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Mid-week Manna

THE CONFLICT OF THE AGES SERIES

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
April 26, 2023

THE CONFLICT OF THE AGES SERIES

Hereunder are the precious five-volume books, all authored by the inspired pen of Ellen G. White, the last of the special line of messenger-prophets, beginning with Elijah in the Old Testament, then John the Baptist in the New Testament, whose work and message “in the spirit of Elijah” was to “prepare the way”for the first coming of Christ as the “promised Seed,” the Messiah. The third and last bears the “spirit of prophecy which is the testimony of Jesus” to the remnant church and the world (Rev. 19:10).
Here they are:

  1. PATRIARCHS & PROPHETS

Trac[es] the great conflict between good and evil from its beginning down through the centuries to the TIME OF DAVID’S DEATH, indicating God’s infinite love for mankind by His DEALINGS with the ‘holy men of old.’ We are shown why SIN was permitted, why SATAN was not destroyed, and why MAN was tested. Gives a thrilling description of man’s TEMPTATION AND FALL, and rehearses the PLAN OF REDEMPTION devised for his salvation. 793 pages.”

  1. PROPHETS & KINGS

“Point[s] out the great MORAL LESSONS to be learned from Israel’s triumphs, defeats, backslidings, captivity, and reformation, showing God’s mercy toward an OBDURATE people and making these lessons PRACTICAL HELPS to souls in TIMES OF TESTING. It abounds in great CHARACTER STUDIES, and above them all rises in GLORY SUPERNAL the coming King, the Lamb of God. 620 pages.”

  1. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

“Gives a comparatively FULL HISTORY of the work of the early church and of the APOSTOLIC DISPENSATION. It is a most inspiring and encouraging account of the church AT WORK, and a very.efficient HELP to the followers of Christ in every walk of life. 620 pages.”

  1. THE DESIRE OF AGES

“Step by step the life of our Savior is traced, and made to TOUCH OUR LIFE, so that He becomes, IN VERY TRUTH, ‘our elder Brother.’ The wonderful manner in which divinity and humanity were COMBINED [in the mystery of the incarnation]; the WAY in which Christ, while dwelling IN a human body, with only human strength, took hold of DIVINE strength, and thus OVERCAME SIN, —-these things are made clear and helpful on every page and every sentence. 860 pages.”

  1. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BETWEEN CHRIST AND SATAN

“Presents the HISTORY of the great conflict between Christianity and the powers of darkness, as illustrated in the lives of the Christian MARTYRS AND REFORMERS on one hand, and the WICKED MEN AND PERSECUTING POWERS on the other. Beginning with our Lord’s great prophecy, given while He was VIEWING JERUSALEM from the Mount of Olives [see Matt. 23: 36-39; 24: 15-18; Luke 21: 20-24] this book OUTLINES the history of the whole dispensation down to the time when ‘God’s entire universe is clean,’ and the great controversy [enmity] is ended [after the “one thousand years” reckoned from Christ’s second advent’]. 700 pages.” (All emphasis and words in brackets mine).

Instead of wasting precious time, energy, resources, and money on the unnumbered attractions and schemes of the master deceiver Satan, and “the things of the earth that will soon pass away,” “trim your lamps,” meaning, prayerfully study your Bibles like you never did before alongside these volumes without preconceived ideas and prejudices.
Your minds will be fortified with the great testing truths for these last days and be better equipped to quickly discern between the end-time counterfeits and the genuine and thus make spiritually enlightened choices, decisions, plans, and commitments that will determine your eternal salvation!

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

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Saving Enmity Part 16

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
April 19, 2023

God’s Saving Enmity
Part 16

This is a special “parenthetical” information so vital to our current series. I urge all who desire to quickly advance in the understanding and knowledge of the comprehensive nature, application, reach, scope and magnitude of the “enmity” that God immediately “put between the serpent and the woman and their respective seeds,” just before the first couple and the father and mother of humankind were banished from Eden because of the first experiment by free moral agents with disobedience and the first experience of its incurred guilt. Genesis 3:15.

The abundant and profound enlightenment of the combined historical and spiritual truths of the subject is revealed in The CONFLICT [enmity] OF THE AGES Series comprised of five books, all penned by Ellen G. White, my favorite author next to writers of the 66 books of the Bible.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I have and continue to be blessed by the assisting enlightenment of these books in my quest to understand the present, testing truths of the Bible gospel for these last days. This and a compelling conviction to share in waning hours of earth’s probation and in preparation for the stupendous climax of the enmity and controversy between Christ and Satan and their respective agencies and followers, is all I am interested in. I am in no capacity or manner an agency of the publishers of these books and therefore don’t receive nor am interested in receiving any commendations, much less any form of commissions if any of these books are purchased from the publishers or from anyone. The only “reward” I may receive, if “faithful to the end,” is what Jesus promised, “Behold, your reward is in heaven,” not here on fallen earth.

From my personal library, here are the books, bound in dark, red cloth and the summary highlights of each as printed on the last page of the Patriarchs & Prophets, written by editors of the publisher, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, CA, 1819, 1913 (all emphasis mine):

“THE CONFLICT OF THE AGES SERIES By Mrs. E. G. White:

“A series of five intensely interesting volumes dealing with the GREAT CONFLICT between the forces of good and the forces of evil, from the inception of the rebellion in heaven to the time when ‘sin and sinners are no more.’ Each volume is complete in itself, INSOFAR as it deals with its special period of time and its special subject. TO READ THE VOLUME CREATES THE DESIRE TO COMPLETE THE SERIES.” The Publishers.

This is exactly what happened to me years before I ever read these specific lines in fine print in this early edition, just this week! The very first volume I got to fully read of this series was The Great Controversy, 1884 original edition, or Vol. 4 of the Spirit of Prophecy, abbreviated as “4SOP.”

It immediately opened my eyes and mind and jump-started a compelling desire to study and really understand the Bible and the prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation. It’s high time to awake from our spiritual stupor and slumber. “The night is far spent.” The time of the churches’ and mankind’s final test is so much nearer now “than when we first believed,” i.e.. If we even ever did of the genuine gospel!
As prophesied, the ear-pleasing, sin-excusing counterfeits are virally-spreading in the end-time deceptions during these closing hours of earth’s probation.

It’s time to closely, critically, humbly, and honestly examine and prove ourselves, not others, “whether we are really in” and “have the faith of Jesus.”

The five volumes and their highlights will be given in next week’s MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Saving Enmity Part 15: DELIVERED OUT OF ANTITYPICAL SPIRITUAL LIONS

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
April 12, 2023

God’s Saving Enmity
Part 15

DELIVERED OUT OF ANTITYPICAL SPIRITUAL LIONS

“At my first defense no one took my part, but all forsook me. . . .But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear [the gospel]: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the LION.” 2 Tim. 4:16, 17, R.V.

Who said/wrote these words, and under what circumstances? Apostle Paul, writing of his own trial at the court of the ROMAN Caesars! The Roman or “Romish element” is ever present throughout the great controversy between truth and error till it’s astounding climax, revealed in the inter-linked, end-time prophecies of Daniel and Revelation! The lion is the animal “beast” symbol of Rome.

“Continuing His instruction to His disciples [and first evangelists of the Christian dispensation], Jesus said, ‘BEWARE of men’ [meaning] They were not to put implicit confidence in those who KNEW NOT GOD, and open to them their counsels; for this would give Satan [‘the enemy of God and man’] and his AGENTS an ADVANTAGE. Men’s inventions often COUNTERWORK God’s plans.

“Those who build the TEMPLE of the Lord [the spiritual kingdom/church/bride] are to build according for the pattern shown in the mount [to Moses],—the divine similitude. God is DISHONORED and the gospel BETRAYED when His servants depend on the counsel of who are NOT under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.[‘By their fruits ye shall know them’]. Worldly wisdom is ‘foolishness with God.’ Those who rely on it will SURELY err.

“‘They will deliver you up to councils. . . . yea and before governors and kings shall ye be brought for My sake, for a testimony to them and the Gentiles.’ Matt. 10: 17, 18, R.V. PERSECUTION WILL SPREAD THE LIGHT. [‘The blood of martyrs was the seed of the gospel’ for over a thousand years starting in 538 A.D. in the Old World]. The servants of Christ will be brought before the GREAT MEN OF THE WORLD, who, but for this, might never hear the gospel. The truth has been MISREPRESENTED to these men. They have listened to FALSE CHARGES concerning the faith of Christ’s disciples. Often their ONLY means of learning its true character is the TESTIMONY of those who are BROUGHT TO TRIAL for their faith [not because of any evil or wicked deeds].

“Under EXAMINATION they are required to answer, and their judges to LISTEN to the testimony borne [as in ‘the word of their testimony’]: ‘It shall be given you,’ says Jesus, ‘in that same hour WHAT ye shall speak. For it is NOT ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father, which speaketh IN you.’ As the Holy Spirit of God ILLUMINATES the minds of His servants, the TRUTH will be presented in its DIVINE power and preciousness.

“Those who REJECT the [cutting, unpopular, yet present, testing] truth will stand to ACCUSE AND OPPRESS the disciples. But UNDER LOSS, SUFFERING, and even DEATH, the disciples are to REVEAL THE MEEKNESS of their divine Example. Thus will be seen the CONTRAST between Satan’s agents and the representatives of Christ. The Savior will be LIFTED UP before the rulers of the people [‘the kings and great men of the earth’].”

“The disciples were not endowed with COURAGE AND FORTITUDE OF MARTYRS UNTIL SUCH GRACE is needed. Then the Savior’s promise was fulfilled. [Here are examples]:

“When Peter and John testified before the Sanhedrin council, men ‘marveled; and took knowledge of them, that THEY HAD BEEN WITH JESUS.’ Acts 4:13. Of Stephen it is written that ‘all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the FACE OF AN ANGEL.’ Men ‘were NOT ABLE to resist the WISDOM AND THE SPIRIT by which he spake.’ Acts 16: 15, 10.

“And PAUL, writing of his own trial at the court of Caesars, says, ‘At my first defense no one took my part, but ALL forsook me. . . But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me: that THROUGH me the MESSAGE might be FULLY proclaimed, and that the Gentiles might hear; and I was DELIVERED OUT OF THE MOUTH OF THE LION.’ 2 Tim. 4:16,17, R.V.” -E. G. White, Desire of Ages, p. 354, Apr. 1950, Pacific Press Publishing Asso. (All emphasis and words in brackets mine).

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

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Saving Enmity Part 14: HOW THE ‘PRINCE OF PEACE’ IS ALSO THE CAUSE OF DIVISION IN THE WORLD

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
April 5, 2023

God’s Saving Enmity
Part 14

HOW THE ‘PRiNCE OF PEACE’ IS ALSO THE CAUSE OF DIVISION IN THE WORLD

   “Shortly BEFORE His crucifixion, Christ bequeathed to His disciples a LEGACY OF PEACE. ‘Peace I leave with you,’ He said, ‘not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14: 27).

   “This peace is NOT the peace that comes through CONFORMITY to the WORLD [meaning, its standards, methods, philosophies, principles, strategies, tastes, trends, styles].

   “Christ said of Himself, Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace but a sword.” (Matt. 10: 34). THE PRINCE OF PEACE, HE WAS YET THE CAUSE OF DIVISION. He who came to proclaim glad tidings and create hope and joy in the hearts of men, OPENED A CONTROVERSY that burns deep and arouses intense passions in the human heart.

   “And He warns His followers, ‘In the WORLD, ye shall have TRIBULATION.’ ‘They shall lay their hands on you, and PERSECUTE you, delivering you up to the SYNAGOGUES [or churches, religious tribunals], and into PRISONS, being brought forth before kings and rulers for MY NAME’S SAKE.’ Ye shall be BETRAYED both by PARENTS, and BRETHREN [fellow church members], and KINSFOLKS [relatives], and FRIENDS; and some of you shall THEY cause to be put to DEATH.’ (John 10: 33; Luke 21: 12, 16, KJV).

   “This prophecy has been fulfilled in a marked manner. Every INDIGNITY, REPROACH, and CRUELTY that Satan could instigate in human hearts [see above for who many are and will be] to devise, has been visited upon the followers of Jesus [particularly during the Dark Ages of papal supremacy, 538-1798 A.D.]

    “And it will be AGAIN FULFILLED in a marked manner; [why?] “For the carnal heart is STILL AT ENMITY WITH THE LAW OF GOD, and will not be subject to His commands’ [See Rom. 8: 6-9]. The WORLD is no more in harmony with the PRINCIPLES of Christ TODAY than it was in the days of the apostles!

    “The SAME HATRED that prompted the cry, ‘Crucify Him! Crucify Him!’ the SAME HATRED that led to the persecution of the disciples, STILL WORKS IN THE CHILDREN OF DISOBEDIENCE [against the Decalogue]. The SAME SPIRIT which in the Dark Ages consigned men and women to prison, to exile, and to death, which conceived the exquisite torture of the INQUISITION, which planned and executed the MASSACRE OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW [in France], and which kindled the FIRES OF SMITHFIELD, is still at work with MALIGNANT ENERGY IN UNREGENERATE HEARTS [although they have the ‘appearance and form of godliness’].

   “The HISTORY OF TRUTH has ever been a record of STRUGGLE between right and wrong. The proclamation of the [genuine] GOSPEL has ever been carried forward in the WORLD in the face of OPPOSITION, PERI, LOSS, AND SUFFERING.” – Mrs. E. G. White, Acts of the Apostles, 1911, pp. 84, 85, Pacific Press Publishing Asso. (All emphases  and bracketed words mine).

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

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Saving Enmity Part 13: THE HARDEST ENMITY (VARIANCE) CHRIST’S FAITHFUL HAVE TO BEAR

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
March 29, 2023

God’s Saving Enmity
Part 13

THE HARDEST ENMITY (VARIANCE) CHRIST’S FAITHFUL HAVE TO BEAR

Jesus solemnly instructed—not just counseled, much less merely informed or suggested His first Twelve disciples including Judas Iscariot — what their working orders were. Read Matthew chapter 10 prayerfully. Ask for divine grace, wisdom, and power to fuel your effort to jettison whatever preconceived opinions you may have, especially those that have been “traditionalized” into your religious beliefs, upbringing, and widespread acceptance.

When diligently and objectively traced back to their earliest origins, it will be found to the horrified surprise of many that most of the prominent ones were not Biblical at all but were based on ancient heathen worship, and pagan beliefs and superstitions that were “Christianized,” as part of the prophesied “falling away.” The line of prophecies connecting Daniel with Revelation exposes these.

Now, for a closer look at one of the most startling and difficult aspects of individual “crosses they would have to bear” outlined in Jesus’ training manual and working orders for the first Twelve. He, the promised Messiah and the One who they promptly left all they were engaged in as their humble livelihoods, in response to His invitation, “Come, follow Me,” told them (all emphases and words in brackets mine):

“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a SWORD. For I am come to set a man AT VARIANCE against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man’s FOES shall be they of his OWN HOUSEHOLD. And he that loveth father or mother MORE than Me is NOT WORTHY of Me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he that TAKETH NOT HIS [this] CROSS, and followeth after Me [His teachings and life example] is not worthy of Me.” Verses 34-3&, KJV.

And to think that the triumphant announcement of the incomparable angelic choir to the humble shepherds and pagan magi or Persian wisemen/scholars above the fields of Bethlehem at Christ’s birth was, “Glory to God in the highest, PEACE and goodwill towards men [on earth]”

Was there an imponderable mistake somehow? A staggering contradiction between that song of the angelic heralds and Christ’s words to His first Twelve?

We’ll see on next week’s MWM. Meantime, please contemplate for yourself the foundational principles laid down in Genesis 3: 15 regarding what I call the Grand Parallel Subjects of the Bible-
the great controversy and the plan of redemption!
Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Saving Enmity Part 12: SATAN’S ENMITY AGAINST GOD’S LAW OF LOVE

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

God’s Saving Enmity
Part 12

SATAN’S ENMITY AGAINST GOD’S LAW OF LOVE

“Before the entrance of evil, there was peace and joy throughout the universe. All was in perfect harmony with the Creator’s WILL. Love for God was SUPREME, love for one another IMPARTIAL. Christ the Word [John 1:1-3], the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father—one in nature, character, and in purpose,—the ONLY BEING in the whole universe that could enter into all the purposes and counsels of God. By Christ, the Father wrought in the CREATION of all heavenly beings [the angels]. [Col. 1:16 quoted]; and to Christ, EQUALLY to the Father, all HEAVEN gave allegiance.

(NOTE: Biblical unity of spiritual oneness, as modeled in and by the three Persons of the Godhead, is one in nature, character, and purpose. It’s man-made opposite and counterfeit is enforced uniformity with emphasis on external appearance and form, and excludes the freedom and liberty of the individuality of man to make choices based on conviction of conscience where, what, when, and who to obey, venerate, and worship).

 “The Law of love being the FOUNDATION of the government of God, the happiness of all beings DEPENDED upon their perfect accord [and obedience] with its great principles of RIGHTEOUSNESS. God desires from all His creatures the SERVICE OF LOVE, homage that springs from an INTELLIGENT appreciation of His CHARACTER. He takes no pleasure in a FORCED ALLEGIANCE, and to all He grants FREEDOM OF WILL, that they may render Him VOLUNTARY service [beginning with the angels as “ministering spirits”]. 

 “But there was one that CHOSE TO PERVERT THiS FREEDOM. Sin originated with him who, NEXT to Christ, has been most honored of God, and stood HIGHEST in power and glory among the inhabitants of HEAVEN. Before his fall, LUCIFER was FIRST of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. “Thou wast perfect in thy ways, till INIQUITY was found in Thee.’ [Eze. 28: 12-15, 17 quoted]. 

“Satan might have retained in favor with God, beloved and honored by all the ANGELIC HOST, exercising his noble powers to bless others and glorify His Maker. But, says the prophet, ‘Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness’ [Eze. 28: 12-15, 17]. 

 “Little by little [step after step], Lucifer came to INDULGE a desire for SELF EXALTATION. ‘Thou hast set thine heart AS the heart of God.’ Thou hast said…..I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation [of angels]….I will ascend ABOVE the heights of the clouds [of all the angels]; I will be LIKE THE MOST HIGH’[Eze. 28:6; Isa. 14: 13, 14]. 

 “Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the AFFECTIONS AND ALLEGIANCE of His creatures, it was Lucifer’s endeavor to win their [the angelic host] service and honor to himself. And COVETING the honor which the infinite Father had bestowed upon His Son, this PRINCE OF ANGELS aspired to power which it was the PREROGATIVE of Christ alone to wield.” E. G. White, Great Controversy, 1911 ed., pp. 493-4.

This was the genesis and source of the “mystery of iniquity” with its “enmity” with Christ, God’s law, and His faithful people throughout all the ages since, till the end of fallen earth’s time! It started in heaven, the home of the angels, but ends on earth the planet home the Creator originally made for man. As fallen, sinful, corrupted man is restored on earth to the original sinless “image and likeness” character to his Creator by the plan of redemption of the gospel, so will be “the new earth,” which is the antitypical “Canaan,”the eternal “Promised Land” of the eternally-redeemed “where sin” and iniquity with its enmity “shall rise no more.”

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

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Mid-week Manna

MYSTERY OF SATAN’S ENMITY IN HEAVEN IS IN THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
March 15, 2023

God’s Saving Enmity
Part 11

MYSTERY OF SATAN’S ENMITY IN HEAVEN IS IN THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY

“And there was WAR in heaven: Michael and His angels FOUGHT against the dragon: and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not neither was their place found anymore in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the Devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out [of heaven] into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Rev. 12: 7-9., 3, 4; cf. Jude 6; 2 Pet. 2:4, KJV.

Michael is Christ’s title and office as Commander-in-Chief of heaven’s army of angels; hence, “Michael the ArchAngel.

God’s messenger wrote:
“To countless minds, the origin of sin and the reason for its existence are a source of great perplexity. They see the work of evil, with its terrible results of woe and desolation [the curse of sin], and they question how all these can exist under the sovereignty of One who is Infinite in WISDOM, in POWER, and in LOVE.

“Here is a mystery of which, they find no explanation. And in their uncertainty and doubt they are BLINDED TO TRUTHS plainly revealed in God’s word, and ESSENTIAL to salvation [Biblical salvation means deliverance from bondage to Satan and slavery to sin]. 

“There are those who in their  inquiries concerning the EXISTENCE of sin, endeavor to search into that which GOD has never revealed [see Deut. 29:29]; hence they find NO SOLUTION of their difficulties; and such as are actuated by a disposition to DOUBT and CAVIL, seize upon this as an EXCUSE for rejecting the words of the Holy Writ. Others, however, fail of a satisfactory understanding of the great problem of evil from the fact that TRADITION AND MISINTERPRETATION have obscured the teachings of the Bible concerning [1] the character of God [2] the nature of His government, and [3] the principles of His dealing with sin.

“It is IMPOSSIBLE to explain the origin of sin so as to give it a REASON of existence. Yet ENOUGH may be understood concerning both the ORIGIN and the FINAL DISPOSITION of sin [its alpha and omega, beginning and end], to make fully manifest the JUSTICE AND BENEVOLENCE of God in all His DEALINGS with evil. 

“Nothing is more plainly taught in Scriptures that God was in NO WISE RESPONSIBLE for sin; that there was NO ARBITRARY withdrawal of divine grace, NO DEFICIENCY in the divine government, that gave occasion to the uprising of REBELLION [resulting from the pride, envy, jealousy, and enmity of Lucifer towards Christ]. 

“Sin is an INTRUDER, for whose presence no reason can be given. It is MYSTERIOUS, UNEXPLAINABLE; TO EXCUSE IT IS TO DEFEND IT. Could excuse for it be found, or CAUSE be shown for its existence, it would CEASE to be sin. 

“Our ONLY definition of sin is that given in the word of God [not by any religion, church, or denomination]; it is ‘the transgression of the law’[1 John 3:4]; it is the outworking of a PRINCIPLE AT WAR WITH THE GREAT LAW OF LOVE which is the foundation of the divine government.” -E. G. White, The Great Controversy, 1911 ed., pp. 492-3, Pacific Press Publishing Asso. (all emphasis and words in brackets mine).

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

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Saving Enmity Part 10: THE UNCEASING ENMITY OF THE WORLD WITH CHRIST, HIS DISCIPLES AND THE GOSPEL

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
March 8, 2023

God’s Saving Enmity
Part 10

THE UNCEASING ENMITY OF THE WORLD WITH CHRIST, HIS DISCIPLES AND THE GOSPEL

See John 15: 17-25 (KJV or RV) first. Now these (all emphasis and words in brackets mine):

“Ye adulteress and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the WORLD is ENMITY with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the ENEMY of God.” James 3:4. 

“Love not the WORLD, neither the THINGS that are in the world [worldly things]. If any man LOVE the world the love of the FATHER is not in him. For ALL that is in the world, the lust of the FLESH, and the lust of the EYES, and the PRIDE of life, is NOT of the Father but of the world. And the WORLD PASSETH AWAY AND THE LUST THEREOF, but he that doeth the WILL of God abideth forever [with Him].” 1 John 2: 15-17, KJV.

Here is a definitive definition of the gospel as delineated in the comprehensive sanctuary doctrine:
“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 are believers. [Not all believers are truth believers]. Man must be SANCTIFIED through the truth. 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, Mar. 13, 1885).

See Matt. 10: 14-41. Thus:
“The Savior bade His disciples not to hope that the WORLD’S ENMITY TO THE GOSPEL would be overcome, and that after a time its OPPOSITION would cease. He said, ‘I CAME NOT TO SEND PEACE BUT A SWORD.’ This creation of strife is NOT THE EFFECT OF THE GOSPEL BUT THE RESULT OF THE OPPOSITION [to it].

“Of all the PERSECUTIONS hardest to bear is variance in the HOME, the ESTRANGEMENT of dearest earthly friends. But Jesus declares, ‘he that loveth FATHER or MOTHER MORE than Me, is NOT WORTHY of Me; and he that loveth SON or DAUGHTER MORE than Me, is not worthy of Me. And he that

taketh not HIS CROSS [of self-denial and self-sacrifice and loving Jesus MORE than his earthly family, dearest friends, and fellow church brethren] and followeth after Me [His life example and teachings], is not worthy of Me.’” (E. G. White, Desire of Ages, p. 357.

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