t give up. In the face of a vast horde of enemy soldiers, Asa prayed for God’s help, recognizing his powerlessness against such a mighty army. The secret of victory is first to admit the futility of unaided human effort and then to trust God to save. His power works best through those who recognize their limitations (2 Cor 12:9). It is those who think they can do it all on their own who are in the greatest danger. (Life Application Study Bible Notes)

God Will Work With Us When We Trust Him.

And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, “LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!”  (2 Chron 14:11)

This is an appropriate prayer for us to make today. Generally speaking, our current prospects are anything but flattering. There are vast numbers arrayed against the truth, whom we must meet in presenting the light to others. Our hope is not in our knowledge of the truth, and in our own ability, but in the living God … There should be … living faith for the mighty God to manifest His power, else all will prove a failure. God defeated the enemies of Israel. He put their forces into disorder. They fled they knew not whither. Who can stand before the Lord God of Israel? {3BC 1131.10}

Now we are not warring against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places. The Lord would encourage us to look to Him as the source of all our strength, the One who is able to help us. We may look to [other people], and they will give us counsel, and yet this may be defeated; but when the God of Israel undertakes work for us, He will make it a success. We want to know that we are right before God; if we are not right before Him, then we want to make an earnest effort to come into right relation to Him. We must individually do something ourselves. We are not to risk our eternal interest upon guesswork. We must set everything right; we must follow out the requirements of God, and then expect God to work with our efforts. 2 Chron 20:15. God works in us by the light of His truth. We are to be obedient to all His commandments. {3BC 1132.1}

If only  we could take this point into consideration, that the work in which we are engaged is not our work, but God’s work, and we as humble instruments are laborers together with Him; and with an eye single to God’s glory, (Mat 6:22) not mistake the beginning of the Christian life for its consummation, but see the necessity of training upon the earth to prepare us for doing God’s will! We are not to lift up ourselves, not to be self-confident, but to trust in God, knowing that He is willing and able to help us. God will work with His people, but we want to be in that position where our trust and confidence will become firm in Him (RH May 10, 1887). {3BC 1132.2}

The application Asa made to God on occasion of the threatening cloud which now hung over his head, 2 Chron 14:11.

The very one that sought God in the day of his peace and prosperity could with holy boldness cry to God in the day of his trouble, and call him his God. His prayer is short, but has much in it.

1. He gives to God the glory of his infinite power and sovereignty: It is nothing with thee to help and save by many or few, by those that are mighty or by those that have no power. See 1 Sam 14:6. God works in his own strength, not in the strength of instruments (Psalms 21:13), it is his glory to help the weakest and to perfect strength out of the seemingly impossibilities that we face. “We do not say, Lord, take our part, for we have a good army for thee to work by; but, take our part, for without you we have no power.” (John 14:6)

2. He takes hold of their covenant-relation to God as theirs. O Lord, our God! and again:

“Thou art our God, whom we have chosen and cleave to as ours, and who has promised to be ours.” (Exodus 6:7, Rev 21:7)

God’s promises in these verses were fulfilled to the letter when the Hebrews left Egypt. He freed them from slavery, became their God, and accepted them as his people. Then he led them toward the land he had promised. When the Hebrews were rescued from slavery, they portrayed the drama of salvation for all of us. When God redeems us from sin, he delivers us, accepts us, and becomes our God. Then he leads us to a new life as we follow him.

3. He pleads their dependence upon God, and the eye they had to him in this expedition. He was well prepared for it, yet trusted not to his own preparations,saying instead:

“Lord, we rest wholly in YOU, and in YOUR name we go against this multitude, by warrant from YOU, aiming only for your glory, and trusting to YOUR strength alone.”

4. He interests God in their cause: “Let not man” (meaning mortal man) “prevail against thee. If he prevail against us, it will be said that he prevails against YOU , because thou art our God, and we rest on YOU and go forth in your name, which YOU encouraged us to do. The enemy is a mortal, impermanent thing. The gospel is “everlasting.” (Rev 14:6) Make it to appear what an unequal match he is for an immortal God. Lord, maintain your honor and your glory in our life now.”

“Hallowed by thy name.”

Now we are not warring against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places. The Lord would encourage us to look to Him as the source of all our strength, the One who is able to help us. We may look to men, and they will give us counsel, and yet this may be defeated; but when the God of Israel undertakes work for us, He will make it a success.

We want to know that we are right before God; if we are not right before Him, then we want to make an earnest effort to come in right relation to Him. We must individually do something ourselves. We are not to risk our eternal interest upon guesswork. We must set everything right; we must follow out the requirements of God, and then expect God to work with our efforts. 2 Chron 20:15. God works in us by the light of His truth. We are to be obedient to all His commandments. {3BC 1132.1}

The work in which we are engaged as Christians is not our work, but God’s work, and we as humble instruments are laborers together with Him; and with an eye single to God’s glory, not mistake the beginning of the Christian life for its consummation, but see the necessity of training upon the earth to prepare us for doing God’s will! We are not to lift up ourselves, not to be self-confident, but to trust in God, knowing that He is willing and able to help us. God will work with His people, but we want to be in that position where our trust and confidence will become firm in Him {3BC 1132.2}

As Paul would say:

My teaching and my speaking were not with wise words that persuade people. But the proof of my teaching was the power that the Spirit gives. I did this so that your faith would be in God’s power, not in human wisdom. (1 Cor 2:4-5, ERV)

Paul had written briefly to the church, admonishing them “not to company” with members who should persist in profligacy; but many of the believers perverted the apostle’s meaning, quibbled over his words, and excused themselves for disregarding his instruction. {AA 300.1}

In my other letter I told you not to have anything to do with immoral people. But I wasn’t talking about the people of this world. You would have to leave this world to get away from everyone who is immoral or greedy or who cheats or worships idols. I was talking about your own people who are immoral or greedy or worship idols or curse others or get drunk or cheat. Don’t even eat with them! Why should I judge outsiders? Aren’t we supposed to judge only church members? (1 Cor 5:9-12, CEV)

We cannot pray other than:

“O LORD, there is no one but you who can help the weak when they are vastly outnumbered. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you and have marched on your behalf against this huge army. O LORD, you are our God; don’t let [anyone] prevail against you!” (2 Chron 14:11, NET)

Perfectly Broken

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Perfectly Broken

“By reason of breakings they purify themselves” (Job 41:25 LSV).

light in your clouds
light in your clouds

I recall an experience downtown in a major city recently that seems to resonate with today’s subject. Perfectly Broken. I came across a man who was obviously living on the streets, and he was passed out in the doorway of a convenience store. I was stunned to see that all the many people coming and going into that store were quite literally just walking over him and simply ignoring him. One lady even stepped on his arm, she just sneered down at him for being in the way when she was in such a hurry to buy her cigarettes and coffee.

I went over to help him and called 911 for help and then I had people glaring and hollering at me for getting in their royal way. In today’s world, broken things are looked down upon, avoided, rejected, or ignored, and sometimes, just thrown out. Anything we no longer need; we often just throw it away. Damaged goods are rejected, and that includes people.

In marriage, when relationships break down, the tendency is to walk away and find someone new rather than work at reconciliation. Unseemly “men” abusing their wives until they cannot take it anymore. And then calling themselves “Christian” or saying “she made me do that.” Everything is now fair game by the worldly standard that rejects broken things. Broken people are not wanted by so many.

The world is full of people with broken hearts, broken spirits and broken relationships. But there is hope amongst the fragments. Because of “the everlasting gospel” (Rev 14:6), we may bring all the broken fragments of our life to Jesus and He makes art with the pieces. (John 6:37)

Here are just a few scriptures that talk about some aspect of “broken pieces” (fragments) that others have experienced.

1/ “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

There is something about reaching a breaking point that causes us to seek the Lord more sincerely and to experience Jesus more fully.

2/ King David, for example, was once a broken man, and he prayed, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me… The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:10, 17).

Conversely, there are some things in our lives that need to be broken: pride, self-will, stubbornness, and sinful habits, for example. These are also things that can be perfectly broken by THE unseen Hand. (Dan 2:34, Dan 2:45)

When we personally feel our brokenness, God is there. Jesus cares:

3/ “I live in a high and holy place, but also with anyone who is contrite and lowly in spirit” (Isaiah 57:15).

Truly, Jesus uses most for His glory those people and things which are most perfectly broken. The sacrifices He accepts are broken and contrite hearts. (Psalms 51:17). It was the breaking down of Jacob’s natural strength at Peniel that got him where God could clothe him with spiritual power. (Gen 32:20).

4/ It was breaking the surface of the rock at Horeb, by the stroke of Moses’ rod that let out the cool waters to thirsty people. (Exodus 17:6)

5/ It was when the 300 elect soldiers under Gideon broke their pitchers, a type of breaking themselves, that the hidden lights shone forth to the consternation of their adversaries. (Judges 7:19-20)

6/ It was when the poor widow broke the seal of the little pot of oil, and poured it forth, that God multiplied it to pay her debts and supply means of support. (2 Kings 4:1-7)

7/ It was when Esther risked her life and broke through the rigid etiquette of a heathen court, that she obtained favor to rescue her people from death. (Esther 4:14)

8/ It was when Jesus took the five loaves and broke them, that the bread was multiplied in the very act of breaking, sufficient to feed five thousand. (John 6:12)

9/ It was when Mary broke her beautiful alabaster box, rendering it henceforth useless, that the pent-up perfume filled the house. (Luke 7:37)

10/ It was when Jesus allowed His precious body to be broken to pieces by thorns and nails and spear, that his inner life was poured out, like a crystal ocean, for thirsty sinners to drink and live.

11/ It is when a beautiful grain of corn is broken up in the earth by DEATH, that its inner heart sprouts forth and bears hundreds of other grains. (Mark 4:28)

And thus, on and on, through all history, and all biography, and all vegetation, and all spiritual life, God uses and fixes BROKEN THINGS. How can we be fixed if we are not broken? Of a truth, we are not useless to Jesus when we are broken and grieving. It is quite the opposite.

Those who are broken in wealth, and broken in self-will, and broken in their ambitions, and broken in their beautiful ideals, and broken in worldly reputation, and broken in their affections, and broken in health; those who are despised and seem utterly forlorn and helpless, must know that Jesus is in the active business of befriending each soul who is searching and open to His leading. To something bigger. To something better. Jesus is drawing near to, and using anyone who asks or desires for God’s glory.

“The lame take the prey,” Isaiah tells us. (Isaiah 33:23).

When certain of the disciples were headed to Emmaus, sad, dejected, and losing all hope, they started talking about Jesus, and right then, the minute they started talking about their Lord: Jesus Himself drew near:

“And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them.” (Luke 24:15)

I am reminded of a horrifying thing that happened a few years ago in Nova Scotia. A young lady was raped by four young men at a house party and the young men decided it would be a good idea to share a few pictures of what they were doing to her on “Social Media” (so called). These disgusting photos were widely shared, not just in Nova Scotia, but around the world. At this time in our history the provincial law enforcement entities involved decided it was “safer” for them to blame the poor victim of this horrific crime against her person.

IMO, victim blaming in and of itself should be a crime against humanity as it simply doubles the terror of the victims involved. The entire family was devastated, but the young lady who was the victim was so distraught after intense bullying from many people who blamed/threatened her, hung herself to stop her terrible pain and suffering. This story made me cry and caused a lot of distress. I was mortified to learn all the evil details. I believe after reading all I could find about this event that this family that was completely broken by this crime done to them. But then I came across one final detail that happened shortly after this young lady committed suicide which really blessed me and made me realize more than ever how resilient people can be in their brokenness.

It was one of those things that came as a complete surprise, and it seemed to somewhat echo the Biblical idea how that.

“…all things work together for good…” (Rom 8:28).

Apparently, the parents of this young lady decided to participate in that Province’s organ donation program as their daughter was just 14 and her organs were in very good shape because of her young age. As the article explained, another young teen age girl received her heart, and four other people had their life saved from one or another of her organs. So, at the end of this tragic story, the young lady who had all this happen to her saved 5 lives. As the dad said:

“Now I can rest in the fact that a part of her is still living, still here today, in and through others.”

This made me think of how, being perfectly broken, that anyone can all bring all of the resulting little fragments of our brokenness to Jesus and He will “make art with the pieces.”

Jesus said “Gather up the fragments that NOTHING be lost.

I remember standing beside the stretcher in emergency the day my own son was in a life-threatening state. I was told he “Might die any moment.” I was so distraught I could hardly speak but I managed to whisper in his ear how I loved him no matter what. No matter how broken he was I would be there to help him pick up the pieces. I told him I was praying for him and how Jesus would always be there for us and that he still had a good life to live. I prayed with all my heart for his life and his soul. And I remember well a couple of years later when he sent me a very special text. After he got established again with a job, I told him the next thing I am going to pray for is for him to finally find a woman who was truly good for him. A few months after this he sent me the text:

“Dad, you got to stop praying it’s working too well!”

His brokenness was turned to praise. He is in love and doing well now.

I was once told I would never work again, and the government put me on a permanent disability pension. I was told I would never be able to climb mountains, lift weights, nothing like that. Today I do all those things and more.

Friends, do not feel discouraged, for from the lips of our Lord, who died to save anyone who calls on Him, we all have this promise:

“Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me in Judea, and in Jerusalem, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

If we Christians would smarten up and put ourselves in the broken paths of someone every time, we encounter them to make it a path to prayer, what mighty things would be happening around us? And not just during the “holidays.” How about the rest of the year?

Jesus, in His Word, assures everyone how they are to “receive power from on high.”  THIS is THE Very Good News! We must collectively and individually put away all hardness, all denunciation of our brethren, our neighbors, friends or family, all criticisms, and turn that into the path of prayer. We can and must rest “perfectly broken” at the feet of our Lord. The Holy Spirit is our only need in our abject brokenness!

The amazing story of Mary in the Bible is a beautiful way to see this “power” in action:

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.” (John 12:3). There are gifts that we may rightly proportion to the character and necessities of the ones upon whom we bestow them. Jesus meets us all at the point of our felt and expressed needs. Not many of the poor would appreciate Mary’s offering, or our Lord’s sacrifice of Himself on the rude cross, which gift was infact the highest that could be given.

That ointment was a symbol of the overflowing heart of the giver. It was an outward demonstration of a love fed by heavenly streams until it overflowed. And that ointment of Mary, which the disciples called waste, is repeating itself a thousand times in the open and susceptible hearts of many people today. Jesus is preparing His own forth second coming.

Are you broken and hurting now?

You may come to Jesus, rest at His feet with all the fragments, which he will then divide and multiply for the blessing of both you and others whom He will put in your path. (John 6:12, John 6:37). Jesus wants us to “gather up all of our fragments” of whatever is broken and bring it to Him in prayer so that “NOTHING IS LOST.” (John 6:12). Many of us would likely be tempted to say when they are going through a period of brokenness:

“I called upon him, but he gave me no answer” (Song 5:6).

The Lord, when He has given great faith, has been known to try it by long delays. He has suffered His servants’ voices to echo in their ears as from a stormy sky. They have knocked at the golden gate, but it has remained unmovable, as though it were rusted upon its hinges.

Like Jeremiah, we have cried out:

“Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through.” (Lam 3:44)

But there IS Light in every cloud. Thus, have true saints in every age, every nation tongue tribe and people continued long in patient waiting, seemingly without reply, not because their prayers were not sincere, nor because they were unaccepted, but because it so pleased Him who is our Savior and Lord, and who gives according to His own good pleasure. (see Phil 2:13). Our patient waiting may just be that light in the clouds of/for others. (2 Cor 1:3-4).

Many think that when God comforts us, our troubles should just go away. But if that were always so, people would turn to God only out of a desire to be relieved of pain and not out of love for Him. We must understand that being “comforted” can also mean receiving strength, encouragement, direction, and hope to deal with our troubles. In other words, if Jesus leads us to it; then He will surely bring us through it. Not over it, not around it, but right through it.

In my experience, the more I suffer, the more comfort God gives to me. If you are feeling overwhelmed, ask and allow God to comfort you. Remember that every trial you endure will help you to comfort other people who are suffering similar troubles. This is why there is always “light in the clouds.” (Lev 16:2, Psalms 18:11, Psalms 104:3, Isa 19:1, Mat 17:5, etc.)

If it pleases Jesus to ask that our patience exercise itself, shall He not do as He will with His own? Clearly then, no prayer is ever lost. No praying breath was ever spent in vain. (1 Cor 15;58) There is no such thing as prayer unanswered or unnoticed by God, and some things that we count as refusals or denials are simply delays designed for our own best good. Jesus will sometimes delay His help that He may try our faith and invigorate our prayers.

The boat may be covered with the waves, and Jesus may sleep on; but He will wake up before it sinks. He sleeps, but He never oversleeps; and there are no “too lates” with The Savior. (Mark 4:39). Perfectly broken is rest in Christ by bringing to Him, all the fragments of our broken lives and shattered hearts. Our stolen dreams.

Let fervor for Jesus come into your hearts, and unfeigned love among yourselves. If you bite and devour one another, you shall be devoured one of another. Harshness and unkindness are a curse to any home, and it is like a desolating hail in the church, or out in the community.

How I wish that I could speak unto thousands:

“Come unto Jesus in all your brokenness.”

Do not wrap any kind of pretend love like a garment about you and say, “I believe the truth. So, I am righteous.” That never works!

Rather surrender your wills which you have idolized and let the will of God be done in you perfectly. Don’t step over the guy in the hallway, don’t keep disrespecting your wife! Stop beating your kids. You don’t need to smoke. You don’t need dope. Call Someone for help!

When the Jailer led Paul and Silas out of the prison, he was completely broken. And all he could respond with was a quivering question:

“What must I do to be saved?”

They said to him, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all who live in your house.” So, Paul and Silas told the message of the Lord to the jailer and all the people who lived in his house. (Acts 16:31-32)

No matter how badly your home is fragmented, no matter how broken your heart is, no matter how lost your fondest dreams are, if you are not safe in your own home, if you think you want to “end it” you can begin again. I did! I know many others who did! And I know you can too.

Begin again to rest. But this time rest in Christ. You are the one that Jesus loves! That will never change!

Jesus says:

“Come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give YOU rest!

When the Apostles were in that jail they “suffered extreme torture because of the painful position in which they were left, but they did not murmur. Instead, in the utter darkness and desolation of the dungeon, they encouraged each other by words of prayer and sang praises to God because they were found worthy to suffer shame for His sake. Their hearts were cheered by a deep and earnest love for the cause of their Redeemer. Paul thought of the persecution he had been instrumental in bringing upon the disciples of Christ, and he rejoiced that his eyes had been opened to see, and his heart to feel, the power of the glorious truths which once he despised. {AA 213.4}

It may be true that many are cruel and vindictive, or criminally negligent of the solemn responsibilities devolving upon them, but God had not forgotten to be gracious to His servants. All heaven was interested in the men who were suffering for Christ’s sake in that jail, in their brokenness and angels were sent to visit the prison. At the angel’s footsteps, the ground shook, the heavily bolted prison doors were thrown open; the chains and fetters fell from the hands and feet of the prisoners; and a bright light flooded the prison.  {AA 215.1}

The same light will be in your clouds. Now and always. Don’t let your holiday spirit obscure the fact that a time of trouble such as never was looming over our world. (Dan 12:1, Rev 16:18) If ever there was brokenness, if ever there were fragments to be gathered and brought to Jesus, that time is now. Its not the climate or the pestilence that is “the emergency” it is the fact that there are so many fragments and overwhelming brokenness and there is no one that wants to gather them unto our Lord and Savior!! (Luke 10:2)

Friends, the time has come to proclaim the everlasting gospel far beyond the structured confines of our own little religious boxes. In our brokenness, terror and grief, Jesus says that through our broken pieces, by the fragments of our lives, the way is preparing for the gospel to GO! Don’t receive it just to save your own skin! Save it for the purpose of imparting to others! THAT is being perfectly broken!

Believing in Christ and receiving His transforming grace is not guesswork, but a work which causes Christ’s virtues to be reflected in mind and character. When you gain this experience, you will say, “I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. The Lord Jesus shall be my portion forever.” The power of the cross will move in you the mysterious springs of hope and fear, adoration, and love. Angels are watching and waiting and will witness to the fact that the world has you not.

Jesus has found you sitting at His feet to learn from Him, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Henceforth, surrendering your will to the will of Christ, you are drawn into a region where the cross is the central object. The world fades from your view. The glory shining from the threshold of heaven is the all-attractive influence. The riches of the grace of Christ hold you in willing obedience. You are only too glad to impart to others the gift you have received.  {LHU 252.3}

Is it your desire to turn up the volume of “The Loud Cry?”

“God’s purpose is to disentangle His followers from all worldly conniving and policy, and to give them a work identical with the work that Christ did.” (Ms. Releases, Vol 18:109)

“Connected with Christ it will be as natural for us to minister to the needy and suffering as it was to Christ to go about doing good.” ( COL 385)

 

Unto You a Savior

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Unto You a Savior

finding the light
finding the light

The King of glory stooped low to take humanity. Rude and forbidding were His earthly surroundings. His glory was veiled, that the majesty of His outward form might not become an object of attraction. He shunned all outward display. Riches, worldly honor, and human greatness can never save a soul from death; Jesus purposed that no attraction of an earthly nature should call men to His side. Only the beauty of heavenly truth must draw those who would follow Him. The character of the Messiah had long been foretold in prophecy, and He desired men to accept Him upon the testimony of the word of God.

The angels had wondered at the glorious plan of redemption. They watched to see how the people of God would receive His Son, clothed in the garb of humanity. Angels came to the land of the chosen people. Other nations were dealing in fables and worshiping false gods. To the land where the glory of God had been revealed, and the light of prophecy had shone, the angels came. They came unseen to Jerusalem, to the appointed expositors of the Sacred Oracles, and the ministers of God’s house. Already to Zacharias the priest, as he ministered before the altar, the nearness of Christ’s coming had been announced. Already the forerunner was born, his mission attested by miracle and prophecy. The tidings of his birth and the wonderful significance of his mission had been spread abroad. Yet Jerusalem was not preparing to welcome her Redeemer.

With amazement the heavenly messengers beheld the indifference of that people whom God had called to communicate to the world the light of sacred truth. The Jewish nation had been preserved as a witness that Christ was to be born of the seed of Abraham and of David’s line; yet they knew not that His coming was now at hand. In the temple the morning and the evening sacrifice daily pointed to the Lamb of God; yet even here was no preparation to receive Him. The priests and teachers of the nation knew not that the greatest event of the ages was about to take place. They rehearsed their meaningless prayers, and performed the rites of worship to be seen by men, but in their strife for riches and worldly honor they were not prepared for the revelation of the Messiah. The same indifference pervaded the land of Israel. Hearts selfish and world-engrossed were untouched by the joy that thrilled all heaven. Only a few were longing to behold the Unseen. To these heaven’s embassy was sent.

Angels attend Joseph and Mary as they journey from their home in Nazareth to the city of David. The decree of imperial Rome for the enrollment of the peoples of her vast dominion has extended to the dwellers among the hills of Galilee. As in old time Cyrus was called to the throne of the world’s empire that he might set free the captives of the Lord, so Caesar Augustus is made the agent for the fulfillment of God’s purpose in bringing the mother of Jesus to Bethlehem. She is of the lineage of David, and the Son of David must be born in David’s city. Out of Bethlehem, said the prophet, “shall He come forth . . . that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2, margin. But in the city of their royal line, Joseph and Mary are unrecognized and not honored. Weary and homeless, they traverse the entire length of the narrow street, from the gate of the city to the eastern extremity of the town, vainly seeking a resting place for the night. There is no room for them at the crowded inn. In a rude building where the beasts are sheltered, they at last find refuge, and here the Redeemer of the world is born.

Men know it not, but the tidings fill heaven with rejoicing. With a deeper and more tender interest the holy beings from the world of light are drawn to the earth. The whole world is brighter for His presence. Above the hills of Bethlehem are gathered an innumerable throng of angels. They wait the signal to declare the glad news to the world. Had the leaders in Israel been true to their trust, they might have shared the joy of heralding the birth of Jesus. But now they are passed by.

God declares, “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.” “Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness.” Isaiah 44:3; Psalm 112:4. To those who are seeking for light, and who accept it with gladness, the bright rays from the throne of God will shine.

In the fields where the boy David had led his flock, shepherds were still keeping watch by night. Through the silent hours they talked together of the promised Savior, and prayed for the coming of the King to David’s throne. “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

At these words, visions of glory fill the minds of the listening shepherds. The Deliverer has come to Israel! Power, exaltation, triumph, are associated with His coming. But the angel must prepare them to recognize their Savior in poverty and humiliation. “This shall be a sign unto you,” he says; “Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

The heavenly messenger had quieted their fears. He had told them how to find Jesus. With tender regard for their human weakness, he had given them time to become accustomed to the divine radiance. Then the joy and glory could no longer be hidden. The whole plain was lighted up with the bright shining of the hosts of God. Earth was hushed, and heaven stooped to listen to the song,

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Oh that today the human family could recognize that song! The declaration then made, the note then struck, will swell to the close of time, and resound to the ends of the earth. When the Sun of Righteousness shall arise, with healing in His wings, that song will be re-echoed by the voice of a great multitude, as the voice of many waters, saying, “Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Revelation 19:6.

As the angels disappeared, the light faded away, and the shadows of night once more fell on the hills of Bethlehem. But the brightest picture ever beheld by human eyes remained in the memory of the shepherds. “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”

Departing with great joy, they made known the things they had seen and heard. “And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God.”

Heaven and earth are no wider apart today than when shepherds listened to the angels’ song. Humanity is still as much the object of heaven’s solicitude as when common men of common occupations met angels at noonday, and talked with the heavenly messengers in the vineyards and the fields. To us in the common walks of life, heaven may be very near. Angels from the courts above will attend the steps of those who come and go at God’s command.

The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden “the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.” Romans 11:33. We marvel at the Savior’s sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and self-sufficiency stand rebuked in His presence. Yet this was but the beginning of His wonderful condescension. It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man’s nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life.

Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet life’s peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss.

The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life’s peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan’s power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. “Herein is love.” Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth!

(taken from the book The Desire Of Ages)

The Holiness Of Jesus In The Great Controversy Vol 2

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The Great Controversy Advances

“…those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again.” (Mark 13:19) 

light in the clouds
light in the clouds

Scripture tells us that the great controversy between good and evil, between Christ and Satan will reach a literal boiling point.

Think things are bad now?

Maybe its time to examine what Scripture tells us about last day events and how to be prepared. Jesus’ words here in Mark 13:19 are directly alluding to other passages in the Old Testament, showing us how the Bible is united on what is happening in the great controversy. Note here in the book of Daniel, for one example:

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which Stands for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Dan 12:1

Several of the disciples marked the words of Jesus regarding a time of trouble such as never was since the world began:

“For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.” (Mat 24:21)

Even the beloved Psalmist has noted some promises we can count on during the coming world crises:

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. (Psalms 27:5)

The major preparation needed for Jesus’ second coming is for us to be born again:

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3)

Here is how we are born again:

You have made yourselves pure by obeying the truth. Now you can have true love for your brothers and sisters. So love each other deeply—with all your heart. You have been born again. This new life did not come from something that dies. It came from something that cannot die. You were born again through God’s life-giving message that lasts forever. (1 Pet 1:22-23)

For whatsoever is born of God overcomes  the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4.

The Scriptures say, “Our lives are like the grass of spring, and any glory we enjoy is like the beauty of a wildflower. The grass dries up and dies, and the flower falls to the ground. But the word of the Lord lasts forever.” And that word is the Good News that was told to you. (1 Pet 1:24-25)

While Jesus, our Intercessor, pleads for us in heaven, the Holy Spirit works in us, to will and to do of His good pleasure. (Phil 2:13,Luke 11:13)

All heaven is interested in the salvation of the soul. what reason have we to doubt that the Lord will and does help us?

We who teach the people must ourselves have a vital connection with God. In Spirit and Word we should be to the people as a wellspring, because Christ is in us a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. Sorrow and pain may test our patience and our faith; but the brightness of the presence of the Unseen is with us, and we must hide self behind Jesus.

Talk courage to your church; lift them up to God in prayer. Tell them that when they feel that they have sinned, and cannot pray, it is then the time to pray.

Many feel humiliated at their failures, that they have been overcome by the enemy in the place of overcoming. Worldliness, selfishness, and carnality have weakened them, and they think it is no use to approach unto God; but this thought is one of the enemy’s suggestions. Ashamed they may be, and deeply humbled; but they must pray and believe. As they confess their sins, He who is faithful and just will forgive them their sins, and cleanse them from all unrighteousness (see 1 John 1:9). Though the mind may wander in prayer, be not discouraged, bring it back to the throne, and do not leave the mercy seat until you have the victory.

Are you to think your victory will be testified by strong emotion? No!

“this is the victory that overcomes  the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

The Lord knows your desire; by faith keep close to Him, and expect to receive the Holy Spirit.

The office of the Holy Spirit is to control all our spiritual exercises. The Father has given His Son for us that through the Son the Holy Spirit might come to us, and lead us unto the Father. Through divine agency, we have the spirit of intercession, whereby we may plead with God, as a person pleads with their friend.

Even you who are bad know how to give good things to your children. So surely your heavenly Father knows how to give the Holy Spirit to the people who ask him.” (Luke 11:13)

Jesus assures us of the essential role of The Holy Spirit in being ready for whatever comes our way:

Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. (John 14;24-29)

Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would help them remember what he had been teaching them. This promise ensures the validity of the New Testament. The disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and teachings, and the Holy Spirit helped them remember without taking away their individual perspectives. We can be confident that the Gospels are accurate records of what Jesus taught and did (see 1 Cor 2:10-14).

The Holy Spirit will always help us in the same way. As we study the Bible, we can trust him to plant truth in our mind, convince us of God’s will, and remind us when we stray from it. (1 Cor 2:10-14)

Don’t be fooled during these serious times we live in. If you are told or if you believe that Bible prophecy and other truths cannot be accurately determined, Jesus says the following that there is but one way for us to know for sure whats what:

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. If I taught my own ideas, I would just be trying to get honor for myself. But if I am trying to bring honor to the one who sent me, I can be trusted. Anyone doing that is not going to lie.(John 7:17-18, ERV)

Those who attempt to know God’s will and do it will know intuitively 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: (1) Their words should agree with, not contradict, the Bible; (2) their words should point to God and his will, not to themselves. (Life Application Notes)

Many are deceived today in the same way as were the Jews. Religious teachers read the Bible in the light of their own understanding and traditions; and the people do not search the Scriptures for themselves, and judge for themselves as to what is truth; but they yield up their judgment, and commit their souls to their leaders. The preaching and teaching of His word is one of the means that God has ordained for diffusing light; but we must bring every man’s teaching to the test of Scripture. Whoever will prayerfully study the Bible, desiring to know the truth, that he may obey it, will receive divine enlightenment. They will understand the Scriptures.

“If any person is willing to do whatever God reveals to them in His Word, they will know what is true or not true.” John 7:17 {DA 459.1}

Christmas: Its About The Cross

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Merry Christmas?

She will give birth to a son. You will name him Jesus. Give him that name because he will save his people from their sins.” All this happened to make clear the full meaning of what the Lord said through the prophet:(Mat 1:21-22)

But the Lord will still show you this sign: The young woman is pregnant and will give birth to a son. She will name him Immanuel.(Isa 7:14)

its about the cross
its about the cross

By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both to humanity and to angels. He was the Word of God,–God’s thought made audible. In His prayer for His disciples He says, “I have declared unto them Thy name,”–“merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,”–“that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” But not alone for His earth born children was this revelation given. Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God’s wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which “angels desire to look,” and it will be their study throughout endless ages.

Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which “seeketh not her own” has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto.

Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13

The Holiness Of Jesus In The Great Controversy

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And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted. But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. (Isa 49:11,14-16)

engraved on His hands
engraved on His hands

This message is for the purpose of presenting to you the answer to your deepest needs, the living Christ.

The specific subject today is simply called Engraved On His Hands. OR, we could simply call this message “The Holiness Of Jesus In The Great Controversy. I’ll let people choose what to call it.

The walls of some Egyptian Tombs indicate to us that people branded Oxen,cattle and other animals as early as 2000 BC Spanish explorers introduced branding to The Americas as early as the 1500s. The branding of people such as slaves or criminals, was practiced in ancient and medieval times, and even continued as late as the 18th century in Britain and its colonies. Slaves would be identified by a permanent tattoo, sometimes they would even be branded by their “owners”.

In the book of Revelation, John saw God’s people with a mark or a seal in their foreheads. John also saw all the followers of Antichrist marked with a sign on their forehead or their hand. Bible prophecy reveals some startling things about the holiness of Jesus in the great controversy. The ages long battle between good and evil as depicted in Scripture.

Did you know that our Savior carries permanent marks in His hands that identify you personally? NOT just your name, but you! As in the whole person of you! JESUS says from the book of Isaiah:

Isa 49:16  See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

This verse begins in the KJV with the word “behold” meaning to “look and see.” In fact, it means more than that. “Attention! Attention! Something very important is coming up here.

The word “behold” denotes for us wonder, excitement, admiration. Its like an ancient signboard that points the way to a very special place. Its like the label of an old treasure chest that says “treasures within.” Its like a news paper boy shouting “Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” God says “Behold!” God is telling us that He wants to say something important. “I want to show you something so spectacular that the whole world is going to be astonished, but even more than that; what I want to tell you is so marvelous that even heaven is filled with wonder and amazement! The power statement that Jesus has to announce is as follows:

“The names of sinners are engraved on His hands.”

Rebels, and sinners are so dear to our Savior, that they are engraved upon His very flesh! Even angels are filled with wonder. Those glorious beings who never sinned cannot even say that they are engraved upon the palm of His Hand. Its not just the names that are engraved upon His Hands. Its YOU. As in your whole person. Read the text! The names of sinners engraved upon the hands that created us! What angel has ever attained unto this dignity? To what angel was this honor ever awarded? This honor has only been given to the fallen human race.

“I have engraved YOU,” says Jesus “not just your name, but YOU! I have engraved who you are on the palm of My Hands.”

The preceding verses from Isaiah 49:16 tell us about the pessimism of God’s people when they were thinking “My God has forgotten me.” Haven’t we all felt like that at one time or another? We have so many problems that we sometimes will feel like crying out like Jesus even did, “My God. Why have you left me?” (Mark 15:34) But my friends, God never forsakes us. (Heb 13:5) God has never forgotten His people. It was their lack of faith that made them think of themselves as being forsaken. It was their unbelief that made them feel forgotten. Their doubts and fears were unfounded. And God says to them all:

“How could you think I had forgotten you when I have engraved you on the very palms of My Hands? How dare you doubt my constant remembrance when the memorial is in my very own flesh? When YOU are engraved on the palms of my hands?

Sometimes we see people in love, going out on a date of some kind. They come to a tree in the park, and decide to engrave their names on the trunk. I have often thought “why on earth do so many people bring knives with them on a date? Is there something I am missing? Maybe I better go buy a knife or borrow one from Wayne for my next date, if there ever is one.

But there is something more acceptable for us to note here:

Lovers will place a picture of each other on a dresser, or in the living room for all to see. But your picture is always with God. Jesus sees your engraving all of the time for it is engraven on the palms of His hands! Behold! There are two wonders surfacing here.

First, it is the faithfulness of God, and that is certainly a mighty wonder.

But there’s another wonder. Its the utter unbelief of His people. Jesus keeps His promises a thousand times and then at the very next trial, we begin to doubt Him AGAIN.

Jesus Himself has never given us reason to doubt. Jesus never fails. (1 John 4:8, 1 Cor 13:8) Jesus is not like a setting sun or a falling star. Jesus is not like a well run dry, or a melting vapor in the morning sun. Yet we are always weighed down by a constant anxiety and always molested with suspicions, disturbed with fears, violated with unbelief as if God had been some how careless or untrue to us.

Friends, God is faithful to a faithless people:

2 Tim 2:13  if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Behold! Be ashamed of yourself and your cruel doubts.

Behold I have something to tell you. Its a gold mine. There are precious nuggets on the surface but if you will dig deeper you willf find even richer, deeper deposits of gold. There is so much wonderful truth coming that we couldn’t exhaust it even if we preached about it all day and all night.

“Behold. I have gravened you”

Who has done the engraving?

The Divine Artist, who is none other than Jesus Himself. Jesus said

John 15:16  You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

Who could possibly write on the hand of God? Only God Himself could do that. You can’t do it. Not through your supposed merit, your prayers, your repentance, not even through your doctrinal leanings. The engraving on His hands is not there by chance or by “fate.” The living hand of God, unprompted by anything but spontaneous omnipotent love, wrote your name, wrote my name, on His Hand. No angel could have written it there and if God wrote it, there could not possibly be any mistake about it because God does not make mistakes. If some human hand had written it, then it might be badly written, illegible, misspelled, but there is no error because God Himself wrote it.

And here is the BIG picture where we see that if God wrote your name there on His Hands, then no one could ever erase it because you made a mistake, or they dont like you. You are NOT a mistake! God doesn’t make junk! No one can cross out your name, cover it up, erase it, your worst enemy cannot do it, the devil himself cannot do it! All of the powers of darkness cannot erase those everlasting engravings on the Hands of the Master. Jesus.

When I think of it, it is so amazing that God should ever take notice of me. Let alone engrave the entirety of me on the palm of His hand. JESUS knows what we are, yet He wants us engraved forever on His hands! While we were yet sinners, Jesus died for us!

When God created the world, the morning stars all sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy. But it doesn’t say anything about God singing. The angels sang at the birth of Christ. But does God The Father sing? Evidently when He created the world, there was nothing in that material world to make GOD sing, But when God speaks of His people, how they shall rest in His love, JESUS shall rejoice over you with singing. ” (Zeph 3:17) Here, the eternal Trinity bursts forth with singing! Can you catch the strain? Do you hear those high notes in four part harmony? God in trinity singing, shouting even, “I have done it! it is finished! I have engraven thee on the palms of my hands!

Now look at the next word. Behold, I have. Not I will, Not I might. Not maybe. But I have done it!

Jesus is The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Before you were born Jesus loved you.

YOU are an ancient inscription. Its from “everlasting to everlasting! behold! Thou art God!”

Jesus our Lord submitted His out-stretched palms to very cruel “engraving tools” the nails that pierced His flesh, His hands. But He had already offered Himself to die for us many centuries, many eons before, Way back. Farther than our human mind will ever be able to grasp. You were known to Him since “the foundations of the world and Jesus, was thinking of you before you were. “Behold I have engravened” and while we could tie a string around our finger to help us remember something, you can even write it on your hand but it soon wears off. But a tattoo or engraving marks the skin with a permanent reminder. We are engraved permanently on God’s hands. You may have your valuables engraved, with an engraving tool, your name is not easily removed, but God has our names engraved so permanently that even the powers of darkness cannot remove it. It is not just written there! We also see the song Is My Name Written There?

Well our name is recorded right in God’s Hand.

“I Have Graven Thee.”

Who am I that I should have such a prominent place? But it doesnt say “I have graven thy name,” your name is there but there is much more, it says “I have graven thee.” Its written in three different dimensions. Your picture is there, yet much more than that because your picture wont usually show your emotions or feelings, it can’t portray your personality, your motives, your emotions, all of this is a part of you and Jesus says

“I have graven THEE in the palms of my hands.”

You or I have never graven ourselves on the tablets of our own knowledge the way God has graven you on the palms of His hands. Our Lord knows us much better than we know ourselves. He made us. You don’t know the numbers of hairs on your head but the Bible says that God does. He knows a lot of things about us that we do not know. And God loves you just as if you were the only being in the universe. YOU will never have to compete with anyone or anything for His love. Your value to God is far beyond any human calculation.

It is said that a bar of steel made into horse shoes will be worth only around 25 dollars. If that same bar is manufactured into needles, then its value rises to 650 dollars. If that same bar of steel were made into delicate springs for high end watches, its value would increase to 500 thousand dollars. This bar of steel is made more valuable by being cut to its proper size, passed through the heat again and again, hammered. Manipulated, beaten, pounded and finished and polished until it is finally ready for its delicate task. What about that bar of steel when it is made into the nails used to hang Jesus on the cross? How much is that worth?

We too may go through suffering and trials but the more we are tried the more valuable we become. I recall saying to God more than once “Hey, I know you are refining me Lord, but may I add the thought that there must be an enormous amount of “gold” in me because there sure is a whole lotta refining happening here!” Yes friends, we are so valuable that God never forgets us, not even for a minute.

Jesus has graven us on the palms of His Hands, we are not engraved on the works of His Hands for many of those will end. Wax old as a garment. If you make it to my age you will start to discover aged T Shirts that are so thin you can see through them. Turned yellow with their age You will wonder why on earth you even wear them. BUT Gods Hands will endure forever. I am not engraved on a ring or in a seal of some kind. The ring might be laid aside or maybe slip off the finger but His Hands will endure forever. We are not engraved on some huge rock or monument. Earth quakes or other natural disaster could destroy that rock. Maybe bury it leaving the engraving obliterated, hidden. But His Hands will endure, world without end.

Friends, we are not engraved on the back of His hands. In strife and warfare it might be damaged. Even when God smites His enemies with His fist, His people are protected in the palms of His hands. Right in the most tender parts of the hands are made the inscription, the place he is most likely to look at the place enclosed by His fingers of wisdom, and He has pledged never to forget you. Does he say “I have graven thee on my hand?” No! He says hands. There are two hands two memorials on the judgment day there will be those on his right hand and those on the left.

I was having a Bible study with neighbor recently. We were discussing that text about Jesus separating the sheep from the goats. I wondered aloud why He even did that right left thing. My friend smiles and said: “Right is the opposite of wrong!” I learn so much from the people I study with.

To them He will say “Come ye blessed We are engraved on the right hand of blessing.”

But there will also be those on the left hand To them He will say, ‘Depart ye cursed,”

But Jesus will not curse me because I am engraved in the palm of that hand and the not just the one palm, both palms. As Jesus points to the lost with that left hand, we will be seen on the palm of both that right hand and left. There is so much more to this verse. It teaches that God’s remembrance of His people is constant. The hands are constantly in union with the mind and the body.

Solomon says “set me as a seal upon thy hand.” (Song 8:6, ERV)

In Bible times a man would never lay aside his seal. It was his official signature. He didnt sign his actual name but the seal was designed to affix a signature to a document. But even so, such a seal can be laid aside. But one can never lay aside the hand itself that Jesus has us engravened upon!

Your remembrance of God is intermittent at best. Too often we get distracted. And we forget Him but God never ceases in remembering you. His remembrance is never interrupted. Sometimes when I talk to important people, the phone keeps ringing in their office, causing interruptions. I really appreciate it when the person will instruct his secretary to “please hold all my calls. Then Ill know that Ill get his undivided attention.” My friends, you and I have God’s undivided attention during the entire course of the great controversy. Jesus is not bound to thinking only about one thing or working on only one problem at a time. God’s amazing mind can accommodate millions of interactions at a time. He is the great, many handed many eyed God who will never be called away suddenly on some important business that would make Him forget you and me. Thats just not going to happen!

God’s remembrance of you is very practical. We are written on His heart and that shows His great love for us. We are written on His shoulder, signifying His strength And we are written upon His hands which shows that His activity on our behalf will not be skimped on or forgotten. Jesus will work and show Himself strong. We all have friends who say we are on their minds but do not show it. Of others we could say “out of sight. Out of mind.”

I cant feel your pain. Maybe I can see the anguish in your face but Ill never be you. I cannot feel the magnitude of your anguish. Because I am not connected to your nerve endings, nor am I the One who created you. But because of the everlasting gospel, we should be able to atleast empathize with one another. The Bible tells us to “weep with those that weep” (Romans 12:5) A real, faithful friend will act in your defence. Every time an arrow of the adversary is shot in our direction He will lift up His hand for our every want and every need for He has an unlimited supply

The first astronaut left a flag on the moon as if to say “hey! The United States has been here!”

Now I don’t have my name there on the moon, but in one certain respect I guess I do! If my name is written on the palms of Gods hand, then perhaps everything he created has been touched with my name? Its on every planet. Every distant star. Jesus molds and holds the whole world in His palms and sends it spinning into orbit, and that whole time I am engraved on His palms! His remembrance is not only constant and practical. Its eternal! Our engraving on the Palms of His hands is a part of the everlasting gospel. (Rev 14:6-7) Its forever. No one could ever erase what is in God’s hands. We may very well defy all the devils of satanic legions to try to get at those palms but it just cannot ever be done. God’s remembrance can be very surprising. Is it any wonder that in our opening text he says “Behold!”

God’s remembrance of us is comforting. There is no sorrow known to us for which this wonderful text is not an antidote.

The thief on the cross said “Remember me when you come into your kingdom” Now that is a prayer that always receives an affirmative answer. Jesus wants us to remember Him And isnt this what the great controversy is all about. Rev 14 tells us to remember our Creator by keeping His 7th day of Creation holy. And we cannot keep the 7th day holy if we are not more than just a seventh day Adventist! We must become, we must be transformed Into being seven days an Adventist!

Jesus. He always remember us. Will we not do the same for Him? We have something very special, very unique that the angels dont have and they never will have! Just remember, when He says I have engraved you; He mean it in a collective sense as in all of us. His remembrance is so tender It is filled with everlasting love.

We often use the word sweet heart. But do you realize where that word came from? When a certain man from Scotland died his grieving widow kept his heart. She embalmed it and kept it in a small ivory casket wherever she went. And she called it her sweet and silent companion. Upon her death she had requested that her husbands heart be place on her chest, in her grave She wanted to show her tender remembrance of her husband. She took her husbands ashes and mixed them with water and drank that. Her reasoning was that she would become the living sepluchre of her dead husband. Yes I know thats really weird. How does that actually show her love to her husband? God does not ask us anywhere in scripture to become sepluchres of a dead deity. Or to fiddle around with a loved one’s corpse. But we are asked to become a temple of the living God. (1 Cor 3:16)

God shows His love to us in a celestial, everlasting, sympathetic way by engraving us into the palms of His hands. God has not engraved us on any precious stones or jewelry as star crossed lovers do. No rubies, diamonds, emeralds, or topaz. All such things will perish in the fires of the last days. Neither too will God use silver or gold. These too could tarnish and be corrupted. Or thieves could steal them. Not on brass because in time it would become illegible. Modern love songs tell of love letters in the sand. Now that may be very romantic but soon as a wind comes along it would be symbolic of the shifting nature of modern “love.” But God’s love letter isnt in the sand. It is engraved on His own hands.

David Livingstone loved the people of Africa. After 16 very hard years as a missionary there he returned to His native Scotland to speak to the students of Glasgow University His body was very emaciated by the ravages of some 27 fevers which had coursed through his veins during the years of hs service One arm hung useless at his side the result of being mangled by a lion Now he certainly had Africa engraved on His very flesh No one could doubt his love for that country because it was graphically expressed by more than words At one point he went back to Africa and when he died natives there removed his heart embalmed the rest of his corpse and they carried the body to a ship that took him to England where his body was entombed in a church there. But his heart remained there in Africa with the natives Literally. His devoted followers buried it in the roots of an old African tree and on the bark of that tree one of the natives carved neatly “Dr David Livingstone”

The heart of Jesus was broken on this planet but Jesus carried the marks of the nails back with Him to Heaven to be our permanent reminder of His sacrifice

A permanent reminder of those for whom the sacrifice was made. What monument did Jesus leave behind? No statues. No relics BUT a special people with His law written on their heart! A people with God’s seal on their foreheads! And in their hands! (2 Cor 3:3, Rev 9:4, Rev 13:16) In the very last chapter of the last of 66 books of the Bible John saw Gods people It is my prayer this beautiful Sabbath day that you and I will be among those whom the Bible says:

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. (Rev 22:14) John 1:12 tells us that to those who receive Jesus as both Lord and Savior, He will give them the power to be or to become the sons and daughters of God. The Old Testament prophet Zecharia looking to the future painted the following vivid word picture:

And one shall say to him, What are these wounds in your hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of those who love Me.(Zech 13:7)

JESUS was wounded Jesus was killed by the hands of those who should have been His very best friends.

Your sins, my sins, were the cause of His suffering. Some day we will see those hands again and JESUS will bear the scars of the nails in His hands Those nail prints reveal His great love to us For you and I are engraved in the palms of His hands and THAT is the holiness of Jesus in the great controversy!

Credits:

1/ the late Pastor Henry Feyerabend who was my mentor and friend when I first became a Christian. He did a similar sermon years ago.

2/ Many other friends over the years shared some of these ideas with me

LET Your Light Shine

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Happy Sabbath To All: Today’s Testimony

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…(Rev 12:11, NIV)

let your light shine
let your light shine

Every week there is a special day, set apart, sanctified, and blessed by God for anyone who desires truth, and to do whatever God says. (John 7:17-18, ERV)

Its called The Sabbath.

For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. (Exodus 20:11)

Therefore, when I say “Happy Sabbath” to people, I mostly mean that I wish them well, I wish them all the best that Jesus has to give.

I have often thought of the Sabbath as His crowning act of creation. Therefore, for me, it is a case of resting in His love on this special day, which by the way is not called “the law of Moses.”  The commandment is specific and tells us it is

“The Sabbath of The Lord thy God.” (Exodus 20:10-11)

Let us rest in His “everlasting love.

Let us rest in the love of Him who has each one of us “engraved on the palms of His hands.” His nail-scarred hands. The hands that created the Sabbath, also made the tree that was used to make the cross where he was crucified. Let us rest in that love. (Eph 2:13)

I recently made a new friend in the town where I live. He was just some dude I met along the days journeys a couple of days ago. We had some Bible discussion for several hours. He just had this amazing thirst to know whatever he could learn about Jesus. It was so refreshing to share testimonies and scripture with him. At one point he told me that he prayed to Jesus the other day, and he said in his prayer:

“My Jesus, you have been so good to me even before I was saved. (Rom 5:8) What can I do for you now, my Lord?”

My friend told me that God answered him as follows:

“Nothing. Just go tell others what I have done.” (Luke 7:22, Luke 4:18-19, Mat 11:5, Mat 28:10, etc)

As with every Sabbath, this is a special day where I can praise God. I sometimes learn more from the people I study with than what I try to teach them. We spent hours sharing testimonies and scripture. My new friend also shared with me  about sheep and goats. We were discussing about the part in the Bible where Jesus separates the sheep from the goats. (Mat 25:33) I said to him

“I have always wondered why Jesus put the “sheep” on His right, and the “goats” on His left. Any thoughts on that?”

My friend replied “yes,” and then he announced proudly:

“right is the opposite of wrong!”

Well my friend has sheep on his farm and we shared a good chuckle as I exclaimed

“so thats why you have sheep!”

At this point, my friend shared a powerful testimony:

“I caught my first fish 2 weeks after I was saved.” (see Mark 1:17)

At first I had no idea what he meant. And then as his story unfolded he told me this:

Two weeks after I was saved, my wife woke me up in the middle of the night and said with tears:

“I want to give my heart to Jesus”

Friends, have you caught your first “fish” yet?

What an “infallible proof” (Acts 1:3)  this testimony was/is for the following scripture:

“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all who live in your house.” (Acts 16:31)

My friends, God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love God and keep His commandments.

“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

Where Christ is even among the humble few, this is Christ’s church, for the presence of the High and Holy One who inhabits eternity can alone constitute a church.

In summary, belonging to a specific denomination does not give anyone religious privilege or “authority”) for one reason being that the Bible says ALL authority has been given to Jesus. (Mat 28:18) Certain churches who claim to have THAT authority have wreaked more ruin and disaster on our poor earth than anyone, anywhere, anytime.

In preaching the doctrine of the second advent back in the 1800s, a Christian by the name of, William Miller, and his associates, had labored with the sole purpose of arousing people to a preparation for the coming judgment in Bible prophecy. They had sought to awaken professors of religion to the true hope of the church and to their need of a deeper Christian experience. They labored also to awaken the unconverted to the urgent need of immediate repentance and conversion to God.

“They made no attempt to convert people to a sect or party in any religion. Hence they labored among all parties and sects, without interfering with their organization or discipline.” {GC 375.1}

“In all my labors,” said Miller, “I never had the desire or thought to establish any separate interest from that of existing denominations, or to benefit one at the expense of another. I thought to benefit all. Supposing that all Christians would rejoice in the prospect of Christ’s coming, and that those who could not see as I did would not love any the less those who should embrace this doctrine, I did not conceive there would ever be any necessity for separate meetings. My whole object was a desire to convert souls to God, to notify the world of a coming judgment, and to induce my fellow men to make that preparation of heart which will enable them to meet their God in peace. The great majority of those who were converted under my labors united with the various existing churches.”–Bliss, page 328. {GC 375.2}

Jesus calls us to LET our light shine. Meaning that we already have it. (Isa 60:1)

We just have to “let it.” (Mat 5:16)

True and False Fasting

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We Are Judged By Our Motives

all things
all things

Isa 58:1  Shout as loud as you can and don’t stop. Shout like a trumpet! Tell the people what they did wrong. Tell the family of Jacob about their sins.

Isa 58:2  They still come every day to worship me, acting as if they want to learn my ways. They pretend to be a nation that lives right and obeys the commands of their God. They ask me to judge them fairly. They want their God to be near them.

Isa 58:3  They say, “We fast to show honor to you. Why don’t you see us? We starve our bodies to show honor to you. Why don’t you notice us?” But God says, “You do things to please yourselves on those special days of fasting. And you punish your servants, not your own bodies.

Isa 58:4  You are hungry, but not for food. You are hungry for arguing and fighting, not for bread. You are hungry to hit people with your evil hands. This is not the way to fast if you want your prayers to be heard in heaven!

Isa 58:5  Do you think I want to see people punish their bodies on those days of fasting? Do you think I want people to look sad and bow their heads like dead plants? Do you think I want people to wear mourning clothes and sit in ashes to show their sadness? That is what you do on your days of fasting. Do you think that is what the LORD wants?

Isa 58:6  “I will tell you the kind of day I want—a day to set people free. I want a day that you take the burdens off others. I want a day when you set troubled people free and you take the burdens from their shoulders.

Isa 58:7  I want you to share your food with the hungry. I want you to find the poor who don’t have homes and bring them into your own homes. When you see people who have no clothes, give them your clothes! Don’t hide from your relatives when they need help.”

Isa 58:8  If you do these things, your light will begin to shine like the light of dawn. Then your wounds will heal. Your “Goodness” will walk in front of you, and the Glory of the LORD will come following behind you.

Isa 58:9  Then you will call to the LORD, and he will answer you. You will cry out to him, and he will say, “Here I am.” Stop causing trouble and putting burdens on people. Stop saying things to hurt people or accusing them of things they didn’t do.

Isa 58:10  Feel sorry for hungry people and give them food. Help those who are troubled and satisfy their needs. Then your light will shine in the darkness. You will be like the bright sunshine at noon.

Isa 58:11  The LORD will always lead you and satisfy your needs in dry lands. He will give strength to your bones. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water, like a spring that never goes dry.

Isa 58:12  Your cities have been destroyed for many years, but you will rebuild them and their foundations will last for a long time. You will be called “Fence Fixer” and “Builder of Roads and Houses.”

Isa 58:13  That will happen when you stop sinning against God’s law about the Sabbath and when you stop doing things to please yourself on that special day. You should call the Sabbath a happy day. You should honor the LORD’S special day by not saying and doing things that you do every other day of the week.

Isa 58:14  Then you could enjoy the LORD. As the LORD himself says, “I could carry you up to the highest mountain and let you enjoy the land that I gave to your father Jacob.”

Israel In Prophecy: Vol 2

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Israel In Prophecy: Vol 2

Christ is the reason we are now at peace. He made us Jews and you who are not Jews one people. We were separated by a wall of hate that stood between us, but Christ broke down that wall. By giving his own body, Christ ended the law with its many commands and rules. His purpose was to make the two groups become one in him. By doing this he would make peace. Through the cross Christ ended the hate between the two groups. And after they became one body, he wanted to bring them both back to God. He did this with his death on the cross. Christ came and brought the message of peace to you non-Jews who were far away from God. And he brought that message of peace to those who were near to God. Yes, through Christ we all have the right to come to the Father in one Spirit. So now you non-Jewish people are not visitors or strangers, but you are citizens together with God’s holy people. You belong to God’s family. (Eph 2:14-19)

Christ alone
Christ alone

Paul’s theology of Old Testament history is determined by his faith experience with the risen and glorified Christ Jesus.

In other words the full sense of The Old Testament Scriptures and types can only be properly understood by believers today from the position of faith in Christ. From the position of the cross in our lived experience. (Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13, Rev 12:10-11)

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}

This is why Paul says in Gal 6:14 “God for I’d that I glory save in the cross of Jesus Christ my Lord.”

As Paul declared of his then Jewish contemporaries:

But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

Paul was clear in several ways, and he revealed in Scripture how that literal nation of Israel is not going to be complete without many others from other countries and cultures. 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 (KJV)This is why the Bible always talks about “every nation, kindred,tongue,and people when it talks about “the everlasting gospel.” (Rev 14:6-7,Rev 5:9, Acts 3:25,Mat 24:14, Dan 7:14,Psalms 67:2, Gen 22:18)

Paul stated in Rom 9:6

” its not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:” (Rom 9:6)

Many Christians adhere to an Israel Theology in the form of a rigid, inflexible system, closed to new information or more accurate facts. Presenting us all with a major puzzle. Such are stoically insting on a hardened view regarding their tortuous dichotomy of Israel and the church. They insist on their version of a “Biblical” classification that they say is made up of two opposing parts. (dichotomy) In this type of world view regarding Israel, the Church, and Bible prophecy, the Church really, can only hope for Heaven. While Israel, can only hope, apparently, for “Palestine” as their respective eternal inheritance. Yet the Bible says

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most miserable. (1 Cor 15:9)

Stand With Israel adherents provide no hope for the future life, as they clamor about with their dogmatic, sometimes very militant tortuous views on Israel in Bible Prophecy. It is easy to support their views by scripture alone. But not when they take just one or two texts in isolation from the rest of the Bible. “The rest of The Bible” tells us quite a different story as we have already seen above. Jesus Himself always taught that

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Mat 24:14)

Jesus said that before he returns, the Good News about the Kingdom (the message of salvation) would be preached throughout the world. Not just to the literal nation of Israel. The Bible is clear when it says

“every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.”

THAT my friends includes both Palestinians and literal Israel, Gentiles and everyone in between.

This was the disciples’ mission—and it is ours today. Jesus talked about the end times and final judgment to show his followers the urgency of spreading the Good News of salvation to everyone. All countries. All kingdoms. Every language. No one will be left out according to the everlasting gospel! Jesus said that before he returns, the Good News about the Kingdom (the message of salvation) would be preached throughout the world. This was the disciples’ mission—and it is ours today. Jesus talked about the end times and final judgment to show us all today the urgency of spreading the Good News of salvation to everyone who receives Jesus. (John 1:12)

In Scripture we are told how Jeremiah had related what God promised Israel. Israel was and is promised “a new covenant” whereby each Israelite would be able to know Jesus personally, through the forgiveness of sins. (Jer 31:31-34) The cross was central to ancient Israel as well. (Gen 3:15, Isa 45:24-25, Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13). God did/does state one main condition for this promise. You see, in The Old Covenant, so called, God gave the ten commandments, and the people responded by sayin “all that you have said Lord, we will do.” (Exodus 19:8) But when the people utterly failed to keep their promise, God put into play “a better promise” (Heb 8:6) That “better promise is found in Jeremiah:

But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Jer 31:33)

The people, in trying to promise something they could not deliver, showed how they had serious “I” trouble. They wanted to be like God by trying to do what God would have to do. God’s reply was to direct them to the promise that he Himself would write His law on our hearts. This is the very gospel blessing that Jesus offers to both Jew and Gentile. Through the cross, the resurrection, and and His exaltation as The King Of Israel. (Acts 5:31). All. “Every nation, kindred, tongue, and people,” are welcome to partake of this “precious promise.” (2 Pet 1:3-4)

Today, Christians around the world look for a “better promise” than any literal country here on earth:

All these great people continued living with faith until they died. They did not get the things God promised his people. But they were happy just to see those promises coming far in the future. They accepted the fact that they were like visitors and strangers here on earth. When people accept something like that, they show they are waiting for a country that will be their own. If they were thinking about the country they had left, they could have gone back. But they were waiting for a better country—a heavenly country. So God is not ashamed to be called their God. And he has prepared a city for them. (Heb 11:13-16, ERV)

Israel In Bible Prophecy, Part 1

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The Cross of Christ Moves the World Not Israel

I don’t mean that God failed to keep his promise to the Jewish people. But only some of the people of Israel are really God’s people. And only some of Abraham’s descendants are true children of Abraham. This is what God said to Abraham: “Your true descendants will be those who come through Isaac.” This means that not all of Abraham’s descendants are God’s true children. Abraham’s true children are those who become God’s children because of the promise he made to Abraham. (Rom 9:6-8)

Christ our light, not Israel
Christ our light, not Israel

No matter what subject, regardless of which doctrine, it is always and only going to be about the cross. All other truths are invested with power and influence, according to their relation to this theme. “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Gal 6:14) That especially includes Israel in prophecy.

Israel in Bible prophecy actually shows us how and when “every nation, kindred, tongue, and people” will get a chance to embrace “the everlasting gospel.” (Rev 14:6-7)

The cross of Calvary challenges, and will finally vanquish every earthly and hellish power. In the cross all influence centers, and from it all influence goes forth. It is the great center of attraction; for on it Christ gave up His life for the human race. This sacrifice was offered for the purpose of restoring man to his original perfection. Yea, more, it was offered to give him an entire transformation of character, making him more than a conqueror. {6BC 1113.3} (Compare Gal 6:14)

Christ declares, “I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” If the cross does not find an influence in its favor, it creates an influence. Through generation succeeding generation, the truth for this time is revealed as present truth. Christ on the cross was the medium whereby mercy and truth met together, and righteousness and peace kissed each other. This is the means that is to move the world (MS 56, 1899). {6BC 1113.5}

Paul’s Epistle “to the saints in Ephesus” (Eph 2:11,17, Eph 4:17) enlightens our understanding of the special relationship of Israel and The Church. Written specifically to Gentile Christians, at that time, the Apostle informs them that the integration of the Gentile believers into Israel, as sons and daughters/heirs of God was not just a matter of divine afterthought. It was not some kind of mistake. It is all part of God’s plan (Eph 1:5,11) from “before the creation of the world.” (Eph 1:4). The Bible explains how that BOTH Jewish and Gentile children of God would be would be united forever “under one head, even Christ.” (Eph 1:10) To be a true Christian today, we must live from the knowledge that all can now take part in Israel’s covenant blessings. No matter what the nationality. Through “the everlasting gospel” (Rev 14:6-7) Christians of all stripes may receive “citizenship in Israel” and to rejoice in the very same hope that the tiny nation of Israel does. (Eph 2:12, Eph 4:4)

So now you non-Jewish people are not visitors or strangers, but you are citizens together with God’s holy people. You belong to God’s family. You believers are like a building that God owns. That building was built on the foundation that the apostles and prophets prepared. Christ Jesus himself is the most important stone in that building. (Eph 2:19-20, ERV)

It was through the cross, “Christ and Him crucified:”

I decided that while I was with you I would forget about everything except Jesus Christ and his death on the cross (1 Cor 2:2, ERV).

In like kind, all prophecy is about the cross. Prophecy is HIS – Story. Prophecy is the story of Jesus. Always. “Christ and Him crucified,” is the story in all the parts of ‘the everlasting gospel. When we talk about Israel in Bible prophecy, we cannot avoid also talking about the cross. After all, we are not “saved” by being a citizen of any literal country in this world. ALL are saved by the cross. Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Whether literal Israel, or one of the “Gentile” nations. (Eph 2:13, Gal 6:14, etc) “Christ and Him crucified,” and ALL other truths are invested with power and influence, according to their relation to this theme.” (1 Cor 2:2)

Through the cross, Jesus has reconciled BOTH Jews and Gentiles are saved by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:16) This had been God’s plan all along the ages. That’s why the Bible says how “Christ is the reason we are now at peace. (John 14:27) He made us Jews and you who are not Jews one people. We were separated by a wall of hate that stood between us, but Christ broke down that wall. By giving his own body,Christ ended the law with its many commands and rules. His purpose was to make the two groups become one in him. By doing this he would make peace.

Through the cross Christ ended the hate between the two groups. And after they became one body, he wanted to bring them both back to God. He did this with his death on the cross. (Eph 2:14-16 ERV) Christ’s mission was and is the formation of a Messianic Israel, made up of al believers from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people” (Rev 14:6) thereby making for peace” (Eph 2:15) Christ’s mission of peace was and is realized through the shed blood of Christ, (Eph 2:16) and commissioned to be proclaimed by “God’s holy prophets and apostles.” (Eph 3:5)

And this is the secret truth: that by hearing the Good News, those who are not Jews will share with the Jews in the blessings God has for his people. They are part of the same body as Israel, (Jews), and they share in the same promise God made through Christ Jesus. (Eph 3:6) Everyone on earth shares in the promise of the gospel. God does not leave anyone out. All are invited to the “kingdom of God.” (1 Thes 2;12, Luke 17:21)

God’s plan was not revealed to previous generations, not because God wanted to keep something from his people, but because he would reveal it to everyone in his own perfect timing. God planned to have Jews and Gentiles comprise one body, the church. It was known in the Old Testament that the Gentiles would receive salvation (Isa 49:6) but it was never revealed in the Old Testament that all Gentile and Jewish believers would become equal in the body of Christ. Yet this equality was accomplished when Jesus destroyed the “wall of hostility” and created “one new people” (Eph 2:14-16).

Paul is stressing to us today, by mentioning the word “together” three times just in (Eph 3:6) When Paul said “together” here he was referring to how both Jewish and Gentile Christians are totally equal within Israel and The Covenant promise. (in the original language it is even more conspicuous: synklerinoma, syssoma, symmetocha). We can therefore assume that no theological system is justified in somehow trying to rebuild the dividing wall between Jews and Gentile,or  between Israel and the Church.

The grand reception of Gentiles into the household of Israel has sometimes been compared to the reception of the prodigal son into his Father’s house, in Jesus’ parable. (Luke 15:11-32) That father embraced the lost son when he returned home in shame, while the elder son strongly begrudged the Father’s generosity. So too must the largely Gentile Church in Paul’s time realize that Gentiles have entered into the house of Israel as if they would in their Father’s house and are entitled, by the cross to partake fully of Israel’s covenants as “fellow citizens and heirs.” (Rom 8:17) The Sonship of Gentiles is the adoption into an already existing household.

Paul differentiates between “we who were the first to hope in Christ,” (Eph 1:12) meaning the Israelites, and then the Gentiles, who were called “aliens” “without hope, and without God in the world,” (Eph 2:12) Of the Jews he said “we” were predestined in Christ “for the praise of His glory.” (Eph 1:12). Of Gentiles he says: “and you also were included in Christ…to the praise of His glory.” (Eph 1:13-14) BOTH Jews and Gentiles are called “in Christ” to the very same destiny. To praise God’s glory. Paul stresses in Ephesians chapter one the assuring concept that Christ carried out, and that The Spirit simply revealed, all that God had chosen in eternity.

The cross was the preconceived plan appointed for the salvation of BOTH Jews and Gentiles within one body, including some literal Israelites, but also many “Gentiles” or non-Israelites. Collectively can just be called “the Church.” The united worship of God by both Jews and Gentiles into one body, not any literal nation, but rather, all believers, as a whole, from all over the world. Such a joining together is not to be thought of as some sort of temporary fix for an emergency situation caused by the rejection of Christ by the Jewish nation of Israel.

THIS uniting of two previously separated branches of the human race is a mystery, and yet is the very substance and essence of God’s eternal plan. Meaning, “the everlasting gospel.” (Rev 14:6-7). “Everlasting” means that it is not only just literal Jews, from one place only. It means people from all over the world. The gospel is not just for one race only. otherwise, it would not be and “everlasting” gospel. This was revealed in principle, although never on such a scale and never with such clarity as in the various prophetic writings of Israel.

The gospel of Christ was not fully disclosed in any of Israel’s prophetic writings. (Eph 3:5, Rom 1:2, Rom 16:25-26). It was mostly  understood dimly during the times before Christ. (1 Pet 1:10-12, Luke 24:15-15,44). In the light of God’s new revelation in Christ, the Apostles were able to properly understand God’s eternal plan of salvation, covering ‘every nation, kindred, tongue, and people,” as described, in it’s universal scope and to fully grasp it’s Christ-centered structure in all it’s bearings within the classic gospel text from Rev 14:6-7. (see also Eph 1:9-10, 2 Cor 3:13-18)

Hanging upon the cross Christ was the gospel.

Now we have a message,

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world.”

Will not our church members keep their eyes fixed on a crucified and risen Savior, in whom their hopes of eternal life are centered? This is our message, our argument, our doctrine, our warning to the impenitent, our encouragement for the sorrowing, the hope for every believer. If we can awaken an interest in men’s minds that will cause them to fix their eyes on Christ, we may step aside, and ask them only to continue to fix their eyes upon the Lamb of God. They thus receive their lesson. Whosoever will come after Me, let them deny themselves, and take up their cross, and follow Me. Anyone whose eyes are fixed on Jesus will leave all. They will die to selfishness. They will believe in all the Word of God, which is so gloriously and wonderfully exalted in Christ.(6BC 1113.1}

All things are made by and sustained by Christ. All things in the universe will finally be reunited and once again fully integrated into one, organic whole by Him, on the basis of His reconciling shed blood at the cross. (Col 1:20) This cosmic unity of heaven and Earth has now been achieved in Christ (Eph 1:22) and therefore signifies also the decisive end of racial barriers of every kind in Abraham’s true seed (lineage) and Israel’s spiritual household before God. (Eph 2:16-22) All eyes are not, or should not be on “Israel” but on Jesus, and His Messianic Israel by which He has fully welcomed Gentile Christians into Israel, as fully equal, fellow citizens.

And the Spirit himself speaks to our spirits and makes us sure that we are God’s children. (John 1:12)

If we are God’s children, we will get the blessings God has for his people. He will give us all that he has given Christ. But we must sometimes suffer like Christ suffered. Then we will be able to share his glory. (Rom 8:16-17)

God loves His obedient children. He has a kingdom prepared, not for disloyal subjects, but for His children whom He has tested and tried in a world marred and corrupted by sin. As obedient children, we have the privilege of relationship with God. “If children,” He says, “then heirs” to an immortal inheritance. Christ and His people are one. {6BC 1077.8}