(1John 2:15 KJV).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
WHAT IS EMMANUEL GOD WITH US, RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH ?
The date of Jesus’ birth has never been revealed to us. The celebration of His birthday is no where commanded for Christians to practice. Why is there so much fuss about a holiday which came to us through pagan Brumalia [The December 25 celebration], celebrating the shortest day of the year and the ‘new sun’? Its origin is in idolatory, paganism and Sun-worship, and was celebrated with riot and merrymaking long before Jesus came to earth as a babe in Bethlehem.
How did Christmas get into the Christian church?
This pagan holiday later crept into the churches, in the first five centuries, in spite of the protests of some godly pastors. It was considered idolatory to do this, since it was nothing more than a heathen day of worship. In addition, this day was selected in honour of Mithra, the Sun-god. December 25 was dedicated to the keeping of his birthday. The sun had reached its lowest angle in the sky on December 21 (the winter solstice), and the 25th was the first observable day in which it began rising in the noon sky. So, December 25 had for centuries, been celebrated as the ‘birth of the Sun-god.”
Is December 25, the Birthday of Christ?
It is well known among Bible scholars that December 25 could not have been the date of Jesus’ birth, because in Luke 2:8, we are told that the shepherds were keeping their flock by night out in the field:
Luk 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Now, considering the geographical position of the area, shepherds always brought their sheep in from the mountains and fields and sheltered them not later than October 15, to protect them from the cold rainy season that followed. (Songs 2:11; Ezra 10:9,13.) No shepherd in his right mind would be found outside tending his sheep by night on December 25:
Song of Solomon 2:11 For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;
Ezr 10:9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.
Ezr 10:13 But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two: for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.
What is “Christmas”?
The word “Christmas” and its tradition came down to us from the Roman Catholic Church, a term for “Mass of Christ” or “Christ-Mass”, which came to them not from the Bible, but paganism, where pagan calendars gravitated to Christmas. This December 25 “mass” must be attended by the faithful, under the penalty of mortal sin for not doing so. At this mass – as at every other, – Christ is offered by the priest in a wafer. The people are to worship this wafer as the true body, mind, and soul of Jesus Christ!
What about Santa Claus?
Old Saint Nick, one of Santa’s names, is a name for Satan. See “Old Nick” in the dictionary (Rev 17:15.):
And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
The name “Santa Claus” is a corruption of the Dutch “Sant Nikolaas” (Sant-Ni-Klaus), and “Kriss Kringle” is from German “Christ Kindl” or “Christ Child.” So we have here a counterfeit Christ called, “Santa”, when unscrambled is Satan! He comes at night as a thief (2 Pet, 3:10; 1 Thess. 5:2):
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
At midnight (EW:285), dressed in white and red (Rev 19:13-14, Isa. 63:1-3):
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, traveling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the wine vat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.
Bringing gifts and rewards (Rev. 22:12):
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Knows if you’ve been good or not (Rev. 2:23):
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Santa has white, wooly hair (Rev. 1:14):
Rev 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
Sits and talks with children (Matt. 19:14):
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Travels with reindeer on a sleigh (Rev. 19:11,14, Isa 66:15):
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.
Lives in the North Pole (Ps. 48:2):
Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
Children tell him what they want, prayers (Matt.7:7):
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Santa Claus is not real, and we should not lie to our children! (Rev. 22:14-15.):
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Is there any wonder why later they question the existence of God? Teach them about Jesus Christ, their best Friend, their only Saviour, and the only one who can really bring them the gifts they need. Teach them the truth! Tell them that they do not need to wait till Christmas to receive His gifts; – they can and do have them every day: The gifts of love, salvation, protection, food, water, air, shelter, sunshine, rain, wind. The gifts of nature, scenery, animals and loved ones. To enjoy good health, and to have eyes to see them all, what more could they want, what precious gifts.
What about Christmas trees?
Green trees were cut down, mounted, and then decked with offerings of food and precious gifts to Mithra. “The Christmas tree is from Egypt, and its origin dates from a period long anterior to the Christian era.” –Frederick J Haskins, Answers to Questions. Even the Bible speaks about this pagan custom, see Jer 10:2-6:
Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.
How about the Mistletoe?
Among the ancients, mistletoe was considered sacred to the sun, and was used in December, winter solstice festivities, when the sun was lowest in the sky. Kissing under the mistletoe was thought to be an act of pagan solar worship. Very licentious and temple prostitution was performed during the eight-day Roman Saturnalia which immediately preceded December 25 sun-birth celebration.
What about Wreaths and Holly?
Circular wreaths of evergreen branches (especially holly) were a featured part of the festival. These were formed in the shape of the sun, and represented life which could not exist without sunlight, placing them on the inside and outside walls during these celebrations. At the time of initiation into the Dionysian mysteries, these were worn by the initiates as fertility symbols. They represented the perpetuity of existence through on-going cycles of life, death, and rebirth. The wreath with a candle in the middle has a sexual representation, as do most pagan symbols, that we will not even discuss here, but suffice to say that it has the same connotation as the obelisk in St. Peter’s square in the Vatican. Holly berries were also considered sacred to the Sun-god.
Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
Should faithful Christians after learning the truth about Christmas and its pagan origin, still continue to celebrate it? Definitely not! The early Christians dared not accept pagan practices or pagan holidays. Those heathen customs could not be found in the Bible, so they ought to be shunned by conscientious Christians. What is more, no birth-day of any person need be celebrated:
In the Scriptures, no one is recorded to have kept a feast or held a great banquet on his [Christ's birthday]. It is sinners [like haraoh or Herod] who make great rejoicings over the day in which they were born into this world.” –Catholic Encyclopedia, 11th ed., art: “Natal day.”
It would be more appropriate to observe the 7th day Sabbath rest day in honour of the finished Creation (Gen.2:1-3):
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
The weekly Sabbath, most Christians wish to forget to observe, although there is an explicit command in God’s Word, the Bible, to do so, and even though the command begins with the words “Remember to keep the Sabbath day holy…” (Exodus 20:8-11):
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Most have chosen to substitute it with another day. How is it with you my friend, will you please God, or men? That is the question!
The most common objections to separating oneself from the Christmas festival will now be answered.
The objections that will be answered are:
1. Shouldn’t we convey the “true” meaning of Christmas during this time of the year?
2. If our heart-attitude is right then what does the origin of Christmas matter?
3. Did not Paul say not to judge one another in regards to holy days and religious festivals?
4. If we stubbornly abstain from the festivities of Christmas, how shall we ever win our families and friends to Jesus (for they will surely call us fanatics)?
5. The Kingdom of God is not a matter of such trivial things so why waste our time in our concern over it?
6. I know that Christmas is pagan, but where do I draw the line in regards to abstinence from certain things?
I. Shouldn’t we convey the true meaning of Christmas to everyone?
The above discussion establishes the true meaning of Christmas. Any meaning other than this meaning could not be called Christmas. Furthermore, to give any other meaning to the origin and meaning of Christmas other than the historical one would be deception. Also worth noting is that the early church had no record of celebrating the birth of Christ and there is no authority in scripture given to believers which allows them to celebrate His birth in this manner.
II. If our heart attitude is right, what does it matter if the origin is bad?
The scriptures such as II Corinthians 6:14-17 ,7:1; I Corinthians 10:18-22:
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
Thus this displays evidence that we should not be involved in a mixture of anything that involves the mixture of truth with error. We are so quick to judge the cults for mixing truth with error, yet we allow ourselves to do the same thing. II Corinthians 6 exhorts us to keep away from that which is unclean and to separate ourselves from all forms of idolatry. The word of God demands purity in both our attitudes and actions, to walk in Spirit and in TRUTH. So you see that our heart attitude has got to be based upon truth or else it is the wrong attitude no matter how ‘innocent’ or ‘good’ it may feel to us.
III. Didn’t the apostle Paul say not to judge one another in regards to holy days and religious festivals?
Yes, Paul did say this in the 2nd chapter of Colossians. In the context of this chapter, however, Paul was dealing with Jewish holidays and festivals, not pagan or idolatrous festivals. We have seen that Paul has much to say about idolatry and the believer’s abstinence from it in all forms; therefore, in this context we see that this passage of scripture does not apply to our discussion. Paul does, of course, talk about eating meat sacrificed to idols, and says that an idol is nothing and that we should not raise questions of conscience about the eating of such meat. The logic of comparing ‘meat sacrificed to idols’ to ‘Christmas festivities’ is faulty and cannot be done honestly. In 1 Corinthians chapter 10, starting at verse 20 Paul writes: “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would notthat ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than her So you see, that the sacrifices that unbelievers make during the Christmas season are offered to demons, not to God. Paul exhorts us to not partake in such things.
IV. If we stubbornly abstain from the festivities of Christmas, how shall we ever win our families and friends to Jesus (they will call us fanatics)?
Whatever people may call us, fanatics, etc. you will be known as Christians, and in the secret consciences of men you will be acknowledged as such. How was it with the early Christians? They lived so separate from the world and it made such an impression that even pagan writers say of them, “These men win the hearts of the mass of people, because they give themselves up to deeds of charity, and pour contempt on the world.” If Christians would live like this today, the world would quickly be converted. To put the feelings of unbelieving relatives (they may be offended if we don’t celebrate Christmas) before obedience and sincerity before God is putting them in a higher place of importance than God. And Jesus has said, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…” (Matt.10:37):
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
V. The kingdom of God is not a matter of such trivial things as these, so why waste our time discussing them?
A Christian who fears the Lord will pursue the subject until he is either cut off from conforming to the world or cut off from God. It is not only Christmas, as such, but it is conformity to the world in general that is the great stumbling block in the way of sinners. How can the world be converted, while professing Christians are conformed to the world? The unbelievers may just as well ask, “What profit will it be to become Christians, when those who are Christians are pursuing the world with all the vigor that we are?’ “Born again” Christians are the laughing stock of many cults and secularists because of their ignorance in matters such as these. Separation from the world is not a trivial matter. It is essential for engaging in powerful prayer, which will bring forth the power and blessing of the Holy Spirit to convert the world. So you see, this subject is not trivial.
VI. I know that Christmas is pagan, but where does one draw the line regarding abstinence from certain things?
This final objection is the hardest one to answer, but here some jeneral guidelines that should be followed: The spirit of Christmas is a counterfeit spirit. It is a spirit of ‘false’ love and ‘false’ joy that the world enjoys during Christmas. This spirit is not the HOLY Spirit of God! For it does not lead the world to conviction of sin and repentance and it does not confess Jesus as Lord. It is a false spirit, a spirit :hat leads many to commit suicide during this season. Statistics show that the suicide rate is higher during the Christmas season than at any other time of the year. This is the spirit of the world, the spirit of the antichrist, who wishes death upon all men. The scripture refers to the devil as an angel of light and as the deceiver and counterfeiter. This spirit is prevalent in most evangelical churches during the Christmas season. It takes the form of Christmas parties, candlelight services, Christmas cantatas and the like. To be separate from this spirit is important.
FINAL COMMENTS
The facts that have been discussed should cause every true believer to doubt the godliness of the Christmas celebration. The scripture says: “for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23):
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Many things associated with Christmas require abstinence but the Spirit of God will lead as one asks for His guidance and His light. Why not try to help those who are being led into suicide by lying spirits during this season, to trust the Holy Spirit to lead you to such hurting people as these and to others who may be ripe for harvest. He will guide as one walks in the truth on this matter. Before ignoring this call of God to be separate from the world, heed His word to us… (James 4:4-5):
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, 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. Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
“Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the church … the first evidence of the feast is from Egypt.” (Catholic encyclopaedia 1911 edition) “There is no authoritative tradition as to the day or month of Christ’s birth … The winter solstice was regarded as the birthday of the sun and at Rome a pagan festival of the nativity of “sol invictus” was introduced by the Emperor Aurelian on the 25th December 274. The church unable to stamp out this popular festival, spiritualised it as the Feast of the Nativity of the Sun of Righteousness. When Christianity spread northwards it encountered a similar pagan festival also held at the winter solstice – the great Yule feast of the Norsemen. Once again Christians absorbed heathen customs. From the various sources came the Yule Log, the Christmas tree introduced into England from Germany and first mentioned in 1978.” (Chambers encyclopaedia 1970 edition page 530)
“Indeed it is admitted by the most learned and candid of writers of all parties that the day of our Lord’s birth cannot be determined and that within the Christian church no festival as Christmas was ever heard of till the 3rd century, and that not till the 4th century was far advanced did it gain much observance.”
How then did the Romish church fix on December 25th as Christmas day? Why thus:
“Long before the fourth century and long before the Christian era itself, a festival was celebrated among the heathen at the precise time of the year in honour of the Son of Babylonian Queen of Heaven: and it may fairly be assumed that in order to conciliate the heathen, and to swell the number of the nominal adherents of Christianity, the same festival was adopted by the Roman Church giving it only the name of Christ. This tendency on part of the Christians to meet Paganism half-way was very early adopted … upright men strove to stem the tide, but in spite of all their efforts the apostasy went on, ’till the church, with the exemption of a small remnant, was submerged under Pagan superstition.
That Christmas was originally a pagan festival is beyond all doubt. The time of the year and the ceremonies with which it is still celebrated proves its origin. In Egypt the Son of Isis, the Egyptian title for the Queen of Heaven, was born at this very time, about the time of the winter solstice.” (The Two Babylons by Alexander Hyslop, pages 92 and 93).
________
Reference: THE WINTER FESTIVAL by Mark Abbotoy
source: http://adventistwheat.wordpress.com/christmas-origin/
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Thesis ,Antithesis and Synthesis The Process used to Dethrone the Principles of God.
The de-christianization of the whole world. This is only one of the many ways they are making void the Law of God.
The youth is being destroyed and they dont even know it.Every thing that is Godly will be repulsive.Thus Christians will be destroyed in the coming Crisis. Daniel12:1
Satan is implementing his comprehensive plan The mystery of Iniquity. Even as Christ is implementing His comprehensive mystery also.
what is the Mystery of Iniquity ?
2THESSALONIANS 2
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,(Papacy)
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Christ mystery what is it ?
COLOSSIANS 1
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God;
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Se the videos below if you are on face book click here
video source : The for runner Chronicles
The youth is being destroyed and they dont even know it.Every thing that is Godly will be repulsive.Thus Christians will be destroyed in the coming Crisis. Daniel12:1
Satan is implementing his comprehensive plan The mystery of Iniquity. Even as Christ is implementing His comprehensive mystery also.
what is the Mystery of Iniquity ?
2THESSALONIANS 2
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,(Papacy)
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Christ mystery what is it ?
COLOSSIANS 1
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God;
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Se the videos below if you are on face book click here
video source : The for runner Chronicles
Monday, December 7, 2009
A prophet's vision must come to past
You can see i have been reading like mad. I want to share with you some passages from Testimonies Vol 9 written in 1909 of events surrounding April 16- 18 that will blow even the unbeliever away. I have done some research and found on the internet, eye witness accounts to intersperse between what I have been reading .Testimonies for the church Volume 9 page 92 reads:
'While at Loma Linda, Calif., April 16, 1906, there passed before me a most wonderful representation. During a vision of the night, I stood on an eminence, from which I could see houses shaken like a reed in the wind. Buildings, great and small, were falling to the ground. Pleasure resorts, theaters, hotels, and the homes of the wealthy were shaken and shattered. Many lives were blotted out of existence, and the air was filled with the shrieks of the injured and the terrified."
Now noticed carefully this is days before this horrific Earthquake.
Independent reports from the eyewitness was recorded in history.This is what google engine search cough up.
source http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/sfeq.htm And it reads: The terrifying rumble of an earthquake shattered the early morning silence of April 18 at 5:15 AM. The quake lasted only a minute but caused the worst natural disaster in the nation's history. Modern analysis estimates it registered 8.25 on the Richter scale (By comparison, the quake that hit San Francisco on October 17, 1989 registered 6.7). Three eye witnesses described their experiences: "Of a sudden we had found ourselves staggering and reeling. It was as if the earth was slipping gently from under our feet. Then came the sickening swaying of the earth that threw us flat upon our faces. We struggled in the street. We could not get on our feet.
Loma Linda, Calif., April 16, 1906
Testimonies for the church Volume 9 page 93 reads:
The destroying angels of God were at work. One touch, and buildings so thoroughly constructed that men regarded them as secure against every danger, quickly became heaps of rubbish. There was no assurance of safety in any place. I did not feel in any special peril, but the awfulness of the scenes that passed before me I cannot find words to describe. It seemed that the forbearance of God was exhausted, and that the judgment day had come.
source http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/sfeq.htm And it reads: Then it seemed as though my head were split with the roar that crashed into my ears. Big buildings were crumbling as one might crush a biscuit in one's hand. Ahead of me a great cornice crushed a man as if he were a maggot - a laborer in overalls on his way to the Union Iron Works with a dinner pail on his arm."
eye witness account (P. Barrett).
Loma Linda, Calif., April 16, 1906
Testimonies for the church Volume 9 page 93 reads: The angel that stood at my side then instructed me that but few have any conception of the wickedness existing in our world today, and especially the wickedness in the large cities. He declared that the Lord has appointed a time when He will visit transgressors in wrath for persistent disregard of His law.
A Narrow Escape
The quake awoke G.A. Raymond as he slept in his room at the Palace Hotel. He describes his escape:
"I had $600.00 in gold under my pillow. I awoke as I was thrown out of bed. Attempting to walk, the floor shook so that I fell. I grabbed my clothing and rushed down into the office, where dozens were already congregated. Suddenly the lights went out, and every one rushed for the door. |
| |
I asked a man standing next to me what happened. Before he could answer a thousand bricks fell on him and he was killed. A woman threw her arms around my neck. I pushed her away and fled. All around me buildings were rocking and flames shooting. As I ran people on all sides were crying, praying and calling for help. I thought the end of the world had come.
Loma Linda, Calif., April 16, 1906
Testimonies for the church Volume 9 page 93 reads :Many lives were blotted out of existence, and the air was filled with the shrieks of the injured and the terrified.
Panic among the survivors:an eye witness account. source:http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/sfeq.htm Over in a corner of the plaza a band of men and women were praying, and one fanatic, driven crazy by horror, was crying out at the top of his voice: 'The Lord sent it, the Lord!' His hysterical crying got on the nerves of the soldiers and bade fair to start a panic among the 
women and children, so the sergeant went over and stopped it by force. All night they huddled together in this hell, with the fire making it bright as day on all sides; and in the morning the soldiers, using their senses again, commandeered a supply of bread from a bakery, sent out another water squad, and fed the refugees with a semblance of breakfast."
Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 92, 93. (1909): Terrible as was the representation that passed before me, that which impressed itself most vividly upon my mind was the instruction given in connection with it. The angel that stood by my side declared that God's supreme rulership, and the sacredness of His law, must be revealed to those who persistently refuse to render obedience to the King of kings. Those who choose to remain disloyal, must be visited in mercy with judgments, in order that, if possible, they may be aroused to a realization of the sinfulness of their course.
This is only one account of how God reveal much to this little lady.I wonder why there is such an attack on her character and her message. Is the devil trying to prevent the inforrmation that this woman had from getting out.Is he trying to prevent the world from seeing the light .
Note when prophets of Old brought warnings false prophets will arise to nullify and neutralise the message. Take heed. you may want to take a look at The book click here the Great Controversy its even in Mp3 format on that site.
Ellen White click to see she was a true prophet of God or not.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
True Prophet or not.God Chosen or not.
People in the 1800s would of thought this little lady was crazy when she predicted the following.
"History will be repeated. False religion will be exalted. The first day of the week, a common working day,
possessing no sanctity whatever, will be set up as was the image of Babylon. All nations and tongues and peoples will be commanded to worship this spurious Sabbath. . . . The decree enforcing the worship of this day is to go forth to all the world.
--7BC 976 (1897). {Last Days Events 134.5}
now look at this ,her visions are coming through just as God gave it click see the articles below
Germany's highest court has ruled that Sunday should be kept as a day of rest and has overturned a Berlin law easing restrictions on Sunday shopping. Most German newspapers on Wednesday greet the ruling, some for reasons of religion and tradition, others out of a concern for workers' rights.
She talks about the coming Sunday law extensively in many of her writings.Here are a few more quotes :
" Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome. The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience. "
{Great Controversy 588.1, 1888 edition}
Now to make such a pronouncement concerning protestants in the 1800 would of be ludicrous,why at that time The Roman Catholic church was intolerable to protestants.It is from Papal Rule all protestants flee,many to America. But she made the statement anyway.
See here ,All The sunday sacrednes predictions mentioned in the 1800s are now coming to past.
ABC news has it,CNBC is running it, Daily news in Germany is talking about it.
What are the Bible test of a true prophet .Does this lady Ellen G White does she past the test.
Ok maybe that's one lucky guess she made.. Is there any more fulfil predictions that came through lets see.
Spiritualism ,Time magazine Chronicles comprehensively unbeknown to them events spoken about that will soon take over the planet read here.
Ok maybe she got a couple lucky shots in ..Lets investigate further if she covers details on an event.
What about the ">quake that hit San Francisco on October 17, 1989 registered 6.7) click here to see what God showed her weeks before.
What about 911 ?
She wrote some books that was compile further into a seriers call Testimonies to the church.
The last book testimonies to the church Vol 9 , .The book starts of with contents and foreword.
The first topic in the book is this "The Last Crisis " Guess what page this starts on ? Page 11
Testimonies to the church Vol 9page 11,The last Crisis.
Thats Vol 9 page 11 (911)
This is how The first Paragraph Reads on page 11
"We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude. {9T 11.1}
The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones. " {9T 11.2}
Lets see what page page 12 has to offer.
"On one occasion, when in New York City, I was in the night season called upon to behold buildings rising story after story toward heaven. These buildings were warranted to be fireproof, and they were erected to glorify the owners and builders. Higher and still higher these buildings rose, and in them the most costly material was used. Those to whom these buildings belonged were not asking themselves: "How can we best glorify God?" The Lord was not in their thoughts. " {9T 12.1}
Lets see what page 13 has to offer.
The scene that next passed before me was an alarm of fire. Men looked at the lofty and supposedly fire-proof buildings and said: "They are perfectly safe." But these buildings were consumed as if made of pitch. The fire engines could do nothing to stay the destruction. The firemen were unable to operate the engines. {9T 13.1}
May i remind you this book was written in the 1800s
what happens next ?
"The Scriptures describe the condition of the world just before Christ's second coming. Of the men who by robbery and extortion are amassing great riches, it is written: "Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the laborers 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."
James 5:3-6. {9T 13.4}
Is this not a financial Crisis taking place ..The exact sequence of events reads like the daily news.
THE FALL OF THE TOWERS THEN A FINANCIAL CRISIS.
Now again these are but a drop in the bucket as far as events are concern.But a messenger of God is not just a fortune teller. True messengers of God warns people of the coming events ,the coming judgements and how to prepare from them.
Get the book Great controversy(mp3 format) or read it in any language or the book last Days events and you will see exactly the things that Gurus of our time,The movies (2012), the sooth sayers,and the false prophets are trying to decipher.These things were made plain to Ellen Gould White since in the 1800s.
Now if Ellen White is truly a prophet of God then you need to pay attention to these SDA people
There claims may be true as is found in : Revelation 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
They do keep the commandments. ALL OF THEM.
If Ellen white is there prophet then they do have the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
It seams that they had inside information on 911 also since the 1880s when you look at there prophecy charts click here for this one
Source: Royalblood
"History will be repeated. False religion will be exalted. The first day of the week, a common working day,
possessing no sanctity whatever, will be set up as was the image of Babylon. All nations and tongues and peoples will be commanded to worship this spurious Sabbath. . . . The decree enforcing the worship of this day is to go forth to all the world.
--7BC 976 (1897). {Last Days Events 134.5}
now look at this ,her visions are coming through just as God gave it click see the articles below
Germany's highest court has ruled that Sunday should be kept as a day of rest and has overturned a Berlin law easing restrictions on Sunday shopping. Most German newspapers on Wednesday greet the ruling, some for reasons of religion and tradition, others out of a concern for workers' rights.
She talks about the coming Sunday law extensively in many of her writings.Here are a few more quotes :
" Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome. The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience. "
{Great Controversy 588.1, 1888 edition}
Now to make such a pronouncement concerning protestants in the 1800 would of be ludicrous,why at that time The Roman Catholic church was intolerable to protestants.It is from Papal Rule all protestants flee,many to America. But she made the statement anyway.
See here ,All The sunday sacrednes predictions mentioned in the 1800s are now coming to past.
ABC news has it,CNBC is running it, Daily news in Germany is talking about it.
What are the Bible test of a true prophet .Does this lady Ellen G White does she past the test.
Ok maybe that's one lucky guess she made.. Is there any more fulfil predictions that came through lets see.
Spiritualism ,Time magazine Chronicles comprehensively unbeknown to them events spoken about that will soon take over the planet read here.
Ok maybe she got a couple lucky shots in ..Lets investigate further if she covers details on an event.
What about the ">quake that hit San Francisco on October 17, 1989 registered 6.7) click here to see what God showed her weeks before.
What about 911 ?
She wrote some books that was compile further into a seriers call Testimonies to the church.
The last book testimonies to the church Vol 9 , .The book starts of with contents and foreword.
The first topic in the book is this "The Last Crisis " Guess what page this starts on ? Page 11
Testimonies to the church Vol 9page 11,The last Crisis.
Thats Vol 9 page 11 (911)
This is how The first Paragraph Reads on page 11
"We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude. {9T 11.1}
The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones. " {9T 11.2}
Lets see what page page 12 has to offer.
"On one occasion, when in New York City, I was in the night season called upon to behold buildings rising story after story toward heaven. These buildings were warranted to be fireproof, and they were erected to glorify the owners and builders. Higher and still higher these buildings rose, and in them the most costly material was used. Those to whom these buildings belonged were not asking themselves: "How can we best glorify God?" The Lord was not in their thoughts. " {9T 12.1}
Lets see what page 13 has to offer.
The scene that next passed before me was an alarm of fire. Men looked at the lofty and supposedly fire-proof buildings and said: "They are perfectly safe." But these buildings were consumed as if made of pitch. The fire engines could do nothing to stay the destruction. The firemen were unable to operate the engines. {9T 13.1}
May i remind you this book was written in the 1800s
what happens next ?
"The Scriptures describe the condition of the world just before Christ's second coming. Of the men who by robbery and extortion are amassing great riches, it is written: "Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the laborers 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."
James 5:3-6. {9T 13.4}
Is this not a financial Crisis taking place ..The exact sequence of events reads like the daily news.
THE FALL OF THE TOWERS THEN A FINANCIAL CRISIS.
Now again these are but a drop in the bucket as far as events are concern.But a messenger of God is not just a fortune teller. True messengers of God warns people of the coming events ,the coming judgements and how to prepare from them.
Get the book Great controversy(mp3 format) or read it in any language or the book last Days events and you will see exactly the things that Gurus of our time,The movies (2012), the sooth sayers,and the false prophets are trying to decipher.These things were made plain to Ellen Gould White since in the 1800s.
Now if Ellen White is truly a prophet of God then you need to pay attention to these SDA people
There claims may be true as is found in : Revelation 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
They do keep the commandments. ALL OF THEM.
If Ellen white is there prophet then they do have the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
It seams that they had inside information on 911 also since the 1880s when you look at there prophecy charts click here for this one
Source: Royalblood
Sunday Law being embraced in Europe
The World from Berlin
'Even Atheists Need to Switch Off on Sundays'
REUTERS
Shoppers walk among illuminated Christmas decorations in a shopping mall at Berlin's Potsdamer Platz.
Many visitors to Germany can find themselves standing outside a closed department store, perplexed to find that they cannot do a bit of shopping during their weekend trip. This is a result of Germany's long-held resistance to Sunday shopping even in the face of growing consumerism.
However, Germany's Constitutional Court has now upheld a complaint made by the country's Catholic and Protestant churches, based on a clause in the German constitution that Sunday should be a day of rest and "spiritual elevation."
The court on Tuesday decided in favor of the churches, saying that Sunday opening should not take place four weeks in a row. The ruling will not affect shopping this December, but would come into force next year. However, the ruling did not overturn completely the principle of limited Sunday store opening.
The labor unions had joined the churches in their campaign to ring-fence Sunday as a day off for the nation. However, their focus was not on protecting the right to practise religion, but rather on protecting workers in the retail sector from having to work on Sundays, sometimes the only day they might get to spend with other members of their family. The services union Verdi greeted Tuesday's ruling with "relief and joy," saying this was a boon to shopworkers and their families.
German papers on Wednesday are broadly in favor of the ruling, though their reasons for supporting the court's decision are strikingly different.
The center-right Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung writes:
"The Constitutional Court had to overthrow the Berlin law. ... The judgement was not 'out of touch with reality,' as the Berlin Chamber of Commerce claims, but is actually very closely in touch with real life. The great diversity of working lives brings with it the fact that members of a single family are forced into different and sometimes incompatible working hours. If the state does not use some of its regulatory power to give a dependable rhythm to at least one free day -- and that is still Sunday -- then the family faces the threat of being pulled further apart."
"If they have no time with each other and for each other, then the formal notion of belonging together loses value. This danger faces many families in society. … The fact that in the face of growing commercialization and fewer jobs hardly any employee ever dares to ask for a free Saturday, led the labor unions to join the churches in their campaign -- with noticeable success."
The conservative Die Welt writes:
"The churches have argued correctly that employees in the retail sector are not given the possibility of organizing their Advent Sundays according to Christian principles: going to church, being involved in the community, singing and reading aloud. It is part of religious freedom to be able to do these things."
"The judges did not just endorse the division of time marked by Christianity, but also the necessity for this division. There is no ambiguity about this weekly rhythm. We people as social animals are duty bound and justified in dividing our time together. It is good to have free time together, it helps us to live as the social beings that we are."
The center-left Süddeutsche Zeitung writes:
"The judgement sounds antiquated, maddeningly unmodern and pretty patronizing. It tells citizens when they are allowed to shop, and when they are not. It makes shopping on a Sunday an exception. It is a ruling that goes against the economic liberal zeitgeist and is a ruling against the round-the-clock commercialization of life."
"Yet, the ruling is humane. It is an act in favor of the public spirit. … Those who regularly go shopping on Sundays today will have to work regularly on Sundays tomorrow."
"It may sound old fashioned but it is still correct: Sunday is Sunday because it is unlike other days. This is not about tradition or religion or a social heritage. Sunday is more than just a day off for individuals. It that were so, then it wouldn't matter if someone took a day off on Tuesday or Thursday. It is a day to synchronize society, that is what makes it so important. Without Sunday, every day would be a working day and a fixed point in the week would disappear. Of course there can be exceptions, there have always been particular professions who work on Sundays. But when the exception becomes the rule, then the commercialization of Sundays will not end at the department stores."
"The court has given everyone the right to a day off on Sundays. You don't have to take it. Everyone can do what they like with it. But it is good to have it."
The Financial Times Deutschland writes:
"The ruling by the Constitutional Court has revived the emotional debate about opening hours of shops on Sundays. That alone is annoying. But even more annoying is that with its strong emphasis on the religiously based day of rest on Sunday, it is interfering in individual and economic freedom."
"Without a doubt the freedom to practise religion is of great value. However, in an increasingly secular society with more and more individualized rhythms of living, it seems an anachronism for the country's highest court to use retail of all things to save the day of rest."
"In the public debate there is too little mention of the freedom of shop owners to keep customers through opening on Sundays, who would otherwise order online. And the freedom of towns to use Sunday opening hours to attract tourists. Or the freedom of customers to decide for themselves if they would rather spend Sundays amidst the crowds in the shopping malls or walking in the forest."
"Appreciating these rights does not mean throwing away the country to the false god of consumerism. It means allowing a debate … about what Sunday really means to us. That includes protecting the rights of salespeople, paying them extra for working on Sundays and not putting anyone under pressure to work on Sunday."
"If this is achieved, then it is high time that Sunday opening hours are no longer discussed in terms of belief but rationally."
The left-leaning Die Tageszeitung, which is based in Berlin, writes:
"Sunday as a day off is a great gift. The treadmill is closed for 24 hours. The court has given relaxation, rest and 'spiritual elevation' precedence over the thirst for profit and the right to a consumer fix. However, it made it clear in its ruling that Sunday was not just for those who wanted to practise their religion undisturbed. It is also to play cards, go for a walk or simply to laze around. After all even the strictest atheist needs the switching off that Sundays allow."
-- Siobhán Dowling
Source:http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,664754,00.html
How close we are we to the end ? click here to find out.
This well laid out study shows us the sequence of events that will lead up to the real sunday law click here
See how satan is attempting to set up his government here..
The triple action in Prophecy proves this click here
Friday, December 4, 2009
The 3 angels of Revelation
Revelation is loaded with symbolism and objects that we are acquainted with.
Why would an Omniscient God used these symbols to tells us the things to come on the earth.
Now before i say more many think that Revelation is some mythology, Even among Christians the words of Rev 1:1 is not taken seriously.It says:
Revelation 1:1
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Written in this book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to Him (Jesus) to show (display) to his servant John the last Apostle,of the things which will happen soon.
He goes further to say and He Jesus signify it meaning (authorise it ,note that many things were sealed a sealed is and authorise lock on a document,place ,or treasure something of worth).
Now how were these things to be shown or displayed ? In (Visions) which is a panoramic display.
Daniel,Ezekiel,John all saw visions in the exact fashion.
Reasons for symbols used
The omniscient God knew if symbols are used iregardless of Nationality,customs,language,intellectual attainability and the most profound is time ,He (God)knew that none can guess ,change,gainsay the message that He wants to send.
Symbols of Beast,and in animate objects remain consistent and are universal in meaning despite the above variables.
Examples:
Candles = light.
Beast (Lion,bear etc) = Power and can be hierarchy of power also.
lamb Sacrifice or Christlike
Dragon dreadful beast= very powerful
Metals symbolise= Wealth, power,time periods or ages, (bronze age,iron age. etc)
Numbers are numbers any where you go this is Universal.
The Bible has already established that
Garments= works or righteousness
Bread= Doctrine,teachings
Angels = Messengers= people giving a message.
See prophetic symbols and meanings for more insight on this.
Moving on to The 3 angels
In the fourteenth chapter of Revelation, there are three angels who give a final warning message to the world just before the return of Jesus. Mankind is to make a choice between worshipping God or the beast. Revelation 6-12, "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountain of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of he holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image [the lost], and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints [the saved]; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."
The First Angel's Message
Let us take a look at the message from the first angel. There are three phases of the judgment mentioned in the Scriptures: the investigative judgment, preceding the second advent; the judgment of the lost world and wicked angels by Christ and the saints during the one thousand years following the second advent; and the executive judgment, or punishment of the wicked at the close of this period. The investigative judgment takes place in heaven before Christ comes, in order to ascertain who are worthy to be raised in the first resurrection, at His coming, and who among the living are to be changed in the twinkling of an eye, at the sound of the last trump. It is necessary for this to take place before the second advent, as there will be no time for such a work between the coming of Christ and the raising of the righteous dead. The executive judgment on the wicked occurs after their cases have been examined by the saints during the thousand years (Revelation 20:3,4; 1 Corinthians 6:1-3). The investigative judgment is that which is announced to the world by the first angel's message.
Notice the prophetic view of the judgment that was given to Daniel. "I beheld till the thrones were cast down [placed], and the Ancient of days did sit: . . . thousand thousands ministered unto Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened." Daniel 7:9,10.
In Acts we read of a day in which the world will be judged. "Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead." Acts 17:31.
In this first angel's message we see how extensively this message will be proclaimed, "To every nation, and kindred and tongue and people." The world is called upon to, "Fear God, and give glory to Him." This is done because of a coming event, "For the hour of His judgment is come." We are then told whom we are to worship, "Him that made heaven, and earth."
There is only one gospel (Romans 1:16,17; Galatians 1:8), first announced in Eden (Genesis 3:15), preached to Abraham (Galatians 3:8) and to the children of Israel (Hebrews 4:1,2), and proclaimed anew in every generation. In its development the gospel meets the needs of every crisis in the world's history. John the Baptist in his preaching announced the kingdom of heaven at hand (Matthew 3:1,2), and prepared the way for the first advent (John 1:22,23). Christ Himself, in His preaching of the gospel, announced the fulfillment of a definite-time prophecy (the sixty-nine weeks, or 483 years, of Daniel 9:25), and called the people to repentance, in view of the coming of the predicted Messiah (Mark 1:14,15). So when the time of the judgment comes, and Christ's second advent is near, a world-wide announcement of these events is to be made in the preaching of the everlasting gospel adapted to meet the need of the hour.
There is a prophetic period which extends to the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary, or the investigative judgment. "And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed" Daniel 8:14. This 2,300 days or actually prophetic years, ended in 1844. The 70 weeks or 490 years prophecy, and the 2300 days or years prophecy, both began in 457 BC with Artexerxes decree to rebuild Jerusalem. Our Lord based His preaching of the gospel on the fulfillment of the first part of the 2,300 days, or years (Mark 1:14,15), a prophecy which determined the time of the first advent. The whole period extends to the time of the judgment, just preceding the second advent, and at its expiration a special gospel message is sent to all the world, proclaiming the judgment hour at hand and calling upon all to worship the Creator. The facts of history answer to this interpretation of the prophecy, for at this very time, 1844, just such a message was being proclaimed in various parts of the world. This was the beginning of the great second advent message which is now being proclaimed throughout the world.
CALL TO WORSHIP THE CREATOR
In this first angel's message, we are called upon to worship our Creator who also formed this earth. There are other Bible texts which call for us to do the same, Jeremiah 10:11,12; Psalms 95:3-6, Revelation 4:10-11, and most importantly Exodus 20:8-11 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. . . For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." In this message of judgment, we are called upon to worship the Creator, who also created the Sabbath day. Note how the Sabbath has a part in salvation, "Moreover also I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and the, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them" Ezekiel 20:12.
THE STANDARD FOR ALL
Here we are told who will be judged, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." 2 Corinthians 5:10. The standard by which we will be judged is also given, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For He that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty." James 2:1-12.
We are told what the whole duty of man is, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Friend, we will all be judged according to the light of truth that we have come in contact with, in relation to our obeying the Ten Commandments. By Jesus coming into our heart and living through us, we are capable of obeying Him.
The Second Angel's Message
"And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." Revelation 14:8.
THE FALL OF ANCIENT BABYLON
In the old testament we are given a prophetic warning regarding the fall of ancient Babylon, "Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul; be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the Lord's vengeance; He will render unto her recompence." Jeremiah 51:6.
At the time of the fall of the Babylonian Empire to the Medes and Persians, we are told how Belshazzar and his court defied the true God, "They brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of god which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them. They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone." Daniel 5:3,4.
The gospel of the kingdom was preached in Babylon through Daniel, and Nebuchadnezzar was brought to acknowledge and to worship by his experience. But after Nebuchadnezzar's death his successors failed to profit by his experience. The climax was reached when Belshazzar used the sacred vessels from the house of God, dedicated to His worship, in which to drink the Babylonian wine of idolatrous worship. Then came the handwriting on the wall, the fall of ancient Babylon, and the death of Belshazzar. See the Steps to Life Bible studies.
Notice how Babylon had caused the whole earth to become, "Babylon hath been a golden cup in the Lord's hand, that made all the earth drunken; the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad." Jeremiah 51:7. Through the centuries the astrological beliefs of the Chaldeans of Babylon eventually "penetrated as far as India, China, and Indo-China, where divination by means of the stars is still practised. . . In the opposite direction they spread to Syria, to Egypt, and over the whole Roman world." Franz Cumont, Astrology and Religion Among the Greeks and Romans.
MODERN BABYLON
In the visions of John there were interpretations given of the impure woman with a golden cup in her hand, seated on a seven-headed beast, "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth." Revelation 17:18 (See verses 3, 4, 9.) The great city which reigned over the kings of the earth in John's time was Rome; and that seven-hilled city has given its name to the power which succeeded to its dominion--the organization which is represented by the woman, the Church of Rome, ruled by the Papacy.
In this same prophecy, this religio-political power, the Roman Church, or the Papacy, is designated as the counterpart of ancient Babylon. "And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT." Verse 5. The parallels between the Roman Church and ancient Babylon are striking, as we view the pagan Babylonian state religion with its wealthy and politically powerful hierarchy, its elaborate temple ritual, its priestly monopoly of learning, its liturgy performed in an ancient language unknown to the common people, its processions of divine images, its great spring festival in which mourning is followed by rejoicing, its ubiquitous virgin mother goddess who intercedes for her worshipers. But there is even more than a parallel; there is a genuine line of inheritance, from Babylon through the Roman Empire to the Roman Church, of many religious elements.
"The mighty Catholic Church was little more than the Roman Empire baptised."--A. C. Flick, The Rise of the Mediaeval Church (Putman's, 1909 ed.), p. 148. Cardinal Newman lists many examples of things admittedly "of pagan origin" which that church introduced "in order to recommend the new religion to the heathen"; "the use of temples, and these dedicated to particular saints, and ornamented on occasions with branches of trees; incense, lamps, and candles; votive offerings on recovery from illness; holy water; asylums; holydays and seasons, use of calendars, processions, blessings on the fields; sacerdotal vestments, the tonsure, the ring in marriage, turning to the East, images at a later date, perhaps the ecclesiastical chant, and the Kyrie Eleison." J. H. Newman, An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine, 373
The Roman Empire was heir not only to the territories but also to the religions of Greece and the East. Later Roman paganism was orientalized through the adoption of eastern deities, all influenced by astrology and many of them transformed into sun gods, such as, for example, Mithra, who combined Persian and Chaldean elements. (See Franz Dumont, Astrology and Religion Among the Greeks and Romans [1912 ed.], pp. 89-91.)
"With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication." Rev. 17:2. (See verse 4.)
Ancient Babylonian religion had immoral features, but modern Babylon commits spiritual fornication, polluting the church with false doctrines and pagan practices, and having illicit connection with the secular powers to enforce her teachings; and like her ancient namesake, Roman Babylon has made many nations drink impure wine from her cup.
THE CUP OF CHRIST AND THE CUP OF BABYLON
Notice the cup Jesus offers in the Lord's supper. "This cup is the new covenant in My blood." Luke 22:20, R.V. The new covenant is described with an essential teaching, "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people." Hebrews 8:10. The heart makes a true transformation when Christ ministers the law within, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:2-4.
Mankind has substituted a different teaching in an attempt to made void the law of God. "Howbeit in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. . . . And He said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition." Mark 7:7-9.
There are two cups, the cup of the Lord and the cup of Babylon. The Lord's cup contains the living truth "as the truth is in Jesus"; the cup of Babylon, her false doctrines--her human tradition substituted for the living word and law of God, and her unlawful union with the secular power, upon which she depends to enforce her teachings rather than upon the power of God. Thus, while maintaining a form of godliness, she denies the power thereof. (2 Timothy 3:1-5.)
The Roman Church says of the Bible and tradition, "Though these two divine streams are in themselves, on account of their divine origin, of equal sacredness, and are both full of revealed truths, still, of the two, TRADITION is to us more clear and safe." (emphasis supplied) Catholic Belief, p. 45, 1884.
Notice how Babylon's daughters reveal their mother's characteristics, "And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." Revelation 17:5. The authoritative Creed of Pope Pius IV says in Article 10: "I acknowledge the Holy Catholic Apostolic Church for the mother and mistress of all churches." When professed Protestant churches repudiate the fundamental principle of Protestantism by accepting human speculation, tradition, or political power, in place of the authority and power of God's word, they may be regarded as daughters of Babylon. Their fall is then included in hers, and calls for a proclamation of the fall of modern Babylon.
The extent of the apostasy, or fall, of modern Babylon, the mother, and of her daughters, will reach a certain low point. "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies." Revelation 18:1-3.
GOD'S CALL TO COME OUT
Modern Babylon will meet its end through vengeance from a Holy God. "And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. . . . And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of al that were slain upon the earth." verses 21-24
There will be a certain final call to come out of Babylon that will sound forth. "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." verses 4,5.
Those who come out of Babylon will sing a certain song of triumph, "Alleluia; for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him." Revelation 19:6,7.
Third Angel's Message
A WARNING AGAINST FALSE WORSHIP
Notice how these messages fit together into a threefold message, "And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice." Rev. 14:9, first clause. Their apostasy from the true worship of God is then described, "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand." (Same verse, last part.)
What is to be the fate of those who, instead of worshiping God, engage in this false worship? "The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb; and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever; and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name." Rev. 14:10,11. (See Isaiah 33:13; 34:1-10; Hebrews 12:29.)
How are those described who heed this warning? "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Rev. 14:12
WHO IS THE BEAST POWER?
What description is given of the beast against whose worship this closing warning message is given? "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion; and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority." Rev. 13:1,2.
In this composite beast from the sea are combined the symbols of the seventh chapter of Daniel, representing Rome, Greece, Medo-Persia, and Babylon. Its blasphemous words, its persecution of the saints, and its allotted time (verses 5-7) show that his beast, under one of its seven-headed manifestations, is identical with the little horn of the vision of Daniel 7, modern Babylon, the Papacy. The worship of the beast is the rendering of that homage to the Papacy which is due to God alone. The system of religion enforced by the Papacy contains the paganism of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, indicated by the beast's composite character (verse 2), disguised under the forms and names of Christianity.
The Roman Ponitfex Maximus was continued in the pope, who is the head of the Roman priesthood. In pomp and pride he claims to be the representative of the meek and lowly Jesus. But this scripture in Revelation shows that the pope's power and his seat and his great authority do not come from Christ.
What challenge is made by those who worship the beast? "And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" Rev. 13:4
Whose sovereignty is thus challenged? "Forasmuch as there is none like unto Thee, O Lord; Thou art great, and Thy name is great in might." Jeremiah 10:6. (See Psalms 71:19; 86:8, 89:6,8.)
What specifications of the "man of sin" are thus met? "Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4. (Read Earth's Final Warning on this web site.)
What did Babylon give the nations to drink? "She made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." Revelation 14:8, last part.
What are those to drink who accept the teachings of Babylon, and thus render homage to the beast? "The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation." Verse 10, first part.
The cup of the Lord, which contains the new covenant in the blood of Christ, and the cup of the wine of the wrath of Babylon are both offered to the world. To drink of the former, that is, to accept the true gospel, is to receive everlasting life; but to drink of the wine of Babylon, that is, to accept the false gospel taught by the Papacy, will result in drinking of the wine of the wrath of God from the cup of His indignation. The true gospel means everlasting life; the false gospel, everlasting death.
FALSE WORSHIP ENFORCED
Under what threatened penalty is the worship of the image of the beast enforced? "And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause [decree] that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed." Rev. 13:15
What universal boycott is to be employed, in an attempt to compel all to receive the mark of the beast? "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." Verses 16, 17.
SATAN, OR GOD?
Who is the real power operating through the beast? "The dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority." Rev. 13:2
Who is the dragon? "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world." Rev. 12:9.
How did the devil seek to induce Jesus to worship him? "And the devil, taking Him up into an high mountain, shewed unto Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto Him, All this power will I give Thee, and the glory of them; for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If Thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be Thine." Luke 4:5-7
How did Jesus show His loyalty to God? "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind Me, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only that thou serve." Verse 8.
The threefold message of Revelation 14:6-12 is proclaimed in connection with the closing scenes of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Lucifer has sought to put himself in the place of God (Isaiah 14:12-14), and to secure to himself the worship which is due God alone. The final test comes over the commandments of God. Those who acknowledge the supremacy of the beast by yielding obedience to the law of God as changed and enforced by the Papacy, when the real issue has been clearly defined, will, in so doing, worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark. Such will take the side of Satan in his rebellion against God's authority.
How many will yield to the demand to worship the beast? "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Rev. 13:8.
In the judgment-hour message, whom are all called upon to fear, glorify, and worship? "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come; and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Rev. 14:7.
Who will sing the victor's song on the sea of glass? "And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord god Almighty; just and true are They ways, Thou King of saints. Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? for Thou only art holy; for all nations shall come and worship before Thee; for They judgments are made manifest." Rev. 15:2-4.
(From Bible Readings For The Home, pp. 245-259.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Sunday law gaining ground
Coincident with the enacting of the Lisbon Treaty/EU constitution on December 1, Germany’s Constitutional Court has ruled that the nation’s capital must, akin to the rest of the country, abide by the law instituting Sunday as a day “of rest from work and of spiritual improvement” (Deutsche Welle, December 1).
Since the war, Berlin had enacted its own legislation allowing 10 shopping Sundays per year. That local ruling is now quashed. Effective from Jan. 1, 2010, Berlin must fall into line with the law institutionalizing Sunday as a day of rest and religious contemplation as contained in Germany’s Basic Law.
The actual law establishing Sunday as Germany’s weekly day of worship is enshrined in an appendix to the Basic Law under the heading, “Extracts From the German Constitution of Aug. 11, 1919 [Weimar Constitution].” There we find, under the subhead “Religion and Religious Societies,” Article 139, which reads: “Sunday and holidays recognized by the state shall remain protected by law as days of rest from work and of spiritual improvement.”
Though, under that same section, Article 137 (1) states “There shall be no state church,” the effect of the Sunday law is to institutionalize Roman Catholicism and its daughter churches as Germany’s state religion.
Those aware of the history of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation will see this move by Germany’s highest court as one step further toward enforcing Rome’s religion, not only as the state religion on Germany, but on the whole European empire enacted by treaty on this infamous day, Dec. 1, 2009.
Source:The trumpet
The prophecies of Revelation 13 leap into current-day perspective with this latest ruling of Germany’s Constitutional Court. For a clearer understanding of just where this is all leading.
See more info on the working of the Roman Papacy as we head to the final events of Earths History. This information includes
The AntiChrist.
The Dragon the beast and the False Prophet
Since the war, Berlin had enacted its own legislation allowing 10 shopping Sundays per year. That local ruling is now quashed. Effective from Jan. 1, 2010, Berlin must fall into line with the law institutionalizing Sunday as a day of rest and religious contemplation as contained in Germany’s Basic Law.
The actual law establishing Sunday as Germany’s weekly day of worship is enshrined in an appendix to the Basic Law under the heading, “Extracts From the German Constitution of Aug. 11, 1919 [Weimar Constitution].” There we find, under the subhead “Religion and Religious Societies,” Article 139, which reads: “Sunday and holidays recognized by the state shall remain protected by law as days of rest from work and of spiritual improvement.”
Though, under that same section, Article 137 (1) states “There shall be no state church,” the effect of the Sunday law is to institutionalize Roman Catholicism and its daughter churches as Germany’s state religion.
Those aware of the history of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation will see this move by Germany’s highest court as one step further toward enforcing Rome’s religion, not only as the state religion on Germany, but on the whole European empire enacted by treaty on this infamous day, Dec. 1, 2009.
Source:The trumpet
The prophecies of Revelation 13 leap into current-day perspective with this latest ruling of Germany’s Constitutional Court. For a clearer understanding of just where this is all leading.
See more info on the working of the Roman Papacy as we head to the final events of Earths History. This information includes
The AntiChrist.
The Dragon the beast and the False Prophet
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
What Is Protestantism?
In the consideration of a theme of this character and importance, a correct understanding of the terms employed is essential. Particularly is this the case with the word “Protestant,” the true meaning of which, through long years of disuse and abuse, has been largely forgotten.
It is very generally believed today that the word “Protestant” implies a narrow, bigoted, and
negative attitude. Such a conception, however, is the very opposite of the true meaning of the term.
There is in it no suggestion of mere negation. Analyzed, it consists of pro (for, or in favor of), and testari (to bearwitness). A true Protestant, therefore, is a witness for the truth; he bears testimony in favor of his cause.That which is simply negation of error is not true Protestantism.
The true Protestant will bear primarily a positive message. His attitude will be that of his Master
who said: “I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.” John 12:47. His words will be the savor of life unto life, not of death unto death. His attitude at all times will be that of Jesus Christ, “Who beforePontius Pilate witnessed a good confession.” 1 Timothy 6:13. In this sense Protestantism at its birth in the sixteenth century was far more than a mere negation of popery. It was the “bursting into life of latent truths of Scripture” that rent the Papacy by reason of the explosive power of life itself.
CHRIST, THE TRUE PROTESTANT
It is well to remember that Christ was the divine Protestant. Throughout His earthly life He
protested in favor of truth, and that, indeed, in behalf of all people. He was for everyone, against no one.It may be suggested by some, and rightly so, that many of the statements of Christ were of a negative character. Truly, but His negatives were but intended to give weight to the positives asserted. “You have heard that it hath been said, Thou shall love thy neighbor, and hate your enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matthew 5:43,44. His implied negation of the old time hatreds was expressed but to emphasize the glorious positive of Christian love. To the church leaders of His day Christ seemed to be a bringer-in of novelties, an over turner of he doctrines and customs established by traditions and ecclesiastical authority. To them His work was a negation of all the accredited church customs of the time. Quite naturally they opposed Him; but the attitude of those church leaders was due to an entire misunderstanding of the work and teaching of Christ.
He was not these merely to negative the errors of His time; He was not there to introduce novelties in place of the old truths of God; He stood for the eternal foundations. When they taunted Him with the question, “Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders?” He replied: “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? You have made void the Word of God because of your tradition.” Matthew 15:2-6, RV.
Jesus witnessed for the Word and the commandments of God. Hoary with age as were the
traditions of the elders, they were the novelties which had covered over and set aside the truth. Christ took a definite stand agains these traditions, and an equally definite and positive stand for the truth of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures.
The life of Christ is the pattern for every Protestant. As our Lord Himself fearlessly opposed
everything that was contrary to the commandments of God, regardless of the age of the error or the number of those who believed it, so must the true follower of Christ protest against error today. And it must bedone in the spirit of Christ.
The Protestantism of Christ was against error, against sin, but against no man. It was for everyone, against no one. Likewise today, with the tenderness of Him who came to seek and to save the lost, is the exposure of error to be made.
From the example of Christ we are to copy His wonderful, positive Protestantism. Every negative of Christ prepared the way for the assertion of a tremendous positive.
His negations swept away the ill-built structures of men and laid bare the foundation rock of righteousness and truth. That also is the task and the duty of every true Protestant today.
He must believe the Word of God as Christ believed it. He must keep the commandments of God
as Christ kept them. In other words, he must be a consistent believer and teacher of the foundation truths of God, his life being in harmony with his beliefs.
How much, then, is involved in this Protestantism! Clearly it is no light thing to be a true
Protestant. In a word, it means being a 100-per-cent Christian-a sincere student of the Bible, a practiser of its teachings, a lover of men, a hater of sin, a friend of God, and an obedient servant of Jesus Christ. Only by taking such a position as this, only by living such a life as this, can anyone be a true and consistent Protestant, standing on unassailable ground. The man who thinks he can be a Protestant and yetreject the Bible or some portion of it, is making a profound mistake. Likewise also the man who seeks to be a Protestant and yet is out of touch with God, is in grave danger. And from these considerations it becomes apparent that true Protestantism cannot only be anti-Catholic. If it is to be consistent Protestantism, witnessing in favor of the truth and standing against error wherever it may be found, it must also be anti-modernist, anti-evolutionist and against every evil that issapping the life of the Christian churches of today. At the same time it must be in favor of every good thing-prayer, Bible study, and all that is meant by Christian service. That is the Protestantism that is so sorely needed.
More than ever such Protestantism, with all its blessed outgrowths of righteousness and spiritual
freedom, is in danger today. Sin in a thousand forms is pressing in upon the professed servants of Jesus Christ, undermining faith, and scattering confidence in the Word of God. Materialism, money-making,pleasure-seeking, and the still subtler snares of Spiritism and Catholicism are separating men from God and breaking that contact which alone can make them strong, faithful, and stalwart witnesses for His truth.
If ever there was a time when true British Protestants needed divine help it is now; and it is for those who perceive the trend of events to pray for grace to enable them to witness a good confession. More than ever men and women are needed today who will stand like Daniel for the truth of God, and courageously contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.
Without question the hour has come for such a witness for the truth to be given to the world. This is the moment of supreme opportunity for those who still believe the simple, old-fashioned, everlasting gospel. Religions are in the melting pot. Creeds hoary with age are being scorched by the blazing light of modern knowledge. Tens of thousands are spiritually adrift, seeking truth but knowing not what to believe. Furthermore, a new generation is rising, separated from the moral habits and restrictions of the Victorian era as far as the east is from the west, and yet, with all the noble aspirations of youth, seeking some guiding star whereon to hitch the wagon of its out bursting life. All the future depends upon the lead that is given it today.
Speaking to the theological students at Cliffe Hall, Mr. Lloyd George said: “The one thing
England needs is not material things which we are bound to fight for. No; what England needs is a spiritual awakening. It is needed now more than ever. I believe there are signs that it is coming.”
Not long ago the following appeared in the editorial columns of the Daily Express:
“The people are conscious of a spiritual hunger which worldly things do not satisfy. They feel a
spiritual pang which is not alleviated by material anodynes. . . . There is something in them that asks for more than culture and learning. Deep below the surface of education there is a desire for spiritual peace and rest and faith. . . . All classes are alike in their half-conscious craving for the sustenance of the inner life.
“It may be that we are on the eve of a great awakening of the religious spirit. It may be that
after a period of spiritual aridity we are entering upon an era of new faith and new hope. It may be that the people as a whole are on the verge of a great rediscovery of the eternal verities. There is a certain stirring in the depths. There is a certain troubling of the dark waters. Even a secular newspaper may be permitted to bear witness to happenings that augur well for the moral health and spiritual energy of asorely, tried people,”
All over the land, despite the prevailing materialism, there is unusual inquiry concerning the
things of the soul. It is indeed the troubling of the waters. The Spirit of God is being poured upon all flesh.
Not for many years has there been so great an interest in matters of religion.
At such a time as this, what is more needed than a restatement of the principles of Protestantism, a lifting up anew of the gospel of Christ in its purity, simplicity, and power? After all, this is what the people need more than anything else. Indeed it is what they are waiting, hoping, groping for. It is the only religion that will bring them enduring satisfaction, and could they but know it they would seek nothing else.
Such a revival of true godliness as this, is, moreover, the only way that an effective bulwark can
be formed against the inrushing evils of the age-the only way to prevent our beloved country from falling back on the one hand into paganism, and on the other into the darkness of medieval superstition.
God help the professed Protestants that yet remain in the land to witness a good confession!
source:Protestantism Imperiled
BY
Arthur S. Maxwell
the whole document can be found here:http://www.remnant-prophecy.com/topic-Library/RCC-History/ProtestantismImperiled-Maxwell.pdf
It is very generally believed today that the word “Protestant” implies a narrow, bigoted, and
negative attitude. Such a conception, however, is the very opposite of the true meaning of the term.
There is in it no suggestion of mere negation. Analyzed, it consists of pro (for, or in favor of), and testari (to bearwitness). A true Protestant, therefore, is a witness for the truth; he bears testimony in favor of his cause.That which is simply negation of error is not true Protestantism.
The true Protestant will bear primarily a positive message. His attitude will be that of his Master
who said: “I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.” John 12:47. His words will be the savor of life unto life, not of death unto death. His attitude at all times will be that of Jesus Christ, “Who beforePontius Pilate witnessed a good confession.” 1 Timothy 6:13. In this sense Protestantism at its birth in the sixteenth century was far more than a mere negation of popery. It was the “bursting into life of latent truths of Scripture” that rent the Papacy by reason of the explosive power of life itself.
CHRIST, THE TRUE PROTESTANT
It is well to remember that Christ was the divine Protestant. Throughout His earthly life He
protested in favor of truth, and that, indeed, in behalf of all people. He was for everyone, against no one.It may be suggested by some, and rightly so, that many of the statements of Christ were of a negative character. Truly, but His negatives were but intended to give weight to the positives asserted. “You have heard that it hath been said, Thou shall love thy neighbor, and hate your enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matthew 5:43,44. His implied negation of the old time hatreds was expressed but to emphasize the glorious positive of Christian love. To the church leaders of His day Christ seemed to be a bringer-in of novelties, an over turner of he doctrines and customs established by traditions and ecclesiastical authority. To them His work was a negation of all the accredited church customs of the time. Quite naturally they opposed Him; but the attitude of those church leaders was due to an entire misunderstanding of the work and teaching of Christ.
He was not these merely to negative the errors of His time; He was not there to introduce novelties in place of the old truths of God; He stood for the eternal foundations. When they taunted Him with the question, “Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders?” He replied: “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? You have made void the Word of God because of your tradition.” Matthew 15:2-6, RV.
Jesus witnessed for the Word and the commandments of God. Hoary with age as were the
traditions of the elders, they were the novelties which had covered over and set aside the truth. Christ took a definite stand agains these traditions, and an equally definite and positive stand for the truth of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures.
The life of Christ is the pattern for every Protestant. As our Lord Himself fearlessly opposed
everything that was contrary to the commandments of God, regardless of the age of the error or the number of those who believed it, so must the true follower of Christ protest against error today. And it must bedone in the spirit of Christ.
The Protestantism of Christ was against error, against sin, but against no man. It was for everyone, against no one. Likewise today, with the tenderness of Him who came to seek and to save the lost, is the exposure of error to be made.
From the example of Christ we are to copy His wonderful, positive Protestantism. Every negative of Christ prepared the way for the assertion of a tremendous positive.
His negations swept away the ill-built structures of men and laid bare the foundation rock of righteousness and truth. That also is the task and the duty of every true Protestant today.
He must believe the Word of God as Christ believed it. He must keep the commandments of God
as Christ kept them. In other words, he must be a consistent believer and teacher of the foundation truths of God, his life being in harmony with his beliefs.
How much, then, is involved in this Protestantism! Clearly it is no light thing to be a true
Protestant. In a word, it means being a 100-per-cent Christian-a sincere student of the Bible, a practiser of its teachings, a lover of men, a hater of sin, a friend of God, and an obedient servant of Jesus Christ. Only by taking such a position as this, only by living such a life as this, can anyone be a true and consistent Protestant, standing on unassailable ground. The man who thinks he can be a Protestant and yetreject the Bible or some portion of it, is making a profound mistake. Likewise also the man who seeks to be a Protestant and yet is out of touch with God, is in grave danger. And from these considerations it becomes apparent that true Protestantism cannot only be anti-Catholic. If it is to be consistent Protestantism, witnessing in favor of the truth and standing against error wherever it may be found, it must also be anti-modernist, anti-evolutionist and against every evil that issapping the life of the Christian churches of today. At the same time it must be in favor of every good thing-prayer, Bible study, and all that is meant by Christian service. That is the Protestantism that is so sorely needed.
More than ever such Protestantism, with all its blessed outgrowths of righteousness and spiritual
freedom, is in danger today. Sin in a thousand forms is pressing in upon the professed servants of Jesus Christ, undermining faith, and scattering confidence in the Word of God. Materialism, money-making,pleasure-seeking, and the still subtler snares of Spiritism and Catholicism are separating men from God and breaking that contact which alone can make them strong, faithful, and stalwart witnesses for His truth.
If ever there was a time when true British Protestants needed divine help it is now; and it is for those who perceive the trend of events to pray for grace to enable them to witness a good confession. More than ever men and women are needed today who will stand like Daniel for the truth of God, and courageously contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.
Without question the hour has come for such a witness for the truth to be given to the world. This is the moment of supreme opportunity for those who still believe the simple, old-fashioned, everlasting gospel. Religions are in the melting pot. Creeds hoary with age are being scorched by the blazing light of modern knowledge. Tens of thousands are spiritually adrift, seeking truth but knowing not what to believe. Furthermore, a new generation is rising, separated from the moral habits and restrictions of the Victorian era as far as the east is from the west, and yet, with all the noble aspirations of youth, seeking some guiding star whereon to hitch the wagon of its out bursting life. All the future depends upon the lead that is given it today.
Speaking to the theological students at Cliffe Hall, Mr. Lloyd George said: “The one thing
England needs is not material things which we are bound to fight for. No; what England needs is a spiritual awakening. It is needed now more than ever. I believe there are signs that it is coming.”
Not long ago the following appeared in the editorial columns of the Daily Express:
“The people are conscious of a spiritual hunger which worldly things do not satisfy. They feel a
spiritual pang which is not alleviated by material anodynes. . . . There is something in them that asks for more than culture and learning. Deep below the surface of education there is a desire for spiritual peace and rest and faith. . . . All classes are alike in their half-conscious craving for the sustenance of the inner life.
“It may be that we are on the eve of a great awakening of the religious spirit. It may be that
after a period of spiritual aridity we are entering upon an era of new faith and new hope. It may be that the people as a whole are on the verge of a great rediscovery of the eternal verities. There is a certain stirring in the depths. There is a certain troubling of the dark waters. Even a secular newspaper may be permitted to bear witness to happenings that augur well for the moral health and spiritual energy of asorely, tried people,”
All over the land, despite the prevailing materialism, there is unusual inquiry concerning the
things of the soul. It is indeed the troubling of the waters. The Spirit of God is being poured upon all flesh.
Not for many years has there been so great an interest in matters of religion.
At such a time as this, what is more needed than a restatement of the principles of Protestantism, a lifting up anew of the gospel of Christ in its purity, simplicity, and power? After all, this is what the people need more than anything else. Indeed it is what they are waiting, hoping, groping for. It is the only religion that will bring them enduring satisfaction, and could they but know it they would seek nothing else.
Such a revival of true godliness as this, is, moreover, the only way that an effective bulwark can
be formed against the inrushing evils of the age-the only way to prevent our beloved country from falling back on the one hand into paganism, and on the other into the darkness of medieval superstition.
God help the professed Protestants that yet remain in the land to witness a good confession!
source:Protestantism Imperiled
BY
Arthur S. Maxwell
the whole document can be found here:http://www.remnant-prophecy.com/topic-Library/RCC-History/ProtestantismImperiled-Maxwell.pdf
Inquisition fortold in Bible
As a matter of fact, the 1260-day prophecy is mentioned seven times in Daniel and Revelation. There are not, as some have supposed, several 1260-day periods; there is only one. It is mentioned seven times, because it is so very important: in Daniel 7:25 and 12:7 and also in Revelation 12:14, as a time, times (i.e., two times - the lowest plural), and a half time; in Revelation 11:2 and 13:5, as forty-two months; and in Revelation 11:3 and Revelation 12:6, as one thousand two hundred and threescore (sixty) days. In Bible prophecy, there are 360 days to a year, and if you multiply 360 times three and one-half, you will come up with the number-- 1260. Also, when time is used in Bible prophecy, a day stands for a year. (See Ezekiel 4:6; Num.14:34). Therefore, the Bible has given us the important key to figuring out the 1260-day prophecy, and that is this--that the 1260 days are actually 1260 literal years.
As Satan used the Roman Empire - particularly King Herod, Pontius Pilate and Nero, as well as many others - to put Christ to death and kill many of God's people, he, like a chameleon, changed his disguise once again after Western Rome's fall, but this time, he kept the same Roman roots. The "wilderness" (Rev. 12:6), symbolizing this 1260-year period, is also referred to as the "great tribulation" (Matt 24:21) - a time when millions of God's true people were martyred for refusing to follow the dictates of the Roman Church. The Bible accurately prophesied that the papal power, as symbolized by the "little horn" in Daniel 7:8, 20, 21 and the "leopard-bodied beast" in Revelation 13:2, would "make war with the saints." Only one "religious" organization has been responsible for more persecutions and deaths of faithful Bible-believing Christians than any other sect in history - The Holy Roman Catholic Church!
"Step by step, the Roman Empire (the dragon) did indeed give its power, throne, and great authority [Revelation 13:2] to the Catholic Church...A climax came in 538, when the armies of the Empire [the unfallen Eastern division] drove the Arian Ostrogoths out of Rome. By 538, therefore, the 1260 years could begin." (God Cares, p. 328). "In the sixth century the papacy had become firmly established. Its seat of power was fixed in the imperial city, and the bishop of Rome was declared to be the head over the entire church. Paganism had given place to the papacy. The dragon had given to the beast 'his power, and his seat, and great authority.' Revelation 13:2. And now began the 1260 years of papal oppression foretold in the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation. Daniel 7:25; Revelation 13:5-7. Christians were forced to choose 
either to yield their integrity and accept the papal ceremonies and worship, or to wear away their lives in dungeons or to suffer death by the rack, the fagot, or the headsman's ax. Now were fulfilled the words of Jesus: 'Ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake.' Luke 21:16, 17. Persecution opened upon the faithful with greater fury than ever before, and the world became a vast battlefield. For hundreds of years the church of Christ found refuge in seclusion and obscurity. Thus says the prophet: 'The woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that the
y should feed her there a thousand two hundred and three-score days.' Revelation 12:6.
"The accession of the Roman Church to power marked the beginning of the Dark Ages. As her power increased, the darkness deepened. Faith was transferred from Christ, the true foundation, to the pope of Rome. Instead of trusting in the Son of God for forgiveness of sins and for eternal salvation, the people looked to the pope, and to the priests and prelates to whom he delegated authority. They were taught that the pope was their earthly mediator and that none could approach God except through him; and, further, that he stood in the place of God to them and was therefore to be implicitly obeyed. A deviation from his requirements was sufficient cause for the severest punishment to be visited upon the bodies and souls of the offenders. Thus the minds of the people were turned away from God to fallible, erring and cruel men, nay, more, to the prince of darkness himself, who exercised his power through them. Sin was disguised in a garb of sanctity. When the Scriptures are suppressed, and man comes to regard himself as supreme, we need look only for fraud, deception, and debasing iniquity. With the elevation of human laws and traditions was manifest the corruption that ever results from setting aside the law of God."
"Those were days of peril for the church of Christ. The faithful standard-bearers were few indeed. Though the truth was not left without witnesses, yet at times it seemed that error and superstition would wholly prevail, and true religion would be banished from the earth. The gospel was lost sight of, but the forms of religion were multiplied and the people were burdened with rigorous exactions."
"They were taught not only to look to the pope as their mediator, but to trust to works of their own to atone for sin. Long pilgrimages, acts of penance, the worship of relics, the erection of churches, shrines, and altars, the payment of large sums to the church - these and many similar acts were enjoined to appease the wrath of God or to secure His favor; as if God were like men, to be angered at trifles, or pacified by gifts or acts of penance!
"Notwithstanding that vice prevailed, even among the leaders of the Roman Church, her influence seemed steadily to increase. About the close of the eighth century, papists put forth the claim that in the first ages of the church the bishops of Rome had possessed the same spiritual power which they now assumed. To establish this claim, some means must be employed to give it a show of authority; and this was readily suggested by the father of lies. Ancient writings were forged by monks. Decrees of councils before unheard of were discovered, establishing the universal supremacy of the pope from the earliest times. And a church that had rejected the truth greedily accepted these deceptions."
"The few faithful builders upon the true foundation (1.Corinthians 3:10, 11) were perplexed and hindered as the rubbish of false doctrine obstructed the work. Like the builders upon the wall of Jerusalem in Nehemiah's day, some were ready to say: 'The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build.' Nehemiah 4:10. Wearied with the constant struggle against persecution, fraud, iniquity, and every other obstacle that Satan could devise to hinder their progress, some who had been faithful builders became disheartened; and for the sake of peace and security for their property and their lives, they turned away from the true foundation. Others, undaunted by the opposition of their enemies, fearlessly declared: 'Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible' (verse 14); and they proceeded with the work, everyone with his sword girded by his side." Ephesians 6:17.
"....The darkness seemed to grow more dense. Image worship became more general. Candles were burned before images, and prayers were offered to them. The most absurd and superstitious customs prevailed. The minds of men were so completely controlled by superstition that reason itself seemed to have lost its away. While priests and bishops were themselves pleasure-loving, sensual, and corrupt, it could only be expected that the people who looked to them for guidance would be sunken in ignorance and vice." (The Great Controversy, pp. 54-57).
see fox's books of martyrs for inquisitions persicution from the apostles of Christ onward.
As Satan used the Roman Empire - particularly King Herod, Pontius Pilate and Nero, as well as many others - to put Christ to death and kill many of God's people, he, like a chameleon, changed his disguise once again after Western Rome's fall, but this time, he kept the same Roman roots. The "wilderness" (Rev. 12:6), symbolizing this 1260-year period, is also referred to as the "great tribulation" (Matt 24:21) - a time when millions of God's true people were martyred for refusing to follow the dictates of the Roman Church. The Bible accurately prophesied that the papal power, as symbolized by the "little horn" in Daniel 7:8, 20, 21 and the "leopard-bodied beast" in Revelation 13:2, would "make war with the saints." Only one "religious" organization has been responsible for more persecutions and deaths of faithful Bible-believing Christians than any other sect in history - The Holy Roman Catholic Church!
"Step by step, the Roman Empire (the dragon) did indeed give its power, throne, and great authority [Revelation 13:2] to the Catholic Church...A climax came in 538, when the armies of the Empire [the unfallen Eastern division] drove the Arian Ostrogoths out of Rome. By 538, therefore, the 1260 years could begin." (God Cares, p. 328). "In the sixth century the papacy had become firmly established. Its seat of power was fixed in the imperial city, and the bishop of Rome was declared to be the head over the entire church. Paganism had given place to the papacy. The dragon had given to the beast 'his power, and his seat, and great authority.' Revelation 13:2. And now began the 1260 years of papal oppression foretold in the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation. Daniel 7:25; Revelation 13:5-7. Christians were forced to choose 
either to yield their integrity and accept the papal ceremonies and worship, or to wear away their lives in dungeons or to suffer death by the rack, the fagot, or the headsman's ax. Now were fulfilled the words of Jesus: 'Ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake.' Luke 21:16, 17. Persecution opened upon the faithful with greater fury than ever before, and the world became a vast battlefield. For hundreds of years the church of Christ found refuge in seclusion and obscurity. Thus says the prophet: 'The woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that the
y should feed her there a thousand two hundred and three-score days.' Revelation 12:6."The accession of the Roman Church to power marked the beginning of the Dark Ages. As her power increased, the darkness deepened. Faith was transferred from Christ, the true foundation, to the pope of Rome. Instead of trusting in the Son of God for forgiveness of sins and for eternal salvation, the people looked to the pope, and to the priests and prelates to whom he delegated authority. They were taught that the pope was their earthly mediator and that none could approach God except through him; and, further, that he stood in the place of God to them and was therefore to be implicitly obeyed. A deviation from his requirements was sufficient cause for the severest punishment to be visited upon the bodies and souls of the offenders. Thus the minds of the people were turned away from God to fallible, erring and cruel men, nay, more, to the prince of darkness himself, who exercised his power through them. Sin was disguised in a garb of sanctity. When the Scriptures are suppressed, and man comes to regard himself as supreme, we need look only for fraud, deception, and debasing iniquity. With the elevation of human laws and traditions was manifest the corruption that ever results from setting aside the law of God."
"Those were days of peril for the church of Christ. The faithful standard-bearers were few indeed. Though the truth was not left without witnesses, yet at times it seemed that error and superstition would wholly prevail, and true religion would be banished from the earth. The gospel was lost sight of, but the forms of religion were multiplied and the people were burdened with rigorous exactions."
"They were taught not only to look to the pope as their mediator, but to trust to works of their own to atone for sin. Long pilgrimages, acts of penance, the worship of relics, the erection of churches, shrines, and altars, the payment of large sums to the church - these and many similar acts were enjoined to appease the wrath of God or to secure His favor; as if God were like men, to be angered at trifles, or pacified by gifts or acts of penance!
"Notwithstanding that vice prevailed, even among the leaders of the Roman Church, her influence seemed steadily to increase. About the close of the eighth century, papists put forth the claim that in the first ages of the church the bishops of Rome had possessed the same spiritual power which they now assumed. To establish this claim, some means must be employed to give it a show of authority; and this was readily suggested by the father of lies. Ancient writings were forged by monks. Decrees of councils before unheard of were discovered, establishing the universal supremacy of the pope from the earliest times. And a church that had rejected the truth greedily accepted these deceptions."
"The few faithful builders upon the true foundation (1.Corinthians 3:10, 11) were perplexed and hindered as the rubbish of false doctrine obstructed the work. Like the builders upon the wall of Jerusalem in Nehemiah's day, some were ready to say: 'The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build.' Nehemiah 4:10. Wearied with the constant struggle against persecution, fraud, iniquity, and every other obstacle that Satan could devise to hinder their progress, some who had been faithful builders became disheartened; and for the sake of peace and security for their property and their lives, they turned away from the true foundation. Others, undaunted by the opposition of their enemies, fearlessly declared: 'Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible' (verse 14); and they proceeded with the work, everyone with his sword girded by his side." Ephesians 6:17.
"....The darkness seemed to grow more dense. Image worship became more general. Candles were burned before images, and prayers were offered to them. The most absurd and superstitious customs prevailed. The minds of men were so completely controlled by superstition that reason itself seemed to have lost its away. While priests and bishops were themselves pleasure-loving, sensual, and corrupt, it could only be expected that the people who looked to them for guidance would be sunken in ignorance and vice." (The Great Controversy, pp. 54-57).
see fox's books of martyrs for inquisitions persicution from the apostles of Christ onward.
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