What third major cause brings on the shaking? John 6:55-71 (compare Gal. 4:16; Isa. 30:8-17).
"I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God's people." - Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 181.
Describe the fourth major reason for the shaking. Matt. 13:20- 22; Matt. 24:9, 10.
"Hated by all nations because of me" (Matt. 24:9, NIV) Those who choose not to follow their Creator and Saviour are offended by the indictment implied by the lives of Christ's disciples. Christians, therefore, should expect misunderstandings and persecution.
When the church prospers, it is easy to profess belief. But when the church members personally, or the church corporately, must pass through hardship, how quickly their profession turns to dust and their hatred multiplies toward those who, through God's grace, stand firm.
"The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast [the false Sabbath] will be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. The contest is between the commandments of God and the commandments of men. In this time the gold will be separated from the dross in the church. True godliness will be clearly distinguished from the appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy will then go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 81.
Pray for strength to meet the smaller tests so when the bigger ones arrive, you will be able to stand firm. Apart from understanding and believing Bible truth, what experience is vital if we are to stand firm for Christ?