Author Topic: SDA Sab Sch Lesson 8--1st Qtr 2017--The Holy Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit  (Read 13040 times)

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Pastor Sean Brizendine

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In regard to how Friday's lesson has been studied here online: Amen! Sometimes it is just wonderful reflecting on how good God is, and how important the truth is to our souls. The truth is shining brightly! The spiritual gifts come as God wills, but when we have Jesus abiding in our hearts, all the fruits of His Spirit will be revealed in the life without one missing. What a blessing to be able to share and appreciate Jesus and His power to keep us from pride, love of the world, and anything else that would ever separate us from Him!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Wally

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Over the past 20 years or so, there has been a lot of emphasis on "discovering" one's spiritual gifts.  Did Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Daniel need to fill out a questionnaire to "discover" their spiritual gift?  On the day of Pentecost, did Peter, et. al., need to attend a "spiritual gifts seminar" in order to discover that they had the gift of tongues?  My sense is that if the Holy Spirit chooses to impart a particular gift to someone, it will be quite apparent without filling in the blanks on a questionnaire.

In relation to this, Ellen White make an interesting statement in AA 91.  "Every member was exhorted to act well his part.  Each was to make a wise use of the talents entrusted to  him.  Some were endowed by the Holy Spirit with special gifts--'first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teacher, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.'  I Cor. 12:28.  But all these classes of workers were to labor in harmony."  (Emphasis and italics mine).

This seems to indicate that, contrary to what we've been so often told, not everyone receives a "special endowment," at least not those listed.  All have talents, which are also gifts from God, but they are not necessarily "spiritual gifts," at least not in the sense that the "special gifts" are.
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10

colporteur

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In my mind this is made way too complicated. Just go to work for the Lord and you will soon learn what your gifts are.  The Lord will equip the called. It is not what we can do but what God can do. Some of the most unlikely people have been great preachers and successful evangelists.  I know of an LE who was afraid to stand up in class and read a short story. He would never have had the grit, fortitude or courage to go into a stranger's home, talk spiritual things and sell 3/4 million in books... accept a love for the Lord, His message and the people, and a high motivation is all the gift many need to be successful in the Lord's work.  Many warm a pew, fill out a questionere with little intention of doing anything when they supposedly figure out what their gift is. It is more of a fun thing than anything purposeful. It gives the appearance of going after the work when it is just talk. Then if some do not want a very aggressive gift they check off the gift of "hospitality." That fits in very good with having a Super-bowl Party. Am I too hard on the saints ?  :)  I just don't have much time for wishful thinking that will not engage. The Lord is calling doers of the Word.
It's easier to slow a fast horse down than to get a dead one going.

Wally

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In my mind this is made way too complicated. Just go to work for the Lord and you will soon learn what your gifts are.

Amen!

Eccl. 9:10.
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10

Richard Myers

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Over the past 20 years or so, there has been a lot of emphasis on "discovering" one's spiritual gifts.  Did Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Daniel need to fill out a questionnaire to "discover" their spiritual gift?  On the day of Pentecost, did Peter, et. al., need to attend a "spiritual gifts seminar" in order to discover that they had the gift of tongues?  My sense is that if the Holy Spirit chooses to impart a particular gift to someone, it will be quite apparent without filling in the blanks on a questionnaire.

Amen, Wally. What we all need is the Holy Spirit, then we will have spiritual discernment to understand truth from error.

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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In my mind this is made way too complicated. Just go to work for the Lord and you will soon learn what your gifts are.  The Lord will equip the called. It is not what we can do but what God can do. Some of the most unlikely people have been great preachers and successful evangelists.

Amen, cp. The emphasis needs to be on Christ in us the hope of glory. It is indeed what Jesus can do when we give the whole heart to Him. He will empower us by whatever gifts He discerns will be most helpful to the cause entrusted to us as a people. Many believe themselves to be converted, when they are not. And, this is fostered by telling them they have a spiritual gift. It works to keep the people dead in trespasses and sins.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Glen

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Yes, dear brother, but in due time.  We are to give the last warning message in its order. First, second, and then the third angels message. It is the gospel that the world needs, then they will be open to hear about the Sabbath commandment. We do not want to lead out with those points of our faith that are at variance with most of professing Christianity.

"in due time"
Brother Richard, do you not agree that the FIRST (1st) ANGEL'S MESSAGE IS THE CALL TO WORSHIP THE CREATOR ?

"We do not want to lead out with those points of our faith that are at variance with most of professing Christianity."
You inferred earlier that some Christians of the other denominations are already converted to the gospel and have the fruits of the Spirit, without any of them missing. By definition, the first angel's "warning message" 'in it's order" (as you don't seem to understand) is regarding the Law of God; specifically, the 4th Commandment to worship Him who made heaven, earth, the sea, etc. According to Scripture, we may judge that the fallen churches must hear "the rest of the (gospel) story"! God's professing remnant should already know the truth of this, and the honest among them recognize that the Law of God will be the deciding factor regarding who will be saved. Those of the fallen churches may say Lord, Lord; and, love, love, but the Remnant must judge that those who do not know of the Sabbath truth need to understand the Gospel more fully, and follow it more perfectly. Since; as you say, they already have the fruits of the Spirit, they will readily, even eagerly, accept the Sabbath Truth! So; Brother Richard, WHEN are you suggesting is the time for the three angel's messages to begin?

Why is it that so many are deceiving their souls, apparently delighting in the service of God, and yet trampling upon his precepts? The law of God is a transcript of his character; it is the standard of righteousness. “Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Man is required to render obedience to the revealed will of God in the smallest requirement of the law. Terrible results followed the transgression of the law when our first parents sinned. The flood gates of woe were opened upon our world. With the history of sin before us, how dare we disregard and ignore any one of the commandments that God has given us? The law of God is the foundation of his government, and is exactly what is needed to preserve life and righteousness. Every principle of the law emanates from the Infinite God, and man will fail in his duty to God and his neighbor unless he believes and weaves the principles of the law into his life. Without faith it is impossible to please God, for it is through faith that we may render obedience to the law. 
The Signs of the Times February 26, 1894 paragraph 4

This is the will of God, even your sanctification; and the nearer we draw to God, the more clearly shall we discern his purity and loveliness, and the less we shall exalt ourselves. Shall we believe the testimony of those who boast of being sinless, ((saved by grace)) and who yet violate the commandments of God? John says, “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” If those who claim to be Christians draw away from the commandments of God, and slight, reject, and denounce them, we may know how to estimate their profession of holiness. They have not Christ abiding in their hearts at all; for Christ is not opposed to Christ. Christ gave every one of these commandments, and those who obey them have the promise that they shall receive whatsoever they ask.  The Youth’s Instructor December 9, 1897 paragraph 6

Those who are sincerely keeping the commandments of God, who walk in obedience to his law, should have greater faith; for to them apply the rich promises of God. Let not those who disregard God's commandments lay claim to his promises; for it is the willing and obedient who shall eat the good of the land.  The Youth’s Instructor December 9, 1897 paragraph 7


Most every Sabbath School in SDA' ism this very Sabbath Day, today, will have those among them who declare that no one can keep the Law of God, every one of them; not to mention, "perfectly". This is why our churches are not ready to receive large numbers from the fallen churches. Yes; passing of Sunday legislation and the enforcing of it, will soon show who; indeed, have the fruits of the Spirit, the "sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience  . . of Jesus Christ". 1 Peter 1:2; or, are the sinners in Zion who will be sifted out. (see 2SM 380.2)

...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood

Richard Myers

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Brother Richard, do you not agree that the FIRST (1st) ANGEL'S MESSAGE IS THE CALL TO WORSHIP THE CREATOR ?

Yes, Brother Glen. Let us take a look:

"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,  Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Rev. 14:6,7.
 

It is not necessary for those who do not know the Sabbath is the seventh day to keep it, not yet. And, professing Christian churches have to a great degree perverted the gospel message. We need to present the gospel, the true gospel message, then the second and third angels messages.

Quote
Brother Richard, WHEN are you suggesting is the time for the three angel's messages to begin?

1844, beginning with the first angel's message, then continuing in their order.

Let us present the gospel of grace first, then the mark of the beast. To do them out of order is to weaken our message. First we need to present Jesus and the power of grace to transform the character.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Glen

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The FIRST (1st) ANGEL'S MESSAGE IS THE CALL TO WORSHIP THE CREATOR  (which specifies the 4th Commandment). . . As you just said, the time for the three angel's messages to begin was 1844, beginning with the first angel's message, then continuing in their order.

So; the message of the gospel (or Grace) was to commence BEFORE 1844, since the First Angel’s Message began in 1844; which would mean that the 2nd Angel’s message (nearly ???) began in 1888 with the Blair Bill (EGW declares we could’ve been in the kingdom as Christ could have come ere this had the Leading Men in the Denomination accepted it? So; the Third Angel’s Message is about to begin?
...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood

Glen

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The provision made for the salvation of men through the imputed righteousness of Christ, does not do away with the law, or lessen in the least its holy claims; for Christ came to exalt the law and make it honorable, to reveal its exceeding breadth and changeless character. The glory of the gospel of grace through the imputed righteousness of Christ, provides no other way of salvation than through obedience to the law of God in the person of Jesus Christ, the divine substitute. In the old dispensation believers were saved through the grace of Christ, as presented in the gospel, as we are saved today. The only means of salvation is provided under the Abrahamic covenant.
The Signs of the Times September 5, 1892 paragraph 4
...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood

Richard Myers

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Amen! There is no salvation unless the whole heart is given to Christ. When this is done, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be in the life, not one will be missing. But, in regards to the law of God, it may be that the fourth commandment is not understood. God will not hold one accountable for not keeping the fourth commandment if they are ignorant of its truth, unless it is willful ignorance. This is not true of the fruits of the Spirit, they come even if ignorant of them.

Glen, let's look at the statement you quoted regarding the three angels' message in its context:

The proclamation of the first, second, and third angels' messages has been located by the word of Inspiration. Not a peg or pin is to be removed. No human authority has any more right to change the location of these messages than to substitute the New Testament for the Old. The Old Testament is the gospel in figures and symbols. The New Testament is the substance. One is as essential as the other. The Old Testament presents lessons from the lips of Christ, and these lessons have not lost their force in any particular. The first and second messages were given in 1843 and 1844, and we are now under the proclamation of the third; but all three of the messages are still to be proclaimed. It is just as essential now as ever before that they shall be repeated to those who are seeking for the truth. By pen and voice we are to sound the proclamation, showing their order, and the application of the prophecies that bring us to the third angel's message. There cannot be a third without the first and second. These messages we are to give to the world in publications, in discourses, showing in the line of prophetic history the things that have been, and the things that will be.--Manuscript 32, 1896.   

While the statement reveals when the messages were first given, we also see they are to be repeated in our day. We also see that we are to give them in their order. Yes, the law is part of the gospel message, but we must first give the gospel message without bringing into account the mark of the beast which is directly aimed at the fourth commandment. And, the law cannot save. Let us present the grace of Jesus since without this there cannot be obedience to the law. Yes, the law is the schoolmaster that points to Christ, and we must present it, but the gospel of grace is what the first angel is carrying to all the world as stated in the first angel's message.

And, the fourth commandment is not easy for many to accept. Let us find common ground when ministering to others not of our faith. Then when others see we are Christians and love Jesus, they will be more open to hear about those points of our faith that are more difficult, such as the Sabbath and the state of the dead.

Jesus' method is  a good example to follow. He spent more time healing than preaching. There is wisdom in studying how to reach the world with the good news of the gospel. It may be with some you can present all three messages in the same day.  But, I have found that this is often not wise to do. The gospel has been so perverted that even it requires great wisdom and the help of the Holy Spirit to soften hearts, both of the giver and the receiver.

Hope this helps to clarify what I have been attempting to present. The law is never abolished, even when God will excuse ignorance that is not willful. The law cannot be changed or set aside. But, many true Christians are not keeping the fourth commandment today, and they will enter heaven having broken that commandment. When the light comes to their understanding, then they will be held accountable for keeping it. That does not give us the liberty of pushing the law upon others prematurely. God will open the light to others as He has done with us.

Glen, here is a statement that may help to place our discussion in a better light.

  As the lessons of Christ, the truths of the Bible in their simplicity, are placed before these souls, they recognize the light and rejoice in it. Their perplexities vanish before the light of truth as dew before the morning sun. Their conceptions of Bible truth are expanded, and the revelation of God in Christ comes to them, showing them the depth, breadth, and height of divine, spiritual mystery that they did not before discern, that cannot be explained, but only exemplified in Christlike character.  {6T 71.1} 
     Many who are not connected with any church, and who appear wholly unmindful of the claims of God, are not at heart as indifferent as they seem. Even the most irreligious have their hours of conviction, when there comes to them a longing for something they have not. In every town and city there are large numbers who do not attend any place of worship. Many of these are attracted to the camp meeting. Many come who are slaves of sin, the helpless victims of evil habits. Many are convicted and converted. As they by faith grasp the promise of God for the forgiveness of their sins, the bondage of habit is broken. Forsaking their sinful indulgences, they become freemen in Christ Jesus, and rejoice in the liberty of the sons of God. This is the work to be done in all our camp meetings. Through this means thousands will be won to Christ.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Glen

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Brother Richard, I appreciate your clarifying the importance of reaching out to others with the grace of God before sharing the 1st Angel's Message regarding the Sabbath. This can be done by presenting Jesus Christ as the personification of the love of God. This is why I wanted to respond to your quote of February 17, 2017 where you implied that it is only the fruit of the Spirit that is "...the good works Jesus tells us by which we may judge ourselves and others." Then; again, you repeat this idea by saying that the Law does not save. Perhaps if; when we share with others about Jesus Christ, we help them understand that Christ is the embodiment of the Law, which is the transcript of the Father's character, the following will be understood; this, obviously reveals all the Fruits of the Spirit, as, "The impartation of the Spirit IS the impartation of the Life of Christ."

The law is an expression of God’s idea. When we receive it in Christ, it becomes our idea. It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin. Lt 96, 1896 (June 6, 1896) par. 7



...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood

Glen

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The third angel's message in its clear, definite terms is to be made the prominent warning. All that it comprehends is to be made intelligible to the reasoning minds of today.—Letter 121, 1900, p. 5. (To S. N. Haskell and wife, August 13, 1900.)

Note: This was written in 1900; AFTER, 1888 when "Christ could have come, ere this" and it would definitely include winning the heart of the hearer to the divine charms and grace of Christ, as part of "all that it comprehends", which obviously includes the Ten Commandments, with a golden halo enlightening the 4th Commandment ( see: Life Sketches of James White and Ellen G. White 1880, p. 236).

I was shown that if the true Sabbath had been kept there would never have been an infidel or an atheist. The observance of the Sabbath would have preserved the world from idolatry. The fourth commandment has been trampled upon, therefore we are called upon to repair the breach in the law and plead for the broken down Sabbath.

Alright; so instruction regarding the Sabbath (REST IN CHRIST), should have been focused on more closely immediately this side of the Fall of Adam and Eve, so that, "there would never have been an infidel or an atheist"! Cain needn't have killed Abel!

Had the purpose of God been carried out by His people in giving to the world the message of mercy, Christ would, ere this, have come to the earth, and the saints would have received their welcome into the city of God.—Testimonies for the Church 6:450.
...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood

colporteur

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It depends on the individual. For some we can cut to the chase very quickly. That was the case for me when I learned the message. For some, there is a slower intelligent process and method in bringing the messages to them. One size does not fit all. This is the advantage of working with people one on one as opposed to a group. There is a timing factor. This is where the gift of discernment comes in.
It's easier to slow a fast horse down than to get a dead one going.

Glen

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Obviously, Jonah was lacking that gift of discernment when he prophesied to Nineveh; yet, the whole city repented as the fire (spirit of burning Isaiah 4:4; Luke 3:16) fell just as God had told him, to tell them, that it would be overthrown (Jonah 3:4). Jonah didn't have the discernment to see it fall; it was happening to those all around him and he didn't see it, as he sat in embarrassed self-pity. (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, Page 507.1). We, in our turn, must not be deterred, but follow His commission, whether they will hear, or forbear.

He in whom Christ dwells has within himself the fountain of blessing.... From this source he may draw strength and grace sufficient for all his needs...He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life. God's Amazing Grace 119.3, 4

Hebrews 10:16, 17 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

The Law of God (including the 4th Commandment); the LOVE of God, written in the heart by God, IS transformation of character, the fruit of oneness with God. God remembers their 'sins and iniquities...no more" not only because they are covered by the blood of Christ, but; by the Grace of His indwelling Spirit, as testified to by the fruits of His Spirit, they sin no more.

From those who ... boldly witness for Christ, men will hear sacred truth that never before had heard it. In some hearts the seed will take roots. The converting power of God will win souls from darkness to light. Some of the very men on the judgment seat, lawyers and jurors, will embrace the truth, and in their turn will confess Christ before kings and rulers.—Manuscript 40, 1897, 13. (“Christ or Barabbas,” undated.)

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God... 2 Peter 3:12

We MUST "...cut to the chase very quickly" with each individual we meet:
...when we turn toward the Sun of Righteousness, when we come in touch with Christ, the whole soul is aglow with the brightness of the divine presence.

As Christ is the channel for the revelation of the Father, so we are to be the channel for the revelation of Christ. While our Saviour is the great source of illumination, forget not, O Christian, that He is revealed through humanity. God's blessings are bestowed through human instrumentality. Christ Himself came to the world as the Son of man. Humanity, united to the divine nature, must touch humanity. The church of Christ, every individual disciple of the Master, is heaven's appointed channel for the revelation of God to men. Angels of glory wait to communicate through you heaven's light and power to souls that are ready to perish. Shall the human agent fail of accomplishing his appointed work? Oh, then to that degree is the world robbed of the promised influence of the Holy Spirit! Thoughts From the Mount of Blessings 40.1, 2


Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40

The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul. We do not see Christ and speak to Him, but His Holy Spirit is just as near us in one place as in another. It works in and through every one who receives Christ. Those who know the indwelling of the Spirit reveal the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith (Manuscript 41, 1897).

So; with all the fruit of the Spirit, we are to reach out to the faithful, God-fearing Sunday-keeper, and share "the rest" of the Gospel and Doctrine of Christ, portraying to them through the Christ-life, the Sabbath truth, more fully. Their keeping of the Sunday, in itself, reveals their lace of understanding as to the whole duty of man.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13


...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood

colporteur

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It does matter that we approach people with wisdom. To hasten the day of the Lord does not mean that one become too hasty with the people. Some we can grab and pull out of the fire. With some we must work more patiently. We can err by being an offense and turn people away when with better judgment we could have won them.
It's easier to slow a fast horse down than to get a dead one going.

Glen

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To repeat myself:
So; with all the fruit of the Spirit, we are to reach out to the faithful, God-fearing Sunday-keeper, and share "the rest" of the Gospel and Doctrine of Christ, portraying to them through the Christ-life, the Sabbath truth, more fully. Their keeping of the Sunday, in itself, reveals their lack of understanding as to the whole duty of man.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13

I firmly believe that one simply cannot say that the fruits of the Spirit are the ONLY means that Jesus, through the Spirit, "tells us that we are to judge ourselves and others". It is the 4th Commandment that gives us the mandate to tell the world of this Truth as it is in Jesus. I still wish to see Richard's quote or any references he has where "Jesus tells us" that it's only the fruits of the Spirit by which we are to judge ourselves and others.

It is the Law of God (His love), the "Sabbath Rest"; "Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain... "LIft Him Up 375 that will be "the light of the world" and share this truth with those that sit in darkness. Yes, there will be Sunday-keepers in heaven who will doubtless keep their first Sabbath in heaven; however, of the days in which we live, and by God's grace, we may say, "Not on my watch".

The end is so close; the time so very short, in which to
come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ... Ephesians 4:13-15 [Sunday-keeping is included among the "wind(s) of (false)doctrine".]

Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

The honest in heart who are Sunday-keepers who still perpetrate and encourage Sunday-keeping, must still be led to comprehend that they must "come out of Bablylon" Revelation 18, and that will, and must be through admonishing them to Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Rev. 14:7

Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

What is "the testimony" if it isn't the indwelling abiding presence of the "the Holy Spirit" of prophecy; and, what is "the law" if it isn't the Ten Commandments; especially, written in the heart? We must have, and be transfigured by BOTH, to reach the people with the whole truth, and nothing but the Truth.

You would imply that what I'm sharing here you feel I'm being impatient or foolish (not approaching "people with wisdom")?

Had the people of Nineveh not listened to the warning of God, through Jonah, the fire of the righteousness of God's Spirit would have destroyed them physically. Surely, it was the kindest, most patient thing God could have done for those violent people. So; today, the Sunday-keeper, however innocently, is guilty of treason against the Most High God. Certainly,
the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 2 Timothy 2:24-26

We ...all need a living religion, thatwemay stand as God's witnesses, proclaiming to the sick that sin is always followed with suffering; and while combating pain and disease, we should plainly lay before them that which you know to be the real cause, and the remedy—“Cease to sin;” and point them to the sin-pardoning Saviour.—Manuscript 4a, 1885.

Sunday-keeping will, one day soon, bring upon the participant the Seven Last Plagues. And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40

Have you become acquainted with your neighbors, that you may tell them of the truth? Take your Bible and call on them. Read them some of those passages of Scripture that are the most comforting. Show them that you have an interest in their eternal welfare. God wants you to help them to place their minds in a right channel.

In the Word of God the truth in regard to the observance of the Lord's Sabbath is plainly stated. But the world is in ignorance of God's requirements. Shall it be that when you meet your neighbors in the day of judgment, they will charge you with neglect, saying, “You knew of these things, why did you not tell us?” Sermons and Talks Vol.1 p.353.1, 2




...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood

colporteur

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I believe the fruit of the Spirit is all encompassing. Keeping the Sabbath falls under  " love." Jesus said, " if ye love me keep my commandments."  It would also fall under "temperance". However, we must be careful to factor in knowledge. If one does not have knowledge of the Sabbath through a convicting medium he ought not be judged by Sabbath keeping. Some know of the Sabbath but have not yet seen it in its true light. We might be judged as lacking the fruit "love" when we are not doing more and doing ALL that we can to give that person the light on the Sabbath.
It's easier to slow a fast horse down than to get a dead one going.

Glen

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I still wish to see Richard's quote or any references he has where "Jesus tells us" that it's only the fruits of the Spirit by which we are to judge ourselves and others.

Jesus DOES say:

John 15:
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.


Considering the shortness of time, as a Colporteur, do you give out, or sell the book, The Great Controversy, or is it considered too unloving?
...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood

colporteur

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  • Posts: 6537
I still wish to see Richard's quote or any references he has where "Jesus tells us" that it's only the fruits of the Spirit by which we are to judge ourselves and others.

Jesus DOES say:

John 15:
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.


Considering the shortness of time, as a Colporteur, do you give out, or sell the book, The Great Controversy, or is it considered too unloving?

It is because of the fruit of the Spirit that I give out and sell the book, not rather than. It is because of love for souls and love for God that I do this. It gives me joy knowing that another has an opportunity to be ready for Jesus' coming. There is no peace like knowing that God is pleased with me for doing this. It takes longsuffering to deal with people of all types both godly and wicked and having been neglected by a church ( In the NAD) that no longer sees the importance of this work enough to aid in it, and so on.
It's easier to slow a fast horse down than to get a dead one going.