Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Fruit does not grow on a tree without work. It may look effortless, but underneath the skin of the fruit and bark of the tree there is much work taking place. Fruit is simply the outworking of the effort of the tree.
In our lives, are we producing fruit? Are we putting forth as much effort into our fruit as a tree does for its fruit? If we follow the example of Jesus there will be no slack in our work. There will be no laziness in our determination to accomplish the work Jesus has laid out for us. Jesus told us to “strive” to enter the kingdom of Heaven. Few, He said, would be there. There are a lot of trees without fruit on them. Do you have fruit? Or are you simply all bark and no fruit?
Luke 21:29 to Luke 22:38
Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. As soon as they produce leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near.
This ministry has a few fruit trees around the pond. Let’s see, a few apple, a couple of peach, three apricot, three plumb and some nut trees. (I think I came from one of the nut trees.) After February I look expectantly for flowers on the fruit trees. By march, when I see the buds, I know that the cold, dark days of winter are over. I long for the warmth of summer. Even when it reaches 125*. I’ll take that any day over the 15* dark days of winter. Especially when the winter storms bring in winds of 80 to 100 miles an hour. I thank God for modern conveniences of heat for the winter and cool for the summer. (I thank God for our solar panels.) Thank you donors.
In the same way, when you see these things taking place, you will know that the kingdom of God is near.
Interesting that Jesus said, “kingdom of God” and not “I will be coming soon”. I think the “coming of Jesus” has nothing to do with our eternal life. If you are not living with the “kingdom of God” in you, the coming of Jesus will do you no good. If you look at the conditions Jesus referred to, you will find that most have been happening for the last two thousand years. If you were living in a Roman village when the Huns came to town, you would think the end of the world had come. We must be very careful in letting our biases get in the way of reality as seen through the lens of God.
“I tell you with certainty, this generation will not disappear until all these things take place.
Are the disciples still alive? Of course not! But again, as discussed in our last lesson, as applicable to them, that generation did not disappear before all that Jesus said for and about them came true. The generation that will be upon the face of the earth when the remaining prophecies come to pass, yes, that generation will also “not disappear until all these things take place” for them. That is why we must watch and pray. Human wisdom will not discern that time. But those who have the Kingdom of God within them will have the Spirit of God to warn and instruct them.
Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.”
The world is doing everything in its power to make the words of Jesus disappear. Every generation has its naysayers who look for faults in the actions or words of either the men or women God has raised up. But we are never to look to the messenger, only the message. Even Jesus, when on earth, did not direct people to “look” at Himself, but to His Father. He directed people to the Ten Commandments. He only invited people to follow Him in example, not parade Him around like a “movie star”. No, His words will never disappear.
“Constantly be on your guard so that your hearts will not be loaded down with self-indulgence, drunkenness, and the worries of this life, or that day will take you by surprise like a trap, because it will come on everyone who lives on the face of the earth.
I see the buildup to that “trap”. When I grew up through the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, the church was constantly talking about how Christ was coming “soon”, meaning five years from that time. This was done, of course, to keep people coming to church and paying their tithes. But it did nothing to produce the kingdom of God in the heart. In fact, it has turned most church-going people into agnostics, even while sitting in church. It has done more harm than good.
On the other hand, being on guard doesn’t mean going around claiming Jesus is coming. It does mean to be on guard that our hearts are not “loaded down with self-indulgence, drunkenness, and the worries of this life”. It doesn’t matter if Jesus is coming tomorrow or in a thousand years from now, eternity is a breath away and at any moment we could be sent into eternity: either eternal life or eternal death.
By the way, have you notice lately how self-indulgent people are these days? How drunk they are on their own opinions, narratives and victimhood? How about the worries of climate change, economy, health and a thousand other things? Jesus tells us not to worry. Do we really believe Jesus?
So be always alert, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to take your stand in the presence of the Son of Man.”
That is all that counts. Are you ready to “take your stand in the presence of the Son of Man”? When I was growing up, the world was not as “loaded down” as it is today. The churches today look no different than the world. Worldly rock concerts or church concerts: no difference! It is all about feelings and nothing about changing the life to live the perfect, sinless and Commandment keeping life. Self-indulgence and drunkenness are rampant in the “Christian” world. And be assured of this, drunkenness doesn’t have to be on alcohol. You can be drunk on sex, women, men, drugs, money, work, gadgets, video games and church. All of it, and more, are truly taking our eyes off the kingdom of God.
Now during the day Jesus would teach in the Temple, but when evening came he would go out and spend the night on what is called the Mount of Olives.
We are not spending enough time on the “Mount of Olives”. I find myself caught up in the work here at the ministry, and I know I am not spending enough time with Jesus. I truly have to work at it. Please pray for me!
And all the people would get up early in the morning to listen to him in the Temple.
Are we getting up early to listen to Him? I try. I awaken early, while it is still dark, take the dogs and walk the fence line talking to the Lord. Then, when I return, I reach for my Tablet and spend time in the presence of Jesus reading His Word, then thinking, listening and meditating on what He wants for me that day.
Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. So the high priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put him to death, because they were afraid of the crowd.
How true. Church leaders are afraid of those who point people to Jesus and away from their churches, denominations and religions. And of course, even while they are busy with their church activities, ceremonies, rituals and rites, they are plotting against the truths of Jesus and His messengers.
But Satan went into Judas called Iscariot, who belonged to the circle of the Twelve.
Just because a person belongs to a church or is a church leader, doesn’t mean he is not possessed by Satan. Satan loves being in church leaders and church members. Remember, even Judas healed the sick, raised the dead and taught the people. That is why we must be very careful and realize that belonging to a church doesn’t make us righteous or “saved”. Our salvation is in our obedience to the Ten Commandments, not going to church. Not even Jesus can save you if you are disobedient to the Ten Commandments.
So he went off and discussed with the high priests and the Temple police how he could betray Jesus to them.
Many who claim to be Christian are betraying Jesus. Most churches, ministers, denominations and religions are betraying Jesus. They look good and say the right things to impress the members, but in their hearts, they are coveting.
They were delighted, and agreed to give him money.
How many church members and church leaders have agreed to give or take money to betray Jesus and His truth? Many teach for money, telling members what they want to hear instead of what Jesus commands to be taught. Lives are going into eternity: lost.
Judas accepted their offer and began to look for a good opportunity to betray Jesus to them when no crowd was present.
Of course, today they are betraying Jesus in front of the crowd and the congregation by refusing to teach what Jesus commands to be taught. There is no shame. Proud and boastful are those who are betraying Jesus.
Then the day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread came, on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover meal.”
Type was about to meet antitype. The old methods of looking to the work of the Messiah were about to be demolished by the work of the Messiah: the “new” Lamb of God.
They asked him, “Where do you want us to prepare it?”
I’m learning, ever so slowly, how important it is to ask. Jesus knows what is best. In every situation in my life I’m learning to ask and wait for Jesus to tell me what He wants done. A very hard lesson to learn.
He told them, “Just after you go into the city, a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks you, “Where is the room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?”‘ Then he will show you a large upstairs room that is furnished. Get things ready for us there.”
This was a parable for us. Jesus is the “man carrying a jug of water”. Jesus has the water of life. We are to meet Him and then to follow Him. Where? Into His home with many rooms where we will eat the “Passover” meal. That meal will represent our passing over from this life of sin to the next of sinless perfection. We are to prepare our minds and bodies in order to get things ready for that “passing over”.
So they went and found everything just as Jesus had told them, and they prepared the Passover meal.
We must listen to Jesus! Not our churches. Not our pastors. Not our leaders. We must listen to Jesus. We must start preparing our lives to pass over. We must do everything “just as Jesus had told them”. He has told us how to prepare for the passing over. We must fulfill His words by drinking of the water of life. If you follow Jesus and do what He commands, you will find “everything just as Jesus had told them”. We will find the peace, joy and love Jesus has told us we will find in Him when we live in obedience to Him.
Now when the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table, along with his apostles.
Are we allowing Jesus to take His place at our table? Do we enjoy sitting with Him, listening to His words of admonition? He wants only what is best for us. Why do we let the world come between us and Jesus?
He told them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer, . . .
Jesus does eagerly desire to eat with us. He truly wants to be our dearest and closest Friend. However, the world is setting up many alternatives which will soon make it difficult to sit with Jesus. Are you preparing yourself to let go of everything you have to sit with Jesus?
because I tell you, I will never eat it again until it finds its fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
To find that fulfillment in our lives, we must sit with Jesus and eat His words. His words must go deep into our lives so we become representatives of that beautiful, perfect, sinless and Commandment keeping life. An inmate was preparing to leave prison after 40 years. He had been involved with this ministry for many years. But the information only went to his head. When it came time for him to do “work release”, he was so intent on “getting out” he took a job in which he had to work Friday nights: the Sabbath. He didn’t even think about it because the truth never went from his mind to his heart. We must let the truth into our hearts and actually live in obedience to it, no matter what the cost to us. Breaking God’s law always has consequences.
Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves, because I tell you, from now on I will never drink the product of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
The wine represented the blood of Christ. That blood, the “life” of Christ, must circulate in our very veins and thoroughly change us. We must share that life with others.
Then he took a loaf of bread, gave thanks, broke it in pieces, and handed it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Keep on doing this in memory of me.”
As He took the bread and broke it for the disciples, He took His own body and broke it for us. We must do the same for those around us. Are we humbling ourselves and breaking our bodies for the good of those around us? We are to “keep on doing this in memory” of Jesus. Our lives are to be emblems of His broken body for all to see.
For four thousand years the lamb was slaughtered in representation of Jesus. And yet, for four thousand years Jesus was willing to look upon that representation with joy, knowing it represented Him. Could we do that? Not without a change of heart and mind! Our selfishness would not allow that.
He did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant sealed by my blood, which is being poured out for you.
As the blood of the lamb was poured out, so the blood of Jesus would pour out of His veins. As the blood of the lamb was splashed against the side of the altar, so the blood of Jesus was splashed upon the walls and floor while being scourged and flogged with the whip. I think we are way too absorbed in our own selfish lives to appreciate what Jesus went through for us.
Yet look! The hand of the man who is betraying me is with me on the table!
That is what happens when our lives are bound up in selfishness, we betray Jesus. We may not recognize it, but we are still betraying Jesus. We need to take the time to look closely at the life of Jesus and make sure we are not betraying Jesus; even while sitting in church or reading the Bible. Judas spent at least two years walking with Jesus. He was given power to heal and drive out demons. But through it all, his selfish mind was on himself. He never took his eyes off of himself and put them on Jesus. Are we doing the same?
The Son of Man is going away, just as it has been determined, but how terrible it will be for that man by whom he is betrayed!”
Yes He is. If we remain in our selfish state of mind, Jesus will be “going away” from us and how “terrible it will be” if we betray Him in our lives. The name of Judas has become a curse. Yet, have we looked closely at our own lives to see if we are a curse to the cause of God?
Then they began to discuss among themselves which one of them was going to do this.
I find a lot of that going on in our churches. People discussing, gossiping and looking around to see who the betrayer among them is. That is not our business. In the end, all except John betrayed Jesus by running away or denying Jesus when asked about Him. Our business is to make sure we are following Jesus. If Peter had spent more time listening to Jesus and following Him, He would not have betrayed Jesus. We must stop looking around at others and simply live the perfect, sinless and Commandment keeping life.
Now an argument sprang up among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest.
And there you have it! The same is going on in our churches today. Everyone is jostling to be the greatest. In so doing, their eyes have been taken off Jesus and placed on themselves, their selfishness or church positions. Folks, let us keep our eyes on Jesus and forget the world. The world will soon pass away.
But he told them, “The kings of the gentiles lord it over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called benefactors.
I am going to use our present-day situation as an example. The Democratic party have styled themselves as America’s benefactors. They claim to know what is best for America, blacks and Hispanics. But what they really are after is power, control and money. They only benefit themselves. They have brought death and destruction to America. As slave owners up to the 1880’s, they styled themselves as benefactors of the black race. In the early 1900’s they claimed to be the benefactors of blacks while they turned thriving black communities into wastelands of drug addiction and destruction. Then, when they had full control of the country, they claimed to be our benefactors while letting criminals run loose to kill and destroy. They kept our children out of school keeping them dumb while indoctrinating their heads with race, sex and shame. I am simply pointing out that throughout history, power brings corruption and destruction. Therefore, . . .
But you are not to do so. On the contrary, the greatest among you should become like the youngest, and the one who leads should become like the one who serves.
That is why Heaven is Heaven. God, the creator of everything, serves. He loves to give. He loves to serve. He gives life, blessings, joy and happiness. All of that comes only through service. We find true life, blessings, joy and happiness when we devote our lives to the service of others.
Because who is greater, the one who sits at the table, or the one who serves? It is the one at the table, isn’t it? But I am among you as one who serves.
Truly! Jesus came and lived among us as one who serves. Jesus, the creator, the one who gives us our every breath, came and served.
“You are the ones who have always stood by me in my trials.
Are you standing by Jesus? Do you have any trials because of your love for Jesus? Or are your trials because of your selfish sins?
And I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father has conferred a kingdom on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit down on thrones to govern the twelve tribes of Israel.”
The only way for Jesus to confer a kingdom on you is for you to stand by Jesus no matter what the trial, problem or sacrifice. We are to get our minds off ourselves and our problems and our wants and wishes and put them squarely upon our duties and responsibilities as given us by Jesus.
“Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has asked permission to sift all of you like wheat, . . .
The same for all of us. Satan wants to sift us all and destroy us by shaking us out of the hands of Jesus. Notice, Satan has to ask permission. God will only allow what we are able to endure. However, God knows we can endure more than we think we can, therefore, He allows even what we think we can’t handle. That is for our growth. Just trust God and live in obedience and all will be fine.
. . . but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail. When you have come back, you must strengthen your brothers.”
However, Jesus can’t make you stay in His hands. He warned Peter, but He couldn’t prevent Peter from jumping ship. However, Jesus, in advance, promised to throw a life preserver out to Peter when he turned around to come back. Then, he was to strengthen others to stay on board.
Peter told him, “Lord, I am ready even to go to prison and to die with you!”
Yes he was. But it was through his pride and ego. He wanted to show how good he was. That is not how we “go to prison and to die with you”. Not for show or ego or anything. We just follow Jesus and when it is time for us to go to prison and to die, we will humbly submit since we have been submitting our whole lives. It is simply the working out of the natural order of things.
But Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you deny three times that you know me.”
I am amazed at how much we are able to learn from Jesus if we just slow down and listen. Jesus didn’t get into an argument with Peter. He simply stated a fact. Then He left it at that. He didn’t try to persuade Peter not to deny Him. How many of us would be weeping and yelling and trying to make the other person understand? But I see more clearly that that behavior is really selfish behavior. It is what we want from the other person for our own benefit. Jesus just shared the fact and left it alone. Peter had to work it out for himself. We all do.
Then Jesus asked his disciples, “When I sent you out without a wallet, traveling bag, or sandals, you didn’t lack anything, did you?” They replied, “Nothing at all.”
In less than twenty-four hours Jesus would be dead. Jesus, never thinking about His own agony or pain, thought only of the disciples. He had to find a way to encourage them. Therefore, He brought up their past good experiences so they would remember that as long as they were obedient to Jesus and did what He commanded, they would lack nothing. I think we need to look back upon our past good experiences and remember that same principle. I marvel at the providences of God in my life. I lack nothing, even though I have nothing.
Then he told them, “But now whoever has a wallet must take it along, and his traveling bag, too. And the one who has no sword must sell his coat and buy one.
After the death of Jesus everything would change. The mission they had been on was ending and a new mission was about to begin. They now were allowed to provide for themselves; still keeping in mind their trust in Jesus, they were now going to be traveling around the world. That would require a “wallet” and “traveling bag”. The sword was a symbol. They would never use it, but just the sight, with the angels of God around them, would keep them from being molested by highway robbers. I understand. I have a fence around God’s property.
Because I tell you, what has been written about me must be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among the criminals.’ Indeed, what is written about me must be fulfilled.”
Jesus fulfilled everything that was written in the Old Testament and in the book in Heaven about Him, even before there was sin. I believe that we also have a plan for our lives written in the books in Heaven. We can either walk in that plan, or away from that plan. In it is the way to eternal life.
So they said, “Lord, look! Here are two swords.” He answered them, “Enough of that!”
They did not understand yet, but they would eventually. Right now they were eager for a fight to gain honor for their Lord and themselves. Bring it on! “Enough of that!” No, we fight with our love and obedience, not swords. Have you noticed, in side the word “sword” is the “word”. Let us fight with the Word of God.
INMATE LETTERS
Dear Ron,
It’s a pleasure to meet you. I want to thank you for sending me the Jesus Christ Prison Ministry Introductory Issue. I’ve had this pamphlet in the front cover of my Bible for over two years and never once did I read it till today. I know God put it on my mind as well as my heart to read this because of the struggles I’m facing in my life right now. I do not understand fully what God wants with my life. I truly don’t understand the Bible. Please send me your book, “Change Your Life Biblically”. I feel like I was being taught wrong about His Word. I want the truth about God.
John, MI
Peace,
My homeboy gave me the flyer to fill out. I told him I was taking the course with hopes that it can restore my faith. I told him that I will give it a shot. So, can you please set me up to take the work?
Michael, CA
Hello,
I am contacting you because I saw a pamphlet about you and I must say, you are truly blessed with all those tragedies that you have been through. It must have been terrible. I am truly sorry. But you were strong to overcome them by the strength of Jesus. These actions were nothing short of the act of God Himself. I made some mistakes growing up and while I’ve been incarcerated I have found Jesus.
Jack, VA
Dear Brother Ron,
I read your story and thought it was very inspiring. I appreciate you for sharing your story with me. You were very courageous and kept the faith even when times got heard. That’s one thing I need to work on because the only time I turn to God is when I am in trouble. Once I am out of the trouble, I turn my back on Him. I am willing to give up my life of crime and follow Jesus. Can you please help me? I would like a copy of “Change Your Life Biblically”.
Roosevelt, NH
Brother Ron,
I have learned so far from reading this book that I am tired of living life in sin. I am ready to live my life to do God’s will. I did not know how important it was to do what the Bible says. I learned that I need to test everything and be suspicious of everything and everyone because Lucifer wants to brainwash us into believing him. It is true what you said that if we get our first thought wrong, everything is wrong after that. I never really thought about it in that sense. I also learned that if I don’t have faith in God then I can’t obey God’s Commandments. I am more eager to get into my Bible and really study God’s Word. I am tired of living the life I was living. I am a baby Christian who is feeding off of milk. I want to be able to graduate to living off of meat. I have started to pray more and to worship Jesus who died for me. I want to be a disciple of Jesus and bring followers to Him. I just have this kind of peace over me knowing that I am leaning on God and that God is taking care of my mom. This study has impacted my life by making me think about all that I have done in my life. I want to stop sinning and I want to put more faith in God.
Autumn, AR
Ron,
I’m writing to ask for your time and help. I have been struggling with a drug addiction and getting locked up since I was a teen. I have tried to practice religion in prison but don’t like the politics that are involved in how people act one way while in church service but totally different when they leave. Also, there are people who will harass you for trying to better yourself. I really want to change my life and become the man God wants me to be. Honestly, I need help and someone who cares to show me how I can finally live my life, walking with God. I don’t have any family left, or anyone who cares for me. I feel all alone and just want to better myself and live a better life. I want to walk the rest of my life with Christ beside me. Can you send me a copy of your book, “Change Your Life Biblically”?
Ben, VA
Brother Ron,
This week I got ahold of the booklet about your time in prison and how God has helped you. I was raised in a good home but went away from God. Now I am sitting in prison with a 20-year sentence. I’m done with a life without God and His Word. I would like to receive the “Change Your Life Biblically” workbook. Please pray that God would have His way with my life and that I’d completely surrender to Him.
Titus, KY
Dear Brother Ron,
I received your letter and it made my day. I learn something new every day. I noticed that since I first started really reading and paying attention to the Bible. The Bible is a forever book. You can’t just read it and say, “Well, I read it”, then put it down. It seems to draw me in and show me signs and reveal mysteries to me every time I reread it. It seems to be right on time in a point in my life when I needed to hear it most. It never fails! I’m learning to just be obedient and do what God tells me to do. But when people see my obedience, they think I’m crazy. I’ve learned that by being obedient it makes me feel so much better. Ron, it amazes me the change I see in me.
William, LA
TESTIMONY FOR GOD’S CHILDREN
My Dear Family in Christ,
Having read the Bible cover to cover over 150 times, it still holds my attention every time I read it. It is constantly new each day. Each day there are sins to overcome, difficulties to surmount and trials to bear which only can be done through the Word of God. Each day, as I read the Word, I see what I read in new light and under different circumstances than when I read it the last time. Through the Word of God, the Spirit of God is able to point out what is needed in my life.
Please listen carefully to the following instruction. God’s faithful servant has shared with us information that will brighten our lives and bring us closer to Jesus.
Bible Biographies
The lives recorded in the Bible are authentic histories of actual individuals. From Adam down through successive generations to the times of the apostles we have a plain, unvarnished account of what actually occurred and the genuine experience of real characters. It is a subject of wonder to many that inspired history should narrate in the lives of good men facts that tarnish their moral characters. Infidels seize upon these sins with great satisfaction and hold their perpetrators up to ridicule. The inspired writers did not testify to falsehoods to prevent the pages of sacred history being clouded by the record of human frailties and faults. The scribes of God wrote as they were dictated by the Holy Spirit, having no control of the work themselves. They penned the literal truth, and stern, forbidding facts are revealed for reasons that our finite minds cannot fully comprehend.
When Jesus called me to this ministry, I was very confused. I had spent about seven years behind bars. I was far from being a Christian. Yet, He called, I answered. Over the years I have had the opportunity to understand some of why God chooses men and women of flawed characters to do His work. The most obvious, we are to glorify God, not man. God’s power, wisdom and justice are to be seen, not man’s. That is why in this ministry I have attempted not to sugarcoat anything, but to speak the truth, no matter how difficult it may be. I have made many mistakes in this ministry. My character is still being ground and polished for His glory. A lot of ouches taking place in my life. But I see growth. True Christianity, true perfection, is the momentum of movement in the forward direction. It’s perfection of the will, the desire to change and move forward, that is the indicator of our perfection in Jesus. The faults revealed of men and women in the Bible is to show us what to do with our faults. Do we repent of our sins as some did, or do we continue in our sins and some did? By reading their stories we learn what happens when we continue in sin, or confess, repent and turn from our sins.
It is one of the best evidences of the authenticity of the Scriptures that the truth is not glossed over nor the sins of its chief characters suppressed. Many will urge that it is an easy matter to relate what has occurred in an ordinary life. But it is a proved fact that it is a human impossibility to give an impartial history of a contemporary; and it is almost as difficult to narrate, without deviating from the exact truth, the story of any person or people with whose career we have become acquainted. The human mind is so subject to prejudice that it is almost impossible for it to treat the subject impartially. Either the faults of the person under review stand out in glaring relief, or his virtues shine with undimmed luster, just as the writer is prejudiced for or against him. However impartial the historian may design to be, all critics will agree that it is a very difficult matter to be truly so.
The founding fathers of the United States of America recognized that exact same fallacy of the human race. So, they implemented in the American system checks and balances. In our legal system we find it in the courtroom where there is a defendant and a prosecutor. Each will depict the defendant according to their own prejudice. The jury is to filter out the extremes from both sides and reach as close as possible to an unbiased verdict.
But divine unction, lifted above the weaknesses of humanity, tells the simple, naked truth. How many biographies have been written of faultless Christians, who, in their ordinary home life and church relations, shone as examples of immaculate piety. No blemish marred the beauty of their holiness, no fault is recorded to remind us that they were common clay and subject to the ordinary temptations of humanity. Yet had the pen of inspiration written their histories, how different would they have appeared. There would have been revealed human weaknesses, struggles with selfishness, bigotry, and pride, hidden sins perhaps, and the continual warfare between the spirit and the flesh. Even private journals do not reveal on their pages the writer’s sinful deeds. Sometimes the conflicts with evil are recorded, but usually only when the right has gained the victory. But they may contain a faithful account of praiseworthy acts and noble endeavors; this, too, when the writer honestly intends to keep a faithful journal of his life. It is next to a human impossibility to lay open our faults for the possible inspection of our friends.
Truth be told, none of us want our faults, sins, weaknesses and struggles revealed to others. Most of the time we don’t even want them revealed to ourselves. But that is the work of the Holy Spirit. And to get to Heaven we must accept His unbiased judgment of our lives and overcome that which He points out in our lives. Of course, most go to great lengths to hear the faults, sins, weaknesses and struggles of others. Do we listen to the gossip at work, programs on the radio, TV and internet? We must close our ears to such wickedness and concentrate our attention on changing our lives.
Had our good Bible been written by uninspired persons, it would have presented quite a different appearance and would have been a discouraging study to erring mortals, who are contending with natural frailties and the temptations of a wily foe. But as it is, we have a correct record of the religious experiences of marked characters in Bible history. Men whom God favored, and to whom He entrusted great responsibilities, were sometimes overcome by temptation and committed sins, even as we of the present day strive, waver, and frequently fall into error. But it is encouraging to our desponding hearts to know that through God’s grace they could gain fresh vigor to again rise above their evil natures; and, remembering this, we are ready to renew the conflict ourselves.
This has been so true in my life. I thank God for His love to this erring and stupid human. I am so unworthy of such a high calling. I thank each of you for your patience towards this failing old man.
The murmurings of ancient Israel and their rebellious discontent, as well as the mighty miracles wrought in their favor and the punishment of their idolatry and ingratitude, are recorded for our benefit. The example of ancient Israel is given as a warning to the people of God, that they may avoid unbelief and escape His wrath. If the iniquities of the Hebrews had been omitted from the Sacred Record, and only their virtues recounted, their history would fail to teach us the lesson that it does.
That is why the devil is working so hard to eradicate the Old Testament. He doesn’t want people to know that their sins must be overcome or they will be destroyed. God cannot take sin to Heaven.
Infidels and lovers of sin excuse their crimes by citing the wickedness of men to whom God gave authority in olden times. They argue that if these holy men yielded to temptation and committed sins, it is not to be wondered at that they, too, should be guilty of wrongdoing; and intimate that they are not so bad after all, since they have such illustrious examples of iniquity before them.
The principles of justice required a faithful narration of facts for the benefit of all who should ever read the Sacred Record. Here we discern the evidences of divine wisdom. We are required to obey the law of God, and are not only instructed as to the penalty of disobedience, but we have narrated for our benefit and warning the history of Adam and Eve in Paradise, and the sad results of their disobedience of God’s commands. The account is full and explicit. The law given to man in Eden is recorded, together with the penalty accruing in case of its disobedience. Then follows the story of the temptation and fall, and the punishment inflicted upon our erring parents. Their example is given us as a warning against disobedience, that we may be sure that the wages of sin is death, that God’s retributive justice never fails, and that He exacts from His creatures a strict regard for His commandments. When the law was proclaimed at Sinai, how definite was the penalty annexed, how sure was punishment to follow the transgression of that law, and how plain are the cases recorded in evidence of that fact!
The pen of inspiration, true to its task, tells us of the sins that overcame Noah, Lot, Moses, Abraham, David, and Solomon, and that even Elijah’s strong spirit sank under temptation during his fearful trial. Jonah’s disobedience and Israel’s idolatry are faithfully recorded. Peter’s denial of Christ, the sharp contention of Paul and Barnabas, the failings and infirmities of the prophets and apostles, are all laid bare by the Holy Ghost, who lifts the veil from the human heart. There before us lie the lives of the believers, with all their faults and follies, which are intended as a lesson to all the generations following them. If they had been without foible they would have been more than human, and our sinful natures would despair of ever reaching such a point of excellence. But seeing where they struggled and fell, where they took heart again and conquered through the grace of God, we are encouraged, and led to press over the obstacles that degenerate nature places in our way.
God has ever been faithful to punish crime. He sent His prophets to warn the guilty, denounce their sins, and pronounce judgment upon them. Those who question why the word of God brings out the sins of His people in so plain a manner for scoffers to deride and saints to deplore, should consider that it was all written for their instruction, that they may avoid the evils recorded and imitate only the righteousness of those who served the Lord.
The writers of the New Testament got it. Jesus Christ constantly taught from the Old Testament. Therefore, after the ascension of Christ, they too followed His example of teaching from the Old Testament. They studied deeply knowing that their eternal life depended on knowing the will of God as revealed in the Old Testament. Then, they sat down and condensed the Old Testament into the New Testament in order to bring it up to date for their lives. Since the temple services, rituals, rites, sacrifices, feast days and traditions no longer applied after the death of Christ, they explained how to study the Old Testament for character development, not for temple expedience.
We need just such lessons as the Bible gives us, for with the revelation of sin is recorded the retribution which follows. The sorrow and penitence of the guilty, and the wailing of the sin-sick soul, come to us from the past, telling us that man was then, as now, in need of the pardoning mercy of God. It teaches us that while He is a punisher of crime, He pities and forgives the repenting sinner.
In His providence the Lord has seen fit to teach and warn His people in various ways. By direct command, by the sacred writings, and by the spirit of prophecy has He made known unto them His will. My work has been to speak plainly of the faults and errors of God’s people. Because the sins of certain individuals have been brought to light, it is no evidence that they are worse in the sight of the Lord than many whose failings are unrecorded. But I have been shown that it is not mine to choose my work, but humbly to obey the will of God. The errors and wrongdoings in the lives of professed Christians are recorded for the instruction of those who are liable to fall into the same temptations. The experience of one serves as a beacon light to warn others off the rocks of danger.
God called me and “My work has been to speak plainly of the faults and errors of God’s people. Because the sins of certain individuals have been brought to light, it is no evidence that they are worse in the sight of the Lord than many whose failings are unrecorded. But I have been shown that it is not mine to choose my work, but humbly to obey the will of God.” It is a heavy calling. I know I have failed many times to warn and encourage as I should have. But God is preparing me for something far greater which as of yet I do not understand. Pray for me.
Thus are revealed the snares and devices of Satan, the importance of perfecting Christian character, and the means by which this result may be obtained. Thus God indicates what is necessary to secure His blessing. There is a disposition on the part of many to let rebellious feelings arise if their peculiar sins are reproved. The spirit of this generation is: “Speak unto us smooth things.” But the spirit of prophecy speaks only the truth. Iniquity abounds, and the love of many who profess to follow Christ waxes cold. They are blind to the wickedness of their own hearts and do not feel their weak and helpless condition. God in mercy lifts the veil and shows them that there is an eye behind the scenes that discerns their hidden guilt and the motives of their actions.
The sins of the popular churches are whitewashed over. Many of the members indulge in the grossest vices and are steeped in iniquity. Babylon is fallen and has become the cage of every foul and hateful bird! The most revolting sins of the age find shelter beneath the cloak of Christianity. Many proclaim the law of God abolished, and surely their lives are in keeping with their faith. If there is no law, then there is no transgression, and therefore no sin; for sin is the transgression of the law.
I understand this. My father was a minister in a Sabbath teaching denomination. Yet, he was not a Christian. This knowledge is sad to my heart. He died without surrendering his life to Jesus. That is why my life was so convoluted. By sending me to prison Jesus separated me from family, society and the church in order to reveal the truth to me.
The carnal mind is enmity against God, and it rebels against His will. Let it once throw off the yoke of obedience and it slips unconsciously into the lawlessness of crime. Iniquity abounds among those who talk grandly of pure and perfect religious liberty. Their conduct is abhorrent to the Lord, and they are co-workers with the adversary of souls. The light of revealed truth is turned from their sight, and the beauties of holiness are but as shadows to them.
It is astonishing to see upon what flimsy foundations very many build their hopes of heaven! They rail at the law of the Infinite One as though they would defy Him and make His word null. Even Satan with his knowledge of the divine law would not dare to make the speeches which some law-hating ministers make from the pulpit, yet he exults in their blasphemy.
Unless you are on the front line of the battle, most have not heard such blasphemy. I get it all the time. Whether it be inmates, people online, or others through the mail or phone, the hate they have for the Law is shocking. Even among those who claim to keep the seventh-day Sabbath.
I have been shown what man is without a knowledge of the will of God. Crimes and iniquity fill up the measure of his life. But when the Spirit of God reveals to him the full meaning of the law, what a change takes place in his heart! Like Belshazzar, he reads intelligently the handwriting of the Almighty, and conviction takes possession of his soul. The thunders of God’s word startle him from his lethargy, and he calls for mercy in the name of Jesus. And to that humble plea God always listens with a willing ear. He never turns the penitent away comfortless.
Throughout the last two years God has allowed the lawbreakers to show the effects of lawlessness. But God has heard my prayers and petitions and is raising up people to bring before the nations of the world the sacredness of God’s Law. As of yet, they don’t understand the Sabbath, but within a few short years the Sabbath will be front and center.
The Lord has seen fit to give me a view of the needs and errors of His people. Painful though it has been to me, I have faithfully set before the offenders their faults and the means of remedying them, according to the dictates of the Spirit of God. This has, in many instances, excited the tongue of slander and embittered against me those for whom I have labored and suffered. But I have not been turned from my course because of this. God has given me my work, and, upheld by His sustaining strength, I have performed the painful duties He has set before me. Thus has the Spirit of God pronounced warnings and judgments, withholding not, however, the sweet promise of mercy.
If God’s people would recognize His dealings with them and accept His teachings, they would find a straight path for their feet and a light to guide them through darkness and discouragement. David learned wisdom from God’s dealings with him and bowed in humility beneath the chastisement of the Most High. The faithful portrayal of his true state by the prophet Nathan made David acquainted with his own sins and aided him to put them away. He accepted counsel meekly and humiliated himself before God. “The law of the Lord,” he exclaims, “is perfect, converting the soul.”
Repentant sinners have no cause to despair because they are reminded of their transgressions and warned of their danger. These very efforts in their behalf show how much God loves them and desires to save them. They have only to follow His counsel and do His will, to inherit eternal life. God sets the sins of His erring people before them, that they may behold them in all their enormity under the light of divine truth. It is then their duty to renounce them forever.
God is as powerful to save from sin today as He was in the times of the patriarchs, of David, and of the prophets and apostles. The multitude of cases recorded in sacred history where God has delivered His people from their own iniquities should make the Christian of this time eager to receive divine instruction and zealous to perfect a character that will bear the close inspection of the judgment.
Bible history stays the fainting heart with the hope of God’s mercy. We need not despair when we see that others have struggled through discouragements like our own, have fallen into temptations even as we have done, and yet have recovered their ground and been blessed of God. The words of inspiration comfort and cheer the erring soul. Although the patriarchs and apostles were subject to human frailties, yet through faith they obtained a good report, fought their battles in the strength of the Lord, and conquered gloriously. Thus may we trust in the virtue of the atoning sacrifice and be overcomers in the name of Jesus. Humanity is humanity the world over from the time of Adam down to the present generation, and the love of God through all ages is without a parallel. 4T 9-15