THE YELLOW CORVETTE July 21, 2010 By Ernie Knoll
In my dream, I find myself standing outside in a parking lot. I see a man dressed in white attending to a yellow car in front of me. I know that he is a mechanic that is trained in the repair of only the Corvette ZR1. The Herald is also there and asks me, “What do you see in front of you?” I tell him it is a yellow Corvette ZR1. He asks, “How do you know?” I answer, “Because it has Corvette ZR1 emblems all over the car and also has a distinctive ZR1 design.”
I open the driver door and start the engine. It has a distinctive ZR1 engine sound and exhaust system. The Herald now asks, “So you know it is a ZR1 by the emblems, the sound of the engine and exhaust, and by its design?” I answer, “Yes.” The Herald now walks over to the car, lifts the hood and runs his hand over the engine area where the Corvette ZR1 emblem is and it disappears. He then proceeds to run his hand over the rest of the emblems and they all disappear. He then walks over to me and asks, “What type of car is this?” I tell him it is still a Corvette ZR1. He asks, “How do you know?” I answer, “Because of how it looks.” I walk over to the car and start the engine. I tell him that the engine and the exhaust system still sound like a ZR1. I turn off the motor and step out of the car. The Herald asks, “So with this car’s emblems removed, it is still a Corvette ZR1?”
I stand back as I now notice several men dressed in white come over to attend to the car. I know these to be trained mechanics specializing in repair of only the Corvette ZR1. The men are either working under the hood, on different parts of the car body, or on the interior. They work as if it is the only and most important car in the world, as if it is up to them to make sure this car is once again able to display proudly the Corvette ZR1 emblems.
The Herald explains, “That is how it is in God’s chosen Church. His people walk in the way that He has laid out. They look like a Seventh-day Adventist. They talk like a Seventh-day Adventist. They live each day as a Seventh-day Adventist. However if someone comes along and removes their ‘emblem,’ are they not still a Seventh-day Adventist?
Your heavenly Father is aware of a continually growing problem of His people who live the life of a true Seventh-day Adventist being censured or disfellowshipped, because elders and pastors place themselves higher than the heavenly Father who is there to guide in the area of spiritual counseling. They do not look to Him on how to work with an individual that may need guidance in their daily walk. They see true Seventh-day Adventists as not living up to their own non-biblical standards. Because they often fail to follow the instruction and counsel the heavenly Father has given them, they remove God’s chosen believers from fellowship, especially those who will not stand with the ones who have accepted the path of the Church’s widespread apostasy and spiritualism.
It is sad to see church elders and pastors failing to follow the counsel in which they have been instructed. Elders and pastors become partakers of others’ sins, because they do not repent of their own sins. Jesus the Great Writer commanded these words: ‘If one neglects the duty Christ has enjoined, of trying to restore those who are in error and sin, he becomes a partaker in the sin. . . . While we seek to correct the errors of a brother, the Spirit of Christ will lead us to shield him, as far as possible, from the criticism of even his own brethren, and how much more from the censure of the unbelieving world.
We ourselves are erring, and need Christ’s pity and forgiveness, and just as we wish Him to deal with us, He bids us deal with one another. “Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” You are acting as the ambassadors of heaven, and the issues of your work are for eternity.’ ” [The Desire of Ages, pp. 441-442]
The Herald looks at me and explains that the heavenly Father’s Church has dealt wrongly with many who have made a stand for truth, that those who count themselves as a high authority have condemned and disfellowshipped God’s chosen. He states that there have been those who have sinned, but the Church was too eager to dismiss them rather than have their eternal salvation at heart. The Great Judge also notices those that continue to live in open sin but are not removed because the leaders promote and assist them to flourish in church positions.
The Herald now inquires, “Do you remember when we first arrived here how many mechanics were attending to this vehicle?” I answer that there was only one, and the Herald asks, “And now how many do you see?” I tell him there are several mechanics working on this one car. He continues to explain that with the emblems removed, this car is still a most precious machine to the mechanics, and that each is most precious and valuable in its own way.
The Herald now asks, “How many elders and pastors have visited or written to those who have been censured or disfellowshipped? How many have called to pray and to ask ‘How is your walk with God?’ How many who have been trained in the finest granite-built schools of learning truly have concern for souls? How many have invited them to come to their former church? How many elders have called upon that individual to ask if their courage is strong, to encourage them, and pray with them? Many act as if disfellowshipping is nothing more than terminating an employee?
Jesus, your Savior, died for those souls, hoping that they would not be lost. There are many who claim to be a Christian but do not walk, talk or act as a Christian. If they do not follow Christ, then they follow Satan. One cannot follow both. Those who look to their pastor should privately review as to whether that pastor is truly serving as a pastor or simply working to receive a pay check. Are they earning souls or are they earning points with their leader? Is that pastor building strong members or just statistics? Is it a member they will disfellowship, provided they are not a large tithe payer?
Our heavenly Father is fully aware of the pastors that are supposed to be leading His sheep, but many of these should find another field to work in.” The Herald continues to explain, “There has been specific instruction to those who sit in leadership. It is written that after one has been censured or disfellowshipped, that they should be cared for as if the only soul in the world. The elders and pastors have been found wanting and fall far short of the finish line. Let each member ask when the last time was that a pastor called or visited and prayed with them in their home? Where are all the pastors who have a true concern for souls?
When a person goes to church, are they being fed spiritually or just being entertained?” The Herald ends by stating, “The Corvette is an example of how a true Seventh-day Adventist does not need to have an outward emblem. A true Seventh-day Adventist needs to be nurtured, but often that true Seventh-day Adventist is not the one needing nurturing. Remember that without the emblems, the Corvette ZR1 was indeed a Corvette ZR1. So it is with a true Seventh-day Adventist. God looks at the heart, at the thoughts, words, and actions.”
The Herald smiles and explains that God’s true Church is not a building. It is those people who live each day the true life of Christ and every moment as a true Seventh-day Adventist. God’s true Church will stand firm. Manuscript Releases, Vol. 17, p. 81
God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love God and keep His commandments. “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Where Christ is, even among the humble few, this is Christ’s church, for the presence of the High an
d Holy One who inhabiteth eternity can alone constitute a church.
General
Pastor Korter gave a short sermon to the Bellingham Seventh-day Adventist church this past Sabbath. Communion service with a foot washing was also part of our service. His message was centered around Galatians 2:20:
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
The devil tells us we are not worthy. The devil hates Christians that are devoted to Christ. The devil wants to separate us from Christ, he knows the time is short. Good news-Jesus died for sins of all mankind. Jesus wants us all to come together and take communion. Remembrance of Last Supper and is also a mini baptism service reminding us of His sacrifice on the cross.
Were the disciples perfect people? NO, they were filled with Sin. Peter partook of the Last Supper and then said: “Do not wash my feet Jesus, wash my face”. Peter was filled with doubt. Hours later, Peter took out his sword and cut off ear of the Roman soldier that was arresting Jesus.
If it wasn’t for Jesus, none of us would be worthy. Jesus calls us to recognize our sin, then go to the cross and claim victory. Popular teaching in many Christian churches is dangerous-As long as I ask Jesus to forgive my sins, I can keep on sinning. Remember the verse where Christ stated in the Gospels that many will claim that they know Christ and the Lord said that many will proclaim my name but few will enter in to the Kingdom.
Christ death on the cross gives us victory over our sin. Good news is the Gospel. We are transformed and changed. This is the way I used to be, do, what I watched and now I am a different person. Jesus says come to me just as you are. By God’s power, He changes how we think, talk, act. Gospel is all about transformation.
Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, I AM. This means Paul has already made his choice. Paul is telling others and us to chose. Jesus chose to die. He didn’t have to but gave in to give up himself for us. Paul says he gives up himself for Jesus. I give up self to let Jesus live in me. If it is what we want, can Christ live in us? Examine ourselves when we come to the Lord’s Supper. The devil inflicts fear to keep us in self. God is calling us to be honest with Jesus. Paul says: Christ lives in me.
Come to Jesus in sincerity and He will live in your heart.
Was really good to spend some time with my oldest sister Susan today. She lives in Eugene, Oregon. She has home schooled both of her boys and the youngest one Andy is now attending the local high school in Eugene. Family is so important and Susan and I have encouraged each other through the years.
Pastor Korter preached a stirring sermon this past Sabbath at Bellingham, Wa SDA church. The message is centered around Acts 8:4-8. Here are some of the sermon highlights:
In America, less than 20 percent of population attends church each week. How can we stay close to Jesus by forsaking church? Jesus is the head of the church. Church is criticized from inside and outside. To despise the church is to despise Jesus. We live in a time when any authority is despised (religious or secular).
We are living in the time of the end. Respect for church of God is declining rapidly. What is it that causes churches to grow? Grass is always greener on the other side of the fence scenario. Mega churches are not preaching the truth from the Bible. The messages these churches are based on is to come as you are and feel good. Be careful about deception. The truth is in the Bible. Go to a church that preaches what is in the Bible.
Samuel was a great man in Old Testament times. The people of Israel wanted a King. Samuel gave them a King. We have a King. His name is Jesus. Two things in early church relate to today’s world.
1. Proclamation of the Gospel
Acts 8:4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
The disciples boldly shared the word. Many lost their life.
God gives us the ability to see the big picture. Truth has always been in the minority. Can you handle people thinking that you are strange? Off your rocker?? Acts 8:5 The Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. The disciples preached their hearts out. A certain amount of persecution will come if you follow Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:8 There was great joy in that city. Can we be filled with missionary zeal? At all cost, can we break bread with people in need of the bread of life?
2. Persecution of the Church
Acts 8:1 At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem.
John Wesley was an incredible man of God. He was out spreading the word. He noticed there had been three whole days since he had been persecuted. He stopped his horse in a country lane and went down on his knees and prayed that God would show him any sin in his life. A man on the other side of the road heard Wesley’s prayer and said I will fix that mister and hurled a brick at Wesley. The brick missed Wesley and then John Wesley said: “Thank you God, I am still in your service, no matter what”.
When we preach the Seventh-day Adventist message from Jesus to others, we are sharing the truth from the word. The Gospel is not just in the New Testament. The Gospel is in between the two leather bound covers of the Bible. We cannot apologize for sharing the true message. People may speak unkindly to us. Prophecy tells us those that keep the truth of the Bible will be looked upon as different as those that do not. God’s true church is never suppossed to be like the other churches. It never will be. We are called to chose the church that preaches the truth of the Bible. We are not to go to a church that makes us feel good without hearing the truth. We must share the Love of God in our church.
To be a true disciple, we have to share Jesus like Philip. What are we waiting for?
Heard a great sermon from David Asscherick’s Arise Institute today on Three Angels Broadcasting network. David mentioned that at the time of the end, deception and false preaching will be rampant. How can we know we are not deceived since Satan will also be able to do good deeds and shine bright? Here are six simple steps for believers:
1. Read the Word
2. Study the Word
3. Believe the Word
4. Obey the Word
5. Cherish the Word
6. Share the Word
The word is the Bible. Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.
Our pastor shared a powerful message this morning at church. Pastor Brandon Korter is the pastor of the Bellingham Seventh-day Adventist church. His sermon this morning was titled: “Losing to Win”. Here are some of the highlights from his message.
Do not be Deceived. Deception goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.
As we get closer to the coming of Jesus, the challenge to make right decisions is causing serious problems in our society. Being a Christian is not about focusing on ourselves. Our society is all wrapped up in SELF. Jesus said: “Do not be of the World. Be in the World.” Our society is centered around me, myself, and I. Greatest battle a human being will ever have is with ‘self’.
How do we overcome human nature?
Matthew 10:16-22
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
You are either a sheep or a wolf. There is a clear line of demarcation. Do you really want to be a sheep? There are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Jesus is assuming we are sheep. There is no half way point. Sheep have to be tended to often-sheep are very needy. Jesus understands our constant need of Him.
verse 17:
Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues.
What must we lose to get ready for Jesus coming? Are we willing to live by Biblical principles? We should live as an example. Kevin and Kenda are here worshiping with us today. They watched sheep here at this church.
verse 18-22
You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Remember Rwanda in 1995? Hutus and Tutsis were fighting each other there to the point of genocide. Hutus attacked and killed many Tutsis. Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Tutsis squealed to Hutus that there were Tutsis hiding in the SDA church. Hutus went in to the church and killed them.
If we don’t get our way, do we scream, fight, and kick back? Or are we concerned about the welfare of our fellow Christians?
Pastor Korter mentions a train ride from Lithuiania to St. Petersburg, Russia. He and his Australian friend applied for Visas before leaving. The officials at the Russian embassy in Lithuiania switched the photos on the two men thereby the Australian man’s visa had Brandon Korter’s photo and vice versa. Because neither men could read Russian, they did not catch the problem.
The train they rode on had four Chinese men in the same car that Brandon rode on. Brandon asked the men if they knew about Jesus. None of them had heard of Jesus and Brandon shared for about an hour about Jesus. Then the train was at the border in the middle of the night.
It was 20 below zero at 03:00 and the Russian border guard opened Brandon’s compartment and got right in Brandon’s face and said: “You have a big problem”. After 2 hours of conversations, the Russian border guards allowed Brandon and his Australian friend into Russia.
Brandon was living on the promises of the Bible that by being a sheep, he can share Jesus with others.
If we practice being sheep with each other, we can turn wolves into sheep with Jesus help.
Our new pastor, Brandon Korter and his family have arrived from Michigan. Brandon and his wife Rosalba have a daughter Iriana. The Korters enjoy the outdoors, hiking, camping, and horses. Here is the first sermon Pastor Korter preached at Bellingham Seventh-day Adventist church this past Sabbath.
The Highest Calling
What does it mean to receive the Highest Calling or Purpose in Life? People are filled with worry, fear, and sadness. Jesus is coming soon. Christ has given us the Highest Calling. The Devil does not want people to receive the Highest Calling. We can accomplish great things for Jesus. Look at what two older men did thousands of years ago.
Daniel was a prophet and wrote the Book of Daniel in the Bible when he was 75 years old. John was 80 when he wrote the Book of Revelation on Patmos while in exile. We all should give ourselves to Jesus fully and ask how can He use us to reach the lost and fearful.
Read Isaiah 42:6-7
I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness,
And will hold Your hand;
I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the Gentiles,
7 To open blind eyes,
To bring out prisoners from the prison,
Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
Incredible Grace that God has given us. God is asking us to Shine Our Light for His Church. We are the Church (all of us people, not the building). Jesus is saying: “I will hold your hand”.
General McArthur declared in the Philippines during WWII: “I will return”. Jesus also will.
Ships follow Light from the Lighthouse. People in our local community pass by and thousands are looking for the light. The Devil has light all be it only temporary. God’s light never goes out. The Devil’s light will go out on Judgement Day. The Devil will try to attack people who are in the Lighthouse (Church). We have to spend time everyday in prayer with Jesus to keep the Light. When we spend time with Jesus, we will be concerned for the lost. The Devil hates the Church.
God wants us to be on guard. We can be a problem or the solution. The Church has problems. Always has and always will until Christ returns. The Church is a theatre of God’s Grace. We as Christians have the Highest Calling to reach lost people for Christ. Your heart will experience incredible love and grace when you help introduce someone to Jesus.
Read the Acts of the Apostles pages 11 and 12.
We had a visiting Pastor recently that retired from the Seventh-day Adventist church. Pastor Ellis served in churches in England, Australia and Canada. He makes his home in the Vancouver, British Columbia area. So God created man in his own image, Read Isaiah 46 and Daniel 9 which reveals prophecy of what is to come on the earth. You cannot outrun or out think God. He wants us to have everlasting life. John 20:31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. Ultimate Truth is Jesus. You and I come into this world to live. Jesus came to this world to die. John 12:32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. Ultimate truth is resurrection. John 14:15-21 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. 18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Who ever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
If All Christians opened their Bibles at the same time, the result would create the greatest dust storm ever.
Read John 17 and Psalms 90
Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,
who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place,
and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly,
and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
God is much more than our minds can comprehend. There are more stars than sand on this earth. Miracles are all around us. God said it, I believe it, That finishes it.
Read Jeremiah 10 God is beyond the universe. Outside of the circle, God created us. He spoke and earth was formed.
Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
Read Revelation 22 and learn about the River of Life and about Jesus Soon Return
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
If you want to listen to some of the meetings from the 2010 International Convention in San Antonio, Texas, just go to this website:
Sound Images
MP3 recordings are $3 and you also get to chose a selection from the 2005 Convention that was in Toronto, Canada. Audio CD’s are $4.
I listened to the Pioneers meeting from 2005 and heard a man speak that I had met in New York about 13 years ago. The Courage to Change meeting was full at San Antonio so I paid the $3 and listened today. You will have access to the recordings after paying on the Sound Images website.
You can also phone or fax an order to:
Sound Images
2010 E. 17th Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
Phone: 888-649-1118
Fax: 303-790-4230
Hope everyone made it home safely from San Antonio, Texas. What a powerful 3 days of meetings, fellowship, and sharing. I did not even notice I was tired from lack of sleep. Minneapolis was the same as I remember I went out to the motel for about 7 hours each night. Now I have to decide which of the meetings I want to get on CD so I can listen to the speakers again. Here are my top 3 highlights of the weekend:
1) Flag Ceremony (that was easy as seeing 90 plus nations flags was a neat event in itself) Afghanistan, China, Iran…….
2) Hearing Mel from Ohio with 60 years of recovery share about Ebby
3) Seeing thousands of young people having a ball at the international convention
We were rocking the Alamodome on Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday morning’s meeting was also a blessing. See you all in Atlanta, Georgia in 5 years!
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” – General George S. Patton
“And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave.” – Joseph Drake
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than one self.” – Joseph Campbell
Creator God gave the Sabbath Day to All Mankind. 19 Assoon as it began to grow dark at the gates of Jerusalem before theSabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut and gave orders thatthey should not be opened until after the Sabbath. And I stationed someof my servants at the gates, that no load might be brought in on theSabbath day. 20 Then the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice. 21 ButI warned them and said to them, “Why do you lodge outside the wall? Ifyou do so again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time on they didnot come on the Sabbath. 22 ThenI commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come andguard the gates, to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember this also in myfavor, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of yoursteadfast love. Resting in the Lord: 1) Have the Right Attitude. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! 2) Confession 3) Rest from Sin-Dedicate Yourself to God 4) Rest from making a living 5) Rest from the bombardment of Life-turn off televisions, radios and enjoy family with nature walks and picnics after church. Luke 10:40-42 But Martha wasdistracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord,do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell herthen to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 23:54-56 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. 55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. Hebrews 4:1-13 Therefore, while the promise of entering hisrest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to havefailed to reach it. 2 Forgood news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard didnot benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those wholistened. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” 5 And again in this passage he said, “They shall not enter my rest.” 6 Sincetherefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerlyreceived the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, “Today, if you hear his voice, 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. 11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12 Forthe word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and ofmarrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Genesis 2:1-3 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 Andon the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and herested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.
God does not want us to fall into Fanaticism or Liberalism. As Christians, we need to be in the center of the road and follow the teachings of the Holy Bible.
Fanaticism means to set up all kinds of rules. Fanaticism is dangerous as it tends to drive people away from God and out of the church.
Liberalism means breaking rules and treating God’s principles with disregard.
Isaiah 58:13-14 “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath,
from doing your pleasure on my holy day,
and call the Sabbath a delight
and the holy day of the Lord honorable;
if you honor it, not going your own ways,
or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly;
14 then you shall take delight in the Lord,
and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;
I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit: John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
Exodus 20:8-10 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lordyour God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or yourdaughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock,or the sojourner who is within your gates.
God made Holy the Seventh Day. Man cannot make a day holy. If you have to work on the Sabbath right now, trust in God. Share your faith with your employer. If the employer will not grant you the Sabbath day, God will repay you if you have to leave a job to keep the Sabbath.
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever woulddraw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards thosewho seek him.
We should cease from buying and selling on the Sabbath day.
Isaiah 58:13
If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath,
from doing your pleasure on my holy day,
and call the Sabbath a delight
and the holy day of the Lord honorable;
if you honor it, not going your own ways,
or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly.
Nehemiah 13:15-22 Inthose days I saw in Judah people treading winepresses on the Sabbath,and bringing in heaps of grain and loading them on donkeys, and alsowine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought intoJerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them on the day when theysold food. 16 Tyriansalso, who lived in the city, brought in fish and all kinds of goods andsold them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah, in Jerusalem itself! 17 Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? 18 Did not your fathers act in this way, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.”
‘They shall not enter my rest,’”
do not harden your hearts.”
Here are some excellent points from a book I just finished over the past weekend:
1. We have creative talent. We either use it or lose it similar to your physical muscles in your body.
2. Be Proactive – You are a Creator of Your Million Dollar Business
3. Begin with the End in Mind – Leadership is the Key
Consider the Outcome of Your Life and Actions
Looking at the Big Picture Will Motivate You
4. Put First Things First – Managing Your Million Dollar Business is an Art
5. Think Win/Win – Take Time to Look at the Whole Picture
Walk a Mile in Your Adversaries Shoes
6. Seek First to Understand Then to Be Understood
7. Synergize
8. Sharpen the Saw
Learned some more great knowledge this past weekend. Friday I went to the first presentation of Dr. Doug Newton’s Trinity Creation Studies. Dr. Newton is a very effective presenter of scientific evidence, has an incredible display of archaeological items, and an incredible slide presentation showing many of the images that the Hubble Telescope has captured. Here is a statement on his website:
“It is my opinion that it takes less faith to believe in God and His intelligent design than to believe in Darwin and evolutionary theory. It is my hope and grand desire that following our presentation, when armed with scientific facts supporting intelligent design, that you, too, feel the same.”
The recent explosion of Mt. St. Helens in Washington State has provided scientists a laboratory for exploring how the earth can create layer upon layer of earth in just a matter of 3 hours. The presentation Dr. Newton did about Carbon 14 and how archaeologists date artifacts also supports Creation Theory that the world was created in six days as described in Genesis. The earth changed violently during the Bible Flood and the flood was more than just a water event. Great earthquakes happened and all of life on earth was destroyed except for life that was on Noah’s Ark.
The most incredible presentation was the last one where Dr. Newton showed us many slides that are recent images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. There are infinite galaxies out there in space at the most distant points where evolutionists believe the universe should be empty according to their big bang theory. The fact that Venus rotates clockwise while all the rest of the planets rotate counter clockwise is also amazing.
Dr. Newton’s final section also showed us a huge black hole in the Orion constellation is amazing. As a born again Seventh-day Adventist Christian, I believe that Jesus is coming for a second time to take home believers that HE is the Son of God and that His Death at Calvary paid the price for my sin and all believers.