Joel 2:1,2, 11-13, 15-18
History will be repeated. False
religion will be exalted. The first
day of the week, a common
working day, possessing no
sanctity whatever, will be set up
as was the image at Babylon. All
nations and tongues and
peoples will be commanded to
worship this spurious sabbath.
This is Satan's plan to make of
no account the day instituted by
God, and given to the world as a
memorial of creation. {ST, May
6, 1897 par. 14}
ST - The Signs of the Times
May 6, 1897 God's Care for His Children.
Trial and persecution will come to
all who, in obedience to the Word
of God, refuse to worship this false
sabbath. Force is the last resort of
every false religion. At first it tries
attraction, as the king of Babylon
tried the power of music and
outward show. If these attractions,
invented by men inspired by Satan,
failed to make men worship the
image, the hungry flames of the
furnace were ready to consume
them. So it will be now. The Papacy
has exercised her power to compel
men to obey her, and she will
continue to do so. We need the
same spirit that was manifested by
God's servants in the conflict with
paganism.
ST - The Signs of the Times
May 6, 1897 God's Care for His Children.
Giving an account of the treatment
of the Christians by the emperor of
Rome, Tertullian says, "We are
thrown to the wild beasts to make
us recant; we are burned in the
flames; we are condemned to
prisons and to mines; we are
banished to islands,--such as
Patmos,--and all have failed." So it
was in the case of the three
Hebrew worthies; their eye was
single to the glory of God; their
souls were steadfast; the power of
the truth held them firmly to their
allegiance to God. It is in the power
of God alone that we shall be
enabled to be loyal to him. {ST,
May 6, 1897 par. 16}
ST - The Signs of the Times
May 6, 1897 God's Care for His Children.
HP - In Heavenly Places (1967)
Chap. 158 - Security in Right Thinking
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing
into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
2 Cor. 10:5. {HP 164.1}
Even the thoughts must be brought into subjection to the
will of God, and the feelings under the control of reason and
religion. Our imagination was not given us to be allowed to
run riot and have its own way, without any effort at restraint
and discipline. If the thoughts are wrong, the feelings will be
wrong; and the thoughts and feelings combined make up the
moral character. {HP 164.2}
Gospel Music Fit For The Dance Clubs
2001 Stella award winners
‘Shackles became a huge hit in dance
clubs across the country, proving to you
that gospel artist can cross over and at the
same time take the cross over.’
The world is advancing a theory to the
church of how to evangelise
MYP - Messages to Young People (1930)
Chap. 97 - A Wrong Use of Music
Angels are hovering around
yonder dwelling. The young are
there assembled; there is the
sound of vocal and instrumental
music. Christians are gathered
there, but what is that you hear? It
is a song, a frivolous ditty, fit for
the dance hall. Behold, the pure
angels gather their light closer
around them, and darkness
envelops those in that dwelling.
The angels are moving from the
scene. Sadness is upon their
countenances. Behold, they are
weeping. 296
MYP - Messages to Young People (1930)
Chap. 97 - A Wrong Use of Music
Anything will suit his purpose that will
divert the mind from God, and engage the
time which should be devoted to His
service. He works through the means which
will exert the strongest influence to hold the
largest numbers in a pleasing infatuation,
while they are paralyzed by his power.
When turned to good account, music is a
blessing, but it is often made one of Satan's
most attractive agencies to ensnare souls.
When abused, it leads the unconsecrated to
pride, vanity, and folly. When allowed to
take the place of devotion and prayer, it is a
terrible curse.
MYP - Messages to Young People (1930)
Chap. 97 - A Wrong Use of Music
This I saw repeated a
number of times all through
the ranks of Sabbath
keepers, and especially in
_____. Music has occupied
the hours which should have
been devoted to prayer.
Music is the idol which many
professed Sabbath-keeping
Christians worship. Satan
has no objection to music, if
he can make that a channel
through which to gain
access to the minds of the
youth. 296
Rick Warren
The Purpose Driven Church
‘…If it works, it must be right!’ He encourages young
pastors to leave behind that old fashioned church music
in favour of ‘jazz or rock or whatever turns your people
on!’ He encourages churches to imitate the culture and
dress down’ for church.
He says, ‘Never criticize what God is blessing, even
though it may be a style of ministry that makes you
uncomfortable…
The ground we have in common with unbelievers is not
the Bible, but our common needs, hurts and interests as
human beings. You cannot start with a text….’
Pages.13-15, 62, 295.
The Word-Faith Movement*
The fastest growing segment of professing Christianity today is the Word-Faith
Movement, also known as the Positive Confession or simply "Faith" movement. Its
growth is at least partially due to the massive amounts of money the leaders are able to
extract from the faithful. This influx of cash allows for huge buildings and extensive
ministries, and more importantly, wide exposure on television, which translates into
numerical growth. Not only do many Word-Faith preachers broadcast their services and
campaigns, but Word-Faith adherents, Paul and Jan Crouch, own the largest Christianbased television network in the world. The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), founded
by the Crouches, with an estimated net worth of approximately $600 million dollars, is
capable of televising the Faith message (as well as many other errant messages) all
over the world.
Well-known personalities within the movement include Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth
Copeland, Robert Tilton (who is staging a come-back), Paul Yonggi Cho, Benny Hinn,
Marilyn Hickey, Frederick K.C. Price, John Avanzini, Charles Capps, Jerry Savelle,
Morris Cerullo and of course, Paul and Jan Crouch.
Kenneth Copeland states the faith formula this way: "All
it takes is 1) Seeing or visualizing whatever you need,
whether physical or financial; 2) Staking your claim on
Scripture; and 3) Speaking it into existence"
(Christianity in Crisis, p. 80).
Paul Yonggi Cho, borrowing from the occult, has
developed what he calls the "Law of Incubation." Here
is how it works: "First make a clear-cut goal, then draw
a mental picture, vivid and graphic, to visualize
success. Then incubate it into reality, and finally speak
it into existence through the creative power of the
spoken word" (Christianity in Crisis, pp. 83-84).
As one might guess, the teachings of the Faith movement are very
attractive to some. If we can produce whatever our hearts desire
by simply demanding what we want by faith, if we can manipulate
the universe and perhaps even God, then we have our own
personal genie just waiting to fulfill our wishes. Frederick K.C.
Price wastes no words when he writes:
"Now this is a shocker! But God has to be given permission to
work in this earth realm on behalf of man. … Yes! You are in
control! So if man has control, who no longer has it? God. ... When
God gave Adam dominion, that meant God no longer had
dominion. So, God cannot do anything on this earth unless we let
Him or give Him permission through prayer" (Prayer: Do You Know
What Prayer Is. ... and How to Pray? The Word Study Bible, p.
1178).
This is certainly a theology that would appeal to the masses, and
thus accounts for the Faith movement's popularity.
The Deification of Man
Faith teachers like to teach, based upon serious
mishandling of passages such as John 10:31-39 and
II Peter 1:4, that Christians are "little gods.
“ Copeland says, "Now Peter said by exceeding great
and precious promises you become partakers of the
divine nature. All right, are we gods? We are a class
of gods!" (Christianity in Crisis, p. 116).
Benny Hinn declares, "God came from heaven,
became a man, made man into little gods, went back
to heaven as a man" (Christianity in Crisis, p. 382 n.
43). Earl Paulk wrote, "Until we comprehend that we
are little gods and we begin to act like little gods, we
cannot manifest the kingdom of God" (Satan
Unmasked, p. 97).
Shall we for the sake of policy, betray
a sacred trust? If the world is in error
and delusion, breaking the law of God,
is it not our duty to show them their
sin and danger? We must proclaim the
third angel's message. {CW 95.1}
What is the Sentinel for, but to be
the voice of the watchmen on the walls
of Zion, to sound the danger signal.
CW - Counsels to Writers and Editors {Page 95.1}
Let it be understood that Seventh-day
Adventists can make no compromise. In your
opinions and faith there must not be the least
appearance of wavering; the world has a right
to know what to expect of us, and will look
upon us as dishonest, as hiding our real
sentiments and principles out of policy, if we
carry even the semblance of being
uncommitted till the popular voice has pointed
out the safe way. The Comforter, the Holy
Spirit, which Christ said He would send into
the world, was to bear an unwavering
testimony. {CW 95.2}
2SM - Selected Messages Book 2 (1958)
Chap. 1 - Warnings Against Sensational Teachings and Emotional Religion
A new order of things has come into the ministry. There
is a desire to pattern after other churches, and simplicity
and humility are almost unknown. The young ministers
seek to be original, and to introduce new ideas and new
plans for labor. Some open revival meetings, and by this
means call large numbers into the church. But when the
excitement is over, where are the converted ones?
Repentance and confession of sin are not seen. The
sinner is entreated to believe in Christ and accept Him,
without regard to his past life of sin and rebellion. The
heart is not broken. There is no contrition of soul. The
supposed converted ones have not fallen upon the
Rock, Christ Jesus. {2SM 18.4}
2SM - Selected Messages Book 2 (1958)
Chap. 1 - Warnings Against Sensational Teachings and Emotional Religion
The Old and New Testament Scriptures show
us the only way in which this work should be
done. Repent, repent, repent was the message
rung out by John the Baptist in the
wilderness. Christ's message to the people
was "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
perish" (Luke 13:5). And the apostles were
commanded to preach everywhere that men
should repent. {2SM 19.1}
The Lord desires His servants today to preach the old gospel
doctrine, sorrow for sin, repentance, and confession. We want oldfashioned sermons, old-fashioned customs, old-fashioned fathers
and mothers in Israel. The sinner must be labored for,
perseveringly, earnestly, wisely, until he shall see that he is a
transgressor of God's law, and shall exercise repentance toward
God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. --Undated Manuscript
111. {Ev 179.5}
Evangelism (1946) Chap. 7 - The Message and its Presentation
CE - Christian Education (1893, 1894)
Chap. 15 - The Value of Bible Study.
The work of Christ is to draw men from the false and
spurious to the true and genuine. "He that followeth me shall
not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." [JOHN
8:12.] There is no danger of going into error while we follow
in the footsteps of "the Light of the world." We are to work
the works of Christ. We must engage heart and soul in his
service; we must search the word of life, and present it to
others. We must educate the people to realize the importance
of its teaching, and the danger of deviating from its plain
commands. {CE 121.1}
.--Review and Herald, July 17, 1888.
CE - Christian Education (1893, 1894)
Chap. 15 - The Value of Bible Study.
The Jews were led into error and ruin, and to the
rejection of the Lord of glory, because they knew
not the Scriptures, nor the power of God. A great
work is before us,--to lead men to take God's
word as the rule of their lives, to make no
compromise with tradition and custom, but to
walk in all the commandments and ordinances of
the Lord.
.--Review and Herald, July 17, 1888.
PP - Patriarchs and Prophets (1890)
Chap. 59 - The First King of Israel
Many urge that by uniting with worldlings and conforming
to their customs they might exert a stronger influence
over the ungodly. But all who pursue this course thereby
separate from the Source of their strength. Becoming the
friends of the world, they are the enemies of God. For the
sake of earthly distinction they sacrifice the unspeakable
honor to which God has called them, of showing forth the
praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His
marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9. {PP 607.2}
GC - The Great Controversy (1911)
Chap. 21 - A Warning Rejected
What was the origin of the great apostasy?
How did the church first depart from the
simplicity of the gospel? By conforming to
the practices of paganism, to facilitate the
acceptance of Christianity by the heathen.
The apostle Paul declared, even in his day,
"The mystery of iniquity doth already work."
2 Thessalonians 2:7. {GC 384.5}
GC - The Great Controversy (1911)
Chap. 21 - A Warning Rejected
During the lives of the apostles
the church remained
comparatively pure. But "toward
the latter end of the second
century most of the churches
assumed a new form; the first
simplicity disappeared, and
insensibly, as the old disciples
retired to their graves, their
children, along with new
converts, . . . came forward and
new-modeled the cause."-Robert Robinson, Ecclesiastical
Researches, ch. 6, par. 17, p.
51. GC 384.5}
GC - The Great Controversy (1911)
Chap. 21 - A Warning Rejected
To secure converts, the exalted standard of the
Christian faith was lowered, and as the result "a
pagan flood, flowing into the church, carried with it
its customs, practices, and idols." --Gavazzi,
Lectures, page 278.
As the Christian religion secured the favor and
support of secular rulers, it was nominally
accepted by multitudes; but while in appearance
Christians, many "remained in substance pagans,
especially worshiping in secret their idols."--Ibid.,
page 278. {GC 384.5}
HP - In Heavenly Places (1967)
Chap. 162 - No Partnership with the World
Conformity to the world will never be the means
of converting the world to Christ. {HP 168.2}
Chap. 30 - Enmity Between Man and Satan
GC - The Great Controversy (1911)
Conformity to worldly customs converts the
church to the world; it never converts the world
to Christ. Familiarity with sin will inevitably cause
it to appear less repulsive.
He who chooses to associate with the servants
of Satan will soon cease to fear their master.
When in the way of duty we are brought into
trial, as was Daniel in the king's court, we may
be sure that God will protect us; but if we place
ourselves under temptation we shall fall
sooner or later. {GC 509.1}
GC - The Great Controversy (1911)
Chap. 21 - A Warning Rejected
A profession of religion has become popular with
the world. Rulers, politicians, lawyers, doctors,
merchants, join the church as a means of securing
the respect and confidence of society, and
advancing their own worldly interests. Thus they
seek to cover all their unrighteous transactions
under a profession of Christianity. The various
religious bodies, re-enforced by the wealth and
influence of these baptized worldlings, make a still
higher bid for popularity and patronage. Splendid
churches, embellished in the most extravagant
manner, are erected on popular avenues. {GC 386.1}
GC - The Great Controversy (1911)
Chap. 21 - A Warning Rejected
The worshipers array themselves in costly and
fashionable attire. A high salary is paid for a
talented minister to entertain and attract the
people. His sermons must not touch popular sins,
but be made smooth and pleasing for fashionable
ears. Thus fashionable sinners are enrolled on the
church records, and fashionable sins are
concealed under a pretense of godliness.
{GC 386.1}
Robert Schuller: Quotes from Self-Esteem:
The New Reformation
…the church’s problem is that it has had a
God-centred theology for centuries, when it
needs a man-centred one; we’re not bad,
merely badly informed about how good we
are; it would be an insult to the integrity of
any human beings to call him a sinner...’
p.115.
CE - Christian Education (1893, 1894)
If you lower the standard in order to secure
popularity and an increase of numbers, and
then make this increase a cause of rejoicing,
you show great blindness. If numbers were
evidence of success, Satan might claim the
pre-eminence; for, in this world, his followers
are largely in the majority. It is the degree of
moral power pervading the College, that is a
test of its prosperity. It is the virtue,
intelligence, and piety of the people
composing our churches, not their numbers,
that should be a source of joy and
thankfulness. {CE 42.1}
THE WILLOW CREEK MODEL & IT’S RESULTS
EARLY SDA ADHERANTS OF THE WILLOW CREEK PLAN.
1. Sunnyside Church – Oregon USA
2. Damascus Church – Maryland USA
3. Christ Advent Fellowship – Colorado USA
RESULTS
These churches and others like them (in USA and elsewhere),
Left the SDA church and have become Sunday keeping
churches.
THE WILLOW CREEK MODEL & IT’S RESULTS
THE SOUTH PACFIC CELEBRATION EXPERIMENT .
1) Cherrybrook, Sydney, Australia
2) Cornerstone, New Zealand
3) Fox Valley, Sydney, Australia
4) Riverside, Perth, Australia
5) Southside, Brisbane, Australia
RESULTS
Church Growth _ Transfers from other SDA congregations
Conversion/evangelism growth – Negligible
Total Results – All five are no longer SDA churches
THE WILLOW CREEK MODEL & IT’S RESULTS
The many churches, following the
Willow Creek Model, that have
not left the denomination
a) Play down our unique doctrines
b) Play down our destinctive
name
c) Question or completely reject
the Spirit Of Prophecy.
ST - The Signs of the Times
September 29, 1887 How to Meet Temptations.
A cunning and cruel foe attends our steps, and is working
every moment, with all his strength and skill, to turn us from
the right way. Ever since he succeeded in overcoming our first
parents in their beautiful Eden home, he has been engaged in
this work. More than six thousand years of continual practice
has greatly increased his skill to deceive and allure. On the
other hand, he who once yields to temptation becomes
spiritually weak, and yields more readily the second time.
Every repetition of sin blinds his eyes, stifles conviction, and
weakens his power of resistance. Thus while the power of the
human race to resist temptation is continually decreasing,
Satan's skill and power to tempt are continually increasing.
This is one great reason why the temptations of the last days
will be more severe than those of any other age. {ST,
September 29, 1887 par. 2}
LDE - Last Day Events (1992)
Chap. 7. - Country Living
Character Development Easier in the Country
Parents flock with their families to the cities
because they fancy it easier to obtain a livelihood
there than in the country. The children, having
nothing to do when not in school, obtain a street
education. From evil associates they acquire habits
of vice and dissipation.--5T 232 (1882). {LDE 97.3}
Send the children to schools located in the city,
where every phase of temptation is waiting to attract
and demoralize them, and the work of character
building is tenfold harder for both parents and
children.--FE 326 (1894). {LDE 98.1}