ANGELIC ANGELS

 ANGELIC ANGELS

   God assembled the angelic host to take measures to avert the threatened evil. It was decided in heaven's council for angels to visit Eden and warn Adam that he was in danger from the foe. Two angels sped on their way to visit our first parents. ...was the society of the Son of God and the heavenly angels, for they had much to relate to them at every visit, of their new discoveries of the beauties of nature in their lovely Eden home, and they had many questions to ask relative to many things which they could but indistinctly comprehend. {SR 29.2}  

 The angels united with Adam and Eve in holy strains of harmonious music, and as their songs pealed forth from blissful Eden, Satan heard the sound of their strains of joyful adoration to the Father and Son.ibd..

Gen. 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.  

  Angels were commissioned to immediately guard the way of the tree of life. ... But holy angels were sent to debar their way to the tree of life. Around these angels flashed beams of light on every side, which had the appearance of glittering swords. {SR 41.1}  

`...God condescends to send an angel to Cain to converse with him. {SR 53.1}   

God communed with Enoch through His angels and gave him divine instruction. He made known to him that He would not always bear with man in his rebellion--that His purpose was to destroy the sinful race by bringing a flood of waters upon the earth. {SR 57.2}   

 Angels were sent to collect from the forest and field the beasts which God had created. Angels went before these animals, and they followed, two and two, male and female, and clean beasts by sevens.

Three angels called on Abraham. It seems that one of them was God, the other two went to Sodom to save Lot. - 

Gen. 18:1,2;And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;  And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw [them], he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,  

Gen. 19:1,15,16. And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing [them] rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;  And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.  And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.  

Jacob met them on his way. - 

Gen. 32:1 And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.  24,And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.  28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.  

 Daniel

My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.  Daniel 6:22

And it came to pass, when I, [even] I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man's voice between [the banks of] Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this [man] to understand the vision. So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end [shall be] the vision.Daniel 8:15-17.

Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed [me], and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show [thee]; for thou [art] greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. Daniel 9:21-23

And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and [upon] the palms of my hands. And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. Daniel 10:10-12 

Zacheus was visited by an angel who showed him respecting his son, John the Baptist. - 

Luke 1:11-17. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw [him], he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 

The Angel Gabriel visits Mary, the mother of Jesus; told her that her son should reign over the house of David forever. 

Luke 1: 26-33.And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name [was] Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, [thou that art] highly favoured, the Lord [is] with thee: blessed [art] thou among women.

 At the birth of Jesus a multitude of angels appeared to the shepherds by night.

Luke 2:10-15.And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  

 One came to strengthen Jesus;

Luke 22:43. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.  

Paul also had one at a special time; his ship-wreck.

 Acts 27:23. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,  

An angel spake to Philip to go down to Gaza. 

 Acts 8:26. And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.  

 - Heb.1:14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?  

 Now in every case above noticed these angels appeared personally, and visibly, therefore they did minister unto them. And as every real saint of God has an angel that beholds the face of God in Heaven,

Math. 18:6,10.-But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.  

 so they will be sent to minister unto them visibly and instructingly if they need it. If not, they will come invisibly, and the instruction or teaching not understood except the person visited is in vision or dreaming. {1849 JB, SLG 9.6} 

 "Behold I send the promise of my father upon you: tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endowed with power from on high" Luke 24:49. 

"But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you." - John 14:26.  

"I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will shew you things to come. He shall receive of mine and shew it unto you." 16:12-14. 

Who shall be Able to Stand part 2

 The Working of Satan

The Saviour said that at the time when His coming is at the doors, Matthew 24:24 There shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

When falsehood shall have gained such power as that, every person who will not be deceived will have to have such a connection with the truth and with its Author, that falsehood, even in its most powerful manifestation, shall not affect him.

Power, Signs, and Lying Wonders

In 2 Thessalonians, Paul, writing particularly of the second coming of the Lord, says:

2 Thessalonians 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

In other words, immediately preceding the coming of the Lord, God will give to men full opportunity to accept the truth, the love of which will save them from deception, and from the destruction that will surely come upon all who do not receive the love of the truth.

But many will reject that truth, they will not receive the love of it, and in rejecting the truth they place themselves on the side of falsehood, and in a position where Satan can and will work in them with all deceivableness of unrighteousness. When men reject the truth and will not receive the love of the truth, what then can they receive but lies? what can they love but falsehood?

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

God will send them strong delusion, by simply giving them up to their own delusion, by letting them have their own way. This is shown by Paul’s reference to the heathen of old:

Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, [and] 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventorsof evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful.

Now with that read this description of men in the last days:

2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters,proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent,fierce, despisers of those that are good,4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more thanlovers of God;5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:from such turn away.

Thus it is seen that in the last days men having a form of godliness will reach the same condition in which stood the heathen of old; and that they reach that condition by the same means as did the heathen of old:

• They did not like to retain God in their knowledge, so God gave them up to their own vile affections;

• They would not receive the love of the truth, so God gave them up to their own delusion, that they should believe a lie;

• They “had pleasure in unrighteousness,” and as “all unrighteousness is sin” this is only to say that they had pleasure in sin, therefore God gave them up to their own wishes and their own ways.

As they love sin more than they love God, and then persist in their love of sin by rejecting the very means by which God endeavors to save them, the Lord can do nothing more; it is impossible to reach them; they will have their own way; that way is in the love of sin; and in choosing that way rather than the love of the truth that they might be saved, they give themselves over to Satan, who works in them...

2 Thessalonians 2:9 ...with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.

Who Shall Be Able To Stand?

 Who Shall Be Able to Stand?

The prophet Joel in speaking of the day of the Lord says, Joel 2:11 The day of the Lord is great and very terrible…–and then inquires, …who can abide it?

Numbers 24:33 Out of Jacob shall come He that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remains of the city, [exclaims,] Alas, who shall live when God does this?

Malachi 3 :2 Who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appears? And when at last that terrible day shall have come,

Revelation 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of His wrath is come... –and in terror they too inquire,17 …who shall be able to stand?

The connection in which these questions are asked shows that they are questions of no slight importance. Who can abide the

1. Who Shall Be Able to Stand? day of the coming of the Lord? Who shall stand when He appears?

Job in viewing that dreadful time exclaimed,

Job 14:13 O that You would hide me in the grave, that You would keepme secret, until your wrath be past.

And Habakkuk, beholding it in vision, said:

Habakkuk 3

16 When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself,that I might rest in the day of trouble.

This is the time of which Daniel said,

Daniel 12:1 There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.

Some Will Stand

Yet for all this there will be those who may abide the day of His coming; there will be those who shall stand when He appears. Jesus speaks of them, and to them, and exhorts them, saying:

Luke 21:36 Watch therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

John also speaks to these, saying:

1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

Isaiah speaks of the same company, and says:

Isaiah 25:9 It shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us; this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.

And Paul gives a point more in regard to the same ones:

1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first;17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

But, although it is certain that there will be a company who will abide the day of His coming, and although from other texts we know that the number will be one hundred and forty-four thousand, the question still remains,

Malachi 3:2 Who shall abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand, when He appears?

“Who shall be able to stand?”

A Personal Connection Required

God spoke by Ezekiel of this time of trouble, saying:

Ezekiel 14:19 If I send a pestilence into that land, and pour out my fury upon it in blood, to cut off from it man and beast;20 Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, says the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.

Noah, the one man only whom the Lord found righteous in the generation before the flood; Daniel, whom God twice called “greatly beloved;” and Job, the one chief example of suffering affliction and of patience—though these three God-chosen men were in this land in this fast-hastening day, no man could be supported by their righteousness or their faithfulness.

No man can then be delivered but by the righteousness which he himself possesses, nor be sustained in the time of trial, of trouble, of temptation, and of opposition, except by the connection which he himself sustains with God, and by the confidence which is begotten of personal and thorough conviction of the truth of God fixed in the very soul, and witnessed, as it will ever be, by the Spirit of God through an abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Example of Jeremiah

Jeremiah had spoken to all the people in Jerusalem the message of the Lord, that they should be carried captive to Babylon and there remain seventy years. Many of them had already been taken to Babylon, Jeconiah the king among them, and Jeremiah had said that Jeconiah should see his native land no more, but should die in Babylonia.

One day there was a great assembly of all the people and the priests at the house of the Lord. Jeremiah was there among them, and he had on his neck a wooden yoke which he had been wearing for some time as a sign to the people of their doomed servitude to Babylon. A false prophet, Hananiah by name, spoke to Jeremiah directly…

Jeremiah 28:1 ...in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying,2 Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. 3 Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels of the Lord’s house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place, and carried them to Babylon;4 And I will bring again to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah, that went into Babylon, says the Lord; for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.

Jeremiah answered in substance that he would be glad if it could be so, and that he would be glad if the Lord would but do it:

Jeremiah 28:7 Nevertheless, hear now this word that I speak in your ears, and in the ears of all the people;9 The prophet which prophesies of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord has truly sent him.

This only roused up Hananiah to greater boldness, and he deliberately walked up to Jeremiah and…

10 ...took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah’s neck, and broke it. 11 And Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, Thus says the Lord: Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all nations within the space of two full years.

And then the record is:

11 ...And the prophet Jeremiah went his way. He had nothing more to say just then, and so silently walked away. Now when it is understood that all the people were already dead set against Jeremiah, it may be imagined what effect this public and palpable defeat, as they regarded it, of him whom they already hated would have upon the populace. We can fairly hear the scoffs, and hoots, and jeers, and groans, that followed Jeremiah as he edged his way through the crowd. Cries of…

“Ah-h-h, you’re beat, you’re beat, you’re beat,”

“Prophesy again, won’t you?”

“Put another yoke on him,” etc., etc.,

–would fairly split the air. But what did it all amount to, to Jeremiah? Just nothing at all. He was right, and they were all wrong, the whole crowd of them, and though not a person in the whole nation should believe him made not a particle of difference to him so far as the truth or his conviction of it was concerned.

The Example of Paul

Paul stood before the embodiment of worldly power, the Emperor Nero, to answer for his life and especially for his faith. There also, to oppose him and to blind and confuse men’s minds to the truth, stood an apostate from the faith, Alexander the coppersmith; and his opposition was so successful that Paul himself tells us:

2 Timothy 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me.

Added to this all his brethren in Asia were turned away from him:

• those at Antioch for whom he had labored so earnestly;

• those at Iconium, and Lystra, and Derbe for whom he had labored and suffered;

• those at Troas from whom he was so loath to take his farewell;

• those of Ephesus for whose good he had labored three long years, whom he had not ceased to warn night and day with tears, with whom he had talked, and prayed, and wept so tenderly at their final parting;

• those of Galatia, Phrygia, Pisidia, and Pamphylia, all—

2 Timothy 1:15 All they which be in Asia are turned away from me.

And then, as though that could not tell all the greatness of his cause for sorrow, he adds:

15 ...of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

And yet more, added to all this there was his own fellow-laborer, of whom he was compelled to write:

2 Timothy 4:10 Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world.

For all this, though his life was in the balance, and though no man stood with him, yet he never faltered, but calmly stood forth alone, saying:

17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me.

There was the source of his strength. It depended not upon any influence of the world, of men, or of the church—not even upon the moral influence and support of his own intimate brethren—it sprung solely from his own personal, living connection with the Lord Jesus Christ. That alone it was which sustained him in all his trials and afflictions; in all his contradiction and opposition of unbelievers and apostates; and in all the desertions of brethren and fellow-laborers in the faith.

And that alone it is which will sustain any man in the time of trouble, and in the day of the coming of Christ; that alone it is which will enable anyone to stand when He appears. Paul was able to stand unmoved amidst all earth’s vicissitudes because he was able to say from the heart,

2 Timothy 1:12 I know whom I have believed.Not as is too often misquoted, “I know in whom I have believed,” –but, “I know whom I have believed;” –and he used the word “know” in its real, proper sense too. The following from a late number of the Sunday School Times will give an idea of what Paul meant by this use of the word “know:”

“To know” primarily means to have the ability to create or produce; hence it properly includes the idea of a perfect understanding of the innermost nature, or the most intricate parts, of the subject of knowledge.

This is the sense in which Paul used the word “know.” It was a living experience with him. As he expressed it in other words,

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Such as these shall abide the day of Christ’s coming; they shall stand when He appears. And none others can. Are you looking and waiting for that day? Do you know whom you believe? It was written in the prophecy, of those upon whom should come the great tribulation, that:

Daniel 11:32 The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. Only the people who do know God and the Lord Jesus Christ shall be able to stand in the day of His wrath; only these may abide the day of His coming; only these shall stand when He appears.

Conclusion

The Time of Trial

 "I will search Jerusalem with candles." No doubt this is the time when God is searching the hearts, and trying the reins of his people. He has also said, "The heart is deceitful above all things," and asks, "Who can know it?"  

Those who are not willing to be tried and tested, not willing to be rebuked and chastened, and feel a spirit of self-justification, do not know their own hearts, and will be likely to be deceived. On the other hand, those who profit by trials, and when reproved, humble themselves with deep self-abasement, the candle of the Lord will shine upon them, and instead of being deceived through the deceitfulness of sin, they will be made like then Saviour, and will be his at his coming. 

If the work of the third angel's message had no trials, no sacrifices, no conflicts attending it, we might then conclude it is not the purifying work that will prepare a people for translation. While the leaders in this work have many burdens to bear, others should not wish to shun trials, but be willing to share with them.

It may seem strange to us that the children of Israel so often murmured against Moses and Aaron; but there is danger in these last days, and in this last work, of our having the same murmuring spirit that brought the judgments of God upon the people. Oh, what need we have to watch and pray that we be not deceived through the deceitfulness of our own hearts.   

C. Byington.   

Union City, Mich. {December 19, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 23.4} 

Christian Mother

CHRISTIAN MOTHER

The Lord has entrusted to parents a solemn, sacred work. They are to cultivate carefully the soil of the heart. Thus they may be laborers together with God. He expects them to guard and tend carefully the garden of their children's hearts. They are to sow the good seed, weeding out every unsightly weed. Every defect in character, every fault in disposition, needs to be cut away; for if allowed to remain, these will mar the beauty of the character. {AH 200.1

 The mother is the queen of the home, and the children are her subjects. She is to rule her household wisely, in the dignity of her motherhood. Her influence in the home is to be paramount; her word, law. If she is a Christian, under God's control, she will command the respect of her children.  {AH 232.1}  

     The children are to be taught to regard their mother, not as a slave whose work it is to wait on them, but as a queen who is to guide and direct them, teaching them line upon line, precept upon precept.  {AH 232.2}

  No work can equal that of the Christian mother. She takes up her work with a sense of what it is to bring up her children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. How often will she feel her burden's weight heavier than she can bear; and then how precious the privilege of taking it all to her sympathizing Saviour in prayer! She may lay her burden at His feet and find in His presence a strength that will sustain her and give her cheerfulness, hope, courage, and wisdom in the most trying hours. How sweet to the careworn mother is the consciousness of such a friend in all her difficulties! If mothers would go to Christ more frequently and trust Him more fully, their burdens would be easier, and they would find rest to their souls.  {AH 204.3}  

     The God of Heaven Hears Your Prayers.--You cannot bring up your children as you should without divine help; for the fallen nature of Adam always strives for the mastery. The heart must be prepared for the principles of truth, that they may root in the soul and find nourishment in the life.  {AH 205.1}

  The sphere of the mother may be humble; but her influence, united with the father's, is as abiding as eternity. Next to God, the mother's power for good is the strongest known on earth.  {AH 240.1}  

A Christian mother will ever be wide awake to discern the dangers that surround her children. She will keep her own soul in a pure, holy atmosphere; she will regulate her temper and principles by the word of God and will faithfully do her duty, living above the petty temptations which will always assail her.  {AH 241.2}  

TESTIMONY

 A True Christian Mother

It may be feared that Christian mothers of our generation do not pray with then children as in former days. When we see sons and daughters in Christian households growing up with worldly hearts, and swerving from the faith of their parents, we always fear that a mother's heart has not been burdened by their sins, and a mother's prayers and faith have not led them to Christ. Dr. McCrie, the celebrated biographer of Knox, records with filial love and reverence the fidelity of his mother, in training him to a Christian life. One incident in his experience is of rare beauty. {December 19, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 19.2} 

In his sixteenth year he left home to attend the classes of Edinburg University, and his devoted mother, apprehensive of the temptations to which he would be exposed in city life, walked with him a part of the way, to give him her last words of counsel. She parted from him in Coldingham Moor, Before bidding him farewell, she led him to a rock at a little distance from the road, and kneeling behind it, with her hands upon his head, implored, in a fervent prayer, that God would shield him from danger, and make him an intelligent and zealous Christian, useful to the church in his generation. {December 19, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 19.3} 

Such a mother's faith could not go unblessed. Such prayers must secure God's blessing. In a year from that time the mother slept, but the son, over whom she had yearned and prayed, was not forgotten of God. He was converted, and became one of the eminent ministers of Scotland, and the biographer of some of her greatest worthies. {December 19, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 19.4} 

A curious incident is told of his closing life, connected with this prayer of his mother at the roadside. Nearly fifty years had passed. He had lived a life of toil and trial, and success. He was ripe in years, and service and experience. One night, in a dream his mother appeared to him, standing behind the rock on the moor, and beckoned him to follow. He promised to obey her, and the vision passed. Dr. McCrie was not a weak or superstitious man, but he regarded the dream as a warning that his work was nearly done. In a few weeks he was called away, and the mother and son at the Archangel's trump will be united forever in a better world.-Christian Press. {December 19, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 19.5} 

"Galilean, thou hast Conquered." Such was the dying exclamation of Julian, the Roman emperor. Though once a professed Christian, he apostatized from the faith, and employed all his energies for the overthrow of the religion of Jesus and the establishment of idolatry. He shut up Christian sanctuaries, re-opened and patronized heathen temples, and in face of the positive assertion of Christ, that the Jewish Temple at Jerusalem should remain in ruins, impiously attempted to rebuild it. But he contended against One far mightier than himself, and was forced to submit. Wounded in battle by a Persian lance, he took a handful of his blood, and casting it towards Heaven cried, "O Galilean, thou hast conquered!" {December 19, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 19.6} 

Ev.Benard Odhiambo

+254701165870

"Contend for the Faith."

 

A Deep-Laid Foundation

 “The faith” which Jude refers to is the body of truths we hold concerning our Christian belief. Peter says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walked about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world (1 Peter 5:8, 9).” Both these writers encourage the believer to hold onto the faith.

“The faith” is to be distinguished from the phrase “your faith.” “Your faith” refers to the believer’s personal experience, “the trial of your faith (1 Peter 1:7).” “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge (2 Peter 1:5).”

Revelation 14:12  “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” While much attention has been given to the phrase “they that keep the commandments of God,” it should be noted that those who receive the seal of God and avoid the mark of the beast also “keep . . . the faith of Jesus.” The phrase “the faith of Jesus” serves as an object of the verb “keep.” Thus, the remnant will be those who “earnestly contend for the faith (Jude 3).”

Within Adventism “the faith” includes not only the body of truths that were established early in the apostolic age, but also those special truths the Bible indicates would be revealed in the last days.These special truths are known within Adventism as the “three angels’ messages.” 

• Their development came from Bible study and revelation.

• The foundational points were established early in our experience.

• These points are not to be moved or changed.

• Any deviation from these truths would be apostasy.

The main doctrines and foundational points of our faith were established through much Bible study and with the aid of divine revelations given to Sister Ellen G. White. Secondly, these main foundational points were established early, by 1850. Thirdly, the Scriptures state: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do (Psalm 11:3)?” The Scriptures also teach that “the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18).” However, the “shining light” that grows brighter will not darken that which has been established as truth! Fourthly, deviation from these truths brings apostasy which, if continued, results in a city that was once faithful becoming a “harlot.” (See Isaiah 1:21.)

Let us begin first by noting the method with which the apostolic faith was developed. The apostle Peter states:We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:19-21).

Peter tells us that “the faith” was revealed through the prophets as they were moved by “the Holy Ghost” or, as he says in his first epistle, “the Spirit of Christ (1 Peter 1:11).” Moses prophesied concerning Christ: “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him (Deuteronomy 18:18).” 

The book of Revelation begins: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John (Revelation 1:1).” Here we see that God communicates his will through the prophets. “The faith” is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone ( Ephesians 2:20).” “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11, 12).”

TESTIMONY

These are the words of the Apostle Jude, evidently written for the people of God in the "last time." In the third verse of his sententious epistle this "servant of Jesus Christ" says: "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." "Contend for the faith!" How suggestive an expression! The Apostle in looking down the vista of time, amid the perils of the last hours of probation, saw the antagonistic principles of Truth and Error arrayed in close combat, and hence his admonition to the soldier of the cross. If not before, we have now reached a crisis where we can determine the necessity of the Apostle's exhortation. The people of God are compassed with dangers, and the combat deepens. Trials always test the valor and faith of the Christian; and it is by these that many stumble and fall; still the Holy One of Israel has declared he would have a "tried people." Jude, by the prophetic Spirit, saw the Lord's children in conflict with the enemies of truth-he saw them in violent rencounter with the powers of darkness, the beast and his image, and in addition to this outward pressure, he saw traitors and cowards in their ranks, "spots in their feasts of charity," so he cheers them on to the contest and says, "Contend for the faith!" {December 5, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 4.1} 

We do not suppose this refers so much to certain Christian graces, and emotions of the mind, as it does to the letter of the truth. Joy, peace, and love, are a natural result of being obedient to all the commandments of God. God's people are made the depositaries of his truth, and this makes them extremely unpopular, and lest in an evil hour they should prove recreant to their high trust, he tells them to contend for the faith. The doctrinal views of Seventh-day Adventists are such as to render them obnoxious, and make them a sort of target for opposers to shoot at. But the man who can breast opposition in a Christ-like spirit, who can stand the shock of attack without beating an inglorious retreat, such an one is morally brave, and for him there awaits a "crown of rejoicing." The words of the Saviour are, "He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." And again, "Strive (i.e. agonize, or strain every nerve,) to enter in at the strait gate." Says Paul, "I press toward the mark." And he exhorts the church to "Fight the good fight of faith;" "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;" "So run that ye may obtain;" "Strive together for the faith of the gospel;" "Labor therefore to enter into that rest;" "Stand fast in the faith; quit you like men; be strong." {December 5, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 4.2} 

These are only a few of the strong terms which the Bible uses to excite us forward in this glorious work. And let God's people press together and there is no fear of the result For {December 5, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 4.3} 

"The Hand that bears all nature up,

Shall guard His children well." {December 5, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 4.4} 

On to Mount Zion, is the watchword which seems to pass from the highest in command to the lowest subaltern in the ranks. Let the Devil pit his legions against the columns of Prince Immanuel, we will press forward; He who wrought out salvation for us is our leader, and in his strength we are well able to go up and possess the land. This is a period of endurance, and "eternity's years will tell for our faithfulness now." We are to be like the Highland trooper who "never learned to beat a retreat!" Satan, by some wily feint or bold attack, will seek to get the vantage ground, but God's people must buckle on the armor and trust in Him who is higher than the heavens, and "over all, God blessed forever." {December 5, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 4.5} 

Brethren, let us all "contend" for that faith which was once delivered to the saints. {December 5, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 4.6}

Ev.Benard Odhiambo,

+254701165870

JO MA NOPWODHO PUONJ MAG KANISA MACHON

 JO MA NOPWODHO PUONJ MAG KANISA  MACHON

KATA mudho mandiwa gi chandruok nobedo e wang’ piny kuom higini duto mag loch mar Kanisa mar Rumi, to ler mar Wach Nyasaye ne ok nyal lal chutho. Joneno mag Nyasaye nobedeee tienge duto—jogo ma nigi yie motegno kaka Kristo e jagach ma kende e kind Nyasaye gi dhano,mana jo ma ne keto Biblos nyimgi kaka jachik ngimagi, kendo ma norito Sabato makare marNyasaye. To jo ma nonyuol achien ok nyal yango malong’o kaka jogo nokonyo piny. Ji noluongogini joland puonj mar miriambo, ka gijaro wechegi kendo ketho nyinggi, ne gichayo ndiko maggi kagiloko tiendgi ataro. To kata kamano jogo nochungo matek, kendo kuom tienge duto ne gisiko kuom yie makare, ka girite ka gir keni maler mondo ogendini ma bang’gi chieng’ moro oyude.{KKS28.1}

Lweny maduong’ nobedee mar nyono Biblos piny mondo olal nono, kendo ndalo moko Biblos manok kende e ma nodong’ e piny; to Nyasaye ne ok oyie mondo Wachne olal chutho. Onge ng’ato ma ne nyalo pando adiera mag Biblos mondo kik gielre nyaka chieng’. Nyasaye ne nyalo gonyo Wachne mar ngima e twech mag dhano mana kaka nogonyo thipe mag od twech kod thikego mag nyinyo mondo jotichne owuogi. E pinje rnayore yore mag Ulaya Roho mar Nyasaye nomulo chuny ji kendo ne gichako manyo adiera mar wach makare kaka jo mamanyo mwandu mopandi. Nikech Roho mar Nyasaye notelonigi, ne gisomo weche mondiki ei Biblos gichuny mamor ahinya. Nene giyie ruako ler mar Wach Nyasaye kata gi chandruok manade. Kata obedo ni ne ok giyango tiend gik moko duto maler chutho, to ne gifwenyo weche mathoth manopondo nigi chon. Nene giwuok kaka joote ma Nyasaye ooro, ka gichodo thipe mag richo kodlamo gik manono, kendo ka giluongo jogo ma nosiko ka gin misumb Satan mondo gichiew kendogiyud thuolo.{KKS 28.2}

Kinde nochopo ma nonego lokie Biblos e dhumbe mayore yore ni ji mopogore opogore modake wang’ piny, mondo gisome e dhogi giwegi. Mudho maduong’ koro nochako rumo e wang’ piny.Ler nochako donjo, kendo piny nochako yawore kwonde mang’eny.{KKS 29.1}

“Sulwe mar Okinyi” mar Pwodhruok Dini

Ka higini ma dirom gana achiel gi piero adek nosekadho bang’ nyuol Yesu, ng’at moro nowuoke England ma iluongo ni “Sulwe mar Okinyi mar Pwodhruok Dini.” Ng’atno ne nyinge John Wyclif,kendo nobedo jachir ahinya kuom pwodho puonj mag miriambo mondo gibed makare. Ne ok otimokamano ni piny England kende, to mana ni pinje duto ma Jokristo ne dakie. En e ma nobedo japuonj mokwongo mar jogo miluongo ni “Puritans,” e jodini moko ma ohero kit lemo maonge dhethruok moro. Ndalo mag Wyclif ne chalo ka ndalo ma ler moro nowuokie e dier mudhomandiwa.{KKS 29.2}

Jehova noneno kaka owinjore mondo oket tich pwodhruok mar dini e luet ng’at mariek, man gikido maber, bende manyalo timo tich gi chir. Rieko matut gi dimbruok ma kamano e ma nomiyojojaro oling’; kendo nogeng’o jowasik adieri mondo kik gicha kata nyiero tich jalo nikech oremrieko. Ka Wyclif nosetieko puonjruok mare e sikunde madongo, eka nochako puonjore Biblos gikinda. Ei Biblos noyudo kaka nitie weche moko ma yandi odwaro winjo, to ne pok ong’eyo tiendgi.Kanyo noneno dwaro mar Nyasaye kuom waro dhano kofwenyore malong’o, kendo nofwenyokaka Kristo kende e mobedo jagach ni dhano. Noneno kaka Kanisa mar Rumi noseweyo yore mag Biblos, ma giluwo mana puonj mag dhano. Nochiwore ni tich Kristo, kendo noparo e chunye kaka onego oland ni ji adierigo mag Biblos ma nosefwenyo.{KKS 30.1}

Tich maduong’ moloyo ma notimo e ngimane ne en loko Biblos e dho Ingereza. Kitapeno e mano bedo loko mokwongo chuth e dho Ingereza. Nikech ji ne pok ong’eyo rieko mar goyo chapa,Biblos manok kende ma ne nyalo yudore, to ne gin mondiki gi luedo, mana tich matek mokawo ndalo mang’eny ahinya; kata kamano tijno notimore, mi jo England noyudo Biblos e dhogi giwegi.Kamano ler mar Wach Nyasaye nochako menyo piny koriembo mudho. Ler Nyasaye notiyokochako loso yo ni Pwodhruok Maduong’ mar dini.{KKS 30.2}

Ji nochako manyo tiend Ndiko giwegi, mit wang’gi noyepo ma ne giweyo luwo puonj kod chik mag papa kaka muofni. Jo mong’eyo somo e ndalogo, mana jo ma ne nigi nying’ e wang’ piny,noruako puonj makare gi chuny maber. Koro Wyclif nochako nyiso tiend puonj motegno ma nobedo mise mar dini mar Joprotestant, mana puonjgo ma gipogorego kod Kanisa mar Rumi, —kaka warruok yudore mana kuom Kristo kende, kendo kaka weche mondiki ei Biblos gin weche moa ka Nyasaye, kendo gin adieri chuth, maonge both kata miriambo moro. Jopadri mang’eny noriwore kod Wyclif kuom tich mar lando ni ji Biblos kod yalonigi injili; kendo tich majogo notimo, kaachiel kod ndiko mag Wyclif, nobedo gi teko maduong’, nyaka chiegini nus ji manodak e piny England nolokore, ma giruako puonj manyienno. Pinyruodh mudho nochako tetni.{KKS 30.3}

Jowasik Wyclif notemo ahinya mondo githir tichne kendo mondo ginege, to ne ok ginyalo;kendo notho gi kuwe e tich Nyasaye ka en ja higini piero auchiel gachiel.{KKS 31.1}

Pwodhruok mar Dini Landore

Nikech ndiko mag Wyclif, ng’at moro miluongo ni Huss ma ja Bohemia bende nolokore, kendo nochako kwero puonj mag miriambo mag Kanisa mar Rumi, mi en bende nodonjo e tich mar pwodho dini. Huss nene en mana Jakristo motegno kaka Wyclif, kendo ne en gi puonjruok matut kod chuny motegno motwere chuth kuom adiera. Weche ma nopuonjo kuom Biblos kod chir mare mar kwero timbe mag anjawo mag jopadri, noyawo wang’ ji mathoth ma giyie kode, kendo ji ganagi gana noruako puonj mar dini malerno kod chuny mamor. Wachno nomiyo mirima omako papa kod askofu gi jopadri, mi ne giluongo Huss mondo odhi e nyim bura maduong’ miluongo “Council of Constance,” mondo odwok wach kuom wach modonjne godo kaka opuonjo puonj mag miariambo. Ruodh piny Germany nomiye barup wuoth mondo kik ng’ato thage e kor yo, kendo kanochopo e nyim bura maduong’no, to papa nonyise ratiro kaka ok dak gitimne wach moro makodhi kare.{KKS 31.2}

Ka ne giseyalo buche kuom ndalo mathoth, ka Huss osiko mana kotwere kuom adiera, negipenje mondo oyier konyalo weyo puonje kata oyie tho. Noyiero tho kaka janeno mar Nyasaye,kendo ka ne gisewang’o kitepene koneno, en bende ne giwang’e gi mach kanyono. E nyim jodongo mag kanisa kod mag piny mochokore kanyo, jatich Nyasaye nohulo ratiro kaka ok oyie kod tim kethruok mag loch Kanisa mar Rumi. Nek ma ne ginegego, mopogore kod singruok manomiye e nyim ji duto kaka norite maber e wuodheno, nonyiso jopiny duto andhoga kod sasi mar Rumi. Jogo ma nobedo jowasik adiera, kata ne ok ging’eyo ni gitimo kamano, to kare nenegichwalo mana tich Nyasaye nyime, mana tichno ma ne gidwaro ketho, to ne ok ginyalo.{KKS 32.1}

Kata sand nobedo mager kamano, to pod ne nitie ji ma nosiko mana ka kwero tim richo ma neketho dini, kata mana bang’ tho Wyclif. Ji mathoth nogolo mwandugi mondo gitimgo tich Nyasaye gi teko, mana kaka ji notimo e ndalo mag joote.{KKS 32.2}

Tich notiyore ahinya mar temo medo loch kod teko mar Kanisa mar Rumi, to kata askofu madongo mag Rumi ne pod luongore ni joote mag Kristo, to kit ngimagi nojogo ji. Biblos nomedo landore ahinya bang’ ka nosefweny rieko mar chapo kitepe, kendo ji mang’eny nomedo neno malong’o kaka puonj mag papa nopogre chutho gi Wach Nyasaye.{KKS 32.3}

Ka nene osenegi janeno moro mar Kristo, to ng’at machielo ne wuok kendo mako meny kendo ting’ogo malo. Noyudo Iweny osechakore ma ne biro kelo thuolo, ok ni ji achiel achiel kende, kata mana nikanisini, to mana thuolo mar ogendini. Ne chalo mana ka ji norieyo luetegi mondo gimak luet joadieri mag ndalo mag Wyclif mana kar higini mia achiel ma nokadho. Martin Luther nochako tich Pwodhruok mar dini e piny Germany; Calvin ne yalo injili e piny Fransa, kendo Zwingli notiyo tichyalo e piny Sweitzerland. Piny nochako chiew kuom nindo ma nosebedee kuom higini michema thoth, kendo koro e pinje duto nene inyalo winjo wach kolandore ni, “Thuolo mar lemo kakang’ato ohero owuon.”{KKS 32.4}

Okelnu gi Jayalo Benard Odhiambo,+254701165870

"Saving Health"

 

"Saving Health" 

"BELOVED, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health." 3 John 2. 

This is a wonderful wish; and there is a wonderful reason for it, though many Christians, even Seventh-day Adventists, seem to think that this wish is one of minor importance. Let us study it a little.  

The word "health" is an abstract noun, derived from the word "whole." The thought is expressed in the words of Jesus, "They that are whole need not a physician." Matt. 9:12. 

The word "whole" was formerly spelled hole, and comes from the original Anglo-Saxon hðl, same as present German heil, which means hale, hearty, sound, whole, saved; and saved because of being hearty, sound, and whole. 

This word hðl, through hole, holeth, is our present word "health," which, from its origin, signifies happiness, safety, salvation. This thought is also expressed in the Scriptural phrase, "thy saving health." 

To this original was hðl, there was added the expression ig, making the word hðlig, present German heilig, signifying salvation; from this, in descent, is our word "holy." 

To the word hðlig there was next added the suffix nes, or ness, expressive of quality, thus forming the word hðlig-ness, which, in descent, forms our word "holiness." This seems to be the surest descent of the word "holiness," though from the word hole (whole), with the qualitative ness,—hoeness,—the descent is easy to holiness.  

In any case, however, the root-word of "health" is actually the root-word of "holiness." This is positive, also, from the fact that the root-word of "health"—hðl—signifies saved, and saved because of hðli-ness, which is hole-ness, which is wholeness, which is hðlig-ness, which is HOLINESS.

Therefore when the Lord wishes "above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health," he wishes that "thou mayest prosper and be in holiness." And why should he not wish this "above all things"? Can any higher point be attained than holiness according to God's wish, which is perfect holiness? 

Men themselves know that perfect holiness is the highest possible attainment. This is the one thing "above all" that they wish. But this thing of perfect holiness can not be attained without health. This the Lord perfectly understands, though men do not; and therefore he has recorded this word, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health." 

Do you question the statement that perfect holiness can not be attained without health? How can you, when the very root idea of health is holiness? But if you are not ready to accept this from the words themselves, then read the same thing in the word of God: "Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Cor. 7:1. 

This is also expressed in the full text cited at the beginning of this article: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 

Perfect holiness embraces the flesh as well as the spirit; it includes the body as well as the soul. Therefore, as perfect holiness can not be attained without holiness of body, and as holiness of body is expressed in the word "health," so perfect holiness can not be attained without health.

And "without holiness no man shall see the Lord." Heb. 12:14. Since this is eternally so, and as perfect holiness includes the body, and holiness of body is expressed in the word "health," do you not see in this the whole philosophy of health reform? Do you not see by all this that in the principles of health for the body, and righteousness for the soul, both inwrought by the Holy Spirit of God, the Lord is preparing a people unto perfect holiness, so that they can meet the Lord in peace, and see him in holiness? 

Can you, then, despise or slight true health reform, and expect to see the Lord in peace, which means only to see him in holiness? 

God would make us acquainted with his great name,—Jehovah-tsidkenu, the Lord our Righteousness,—and also with his great name,—Jehovah-rophekha, the Lord our Healer. 

"God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; that thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health [thy perfect holiness] among all nations." Ps. 67:1, 2. {November 22, 1898 ATJ, ARSH 752.17} 

 WACH MODHIERO MAR CHAYO CHIK

JAOTE Paulo, ka nondiko barupe mar ariyo ni Jothessalonika, nokoro wach dok chienmaduong’ ma ne biro bedee, kendo ma dikel gurruok kuom teko mar Kanisa mar Rumi. Paulonowacho kaka ndalo mar Kristo ok nochopi, “ka pok Ng’anjo Mogik obetie, kendo dhano ma chayochik ofwenyore. En e dhano moket ni keth, jal ma kedo kendo sungore, kokwero gimoro amoramiluongo ni Nyasaye, kata milamo. Otimo kamano nyaka en owuon obed e hekalu mar Nyasaye,kohulore owuon ni en Nyasaye.” Kendo Jaote Paulo omedo siemo owete kaka “kata koroni tekomaling’ling’ ma chayo chik tiyo.” 2 Jo Thess. 2:3, 4, 7. Kata mana e ndalo machon go eko, to jaotenoneno ka wuond moko ochako donjo e kanisa, ma ne nyalo loso yo ni dongruok mar loch Kanisamar Rumi.{KKS 16.1}

Mokwongo nodonjo matin tin, nyaka mos mos ka nosetegno kendo loyo chuny ji mang’eny,wach modhiero mar chayo chik ne odhi nyime gi tichne maduong’ mar wuond kendo mar piem gi Nyasaye. Mana mos mos, ka ji ok ong’eyo, ne gipo mana ka kido kod timbe mag piny oseyudo kinde mar donjo ei kanisa mar Jokristo. Sand mager ma kanisa noyudo e bwo loch mag jo malamo gik maket (paganism) nobet kogeng’o kido mar winjruok gi piny kod chuny mar luwo ndach piny ma ne dwaro donjo ei kanisa. To ka sand norumo, ma dini mar Kristo nochako dhitimo winjruok kod jodong piny kendo donjo e ut ruodhi, kanisa noweyo muolo mar Kristo kod jopuonjre mage, mi nochako luwo dhethruok gi sunga mag jodong piny kod jodolo ma nolamo gik maket; kendo kar timo dwaro mar Nyasaye, nochako luwo puonj kod timbe mag dhano. Lokruok moro marach rach mar ruoth Constantine e higa 323 A.D., mobedo Jakristo kuom nying’ kende,nomiyo ji obedo mamor ahinya; kendo piny kod timbene, ka giruakore gi kido mar bidhruok maoko, noyudo yo mar donjo ei kanisa. Koro kethruok nomedore mapiyo ahinya. Kata nonenore ni kitpiny mar lamo gik maket odok chien, to chutho en e ma nobedo kolocho. Nikech lokruok marachrach mar ji mang’eny mobedo Jokristo kuom nying’ kende, chuny mar piny kod timne nolocho ekanisa. Puonj mar piny, timbe mag duong’ gi pak, timbe kaka mag liswa kod juok, nokikorekaachiel kuom dini kod lemo duto mag jogo ma ne luongore ni jolup Kristo.{KKS 16.2}

Nikech winjruok ma nobedee e kind tim chilo kod dini mar Kristo, kinde ne nitie mondo tich mag wuod Kethruok omed dongo, ma jonabi nokoro wachne chon kaka osindo kendo osungore kuomduto miluongo ni Nyasaye. Medruok miwuoro mar dini mar miriambono, en mana tich maduong’chuth mar teko mar Satan —rapar mar kinda mare mar temo ketore e kom duong’ mar piny mondoorony piny kaka odwaro en owuon.{KKS 17.1}

Kanisa nochako dwaro kony kod timo winjruok gi joloch mag piny mana nikech nodwaro yudomwandu kod duong’ mar piny; kendo ka kanisa nosedagi Kristo kamano, noyuware mos mos nyaka noyie timo winjruok gi Askofu mar Rumi, ma ne oketore kaka en e wi kanisini duto.{KKS 18.1}

Puonj maduong’ achiel mar kanisa mar Rumi en mana ni papa e mobedo wi kanisini duto magJokristo manie piny ka, kendo kaka en gi loch mogik chuth e wi jodong kanisani duto, askofu duto kod jo pastor duto manie piny ngima. To moloyo mano, papa sungore kod nying’ duto mowinjore luonggo mana Nyasaye Owuon.{KKS 18.2}

Satan nong’eyo malong’o kaka Ndalo Maler nyalo miyo ji pogo weche kendo ng’eyo wuond mage, eka ginyalo tamo tekone. Jawar mar piny bende notamo wechene mariek mag wuond  mana kod Wach Nyasaye. Kuom tem ka tem ma Satan nokelo, to Kristo nosire kod okumba maradieri mochwere, kowachone ni, “Nondiki niya.” Kuom weche duto ma Satan nokelo, to notame kod rieko kod teko man kuom Wach Nyasaye. Ka Satan dwaro mondo osiki koloyo ji, kendo mondo ogur loch mar papa mochuogore kar duong’ mar Nyasaye, to nyaka ogol chunygi oko kuom somo kendo ng’eyo Biblos. Biblos omiyo Nyasaye duong’, kendo onyiso dhano kare mowinjorene; kamano nyaka Satan tem pando puonjne madieri, konyonogo piny. Kanisa mar Rumi nokonyre kod wachni eni. Kanisa mar Rumi nogeng’o landruok mar Biblos kuom higini miche mathoth. Ne ogeng’ ji mondo kik gisom Ndiko Maler, kendo mondo kik gibed kode e utegi,kendo jopadri kod jodong kanisa noloko tiend puonj Biblos kaka gineno giwegi, mondo oluw wuond maggi. Kamano chiegini piny duto noluongo papa kaka jaote maduong’mar Nyasaye e piny, kendo kaka en gi loch maduong’ kuom kanisa gi piny.{KKS 18.3}

Olok Ndalo Kod Chik

Bang’ ka nosegol Biblos ma jafweny keth, Satan nochako timo dwarone. Nene osekor wachchon kaka loch mar papa “nopar mondo olok ndalo kod chik.” Daniel 7:25. Loch mar Rumi ne okodeko timo kamano. Miyo jogo ma noa e chilo gimoro mobedo kar nyiseche manono ma ne gilamo chon, kendo yienegi kamano mondo gibed Jokristo kuom nying’ kende, e momiyo lamo gik maketkod lamo rapar mag jo madongo moko mosetho nodonjo mos mos ei kanisa mar Kristo. Achien,chik nowuok matek ma noguro kit lamo gik maket ma loch mar papa noketono. Kuom tieko tichno mar piem gi Nyasaye, kanisa mar Rumi nogolo oko chik Nyasaye mar ariyo, makwero lamo gik maket, kendo nopogo chik mar apar e migepe ariyo, mondo kar kwan chik apar duto osiki kare.{KKS 19.1}

Chuny mar weyo kinde ni kido mar lamo gik maket nomedo yawo yo mar timo tama machielo kuom chik Nyasaye. Satan notemo mondo olok chik mar ang’wen bende, kendo notemo yuwayo jimondo giwe Sabato machon, ndalono ma Jehova nogwedho kendo owalo, maler; kendo nowuondo ji mondo giriti ndalo maduong’ mar jogo ma ne lamo gik maket, ma ne gidendo ni “ndalo maduong’ mar wang’ chieng’.” Mokwongo, wachni mar temo loko ndalo ne ok obedo ratiro. Kuom higini miche moko bang’ tho Yesu, to Jokristo duto ne rito Sabato makare. Ne gimiyo nying Nyasaye duong’, kendo nikech ne giyie kaka chik Nyasaye ok gilokre, kamano ne gichungo matek ka giketo teko kuom buche mag Nyasaye. To Satan notiyo gi jokonyne, kendo ne giwuondo ji mondo gitim dwarone. Ka ne gidwaro miyo ndalo mokwongo mar juma (Sunday) duong’, ne gikete kaka rapar mar miyo ndalo mar chier Kristo duong’. Chieng’no ji ne timo lemo mar dini; to bende ne gikete kaka ndalo mar mor, to Sabato makare bende ne pod girite kaka ndalo mowal maler.{KKS 19.2}

Constantine ma ruodh Rumi, ka ne pod en jachilo, nogolo chik mar chuno ji duto mondo girit ndalo mokwongo mar juma (Sunday) kaka ndalo moro maduong’ e pinje duto mobedo e bwo lochmar Pinyruodh Rumi. Ka noselokore kendo luongore ni Jakristo, to nosiko mana koketo teko kuom ndalo mokwongo mar juma, kendo ka koro noselokore obedo jadini, nomedo teko kuom chikchande mondo ndalono ma yandi orito chon koro oyud duong’ kuom dini manyien moruako. Toduong’ ma nomi ndalo mokwongo mar juma e ndalogo ne pok obedo motegno chutho ma ne nyalotamo Jokristo mondo kik girit Sabato makare mar Nyasaye. Koro ne onego gitim wach machielo;onego gimi sabato mar miriambono duong’ machalre chutho gi Sabato maler mar Nyasaye. Bang’higini manok ka Constantine nosegolo chik, eka Askofu maduong’ mar Rumi noluongo “Sunday” ni ndalo maler mar Ruoth. Kamano mos mos ji nochako paro kaka ndalo mokwongo mar juma ne en ndalo maler moromo miyo duong’ chutho. To kata kamano Jokristo ne pod rito Sabato ma Nyasaye noketo mokwongo.{KKS 20.1}

To jawuond maduong’ ne pok otieko tichne. Noketo chunye mondo ochok Jokristo manie piny duto e bwo lochne, kendo mondo oti tichne mana kuom Papa masungore kendo ma nodendorekowacho kaka en jaote mar Kristo mobedo kare. Satan nochopo dwarone e yor jogo ma jochilo mano lokore marach rach, kod jopadri ma nohero piny. Buche madongo dongo nochokore ndalo moko, kendo jotend kanisa moa e pinje duto nochokore kanyo. Ei buchego machiegini duto ma negichokoree, to ne gituro teko mar Sabato madieri ma Nyasaye noketo, to “Sunday” e ma ne gimiyoduong’ moloyo. Kamano ndalo mar mor nolokore ndalo maler ma ji duto nomiyo duong’, to Sabato mar Biblos ne giluongo mana ni Sabato mar Joyahudi machon, kendo jogo ma ne rite ne giromo gikuong’.{KKS 21.1}

Jacha chik koro noseloyo kuom sindo kendo sungore “kokwero gimoro amora miluongo ni Nyasaye, kata milamo.” 2 Jo Thess. 2:4. Nohedhore mar loko chik maler achielno ma siemo ni ji duto Nyasaye mangima kendo madieri. E chik mar ang’wen e moluongie Nyasaye ni Jachwech polo gi nyiseche mamoko duto mag miriambo. Nyasaye noketo ndalo mar abiriyo kendo nowale maler, mondo obed rapar mar chwech kod ndalo mar yuweyo ni dhano. Noketo Sabato mondo dhano osiki koparogo Nyasaye mangima kaka En e mobedo chakruok mar ngima duto, kendo kaka En e mowinjore ka ji miye duong’ kendo lame. Pile Satan okedo matek mondo ogol ji kuom winjruok gi Nyasaye, kendo mondo kik gimak chikne gi luor makare; mano e momiyo otemo ketotekone ahinya kuom chikno moluongo Nyasaye ni Jachwech.{KKS 21.2}

Joprotestant koro wacho kaka chier mar Kristo chieng’ “Sunday” nomiyo ndalono obedo Sabato mar Jokristo. To ei Biblos ngima ok wayud ka mwasomoe wachno. Kristo kata joote bende ok negimiyo ndalono duong’ kata matin. Rito “Sunday” kaka ndalo mar yuweyo mar Jokristo nochakoremana kuom “wach modhiero mar chayo chik” chande, ma nochako mana tichne chon, kata endalo mag Paulo. Kidira manyien mar “Sunday” ma nochakore kuom dini mar Katholika, to Ruoth Nyasaye noyie kode karang’o? Ere tiend wach maduong’ ma nyalo kelo lokruok mar kidira kamano, to ei Biblos ok ondikee?{KKS 22.1}

Ka higini piero apar abich nosekadho bang’ nyuol Kristo, to teko mar dini mar Katholi kanosegurore chuth. Noseketo kom mar duong’ e dala maduong’ mar ruodh Rumi, kendo ne oland wach kaka Askofu Maduong’ mar Rumi e mobedo wi kanisini duto. Koro teko mar lamo gik maket noweyo kinde ni loch mar Papa. Thuol nosemiyo ondiek “tekone, gi kom duong’ne, kod nyalomaduong’.” Fweny 13:2. Kendo koro higini 1260 mag sand nochakore ma janabi Daniel kod Yohana nokoro. (Daniel 7:25; Fweny 13:5-7). Koro loch mar Kanisa mar Rumi nochako chuno Jokristo mondo giyier, kata ginyalo weyo kinda gi yie margi mondo giluw timbe kod kit lemo mar Kanisa mar Rumi, kata mondo gibed e ut twech nyaka chieng’ githo, kata mondo githo tho malit kifuono fuondegi, kata mondo owang’gi gi mach, kata ng’ado ng’utgi. Weche ma Yesu nokoro chon nochopo kargi. “Kata jonywolu, gi omineu gi oweteu gi osiepeu, nondhogu; kendo ginimi jo mokokuomu nonegi. Kendo ji duto nosin kodu nikech nyinga.” Luka 21:16, 17. Sand mar jo makare nochakore gi gero malich moloyo kaka ne giseneno chon, kendo piny duto nolokore mana alap mar Iweny. Kuom higini miche mathoth to jo kanisa mar Kristo nokonyore manakopondo ni josandne. Janabi owacho kama: “Dhakono to noringo e thim, ku ma ne Nyasaye oikone kar bet, mondo omiyee chiemo kuno ndalo gana achiel gi piero apar ariyo gi piero auchiel.”Fweny 12:6.{KKS 22.2}

higini mag Mudho

Higini mag Mudho nochakore mana e ndalogo ma Kanisa mar Rumi nochako bedo gi loch.Kaka tekone nomedore, e kaka mudho bende nomedore, Nene gigolo geno margi kuom Kristo, En mobedo mise madieri, kendo ne gichako geno kuom Papa ma jaduong’ Rumi. Kar yie kuom Wuod Nyasaye kuom werruok mar richo kendo kuom yudo warruok mochwere, to ji nong’iyo mana wang’Papa kod jopadri mage ma nosemiyo teko. Nene opuonjgi kaka Papa e jagach margi, kendo kaka onge ng’at ma nyalo sudo machiegini gi Nyasaye mak okwongo odhi ir Papa; kendo moloyo mano,to ne giwacho kaka Papa nobedonigi kar Nyasaye, kendo kamano nowinjore mondo owinje chuth maonge kiawa. Jogo ma nodagi winjo chikne kata timo dwarone, to ne nyalo yudo chwat malich miwuoro.{KKS 23.1}

Kamano ne ogol chuny ji oko kuom Nyasaye, kendo mondo giyie kuom ji ajia, ma ne nyaloriambo kendo timo ketho, jokwinyo,— to moloyo, ne giluwo ruodh mudho owuon, ma ne otiyokuomgi. Richo nogeng’ore koriasore ni en kido maler mowinjore. Ka dhano ochako nyono weche mondiki ei Biblos piny, kendo ochako paro kaka en e mobedo jalocho, eka waneno ka ketho chik,wuond, kod richo ma kuodo wich chako donjo. Nikech ne oting’ malo chik kod puonj mar dhano,kendo ne ojwang’ chik mar Nyasaye, kamano kethruok maduong’ nobiro e wang’ piny.{KKS 23.2}

Ndalo mag Chandruok

Nene gin ndalo mag chandruok ni kanisa mar Kristo. Jogo ma nochungo makare ne ginok ahinya. Kata obedo ni Wach Nyasaye ne ok odong’ nono maonge joneno kamano, to kinde mokone nenore ni bayo yo makare kod luoro ne dwaro mana imo Wach Nyasaye chutho, kendo dini madieri ne poth orumo e wang’ piny. Wi ji nowil kod injili madieri, to ne gimedo mana timbe mokomanono mag dini, kendo ne gijonyo ji kod chik mathoth maonge tiendgi.{KKS 24.1}

Nene opuonj ji mondo giyie kuom Papa kaka jagach margi, bende mondo gigen tijegi giwegikaka nyalo warogi kuom kethgi. Kuom chik mar Kanisa ji nodhiyo wuoth ka gidhi e pinje maboyo mar limo kwonde ma Kanisa mar Rumi nokwano kaka kwonde maler mag dini (kit wuoth miluongoni “piligrimage”), ne gitimo timbe malit ma nobedonigi kaka chwat mar pwodhogi kuom kethgi, negilamo gik mobedo rapar mag jo maler machon, ne gigero kanisini kod kwonde lemo mamoko,kendo ne gichiwo mich madongo ni kanisa; magi duto, kod moko modong’, ne gitimo mana kagiparo ni ginyalo kuweyo mirimb Nyasaye, kata yudo hawi moro kuome, ka giparo ni Nyasaye ochalo gi dhano, ma mirima nyalo make ni weche manono matindo tindo, kendo kaka ginyalokuweyo mirimbe mana ka gichiwone mich moko, kata ka gitimo timbe moko mondo obednigi kakachwat nikech kethgi ma gitimo.{KKS 24.2}

Kuom higini momedore, to keth nomedo doko mathoth, mana nikech puonj mag miriambo manoa e Kanisa mar Rumi. Kata mana e ndalo ma loch Kanisa mar Rumi ne pok ogurore, to jinochako yie kod puonj mag miriambo, kendo jorieko ma ok kare nochako yuwayo kata manakanisa bende kod puonjgi. Ji mang’eny ma ne wacho kaka giselokore to ne pod gitwere kuompuonj mag libambagi ma jochilo, kendo ne gimedo puonjore gigo kendgi giwegi, ka gilandogibende ni ji mamoko mondo e yorno giyuwa jogo ma ne lamo gik manono. Kamano dini mar Kristo noduwore kod puonj madongo mag miriambo. Puonj achiel maduong’ kuomgi ne en puonj kuom kit jo motho, ni kata ka ng’ato otho to pod en mana gi teko mar winjo kod wuoyo, ka giwacho kaka dhano nigi ngima mochwere. Puonj machalo kamano e ma nomiyo Kanisa mar Rumi oketo chikmondo ji gilam jomaler ma notho chon, kendo mondo gimi Mariam ma min Yesu duong’. Puonjnobende e ma gichuogoe puonj mar miriambo mowacho kaka jogo modagi lokore achien to ginisikika giwang’ gi mach mak tho, kendo mano en puonj ma ne oruak chon kuom puonj mag dini mar Kanisa mar Rumi.{KKS 25.1}

Koro yo noyawore chutho mar kelo puonj machielo kendo mar jopiny, ma Kanisa mar Rumi luongo ni “Purgatory,” tiende ni kar pwodho ji kuom richogi mondo gidonj e polo, kendo ne gitiyo kod puonjno mondo gibwoggo oganda mar jopoya kod jogo ma yie kod puonj manono. Puonjno ero e ma wacho kaka nitie kar wang’o ji, ka ma jogo mak owinjore ng’adonigi buch chwat mochwere to gibedee ka giyudo chwat kuom kethgi kuom ndalo moketi, kendo ka gisea kanyo, makoro gisepwodhore, eka giyudo thuolo mar donjo e polo.{KKS 25.2}

To pod ne nitie puonj machielo mar miriambo ma ne onego ochuogi, ma ne nyalo miyo Kanisa mar Rumi yudo ohala nikech luoro kod keth mag jolupne. Mit ne ochuog puonj moro kuom wach miluongo ni “Indulgence,’ ma tiende ni yudo singruok kuom weruok mar richo mana nikech gimoro mitimo kata chudo moro. Weruok e richo chutho, mana mago ma ng’ato notimo chon, motimo koroni, kod mago mobiro timo e ndalo manyime, kendo gonyruok kuom chwat kod malit duto mang’ato owinjore oyudi nikech kethne, mago gik ma ne osingi ni jogo duto ma noyie riwore e IwenjPapa mar lando pinyruodhe kod kedo gi wasike, kata tieko chutho jogo ma nohedhore mar kwerolochne e yor weche mag dini. Nene gipuonjo ji kaka kuom chulo mich ni kanisa, ne nyalo miyoiweyonigi richogi giwegi, kendo kelo gonyruok ni osiepegi ma notho ma pod osiko ka wang’ emach. Gi yore machalo kamago Rumi nopong’o sanduge mag kano pesa, kendo kamano nonyalosiko mana korito joge madongo e yor duong’ miwuoro, kod dhethruok gi moko mang’eny, kendo umo timbe mag richo ma jogo notimo ka giwuondore ni gin joote mag En ma noonge kata kamoketie wiye.{KKS 26.1}

Tim mar Sap Ruoth kaka ochike ei Biblos, to ne giloko obedo tim miluongo ni Misa, modwaro chalre kod lamo gi maket. E yor mim kod timo weche maonge gi tiendgi, jopadri mag Kanisa marRumi noriasore ni ginyalo loko mkate kod divai mondo obed ringre kod remb Yesu chutho. Kuomtimbe manono ma kamano machalre kod yanyo Nyasaye, ne gihedhore ka giwacho kaka gin kodteko mar “chweyo Jachwech margi.” Nene gichuno Jokristo duto mondo giyie kod puonjno ma ne chalre chutho kod yanyo nying Nyasaye.Jogo ma nodagi yie kod puonjno to ne giwang’ogi gi mach.{KKS 26.2}

Kuom ndalo duto ma loch mar Papa ne nigi teko, to ji ne medo bedo e mudho e yor weche mag chuny. Weche mag Biblos ne poth olal chutho, ok ni ji ajia kende, to kata mana jopadri bende neok ging’eyo wechene. Machalo kaka Jofarisai machon notimo, jotelo madongo mag Kanisa marRumi nodagi ruako ler mar wach makare, nikech nofwenyo kethgi. To ka ne gisedagi chik Nyasaye, mobedo rapor mar dimbruok, eka ne gichako ronyo ji gi teko mokalo tong’, kendo negidonjo e tim richo maonge gi ma geng’ogi. Andhoga, gombo mwandu, kod terruok nomedore ahinya. Wang’ teko nomedore ahinya, kendo ka ng’ato ne nyalo timo keth moro ma ne nyalo miyo oyud mwandu kata duong’ moro, to ok odew kata ne en tim marach manade. Papa moko to netimo keth moko ma kuodo wich, ma nomiyo jodong piny oneno ni owinjore mondo golgi e telo, kagiwacho kaka gin jotelo mogak ma ok owinjore miyo duong’ ma ne gintieno. Weche mag puonjruok, tije mag lony, kod dongruok mar piny ok noyudo medruok kuom higini mathoth ahinya.Swekruok maduong’ nobedee kuom rieko mar puonjruok kod mar chuny e pinje duto mag Jokristo.{KKS 27.1}

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