Heraldsofthemorn

  • The Constitution – Liberty of conscience threatened

    The Constitution – Liberty of conscience threatened

    “In a New York Times op-ed, Georgetown University constitutional law professor Louis Michael Seidman called for politicians and judges to engage in “constitutional disobedience.” According to the Georgetown University academic, the Constitution, “with all its archaic, idiosyncratic and downright evil provisions”, is the “culprit” behind our broken system of government.”  To read the entire article, click here.

    signing

    The Preamble of the Constitution reads:

    “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

    Professor Louis Michael Seidman, is not just any professor, he is a “Georgetown University constitutional law professor”, from the university’s website, we read the following:

    “Established in 1789, Georgetown is the nation’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Drawing upon this legacy, we provide students with a world-class learning experience focused on educating the whole person through exposure to different faiths, cultures and beliefs.  With our Jesuit values and location in Washington, D.C., Georgetown offers students a distinct opportunity to learn, experience and understand more about the world.”

    This university is a Catholic and Jesuit university, from the book The Great Controversy

    We read:

    Throughout Christendom, Protestantism was menaced by formidable foes. The first triumphs of the Reformation past, Rome summoned new forces, hoping to accomplish its destruction. At this time the order of the Jesuits was created, the most cruel, unscrupulous, and powerful of all the champions of popery. Cut off from earthly ties and human interests, dead to the claims of natural affection, reason and conscience wholly silenced, they knew no rule, no tie, but that of their order, and no duty but to extend its power. (See Appendix.) The gospel of Christ had enabled its adherents to meet danger and endure suffering, undismayed by cold, hunger, toil, and poverty, to uphold the banner of truth in face of the rack, the dungeon, and the stake. To combat these forces, Jesuitism inspired its followers with a fanaticism that enabled them to endure like dangers, and to oppose to the power of truth all the weapons of deception. There was no crime too great for them to commit, no deception too base for them to practice, no disguise too difficult for them to assume. Vowed to perpetual poverty and humility, it was their studied aim to secure wealth and power, to be devoted to the overthrow of Protestantism, and the re-establishment of the papal supremacy. – {GC 234.2}

    When appearing as members of their order, they wore a garb of sanctity, visiting prisons and hospitals, ministering to the sick and the poor, professing to have renounced the world, and bearing the sacred name of Jesus, who went about doing good. But under this blameless exterior the most criminal and deadly purposes were often concealed. It was a fundamental principle of the order that the end justifies the means. By this code, lying, theft, perjury, assassination, were not only pardonable but commendable, when they served the interests of the church. Under various disguises the Jesuits worked their way into offices of state, climbing up to be the counselors of kings, and shaping the policy of nations. They became servants to act as spies upon their masters. They established colleges for the sons of princes and nobles, and schools for the common people; and the children of Protestant parents were drawn into an observance of popish rites. All the outward pomp and display of the Romish worship was brought to bear to confuse the mind and dazzle and captivate the imagination, and thus the liberty for which the fathers had toiled and bled was betrayed by the sons. The Jesuits rapidly spread themselves over Europe, and wherever they went, there followed a revival of popery. – {GC 235.1}

    As we see in the quote above, the Jesuits were brought about  by Rome to destroy Protestantism.  Even establishing schools, such as Georgetown, to accomplish this mission. Satan is working through human agencies to change our Constitution, in Testimonies for the Church vol. 5 we read:

    “We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Prophecy is fast fulfilling. The Lord is at the door. There is soon to open before us a period of overwhelming interest to all living. The controversies of the past are to be revived; new controversies will arise. The scenes to be enacted in our world are not yet even dreamed of. Satan is at work through human agencies. Those who are making an effort to change the Constitution and secure a law enforcing Sunday observance little realize what will be the result. A crisis is just upon us.” – {5T 753.2}

    “By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near.” – {5T 451.1}

    Brothers and sisters the statement made by the professor is prophetic.  Through the spirit of prophecy we are told what Rome’s aim is and clearly by the professor’s statement, Rome has not and will not change.

     Let the restraints now imposed by secular governments be removed and Rome be reinstated in her former power, and there would speedily be a revival of her tyranny and persecution. – {GC 564.2}

    A well-known writer speaks thus of the attitude of the papal hierarchy as regards freedom of conscience, and of the perils which especially threaten the United States from the success of her policy: – {GC 564.3}

    “There are many who are disposed to attribute any fear of Roman Catholicism in the United States to bigotry or childishness. Such see nothing in the character and attitude of Romanism that is hostile to our free institutions, or find nothing portentous in its growth. Let us, then, first compare some of the fundamental principles of our government with those of the Catholic Church. – {GC 564.4}

    “The Constitution of the United States guarantees liberty of conscience. Nothing is dearer or more fundamental. Pope Pius IX, in his Encyclical Letter of August 15, 1854, said: `The absurd and erroneous doctrines or ravings in defense of liberty of conscience are a most pestilential error—a pest, of all others, most to be dreaded in a state.’ The same pope, in his Encyclical Letter of December 8, 1864, anathematized `those who assert the liberty of conscience and of religious worship,’ also ‘all such as maintain that the church may not employ force.’ – {GC 564.5}

    “The pacific tone of Rome in the United States does not imply a change of heart. She is tolerant where she is helpless. Says Bishop O’Connor: ‘Religious liberty is merely endured until the opposite can be carried into effect without peril to the Catholic world.’… The archbishop of St. Louis once said: ‘Heresy and unbelief are crimes; and in Christian countries, as in Italy and Spain, for instance, where all the people are Catholics, and where the Catholic religion is an essential part of the law of the land, they are punished as other crimes.’… – {GC 565.1} – GC 564-565

    What we are seeing , even by the statements of the professor of Georgetown university is a testing of the waters.  many people are not happy that someone of such stature would want to do away with the constitution, and Rome knows this, but throwing out the idea tests the water, sends out signals, and at the right time (pretty soon) this same idea will come back again with better acceptance.  Such as after a financial collapse, major national disaster etc..  We are seeing the final pieces being put together for the introduction of the National Sunday Law.

    “The Sunday movement is now making its way in darkness. The leaders are concealing the true issue, and many who unite in the movement do not themselves see whither the undercurrent is tending…. They are working in blindness. They do not see that if a Protestant government sacrifices the principles that have made them a free, independent nation, and through legislation brings into the Constitution principles that will propagate papal falsehood and papal delusion, they are plunging into the Roman horrors of the Dark Ages.”—The Review and Herald Extra, December 11, 1888. – {LDE 125.3}

    “The Protestant churches are in great darkness, or they would discern the signs of the times. The Roman Church is far-reaching in her plans and modes of operation. She is employing every device to extend her influence and increase her power in preparation for a fierce and determined conflict to regain control of the world, to re-establish persecution, and to undo all that Protestantism has done. Catholicism is gaining ground upon every side. See the increasing number of her churches and chapels in Protestant countries. Look at the popularity of her colleges and seminaries in America, so widely patronized by Protestants. Look at the growth of ritualism in England and the frequent defections to the ranks of the Catholics. These things should awaken the anxiety of all who prize the pure principles of the gospel.” – {GC 565.4}

    The about quote is as if it was written today, God’s word is living, the “living Word.”

    …prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. (Amos 4:12)

  • What to expect in 2013

    What to expect in 2013

    The year 2012 has been an interesting year prophetically; from super storm Sandy, to the shootings in Aurora Colorado and Newtown Connecticut, the election of 2012, escalating crime and the continuing world economic crisis, any student of prophecy knows these are clear prophetic signs. So then, the question in our minds might be, what does the year 2013 holds? During 2012 there were many false predictions that the world will end on certain dates, most likely in 2013 there will be more false predictions. These false predictions, all instigated by the enemy himself because “… he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” -Revelation 12:12, so he is busy with false predictions to discourage those who may be seeking the Lord.

    The day of “the Lord cometh as a thief”, but only to those that are in darkness, at the appropriate time, God will make known the day and the hour. “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5

    God does not want us to be caught up in time setting, by a close study of the Bible and SOP, it will be revealed that when God maketh known the day and the hour to His saints, probation will be closed, so this information will not be for soul winning. At that time it will be said “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” -Revelation 22:11

    In the time of trouble we all fled from the cities and villages, but were pursued by the wicked, who entered the houses of the saints with a sword. They raised the sword to kill us, but it broke, and fell as powerless as a straw. Then we all cried day and night for deliverance, and the cry came up before God. The sun came up, and the moon stood still. The streams ceased to flow. Dark, heavy clouds came up and clashed against each other. But there was one clear place of settled glory, whence came the voice of God like many waters, which shook the heavens and the earth. The sky opened and shut and was in commotion. The mountains shook like a reed in the wind, and cast out ragged rocks all around. The sea boiled like a pot and cast out stones upon the land. And as God spoke the day and the hour of Jesus’ coming and delivered the everlasting covenant to His people, He spoke one sentence, and then paused, while the words were rolling through the earth. The Israel of God stood with their eyes fixed upward, listening to the words as they came from the mouth of Jehovah, and rolled through the earth like peals of loudest thunder. It was awfully solemn. And at the end of every sentence the saints shouted, “Glory! Alleluia!” Their countenances were lighted up with the glory of God; and they shone with the glory, as did the face of Moses when he came down from Sinai. The wicked could not look on them for the glory. And when the never-ending blessing was pronounced on those who had honored God in keeping His Sabbath holy, there was a mighty shout of victory over the beast and over his image. – {EW 34.1}

    What we will be witnessing in 2013 is “…evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:13 The enemy has many ways in expressing his evilness wether it is through mass shootings, terrorist attacks, rapes, natural disasters, you name it, and as time continues, “The agencies of evil are combining their forces, and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis.” {ChS 52.2} They will do this until God says that’s enough. Not only will “evil men and seducers wax worse and worse”, but they are deceiving many (they that dwell on the earth – they that are caught up with the cares of this world) and they themselves are being deceived.
    “There are many, even of those engaged in this movement for Sunday enforcement, who are blinded to the results which will follow this action. They do not see that they are striking directly against religious liberty. There are many who have never understood the claims of the Bible Sabbath, and the false foundation upon which the Sunday institution rests.”—Testimonies for the Church 5:711. – {ChS 161.2}

    The Bible says, “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3. The world today is like an old peace of cloth, it is as if as one area seems to be fixed, another problem pops up somewhere else, or in another area. “as travail upon a woman with child”, the birth pains in 2013 will only get worse; we can expect an increase in natural disasters, crime, corruption, economic turmoil, riots, etc. we say this not because we rejoice in these things, but this is the last generation of earth’s history and the enemy is wroth. But even now each and everyone of us can be safe even in the “storm”, by being in the safe arms of Jesus. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” -2 Peter 3:9

    God wants His people at this time, “…not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8) “…continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2Timothy 3:14-17)

    So brothers and sister brace yourself in 2013, we know not what will transpire, this or that, or wether events will happen in your particular area. But we do know that prophetic events will occur in 2013, they can only increase, “Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:11. – {ChS 52.2} May I add, that great changes have already taken place? Homeland security since 911, the frequency and magnitude of natural disasters, the world’s economy? to name a few of the changes, and there are more to come. ” … The final movements will be rapid ones” “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” (Hebrews 3:12-15)

  • Its Time to Pray – The love of many have waxed cold

    Its Time to Pray – The love of many have waxed cold

    “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”(1 Timothy 2:8)

    “If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;
    If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.” (2 Chronicles 7:13-15)

    In light of the recent shooting at the elementary school in Connecticut, it is clearer than it has ever been that this is it, we are at the end. It is time to pray, and listen, listen to the voice of God through His word; this is true communion. God has promised if we that are called by His name (Christians), if we would humble ourselves and pray, and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, He will heal our land.

    Heaven is not closed against the fervent prayers of the righteous. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, yet the Lord heard and in a most striking manner answered his petitions. The only reason for our lack of power with God is to be found in ourselves. If the inner life of many who profess the truth were presented before them, they would not claim to be Christians. They are not growing in grace. A hurried prayer is offered now and then, but there is no real communion with God. – {5T 161.3}
    We must be much in prayer if we would make progress in the divine life. When the message of truth was first proclaimed, how much we prayed. How often was the voice of intercession heard in the chamber, in the barn, in the orchard, or the grove. Frequently we spent hours in earnest prayer, two or three together claiming the promise; often the sound of weeping was heard and then the voice of thanksgiving and the song of praise. Now the day of God is nearer than when we first believed, and we should be more earnest, more zealous, and fervent than in those early days. Our perils are greater now than then. Souls are more hardened. We need now to be imbued with the spirit of Christ, and we should not rest until we receive it. – {5T 161.4}

    Families are hurting, a community is hurting, a nation is hurting. We are living in this world of sin and sorrow, we are witnessing as it were on a daily basis the terrible condition of things in the world.

    The condition of things in the world shows that troublous times are right upon us. The daily papers are full of indications of a terrible conflict in the near future. Bold robberies are of frequent occurrence. Strikes are common. Thefts and murders are committed on every hand. Men possessed of demons are taking the lives of men, women, and little children. Men have become infatuated with vice, and every species of evil prevails. – {9T 11.3}

    God has the solution, which mean as God’s ambassadors, Seventh-Day Adventists have a great work to do, we are to point souls to the solution.
    “There are not many, even among educators and statesmen, who comprehend the causes that underlie the present state of society. Those who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the problem of moral corruption, poverty, pauperism, and increasing crime. They are struggling in vain to place business operations on a more secure basis. If men would give more heed to the teaching of God’s word, they would find a solution of the problems that perplex them.” – {9T 13.3}

    There lies the solution, “if men would give more heed to the teaching of God’s word,” we would find a solution to the perplexities of the world today.  Jesus says “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

  • Labor Unions and the last days

    Labor Unions and the last days

    The recent “Right to work bill” passed and signed into law in the state of Michigan (birthplace of the United Autoworkers union) and the opposition and protest by labor unions is truly a sign that we are in the last days and that there “is a prophet in Israel”. ” “These unions are one of the signs of the last days. Men are binding up in bundles ready to be burned. They may be church members, but while they belong to these unions, they cannot possibly keep the commandments of God; for to belong to these unions means to disregard the entire Decalogue.” – {CL 11.4}

    Several months ago, we had a similar labor law passed and a prolonged union protest  in the state of Wisconsin. We were told by the servant of the Lord, “The time is fast coming when the controlling power of the labor unions will be very oppressive.” .—Letter 5, 1904. – {CL 9.5} We are just about there, Michigan became the 24th state to adopt the “right to work” law.  The unions see these laws as anti labor unions, and vowed to fight them in which ever state they are proposed.  The unions are suffering defeat, after defeat (Wisconsin. Indiana, Michigan, etc.) and many more states may decide to follow. The unions are not going to sit idly by and watch their “bargaining rights” taken away, they will definitely strike back.

    “The trades unions will be one of the agencies that will bring upon this earth a time of trouble such as has not been since the world began.”—Letter 200, 1903. – {CL 10.2} As the economy continues to deteriorate, and companies through the government demand changes in the “labor laws”, these will lead to even more protest and trouble than we have even seen or think of. “But erelong there will be such strife and confusion in the cities, that those who wish to leave them will not be able. We must be preparing for these issues. This is the light that is given me.”—The General Conference Bulletin, April 6, 1903. – {CL 11.1}

    What should God’s people be doing at this time?

    The work of the people of God is to prepare for the events of the future, which will soon come upon them with blinding force. In the world gigantic monopolies will be formed. Men will bind themselves together in unions that will wrap them in the folds of the enemy. A few men will combine to grasp all the means to be obtained in certain lines of business. Trades unions will be formed, and those who refuse to join these unions will be marked men.—Letter 26, 1903. – {CL 10.3}

    The trades unions and confederacies of the world are a snare. Keep out of them, and away from them, brethren. Have nothing to do with them. Because of these unions and confederacies, it will soon be very difficult for our institutions to carry on their work in the cities. My warning is: Keep out of the cities. Build no sanitariums in the cities. Educate our people to get out of the cities into the country, where they can obtain a small piece of land, and make a home for themselves and their children…. – {CL 10.4}

    James 5:1-9 sums up the world’s condition very well:

    Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

     The Lord is watching the movements taking place in the world, he knows of the unjust employees, He hears the cries of the workers. He has set a limit to all the unfairness in this world.  What we are witnessing in this generation, are end times events, that are leading up to the “time of trouble”.  The coming of the Lord draweth nigh, let us make our calling and election sure, seek a closer walk with the Lord, establish our hearts.  …”prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.” Amos 4:12

  • Steps to moving to the country – First things first

    Steps to moving to the country – First things first

    It is quite clear from our previous study on country living, that is time to leave the cities and move into the country. In everything that we do, there is an order to it. “Let all things be done decently and in order. “-1 Corinthians 14:40

    One of the first thing we are to do is found n Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” It is God’s will that His people relocate to the country, it is not His will that we be anxious, but we are to earnestly bring our individual situation before Him with thanksgiving, knowing that He has promised to hear and answer our prayers “according to His riches in glory” Philippians 4:19

    He knows our situation and wants us to come to Him by faith, he says in The book of Matthew:

    Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matthew 6:25-34)

    The Lord loves us and has demonstrated this by giving His only begotten Son, and He will provide for us to make the move into that country dwelling, our part is to, “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” If we do this then our will, will be according to His, and we will not ask “amiss” (see James 4:3)

    “Jesus does not release us from the necessity of effort, but He teaches that we are to make Him first and last and best in everything. We are to engage in no business, follow no pursuit, seek no pleasure, that would hinder the outworking of His righteousness in our character and life. Whatever we do is to be done heartily, as unto the Lord.” – {AG 21.4}

    “Difficulties will be powerless to hinder him who is determined to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…. Looking to Jesus,… the believer will willingly brave contempt and derision. And help and grace sufficient for every circumstance are promised by Him whose word is truth. His everlasting arms encircle the soul that turns to Him for aid. In His care we may rest safely, saying, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee”” (Psalm 56:3). – {AG 21.6}

    The Lord wants us to trust Him, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6). Do you believe that God wants you to be in the country? Do you believe that the world and everything in it is the Lord’s? “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.” (Psalms 50:12) “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.” -Haggai 2:8

    “The time has come, when, as God opens the way, families should move out of the cities. The children should be taken into the country. The parents should get as suitable a place as their means will allow. Though the dwelling may be small, yet there should be land in connection with it, that may be cultivated.”—Manuscript 50, 1903. – {CL 24.2}

    Brothers and sisters the time has come, and if you notice the date of the above quote, it is 1903, if it was time back them, it is even more so now. We are living on the edge of the time of trouble, the implementing of the mark of the beast. In this first step, if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and earnestly bring our individual situation to the Lord by prayer and supplication, we will be well on our way to owning our country home. In the next step, we will look at, “God will Open the way”

    “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

    … prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. Amos 4:12

  • Standing for principles – Angus Jones

    Standing for principles – Angus Jones

    Angus Jones is currently in the news, the actor for a tv sitcom (two and a half men)gave a testimony (click testimony) to the Forerunner. In his testimony, he lifts up the name of Jesus Christ, tells of how he finds Christ and tells the fans of the show not to watch it. It’s a very powerful testimony, where a youth in Christ, both in age (he is about 19) and in Christ (recently came to the faith), stands up for principle, he stands for what is right, even though many in the media is ridiculing him for his stance. How many of us that has been in the faith for years are standing for principles?

    How many of us are still watching movies, and sitcoms and act in plays? Is it ok to partake in these things and not be affected? What does the Bible say? “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” -2 Corinthians 3:18 What we watch, what consumes us have an effect on our spiritual life, by beholding we become changed, let us behold Christ, so that we can be changed into his image. The Bible says, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” -Amos 3:3 How can we watch movies, sitcoms, drama, etc., where people lie, kill, commit adultery etc., and not be on the side of the enemy?

    “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” -Philippians 4:8 This verse gives us a criteria as to what we are to watch and think about.

    Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater. Instead of being a school for morality and virtue, as is so often claimed, it is the very hotbed of immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propensities are strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments. Low songs, lewd gestures, expressions, and attitudes deprave the imagination and debase the morals. Every youth who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle. There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life than theatrical amusements. The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence as the desire for intoxicating drink strengthens with its use. The only safe course is to shun the theater, the circus, and every other questionable place of amusement. [14] – {AH 516.2}

    God’s people are not only to shun movies and the like, but we are not to be actors in them either.

    Has God given you intellect? Is it for you to manage according to your inclinations? Can you glorify God by being educated to represent characters in plays, and to amuse an audience with fables? Has not the Lord given you intellect to be used to His name’s glory in proclaiming the gospel of Christ? If you desire a public career, there is a work that you may do. Help the class you represent in plays. Come to the reality. Give your sympathy where it is needed by actually lifting up the bowed down. Satan’s ruling passion is to pervert the intellect and cause men to long for shows and theatrical performances. The experience and character of all who engage in this work will be in accordance with the food given to the mind. – {2MR 246.3}

    The Lord has given evidence of His love for the world. There was no falsity, no acting, in what He did. He gave a living gift, capable of suffering humiliation, neglect, shame, reproach. This Christ did that He might rescue the fallen.—Manuscript 42, 1898, 13. (“To Every Man His Work.”) – {2MR 247.1} Released February, 1963.

    Let us keep Angus Jones in our prayers, that he may hold on strong, and that he may not give in to pressure and change his stance for the Lord.  Pray that through this ordeal, Jesus will be glorified, and hearts will turn to Him.

    “…Behold, to obeyis better than sacrifice…” (1 Samuel 15:22) “… We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

  • Locusts and Pestilence next?

    Locusts and Pestilence next?

    Prophetic events are so plain to see, that even from the mouth of the unsuspecting ones God’s purpose is being revealed.  NBC local affiliate news in Philadelphia reports, “Christie noted that residents and emergency workers are weary, and joked about what else could go wrong. “So we’re getting ready for another storm,” Christie said. “I’m waiting for the locusts and pestilence next.””

    Governor Chris Christie here is most likely referring to the seven last plagues of Revelation  chapter 15 & 16. The events that have happened in the Northeast lately(New Jersey, New york, etc.), and the world in general must have impressed upon his mind the nearness of the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Even though the news says he joked, the Bible says, “… for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”  -Matthew 12:34

    “The children of the world are wiser in their generation than the children of the light, and herein is seen their wisdom. Their object is for earthly gain, and to this end they direct all their energies. O that this zeal would characterize the toiler for heavenly riches! “– {FLB 170.5}

    God’s people at this time in earths history should be sounding the alarm, blowing the trumpet in Zion, and calling a solemn assembly, for the time is at hand. It is not the time for the seven last plagues, but the time for the Sunday Law is almost upon us, and the plagues will follow there after. “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” (Revelation 13:16-17)

    With the financial turmoil in Europe and the US, the world actually, it is plain the see how near we are to the controlling of buying and selling (Sunday Law).  Even now there are great concerns that the US might be heading into another recession and the only solution that is being trumpeted is to borrow more.  Remember,  The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” (Prov. 22:7) We know who the borrower is, but do we know who the lender really is, and do we know and understand the motive, that topic itself is for another study, it would arouse all of us, if we truly understand what is happening behind the scenes.

    As we coupled what is happening in our world, the strange weather patterns and the financial crisis, and add to these; public corruption, imorrality, crime, etc.  This tells us, “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.” (James 5:7-9)

    Yes the coming of the the Lord is near, at this time “we are to make our calling and election sure”, we are to be preparing to receive the outpouring of the latter rain.  Yes, there is a preparation, many believe that there is nothing to do but sit back relax and wait, but the Bible does not teach this.  “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” (Luke 12:40)  in order for us to be ready, we have to know what we are getting ready for and the clothing (righteousness, character) we must wear.

    The bottom line brothers and sisters, “…  prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. (Amos 4:12)