Category: Devotionals

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Daily Manna Devotionals

IS ‘ANTICHRIST’ YET TO APPEAR ACCORDING TO EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS? Part II

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

IS ‘ANTICHRIST’ YET TO APPEAR ACCORDING TO EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS? Part II

“These prophecies [of John, 1 John 2:18,22; 4:3; 2 John 2; 1 John 2:18 and Paul, Acts 20:29,30; 2 Thess. 2:3-7) point out clearly that the ‘elders’ (later called bishops) would ‘draw away’ people from the truth of the Bible, to follow men, and this ‘falling away’ [meaning of apostasy], which had ‘already’ begun in Paul’s day, would develop until a ‘man’ would exalt himself to take the place of Christ in the church.

“Every thoughtful student of prophecy can see that this points unmistakably to the Papacy, and it accords exactly with the significance of the name ‘antichrist.’

Dr. James Strong [author of Strong’s Concordance which is based solely on the KJV Bible] says that ‘antichrist’ comes from two Greek words, ANTEE and KHRISTOS, and gives the following definition of ANTEE: ‘Opposite, I.e., instead or because of…..for, in the room of. Often used in composition to denote….substitution.’- Exhaustive Concordance Greek Dictionary. Thomas Sheldon Greene says: ‘Anti, prep, over against; hence, in correspondence to; in place of.’ Greek-English Lexicon, p.14, Boston: 1896.

“The meaning, therefore, of ‘antichrist,’ as it is used in the New Testament, is a RIVAL TO CHRIST or one who attempts to take the place of Christ as His ‘VICAR.’

“This significance of the prefix ‘anti’ is also seen in the word ‘antipope.’ [Note: there was a 40-year period in the Roman Catholic Church euphemistically called the Western Schism where three different lines of the papacy were warring against each other, each claiming to be the legitimate pope and accusing the others as ‘antipope’]. (For further information in this point see ‘The Papacy is Antichrist,’ by J. A. Wylie, pp. 2-18. Edinburgh. George M’Gibbon).

We shall now see that this is exactly which Roman Catholics claim for their pope, that he holds the place of Christ on earth: Rev. T.L. Kinkead says: ‘Our Holy Father the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, is the vicar of Christ on earth and the visible head of the Church.’ – ‘Explanation of the Baltimore Catechism,’ p. 130. Benziger Bros. (Sanctioned by Cardinal Gibbons, five archbishops, nineteen bishops, and other dignitaries).

“Rev. William Humphrey, S.J. [Jesuit, says: ‘A vicar is put in the place of him whom he represents. He is invested with his power, he is furnished with his authority. He personages his principal….The master by appointment of his vicar, binds himself to ratify his vicar’s acts, and to recognize them as his own.’ – ‘The Vicar of Christ,’ p. 4 New York: Benziger Bros., 1892.

“Thomas Morell, D.D., and Prof. John Carey, L.L.D., say: ‘Vicarius a, um. adj. That is instead, in place of another; that supplies another’s room; a deputy….One who performs the office, or duty, of another; a deputy, a substitute.’ – ‘An Abridgement of Ainsworth’s Latin Dictionary, Designed for the Use of Schools, p. 604. London: 1826.” – Facts of Faith, ‘The Antichrist,’ p. 198.

(To be continued). Bless all, NMF

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Daily Manna Devotionals

IS ‘ANTICHRIST’ YET TO APPEAR ACCORDING TO EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS? Part 1

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

IS ‘ANTICHRIST’ YET TO APPEAR ACCORDING TO EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS? Part 1

I am sure you want to know the truth regarding who or what the ‘Antichrist’ is, when, where, and how “it” will appear. Here are the facts (in a series) and then decide for yourself.

“The name ‘Antichrist’ is found in only three chapters of the Bible, and in every instance it was emphatically stated that he was ALREADY in the world. We read:

‘Ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even NOW there are MANY antichrists. . . . Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.’ 1 John 2:18, 22. ‘This is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even NOW ALREADY it is in the world.’ 1 John 4:3. ‘For MANY DECEIVERS are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come of the flesh. This is a DECEIVER and an ANTICHRIST.’ 2 John 7, KJV.

“How can anyone in the light of these plain texts, say that the antichrist here spoken of IS NOT YET COME, when the very texts declare that he is here already?

“These texts also reveal that the apostle (John the beloved) did not believe antichrist to be only ONE INDIVIDUAL, but rather an ANTICHRISTIAN TENDENCY IN THE CHURCH: AN ORGANIZATION DOMINATES BY ‘the spirit of antichrist,’ having a MAN as its HEAD, so that when he died another would take his place, and the ANTICHRISTIAN SYSTEM would continue.

“Thus there would be ‘many antichrists,’ as the apostle says, but only ONE SYSTEM; and this system HAD ALREADY MADE PROGRESS before the apostle died, that it was about to capture the church. It’s leader would not accept the Apostle John, ‘one leader forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.’ 3 John 9,10. This accounts for the warnings in John’s epistles against these ‘many antichrists.’ 1 John 2:18.

“The Apostle Paul, during his last journey among the churches, ‘gathered the elders,’ or bishops, and warned them against the coming APOSTASY of the church, which was to be brought about by its leaders. He says:

‘For I know this, that after my departing shall GRIEVOUS WOLVES enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also OF YOUR OWN SELVES shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples AFTER THEM.’ Acts 20:29,30. Later the apostle reminded the believers, that the day of Christ’s return was not then at hand [as they supposed]:

‘For that day shall not come, except there come a FALLING AWAY first, and that MAN OF SIN be revealed, the SON OF PERDITION; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God [the church, 1 Cor. 3:10,16], showing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things. . . For the mystery of iniquity doth ALREADY work.’ 2 Thess. 2:3-7, KJV.” Facts of Faith, Christian Edwardson, p. 196, Southern Publishing Asso., 1943.

(To be continued). It is only the truth as it is in Jesus that can set us free from the bondage to soul-destroying deception and error! Bless all, NMF

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Daily Manna Devotionals

THE RELIGION OF THE BIBLE IS NOT BASED ON ALLEGED JUDEO-CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

THE RELIGION OF THE BIBLE IS NOT BASED ON ALLEGED JUDEO-CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES

Here’s why: “There is a striking similarity between the Church of Rome [who claims to be the “Mother” of all Christian religions] and the Jewish Church [of Judaism] at the time of Christ’s first advent.

While the Jews SECRETLY trampled upon every PRINCIPLE of the law of God [Decalogue], they were OUTWARDLY rigorous in the observance of its precepts, LOADING it down with [man-made] exactions and TRADITIONS that made obedience painful and BURDENSOME.

“As the Jews professed to revere the LAW, so do ROMANISTS claim to reverence the CROSS. They exalt the SYMBOL of Christ’s sufferings, while in their LIVES they deny Him who it represents.

“Papists place crosses upon their CHURCHES, upon their ALTARS, upon their GARMENTS. Everywhere is seen the INSIGNIA of the cross. Everywhere it is outwardly honored and exalted.

“But the teachings of Christ are BURIED beneath a mass of senseless traditions, false interpretations, and rigorous exactions. The Saviors words concerning the BIGOTED JEWS, apply with still GREATER force to the leaders of the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH: ‘They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them in men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.’ Matt. 28:4.

“Conscientious souls are kept in constant terror, fearing the wrath of an offended God, while many of the dignitaries of the church are living in luxury and sensual pleasure.

“The worship of images and relics, the invocation of [dead] saints, and the exaltation of the popes [as the vicegerent of Jesus instead of the Holy Spirit, and claiming to be “verily God on earth”], are DEVICES of Satan, to attract the minds of the people from God and from His Son Jesus Christ.” – E. G. White, Great Controversy, 1911 ed., p. 568.
Bless all, NMF

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Daily Manna Devotionals

THE SON OF MAN/SON OF GOD vs THE MAN OF SIN/SON OF PERDITION

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

THE SON OF MAN/SON OF GOD vs THE MAN OF SIN/SON OF PERDITION

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day [the second advent] shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God, sheweth himself that he is God.” 2 Thess. 2:3,4,KJV.

At the conclusion of the third angel’s message, John in vision specifically describes Jesus as SON Of MAN. coming for the final “harvest” of the earth.

“And I looked, and behold a white cloud [of angels], and upon the cloud sat like unto the SON OF MAN, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.” Rev. 14: 14.

Why is Christ at this point described as SON OF MAN instead of “Lamb of God,” “Lion of the tribe of Judah,” “King of kings and Lord of lords,” etc.? Obviously to re-emphasize the stark difference between the “man of sin” and the Son of man because the world that has rejected Christ has chosen “the man of sin,” an anti type of Barrabas in this instance, but specifically because the “man of sin” usurped the name, position, power, and authority of the Son of God on earth.

The reformatory Elijah and John the Baptist aspects of the Third angel’s message is to expose the man of sin while glorifying the Son of man. Hence God’s servants are clearly instructed as follows:

“By a variety of images the Lord Jesus presented to John the wicked character and seductive influence of those who have been distinguished for their persecution of God’s people.

“All need wisdom [such as Daniel, not Solomon, received] carefully to search out the MYSTERY OF INIQUITY that figures so largely in the winding up of this earth’s history.

“In the time in which we live, the Lord has called HIS PEOPLE and has given them a MESSAGE TO BEAR. [Here’s the antitypical combined Elijah-John the Baptist message]. He has called them to EXPOSE THE WICKEDNESS OF THE MAN OF SIN who has made the Sunday law a distinctive power, who has thought to change times and laws, and to oppress the people of God [since the Dark Ages and onward till the end] who stand firmly to honor Him [how?] by keeping only the TRUE Sabbath of creation, as holy unto the Lord.

“The perils of the last days are upon us, and in OUR WORK, we are to WARN the people of the danger they are in. Let not the SOLEMN SCENES which prophecy has revealed be left UNTOUCHED. [for personal, or fear to offend in the name of “love.” “charity,” “brotherly kindness,” “accommodation,” “inclusiveness,” “positivity,” “ecumenism,” “universalism,” and even “global unity,” etc.].

“If our people were HALF AWAKE, if they realized the NEARNESS of the events portrayed in Revelation, a REFORMATION [not merely a “revival”] would be wrought in our CHURCHES, and many more would believe the message.

“We have no time to lose: God calls upon us [those who minister God’s word] to watch for souls as they that must GIVE AN ACCOUNT. Advance new principles and CROWED IN the the clear-cut truth. It will be as a SWORD CUTTING BOTH WAYS. [Word of caution]: But be not too ready to take a CONTROVERSIAL attitude.

There will be times when we must STAND STILL and see the salvation of God. Let DANIEL speak, let the Revelation speak, and tell what is truth. But whatever phase of the subject is presented, UPLIFT JESUS as the center of all hope, the Root and Offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star.” – Testimonies to Ministers, p. 118. Bless all, NMF

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Daily Manna Devotionals

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST?

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST?

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of Jesus Christ, which He has promised afore in His prophets in the Holy Scriptures [of the Old Testament], concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh [in His incarnation]; and declared to the Son of God with POWER, ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT OF HOLINESS, by the resurrection of the dead: by whom we have received GRACE and APOSTLESHIP FOR OBEDIENCE in the faith among all nations, for His name…..

For I am NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST FOR IT IS THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Rom. 1: 1-5, 19, KJV. Be sure to read verses 1-32. Then, ponder on the following “it is written” regarding the gospel being both the grace and power of God “unto salvation” or the grace and power to SAVE FROM SIN, “the transgression of God’s law” (1 John 3:4).

“For the GRACE of God that BRINGETH SALVATION hath appeared unto all men, TEACHING us that, DENYING ungodliness and worldly lusts, WE SHOULD LIVE soberly, righteously, and godly, IN THIS PRESENT WORLD; looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of our great God and our Savior Jesus Christ [Jesus declared, ‘I and My Father are one’]; who gave Himself for us, that He might REDEEM US FROM ALL [‘unto the uttermost’] INIQUITY, and PURIFY unto Himself a PECULIAR people, zealous of GOOD WORKS [opposite of ‘righteousness by works’ as taught by all heathen/pagan religions, the Jewish church, the Church of Rome and legalists.].

These things SPEAK and EXHORT, and REBUKE with all authority. Let NO man despise thee [when proclaiming this gospel truth of the Bible. God’s authority is its badge and power! But make sure you fully understand this truth by diligent study and daily application of its precepts and principles.

Now this to summarize the above:

“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 PRACTICE, it is no truth to those who claim to BELIEVE it. Man must be SANCTIFIED through the truth [‘as it is in Jesus’]. And said Jesus, ‘Thy word is truth’ (John 17:17). UNLESS the truth shall lift up man OUT of his DEPRAVITY, his INTEMPERANCE [especially over food] and PROFLIGATE habits, and make him REFLECT the image of God, HE IS LOST.” – E. G. White, Letter 4, Mar. 15, 1885/TDG 81.

Many Christians and even among who claim or profess to be the “remnant” may not be firmly established as they should be on the basics, especially the fundamental meaning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as taught in the Bible, not the teachings of men.

So “Examine and prove yourselves today as to whether you are in the faith of Jesus! Ask, seek, and knock for the Holy Spirit as you search your heart and the Word! NMF

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Daily Manna Devotionals

FROM THE FIRST COVENANT SANCTUARY TO THE NEW COVENANT SANCTUARY

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

FROM THE FIRST COVENANT SANCTUARY TO THE NEW COVENANT SANCTUARY

God commanded Moses: “Let them make Me a sanctuary that I might dwell among them.” – Exo. 25:9. The first sanctuary (later called tabernacle, the temple) built by Moses in obedience to God’s command, was not a permanent structure, but a collapsible. portable one to facilitate its travel with Israel throughout the Wilderness journey to the earthly Canaan.

“After the settlement of the Hebrews in Canaan, the tabernacle was replaced by the Temple of Solomon, which though a PERMANENT structure and upon a larger scale, observed the same proportions, and similarly furnished. In this form the sanctuary existed—-except as it lay in ruins at Daniel’s time by the Romans in A. D. 70. [Restored by the returning Jews led by Ezra, then Nehemiah under the three-fold successive decrees of three pagan Persian kings, Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes].

“This is the ONLY sanctuary that ever existed on the earth, of which the Bible gives any information. This was declared by Paul to be the SANCTUARY OF THE FIRST COVENANT.

“But has the New Covenant no new sanctuary? Turning again to the book of HEBREWS [Paul wrote this book] the seekers for truth found that the EXISTENCE of a SECOND, or NEW COVENANT SANCTUARY, was implied already in the words of Paul already quoted: ‘Then verily the first covenant had ALSO ordinances of divine services, and a worldly [earthly] sanctuary.’ (Heb. 8:1,2). And the use of the word ‘also’ intimates that Paul had made mention of this sanctuary.

Turning back to the beginning of the previous chapter, they read: ‘Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an High Priest, who is set on the right hand [position of ultimate authority] of the throne of the Majesty of the universe; a Minister of the sanctuary: and of the TRUE TABERNACLE, which the LORD pitched, not NOT MAN.’ (Exo.25: 9, 40).

“Here is revealed the sanctuary of the New Covenant. The sanctuary of the first covenant was ‘pitched by man,’ built by Moses; but this is pitched by the Lord, not man. In that sanctuary [of the first covenant] the earthly priests performed their service; in this [the New Covenant], Christ, our great High Priest, ministers at God’s right hand. One sanctuary was on earth, the other is in heaven.”- Great Controversy, 1911 ed., pp. 412, 413.

It is because the Christian world has failed to diligently and thoroughly study the precious sanctuary doctrine taught from the very beginning by Moses and on to Paul, that it’s so ignorant and ultra vulnerable to Satan’s deceptive counterfeit teachings on the priesthood, the atonement (the sacrificial, and the blood atonement during the cleansing by the blood of sprinkling in the most holy on the day of atonement. See Lev. 16:1-4; Heb.chapters 8, 9, 10.
(To be continued). Bless all, NMF

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Daily Manna Devotionals

GOD IS LOVE; SO IS SATAN. HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

GOD IS LOVE; SO IS SATAN. HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE

First, spiritual things are spiritually discerned. The carnal mind will mind the things of the flesh but the spiritual mind will mind the things of the Spirit. Thus the carnal mind will confuse Spiritualism for the things of the Holy Spirit! God is love. Of course Satan has a counterfeit of this truth in Spiritualism, in case you were not aware of it till now!

“Even in its present form, so far from being more worthy of TOLERATION than formerly [in the name of “brotherly love,” or “ecumenism”], it is really MORE DANGEROUS because, a MORE SUBTLE deception. While it formerly denounced Christ and the Bible [like during the French Revolution, 1793-1797], it NOW PROFESSES to accept both.

“But the Bible is interpreted in a manner that is PLEASING to the unrenewed heart [carnal heart/mind], while its solemn and vital truths are made of no effect. LOVE IS DWELT UPON AS THE CHIEF ATTRIBUTE OF GOD, but it is degraded to a weak SENTIMENTALISM, making little difference between good and evil. God’s JUSTICE, His DENUNCIATION OF SIN, THE REQUIREMENTS OF HIS LAW, are all kept out of sight.”- Great Controversy, 1911 ed., p. 558.

“Many are the ways by which Satan works through human influence to bind his captives. He secures multitudes to himself by attaching them by the SILKEN CORDS OF AFFECTION to those who are enemies of the cross of Christ. Whatever this attachment may be, PARENTAL, FILIAL, CONJUGAL, OR SOCIAL, the effort is the same; the opposers of truth exert their power to CONTROL THE CONSCIENCE, and the souls held under their sway have NOT SUFFICIENT COURAGE OR INDEPENDENCE to obey their own CONVICTION OF DUTY.” – Ibid, p. 597.

What is our WHOLE duty to God? The answer is clear, direct to the point and given in a language even a child can understand.

“Let us hear the CONCLUSION of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments for this is the WHOLE DUTY OF MAN. For God shall bring every work into JUDGMENT with every secret thing whether they be good or evil.” Eccl. 12:13,14, KJV.

Read the whole chapter of Psalms 119. I’m sure you will gain a deeper understanding of how David viewed this whole duty to God. To him it was “more to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold, and sweeter than the honey and the honeycomb.” (Ps. 19).

This is exactly the opposite of how many Christians consider God’s law a “heavy burden,” and accuse and ridicule those who “love God and keep His commandments” as legalists.

They don’t seem to realize that they are not only accusing the patriarchs, prophets, disciples and apostles but Christ the Law giver! How can anyone face God when he “stands before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of himself ?” (Rom. 14: 10, 12). NMF

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Daily Manna Devotionals

SATAN IS ALSO “THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER” BUT CHANGES APPEARANCE CHAMELEON-LIKE

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

SATAN IS ALSO “THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER” BUT CHANGES APPEARANCE CHAMELEON-LIKE

Far too many in the world today, sadly including Christians, overlook or ignore the testimony of the Bible concerning the wonders performed by Satan and his agencies, spirits or humans, individuals or institutions.

“It was by satanic aid that Pharaoh’s magicians were enabled to counterfeit the work of God. Paul testifies that before the second advent of Christ there will be similar manifestations of satanic power. The coming of the Lord is to be PRECEDED by ‘the workings of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness’ (1 Thess. 2:8.10).

“And the apostle John, describing the miracle-working power that will be manifested in the last days, declares, ‘He doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of these MIRACLES, which he had the power to do.’ (Rev. 13: 13.14). No MERE impostures here are foretold Men are DECEIVED BY THE MIRACLES which Satan’s agents have POWER to do, not which they PRETEND to do.

“The prince of darkness who has SO LONG [at least 6,000 years] bang the powers of his master-mind to the work of DECEPTION, skillfully ADAPTS his temptations to men of ALL classes and conditions. To persons of CULTURE AND refinement, he presents Spiritualism in its more refined and intellectual aspects, and thus SUCCEEDS in drawing many into his snare.” – Great Controversy, 1911, pp. 553, 554.

Please be reminded that more souls will be lost because of deception, not persecution! So if we fear persecution and compromise the truth and yield our faith, Satan has succeeded in deceiving us. God help us, NMF