Insurrection: The effect of the -isms

 Insurrection: The effect of the -isms

 Sabbath study: 12/09/20

Today we remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, till endless ages, we will always remember that we all despite our racial and cultural differences we belong to God by creation and redemption. Evolution teaches order out of chaos, this philosophy is the order of the day, those who exalt themselves above others use sophistry to cause chaos in order to attain their synthesis (power). During this Covid19 crisis, we see that politicians have sunk their teeth on liberties of the masses, I am afraid that even the bitter political tribalism is aimed to benefit the few at the expense of peace. When I reflect on the history of genocides and it's causes, I am certain that the world is heading towards another large scale genocide caused by various -isms and the devil who delights in war. "But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many" Daniel 11:44.

Yesterday was a remembrance of the 9/11 atrocities in the USA, the unholy influence of hate and murder is of the ultimate racist; the devil who hates the human race and uses various snares to devour us through his human instruments not only in the world but sadly amongst the Church. 'The darkest chapters of history are burdened with the record of crimes committed by bigoted religionists'. It's sad that amongst us we harbour strange bigotry which manifests itself in -isms like tribalism, racism, sexism etc, in Rwandan genocide, "Christians" were involved in massacre of their brethren at the command of the devil, I submit to you that they were never "Christian" but offshoots.  "The Pharisees claimed to be children of Abraham, and boasted of their possession of the oracles of God; yet these advantages did not preserve them from selfishness, malignity, greed for gain, and the basest hypocrisy. They thought themselves the greatest religionists of the world, but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of glory"DA 309.2. 

Proverbs 6:16-19 "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren".

-isms are defined  in as many as 234 plus  distinctive practices, system or philosophy and derogatory ideology. The examples of -isms are harmful practices like Racism, Tribalism, Atheism, Feminism, Sexism, Nationalism, Formalism, Liberalism, Socialism, Capitalism , Ageism, Criticism, pantheism, spiritualism etc. These practices are all triggers in society that may result in insurrection and have their foundation and motivation from the spirit of devils which is unbelief,self exaltation, self preservation and selfishness."But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work" James 3:14-16. The manifestation of spiritualism in the form of -isms can be traced back to Eden and the lying claims of the serpent that by partaking of the fruit of unbelief, one would enter a higher state of existence above their peers but the spirit of self exaltation is a gain that is a loss, you will surely die! I don't think it's a scratch to suggest that Eve was abased because she sought an exalted position than Adam therefore her "feminism" resulted in her unhappiness, no wonder feminists are bitterly sorrowful people. Adam by choosing his fallen wife over the revealed will of God and partaking of the forbidden fruit was practicing rebellion. "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king" 1 Samuel 15:23.By this "hedonism", Adam sacrificed principle for temporal gain and this is the demise of many today, unless we choose the way of the cross, we by self indulgence are imbibing the spirit of sin and death.

Scripture reading today : " And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword" Revelation 6:4.

The art of the deal is to restore "law and order" to "make America great again", this nationalism is to result in the establishment of the synthesis, the placing of Jezebel on the throne. Unless we learn from history we will be deceived by the -isms that operate in the shadows to attain their devilish agenda. The doctrine of Balaam and Balak are intended to destroy the lamb but praise God for his faithful Phineas whose javelin struck on the heart of apostasy. The protestants from the second church, have always identified that the insurrection of Barabbas was a smoke screen, the path of the cross was inevitable but these conspirators would eventually be defeated by the"wrath to come" the antitype of AD 70 (the destruction of Jerusalem).

The second seal of Revelation six verses three and four shows us that the purity of the church was affected by the working of the mystery of iniquity, like Adam and Eve, the church began little by little to partake of the forbidden fruit of worldliness and lawlessness. "The ecclesiastical power sought the alliance of the secular. Troubles and commotions were the result. Speaking of the period of the Christian church from AD 100 to 311, the historian remarks: "We now descend from the primitive apostolic church to the Graeco-Roman; from the scene of creation to the work of preservation; from the fountain of divine revelation to the stream of human  development; from the inspirations of the apostles and prophets to the productions of enlightened but fallible teachers. The hand of God has drawn a bold line of demarcation between the century of miracles and the succeeding ages, to show, by the abrupt transition and the striking contrast, the difference between the work of God and the work of man." [1] "The second period, from the death of the apostle John to the end of the persecutions, or to the accession of Constantine, the first Christian emperor, is the classic age ... of heathen persecution, and of Christian martyrdom and heroism... It furnishes a continuous commentary on the Savior's words, 'Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves.' " [2] "The ante-Nicene age . . . is . . . the common root out of which both [Catholicism and Protestantism] have sprung, Catholicism (Greek and Roman) first, and Protestantism afterwards. It is the natural transition from the apostolic age to the Nicene age, yet leaving behind many important truths of the former (especially the Pauline doctrines) which were to be derived and explored in future ages. We can trace in it the elementary forms of the Catholic creed, organization, and worship, and also the germs of nearly all the corruptions of Greek and Roman Christianity." D&R by Uriah Smith p.168.

"The spirit of this period perhaps reached its climax as we come to the days of Constantine, the first so-called Christian emperor, whose conversion to Christianity in AD 323 brought about a compromise between the church and the Roman Empire. The Edict of Milan in AD 313, is said to have granted toleration to Christians and allowed conversions to Christianity. Kenneth S. Latourette declares that the acts immediately preceding and culminating in the Edict of Milan in 313 "still remain the most significant of the many milestones in the road by which the church and the state moved toward co- operation." [4]  This modern scholar of church history further declares: "Christianity, by bringing the church into existence, developed an institution which in part was a rival of the state. It created a society within the empire which, so many believed, threatened the very existence of the latter. The conflict was very marked in the century or more before Constantine... When Constantine made his peace with the faith, however, it long looked as though the conflict had been resolved by the control of the church by the state. Yet, even in the days of the seeming subordination of the church to the  government, ecclesiastics sought to influence the policies of the latter." [5]  This state of things answers well to the declaration of the prophet that power was given to him  that sat on the horse "to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword." ibid 169.

Those who adhere to the derogatory ideology of the -isms will unite against true Christianity and it's advocates, the great controversy between Truth and Error will result in the persecution of God's people. The scenes of the cross and the judgment scene will be re-enacted, Barabbas the leader of insurrection and sedition would be preferable than the innocent. Just outside the entrance of Pilate's judgement hall were the judges of the Sanhedrin, priests, rulers, elders, and the mob."The Roman authorities at this time held a prisoner named Barabbas, who was under sentence of death. This man had claimed to be the Messiah. He claimed authority to establish a different order of things, to set the world right. Under satanic delusion he claimed that whatever he could obtain by theft and robbery was his own. He had done wonderful things through satanic agencies, he had gained a following among the people, and had excited sedition against the Roman government. Under cover of religious enthusiasm he was a hardened and desperate villain, bent on rebellion and cruelty. By giving the people a choice between this man and the innocent Saviour, Pilate thought to arouse them to a sense of justice. He hoped to gain their sympathy for Jesus in opposition to the priests and rulers. So, turning to the crowd, he said with great earnestness, “Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?” - DA 733.1

Like the bellowing of wild beasts came the answer of the mob, “Release unto us Barabbas!” Louder and louder swelled the cry, Barabbas! Barabbas! Thinking that the people had not understood his question, Pilate asked, “Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?” But they cried out again, “Away with this Man, and release unto us Barabbas”! “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” Pilate asked. Again the surging multitude roared like demons. Demons themselves, in human form, were in the crowd, and what could be expected but the answer, “Let Him be crucified”? - DA 733.2

"Each son and daughter of Adam chooses either Christ or Barabbas as his general. And all who place themselves on the side of the disloyal are standing under Satan’s black banner, and are charged with rejecting and despitefully using Christ. They are charged with deliberately crucifying the Lord of life and glory" (The Review and Herald, January 30, 1900).

"I saw Satan planting his banner in the households of those who profess to be God’s chosen ones; but those who are walking in the light should be able to discern the difference between the black banner of the adversary and the blood-stained standard of Christ"—Testimonies for the Church 4:200.

The Jews cultivated a spirit of retaliation. In their hatred of the Romans they gave utterance to hard denunciations, and pleased the wicked one by manifesting his attributes. Thus they were training themselves to do the terrible deeds to which he led them on. In the religious life of the Pharisees there was nothing to recommend piety to the Gentiles. Jesus bade them not to deceive themselves with the thought that they could in heart rise up against their oppressors, and cherish the longing to avenge their wrongs. - DA 310.3

The same danger still exists. Many take it for granted that they are Christians, simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets. But they have not brought the truth into practical life. They have not believed and loved it, therefore they have not received the power and grace that come through sanctification of the truth. Men may profess faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world. - DA 309.3

The Jews and the Samaritans were bitter enemies, and as far as possible avoided all dealing with each other. To trade with the Samaritans in case of necessity was indeed counted lawful by the rabbis; but all social intercourse with them was condemned. A Jew would not borrow from a Samaritan, nor receive a kindness, not even a morsel of bread or a cup of water. The disciples, in buying food, were acting in harmony with the custom of their nation. But beyond this they did not go. To ask a favor of the Samaritans, or in any way seek to benefit them, did not enter into the thought of even Christ’s disciples. - DA 183.2

The great difference between the Jews and the Samaritans was a difference in religious belief, a question as to what constitutes true worship. The Pharisees would say nothing good of the Samaritans, but poured their bitterest curses upon them. So strong was the antipathy between the Jews and the Samaritans that to the Samaritan woman it seemed a strange thing for Christ to ask her for a drink. “How is it,” she said, “that Thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?” “For,” adds the evangelist, “the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” John 4:9. And when the Jews were so filled with murderous hatred against Christ that they rose up in the temple to stone Him, they could find no better words by which to express their hatred than, “Say we not well that Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” John 8:48. - COL 380.3

During His earthly ministry Christ began to break down the partition wall between Jew and Gentile, and to preach salvation to all mankind. Though He was a Jew, He mingled freely with the Samaritans, setting at nought the Pharisaic customs of the Jews with regard to this despised people. He slept under their roofs, ate at their tables, and taught in their streets. - AA 19.2

The Saviour longed to unfold to His disciples the truth regarding the breaking down of the “middle wall of partition” between Israel and the other nations—the truth that “the Gentiles should be fellow heirs” with the Jews and “partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel.” Ephesians 2:14; 3:6. This truth was revealed in part at the time when He rewarded the faith of the centurion at Capernaum, and also when He preached the gospel to the inhabitants of Sychar. Still more plainly was it revealed on the occasion of His visit to Phoenicia, when He healed the daughter of the Canaanite woman. These experiences helped the disciples to understand that among those whom many regarded as unworthy of salvation, there were souls hungering for the light of truth. - AA 19.3

Thus Christ sought to teach the disciples the truth that in God’s kingdom there are no territorial lines, no caste, no aristocracy; that they must go to all nations, bearing to them the message of a Saviour’s love. But not until later did they realize in all its fullness that God “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us.” Acts 17:26, 27. AA 20.1

In these first disciples was presented marked diversity. They were to be the world’s teachers, and they represented widely varied types of character. In order successfully to carry forward the work to which they had been called, these men, differing in natural characteristics and in habits of life, needed to come into unity of feeling, thought, and action. This unity it was Christ’s object to secure. To this end He sought to bring them into unity with Himself. The burden of His labor for them is expressed in His prayer to His Father, “That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us;” “that the world may know that Thou has sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.” - AA 20.2

What Christ was on this earth, the Christian worker should strive to be. He is our example, not only in His spotless purity, but in His patience, gentleness, and winsomeness of disposition. His life is an illustration of true courtesy. He had ever a kind look and a word of comfort for the needy and the oppressed. His presence brought a purer atmosphere into the home. His life was as leaven working amid the elements of society. Pure and undefiled, He walked among the thoughtless, the rude, the uncourteous; among unjust publicans, unrighteous Samaritans, heathen soldiers, rough peasants, and the mixed multitude.... - CM 73.1

The religion of Jesus softens whatever is hard and rough in the temper, and smooths whatever is rugged and sharp in the manners. It makes the words gentle and the demeanor winning. Let us learn from Christ how to combine a high sense of purity and integrity with sunniness of disposition. A kind, courteous Christian is the most powerful argument that can be produced in favor of Christianity. - CM 73.2

The warnings of the word of God regarding the perils surrounding the Christian church belong to us today. As in the days of the apostles men tried by tradition and philosophy to destroy faith in the Scriptures, so today, by the pleasing sentiments of higher criticism, evolution, spiritualism, theosophy, and pantheism, the enemy of righteousness is seeking to lead souls into forbidden paths. To many the Bible is as a lamp without oil, because they have turned their minds into channels of speculative belief that bring misunderstanding and confusion. The work of higher criticism, in dissecting, conjecturing, reconstructing, is destroying faith in the Bible as a divine revelation. It is robbing God’s word of power to control, uplift, and inspire human lives. By spiritualism, multitudes are taught to believe that desire is the highest law, that license is liberty, and that man is accountable only to himself. - AA 474.1

To be continued...