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Mid-week Manna

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration: GOD’S PURPOSE FOR NOT QUICKLY ABORTING EVIL AND ITS ORIGINATOR LUCIFER

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

April 22, 2026

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

GOD’S PURPOSE FOR NOT QUICKLY ABORTING EVIL AND ITS ORIGINATOR LUCIFER

TEXT: “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but the things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deut. 29:29, KJV. 

Having first laid down “the greater light” foundations from the Bible of this profound subject, we now quote excerpts of its magnification from “the lesser light” (all emphasis and bracketed words/numbers provided): 

     “To many 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, 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 the truths plainly revealed in God’s word, and ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION. 

    “There are those who, in their inquiries concerning the existence of sin, endeavor to search into that which GOD HAS NEVER REVEALED; 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 [due] from the fact that TRADITION AND MISINTERPRETATION have obscured the teaching 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 a REASON for its existence. Yet ENOUGH may be understood concerning BOTH THE ORIGIN AND FINAL DISPOSITION OF SIN, to make fully manifest the JUSTICE AND BENEVOLENCE of God in all His dealings with evil.

    “Nothing is more plainly taught in Scripture than that God was IN NO WISE RESPONSIBLE for the entrance of sin [either in heaven or earth]; that there was no arbitrary withdrawal of divine grace, NO DEFICIENCY in the divine government, that gave occasion to the uprising of rebellion. 

    “SIN IS AN INTRUDER FOR WHOSE PRESENCE NO REASON CAN BE GIVEN. IT IS MYSTERIOUS, UNACCOUNTABLE; TO EXCUSE IT IS TO DEFEND IT. Could excuse for it be found, of 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; 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 [of God’s everlasting kingdom].”- Ellen G. White, ‘The Origin of Evil,’ ch. 29, Great Controversy, 1911, Pacific Press Publishing, pp. 492-3. 

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

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration:GOD’S PURPOSE FOR PERMITTING SIN FIRST IN HEAVEN THEN ON EARTH

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

April 8, 2026

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

GOD’S PURPOSE FOR PERMITTING SIN FIRST IN HEAVEN THEN ON EARTH

Scripture Foundations of this sub series: 

   “The secret things belong to the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deut. 29: 29, KJV. 

     “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4. 

    “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust [desires], and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1: 13-15. 

   “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point [any of the ten], he is guilty of all.” James 2: 10. 

   “Wherefore, as by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death, by sin; and so death passed into all men, for that all have sinned. For until the  the law, sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed where there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude [likeness] of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of Him [Christ, ‘the last Adam’] who is to come.” Rom. 5: 12- 14. 

Sin, of all places, began in heaven, the home of God and angels! Since Almighty God Creator is in full control of all beings and things created in heaven, earth, and the unfallen worlds and beings in His immeasurable universe, He must have allowed or permitted sin to start in heaven. Why? What divine purpose was to be served by allowing “the mystery of iniquity” to form and break out in heaven, and then continue here on earth for six thousand years now? 

The answers and explanations  to these fundamental questions is the burden of this sub series. We shall source two parallel chapters, namely: “Why was Sin Permitted?”, chapter 1, Patriarchs & Prophets) and “The Origin of Evil,” chapter 29, Great Controversy, 1911 edition; both authored by Ellen G. White. 

I long struggled with these questions and found no satisfactory explanations and reasons offered and propounded by any and many. That is, until in my persistence, I was finally blessed undeservedly by being led by the Holy Spirit to these ‘Testimonies’ and the said chapters. I “return His favors” by sharing these enlightenment by emphasis with all who “have eyes to read, ears to hear, and hearts to yield to the “still small voice” of the Holy Spirit. 

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

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Purposes Revealed by Prophecy and Fulfilled as History

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

April 1, 2026

God’s Purposes Revealed by Prophecy and Fulfilled as History

DANIEL: GOD’S FAITHFUL REPRESENTATIVE WHILE SERVING 

Quoted below are extracts from Commentary on the Book of Daniel, A Section Of Volume IV of The SDA Bible Commentary, published and copyrighted, 1955, by the Review & Herald Publishing Asso.. Washington, D. C., pp. 750-1 (all emphasis and bracketed words provided).

   “Theme. The book of Daniel might properly be called a handbook on history and prophecy. Predictive prophecy is a PREVIEW OF HISTORY; history is predictive prophecy PASSING IN REVIEW. 

     “The elements of prediction 1] enables GOD’S PEOPLE to see the things of TIME in the light of ETERNITY, 2] alerts them for effective action at appropriate times 3] facilitates personal preparation for the final crisis, and 4] provides a firm basis of FAITH upon the fulfillment of the prediction. 

    “The FOUR MAJOR LINES OF PROPHECY in the book of Daniel set forth in brief outline, AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF WORLD HISTORY,  the EXPERIENCES of God’s people

from the days of Daniel down to the close of time: ‘The curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, above, behind, and through all the play and counterplay of human interest and powers and passions THE AGENCIES OF THE ALL-MERCIFUL ONE, silently, patiently, working out the COUNSELS OF HIS OWN WILL’ (E. G. White, PK 500) 

     “Each of the four lines of prophecy reaches a climax when ‘THE GOD OF HEAVEN’ sets ‘UP A KINGDOM, which shall never be destroyed ‘(ch. 2:44), when the ‘SON OF MAN’ receives ‘EVERLASTING DOMINION’ (ch. 7: 13, 14), when opposition to the ‘Prince of princes’ is ‘broken without hand’ (ch. 8:25), and when GOD’S PEOPLE are delivered FOREVER from their oppressors (ch. 12:1). 

     “The prophecies of Daniel thus provide a DIVINELY CONSTRUCTED BRIDGE from the precipice of time to the boundless shores of eternity, a bridge over which THOSE WHO, LIKE DANIEL, PURPOSE IN THEIR HEARTS TO LOVE AND SERVE GOD, may pass by faith from the uncertainty and distress of the PRESENT LIFE to the peace and security of LIFE EVERLASTING.” (End extract, p. 750). 

And so goes the “Old time religion” song’s challenge and exhortation: “Dare to be a Daniel, dare to stand alone,” with the God of heaven, that is. For “If God be with us, who can be against us?”

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

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration: PROPHET DANIEL MADE PRIME MINISTER IN BABYLON AND MEDO-PERSIA

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

March 25, 2026

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

PROPHET DANIEL MADE PRIME MINISTER IN BABYLON AND MEDO-PERSIA

Based on the book of Daniel. 

Daniel was always true to God while loyal to his government. Dan. 6: 16-23. He was a high government official for over 70 years under two successive pagan world empires: Babylon (under Nebuchadnezzar, briefly Belshazzar), on to Medo-Persia (under Darius and Artaxerxes). 

We read the following from the KJV Bible: 

    “Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him RULER over the whole province of Babylon, and CHIEF of the governors over all the wisemen of Babylon.” (Dan. 2:48, read 1-49). 

    “So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”(Dan. 6: 28; cf. Ezra 1:1-11; 2: 1, 2).

The Babylon herein referred to has its spiritual antitype as a major player at the end stages of the church. In Revelation it is a symbol of opposition against Christ and His followers (Rev. 14:8; 16:19; 17:18). Let’s first  consider facts of its secular historical aspect.

Source: SDA Bible Dictionary Complete with Atlas, Commentary Reference Series, Vol. 8, Review & Herald Publishing Asso., WA D.C, 1960, art. ‘Babylonia,’ pp. 108-9 (all emphasis provided): 

    “In the 13th century B.C., the Assyrians. . . invaded Babylonia. . . For 6 centuries Babylonia was more or less an Assyrian dependency. . . Tiglath-pileser III (745-727 B.C. . . made himself king of Babylon under the name of Pul.

    “Sargon II also ruled as king of Babylon, but Sennacherib, tired of the constant rebellions, thoroughly destroyed the city of Babylon. 

    “Esarhaddon rebuilt it.

After which the city experienced its most flourishing period. 

    “In 626 B.C. Nabopolassar, a Chaldean official subject to the Assyrians, declared himself king of Babylon, as one of his tribal relatives, Marduk-apaladdina (the Biblical Merodach-baladan) had done a century earlier. His bid for independence lasted only 18 years, but the new Kindom became a success, and developed into an EMPIRE that soon succeeded that of the Assyrians. 

    “After Nabopolassar had fought against the Assyrians for several years with uneven success, he joined the MEDES, and with their help after a siege of 3 months conquered NINEVEH in 612 B.C.

    “When the conquerors divided the Assyrian Empire, the Babylonian king inherited all of MESOPOTAMIA, SYRIA, and PALESTINE. It was necessary for him to fight remnants of Assyrian resistance in Upper Mesopotamia for a few more years, and also the EGYPTIANS, who had helped the Assyrians and who tried to become the masters of SYRIA and PALESTINE.

   “In 605 B.C., NEBUCHADNEZZAR, still crown prince, defeated NECHO OF EGYPT, first at Charchemish and then at Hamath. Late in the summer his father [Nabopolassar] died and he succeeded to the throne. 

   “Annual campaigns in SYRIA and PALESTINE followed. JERUSALEM was taken several times, and after its THIRD CAPTURE in 586 B.C., the rebellious city was DESTROYED AND ITS POPULATION DEPORTED TO BABYLONIA. 

    “Nebuchadnezzar was a strong king and a great builder. He practically rebuilt the city of Babylon, and erected many structures in many cities. After a successful rule of more than 40 YEARS, he was followed by several weak rulers under whose inefficient government the empire DETERIORATED rapidly. 

    “His son Amel-Marduk, the Biblical Evil-merodach, reigned for only 2 years (562-560 B.C.),  and was then assassinated and succeeded by his brother-in-law Nergal-shar-usur, who ruled in Babylon for 4 years (560-556 B.C.). He was followed by his son Labashi-Marduk, who was murdered after a reign of less than 2 months. The murderers put one of the conspirators, NABONIDUS, on the throne. 

    “Nabonidus saw danger from PERSIA [modern-day Iran] and made an alliance against it with EGYPT, LYDIA, and SPARTA. He also campaigned in ARABIA and made Tema in northwestern Arabia his residence for a number of years, while his elder son, BELSHAZZAR, to whom he entrusted the kingship as COREGENT, ruled in Babylon.

   “In October, 539 B.C., only 23 YEARS after Nebuchadnezzar’s death, the empire fell to the hands of CYRUS THE PERSIAN, almost without a fight. Cyrus had forced an entrance into the Mesopotamian valley in the BATTLE OF OPIS, and a few days later the capital city fell to the Persians without a battle, and its fall ended the history of Babylon as an independent power. 

    “The Kindom became a part of the PERSIAN EMPIRE and later was reduced to a province. The territory then fell to ALEXANDER THE GREAT [of Grecia] and belonged successively to the SELEUCIDS, PARTHIANS, SASSANIDS, and others; now it is part of the country of IRAQ.” (End of excerpt). 

With this historical background of the “rise and fall” of the said empires, we can better appreciate Daniel’s recorded “true as steel to principle” and uncompromising faithfulness to God, while excelling in serving in the highest government offices of  successive pagan kings and their empires! 

It only takes one lit candle to dispel the darkness. As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: “Ye are the light of the world and salt of the earth.”

Are we? 

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

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Purposes Revealed : God’s Men in High Government Positions (Part 1)

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

March 18, 2026

God’s Purposes Revealed

God’s Men in High Government Positions (Part 1)

JOSEPH TRUE TO GOD WHILE GOVERNOR IN ANCIENT EGYPT’S ATHEISTIC EMPIRE 

For the thrilling account of its fuller history, thus first establishing a firm Biblical foundation with its true contextual background, read Genesis chapters 39-45 on your own Bibles, KJV of RSV. 

We now proceed to quote extracts from E. G. White’s book ‘Patriarchs and Prophets,’ Pacific Press Publishing Asso., 1913, pp. 210-223. (All emphases, bracketed words, and Notes provided): 

    “Arriving in Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, captain of the king’s (Pharaoh) guard [by the heathen Ishmaelite traders whom his brothers sold him to], in whose service he remained for 10 years. He was here exposed to temptations of NO ordinary character. He was in the midst of IDOLATRY. The worship of FALSE GODS was surrounded by ALL THE POMP AND ROYALTY, supported by the wealth and culture of the MOST HIGHLY CIVILIZED [yet atheistic and heathen] NATION THEN EXISTING. 

     “Yet Joseph preserved his SIMPLICITY, and his FIDELITY TO GOD. The sights and sounds of VICE were all around him, but he was one who SAW NOT AND HEARD NOT. His THOUGHTS were not allowed to linger upon forbidden subjects. The desire to gain the favor of the Egyptians could not cause him to CONCEAL his principles. 

     “Has he attempted to do this, he would have been OVERCOME by temptation; but he was NOT ASHAMED of the religion of his fathers [the godly patriarchs] and he made no effort to HIDE the fact that he was a worshipper of Jehovah. 

    “‘And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a PROSPEROUS MAN. . . . And his master SAW that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made ALL that he did to prosper in his hand.’ (See Genesis 39). Potiphar’s confidence in him increased daily, and he finally PROMOTED him to be his steward [to the captain of the Pharaoh’s guard/security detail] with FULL CONTROL over all his possessions.  ‘And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not aught what he had, save the bread which he did eat.’ (Gen. 39).”

Now take note all Christian evangelists, preachers, ministers, pastors, and believers of the popular “prosperity gospel.”

    “The marked prosperity which attended everything placed under Joseph’s care was NOT THE RESULT OF A DIRECT MIRACLE; but his industry, care, and energy were crowned with the DIVINE BLESSING. Joseph attributed his success to the FAVOR of God, and even his IDOLATROUS MASTER accepted this as the SECRET of his unparalleled prosperity. 

     “Without steadfast, well-directed effort, however, success could NEVER had been attained. GOD WAS GLORIFIED BY THE FAITHFULNESS OF HIS SERVANT. It was HIS PURPOSE that in purity and uprightness the BELIEVER in God should appear IN MARKED CONTRAST to the worshippers of idols [in all its variant forms, animate and inanimate, including the idol of self in self-worship, philosophical ideas, opinions, theories, traditions, doctrines that contradict Bible truth] that the LIGHT of heavenly grace might shine forth AMID THE DARKNESS OF HEATHENISM.” (end quote). 

NOTE: These earliest form of ancient heathenism and paganism (religions) entered early Christian church through the “great compromise” and “falling away,” resulting in the development of “the man of sin,” in “the mystery of iniquity,” revealed by Paul as “already at work” in his time! See 2 Thess.2: 1-12, etc. 

Prophecy and history, both

sacred and common (secular) silently witness to the grand truth that God is in control, His divine purposes revealed and fulfilled in the rise and fall of nations and empires till “all is fulfilled” and His eternal kingdom finally rules over the “restored first dominion” of “the new heaven and the new earth.”

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

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Mid-week Manna

THE ‘ENMITY’ OF GENESIS.3:15  –  ‘EVERY MARTYR OF JESUS HAS DIED A CONQUEROR’ BEGINNING WITH ABEL

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

December 7, 2022

THE ‘ENMITY’ OF GENESIS.3:15  –  ‘EVERY MARTYR OF JESUS HAS DIED A CONQUEROR’ BEGINNING WITH ABEL

The following is quoted from Patriarchs and Prophets by E. G. White, ‘Cain and Abel Tested’ Chap. 5, (all emphasis and words in brackets mine).

“Cain hated and killed his brother not for any wrong that Abel had done, ‘but because his [Cain’s] works were evil, and his brother’s righteous’ (Gen. 4:6, 7). 

So in ALL AGES the wicked have HATED those who were better than themselves [note that!]. Abel’s life of obedience and unswerving faith [‘the faith that works by love ‘ Gal. 4:6] was to Cain a PERPETUAL REPROOF. ‘Everyone that doeth evil HATETH the light, neither cometh to the light [of truth and righteousness as revealed in the law as the transcript of God’s character] lest his deeds be REPROVED’ (1 John 3:12). 

“The brighter the heavenly light that is REFLECTED in the character of God’s FAITHFUL SERVANTS, the more clearly the sins of the ungodly REVEALED, and the more determined will be their efforts to DESTROY those who DISTURB their [carnal, self-pleasing-justifying] peace.

“The MURDER of Abel was the first example of the ENMITY that God had declared would exist between the SERPENT and the SEED of the woman—-between SATAN and his SUBJECTS and CHRIST and His FOLLOWERS. Through man’s sin [‘the transgression of the law,’ 1 John 3:4], Satan had GAINED CONTROL of the human race, but Christ would ENABLE [and empower] them to CAST OFF HIS YOKE. [The ‘enabling’ of the ‘enmity’ and empowerment of the grace of the Father in His Son, as imparted by the Holy Spirit]. 

“Whenever, through FAITH in the Lamb of God [not ‘trusting man and making flesh his arm.’ Jer. 17:5]. a soul RENOUNCES [not excuses or justifies] the service of sin, Satan’s WRATH is kindled [see Rev. 12:17; 13:12]. The HOLY LIFE of ABEL testified AGAINST Satan’s claim that it is IMPOSSIBLE for man to keep  God’s law [sounds ultra familiar in mainstream Christianity, doesn’t it!] 

“When Cain, moved by the spirit of the wicked one [Satan], saw that he could NOT CONTROL Abel, he was so ENRAGED that he destroyed his [own brother’s] life. [Jesus warned His first Disciples, “Your greatest enemies will be your own household,’ both biological and spiritual “household of faith’ or ‘church’ or ‘religion.’ See Matt. 10: 32-39, etc.]. 

“And WHEREVER there are any who will STAND IN VINDICATION OF THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LAW OF GOD, the SAME SPIRIT will be manifested against them [History indeed will repeat itself till the close of man’s probation!]. It is the SPIRIT that through all ages has set up THE STAKE and KINDLED THE BURNING PILE  for the disciples of Christ. [Study/review the 1260-day prophecy spanning the Dark Ages when the Roman church ruled Christianity and then the known world, 538-1798 A.D.]. 

“But the CRUELTIES heaped upon the follower of Christ are instigated by Satan and his hosts [his ‘seed’] because they CANNOT FORCE THEM to submit to their control. IT IS THE RAGE OF A VANQUISHED FOE. EVERY MARTYR OF JESUS HAS DIED A CONQUEROR. 

“Says the prophet [John the beloved], ‘They [the saints and martyrs in particular] overcame him [‘that old serpent, called the devil’] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they lived not their lives unto the death.’ (Rev. 12: 11, 9).” -pp. 76-7. 

Dear friends, In this our day and time, whose “seed” do you and I belong to? Do not guess or speculate. “Make your calling and election sure” for “By our fruits we are known.” It is either the irrefutable “fruits of the Spirt” and “righteousness” “unto life eternal” (Gal. 5:22-25) or the unmistakable “works of the flesh and sin “unto eternal damnation” (Gal. 5:19-21). In God’s plan of redemption no provision exists for “purgatory,” compromises, “a mixed multitude” of “part wordling-part Christian, amalgamations, mutants, or spiritual synthetic clones of both classes. At the close of our probation at death, we are judged eternally as either one or the other. So “today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” 

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

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Mid-week Manna

THE RELIGION OF THE BIBLE AND THE FAITH OF JESUS Part 6

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

THE RELIGION OF THE BIBLE AND THE FAITH OF JESUS Part 6

Who, does the Bible say, practices and manifests the religion of the Bible and have the faith of Jesus?

Without a shadow of doubt, it is those who, often unrecognized, despised, and ridiculed for their singularity and “peculiarity as a people, as a chosen nation, a royal priesthood and holy nation” (1 Pet. 2:9), because of their own enlightened, loving, consistent, growing, and “faith that works by love” (Gal. 4:6) in the “faith of Jesus”(all that refers to Christ in the New Testament) and thus “have the Spirit of prophecy which is the Testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev.12:17; 14;12; 19:10).

The Revelation of Jesus Christ in the last book of the Bible, by way of end-time prophecy that proclaims “the EVERLASTING gospel,” distinguishes them from the rest of the Christian world in these “It is written,” “Thus saith the Lord,” definitive definitions and descriptions of who, why, and what makes them such: (All from the KJV; emphasis mine):

First, “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make WAR with the REMNANT of her SEED which KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS of GOD, and HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST.” Rev. 12: 17.

Second, ( after citing the first, second, and third angels’ messages in their fixed order, verses 6-11): “Here is the patience of the SAINTS : here are THEY THAT KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, and the FAITH OF JESUS.” Rev. 14:12.

Third, (read verses 1-9). John says, “And I fell at his feet [the angel revealing these prophecies to him] to WORSHIP him. And he said unto me, See thou do it NOT: [for] I am thy fellow-servant, and of THY BRETHREN that HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS: Worship God: FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS IS THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY.” Rev. 19:10.

Jesus, “the Word from the beginning,” Himself the God of love and law, “manifest in the flesh” in the “great mystery of godliness” in His incarnation, defined the SUM and SUBSTANCE of the true worship of the true religion of the Bible, manifested in those that have the sanctifying “faith of Jesus” through the edifying and enlightening work of the Holy Spirit in “the Testimony of Jesus in the Spirit of prophecy” in these last days, as follows:

“If you LOVE Me, KEEP [do; obey] MY COMMANDMENTS.” John 14: 15. RenderIng it even it clearer “by the word of His testimony,” rebuking all Pharisee-like naysayers, and silencing any all disputes, quibbling, controversy and confusion generated by both ignorant and willful ignorance, Jesus reiterated this sum-and-substance definition of the everlasting covenant-relationship and its conditional promises and blessings between Jesus Christ and His true apostles, disciples, and followers, in the following verse in the New Testament for all professing Christians to study and ponder upon:

“IF ye keep My commandments, ye shall ABIDE in My love, EVEN AS I have kept His [the Father’s] commandments and ABIDE IN HIS LOVE.” John 15:10.

I am sure that all who claim to be Christian, “live, move, and have their being” based exclusively on sola scriptura (as did the early church in apostolic purity), will want and do everything within their God-given talents, abilities and powers by the empowering grace dispensed by the Holy Spirit, will “make their calling and election sure” in and by ABIDING IN THE LOVE OF JESUS, “even as,” His example as the “Son of man,” in our adopted “flesh and blood nature, He abode in His Father’s love BY KEEPING the law, “magnifying it and making it honorable” (the exact opposite of ignoring, “making of none effect,” trampling upon,” disobeying, transgressing, tinkering, amending, distorting, abrogating, and the absurd and apostate teaching that it has been “done away with” by “nailing it to the cross.”

It was CHRIST, not the Law of God, that was “nailed to that shameful tree.”) This IS religion, this IS the faith of Jesus, this IS the faith of Abraham “the father of the faithful” and “friend of God,” the faith of all the named and unnamed SAINTS in the Bible’s eternal HALL OF FAITH (in contrast to the “Halls of Fame,” and ignominious “Halls of Shame” of fallen, sinful morals of corruptible flesh) preserved and immortalized in the divine ARCHIVES and revealed to the eyes of mortal man, both wicked and righteous in Hebrews chapter 11.

Dear friends, please FAST and PRAY for the awakening, conviction, conversion or re-conversion, enlightenment, and guidance of the Holy Spirit, then “roll up your sleeves,” study and store your minds with the great testing truths of the fundamental pillars and landmarks of Present, testing, sealing Truth and “work for the night is coming when man works no more” in death.

To be continued in the next MWM, God willing. NMF

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Mid-week Manna

THE RELIGION OF THE BIBLE AND THE FAITH OF JESUS (Focus on the Faith of Jesus) Part 5

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
September 7

THE RELIGION OF THE BIBLE AND THE FAITH OF JESUS (Focus on the Faith of Jesus) Part 5

In the context of the proclamation of the three angels’ messages (of Rev. 14: 6-12) given in these last days of earth’s history, the first immediately reveals the nature and burden of these consecutive and threefold worldwide messages (represented as “flying in the midst of heaven”), as being: worship, religion, and “the patience” of a people who “are prophetically distinctly identified as the faithful “remnant,” thus, not the mass of Christianity, because of two distinct joint-features: they “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”

The sum and substance of the relationship between the Creator and man, alone created in His image and likeness, was stated simply by Christ Himself: “If you LOVE Me, KEEP [do; obey] My commandments.” (John 14:15). And loving obedience is the highest and most sublime form of worship!

Among other fundamental commands and principles the Creator laid down and declared in the beginning, uniting the indivisible union between Creator and creature, starting with Adam and Eve, “What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder,” so everything following thereafter in the gospel’s plan of salvation, especially as it reaches its stupendous climax in the great controversy between Christ and Satan and their respective agencies and followers on earth, the issue is the same: it is over the immutable law of God, which is the transcript of His character, the foundation of His government in heaven and throughout the universe, and the pre eminent authority of Jesus, the Creator incarnate, over all creation, both animate and inanimate, thus, the only Redeemer and Savior of fallen mankind from the power of Satan and slavery to sin, “the transgression of the law of God Almighty, not multitudinous and changeable laws if sinful, finite, and mortal man.

These are integral parts of the Bible’s religion, the faith of Jesus, and thus the religion and faith of those designed ages as the faithful “remnant” of the last days.

Are you part of these “saints” who “worship Him who made heaven and earth” by “keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” and are in “one accord” “in spirit and in truth” with these faithful “remnant” of the last days?

Be sure to “make your calling and election sure” by “examining yourselves and proving yourselves whether you are in the faith” of the present testing truths for these last days!

To be continued next MWM, God willing. NMF