New Moon Meeting: January 2007, 3:16 EST
A Matter of Time: “The Final Warning”

Zahakiel: Luke, please open the meeting with a prayer.

Qinael: Most holy and loving Father,

We thank you for this opportunity for your children to come together before you, sitting at your feet to learn more of you and what you would have us to do. We thank you for this day of humility - a reminder that though we of our own selves can do nothing, through you we can do all things, as we rest in your providence, moving forth in your protection and power.

We ask your blessing upon this study, that our minds may be enlightened and filled with a surer knowledge of the times in which we live and how to proceed in your work.

In the name of Yahshua we pray and give thanks, amen.

Zahakiel: Amen.

Barb: Amen.

Naraiel: Amen.

Crystle: Amen.

Pastor “Chick”: Amen.

Zahakiel: This month we are going to go over a chapter of Ellen White’s book The Great Controversy. As many of you know, there has been a discussion going on among the members, particularly those in the U.S. field, regarding our future actions in response to the General Conference’s lawsuit against the Creation Seventh Day Adventist Church.

While we have expected this for some time, it is clearly a different matter when the issue is right before us, but now we are called to walk as confidently in Christ as before when there was no direct emergency. The CSDA members view The Great Controversy, as we do all the SOP writings, as an inspired commentary on the Bible – in the case of this chapter on the book of Revelation. Of course it contains prophecy, a promised line of fulfillment for future events, and as such is inherently conditional on the requirements the Almighty places (and has always placed) upon His people. [God’s Amazing Grace, p. 212] We must keep this in mind as we go through the pages.

What we are going to do in this meeting is go over the chapter bit by bit and see how the principles apply to the current manifestation of the Image of the Beast and the oppressive law that it created in conjunction with the United States government. I would like to take a moment first to speak about something important, however…

Zahakiel: If we go through this chapter and see in detail exactly what Yahweh would have us do, if we have our most insightful and meaningful meeting ever, if the Spirit sheds greater light on the passages we are studying than ever before… if all these things come to pass, but we do not step into that light with all our energy, it will mean nothing. For example, there are many among us who have been hearing great truths for months and years now, but have not yet attained unto the position of membership. None should be under the impression that Yah has not given them enough light to accomplish this, for we have had individuals come, learn, and be confirmed in this faith after a very short period of time.

These were not spurious conversions, for they have gone on to become productive members of the Body, contributing time, talents and energy to refining and developing the warning we are charged to give to the world.

None, further, should be under the impression that either Yah or His people are not careful in their voting for membership. Any and all who should be made members, any and all who would benefit from baptism, are accepted. Anyone who would not harm the integrity of the message by their words and actions are welcomed to their place in the spiritual Temple with great joy, and are expected to “go on unto perfection” (Heb 6:1) by the grace and power of Yahshua.

Zahakiel: Those who are accepted have had, as I have noticed from my time as a participant and witness to a number of baptismal examinations, three characteristics that were immediately visible – even before the examination began in most cases. They are these:

a) A fire for Yahshua. They want to be members, and not just because they are excited about learning some new concept, or the “next new thing” in their own personal spiritual growth. They see in the Church a light that is not greater than that in other churches, but a light that is present here and absent elsewhere. (Isa 8:20) This is not a minor point, for if we are merely seen as the “best of the lot,” then the Church is seen as the most attractive concubine in the king’s harem, and this ought never to be countenanced; we are One in Christ, or separate from Him entirely. (John 17:21) Those who are accepted find love and peace in the Messiah as represented by these His people, and consider everything worthless compared to that “pearl of great price.” (Mat 13:46)

b) A desire to lead others into membership with them. They are not only desirous of being members themselves, but will often and actively seek ways to help us in presenting the message to the sleeping world. They have their own ideas, in many cases, and are also willing to submit their thoughts to the wisdom of the Body, which leads to the third characteristic:

c) A true humility. Those who are accepted acknowledge that they have gifts, in some cases great and useful gifts. At the same time, they are not seeking to bless the Body with it according to the dictates of their own idea of how things ought to be, but are willing to lay these gifts on the altar, letting us all reason together about how our resources (including people, time and skills) are best to be employed in the near-overwhelming work before us. (Luke 10:2)

Zahakiel: Now, those who have been previously rejected, or who have been accepted and then disfellowshipped, have all lacked one or more of the three things I have mentioned. Some of you are here with us, and I testify that the time is now to get these matters cleared up. We have members who are willing and able to do the work; but as the Master said in the parallel verse to Luke 10:2, “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest.” (Mat 9:38) Why should we pray only for “new” workers? Why should we not pray that those who have been hearing the message, and seeing the work being done in the vineyard, would awaken to righteousness and accept the characteristics that Yahshua has given to those seeking entrance into His kingdom? I am convinced that one of the reasons we have not seen a larger harvest from the world is because our own House has not been cleansed by either the decided inclusion or decided exclusion of those around us who are neither in nor out, neither hot nor cold; and this may be a “hard saying” for some.

But now it is possible – it is necessary – for all who would meet the Messiah in peace, and who have once been convinced about the truth in the Gospel as the Church teaches it, to now cast away all that has restrained them, and forget the disappointments of the past, reaching forward to the light that is provided for them. If any are having difficulty with one or more of the characteristics necessary for this step, this final act that demonstrates true conversion, speak to the members and see why this is. “Then they that feared Yahweh spake often one to another, and Yahweh hearkened, and heard it; and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared Yahweh, and that thought upon His name.” (Mal 3:16) This is the condition that exists just before the return of Christ. (verse 17)

Zahakiel: Understand that if you are caught in a cycle of some weakness, you do not need to learn “more,” for many among those who study but are not confirmed as members are according to the pattern, “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2Tim 3:7) The answer is this: you must tear down what you thought you knew and start from the very beginning, because it hasn’t helped, and you must not be under the illusion that what you have been doing so far will eventually lead you in the right path. That is not the course of true growth.

Cause leads to effect, unfailingly so; it is a principle of the universe and Christianity, and unless the proper cause is understood and applied, the effect that is desired will never come to pass. We know what the Cause is: “A knowledge of God is the foundation of all true education and of all true service. It is the only real safeguard against temptation. It is this alone that can make us like God in character. This is the knowledge needed by all who are working for the uplifting of their fellow men. Transformation of character, purity of life, efficiency in service, adherence to correct principles, all depend upon a right knowledge of God. This knowledge is the essential preparation both for this life and for the life to come. ‘The knowledge of the Holy is understanding.’ Proverbs 9:10. Through a knowledge of Him are given unto us ‘all things that pertain unto life and godliness.’ 2 Peter 1:3. ‘This is life eternal,’ said Jesus, ‘that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.’ John 17:3.” [Ministry of Healing, pp. 409-410]

Zahakiel: “Like God in character…” what an exalted concept! We could take up an entire New Moon meeting on that phrase alone, and perhaps we shall next month. For now, though, we have another topic before us.

A final note… although I have so far been speaking largely to non-members who have been studying with us, a similar principle must be understood by our current members. As we go over this chapter, we must learn to see ourselves as participants in the events being described. We must let Yah show us what we need to be doing to become co-workers with the Lord of the Harvest. This will involve stepping into position boldly, for the time is at hand. Keep this in mind as we read.

Are there any questions about what I have said so far?

Pastor “Chick”: Just as a reminder... All who profess to be CSDA are “named” in the lawsuit. Though it can only apply to the US Field.

Zahakiel: <nods.> Ok. Anyone else?

Crystle: I have no questions.

Zahakiel: Now, I will post the entire chapter during the course of our study, and I have actually tried to keep my notes to a relative minimum, because I want us to actually and openly discuss what is written, even if it takes a little thought and a little time. I could simply ask those gathered here to read it, or could have mentioned before the meeting; but while our faithful members would have done their pre-reading, those who happen upon the New Moon transcript, or those who wish to review it later on (as I would recommend doing) will benefit from having the text before them. The full text may be found here for those who are interested in page numbers, which we will ignore here for the purposes of continuity.

CHAPTER 38

The Final Warning

I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:1, 2, 4.

This scripture points forward to a time when the announcement of the fall of Babylon, as made by the second angel of Revelation 14 (verse 8), is to be repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the various organizations that constitute Babylon, since that message was first given, in the summer of 1844. A terrible condition of the religious world is here described. With every rejection of truth the minds of the people will become darker, their hearts more stubborn, until they are entrenched in an infidel hardihood. In defiance of the warnings which God has given, they will continue to trample upon one of the precepts of the Decalogue, until they are led to persecute those who hold it sacred. Christ is set at nought in the contempt placed upon His word and His people. As the teachings of spiritualism are accepted by the churches, the restraint imposed upon the carnal heart is removed, and the profession of religion will become a cloak to conceal the basest iniquity. A belief in spiritual manifestations opens the door to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and thus the influence of evil angels will be felt in the churches.

Zahakiel: Say when you have read the above.

Barb: Done

Qinael: Finished.

Crystle: Finished

Pastor “Chick”: We know the Rev 18 angel tried to sound in the 1888 era. But, it is as if it “took flight” and returned in the 1980’s.

Zahakiel: Right. Really, the fundamental difference between the SDA Conference view and the CSDA view is that mainstream Adventists somehow believe they are entirely immune to the effects that are described in those paragraphs. Some will admit to great apostasy in the organization. Some will decry its errors, the alteration of doctrines, and the worldliness as evidenced by spiritualism, but they will not admit that the message “took flight” off of them.

For those who haven’t heard this yet, Ellen White considered going to worldly lawyers as a form of spiritualism: “Lord is greatly dishonored when those who claim to believe the truth fail to harmonize among themselves, and make their appeals to lawyers. Will you study the word of God, and heed its instruction on this point? The interests of the cause of God are not to be committed to men who have no connection with heaven […] ‘Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?’” [Special Testimony to the Brethren in Battle Creek (1898), p. 1] When you read what Mrs. White wrote about “The mystic voices that spoke at Ekron and Endor” in other places, you will realize exactly the spirit that motivates the lawsuit being pursued by the Conference.

Zahakiel: The paragraphs above explain precisely how we have arrived at this condition. Starting in 1888, there has been a gradual and increasing rejection of new light from Heaven, which was designed to lead the Adventist constituency in a highway from which even fools need never stray. (Isa 35:8) Because of the continuous rejection of truth, however, the errors have piled up, and have now reached “unto Heaven,” requiring the message of Revelation 18 and its startling application to the very people who were to have been protesting Babylon, not befriending it.

Are there any other questions or comments on that passage?

Naraiel: No.

Crystle: None.

Zahakiel: We continue:...

Of Babylon, at the time brought to view in this prophecy, it is declared: “Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” Revelation 18:5. She has filled up the measure of her guilt, and destruction is about to fall upon her. But God still has a people in Babylon; and before the visitation of His judgments these faithful ones must be called out, that they partake not of her sins and “receive not of her plagues.” Hence the movement symbolized by the angel coming down from heaven, lightening the earth with his glory and crying mightily with a strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. In connection with his message the call is heard: “Come out of her, My people.” These announcements, uniting with the third angel’s message, constitute the final warning to be given to the inhabitants of the earth.

Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be brought. The powers of earth, uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that “all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond” (Revelation 13:16), shall conform to the customs of the church by the observance of the false sabbath. All who refuse compliance will be visited with civil penalties, and it will finally be declared that they are deserving of death. On the other hand, the law of God enjoining the Creator’s rest day demands obedience and threatens wrath against all who transgress its precepts.

With the issue thus clearly brought before him, whoever shall trample upon God’s law to obey a human enactment receives the mark of the beast; he accepts the sign of allegiance to the power which he chooses to obey instead of God. The warning from heaven is: “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation.” Revelation 14:9, 10.

But not one is made to suffer the wrath of God until the truth has been brought home to his mind and conscience, and has been rejected. There are many who have never had an opportunity to hear the special truths for this time. The obligation of the fourth commandment has never been set before them in its true light. He who reads every heart and tries every motive will leave none who desire a knowledge of the truth, to be deceived as to the issues of the controversy. The decree is not to be urged upon the people blindly. Everyone is to have sufficient light to make his decision intelligently.

Zahakiel: Let me know when you’ve read all that.

Qinael: Finished.

Barb: Done.

Crystle: Finished.

Happy Rock: Done.

Naraiel: Finished.

Pastor “Chick”: A significant point… the mighty angel is a “movement.”

Zahakiel: Right.

In terms of the events described in passage, the only thing that has changed between Ellen White’s day and the modern developments is the precise manner in which the Mark of the Beast is being fulfilled.

Pastor “Chick”: The spirit of Sabbath has not been brought before the people until now.

Zahakiel: As I have pointed out in other places, there are four points to keep in mind:

1) The word “Sunday” did not appear in the original version of The Great Controversy that Ellen White was inspired to write. While, even at that point, she was convinced that it would be a Sabbath issue, and involve a substitution of the first day of the week for the seventh, there was very little emphasis on the Sunday Law until the Blair Sunday Rest bill came along.

2) Prophecies that appear in the Testimonies, just like those that appear in the Bible (e.g., Jonah’s oracle to Nineveh) are often tied to circumstances. Mrs. White herself acknowledged this principle, writing, “Regarding the testimonies, nothing is ignored; nothing is cast aside; but time and place must be considered.” [1 Selected Messages, p. 57]

3) Mrs. White further wrote that in “the very act of enforcing a religious duty by secular power, the churches would themselves form an image to the beast; hence the enforcement of Sundaykeeping in the United States would be an enforcement of the worship of the beast and his image.” [The Great Controversy, p. 449, emphasis mine] This was not the only possible way it could appear.

4) Uriah Smith confirmed this idea in his Daniel and The Revelation, by stating, “An ecclesiastical organization composed of different sects in the land, in coalition with Roman Catholicism, by the promulgation and enforcement of a civil Sunday-sabbath law, would fulfill what the prophecy sets forth in reference to the image and the mark of the beast. These movements, or their exact equivalent, are called for by the prophecy.” [p. 617, emphasis mine]

Zahakiel: If these four ideas are kept in mind, then the above and following paragraphs will be shown to apply to our very day with supernatural accuracy. From the above passage, however, I see a call to action. None are to fall under the wrath of Yah unless they are first given an opportunity to see the matters in their true light. As pastor has said, the spirit of the Sabbath has not been properly set before the people until now. This does not mean that everyone will understand the principles underlying the Trademark lawsuit, but we have to present the opportunity to all, and it will take great wisdom and efficiency to do this.

Further comments?

Pastor “Chick”: Yes. Very simply... Sabbath rest (for the masses as well) amounts to living within one’s integrity – resting. You cannot “rest” in a state of guilt.

Zahakiel: Right. That is an important addition.

Pastor “Chick”: For those who HAVE the “oracles of YAH,” this also means observing the letter of that law.

Zahakiel: Yes :)

Moving on, if there is nothing else on that section...

The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point of truth especially controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. While the observance of the false sabbath in compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in obedience to God’s law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the other choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God.

Heretofore those who presented the truths of the third angel’s message have often been regarded as mere alarmists. Their predictions that religious intolerance would gain control in the United States, that church and state would unite to persecute those who keep the commandments of God, have been pronounced groundless and absurd. It has been confidently declared that this land could never become other than what it has been--the defender of religious freedom. But as the question of enforcing Sunday observance is widely agitated, the event so long doubted and disbelieved is seen to be approaching, and the third message will produce an effect which it could not have had before.

Zahakiel: Say when you have caught up.

Qinael: Done.

Crystle: Finished.

Barb: Caught up.

Pastor “Chick”: Finished.

Naraiel: Finished.

Happy Rock: Done.

Zahakiel: This is precisely, precisely, he situation as it now stands, and the words I have just read should do much to settle you into an assurance that the Spirit of Prophecy in the Adventist Church (both past in writing these words and present in applying and expanding them) is a genuine and miraculous evidence of the Creator’s presence with His people. Even recently I have been speaking to several people about the trademark lawsuit, and in most cases they ask, “Why is it you cannot simply change your name?”

They don’t understand… the name is only an issue because it is a testimony of our faith, and this faith includes precisely the knowledge Ellen White conveyed in that passage of the book: “the observance of the false sabbath in compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, [and] the keeping of the true Sabbath, in obedience to God’s law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator.” The only piece of the puzzle missing from the minds of those who are not yet convinced about the Trade/Buy & Sell/Beast Mark connection is an understanding of how a Christian bringing civil suit is entirely a Sabbath issue.

Does anyone have anything to add?

Pastor “Chick”: Yes...

I believe our gestures in adding the “A,” “THE,” and “&” to our name is fulfilling the principle “it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” In other words, we are seeking to help our “former brethren” get their “donkey out of the ditch” of spiritualism.

Zahakiel: Right, I see.

Pastor “Chick”: This must be seen in spiritual terms... It is strictly a “kind gesture.”

Zahakiel: Does anyone have questions about that?

Crystle: No questions.

Guerline: One day we were reading a story from The Bible storybook about the mark of Yah on His people then we found out that the mark is the name, so we realized that the trade... the mark issue is about a name.

Zahakiel: Continuing…

In every generation God has sent His servants to rebuke sin, both in the world and in the church. But the people desire smooth things spoken to them, and the pure, unvarnished truth is not acceptable. Many reformers, in entering upon their work, determined to exercise great prudence in attacking the sins of the church and the nation. They hoped, by the example of a pure Christian life, to lead the people back to the doctrines of the Bible. But the Spirit of God came upon them as it came upon Elijah, moving him to rebuke the sins of a wicked king and an apostate people; they could not refrain from preaching the plain utterances of the Bible-- doctrines which they had been reluctant to present. They were impelled to zealously declare the truth and the danger which threatened souls. The words which the Lord gave them they uttered, fearless of consequences, and the people were compelled to hear the warning.

Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power--all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her from heaven.

Zahakiel: Say when.

Pastor “Chick”: When. Also, a comment.

Barb: Now.

Crystle: Finished.

Pastor “Chick”: I’ll let you break down the specifics of the list of sins, but... What people could possibly be “in amazement” about the testimony that “Babylon is the church?”

Zahakiel: Only those who know (or care) what Babylon is. It should be obvious that if you tell most of the Sunday-keeping Churches, “This church is Babylon,” you’ll probably get a bad reaction... but if you tell an Adventist church this, then you’ll really see the works of the flesh popping to the surface.

Naraiel: The nominal Seventh-day Adventist Church, in answer to pastor’s question.

Zahakiel: Right.

Now, just as the preceding passages I quoted perfectly describe our situation, the one I have just pasted in must perfectly describe our response to that situation. If you have not been telling people about the lawsuit facing our movement, and trying to explain this to them in light of the Everlasting Gospel, it is not for lack of opportunity.

If you find it difficult to raise this issue, or to find Yah’s influence toward witnessing in even your casual conversations with others, you must pray for that “holy zeal” that will enable you to recognize these opportunities that may well decide life or death for those in your surroundings. Some who would never have consented to hear us speak about the victory message, or who have no patience for doctrinal discussions about the Trinity, will find themselves interested in the legal battle into which we have been thrust. This is as Yahweh would design it, because if we have not done the proper work in a green season, we must now do it in a dry; and the openings that controversy provides for enlightening minds, drawing them toward the truth, are not to be taken lightly.

Does anyone have anything to add here?

Crystle: I have nothing.

Happy Rock: No

Pastor “Chick”: Caught up.

Zahakiel: Moving on…

As the people go to their former teachers with the eager inquiry, Are these things so? the ministers present fables, prophesy smooth things, to soothe their fears and quiet the awakened conscience. But since many refuse to be satisfied with the mere authority of men and demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” the popular ministry, like the Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is questioned, will denounce the message as of Satan and stir up the sin-loving multitudes to revile and persecute those who proclaim it.

As the controversy extends into new fields and the minds of the people are called to God’s downtrodden law, Satan is astir. The power attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. The clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their command they will endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital questions. The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and, in this work, papists and Protestants unite. As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold and decided, the law will be invoked against commandment keepers. They will be threatened with fines and imprisonment, and some will be offered positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their faith. But their steadfast answer is: “Show us from the word of God our error”--the same plea that was made by Luther under similar circumstances. Those who are arraigned before the courts make a strong vindication of the truth, and some who hear them are led to take their stand to keep all the commandments of God. Thus light will be brought before thousands who otherwise would know nothing of these truths.

Zahakiel: Say when you’ve read all that, and I am sure our evangelists have some testimonies to share about the fulfillment of these words.

Pastor “Chick”: Comment…

Crystle: I have finished reading.

Qinael: Finished.

Barb: Done

Naraiel: Finished.

Happy Rock: Finished.

Zahakiel: Go ahead, pastor.

Pastor “Chick”: As the controversy extends into new fields… Look at this exact fulfillment of chronology... It is right AFTER going into other “fields” (the exact word we are now using) that they appeal to the civil government.

They will be threatened with fines and imprisonment; this is exactly what we have experienced.

Zahakiel: Right, thanks. And notice also, the more Satan stirs up violence and opposition to our message, the more loudly it will be proclaimed, and the more ears will be opened to hearing it. Some may be wondering, “What is Satan thinking? Doesn’t he realize that he is only hastening his own destruction?” On some level, this is true; however, it would be a mistake to attempt to examine the motives of the demons through the lens of humanity. Just as people with mental diseases do not act rationally, based upon either faulty beliefs or an error in the thought-processing mechanism, so Lucifer – though brilliant – has had his ability to properly perceive the results of his actions.

Pastor “Chick”: When I was at Andrews studying (this was 1991) I read something like this... “At worst, Satan is a tool in the hand of God used to sanctify His people.”

Zahakiel: Right. For example, Satan knew the prophecies when sentencing the Messiah to the Cross by means of his human instruments. He believed, however, that he had the power to alter their fulfillment and bend the results to his own ends. So here, he believes that he is superficially playing along with the prophecies, but seeks to find some way to manipulate circumstances to his own ends while simultaneously threatening the testimony of the saints on earth. He has, to be frank, had a lot of success in the lines Ellen White described; many of those who hear us, even those who have an initial interest and understanding of the message, are lulled back to sleep by family, friends, or their local pastors… as the passage above describes.

Many are those who have become convinced of the CSDA call from Babylon and left their former fellowships, only to receive inquiries, flattery, words of warning, and in some cases actual threats. Satan knows best how to use former associations to worry, confuse or distract those who are being led into the narrow path of life, and we have seen it happen time and again in the course of our ministry.

Is there anyone with other comments for this portion?

Crystle: No

Zahakiel: Going on…

Conscientious obedience to the word of God will be treated as rebellion. Blinded by Satan, the parent will exercise harshness and severity toward the believing child; the master or mistress will oppress the commandment-keeping servant. Affection will be alienated; children will be disinherited and driven from home. The words of Paul will be literally fulfilled: “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12. As the defenders of truth refuse to honor the Sunday-sabbath, some of them will be thrust into prison, some will be exiled, some will be treated as slaves. To human wisdom all this now seems impossible; but as the restraining Spirit of God shall be withdrawn from men, and they shall be under the control of Satan, who hates the divine precepts, there will be strange developments. The heart can be very cruel when God’s fear and love are removed.

As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel’s message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbathkeepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them.

Zahakiel: Say when you have finished with that.

Qinael: Finished.

Crystle: Finished.

Pastor “Chick”: When.

Barb: Finished now.

Happy Rock: Ok.

Zahakiel: I want to make a comment on the phrase, “the parent will exercise harshness and severity toward the believing child.” I can relate to you an experience I had with a young woman with whom I had spoken many things regarding our faith. We communicated frequently on the internet, and she quickly understood the verses regarding the victory, and grasped the matters of the Godhead and even the trademark quite easily. Unfortunately, her family was heavily into mainstream Adventism, and her mother in particular exercised “harshness” toward her for her contact with the members of the CSDA Church.

She no longer communicates with us, sadly… but before she broke off contact she described the way her family treated her, and I have to tell you that for anyone it would be a most painful experience to endure. While we know that Yah will not allow anyone to be tempted beyond what they are able to bear, and while I cannot agree with her decision to submit to her family’s pressure, it is certainly easy to be sympathetic to her plight, and to realize that Satan knows just what buttons to push in each of our cases to most severely try our faith. As Mrs. White wrote, “No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer.” [Reflecting Christ, p. 120]

Pastor “Chick”: When I witnessed the Perez trademark trial in Miami, I saw much of the dynamics described in the above section. Men of pleasing address who had once been faithful to their calling now viewing things in the same way as the world. “Most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them…” They did this very efficiently with Pastor Perez, and they intend to do it with us.

Zahakiel: So it appears, then, that what Mrs. White is seeing is a turning of the family against its members, whether it is in the individual family units or the Church Family. This, as it should be easily seen, is an inverse of the Elijah message, which “shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.” (Mal 4:6) In turning against its members, a human family or a Church organization shows that it has come under the sway of the False Prophet, the counterfeit Elijah that brings down a “strange fire” from Heaven to deceive men (Rev 13:13) just as the true prophet brought holy fire down to convert men to the truth. (1Kings 18:38, 39)

Does everyone see this parallel?

Crystle: Yes.

Qinael: <nods.>

Barb: Yes.

Pastor “Chick”: Amen.

Naraiel: Yes.

Happy Rock: Yes.

Zahakiel: The next portion reads...

In this time of persecution the faith of the Lord’s servants will be tried. They have faithfully given the warning, looking to God and to His word alone. God’s Spirit, moving upon their hearts, has constrained them to speak. Stimulated with holy zeal, and with the divine impulse strong upon them, they entered upon the performance of their duties without coldly calculating the consequences of speaking to the people the word which the Lord had given them. They have not consulted their temporal interests, nor sought to preserve their reputation or their lives. Yet when the storm of opposition and reproach bursts upon them, some, overwhelmed with consternation, will be ready to exclaim: “Had we foreseen the consequences of our words, we would have held our peace.” They are hedged in with difficulties. Satan assails them with fierce temptations. The work which they have undertaken seems far beyond their ability to accomplish. They are threatened with destruction. The enthusiasm which animated them is gone; yet they cannot turn back. Then, feeling their utter helplessness, they flee to the Mighty One for strength. They remember that the words which they have spoken were not theirs, but His who bade them give the warning. God put the truth into their hearts, and they could not forbear to proclaim it.

The same trials have been experienced by men of God in ages past. Wycliffe, Huss, Luther, Tyndale, Baxter, Wesley, urged that all doctrines be brought to the test of the Bible and declared that they would renounce everything which it condemned. Against these men persecution raged with relentless fury; yet they ceased not to declare the truth. Different periods in the history of the church have each been marked by the development of some special truth, adapted to the necessities of God’s people at that time. Every new truth has made its way against hatred and opposition; those who were blessed with its light were tempted and tried. The Lord gives a special truth for the people in an emergency. Who dare refuse to publish it? He commands His servants to present the last invitation of mercy to the world. They cannot remain silent, except at the peril of their souls. Christ’s ambassadors have nothing to do with consequences. They must perform their duty and leave results with God.

Zahakiel: Let me know when you have read that.

Qinael: Finished.

Crystle: Finished.

Barb: Now.

Pastor “Chick”: Finished, and ready to give a comment.

Happy Rock: Finished.

Zahakiel: Go ahead.

Pastor “Chick”: “the storm of opposition and reproach bursts upon them…” Really, the GC attack came as a “burst;” we were little expecting anything from them until we were a significant threat to them.

The emotions described above are very real to me. This has truly tried my faith (so far) more than anything I have ever imagined. I truly believe this section is where we now are in prophecy.

Zahakiel: Right.

In regard to another concept conveyed by that passage, I have had to say this to several people recently, “We have nothing to do with consequences.” Those who would urge us to avoid prosecution by surrendering our integrity and our freedom need to hear it proclaimed loudly and clearly that the people of God believe in a higher principle than the force of civil penalties. I am tempted to anger, particularly when speaking to those who have been involved in Adventism for years, and I hear them say, “Why don’t you just compromise/give up?” They say this, as if we have not been prophesying these very events in their ears for the past 14 years, and somehow naively believed that there would be no consequence to our stand for the truth. The Scriptures say, “all that will live godly in Christ Yahshua shall suffer persecution,” (2Tim 3:12) and will the Church, who has always known this, not now draw comfort and courage from the testimony of those men who have gone before us? Mrs. White mentioned a few: Wycliffe, Huss, Luther, Tyndale, Baxter. Let these names be our comfort, just as the name of Yahweh is our Shield.

Anything additional?

Crystle: Nothing.

Pastor “Chick”: Amen!

Kimberly: Luther and Wycliffe comfort me more, because they weren’t martyred.

Zahakiel: Well, they will all receive the same reward :)

Going on...

As the opposition rises to a fiercer height, the servants of God are again perplexed; for it seems to them that they have brought the crisis. But conscience and the word of God assure them that their course is right; and although the trials continue, they are strengthened to bear them. The contest grows closer and sharper, but their faith and courage rise with the emergency. Their testimony is: “We dare not tamper with God’s word, dividing His holy law; calling one portion essential and another nonessential, to gain the favor of the world. The Lord whom we serve is able to deliver us. Christ has conquered the powers of earth; and shall we be afraid of a world already conquered?”

Zahakiel: Let me know when you’re finished with this brief section.

Crystle: Finished

Qinael: Finished.

Barb: Finished

Happy Rock: Finished

Zahakiel: I want to interject a comment here that in Ellen White’s day, the issue was over unlawfully placing a division between the fourth commandment and the other nine. Today, the issue is the same, but we have an additional unlawful division to protest: a division of the letter of the Law from the spirit of the Law. Even if we keep all the Commandments in perfect outward conformity, even if a Sunday Law should arise and we each resist it unto death, “though I give my body to be burned, and have not agape, it profiteth me nothing.” (1Cor 13:3)

Those who protest the Catholic faith with all their strength, and stand for the fourth commandment with all their energy and might… those who spend their lives warning others about a coming Sunday Law… but who hear about our plight and say, “Well, that’s not such a big deal,” or even, “Well, I hope it works out for you folks,” but do not actively protest THIS great abomination show that they have no agape, no concern for what this union of church and state means for their fellow Christians. All their strenuous labors in defense of the letter of the law will result in everlasting, monumental failure. As it is truly written, and more applicable today than ever before, “the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” (2Cor 3:6)

Does everyone see this?

Pastor “Chick”: Amen!

Crystle: Yes.

Barb: Yes.

Qinael: <nods.> It brings to mind the Ten Virgins parable we looked at last feast... Virgins with lamps (The written Word) but no oil (the Spirit) to see with them.

Happy Rock: Yes.

Pastor “Chick”: Earlier I spoke of the Sabbath rest principle in terms of living within one’s integrity. Here is the time to mention that most have seared their consciences... when one has a seared conscience, they cannot live within “integrity.” This is why the end cannot help but be VERY close, because most people are beyond having a sensitivity to their fellow man, not to mention YAH.

Zahakiel: Agreed.

Continuing…

Persecution in its varied forms is the development of a principle which will exist as long as Satan exists and Christianity has vital power. No man can serve God without enlisting against himself the opposition of the hosts of darkness. Evil angels will assail him, alarmed that his influence is taking the prey from their hands. Evil men, rebuked by his example, will unite with them in seeking to separate him from God by alluring temptations. When these do not succeed, then a compelling power is employed to force the conscience.

Zahakiel: Say when you’ve caught up; I have another comment here.

Qinael: Done.

Crystle: Finished.

Barb: Caught up.

Happy Rock: Finished.

Pastor “Chick”: Caught up.

Naraiel: Finished.

Zahakiel: Look at the means Satan uses…first he seeks to allure detractors with soft words and gentle temptations, and then, when these temptations fail, his horns begin to show. Now look at this quote from “Evaluation of Unauthorized Use of a Church Trademark” in the “Trademark Guidelines” used by the SDA General Conference as reproduced in the Crucified Afresh document:

3) If officers so authorize, Office of General Counsel sends conciliatory letter stating the problem and offering to discuss possible solutions.

4) If response is negative, Trademark Committee and then officers again consider the problem. If officers so authorize, trademark counsel sends polite cease-and-desist letter.

5) If trademark counsel receives negative response, Trademark Committee and officers reconsider the situation for possible litigation or other action.

Zahakiel: The “evil men” in both these cases begin with polite requests, and an offer of peace – but a peace that would violate the conscience – and when these are rebuffed, then stronger action is undertaken. This has ever been the way the Lucifer-spirit has operated, from the temptation of man in Eden to the Mark of the Beast.

Any comments on that last paragraph?

Happy Rock: No.

Crystle: None.

Zahakiel: The next section reads…

But so long as Jesus remains man’s intercessor in the sanctuary above, the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit is felt by rulers and people. It still controls to some extent the laws of the land. Were it not for these laws, the condition of the world would be much worse than it now is. While many of our rulers are active agents of Satan, God also has His agents among the leading men of the nation. The enemy moves upon his servants to propose measures that would greatly impede the work of God; but statesmen who fear the Lord are influenced by holy angels to oppose such propositions with unanswerable arguments. Thus a few men will hold in check a powerful current of evil. The opposition of the enemies of truth will be restrained that the third angel’s message may do its work. When the final warning shall be given, it will arrest the attention of these leading men through whom the Lord is now working, and some of them will accept it, and will stand with the people of God through the time of trouble.

Zahakiel: Say when you’ve reached here.

Qinael: Done.

Crystle: Here.

Naraiel: Done.

Happy Rock: Done.

Barb: Now.

Pastor “Chick”: Here.

Zahakiel: We see something interesting starting with these paragraphs. It appears that even after an initial persecution is brought against the saints, and it is obvious that it is the final movements beginning, there is a time of reprieve, when another opportunity is given to the world. This time, the onlookers are able to see the message that the saints bear in light of the persecution they are about to face. This combination of elements gives the message special power, and awakens interest where it would otherwise not be received. We will see more about this matter shortly as we continue.

Pastor “Chick”: Is that not the time that we find ourselves NOW, awaiting the court trial? A time of reprieve…

Zahakiel: I think that is a potential fulfillment of it. There may be a future one as well, because some of the details of this are not precise.

Qinael: It appears to me that it comes after the trial...

Pastor “Chick”: Oh, OK...

Zahakiel: For example, no statesmen are actively holding back the sentence, or punishment. There may be something to look at there.

Qinael: This is also after the persecution “rises to a fiercer height”.

Zahakiel: Hm, right.

Pastor “Chick”: For us, though... WIPO may have been the initial “storm” and “burst”... THEN, the Federal case is the “fiercer height”...OR, it could be relating to the extension into our other “fields”???

Qinael: I’m not sure if WIPO would factor into this as something independent of the larger lawsuit timewise... There was no real publicity or trial of the church as a whole – we weren’t constrained to stop any practices or conduct, etc. It was over domain names - which is part of why we didn’t appeal it.

Zahakiel: There is also the issue of “a few powerful men” holding things back.

Qinael: <nods.> Yeah.

Zahakiel: Even if the details are conditional, there would still need to be some kind of connection to the actual coming-to-pass, I would think.

Pastor “Chick”: Is that “active” or just a passive containment?

Zahakiel: “but statesmen who fear the Lord are influenced by holy angels to oppose such propositions with unanswerable arguments.” That seems much more than passive.

Qinael: It seems to be active... She says it is via means of “unanswerable arguments”.

Pastor “Chick”: What were the “propositions”?

Qinael: “While many of our rulers are active agents of Satan, God also has His agents among the leading men of the nation. The enemy moves upon his servants to propose measures that would greatly impede the work of God;” It doesn’t name the propositions specifically.

Pastor “Chick”: “measures that would greatly impede the work of God”

Qinael: <nods.> Right – I mean their exact outworking.

Zahakiel: In the WIPO situation, no one opposed those measures even passively.

Qinael: Actually, WIPO wasn’t in this nation anyway.... I wonder if that has some applicability.

Pastor “Chick”: So long as Jesus remains man’s intercessor in the sanctuary above, the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit is felt by rulers and people. It still controls to some extent the laws of the land. That is the basic principle.

Zahakiel: Right.

Pastor “Chick”: The U.S. Constitution is still intact... We must remember that some of the wording here will relate to the Sunday Law scenario.

Zahakiel: Understood, yes. But I do not here see any relation between the way the opposition is held in check to what happened with WIPO.

Pastor “Chick”: a few men will hold in check a powerful current of evil. The opposition of the enemies of truth will be restrained that the third angel’s message may do its work. That could be the jury?

Qinael: She says leading men of the nation, and among our rulers, though.

Zahakiel: The jury is certainly given “power” in the courtroom.

Qinael: I did consider that though – a hung jury if nothing else.

Pastor “Chick”: They are on par with a judge.

Qinael: I certainly don’t see all of 12 people agreeing with it.

Zahakiel: Yes, that may be the alternative scenario in light of the Sunday Law to Trademark shift.

Qinael: Well... I guess they could be “temporary rulers.”

Zahakiel: I think that may be a likely fulfillment wherein the details change, but the overall idea remains the same.

Qinael: And it would mean we may win some jurors to the faith <smiles.>

Zahakiel: <nods.>

Zahakiel: Let’s see if the following paragraphs add anything to the discussion…