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Series Code: BTLP
Program Code: BTLP000083A
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00:41 Hello, and welcome to Behold the Lamb presents.
00:43 I'm Chris Shelton, your host 00:45 and on behalf of Behold the Lamb Ministries, 00:48 I welcome you to another wonderful hour 00:51 in the study of God's precious word. 00:54 Today's message is part 2 of a series 00:57 that we're calling, ''Religion and Politics." 01:00 Perhaps, we should have called it, 01:02 "Oil in Water." 01:03 Because so often, 01:04 they clash badly with one another, 01:07 it's a clash that, I truly believe 01:09 from the study of God's Word 01:11 is going to continue to wax worse and worse. 01:15 Morality has hit an all time low in this, 01:18 so called Christian nation of ours. 01:21 At one time, 01:22 laws will be passed by many people 01:25 who allow the Bible to be their moral compass, 01:28 their guide for direction. 01:30 This country was raised up by Christians, 01:33 who were willing to leave all other lands 01:36 in order to live in a country where they could worship God 01:40 and have complete religious liberty 01:43 and living out the principles of God's Holy red 01:46 as directed upon their conscious 01:48 by the Holy Spirit. 01:50 It is so heartbreaking to see the shift in our land, 01:55 a shift away from God's word as our moral absolute. 01:59 A shift so profound 02:02 that it is not uncommon to hear broadcasted, 02:05 that those uplifting God's word as correct 02:08 are now being labeled begets, non law abiding citizens, 02:13 narrow-minded, prejudice and so on. 02:16 They're being looked down upon more and more. 02:20 Those in political power, they're the ones 02:23 that are spirit heading changes in our laws, 02:26 that directly violate our Christian morals. 02:29 So ask yourself this question. 02:32 Is understanding God's will, as it pertains to the Christian 02:37 in dealing with politics important? 02:40 Friends, I truly believe 02:42 that it is much more important than we imagine. 02:46 So please stay tuned 02:48 as we begin our study with Pastor Kenny Shelton today 02:51 that is entitled Religion and Politics. 02:54 This is part 2, 02:56 but first we're so blessed to listen to a song 02:58 that is entitled, "If we ever," 03:01 as sung by the Korean Men's Quartet 03:04 from the 3ABN Worship Center. 03:09 If we ever needed the Lord before 03:13 We sure do need Him now 03:16 Oh, we sure do need Him now 03:19 Oh Lord, we sure do need Him now 03:22 Oh glory, if we ever needed the Lord before 03:27 We sure do need Him now 03:30 We need Him everyday and every hour 03:38 We need Him in the morning We need Him in the morning 03:42 We need Him in the morning We need Him in the morning 03:45 We need Him in the night We need Him in the night 03:49 We need Him in the night We need Him in the night 03:52 Oh, we need Him in the noon day We need Him in the noon day 03:56 We need Him in the noon day We need Him in the noon day 03:59 When the sun is shining bright 04:02 If we ever needed the Lord before 04:06 We sure do need Him now 04:09 Oh, We sure do need Him now 04:12 Oh Lord, we sure do need Him now 04:15 Oh glory, if we ever needed the Lord before 04:20 We sure do need Him now 04:23 We need Him everyday and every hour 04:31 We need Him when we're burdened We need Him when we're burdened 04:35 We need Him when we're burdened We need Him when we're burdened 04:38 We need Him when we're sad We need Him when we're sad 04:42 We need Him when we're sad We need Him when we're sad 04:45 We need Him when we're happy We need Him when we're happy 04:49 We need Him when we're happy We need Him when we're happy 04:52 And when our hearts are glad 04:55 If we ever needed the Lord before 04:59 Oh glory, we sure do need Him now 05:02 Oh, we sure do need Him now 05:05 My Lord and Savior, we sure do need Him now 05:08 Oh glory, If we ever needed the Lord before 05:13 We sure do need Him now 05:16 We need Him every day 05:24 And every hour. 05:37 Thanks for joining us once again 05:38 here at Behold the Lamb. 05:40 You all have heard, 05:41 this is very, very important subject 05:43 one probably overlooked. 05:45 Maybe lot of years, 05:46 or maybe you've never really heard it before, 05:48 or put it in right context. 05:49 We're gonna be talking about religion and politics, 05:52 do the two mix. 05:53 What was the teachings of Jesus? 05:55 What does the Bible teach about Christians today? 05:58 There those who say, we have to get involved. 06:01 We must get involve as Christians. 06:03 There are others who say, you know, I don't know, 06:06 I don't know if it's right or not. 06:07 So they're in question 06:09 and then you have another group who says no. 06:10 We do not need to be involved at all in the political scene. 06:14 So we're going to be looking at God's word 06:16 when we're going to Spirit of Prophecy. 06:17 We're gonna see, what this tells us, 06:19 what we should do as God's last day people. 06:22 I want to do what God wants me to do. 06:25 If we read, now I want you to jot down. 06:27 We'll move rather quickly, 06:28 I love to be able to spend some more time with you. 06:30 But I'm gonna have prayer right now. 06:31 We're gonna get up 06:33 and then we're gonna get into the Word of God. 06:34 If you have your Bible, turn to Revelation 18 06:36 as we have prayer together. 06:40 Loving Father in heaven, 06:41 we truly thank You for the privilege of prayer. 06:43 We ask You that Your Holy Spirit now 06:44 would bless us with Your presence, 06:45 give us clearness of mind. 06:47 Be with each and every one of your people 06:48 that we may hear, we may understand 06:50 and we may respond 06:52 to what You've said in Your Word. 06:53 We thank You for hearing and answering prayer 06:55 in Jesus' name. 06:56 Amen. 06:58 Again, if we studied the Book of Revelation 18, 07:01 I wish we had time to read verses 1 through 8. 07:04 We would see very, very interesting things 07:06 going on in the world. 07:08 They become so corrupt 07:10 that God is challenging us as a people 07:12 to try to understand what is going on in the world 07:15 that we may take a positional stance. 07:17 I thought how interesting. 07:18 It reveals how dangerous 07:20 and if you're not feeling not as dangerous in the world 07:22 that we live and there maybe something wrong with us. 07:24 We need to, maybe go back and look at things again. 07:27 And I do believe this. 07:29 Those who understand what truth is, 07:31 this subject is vital. 07:34 In fact, there is a manuscript, 07:36 I want to put down 135 written in 1902, it says this. 07:39 Listen carefully, 07:40 "Makes the comment on Revelation 18:1-8. 07:43 Notice this, comment. 07:45 It says, "This is a terrible picture, 07:47 drawn by John, notice this, 07:49 to show how completely the powers of the earth 07:52 will give themselves, notice this, to evil." 07:56 Wow. It's going to show, notice. 07:59 "Those who know what truth is how dangerous it is 08:02 to link up with secret societies, 08:05 notice this, or to join them in any way 08:09 with those who do not keep God's commandments." 08:12 So right quick we're challenged 08:13 where the world will become so what? 08:15 So corrupt that we're challenged 08:17 not to link up in any secret societies 08:19 or join with anyone 08:21 that does not keep the commandment of God. 08:24 That's pretty heavy duty, isn't it, 08:25 since the majority of the world find it nine is sufficient 08:28 and made, you know, they think it is. 08:30 But God says all ten's very, very important. 08:32 You remember we're just going quickly as we can. 08:35 In the building of the Tower of Babel. 08:37 You remember that in Genesis 11? 08:39 This gives us little background as we go, 08:41 because we're going to have to look, 08:42 should we vote, should we be involved in politics 08:44 and so on and so forth. 08:46 We find it after the flood, what happened? 08:48 As soon as men repopulated the earth, 08:50 what did they did do? 08:51 They went right back in rebellion against God. 08:55 Apostasy when it comes in, there is always division. 08:59 There is always separation that comes in. 09:01 And then we find that people rebel against God, 09:04 they begin to look for other people 09:06 that are rebelling just like they are. 09:09 Very interesting. 09:10 We look for people who are sympathizing with us, 09:12 who think like we're thinking. 09:14 and so, a confederacy has come together, 09:17 that just mean they're joining together against that 09:20 which is right. 09:21 And so we find confusion, we find rebellion, 09:25 we find the same thing existing in the world today 09:29 that existed at the time of building the Tower of Babel. 09:33 Would you like to hear a quote on that? 09:34 Let's go and take a little while to read this, 09:37 but I want you just think on it with me for just a moment. 09:40 Remember, it tells, 09:42 if you like parallel this is quite a parallel. 09:44 What went on at the building 09:45 and what's going on right now in our society 09:48 that we live in today. 09:50 Little article found in little Review and Herald 12/10, 1903. 09:55 Now these is couple of paragraphs long, 09:56 don't like to read all of that, but I'm going to, 09:59 every word I want you to hang on to. 10:01 Every word I want you to listen to 10:03 'cause this is referring to building of the Tower of Babel 10:06 and the mindset of people 10:07 who are rebelling against the truth. 10:09 How they'll join together 10:10 against those who want to keep what is truth. 10:13 It said, "This confederacy was born of rebellion against God. 10:18 The dwellers on the plain of Shinar 10:20 establish their kingdom of self-exaltation." 10:23 You see it? "Not for the glory of God. 10:26 Had they succeeded, notice, 10:28 a mighty power would have borne sway--" 10:30 What would it have done? 10:32 Notice, "Banishing righteousness, 10:34 inaugurating a new religion. 10:37 The world would have been demoralized." 10:40 How? Notice this. 10:41 "The mixture of religious ideas and erroneous theories 10:46 would have resulted enclosing the doors, to notice, peace, 10:50 and happiness, and security. 10:52 These suppositions, erroneous theories, notice. 10:56 what did they do? 10:57 If they were carried out and perfected, 10:59 or was brought to be perfected would have directed the mind 11:03 from allegiance to God or his divine statues, 11:07 and the law of Jehovah, notice this, 11:09 would have been ignored and forgotten. 11:13 Determined men, inspired and urged on 11:16 by the first great rebel--" 11:18 Who's that? The devil. 11:19 "Would have resisted any interference 11:21 with these plans or their evil course." 11:24 Does that sound like today? 11:26 "And in the place of divine precepts--" 11:28 I'm reading on, notice this. 11:30 "They would have substituted laws 11:32 framed in accordance with desires of their selfish hearts 11:36 in order that they might carry out their purpose." 11:40 Do you see what was happening in the world today? 11:42 This is exactly what's taking place right now. 11:45 Now, will we follow this? 11:46 Simple question, will we follow the council of God 11:48 or we going to follow, you know, 11:51 what the world is doing? 11:52 Are we going to rebel like they did at the Tower of Babel? 11:55 Are we gonna follow what God says? 11:57 Sometime we want to do what we want to do, 11:59 because we think that we have a better plan than God has. 12:03 You don't, you might think you do, but you don't. 12:05 Psalms 33 gives us some real good information here, 12:09 verses 10, 11. 12:10 Notice these words. 12:12 "The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to what? 12:15 Sure, to nought: 12:16 he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. 12:20 The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, 12:23 the thoughts of his heart to all generations." 12:26 Man's gonna fall apart, God's not gonna fall apart. 12:29 God inspired this word, right? 12:30 He's gonna bring it to pass exactly as he says in his word. 12:34 Now we must look. 12:36 In our approach of this question 12:38 about religion and politics. 12:41 It affects God's church. 12:42 It affects God's people around the world. 12:46 And you know, here's, here's-- 12:48 I want you to think this through with me 12:49 just a little bit. 12:51 You know, if we're thinking about truth. 12:53 Is there people that, 12:54 how can we get involved with other people, 12:57 who don't believe the way we believe? 12:59 I find there is a mixing all the time. 13:01 We want to get involved with this group 13:03 and that group and the other group. 13:04 They don't believe the way that you believe 13:06 and it's causing division, it's causing some rebellion 13:09 and it's causing some confused minds. 13:12 You know, how can we agree and join in with a group 13:16 that doesn't believe in keeping God's law. 13:19 The Bible is very clear in Amos 3:3, it says, 13:22 "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" 13:26 And I have a good illustration of that 13:28 and you know from the Word of God. 13:29 The Bible said, "Enoch walked with God 13:32 in all his duties of daily life." 13:34 Patriarchs and Prophets 85 says this, talking about this, 13:38 about Enoch, it says here. 13:40 He was distressed, 13:41 will you think go back that far, 13:43 how could a man be distressed? 13:44 "He was distressed of the increasing wickedness 13:48 of the ungodly." 13:50 I'm distressed about the ungodly nation 13:52 that we live in, aren't you? 13:54 It distresses me, it perplexes me. 13:56 When we have a way out, 13:58 when we should know the Word of God. 14:00 But notice with Enoch here. 14:02 "He was distressed 14:03 about the wickedness of ungodly fearing, notice this, 14:06 fearing that their infidelity 14:08 might lessen his reverence for God." 14:11 How many people you hang around with 14:13 is lessening your reverence and respect for God? 14:16 I'll tell you they'll do it if they are not godly people. 14:19 The article goes on, it says, "Enoch avoided contact 14:22 or constant association with them, 14:25 wow, and spent much time in solitude, 14:28 giving himself to meditation and prayer." 14:32 Think about that. 14:33 This the key to just taking hold of God 14:36 and keep hold of him. 14:38 We have to have some solitude, quiet time. 14:41 The devil so arranged this world 14:43 where is no quiet time. 14:44 It's going on and on from one call, 14:46 one text, on, on, on, on, on. 14:48 We got to put him down. We got to shut him off. 14:51 We don't have to have contact with the world as it were. 14:55 Enoch was afraid that it would lessen his love, 14:59 and his reverence for God 15:00 when he dealt with the wrong people 15:02 that didn't love God, supremely. 15:04 Patriarchs and Prophets 86 continues, says this. 15:07 "The antediluvian world rejected the warnings of him 15:11 who walk with God." 15:13 How sad. 15:14 They rejected the man who walked with God, 15:18 they rejected his warnings. 15:20 Now notice what it says, 15:21 "So will be the last generation. 15:25 They're gonna make light of the warnings 15:27 of the Lord's messenger." 15:29 Are they doing it now? Absolutely, they are. 15:31 They're laughing and they're heckling say, 15:33 well, this can't be so. 15:35 Listen, this statement is so powerful, 15:38 I don't want you to miss it. 15:40 It should help us though to make right decision, 15:43 right choice 15:44 on how we're going to address this political question. 15:48 Somebody said well, I'd just do what I've always done. 15:50 You need to listen up. 15:52 You want to follow the Word of God, 15:53 I want to follow the Word of God. 15:54 Let's put it together here, shall we? 15:56 Should I, should I vote 15:57 while we're gonna get real specific on that 15:59 in just a moment. 16:00 But before we do, I want to read something here 16:02 from Seven Testimonies 107. 16:05 It said, "There are those who, 16:07 in order to carry out their plans, 16:09 have their words deny their faith." 16:12 Do you ever had that, 16:14 where your words denied your faith? 16:16 You know, we're talking, talking, 16:18 but our word somehow come back to get us. 16:20 "This shows how little dependence 16:21 can be placed upon human wisdom and judgment." 16:25 That reminds me of 1 Corinthians 3:19. 16:28 "For the wisdom of this world, 16:29 the Bible said is foolishness with God. 16:32 For it is written, 16:34 He taketh the wise in their own craftiness." 16:36 Very interesting, Jesus just declares it without me, 16:40 you can do what? 16:41 You can do nothing in John 15:5. 16:43 Without me what? You can do nothing. 16:46 Without Jesus you'll not be approved of God. 16:50 See, we have to take time in our study and in our lives, 16:54 to study our own motives. 16:57 Why are we doing what we're doing? 16:58 Why are we walking the way that we are walking? 17:01 We have to make sure that our lives are in harmony 17:02 with the Word of God. 17:05 Manuscript 49, 1898 says this. 17:08 Now this starts getting little bit more, 17:10 come on you charred the milk, 17:12 let's get into some meat, shall we? 17:15 Says, "No business is to be undertaken." 17:18 Did you get that? No business. 17:20 I know there's gonna be some who say, 17:21 well, my business is an exception. 17:23 I just have to say, no, it's not. 17:25 Your business is not an exception. 17:27 "No business is to be undertaken, 17:30 even in ordinary life, if it corrupting 17:35 in the influence upon the senses." 17:38 You know the God give us, you know, corrupts our eyes, 17:40 you know, our ears, and our taste, and our feel, 17:43 and so on and so forth. 17:45 We can't get involved in any of those things, 17:47 because the devil is out to corrupt those things 17:50 that God has given us. 17:52 Again, seven Testimonies 107 says this, 17:55 let our people, here what it boils down to. 17:58 "Let our people beware 17:59 of belittling the importance of the Sabbath 18:03 in order to link up with unbelievers." 18:05 Now listen, we'll have time to go right into it, 18:08 unbeliever will say, well, no, they're believer there be. 18:10 An unbeliever in Spirit of Prophecy simply says, 18:13 one who does not believe in Three Angels' Message. 18:16 That's makes it pretty clear as far I'm concern. 18:18 So we quit giving this stuff all the time. 18:20 Well, they're believer, they're believer. 18:21 We're talking about how can two agree less unless-- 18:23 How can they walk together unless they agree? 18:25 We're not in agreement. 18:27 We may be working together and doing things, 18:28 but secretly people are thinking different things. 18:30 They're really not in harmony. 18:32 They're not in unity. Spirit cannot be poured out. 18:34 But notice what happens. 18:36 "Let our people beware of belittling what? 18:38 The importance of the Sabbath 18:40 in order to link up with unbelievers. 18:43 Let them beware of, notices this, 18:45 departing from the principles of our faith, 18:49 and make it appear 18:50 that it is not wrong to conform to the world. 18:54 Let them be afraid-- 18:56 Let them be what? 18:57 Let them be afraid of heeding the counsel of any man, 19:00 whatever his position may be, who works counter to that 19:04 which has God has wrought 19:06 in order to keep His people separate from the world." 19:09 We don't understand the term. 19:10 We don't understand what it is to separate from the world. 19:12 I don't think we do. 19:14 We like to have the worldly things that are in the world, 19:16 we think we can have all friends of the worldly friends 19:18 and still be what God wants us to be. 19:20 The message is and will always be 19:23 separation from the world. 19:25 I know there is a balance 19:26 and some of you really want to balance some. 19:28 Read in the Word of God. 19:29 We go, we seek to say that which is lost. 19:31 We understand, we work to get them. 19:32 But we don't have to hang around all the time. 19:35 We should be afraid that we're gonna lose our reverences 19:37 for the message that God has given us. 19:40 I believe this, this quote is worthy of our notice. 19:43 Surely it applies in some areas 19:47 maybe that we have concerns on today. 19:50 I do believe this with all my heart. 19:51 God is asking his people to be courageous. 19:55 He's asking us to have his mind and his heart. 19:58 He's asking us to use self control 20:02 in the giving of this last day message 20:04 and to act out Bible principle. 20:07 Well, there's a lot passage, 20:08 lot of things could be given on, 20:09 we don't have time, 20:11 you need to do some study on that. 20:12 God is challenging us, God is calling us. 20:14 Again seven Testimonies 108 reads this way, 20:17 "To bind ourselves up by contracts 20:20 with those not of our faith is not in the order of God." 20:26 I know I can hear you right now, 20:28 some are jumping off the couch 20:29 and you're just having your fit. 20:31 Well, just have your little fit. 20:32 Hopefully you'll get over and you'd still love. 20:35 Did you notice what it says, 20:37 "To bind ourselves up in what, in contracts, 20:41 any kind way that we're bound up, 20:42 with those not of our faith is not in the order of God. 20:46 Certainly we are to treat with kindness and courtesy 20:50 those who refuse to be loyal to God, 20:53 but we are never, never to unite with them, 20:56 certainly in this area, 20:57 in any council regarding vital interest of His work." 21:01 Now, would it be well for us 21:04 to see how Jesus handle the issues 21:06 because we're talking about voting. 21:07 We're are in the season. 21:09 Every time you turn round, 21:10 there is some kind of somebody might be running for office 21:12 we need it, well, we need to get involved in Christians 21:14 then, you need to get involved in others. 21:16 How did Jesus handle this? 21:19 How did Jesus respond to political matters? 21:23 This is the most important point, 21:24 if you can't get anything else, this is important. 21:27 After all is he not our example in all things. 21:31 Sure, he is. No one's gonna argue that. 21:34 1 Peter 1:20 or 1 Peter 2:21 and 22 21:39 the Bible says, "For even hereunto were ye called: 21:43 because Christ also suffered for us, 21:46 leaving us an example." 21:47 I'm just gonna leave with that because of our time. 21:49 He left us what? 21:50 An example in all areas of life that we can be safe. 21:55 We can feel safe in following in the footsteps of Jesus. 21:58 Don't deviate from it. 21:59 Don't think it's all change, he left us an example. 22:03 In fact, if you read John 13, we see Jesus, this is simple, 22:07 but we see Jesus doing what? 22:08 He is washing the disciple's feet 22:10 and he said, "I'm leaving you what? 22:11 Good. "Do as I've done to you." 22:14 I'm leaving you what? A good, an example. 22:16 And certainly 1 John 2:6, Bible says, 22:19 "He that saith he abideth in him 22:21 also to walk as he walked." 22:23 We ought to do what? 22:25 If we say we abideth in him, then walk as he walked, 22:27 it's very simple. 22:29 So how did Christ walk 22:31 when it comes to political matters? 22:34 Well, it becomes very clear in scripture 22:36 and Spirit of Prophecy. 22:37 Desire of Ages says this 509, 22:38 and I have to do reading, notice this. 22:40 You're saying today, I know what you're saying. 22:43 Well, it was different back then. 22:46 Let me tell you, the world is dirty today, 22:49 the world has its issues. 22:50 But let me tell you in the days of Christ 22:53 exactly the same things were going on inside the church, 22:57 outside the church, in the political arena 22:59 that's going on today, 23:02 and Jesus, notice how he dealt with it. 23:05 Because, I mean, I felt this for you, 23:06 I've talked to many sincere Christians 23:08 and hopefully we'll have time to talk more about that 23:10 who say the world is in such a mess, 23:12 Christians, we have to rise, we have take control, 23:16 because the world is in such a mess. 23:18 Notice how it was in the days of Christ Desire of Ages 509, 23:22 "The government under which Jesus lived 23:26 was corrupt and oppressive." 23:29 Well, amen. Somebody with me. 23:32 Does that not say today, 23:33 you want to know the parallel, do you? 23:35 Sure, it is. 23:36 Notice, "Corrupt and oppressive, 23:38 on every hand, notice this, 23:40 on every hand they were crying abuses--" 23:44 Well, they're crying today abuses, 23:46 we're abused here, we're abused here, 23:47 we left out here, no one's paying any attention. 23:50 Extortion, oh, you know it, intolerance, 23:55 grinding cruelty, we know that. 23:58 Notice this but, "Yet the Saviour 24:01 attempted no civil reforms." 24:06 Did he not care? Absolutely. 24:09 Did he, does he have a heart for all of us one? 24:11 Absolutely, but notice there is a reason 24:14 why he did not attempt any civil reforms. 24:17 Notice, "He did not attack the national abuses, 24:22 nor condemned the national enemies. 24:26 He did not interfere, notice this, 24:28 with the authority 24:30 or the administration of those in power." 24:32 See Christians today, 24:34 we're going to go and we're gonna take over. 24:35 We're gonna vote people and all 24:37 and we're gonna get rid of all this unbelief. 24:38 Jesus knew everything 24:40 and yet he knew what was going on in the world, 24:43 it was horrible, he came in a time 24:44 in one of the darkest hours of earth's history. 24:47 He came down when it seem to be no hope for this world. 24:50 How sad, but it is the way it is right now, but notice, 24:55 he didn't try to have any civil reform, 24:57 he didn't do any marching, he didn't do any demonstration. 25:00 He didn't try to change the government. 25:02 Notice why? 25:03 As a Christian, we need not try to whoo, 25:06 to change the government, 25:07 we need to try to change our own hearts and lives. 25:10 There is a difference in the kingdom 25:11 you see of this world and the kingdom of Christ. 25:14 This is what we're looking at here. 25:15 Keep focus with me. 25:18 The article goes on to say this, 25:19 "Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, 25:24 but because the remedy did not, notice this, 25:27 the remedy did not lie in merely in human 25:30 and external measures. 25:33 To be efficient, the cure, notice, 25:35 must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart." 25:40 What was Jesus focusing on? 25:41 He passed all the laws you want, 25:43 get all the Christians you want, 25:44 so called Christians in office is not gonna change anything. 25:46 Laws will be passed to hurt the minority always. 25:50 It's always been that way. 25:53 Jesus knew the law was better than any of us, 25:55 yet he did not interfere in the government in the least. 25:59 Wow, I mean, in the spiritual things of God 26:04 can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. 26:07 They're two totally opposite poles, 26:09 notice that, 26:11 two principles directly opposite to each other. 26:14 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, "The natural man does what? 26:19 Receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: 26:22 for they are foolishness to him: 26:25 neither can he know them, because they are what? 26:28 Spiritually discern." 26:31 Jesus cared, he knew what was going on, 26:35 he knew the world was in a mess, 26:36 the only hope was for Jesus to come down to this world. 26:41 And notice, he still did not get involved 26:44 in the political world. 26:47 He backed way from that. 26:48 Notice what the Bible says in Luke 20:25, 26:52 and this is one you could read at the beginning, 26:54 you can read in the middle, you can read at the end, 26:57 when Jesus was shown the coin, you remembered and said, 27:00 you know whose is this and Jesus simply said what? 27:03 Render to Caesar, the things that are Caesar 27:05 and the things are God unto God, 27:07 so he made it clear then the things of God, 27:09 they're different than the things of the government. 27:12 God's kingdom is different and we need to be careful 27:14 what kingdom we're trying to ride, 27:16 work in and be involved in, 27:17 and how much responsibility we have when we do, 27:21 even though we might try 27:22 to make the world little bit better. 27:25 I think this may be next quote-- 27:28 It's couple of paragraphs but just bear with me. 27:32 I believe this with all my hearts so let's put it, 27:34 this what I was talking about. 27:36 There are many honest, sincere, 27:38 beautiful Christians in the world today. 27:41 They think they can make a difference in the country. 27:45 They think they can make a difference in the world 27:48 and even in our legislative halls, 27:51 if they get involved in politics 27:53 or they elect the right person in the office. 27:56 They really believe it with all their heart. 28:00 But you know what? 28:01 We think about the making of laws 28:03 and enforcing them, they feel this, making laws, 28:06 enforcing them will make the world a better place 28:09 to live in. 28:11 So, many people will simply tell us right now, 28:13 we need Christians in office, we need Christians in what? 28:18 In the government. 28:21 Well, I'm not saying that not necessarily the truth 28:23 right there but notice, but, 28:26 the heart must to be true to Christ 28:29 and his laws put into action in each of our lives 28:35 or we shall be exactly the way the Jews were 28:38 in the days of Christ. 28:41 You see, they wanted to do what? 28:43 They wanted the world to be governed by their manmade laws 28:48 instead of God's laws. 28:51 Do you see the same thing today, 28:53 you see that parallel today. 28:55 Men want man's laws, they don't want God's laws. 29:00 And when you get Christians together 29:01 and you get them in all, 29:03 well, they think they want to do the right thing, 29:04 but they still want to legislate, 29:06 they still want to make, 29:08 you cannot make this world better by laws. 29:10 We have never learned that evidently by the millions, 29:13 we have on the books. 29:15 Is God's Ten Commandments law 29:16 that he has for us to look into 29:19 to see where our failures are at and then look to him 29:21 to gain the victories that we need. 29:25 This next quote is just interesting, 29:26 again Desire of Ages, 509, says this. 29:30 This is what I've just been talking about, notice, 29:33 "Today in the religious world there are multitudes 29:37 who, as they believe, 29:39 are working for the establishment, 29:40 notice this, for the kingdom of Christ." 29:44 Many people do what? 29:46 Christians they believe that they're working 29:47 for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ, 29:51 notice this, "As an earthly temporal kingdom." 29:54 They're thinking about, notice this, 29:55 the false doctrine and the false teaching 29:57 that cannot be substantiated from the Word of God. 30:00 Thousand years of peace on this earth, 30:03 and they're seeing that take place, 30:04 they think peace and safety and oh, 30:07 more jobs and everybody's gonna happier, 30:08 everything's gonna workout real good. 30:11 Interesting thought, 30:13 but they think they're working toward this end here 30:16 the establishment of the kingdom, 30:18 "They desire, notice, to make our Lord the ruler, 30:23 notice, the ruler of the kingdom of this world." 30:27 Interesting, but notice how the article goes on, 30:32 it says, "The ruler in its courts, 30:35 its camps, its legislative halls, 30:38 its palaces and its market places. 30:42 They expect him, talking about Jesus Christ, 30:44 to rule through legal enactments, 30:47 enforced by human authority." 30:51 And here's what they say, well, listen, 30:53 "Since Christ is not here will help him, 30:56 interesting, he is not here in person, 30:58 they themselves will undertake this act in His stead, 31:03 they're going to execute laws of His kingdom. 31:08 They're going to try to establish such a kingdom, 31:10 of what, the Jews desired in the days of Christ. 31:14 They would receive Jesus, notice this, 31:16 the Jews would have received who, 31:18 they would received Jesus, had he been willing 31:20 to establish his temporal kingdom or dominion, 31:24 to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God." 31:28 Interesting thought here. 31:31 Listen to this what Jesus said, 31:34 that's found in John 18:36, but he said, 31:37 "My kingdom is not of this world:" 31:40 Wow! 31:43 Jesus would not accept any earthly throne, 31:48 but here is that, may be a key. 31:49 I pray that will, will help us, give us a little bit more light 31:54 on what we're talking about here 31:56 and it's gonna be clear as we go, 31:58 so stay with the program you may, and I'll say, 32:00 well, I'm not digging what all, listen carefully. 32:03 Desire of Ages, 509 says this, 32:06 "It's not by the decisions of courts 32:09 or councils or legislative assemblies, 32:14 not by the patronage of worldly great men, 32:18 is the kingdom of Christ established, 32:21 but by the implanting, see if this make sense, 32:23 but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity 32:26 through the work of the Holy Spirit." 32:29 See Jesus understood the difference in the world, 32:31 right, kingdom of the world, 32:33 and his kingdom of righteousness and grace. 32:36 He had no part with that of the world. 32:38 That's not what he came. 32:40 He realized changes had to take place what? 32:41 It's not by laws, and manmade laws, 32:43 and all these, the fallacies is going on, 32:46 but by Christ living in our heart, 32:48 we need to be focused on these things. 32:50 In fact, in John 1:12-13 the Bible says, 32:54 it tells of the power that would change the world. 32:57 Oh, I want to see that, I love to be a part of that 33:00 and we see that his power is changing hearts and life. 33:04 The Bible says, "As many as received him, 33:06 you know this, to them gave he what? 33:09 Good, he gave them power to become the sons of God, 33:13 even to them that believe on his name: 33:15 and which were born, not of, notice, of blood, 33:18 nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, 33:21 but of God." 33:22 Take time to jot those down and read those. 33:24 You see how much sense it makes. 33:27 Does the world need change? Absolutely, it needs change. 33:32 But you know many feel that these changes, you know, 33:36 only way that can take place is 33:37 if we get involved with politics 33:39 or get involved in the government. 33:42 Get involved in the political scene, 33:44 I hear that all the time. 33:45 Well, you don't care then if you don't vote 33:47 and you don't get, you don't care. 33:50 Interesting there is responsibility 33:53 when you take a side. 33:54 There is responsibility 33:56 when you spend time on some kind of a earthly kingdom 33:59 as it were and not the kingdom of God. 34:02 You become accountable for certain things 34:04 that we'll read here in a moment. 34:08 Desire of Ages, 510 says, "Now, as in Christ's day, 34:11 the work of God's kingdom lies 34:13 not with those who are clamoring for recognition." 34:18 You see it today, people are clamoring for the highest seat. 34:22 Did they not do that in the days of Christ? 34:24 They want to be recognize, they want the highest position, 34:26 they want to, you know, be involved, 34:28 they want to be recognized and they wanted to be supported 34:31 as it were by and called by name by earthly rulers 34:35 and human laws, but notice these, 34:39 "But with those who are declaring 34:40 to the people his name, notice, 34:43 those spiritual truths that will work 34:47 in the receivers the experience of Paul:" 34:50 Notice there is people who would present the truth 34:52 and notice how this gels with what Paul said 34:55 there in Galatians 2:20, 34:57 Paul said this as an end results, 35:00 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live, good, 35:05 not yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:" 35:09 Interesting, if that takes place what will happen? 35:12 Then we're going to labor 35:14 and we're going to work as Paul did 35:16 for the benefit of mankind 35:17 but it sure weren't in politics, was it? 35:19 He didn't waste his time on that. 35:21 Jesus said he, he had nothing to do with it. 35:23 He didn't get involved in anything, 35:24 he wasn't in a political world at all. 35:26 Is he our example, or is he not? 35:27 You can say he is my example, but if you do the opposite, 35:30 then you're not doing what Jesus lived 35:32 and taught down here, are you? 35:34 It's a question we are faced with. 35:38 After all are we not his ambassadors? 35:41 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, 35:43 "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, 35:47 as though God did beseech you by us: 35:50 we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 35:56 You might say, well, at this point 35:57 I've got a pretty good, 35:59 you know, idea of what's going on 36:00 and what's been said on the religion 36:02 and politics on the issue. 36:04 Well, there's some things that's lot clear 36:06 that we probably should touch on. 36:08 I know you want to know too. 36:10 Seven Testimonies 252, remember, we all, 36:13 we have the example of God's people in scripture. 36:17 We have the example of Jesus Christ 36:19 dealing with politics. 36:21 We will see also examine those who got involved 36:24 with things they should not have got involved with 36:26 and what happened to them. 36:27 Interesting, I wish we had time to go into lot of, 36:29 we won't, we'll use two or three of those. 36:32 Seven Testimonies 252, 36:34 we have a lot of preachers standing in a pulpit, 36:37 preaching it more about who we should elect in office 36:39 than they're talking about, talking about Jesus Christ, 36:42 and how to get ready for heaven. 36:44 If you are one of those pastors today, 36:46 you need to listen this carefully. 36:48 Says, "Gospel ministers are to keep their office 36:51 free from all things secular or political, 36:57 employing all their time and talents 37:00 in lines of Christian effort." 37:02 Does that make sense? 37:04 Preacher, you got no business getting up in the pulpit 37:06 and we see him day in and day out. 37:09 Don't care if you're in the Advent movement 37:10 or any other kind of the movement, 37:12 all you're trying to do 37:13 is trying to persuade the congregation 37:14 how to vote and what they should vote for. 37:17 How do you really know what truth is? 37:19 How do you really know what's going to takes place 37:21 as you have heard it, or you are presenting it? 37:24 Could you mess a lot of people up? 37:26 Oh, good. 37:28 The preachers should be free from all of this, 37:31 anything secular, anything political, free up. 37:35 Another beautiful book, Gospel Workers, 37:37 listen to this carefully, page 393. 37:40 This really gets right down to, you say, 37:41 well, you know I'm not involved too much, now notice, 37:44 "Every teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks 37:50 who is stirred with a desire to, notice this, 37:53 ventilate his opinion on the political questions, 37:57 should be converted by a belief in the truth, 38:00 or give up his work. 38:03 His influence must tell as a laborer together with God 38:06 in winning souls to Christ, 38:09 or his credentials must be taken from him. 38:12 If he does not change, 38:14 he will do harm, and only harm." 38:16 That's about as clear as you can get. 38:20 That's about as clear as you can get. 38:22 We often say 38:23 and just don't want too get to involved with it, 38:25 lot of political leaders, 38:26 you'll say, well, they're politicians 38:28 so you expect a politician to lie all the time. 38:30 How do you know what they're telling the truth? 38:31 How do you know what to take a stand on? 38:33 How did you know what to tell to other people 38:36 what they should vote on, what they shouldn't vote on? 38:38 It's something that we need to stay clear of, 38:41 not just politics, ministers and teachers, 38:44 all others, we have responsibility. 38:48 Again nine Testimonies, notice this, 218, gets clear, 38:52 "Again and again Christ had been asked 38:55 to decide legal and political questions." 38:59 Let this make sense again and again 39:01 he was put in the position 39:03 you have to make a statement on some kind of legal 39:05 or political question. 39:08 Notice this, "But he refused to interfere 39:11 with temporal matters. 39:14 He stood in our world 39:15 as Head of the great spiritual kingdom 39:18 that He came to our world 39:19 to establish the kingdom of righteousness." 39:23 He knew the difference in the kingdom of this world, 39:25 and the kingdom of righteousness. 39:27 He knew why he came. Do you know why you are here? 39:30 I guarantee you it's not to be involved 39:31 in all this mess that's going on in the world today. 39:34 This seems to be at least clear to me, 39:36 I don't know how it is to you, 39:38 that is a follower of Jesus Christ will not, 39:42 will not even address political questions. 39:46 Man, have we all been caught in that from time to time 39:49 but it's not too late to change. 39:52 Let me read Gospel Workers 292 on that. 39:55 Notice what it says. 39:57 It's talking about are we to talk about political, 39:59 or politics or so on. 40:01 Here's what it says. "What are we to do, then?" 40:04 Here's the answer. 40:05 "Let political questions alone." 40:10 Even I can understand that, leave them alone. 40:12 Now some of you're not going to do it anyway, 40:13 because you think you know everything 40:15 about what's going on? 40:16 And you're gonna, why don't you follow up 40:17 the Word of God, the Spirit of Prophecy. 40:19 Won't you follow what God says? 40:20 Won't you follow your leader which is Jesus Christ 40:22 who had nothing to do with those things? 40:25 See this passage fits at least to me 40:27 pretty much exactly with 2 Corinthians 6:14, 40:30 which you know well. 40:32 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with what? 40:35 Good, with unbelievers, notice this, 40:38 for what fellowship hath righteousness 40:40 with unrighteousness? 40:42 And what communion hath light with darkness?" 40:47 See, think about this, 40:48 we look in the political world and the government 40:50 and all the stuff that's going on, all that's-- 40:55 I love to go in detail, I'm not much gonna do. 40:57 You understand what I'm talking about? 40:59 How do you really know what is truth? 41:01 How do you know what they're promising 41:02 they can bring to pass? 41:04 Most of them can't do it. 41:06 They want to tell you what you want to hear. 41:09 And then, we go and tell everybody else, 41:10 and we all become involved in something 41:12 rather than what he said, he said, 41:13 "Go Tell It on the Mountain that song says. 41:16 Go tell about Jesus. 41:17 "If I be lifted up from the earth 41:19 will draw all men unto me." 41:20 As Christians, we're followers of Jesus Christ, 41:22 let the political questions alone and lift up Jesus, 41:26 talk to people about Jesus, study the Word of God, 41:29 instead on internet all time 41:30 talking about this politician said, 41:31 I'm gonna vote for him. 41:33 I'm gonna vote for that and right there. 41:34 Lord, have mercy on us. 41:37 I say that because you gonna be held accountable. 41:41 You're accountable for your time, just like I am, 41:43 use it wisely, my brothers and sisters. 41:47 2 Corinthians 6:17 just says, 41:48 "Wherefore come out from among them, 41:50 and do what? 41:52 And be ye separate, saith the Lord, 41:54 and touch not the unclean thing, 41:56 and I will receive you." 41:57 So if you're touching the unclean what? 42:01 He can't receive you, 42:03 don't touch the unclean then I'll receive you. 42:07 This is a matter we have to look and say okay, 42:09 by the grace of God, I can do this. 42:12 Ever since talk about the politics, 42:13 and who we should elect, 42:15 I need to be talking about Jesus. 42:16 I need to be talking about the spiritual kingdom 42:18 of righteousness that he came. 42:20 Jesus did not get sidetracked, not one instance day. 42:24 I'm being nice for us maybe to notice the, 42:26 the word fellowship there in 2 Corinthians 6:14, 42:30 means no participation, and it means no partnership. 42:35 So we have a groupers seeking Christ, 42:38 and his righteousness can have no union, 42:40 they can have no participation, they can have no partnership, 42:45 they can't support, 42:47 they shouldn't be working for or with unbelievers or infidels 42:52 people who do not believe the message 42:53 or keeping the commandments of God. 42:56 So though we, we identified with him, 42:58 I don't want to be identified with the things of this world. 43:02 Let's get little bit clearer shall we? 43:04 You say, well, that's pretty clear already. 43:05 Well, let's clear it up. 43:07 Some of you making little bit muddy, 43:10 I think by the way, you're thinking right now. 43:13 We want to get it right, don't we want to plea, 43:14 I want to please Jesus. 43:17 Remember, Christ is in control. 43:19 God is in control of this world. 43:21 He sets up kings, and he takes them down. 43:25 Oh, but my vote is important. 43:27 God's still is in control, whether you vote 43:30 or whether you don't vote, God will allow certain things, 43:34 and certain things he will intervene, 43:36 because he's written the book, 43:38 and he tells exactly what's gonna takes place, 43:39 and he bring it to the pass. 43:41 Don't be so concerned about this world, 43:44 and things in this world. 43:45 Be concerned about the things of God. 43:48 Gospel Workers 395 said, 43:51 "There is a large vineyard to be cultivated, 43:55 but while Christians are to work among, 43:57 notice, unbelievers, they are not to appear like worldlings." 44:03 Notice, "They are not to spend their time talking politics 44:08 or acting politics." 44:09 Are you still with me? 44:11 "For so by doing they give the enemy opportunity 44:15 to come in and cause, oh, notice this, 44:19 variations he's talking about here, 44:20 we're separated and discord." 44:24 Variance of one another. 44:26 When we're talking these things, 44:27 church members have left the church 44:29 because of political questions. 44:32 How can this be? 44:34 Should we not be focused on the things of God? 44:35 Do we not believe that Jesus is coming 44:37 and we need to be ready? 44:39 Does this not make sense? Let's get little clearer yet. 44:44 Gospel Workers 395 said, 44:46 "God's children are to separate themselves from politics." 44:50 I can't get any clearer than that. 44:52 God's people are to separate from politics. 44:55 Jesus already said it. Jesus already lived it out. 44:59 Jesus was challenged with it, he left it alone, right. 45:02 Because this is not your kingdom Christian, 45:05 this is not your kingdom, this world is not. 45:08 He is trying for a higher, better place 45:09 where we need to spend our time and our energy and our means. 45:13 So, "God's children must separate, notice, 45:16 himself from politics, 45:18 from any alliance with unbelievers. 45:22 They are not to link their interest 45:25 with the interest of the world." 45:27 Does that make sense? 45:29 Right now, you Lord have mercy, 45:32 you can't turn a radio, you can't turn TV, 45:34 you can't turn news, you can't turn anything. 45:37 You hear about two people. 45:40 What they are saying about each other. 45:43 That's all you hear about, 45:45 that's the interest of the world. 45:47 I know who is in charge, don't you? 45:48 I know who is in charge. 45:50 And it's not the people who will be elected to office. 45:52 God will overrule, he will overturn, 45:54 overturn the Bible tells us. 45:57 We are not to link our interest with interest of the world. 46:01 Notice this, "Do not take," 46:04 well, "Do not take part in political strife. 46:09 Separate from the world, 46:11 refrain from bringing into the church 46:13 or the school ideas that lead to contingent and disorder." 46:18 Man, that's, that's just so clear to me. 46:21 I don't think I have any question on that. 46:24 I'm sure plain information for you also, 46:27 but your heart and mind has to be open. 46:28 Why? 46:29 Because you've been taught different 46:31 than this all your life. 46:32 Mummy and daddy, granny and grand 46:34 they fought for years with everybody. 46:35 They don't talk to neighbors and friends anymore 46:37 because of political question. 46:41 But information we needed should, should we vote? 46:44 Let's get down to it, shall we? Should we vote them? 46:48 We are not to leak up with any society 46:49 or anybody who doesn't keep the commandments of God, 46:51 for many, you know, contracts with 46:53 and we had to stay away, be separated, 46:55 not get, you're tied into the things of this world 46:58 and what's going on in the world. 47:00 Man, every time I say, you look, 47:01 you know what's going on in the world 47:02 over, and over, and over, and over. 47:04 The devil's trying to tie up your time. 47:06 He's trying to tie you 47:07 and get you involved until probation closes 47:09 and you are lost for eternity. 47:11 Don't let him do it. 47:12 But the grace of God say, "It doesn't matter, 47:14 my God shall supply." 47:16 He is in control. 47:18 Let's just look in, you know, 47:20 we have clearer council on this. 47:23 But somebody's gonna refuse do it anyway. 47:26 But let me just give you quick three 47:28 that refused the council of God. 47:29 You remember, one was David and Solomon, 47:33 you remember and Israel, what happened there? 47:35 You go over some of these points, 47:37 you'll find out. 47:38 God, notice this, 47:39 God erects barriers of safety for his children. 47:41 And if you go past those barriers, 47:43 around those barriers or break them down, 47:45 you get yourself into trouble. 47:47 The results are separation from God, do you notice? 47:50 David, though he sincerely repented 47:52 and he paid a price, 47:55 God forgave him but you know what? 47:58 It didn't turn David's people 48:00 around from transgressing God's law. 48:02 David plant some seeds and man, they bore some fruit. 48:04 Even though he turned around, the people didn't. 48:07 How about Solomon? 48:08 He start out with strict obedience to God, 48:10 but eventually he became broke down, 48:13 he broke down the barrier 48:14 that God had put around him the wall, 48:17 to protect him, he let it, how did he do it. 48:19 Listen, he wanted to get involved, 48:22 notice this with me, he want it to get involved in politics. 48:26 Wow! 48:28 He desired political power, read it for yourself, 48:31 and building up of self 48:33 and he made alliances with other nations. 48:37 He associated with idolaters 48:39 as like many you're doing today. 48:40 He married the heathen wives, they corrupted his faith, 48:45 God choose him to be a leader, and to lead. 48:51 And many followed his leading, 48:55 notice, though he repented later. 48:58 Notice this, it did not prevent the evil seed sawn 49:02 and they produced a harvest. 49:04 Did you get it? 49:05 Even though we change, we have to be careful, 49:07 we have to be so careful. 49:09 What do we do, voting as a Christian? 49:12 Two Selected Messages 336 and 337, 49:14 "We are not as a people to become mixed up 49:17 with the political questions. 49:19 All would do well to take heed to the Word of God, 49:22 Be ye not unequally yoked together 49:23 with unbelievers in political strife, 49:26 nor bind them up in their attachments. 49:28 There is no safe ground 49:30 in which they can stand and work together. 49:33 The loyal and the disloyal have no equal ground 49:36 on which to meet." 49:37 Fundamentals of Education, I'm gonna have to hurry up, 49:39 there's few moments and minutes left. 49:41 Fundamentals of Education, 475, 49:44 "We cannot with safety vote for political parties, 49:48 for we do not know whom we are voting for. 49:51 We cannot with safety take part in any political schemes. 49:55 We cannot labor to please men 49:57 who will you use their influence 49:58 to repress religious liberty, 50:00 and to set in operation oppressive measures 50:04 to lead and to compel their fellow men, 50:05 notice this, to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. 50:08 The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced." 50:12 Gospel Workers 392 says, 50:14 "The people of God are not to vote 50:17 to place such men in office, for when they do this, 50:21 when we vote, when we vote, notice this, 50:24 for when they do this, 50:26 they are partakers with them in their sins 50:29 which they commit while they're in office." 50:31 Is that clear enough. 50:34 When we vote and put somebody in office, 50:36 we be, we're partaker of the decisions they make 50:39 and their sins. 50:40 So what are we to do? 50:42 Let the political question alone, 50:44 Gospel Workers 393, 50:45 "Those who stand as educators, as ministers, 50:49 as laborers together with God in any line, notice, 50:53 have no battle to fight in the political world. 50:57 Their citizenship is in heaven." 50:59 Interesting Gospel Workers, notice this, 395, 51:03 "God's children are to be separate themselves 51:06 from politics, from any alliance unbelievers. 51:09 They are not to link up their interest 51:11 with the interests of the world." 51:12 I hope this is clear. 51:14 I want to just go quickly, Gospel Workers, 396, 51:18 "Let those who are tempted to take part in politics, 51:20 remember 51:22 that every move they make has its influence on others. 51:27 Then let the stewards of God's grace 51:30 in any line of service, 51:31 beware how they mingle the common with the sacred." 51:36 Politics is what? It's common. The word of God is sacred. 51:40 You can't mingle the two together. 51:43 Testimonies to Ministers 337. 51:46 Now, notice he's talking, 51:48 I know it gets little bit, little plain here, 51:50 Testimonies 337, says, "When he talks," 51:53 or talking about the pastors, talking about pastors, 51:57 "When they talks, they shepherd about politics to the people. 52:01 "He is mingling the common with the scared." 52:04 Is somebody still with me? 52:06 "He dishonors God, 52:09 for He has now real evidence from God 52:11 that he is speaking the truth. 52:13 How dare they advance ideas 52:16 when they do not know certainly whence they came, 52:20 or that they are the truth?" 52:22 Wow! That's pretty heavy duty, isn't it? 52:25 We don't know. 52:26 Somebody saying this is the truth, 52:28 this is the way it's gonna be. 52:29 You don't know that for sure and you're advocating it. 52:31 And it causes the disasters, it's a mess, 52:33 you become responsible. 52:36 When you vote and you put into office. 52:41 Fundamentals of Education 477 says, 52:43 "The teachers in our church in the school 52:47 who distinguish themselves by their zeal in politics, 52:51 should be relieved of their work 52:53 and responsibilities without delay, 52:56 for the Lord will not co-operate with them." 52:59 Did you get that? 53:01 Teachers in the church, in the school, when you say, 53:05 oh, they're always talking about politics, 53:07 there is zeal for politics. 53:08 They should be relieved off their work, 53:10 and responsibility without delay 53:13 'cause God's not gonna cooperate with him. 53:14 Fundamentals of Education 484, just a couple more, 53:18 time is running out, notice, 53:20 "God calls upon teachers in our schools 53:24 not to become interested 53:26 in the study of political question. 53:30 Take the knowledge of God into our schools." 53:34 I want this to make sense to you. 53:37 Why are we here my fellow Christians? 53:41 Is it here to build up the kingdom of this world? 53:44 Or is it build up the kingdom of Christ? 53:47 Do we have that much time that we can go out, 53:49 and try to built something up that's built on lies 53:52 and deception, or can we built something up 53:55 that's built upon truth and righteousness, 53:57 that will change our hearts and change our lives. 54:00 Remember, when we vote, 54:03 you take responsibility for what that person you vote 54:06 does well in office. 54:08 And remember, every little thing you say, 54:09 well, they didn't, leaves an influence. 54:11 Every decision they may call in office 54:14 leaves an influence on countless, 54:15 hundreds and thousands of people. 54:18 You become accountable for that too 54:19 and I become accountable. 54:21 Don't worry about, we put somebody in office, 54:23 God knows. 54:25 Remember, he sets them up and he takes them down. 54:28 Friend, today, I want to pray with you before we end, 54:31 because I think this is such an important subject. 54:33 Remember it either is truth or it's not the truth. 54:36 It is the right thing to do 54:38 or it's not the right thing to do. 54:39 If I have nothing else, this is a best possible, 54:41 I have Jesus. 54:43 I have the example of Jesus Christ, 54:45 how he dealt with the political question. 54:47 How he left that alone 54:49 because he came to build up the kingdom of God. 54:50 You know, why you're here as his ambassador? 54:52 To follow in his footsteps. Absolutely. 54:54 Can we just pray about this? 54:56 If you've done the wrong thing before, 54:57 God will forgive you. 54:59 Let's just pray about right now 55:00 and make a right choice, shall we? 55:02 Loving Father in heaven, we thank You 55:04 for the truth of Your word maybe hurtful to some, 55:06 but Lord because we see this may we rejoice 55:08 and be exceedingly glad, 55:10 because You're presenting things 55:12 that we need to know 55:13 here in this closing hours of earths' history. 55:15 Thank You for hearing, answering prayer 55:16 and those who've made that decision in Jesus name. 55:18 Amen. 55:21 We want to encourage each and everyone of you 55:24 to stay in the Word of God. 55:26 We want to encourage you 55:27 to continue pray for Behold the Lamb. 55:30 You know, support Behold the Lamb, 55:31 we needed to keep the programs on the air. 55:33 We need to hear what is truth. 55:36 The axe need to be laid to the root right off the tree, 55:39 sin needs to be rooted out, 55:40 it can only be as we look to Jesus 55:43 who is the author and the finisher of our faith. 55:45 We love you, God loves you, 55:46 and we look forward to seeing you next time. 55:50 Hello, and welcome back, friends. 55:52 Religion and Politics, you have now been given scripture 55:56 and Spirit of Prophecy quotes 55:58 to guide your decision in this area. 56:01 Let's not be as the common politician. 56:04 Let's not strive to be a people pleaser. 56:07 Let's all strive to please God, 56:10 out of a heart of love and obedience. 56:13 What do you say? 56:15 We pray that you'll agree with us here today, 56:18 and to reaffirm your correct decision. 56:21 We hope that you will order this two part series 56:23 that is entitled Religion and Politics. 56:27 It's definitely one that we need to share 56:30 with other believers. 56:31 These messages are being made available to you 56:34 for a love gift today of just $15 or more. 56:38 And should you desire several copies 56:41 which I hope you will. 56:42 We also have it what we call our sharing price. 56:45 When you order any ten copies of any single message 56:49 that we produce, we'll be happy to mail those to you 56:52 in paper sleeves for a love gift 56:54 of only $35 or more. 56:57 This is a great and inexpensive way 57:00 to share the truth of God's word 57:02 with your friends and with your family, 57:04 not to mention that your orders will help support our work 57:09 in getting this timely messages out over the airways 57:12 as a witness for our Lord. 57:14 So please don't forget that, 57:17 we need your systematic support and prayer, 57:20 and in finance. 57:21 Simply contact us here at Behold the Lamb Ministries 57:25 by calling 618-942-5044. 57:29 That's Central Standard time here in the US. 57:32 Or write to for us, write to Behold the Lamb Ministries, 57:35 PO Box 2030, Herrin, Illinois 62948. 57:40 You may also e-mail your order 57:42 at BeholdtheLambMinistries @yahoo.com, 57:46 or go to our website, visit us there 57:48 and may place an order, 57:49 that's www. BeholdtheLambMinistries.com. 57:54 My precious friends, until next time 57:56 may our precious Lord 57:58 continue to richly bless you and yours. |
Revised 2016-07-21