"...saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live."
In England, the developing reform movement of 'Christian Nationalism' in America may have escaped your attention, but please, take some time to examine what is happening and how it is propelling us straight into Revelation 13:15-17.
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Still unsure what Christian Nationalism is, watch this...
And now, in 2022, there have been many, many voices that have been effectively reigniting, stoking and even lighting their own fires regarding the church, [The Christian Nationalists version and brand of Christianity] influencing government. If you've ever studied Revelation 13:11-18 or read the book 'The Great Controversy,' then you will know where this train is going to lead.
If you've never read 'The Great Controversy' then let me show you what happens when the church guides and influences the government:
When the early church became corrupted by departing from the simplicity of the gospel and accepting heathen rites and customs, she lost the Spirit and power of God; and in order to control the consciences of the people, she sought the support of the secular power. The result was the papacy, a church that controlled the power of the state and employed it to further her own ends, especially for the punishment of “heresy.” In order for the United States to form an image of the beast, the religious power must so control the civil government that the authority of the state will also be employed by the church to accomplish her own ends. [Great Controversy 443.2]
Incidentally, what you've just read answers the question that some may have about what is the image of the beast of Revelation 13:15 [And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.] To make it plain, the image of the beast is the religious side of America, dictating to and using the political side of America to uphold and push its agenda.
So what have we been hearing of late?
And...
And Finally...
Given that the Bible states that "there is no new thing under the sun," what should we learn from history that will better prepare us of where we're heading and what we should be expecting next?
When the National Reformers began to urge measures to restrict religious liberty, our leading men should have been alive to the situation, and should have labored earnestly to counteract these efforts. It is not in the order of God that light has been kept from our people, the very present truth which they needed for this time. Not all our ministers who are giving the third angel's message, really understand what constitutes that message.[ChS 162.4]
The National Reform movement, exercising the power of religious legislation, will, when fully developed, manifest the same intolerance and oppression that have prevailed in past ages. Human councils then assumed the prerogatives of Deity, crushing under their despotic power liberty of conscience; and imprisonment, exile, and death followed for those who opposed their dictates. If popery or its principles shall again be legislated into power, the fires of persecution will be rekindled against those who will not sacrifice conscience and the truth in deference to popular errors. This evil is on the point of realization. [5T 712.1]
The crisis is now upon us. The battle is to be waged between the Christianity of the Bible and the Christianity of human tradition. Is there not a criminal neglect in our present sleepy condition? There must be a decided advance movement among us. We must show to the world that we recognize, in the events that are now taking place in connection with the National Reform movement, the fulfillment of prophecy. That which we have, for the last thirty or forty years, proclaimed would come, is now here; and the trumpet of every watchman upon the walls of Zion should raise the alarm. [RH January 1, 1889, par. 3]
We are here...and there will be some voices that will try and pour cold water on the message of preparation. It's sad to see the numbers of people who are giving up on this message because it doesn't make one popular. It's sad to see the spiritually malnourished sheep scratching around for solid food. I heard a statement recently that goes like this:
"What the pandemic did, was reveal those that really love God, from those that were institutionally minded."
We all need to take stock of where we are and who we're grounded on.
Seventh-day Adventism IS God's remnant, denominated people, but we have got to get it together to get this final message of warning and hope to a perishing world.
Let the gospel message ring through our churches, summoning them to universal action. Let the members of the church have increased faith, gaining zeal from their unseen, heavenly allies, from a knowledge of their exhaustless resources, from the greatness of the enterprise in which they are engaged, and from the power of their Leader. Those who place themselves under God's control, to be led and guided by Him, will catch the steady tread of the events ordained by Him to take place. Inspired with the Spirit of Him who gave His life for the life of the world, they will no longer stand still in impotency, pointing to what they cannot do. Putting on the armor of heaven, they will go forth to the warfare, willing to do and dare for God, knowing that His omnipotence will supply their need. [7T 14.2]
Look up friends, your redemption draws near. It's time to wake up from the death-like lethargy that has strangely enveloped us. We need to shake it off and go forward with speed and determination.
May God bless You!
Maranatha!
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