english.katholisch.de
Pope: Marxists and Christians have a common mission
Francis calls for overcoming divisive approaches
https://english.katholisch.de/artikel/50230-pope-marxists-and-christians-have-a-common-mission
In other words, the pope wants everyone to be put in a system of "financial equality". With the videos and plans shown by some of the world's institutions that we have seen these past few years we know that the idea of the world leaders is to make everyone subject to the government in every way possible. They want us to be not self-sufficient, they want to monitor every expense we make and they want to rent us every good or service making us as slaves that don't own anything. In this sin-sick world where all of the leaders are corrupt this kind of government will only do harm instead of any good. What may sound like a nice idea, in reality it won't work for our benefit. Those in power and rich will be benefited, while the rest of the people would be subject to dictatorship and tight control.
The only time when we will experience true equality and freedom, where everyone will be truly happy and safe is after Jesus' return, when satan and his minions will perish for good. It will be ONLY then, when true equality and peace of life will be met.
And remember this one major difference - Marxists want to establish this way of living by law to control the people while Christians want to live a life like this through Jesus by free will. It's not the same. Therefore no, Marxists and Christians DO NOT have a common mission.
"Pope Francis encouraged the Marxist-Christian dialogue group Dialop to work together for the disadvantaged and against corruption and abuse of power. Christians as well as socialists, Marxists and communists should build a "better, fraternal future" for a world divided by wars and polarisation, said Francis at a reception in the Vatican on Wednesday. [...] "Do not allow finance and the market to dictate the law," the Pope urged his guests. They should "not stop dreaming of a better world", in which ideals such as freedom, equality, dignity and fraternity are upheld; these ideals are a "mirror of God's dream" for humanity."
In other words, the pope wants everyone to be put in a system of "financial equality". With the videos and plans shown by some of the world's institutions that we have seen these past few years we know that the idea of the world leaders is to make everyone subject to the government in every way possible. They want us to be not self-sufficient, they want to monitor every expense we make and they want to rent us every good or service making us as slaves that don't own anything. In this sin-sick world where all of the leaders are corrupt this kind of government will only do harm instead of any good. What may sound like a nice idea, in reality it won't work for our benefit. Those in power and rich will be benefited, while the rest of the people would be subject to dictatorship and tight control.
The only time when we will experience true equality and freedom, where everyone will be truly happy and safe is after Jesus' return, when satan and his minions will perish for good. It will be ONLY then, when true equality and peace of life will be met.
And remember this one major difference - Marxists want to establish this way of living by law to control the people while Christians want to live a life like this through Jesus by free will. It's not the same. Therefore no, Marxists and Christians DO NOT have a common mission.
Am I in the Wrong?
#Study
[PART 1]
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.”
This should be our continual prayer if we are to enter the kingdom. One trick the devil likes to play on humanity is “the blame game”. The devil will always push people, when they’re in the wrong, to blame someone else. This is something inherited from Satan. Satan’s continual mission is to justify himself and push the blame on God. Instead of Satan to say “i’m in the wrong” he continued his path of iniquity. Ezekiel 28:15 “Thou [Satan] wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee”. God didn’t create a defective angel. That angel used his own free will thoughts to disobey. Satan inspires humans to make the same mistake he made, instead of finding blame with themselves, he gets them to push the blame on others.
When Adam and Eve ate of the tree of knowledge the Lord visited them and said unto them, Genesis 3:9 “And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?”. Is the Lord really calling out to Adam because he can’t find him? No. He’s giving Adam a chance to confess his wrong. Adam replies, Genesis 3:10 “…I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself”. Adam was afraid because he knew what he did was wrong. To which the Lord asks, Genesis 3:11 “…Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?”. When the Lord asked Adam where are you, Adam should’ve confessed then. Now the Lord has questioned Adam to the point where he must confess. This is where Adam uses Satanic methods to try and get himself out of trouble. Instead of Adam saying “I ate the fruit” he says, Genesis 3:12 “…The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat”. Did you catch that? Adam says “The woman YOU [God] gave to me, SHE gave me of the tree” and that’s what made him eat. Adam in one sentence blames the Lord and blames Eve for why he disobeyed. He takes no responsibility. The problem is, if Adam won’t admit that he disobeyed, he can’t be corrected. If we don’t believe we’ve done something wrong, how can we fix our actions? Eve also used the same Satanic methods saying Genesis 3:13 “…The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat”. Following her husband’s evil example, she pushes the blame as well. They were both punished and exiled from the garden. The Lord gave them a chance to repent but they didn’t.
While we may look upon Adam and Eve and think “Why did you do that?”, “Don’t eat of the tree” or “Just confess”. We have our own sins that we know we could’ve avoided. We won’t be able to say to the Lord, “If Adam and Eve didn’t sin, I wouldn’t have stolen from that bank!”. Adam and Eve are long gone, they aren’t affecting our individual actions. Adam isn’t the reason we fornicate, lie, cheat or steal. If a murderer came to court and said “My father left me and did drugs and that’s why I ended up a murderer and killed that man” we know that’s not a good enough excuse. Hence our sins cannot be pushed off to Satan or our first parents. The set of questions the Lord can silence us with are simple and convicting. Let’s say we took his name in vain, He could just say “Did I command you to take my name in vain?”, to which we would reply “No”, to which the Lord can say “Why did you take my name in vain if that’s the case?”. Any other answer apart from “I wanted to” would be a lie.
There was a scribe who came to Jesus to tempt him. Luke 10:25 “And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He [Jesus] said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27 And he [the scribe] answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28 And he [Jesus] said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live”.
Part 2 ➡
#Study
[PART 1]
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.”
This should be our continual prayer if we are to enter the kingdom. One trick the devil likes to play on humanity is “the blame game”. The devil will always push people, when they’re in the wrong, to blame someone else. This is something inherited from Satan. Satan’s continual mission is to justify himself and push the blame on God. Instead of Satan to say “i’m in the wrong” he continued his path of iniquity. Ezekiel 28:15 “Thou [Satan] wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee”. God didn’t create a defective angel. That angel used his own free will thoughts to disobey. Satan inspires humans to make the same mistake he made, instead of finding blame with themselves, he gets them to push the blame on others.
When Adam and Eve ate of the tree of knowledge the Lord visited them and said unto them, Genesis 3:9 “And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?”. Is the Lord really calling out to Adam because he can’t find him? No. He’s giving Adam a chance to confess his wrong. Adam replies, Genesis 3:10 “…I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself”. Adam was afraid because he knew what he did was wrong. To which the Lord asks, Genesis 3:11 “…Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?”. When the Lord asked Adam where are you, Adam should’ve confessed then. Now the Lord has questioned Adam to the point where he must confess. This is where Adam uses Satanic methods to try and get himself out of trouble. Instead of Adam saying “I ate the fruit” he says, Genesis 3:12 “…The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat”. Did you catch that? Adam says “The woman YOU [God] gave to me, SHE gave me of the tree” and that’s what made him eat. Adam in one sentence blames the Lord and blames Eve for why he disobeyed. He takes no responsibility. The problem is, if Adam won’t admit that he disobeyed, he can’t be corrected. If we don’t believe we’ve done something wrong, how can we fix our actions? Eve also used the same Satanic methods saying Genesis 3:13 “…The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat”. Following her husband’s evil example, she pushes the blame as well. They were both punished and exiled from the garden. The Lord gave them a chance to repent but they didn’t.
While we may look upon Adam and Eve and think “Why did you do that?”, “Don’t eat of the tree” or “Just confess”. We have our own sins that we know we could’ve avoided. We won’t be able to say to the Lord, “If Adam and Eve didn’t sin, I wouldn’t have stolen from that bank!”. Adam and Eve are long gone, they aren’t affecting our individual actions. Adam isn’t the reason we fornicate, lie, cheat or steal. If a murderer came to court and said “My father left me and did drugs and that’s why I ended up a murderer and killed that man” we know that’s not a good enough excuse. Hence our sins cannot be pushed off to Satan or our first parents. The set of questions the Lord can silence us with are simple and convicting. Let’s say we took his name in vain, He could just say “Did I command you to take my name in vain?”, to which we would reply “No”, to which the Lord can say “Why did you take my name in vain if that’s the case?”. Any other answer apart from “I wanted to” would be a lie.
There was a scribe who came to Jesus to tempt him. Luke 10:25 “And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He [Jesus] said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27 And he [the scribe] answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28 And he [Jesus] said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live”.
Part 2 ➡
❤6👍1
Am I in the Wrong?
[PART 2]
Jesus got the scribe to answer from his own mouth what he must do. The scribe knew that he wasn’t loving his neighbour and felt convicted. Instead of saying to himself “Why am I offended?”, “What should I change?”, “Where can I improve?”, “Let me pray to God for help.” this is what happens next, Luke 10:29 “But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?”.
Then Jesus teaches him through a parable to open his mind. Luke 10:30 “And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. Luke 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise”. The Samaritans were not Jewish or Israelite in blood, but they lived near the Jews and there were tensions between them and the Jews. Jesus showed the scribe that even borders between ethnicities don’t exist when it comes to the command of loving thy neighbour. Are we like the scribe? Is there a commandment where we try to justify ourselves? For example if the Bible says don’t lie, do we then say “But what’s a lie?”. The Lord says don’t fornicate, do we then say “Technically we’re like a married couple because we live together”?
The Pharisees hated correction and their sins being brought to light as well. Jesus was teaching them that you can’t serve God and money. This annoyed the Pharisees who loved money and were covetous. Luke 16:13 “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him”. At this point the Pharisees should stop and think “Where have we strayed from God? Let us repent”. Instead, self-justification was initiated and they attacked Jesus for his clear convicting teaching. Luke 16:15 “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God”. This may be similar to when it is taught we must tithe in church. At this point some may question the 10% number and say “Is it 10% of income after tax or before tax?”. Whilst this question can come from a lack of understanding, as many have never tithed before, it can also come from a heart which isn’t fully in line with the things of God. Desiring to hold on to money rather than giving to the things of God. Instead of concealing our wrongs we should change them. If Jesus said today you can’t serve God and money, some Christians who like money and are trying to establish businesses, in order to conceal their love of money, may make mention of how “money isn’t evil”, missing the point. Whilst it is true that money is just an object, in our generation we will reach a point in time where we can’t buy and sell, so if you planned on having riches on earth forever you aren’t planning on being in the kingdom.
⬅ Part 1 | Part 3 ➡
[PART 2]
Jesus got the scribe to answer from his own mouth what he must do. The scribe knew that he wasn’t loving his neighbour and felt convicted. Instead of saying to himself “Why am I offended?”, “What should I change?”, “Where can I improve?”, “Let me pray to God for help.” this is what happens next, Luke 10:29 “But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?”.
Then Jesus teaches him through a parable to open his mind. Luke 10:30 “And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. Luke 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise”. The Samaritans were not Jewish or Israelite in blood, but they lived near the Jews and there were tensions between them and the Jews. Jesus showed the scribe that even borders between ethnicities don’t exist when it comes to the command of loving thy neighbour. Are we like the scribe? Is there a commandment where we try to justify ourselves? For example if the Bible says don’t lie, do we then say “But what’s a lie?”. The Lord says don’t fornicate, do we then say “Technically we’re like a married couple because we live together”?
The Pharisees hated correction and their sins being brought to light as well. Jesus was teaching them that you can’t serve God and money. This annoyed the Pharisees who loved money and were covetous. Luke 16:13 “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him”. At this point the Pharisees should stop and think “Where have we strayed from God? Let us repent”. Instead, self-justification was initiated and they attacked Jesus for his clear convicting teaching. Luke 16:15 “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God”. This may be similar to when it is taught we must tithe in church. At this point some may question the 10% number and say “Is it 10% of income after tax or before tax?”. Whilst this question can come from a lack of understanding, as many have never tithed before, it can also come from a heart which isn’t fully in line with the things of God. Desiring to hold on to money rather than giving to the things of God. Instead of concealing our wrongs we should change them. If Jesus said today you can’t serve God and money, some Christians who like money and are trying to establish businesses, in order to conceal their love of money, may make mention of how “money isn’t evil”, missing the point. Whilst it is true that money is just an object, in our generation we will reach a point in time where we can’t buy and sell, so if you planned on having riches on earth forever you aren’t planning on being in the kingdom.
⬅ Part 1 | Part 3 ➡
👍1
Am I in the Wrong?
[PART 3]
Whilst we should help our brothers who are in a fault in the spirit of meekness, we should make sure the beam is removed from our eyes first. Matthew 7:3 “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye”. We often may be quick to find the faults of others but never looking within to find problems with ourselves. This can result in us becoming hypocrites. Like Adam, we may say someone else caused us to sin whilst guilty of that same sin.
Whenever you find yourself in the wrong acknowledge it, repent to God and ask for strength from Him to overcome that wrong and move on. Do not justify yourself and carry on. Exodus 23:7 “Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked”.
I pray you’ve been blessed by this study and will not seek self-justification. Maranatha!
⬅ Part 2
Source: https://www.pluckedout.co.uk
[PART 3]
Whilst we should help our brothers who are in a fault in the spirit of meekness, we should make sure the beam is removed from our eyes first. Matthew 7:3 “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye”. We often may be quick to find the faults of others but never looking within to find problems with ourselves. This can result in us becoming hypocrites. Like Adam, we may say someone else caused us to sin whilst guilty of that same sin.
Whenever you find yourself in the wrong acknowledge it, repent to God and ask for strength from Him to overcome that wrong and move on. Do not justify yourself and carry on. Exodus 23:7 “Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked”.
I pray you’ve been blessed by this study and will not seek self-justification. Maranatha!
⬅ Part 2
Source: https://www.pluckedout.co.uk
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✨ Sapher ✨
an AI chatbot which is able to provide you with answers to questions about certain bible verses and topics by using the books from https://egwwritings.org
Go to https://www.pluckedout.co.uk/ and navigate to the bottom left corner of the page to find the chatbot (an icon with small robot holding the bible) 🤖💬
ℹ Sapher is not to be used as a substitution to the study of the Bible or EGW writings. It is advised to read on your own. Sapher may sometimes give an inaccurate answer to provided questions. It is recommended to use Sapher more as an intelligent search engine.
The author of SOP and Testimonies is Ellen G. White.
Don't know who she is?
Visit these two pages
- page 1 - page 2 -
✨ Sapher ✨
an AI chatbot which is able to provide you with answers to questions about certain bible verses and topics by using the books from https://egwwritings.org
Go to https://www.pluckedout.co.uk/ and navigate to the bottom left corner of the page to find the chatbot (an icon with small robot holding the bible) 🤖💬
ℹ Sapher is not to be used as a substitution to the study of the Bible or EGW writings. It is advised to read on your own. Sapher may sometimes give an inaccurate answer to provided questions. It is recommended to use Sapher more as an intelligent search engine.
The author of SOP and Testimonies is Ellen G. White.
Don't know who she is?
Visit these two pages
- page 1 - page 2 -
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Bible 📖 Encouragements 💪🏻 №22
II Samuel 22:47-51 KJV
47 The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation. 48 It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me, 49 And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man. 50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name. 51 He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.
#BibleEncouragements
II Samuel 22:47-51 KJV
47 The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation. 48 It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me, 49 And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man. 50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name. 51 He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.
#BibleEncouragements
❤3
"We read again in Daniel, “Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to hasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days; but lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.” [Daniel 10:12, 13.] By this we see that heavenly agencies have to contend with hindrances before the purpose of God is fulfilled in its time. The king of Persia was controlled by the highest of all evil angels. He refused, as did Pharaoh, to obey the word of the Lord. Gabriel declared, He withstood me twenty-one days by his representations against the Jews. But Michael came to his help, and then he remained with the kings of Persia, holding the powers in check, giving right counsel against evil counsel. Good and evil angels are taking a part in the planning of God in His earthly kingdom. It is God’s purpose to carry forward His work in correct lines, in ways that will advance His glory. But Satan is ever trying to counterwork God’s purpose. Only by humbling themselves before God can God’s servants advance His work. Never are they to depend on their own efforts or on outward display for success. [...] Day by day the conflict between good and evil is going on. Why is it that those who have had many opportunities and advantages do not realize the intensity of this work? They should be intelligent in regard to this. God is the Ruler. By His supreme power He holds in check and control earthly potentates. Through His agencies He does the work which was ordained before the foundation of the world. As a people we do not understand as we should the great conflict going on between invisible agencies, the controversy between loyal and disloyal angels. Evil angels are constantly at work, planning their line of attack, controlling as commanders, kings, and rulers, the disloyal human forces." - 14LtMs, Lt 201, 1899, par. 5-6, 22-23
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⚠️ PROPHECIED SUNDAY LAWS ARE COMING! ⚠️
Religious laws are in the works!
🚨 See this link to learn more 🚨
"For millennia, religions have regarded this ritual rest as a spiritual necessity. Yet clergy are now arguing that this practice, whether in a secular or religious context, can help redirect the world’s societies away from catastrophic climate change. In their view, it’s as essential to the future as any clean-energy technology or electric vehicle. A shared day of rest, at a minimum, might slow the pace of consumption, curb emissions or ease the burden of so many people working weary weekends. But slowing down, even for a day, may also be at the heart of a cultural change convincing society that a more sustainable way of life is not only good for the planet, but also good for them. Here’s how a green Sabbath may be the right idea for one’s soul, and the world." - source
""The world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point," warns Francis in an 11-page letter noscriptd Laudate Deum ("Praise God"). [...] "If we consider that emissions per individual in the United States are about two times greater than those of individuals living in China, and about seven times greater than the average of the poorest countries, we can state that a broad change in the irresponsible lifestyle connected with the Western model would have a significant long-term impact," writes Francis. [...] The letter's goal, writes the pope, is "to express bluntly that this is no longer a secondary or ideological question, but a drama that harms us all." Citing a 2022 decree from African bishops, he says that inaction on climate for Catholics is "a tragic and striking example of structural sin." - source
(the prophecy states that the United States of America, which is the Second Beast of Revelation will enforce the Mark of the First Beast as the first country in the world)
"Francis returned to the main themes of both writings but in his message to COP28 delegates he appealed directly to them, saying "it is essential that there be a breakthrough that is not a partial change of course" in Dubai. "May this COP prove to be a turning point, demonstrating a clear and tangible political will that can lead to a decisive acceleration of ecological transition," he said. To achieve this, he said it was necessary to move decidedly ahead with greater energy efficiency, renewable energy, the "elimination of fossil fuels" and a change of a wasteful lifestyle." - source
"In his message to the COP28 conference, the pope underlined the need for “multilateralism” to establish “global and effective rules” to fight climate change. “Climate change signals the need for political change. Let us emerge from the narrowness of self-interest and nationalism; these are approaches belonging to the past,” he said. [...] Let us join in embracing an alternative vision: this will help to bring about an ecological conversion, for ‘there are no lasting changes without cultural changes’ (Laudate Deum, 70),” the pope added. “In this regard, I would assure you of the commitment and support of the Catholic Church, which is deeply engaged in the work of education and of encouraging participation by all, as well as in promoting sound lifestyles, since all are responsible and the contribution of each is fundamental.” - source
Eco-Sabbath: How To Cut Emissions By Doing Nothing - source
Churches, Local Communities, Governments, Businesses, and even Drag Queens Participate in the Nationwide Campaign to Make Sunday a Fun Day - source
Nagaland: Baptist Church Council urges Sunday rest, boycotts October 1 nationwide cleanliness drive - source
WE ARE GETTING MUCH CLOSER TO CHRIST'S RETURN! REPENT!
↩️ See previous articles
Religious laws are in the works!
🚨 See this link to learn more 🚨
"For millennia, religions have regarded this ritual rest as a spiritual necessity. Yet clergy are now arguing that this practice, whether in a secular or religious context, can help redirect the world’s societies away from catastrophic climate change. In their view, it’s as essential to the future as any clean-energy technology or electric vehicle. A shared day of rest, at a minimum, might slow the pace of consumption, curb emissions or ease the burden of so many people working weary weekends. But slowing down, even for a day, may also be at the heart of a cultural change convincing society that a more sustainable way of life is not only good for the planet, but also good for them. Here’s how a green Sabbath may be the right idea for one’s soul, and the world." - source
""The world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point," warns Francis in an 11-page letter noscriptd Laudate Deum ("Praise God"). [...] "If we consider that emissions per individual in the United States are about two times greater than those of individuals living in China, and about seven times greater than the average of the poorest countries, we can state that a broad change in the irresponsible lifestyle connected with the Western model would have a significant long-term impact," writes Francis. [...] The letter's goal, writes the pope, is "to express bluntly that this is no longer a secondary or ideological question, but a drama that harms us all." Citing a 2022 decree from African bishops, he says that inaction on climate for Catholics is "a tragic and striking example of structural sin." - source
(the prophecy states that the United States of America, which is the Second Beast of Revelation will enforce the Mark of the First Beast as the first country in the world)
"Francis returned to the main themes of both writings but in his message to COP28 delegates he appealed directly to them, saying "it is essential that there be a breakthrough that is not a partial change of course" in Dubai. "May this COP prove to be a turning point, demonstrating a clear and tangible political will that can lead to a decisive acceleration of ecological transition," he said. To achieve this, he said it was necessary to move decidedly ahead with greater energy efficiency, renewable energy, the "elimination of fossil fuels" and a change of a wasteful lifestyle." - source
"In his message to the COP28 conference, the pope underlined the need for “multilateralism” to establish “global and effective rules” to fight climate change. “Climate change signals the need for political change. Let us emerge from the narrowness of self-interest and nationalism; these are approaches belonging to the past,” he said. [...] Let us join in embracing an alternative vision: this will help to bring about an ecological conversion, for ‘there are no lasting changes without cultural changes’ (Laudate Deum, 70),” the pope added. “In this regard, I would assure you of the commitment and support of the Catholic Church, which is deeply engaged in the work of education and of encouraging participation by all, as well as in promoting sound lifestyles, since all are responsible and the contribution of each is fundamental.” - source
Eco-Sabbath: How To Cut Emissions By Doing Nothing - source
Churches, Local Communities, Governments, Businesses, and even Drag Queens Participate in the Nationwide Campaign to Make Sunday a Fun Day - source
Nagaland: Baptist Church Council urges Sunday rest, boycotts October 1 nationwide cleanliness drive - source
WE ARE GETTING MUCH CLOSER TO CHRIST'S RETURN! REPENT!
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The Amazing Discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls
Have you ever heard about Dead Sea Scrolls?
Do you know about their significance?
In this sermon you will learn about one of the most profound archeological finds of the XX century.
https://youtu.be/fF1CO7Lw-Z0
#Study
Do you know about their significance?
In this sermon you will learn about one of the most profound archeological finds of the XX century.
https://youtu.be/fF1CO7Lw-Z0
#Study
🌎 Science in the Bible 🌍
Q: Was the earth divided?
Genesis 10:25 KJV
And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name was Joktan.
1 Chronicles 1:19 KJV
And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother's name was Joktan.
Confirmation:
"Pangea, also spelled Pangaea, in early geologic time, a supercontinent that incorporated almost all the landmasses on Earth." - Britannica
#Science
Q: Was the earth divided?
Genesis 10:25 KJV
And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name was Joktan.
1 Chronicles 1:19 KJV
And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother's name was Joktan.
Confirmation:
"Pangea, also spelled Pangaea, in early geologic time, a supercontinent that incorporated almost all the landmasses on Earth." - Britannica
#Science
Power of Example
(By Ellen White: Review and Herald June 25, 1861)
#Study
[1/8]
In the epistle of Paul to [Titus 2:13, 14], we read, “Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works.” This great work is to be performed for those only who are willing to be purified, willing to be peculiar, and who manifest a zeal in good works. How many shrink from the purifying process! They are unwilling to live out the truth, unwilling to appear singular or peculiar in the eyes of the world. It is this mixing up with the world which destroys our spirituality, pureness and zeal. Satan's power is constantly exercised to stupefy the sensibilities of God's people, that their consciences may not be sensitive to wrong, and that the sign of distinction between them and the world may be destroyed.
I have frequently received letters of inquiry in regard to dress, and some have not rightly understood what I have written. The very class which have been presented before me, who were imitating the fashions of the world, have been very slow, and the last to be affected or reformed. There has been another class who lacked taste and order in dress, who have taken advantage of what I have written, and taken the opposite extreme, and considered that they were free from pride, and have looked upon those who dress orderly and neat as being proud. Oddity and careless dress have been considered by some a special virtue. Such take a course which destroys their influence over unbelievers. They disgust those who might be benefitted. While the visions have reproved pride and imitating the fashions of the world, they have reproved those who were careless of their apparel and lacked cleanliness of person and dress. Especially have I been shown that those who profess present truth should have a special care to appear before God to worship him upon the Sabbath in a manner showing that we respect the Creator who has sanctified and placed special honors upon that day. All who have any regard for the Sabbath should be cleanly in person, neat and orderly in dress, for they are to appear before a jealous God who marks every token of disrespect. God is offended at uncleanness and disorder. Individuals have thought it would be wrong to wear anything upon their heads but a sun-bonnet. Such go to great extremes. It cannot be called pride to wear a neat, plain, straw or silk bonnet. Our faith, if carried out, will lead us to be so plain in dress and zealous of good works that we shall be marked as peculiar. But when we lose taste for order and neatness in dress we virtually leave the truth, for the truth never degrades, but elevates. Unbelievers look upon Sabbath-keepers as degraded, and when individuals are neglectful of their dress, and are coarse and rough, in their manners, their influence strengthens unbelievers in their conclusions.
[2/8] ➡️
(By Ellen White: Review and Herald June 25, 1861)
#Study
[1/8]
In the epistle of Paul to [Titus 2:13, 14], we read, “Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works.” This great work is to be performed for those only who are willing to be purified, willing to be peculiar, and who manifest a zeal in good works. How many shrink from the purifying process! They are unwilling to live out the truth, unwilling to appear singular or peculiar in the eyes of the world. It is this mixing up with the world which destroys our spirituality, pureness and zeal. Satan's power is constantly exercised to stupefy the sensibilities of God's people, that their consciences may not be sensitive to wrong, and that the sign of distinction between them and the world may be destroyed.
I have frequently received letters of inquiry in regard to dress, and some have not rightly understood what I have written. The very class which have been presented before me, who were imitating the fashions of the world, have been very slow, and the last to be affected or reformed. There has been another class who lacked taste and order in dress, who have taken advantage of what I have written, and taken the opposite extreme, and considered that they were free from pride, and have looked upon those who dress orderly and neat as being proud. Oddity and careless dress have been considered by some a special virtue. Such take a course which destroys their influence over unbelievers. They disgust those who might be benefitted. While the visions have reproved pride and imitating the fashions of the world, they have reproved those who were careless of their apparel and lacked cleanliness of person and dress. Especially have I been shown that those who profess present truth should have a special care to appear before God to worship him upon the Sabbath in a manner showing that we respect the Creator who has sanctified and placed special honors upon that day. All who have any regard for the Sabbath should be cleanly in person, neat and orderly in dress, for they are to appear before a jealous God who marks every token of disrespect. God is offended at uncleanness and disorder. Individuals have thought it would be wrong to wear anything upon their heads but a sun-bonnet. Such go to great extremes. It cannot be called pride to wear a neat, plain, straw or silk bonnet. Our faith, if carried out, will lead us to be so plain in dress and zealous of good works that we shall be marked as peculiar. But when we lose taste for order and neatness in dress we virtually leave the truth, for the truth never degrades, but elevates. Unbelievers look upon Sabbath-keepers as degraded, and when individuals are neglectful of their dress, and are coarse and rough, in their manners, their influence strengthens unbelievers in their conclusions.
[2/8] ➡️
👍3
Power of Example
[2/8]
Those who profess to be Christians in these last days which are full of peril, and do not imitate the humble, self-denying Pattern, place themselves in the enemy's ranks. He considers them his subjects, and they serve as important a purpose for Satan as any of his subjects, for they have a name to live and are dead. Others take them for example, and by their following them, lose heaven, when if they had not professed to be Christians, they would have shunned their example. These unconsecrated professors are not aware of the weight of their influence. They make the conflict much more severe for those who would be God's peculiar people. Paul in Titus 2:15, refers to God's people who are looking for the appearing of Christ. He says, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke, with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” As we bear testimony against pride and following the fashions of the world, we are met with excuses and self-justification. Some urge the example of others. Such a sister wears hoops, if it is wrong for me to wear them it is wrong for her. Children urge the example of other children whose parents are Sabbath-keepers. Bro. A. is a deacon of the church. His children wear hoops, and why is it any worse for me to wear them than it is for them? Those who by their example furnish unconsecrated professors with arguments against those who would be peculiar, are laying a cause of stumbling in the way of the weak, and to God they must render an account for such example. I am often asked, “What do you think of hoops?” I reply, I have given you the light which has been given me. I was shown that hoops were a shame, and that we should not give the least countenance to a fashion carried to such ridiculous lengths. I am often surprised to hear that “sister White says it is not wrong to wear small hoops.” No one has ever heard me say this. After being shown what I have in regard to hoops, nothing would induce me to give the least encouragement to any one to wear them.
A sister writes, “I cannot see the difference between small hoops and heavy rope skirts, which show off as much as hoops, or two or three heavy quilted skirts, which are worn to take the place of hoops.”
I agree with the sister, if we discard hoops, it is wrong to put on heavy quilts to make it appear as near like hoops as possible. We know that it is injurious to wear heavy quilts. I contend that heavy quilts and hoops are alike unnecessary. He that framed us never designed that we should be deformed with hoops, or anything to look like them. It is the inventions and fashions of the world that have led God's people, and they are unwilling to move out independent of the fashions and customs of the world. While I study God's word, I am alarmed for the Israel of God in these last days. They are exhorted to flee from idolatry. I fear that God's people are asleep and so conformed to the world that we can hardly know them, or discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. The distance is widening between Christ and his people, and lessening between them and the world. The marks of distinction between Christ's professed people and the world, have almost disappeared. They follow after the abominations of the nations around them, as did ancient Israel. From what has been shown me, hoops are an abomination. They are indecent, and God's people err, if they follow in the least degree, or give countenance to this fashion.
⬅️ [1/8] | [3/8] ➡️
[2/8]
Those who profess to be Christians in these last days which are full of peril, and do not imitate the humble, self-denying Pattern, place themselves in the enemy's ranks. He considers them his subjects, and they serve as important a purpose for Satan as any of his subjects, for they have a name to live and are dead. Others take them for example, and by their following them, lose heaven, when if they had not professed to be Christians, they would have shunned their example. These unconsecrated professors are not aware of the weight of their influence. They make the conflict much more severe for those who would be God's peculiar people. Paul in Titus 2:15, refers to God's people who are looking for the appearing of Christ. He says, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke, with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” As we bear testimony against pride and following the fashions of the world, we are met with excuses and self-justification. Some urge the example of others. Such a sister wears hoops, if it is wrong for me to wear them it is wrong for her. Children urge the example of other children whose parents are Sabbath-keepers. Bro. A. is a deacon of the church. His children wear hoops, and why is it any worse for me to wear them than it is for them? Those who by their example furnish unconsecrated professors with arguments against those who would be peculiar, are laying a cause of stumbling in the way of the weak, and to God they must render an account for such example. I am often asked, “What do you think of hoops?” I reply, I have given you the light which has been given me. I was shown that hoops were a shame, and that we should not give the least countenance to a fashion carried to such ridiculous lengths. I am often surprised to hear that “sister White says it is not wrong to wear small hoops.” No one has ever heard me say this. After being shown what I have in regard to hoops, nothing would induce me to give the least encouragement to any one to wear them.
A sister writes, “I cannot see the difference between small hoops and heavy rope skirts, which show off as much as hoops, or two or three heavy quilted skirts, which are worn to take the place of hoops.”
I agree with the sister, if we discard hoops, it is wrong to put on heavy quilts to make it appear as near like hoops as possible. We know that it is injurious to wear heavy quilts. I contend that heavy quilts and hoops are alike unnecessary. He that framed us never designed that we should be deformed with hoops, or anything to look like them. It is the inventions and fashions of the world that have led God's people, and they are unwilling to move out independent of the fashions and customs of the world. While I study God's word, I am alarmed for the Israel of God in these last days. They are exhorted to flee from idolatry. I fear that God's people are asleep and so conformed to the world that we can hardly know them, or discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. The distance is widening between Christ and his people, and lessening between them and the world. The marks of distinction between Christ's professed people and the world, have almost disappeared. They follow after the abominations of the nations around them, as did ancient Israel. From what has been shown me, hoops are an abomination. They are indecent, and God's people err, if they follow in the least degree, or give countenance to this fashion.
⬅️ [1/8] | [3/8] ➡️
Power of Example
[3/8]
Sabbath-keepers who profess to be God's chosen, peculiar people, should discard hoops, and their practice and example should be a living rebuke to those who wear them. Some may plead convenience. I have traveled much, and have seen a great deal of inconvenience attending the wearing of hoops; and those who plead the necessity on account of health, wear them in the winter, which is a greater injury than quilted skirts. While traveling in the cars and stages, I have often been led to exclaim, Oh, modesty, where is thy blush! I have seen large companies crowding into the cars, and in order to make any headway, the hoops had to be raised and placed into a shape which was indecent. And the exposure of the form was ten-fold more with those who wore hoops, than with those who did not; and were it not for fashion, those who immodestly expose themselves would be hissed at; but modesty and decency must be sacrificed to the god of fashion. May the Lord deliver his people from this grievous sin. God will not pity those who will be slaves to fashion. But supposing there is some little convenience in wearing hoops, does this prove that it is right to wear them? Let the fashion change and convenience would no longer be mentioned. It is the duty of every child of God to inquire, Wherein am I separate from the world? Let them suffer a little inconvenience and be on the safe side. What crosses do God's people bear? They mingle with the world, partake of their spirit, dress, talk and act like them.
Please read 1 Timothy 2:9, 10. “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh godliness) with good works.”
1 Peter 3:3-5: “Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands.”
The power of example is great. Sister A. ventures to wear small hoops; sister B. says it is no worse for me to wear hoops than sister A., and she wears hoops a little larger. Sister C. imitates the example of sister A. and B., and wears her hoops a little larger than A. and B., but all contend that their hoops are small.
Parents who would teach their children the evil of following the fashions of the world, have a hard battle. They are met with, “Why, mother, sisters A., B. and C. wear hoops; if it is wicked for me, it is for them.” What can the parents say? They should set a right example before their children, and although the example of professed followers of Christ causes the children to think that their parents are too careful and severe in their restrictions, yet God will bless the efforts of these conscientious parents. If the parents do not take a decided, firm course, their children will be borne down with the current, for Satan and his evil angels are working upon their minds, and the example of unconsecrated professors is against their efforts which makes the work of overcoming far more laborious for their children. Yet with faith in God and earnest prayer, believing parents may press on in this rugged path of duty. The way of the cross is an onward, upward way. And as we advance therein, seeking the things that are above, we must leave farther and farther in the distance the things which belong to the earth. While the world and carnal professors are rushing downward to death, those who climb the hill will have to put forth efforts or they will be carried down in the broad road.
⬅️ [2/8] | [4/8] ➡️
[3/8]
Sabbath-keepers who profess to be God's chosen, peculiar people, should discard hoops, and their practice and example should be a living rebuke to those who wear them. Some may plead convenience. I have traveled much, and have seen a great deal of inconvenience attending the wearing of hoops; and those who plead the necessity on account of health, wear them in the winter, which is a greater injury than quilted skirts. While traveling in the cars and stages, I have often been led to exclaim, Oh, modesty, where is thy blush! I have seen large companies crowding into the cars, and in order to make any headway, the hoops had to be raised and placed into a shape which was indecent. And the exposure of the form was ten-fold more with those who wore hoops, than with those who did not; and were it not for fashion, those who immodestly expose themselves would be hissed at; but modesty and decency must be sacrificed to the god of fashion. May the Lord deliver his people from this grievous sin. God will not pity those who will be slaves to fashion. But supposing there is some little convenience in wearing hoops, does this prove that it is right to wear them? Let the fashion change and convenience would no longer be mentioned. It is the duty of every child of God to inquire, Wherein am I separate from the world? Let them suffer a little inconvenience and be on the safe side. What crosses do God's people bear? They mingle with the world, partake of their spirit, dress, talk and act like them.
Please read 1 Timothy 2:9, 10. “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh godliness) with good works.”
1 Peter 3:3-5: “Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands.”
The power of example is great. Sister A. ventures to wear small hoops; sister B. says it is no worse for me to wear hoops than sister A., and she wears hoops a little larger. Sister C. imitates the example of sister A. and B., and wears her hoops a little larger than A. and B., but all contend that their hoops are small.
Parents who would teach their children the evil of following the fashions of the world, have a hard battle. They are met with, “Why, mother, sisters A., B. and C. wear hoops; if it is wicked for me, it is for them.” What can the parents say? They should set a right example before their children, and although the example of professed followers of Christ causes the children to think that their parents are too careful and severe in their restrictions, yet God will bless the efforts of these conscientious parents. If the parents do not take a decided, firm course, their children will be borne down with the current, for Satan and his evil angels are working upon their minds, and the example of unconsecrated professors is against their efforts which makes the work of overcoming far more laborious for their children. Yet with faith in God and earnest prayer, believing parents may press on in this rugged path of duty. The way of the cross is an onward, upward way. And as we advance therein, seeking the things that are above, we must leave farther and farther in the distance the things which belong to the earth. While the world and carnal professors are rushing downward to death, those who climb the hill will have to put forth efforts or they will be carried down in the broad road.
⬅️ [2/8] | [4/8] ➡️
❤1
Power of Example
[4/8]
The children of the world are called the children of darkness. They are blinded by the god of this world, and are led by the spirit of the prince of darkness. They cannot enjoy heavenly things. The children of light have their affections set on things above. They leave behind them the things of this world. They fulfill the command, “Come out from among them and be ye separate.” Here is the conditional promise, “I will receive you.” Christ from the beginning has chosen his people out of the world, and required them to be separate, having no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. If they love God and keep his commandments, they will be far from having the friendship, and loving the pleasures, of the world. There is no concord between Christ and Belial.
The prophet Ezra, and faithful servants of the Jewish church, were astonished when the princes came to them saying, “The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations. And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this, should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? Wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping? O Lord God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold we are before thee in our trespasses, for we cannot stand before thee because of this.” Ezra 9:1, 13-15.
2 Chronicles 36:14-16: “Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the Lord which he had hallowed in Jerusalem. And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes and sending; because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling-place. But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against this people, till there was no remedy.”
Leviticus 18:26, 27: “Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you; (for all these abominations have the men of the land done which were before you, and the land is defiled.)”
Deuteronomy 32:16-22: “They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger. They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods, that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. And when the Lord saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons and of his daughters. And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be; for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities, and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.”
⬅️ [3/8] | [5/8] ➡️
[4/8]
The children of the world are called the children of darkness. They are blinded by the god of this world, and are led by the spirit of the prince of darkness. They cannot enjoy heavenly things. The children of light have their affections set on things above. They leave behind them the things of this world. They fulfill the command, “Come out from among them and be ye separate.” Here is the conditional promise, “I will receive you.” Christ from the beginning has chosen his people out of the world, and required them to be separate, having no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. If they love God and keep his commandments, they will be far from having the friendship, and loving the pleasures, of the world. There is no concord between Christ and Belial.
The prophet Ezra, and faithful servants of the Jewish church, were astonished when the princes came to them saying, “The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations. And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this, should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? Wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping? O Lord God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold we are before thee in our trespasses, for we cannot stand before thee because of this.” Ezra 9:1, 13-15.
2 Chronicles 36:14-16: “Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the Lord which he had hallowed in Jerusalem. And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes and sending; because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling-place. But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against this people, till there was no remedy.”
Leviticus 18:26, 27: “Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you; (for all these abominations have the men of the land done which were before you, and the land is defiled.)”
Deuteronomy 32:16-22: “They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger. They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods, that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. And when the Lord saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons and of his daughters. And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be; for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities, and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.”
⬅️ [3/8] | [5/8] ➡️
👍1
Power of Example
[5/8]
We here read the warnings which God gave to ancient Israel. It was not his good pleasure that they should wander so long in the wilderness, and he would have brought them immediately to the promised land, if they had submitted, and loved to be led by him; and because they so often grieved him in the desert, he sware in his wrath that they should not enter into his rest, save two, who wholly followed him. God required his people to trust in him alone. He did not wish them to receive help of those who did not serve him. Please read Ezra 4:1-5: “Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the Lord God of Israel, then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you; for we seek your God as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon, king of Assur, which brought us up hither. But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build a house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the Lord God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded. Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, and hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose.”
Ezra 8:21, 23: “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way; because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted and besought our God for this, and he was entreated of us.”
The prophet and these fathers did not consider them the worshipers of the true God, and though they professed friendship and wished to help them, they dare not unite with them in anything relating to his worship. When going up to Jerusalem, to build the temple of God and to restore his worship, they would not ask help of the king to assist them in the way, but by fasting and prayer sought the Lord for help. They believed God would defend and prosper his servants in their efforts to serve him. The Creator of all things needeth not the help of his enemies to establish his worship. He asks not the sacrifice of wickedness, nor accepts the offerings of those who have other gods before the Lord.
We often hear the remark, You are too exclusive. As a people we would make any sacrifice to save souls, or lead them to the truth. But to unite with them, to love the things that they love, and have friendship with the world, we dare not, for we should then be at enmity with God.
By reading the following noscriptures we shall see how God regarded his ancient Israel:
Psalm 135:4: “For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.”
Deuteronomy 14:2: “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.”
Deuteronomy 7:6, 7: “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God; the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people.”
Exodus 33:16: “For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? Is it not in that thou goest with us? So shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.”
How frequently ancient Israel rebelled, and how often were they visited with judgments, and thousands slain because they would not heed the commands of God who had chosen them.
⬅️ [4/8] | [6/8] ➡️
[5/8]
We here read the warnings which God gave to ancient Israel. It was not his good pleasure that they should wander so long in the wilderness, and he would have brought them immediately to the promised land, if they had submitted, and loved to be led by him; and because they so often grieved him in the desert, he sware in his wrath that they should not enter into his rest, save two, who wholly followed him. God required his people to trust in him alone. He did not wish them to receive help of those who did not serve him. Please read Ezra 4:1-5: “Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the Lord God of Israel, then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you; for we seek your God as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon, king of Assur, which brought us up hither. But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build a house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the Lord God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded. Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, and hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose.”
Ezra 8:21, 23: “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way; because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted and besought our God for this, and he was entreated of us.”
The prophet and these fathers did not consider them the worshipers of the true God, and though they professed friendship and wished to help them, they dare not unite with them in anything relating to his worship. When going up to Jerusalem, to build the temple of God and to restore his worship, they would not ask help of the king to assist them in the way, but by fasting and prayer sought the Lord for help. They believed God would defend and prosper his servants in their efforts to serve him. The Creator of all things needeth not the help of his enemies to establish his worship. He asks not the sacrifice of wickedness, nor accepts the offerings of those who have other gods before the Lord.
We often hear the remark, You are too exclusive. As a people we would make any sacrifice to save souls, or lead them to the truth. But to unite with them, to love the things that they love, and have friendship with the world, we dare not, for we should then be at enmity with God.
By reading the following noscriptures we shall see how God regarded his ancient Israel:
Psalm 135:4: “For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.”
Deuteronomy 14:2: “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.”
Deuteronomy 7:6, 7: “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God; the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people.”
Exodus 33:16: “For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? Is it not in that thou goest with us? So shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.”
How frequently ancient Israel rebelled, and how often were they visited with judgments, and thousands slain because they would not heed the commands of God who had chosen them.
⬅️ [4/8] | [6/8] ➡️
Power of Example
[6/8]
The Israel of God in these last days are in constant danger of mixing with the world and losing all signs of their being the chosen people of God. Read again Titus 2:13-15. We are brought down to the last days, when God is purifying unto himself a peculiar people. Shall we provoke God as did ancient Israel? Shall we bring his wrath upon us by departing from him and mingling with the world, and following the abominations of the nations around us?
The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself, and this consecration to God and separation from the world is plainly declared and positively enjoined in both the Old and New Testaments. There is a wall of separation which the Lord himself has established between the things of the world and the things he has chosen out of the world and sanctified unto himself. The calling and character of God's people are peculiar. Their prospects are peculiar, and these peculiarities distinguish them from all people. All of God's people upon the earth are one body, from the beginning to the end of time. They have one head that directs and governs the body. The same injunctions rest upon God's people now, to be separate from the world, as rested upon ancient Israel. The great Head of the church has not changed. The experience of Christians in these days are much like the travels of ancient Israel. Please read 1 Corinthians 10, especially from the 6th to the 15th verse.
“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.... Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.”
1 John 3:1: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
1 John 2:15-17: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”
2 Peter 2:2: “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.”
James 4:4: “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
James 1:27: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
Titus 2:12-14: “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
⬅️ [5/8] | [7/8] ➡️
[6/8]
The Israel of God in these last days are in constant danger of mixing with the world and losing all signs of their being the chosen people of God. Read again Titus 2:13-15. We are brought down to the last days, when God is purifying unto himself a peculiar people. Shall we provoke God as did ancient Israel? Shall we bring his wrath upon us by departing from him and mingling with the world, and following the abominations of the nations around us?
The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself, and this consecration to God and separation from the world is plainly declared and positively enjoined in both the Old and New Testaments. There is a wall of separation which the Lord himself has established between the things of the world and the things he has chosen out of the world and sanctified unto himself. The calling and character of God's people are peculiar. Their prospects are peculiar, and these peculiarities distinguish them from all people. All of God's people upon the earth are one body, from the beginning to the end of time. They have one head that directs and governs the body. The same injunctions rest upon God's people now, to be separate from the world, as rested upon ancient Israel. The great Head of the church has not changed. The experience of Christians in these days are much like the travels of ancient Israel. Please read 1 Corinthians 10, especially from the 6th to the 15th verse.
“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.... Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.”
1 John 3:1: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
1 John 2:15-17: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”
2 Peter 2:2: “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.”
James 4:4: “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
James 1:27: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
Titus 2:12-14: “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
⬅️ [5/8] | [7/8] ➡️
❤1
Power of Example
[7/8]
Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”
John 17:14, 15, 17: “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.”
Luke 6:22, 23: “Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”
John 15:16-19: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”
1 John 4:4, 5: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.”
1 John 2:5, 6: “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk even as he walked.”
1 Peter 2:9: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
As we read the word of God, how plain that God's people are peculiar and distinct from the unbelieving world around them. Our position is interesting and fearful; living in the last days, how important that we imitate the example of Christ, and walk even as he walked. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” The opinions and wisdom of men must not guide or govern us. They always lead away from the cross.
The servants of Christ have not their home or their treasure here. Would that all of them could understand that it is only because the Lord reigns that we are even permitted to dwell in peace and safety among our enemies. It is not our privilege to claim special favors of the world. We must consent to be poor and despised among men until the warfare is finished and the victory won. The members of Christ are called to come out and be separate from the friendship and spirit of the world, and their strength and power consists in their being chosen and accepted of God.
The Son of God was the heir of all things, and the dominion and glory of the kingdoms of this world were promised to him. Yet when he appeared in this world it was without riches or splendor. The world understood not his union with the Father; and the excellency and glory of his divine character were hid from them. He was therefore “despised and rejected of men,” and “we did esteem him smitten of God and afflicted.”
⬅️ [6/8] | [8/8] ➡️
[7/8]
Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”
John 17:14, 15, 17: “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.”
Luke 6:22, 23: “Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”
John 15:16-19: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”
1 John 4:4, 5: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.”
1 John 2:5, 6: “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk even as he walked.”
1 Peter 2:9: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
As we read the word of God, how plain that God's people are peculiar and distinct from the unbelieving world around them. Our position is interesting and fearful; living in the last days, how important that we imitate the example of Christ, and walk even as he walked. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” The opinions and wisdom of men must not guide or govern us. They always lead away from the cross.
The servants of Christ have not their home or their treasure here. Would that all of them could understand that it is only because the Lord reigns that we are even permitted to dwell in peace and safety among our enemies. It is not our privilege to claim special favors of the world. We must consent to be poor and despised among men until the warfare is finished and the victory won. The members of Christ are called to come out and be separate from the friendship and spirit of the world, and their strength and power consists in their being chosen and accepted of God.
The Son of God was the heir of all things, and the dominion and glory of the kingdoms of this world were promised to him. Yet when he appeared in this world it was without riches or splendor. The world understood not his union with the Father; and the excellency and glory of his divine character were hid from them. He was therefore “despised and rejected of men,” and “we did esteem him smitten of God and afflicted.”
⬅️ [6/8] | [8/8] ➡️