From my perspective, the outcome is just, and your video offers no guidance on how I can engage with people who don't take my perspective. The Bible verses you cited, 1 Tim 2:1 and Daniel 4 are about enduring injustices. This only speaks to the side that thinks injustice was done. The least you could do is site some Bible verses about people being upset about fair outcomes. Sometimes the conviction is correct, but the truth doesn't offer comfort. People are still angry or greived by the outcome. If you want to speak to people on my side, I need advice on how to deal with people who from my perspective, are angry for no reason. How do I navigate there upset feelings without compromises what I beleive is true?
I know of a pastor of a church who takes a strong political stance and engages in (in my opinion) harmful divisive debate with his members and others. What is one to do in such a situation?
This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge: Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering. "But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42 Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show": "The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne. The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
Both parties are controlled by the woman riding the beast. No matter who wins the agenda of that woman riding the beast will be pushed forward. Now is the time to get the Full Great Controversy into the hands of all who will read it.
Exactly! And it’s the same for every country on this planet. All of the leaders have been put there by satan and their “rivals” are satans puppets too. If people think they have a choice of leader they’re less likely to rebel.
This isn't about 2 candidates; only the one who broke the law and was brought to trial and found guilty! Invoking "both sides" suggests this as a political issue, which is the point of contention!
Churches corporately should not engage in political issues from the pulpit. But individually, we are at liberty to hold private opinions and convictions on political issues. The challenge is to leave my personal opinons at home when I come to church to worship. However, the sharing of information and views in order to form a better opinion can best be achieved in smaller confidential groups of people. We cannot spiritualize everything. We live in a complex world and fluid society. What is currently happening in the US should awaken in all of us a new desire to search the scriptures for a moral compass and the prophetic wrtings for day to day living decisions as we prepare for the second advent. To say that all we need to to do si pray for our national leaders is fine but our prayers also need to reflect our desire for spiritual strength and be willing to call evil by its name. We don't vote our future in blind prayer, we vote smartly, with open eyes to the qualifications of the leaders we elect.
This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge: Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering. "But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42 Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show": "The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne. The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
How about calling sin by its right name? Trump is not convicted unjustly! There’s evidence! So we will wait for the Lord to judge Trump? So felons must not be condemned? I’m confuse Pastor Mark
It's far too easy to become a felon, to discard one who is. Jesus was an outlaw. I have been a felon for nearly 40 years. Am I somehow "less than" because the government decided I was a criminal? I was not guilty, but the court said I was. Should I be marked for life?
Pastor Mark never said Trump is convicted unjustly. He literally said, "Although civil courts have a role to play in secular society, as Christians, we leave final judgment to God"
@@HL365 I did not say that Pastor said Trump was convicted unjustly. However Pastor Mark mentioned Paul who was put in jail UNJUSTLY! Yes that was unjust! He cannot compare Trump with Paul! Trump was found guilty 34 counts. The bible says: Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Romans 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
@@red05hemi Jesus was never an “outlaw”. Pilate, a government official, said “I find no fault in him” Luke 23:4. But it was the multitude, the people who accused Jesus.
I’m yet to find a leader, other than Jesus, whose intent is completely good. They’re all selfish, greedy and power hungry that’s why satan can control them. Whoever we vote for are satans workmen therefore we’re inadvertently voting for satan.
Pastor Finley, I'm confused, there are millions of people who are judged by the legal system every day and some condemned to death, why didn't you come out about that? If you accept civil authority, why shouldn't Christians accept the judgment of the former president? It's not adding up for me. I'm not from the USA and I'm concerned that you have chosen this topic and you keep saying we ought to accept the court but they do not always get it right. Why is this the only case that caused you to get this involved. In addition, the church is separated by black churches and white churches. Are we going to be separated in the new heaven and earth? I hope you read my message and respond.
Hi. I just want to respond to your comment on black and white churches. I attend a Seventh Day Adventist church in the US. Not Pastor Finley's church as he lives in a different state than I do l. However, in my church, there are both black and white members. Every SDA church I have ever attended has had both black and white people in attendance. There may be churches out there where there are only white attendees or only black attendees. However, I don't know of any myself, whether they're SDA churches or other denominations. I'm curious as to what churches are segregated and where these churches are. I'm not trying to be unkind or critical, I just don't know of any myself. However, I'm sure there are some out there, unfortunately. Thank you, and God bless.
I am in South Carolina and our church is not segregated. We have church family of every race in our church. I for one love all of my brothers and sisters in the world and in my church. I am very thankful for my church family.
John the Baptist, he denounced the national corruption, and rebuked the prevailing sins. He declared that those who claimed to be the chosen people of God were defiled by sin, and that without purification of heart and life they could have no part in the Messiah's kingdom. Many of the scribes and Pharisees came confessing their sins, and asking for baptism. They had exalted themselves as better than other men, and had led the people to entertain a high opinion of their piety; now the guilty secrets of their lives were unveiled.
Sorry, but This need to be said. While John the Baptist was a prophet and did a great work for Christ...He was NOT our example...only ONE PERSON is our example in the whole bible (see 1 Corinthians 3:11, 1 Peter 2:21, and 1 Corinthians 11:1) and That is Jesus Himself, The Word "Made Flesh"....see John 1:14-18. That's why Jesus - Himself "The Way, The Truth, and the Life", says, "You sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that you might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and you were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me." John 5:33-36. And our Example, Jesus, had this to say about the world's politics and ways: "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence" John 18:36 "And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, You know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:24-28.
Yes, but we have gotten to a spiritual low where we don’t know what good fruits are. We, in the SDA church are calling good evil and evil good. If we knew what spiritual good fruits were, Satan would not have infiltrated our church the way he has. He would not be preaching from our pulpits and he would not be claiming that he owns the conference. Most of you don’t even know how bad things are in the world and those who have given their lives to allow God to use them to fix it, you call evil claiming spiritual discernment. God is about to wake everyone up. What is coming your way, you’re not expecting. Buckle up and let us all humble ourselves.
I believe whoever wins will push forward the Sunday law and fulfill prophecy. Be strong family. Keep your eyes on Jesus it’s gonna get rough before it gets better but He will never leave us or forsake us.
This is a very balanced approach, yet sadly the two parties seemed to be two sides of the same coin. We need to pray 🙏 that God leads our leaders decisions on a whole host of issues, including religious liberty! God bless !!
I don’t need anyone telling me how I should deal with politicians. Big fan of Mark Finley but he has degraded himself by becoming involved in politics in this manner. When it comes to politics just talk about principles and leave individual names out of it
Is it always prayer minus or plus judgment and or condemnation? Meaning of “condemnation” “to express an unfavorable or adverse judgment on; indicate strong disapproval” - Dictionary Matthew 23 “23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” “It’s a little bit of Trump-nesia, if you will,” Scaramucci replied. “I mean these guys denounced him several times.” “The presumptive GOP presidential nominee met with business leaders - including Walmart’s Doug McMillon, Apple’s Tim Cook and JPMorgan Chase’s Jamie Dimon - and spoke of his desire for tax cuts on Thursday. ….” If it’s a civil matter, should anyone judge and also condemn, especially Trump or Modi or whoever besides praying for them when such may require it? Is it always prayer minus condemnation on matters outside the church as a citizen on civil matters? In fact, in the absence of a strong and unified Christian condemnation, a certain political figure has been emboldened to engage even more in despicable behavior in words and deeds. This person has been equated with King Cyrus, King Jehu and even the sufferings of Jesus, by who? The Christians. Shouldn’t this behavior be judged and strongly condemned or disapproved publicly and clearly? When we condemn, it is not to hell but rather for correction and instruction in righteousness or right doing. Spare the rod and spoil the child so it says in the Bible itself. What did Martin Luther King Jr. and Martin Luther do when a time and circumstances required it?
So what do we say when the governmental matters involved a certain group of people, when is the church speaking of corrupt behavior and unlawfulness forced on black/brown people? These matters seem dismissed by the church.
@@discern3392That is not in the past sir. We as God's people should not be silent on such issues. Though your experience may be different; there are people that experience this everyday. It is very easy to say "Forget" when we do not walk in someone else's shoes. First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out- Because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out- Because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out- Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me-and there was no one left to speak for me. Pastor Martin Niemoller
@discern3392 do you so dismissively say "move on" to those who are running around the country talking about "make America great AGAIN?" or just whenever Black people have issues?
My first response to Mark was to pick the beam out of your eye first . There are extremely serious issues within the Adventist church which has never been addressed. Since my growth in the SDA church it's always white folks leading as presidents you name it. Do you think God is please with such? For a church which is diversified the leadership at the very top does not reflect it. What about the business model of the church? This can be adjusted so the gospel can be spread faster. This lesson study was again written by Mark Finley. how many times has he written the lesson? A few times. Aren't there others qualified. Mark gives the impression he is the voice of reason. Whatever he says that is how we should think. Is he the pope of the SDA church? One thing for sure, If the church led by the conference had done its job effectively Christ would have returned a long time ago hence all the issues we are facing in our world today can be laid at the feet of the church which claims it has an end time message? Mark why don't we speak about that more than a man even if he wins the white house will be a lame duck president? SMH
No, she plainly denounced voting for politicians: From Gospel workers, starting on Page 391: "To the Teachers and Managers of our Schools, -Those who have charge of our institutions and our schools should guard themselves diligently, lest by their words and sentiments they lead the students into false paths. Those who teach the Bible in our churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures, because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to believe present truth, some who will thus be stirred up to express their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be brought into the church. The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political scheme. We cannot labor to please men who will use their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow-men to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord's family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, and violate the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath. The people of God are not to vote to place such men in office; for when they do this, they are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office. We are not to compromise principle by yielding to the opinions and prejudices which we may have encouraged before we united with God's commandment-keeping people. We have enlisted in the army of the Lord, and we are not to fight on the enemy's side, but on the side of Christ, where we can be a united whole, in sentiment, in action, in spirit, in fellowship. Those who are Christians indeed will be branches of the true vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine. They will act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear political badges, but the badge of Christ. What are we to do, then?-Let political questions alone. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” [2 Corinthians 6:14, 15.] What can there be in common between these parties? There can be no fellowship, no communion. The word “fellowship” means participation, partnership. God employs the strongest figures to show that there should be no union between worldly parties and those who are seeking the righteousness of Christ. What communion can there be between light and darkness, truth and unrighteousness? None whatever. Light represents righteousness; darkness, unrighteousness. Christians have come out of darkness into the light. They have put on Christ, and they wear the badge of truth and obedience. They are governed by the elevated and holy principles which Christ expressed in His life.... Those teachers in the church or in the school who distinguish themselves by their zeal in politics, should be relieved of their work and responsibilities without delay; for the Lord will not co-operate with them. The tithe should not be used to pay any one for speechifying on political questions. Every teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire to ventilate his opinions on political questions, should be converted by a belief in the truth, or give up his work. His influence must tell as a laborer together with God in winning souls to Christ, or his credentials must be taken from him. If he does not change, he will do harm, and only harm...." See, this an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge: Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering. "But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42 Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show": "The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne. The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
Question, in God’s moral law, the 6th through the 10th commandments do address our responsibility to civil laws, especially regarding relationships between each other. I’ve not seen any of our ministers addressing how we are to respond as Christians when leaders actions leave no doubt that they’re breaking any of those commandments. It seems that this is the crux of the matter in this situation with Trump. Also, since he was convicted in several jury trials, shouldn’t we respect those findings? Please provide some Biblical understanding regarding these matters. I appreciate you addressing these, since so many Christians are not respecting the rule of law with regarding these matters. Thank you.
@AlpacaRenee this is a ridiculous false equivelance. Trump is a lying, cheating convicted felon. He abused a woman and boasted of doing the same to others. In what kind of warped world can you claim Biden is just as flawed?
Doesn't it say somewhere in E.G. W. That we should allow some that are burdened for religious liberty to not be afraid of becoming involved in government such as legislature where laws are made?
Stop taking Ellen White out of Context, she clearly was against involvement in politics. See below: "To the Teachers and Managers of our Schools, -Those who have charge of our institutions and our schools should guard themselves diligently, lest by their words and sentiments they lead the students into false paths. Those who teach the Bible in our churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures, because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to believe present truth, some who will thus be stirred up to express their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be brought into the church. The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political scheme. We cannot labor to please men who will use their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow-men to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord's family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, and violate the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath. The people of God are not to vote to place such men in office; for when they do this, they are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office. We are not to compromise principle by yielding to the opinions and prejudices which we may have encouraged before we united with God's commandment-keeping people. We have enlisted in the army of the Lord, and we are not to fight on the enemy's side, but on the side of Christ, where we can be a united whole, in sentiment, in action, in spirit, in fellowship. Those who are Christians indeed will be branches of the true vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine. They will act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear political badges, but the badge of Christ. What are we to do, then?-Let political questions alone. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” [2 Corinthians 6:14, 15.] What can there be in common between these parties? There can be no fellowship, no communion. The word “fellowship” means participation, partnership. God employs the strongest figures to show that there should be no union between worldly parties and those who are seeking the righteousness of Christ. What communion can there be between light and darkness, truth and unrighteousness? None whatever. Light represents righteousness; darkness, unrighteousness. Christians have come out of darkness into the light. They have put on Christ, and they wear the badge of truth and obedience. They are governed by the elevated and holy principles which Christ expressed in His life.... Those teachers in the church or in the school who distinguish themselves by their zeal in politics, should be relieved of their work and responsibilities without delay; for the Lord will not co-operate with them. The tithe should not be used to pay any one for speechifying on political questions. Every teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire to ventilate his opinions on political questions, should be converted by a belief in the truth, or give up his work. His influence must tell as a laborer together with God in winning souls to Christ, or his credentials must be taken from him. If he does not change, he will do harm, and only harm...." Gospel Workers, page 391
I’ve heard the saying “just different wings on the same bird” applies also. The bird is heading in the one direction carried forward by both wings… Remember, this earth is not our home, we do what we can to make it as good as we can, but we’re mere strangers passing through. Keep our eyes heavenward and we’ll be more graceful with those who may have a different opinion 😊
Amen. This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge: Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering. "But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42 Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show": "The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne. The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
All Glory to YESHUVA Our Saviour LORD 🙏🏻 Amen Amen Very informative underlining the Biblical Scriptures. Unless we understand the Holy Sacrifices that gave life to the moral values to build the character of a person, it's very difficult to help anyone to understand the Ethics of every human being. Bless everyone and love your enemies. Only LORD JESUS CHRIST Amen Amen GOD bless you Always Brother
I do not feel that most people who disagreed with the first video misunderstood what was said. And I know that there were more than just a few that disagreed with the first video. I do not think we should condemn former president Trump to his eternal destiny; which I saw many people do. We cannot do that. However, there were some who understood and understood that video very well. I repeated that video two and a half times to question myself if I was wrong. I realized that I understood it correctly after the second time of watching it. I must say Matt, you mentioned how busy you and Pastor Finley are, and I know you are telling the truth. You mentioned that your ministry cannot speak on every issue that arises; most people do not expect that. However, a video was made a week and a half later about Trump's trial. Yet, four years ago none of the leaders of our church spoke out when a major crisis occurred In our country when an extremely inhumane death occurred in the streets of Minneapolis. This is not the only time innocent people or guilty people of color have been killed for crimes that did not call for DEATH. Yet we're constantly talking speaking about Ab******. Though it was not about politics, Would it have been considered too "Political" or "Misunderstood?" There were crickets, about persistent issues of unrighteous behavior towards a group of minorities that have been in this country and church since almost the beginning. ( Sigh) I guess it is what it is.
I believe that the most appropriate scripture for Mr Trump is Gal 6:7. So I must conclude that his conviction is God’s judgement which we should not question.
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
We as Christians especially as Adventist Christian have to pray and use common sense. Many are using Ellen White to justify what we do or have done. We must not use her not saying we shouldn't listen to sound counsel. But we must let the world know that our decision is based on God and his word. The world is looking for excuses to call Adventist a cult. We need to let the world know we listen to sound counsel from all men and women but God and his word ultimately is our guide.
Too late! That's a very common moniker for the SDA church because Satan is behind the conflating of cultish behavior with God's inspired word. If people want to believe Satan's deceptions and lies nothing will stop them and the enemy is making sure of it. I guess they've never heard that "the truth will set you free" . We believe in thus says the Lord and if any other written word does not support the Bible it should be of no value to anyone. Things are unfolding around us as it pertains, especially to our political leaders and climate, as the bible prophesies so the signs are important as they will usher in Christian persecution. Anyway, we can talk about these things forever but character matters politicians or not. Blessings!
Another very good message Pastor Mark. I am not happy about either candidate. I think about it like this.....Jesus is coming very soon. God raises up who he wills. Who are we to try to guess what God's plan is? We know that the USA will play a major role in end time events, so I just try to trust in God ❤
Read Gospel Workers page 391....our people are strongly rebuke about getting involved in politics and supporting any politician! In fact, in that book the prophet encourages us to withhold our tithes from ministers and teachers who set themselves up to opinionate on political questions and do not repent of what they are doing! This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge: Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering. "But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42 Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show": "The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne. The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
Evangelicals are in participation to the fulfillment of the prophecy in The great controversy. Sunday law is coming.. project 2025 agenda is to nationalize religion. Prayers to everyone who will be affected 🙏🙏🙏
PLEASE don’t read comments on social media, most comments are bots or people just trolling for a laugh. Secular podcasters don’t read comments, neither should you nor be worried
It is bizarrely ironic that this SDA church which proclaims loudly the 3 Angels message, when it is outside the door so to speak ( authoritarian theocratic government in the shadows, laid out in Project 2025 and 7 mountain dominism led by a narcissistic madman( DJT) mostly crickets and it seems to me fear of offending. No problem though in linking, mistakenly secular humanists as the main driver ( along with the Pope) towards Sunday laws. It is the scarlet woman, riding the beast, that does this! Apostate Protestants linking hands with US government! We should be defending ALL those this persecuting power is targeting, even though we may not agree on their lifestyle choices...and persecuting them has begun as the christofascists gain more and more control.
It is not bizzare. This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge: Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering. "But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42 Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show": "The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne. The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
Battle vs Jesus You cannot worship God & money (Mt 6 24) Easier for camel to go thro' needle eye than rich man enter Heaven (Mt 19.24) Trump wrote bestseller 2004 "How to get Rich"
Battle vs Jesus Mt 5 28 "Whoever looketh at a ,woman to lust after her hath commiteth adultery already in his heart:: Trump cheated on 1sr with 2nd cheated on 3nd with 3rd ; 3rd with Stormy & Karen etc
Every individual alive is a candidate for salvation in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul is a chosen Godly man, and I agree that we should pray for the authorities' peace.
Trust no man! Discernment is what you need to pray for. The Holy Spirt will lead you into the knowledge necessary for the decisions before you. You must not obey anything that is not consistent with the law of God! God establishes and removes leaders. Your obligation second to God is your family and fellow man. The absolute worst thing we have to look forward to is an eternity with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The scriptures declare these things. I love you all. Shalom
So let me get this straight. We can look at the LGBTQ movement and make a call of righteous judgment of their activities, and actions, and openly condemn them as some pastors have done, but when it comes to Donald Trump, we can only make a evaluation of his activities but we are not to openly condemn him, “but pray for him, because the more people like him fall short, the more they need our prayers.” But it’s OK for us to openly condemn the sinfulness of the LGBTQ activities, and actions. Thank you for clarification.
Thank you pastor mark Finley for your hard work trying to bring peace to America , our beloved country what become so divided , and as was Jesus first priority bringing unity between all humans Praise Lord 😊🌺
@dougblalock5175 WHY DID YOU TEXT, I QUOTE "THE ABSOLUTE WORST THING WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO IS ETERNITY WITH OUR LORD & SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST" WHY DID YOU TEXT THIS??? ACTUALLY, AS A GENUINE CHRISTIAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FUTURE ETERNITY IN THE NEW HEAVEN & EARTH UNDER JESUS AS OUR KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORDS TO GOVERN OVER THE FUTURE NEW EARTH...
That is very well put concerning the church's participation in promoting family and society's moral principles, helping those who seek our brotherhood or friendship.
The Bible tells us in Daniel 2:21, "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;" God sets up kings and removes kings. God allows events to happen for a purpose.
We are to be the light of the world, there is former President who is not of God. You said yourself by their fruits you will know them. I don’t agree with you and I am a SDA . Your sermon disturbed me.
"Gospel Workers page 391 "To the Teachers and Managers of our Schools, -Those who have charge of our institutions and our schools should guard themselves diligently, lest by their words and sentiments they lead the students into false paths. Those who teach the Bible in our churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures, because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to believe present truth, some who will thus be stirred up to express their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be brought into the church. The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political scheme. We cannot labor to please men who will use their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow-men to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord's family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, and violate the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath. The people of God are not to vote to place such men in office; for when they do this, they are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office. We are not to compromise principle by yielding to the opinions and prejudices which we may have encouraged before we united with God's commandment-keeping people. We have enlisted in the army of the Lord, and we are not to fight on the enemy's side, but on the side of Christ, where we can be a united whole, in sentiment, in action, in spirit, in fellowship. Those who are Christians indeed will be branches of the true vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine. They will act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear political badges, but the badge of Christ. What are we to do, then?- Let political questions alone. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” [2 Corinthians 6:14, 15.] What can there be in common between these parties? There can be no fellowship, no communion. The word “fellowship” means participation, partnership. God employs the strongest figures to show that there should be no union between worldly parties and those who are seeking the righteousness of Christ. What communion can there be between light and darkness, truth and unrighteousness? None whatever. Light represents righteousness; darkness, unrighteousness. Christians have come out of darkness into the light. They have put on Christ, and they wear the badge of truth and obedience. They are governed by the elevated and holy principles which Christ expressed in His life.... Those teachers in the church or in the school who distinguish themselves by their zeal in politics, should be relieved of their work and responsibilities without delay; for the Lord will not co-operate with them. The tithe should not be used to pay any one for speechifying on political questions. Every teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire to ventilate his opinions on political questions, should be converted by a belief in the truth, or give up his work. His influence must tell as a laborer together with God in winning souls to Christ, or his credentials must be taken from him. If he does not change, he will do harm, and only harm...." This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge: Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering. "But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42 Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show": "The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne. The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
Good morning from Nigeria, Sir. Please can you speak to the issue of sodomy as it relates to heterosexual couples having oral sex (I don't think anal sex is natural at all)? Thank you very much, Sir.
Let us sing the song that will cheer us by the way, in a little while we’re going home…… God bless you pastor for the inspiring as well as strengthening words
Could you please address the endorsement, by the General Conference, of Sunday observance in a number of South Pacific countries? This betrayal of the cause, if it continues, will prevent global completion of the work of the gospel and present truth.
@@HL365 Certainly. Our first SDA missionaries to Tonga in 1895 made a big mistake. Perhaps influenced by 180-degree meridian date line enthusiasm, and its deceptive practices, they wrongly assumed that the local Tongans (who followed -- and still follow -- the Asian week) had the days of the week all wrong. In consequence, the Hilliards and Brother Butz mistook the local Sunday for Saturday, the 7th day of the week. As their error became more and more obvious over time, rather than show the courage to correct it, our GC leaders persisted with making specious arguments in order to justify the status quo. (See article in Ministry Magazine, January, 1966.) These had to do with a "providential" date line, 180 degrees around the world from Greenwich, that in reality has never actually existed. I understand that a decision was reached in 2007, at the division level, to finally correct this error, and move our Tongan congregations to observance of the true (Saturday) Sabbath, but then there was a change of administration, and the problem was never fixed. Subsequently, Samoa moved the date line at the end of 2011, and this put church leadership in a dilemma. It was either admit that we were wrong in Tonga, or switch our Samoan congregations to Sunday observance in order to follow the Tonga precedent. They chose the latter, selling it to the locals, and to the world membership, with an even more specious argument that the one-off 6-day week that had effected the shift of the date line had now made Sunday the 7th day of the week locally. A few facts would suffice to show the falsity of that, but I must be brief. Since then, other date line adjustments have been made, prompting the SDA Sunday keeping to expand. It now includes Tonga, Samoa, Wallis & Futuna, and parts of Kiribati. Our faithful Saturday Sabbath keepers in Samoa, treated by the church administration as dissidents, wrote to Elder Wilson personally in 2012, but received no reply. I know that this (regardless, perhaps, of good intentions) amounts to a base betrayal of the Kingdom of Christ, yet the online Adventist Encyclopaedia still promotes it. How long must this continue? When will principle triumph over policy?
This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge: Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering. "But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42 Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show": "The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne. The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. " Gospel Workers page 391 "To the Teachers and Managers of our Schools, -Those who have charge of our institutions and our schools should guard themselves diligently, lest by their words and sentiments they lead the students into false paths. Those who teach the Bible in our churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures, because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to believe present truth, some who will thus be stirred up to express their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be brought into the church. The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political scheme. We cannot labor to please men who will use their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow-men to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord's family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, and violate the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath. The people of God are not to vote to place such men in office; for when they do this, they are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office. We are not to compromise principle by yielding to the opinions and prejudices which we may have encouraged before we united with God's commandment-keeping people. We have enlisted in the army of the Lord, and we are not to fight on the enemy's side, but on the side of Christ, where we can be a united whole, in sentiment, in action, in spirit, in fellowship. Those who are Christians indeed will be branches of the true vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine. They will act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear political badges, but the badge of Christ. What are we to do, then?- Let political questions alone. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” [2 Corinthians 6:14, 15.] What can there be in common between these parties? There can be no fellowship, no communion. The word “fellowship” means participation, partnership. God employs the strongest figures to show that there should be no union between worldly parties and those who are seeking the righteousness of Christ. What communion can there be between light and darkness, truth and unrighteousness? None whatever. Light represents righteousness; darkness, unrighteousness. Christians have come out of darkness into the light. They have put on Christ, and they wear the badge of truth and obedience. They are governed by the elevated and holy principles which Christ expressed in His life.... Those teachers in the church or in the school who distinguish themselves by their zeal in politics, should be relieved of their work and responsibilities without delay; for the Lord will not co-operate with them. The tithe should not be used to pay any one for speechifying on political questions. Every teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire to ventilate his opinions on political questions, should be converted by a belief in the truth, or give up his work. His influence must tell as a laborer together with God in winning souls to Christ, or his credentials must be taken from him. If he does not change, he will do harm, and only harm...."
This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge: Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering. "But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42 Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show": "The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne. The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. " Gospel Workers page 391 "To the Teachers and Managers of our Schools, -Those who have charge of our institutions and our schools should guard themselves diligently, lest by their words and sentiments they lead the students into false paths. Those who teach the Bible in our churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures, because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to believe present truth, some who will thus be stirred up to express their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be brought into the church. The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political scheme. We cannot labor to please men who will use their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow-men to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord's family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, and violate the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath. The people of God are not to vote to place such men in office; for when they do this, they are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office. We are not to compromise principle by yielding to the opinions and prejudices which we may have encouraged before we united with God's commandment-keeping people. We have enlisted in the army of the Lord, and we are not to fight on the enemy's side, but on the side of Christ, where we can be a united whole, in sentiment, in action, in spirit, in fellowship. Those who are Christians indeed will be branches of the true vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine. They will act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear political badges, but the badge of Christ. What are we to do, then?- Let political questions alone. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” [2 Corinthians 6:14, 15.] What can there be in common between these parties? There can be no fellowship, no communion. The word “fellowship” means participation, partnership. God employs the strongest figures to show that there should be no union between worldly parties and those who are seeking the righteousness of Christ. What communion can there be between light and darkness, truth and unrighteousness? None whatever. Light represents righteousness; darkness, unrighteousness. Christians have come out of darkness into the light. They have put on Christ, and they wear the badge of truth and obedience. They are governed by the elevated and holy principles which Christ expressed in His life.... Those teachers in the church or in the school who distinguish themselves by their zeal in politics, should be relieved of their work and responsibilities without delay; for the Lord will not co-operate with them. The tithe should not be used to pay any one for speechifying on political questions. Every teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire to ventilate his opinions on political questions, should be converted by a belief in the truth, or give up his work. His influence must tell as a laborer together with God in winning souls to Christ, or his credentials must be taken from him. If he does not change, he will do harm, and only harm...."
Watch Part 1 here - ruclips.net/video/KyWa6SrsI-E/видео.htmlfeature=shared
From my perspective, the outcome is just, and your video offers no guidance on how I can engage with people who don't take my perspective. The Bible verses you cited, 1 Tim 2:1 and Daniel 4 are about enduring injustices. This only speaks to the side that thinks injustice was done. The least you could do is site some Bible verses about people being upset about fair outcomes. Sometimes the conviction is correct, but the truth doesn't offer comfort. People are still angry or greived by the outcome. If you want to speak to people on my side, I need advice on how to deal with people who from my perspective, are angry for no reason. How do I navigate there upset feelings without compromises what I beleive is true?
I know of a pastor of a church who takes a strong political stance and engages in (in my opinion) harmful divisive debate with his members and others.
What is one to do in such a situation?
This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge:
Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering.
"But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42
Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show":
"The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne.
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2.
Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
Both parties are controlled by the woman riding the beast. No matter who wins the agenda of that woman riding the beast will be pushed forward. Now is the time to get the Full Great Controversy into the hands of all who will read it.
Exactly! And it’s the same for every country on this planet. All of the leaders have been put there by satan and their “rivals” are satans puppets too. If people think they have a choice of leader they’re less likely to rebel.
Most people. Even Adventist atw failing to see this!!
Too sides of the same coin!!
Agree 100%
This isn't about 2 candidates; only the one who broke the law and was brought to trial and found guilty! Invoking "both sides" suggests this as a political issue, which is the point of contention!
Churches corporately should not engage in political issues from the pulpit. But individually, we are at liberty to hold private opinions and convictions on political issues. The challenge is to leave my personal opinons at home when I come to church to worship. However, the sharing of information and views in order to form a better opinion can best be achieved in smaller confidential groups of people. We cannot spiritualize everything. We live in a complex world and fluid society. What is currently happening in the US should awaken in all of us a new desire to search the scriptures for a moral compass and the prophetic wrtings for day to day living decisions as we prepare for the second advent. To say that all we need to to do si pray for our national leaders is fine but our prayers also need to reflect our desire for spiritual strength and be willing to call evil by its name. We don't vote our future in blind prayer, we vote smartly, with open eyes to the qualifications of the leaders we elect.
You re absolutely right!
This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge:
Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering.
"But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42
Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show":
"The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne.
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2.
Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
I praise God for having a Pastor like Brother Mark Finley, whom we listen to at home.
How about calling sin by its right name? Trump is not convicted unjustly! There’s evidence! So we will wait for the Lord to judge Trump? So felons must not be condemned? I’m confuse Pastor Mark
It's far too easy to become a felon, to discard one who is. Jesus was an outlaw. I have been a felon for nearly 40 years. Am I somehow "less than" because the government decided I was a criminal? I was not guilty, but the court said I was. Should I be marked for life?
Pastor Mark never said Trump is convicted unjustly. He literally said, "Although civil courts have a role to play in secular society, as Christians, we leave final judgment to God"
@@HL365 I did not say that Pastor said Trump was convicted unjustly. However Pastor Mark mentioned Paul who was put in jail UNJUSTLY! Yes that was unjust! He cannot compare Trump with Paul!
Trump was found guilty 34 counts. The bible says:
Romans 13:1
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Romans 13:2
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
@@red05hemi Jesus was never an “outlaw”. Pilate, a government official, said “I find no fault in him” Luke 23:4. But it was the multitude, the people who accused Jesus.
Civic duty is to vote on issues not people. There may be unfair bills on water taxes, alcohol, real estate, jail time, race, religion, etc
I’m yet to find a leader, other than Jesus, whose intent is completely good. They’re all selfish, greedy and power hungry that’s why satan can control them.
Whoever we vote for are satans workmen therefore we’re inadvertently voting for satan.
Pastor Finley, I'm confused, there are millions of people who are judged by the legal system every day and some condemned to death, why didn't you come out about that? If you accept civil authority, why shouldn't Christians accept the judgment of the former president? It's not adding up for me. I'm not from the USA and I'm concerned that you have chosen this topic and you keep saying we ought to accept the court but they do not always get it right. Why is this the only case that caused you to get this involved. In addition, the church is separated by black churches and white churches. Are we going to be separated in the new heaven and earth? I hope you read my message and respond.
Hi. I just want to respond to your comment on black and white churches. I attend a Seventh Day Adventist church in the US. Not Pastor Finley's church as he lives in a different state than I do l. However, in my church, there are both black and white members. Every SDA church I have ever attended has had both black and white people in attendance. There may be churches out there where there are only white attendees or only black attendees. However, I don't know of any myself, whether they're SDA churches or other denominations. I'm curious as to what churches are segregated and where these churches are. I'm not trying to be unkind or critical, I just don't know of any myself. However, I'm sure there are some out there, unfortunately. Thank you, and God bless.
I am in South Carolina and our church is not segregated. We have church family of every race in our church. I for one love all of my brothers and sisters in the world and in my church. I am very thankful for my church family.
John the Baptist, he denounced the national corruption, and rebuked the prevailing sins. He declared that those who claimed to be the chosen people of God were defiled by sin, and that without purification of heart and life they could have no part in the Messiah's kingdom. Many of the scribes and Pharisees came confessing their sins, and asking for baptism. They had exalted themselves as better than other men, and had led the people to entertain a high opinion of their piety; now the guilty secrets of their lives were unveiled.
Sorry, but This need to be said. While John the Baptist was a prophet and did a great work for Christ...He was NOT our example...only ONE PERSON is our example in the whole bible (see 1 Corinthians 3:11, 1 Peter 2:21, and 1 Corinthians 11:1) and That is Jesus Himself, The Word "Made Flesh"....see John 1:14-18. That's why Jesus - Himself "The Way, The Truth, and the Life", says,
"You sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that you might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and you were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me." John 5:33-36.
And our Example, Jesus, had this to say about the world's politics and ways:
"Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence" John 18:36
"And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, You know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:24-28.
You shall know a man by his fruits, not his words.
Yes, but we have gotten to a spiritual low where we don’t know what good fruits are. We, in the SDA church are calling good evil and evil good. If we knew what spiritual good fruits were, Satan would not have infiltrated our church the way he has. He would not be preaching from our pulpits and he would not be claiming that he owns the conference. Most of you don’t even know how bad things are in the world and those who have given their lives to allow God to use them to fix it, you call evil claiming spiritual discernment. God is about to wake everyone up. What is coming your way, you’re not expecting. Buckle up and let us all humble ourselves.
Indeed !
I believe whoever wins will push forward the Sunday law and fulfill prophecy. Be strong family. Keep your eyes on Jesus it’s gonna get rough before it gets better but He will never leave us or forsake us.
Thanks for your comment. May God bless you.
This is a very balanced approach, yet sadly the two parties seemed to be two sides of the same coin. We need to pray 🙏 that God leads our leaders decisions on a whole host of issues, including religious liberty! God bless !!
Thank you for your comment. May God bless you.
Absolutely agree!
I don’t need anyone telling me how I should deal with politicians. Big fan of Mark Finley but he has degraded himself by becoming involved in politics in this manner.
When it comes to politics just talk about principles and leave individual names out of it
Thanks for sharing your opinion even though disagree with you.
Agreed!
Is it always prayer minus or plus judgment and or condemnation?
Meaning of “condemnation”
“to express an unfavorable or adverse judgment on; indicate strong disapproval” - Dictionary
Matthew 23
“23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”
“It’s a little bit of Trump-nesia, if you will,” Scaramucci replied.
“I mean these guys denounced him several times.”
“The presumptive GOP presidential nominee met with business leaders - including Walmart’s Doug McMillon, Apple’s Tim Cook and JPMorgan Chase’s Jamie Dimon - and spoke of his desire for tax cuts on Thursday. ….”
If it’s a civil matter, should anyone judge and also condemn, especially Trump or Modi or whoever besides praying for them when such may require it?
Is it always prayer minus condemnation on matters outside the church as a citizen on civil matters?
In fact, in the absence of a strong and unified Christian condemnation, a certain political figure has been emboldened to engage even more in despicable behavior in words and deeds. This person has been equated with King Cyrus, King Jehu and even the sufferings of Jesus, by who? The Christians. Shouldn’t this behavior be judged and strongly condemned or disapproved publicly and clearly?
When we condemn, it is not to hell but rather for correction and instruction in righteousness or right doing. Spare the rod and spoil the child so it says in the Bible itself.
What did Martin Luther King Jr. and Martin Luther do when a time and circumstances required it?
So what do we say when the governmental matters involved a certain group of people, when is the church speaking of corrupt behavior and unlawfulness forced on black/brown people? These matters seem dismissed by the church.
That was in the past. It's time to move forward ❤
@@discern3392That is not in the past sir. We as God's people should not be silent on such issues. Though your experience may be different; there are people that experience this everyday. It is very easy to say "Forget" when we do not walk in someone else's shoes.
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out-
Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out-
Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me-and there was no one left to speak for me.
Pastor Martin Niemoller
@@discern3392
Black people is not the past. Reparation and and apology is needed.
@discern3392 do you so dismissively say "move on" to those who are running around the country talking about "make America great AGAIN?" or just whenever Black people have issues?
My first response to Mark was to pick the beam out of your eye first . There are extremely serious issues within the Adventist church which has never been addressed. Since my growth in the SDA church it's always white folks leading as presidents you name it. Do you think God is please with such? For a church which is diversified the leadership at the very top does not reflect it. What about the business model of the church? This can be adjusted so the gospel can be spread faster. This lesson study was again written by Mark Finley. how many times has he written the lesson? A few times. Aren't there others qualified. Mark gives the impression he is the voice of reason. Whatever he says that is how we should think. Is he the pope of the SDA church? One thing for sure, If the church led by the conference had done its job effectively Christ would have returned a long time ago hence all the issues we are facing in our world today can be laid at the feet of the church which claims it has an end time message? Mark why don't we speak about that more than a man even if he wins the white house will be a lame duck president? SMH
Sister EGW tells that we should do our civic duties and Vote.
Amen!
Here is a video and an article: ruclips.net/video/H0ekDudJ4uY/видео.html
hopelives365.com/should-seventh-day-adventist-vote/
Just make sure you understand what our duty actually is and upon what we may vote, and what we should NOT be in support of.
No, she plainly denounced voting for politicians: From Gospel workers, starting on Page 391:
"To the Teachers and Managers of our Schools,
-Those who have charge of our institutions and our schools should guard themselves diligently, lest by their words and sentiments they lead the students into false paths. Those who teach the Bible in our churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures, because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to believe present truth, some who will thus be stirred up to express their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be brought into the church.
The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political scheme. We cannot labor to please men who will use their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow-men to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord's family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, and violate the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath. The people of God are not to vote to place such men in office; for when they do this, they are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office. We are not to compromise principle by yielding to the opinions and prejudices which we may have encouraged before we united with God's commandment-keeping people. We have enlisted in the army of the Lord, and we are not to fight on the enemy's side, but on the side of Christ, where we can be a united whole, in sentiment, in action, in spirit, in fellowship. Those who are Christians indeed will be branches of the true vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine. They will act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear political badges, but the badge of Christ.
What are we to do, then?-Let political questions alone. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” [2 Corinthians 6:14, 15.] What can there be in common between these parties? There can be no fellowship, no communion. The word “fellowship” means participation, partnership. God employs the strongest figures to show that there should be no union between worldly parties and those who are seeking the righteousness of Christ. What communion can there be between light and darkness, truth and unrighteousness? None whatever. Light represents righteousness; darkness, unrighteousness. Christians have come out of darkness into the light. They have put on Christ, and they wear the badge of truth and obedience. They are governed by the elevated and holy principles which Christ expressed in His life....
Those teachers in the church or in the school who distinguish themselves by their zeal in politics, should be relieved of their work and responsibilities without delay; for the Lord will not co-operate with them. The tithe should not be used to pay any one for speechifying on political questions. Every teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire to ventilate his opinions on political questions, should be converted by a belief in the truth, or give up his work. His influence must tell as a laborer together with God in winning souls to Christ, or his credentials must be taken from him. If he does not change, he will do harm, and only harm...."
See, this an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge:
Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering.
"But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42
Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show":
"The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne.
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2.
Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
Question, in God’s moral law, the 6th through the 10th commandments do address our responsibility to civil laws, especially regarding relationships between each other. I’ve not seen any of our ministers addressing how we are to respond as Christians when leaders actions leave no doubt that they’re breaking any of those commandments. It seems that this is the crux of the matter in this situation with Trump. Also, since he was convicted in several jury trials, shouldn’t we respect those findings?
Please provide some Biblical understanding regarding these matters.
I appreciate you addressing these, since so many Christians are not respecting the rule of law with regarding these matters. Thank you.
can you address this comment @HL365
I think there is abundant evidence both candidates are flawed humans. And God often chose very flawed people to do his will.
@AlpacaRenee this is a ridiculous false equivelance. Trump is a lying, cheating convicted felon. He abused a woman and boasted of doing the same to others. In what kind of warped world can you claim Biden is just as flawed?
I guess your schedule did not allow you guys to make a similar video about the murder of George Floyd ir maybe i missed it
Doesn't it say somewhere in E.G. W. That we should allow some that are burdened for religious liberty to not be afraid of becoming involved in government such as legislature where laws are made?
Stop taking Ellen White out of Context, she clearly was against involvement in politics. See below:
"To the Teachers and Managers of our Schools,
-Those who have charge of our institutions and our schools should guard themselves diligently, lest by their words and sentiments they lead the students into false paths. Those who teach the Bible in our churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures, because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to believe present truth, some who will thus be stirred up to express their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be brought into the church.
The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political scheme. We cannot labor to please men who will use their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow-men to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord's family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, and violate the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath. The people of God are not to vote to place such men in office; for when they do this, they are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office.
We are not to compromise principle by yielding to the opinions and prejudices which we may have encouraged before we united with God's commandment-keeping people. We have enlisted in the army of the Lord, and we are not to fight on the enemy's side, but on the side of Christ, where we can be a united whole, in sentiment, in action, in spirit, in fellowship. Those who are Christians indeed will be branches of the true vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine. They will act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear political badges, but the badge of Christ.
What are we to do, then?-Let political questions alone. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” [2 Corinthians 6:14, 15.] What can there be in common between these parties? There can be no fellowship, no communion. The word “fellowship” means participation, partnership. God employs the strongest figures to show that there should be no union between worldly parties and those who are seeking the righteousness of Christ. What communion can there be between light and darkness, truth and unrighteousness? None whatever. Light represents righteousness; darkness, unrighteousness. Christians have come out of darkness into the light. They have put on Christ, and they wear the badge of truth and obedience. They are governed by the elevated and holy principles which Christ expressed in His life....
Those teachers in the church or in the school who distinguish themselves by their zeal in politics, should be relieved of their work and responsibilities without delay; for the Lord will not co-operate with them. The tithe should not be used to pay any one for speechifying on political questions. Every teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire to ventilate his opinions on political questions, should be converted by a belief in the truth, or give up his work. His influence must tell as a laborer together with God in winning souls to Christ, or his credentials must be taken from him. If he does not change, he will do harm, and only harm...."
Gospel Workers, page 391
I’ve heard the saying “just different wings on the same bird” applies also. The bird is heading in the one direction carried forward by both wings…
Remember, this earth is not our home, we do what we can to make it as good as we can, but we’re mere strangers passing through. Keep our eyes heavenward and we’ll be more graceful with those who may have a different opinion 😊
Earth is not our home but while you’re here, please do your part and help clean up this mess.
Amen. This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge:
Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering.
"But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42
Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show":
"The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne.
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2.
Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
Yes, absolutely. Our choices and the consequences are ours. But God sets up the kingdoms and takes them down. He has the ultimate control.
Yes. That's right.
If a church elder is committing adultery can we speak and take action or what should be done.
Always take action
What’s the agenda? To garner support for Trump? It’s very strange that he has chosen to speak in this issue.
There is no agenda except to help christians deal with what is going around them.
It’s sad
Mega mark
All Glory to YESHUVA Our Saviour LORD 🙏🏻 Amen Amen
Very informative underlining the Biblical Scriptures. Unless we understand the Holy Sacrifices that gave life to the moral values to build the character of a person, it's very difficult to help anyone to understand the Ethics of every human being. Bless everyone and love your enemies. Only LORD JESUS CHRIST Amen Amen
GOD bless you Always Brother
I do not feel that most people who disagreed with the first video misunderstood what was said. And I know that there were more than just a few that disagreed with the first video. I do not think we should condemn former president Trump to his eternal destiny; which I saw many people do. We cannot do that. However, there were some who understood and understood that video very well. I repeated that video two and a half times to question myself if I was wrong. I realized that I understood it correctly after the second time of watching it. I must say Matt, you mentioned how busy you and Pastor Finley are, and I know you are telling the truth. You mentioned that your ministry cannot speak on every issue that arises; most people do not expect that. However, a video was made a week and a half later about Trump's trial. Yet, four years ago none of the leaders of our church spoke out when a major crisis occurred In our country when an extremely inhumane death occurred in the streets of Minneapolis. This is not the only time innocent people or guilty people of color have been killed for crimes that did not call for DEATH. Yet we're constantly talking speaking about Ab******. Though it was not about politics, Would it have been considered too "Political" or "Misunderstood?" There were crickets, about persistent issues of unrighteous behavior towards a group of minorities that have been in this country and church since almost the beginning. ( Sigh) I guess it is what it is.
I'm never able to read and understand a wall of text. It would help me a lot if you would punctuate this with paragraph breaks, etc.
The ten comanments des8c8ribe sinos and this this how w8e evaluate poeples actions
Confessons forgives 5don't allow us to continue sining
Project 2025????
I believe that the most appropriate scripture for Mr Trump is Gal 6:7. So I must conclude that his conviction is God’s judgement which we should not question.
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
We as Christians especially as Adventist Christian have to pray and use common sense. Many are using Ellen White to justify what we do or have done. We must not use her not saying we shouldn't listen to sound counsel. But we must let the world know that our decision is based on God and his word. The world is looking for excuses to call Adventist a cult. We need to let the world know we listen to sound counsel from all men and women but God and his word ultimately is our guide.
Too late! That's a very common moniker for the SDA church because Satan is behind the conflating of cultish behavior with God's inspired word. If people want to believe Satan's deceptions and lies nothing will stop them and the enemy is making sure of it. I guess they've never heard that "the truth will set you free" . We believe in thus says the Lord and if any other written word does not support the Bible it should be of no value to anyone. Things are unfolding around us as it pertains, especially to our political leaders and climate, as the bible prophesies so the signs are important as they will usher in Christian persecution. Anyway, we can talk about these things forever but character matters politicians or not. Blessings!
Another very good message Pastor Mark. I am not happy about either candidate. I think about it like this.....Jesus is coming very soon. God raises up who he wills. Who are we to try to guess what God's plan is? We know that the USA will play a major role in end time events, so I just try to trust in God ❤
Read Gospel Workers page 391....our people are strongly rebuke about getting involved in politics and supporting any politician! In fact, in that book the prophet encourages us to withhold our tithes from ministers and teachers who set themselves up to opinionate on political questions and do not repent of what they are doing!
This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge:
Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering.
"But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42
Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show":
"The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne.
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2.
Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
JC's Kingdom is no part of this world.
People are judged every day and put in jail???? What are you saying that Trump should be given a pass ?
It would be good for you to watch the video before commenting. Pastor Mark doesn’t say Trump should be given a pass.
Evangelicals are in participation to the fulfillment of the prophecy in The great controversy.
Sunday law is coming.. project 2025 agenda is to nationalize religion. Prayers to everyone who will be affected 🙏🙏🙏
PLEASE don’t read comments on social media, most comments are bots or people just trolling for a laugh. Secular podcasters don’t read comments, neither should you nor be worried
This country is the earth bist..
It is bizarrely ironic that this SDA church which proclaims loudly the 3 Angels message, when it is outside the door so to speak ( authoritarian theocratic government in the shadows, laid out in Project 2025 and 7 mountain dominism led by a narcissistic madman( DJT) mostly crickets and it seems to me fear of offending. No problem though in linking, mistakenly secular humanists as the main driver ( along with the Pope) towards Sunday laws. It is the scarlet woman, riding the beast, that does this! Apostate Protestants linking hands with US government! We should be defending ALL those this persecuting power is targeting, even though we may not agree on their lifestyle choices...and persecuting them has begun as the christofascists gain more and more control.
True😢
It is not bizzare. This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge:
Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering.
"But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42
Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show":
"The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne.
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2.
Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
Battle vs Jesus You cannot worship God & money (Mt 6 24) Easier for camel to go thro' needle eye than rich man enter Heaven (Mt 19.24) Trump wrote bestseller 2004 "How to get Rich"
Battle vs Jesus Mt 5 28 "Whoever looketh at a ,woman to lust after her hath commiteth adultery already in his heart:: Trump cheated on 1sr with 2nd cheated on 3nd with 3rd ; 3rd with Stormy & Karen etc
Every individual alive is a candidate for salvation in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul is a chosen Godly man, and I agree that we should pray for the authorities' peace.
Trust no man!
Discernment is what you need to pray for. The Holy Spirt will lead you into the knowledge necessary for the decisions before you.
You must not obey anything that is not consistent with the law of God!
God establishes and removes leaders.
Your obligation second to God is your family and fellow man.
The absolute worst thing we have to look forward to is an eternity with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The scriptures declare these things. I love you all. Shalom
So let me get this straight. We can look at the LGBTQ movement and make a call of righteous judgment of their activities, and actions, and openly condemn them as some pastors have done, but when it comes to Donald Trump, we can only make a evaluation of his activities but we are not to openly condemn him, “but pray for him, because the more people like him fall short, the more they need our prayers.”
But it’s OK for us to openly condemn the sinfulness of the LGBTQ activities, and actions.
Thank you for clarification.
All immorality should be condemned. Pastor Mark is not giving any party or segment of society a pass.
If you can't say "Amen, say "ouch!!"
Let's preach on the issues, not on our political bias.
Pr Mark, the verse you quoted as from John 8:12, is actually the verse in John 17:17! John 8:12 says, “I am the light of the word …”
Amen
Thanks for watching. May God bless you.
I believe God will get it right to. I believe he spoke to 12 Jurist they got it right
In the Final Judgment we will know what is true and what is false.
Why is pastor Mark Finley not talking about the Jesuits all over our churches? The beast in.😢😢😢
God is ultimately in charge despite our decisions
No. God gives us freedom to choice. We are responsible for the choices we make.
Project 2025???
What about it?
Thank you pastor mark Finley for your hard work trying to bring peace to America , our beloved country what become so divided , and as was Jesus first priority bringing unity between all humans Praise Lord 😊🌺
Thanks for watching. May God bless you.
Bottom line is to focus on Jesus as Lord and Savior not ANY public leader. Promote love of Jesus, not anything that creates hate only love.
Thanks for your comment. May God bless you.
Be open mind be willing to listen to Pastor Mark Finley . Thanks Pastor.
Thanks for watching. May God bless you.
I think Pastor she leave their comments out of politics
Thank you so much Pastor Mark__
Blessings to you both…
Thanks for watching. May God bless you.
@dougblalock5175 WHY DID YOU TEXT, I QUOTE "THE ABSOLUTE WORST THING WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO IS ETERNITY WITH OUR LORD & SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST" WHY DID YOU TEXT THIS??? ACTUALLY, AS A GENUINE CHRISTIAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FUTURE ETERNITY IN THE NEW HEAVEN & EARTH UNDER JESUS AS OUR KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORDS TO GOVERN OVER THE FUTURE NEW EARTH...
That is very well put concerning the church's participation in promoting family and society's moral principles, helping those who seek our brotherhood or friendship.
But we don’t need them leading our people
The Bible tells us in Daniel 2:21, "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;"
God sets up kings and removes kings. God allows events to happen for a purpose.
We are to be the light of the world, there is former President who is not of God. You said yourself by their fruits you will know them. I don’t agree with you and I am a SDA . Your sermon disturbed me.
Stay out of politics
It is not politics to ask christians to pray for leaders.
"Gospel Workers page 391
"To the Teachers and Managers of our Schools,
-Those who have charge of our institutions and our schools should
guard themselves diligently, lest by their words and sentiments they
lead the students into false paths. Those who teach the Bible in our
churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making
apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures,
because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to
advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to
believe present truth, some who will thus be stirred up to express
their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be
brought into the church.
The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these
themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come
into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in
the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for
we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part
in any political scheme. We cannot labor to please men who will use
their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation
oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow-men to keep Sunday
as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be
reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord's
family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, and violate
the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath.
The people of God are
not to vote to place such men in office; for when they do this, they
are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office.
We are not to compromise principle by yielding to the opinions and
prejudices which we may have encouraged before we united with God's
commandment-keeping people. We have enlisted in the army of the Lord,
and we are not to fight on the enemy's side, but on the side of
Christ, where we can be a united whole, in sentiment, in action, in
spirit, in fellowship. Those who are Christians indeed will be
branches of the true vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine.
They will act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear
political badges, but the badge of Christ. What are we to do,
then?-
Let political questions alone. “Be ye not unequally yoked
together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what
concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth
with an infidel?” [2 Corinthians 6:14, 15.] What can there be in
common between these parties? There can be no fellowship, no
communion. The word “fellowship” means participation, partnership. God
employs the strongest figures to show that there should be no union
between worldly parties and those who are seeking the righteousness of
Christ. What communion can there be between light and darkness, truth
and unrighteousness? None whatever. Light represents righteousness;
darkness, unrighteousness. Christians have come out of darkness into
the light. They have put on Christ, and they wear the badge of truth
and obedience. They are governed by the elevated and holy principles
which Christ expressed in His life....
Those teachers in the church or
in the school who distinguish themselves by their zeal in politics,
should be relieved of their work and responsibilities without delay;
for the Lord will not co-operate with them. The tithe should not be
used to pay any one for speechifying on political questions. Every
teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire
to ventilate his opinions on political questions, should be converted
by a belief in the truth, or give up his work. His influence must tell
as a laborer together with God in winning souls to Christ, or his
credentials must be taken from him. If he does not change, he will do
harm, and only harm...."
This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge:
Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering.
"But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42
Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show":
"The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne.
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2.
Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
Yes pastor Finley should not discuss specific political side!
Thank you dear brother 🙏🏽❤I watched the first video and I don’t see an issue I understand exactly what was presented 🙏🏽keep up the good for the Lord.
Well, Praise the Lord. Thanks for watching. May God bless you.
Good morning from Nigeria, Sir.
Please can you speak to the issue of sodomy as it relates to heterosexual couples having oral sex (I don't think anal sex is natural at all)?
Thank you very much, Sir.
Please email us your quesiton at info@Hopelives365.com and we'd be glad to answer your question.
Amen God bless you doing Pr. Mark Finely🙏✍️ our God is awesome God❤
Thanks for watching. May God bless you.
When and how did the Holy Spirit fell on you
How about devoce and getting married again
God bless you God's servant Pastor Mark Finley. Well explained. Thank you
Thanks for watching. May God bless you.
Thank God for this truth shared at such a time as this.
Very clear in revealing God 's goodness. What an awesome God we serve .so amazing.
Thanks for watching. May God bless you.
Focus on unity but mentioning specific political person reflected the obvious..
I'm not sure I understand what you are saying. Can you please explain and email us at info@hopelives365.com and we'd be glad to talk to you about it?
Let us sing the song that will cheer us by the way, in a little while we’re going home…… God bless you pastor for the inspiring as well as strengthening words
Amen. Thanks for watching. May God bless you.
Amen!🙏Thanks Pastor Mark Finley for your mininstry!💯
Thanks for watching. May God bless you.
Could you please address the endorsement, by the General Conference, of Sunday observance in a number of South Pacific countries? This betrayal of the cause, if it continues, will prevent global completion of the work of the gospel and present truth.
Cam you elaborate on this?
@@HL365 Certainly. Our first SDA missionaries to Tonga in 1895 made a big mistake. Perhaps influenced by 180-degree meridian date line enthusiasm, and its deceptive practices, they wrongly assumed that the local Tongans (who followed -- and still follow -- the Asian week) had the days of the week all wrong. In consequence, the Hilliards and Brother Butz mistook the local Sunday for Saturday, the 7th day of the week. As their error became more and more obvious over time, rather than show the courage to correct it, our GC leaders persisted with making specious arguments in order to justify the status quo. (See article in Ministry Magazine, January, 1966.) These had to do with a "providential" date line, 180 degrees around the world from Greenwich, that in reality has never actually existed.
I understand that a decision was reached in 2007, at the division level, to finally correct this error, and move our Tongan congregations to observance of the true (Saturday) Sabbath, but then there was a change of administration, and the problem was never fixed. Subsequently, Samoa moved the date line at the end of 2011, and this put church leadership in a dilemma. It was either admit that we were wrong in Tonga, or switch our Samoan congregations to Sunday observance in order to follow the Tonga precedent. They chose the latter, selling it to the locals, and to the world membership, with an even more specious argument that the one-off 6-day week that had effected the shift of the date line had now made Sunday the 7th day of the week locally. A few facts would suffice to show the falsity of that, but I must be brief. Since then, other date line adjustments have been made, prompting the SDA Sunday keeping to expand. It now includes Tonga, Samoa, Wallis & Futuna, and parts of Kiribati. Our faithful Saturday Sabbath keepers in Samoa, treated by the church administration as dissidents, wrote to Elder Wilson personally in 2012, but received no reply.
I know that this (regardless, perhaps, of good intentions) amounts to a base betrayal of the Kingdom of Christ, yet the online Adventist Encyclopaedia still promotes it. How long must this continue? When will principle triumph over policy?
Thank you so much for the great message! Unity, refusing to focus on critical thoughts and praying daily for leaders. These are outstanding points.
Thanks for watching. May God bless you.
Schedule? Really
Wise words from a Man who loves Jesus so much.
Thanks for watching. May God bless you.
Amen and Amen...
Thanks for watching. May God bless you.
We should go right down and vote for him, he has done nothing wrong. Maybe just maybe you should let this go. None of my business tho
This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge:
Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering.
"But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42
Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show":
"The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne.
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2.
Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
Gospel Workers page 391
"To the Teachers and Managers of our Schools,
-Those who have charge of our institutions and our schools should
guard themselves diligently, lest by their words and sentiments they
lead the students into false paths. Those who teach the Bible in our
churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making
apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures,
because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to
advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to
believe present truth, some who will thus be stirred up to express
their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be
brought into the church.
The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these
themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come
into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in
the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for
we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part
in any political scheme. We cannot labor to please men who will use
their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation
oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow-men to keep Sunday
as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be
reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord's
family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, and violate
the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath.
The people of God are
not to vote to place such men in office; for when they do this, they
are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office.
We are not to compromise principle by yielding to the opinions and
prejudices which we may have encouraged before we united with God's
commandment-keeping people. We have enlisted in the army of the Lord,
and we are not to fight on the enemy's side, but on the side of
Christ, where we can be a united whole, in sentiment, in action, in
spirit, in fellowship. Those who are Christians indeed will be
branches of the true vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine.
They will act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear
political badges, but the badge of Christ. What are we to do,
then?-
Let political questions alone. “Be ye not unequally yoked
together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what
concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth
with an infidel?” [2 Corinthians 6:14, 15.] What can there be in
common between these parties? There can be no fellowship, no
communion. The word “fellowship” means participation, partnership. God
employs the strongest figures to show that there should be no union
between worldly parties and those who are seeking the righteousness of
Christ. What communion can there be between light and darkness, truth
and unrighteousness? None whatever. Light represents righteousness;
darkness, unrighteousness. Christians have come out of darkness into
the light. They have put on Christ, and they wear the badge of truth
and obedience. They are governed by the elevated and holy principles
which Christ expressed in His life....
Those teachers in the church or
in the school who distinguish themselves by their zeal in politics,
should be relieved of their work and responsibilities without delay;
for the Lord will not co-operate with them. The tithe should not be
used to pay any one for speechifying on political questions. Every
teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire
to ventilate his opinions on political questions, should be converted
by a belief in the truth, or give up his work. His influence must tell
as a laborer together with God in winning souls to Christ, or his
credentials must be taken from him. If he does not change, he will do
harm, and only harm...."
Amen Brother Finley.
Sda Australia 🇦🇺
Thanks for watching. May God bless you.
I wiil have no respect to pastor finley , i knew he was up to something with the smooth talk( politics)
Sorry for how you feel. What exactly is smooth talk here?
This an example of what happens when our Church leaders hesitate to speak on the Most Precious Message God gave in 1888, a message designed to free us from our self-centered motivations and lift our minds above things of this world (worldly politics) and reveal to us more clearly the Love of God which passes ALL human knowledge:
Christ put more emphasis on showing to ALL men (Luke 8:1, John 14:11, John 15:24, etc) the pure, agape Love of God (1 John 4:8, Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:19, etc) than the giving of any sacrifice or offering.
"But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7 "You tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Luke 11:42
Here's a quote from the book The Desire of Ages. This is why Ellen White warned our people that we should have nothing to do with worldly politics...see, this is what happens when we are From the chapter "Not With Outward Show":
"The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne.
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.
Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that [510] can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2.
Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4. Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. "
Gospel Workers page 391
"To the Teachers and Managers of our Schools,
-Those who have charge of our institutions and our schools should
guard themselves diligently, lest by their words and sentiments they
lead the students into false paths. Those who teach the Bible in our
churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making
apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures,
because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to
advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to
believe present truth, some who will thus be stirred up to express
their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be
brought into the church.
The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these
themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come
into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in
the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for
we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part
in any political scheme. We cannot labor to please men who will use
their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation
oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow-men to keep Sunday
as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be
reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord's
family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, and violate
the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath.
The people of God are
not to vote to place such men in office; for when they do this, they
are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office.
We are not to compromise principle by yielding to the opinions and
prejudices which we may have encouraged before we united with God's
commandment-keeping people. We have enlisted in the army of the Lord,
and we are not to fight on the enemy's side, but on the side of
Christ, where we can be a united whole, in sentiment, in action, in
spirit, in fellowship. Those who are Christians indeed will be
branches of the true vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine.
They will act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear
political badges, but the badge of Christ. What are we to do,
then?-
Let political questions alone. “Be ye not unequally yoked
together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what
concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth
with an infidel?” [2 Corinthians 6:14, 15.] What can there be in
common between these parties? There can be no fellowship, no
communion. The word “fellowship” means participation, partnership. God
employs the strongest figures to show that there should be no union
between worldly parties and those who are seeking the righteousness of
Christ. What communion can there be between light and darkness, truth
and unrighteousness? None whatever. Light represents righteousness;
darkness, unrighteousness. Christians have come out of darkness into
the light. They have put on Christ, and they wear the badge of truth
and obedience. They are governed by the elevated and holy principles
which Christ expressed in His life....
Those teachers in the church or
in the school who distinguish themselves by their zeal in politics,
should be relieved of their work and responsibilities without delay;
for the Lord will not co-operate with them. The tithe should not be
used to pay any one for speechifying on political questions. Every
teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire
to ventilate his opinions on political questions, should be converted
by a belief in the truth, or give up his work. His influence must tell
as a laborer together with God in winning souls to Christ, or his
credentials must be taken from him. If he does not change, he will do
harm, and only harm...."