Month: April 2025

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Mid-week Manna

The Faith ‘Fruit’ of the Holy Spirit : BAPTIZED DAILY BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT, THE JUST LIVE BY THE FAITH OF JESUS

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

April 30, 2025

The Faith ‘Fruit’ of the Holy Spirit

BAPTIZED DAILY BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT, THE JUST LIVE BY THE FAITH OF JESUS

Only those who are baptized by water immersion in “John’s baptism of repentance,” followed by the daily baptism of the Holy Spirit “with fire” unto sanctification, are empowered to “keep the commandments of God because they “have the faith of Jesus.” It is “the faith that works by love” (Gal. 5:6) and sanctifies the soul. Such saints manifest without pretense the “faith fruit” of an indwelling Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Godhead, Christ’s only Vicegerent on earth. They are “justified by faith” and sanctified by following Christ’s life example of obedience. 

In Prophets & Kings, pp. 386-388, E. G. White wrote of the experience and testimony of one of a so-called “minor” yet faithful “prophet” regarding the “major” faith of the true saints, past, present, and future (all emphasis and bracketed words 

  mine): 

    “On one occasion when meditating concerning the FUTURE, Habakkuk said, ‘I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me.’ Graciously the Lord answered him: ‘Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. . . . The just shall live by faith.’

     “The FAITH that strengthened Habakkuk and ALL THE HOLY AND JUST IN THOSE DAYS OF DEEP TRIAL WAS THE SAME FAITH THAT SUSTAINS GOD’S PEOPLE TODAY [the time of the Dispensation of the Holy Spirit!]. 

     “In the darkest hours, under circumstances the most forbidding, the [genuine] Christian believer may keep his soul styled upon the source of all light and power [of truth and righteousness]. DAY BY DAY, THROUGH FAITH IN GOD, his hope and courage may be renewed [refreshed; reinvigorated; recharged; re-energized by the abiding and indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit]. . . .

     “We must cherish and cultivate THE FAITH OF WHICH PROPHETS AND APOSTLES HAVE TESTIFIED—-the faith that lays hold on the promises of God and WAITS for deliverance in His APPOINTED TIME AND WAY. The SURE WORD OF PROPHECY [as assured by the Spirit of prophecy, which is the Testimony of Jesus, Rev. 19:10] will meet its fulfillment in the glorious Advent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords.

    “The time of waiting may SEEM long, the soul may be OPPRESSED by discouraging circumstances, MANY in whom confidence has been placed, may FALL BY THE WAY [never ‘once saved, always saved!]; but with the prophet who encouraged Judah in time of UNPARALLELED APOSTASY, let us confidently declare, ‘The Lord is in His holy temple [in the most holy of the heavenly sanctuary, closing up His final work of investigative judgment]: let all the earth keep silence before Him.’ Habakkuk 2:20. . . . The just shall live BY HIS FAITH.” (end quote). 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

The Goodness ‘Fruit’ of the Holy Spirit

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

April 23, 2025

The Goodness ‘Fruit’ of the Holy Spirit

TRUE GOODNESS IS TRUE GREATNESS

Bible prophecy sadly reveals the fearful truth that in these last days of earth “the kings of and great men of the earth” will be manifest in stark contrast to God’s faithful humble men (women and young ones, too), who are great in His sight and heaven’s estimation, though obscure, ridiculed, despised, and hated by the former and the world-at-large. But as Jesus apprised His first Twelve: “The servant is not greater than his Master. If they hated Me without a cause, they will hate you also.” 

Indeed, as the wiseman declared, “A good man obtaineth favor of the Lord.” (Prov. 4:2, KJV). 

God’s last-day messenger and humble servant wrote:

    “True goodness is accounted of Heaven as true greatness. The condition of the MORAL AFFECTIONS determines the WORTH of man [or woman]. A person may have PROPERTY [wealth] and INTELLECT, and yet be VALUELESS, because the  GLOWING FIRE OF GOODNESS has never burned in the ALTAR of his heart.” – Vol. 2 Testimonies, p. 305. 

    True goodness is not natural to fallen, sinful, finite, mortal sinners. The carnal mind, in fact, is “at enmity” against God’s holy law and Christ’s righteous character. And “all we like sheep have gone astray” for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” 

    True “goodness is the RESULT of divine power TRANSFORMING [fallen, sinful] human nature. By believing in Christ [and all that fully comprehends], the fallen race He has redeemed [by His supreme condescension in the incarnation, “the mystery of godliness,” (1 Tim. 3:16) and His justifying blood obtained in His atoning sacrificial death as the Lamb of God at Calvary may obtain ‘the faith that works by love’ [Gal. 5:6) and purifies the soul from all [moral and spiritual] defilement. The CHRISTLIKE attributes appear; for by beholding Christ [by living faith] men become CHANGED into the same image [moral character]. GOOD FRUIT IS PRODUCED [in the ‘tree;’ a symbol of man]. The character is fashioned AFTER the divine similitude [likeness; image], and INTEGRITY, UPRIGHTNESS, AND TRUE [not transactional or simulated] BENEVOLENCE are manifested toward the sinful race [fellow men].” E. G. White Manuscript 42, 1900.

    “The Lord has placed every human being on test and trial [in man’s second and last probation; Adam, the father of mankind, failed the simple test in the first one, in Eden]. He desires to try and prove us, to see if we will BE GOOD AND DO GOOD IN THIS LIFE [only according to His standard of goodness defined by His law “which is holy, just, and good,’ and His modeled example of “being made perfect by the things which He suffered.’ (Heb. 5: 8, 9)]—to see if He can trust us with ETERNAL RICHES, and make us MEMBERS of the ROYAL FAMILY, children of the Heavenly King.” – Letter 15, 1899.

     “There is NO LIMIT TO THE GOOD that you [and I] may do. [Here’s why and how]. “IF you make the Word of God the RULE of your life, and GOVERN your actions by its precepts, making all your PURPOSES AND EXERTIONS in the FULFILLING of your duty AS A BLESSING AND NOT A CURSE [or heaven burden] TO OTHERS, success will crown your efforts. You have placed yourself IN CONNECTION with God; you have become a CHANNEL OF LIGHT to others. You are honored by becoming CO-LABORERS with Jesus, and no higher honor can you receive than the blessed benediction from the lips of the Savior: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’” (62) Messages to Young People, p. 125.

Just to finally hear these sweetest words alone spoken from Jesus’ own lips addressed to me, so undeserving a sinner, is worth continuing to strive for in our shared earthly trials and tribulations as finite mortals, before He finally returns! Don’t you think so, fellow pilgrim? 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

TRUE GENTLENESS IS A GEM OF GREAT VALUE IN GOD’S SIGHT

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

April 16, 2025

TRUE GENTLENESS IS A GEM OF GREAT VALUE IN GOD’S SIGHT

    “Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation: and Thy gentleness hath made me great.” 2 Sam. 23: 36, A.V. 

Jesus, the victorious “second Adam,” is our precious Savior-Example, the human-divine Model and Pattern Man for all to follow and obey “by faith that works by love” enabled by God’s empowering grace imparted by the Holy Spirit to the true believer. 

As the Corner Stone of the true church—His spiritual kingdom of righteousness on earth,—He, the Desire and Rock of ages, was as firm as a rock where truth and duty is concerned. In His model life heavenly courtesy was perfectly illustrated. 

“KINDNESS GENTLENESS GAVE FRAGRANCE TO HIS CHARACTER.” 

Hereunder is a “family of God-household of faith” specific counsel regarding the divine power in true gentleness, produced by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (emphasis mine):

     “We want a SPIRIT OF GENTLENESS. We cannot live right in the FAMILY CIRCLE without it. [and “righteousness is right doing.’|.

     “In order to have proper control of our children [in the home, and members in the church|, we must manifest a spirit of GENTLENESS and of MEEKNESS and of LONG-SUFFERING. We do not want to have a FAULT-FINDING, FRETFUL, SCOLDING spirit. 

    “If we teach THEM to have a spirit of gentleness, we must have a spirit of gentleness OURSELVES. [“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;” “an ounce of practice is better than a pound of preaching;””truth is no truth to them who do not practice it;” etc.]. 

    “If we would have them manifest a spirit of love toward us, we must manifest a GENTLE,  loving spirit toward them. BUT at the same time there need be NO weakness or unwise INDULGENCE on the part of the parents [also, ministers, pastors, undershepherds]. 

     “The mother [father; all the others cited above] must be AS FIRM AS A ROCK, and not swerve from the right [from what is right, true, holy, according to God’s will as revealed in His law]. Her laws and rules should be carried out at all times and under all hazards, BUT she can do this with ALL GENTLENESS and meekness. . . . The children will grow up God-fearing men and women.” -E. G. White, Review & Herald, Dec. 21, 1886.

The divine imaging principle and process is constantly at work whether we are aware or not. “Like mother, like daughter;” “Like father, like son,” “Like priest, like followers,” etc. By constantly beholding one becomes changed. And “by their fruits ye shall know them.” 

May all diligently and persistently “ask, seek, and knock” for the Holy Spirit in prayer daily, “seeking for the Lord WHILE He may yet be found.” Beware lest any fall asleep or even temporarily take a “nap” during this deepening “midnight” of earth’s history just before “the coming of the Bridegroom!” Remember: the Holy Spirit has been slowly withdrawing from the earth! 

To be continued, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ‘FRUIT’ OF GENTLENESS IS CHRIST’S OWN GENTLENESS

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

April 9, 2025

THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ‘FRUIT’ OF GENTLENESS IS CHRIST’S OWN GENTLENESS

What, where, when, why, and how is this divine gentleness manifested? The apostle to the Gentiles gives us an example, as revealed in his epistle to the early church at Corinth (all emphasis and words in brackets mine): 

     “Now I Paul myself, BESEECH YOU BY THE MEEKNESS AND GENTLENESS OF CHRIST, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 

     “But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I

am present with you with that confidence wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked in the  flesh.

    “For though we WALK IN the flesh, we do not WAR WITH the flesh: for the weapons of our

WARFARE are not carnal, but [spiritually] mighty through God to the PUTTING DOWN OF STRONGHOLDS [that is], casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness  to revenge ALL DISOBEDIENCE, when YOUR OBEDIENCE is fulfilled.” 2 Cor. 10: 1-6, KJV. 

This divine gentleness is demonstrated and manifested in  and with the “boldness” of carrying out a “mighty warfare,” not against “flesh and blood,” especially against fellow believers of “the household of faith,” but “against wickedness in high places,” against the carnal “strongholds” of foolish, vain, and sinful “imaginations” and every “high and mighty thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. . .” 

“Real refinement of thought and manner is better learned in the school of the divine Teacher  THAN BY ANY observance of SET RULES. His love pervading the heart gives to the CHARACTER those refining touches that FASHION IT in the semblance of His own [character]. This education imparts a heaven-born DIGNITY AND SENSE OF PROPRIETY. It gives sweetness of disposition and a GENTLENESS OF MANNER that can never be equaled by the SUPERFICIAL polish of fashionable society.”

E. G. White, My Life Today, p. 191. 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

The Unmistakable Evidences of the Holy Spirit’s Withdrawal from the Earth

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

April 2, 2025

The Unmistakable Evidences of the Holy Spirit’s Withdrawal from the Earth

Even as last week’s edition

addressed the solemn warning of grieving away the Holy Spirit, in the midst of delineating on its “fruits” (which we will resume later), I dare not neglect to also remind all that, in tandem with the details of last-day prophecies itself revealing earth and mankind’s calamitous conditions as it nears the stupendous climax of the great controversy leading to the end of human probation, is that these conditions are the same evidence that the Holy Spirit is withdrawing from the earth! Be enlightened and thus shielded from the cascading deluge of deceptions, counterfeit gospel, false science, and outright lies! 

I quote the following (emphasis provided):

   “DA 636. “Everything in the world is in agitation. The signs of the times are ominous. Coming events cast their shadows before. THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS WITHDRAWING FROM THE EARTH, and calamity follows calamity by sea and by land. There are tempests, earthquakes, fires, floods, murders of every grade. Who can read the future? Where is security? There is assurance in NOTHING that is human or earthly. 

    “Rapidly are men ranging themselves under the banner they have chosen. Restlessly are they waiting and watching the MOVEMENTS OF THEIR LEADERS. There are those who are WAITING, and WATCHING, and WORKING for our Lord’s appearing. ANOTHER CLASS are falling into line under the generalship of the FIRST GREAT APOSTATE [Satan, the adversary of God and man]. FEW believe with heart and soul that we have a HELL TO SHUN and HEAVEN TO WIN. 

    “The CRISIS is stealing upon us. The sun shines in the heavens, passing over its usual round, and the heavens still declare the glory of God. Men are still ‘eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage. Merchants are still buying and selling. Men are jostling one against one another, contending for the higher place. Pleasure lovers are still crowding into theaters [as in early times], horse races, gambling hells. THE HIGHEST EXCITEMENT PREVAILS, YET PROBATION’S HOUR IS FAST CLOSING, AND EVERY CASE IS ABOUT TO BE ETERNALLY DECIDED [in the ongoing Investigative, pre-advent judgment taking place in the heavenly sanctuary with Christ as Judge of all the earth]. 

    “Satan sees his time is short [Rev.12:12]. He has set all his agencies at work that men may be DECEIVED, DELUDED, OCCUPIED, and ENTRANCED, until the day of probation shall be ended, and the DOOR OF MERCY FOREVER SHUT.

    “Solemnly there come to us down through the centuries the warning words of our Lord from the Mount of Olives: ‘Take heed to yourselves, lest AT ANY TIME your hearts be overcharged with  surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.’ [Luke 21:34]. ‘Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye MAY BE ACCOUNTED WORTHY to escape all these things [not be overcome by them] that shall come to pass,  and to stand [without guile; faultless] before the Son of man.’ [verse 36].” – E. G. White, Desire of Ages, Apr. 1950, Pacific Press  Pub. Asso., p. 636. 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.