Friday: Further Thought – America and Babylon
Further Thought: Satan’s attack on God’s law is an attack on God Himself, both on His authority and on His government. So, in the last days, in the climactic events of the final crisis, Satan will be attacking those who keep “the commandments of God” (Rev. 12:17, Rev. 14:12) , for they alone on the earth will be refusing to pay him homage through his proxies here on earth.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
The battle that he waged against God in heaven long ago will be continued here on earth, and just as he was defeated in heaven he will be defeated here on earth, as well. “From the very beginning of the great controversy in heaven it has been Satan’s purpose to overthrow the law of God. It was to accomplish this that he entered upon his rebellion against the Creator, and though he was cast out of heaven he has continued the same warfare upon the earth. To deceive men, and thus lead them to transgress God’s law, is the object which he has steadfastly pursued. Whether this be accomplished by casting aside the law altogether, or by rejecting one of its precepts, the result will be ultimately the same. He that offends ‘in one point’, manifests contempt for the whole law; his influence and example are on the side of transgression; he becomes ‘guilty of all.’ James 2:10”. — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 582.
Discussion Questions:
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Ecumenical movement - Come on in - live as you please
God of the Bible - come out of her my people - be ye transformed
As a dog returns to its vomit the world is turning back on reformation.
Papacy has not changed its position in idol worship. It did not suddenly embrace God's holy Sabbath day of worship. It did not forsake its teaching on forgiveness by confession to the catholic church.
Protestant Reformation emphasized
1. Sola scriptura: “Scripture alone”
2. Sola fide: “faith alone”
3. Sola gratia: “grace alone”
4. Solo Christo: “Christ alone”
5. Soli Deo gloria: “to the glory of God alone”
Our authority in the scripture is found in Christ alone (John 5:39)
Our salvation by faith is in Christ alone (Romans 1:17)
Our grace is in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Our foundation is in Christ alone (Hebrews 4:15)(Hebrews 2:14)
Our transformation is to the glory of God alone (Matthew 5:16)
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
“‘Come out of her, my people,’[b]
come out - be ye a peculiar people
More than ever, we need to seek God's Holy Spirit! Live by faith and with a close relationship with Jesus! That's not a secret! Times will get much harder!
The servants of God will be serving Him "day and night", meaning: at all times in their interactions with others. They will not be trying to set time or crying out alarm before trouble comes. Our preparation for the events that will shake the earth is to obey the commission of our Lord as His witnesses until the very end. Our preparation is to "seek righteousness...seek meekness..."(Zeph 2:3) which will be in following the Lamb wherever HE leads, which was seen in His work and life on this earth. As the Father has sent Him, so He has sent us(John 17:18,19) to finish His work for saving the lost, who must otherwise perish.
The most concise definition of worship I have come to understand is when we mimic the one we worship, becoming like them in character, purpose, being in perfect conformity to their will.(Rom 12:1,2) Isn't this the intent and results of true sanctification, when receiving the imparted righteousness of Christ? Since God is holy, we must worship Him "in the beauty of holiness"(Ps 29:2, 1 Pe 1:16). This He imparts to the believing soul.
As stated above, the servants of God will be following the example of Christ in preaching the gospel to every creature, until that work is complete. We should also remember, that only servants will be sealed(Rev 7:3).
The focus on the lesson America and Babylon set my thinking gears in motion. I believe that we as SDA must realize this movement is not centralized in the General Conference offices alone. The GC president also realizes he cannot visit every where that is possible, at least once a year. The point being the box that we try to fit into does not meet our perceived expectations. The book of Revelation is there for everyone that reads it. The admonitions and messages in Revelation are there for any and everyone. Understanding and applications are a gift of the Holy Spirit. Our finite determinations will be better served when we have a proper understanding of Gods Love and Grace, Mercy, Trust and Faith.
Seek and ye shall find, find and ye shall live by faith. It is no secret what God can do, what He's done for others He'll do for you. His grace be with you. Jeremiah 29:13. Continue in faith, moved not away from the hope in the gospel. Colossians 1:21-23. Saved by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8. Christ accessed by faith, we stand on His grace, there is our rejoice JC. Romans 5:2. Wow NewBegin, we are saved by hope, likewise the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:24-28. We are sons and daughters of the Father, Robert, yes what do good sons and daughters do out of love? They trust, obey, and serve, Our Father. 2 Corinthians 6:18.
And they all said: Exactly.
Happy Sabbath