Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
We live in a wicked world. Satan roams about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Peter 5:8.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. Ephesians 6:12
As men seek to come into harmony with God, they will find that the offense of the cross has not ceased. Principalities and powers and wicked spirits in high places are arrayed against all who yield obedience to the law of heaven. Therefore, so far from causing grief, persecution should bring joy to the disciples of Christ, for it is an evidence that they are following in the steps of their Master. {MB 29.3}
A co-worker, a so- called professed “Christian”, frequently calls out the name of Jesus Christ, taking the Lord’s name in vain. She is not in prayer, just blurts His name out as if it were any common word. Commandment number three states that thou shall not take the name of the Lord in vain. This is a sin.
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Exodus 20:7
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11
She follows blurting out His name stating He is Lord. Not in prayer or in giving God the glory. There is no confession, repentance, or contrition of heart. None. This is sin, breaking of the third commandment. Another co-worker asks her, how do you know that He is a he? Her response was, yes you are right, I don’t know. How can a so-called Christian not know that Jesus was a male? The Holy Bible, from beginning to end, describes Christ Jesus as male.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
For the sake of brevity, this one article cannot contain all of the references to Christ Jesus being a male. As He is in heaven, so was He as He walked this earth in the flesh. It is so sad and unfortunate that there are so many professed “Christians” that do not or have ever read the Bible. It is easier for them to follow mammon then it is to look in the mirror, The Holy Bible, and see all their sin. With every sin, Jesus is wounded afresh. But most do not want to hear the truth. They claim that the Bible is not infallible, that it is just a story and that it is subject to interpretation.
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:6,7
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:20,21
They cannot handle the truth. It is too harsh for them. It means that they would have to give up their sinful ways, all the “fun” that the world provides them. When the light is revealed to them, the light bearer is called intolerant or even hateful.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:17
God gives us choices, but when one is presented with the light, they are expected to walk in it. Everyone will have to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. It can be very frustrating that these so-called “Christians” take their salvation so lightly. Some believe that they are saved by grace alone. The Bible teaches that it is by grace we are saved and by works that we will be judged for our entrance and place into God’s heavenly kingdom.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Where [is] boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Romans 3:24,27,28,31
The salvation that Christ made such a sacrifice to gain for man, is that which is alone of value, that which saves from sin—the cause of all the misery and woe in our world. Mercy extended to the sinner is constantly drawing him to Jesus. If he responds, coming in penitence with confession, in faith laying hold of the hope set before him in the gospel, God will not despise the broken and contrite heart. Thus the law of God is not weakened, but the power of sin is broken, and the scepter of mercy is extended to the penitent sinner (Letter 1f, 1890). {6BC 1072.3}
God requires at this time just what He required of the holy pair in Eden—perfect obedience to His requirements. His law remains the same in all ages. The great standard of righteousness presented in the Old Testament is not lowered in the New. It is not the work of the gospel to weaken the claims of God’s holy law but to bring men up where they can keep its precepts. {FW 52.1}
The enemy has ever labored to disconnect the law and the gospel. They go hand in hand (Manuscript 11, 1893). {6BC 1073.3}
It is impossible for us to exalt the law of Jehovah unless we take hold of the righteousness of Jesus Christ. The law of Jehovah is the tree, the gospel is the fragrant blossoms and fruit which it bears (Letter 119, 1897). {6BC 1073}
Too many professed “Christians” conveniently apply verses out of context so that they may continue in sin without reading the whole context of the verses surrounding it. They do not study the Bible. They remain in sin, either through ignorance, what they have been taught by apostate ministers, or just plainly choosing not to accept the truth. Assuredly, if one comes to God in prayer holding on to known sins, their prayers will not be heard and their words will fall to the ground. This is if they even pray at all. They are deluded by thinking that if they attend a church service, they are righteous and fit for heaven. Sitting in a church pew does not make one a Christian as much as if they sat in a car garage makes them a car. Or perhaps they are waiting for death bed repentance, that they will be saved at the last minute. No man knows when that hour will come. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Life on earth is precious but everlasting life in heaven is eternal. We are living in the last days. There is a small remnant that is working feverishly proclaiming the everlasting gospel to the whole world.
And 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
The time is now. Jesus is coming soon. Will you and your family, your loved ones, your friends, co-workers, will they be ready. I pray so. Maranatha.
