Tag: God

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

June 18, 2025

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

ORIGIN OF THE PLAN OF SALVATION BEGINS THE REVEAL OF THE MYSTERY OF REDEMPTION

Knowing first the fundamental truths of creation and The Creator and the reason and nature of the fall of man are foundational pillars upon which the great controversy and the plan of redemption/salvation of the genuine gospel can only be truly understood and treasured by fallen mankind. 

But stretching further beyond into “eternity past”—precisely how long ago before the creation-origin (never evolution) of planet Earth and of man, the only creature in the universe originally made, in fact, personally hand-crafted “in the image and likeness of God,” is not revealed. 

And yet, to so totally-undeserving, fallen, sinful, finite mortals such as I, subjects of the saving grace emanating from and manifested in Christ the Word’s  image-character of divine love, enduring mercy, spotless purify and holiness, perfect righteousness and justice as defined in His immutable law and foundation of His everlasting kingdom, is the veil pulled slightly aside by the great I AM. 

It reveals even much more to earnest seekers “of the truth as it is in Jesus” alone, the unparalleled self-sacrificing, self-denying love and humility packed together with His omniscience and omnipotence. 

And what is it? As magnified by “the lesser light that points and leads to the greater light” of the Bible, I quote (all emphasis and bracketed words supplied): 

    “The plan of salvation had been laid BEFORE the creation of the earth; for Christ is ‘the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world’ (Rev. 13:8): yet it was a STRUGGLE, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His Son to DIE FOR THE GUILTY RACE, that ‘whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16). 

     “Oh, the MYSTERY OF REDEMPTION! The LOVE of God for a world that did not love Him! Who can know the DEPTHS of that love which ‘passeth knowledge’ [see Eph. 3: 17-19]. We Through endless ages, immortal minds [of the eternally-redeemed] seeking to comprehend the MYSTERY of that incomprehensible love, will [simply] WONDER AND ADORE.

    “God was to be MANIFEST in Christ [cf. 1 Tim. 3:16; John 1: 1-3, 14, etc.], ‘reconciling the world to Himself’ (2 Cor. 5:19). Man had become so DEGRADED BY SIN [‘the transgression of the law’] that it was IMPOSSIBLE for him, IN HIMSELF, to come into HARMONY with Him whose NATURE is purity and goodness. 

     “But Christ, AFTER having REDEEMED man FROM the condemnation of the law., would IMPART [divine] lPOWER, TO UNITE WITH HUMAN EFFORT. Thus by ‘REPENTANCE towards God and faith in Christ,’ the fallen children of Adam MIGHT ONCE MORE become ‘sons of God.’ (1 John 3:2, KJV).” Quoted from Ellen G. White, Patriarchs & Prophets, Pacific Press Publishing Asso, 1913 ed., pp. 63-4. 

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

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

June 12, 2025

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

THE PURPOSE OF THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION/SALVATION 

     “Even He shall build the temple of the Lord: and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne; and the COUNSEL OF PEACE shall be between THEM both” Zechariah 6:13, KJV. 

    “The counsel of peace.” At first blush, this seemingly “undramatic” phrase written by one of the so-called Minor Prophets of the OT is, when better comprehended, is staggeringly profound in its import—way before our planet earth and man, “made in the image and likeness of God,” were created. And thus, before the fall of man! 

It reveals the great imponderables—the incontrovertible “mysteries”

of God’s love, mercy, patience, long suffering, and kindness, as well as His omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence, from eternity past to eternity future. 

Such is the true nature of Bible prophecies (and all the other truths of God’s Word). They hold in preserve and reveal “the deep things of God” at their precise appointed time, roles, and ways in perfect accord with God’s master plan. He is in full and perfect control. 

However, as revealed only by the Spirit of God to the “holy men of God” from the beginning, “spiritual things can only be spiritually discerned.” The “carnal mind” is not only passively incapable of comprehending and seeing “the beauty of holiness” in them but is actively “at enmity” with God’s law and pure Bible truth “for darkness hateth the light.” This helps explain why Jesus, “the brightness of the Father’s glory and the EXPRESS image of His person” (Heb. 1: 1-3, A.V.), was hated, not loved and welcomed by a sin-darkened, sin-loving world. 

Briefly, “in simplicity, accuracy, and purity,” in humility yet bold confidence in the truth, we declare that the purpose of the plan of salvation/redemption is the only divine antidote, answer, and solution to the great controversy started and waged by Satan and his demonic and human agencies against God, His law and authority and mankind, that guarantees complete and perfect victory of repentant sinners over all temptation, “the love of the world and the things of the world, the lust of the eye and the lust of the flesh”, “over the world, the flesh, and the devil,” and the eternal triumph of truth and the full restoration of all that was deranged and lost to and through sin and Satan! 

As introduction, I will here

quote portions of The Plan of Redemption, chapter 4 of the volume, Patriarchs & Prophets by E. G. White, Pacific Press Publishing Asso. Mt. View, CA, 1913, p. 63. 

 I  urge all to get your own book wherever most convenient, study the five complete volumes of the Conflict of the Ages series by the same author, this volume being one of these. Note:

     “The fall of man filled ALL HEAVEN with sorrow. The world that God had made was blighted with the CURSE of sin, and inhabited by beings DOOMED to misery and death. There appeared NO ESCAPE for those who had transgressed the law [both first created human beings!]. 

     “ANGELS ceased their songs of praise Throughout the heavenly courts there was MOURNING [a mourning that preceded any and all mourning following a death on earth] for the RUIN that sin had wrought.

     “The Son of God, heaven’s glorious Commander [title as Michael the Archangel, Commander-in-Chief of the heavenly host of angels], was touched with PITY for the fallen race. His heart was moved with INFINITE COMPASSION as the WOES of the lost world rosé up before Him. 

     “But divine love had conceived A PLAN WHERBY MAN MIGHT BE REDEEMED. The BROKEN LAW [by disobedience] demanded the LIFE of the sinner [‘the wages of sin is death;’ and ‘sin is the transgression of the law.’]. In all the universe there was BUT ONE who could, in behalf of man, satisfy its claims. 

     “Since the divine law is AS SACRED as God Himself, only one EQUAL WITH GOD could make ATONEMENT for its transgression None but Christ could REDEEM fallen man FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW, and bring him again into HARMONY WITH HEAVEN [note this!].

     “Christ would take upon Himself the GUILT AND SHAME  OF SIN, —-SIN SO OFFENSIVE to a holy God that IT MUST SEPARATE THE FATHER AND HIS SON. Christ would reach the depths of misery to RESCUE the ruined race.” (End quote).

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

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

June 4, 2025

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

THE GOSPEL AND ITS PURPOSE – Part 3

First, here’s one of the most succinct, precise, simple, accurate, and pure summation of what the “gospel” means, what it was divinely designed to accomplish once and for all, for the sin and sinner problem.

   (All emphasis and bracketed words mine):

     “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 them who claim to believe it. Man [with fallen, sinful nature] must be SANCTIFIED through the truth. And said Jesus, ‘Thy [God the Father’s] 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 his reflect the IMAGE OF GOD [as revealed in Christ’s character], he is LOST.” – Ellen G. White, Letter 14, March 13, 1885. 

When carefully compared with the scriptures cited previously, and what Paul declared below, without any preconceived ideas, it is pure, saving truth indeed!: 

     “But If our gospel be hid, if is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the IMAGE of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Cor. 4: 3-5, K.J.V. (Read verses 1-3). 

Here is more enlightenment: 

    “By sin the IMAGE OF GOD in man has been marred and well-nigh obliterated; it is the work of the gospel to RESTORE that which has been lost.” E. G. White, Vol. 5, Testimonies, p. 743. 

     “When Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity, FREEDOM from sin. The GLORY, the fulness, the completeness of the GOSPEL PLAN IS FULFILLED in the life.” – Ibid, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 420. 

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

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

May 28, 2025

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration – Part 2

THE GOSPEL AND ITS PURPOSE 

Among fellow mortals, there were few men who could speak for and in behalf of all the apostles and true messengers and servants of God in these last days till the close of probation. 

One of them is apostle Paul, dramatically converted and transformed by grace from the feared Pharisaical zealot of Judaism and prominent persecutor of Christ’s very first disciples in Judea. 

Paul was uniquely privileged to be taken in vision to “the third heavens, paradise Itself, where he heard language that is not lawful to speak on earth” possessing profound knowledge of the “deep things of God” having been granted the confidence declared with certainty (emphasis supplied):

     “For I am not ashamed of the GOSPEL of Christ: for it the POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION  to everyone that believeth. . . . For THEREIN IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD REVEALED from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith.” Rom. 1:16, 17, A.V.

Christ means “the Anointed One.” Jesus means “He shall save His people FROM their sins.” (Matt. 1:21). And “God is love, light, and life.” 

Jesus Christ’s gospel is verily  “the good news” of salvation for all fallen, sinful mankind “for therein is revealed “to the world, men, and angels” God’s power, purpose, and plan to save fallen mankind completely, fully, and eternally from the curse of sin, “the transgression of the law,” the “wages of which is death”, that is, “the second death.” 

In the imponderable “mystery of godliness” God divine was manifested in the human flesh” (1 Tim 3:16). God Creator partook of the flesh and blood likeness of sinful flesh”, four thousand years after the fall in Eden, and “condemned,” not condoned, “sin in flesh that the righteousness of God might be fulfilled in us.”  The Creator became the “second Adam” to redeem the failure of the first Adam, the original father of the human race. 

The gospel of Christ is first a revelation God’s perfect love, enduring mercy, and “righteousness without a flaw” to the sinner, inviting him to accept by simple, childlike faith the complete efficacy of the atoning blood shed by His substitutionary death at Calvary’s cross as the promised “seed of a woman” (Gen. 3:15), verily the Creator of heaven and earth “in whom dwells the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” This is He, the Desire of ages, “the only-begotten Son of God the Father who, “in the mysterious “love that constraineth us,” offered Him as the Sacrificial “Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world” —the only-acceptable price demanded by the Creator and Lawgiver’s own immutable law, the foundation of His eternal throne and transcript of His character, which was transgressed by His creatures.  

Fallen mankind was thus first redeemed in his totally-helpless condition as hostage/prisoners by his inherent fallen, sinful, carnal, mortal nature to Satan the “adversary of God and man” and a slave to sin. 

By faith in Christ’s once-and-for-all perfect atoning sacrifice as the Lamb of God, he receives the imputed righteousness of Christ by justification, the forgiveness of sins repented and confessed by faith in Christ’s “faithful and just power to forgive sins and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.”  Thereafter, he daily walks and lives “by faith that works by love” (Gal. 5:6) and purifies the soul temple, constantly beholding Christ’s perfect righteousness and character-perfecting life by His empowering grace imparted through the Holy Spirit 

Hereunder is described the saving grace and power of Christ’s redeeming blood shed at Calvary for the forgiveness or pardon of sins  emphasis supplied):

    “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence [carefulness, margin]; having made known the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He had PURPOSED in Himself. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, BOTH which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even IN Him. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance being predestined according to the PURPOSE of Him who worketh after the COUNSEL OF HIS OWN WILL THAT WE SHOULD BE TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY [His righteous character] who first trusted in Christ. In whom also ye trusted after ye heard the WORD OF TRUTH, THE GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION to whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise [the promised Holy Spirit as Christ’s Successor and Vicegerent on earth]—which is the earnest of our inheritance [‘heritage of Jacob’] UNTIL the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the PRAISE of His glory [His glorious character].” Eph. 1:7-14, KJV. 

Carefully read that again, pleading for the Holy Spirit of truth’s enlightenment. 

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

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

May 21, 2025

God’s Purposes Revealed By Inspiration – Part 1

GOD’S PURPOSE REVEALED TO THE TRUTH-SEEKER

We start this series with the word, purpose, as initially laid out in just a couple of sample verses. 

But first let all earnestly pray to be “one in spirit and in one accord,” united by the Holy Spirit in a genuine desire to know the purposes of the Desire of Ages, God in Christ Jesus Himself, in order to do His will by fulfilling our part intelligently, spiritually, voluntarily, I willingly, and uncompromisingly—all by the “constraint of love” “because He first loved us,” and “died for us even while we were yet sinners.”

Hereunder are the sample scriptures I have selected from the Authorized Version (KJV) Carefully consider the context. 

     “Every purpose is established by counsel:. . . Prov. 20:18.

     “To everything there is a reason, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Eccl. 3:1.

      “And I said in mind heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” Eccl. 3:17. 

     “Where the word of the King is, there is power: and who may say unto Him, What doest thou? Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment. Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.”  Eccl. 8:4-6. 

     “This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all nations. For the Lord of hosts  hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And His hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?” Isa. 14:26, 27. 

Contemplate, ponder, and “think on these things” for “there is virtue and praise in them.”

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