IAUA End Time Ministry
Preparing for the End of Time
The Lord is Coming! Are you ready?
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IAUA End Time Ministry |
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Preparing for the End of Time | |
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The Lord is Coming! Are you ready? | |
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in
IAUA
(ee-ah-oo-ah) our Father,
Greetings on this day of preparation for the weekly sabbath. It is sad that there are so many issues which divide Christians. There are major issues of God's truth which cannot be overlooked. These are to occupy our minds. Unfortunately, there are also many minor issues that people often treat as major issues. A typical example is the Wednesday crucifixion argument. I have studied this issue some. I am not thoroughly convinced either way. But you know what. It is not that important! There are so many issues of true value to salvation, understanding and guidance of our lives. Why get bogged down and distracted with this issue. The important issues are my relationship to the Saviour, the love of the Saviour in my life flowing out to others, walking in the path of righteousness, and obeying His commandments. Satan would love to have us arguing and disagreeing over things that are of little or no value. While we are arguing we are ignoring many great and important truths that are not spread and understood. Our arguing and debating also drives away the sensitive souls who are indeed looking for truth. Ellen made a great many statements about the dangers and pitfalls of sharp discussion and debate. Before I quote the most relevent items let me quote some Bible verses. Isaiah 58:4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: "If any one shall seek to draw the workers into debate or controversy on political or other questions, take no heed to either persuasion or challenge. Carry forward the work of God firmly and strongly, but in the meekness of Christ, and as quietly as possible. Let no human boasting be heard. Let no sign of self-sufficiency be made. Let it be seen that God has called us to handle sacred trusts; preach the word, be diligent, earnest, and fervent." {6T 122.3} {GW 374.1} "In these last days many influences will arise to draw the worker from standing firmly for a "Thus saith the Lord." Men who themselves have departed from the faith, will seek to draw the workers into controversy, and by this method attempt to present heresies that will lead souls astray. My brethren, do not be enticed by such influences. Engage in no debate. Take no heed to the persuasions and challenges of those who would draw you from your legitimate work. You have no time to voice their sentiments or to repeat their words. Time is golden; truth is precious. We are to carry forward the work of God in the same spirit of simplicity that has marked our efforts for the past fifty years. But while our work is to be done in simplicity and meekness, we are to stand firmly for the principles of the faith." {NPU Gleaner, December 11, 1907 par. 2} {AUCR, December 30, 1907 par. 2} "Young preachers should avoid discussions, for they do not increase spirituality or humbleness of mind. In some cases it may be necessary to meet a proud boaster against the truth of God in open debate; but generally these discussions, either oral or written, result in more harm than good. After a discussion the greater responsibility rests upon the minister to keep up the interest. He should beware of the reaction which is liable to take place after a religious excitement, and not yield to discouragement himself." {3T 213.1} "Truths connected with the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven will be talked of, written upon, more than now. There is to be closed every door that will lead to points of difference and debate among brethren. If the old man was purged from every heart, then there would be greater safety in discussion, but now the people need something of a different character. There is altogether too little of the love of Christ in the hearts of those who claim to believe the truth. While all their hopes are centered in Jesus Christ, while His Spirit pervades the soul, then there will be unity, although every idea may not be exactly the same on all points." {15MR 28.1} {CW 81.3} {1888 31.1} May you find peace in the name of Yahushua (Ee-ah-oo-shoo-oh) Messiah the son of God. Shabbat Shalom
Frank T. Clark
Next: 2005-02-04 Prove all things |
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Revised 2005-02-04 |