Study the Subject of the Sanctuary

We should be earnest students of prophecy; we should not rest until we become intelligent in regard to the subject of the sanctuary, which is brought out in the visions of Daniel and John. This subject sheds great light on our present position and work, and gives us unmistakable proof that God has led us in our past experience. It explains our disappointment in 1844, showing us that the sanctuary to be cleansed was not the earth, as we had supposed, but that Christ then entered into the most holy apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, and is there performing the closing work of His priestly office, in fulfillment of the words of the angel to the prophet Daniel.
The 2300 days had been found to begin when the commandment of Artaxerxes for the restoration and building of Jerusalem, went into effect, in the autumn of 457 B.C. Taking this as the starting point, there was perfect harmony in the application of all the events foretold in the explanation of that period in Daniel 9:25-27. . . . The seventy weeks, or 490 years, were to pertain especially to the Jews. At the expiration of this period, the nation sealed its rejection of Christ by the persecution of His disciples, and the apostles turned to the Gentiles, A.D. 34. The first 490 years of the 2300 having then ended, 1810 years would remain. From A.D. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844. “Then,” said the angel, “shall the sanctuary be cleansed.”
Our faith in reference to the messages of the first, second, and third angels was correct. The great waymarks we have passed are immovable. Although the hosts of hell may try to tear them from their foundation, and triumph in the thought that they have succeeded, yet they do not succeed. These pillars of truth stand firm as the eternal hills, unmoved by all the efforts of men combined with those of Satan and his host. We can learn much, and should be constantly searching the Scriptures to see if these things are so.
Maranatha p. 247
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Prayer Requests
—–Please pray for Raschelle who lost three family members. Connie
—–Please pray for God’s wisdom and guidance for us and our children. R
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Dear Friends,

Over the years, one TV program I had always enjoyed was Nature Scene. It was a gentle program with quiet music playing in the background as a scientist and his friend visited some wildlife area quietly walking along and discussing the things they saw there. It was like taking a quiet walk and learning many interesting things about God’s great creation.

We first started watching it in the 1980’s when we lived in North Carolina. At that time, although the theory of evolution was occasionally hinted at, it was always prefaced with, “Some people believe” or Some folks say.” I thought that it was nice that the scientist brought out the fact that evolution was only a theory. I felt that here was a man who did not believe in this soul-destroying doctrine. Here was a program that it was safe for my children to watch.

In 1987, we moved to the western part of the country. This area did not offer this program, so it was six or seven years before I saw it again.

When we moved to Kansas, I noticed it in the TV listings. I could hardly wait to watchit again. To my disappointment, however, the program had changed. Now evolution was not just occasionally mentioned as a theory that some people believe, but Rudy was teaching it as a fact. It was not just hinted at once or twice in a program, it was spoken of throughout. The change was very evident.

Somewhere during those years while we were not able to watch, something happened. Somewhere along the way, compromises were made. Truth was let go of and a false belief took its place.

How careful we must be to hold tightly to the truths of God’s Word. The evil one is constantly tempting us to compromise in little ways. It might seem like only a little thing, but it may be the very thing that starts a downward course a life-changing course. That “little thing” can have eternal consequences.

Our Dear Saviour tells us, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matt 7:13,14 Moreover, He has promised to help us stay on the right path. “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Isa 30:21 “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Ps 32:8

Isaiah speaks of our Loving Saviour as our Shepherd. “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” Isa 40:11 He not only gudes us, He does far more than we could ask or even think. He assures us, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 Our Great Shepherd left the glories of His Heavenly Home and gladly gave His life so that we may live. What love! What wondrous love!

In the light of what Jesus has done for us, can we feel free to compromise? When we are tempted to do evil, can we rationalize that it is not so bad, that it is OK this time? No!One little compromise, one little rationalization can change the whole direction of our life. It might take years for it to be noticable, but when the life is viewed as a whole, that compromise will show.

May we stand firm for what we know is right because of our love for Jesus no matter how much pressure is brought upon us to compromise. May we “Resist the devil, [for if we do] he will flee from” us. James 4:7 May we declare as did David, “He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.”

Rose