Category: Daily Manna

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Daily Manna

KNOW WHAT THE GOSPEL IS WITH CERTAINTY : YOUR ETERNAL DESTINY IS AT STAKE!

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

KNOW WHAT THE GOSPEL IS WITH CERTAINTY : YOUR ETERNAL DESTINY IS AT STAKE!

“He said to them go into all the world and preach the GOSPEL to every creature. He who believes and is baptized [by water and the Holy Spirit] will be SAVED; but he who does not believe [this gospel] will be CONDEMNED [damned, KJV].” Mark 16: 15,16, NKJV.

The first key word here is “gospel” (genuine or counterfeit), followed by “believe” (or not believe), then “saved” (or condemned), in this descending order.

Hereunder are Bible and Testimony references to help you, first, to “make your calling and election sure” (2 Pet. 1:10), and to be “always ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Pet. 3:15):

BIBLE: “Gospel [Gr. evagellion, ‘good news.’]. The message of Christianity, the message of salvation through Jesus Christ [alone]. This ‘good news’ [everlasting gospel] was revealed in EMBRYO from the beginning (Gen. 3:15; 12:3), but was disclosed MORE FULLY by later Bible writers, especially by ISAIAH, who is sometimes called the ‘gospel prophet’ (see Isa. 49:60-62). Jesus announced His ministry to the people of His own village of Nazareth in the words of Isa. 61: 1, 2 (Luke 4:18,19).

“The ‘good news’ is described as ‘the gospel of Christ’ (Rom. 15: 19; 2 Cor. 4:4, etc), ‘the gospel of God’ (Rom. 1:1), and ‘the gospel of the grace of God’ (Acts 20:24). It is called a ‘mystery’ (Eph. 6:19). The phrase ‘the gospel of the kingdom’ (Matt. 9:35; Mark 1:14, etc.) has reference primarily to the gospel of ‘the kingdom of heaven’ or ‘kingdom of God’ (Matt. 12:28; 13: 24; Mark 1:15; Luke 17:20,21).

“Christ commanded His followers to preach the gospel to ‘every creature’ (Mark 16:15, 16; cf. Matt. 28:19; Acts 1:8). The preaching of the ‘gospel of the kingdom’ to all the world is given as a SIGN of Christ’s coming (Matt. 24:14). In vision John saw an ‘angel’ with the ‘everlasting kingdom’ to preach to ‘every nation, kindred [tribe], and tongue and people’ (Rev. 14:6).

“The use of the term ‘Gospel’ to refer to any of the first 4 books of the NT is extra-biblical. Some see a suggestion of such a use in Mark 1:1.”

TESTIMONY OF SPIRIT OF PROPHECY:
“The gospel is a SYSTEM OF PRACTICAL TRUTHS destined to work great changes in human CHARACTER . If it does not work the transformation in life, in habits, and practices, it is NO TRUTH [and must be of the counterfeit ‘another gospel’] to those who CLAIM to believe it.
Man must be SANCTIFIED through the truth [of the true gospel]. And said Jesus, ‘Thy word is truth’ (John 17:17). UNLESS the truth of God shall LIFT UP MAN OUT OF his depravity, his intemperate and profligate habits, and make him REFLECT the image of God he is LOST.” – E. G. White, Letter 14, March 13, 1885.

(Next up: How is the Plan of Redemption/Salvation of the Gospel Explained in Detail?). Bless all, NMF

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Daily Manna

KNOW WHAT THE GOSPEL IS: DON’T GUESS OR SPECULATE

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

KNOW WHAT THE GOSPEL IS: DON’T GUESS OR SPECULATE

Here’s why: “Jesus said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the GOSPEL to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be SAVED, but he that believeth not shall be DAMNED.” Mark 16: 15,16, KJV.

The true gospel saves, when believed (in its fullest sense); damns if rejected or ignored. But it’s counterfeit brings damnation whether believed or not.

Why? Fallen, mortal man is born almost lost because of inherent sinful propensities and the “visiting of the iniquities of the fathers unto their children to the third and fourth generation; hence, the indispensability of godly parental guidance to establish the first character foundation on the truth.

If the child “increases in stature in the wisdom and knowledge of God” in character development until his death he will receive the gift of eternal life for faithfulness, until he is rescued, delivered, restored and rewarded with the gift of eternal life.

Only the true gospel saves. To accept the counterfeit is damnation and to reject it but not believe the genuine is likewise damnation.

Bless all, NMF

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Daily Manna

IS ‘ANTICHRIST’ YET TO APPEAR OR IS HE HERE ALREADY? (Part XII)

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

IS ‘ANTICHRIST’ YET TO APPEAR OR IS HE HERE ALREADY? (Part XII)

Please refer to the past 11 parts I have shared for your personal study, convenient files and reference. I hope and pray you will do your part as I strive to do mine. While this effort is a collaborative work, we all will be judged individually according to the light of present truth made available to us. To continue:FF 202.

“BIBLE PROPHECY OF ANTICHRIST IS PLAIN. The prophecies of the Bible regarding Antichrist are so plain that EVEN Roman Catholics cannot evade them all. The 7th chapter of Daniel foretells the rise of 4 world empires, which the Douay Bible [official Roman Catholic Bible] explains to the ‘Chaldean, Persian, Grecian, and Roman empires.’

The Roman Empire was broken up into 10 smaller kingdoms between the years 351 and 476 A.D. And among them there should grow up ‘another power,’ symbolized as a ‘LITTLE HORN.’

Of this the Douay Bible says: ‘ANOTHER LITTL HORN.’ THIS IS COMMONLY UNDERSTOOD OF ANTICHRIST. Dan. 7: 7, 8.’ [emphasis mine]. The Papacy is the only power that came up just at that time, and which FITS all the specifications of the symbol [of the ‘little horn’].

“We have seen [in the last parts] how clearly the Papacy is pointed out in 2 Thess. 2:3-7 [symbolized as ‘the man of sin’ and ‘the son of perdition’].

This prophecy states that the apostolic church would be GRADUALLY ‘falling away’ [apostatizing] until a ‘man’ would exalt himself to take the place of God in the church [referred here as ‘the temple of God’]. The ‘MYSTERY OF INIQUITY’ was already at work in Paul’s day, but something was holding it back (verses 6,7).

“As long as the Roman Empire was HEATHEN [the emperors were heathen, sun-worshippers], and persecuted the CHRISTIANS, there was NO INCENTIVE to join the church for WORLDLY [and political] GAIN.

“But during the time [and reign] of CONSTANTINE the church became POPULAR, and the worldly ambitions struggled for the HIGHEST ECCLESIASTICAL OFFICES, because of the great honor and emolument connected with them; and when finally the ROMAN STATE was abolished, the BISHOP OF ROME seated himself upon the THRONE OF THE CAESARS [heathen, Roman Emperors]. It was therefore heathen Rome that had to be ‘TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY,’ before the Papal Antichrist could come into power.

“Speaking of this point the CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA says: ‘The impediment is the Roman Empire; the main event impeded is is the ‘man of sin.’ – Vol. I, p. 580, art. ‘Antichrist.’ The Douay Bible says: ‘The Roman Empire …..was first to be destroyed, before the coming of Antichrist.’ – Note on 2 Thess. 2: 3.’ “ – Christian Edwardson, Facts of Faith, pp. 202, 203, Southern Publishing Asso., Nashville TN, 1943.

In Dan. 8:11-13 the “daily” symbolizes the pagan Roman Empire of the Caesars had to be first taken away before the “transgression of desolation,” the Papacy, the “little horn power” could replace it and ascend to power.

The word “sacrifice” was added by the translators to word “daily,” and must be eliminated.

Seek the truth and it will set you free! Bless all, NMF

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Daily Manna

SPECIAL FATHER’S (and Mother’s) DAY MESSAGE

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

SPECIAL FATHER’S (and Mother’s) DAY MESSAGE

Because fathers are first husbands and mothers are first wives and according to the Creator the latter shall “become one flesh,” this message is for the head of the household as well as its “queen,” according to God’s plan. From the God’s messenger’s inspired pen come this sobering message of the hour:

“On Sabbath and Sunday, in visions of the night, I seemed to be bearing my testimony before the people. On BOTH OCCASIONS I seemed to be in a mammoth tent which was literally packed. The Lord gave me a DECIDED MESSAGE for the people. MY BURDEN WAS FOR OUR FAMILIES WHO ARE UNPREPARED TO MEET THE LORD.

A special burden was upon me to point out [not condemn or denounce] to our people the need of seeking the Lord with close searching of the hearts and with earnestness of purpose. Parents who are truly converted will reveal in their HOME LIFE that they are bringing their lives under the discipline of the Word of God [not tradition, culture, or personal inclinations].

To the MOTHER AND FATHER the right training of their children should be the MOST IMPORTANT WORK OF THEIR LIFE.

SOLEMN QUESTION FOR PARENTS. FATHERS and mothers, how stands your record? Have you been faithful to your trust?

“Those who bear the last message of mercy to the world should feel it their DUTY to instruct parents in regard to home religion. [this is what am attempting to do]. The GREAT REFORMATORY MOVEMENT must begin in presenting to FATHERS and mothers and children the principles of the LAW of God [antitypical work or rebuilding the wall and it’s breach].

As the claims of the law are presented, and men and women are convicted of their duty to render obedience, show them the responsibility of their decision, not only for themselves, but for their children. Show that obedience to God’s law is our ONLY SAFEGUARD against the evils that are sweeping the world to destruction.” (E.G. White, Child Guidance, pp. 555, 556).

I appeal to all fathers (and mothers) today:
Do not delay this work for rapidly approaching ominous events, as prophesied, are casting their dark and foreboding shadows in our pathway. We heard it before, “Today, if you will hear His still small voice, harden not your hearts.”

Bless all FATHERS and mothers and children of the remnant household of faith. NMF

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Daily Manna

WHICH ‘MASTER’ ARE WE SERVING?

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

WHICH ‘MASTER’ ARE WE SERVING?

Jesus said,”No man can serve two masters: for either he will HATE the one, and LOVE the other; or else he will HOLD to the one, and DESPISE the other. Ye CANNOT serve God and mammon.” Matt. 6:24, KJV.

EGW, This Day with God, page 162: SELFISHNESS, and all its many forms and variations “is plainly written on the unrenewed [yet carnal, not spiritual] heart and on a fallen world. All [unrenewed hearts and minds] seek their own.

SELFISHNESS IS THE GREAT LAW OF OUR DEGENERATE NATURE. Selfishness occupies THE PLACE in the soul where CHRIST should sit enthroned.

But the Lord requires PERFECT OBEDIENCE [constrained by love not compelled by fear or force; “perfect,”meaning abiding, constant, “with ALL the heart, mind, soul, and strength,” not partial, sometimes, or circumstantial], and IF we truly desire to SERVE Him [the true ‘Desire of Ages’], there will be no question in our minds as to whether we shall obey His requirements OR seek our own temporal interests.

“The Lord of glory did not consult His CONVENIENCE OR PLEASURE when He left His station of high command to become ‘a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,’ accepting ignominy and death in order to DELIVER man [starting with Eve and Adam] from the consequence of his disobedience.

“Jesus died not to save man IN his sins, but FROM his sins. We must leave [not cling] to the ERROR of our ways, ‘take up our cross [of self-denial and self-sacrifice] and follow Christ, denying self, and following God AT ANY COST.

“Those who PROFESS to serve God, but really serve MAMMON, will be VISITED WITH JUDGMENTS. [includes self-inflicted sufferings and trials]. NONE will be JUSTIFIED in the course of disobedience for the sake of WORDLY PROFIT [part of ‘mammon.’].
IF GOD WOULD EXCUSE ONE MAN, HE MIGHT ALL. [But ‘God is no respecter of persons’].

“Those who DISREGARD [or ignore] the Lord’s express injunction for personal advantage, are HEAPING UP for themselves FUTURE WOE [the wrong preparation for the future!].

Christ said: ‘Is it not written. My house [place of worship of professed Christian churches] shall be called of all nations a house of prayer? but ye have made it A DEN OF THIEVES’ (Mark 11:17).

The people of God should INQUIRE CLOSELY if they have not, like the JEWS of old, made the house of God a place of merchandise [obtaining money and conscience-controlling power via ear-pleasing, and deceptive doctrines].’

“Many are FALLING into the SIN of sacrificing their religion for the sake of worldly gain [like Balaam, Elisha’s own servant, Solomon, Judas, Ananias and Sapphira, etc.], preserving a FORM of piety, yet giving all the mind to TEMPORAL pursuit.

But the LAW OF GOD must be considered FIRST of all [see Mark 12: 28-34; Deut. 6: 4-7; and obeyed in SPIRIT and LETTER [literally and actually, intelligently and spiritually, in principle and practice].

Jesus our great Exemplar [1 Pet. 1: 21-25] in His LIFE AND DEATH, taught the STRICTEST OBEDIENCE. He DIED, the just for the unjust, the innocent for the guilty, that the HONOR OF GOD’S LAW MIGHT BE PRESERVED AND YET MAN NOT PERISH……” – E. G. White, Signs of the Times, June 2,1887/TDG 162.

The Jesuits require “obedience as a corpse” in their extreme oath, meaning, oath-keeping members of this Order of the Church of Rome have no heart, mind, soul and strength of their own but only that of their superior and the Pope.

What about the Christian churches who profess be the disciples, followers, and even apostles of Christ—-and boldly claim that God’s law has been “down away with” yet keep Sunday as their “Christian Sabbath,” and “Lord’s day,” a creation of the papacy! Confusion and contradiction plain and simple isn’t it?

Bless all the earnest truth-seekers! NMF

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Daily Manna

ERROR OF FALSEHOOD AND MINGLED WITH TRUTH IS A DEADLY DECEPTION AND SIN

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

ERROR OF FALSEHOOD AND MINGLED WITH TRUTH IS A DEADLY DECEPTION AND SIN

“In a world [and a nation] like ours, where truth and falsehood are so closely mingled that it is difficult to discern between them, it is a perilous matter to neglect to ‘seek wisdom on high. Those who will now take heed and turn to the Lord WITHOUT DELAY, taking their positions on the TRUE FOUNDATION [Christ and the ‘firm foundation and pillars of present truth’], will receive pardon.

“All error is MIXED with truth, and this makes the DECEPTION of Satan HARDER to see. But when the TIME OF TEST AND TRIAL COMES UPON US, there will be seen the DIFFERENCE between the righteousness of the righteous and the wickedness of the wicked.

“Every error is sin, and every sin has its origin with Satan [never ever from Jesus!]. Wrong practices have BLINDED the EYES and BLIGHTED the perceptive faculties of men and women. We need now to be GUARDED ON EVERY POINT. [‘Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation’].

“The inhabitants of the world, are under Satan’s leadership, are BINDING UP IN BUNDLES READY TO BE BURNED. We have no time, not a moment to lose. THE JUDGMENTS OF GOD ARE ON THE LAND [early ones to awaken and warm], and those who stand OBSTINATE, UNCONVINCED BY THE WARNINGS THAT GOD SENDS, will be bound up in bundles ready to be burned. …..

“Multitudes are to be gathered into the FOLD. Many who have NOT KNOWN the truth have corrupted their way before God and departed from the faith. THE BROKEN RANKS will be filled up by those REPRESENTED [in the parable, by Christ as coming in at THE ELEVENTH HOUR. There are MANY in whom the Spirit of God is STRIVING.

“The time of God’s destructive judgments is the TIME OF MERCY for [whom?] those who have NO OPPORTUNITY to learn what is truth. Tender will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched; His hand is STILL stretched out to save, WHILE THE DOOR IS CLOSED to those who would not enter. [Note that! Never procrastinate or presume and abuse divine mercy!]. LARGE NUMBERS will be admitted [into the spiritual kingdom] WHO in these last days HEAR THE TRUTH FOR THE FIRST TIME.” -E. G. White, Letter 103, June 3, 1903/TDG 163.

“Error is never harmless. It never sanctifies, but ALWAYS brings confusion and dissension. It is ALWAYS DANGEROUS. The enemy has great POWER over minds that are not THOROUGHLY FORTIFIED by prayer and ESTABLISHED in Bible truth.”Ibid, Counsels to Writers & Editors, p. 47.

Remember:
(1) Even in God’s last merciful warnings in destructive judgments, like this Covid pandemic, there is a “door” that closes to certain people while it is still open to another! Know how and why!
(2) Even the most fervent and persistent prayers will never replace our known duties to God; such is but “presumptuous faith,” not the “faith of Jesus”—-all part of the deception of the mingling of truth and error!

Make your calling and election sure! Bless all, NMF

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Daily Manna

THE ANTITYPICAL ELIJAH & JOHN THE BAPTIST MESSAGE & WORK

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

THE ANTITYPICAL ELIJAH & JOHN THE BAPTIST MESSAGE & WORK

Key Verse: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming and the great and dreadful day of the Lord; and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4: 5, 6, KJV.

“The closing words of Malachi are a prophecy the WORK that should be done PREPARATORY to the FIRST and SECOND advent of Christ.”

“Those who are to ‘prepare the way’ for the SECOND advent of Christ, are REPRESENTED by faithful ELIJAH, as JOHN THE BAPTIST came ‘in the spirit of Elijah [‘Elias’ in the NT Greek] to prepare for Christ’s FIRST advent.” (NOTE: Study the characters, lives, works, and times of these two prophet-reformers of their generations].”

‘OUR message [today] must be AS DIRECT as was that of John the Baptist. He REBUKED kings for their iniquity [called sin by its right name clearly, without any ‘sugar-coating’ or deceptive/defensive euphemisms]. Notwithstanding the PERIL his life was in, he never allowed truth to LANGUISH on his lips…..”

“In THIS TIME of well-nigh UNIVERSAL APOSTASY, [the English Dictionary says ‘Catholic’ means ‘universal’] God calls upon HIS MESSENGERS [any who are truly called, fully convicted, are humble and willing to be ‘taught of God,’ regardless of education, age, or position in life], TO PROCLAIM HIS LAW [and all that it embodies and comprehends in the great controversy and the plan of redemption].IN THE SPIRIT AND POWER OF ELIJAH.

“As John the Baptist, in PREPARING A PEOPLE [not the whole ‘chosen people’ Jewish nation exclusively] for Christ’s first advent, CALLED THEIR ATTENTION to the Ten Commandments, so WE ARE to give the message, NOT UNCERTAIN SOUND, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the HOUR OF HIS JUDGMENT IS COME’ [Rev. 14: 6, 7].

With the EARNESTNESS that characterized Elijah the prophet and John the Baptist, WE ARE TO STRIVE TO PREPARE THE WAY FOR CHRIST’S SECOND ADVENT.”

“The hour of God’s judgment has come, and UPON THE MEMBERS OF HIS CHURCH ON EARTH rests the solemn responsibility of giving WARNING to those who are standing as it were on the very brink of eternal ruin.

“ALL can do SOMETHING in the work. None will be pronounced GUILTLESS before God UNLESS they have worked earnestly and unselfishly for the salvation of souls.

“YOUR DUTY CANNOT BE SHIFTED TO ANOTHER. No one but yourself can do your work. If you WITHHOLD your light, SOMEONE WILL BE LEFT IN DARKNESS THROUGH YOUR NEGLECT. The Lord has a place for everyone in His great plan.” [Know what yours is, and get to work immediately. Time is running out].” – E.G.White, FILB 290.

Don’t shirk or neglect your duty to God. Some soul may be lost: it could be ours, too, for God’s mercy and judgment are fair, equal, and “righteousness altogether.” Bless all, NMF

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Daily Manna

THE ANTITYPICAL ELIJAH & JOHN THE BAPTIST MESSAGE & WORK

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

THE ANTITYPICAL ELIJAH & JOHN THE BAPTIST MESSAGE & WORK

Key Verse: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming and the great and dreadful day of the Lord; and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4: 5, 6, KJV.

“The closing words of Malachi are a prophecy the WORK that should be done PREPARATORY to the FIRST and SECOND advent of Christ.”

“Those who are to ‘prepare the way’ for the SECOND advent of Christ, are REPRESENTED by faithful ELIJAH, as JOHN THE BAPTIST came ‘in the spirit of Elijah [‘Elias’ in the NT Greek] to prepare for Christ’s FIRST advent.” (NOTE: Study the characters, lives, works, and times of these two prophet-reformers of their generations].”

‘OUR message [today] must be AS DIRECT as was that of John the Baptist. He REBUKED kings for their iniquity [called sin by its right name clearly, without any ‘sugar-coating’ or deceptive/defensive euphemisms]. Notwithstanding the PERIL his life was in, he never allowed truth to LANGUISH on his lips…..”

“In THIS TIME of well-nigh UNIVERSAL APOSTASY, [the English Dictionary says ‘Catholic’ means ‘universal’] God calls upon HIS MESSENGERS [any who are truly called, fully convicted, are humble and willing to be ‘taught of God,’ regardless of education, age, or position in life], TO PROCLAIM HIS LAW [and all that it embodies and comprehends in the great controversy and the plan of redemption].IN THE SPIRIT AND POWER OF ELIJAH.

“As John the Baptist, in PREPARING A PEOPLE [not the whole ‘chosen people’ Jewish nation exclusively] for Christ’s first advent, CALLED THEIR ATTENTION to the Ten Commandments, so WE ARE to give the message, NOT UNCERTAIN SOUND, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the HOUR OF HIS JUDGMENT IS COME’ [Rev. 14: 6, 7].

With the EARNESTNESS that characterized Elijah the prophet and John the Baptist, WE ARE TO STRIVE TO PREPARE THE WAY FOR CHRIST’S SECOND ADVENT.”

“The hour of God’s judgment has come, and UPON THE MEMBERS OF HIS CHURCH ON EARTH rests the solemn responsibility of giving WARNING to those who are standing as it were on the very brink of eternal ruin.

“ALL can do SOMETHING in the work. None will be pronounced GUILTLESS before God UNLESS they have worked earnestly and unselfishly for the salvation of souls.

“YOUR DUTY CANNOT BE SHIFTED TO ANOTHER. No one but yourself can do your work. If you WITHHOLD your light, SOMEONE WILL BE LEFT IN DARKNESS THROUGH YOUR NEGLECT. The Lord has a place for everyone in His great plan.” [Know what yours is, and get to work immediately. Time is running out].” – E.G.White, FILB 290.

Don’t shirk or neglect your duty to God. Some soul may be lost: it could be ours, too, for God’s mercy and judgment are fair, equal, and “righteousness altogether.” Bless all, NMF