GOD’S TRUE WORKMEN

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”  1 Peter 2:9

I. INTRODUCTION
1.    We are God’s chosen people
“Seventh-day Adventists have been chosen by God as a peculiar people, separate from the world. By the great cleaver of truth He has cut them out from the quarry of the world and brought them into connection with Himself. He has made them His representatives and has called them to be ambassadors for Him in the last work of salvation. The greatest wealth of truth ever entrusted to mortals, the most solemn and fearful warnings ever sent by God to man, have been committed to them to be given to the world,” 7T 138
2.     We are ambassadors for Christ
“You are ambassadors for Christ, to proclaim His message of salvation.” Ev 22
II.   GOD’S PURPOSE FOR HIS WORKMEN
1.  To bring salvation
“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” Acts 13:47
2.  To develop a Christ-like character
“God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy,--the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice,--we must participate in His labors for their redemption.”  DA 142
 
3.     To become missionaries
“Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life.” DA 195

III. QUALIFICATIONS OF GOD’S TRUE WORKMEN

1.     Must live up to their profession
“There must be no pretense in the lives of those who have so sacred and solemn a message as we have been called to bear. The world is watching Seventh-day Adventists because it knows something of their profession of faith and of their high standard, and when it sees those who do not live up to their profession, it points at them with scorn.”  9T 23
2.  Loving and lovable
“But ability alone, the choicest talents alone, cannot take the place of love.  This love must be manifested by God's workers. Love for God and for those for whom Christ has died will do a work that we can scarcely comprehend. Those who do not cherish and cultivate this love cannot be successful missionaries.”  6T 84
3.  Must possess Christian zeal
“Oh, how few feel the worth of souls! How few are willing to sacrifice to bring souls to the knowledge of Christ! There is much talking, much professed love for perishing souls; but talk is cheap stuff. It is earnest Christian zeal that is wanted--a zeal that will be manifested by doing something. All must now work for themselves, and when they have Jesus in their hearts they will confess Him to others. No more could a soul who possesses Christ be hindered from confessing Him than could the waters of Niagara be stopped from flowing over the falls.”  2T 233
4.  Must possess natural simplicity
“Often the words well prepared and studied have but little influence. But the true, honest expression of a son or daughter of God, spoken in natural simplicity, has power to unbolt the door to hearts that have long been closed against Christ and His love.”  COL 232
“No argument is so powerful as is success founded on simplicity.” 9T 175
5. Must possess wisdom and tact
“In the work of soul-winning, great tact and wisdom are needed. The Saviour never suppressed the truth, but He uttered it always in love. In His intercourse with others, He exercised the greatest tact, and He was always kind and thoughtful. He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave unnecessary pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness. He fearlessly denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and iniquity, but tears were in His voice as He uttered His scathing rebukes. He never made truth cruel, but ever manifested a deep tenderness for humanity. Every soul was precious in His sight. He bore Himself with divine dignity; yet He bowed with the tenderest compassion and regard to every member of the family of God. He saw in all, souls whom it was His mission to save.” GW 117
“If a man has tact, industry, and enthusiasm, he will make a success in temporal business, and the same qualities, consecrated to the work of God, will prove even doubly efficient; for divine power will be combined with human effort.” 5T 276
6. Has courage and perseverance
When in faith we take hold of His strength, He will change, wonderfully change, the most hopeless, discouraging outlook. He will do this for the glory of His name. God calls upon His faithful ones, who believe in Him, to talk courage to those who are unbelieving and hopeless. 8T 12
"Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. Joshua 10:25
7. Has determination in the work of soul winning
The man who loves God does not measure his work by the eight-hour system. He works at all hours and is never off duty. As he has opportunity he does good. Everywhere, at all times and in all places, he finds opportunity to work for God. He carries fragrance with him wherever he goes. 9T 45
8. Gentle and kind
And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 2 Tim. 2:24
The meekness of Christ, manifested in the home, will make the inmates happy; it provokes no quarrel, gives back no angry answer, but soothes the irritated temper and diffuses a gentleness that is felt by all within its charmed circle. MB 16
9. Childlike and humble
Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men, Heaven chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a lowly place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co-operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls. DA 436

In choosing men and women for His service, God does not ask whether they possess learning or eloquence or worldly wealth. He asks: "Do they walk in such humility that I can teach them My way? Can I put My words into their lips? Will they represent Me?" 7T 144

10. Has unreserved consecration
True holiness is wholeness in the service of God. This is the condition of true Christian living. Christ asks for an unreserved consecration, for undivided service. He demands the heart, the mind, the soul, the strength. Self is not to be cherished. He who lives to himself is not a Christian. COL 48, 49

No man can succeed in the service of God unless his whole heart is in the work and he counts all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. No man who makes any reserve can be the disciple of Christ, much less can he be His colaborer. When men appreciate the great salvation, the self-sacrifice seen in Christ's life will be seen in theirs. Wherever He leads the way, they will rejoice to follow. DA 273

11. Willing to sacrifice and deny self
We are nearing the end of this earth's history, and the different lines of God's work are to be carried forward with much more self-sacrifice than they have yet been. The work for these last days is a missionary work. Present truth, from the first letter of its alphabet to the last, means missionary effort. The work to be done calls for sacrifice at every step of advance. The workers are to come forth from trial purified and refined, as gold tried in the fire. CH 300

Love for lost souls brought Christ to Calvary's cross. Love for souls will lead us to self-denial and sacrifice, for the saving of that which is lost. 9T 59
….love will be revealed in sacrifice. The plan of redemption was laid in sacrifice--a sacrifice so broad and deep and high that it is immeasurable. Christ gave all for us, and those who receive Christ will be ready to sacrifice all for the sake of their Redeemer. The thought of His honor and glory will come before anything else. COL 49
IV. CHRIST METHODS OF LABOUR
1. He mingled with men
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9: 35, 36

Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me.” MH 143

Salt must be mingled with the substance to which it is added; it must penetrate and infuse in order to preserve. So it is through personal contact and association that men are reached by the saving power of the gospel. MB 36

By being social and coming close to the people, you may turn the current of their thoughts more readily than by the most able discourse. GW 193
2. He showed symphaty
During His ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching. His miracles testified to the truth of His words, that He came not to destroy, but to save. Wherever He went, the tidings of His mercy preceded Him. MH 19

V. VERY IMPORTANT THINGS WE SHOULD REMEMBER
1. Our symphaty and helpfulness can accomplish amazing things
Many have no faith in God and have lost confidence in man. But they appreciate acts of sympathy and helpfulness. As they see one with no inducement of earthly praise or compensation coming to their homes, ministering to the sick, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, comforting the sad, and tenderly pointing all to Him of whose love and pity the human worker is but the messenger--as they see this, their hearts are touched. Gratitude springs up, faith is kindled. They see that God cares for them, and as His word is opened they are prepared to listen.-- R.H., May 9, 1912. MM 247
2. All classes should be reached
Some will be attracted by one phase of the gospel, and some by another. We are instructed by our Lord to work in such a way that all classes will be reached. The message must go to the whole world. MM 327

3. Put your entire trust to God
Because of unconsecrated workers, things will sometimes go wrong. You may weep over the result of the wrong course of others, but do not worry. The work is under the supervision of the blessed Master. All He asks is that the workers shall come to Him for their orders, and obey His directions. All parts of the work --our churches, missions, Sabbath schools, institutions --are carried upon His heart. Why worry? The intense longing to see the church imbued with life must be tempered with entire trust in God; for "without Me," said the great Burden Bearer, "ye can do nothing." "Follow Me." He leads the way; we are to follow. Let no one overtax his God-given powers in an effort to advance the Lord's work more rapidly. The power of man cannot hasten the work; with this must be united the power of heavenly intelligences. Only thus can the work of God be brought to perfection. Man cannot do God's part of the work. A Paul may plant, and an Apollos water, but God gives the increase. In simplicity and meekness man is to co-operate with divine agencies, at all times doing his best, yet ever realizing that God is the great Master Workman. He is not to feel self-confident, for thus he will exhaust his reserve force and destroy his mental and physical powers. 7T 298

4. Be faithful with little things
I address you, young men: Be faithful. Put heart into your work. Imitate none who are slothful, and who give divided service. Actions, often repeated, form habits, habits form character. Patiently perform the little duties of life. So long as you undervalue the importance of faithfulness in the little duties, your character-building will be unsatisfactory. In the sight of Omnipotence, every duty is important. The Lord has said, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much." In the life of a true Christian there are no non-essentials. Many who claim to be Christians are working at cross-purposes with God. Many are waiting for some great work to be brought to them. Daily they lose opportunities for showing their faithfulness to God; daily they fail of discharging with whole-heartedness the little duties of life, which seem to them uninteresting. MYP 148

5. Should be active laborers in Christ
The great outpouring of the Spirit of God, which lightens the whole earth with His glory, will not come until we have an enlightened people, that know by experience what it means to be laborers together with God. When we have entire, wholehearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not laborers together with God.--Review and Herald, July 21, 1896. ChS 253

We need not worry about the latter rain. All we have to do is to keep the vessel clean and right side up and prepared for the reception of the heavenly rain, and keep praying, "Let the latter rain come into my vessel. Let the light of the glorious angel which unites with the third angel shine upon me; give me a part in the work; let me sound the proclamation; let me be a colaborer with Jesus Christ." Thus seeking God, let me tell you, He is fitting you up all the time, giving you His grace. UL 283
6. Few great men will be engaged
In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged. They are self-sufficient, independent of God, and He cannot use them. The Lord has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view. …God will work a work in our day that but few anticipate. He will raise up and exalt among us those who are taught rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the outward training of scientific institutions. These facilities are not to be despised or condemned; they are ordained of God, but they can furnish only the exterior qualifications. God will manifest that He is not dependent on learned, self-important mortals. 5T 80, 82

He will raise up from among the common people men and women to do His work, even as of old He called fishermen to be His disciples. There will soon be an awakening that will surprise many. Those who do not realize the necessity of what is to be done will be passed by, and the heavenly messengers will work with those who are called the common people, fitting them to carry the truth to many places. LDE 204
It is discipline of spirit, cleanness of heart and thought that is needed. This is of more value than brilliant talent, tact, or knowledge. An ordinary mind, trained to obey a "Thus saith the Lord," is better qualified for God's work than are those who have capabilities but do not employ them rightly. LDE 205

VI. SOLEMN APPEAL
Long has God waited for the spirit of service to take possession of the whole church so that everyone shall be working for Him according to his ability. When the members of the church of God do their appointed work in the needy fields at home and abroad, in fulfillment of the gospel commission, the whole world will soon be warned and the Lord Jesus will return to this earth with power and great glory. "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matthew 24:14. AA 111

CONSECRATION

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION

“In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

I.INTRODUCTION
1. Christ asks for unreserved consecration 
“True holiness is wholeness in the service of God. This is the condition of true Christian living. Christ asks for an unreserved consecration, for undivided service. He demands the heart, the mind, the soul, the strength. Self is not to be cherished. He who lives to himself is not a Christian.”  COL 48, 49

2.   Most serious causes of weakness
“Unconsecrated, world-loving professors of religion are one of the most serious causes of weakness in the church of Christ.”   MYP 357
3.   The strongest temptation will come from within
“The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness.”  SC 43

4. A noble character is not inherited 
“ Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. A noble all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected.”   MYP 99
 5.     Defects can be overcome
Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life. The impossibility lies in your own will. If you will not, then you cannot overcome. The real difficulty arises from the corruption of an unsanctified heart, and an unwillingness to submit to the control of God. COL 331

II. CULTIVATING CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTER 
1.   God's ideal for His children 
“God's ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning.”  DA 311
2.  God imparts the beauty of His own character  
“He longs to see His children reveal a character after His similitude. As the sunbeam imparts to the flowers their varied and delicate tints, so does God impart to the soul the beauty of His own character.” DA 313
3.  The deeper meaning of “pure in heart”
“When Christ abides in the heart, there will be purity and refinement of thought and manner.  But the words of Jesus, "Blessed are the pure in heart," have a deeper meaning--not merely pure in the sense in which the world understands purity, free from that which is sensual, pure from lust, but true in the hidden purposes and motives of the soul, free from pride and self-seeking, humble, unselfish, childlike.  Only like can appreciate like. Unless you accept in your own life the principle of self-sacrificing love, which is the principle of His character, you cannot know God.”  MB 24, 25
 6.     The only way to escape from God’s judgment
“The time is right upon us when there will be sorrow in the world that no human balm can heal. The flattering monuments of men's greatness will be crumbled in the dust, even before the last great destruction comes upon the world. . . .  Only by being clothed with the robe of Christ's righteousness can we escape the judgments that are coming upon the earth.”--Letter 20, 1901.  3SM 418, 419

III. HOW TO SURRENDER

1. Understand the true force of the will
“Many are inquiring, "How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?" You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of your broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in your own sincerity, and causes you to feel that God cannot accept you; but you need not despair. What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.”  SC 47

 2. What does soundness of faith mean?
Soundness in the faith means more than many discern. It means to correct every error that exists in our thoughts and actions, lest we corrupt the Word of God. 1MCP 49
 3. Sincere repentance and determined effort necessary
 Those who corrupt their own bodies cannot enjoy the favor of God until they sincerely repent, make an entire reform, and perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord.  The only hope for those who practice vile habits is to forever leave them if they place any value upon health here and salvation hereafter. When these habits have been indulged in for quite a length of time, it requires a determined effort to resist temptation and refuse the corrupt indulgence.”   CG 464


IV. HOW TO BE AN OVERCOMER
1. Develop confidence in God
 “The Lord will recognize every effort you make to reach His ideal for you. When you make a failure, when you are betrayed into sin, do not feel that you cannot pray, that you are not worthy to come before the Lord, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." With outstretched arms He waits to welcome the prodigal. Go to Him, and tell Him about your mistakes and failures. Ask Him to strengthen you for fresh endeavor. He will never disappoint you, never abuse your confidence.”  MYP 97

2. Constant dependence upon God
“Those who fail to realize their constant dependence upon God will be overcome by temptation. We may now suppose that our feet stand secure, and that we shall never be moved. We may say with confidence, "I know in whom I have believed; nothing can shake my faith in God and in His word." But Satan is planning to take advantage of our hereditary and cultivated traits of character, and to blind our eyes to our own necessities and defects. Only through realizing our own weakness and looking steadfastly unto Jesus can we walk securely.”  DA 382

3. Constant communion with God through secret prayer
 
“It is impossible for the soul to flourish while prayer is not a special exercise of the mind. Family or public prayer alone is not sufficient. Secret prayer is very important; in solitude the soul is laid bare to the inspecting eye of God, and every motive is scrutinized.”  2T 189 
“No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer. …we must constantly guard against the devices of Satan, we should pray in faith continually: "Lead us not into temptation."  GC 530

 4.     Dependence on the word of God
“If the Sacred Scriptures were studied and followed, the Christian would be fortified to meet the wily foe; but the word of God is neglected, and disaster and defeat follow.” CS 210

“By what means did He overcome in the conflict with Satan? By the word of God. Only by the word could He resist temptation….Every promise in God's word is ours. "By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" are we to live. When assailed by temptation, look not to circumstances or to the weakness of self, but to the power of the word. All its strength is yours.” DA 123

5.     Unselfish labor for others
“Those who thus exercise the Christian graces will grow and will become strong to work for God. They will have clear spiritual perceptions, a steady, growing faith, and an increased power in prayer. The Spirit of God, moving upon their spirit, calls forth the sacred harmonies of the soul in answer to the divine touch. Those who thus devote themselves to unselfish effort for the good of others are most surely working out their own salvation. …
A man who would refuse to exercise his limbs would soon lose all power to use them. Thus the Christian who will not exercise his God-given powers not only fails to grow up into Christ, but he loses the strength that he already had.” SC 80

V. JESUS - THE CHRISTIAN’S EXAMPLE

1. He showed us how to overcome
“The example of Christ is before us. He overcame Satan, showing us how we also may overcome. Christ resisted Satan with Scripture. He might have had recourse to His own divine power, and used His own words; but He said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." If the Sacred Scriptures were studied and followed, the Christian would be fortified to meet the wily foe; but the word of God is neglected, and disaster and defeat follow.”  CS 210

2.     It is possible to overcome
 “It is possible for those who exercise faith to overcome even as Christ overcomes.  A people can be prepared for the second coming of Christ, because this preparation will simply be the righteousness by faith fully understood and believed.” Robert J. Wieland, The Golden Chain, 16

 3.     He is sinless
Could one sin have been found in Christ, had He in one particular yielded to Satan to escape the terrible torture, the enemy of God and man would have triumphed. Christ bowed His head and died, but He held fast His faith and His submission to God.”  DA 761

 4.    He made no plans for Himself

“…the Son of God was surrendered to the Father's will, and dependent upon His power. So utterly was Christ emptied of self that He made no plans for Himself. He accepted God's plans for Him, and day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will.”  DA 208
 5.     He successfully resisted temptation in every form
 “….Christ knows the sinner’s trials; He knows his temptations. He took upon himself our nature…Christ was actually tempted, not only in the wilderness, but all through his life. In all points He was tempted as we are and because He successfully resisted temptation in every form, He gave us perfect example.” Robert J. Wieland, The Golden Chain, 14

VI. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Who has our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ's, our thoughts are with Him, and our sweetest thoughts are of Him. All we have and are is consecrated to Him. We long to bear His image, breathe His spirit, do His will, and please Him in all things.  SC 58 
Are we striving with all our God-given powers to reach the measure of the stature of men and women in Christ? Are we seeking for His fullness, ever reaching higher and higher, trying to attain to the perfection of His character? When God's servants reach this point, they will be sealed in their foreheads. The recording angel will declare, "It is done." They will be complete in Him whose they are by creation and by redemption. -- Manuscript 148, 1899.  3SM 427

VII. CONCLUSION
“The loveliness of the character of Christ will be seen in His followers. It was His delight to do the will of God. Love to God, zeal for His glory, was the controlling power in our Saviour's life. Love beautified and ennobled all His actions. Love is of God. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate or produce it. It is found only in the heart where Jesus reigns.”  SC 59
Without a living faith in Christ as a personal Saviour it is impossible to make our influence felt in a skeptical world. We cannot give to others that which we do not ourselves possess. It is in proportion to our own devotion and consecration to Christ that we exert an influence for the blessing and uplifting of mankind. If there is no actual service, no genuine love, no reality of experience, there is no power to help, no connection with heaven, no savor of Christ in the life.” MB 37

Meeting the Challenge in 2010 through Understanding the Deeper Meaning of Contextual Ministry

As a very young missionary, I used to think that cross-cultural ministry was just simply wearing the kind of clothes they wear, eating the kind of food they were eating and etc.

Then my understanding grew to think that the main reason for contextualizing is to find common grounds so I can teach our fundamental doctrines- the Ten Commandments, the Sabbath, tithing system and etc. And then baptizing them. That's all. Done!

But there were real issues in the Mien churches I have discovered that requires wisdom beyond my knowledge could addressed them. They have health problems, financial problems and etc. That needs to be addressed. Why addressed them? Because they have traditional ways to solve their problems that would contradict what we believe as a Christain now.

We taught them how to believe God and not the spirit doctor they used to consult. But what if they went to medical doctors many times already and prayed for healing but they were not healed? Then they think the last sort is to go back to the spirit doctor.

What if they already know about Sabbath and they have nothing or only a handful food to eat? This is aside from the Mien culture that everyone really have to help the big farm anytime in any day if neighbors called for. Or what if you have been teaching about the importance of Sabbath but why they are still going to their farms? This is because there are everyday problems they have encountered that was not really answered.

Does the Bible have answers for these? Of course yes. There are many stories in the Bible that we can use to answer their daily problems. The testimonies about your experiences on how God has helped you would also help them to trust God. You can also encourage other members to give theirs on how God has helped them solve their problems.

Thank God I finally given a light that cross-cultural ministry is not just about finding things we could agree with. It is meeting their certain day to day challenges so they can learn to depend and trust God and not to go back to their old ways. This is the deeper meaning of "meeting your people where they are" just like what Jesus did.

I'm not saying we won't teach them the basic doctrines we have as a remnant church but their practical everyday living must be meet to break down certain issues that hinder them to trust God everyday. That finally they will say" all to Jesus I surrender." Hope this helps. Happy new year to all.

WORLD TO BE RULED SOON BY......GUESS WHO?

From: "FEBE COSTANOS"
Subject: FW: SDA'S TAKE NOTE FAST!
Please take time to read. Urgent news about the world government -- I have requested verification again from the Hope Channel.

Well it's finally out in the open.

SDA'S TAKE NOTE

WORLD TO BE RULED SOON BY......GUESS WHO?

Here is something to take notice of.
Here is the latest on Obama. I just yesterday received a leaflet in the mail from HOPE channel. Recently Obama went to Italy to meet for the G-8 summit. He also had a personal interview with the pope, and the pope presented him with a copy of the pope's latest encyclical. The pope prepared this just for this summit and for Obama. Get a copy of it.

The folks at HOPE read it- it is called "Charity of Truth." And HOPE believes this is a wake-up call for SDA's. They have listed 10 points which the pope has made which seem to directly fulfill the SDA understanding of Bible prophecy.
Here are the points:
1. A Global Government. The pope is calling for a "true world political
authority" to fix the problems that plague the world. (page 67)
2. Church and State. The pope says this new political authority will
make its decisions based on spiritual values. (Chapter 5)

3. The Papacy at the Head. These spiritual values cannot be derived
from just any religion, since not "all religions are equal." (p 55)

4. Religion, Politics, and the Economy. The church must influence all
areas of society since God must have "a place in the public realm,
specifically in regard to its cultural, social, economic, and
particularly its political dimensions." (56)
5. Power to Enforce Law. This "political authority" must have "real
teeth" and "be vested with the effective power" to enforce its laws around the world. (67)
6. Control Buying and Selling. The new world governing power will
institute socialistic policies for government to redistribute wealth.(chapter 3)
7. Resurgency of Labor Unions. Labor Unions are to be empowered to "play a decisive role" in the new world order. (25)

8. The Church's Goal. Pope Benedict says that this encyclical is to
help achieve "The goal of the history of the human family"--to build "the
universal city of God." (7)
9. Redefining Religious Liberty. While claiming not "to interfere in
any way in the politics of States," the pope redefines "liberty" as
happening when the world obeys laws shaped by the Roman Church's spiritual values. According to the pope, as the church influences states to enforce its view of "truth" on others,people are set "free." "This mission of truth is something that the Church can never renounce." (9)

10. Immortal Souls. The non-biblical belief that man has an immortal soul helps to insure the pope's global agenda. "Man is ...God's creature, whom God chose to endow with an immortal soul." (29)
"The pope's views on the redistribution of wealth and his agenda set forth in "Charity in Truth" that echos many of the same themes that Obama campaigned for last year. As a result, the White House was excited about the meeting as this insider describes:
"The encyclical ramped up the level of White House enthusiasm for this meeting because you can't read it without sensing that these two men are seeing economic questions the same way," says a Catholic adviser to the White House....The Holy Father's emphasis on putting the human person at the center of the economy strongly echoes themes that Obama campaigned on and is working to implement. (Dan Gilgoff, Obama's Most Important Catholic Adviser, U.S./ News & World Report, July 10, 2009).
So there we have the latest!!! the End may be nearer than we had thought.

Great Quote!!!

"There are fine things which you mean to do some day, under what you think will be more favorable circumstances. But the only time that is surely yours is the present, hence this is the time to speak the word of appreciation and sympathy, to do the generous deed, to forgive the fault of a thoughtless friend, to sacrifice self a little more for others. Today is the day in which to express your noblest qualities of mind and heart, to do at least one worthy thing which you have long postponed, and to use your God-given abilities for the enrichment of someone less fortunate. Today you can make your life significant and worthwhile." (Grenville Kleiser)

The Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy

Compiled by Sulad Jhun Cardeinte. An excerpt from his sermon-type book “THE GOSPEL STANDARD”– A Special Preparation for Christ Second Coming

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION

“And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: 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. “Revelation 19:10

I. INTRODUCTION

1. Testimonies Never Contradict the Bible
The Bible must be your counselor. Study it and the testimonies God has given; for they never contradict His Word.--Letter 106, 1907. 3SM 32

2. Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy Have Same Author

The Holy Ghost is the author of the Scriptures and of the Spirit of Prophecy. These are not to be twisted and turned to mean what man may want them to mean, to carry out man's ideas and sentiments, to carry forward man's schemes at all hazards.--Letter 92, 1900. 3SM 30

3. Belief in the Spirit of Prophecy Help Secures From Satan's Seductive Delusions

Men may get up scheme after scheme, and the enemy will seek to seduce souls from the truth, but all who believe that the Lord has spoken through Sister White, and has given her a message, will be safe from the many delusions that will come in these last days.--Letter 50, 1906. 3SM 83, 84

4. Spirit of Prophecy Has Linked with the Work of the Third Angel's Message

As the end draws near and the work of giving the last warning to the world extends, it becomes more important for those who accept present truth to have a clear understanding of the nature and influence of the Testimonies, which God in His providence has linked with the work of the third angel's message from its very rise.

II. FUNCTIONS OF THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY

1. To Bring the Confused Minds to the Bible

The Lord desires you to study your Bibles. He has not given any additional light to take the place of His Word. This light is to bring confused minds to His Word, which, if eaten and digested, is as the lifeblood of the soul. Then good works will be seen as light shining in darkness. Letter 130, 1901. 3SM 29


2. To Lead us to the Bible

Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light. CM 125

3. To Bring Us Back to the Bible

The word of God is sufficient to enlighten the most beclouded mind and may be understood by those who have any desire to understand it. But notwithstanding all this, some who profess to make the word of God their study are found living in direct opposition to its plainest teachings. Then, to leave men and women without excuse, God gives plain and pointed testimonies, bringing them back to the word that they have neglected to follow. 5T 663

4. To Bring Plain Lessons From the Bible

In the Scriptures God has set forth practical lessons to govern the life and conduct of all; but though He has given minute particulars in regard to our character, conversation, and conduct, yet in a large measure, His lessons are disregarded and ignored. Besides the instruction in His Word, the Lord has given special testimonies to His people, not as a new revelation, but that He may set before us the plain lessons of His Word, that errors may be corrected, that the right way may be pointed out, that every soul may be without excuse.-- Letter 63, 1893. 3SM 31

5. To Correct Errors and Specify What is Truth

for there is instruction that the Lord has given me for His people. It is light that they should have, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. This is now to come before the people, because it has been given to correct specious errors and to specify what is truth. The Lord has revealed many things pointing out the truth,.. 3SM 32

6. To Give Us Clearer Understanding

"Brother J would confuse the mind by seeking to make it appear that the light God has given through the Testimonies is an addition to the word of God, but in this he presents the matter in a false light. God has seen fit in this manner to bring the minds of His people to His word, to give them a clearer understanding of it." 5T 663

7. To Warn, Reprove and Counsel

"The Lord designs to warn you, to reprove, to counsel, through the testimonies given, and to impress your minds with the importance of the truth of His word. 5T 665

III. HOW TO HANDLE THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY

1. Not to Take the Place of the Bible

The Lord desires you to study your Bibles. He has not given any additional light to take the place of His Word. This light is to bring confused minds to His Word, which, if eaten and digested, is as the lifeblood of the soul. Then good works will be seen as light shining in darkness. Letter 130, 1901. 3SM 29

2. Not for the Purpose of Giving New Light

Besides the instruction in His Word, the Lord has given special testimonies to His people, not as a new revelation, but that He may set before us the plain lessons of His Word, that errors may be corrected, that the right way may be pointed out, that every soul may be without excuse.-- Letter 63, 1893. (See Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 665.) 3SM 31

3. Bible Principles First, Then the Testimonies

It is my first duty to present Bible principles. Then, unless there is a decided, conscientious reform made by those whose cases have been presented before me, I must appeal to them personally.--Letter 69, 1896. 3SM 30

4. Do Not Use in Public Labor

In public labor do not make prominent, and quote that which Sister White has written, as authority to sustain your positions. To do this will not increase faith in the testimonies. Bring your evidences, clear and plain, from the Word of God. 3SM 29

IV. THE DIVINE COUNSELS

1. Do Not Lose Confidence in the Spirit of Prophecy

I know your danger. If you lose confidence in the testimonies you will drift away from Bible truth. I have been fearful that many would take a questioning, doubting position, and in my distress for your souls I would warn you. How many will heed the warning? As you now hold the testimonies, should one be given crossing your track, correcting your errors, would you feel at perfect liberty to accept or reject any part or the whole? That which you will be least inclined to receive is the very part most needed. 5T 98

2. Love and Obey the Truth

Perilous times are before us. Everyone who has a knowledge of the truth should awake and place himself, body, soul, and spirit, under the discipline of God. The enemy is on our track. We must be wide awake, on our guard against him. We must put on the whole armor of God. We must follow the directions given through the spirit of prophecy. We must love and obey the truth for this time. This will save us from accepting strong delusions. God has spoken to us through His word. He has spoken to us through the testimonies to the church and through the books that have helped to make plain our present duty and the position that we should now occupy. The warnings that have been given, line upon line, precept upon precept, should be heeded. If we disregard them, what excuse can we offer? 8T 298

"Learning Thai Prayers for Foreigners" is ready!!!

Dear Friends,

The "Learning Thai Prayers for Foreigners" is now ready!!!

We know that prayer is one of the most important things to learn when reaching the Thai people. Many foreign missionaries are struggling to pray in Thai and don't know if they are 'doing it right'.

So do you want to learn Thai prayers more easily? The SULADS RESOURCE CENTER is prioritizing this prayer project to help you learn Thai prayers more easily and effectively.

This "Learning Thai Prayers for Foreigners" is all that you need to learn how to pray. This comes with the CD and prayer guide booklet with English-Thai script and Thai transliteration script, so everything would be very easy for you to read if you can hardly recognize the Thai script.

The SRC designed 15 kinds of situational prayers to help you able to pray in different situation. Such as;

The Lord's prayer (Introductory prayer)

Prayer for encouragement

Prayer before giving Bible study

Prayer after giving Bible study

Prayer before giving sermon

Prayer after giving sermon

Prayer for a member who has problem

Prayer for a member about to travel

Prayer for the sick

Prayer for comfort in loss

Prayer for food

Prayer before going to bed

Prayer before starting the day

Prayer for the doubting

Prayer for the local co-Bible workers

What makes this prayer guide helpful is the audio version in CD (mp3 format) so you can easily follow the prayer booklet. If you feel you really need this booklet and audio material please consider sending a small donation. The suggested donation is 95 baht per booklet and CD (free shipment in Thailand only).

However, if you won't be able to donate and you really need this for your ministry, please let me know so I could give this out for free.

This is now ready for distribution. Let us know if you would like to have a copy. E-mail me at mienfield@yahoo.com to order. Simply put "send me" then specify the number of copies and then your complete postal address. Or call me at this number 0875573162. The SRC is a faith base ministry. We wish to give this out for free. But it has been very challenging to pay workers. As self-supporting ministry, keeping this audio recording going has been proven to be very financially challenging to us. Your 95 baht donation is one way of helping us to function normally to produce more materials. However, there are some materials we give out for free.

SULADS Resource Center

www.suladsresource.org