"Bread of Life”"(GB)
God's Church
"Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands; thy walls are continually before Me." Isaiah 49:16.
"The church is God's fortress. His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world. Any betrayal of the church is treachery to Him who has bought mankind with the blood of His only-begotten Son. From the beginning, faithful souls have constit-uted the church on earth.
{Acts of the Apostles, 11 ,12}
May the dear Lord bless your day today.
Sincere Christian wishes.
"Bread of Life"(GB) Ministry
Present Truth for The Last Days
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Story behind the hymn...
"It Is Well With My Soul"
Horatio G. Spafford was a successful lawyer and businessman in Chicago with a lovely family — a wife, Anna, and five children. However, they were not strangers to tears and tragedy. Their young son died with pneumonia in 1871, and in that same year, much of their business was lost in the great Chicago fire. Yet, God in His mercy and kindness allowed the business to flourish once more.
On Nov. 21, 1873, the French ocean liner, Ville du Havre was crossing the Atlantic from the U.S. to Europe with 313 passengers on board. Among the passengers were Mrs. Spafford and their four daughters. Although Mr. Spafford had planned to go with his family, he found it necessary to stay in Chicago to help solve an unexpected business problem. He told his wife he would join her and their children in Europe a few days later. His plan was to take another ship.
About four days into the crossing of the Atlantic, the Ville du Harve collided with a powerful, iron-hulled Scottish ship, the Loch Earn. Suddenly, all of those on board were in grave danger. Anna hurriedly brought her four children to the deck. She knelt there with Annie, Margaret Lee, Bessie and Tanetta and prayed that God would spare them if that could be His will, or to make them willing to endure whatever awaited them. Within approximately 12 minutes, the Ville du Harve slipped beneath the dark waters of the Atlantic, carrying with it 226 of the passengers including the four Spafford children.
A sailor, rowing a small boat over the spot where the ship went down, spotted a woman floating on a piece of the wreckage. It was Anna, still alive. He pulled her into the boat and they were picked up by another large vessel which, nine days later, landed them in Cardiff, Wales. From there she wired her husband a message which began, “Saved alone, what shall I do?” Mr. Spafford later framed the telegram and placed it in his office.
Another of the ship’s survivors, Pastor Weiss, later recalled Anna saying, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand why.”
Mr. Spafford booked passage on the next available ship and left to join his grieving wife. With the ship about four days out, the captain called Spafford to his cabin and told him they were over the place where his children went down.
According to Bertha Spafford Vester, a daughter born after the tragedy, Spafford wrote “It Is Well With My Soul” while on this journey.
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Chorus:
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control:
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul.
My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend;
even so, it is well with my soul.
Anna gave birth to three more children, one of which died at age four with dreaded pneumonia. In August 1881, the Spaffords moved to Jerusalem. Mr. Spafford died and is buried in that city.
"And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, shall keep your hearts, your minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7.
May the dear Lord of grace and mercy be with you each one this day and always, till He comes.
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PRAY THIS EVEN IF YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE IT!! IT WILL ONLY TAKE A MINUTE
You never know when God is going to bless you!!
you least expect them to!!
Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. I thank You for my being able to
see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God
and an understanding God. You have done so murch for me and You keep on
blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said, or
thought that was not pleasing to you.
I ask now for Your forgiveness.
gratitude.
that I can hear from You.
things.
And it is the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits.
I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart.
I may have words of encouragement for others.
misunderstood.
I thank You that I believe.
For each and every family member in their households.
needs are met.
problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God.
I pray that these words be received
God Bless!!
Just repeat this phrase and see how God moves!!
God, I love You and I need You.
and God will bless you.
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Presenting the Present Truth
SUSTAINING THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
“As in the natural, so in the spiritual world.
The natural life is preserved moment by moment by divine power; yet it is not sustained by a direct miracle, but through the use of blessings placed within our reach.
So the spiritual life is sustained by the use of those means that Providence has supplied.
“If the follower of Christ would grow up "unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13), he must eat of the bread of life and drink of the water of salvation.
“He must watch and pray and work, in all things giving heed to the instructions of God in His word.” {AA 285}
Have a blessed day with the Lord, the great sustainer of our spiritual life.
Christian greetings from,
Bro. Roy
Presenting the Present Truth with the…
“"Bread of Life”"
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"Bread of Life"(GB) Ministry
God in Nature
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. - Ps. 19:1
God has surrounded us with
nature's beautiful scenery
to attract and interest the mind.
It is His design that we should
associate the glories of nature
with His character.
If we faithfully study the book of nature,
we shall find it a fruitful source
for contemplating the infinite
love and power of God. . . .
The great Master Artist has painted
upon heaven's shifting,
changing canvas the glories
of the setting sun.
He has tinted and gilded
the heavens with
gold, silver, and crimson,
as though the portals of
high heaven were thrown open,
that we might view its gleamings
and our imagination take hold
of the glory within.
Many turn carelessly from this
heavenly wrought picture.
They fail to trace the infinite
love and power of God
in the surpassing beauties
seen in the heavens,
but are almost entranced as they
view the imperfect paintings,
in imitation of the Master Artist.
The Redeemer of the world
chose the open air in which
to give His lessons of instruction
He chose the groves and the
seaside, where He could have a
commanding view of landscape
and varied scenery, that He
might illustrate important
truths of the kingdom of God
by the works of God in nature.
Look at the wonderful and
beautiful things of nature.
Think of their marvellous
adaptation to the needs
and happiness, not only of
man, but of all living
creatures.
The sunshine and the rain,
that gladden and refresh the earth,
the hills and seas and plains,
all speak to us of the Creator's love.
It is God who brings the bud
to bloom, the flower to fruit.
It is He who supplies the
daily needs of all His creatures.
The heart is quickened, and throbs
with new and deeper love,
mingled with awe and reverence,
as we contemplate God in nature.
{MLT "MY LIFE TODAY" - Page 294}
Earnest Christian greetings, Friends.
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The EU Must Keep Sunday, Says Catholic Church
The Catholic Church wants Sunday observance enshrined in EU law. The European Parliament has debated changes to its Working Time Directive. Some Parliament tabled an amendment saying that the minimum rest period “shall in principle include Sunday.” The Brussels-based Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) agreed, recommending the directive should say “the minimal weekly rest must include Sunday.” But the proposal texts were not good enough. Now five Parliament members have put forward a new declaration. Accordingly this declaration now introduced into parliament calls on the Member States and on the EU institutions to “protect Sunday, as a weekly rest day, in forthcoming national and EU working-time legislation in order to enhance the protection of workers' health and the reconciliation of work and family life”.
In order to be adopted, it is now necessary for the Written Declaration to be signed by a majority (394) of MEPs before 7 May 2009.
Here you have the exact text:
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
2.2.2009
WRITTEN DECLARATION
pursuant to Rule 116 of the Rules of Procedure by Anna Záborská, Martin Kastler, Jean Louis Cottigny, Patrizia Toia and Konrad Szymański on the protection of a work-free Sunday as an essential pillar of the European Social Model and a part of the European cultural heritage
Lapse date: 7.5.2009
0009/2009
Written declaration on the protection of a work-free Sunday as an essential pillar of the
European Social Model and a part of the European cultural heritage
The European Parliament,
– having regard to Article 137 of the TEU,
– having regard to Rule 116 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas a work-free Sunday is an essential pillar of the European Social Model and a part
of the European cultural heritage,
B. whereas a EUROFOUND survey shows that the likelihood of sickness and absenteeism in
establishments that work on Saturdays and Sundays is 1.3 times greater compared with
establishments that do not require staff to work at the weekend,
C. whereas, according to EU law, Sunday is the weekly rest day for children and adolescents,
D. whereas the European institutions, bodies and agencies have not worked on Sundays
since their creation and do not intend to do so in the future, despite the diversity of
religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of EU officials and decision-makers,
1. Calls on the Member States and the EU institutions to protect Sunday, as a weekly rest
day, in forthcoming national and EU working-time legislation in order to enhance the
protection of workers' health and the reconciliation of work and family life;
2. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the
signatories, to the Council, the Commission and the parliamentary committees for social
affairs of the national parliaments.
If EU will make a specific day, Sunday as a day of rest, then they will enforce a lifestyle change on its subjects. Then the people in all the member states will be forced to follow a state religion – Catholicism. The enforcement of Sunday worship will be the mark of a powerful Vatican-allied European superpower.
In our magazines like THE ELITE TIGHTENS THE GRIP we have for many years ago warned about this developement, like this: ”It appears as a master plan that the religious dimension, as a gathering point, should come last. In this way it appears to be a point of less wait or importance. This is a clever strategy, since once they have acquired unity in the economical, political and military dimensions, unity in the area of religion naturally follows.”…” As we have read in Revelation 17: 14 it says that it is these world powers which war against the Lamb, Christ, and all that stand on His side. This is the final war in a nutshell. All of the world's destroying powers will come together - for what? What is it we are waiting for? Yes, just as they have implemented common standardized regulations in the political arena, they will also implement religious regulations. They will implement the beast's mark.”
The Catholic Church itself claims to have a mark. They claim Sunday as the mark of their authority, and that others acknowledge the church's authority by Sunday observance (From Thomas, Chancellor of Cardinal Gibbons and the Douay Catechism, p. 59). The church therefore says plainly that their mark of authority is their implementation of Sunday, the Biblical first day of the week, as the day of rest, in place of the Sabbath, which is kept from sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday (Mark 15:42-47, 16:1-6l; Leviticus 23:32; Nehemiah 13:15-21). The Bible speaks of only one day of rest in the week, which is the Sabbath. This is the only day of rest, which God has hallowed and blessed, from creation onward. In the Ten Commandments we are instructed to keep the seventh day, the Sabbath, as the day of rest (Gen. 2:1-3, Ex. 20:8-11, Acts 18:4).
Mark the following statements:
CATHOLICISM SPEAKS:
”Sunday is a Catholic institution, and its claims to observance can be defended only on Catholic principles…From beginning to end of Scripture there is not a single passage that warrants the transfer of weekly public worship from the last day of the week to the first.” - The Catholic Press, Sydney, Australia, August 1900
”It is well to remind the Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists and all other Christians, that the Bible does not support them anywhere in their observance of Sunday. Sunday is an institution of the Roman Catholic Church, and those who observe the day observe a commandment of the Catholic Church.” - Priest Braby, in an address, reported in the Elizabeth, N.J. ”News”, March 18, 1903
”Question: Have you any other way of proving that the (Catholic) Church has power to institute festivals of precept (to command holy days)?
Answer: Had she not such power, she could not have done that in which all modern religionists agree with her: she could not have substituted the observance of Sunday, the first day of the week, for the observance of Saturday, the seventh day, a change for which there is no Scriptural authority.” - Stephan Keenan, A Doctrinal Cathecism, page 176
”Reason and common sence demand the acceptance of one or the other of these alternatives: either Protestantism and the keeping holy of Saturday, or Catholicism and the keeping holy of Sunday. Compromide is impossible.” - The Catholic Mirror, December 23, 1893
Conclusion: The Catholic Church openly admit that it is they that by law has changed the day of worship from Sabbath to Sunday in 336 BC. They also admit that if we shall follow the Bible, we have to keep the Sabbath holy, not Sunday.
PROTESTANTISM SPEAKS:
Anglican:
”And where are we told in the Scriptures that we are to keep the first day at all? We are commanded to keep the seventh; but we are nowhere commanded to keep the first day.” - Isaac Williams, Plain Sermons on the Catechism, page 334, 336
Baptist:
”There was and is a command to keep holy the Sabbath day, but that Sabbath day was not Sunday. It will however be readily said, and with some show of triumph, that the Sabbath was transferred from the seventh to the first day of the week, with all its duties, privileges and sanctions. Earnestly desiring information on this subject, which I have studied for many years, I sak, where can the record of such a transaction be found? Not in the New Testament-absolutely not. There is no scriptural evidence of the change of the Sabbath institution from the seventh to the first day of the week.” - Dr. E.T. Hiscox, author of the Baptist Manual
Methodist:
”It is true that there is no positive command for infant baptism. Nor is there any for keeping holy the first day of the week. Many believe that Christ changed the Sabbath. But, from His own words, we see that He came for no such purpose. Those who believe that Jesus changed the Sabbath base it only on a supposition.” - Amos Binney, Theological Compendium, page 180-181
American Congregationalist:
”The current notion that Christ and His apostles authotitatively substituted the first day for the seventh, is absolutely without any authority in the New Testament.” - Dr. Layman Abbot, in the Christian Union, June 26, 1890
When we are talking about what is happening about this subject in the very near future:
”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.
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.
-Ellen G. White: In the book The Great Controversy, page 605
http://endtime.net/engelsk/eusunday.html
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The GOP Helps President Trump Legalize Politics in the Pulpit
Thursday July 20th, 2017 in Briefings, Prophetic Intelligence Briefings
Keep The Faith News
Pastor Hal Mayer
The religious right, with a big boost from President Donald Trump, is close to effectively ending a 63-year-old law banning churches from endorsing or opposing political candidates. House Republicans have quietly inserted into a spending bill a provision that limits the Internal Revenue Service’s ability to investigate religious organizations for violating the law.
Since 1954, under a provision championed by then Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, known as the Johnson Amendment, nonprofits, including churches, universities and foundations can lose their tax-exempt status if they engage in overt political activity. The Johnson Amendment has been particularly irksome to conservative religious movements, especially evangelicals, who have been gaining clout since the late 1970s.
Church politicking
Republican White House hopefuls have for years eagerly courted the evangelical vote. Clergy are permitted to preach on issues of concern and churches can issue voter guides that offer views on issues. Trump has continued to vigorously court the religious constituency.
In an interview with Pat Robertson of the 700 Club TV program, the president said he’s been a boon to the evangelicals who supported him because “I’ve gotten rid of the Johnson Amendment” and “now we’re going to go try and get rid of it permanently in Congress.”
He didn’t exactly get rid of it, but he’s getting close. In May, Trump signed an executive order that aimed to give churches more ability to speak out politically. Evangelicals criticized his action as too vague. Republicans in the House are trying to correct that. They’ve included language in a must-pass spending bill for the fiscal year beginning October 01.
The provision would prevent the Internal Revenue Service from investigating a church unless the IRS commissioner signs off and notifies Congress. “Why should ministers, whether they be in a synagogue or a church, or any other place of worship, have their freedom of thought and speech suppressed?” asked Rep. John Culberson, R-Texas, who worked to include the language in the bill. “Frankly, it’s offensive for the IRS to try to squelch the thought or political speech of a pastor or minister,” Culberson said.
Mark Harris, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Charlotte, N.C., called the measure to weaken the Johnson Amendment “a step in the right direction” though he would prefer that it be repealed. Harris has participated in Pulpit Freedom Sunday, an initiative begun in 2008 by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative nonprofit group, in which pastors take to the pulpit to protest the Johnson Amendment.
Richard Land, president of the Southern Evangelical Seminary near Charlotte, N.C., said, “I think this will help thaw out the chilling effect that this has on freedom of speech for churches and religious groups, a chilling effect aided and abetted by liberal and progressive groups who use the Johnson amendment to intimidate conservative Christians, Protestant and Catholics, from expressing their views on public policy issues.”
Not all faith leaders agreed. A group of more than 100 faith organizations sent a letter to the appropriations committee leaders opposing the change. “Weakening current law would allow politicians and others seeking political power to pressure churches for endorsements, dividing congregations and opening them up to the flow of secret money,” they wrote.
It may not be seen clearly that repealing or changing the Johnson Amendment will lead to the unity of church and state, but any true student of Bible prophecy can see that this will bring them much closer together, particularly if restrictions on the use of church money for political campaigns is permitted.
“The dignitaries of church and state will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments.” The Great Controversy, page 592.
http://ktfnews.com/gop-helps-president-trump-legalize-politics-pulpit/
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“Bread of Life”(GB) Ministry
Present Truth For Our Time
The Approaching Crisis
“The crisis is fast approaching. The time for God's visitation has about come….. Those who walk in the light will see signs of the approaching peril; but they are not to sit in quiet, unconcerned expectancy of the ruin, comforting themselves with the belief that God will shelter His people in the day of visitation. Far from it. They should realize that it is their duty to labor diligently to save others, looking with strong faith to God for help. "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16
The leaven of godliness has not entirely lost its power. At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land. But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf of the church, because its members are doing after the manner of the world.
The earnest prayers of this faithful few will not be in vain. When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, He will also come as a protector of all those who have preserved the faith in its purity, and kept themselves unspotted from the world.
Have a Blessed week!
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People Around the Globe Think World is More Dangerous
Monday June 26th, 2017 in Briefings, Prophetic Intelligence
BriefingsFrom Pastor Hal Mayer - Keep the Faith News
The vast majority of Australians say the world is becoming more hazardous and their confidence that America will play a constructive role in global affairs has plummeted since Donald Trump became president.
New polling shows 89 percent of Australians agree the world has become more dangerous during the past year, 8 percent more than last year. The survey also revealed just 37 percent of Australians now believe the United States has an “overall positive” influence on world affairs, a huge 23 percentage points lower than in 2016.
Ipsos, Australia research director, Laura Demasi, attributed this slump to the behavior of Mr. Trump since he became the U.S. president in January. “On a global scale, people are clearly nervous about Trump’s unpredictably and are worried about what his ‘America first’ agenda really means for the rest of the world,” she said.
The survey questioned more than 18,000 respondents from 25 countries including Australia, and found more than eight in 10 respondents agreed the world had become more dangerous over the past year. The poll followed a spate of terrorist attacks although it was conducted before the Manchester concert bombing and the assault on London Bridge and Borough Market.
The share of Australians agreeing the world had become more dangerous during the past year was 3 percentage points above the international average and higher than in some nations that had recently experienced major terrorism incidents, including Britain and France.
In Britain 86 percent agreed the world had become dangerous over the past year, 3 percentage points lower than in Australia.
In France, the share of people believing the world had become more dangerous was 81 percent, 6 percentage points lower than last year. That’s despite a spate of deadly terrorist attacks in France.
Ms. Demasi said the results showed Australians did not feel insulated from terrorism. “I don’t think borders matter when it comes to terrorism; it’s become a distinctly global fear,” she said. “So when Australians see things happening overseas, there’s a sense of when it will happen here, not if.”
The survey points to a dramatic slump in the reputation of the United States. Internationally, only 40 per cent thought the US had a positive influence in world affairs, down 24 percentage points compared with last year.
Canada topped the list of countries that had a positive influence on world affairs (81 percent), followed by Australia (79 percent) and Germany (67 percent). “Canada, Australia and Germany are seen as the ‘neutral’ countries that still have some positive influence on the world, in a time characterised by the rise of nationalistic populism where so many other countries are turning inward,” Ms. Demasi said.
France and Russia experienced a decline in their reputations, down 12 per cent and 11 per cent respectively. The share of respondents who considered the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to play a positive role in world affairs also dropped.
Brazil had the highest share of citizens who believed the world had become more dangerous over the past year (95 percent) while China had the lowest share among the 25 nations surveyed (70 percent).
“We are living in the time of the end, a time crowded with events in process of fulfillment, all working to bring about that great day when Christ shall be revealed in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. The last years of probation are fast closing. The signs of the times—the wars and rumours of wars, the strikes, murders, robberies, and accidents—tell us that the end of all things is at hand. Who can doubt the truth of the prophet’s words. “The wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand”? Many of the inhabitants of the world have given themselves into Satan’s control. They co-operate with him, helping him to carry out his plans against the government of God. Under his guidance, men have lost their horror of bloodshed and murder.” Review and Herald, May 13, 1902.
Source References
Prophetic Intelligence Briefings are provided to show a link between current events and Bible prophecy only. The article summaries, which are not intended as a commentary in support of or in opposition to the views of the authors, do not necessarily reflect the views of Pastor Mayer or of Keep the Faith other than to point out the prophetic link.
"Upon Christ as our substitute and surety was laid the iniquity of us all. He was counted a transgressor, that He might redeem us from the condemnation of the law. The guilt of every descendant of Adam was pressing upon His heart. The wrath of God against sin, the terrible manifestation of His displeasure because of iniquity, filled the soul of His Son with consternation.
All His life Christ had been publishing to a fallen world the good news of the Father’s mercy and pardoning love. Salvation for the chief of sinners was His theme.
But now with the terrible weight of guilt He bears, He cannot see the Father’s reconciling face. The withdrawal of the divine countenance from the Saviour in this hour of supreme anguish pierced His heart with a sorrow that can never be fully understood by man. So great was this agony that His physical pain was hardly felt. {DA 753.1}
that Their separation was to be eternal.
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Greetings
Here's an inspiring story that was told by Pastor Jan Marcussen.
Pastor Marcussen was the speaker at some meetings and during a session when he was free he went out into the entrance area of the hall or church and there stood a tall young man whom he got into conversation with. He had a feeling that this young man might even be an angel in human guise.
The young man told him that there was a young lady in the library section, looking through the books and if he would please go to her and ask her if she would like to take Bible studies, she would answer yes, she would like that.
But Pastor Marcussen was so interested in this young man that he continued talking to him and asking questions. After a few minutes the young man repeated the request to go to the library to speak to the young woman.
Still Pastor Marcussen continued to converse with the young man. Again after a very short while the young man again repeated the request, and said 'please go now.'
Pastor Marcussen went through to the library and there, sure enough, was the young woman looking through the books.
He asked, as requested, if she would like some Bible studies. She reacted quite surprised and said that she would.
She had the studies and took up the Advent faith.
She moved away for some reason, but Pastor Marcussen became acquainted with her boyfriend. One day Pastor Marcussen asked the boyfriend if he would ask his girlfriend who that tall young man was that told him to go to the library and offer to give her Bible studies. After some time a reply to that question came back from her.
SHE DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT A TALL YOUNG MAN WHO KNEW HER SPIRITUAL NEEDS AT THAT TIME!!! She had not told of those things.
The young man MUST HAVE BEEN AN ANGEL INDEED!
No doubt, her guardian angel.
She had been in another church but had been encouraged to take up Adventism as it was God's truth. She wanted to be sure that she believed the truth of God's word.
At that time and place where Pastor Marcussen was that day was the critical time for her to make her decision to take up Adventism. God was working in her life to bring another precious soul to the truth of the Advent message. Praise God friends! Praise God!
(I have written this entirely from memory, so I hope I have written it as accurately as possible.
If anyone out there knows this story well, or knows Pastor Marcussen, it might be well to check up on the accuracy of my account here. That would be appreciated! Thanks!)
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"Bread of Life"(GB) Ministry
Presenting the Present Truth
"God's ideal for His children"
"God's ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach.
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." {Matthew 5: 48}
This command is a promise.
The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan.
Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin.
He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning.
"The tempter's agency is not to be accounted an excuse for one wrong act.
Satan is jubilant when he hears the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their deformity of character.
"It is these excuses that lead to sin.
There is no excuse for sinning.
A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God. {DA 311}
Dear friends, can not these powerful words sink deep into our thoughts, and minds, and spirits.
"Whosoever committeth sin trans-gesseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law", 1 John3: 4.
Our only definition of sin is that given in the Word of God; it is "the transgression of the law;" it is the outworking of a principle at war with the great law of love which is the foundation of the divine govern-ment." {GC 492}
"We sin when we permit circum-stances to subvert principle, when we are unfaithful to our high trust, and neglect known duty." ST, September 9, 1886 par. 9
Dear friends, can not those of us who present the living word of God from week to week, or even those who speak just now and again; please can not such amongst us present these living truths to the needy hearts of the people who listen? It is present truth that the people need now.
Can we not see sin in its true awfulness?
If not, then let's just take a fresh look at the cruel cross of Calvary and then get on our knees and weep and mourn over the sins that crucified the dear Son of God.
Let's spend a thoughtful hour each day contemplating the life of Jesus Christ, especially the closing scenes, and you can be sure you will gain that vitally needed daily conversion to God that is spoken of.
May our precious Lord bless you this day, and keep you in both spiritual and physical health, is my prayer.
"Bread of Life"(GB) Ministry …
For your spiritual encouragement.
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“Bread of Life”(GB)
LAST WARNINGS OF THE THIRD ANGEL
{Maranatha, p.20}
“After these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.” Rev. 18:1.
“The angel who unites in the proclamation of the third angel's message is to lighten the whole earth with his glory. A work of world-wide extent and unwonted power is here foretold. The advent movement of 1840-44 was a glorious manifestation of the power of God; the first angel's message was carried to every missionary station in the world, and in some countries there was the greatest religious interest which has been witnessed in any land since the Reformation of the sixteenth century; but these are to be exceeded by the mighty movement under the last warning of the third angel. . . .
“The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close. . . .”
“Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also works with lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in the sight of men. Revelation 13:13. Thus the inhabitants ofthe earth will be brought to take their stand. . . .
“The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now the rays oflight penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them. Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord's side.”
{Maranatha, 20}
Friends, surely we greatly desire to be in this last movement. Then let’s search our hearts and earnestly cry to God to get right with Him, and seek to have that power of His Spirit to enable us to go forward and tell the world of His love and salvation.
Sincere Christian greetings.
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Enforced Sunday Law
COMING SOON TO AMERICA
Throughout history, religious laws have always led to persecution
The largest coalition of churches in America wants it enacted
Find out what will soon follow it
Your personal liberties are at stake
"Bread of Life"(GB) _
"THE BLOOD THAT CLEANSETH" _ A Story.
"The story is told of a Christian gentleman visiting among the poor of London in the 1800's. One day, as he was climbing the stairs in a lodging house he encountered a rough young man and engaged him in conversation about his salvation, referring him to the Bible that he held in his hands. The young man wanted nothing of it, and threatened to throw the Christian man down the stairs, but he kept talking to the young man in kind and friendly tones.
The visitor was then startled by a feeble voice from behind a closed door nearby saying: 'Does your book tell of the Blood that cleanseth from all sin?' The visitor entered the room from which the plea had come, and there upon a bundle of straw in a corner he found the wasted form of a suffering woman.
Raising herself up as he entered, she fixed her large eyes upon him and repeated her question. 'My poor friend,' he said, 'what do you want to know of the Blood that cleanseth from all sin?' Her voice and manner now became startling as she cried out, 'What do I want to know of it? Man! I'm dying; I'm going to stand before God! I have been a wicked woman all my life. I shall have to answer for everything I have done! Once,' she continued, 'as I stopped momentarily at the door of a church, I heard something about the Blood which cleanseth from all sin. Oh, if I could hear of it now! Tell me if there is anything about that Blood in your book.'
The visitor read the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th chapters of First John before she would consent to a pause. Almost from the very first she seemed to find peace and joy in believing in Jesus, in Him who gave His life for her sins.
The visitor came back and read the Bible to her for several days. She could not hear enough words of Scripture to calm her spirit. The rough young man, -her son, listened also, and found the Lord.
After a couple of weeks she passed away.
At the funeral the visitor spoke again to the son and asked him what he planned to do for the future. He said, "I can think of nothing better than to tell everyone I meet about "the Blood that cleanseth from all sin!"
Praise the Lord friends!, Praise the Lord!
How is it with you, and how is it with me?
Let's tell others the good news of salvation, and that Jesus is coming back soon to take His faithful children home!
Sincere Christian greetings.
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"Bread of Life"(GB) Ministry
Story behind the hymn...
"Jesus calls us o'er the tumult"
Few ministers’ wives can write a hymn-to-order for their husbands, even if they are famous poets in their own right.
But Cecil Frances Alexander did just that for her preacher husband.
One afternoon during the week of November 25, 1852, her twenty-ninth year, she sat alone in the living room of their parsonage in Tyrone, Ireland, working over a new poem.……….
When her husband inquired, she replied, “It is a new poem based on your sermon of last Sunday morning.” He looked surprised and said, “Honestly, dear, I didn’t think you were paying attention. But it does help a congregation, even if it is only his wife.”
She reminded him that he had preached on “The burial of Moses,” which was the subject of her new poem.
Later that evening, as they talked about the sermon and the poem it had inspired, Mr. Alexander said, “Next Sunday is St. Andrew’s Day. Since you wrote about the burial of Moses after last Sunday’s sermon, I wonder if you could write a poem for next Sunday morning before you hear the sermon.”
“I’ll do what I can,” she told him.
He took a Bible and read the account of the calling of Andrew by Jesus as recorded in Mark 1:16-18. They discussed the coming sermon during supper, and she promised to do her best with the poem he had requested.
That night, before retiring, she read the familiar Scripture verses again, and soon wrote down the stanzas which he was to read at the close of his sermon the following Sunday morning.
++++++++++
1
Jesus calls us o’er the tumult
of our life’s wild, restless sea;
day by day his sweet voice soundeth,
saying, “Christian, follow me!”
2
Jesus calls us from the worship
of the vain world’s golden store,
from each idol that would keep us,
saying, “Christian, love me more!”
3
In our joys and in our sorrows,
days of toil and hours of ease,
still he calls, in cares and pleasures,
“Christian, love me more than these!”
4
Jesus calls us! By thy mercies,
Savior, may we hear thy call,
give our hearts to thine obedience,
serve and love thee best of all.
Yes! Indeed! Truly!
God bless and be with you all!
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"Bread of Life"(GB) Ministry
The Shaking Time
{Maranatha, 200}
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Matthew 24:12. {Mar 200.1}
Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads—it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved—just as soon as God’s people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come. Indeed, it has begun already; the judgments of God are now upon the land, to give us warning, that we may know what is coming. {Mar 200.2}
The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexity and confusion. Satan, clothed in angel robes, will deceive, if possible, the very elect. There will be gods many and lords many. Every wind of doctrine will be blowing.... {Mar 200.3}
The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. The contest is between the commandments of God and the commandments of men.
In this time the gold will be separated from the dross in the church. True godliness will be clearly distinguished from the appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy will then go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat.
All who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ’s righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own nakedness. {Mar 200.4}
But there are men who will receive the truth, and these will take the places made vacant by those who become offended and leave the truth.... {Mar 200.5}
Men of true Christian principle will take their place, and will become faithful, trustworthy householders, to advocate the word of God in its true bearings, and in its simplicity. The Lord will work so that the disaffected ones will be separated from the true and loyal ones.... The ranks will not be diminished. Those who are firm and true will close up the vacancies that are made by those who become offended and apostatize. {Mar 200.6}
May we each one heed this divine counsel, and stand firm to the end, is my prayer. God bless you each one.
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"Preparation For the Time of Trouble"
{Maranatha, 160}
"Surely The Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets." Amos 3: 7
"The events connected with the close of probation and the work of preparation for the time of trouble, are clearly presented. But multitudes have no more understanding of these important truths than if they had never been revealed. Satan watches to catch away every impression that would make them wise unto salvation, and the time of trouble will find them unready. {Mar 160.2}
As we near the close of this world’s history, the prophecies relating to the last days especially demand our study. The last book of the New Testament scriptures is full of truth that we need to understand. {Mar 160.3}
The solemn messages that have been given in their order in the Revelation are to occupy the first place in the minds of God’s people.... {Mar 160.4}
Precious time is rapidly passing, and there is danger that many will be robbed of the time which should be given to the proclamation of the messages that God has sent to a fallen world. Satan is pleased to see the diversion of minds that should be engaged in a study of the truths which have to do with eternal realities. {Mar 160.5}
The testimony of Christ, a testimony of the most solemn character, is to be borne to the world. All through the book of Revelation there are the most precious, elevating promises, and there are also warnings of the most fearfully solemn import. Will not those who profess to have a knowledge of the truth read the testimony given to John by Christ? Here is no guesswork, no scientific deception. Here are the truths that concern our present and future welfare. What is the chaff to the wheat? {Mar 160.6}
Only those who have been diligent students of the Scriptures and who have received the love of the truth will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive.
By the Bible testimony these will detect the deceiver in his disguise. To all the testing time will come. By the sifting of temptation the genuine Christian will be revealed.
Are the people of God now so firmly established upon His word that they would not yield to the evidence of their senses? Would they, in such a crisis, cling to the Bible and the Bible only?" {Mar 160.7}
May we each one heed this divine counsel, and stand firm to the end, is my prayer. God bless you each one.
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The Last Great Crisis, Be Ready!
The “time of trouble, such as never was,” is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess and which many are too indolent to obtain.
It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal. In that time of trial, every soul must stand for himself before God. “Though Noah, Daniel, and Job” were in the land, “as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.” Ezekiel 14:20. {GC 622.4}
Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. Not even by a thought could our Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation. Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foothold; some sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power. But Christ declared of Himself: “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.” John 14:30. Satan could find nothing in the Son of God that would enable him to gain the victory. He had kept His Father’s commandments, and there was no sin in Him that Satan could use to his advantage. This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble. {GC 623.1}
May this be the experience of each one of us is my prayer!
Earnest greetings.
"The Last Great Crisis is at Hand"
"The world has become bold in transgression of God’s law. Because of His long forbearance, men have trampled upon His authority. They have strengthened one another in oppression and cruelty toward His heritage, saying, “How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?” Psalm 73:11. But there is a line beyond which they cannot pass. The time is near when they will have reached the prescribed limit. Even now they have almost exceeded the bounds of the long-suffering of God, the limits of His grace, the limits of His mercy. The Lord will interpose to vindicate His own honor, to deliver His people, and to repress the swellings of unrighteousness. {COL 177.5}
In Noah’s day, men had disregarded the law of God until almost all remembrance of the Creator had passed away from the earth. Their iniquity reached so great a height that the Lord brought a flood of waters upon the earth, and swept away its wicked inhabitants. {COL 178.1}
From age to age the Lord has made known the manner of His working. When a crisis has come, He has revealed Himself, and has interposed to hinder the working out of Satan’s plans. With nations, with families, and with individuals, He has often permitted matters to come to a crisis, that His interference might become marked. Then He has made manifest that there is a God in Israel who will maintain His law and vindicate His people. {COL 178.2}
In this time of prevailing iniquity we may know that the last great crisis is at hand.
When the defiance of God’s law is almost universal, when His people are oppressed and afflicted by their fellow men, the Lord will interpose. {COL 178.3}
The time is near when He will say, “Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” " Isaiah 26:20, 21. {COL 178.4}
So let's be (making) ready for the "Last Great Crisis"
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- Pastor Hal Mayer
Speaker / Director - Keep The Faith News
Seventh-day Adventists: Surprising Ecumenical Engagement
Tuesday November 15th, 2016 in Briefings, Prophetic Intelligence Briefings
In what is a surprise to many Seventh-day Adventists, a General Conference Representative was involved in an ecumenical audience with the pope on Wednesday, October 12, 2016. Seventh-day Adventists are not supposed to be engaged in ecumenical affairs.
“Each year, the Conference of Secretaries of Christian World Communions (CS/CWC) brings together the Secretaries/General Secretaries of world communions (including Baptist, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Reformed, Anglican and Orthodox) and ecumenical organizations such as the World Council of Churches, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Global Christian Forum,” wrote Bishop Dr. Harald Rein, Secretary of the International Bishops’ Conference, who represents the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht.
While this is not an official meeting (it never passes resolutions or holds a press conference), nevertheless this ecumenical gathering has been conducted annually for the last 20 years. How long Seventh-day Adventists have been involved is unknown. But they are certainly spending money, presumably tithe, to do this sort of thing. The secretary of the group is Ganoune Diop, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
The conference is hosted at the “headquarters” of one of the member churches each year, and this year the group was invited to the Vatican, the seat of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Members stayed at the convent of the Sisters of Holy Child Mary in Vatican City.
The primary aim of the conference is to “enable the members to inform each other about important events and current developments in their churches,” wrote Rein. “Each meeting also has an overarching theme of current interest. This year, as in 2015, the conference focused on the compatibility of bilateral dialogues between two churches with respect to a third church… The discussion centered on… the right methods… the different aims, strategies and definitions of “unity” and “full communion.”
The ecumenical meeting included an audience with Pope Francis before his Wednesday general audience. He made a few off-the-cuff remarks.
In his brief address, the pope referred to two phrases used by Dr. Martin Junge, General Secretary of the World Lutheran Federation: “Jesus is with us,” and “Jesus is journeying with us.” “These phrases made me reflect, and they pose two questions: am I capable of believing that Jesus is with us? Am I capable of journeying with all, together, and also with Jesus? Often we think that ecumenical work is only that of theologians. It is therefore important that theologians study, they agree, and they express their disagreement: this is very important. But in the meantime ecumenism journeys on. It journeys with Jesus, not ‘my Jesus against your Jesus’, but with our Jesus. The journey is simple: it consists of prayer, with the help of others. Praying together: the ecumenism of prayer, for each other and all for unity. And then, the ecumenism of work for the many who are in need, for many men and women who today suffer as a result of injustice, wars, these terrible things… All together, we must help. Love for our neighbor. This is ecumenism. This is already unity. Unity in journeying with Jesus.”
The pope went on to add that there is another form of ecumenism that typifies our age: that of blood. “When terrorists or world powers persecute Christian minorities or Christians,” he observed, “they do not ask: ‘Are you Lutheran? Are you Orthodox? Are you Catholic? Are you Reformed? Are you Pentecostal?’ No. ‘You are Christian.’ They recognize one only: the Christian. The enemy is not wrong: he recognizes where to find Jesus. And this is the ecumenism of blood. Nowadays we are witnesses to this, and I think of the Orthodox brethren beheaded on the beaches of Libya, for example: they are our brothers. They gave witness to Jesus and they died saying, ‘Jesus, help me!’ With His name: they confessed the name of Jesus”.
“Therefore, ecumenism in prayer, ecumenism in our journey, and the enemy teaches us the ecumenism of blood. Thank you, many thanks for this visit.”
Obviously, ecumenical gatherings like this are designed to lead the churches closer to each other and particularly to Rome. God’s word forbids this. There is only one place where it leads – Sunday laws.
“The wide diversity of belief in the Protestant churches is regarded by many as decisive proof that no effort to secure a forced uniformity can ever be made [see Revelation 13]. But there has been for years, in churches of the Protestant faith, a strong and growing sentiment in favor of a union based upon common points of doctrine. To secure such a union, the discussion of subjects upon which all were not agreed–however important they might be from a Bible standpoint–must necessarily be waived.” The Great Controversy, page 444.
“Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law? They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.” Psalm 94: 20, 21.
Source References
http://ktfnews.com/seventh-day-adventists-surprising-ecumenical-engagement/
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The Church Walking
With the World
"I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world,
even as I am not of the world.
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
As thou hast sent me into the world,
even so have I also sent them into the world."
John 17:14-18
The Church and the World walked far apart
On the changing shores of time,
The World was singing a giddy song,
And the Church a hymn sublime.
“Come, give me your hand,” said the merry World,
“And walk with me this way!”
But the faithful Church hid her gentle hands
And solemnly answered “Nay!
I will not give you my hand at all,
And I will not walk with you;
Your way is the way that leads to death;
Your words are all untrue.”
“Nay, walk with me but a little space,”
Said the World with a kindly air;
“The road I walk is a pleasant road,
And the sun shines always there.
Your path is thorny and rough and rude,
But mine is broad and plain;
My way is paved with flowers and dews,
And yours with tears and pain.
The sky to me is always blue,
No want, no toil I know;
The sky above you is always dark,
Your lot is a lot of woe.
There’s room enough for you and me
To travel side by side.”
Half shyly the Church approached the World
And gave him her hand of snow;
And the old World grasped it and walked along,
Saying, in accents low:
“Your dress is too simple to please my taste;
I will give you pearls to wear,
Rich velvets and silks for your graceful form,
And diamonds to deck your hair.”
The Church looked down at her plain white robes,
And then at the dazzling World,
And blushed as she saw his handsome lip
With a smile contemptuous curled.
“I will change my dress for a costlier one,”
Said the Church, with a smile of grace;
Then her pure white garments drifted away,
And the World gave, in their place,
Beautiful satins and shining silks,
Roses and gems and costly pearls;
While over her forehead her bright hair fell
Crisped in a thousand curls.
“Your house is too plain,”
said the proud old World,
“I’ll build you one like mine;
With walls of marble and towers of gold,
And furniture ever so fine.”
So he built her a costly and beautiful house;
Most splendid it was to behold;
Her sons and her beautiful daughters dwelt there
Gleaming in purple and gold.
Rich fairs and shows in the halls were held,
And the World and his children were there.
Laughter and music and feasts were heard
In the place that was meant for prayer.
There-were cushioned seats
for the rich and the gay,
To sit in their pomp and pride;
But the poor who were clad in shabby array,
Sat meekly down outside.
“You give too much to the poor,” said the World.
“Far more than you ought to do;
If they are in need of shelter and food,
Why need it trouble you?
Go, take your money and buy rich robes,
Buy horses and carriages fine;
Buy pearls and jewels and dainty food,
Buy the rarest and costliest wine.
My children, they dote on all these things,
And if you their love would win
You must do as they do, and walk in the ways
That they are walking in.”
So the poor were turned from her door in scorn,
And she heard not the orphan’s cry;
But she drew her beautiful robes aside,
As the widows went weeping by.
Then the sons of the World
and the Sons of the Church
Walked closely hand and heart,
And only the Master, who knoweth all,
Could tell the two apart.
Then the Church sat down at her ease, and said,
“I am rich and my goods increase;
I have need of nothing, or aught to do,
But to laugh, and dance, and feast.”
The sly World heard, and he laughed in his sleeve,
And mockingly said, -aside:
“The Church is fallen, the beautiful Church;
And her shame is her boast and her pride.”
The angel drew near to the mercy seat,
And whispered in sighs her name;
Then the loud anthems of rapture were hushed,
And heads were covered with shame.
And a voice was heard at last by the Church
From Him who sat on the throne:
“I know thy works, and how thou hast said,
‘I am rich, and hast not known
That thou art naked, poor and blind,
And wretched before my face;’
Therefore from my presence cast I thee out,
And blot thy name from its place.”
Sad and solemn, but true!
Read Matthew 25: 1-13
May The dear lord bless you
as you seek to love and serve Him
each and every day.
Most Earnest greetings.