watchmen · 2018-04-15 · watchmen: what the bible says! “‘you shall not hate your brother in...
TRANSCRIPT
Watchmen
“IhavemadeyouawatchmanforthehouseofIsrael”
Ezekiel3:17
Presentedby:MarkLaRoseDate:04/15/18DraftFile:Watchmen
RelationshipwithChrist• TheMostImportantUnderstandingaboutourSalvation:– WebelieveeternallifeisagiftfromGodinChristJesusandwearejustifiedbyHisgraceandHisfaithwhopaidtheprice;death,forourtransgressions
Romans3:21-26;4:4-5,25;6:23;Ephesians2:4-10;Titus3:4-7(Is53;Eze36:25-27;John3:3-8,16;16:8;Rom5:6-10;8:1-4,14-17;1Cor15:3-4,20-22;2Cor5:14-15,19-21;Gal1:4;3:13-14,26;4:4-7;Phil2:6-11;Col1:13-14;Heb8:7-12;1Pet1:23;2Pet1:3-4;1John2:2;4:10)
• God“senthisangeltoshowhisservants”thefuture(Rev22:6)“Donotdespiseprophecies.”1Thess5:20– Purpose:TosharethevitalnecessityofacharactertransformingrelationshipwithChrist,namelytheGospelofHissacrificeforallwhocallHimLordandSavior(Ps1:1-2;Matt20:25-28;Luke19:17-20;John20:21;Rom12:2;2Cor3:17-18;Gal5:22-25;Eph5:19-21;6:12-18;Phil3:7-14;Col2:6;1Thess5:16-23;Heb10:25;2Pet2:9;3:18;1John4:4)
4/12/18 2
PrinciplesofBibleStudy• Paul’scounseltoTimothy:
– 16AllScriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod,andisprofitablefordoctrine,forreproof,forcorrection,forinstructioninrighteousness,17thatthemanofGodmaybecomplete,thoroughlyequippedforeverygoodwork.2Tim3:16-17(Ps119:105;Prov30:5-6;Is8:20;John17:17;1Thess2:13;Heb4:12)
– forprophecynevercamebythewillofman,butholymenofGodspokeastheyweremovedbytheHolySpirit.2Pet1:21
• Bibleversions:– Useversionswiththeclosesttranslationtotheoriginallanguage
• RecommendcomparingNKJV(usedhere),NASB95,KJV,andESV
– Concordancesources:www.abibleconcordance.com;www.blueletterbible.org
• UseofExpositorystudymethods(versusThematicstudy)– ThismethodexplorestheliteralmeaningofeachwordinScriptureandits
relationshiptootherwordsinitscontext(exegesis)
4/12/18 3
Watchmen:WhattheBiblesays
! “‘Youshallnothateyourbrotherinyourheart.Youshallsurelyrebukeyourneighbor,andnotbearsinbecauseofhim.Youshallnottakevengeance,norbearanygrudgeagainstthechildrenofyourpeople,butyoushallloveyourneighborasyourself:IamtheLord.‘YoushallkeepMystatutes.’”Leviticus19:17-19
– “‘YoushalllovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheart,withallyoursoul,andwithallyourmind.’Thisisthefirstandgreatcommandment.Andthesecondislikeit:‘Youshallloveyourneighborasyourself.’OnthesetwocommandmentshangalltheLawandtheProphets.”Matthew22:37-40
! “Hiswatchmenareblind:theyareallignorant,theyarealldumbdogs,theycannotbark;sleeping,lyingdown,lovingtoslumber,Yes,theyaregreedydogsWhichneverhaveenough.AndtheyareshepherdsWhocannotunderstand;Theyalllooktotheirownway,Everyoneforhisowngain,Fromhisownterritory.“Come,”onesays,“Iwillbringwine,Andwewillfillourselveswithintoxicatingdrink;Tomorrowwillbeastoday,Andmuchmoreabundant.”Isaiah56:10-12
4/12/18 4
Watchmen:WhattheBiblesays
! “Cryaloud,sparenot;Liftupyourvoicelikeatrumpet;TellMypeopletheirtransgression,andthehouseofJacobtheirsins.”Isaiah58:1
! “AlsoIsetwatchmenoveryou,saying,hearkentothesoundofthetrumpet.Buttheysaid,wewillnothearken.”Jeremiah6:17
! "Ihavesetwatchmenuponthywalls,OJerusalem,whichshallneverholdtheirpeacedaynornight:yethatmakementionoftheLORD,keepnotsilence.”Isaiah62:6
! “ButthehouseofIsraelwillnotlistentoyou,becausetheywillnotlistentoMe;forallthehouseofIsraelareimpudentandhard-hearted.Behold,Ihavemadeyourfacestrongagainsttheirfaces,andyourforeheadstrongagainsttheirforeheads.Likeadamantstone,harderthanflint,Ihavemadeyourforehead;donotbeafraidofthem,norbedismayedattheirlooks,thoughtheyarearebellioushouse.”Ezekiel3:7-9
4/12/18 5
Watchmen:WhattheBiblesays
! “Sonofman,IhavemadeyouawatchmanforthehouseofIsrael;thereforehearawordfromMymouth,andgivethemwarningfromMe:WhenIsaytothewicked,‘Youshallsurelydie,’andyougivehimnowarning,norspeaktowarnthewickedfromhiswickedway,tosavehislife,thatsamewickedmanshalldieinhisiniquity;buthisbloodIwillrequireatyourhand.Yet,ifyouwarnthewicked,andhedoesnotturnfromhiswickedness,norfromhiswickedway,heshalldieinhisiniquity;butyouhavedeliveredyoursoul.Again,whenarighteousmanturnsfromhisrighteousnessandcommitsiniquity,andIlayastumblingblockbeforehim,heshalldie;becauseyoudidnotgivehimwarning,heshalldieinhissin,andhisrighteousnesswhichhehasdoneshallnotberemembered;buthisbloodIwillrequireatyourhand.Neverthelessifyouwarntherighteousmanthattherighteousshouldnotsin,andhedoesnotsin,heshallsurelylivebecausehetookwarning;alsoyouwillhavedeliveredyoursoul.”Ezekiel3:17-21
4/12/18 6
Watchmen:WhattheBiblesays
! “‘WhenIbringthesworduponaland,andthepeopleofthelandtakeamanfromtheirterritoryandmakehimtheirwatchman,whenheseestheswordcomingupontheland,ifheblowsthetrumpetandwarnsthepeople,thenwhoeverhearsthesoundofthetrumpetanddoesnottakewarning,iftheswordcomesandtakeshimaway,hisbloodshallbeonhisownhead.Heheardthesoundofthetrumpet,butdidnottakewarning;hisbloodshallbeuponhimself.Buthewhotakeswarningwillsavehislife.Butifthewatchmanseestheswordcominganddoesnotblowthetrumpet,andthepeoplearenotwarned,andtheswordcomesandtakesanypersonfromamongthem,heistakenawayinhisiniquity;buthisbloodIwillrequireatthewatchman’shand.’“Soyou,sonofman:IhavemadeyouawatchmanforthehouseofIsrael;thereforeyoushallhearawordfromMymouthandwarnthemforMe.WhenIsaytothewicked,‘Owickedman,youshallsurelydie!’andyoudonotspeaktowarnthewickedfromhisway,thatwickedmanshalldieinhisiniquity;buthisbloodIwillrequireatyourhand.Neverthelessifyouwarnthewickedtoturnfromhisway,andhedoesnotturnfromhisway,heshalldieinhisiniquity;butyouhavedeliveredyoursoul.“Thereforeyou,Osonofman,saytothehouseofIsrael:‘Thusyousay,“Ifourtransgressionsandoursinslieuponus,andwepineawayinthem,howcanwethenlive?”’Saytothem:‘AsIlive,’saystheLordGod,‘Ihavenopleasureinthedeathofthewicked,butthatthewickedturnfromhiswayandlive.Turn,turnfromyourevilways!Forwhyshouldyoudie,OhouseofIsrael?’”Ezekiel33:2-11
4/12/18 7
Watchmen:WhattheBiblesays
! “IwillstandmywatchAndsetmyselfontherampart,AndwatchtoseewhatHewillsaytome,AndwhatIwillanswerwhenIamcorrected.”Habakkuk2:1
! “UnlesstheLordbuildsthehouse,theylaborinvainwhobuildit;unlesstheLordguardsthecity,thewatchmanstaysawakeinvain.”Psalm127:1
! “Woetoyouwhoputforoffthedayofdoom.”Amos6:3
! “…Thecalamityshallnotovertakenorconfrontus.”Amos9:10b
! “InvisionIhavebeenpointedtomanyinstanceswherethedispleasureofGodhasbeenincurredbyaneglectonthepartofHisservantstodealwiththewrongsandsinsexistingamongthem.Thosewhohaveexcusedthesewrongshavebeenthoughtbythepeopletobeveryamiableandlovelyindisposition,simplybecausetheyshunnedtodischargeaplainScripturalduty.Thetaskwasnotagreeabletotheirfeelings;thereforetheyavoidedit.”{3T265.2}
4/12/18 8
Watchmen:WhattheBiblesays
! “Butknowthis,thatinthelastdaysperiloustimeswillcome:Formenwillbeloversofthemselves,loversofmoney,boasters,proud,blasphemers,disobedienttoparents,unthankful,unholy,unloving,unforgiving,slanderers,withoutself-control,brutal,despisersofgood,traitors,headstrong,haughty,loversofpleasureratherthanloversofGod,havingaformofgodlinessbutdenyingitspower.Andfromsuchpeopleturnaway!Forofthissortarethosewhocreepintohouseholdsandmakecaptivesofgulliblewomenloadeddownwithsins,ledawaybyvariouslusts,alwayslearningandneverabletocometotheknowledgeofthetruth.NowasJannesandJambresresistedMoses,sodothesealsoresistthetruth:menofcorruptminds,disapprovedconcerningthefaith;buttheywillprogressnofurther,fortheirfollywillbemanifesttoall,astheirsalsowas.…Butevilmenandimpostorswillgrowworseandworse,deceivingandbeingdeceived.…AllScriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod,andisprofitablefordoctrine,forreproof,forcorrection,forinstructioninrighteousness”2Timothy3:1-8,13,16
4/12/18 9
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “Ishrankfromoffendingmybrethren,andinthisallowedthefearofmantobreakupthatuninterruptedcommunionwithGodwhichhadblessedmyheartforsomanymonths.”{1T44.2}
! “Brethrenintheministrysaythatourarrowshitthem;willtheypleasestandasidefrombetweenusandthepeople,andletusreachtheheartsofsinners?Iftheymakethemselvesatargetforouraim,theyhavenoreasontocomplainofthewoundstheyreceive.Standaside,brethren,andyouwillnotgethit!”{1T50.1}
! “GodhasgivenHischurcheyeswhichHerequiresthemtoanointwithwisdom,thattheymayseeclearly;butmanywouldputouttheeyesofthechurchiftheycould;fortheywouldnothavetheirdeedscometothelight,lesttheyshouldbereproved.Thedivineeyesalvewillimpartclearnesstotheunderstanding.Christisthedepositaryofallgraces.Hesays:“BuyofMe.”{4T88.2}
4/12/18 10
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “AccordingtothelightthatGodhasgivenmeinvision,wickednessanddeceptionareincreasingamongGod’speoplewhoprofesstokeepHiscommandments.Spiritualdiscernmenttoseesinasitexists,andthentoputitoutofthecamp,isdecreasingamongGod’speople;andspiritualblindnessisfastcominguponthem.Thestraighttestimonymustberevived,anditwillseparatethosefromIsraelwhohaveeverbeenatwarwiththemeansthatGodhasordainedtokeepcorruptionsoutofthechurch.Wrongsmustbecalledwrongs.Grievoussinsmustbecalledbytheirrightname.AllofGod’speopleshouldcomenearertoHimandwashtheirrobesofcharacterinthebloodoftheLamb.ThenwilltheyseesininthetruelightandwillrealizehowoffensiveitisinthesightofGod.”{3T324.1}
4/12/18 11
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “Neverwastheregreaterneedoffaithfulwarningsandreproofs,andclose,straightdealing,thanatthisverytime.Satanhascomedownwithgreatpower,knowingthathistimeisshort.Heisfloodingtheworldwithpleasingfables,andthepeopleofGodlovetohavesmooththingsspokentothem.Sinandiniquityarenotabhorred.IwasshownthatGod’speoplemustmakemorefirm,determinedeffortstopressbacktheincomingdarkness.ThecloseworkoftheSpiritofGodisneedednowasneverbefore.Stupiditymustbeshakenoff.Wemustarousefromthelethargythatwillproveourdestructionunlessweresistit.Satanhasapowerful,controllinginfluenceuponminds.Preachersandpeopleareindangerofbeingfounduponthesideofthepowersofdarkness.Thereisnosuchthingnowasaneutralposition.Wearealldecidedlyfortherightordecidedlywiththewrong.SaidChrist:“HethatisnotwithMeisagainstMe;andhethatgatherethnotwithMescatterethabroad.”{3T327.3}
4/12/18 12
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “Thereareevertobefoundthosewhowillsympathizewiththosewhoarewrong....BygivingplacetodoubtsandunbeliefinregardtotheworkofGod,andbycherishingfeelingsofdistrustandcrueljealousies,theyarepreparingthemselvesforcompletedeception.Theyriseupwithbitterfeelingsagainsttheoneswhodaretospeakoftheirerrorsandreprovetheirsins.”{3T328.1}
! “Reproofsalwayshurthumannature.Manyarethesoulsthathavebeendestroyedbytheunwisesympathyoftheirbrethren;for,becausethebrethrensympathizedwiththem,theythoughttheymustindeedhavebeenabused,andthatthereproverwasallwrongandhadabadspirit.TheonlyhopeforsinnersinZionistofullyseeandconfesstheirwrongs,andputthemaway.ThosewhostepintodestroytheedgeofsharpreproofthatGodsends,sayingthatthereproverwaspartlywrongandthereprovedwasnotjustright,pleasetheenemy.AnywaythatSatancandevisetomakethereproofsofnoneeffectwillaccomplishhisdesign.SomewilllayblameupontheonewhomGodhassentwithamessageofwarning,saying,Heistoosevere;andinsodoingtheybecomeresponsibleforthesoulofthesinnerwhomGoddesiredtosave,andtowhom,becauseHelovedhim,Hesentcorrection,thathemighthumblehissoulbeforeGodandputhissinsfromhim.ThesefalsesympathizerswillhaveanaccounttosettlewiththeMasterby-and-byfortheirworkofdeath.”{3T329.1}4/12/18 13
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “ButmuchevilwillbeavoidediftheministersofChristwillbeofonemind,unitedintheirplansofaction,andunitedineffort.Iftheywillstandtogether,sustainoneanother,andfaithfullyreproveandrebukewrong,theywillsooncauseittowither.…Theonewhohasventuredoutanddischargedhisdisagreeabledutybyfaithfullymeetingerrorandwrong,isgrievedandwoundedthathereceivesnotthefullestsympathyofhispreachingbrethren.Hebecomesdiscouragedindischargingthesepainfulduties,laysdownthecross,andwithholdsthepointedtestimony.Hissoulisshutupindarkness,andthechurchsufferforthelackoftheverytestimonywhichGoddesignedshouldliveamongHispeople.Satan’sobjectisgainedwhenthefaithfultestimonyissuppressed.Thosewhosoreadilysympathizewiththewrongconsideritavirtue;buttheyrealizenotthattheyareexertingascatteringinfluence,andthattheythemselveshelptocarryoutSatan’splans.”{1T212.3}
! “Iftheyregardiniquityintheirhearts,theLordwillnothearthem.Butwithmanyitisnotonlyregardedintheheart,butopenlycarriedoutinthelife;yetinmanycasesthewrongdoersreceivenorebuke.”{1T214.3}
4/12/18 14
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “StandoutofthewayoftheworkofGod,stepnotinbetweenGodandHispeople.Youhavetoolongwrappedupthesharptestimony,andstoodopposedtotheseverecensurewhichGodlaysuponindividualwrongs.Godiscorrecting,andproving,andpurifyingHispeople.StandoutofthewaythatHisworkbenothindered.Hewillnotacceptasmoothtestimony.Ministersmustcryaloud,andsparenot.TheLordhasgivenyouapowerfultestimony,calculatedtostrengthenthechurchandarouseunbelievers.Butthesethingswhereinyoulackmustbecorrected,oryourtestimonywillbecomepowerless,andyourinfluenceinjurethecauseofGod.Thepeoplelooktoyouforanexample.Donotmisleadthem.Letyourinfluencebetocorrectwrongsinyourfamilyandinthechurch.”{1T215.2}
4/12/18 15
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “Somewhooccupythepositionofwatchmentowarnthepeopleofdangerhavegivenuptheirwatchandreclineatease.Theyareunfaithfulsentinels.bytheirsidetoteardownwhatGodhascommandedtobebuiltup.….Tothemeverythingseemstobegoingwell,andtheyseenonecessityofraisingthefaithful,trumpetnotesofwarningwhichtheyhearbornebytheplaintestimonies,toshowthepeopletheirtransgressionsandthehouseofIsraeltheirsins.Thesereproofsandwarningsdisturbthequietofthesesleepy,ease-lovingsentinels,andtheyarenotpleased.Theysayinheart,ifnotinwords:“Thisisalluncalledfor.Itistoosevere,tooharsh.Thesemenareunnecessarilydisturbedandexcited,andseemunwillingtogiveusanyrestorquietude.‘Yetaketoomuchuponyou,seeingallthecongregationareholy,everyoneofthem.’Theyarenotwillingthatweshouldhaveanycomfort,peace,orhappiness.Itisactivelabor,toil,andunceasingvigilancealonewhichwillsatisfytheseunreasonable,hard-to-be-suitedwatchmen.Whydon’ttheyprophesysmooththings,andcry:Peace,peace?Theneverythingwouldmoveonsmoothly.”{2T440.1}
4/12/18 16
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “ThewatchmenancientlyplaceduponthewallsofJerusalemandothercitiesoccupiedamostresponsibleposition.Upontheirfaithfulnessdependedthesafetyofallwithinthosecities.Whendangerwasapprehended,theywerenottokeepsilentdaynornight.Everyfewmomentstheywererequiredtocalltooneanothertoseeifallwereawakeandnoharmhadcometoany.Sentinelswerestationeduponsomeeminenceoverlookingtheimportantpoststobeguarded,andthecryofwarningorofgoodcheerwassoundedfromthem.Thiswasbornefromonetoanother,eachrepeatingthewords,tillitwenttheentireroundsofthecity.Thesewatchmenrepresenttheministry,uponwhosefidelitydependsthesalvationofsouls.ThestewardsofthemysteriesofGodshouldstandaswatchmenuponthewallsofZion;andiftheyseetheswordcoming,theyshouldsoundthenoteofwarning.Iftheyaresleepysentinels,andtheirspiritualsensesaresobenumbedthattheyseeandrealizenodanger,andthepeopleperish,Godwillrequiretheirbloodatthewatchmen’shands.…ThewatchmenwillneedtoliveveryneartoGod,tohearHiswordandbeimpressedwithHisSpirit,thatthepeoplemaynotlooktotheminvain.”{4T402.2-4}
4/12/18 17
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “Ministersshouldbefaithfulwatchmen,seeingtheevilandwarningthepeople.Theirdangersmustbesetbeforethemcontinuallyandpressedhomeuponthem.TheexhortationgiventoTimothywas:‘Reprove,rebuke,exhortwithalllong-sufferinganddoctrine.’”{4T515.1}
! “Theresponsibilityofthewatchmenoftodayisasmuchgreaterthaninthedaysoftheprophetasourlightisclearerandourprivilegesandopportunitiesgreaterthantheirs.Itistheminister’sdutytowarneveryman,toteacheveryman,inallmeeknessandwisdom.Heisnottoconformtothepracticesoftheworld,but,asGod’sservant,hemustcontendforthefaithoncedeliveredtothesaints.”{5T16.1}
4/15/18 18
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “ThechurchisGod’sfortress,Hiscityofrefuge,whichHeholdsinarevoltedworld.AnybetrayalofthechurchistreacherytoHimwhohasboughtmankindwiththebloodofHisonly-begottenSon.Fromthebeginning,faithfulsoulshaveconstitutedthechurchonearth.IneveryagetheLordhashadHiswatchmen,whohaveborneafaithfultestimonytothegenerationinwhichtheylived.Thesesentinelsgavethemessageofwarning;andwhentheywerecalledtolayofftheirarmor,otherstookupthework.GodbroughtthesewitnessesintocovenantrelationwithHimself,unitingthechurchonearthwiththechurchinheaven.HehassentforthHisangelstoministertoHischurch,andthegatesofhellhavenotbeenabletoprevailagainstHispeople.”{AA11.2}
4/12/18 19
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! CommentontherebukeofJeroboamIin1Kings13:1-6:“HowfirmlythemanofGodrebukedtheking!Andthisfirmnesswasessential;innootherwaycouldtheexistingevilshavebeenrebuked.TheLordgaveHisservantboldness,thatanabidingimpressionmightbemadeonthosewhoheard.ThemessengersoftheLordarenevertofearthefaceofman,butaretostandunflinchinglyfortheright.SolongastheyputtheirtrustinGod,theyneednotfear;forHewhogivesthemtheircommissiongivesthemalsotheassuranceofHisprotectingcare.”{PK105.1}
! “ItisnaturalforthewrongdoertoholdthemessengersofGodresponsibleforthecalamitiesthatcomeasthesureresultofadeparturefromthewayofrighteousness.ThosewhoplacethemselvesinSatan’spowerareunabletoseethingsasGodseesthem.Whenthemirroroftruthisheldupbeforethem,theybecomeindignantatthethoughtofreceivingreproof.Blindedbysin,theyrefusetorepent;theyfeelthatGod’sservantshaveturnedagainstthemandareworthyofseverestcensure.”{PK139.4}
4/12/18 20
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “SomenwhoshouldbestandingasfaithfulguardiansofGod’slawhaveargued,tillpolicyhastakentheplaceoffaithfulness,andsinisallowedtogounreproved.Whenwillthevoiceoffaithfulrebukebeheardoncemoreinthechurch?”{PK141.1}
! “Thouarttheman.”2Samuel12:7.WordsasunmistakablyplainasthesespokenbyNathantoDavidareseldomheardinthepulpitsoftoday,seldomseeninthepublicpress.Iftheywerenotsorare,weshouldseemoreofthepowerofGodrevealedamongmen.TheLord’smessengersshouldnotcomplainthattheireffortsarewithoutfruituntiltheyrepentoftheirownloveofapprobationandtheirdesiretopleasemen,whichleadsthemtosuppresstruth.”{PK141.2}
4/12/18 21
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “Thoseministerswhoaremenpleasers,whocry,Peace,peace,whenGodhasnotspokenpeace,mightwellhumbletheirheartsbeforeGod,askingpardonfortheirinsincerityandtheirlackofmoralcourage.Itisnotfromlovefortheirneighborthattheysmoothdownthemessageentrustedtothem,butbecausetheyareself-indulgentandease-loving.TrueloveseeksfirstthehonorofGodandthesalvationofsouls.Thosewhohavethislovewillnotevadethetruthtosavethemselvesfromtheunpleasantresultsofplainspeaking.Whensoulsareinperil,God’sministerswillnotconsiderself,butwillspeakthewordgiventhemtospeak,refusingtoexcuseorpalliateevil.”{PK141.3}
! “Godcannotusemenwho,intimeofperil,whenthestrength,courage,andinfluenceofallareneeded,areafraidtotakeafirmstandfortheright.”{PK142.2}
4/12/18 22
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “WhatalessonisthistomenholdingpositionsofresponsibilitytodayinthechurchofGod!Whatasolemnwarningtodealfaithfullywithwrongsthatbringdishonortothecauseoftruth!LetnonewhoclaimtobethedepositariesofGod’slawflatterthemselvesthattheregardtheymayoutwardlyshowtowardthecommandmentswillpreservethemfromtheexerciseofdivinejustice.Letnonerefusetobereprovedforevil,norchargetheservantsofGodwithbeingtoozealousinendeavoringtocleansethecampfromevil-doing.Asin-hatingGodcallsuponthosewhoclaimtokeepHislawtodepartfromalliniquity.AneglecttorepentandtorenderwillingobediencewillbringuponmenandwomentodayasseriousconsequencesascameuponancientIsrael.ThereisalimitbeyondwhichthejudgmentsofJehovahcannolongerbedelayed.ThedesolationofJerusaleminthedaysofJeremiahisasolemnwarningtomodernIsrael,thatthecounselsandadmonitionsgiventhemthroughchoseninstrumentalitiescannotbedisregardedwithimpunity.”{PK416.2}
4/12/18 23
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “Thespiritofoppositiontoreproof,thatledtothepersecutionandimprisonmentofJeremiah,existstoday.Manyrefusetoheedrepeatedwarnings,preferringrathertolistentofalseteacherswhoflattertheirvanityandoverlooktheirevil-doing.Inthedayoftroublesuchwillhavenosurerefuge,nohelpfromheaven.God’schosenservantsshouldmeetwithcourageandpatiencethetrialsandsufferingsthatbefallthemthroughreproach,neglect,andmisrepresentation.TheyshouldcontinuetodischargefaithfullytheworkGodhasgiventhemtodo,everrememberingthattheprophetsofoldandtheSaviourofmankindandHisapostlesalsoenduredabuseandpersecutionfortheWord’ssake.”{PK437.2}
4/12/18 24
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “Totheendoftime,menwillarisetocreateconfusionandrebellionamongthosewhoclaimtoberepresentativesofthetrueGod.Thosewhoprophesylieswillencouragementolookuponsinasalightthing.Whentheterribleresultsoftheirevildeedsaremademanifest,theywillseek,ifpossible,tomaketheonewhohasfaithfullywarnedthem,responsiblefortheirdifficulties,evenastheJewschargedJeremiahwiththeirevilfortunes.ButassurelyasthewordsofJehovahthroughHisprophetwerevindicatedanciently,sosurelywillthecertaintyofHismessagesbeestablishedtoday.”{PK442.2}
! “Areformationisneededamongthepeople,butitshouldfirstbeginitspurifyingworkwiththeministers.TheyarewatchmenuponthewallsofZion,tosoundthenoteofwarningtothecareless,theunsuspecting;alsotoportraythefateofthehypocriteinZion.”{1T469.3}
4/12/18 25
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
! “Therearethosewhocanseeandfeel,andgladlydogoodtoJesusinthepersonofHissaints.Letthemhaveroomtowork.LetthosewhocannotdothisgowheretheywillnotstandinthewayoftheworkofGod.”{1T677.3}
! “Especiallyisthisapplicabletothosewhostandattheheadofthework.Iftheygowrong,alliswrong.Thegreatertheresponsibility,thegreatertheruininthecaseofunfaithfulness.Ifleadingbrethrendonotfaithfullyperformtheirduty,thosewhoareledwillnotdotheirs.ThoseattheheadoftheworkatBattleCreekmustbeensamplestotheflockeverywhere.Iftheydothis,theywillhaveagreatreward.Iftheyfailtodothis,andyetacceptsuchpositions,theywillhaveafearfulaccounttogive.”{1T678.1}
4/12/18 26
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
• "Duringthepastnight,Ihavebeenshownmoredistinctlythaneverbeforethatthesesentimentshavebeenlookeduponbysomeasthegrandtruthsthataretobebroughtinandmadeprominentatthepresenttime.Iwasshownaplatform,bracedbysolidtimbers,thetruthsofthewordofGod.Someonehighinresponsibilityinthemedicalworkwasdirectingthismanandthatmantoloosenthetimberssupportingthisplatform.ThenIheardavoicesaying,“WherearethewatchmenthatoughttobestandingonthewallsofZion?Aretheyasleep?Howcantheybesilent?ThisfoundationwasbuiltbytheMasterWorker,andwillstandthestormandtempest.WilltheypermitthismantopresentdoctrinesthatdenythepastexperienceofthepeopleofGod?Thetimehascometotakedecidedaction”{SpTB0738.1}
4/12/18 27
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
• “Iaminstructedtospeakplainly.“Meetit,”isthewordspokentome.“Meetitfirmlyandwithoutdelay.”Butitisnottobemetbytakingourworkingforcesfromthefieldtoinvestigatedoctrinesandpointsofdifference.Wehavenosuchinvestigationtomake.InthebookLivingTemple,thereispresentedtheAlphaofdeadlyheresies.TheOmegawillfollowandwillbereceivedbythosewhoarenotwillingtoheedthewarningGodhasgiven.”{Lt277-1904.14}
• InreferencetowhenMatthew18:15-17isapplicable:“MyhusbandthenstatedthatheshouldunderstandthatthesewordsofourLordhadreferencetocasesofpersonaltrespass,andcouldnotbeappliedinthecaseofthissister.ShehadnottrespassedagainstSisterWhite.Butthatwhichhadbeenreprovedpubliclywaspublicwrongswhichthreatenedtheprosperityofthechurchandthecause.Here,saidmyhusband,isatextapplicabletothecase:1Timothy5:20:“Themthatsinrebukebeforeall,thatothersalsomayfear.”{2T15.2}
4/12/18 28
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
• “WhatwordsshallIusethatwillarouseindividualmembersofthechurchtobecomeonewithChrist?Prepare,prepare,everychurchmemberandeveryyouth,preparetomeetthyGod!ThegreatHeadofthechurch,thelivingPresenceofalivingBeingannouncedHimselftoJohnastheAlphaandtheOmega,theFirstandtheLast.Undertheproclamationofthethirdangel,greatpoweristocometothechurch.”{Ms93-1903.21}
• “Prepare!Prepare!shouldbesoundedintheearsofthepeople.ForthegreatdayofGod’swrathiscoming,andwhoshallbeabletostand;andwhilemessengerscrytoGodtoprepareandgetready,theymustbeawakeandhaveenergythemselvesandletittelltoallthathearthemthattheyarestandingbetweenthelivingandthedead.Preachersandpeoplewhobelievethethirdangel’smessageshouldsetaholy,livelyexample.TheirconversationandactionsshouldshowthattheyarelookingfortheappearingofthegreatGodandourSaviourJesusChrist.”{Ms1-1855.4}
4/12/18 29
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
• “Inthisage,justpriortothesecondcomingofChristinthecloudsofheaven,theLordcallsformenwhowillbeearnestandprepareapeopletostandinthegreatdayoftheLord.Themenwhohavespentlongtermsinthestudyofbooksarenotrevealingintheirlivesthatearnestministrywhichisessentialforthislasttime.Theydonotbearasimple,straightforwardtestimony.AmongministersandstudentsthereisneedoftheinfusionoftheSpiritofGod.Theprayerful,earnestappealsthatcomefromtheheartofawhole-souledmessengerwillcreateconvictions.Itwillnotneedthelearnedmentodothis;fortheydependmoreontheirlearningfrombooksthanupontheirknowledgeofGodandJesusChristwhomHehassent.AllwhoknowtheonlytrueandlivingGodwillknowJesusChrist,theonly-begottenSonofGod,andwillpreachJesusChristandHimcrucified....{2SM152.3}DoesanyonesupposethatthemessagesofwarningwillnotcometothosewhomGodreproves?TheonesreprovedmayriseupinindignationandseektobringthelawtobearuponGod’smessenger,butindoingthis,theyarenotbringingthelawuponthemessenger,butuponChrist,whogavethereproofandthewarning.(cont.)
4/12/18 30
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
• (cont.)“WhenmenendangertheworkandcauseofGodbytheirownwrongcourseofaction,shalltheyhearnovoiceofreproof?Ifthewrongdoeronlywereconcerned,andtheworkreachednofartherthanhim,healoneshouldhavethewordsofwarning;butwhenhiscourseofactionisdoingpositiveharmtothecauseoftruth,andsoulsareimperiled,Godrequiresthatthewarningbeasbroadastheinjurydone.Thetestimonieswillnotbehindered.Thewordsofrebukeandwarning,theplain“ThussaiththeLord,”willcomefromGod’sappointedagencies;forthewordsdonotoriginatewiththehumaninstrument;theyarefromGod,whoappointedthemtheirwork.Ifasuitisinstitutedinearthlytribunals,andGodsuffersittocometotrial,itisthatHisownnamemaybeglorified.Butawoewillbeuponthemanwhogiveshimselftodothiswork.Godreadsthemotives,whatevertheymaybe.IpraythattheLordwillteachourbrethrentobestraightforward,andmakenocompromiseinthematter.ThecauseofGodhasbeenbruisedandwoundedbyanysuchmenconnectingwithit,andthesoonertheyareseparatedfromit,thebetter....{2SM152.4}Godcallsformenofdecidedfidelity.Hehasnouseinanemergencyfortwo-sidedmen.Hewantsmenwhowilllaytheirhanduponawrongworkandsay,“ThisisnotaccordingtothewillofGod.”—Letter19a,1897.{2SM153.1}
4/12/18 31
Watchmen:WhatEllenWhiteSays
• Rev14:6-12quoted.“Thisisthemessageofpresenttruth.Thefirst,second,andthirdangels’messagesaretobeproclaimedatthistime.Thesemessagesarenottobeeclipsedbyanyotherfanciedspecialties.Theirforceandefficiencyaretocontinueaslongastimeisgivenforrepentance.”{Ms22-1901.7}
• “OurLordissoontocome,andIseesolittlemissionaryworkbeingdoneasunworkedfieldsarelaidoutbeforeme.Allwhoseeyesareopenmustseethataworkshouldbedonewhichisnotbeingdone.Ministersaredevotingtimetochurchmemberswhooughttohaverootandlifeinthemselves.God’sservantsshouldgointonewplacestoproclaimthemessage.WhatanswerwillthechurchgivetotheLordinthatgreatdaywhenherneglectedworkstandsforthtoreproachherforherslothfulnessandhersilence,whensheknewhowmuchwasatstake?”{Ms22-1901.8}
• “Thefifty-eighthchapterofIsaiahcontainspresenttruthforthepeopleofGod.Hereweseehowmedicalmissionaryworkandthegospelministryaretobeboundtogetherasthemessageisgiventotheworld.UponthosewhokeeptheSabbathoftheLordislaidtheresponsibilityofdoingaworkofmercyandbenevolence.MedicalmissionaryworkistobeboundupwiththemessageandsealedwiththesealofGod.”{Ms22-1901.9}
4/12/18 32
EllenWhiteCommentsRev14:6-12! “InaspecialsenseSeventh-dayAdventistshavebeensetintheworldas
watchmenandlight-bearers.Tothemhasbeenentrustedthelastwarningforaperishingworld.OnthemisshiningwonderfullightfromtheWordofGod.Theyhavebeengivenaworkofthemostsolemnimport,—theproclamationofthefirst,second,andthirdangels’messages.Thereisnootherworkofsogreatimportance.Theyaretoallownothingelsetoabsorbtheirattention.”{Ev119.3}
! “Themostsolemntruthseverentrustedtomortalshavebeengivenustoproclaimtotheworld.Theproclamationofthesetruthsistobeourwork.Theworldistobewarned,andGod’speoplearetobetruetothetrustcommittedtothem....”{Ev120.1}
! “ShallwewaituntilGod’sjudgmentsfalluponthetransgressorbeforewetellhimhowtoavoidthem?WhereisourfaithintheWordofGod?MustweseethingsforetoldcometopassbeforewewillbelievewhatHehassaid?Inclear,distinctrayslighthascometous,showingusthatthegreatdayoftheLordisnearathand,“evenatthedoor.”—TestimoniesForTheChurch9:19,20(1909).{Ev120.2}
4/12/18 33
EllenWhiteComments
! “Godrequiresthatthosewhooccupyresponsiblepositionsshouldbeconsecratedtothework;foriftheymovewrong,thepeoplefeelatlibertytofollowintheirfootsteps.Ifthepeoplearewrong,andtheleadersliftnottheirvoiceagainstthewrong,theysanctionthesame,andthesinischargeduponthemaswellastheoffenders.Thosewhooccupyresponsiblepositionsshouldbemenofpiety,whocontinuallyfeeltheburdenoftheworkrestinguponthem.”{2T37.2}
! “LetnotthosewhohavethetruthasitisinJesusgivesanction,evenbytheirsilence,totheworkofthemysteryofiniquity.Letthemneverceasetosoundthenoteofalarm.Lettheeducationandtrainingofthechurchesbeofsuchanorderthatthechildrenandyouthamongusshallunderstandtherearetobenoconcessionstothispower,themanofsin.Teachthemthatalthoughthetimewillcomewhenwecanwagethewaronlyattheriskofpropertyandliberty,yettheconflictmustbemetinthespiritandmeeknessofChrist;thetruthistobemaintainedandadvocatedasitisinJesus.Wealth,honor,comfort,homes—everythingelseistobeofsecondaryconsideration.Thetruthmustnotbehid,itmustnotbedeniedordisguised,butfullyavowed,andboldlyproclaimed.”{Ms48-1891.22}4/12/18 34
KinglyPower
! (VerbatimreportofremarksbyMrs.E.G.White,atameetingheldinBattleCreekCollegelibrary,April1,attheGeneralConferenceof1901.){SpM162.3}
“Andinreferencetoourconference,itisrepeatedo’erando’erando’eragain,thatitisthevoiceofGod,andthereforeeverythingmustbereferredtotheConferenceandhavetheconferencevoiceinregardtopermissionorrestrictionorwhatshallbeandwhatshallnotbedoneinthevariousfields.”{SpM162.4}“NowfromthelightthatIhave,asitwaspresentedtomeinfigures:Therewasanarrowcompasshere;therewithinthatnarrowisaking-like,kinglyrulingpower.Heretheoutletsareblocked.Andtheworkalloverourfielddemandsanentirelydifferentcourseofactionthanwehavehad.Wehaveheardenough,abundance,aboutthat“everythingmustgoaroundintheregularway.”Whenweseetheregularlinesarealteredandpurifiedandrefined,andtheGodoftheheavensmoldisupontheregularlines,thenitisourbusinesstoestablishtheregularlines.ButwhenweseemessageaftermessagethatGodhasgivenhasbeenaccepted,butnochange,justthesameasitwasbefore,thenitisevidentthatnewbloodmustbebroughtintotheregularlines.Theleadersoftheregularlines,theymusthave[an]entirechange,anentireneworganization…”{SpM163.1}
4/12/18 35
KinglyPower
! “WearetoberepresentativesofJesusChrist;wearetoberepresentativesofhischaracter.Wearesotodothatwearecarryingoutthelivingprinciplesineverylineofactioneverywhere,ineverycountry,everywhere,andineveryplacethatthereisanythingtodowithGod’sservice.Hewillnotacceptcommonfire.Hewantsyoutotakesacredfirethathekindlesonthedivinealtar,andhewantsyoutowork,andthatfiretoconsumeallyourcommonness,allyourintemperance,allyourselfishness,allyourcheapideas,allyourlicentiousness,allthislust.Hewantsittakenawayfromapeoplethataretryingtofashionapeopletostandinthelastgreatconflict,whichisjustbeforeus.SelfmustbehidinGod,andwhenselfishidinGod,thenwilltheLordGodappear,andnotself.Hewillappearasthegreatworker,andwhenyouthinktoimproveuponGod’splansbyyournarrowness,byyourconceitedideas,andbyyourplanningandgraspingandthinkingyouaregoingtogainsomething,—andifyouhavenotlearnedbetterthanthatnow,youwillhavetolearn.Godwantsthatthesecommitteesthathavebeenhandlingthingsforsolongshouldberelievedoftheircommandandhaveachancefortheirlife,andseeiftheycannotgetoutofthisrutthattheyarein,—whichIhavenohopeoftheirgettingoutof,becausetheSpiritofGodhasbeenworking,andworking,andyetthekingistherestill.”{SpM166.2}
4/12/18 36
KinglyPower
! “PharisaismintheChristianworldtodayisnotextinct.TheLorddesirestobreakupthecourseofprecisionwhichhasbecomesofirmlyestablished,whichhashinderedinsteadofadvancinghiswork.Hedesireshispeopletorememberthatthereisalargespaceoverwhichthelightofpresenttruthistobeshed.Divinewisdommusthaveabundantroominwhichtowork.Itistoadvancewithoutaskingpermissionorsupportfromthosewhohavetakentothemselvesakinglypower.Inthepastonesetofmenhavetriedtokeepintheirownhandsthecontrolofallthemeanscomingfromthechurches,andhaveusedthismeansinamostdisproportionatemanner,erectingexpensivebuildingswheresuchlargebuildingswereunnecessaryanduncalledfor,andleavingneedyplaceswithouthelporencouragement.Theyhavetakenuponthemselvesthegraveresponsibilityofretardingtheworkwheretheworkshouldhavebeenadvanced.Ithasbeenlefttoafewsupposedkindlymindstosaywhatfieldsshouldbeworkedandwhatfieldsshouldbeleftunworked.Afewmenhavekeptthetruthincircumscribedchannels,becausetoopennewfieldswouldcallformoney.Onlyinthoseplacesinwhichtheywereinterestedhavetheybeenwillingtoinvestmeans.Andatthesametime,inafewplaces,fivetimesasmuchmoneyaswasnecessaryhasbeeninvestedinbuildings.ThesameamountofmoneyusedinestablishingplantsinplaceswherethetruthhasneverbeenintroducedwouldhavebroughtmanysoulstoasavingknowledgeofChrist.”{SpM174.3}
4/12/18 37
KinglyPower
! “Godwouldhaveyouathoroughlyconvertedman.Theworkofconversionistobegininyourheartandtoworkoutwardinyourlife.Youarenolongertoexerciseakinglypower,asyoucertainlyhavedoneinthepast.”—Letter52,1903,p.1(ToJ.H.Kellogg,April5,1903.){4MR292.4}
! “LetusbecarefulhowwepressouropinionsuponthosewhomGodhasinstructed.“Ifanyofyoulackwisdom,lethimaskofGod.”BrotherDaniells,Godwouldnothaveyousupposethatyoucanexerciseakinglypoweroveryourbrethren.”—Letter49,1903,p.3.(ToElderDaniellsandhisfellowworkers.){4MR293.1}
! “IntheworkoftheLordfortheselastdaysthereshouldbenoJerusalemcenters,nokinglypower.AndtheworkinthedifferentcountriesisnottobetiedupbycontractstotheworkcenteringinBattleCreek,forthisisnotGod’splan.Brethrenaretocounseltogether,forwearejustasmuchunderthecontrolofGodinonepartofthevineyardasinanother.Brethrenaretobeoneinheartandsoul,evenasChristandtheFatherareone.Teachthis,practicethis,thatwemaybeonewithChristinGod,allworkingtobuilduponeanother.”{12MR66.2}
4/12/18 38
KinglyPower
! “TheSpiritofGodleadsnoonetoseekforkinglypower.Godcannotaccepttheserviceofonewhoseekstoexalthimselfandthinksitnecessarythatallhisassociatesbeimbuedwithhismind.Godappointsnomantoactasasupremecounselortohisfellowmen.HewhoseekstomakeothermindssubservienttohisownisassumingpowerthatbelongstoGodonly.”{Lt208a-1902.41}
! “Inestablishinganddevelopingmedicalinstitutions,ourbrethrenmustnotbeaskedtoworkinaccordancewiththeplansofaruling,kinglypower.Achangemustbebroughtabout.Dr.KelloggmustseeandunderstandthisandbindabouthisdesirestofasteneverymedicalinstitutiontothecentralorganizationatBattleCreek.TheLordforbids.”{Lt216-1903.7}
4/12/18 39
Accountability
! “Whenexistingevilsarenotmetandchecked,becausemenhavetoolittlecouragetoreprovewrong,orbecausetheyhavetoolittleinterestoraretooindolenttotaxtheirownpowersinputtingforthearnesteffortstopurifythefamilyorthechurchofGod,theyareaccountablefortheevilwhichmayresultinconsequenceofneglecttodotheirduty.Wearejustasaccountableforevilsthatwemighthavecheckedinothers,byreproof,bywarning,byexerciseofparentalorpastoralauthority,asifwewereguiltyoftheactsourselves.”{GW9283.2}
4/12/18 40
Accountability
! “Willthemeninourinstitutionskeepsilent,allowinginsidiousfallaciestobepromulgatedtotheruinofsouls?Thesentimentsoftheenemyarebeingscatteredeverywhere.Seedsofdiscord,ofunbelief,ofinfidelity,arebeingsownbroadcast.Shallourmedicalmissionariesraisenobarrieragainstthisevil?Isitnottimethatweaskedourselves,Shallweallowtheadversarytoleadustogiveuptheworkofproclaimingthetruth?Shallweallowhimtokeepusfrombeingchannelsthroughwhichtheblessingsofthegospel,asacurrentoflife,shallflowtotheworld?Leteverymannowarouse,andworkashehasopportunity.Lethimspeakwordsinseasonandoutofseason,andlooktoChristforencouragementandstrengthinwelldoing.”{1SM195.2}
! “Othattheyhadbrokentheyoke!Othattheyhadcalledsinbyitsrightname!Thentheywouldnotberegardedintheheavenlycourtsasmenwho,thoughbearingweightyresponsibilities,havefailedofspeakingthetruthinreproofofthatwhichhasbeenindisobediencetoGod’sWord.”{1SM196.2}
4/12/18 41
Accountability
! “Mymessagetoyouis:Nolongerconsenttolistenwithoutprotesttotheperversionoftruth.Unmaskthepretentioussophistrieswhich,ifreceived,willleadministersandphysiciansandmedicalmissionaryworkerstoignorethetruth.Everyoneisnowtostandonhisguard.Godcallsuponmenandwomentotaketheirstandundertheblood-stainedbannerofPrinceEmmanuel.Ihavebeeninstructedtowarnourpeople;formanyareindangerofreceivingtheoriesandsophistriesthatunderminethefoundationpillarsofthefaith.”{1SM196.4}
! “ItisthefirstandhighestdutyofeveryrationalbeingtolearnfromtheScriptureswhatistruth,andthentowalkinthelightandencourageotherstofollowhisexample.WeshoulddaybydaystudytheBiblediligently,weighingeverythoughtandcomparingscripturewithscripture.WithdivinehelpwearetoformouropinionsforourselvesaswearetoanswerforourselvesbeforeGod.”{GC598.2}
4/12/18 42
Accountability
! “Wehavenotamomenttolose.Eventsofvitalimportancearetakingplacearoundus;weareonSatan’senchantedground.Sleepnot,sentinelsofGod;thefoeislurkingnear,readyatanymoment,shouldyoubecomelaxanddrowsy,tospringuponyouandmakeyouhisprey.”{GC601.1}
! “ItisnotenoughthattheyaretreesinthegardenofGod.TheyaretoanswerHisexpectationbybearingfruit.Heholdsthemaccountablefortheirfailuretoaccomplishallthegoodwhichtheycouldhavedone,throughHisgracestrengtheningthem.Inthebooksofheaventheyareregisteredascumberersoftheground.”{GC601.2}– Cumberer:ahindrance,obstructionist
! “Theworkofdestructionbeginsamongthosewhohaveprofessedtobethespiritualguardiansofthepeople.Thefalsewatchmenarethefirsttofall.Therearenonetopityortospare.Men,women,maidens,andlittlechildrenperishtogether.”{GC656.2}
4/12/18 43
Accountability
! “Heretoforethosewhopresentedthetruthsofthethirdangel’smessagehaveoftenbeenregardedasmerealarmists.TheirpredictionsthatreligiousintolerancewouldgaincontrolintheUnitedStates,thatchurchandstatewouldunitetopersecutethosewhokeepthecommandmentsofGod,havebeenpronouncedgroundlessandabsurd.”{GC605.3}
! “IneverygenerationGodhassentHisservantstorebukesin,bothintheworldandinthechurch.Butthepeopledesiresmooththingsspokentothem,andthepure,unvarnishedtruthisnotacceptable....ButtheSpiritofGodcameuponthemasitcameuponElijah,movinghimtorebukethesinsofawickedkingandanapostatepeople;theycouldnotrefrainfrompreachingtheplainutterancesoftheBible—doctrineswhichtheyhadbeenreluctanttopresent.Theywereimpelledtozealouslydeclarethetruthandthedangerwhichthreatenedsouls.ThewordswhichtheLordgavethemtheyuttered,fearlessofconsequences,andthepeoplewerecompelledtohearthewarning.”{GC606.1}
4/12/18 44
Accountability
! “Thusthemessageofthethirdangelwillbeproclaimed.Asthetimecomesforittobegivenwithgreatestpower,theLordwillworkthroughhumbleinstruments,leadingthemindsofthosewhoconsecratethemselvestoHisservice.ThelaborerswillbequalifiedratherbytheunctionofHisSpiritthanbythetrainingofliteraryinstitutions.Menoffaithandprayerwillbeconstrainedtogoforthwithholyzeal,declaringthewordswhichGodgivesthem.ThesinsofBabylonwillbelaidopen.…InamazementtheyhearthetestimonythatBabylonisthechurch,fallenbecauseofhererrorsandsins,becauseofherrejectionofthetruthsenttoherfromheaven.Asthepeoplegototheirformerteacherswiththeeagerinquiry,Arethesethingsso?theministerspresentfables,prophesysmooththings,tosoothetheirfearsandquiettheawakenedconscience.Butsincemanyrefusetobesatisfiedwiththemereauthorityofmenanddemandaplain“ThussaiththeLord,”thepopularministry,likethePhariseesofold,filledwithangerastheirauthorityisquestioned,willdenouncethemessageasofSatanandstirupthesin-lovingmultitudestorevileandpersecutethosewhoproclaimit.”{GC606.2}
4/12/18 45
ChurchShaken
! “ElderCanrighthasgivenup,andotherswhoclaimtobewatchmenareprovingthemselveswhollyunworthytobeentrustedwiththecareofthesheepandlambs;butwearewarnedthatwemayexpectjustsuchthings,andifwehavethetruth,suchthingswillcome.Therewillbeashakingofthesieve,thechaffmustintimebeseparatedfromthewheat.Becauseiniquityabounds,theloveofmanywaxescold.Itistheverytimewhenthegenuinewillbethestrongest.Therewillbe[a]separatingfromusofthosewhohavenotappreciatedthelightorwalkedinit.”{Lt46-1887.16}
o Seventh-dayAdventistsarethe“watchmen”ofEzekiel3:17-21and33:1-11
• Furtherstudy:LettertoEdwinJones,egwwritings.org{Lt15a-1890.1-37}! “Theverymenwhoprofessedtobewatchmen,andwho,iftheyhadstoodin
thecounselofGod,wouldhavebeenthefirsttoreceivethewordofwarningandgiveittothepeople,wereamongthelasttoacceptthetruth.Thepeoplewereinadvanceoftheirteachers.Theyreceivedthewarningevenbeforethewatchmenbecausethewatchmenwereunfaithfulandweresleepingattheirpost.”{2T707.3}
4/12/18 46
ChurchShaken
! “IfweonlyknewwhatisbeforeuswewouldnotbesodilatoryintheworkoftheLord.Weareintheshakingtime,thetimewheneverythingthatcanbeshakenwillbeshaken.TheLordwillnotexcusethosewhoknowthetruthiftheydonotinwordanddeedobeyHiscommands.IfwemakenoefforttowinsoulstoChristweshallbeheldresponsiblefortheworkwemighthavedone,butdidnotdobecauseofourspiritualindolence.ThosewhobelongtotheLord’skingdommustworkearnestlyforthesavingofsouls.Theymustdotheirparttobindupthelawandsealitamongthedisciples.”{6T331.2}
o Seventh-dayAdventists*arethe“watchmen”ofEzekiel3:17-21;33:1-11
*EveryonelookingforChrist’simminentreturn;believingtheBibleSabbathisthetruedayofworship.
4/12/18 47
Compromise
• “Thepeopleoftheworldwilltrytoinduceustosoftendownourmessage,tosuppresssomeofitsmoredistinctivefeatures.Theysay,“Whydoyoumaketheseventh-daySabbathsoprominentinyourteaching?Thisdifferenceisalwaysthrustbeforeus.Wewouldharmonizewithyouifyouwouldnotsaysomuchonthispoint.LetargumentsintheSentinelbefreefrommentionoftheseventh-daySabbath,andwewillgiveitourinfluenceandsupport.”Thisistheirinvitationtocompromise,andtherehasbeenadispositiononthepartofsomeofourworkerstoadoptthispolicy.Butthosewhofavorthisactionentertaindeceptivesentiments,areboundbyfalsemodestyandcaution,andmanifestadispositiontowithholdtheconfessionofourfaith.Seventh-dayAdventistshavediscussedthefeasibilityofconcedingtothesedemands;butshallwepermittheworldtoshapethemessagesthatGodhasgivenustobeartothem?ShallweentertaintheproposalsofSatan,andtherebyentangleoursouls,andthesoulsofothers,forthesakeofpolicy?Shallwebetraysacredtrusts?Iftheworldareinerroranddelusion,breakingthelawofGod,isitnotourdutytoshowthemtheirsinanddanger?Wemustproclaimthethirdangel’smessage.”{RHJanuary31,1893,par.10}
4/12/18 48
Compromise
• “ThewisdomwhichspiritualismimpartsisthatdescribedbytheapostleJames,which“descendethnotfromabove,butisearthly,sensual,devilish.”James3:15.This,however,thegreatdeceiverconcealswhenconcealmentwillbestsuithispurpose.HewhocouldappearclothedwiththebrightnessoftheheavenlyseraphsbeforeChristinthewildernessoftemptation,comestomeninthemostattractivemannerasanangeloflight.Heappealstothereasonbythepresentationofelevatingthemes;hedelightsthefancywithenrapturingscenes;andheenliststheaffectionsbyhiseloquentportrayalsofloveandcharity.”{GC553.3}
" “ButtheBibleisinterpretedinamannerthatispleasingtotheunrenewedheart,whileitssolemnandvitaltruthsaremadeofnoeffect.LoveisdweltuponasthechiefattributeofGod,butitisdegradedtoaweaksentimentalism,makinglittledistinctionbetweengoodandevil.God’sjustice,Hisdenunciationsofsin,therequirementsofHisholylaw,areallkeptoutofsight.”{GC558.1}
4/12/18 49
Compromise
• “ThosewhowouldstandinthistimeofperilmustunderstandforthemselvesthetestimonyoftheScriptures.”{GC559.2}
• “AllwhosefaithisnotfirmlyestablisheduponthewordofGodwillbedeceivedandovercome.…Thosewhoareearnestlyseekingaknowledgeofthetruthandarestrivingtopurifytheirsoulsthroughobedience,thusdoingwhattheycantopreparefortheconflict,willfind,intheGodoftruth,asuredefense.”{GC560.2}
• “ExceptthosewhoarekeptbythepowerofGod,throughfaithinHisword,thewholeworldwillbesweptintotheranksofthisdelusion.Thepeoplearefastbeinglulledtoafatalsecurity,tobeawakenedonlybytheoutpouringofthewrathofGod.”{GC561.2}
4/12/18 50
EllenWhiteCommentsRev14:9-12! “Menwillemployeverymeanstomakelessprominentthedifference
betweenSeventh-dayAdventistsandobserversofthefirstdayoftheweek.AcompanywaspresentedbeforemeunderthenameofSeventh-dayAdventists,whowereadvisingthatthebanner,orsign,whichmakesusadistinctpeopleshouldnotbeheldoutsostrikingly;fortheyclaimedthatthiswasnotthebestpolicyinordertosecuresuccesstoourinstitutions.Butthisisnotatimetohauldownourcolors,tobeashamedofourfaith.Thisdistinctivebanner,describedinthewords,“Hereisthepatienceofthesaints:herearetheythatkeepthecommandmentsofGod,andthefaithofJesus,”istobebornethroughtheworldtothecloseofprobation.Whileeffortsshouldbeincreasedtoadvanceindifferentlocalities,theremustbenocloakingofourfaithtosecurepatronage.Truthmustcometosoulsreadytoperish;andifitisinanywayhidden,Godisdishonored,andthebloodofsoulswillbeuponourgarments.”{6T144.1}
4/12/18 51
EllenWhiteCommentsRev18:1-2! “Thentherewillbearemovingofthelandmarks,andanattempttotear
downthepillarsofourfaith.AmoredecidedeffortwillbemadetoexaltthefalseSabbath,andtocastcontemptuponGodhimselfbysupplantingthedayhehasblessedandsanctified.ThisfalseSabbathistobeenforcedbyanoppressivelaw...themightyangelthatshalllightentheearthwithhisglory,willproclaimthefallofBabylon,andcalluponGod’speopletoforsakeher.”{RHDecember13,1892,par.2}
4/12/18 52
EllenWhiteCommentsRev18:1-2! “Asfaithfulwatchmenwemustdiligentlyguardagainstthedangers
threateningGod’speople.Otherchapterswillopenbeforeus,andinordertodiscerntheirmeaning,weshallneedkeenperception.Wearenottobedepressedordiscouraged,butfilledwithholyboldness.Wearenottobedisheartenedbytheprevalenceofsin,orbythedifficultiesthatariseontherighthandandontheleft.WemustputonthewholearmorofGod,andstandfirmfortheright.Inthefuture,Satan’sdeceptionswillassumenewforms.Falsetheories,clothedwithgarmentsoflight,willbepresentedtoGod’speople.ThusSatanwilltrytodeceive,ifpossible,theveryelect.Ourwatchwordistobe,“Tothelawandtothetestimony:iftheyspeaknotaccordingtothisword,itisbecausethereisnolightinthem.”{RHOctober13,1904,par.10}
4/12/18 53
EllenWhiteCommentsRev18:1! “God’speoplearetokeepHiscommandments,discardingallworldlypolicy.
Havingadoptedrightprinciplesofaction,theyaretoreverencetheseprinciples;fortheyareheaven-born.ObediencetoGodisofmorevaluetoyouthangoldorsilver.YokingupwithChrist,learningHismeeknessandlowliness,cutsshortmanyaconflict;forwhentheenemycomesinlikeaflood,theSpiritoftheLordliftsupastandardagainsthim.”{8T95.1}
! “Somehavesolongsacrificedprinciplethattheycannotseethedifferencebetweenthesacredandthecommon.ThosewhorefusetogiveheedtotheLord’sinstructionwillgosteadilydownwardinthepathofruin.Thedayoftestandtrialisjustbeforeus.Leteverymanputonhistruecolors.Doyouchooseloyaltyorrebellion?Showyourcolorstomenandangels.Wearesafeonlywhenwearecommittedtotheright.Thentheworldknowswhereweshallbefoundinthedayoftrialandtrouble.”{8T96.1}
4/12/18 54
EllenWhiteCommentsRev18:1! “IhaveoftenbeeninstructedbytheLordthatnoman’sjudgmentshouldbe
surrenderedtothejudgmentofanyotheroneman.Nevershouldthemindofonemanorthemindsofafewmenberegardedassufficientinwisdomandpowertocontroltheworkandtosaywhatplansshallbefollowed.Butwhen,inaGeneralConference,thejudgmentofthebrethrenassembledfromallpartsofthefieldisexercised,privateindependenceandprivatejudgmentmustnotbestubbornlymaintained,butsurrendered.Nevershouldalaborerregardasavirtuethepersistentmaintenanceofhispositionofindependence,contrarytothedecisionofthegeneralbody.”{9T260.1}
4/12/18 55
EllenWhiteCommentsRev18:1! “Attimes,whenasmallgroupofmenentrustedwiththegeneralmanagement
oftheworkhave,inthenameoftheGeneralConference,soughttocarryoutunwiseplansandtorestrictGod’swork,IhavesaidthatIcouldnolongerregardthevoiceoftheGeneralConference,representedbythesefewmen,asthevoiceofGod.ButthisisnotsayingthatthedecisionsofaGeneralConferencecomposedofanassemblyofdulyappointed,representativemenfromallpartsofthefieldshouldnotberespected.GodhasordainedthattherepresentativesofHischurchfromallpartsoftheearth,whenassembledinaGeneralConference,shallhaveauthority.Theerrorthatsomeareindangerofcommittingisingivingtothemindandjudgmentofoneman,orofasmallgroupofmen,thefullmeasureofauthorityandinfluencethatGodhasvestedinHischurchinthejudgmentandvoiceoftheGeneralConferenceassembledtoplanfortheprosperityandadvancementofHiswork.Whenthispower,whichGodhasplacedinthechurch,isaccreditedwhollytooneman,andheisinvestedwiththeauthoritytobejudgmentforotherminds,thenthetrueBibleorderischanged.Satan’seffortsuponsuchaman’smindwouldbemostsubtleandsometimeswell-nighoverpowering,fortheenemywouldhopethatthroughhismindhecouldaffectmanyothers.Letusgivetothehighestorganizedauthorityinthechurchthatwhichwearepronetogivetoonemanortoasmallgroupofmen.”{9T260.2-261.1}
4/12/18 56
Articles! 03/08/2017:“WhereAreTheWatchmenDuringTheOmegaDeception?”
http://www.fulcrum7.com/blog/2017/3/9/where-are-the-watchmen-during-the-omega-deception?rq=watchmen
4/12/18 57
Videos! 02/11/2017:DavidGates“EndTimeReview(Part1/2)”(1:02:18)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DExlbBNzZC0&feature=youtu.be! 05/21/2017:DavidGates“Jesusisdesperatelytryingtowakehispeople
today.Areyoulistening?”(1:28:33)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuRYi2b9Km4
4/12/18 58
AdditionalInformationIamindebtedtoTimRoosenbergwhohasstudiedDaniel11-12sincetheearly2000’sand
hasdedicatedhisministrytoprovidingpeoplewithknowledgeofthetimesthatwelivethroughseminarsandhiswebsite;http://www.islamandchristianity.org
IamalsoindebtedtotwoindividualswhomhavededicatedtheirlivesinastudyofRevelation17sincethelate1990’s.Theirwebsite,http://666man.net,providessignificantdepthonthemanyrelatedBiblepassagesandpropheciesthatcorrelatecompletelytothepropheciesofDaniel
Foranexcellentversebyversecommentarysee:http://www.bibleexplained.com
ForadeepperspectiveofhowRevelationrepresentsthespiritualfulfillmentofmuchoftheOldTestamentsee:LouisF.Were,TheCertaintyofthe3rdAngel’sMessage,1945
EllenGouldWhitewasaprolificauthorandanAmericanChristianpioneer.AlongwithotherSabbatarianAdventistleaderssuchasJosephBatesandherhusbandJamesWhite,sheformedwhatbecameknownastheSeventh-dayAdventistChurch.TheSmithsonianmagazinenamedEllenG.Whiteamong100MostSignificantAmericansinanacknowledgementofherinfluenceonreligion.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_G._White
4/12/18 59