MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
August 3
STUDY THE PROPHECIES WITH THE RIGHT SPIRIT, NOT DISSECT CURRENT EVENTS, INDULGING IN POLITICAL PUNDITRY
“Agitate, agitate, agitate! The subjects which we present to the world [beginning first in our own households, then, in our home churches], must be to us a living reality [not merely doctrinal points to proselytize].
It is important that in DEFENDING the doctrines which we consider FUNDAMENTAL ARTICLES OF FAITH [the great way marks of present truth] we should NEVER allow ourselves to employ ARGUMENTS that are not wholly sound. These may avail to SILENCE an opposer, but they [such arguments] do NOT honor the truth. We should present sound arguments that will not only silence our opponents, but will BEAR THE CLOSEST AND MOST SEARCHING SCRUTINY.
“Whatever men’s intellectual advancement, let him NOT FOR A MOMENT think that there is no need of THOROUGH AND CONTINUOUS searching of the Scriptures for GREATER light. As a PEOPLE, we are called INDIVIDUALLY to be STUDENTS OF PROPHECY [not ‘current events.’].
We must WATCH with earnestness that we may DISCERN ANY RAY OF LIGHT which God shall present to us. We are to catch the FIRST gleanings of truth; and through PRAYERFUL STUDY, clearer light May be obtained, which can be brought before others.
“When God’s people are AT EASE, and satisfied with their PRESENT ENLIGHTENMENT [as in Laodicean, “lukewarm” contentedness and pride], we may be SURE that He will NOT FAVOR them. It is His will that they should be EVER MOVING FORWARD [in spiritual growth of knowledge and wisdom, “increasing in stature and favor with God and man’], to receive the increased and EVER-INCREASING light which is shining on them.
“Brethren, we must sink the shaft deep into the mind of truth. You may QUESTION matters with yourselves and with one another, IF YOU ONLY DO IT IN THE RIGHT SPIRIT; but too often SELF is large, and as soon as investigation begins [in Bible studies, etc.], an UNCHRISTIAN SPIRIT is manifested. This is just what SATAN delights in, but we should come with a HUMBLE HEART to know for ourselves what is truth.
“THE TIME IS COMING WHEN WE SHALL BE SEPARATED AND SCATTERED, and each one of us will have to stand WITHOUT the privilege of communion with those of LIKE PRECIOUS FAITH, and how can you stand UNLESS God is in your side, and you know that He is leading and guiding you?
Please remember this: “Whenever we come to investigate Bible truth [especially during Bible study] the Master of assemblies is with us [in and through the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Godhead, Christ’s only vicegerent on earth from His ascension to His second advent].
The Lord does not leave the ship one moment to be steered by IGNORANT PILOTS. We may receive our orders from the Captain of our salvation.”- E. G. White, Review & Herald, Mar. 25, 1890/CWE 41, 42.
Bless all. To be continued next MWM, God willing, NMF.