Tag: righteousness

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Mid-week Manna

ABEL’S FAITH YIELDS OBEDIENCE UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS (Part 5)

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

October 26

ABEL’S FAITH YIELDS OBEDIENCE UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS; CAIN’S UNBELIEF BREEDS SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS (Part 5)

Bible righteousness—-Christ demonstrated righteousness in human flesh, in stark contrast to the righteousness of the Pharisees —-simply put, is “right doing,” the opposite of wrongdoing. All “unrighteousness is sin” and “sin is the transgression of the law” (Rom. 6:23).

In the primordial examples of Cain and Abel were immediately established down through the stream of time and generations two separate lines of brethren, faiths, religions, worshippers, and churches till the close of earth’s probation.

Not long after their transgression and consequent banishment from their Eden home, to Adam and Eve, the father and mother of mankind, was quickly revealed the true nature and substance of both the great controversy—enmity and war—-between Christ and Satan and their respective agencies and followers as well as the seed of the gospel’s plan of salvation/redemption for fallen mankind only. 

These two astounding, fundamental issues underlying all and every single thing, great and small, visible and invisible, blessings or curses concerning mankind and the earth itself since after the fall in Eden, is contained and revealed in their embryonic forms in the Creator’s grand declaration to Adam and Eve and Satan (disguised as a serpent then the most beautiful and attractive animal before it was cursed):

God declared to them: “I will put ENMITY between thee and and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: It [the woman’s Seed] shall bruise thy head, and thou [Satan the serpent] shall bruise His heel.” (Gen. 3: 15, KJV).  Thus was declared the first of all prophecies and promises in the Bible ending in Revelation, the last of the 66 books of the Bible! 

God’s messenger wrote: (emphasis mine) “Cain and Abel represents two classes that will exist in the world till the close of time.  One class avail themselves of the [divinely] appointed sacrifice for sin [the transgression of the Decalogue]; the other venture to depend on their OWN merits; theirs is the sacrifice without the VIRTUE of DIVINE MEDIATION, and is not able to bring man into FAVOR with God. 

It is only through the MERITS of Jesus that our transgressions can be PARDONED [justification by faith]. Those who feel no need of the BLOOD of Christ, who feel that WITHOUT DIVINE GRACE they can by their OWN WORKS secure the approval of God [the essence of heathen/pagan sacrifice and worship], are making the SAME MISTAKE AS DID CAIN. 

If they do not accept the cleansing blood, they are under CONDEMNATION. There is no other PROVISION made whereby they can be RELEASED from the THRALLDOM of sin.” (E. G. White, Patriarchs & Prophets, Pacific Press Publishing Asso., 1890, 1913, pp.72, 73. 

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

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Daily Manna

FIG-LEAF GARMENTS VS THE GARMENTS OF INNOCENCE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

FIG-LEAF GARMENTS VS THE GARMENTS OF INNOCENCE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS

“And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.” Gen. 3:7, KJV.

“The white robe of innocence was worn by our first parents when they were placed by God in holy Eden. They lived in perfect harmony to the will of God. All the strength of their affections were given to their Heavenly Father [not towards each other]. A beautiful soft white light, the light of God, enshrouded the holy pair. THE ROBE OF LIGHT WAS A SYMBOL OF THEIR SPIRITUAL GARMENTS OF INNOCENCE.

“Had they remained ever true to God it [robe of soft white light, not flashy, loud, jewelry-studded “diva-like” get ups] would ever have continued to enshroud them. But when SIN entered they SEVERED (cut off) their connection with God, and the light that encircled them DEPARTED.

“Naked and ashamed, they tried fo SUPPLY the place of the heavenly garments by sewing together [their own devisings] fig leaves for a covering. THIS IS WHAT THE TRANSGRESSORS OF GOD’S LAW HAVE DONE EVER SINCE THE DAY OF ADAM AND EVE’S DISOBEDIENCE.

They have sewed together to cover the NAKEDNESS [guilty conscience caused by transgression [of the moral and physical laws of the Creator]. They have worn the garments of their own devisings [and taught by the antinomian, popular, world-loving, mega church-“daughters of the Mother” described in Revelation 17], by works of their own they have tried to cover their sins, and make themselves to God.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 311).

“Christ [the true Christian’s Example and Pattern-man] was obedient to every requirement of the law. ‘I delight to do Thy Will, O My God, yea, Thy law is within My heart.’ (Ps. 40:8).

When on earth, He said to His disciples, ‘I have kept My Father’s commandments.’(John 15:10). By His perfect obedience [as God incarnate in human flesh and blood nature} He has made it POSSIBLE for every human being to obey God’s commandments [moral law of the Decalogue and the physical laws}. HOW?

“When we SUBMIT ourselves to Christ, the HEART is UNITED to His heart, the WILL is merged in His Will, the MIND becomes one with His mind, the THOUGHTS are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be CLOTHED WITH THE GARMENTS OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Then as the Lord looks upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf garments, not the nakedness and deformity of sin, HIS OWN ROBE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah.” (Ibid, p. 312).

It is these faithful, commandment-keeping, overcoming saints who have received the seal of God’s approval in their foreheads that were shown to John and were described as follows:

“Let us rejoice and be glad, and give honor to Him, for the MARRIAGE of the Lamb is come, and His WIFE hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in FINE LINEN, clean and white: for the FINE LINEN IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE SAINTS. And He said unto me, Write, Blessed are they who are called to the MARRIAGE SUPPER of the Lamb. And He saith unto me, These and the TRUE SAYINGS of God.” Rev. 19:8, 9, KJV.

Do you know how to prepare to wear this “fine linen” white wedding garment” for the “marriage supper of the Lamb”? Be sure because only those properly “attired” will be allowed into that marriage supper hall! Bless all, NMF

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Devotionals

THE SWORD FOR THE BATTLE FOR OUR SOULS

September 24, 2020

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

THE SWORD FOR THE BATTLE FOR OUR SOULS

“And the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

Eph. 6:17, A.V.

“For the Word of God is living (quick, KJV) and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division (‘dividing asunder,’ KJV) of the soul and the spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we have to do.” Heb. 4:12.

“God has provided abundant means for successful warfare against the evil that is in the world. The BIBLE is the armory where we may equip for the struggle. Our loins must be girt about with truth. Our breastplate must be righteousness. The shield of faith must be in our hand, the helmet of salvation on our brow; and with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, we are to CUT our way through the obstruction and and entanglements of sin.” Acts of the Apostles, p. 502.

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Devotionals

LEST WE DRIFT AWAY

September 16, 2020

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

LEST WE DRIFT AWAY

“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest we drift away.” Heb. 2:1, NKJV. (The KJV says, “lest at any time we should let them slip.”)

“Lest at any time we should let them slip,’ or more literally, ‘lest we be floated past them,’ or ‘drift away from them.’

“The picture is that of a boat being carried along with the current, the occupants unaware of the fact that they are drifting. Before they realize it they are nearing the cataract, far pat the OLD LANDMARKS, and danger is at hand, and possibly, destruction.

“Drifting is one of the easiest and pleasantest means of locomotion, but it is also a most treacherous one. NO EFFORT IS NEEDED TO DRIFT, and as one glides down the river toward sure death, the FEELING is that of well-being with contentment with accompanying delightful DROWSINESS. The downward movement is hardly perceptible, for as the boat moves down the river it seems to remain MOTIONLESS. The water moves with the boat and APPEARANCES ARE DECEITFUL. Unless one awakens in time, the danger is very real.

“This was the condition of the church to which the author [Paul] was writing. They were drifting SPIRITUALLY, and did not sense their danger. Slowly they were nearing the precipice, and soon it would be too late.” M.L. Andreasen, The Book of Hebrews, pp. 81, 82.

The global deterioration at every level and endeavor of human society is God’s “voice” warning mankind that earth’s probation is soon to close! Soon it will be too late for those who have persistently resisted heaven’s invitation to repent of and turn away from their sins! “Be not deceived; God is not mocked; whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap.” Sow seeds of righteousness, reap the fruits of righteousness! God bless all, NMF.  

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Devotionals

THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: OUR BREASTPLATE OF SAFETY IN THESE PERILOUS TIMES

September 15, 2020

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: OUR BREASTPLATE OF SAFETY IN THESE PERILOUS TIMES

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness.”

Eph. 6:4, NKJV.

“We must put on EVERY piece of the armor [verses 13-18], and then, stand firm. [this is the order]. The Lord [Commander-in-chief of the army of His spiritual kingdom on earth, the true church] has HONORED us by CHOOSING us [the ‘chosen ones’] as His soldiers. Let us fight bravely for Him, maintaining the right in every transaction [of life]. Put on as your breastplate that DIVINELY PROTECTED RIGHTEOUSNESS which is the PRIVILEGE of all to wear. THIS WILL PROTECT YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.

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Devotionals

HOW TO BE NEVER ALONE

July 19, 2020

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

HOW TO BE NEVER ALONE

“And the Lord, He it is that goeth before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not neither be dismayed.”

Deut. 31:8, Authorized Version.

By now, as this overwhelming, overlapping crisis has shown even to the most hardened of hearts:

“There is nothing in this world, no earthly favors or enjoyments, can take the place of the presence and favor of God. Without Him as our Friend and Portion we are INDEED ALONE. We may have many other friends, but they can never be to us what Christ is!”

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Devotionals

FOREIGNERS OF EARTH, CITIZENS OF HEAVEN

July 3 2020

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

FOREIGNERS OF EARTH, CITIZENS OF HEAVEN

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”

Eph. 2:19, Authorized Version.

“The people of God—the true(spiritual) Israel—though scattered throughout all nations, are on earth but sojourner, whose citizenship is in heaven.”

PP 447

“The condition for being received in the Lord’s family is coming out from the world, separating from all its contaminating influences. The people of God are with IDOLATRY IN ALL ITS FORMS. They are to reach a higher standard.

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Devotionals

GOD’S PHILOSOPHY REVEALED IN HIS LAW OF TRUTH & RIGHTEOUSNESS

July 1, 2020

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:

GOD’S PHILOSOPHY REVEALED IN HIS LAW OF TRUTH & RIGHTEOUSNESS

“To the law and the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. 8:20, KJV.

“The wisdom and power of God, working upon the receptive [not doubting, murmuring or stubborn] heart, brings mind and character into harmony with the laws and rules of heaven. INDIVIDUALLY we must have the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in order to COMMUNICATE to the world the great facts of truth and righteousness.

“We are bidden to sound an ALARM [not a peace-and-safety message] to the people. The WATCHMAN must not fail now…..We are to instruct and guide souls look to Christ’s [not any man’s] example, to realize their obligation to Him, whose they are by creation and redemption. He is the OWNER of every man, woman. and CHILD that comes into the world. This became by paying the redemption price [with His own incarnate life].

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