Participants: Graham Weir
Series Code: FGW
Program Code: FGW000030A
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00:25 Hello, everyone. I'm Graham Weir.
00:28 Welcome to part five of The Reformation Revisited. 00:32 This is the six part series dealing with the implications 00:35 of a great Protestant Reformation 00:38 for Christianity today. 00:40 And in the program today, 00:41 we're going to take a look at the battle plain, 00:45 an insider's view, 00:48 an incredible insider's view of the battle plains 00:52 of the antichrist 00:53 to destroy God's faithful remnant 00:55 just before the close of probation. 00:58 We're also going to reveal the secret weapons 01:02 that God has made available to enable these people 01:05 to build an impregnable fortress of spiritual safety 01:09 in the time of crisis. 01:10 This is an important message. 01:13 Before we do that, let's begin with prayer. 01:19 Loving Father in heaven, we pray Thee and thank Thee 01:22 that we can come together, and consider the great heritage 01:26 that You've given us in the Protestant Reformation. 01:31 We hear voices saying 01:32 that the Protestant Reformation is over, 01:35 has been over for 15 years. 01:38 But, Lord, we don't believe that. 01:40 We believe that Protestant Reformation 01:42 is even just now beginning and coming soon, 01:46 coming to its close. 01:49 Lord, we want to pray that You'll bless us this morning. 01:53 Give us ears to hear, eyes to see. 01:58 Especially, a heart inclined to do Your will 02:02 as we get an insider's view, 02:04 an incredible insider's view 02:07 of the battle plains of the antichrist. 02:10 Thank You, Lord, for showing us these things 02:12 that we might be forewarned and forearmed 02:16 because we ask these things in Jesus' name, amen. 02:23 Out text today for this episode is 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 02:29 and it says this, 02:31 "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, 02:36 and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, 02:40 whether by word, 02:42 or the epistles" of God disciples. 02:49 Well, ever since the ascension of Christ, 02:52 His true followers have had to stand fast 02:54 in the face of terrible persecution. 02:57 And here we see, the Apostle Peter, 03:01 who saw it too great an honor to be crucified like His Lord, 03:05 and requested his executioners to crucify him upside down. 03:10 It has always been a conflict 03:12 between tradition and God's truth. 03:17 Well, during the early years of Roman persecution, 03:19 watching Christians being put to death 03:22 with the weekly entertainment, the sport of the lost. 03:25 I can't imagine that, can you? 03:28 But that's what happened. 03:30 A much of it happened in a Coliseum in Rome. 03:34 Some of them had to stand fast in mountain strongholds. 03:38 And some like Martin Luther had to stand fast 03:41 in front of the rich and the powerful. 03:44 And more than 100 million, 03:47 more than four times the population of Australia 03:50 stood fast at the cost of their lives. 03:55 Their crime, is that they dare to possess a copy of the Bible. 03:59 A privilege that we take for granted today. 04:02 You know, we must never forget the price 04:04 that they paid for our religious freedom. 04:06 What do you say? 04:08 And we must guard this privilege diligently 04:12 because there are forces out there 04:14 he want to take that privilege of us. 04:15 Do you realize that? 04:19 Some of them escaped European persecution 04:21 to forge a new beginning in a new land, 04:24 a land of religious liberty, 04:27 of separation of church and state. 04:31 And as I said in a previous episode, 04:33 we can thank the good old Baptist for that one. 04:36 They were strong supporters 04:37 of the separation of church and state. 04:41 The Protestant refugees from Europe 04:43 eventually write a constitution 04:45 that ensured that new American states 04:47 would never make religious laws. 04:50 That's a very important determination, do you know? 04:54 Never make religious laws 04:56 because they'd learn from the persecution in Europe 04:59 that you cannot do that. 05:00 If you do that, it just results in great persecution. 05:04 And in this new environment, people could study, 05:06 and proclaim the Bible without fear of persecution. 05:12 And in this new land, God raised up another prophet 05:17 who would proclaim his last warning messages to the world, 05:20 and prepare His people for His soon return. 05:26 And one of the identifying signs of the remnant church 05:28 which according to prophecy 05:30 would exist after the 1260 day period, 05:33 or after 1798 is the testimony of Jesus. 05:38 And we understand that statement 05:40 to mean the Spirit of Prophecy, 05:43 or the prophetic gift, do you agree with that? 05:46 Yes. 05:48 The Seventh-day Adventist Church 05:49 from its very beginning had believed 05:51 that in fulfillment of Revelation 12:17, 05:55 the Spirit of Prophecy was manifested 05:57 in the life and work of Ellen G. White, 06:00 a very humble woman who didn't ask to be called, 06:03 but God called her. 06:05 We'll talk more about that shortly. 06:08 Now, church in their book, 28 Fundamental Beliefs 06:11 made this statement about Ellen White. 06:15 It says, "One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. 06:19 And this gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church 06:23 and was manifested 06:24 in the ministry of Ellen G. White. 06:27 As the Lord's messenger, 06:29 her writings are a continuing 06:31 and authoritative source of truth 06:33 which provide for the church 06:35 comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. 06:41 And they also make clear that the Bible is the standard 06:45 by which all teaching and experience 06:48 must be tested." 06:51 We do not put Ellen White's writings above the Bible. 06:56 We do not say they're even equal with the Bible. 06:59 Wouldn't say they're complementary to 07:01 or they like a microscope in the Bible. 07:04 When I first read Ellen White's book, 07:05 you know, what happened to me, 07:07 it drove me into the Bible 07:09 like nothing else that I ever read. 07:11 And it helped me understand 07:12 what the Bible was really saying. 07:19 They point us to the Bible, and the Bible only, 07:22 and that great Protestant Reformation slogan, 07:25 "Sola scriptura", the Bible and the Bible only. 07:29 This is our rule of faith in practice. 07:32 Just as the prophets of old would think 07:34 to continually remind of frequently backsliding people 07:38 to remain faithful to the Word of God. 07:42 Now, how do we know that a prophetic gift 07:44 in Ellen White's case was genuine 07:45 and not a counterfeit? 07:47 How do we know that? 07:49 Well, a Bible provides several guidelines 07:51 for testing the prophetic gift, it's important. 07:55 And those of you who are watching this program 07:56 around the world, you might want to get out your pen 08:00 and write this down, 08:01 or you might want to get out your phone 08:03 and take a picture of the screen 08:05 so you have a recording 08:07 of what we're going to be talking about 08:08 because we're going to be going through a lot of information. 08:14 The first one is Dreams and Visions 08:17 which is in Numbers 12:6, 08:20 and it says there, 08:22 "And he said, Hear now my words: 08:24 if there be a prophet among you, 08:26 I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision 08:32 and will speak unto him in a dream." 08:38 So in Scripture, genuine prophets 08:39 would see prophetic dreams and visions. 08:42 And during her 70 year ministry from 1844 to 1915, 08:47 Ellen G. White received approximately, 08:50 you know, how many visions and dreams? 08:52 No. 08:53 Two thousand, around about 2000, phenomenal. 08:58 The second point is agreement with the Bible. 09:02 We get that from Isaiah 8:20 would says this, 09:06 "To the law and to the testimony: 09:10 if they speak not according to this word," 09:14 there is how much light in them? 09:16 None. None. 09:19 So what a prophet claims to have received 09:20 from God must be in harmony with the rest of God's word. 09:25 Because God who said in Malachi 3:6 09:28 that He never changes, does not contradict Himself. 09:33 Although Ellen White was not a triune theologian, 09:36 her messages were in harmony with scriptures. 09:38 Have you found that? 09:40 If you read a book then you found that, 09:42 that's what makes it so wonderfully, isn't it? 09:45 And the third one is the witness to Jesus 09:47 and we get this in I John 4:1 and 2 09:51 which says this, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, 09:55 but try the spirits 09:57 whether they are of God: because" why? 10:01 "Many false prophets are gone out into the world. 10:06 Hereby know ye the spirit of God..." 10:08 It says in 4:2, 10:11 "Every spirit that confesseth 10:13 that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God." 10:16 That's a very important point 10:19 because you may have heard some people speaking, 10:22 saying that Jesus Christ isn't really God. 10:26 I've heard that from plenty of people. 10:28 But we know from this 10:31 that such a statement is not from God, isn't it? 10:36 Anyone familiar with the writings of Ellen White, 10:38 such as the books, The Desire of Ages, 10:40 or the Steps to Christ 10:42 will be able to see for themselves 10:44 that she not only accepted 10:45 the role that Bible teaches about Jesus, 10:48 but continually pointed people to Him 10:51 as their Lord and Savior. 10:54 Friends, there're people out there watching. 10:57 Don't take my word for it. Check it out for yourself. 11:02 And you get an opportunity 11:03 as we go through this program to do just that. 11:07 The first one is fulfilled prophecy. 11:09 We get that from Jeremiah 28:9, which says that, 11:13 "The Prophet which prophesieth of peace, 11:16 when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, 11:19 then shall the prophet be known, 11:21 that the Lord has truly sent him." 11:25 A proof of a true prophet lies in part, 11:28 in the fulfillment of his or her prediction. 11:31 Although Ellen White's work 11:33 did not primarily consist of predicting the future, 11:36 she did make a number of predictions 11:38 that have all been fulfilled in a remarkable way. 11:43 And the fifth one is The "Orchard" test. 11:48 We get this from Matthew 7:20, and that says, 11:52 "Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them." 11:57 And the orchard test takes time. 11:59 Ellen White lived and worked for 70 years 12:02 under the critical eyes of millions of people. 12:05 Now were largely skeptical, doubtful, and suspicious, 12:09 and in some cases they're openly hostile. 12:12 Any perceived fault or inconsistency 12:14 was and still is investigated 12:18 and exposed with great satisfaction 12:20 by her opponents. 12:22 But nevertheless, the fruit of her life 12:24 and labor attests her sincerity, 12:26 her zeal in a Christian party. 12:28 Would you agree with that? Yes. 12:29 You have to read it to understand it. 12:31 We don't expect people to expect it 12:33 just because we say it. 12:35 You know, you need to investigate for yourself 12:37 as I did. 12:38 It took me 18 months. 12:40 And you know, I was an atheist, 12:41 and I had written a paper 12:43 at university condemning Christianity 12:44 as a mental crutch. 12:47 And my psychology lecturer challenged me, 12:50 and told me to do more research. 12:52 As a commentary, he gave me one of Ellen White's book 12:54 called The Great Controversy. 12:56 And then he gave me another one on Patriarchs and Prophets. 12:58 And as I read those books, they drove me into the Bible, 13:02 and by after 18 months, I had to say, well, 13:04 if I'm not going to be a hypocrite 13:06 like all of the other Christians I've written about. 13:08 I better become a Seventh-day Adventist, 13:10 and the Lord blessed. 13:13 While counterfeit prophets 13:15 may pass one or two of these tests, 13:16 a true prophet will pass them all. 13:19 We believe that Ellen White certainly did. 13:22 God's gracious guidance 13:23 through the prophetic gift of Ellen White 13:25 should make us more aware of the responsibility 13:28 that we as the remnant church have, 13:30 and it should inspire us on to finish the work 13:33 God given us to do. 13:34 What do you say? 13:36 Amen. You know what? 13:37 I feel bad for our Seventh-day Adventists 13:39 who haven't read Ellen White's writings. 13:41 I think they're missing half the message, don't you? 13:43 Yes. 13:44 Now I haven't really understood it. 13:48 Now how did Ellen White herself 13:50 describe her prophetic experiences? 13:53 Very interesting, I want you to read what she has to say. 13:56 She said, "Early in my youth, I was asked several times, 14:00 are you a prophet?" 14:02 She said, "I have ever responded 14:04 I am the Lord's messenger. 14:06 I know that many have called me a prophet, 14:09 but I have made no claim to this title. 14:12 My Savior declared me to be His messenger. 14:16 'Your work', He instructed me is to bear My word. 14:20 Strange things will arise and in your youth, 14:23 I have set you apart 14:25 to bear the message to the erring ones, 14:27 to carry the word before unbelievers, 14:30 and with pen and voice to reprove from the word, 14:33 actions that are not right. 14:35 Exhort from the Word. 14:37 I will make My word open before you. 14:40 It shall not be as a strange language. 14:43 In the true eloquence of simplicity, 14:45 with voice and pen, 14:46 the messages that I give shall be heard from one 14:49 who has never learned in the schools. 14:52 My Spirit and My power shall be with you." 14:54 That's an interesting statement 14:56 because she never learned in the school 14:57 because as the young girl 14:59 she was hit in her face with the rock 15:01 which debilitated her and wrecked her education. 15:04 And yet, the Lord chose her 15:06 because she hadn't learned in the school, 15:08 he was able to teach her in his school. 15:12 What a blessing that was. 15:15 He said, "Be not afraid of man, for My shield will protect you. 15:20 It is not you that speaketh: 15:22 it is the Lord that giveth the messages 15:24 of warning and reproof." 15:26 Now here, look at this, 15:27 "Never deviate from the truth 15:31 under any circumstances." 15:35 Doesn't that encourage you? 15:36 "Never deviate from the truth under any circumstances. 15:45 Give the light that I shall give you." 15:48 Sell books that give light. 15:50 "The Lord has sent his people much instruction," 15:52 she said, "line upon line, precept upon precept, 15:56 here a little, and there a little." 15:58 But he said, "Little heed is given to the Bible, 16:01 and the Lord has given a lesser light." 16:03 She calls her writings a lesser light. 16:08 "To lead men and women to the greater light. 16:12 O, how much good would be accomplished..." 16:14 She says, "If the book containing this light 16:17 were read with a determination to carry out the principles 16:20 that contain." 16:21 She says, "There would be a thousandfold greater vigilance, 16:24 a thousandfold more self-denial and resolute effort. 16:28 And many more would now be rejoicing 16:30 in the light of present truth." 16:31 So I think it's important to appreciate that book. 16:35 You know, friend, every good university student 16:37 learns not to just accept 16:39 what is being taught without proof. 16:44 He learns how to do research, how do we investigate evidence, 16:48 and how important it is to keep an open mind 16:51 to not make any conclusion 16:53 until thorough investigations have been done. 16:55 Isn't that supposed to be the basis for our court? 16:59 It's a basis for all kinds of learning. 17:01 You can't just make assumptions, 17:03 and make opinions unless you've done genuine research. 17:05 Otherwise, you haven't done justice to the subject. 17:09 And this process is just what God has recommended, 17:12 you know, Isaiah 1:18, where he says, 17:18 "Come now..." 17:20 What he said? 17:21 "Let us reason together, said the Lord. 17:25 Though your sins be a scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, 17:29 they would be red like crimson, they shall be his wool." 17:32 So he says, "Come on, let's study. 17:34 I've got a promise for you. 17:36 If you study, you will discover 17:39 that though your sins be a scarlet 17:40 that can be as white as snow." 17:42 That's a great promise, isn't it? 17:43 That's an encouragement to study, isn't it? 17:45 It sure is. 17:47 God made us with wonderful brain 17:49 so we can think and reason. 17:51 So we can examine evidence, and make conclusions. 17:54 He doesn't expect us to accept anything without thinking, 17:56 and reasoning, and listening. 18:00 And, friend, with this understanding, 18:02 and before we continue, I'd like to offer you, 18:05 and the people out there who are watching this program, 18:10 I would like to offer you a chance to examine 18:11 some of Ellen White's writings for yourself. 18:14 And see if these books do indeed 18:18 make the biblical test of a true prophet. 18:21 Grab your pen, or get out your phone, 18:23 and get ready to take a picture of the screen 18:25 and write down this important information. 18:28 Now here is the information you need. 18:35 Inspired by the Reformation, 18:36 The Great Controversy DVD production 18:39 is a musical and historical journey 18:41 through Europe. 18:42 It Is Written's John Bradshaw joins Fountainview Academy 18:46 to host this production 18:47 filmed in five different countries of Europe 18:50 at historically meaningful sites. 18:53 These young musicians share not only music 18:55 but personal testimonies 18:57 and powerful reformation stories 18:59 still relevant to our lives today. 19:04 To order your own set of 19:05 The Great Controversy DVD and book 19:07 by Fountainview Academy Orchestra and Singers, 19:09 visit their online web store at store.fountainview.ca. 19:15 That's store.fountainview.ca, 19:19 or you may call them in North America 19:21 on 1-877-490-4141. 19:31 In one of her books called "The Great Controversy" 19:33 Ellen White made an amazing prophetic statement. 19:37 I'm going to quote from this book, 19:39 and read to you 19:40 because this is profound information. 19:42 She said, "The great controversy 19:44 between Christ and Satan, 19:46 that had been carried forward for nearly 6000 years, 19:50 is soon to close, 19:55 and the wicked one redoubles his efforts 19:56 to defeat the work of Christ in man's behalf 19:59 and to fasten souls in his snares. 20:03 To hold the people in darkness and impenitence 20:06 until the Savior's mediation is ended, 20:12 and there is no longer a sacrifice for sin, 20:15 is the object which he seeks to accomplish. 20:19 And, friends, the Bible tells us clearly 20:22 that it is certain that Christ mediation 20:25 in the most holy place, 20:27 in the heavenly sanctuary is going to end. 20:30 Evil will not be allowed to continue unchecked forever. 20:33 Isn't that good news? 20:36 Listen to this statement in the Book of Revelation 22:11 20:40 and 12, we're going to read it, this one, 20:43 Revelation 22:11 an 12, 20:50 and it says, "He that is unjust, 20:53 let him be unjust still: 20:55 and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still. 20:59 And he that is righteous, let him be righteous still. 21:03 And he that is holy, let him be holy still. 21:08 And, behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me, 21:12 to give every man according as his work shall be." 21:17 So doesn't this text imply into the Great Controversy, 21:21 it's pretty clear, isn't it? 21:23 Why would Jesus come back if it's not going to begin? 21:26 Now, we're going to continue reading 21:28 from the Great Controversy. 21:30 "When there is no special effort 21:32 made to resist his power, that Satan's power, 21:35 when indifference prevailed in the church, in the world, 21:41 Satan's not concerned 21:44 for he's in no danger of losing those 21:46 whom he is leading captive at his work. 21:51 But when the attention is called to eternal thing, 21:54 and souls that are inquiring, what must I do to be saved, 21:59 he's on the ground 22:00 seeking to match his power against the power of Christ, 22:04 and to counteract the influences 22:06 of the Holy Spirit. 22:08 Now the information I'm about to share with you 22:12 is nothing short of astounding news. 22:16 You imagine being able to become invisible, 22:19 and secretly enter into a meeting 22:21 between Satan and his angels, 22:24 and listen to his plan and instructions 22:27 for the final battle. 22:29 Don't you think that will make the headline news? 22:35 If the world, and particularly God's people 22:37 could be forewarned, 22:39 don't you think this news 22:41 would enable them to prepare their defenses 22:43 with great urgency, and great gratitude 22:46 for God for making this information known? 22:52 Wouldn't it be important, 22:53 if we knew the plans of an enemy 22:55 to attack our country before, 22:58 those planes were made evident? 23:00 When we get ready with our defenses, 23:02 when we do everything possible, we could to stop it. 23:08 Well, this is exactly what happened to Ellen White 23:11 in one of her most astounding visions 23:14 that God ever gave her. 23:16 And she faithfully wrote it all down afterwards. 23:18 I reckon that would have been a scary experience. 23:22 A humbling experience and any satisfaction 23:24 will be that you had the Lord beside you in this vision. 23:29 But whatever experience it must have been, 23:32 just so anyone could walk up to, 23:34 could read this headline news. 23:35 I want you to please stay tuned out there, 23:38 and even the audience and listen very carefully 23:41 as we read through this vital information 23:43 about the enemy's battle plains. 23:46 And I'm going to comment as we go to help ensure 23:48 that the meaning of these statements is not lost. 23:51 Now here's the first statement. 23:54 As the people of God approached the perils of the last days, 23:57 Satan holds during this consultation 23:59 with these angels, 24:00 asked to their most successful plan 24:02 of overthrowing their faith. 24:05 He sees that the popular churches 24:08 are already lull to sleep by his deceptive power. 24:14 Already lull to sleep by his deceptive power. 24:17 What? 24:18 Satan sees that the popular mainstream churches 24:21 are already lull to sleep. 24:24 How could they possibly be in that state? 24:27 Well, remember in our previous episode, 24:29 we revealed that the spirit of iniquity 24:32 was the attitude in practice of compromise and conformity, 24:37 and would lead to believing 24:38 and teaching unscriptural doctrine, 24:41 and believing lies. 24:43 Remember, the Bible said, "If you believe a lie, 24:45 I'll send you strong illusion." 24:47 You believe one lie, and you get led to another lie, 24:49 and another lie, and another lie, 24:51 until they end up calling evil good, and good evil. 24:56 They are terrible. 25:00 Satan knew that he could lead these churches 25:02 into this condition with fault doctrines. 25:04 Now what are some of those false doctrines? 25:07 We're going to go through a short list of them. 25:10 The first false doctrine is the state of the dead. 25:14 This is the "immortality of the soul" doctrine. 25:18 The idea that when you die, you don't really die, 25:20 but you take another life form called the soul. 25:24 And what's wrong with that? 25:26 Isn't that what most ministers say, 25:28 when you go to funeral, ever heard him say that? 25:30 "Oh, Mrs. John is happy now. 25:32 She's in heaven. She's looking down. 25:34 She's watching you. She's happy. 25:37 Don't worry about it." 25:39 I've heard that plenty of time. 25:43 Well, there's two things wrong with it. 25:46 Number one, the Bible says plainly, 25:48 in Ecclesiastes 9:5 that the dead know nothing, 25:54 and I quote it, 25:56 "For the living know that they shall die. 25:59 But the dead know not anything, 26:01 neither have they any more a reward 26:04 for the memory of them is forgotten." 26:07 It's not the end of the story, of course, 26:09 when Jesus comes all is going to change. 26:12 But for now, the memory of them is forgotten. 26:14 They know nothing. 26:16 And number two, 26:17 the second thing is wrong with that idea, 26:19 if the dead really only take another life form, 26:23 then Satan must have told Eve the truth 26:25 in the Garden of Eden 26:27 when he said that they shall not surely die. 26:30 What do you think, he told the truth? 26:32 Hardly, the Bible calls him the father of lies, 26:36 and that was the first one. 26:40 Another typical false doctrine 26:42 is that Christ's atonement ministry 26:44 was completely finished at the cross. 26:46 And therefore, the Ten Commandments 26:48 were done away with are not necessary anymore. 26:51 Heard that done? 26:53 See that often. 26:54 But what's wrong with this popular teaching? 26:57 Well, Satan knew it was a great lie to teach 27:00 because it completely ignores the Book of Hebrews, 27:03 and the symbolic sanctuary picture of Christ mediation 27:07 in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. 27:12 He knew that the cross was symbolized 27:14 in the earthly sanctuary by the altar of sacrifice, 27:17 the holy place and the most holy place. 27:20 There are other elements. 27:22 And both of these pointed to phases of Christ Ministry 27:25 beyond the cross. 27:26 Doesn't it? 27:27 The picture didn't end at the across. 27:31 He already knew that with this lie 27:33 he could keep people ignorant of the rest of the story 27:35 after the cross, diabolical. 27:40 Another false doctrine that Satan has successfully taught 27:43 is probably the very biggest of his list of fraud and lie. 27:48 And this one 27:50 is where Sunday is called the New Testament Sabbath. 27:55 Astoundingly, and this totally devastated me 27:58 when I first I heard this. 28:00 When I was investigating 28:01 this issue of Sabbath versus Sunday, 28:04 are they standard by what other denominations 28:06 had decided about it. 28:08 When I read the writings of the ladies 28:10 of these other denominations, it blew me away. 28:13 I'm going to show you some of them. 28:15 This first one is from the Catholic Church, 28:18 "So basically..." 28:19 it says, "Saturday is the Sabbath day. 28:23 It's the last day of the week, the seventh day, 28:26 the day on which God rested after six days of creation. 28:29 Even modern calendars have Saturday 28:31 as the last day of the week, 28:33 and Sunday as the first day of the new week." 28:35 Well, that pretty astounding, isn't it? 28:39 If you're a Catholic, wouldn't you say, 28:41 "Well, wait a minute, 28:42 what are we doing going to church on Sunday?" 28:47 And the second one is from the Anglican Church. 28:50 "Is there any command in the New Testament 28:52 to change the day of weekly rest 28:54 from Saturday to Sunday? 28:56 What's their own answer. 28:58 None. 29:00 And this one from the Baptist, 29:03 "There was and is a commandment to keep holy the Sabbath day." 29:06 "Hey, these are the people 29:07 who brought in the separation of church and state" 29:10 He was a great founder of religious liberty. 29:14 "But the Sabbath day was not Sunday as I said. 29:17 And it will be said, however and with some show of triumph, 29:20 that the Sabbath was transferred 29:22 from the seventh to the first day of the week. 29:25 But where can the record of such a transaction be found? 29:28 Not in the New Testament, absolutely not. 29:31 There is no Scriptural evidence 29:33 of the change of the Sabbath institution 29:36 from the seventh to the first day of the week." 29:41 Then in that case, why are they keeping Sunday? 29:44 Because they're following tradition, isn't that so? 29:48 Tradition, not the Bible. 29:52 I just pray that my friends in the Baptist Church 29:54 and these other denominations that are doing this 29:56 which is break up. 29:58 And we want unity, don't we? 30:00 We want unity on the basis of truth 30:03 on God's day of rest. 30:05 We don't want unity on the basis of throw 30:07 the doctrine out and come together 30:08 for the sake of unity. 30:11 That's foolish. 30:12 Another one is the doctrine of the rapture. 30:15 And this is one I think that Satan regards 30:18 as his most successful lie. 30:20 Remember in our third episode, 30:22 we showed how this doctrine 30:24 was an invention of the Jesuit could be a key strategy 30:27 if you counter reformation. 30:29 If you get the focus off the papacy, 30:31 of the antichrist 30:32 of the Books of Daniel and Revelation, 30:36 and replace it with this chart of unbiblical theories 30:39 about prophetic events and timeline, 30:42 including the rapture theory is where it all come from. 30:45 Satan knew that this deliberately engineered lie 30:48 would be so successful. 30:50 It would've eventually have a profound influence 30:54 on American foreign policy. 30:57 So he knew that this doctrine will be a powerful tool 31:02 to quiten the fears of sleeping millions. 31:05 He would begin to wake up at the loud cry of those 31:08 who were not deceived 31:10 and were trying to sound the alarm 31:12 about the signs foretold in prophecy. 31:14 And that's what we're trying to do, isn't it? 31:16 We're trying to sound an alarm with this program to wake up. 31:21 They say, "There is no cause for alarm, 31:23 Satan's agents would cry before Christ shall come, 31:26 all the world is to be converted, 31:28 and righteousness is to reign for a thousand years." 31:33 Where did it come from? 31:34 Jesuit theory. 31:37 Peace, peace, they say. 31:38 Old thing continue as they were from the beginning. 31:41 Let none be disturbed by the exciting messages 31:45 of these alarmists. 31:47 I would rather be an exciting alarmist, 31:49 wouldn't you? 31:50 An excited alarmist. 31:51 Friends, if you have a bomb under your house, 31:54 and someone tried to say, 31:55 "Hey, you got a bomb unto your heads. 31:56 Get out quick." 31:58 And you say, "I've read already. 32:01 I don't believe it." 32:02 Worst can happen to you. 32:06 The alarmist is not going to be killed. 32:09 Satan's coming since Ellen White recorded them 32:12 makes you identify identification marks 32:14 of this false doctrine extremely clear. 32:16 Listen to this. 32:19 We're back to Ellen White's commentary 32:21 in that meeting with Satan. 32:23 She says, 'Says the great deceiver, 32:24 "We must watch those 32:26 who are calling the attention of the people 32:28 to the Sabbath of Jehovah."' 32:29 Who's that? 32:31 That's you and me. 32:33 "They will lead many people 32:34 to see the claims of the law of God. 32:37 And the same light which reveals the true Sabbath 32:40 reveals also the ministration of Christ 32:43 in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary." 32:46 Satan doesn't want people to know. 32:48 That's where Christ is. 32:49 He doesn't want people to know that he's finishing his work. 32:54 "Hold the minds of the people in darkness 32:56 till that work is ended, and we shall secure the world, 32:59 and the church also." 33:02 He says, "The Sabbath is the great question 33:03 which is to decide the destiny of souls." 33:06 What decides the destiny of souls? 33:09 The Sabbath. 33:11 "We must exalt the Sabbath of our creating, Sunday. 33:15 We have caused it to be accepted 33:16 by both worldlings and church members, 33:19 and now the church must be led to unite 33:21 with the world in its support. 33:23 That's a church/state relationship too. 33:26 We must work by signs and wonders 33:28 to blind their eyes to the truth, 33:29 and lead them to lay aside reason 33:31 and the fear of God and follow custom and tradition. 33:37 I will influence popular ministers 33:39 to turn the attention of their hearers 33:41 from the commandments of God. 33:43 That which the scriptures 33:44 declare to be a perfect law of liberty 33:46 shall be represented as a yoke of bondage or legalism." 33:52 Then Ellen White's comments get even more specific. 33:56 We continue reading about this amazing conference. 33:59 She says, "But our principle concern..." 34:01 This is, she's listening to Satan, 34:03 writing down what Satan says. 34:05 Satan says, "But our principle concern 34:07 is to silence this sect of Sabbath keepers. 34:12 We must excite popular indignation against them." 34:16 And look how he does it. 34:17 "We will enlist great men 34:19 and worldly-wise men upon our side, 34:21 and induce those in authority to carry out our purposes. 34:25 And then the Sabbath 34:26 which we have created or set up, 34:28 Sunday shall be enforced 34:30 by laws the most severe and exacting." 34:33 I'll continue quoting, 34:35 but you won't see these words on the screen. 34:37 "Those who disregard them shall be driven out 34:40 from the cities and villages 34:42 and made to suffer hunger and privation. 34:45 When once we have the power 34:46 we will show what we can do with those 34:48 who will not swerve from their allegiance to God. 34:53 We led the Roman's churches to inflict imprisonment, 34:56 torture and death upon those 34:57 who refused to yield to her decrees." 34:59 He's bragging. 35:01 "And now that we are bringing the Protestant churches 35:03 and the world into harmony 35:05 with the right arm of our strength, 35:07 we will finally have a law to exterminate all 35:10 who will not submit to our authority. 35:13 When death shall be made 35:14 the penalty of violating our Sabbath, Sunday, 35:17 then many who are now ranked with commandment keepers 35:20 will come over to our side." 35:22 But what he doesn't know is he's on the losing side. 35:25 Isn't he? 35:28 Ellen White has something very meaningful 35:30 to say about these statements commented herself. 35:33 And she wrote this down. 35:36 This is not good, you know, 35:37 this is not a pretty picture but we need to know about it. 35:40 She said, "Satan's policy in this final conflict 35:42 with God's people is the same that he employed 35:45 in the opening of the great controversy in heaven. 35:48 He professed to be seeking to promote 35:50 the stability of the divine government, 35:53 while secretly bending every effort 35:56 to secure its overthrow." 35:58 And the very work 36:00 which he was about endeavoring to accomplish, 36:01 he charged upon the loyal angels. 36:04 The same policy of deception 36:07 has marked the history of the Roman Church. 36:10 It has professed to act as the vicegerent of heaven, 36:13 while seeking to exalt itself above God 36:16 and to change His law. 36:22 Under the rule of Rome, 36:24 those who suffered death for their fidelity 36:26 to the gospel were denounced as evildoers, 36:29 they were declared to be in league with Satan, 36:32 and every possible means was employed 36:34 to cover them with reproach, 36:37 to cause them to appear in the eyes of the people 36:39 and even to themselves as the vilest of criminals. 36:44 So it will be now. 36:47 While Satan seeks to destroy those who honor God's law, 36:50 he will cause them to be accused as lawbreakers, 36:54 as men who are dishonoring God 36:56 and bringing judgments upon the world." 36:58 End quote. 37:01 And then Ellen White heard more alarming news 37:03 for Sabbath keeper as if that wasn't enough. 37:06 Listen there all, what else she heard. 37:10 "But before proceeding to these extreme measures, 37:12 we must exert all our wisdom and subtlety 37:15 to deceive and ensnare 37:17 those who honor the true Sabbath. 37:19 We can separate many from Christ by worldliness, 37:25 lust and pride. 37:28 They may think themselves safe because they believe the truth, 37:31 but indulgence of appetite or the lower passions, 37:34 which will confuse judgment and destroy discrimination..." 37:39 What will indulgence of appetite 37:40 and law of passions do? 37:43 Confuse judgment and destroy discrimination. 37:48 He said, that's what caused their fall? 37:53 Ellen White's vision has shown us 37:54 that our knowledge of the truth isn't enough 37:56 to prevent Satan's deceptions from turning away from God. 38:01 And believe it or not, 38:02 we are told very clearly 38:04 that one of its key strategies to call us to follow 38:06 is indulgence of appetite and or lust and pride. 38:12 Really? 38:14 Is what we eat really all that important? 38:19 Does the Bible supports such statements? 38:23 Well, let's take a look at the first temptation of Christ 38:25 in Matthew 4:1 to 4, we're going to read that. 38:30 Matthew 4:1-4, 38:36 "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit 38:39 into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 38:43 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, 38:49 he was afterward an hungered. 38:51 And when the tempter came to him, 38:53 he said, if thou be the Son of God, 38:56 command that these stones be made bread. 38:59 But he answered and he said, It is written, 39:02 Man shall not live by bread alone, 39:04 but by every word 39:07 that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." 39:11 So what can we learn from these things. 39:13 Well, if a power of appetite 39:15 is so strong upon the human family 39:17 and its indulgence so feeble 39:19 that the Son of God subjected Himself 39:21 to a fast of nearly six weeks. 39:24 And how important is it 39:26 that we feel a necessity of having appetite 39:28 under the control of reason. 39:30 What do you say? 39:31 Appetite has to be controlled by reason. 39:35 And thousands of people today has destroyed it. 39:38 Self made indulgence 39:41 because of their disregard of the laws of health. 39:43 Isn't that so? 39:45 What a pity. 39:47 Any violation of the laws of nature 39:48 is a violation of the law of God. 39:50 I don't think many people realize that. 39:53 Unfortunately, many people say 39:55 the commandment is just listed do's and don'ts. 39:58 When the reality is 40:00 that the Lord has given His commandments 40:01 as the wall of protection. 40:03 Do you believe that? 40:04 A wall of protection around His created being. 40:08 And those who would keep themselves 40:10 from the reformative appetite and passion 40:13 may become partakers of the divine nature. 40:16 Do you believe that? Yes. 40:17 You can inherit, you can accept 40:21 the supernatural power of God to overcome these things 40:24 and move forward in faith and practice. 40:28 So perception should be clear. 40:30 Thy will know how to preserve every faculty in health, 40:34 and the Lord can use them 40:36 because they understand 40:38 the words of the great Apostle Paul 40:40 in Romans 1: 2. 40:42 Romans 1:2, we're going to read that one. 40:46 He says, "I beseech you therefore, 40:47 brethren, by the mercies of God, 40:50 that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, 40:54 holy, acceptable unto God, 40:56 which is your reasonable service. 40:59 And be not conformed to this world, 41:01 but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, 41:07 that ye may prove what is that good, 41:09 and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." 41:13 Unfortunately, Ellen White saw that 41:15 there was a lot more to the enemy's battle plain 41:18 than corrupting people's mind 41:20 with indulgence of appetite and passion. 41:23 And you can discover more vital information 41:25 in the chapter called the snare of Satan 41:28 in the great book, The Great Controversy. 41:32 But now I want to encourage you 41:34 by turning your attention to the secret weapons 41:37 that God has made available to enable His people 41:40 to build an impregnable fortress of spiritual safety 41:44 during the time of final crisis. 41:46 Do we need that? 41:48 We need an impregnable fort, don't we? 41:51 The Satan well knows 41:52 that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer 41:54 and the searching of scriptures will be overcome by his attack. 42:00 So we must go into the storehouse 42:01 of God's weaponry, the Bibles. 42:06 The Apostle Paul tells us exactly 42:08 what God's weapons are in Ephesians 6:10-18, 42:12 we're going to read through some of it, 42:13 and we're going to comment on it. 42:16 Ephesians 6:10 that says, "Finally my brethren, 42:19 be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 42:23 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand 42:26 against the wiles of the devil." 42:27 That was verse 11. 42:30 Verse 12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, 42:33 but against principalities, against powers, 42:36 against the rulers of a darkness of this world, 42:39 against spiritual wickedness in high places. 42:43 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, 42:46 that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, 42:50 and having done all, to stand." 42:53 And verse 14, "Stand therefore, 42:55 having your loins girt about with truth." 42:58 We'll talk about that in a minute. 43:00 "And having on the breastplate of righteousness. 43:04 And your feet shod 43:05 with the preparation of the gospel of peace." 43:07 That was verse 15. 43:09 Verse 16, "Above all, taking the shield of faith 43:13 where with you shall be able to quench 43:15 all of fiery darts of the wicked." 43:18 And verse 17, "And take the helmet of salvation, 43:21 and the sword of spirit which is the Word of God." 43:28 Verse 18, "Praying always with all prayer 43:31 and supplications in the Spirit. 43:34 And watching thereunto with all perseverance 43:37 and supplications for all saints." 43:40 Now let's review some of these weapons 43:42 in the light of the Spirit of Prophecy. 43:45 Regarding the breastplate of righteousness, 43:47 we'll read these comments from the Great Controversy. 43:51 "As you strive for victory, 43:52 he will help you by His Holy Spirit 43:54 to be circumspect in every action 43:58 that you may give no occasion 43:59 for the enemy to speak evil of the truth. 44:02 Put on as your breastplate 44:04 that divinely protected righteousness 44:06 which it is the privilege of all to wear. 44:09 This will protect your spiritual life. 44:12 Regarding the weapon of prayer, 44:14 we read these encouraging comments. 44:17 Prayer is the weapon by which we resist the enemy. 44:22 Pray much. 44:23 Prayer is the life of the soul. You believe that? 44:26 Prayer is the life of the soul. 44:29 The prayer of faith is the weapon 44:31 by which we may successfully resist 44:34 every assault of the enemy. 44:37 The earnest prayer of faith 44:39 will baffle his strongest efforts of Satan. 44:43 Then take the shield of faith, brethren, 44:46 where with you shall be able to quench 44:48 all of the fiery darts of the wicked. 44:52 And we are told in Ephesians 6:14, 44:54 "To stand therefore having your loins girt about with truth." 44:59 This is critical protection 45:01 against the deceptions of the enemy. 45:04 He who utters untruths sells his soul in a cheap market. 45:07 Do you believe that? 45:10 His falsehoods may seem to serve a purpose 45:12 in emergencies, 45:15 but he finally reaches the place 45:16 where he can trust nobody. 45:18 Do you believe that? 45:19 You keep telling lies all the time 45:20 and eventually you find yourself 45:22 trapped in a corner of lies. 45:24 Himself a falsifier, 45:26 he has no confidence in the word of others. 45:28 You don't believe anybody else either. 45:31 And regarding watchfulness, 45:33 there are in the world today many who close their eyes 45:36 to the evidences that Christ has given 45:38 to warn men of His coming. 45:39 There's lot of people like that, isn't they? 45:41 No, they don't want to know. 45:43 You talk about Christ's second coming? 45:44 They don't want to know. 45:47 They seek to quiet all apprehension, 45:50 while at the same time 45:52 the signs of the end are rapidly fulfilling. 45:56 And Paul teaches that it is sinful 45:59 to be indifferent to the signs 46:01 which are to precede the second coming of Christ. 46:04 Thus, guilty of this neglect he called 46:06 "Children of the night and of darkness." 46:10 He encourages vigilant and watch for these words. 46:14 But he says, "Ye, brethren, are not in darkness, 46:17 that that day should overtake you as a thief. 46:20 Ye are all the children of light, 46:22 and children of the day. 46:24 We are not of the night, nor of darkness. 46:26 Therefore let us not sleep, 46:28 meaning spiritually as do others, 46:31 but let us watch and be sober." 46:33 What do you say? 46:34 Anything we take into our body that dulls our senses 46:37 and our perceptions makes us drunk, doesn't it? 46:43 Makes us blind. 46:46 We're the children of the day, we are not of the night, 46:48 nor of darkness. 46:49 Therefore, let us not sleep as do others, 46:51 but let us watch and be sober. 46:53 "If we accept Christ as our Guide, 46:55 He will lead us safely along the narrow way. 46:58 The road maybe rough and thorny, 47:00 and the ascent steep and dangerous. 47:03 There may be pitfalls on the right hand 47:05 and on the left. 47:07 When weary and longing for rest, 47:09 we may have to toil on, 47:11 when faint, we may have to fight, 47:14 but with Christ as our guide, 47:15 we shall not fail of reaching heaven." 47:17 What do you say? 47:19 We shall not fear if Christ is on our side. 47:24 "He will supply the needs of all 47:26 who will come to Him in faith. 47:28 And there will always be a few 47:31 who will preserve the knowledge of God 47:33 and will remain faithful 47:35 even when surrounded by people who ignore God." 47:38 Is that going to be you? 47:40 Will you remain faithful 47:42 even if you're surrounded with people 47:44 who just ignore God? 47:47 These are His peculiar people, 47:50 strange people according to the world's view, 47:53 but they're zealous of good works 47:56 not in order to get saved 47:58 but because they so much appreciate 48:00 what God has done for them, 48:01 they want to demonstrate that in hopefulness and good works. 48:03 Isn't that so? 48:05 This is what we believe. 48:08 So the question is asked, 48:09 will you stand fast with Christ? 48:12 As we listen to this inspiring story 48:14 by Dr. John Bradshaw, Pastor John Bradshaw, 48:18 and music by the Fountainview Choir, 48:20 and over to Shaw. 48:23 One of Martin Luther's contemporaries 48:25 was a man named Ulrich Zwingli, a Swiss reformer. 48:29 He started humbly in this world, 48:31 but he used the gifts and the talents 48:33 God had given to him for God's glory. 48:36 Above the reformers wall in Geneva, Switzerland 48:40 is an inscription that reads 48:42 "Post tenebrous looks after darkness light. 48:47 And after the darkness of the Middle Ages, 48:50 God used Zwingli and others to bring light to the world. 49:23 Watch, ye saints, with eyelids waking 49:25 Lo, the powers of heaven are shaking 49:28 Keep your lamps all trimmed and burning 49:31 Ready for your Lord's returning 49:33 Lo, He comes, lo, Jesus comes 49:40 Lo, He come, He comes all glorious 49:42 Jesus comes to reign victorious 49:45 Lo, He comes, yes, Jesus comes 49:55 Lo, the promise of your Savior 49:58 Pardoned sin and purchased favor 50:01 Blood-washed robes and crowns of glory 50:03 Haste to tell redemption's story 50:06 Lo, He comes, lo, Jesus comes 50:12 Lo, He come, He comes all glorious 50:15 Jesus comes to reign victorious 50:17 Lo, He comes, yes, Jesus comes 50:31 Kingdoms at their base are crumbling 50:34 Hark, His chariot wheels are rumbling 50:39 Tell, O tell of grace abounding 50:42 While the seventh trump is sounding 50:46 Lo, Jesus comes 50:51 Nations wane, though proud and stately 50:54 Christ His kingdom hasteneth greatly 50:56 Earth her latest pangs is summing Shout, 50:59 ye saints, your Lord is coming 51:01 Lo, He comes, yes, Jesus comes 51:08 Lo, He come, He comes all glorious 51:11 Jesus comes to reign victorious 51:13 Lo, He comes, yes, Jesus comes 51:24 Sinners, come, 51:28 While Christ is pleading 51:35 Now for you 51:38 He's interceding 51:45 Haste, ere grace and time diminished 51:51 Shall proclaim 51:54 The mystery finished 52:00 Lo, He comes, 52:05 Lo, Jesus comes 52:12 Lo, He come, He comes all glorious 52:16 Jesus comes to reign victorious 52:19 Lo, He comes 52:24 Yes, Jesus comes 52:38 That's what I call zealous music. 52:41 What do you say? 52:42 Beautiful. 52:44 Let us pray. 52:49 Loving Father in heaven, 52:51 we praise Thee and thank Thee so much 52:53 for giving so much like your people 52:55 and all those who desire to hear the truth. 52:59 That You want to call out of darkness into light. 53:02 We pray Lord that Your Holy Spirit 53:03 will go forward with this program, 53:06 and in compelling invite those in their highways 53:09 and in their byways to come and join us Lord 53:12 as we prepare for Your coming, for You are the winning side. 53:17 You have shown us beforehand what is to come to pass, 53:20 and You have prepared a place for Your people 53:23 such as mind can hardly comprehend it. 53:26 Eternity in heaven with Thee and unfallen world. 53:29 We don't want to miss it, Lord. 53:31 Please bless us, give us ears to hear and eyes to see You 53:34 and inclined our heart to do Your will, 53:36 as we move forward in faith and practice 53:39 and prepare for Your coming 53:40 because we ask in Jesus' precious name, 53:43 even so, come Lord Jesus, amen. |
Revised 2017-12-31