It's time to follow Christ's Commandments and Teaching and not Human Traditions or Commandments

Here is Your Spirit of Prophecy Quote of the Day:

"In the commission to His disciples, Christ not only outlined their work, but gave them their message. Teach the people, He said, “to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” The disciples were to teach what Christ had taught. That which He had spoken, not only in person, but through all the prophets and teachers of the Old Testament, is here included. Human teaching is shut out. There is no place for tradition, for man’s theories and conclusions, or for church legislation. No laws ordained by ecclesiastical authority are included in the commission. None of these are Christ’s servants to teach. “The law and the prophets,” with the record of His own words and deeds, are the treasure committed to the disciples to be given to the world ... The gospel is to be presented, not as a lifeless theory, but as a living force to change the life. God desires that the receivers of His grace shall be witnesses to its power. —The Desire of Ages, 826. (1898)

Pastor's Comment: It's high time to return to a biblical faith that is founded only upon the words of Jesus and the prophets. People today are seeking to have "an experience with God". They want to have an experience with God. Therefore, let's teach them and lead them to follow only the Word of Christ and not the words of men. It's high time to follow the Lamb, and only the Lamb, wheresoever He may lead us. 

~ Pastor Sal Garcia

How far are you from God today?

Here is your Word of the Day:

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  Romans 10:8-9

How far is God from you today? 186,000 miles? 1400 miles? A day's travel in outer space? A week's travel into deep space? Well, how about if I told you you God is only about 12 to 18 inches distance from you. Are you kidding me? How can that be? Take a ruler or a measuring stick and measure the distance from your mouth to your heart. The average is 12 to 18 inches. That is how far God is from you today for that is the distance between your mouth and your heart. 

Today's Bible text tells us that when we confess with our mouth and believe in our heart that Jesus Christ is Lord and has been raised from the dead, we experience salvation in Christ. So guess what? Put your mouth where your heart is and Jesus Christ will come in to your life today and give you eternal life as a free gift. 

Jesus wants to live in you today, and give you eternal life as a free gift of God's Grace. Go on, invite Jesus into your life right now, and make Him Lord of your life. Your steps and your life will be led and guided by God and you will experience joy, peace, and forgiveness. You see, God is closer to you than you ever imagined. He already took the first step towards you in coming down from Heaven to die on a cross for your sins. All you need to do today is to take a step of faith toward God and receive Jesus as Savior and Lord into your heart and into your life. Then, you will no longer live your life separated from God. Jesus has bridged the gap and gulf that sin had caused in your relationship with God. Through Jesus Christ, your relationship with God can be as close as though sin had never separated you from your Heavenly Father to begin with!

~ Pastor Sal Garcia

Do people know that Your Church Exists?

Do people know that Your Church Exists?

This weekend was amazing! The LIFE DISCIPLESHIP training event launched a new initiative that has the potential to change the way that "we do church" each week. Evangelism, can become a lifestyle, instead of just something "we do" or an even we attend. I believe the Holy Spirit is moving "The Present Generation" to revolutionize the way we do church and to restore the full ministry of the laity, so that the Latter Rain can come, and we can go home to be with Jesus. Things are happening in God's Church and among God's people, that it is actually exciting to be a Christian, a Protestant, and a Seventh-day Adventist today. I'm excited, not about the signs of the times in the world, in the form of earthquakes, tsunamis, etc., but instead I'm overly excited about the signs taking place with God's Church among God's people. God's people are "drawing together" and a "revival and passion for lost people outside the church" is taking place! That is something to shout "Hallelujah" and "Amen" for! ....

Have you ever asked yourself whether people in your community, your neighborhood, your school, your family, your friends know that the Seventh-day Adventist Church exists?

Chances are maybe you haven't, but I have. It's easy to generalize and create an unrealistic picture of the world without having any facts available. Studies reveal, however, that the truth is very hard from most of our perceptions. In the past four decades, (1970s to 2000s), the Seventh-day Adventist Church has conducted a survey (approximately 1500 random individuals each time) to find out who many people know that the Seventh-day Adventist Church exists, and to find out if they have accurate knowledge about the church. The first question is, "Have you ever heard or read about the Seventh-day Adventist Church?" The studies are alarming. Since the 1970s, awareness of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has generally decreased from 65%, to 70% in the 1986, to 53% in the 1994, to 56% in the 2003. What people know or think they know about the Seventh-day Adventist Church is also appalling. 28% of those who have heard the name Seventh-day Adventist responded,  

"Nothing specific comes to mind. I just know that I have heard about them. I'm sorry I'm not much help" or they know only "It's a religion." 

 There has been a marked increased in the number of people who mis-identify the Adventist Church with the Ladder Day Saints (LDS) church or some other religion. In the most recent survey (2003), it is the the third most frequent response. These surveys have revealed that 

"Less than one fifth of the general public (17%) know that Adventists observe Saturday as the Sabbath, or promote a vegetarian diet, or some other accurate fact about the Church. Distressingly, 'The public is more apt to think of Adventists as a sect or cult than as a Christian, Christ centered denomination."1 

I ask you the question again, "Do People know that Your Church exists?" ... The sad truth is that "overall, the general public has very little knowledge about the Adventist Church."2 

The purpose of raising this question and issue is not to complain or criticize, for that is never the stlye of Our Lord and Savior Jesus. Instead, this stark reality brings us to the place where we must put ourselves into the solution to help fix this problem. If people in general don't know anything about the Seventh-day Adventist Church, what are you going to do about it? Are you just going to sit back and pretend like the whole world knows about Seventh-day Adventists and believe that the world is getting ready to persecute a denomination that most people in North America have never heard about? ... What should we do? What should you do? What should I do? Both Matthew 28:19-20 and Ministry of Healing page 143 give us a blueprint for becoming involved with our communities. 

^"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Here we find the command to "Go" and have a ministry of presence or visible outreach and humanitarian work in our communities. We must discover what are the needs of our communities and fulfill them in the name of Jesus.

Ellen White also admonishes us to go and "mingle" with people, "desiring their good", "show sympathy for them", and "minister to their needs".  This is what is called, pre-evangelism or needs oriented evangelism.

"Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me."Ministry of Healing, page 143, by Ellen G. White.

In other words, we must mingle or interact with our communities. We must do so as one who desires the good of those that we interact with, by being "a good neighbor in the community, supportive of community progress and betterment."3 To minister to their needs means to "be involved in practical demonstrations of compassion or humanitarian work in the community,"4 Finally, to minster to their needs is a command for "understanding and responding to the needs the community."

So what can you do today? Get involved in your community. Get involved in a community project that isn't necessarily associated with your church. Maybe a health fair, a school fair, a college fair, MADD, DARE, etc. Build friendships and relationships with your community. Then when the time is right, share with others the Bible message that you believe in. Go on, help break the silence today!

~ Pastor Sal Garcia

1. Understanding Your Community, Version 2, by Monte Sahlin, 2004, page 1-2. 

2. Ibid, page 3.

3. Ibid, iii.

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.

What is the Alpha & Omega Apostasy? ... Part 1 of 2

To start off, let's read the following chapter of the Book, Selected Messages, Volume 1, page 194. While it is fairly long. Read it a bit by bit, and we will try and digest it in the following blog! Blessings!

~ Pastor Sal Garcia

Borrowed with Permission from http://www.ellenwhite.com/

Chap. 24 - The Alpha and the Omega
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     {During the summer of 1904, at a critical point in the crisis over the promulgation by Dr. J. H. Kellogg of pantheistic theories, and at a time when he was advocating unsound policies relating to the management of our medical work, Ellen G. White sounded a number of warnings, which were assembled and "published for the author" in a sixty-page pamphlet, Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, entitled "Testimonies for the Church Containing Letters to Physicians and Ministers Giving Messages of Warning and Words of Counsel and Admonition Regarding Our Present Situation." In two of these communications she refers to "The Alpha and the Omega." Following are the two statements in their entirety as taken from the pamphlet. Further counsels making reference to pantheism may be found in Testimonies, volume 8, pages 255-318 and The Ministry of Healing, pages 427-438. For the background of the experience with pantheism, see A. G. Daniells' The Abiding Gift of Prophecy, pages 330-342, and L. H. Christian's The Fruitage of Spiritual Gifts, pages 277-296.--COMPILERS.} {1SM 193.1}

                       Teach the Word

                                              Washington, D.C.
                                              July 24, 1904

To Our Leading Physicians:


     Dear Fellow Workers: I am awakened at eleven o'clock. The representations passing before me are so vivid that I cannot sleep. The word of the Lord has come to me that there is a decided work to be done in warning our medical
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missionaries against the dangers and perils that surround them. {1SM 193.2}

     The Lord calls upon those connected with our sanitariums to reach a higher standard. No lie is of the truth. If we follow cunningly devised fables, we unite with the enemy's forces against God and Christ. God calls upon those who have been wearing a yoke of human manufacture to break this yoke, and no longer be the bond servants of men. {1SM 194.1}

     The battle is on. Satan and his angels are working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness. They are untiring in their efforts to draw souls away from the truth, away from righteousness, to spread ruin throughout the universe. They work with marvelous industry to furnish a multitude of deceptions to take souls captive. Their efforts are unceasing. The enemy is ever seeking to lead souls into infidelity and skepticism. He would do away with God, and with Christ, who was made flesh and dwelt among us to teach us that in obedience to God's will we may be victorious over sin. {1SM 194.2}

        Assailed by Every Form of Evil

     Every form of evil is waiting for an opportunity to assail us. Flattery, bribes, inducements, promises of wonderful exaltation, will be most assiduously employed. {1SM 194.3}

     What are God's servants doing to raise the barrier of a "Thus saith the Lord" against this evil? The enemy's agents are working unceasingly to prevail against the truth. Where are the faithful guardians of the Lord's flocks? Where are His watchmen? Are they standing on the high tower, giving the danger signal, or are they allowing the peril to pass unheeded? Where are the medical missionaries? Are they co-workers with Christ, wearing His yoke, or are they wearing a yoke of human manufacture? {1SM 194.4}

     Satan and his angels are making every effort to obtain control of minds, that men may be swayed by falsehood and pleasing fables. Are our physicians lifting the danger signal? Are the men who have been placed in prominent positions in our sanitariums lifting the danger signal? Or are
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many of the watchmen asleep, while mischievous tongues and acute minds, sharpened by long practice in evading the truth, are continually at work to bring in confusion, and to carry out plans instigated by the enemy? {1SM 194.5}

     Please read Paul's exhortation to the Colossians. He speaks of his earnest desire that the hearts of the believers might be "knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col. 2:2, 3). "And this I say," he declares, "lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. . . . As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Col. 2:4-9). {1SM 195.1}

     Will the men in our institutions keep silent, allowing insidious fallacies to be promulgated to the ruin of souls? The sentiments of the enemy are being scattered everywhere. Seeds of discord, of unbelief, of infidelity, are being sown broadcast. Shall our medical missionaries raise no barrier against this evil? Is it not time that we asked ourselves, Shall we allow the adversary to lead us to give up the work of proclaiming the truth? Shall we allow him to keep us from being channels through which the blessings of the gospel, as a current of life, shall flow to the world? Let every man now arouse, and work as he has opportunity. Let him speak words in season and out of season, and look to Christ for encouragement and strength in welldoing. {1SM 195.2}

         Dangers Continually Increasing

     The dangers coming upon us are continually increasing. It is high time that we put on the whole armor of God, and work earnestly to keep Satan from gaining any
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further advantage. Angels of God, that excel in strength, are waiting for us to call them to our aid, that our faith may not be eclipsed by the fierceness of the conflict. Renewed energy is now needed. Vigilant action is called for. Indifference and sloth will result in the loss of personal religion and of heaven. {1SM 195.3}

     At this time the Laodicean message is to be given, to arouse a slumbering church. Let the thought of the shortness of time stimulate you to earnest, untiring effort. Remember that Satan has come down with great power, to work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. {1SM 196.1}

     For years our physicians have been trained to think that they must not give expression to sentiments that differ from those of their chief. [REFERENCE IS HERE MADE TO DR. J. H. KELLOGG, FOR MANY YEARS THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE BATTLE CREEK SANITARIUM.--COMPILERS.] O that they had broken the yoke! O that they had called sin by its right name! Then they would not be regarded in the heavenly courts as men who, though bearing weighty responsibilities, have failed of speaking the truth in reproof of that which has been in disobedience to God's Word. {1SM 196.2}

     Physicians, have you been doing the Master's business in listening to fanciful and spiritualistic interpretations of the Scriptures, interpretations which undermine the foundations of our faith, and holding your peace? God says, "Neither will I be with you any more, unless you awake, and vindicate your Redeemer." {1SM 196.3}

    Sophistries That Undermine the Pillars


     My message to you is: No longer consent to listen without protest to the perversion of truth. Unmask the pretentious sophistries which, if received, will lead ministers and physicians and medical missionary workers to ignore the truth. Every one is now to stand on his guard. God calls upon men and women to take their stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. I have been instructed to warn our people; for many are in danger
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of receiving theories and sophistries that undermine the foundation pillars of the faith. {1SM 196.4}

     Sometimes our physicians talk for hours, when they are weary and perplexed, and in no fit condition to talk. Medical missionaries should refuse to hold long night sessions of conversation. These night talks have been times when Satan with his seductive influence has stolen away from one and then another the faith once delivered to the saints. Brilliant, sparkling ideas often flash from a mind that is influenced by the great deceiver. Those who listen and acquiesce will become charmed, as Eve was charmed by the serpent's words. They cannot listen to charming philosophical speculations, and at the same time keep the word of the living God clearly in mind. {1SM 197.1}

     Our physicians have lost a great deal out of their lives because they have seen wrong transactions and heard wrong words spoken, and seen wrong principles followed, and have not spoken in reproof, for fear that they would be repulsed. {1SM 197.2}

     I call upon those who have been connected with these binding influences to break the yoke to which they have long submitted, and stand as free men in Christ. Nothing but a determined effort will break the spell that is upon them. {1SM 197.3}

              The Alpha Now Seen

     Be not deceived; many will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We have now before us the alpha of this danger. The omega will be of a most startling nature. {1SM 197.4}

     We need to study the words that Christ uttered in the prayer that He offered just before His trial and crucifixion. "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the
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earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word" (John 17:1-6). {1SM 197.5}

        Christians to Manifest Godliness

     The righteousness of God is absolute. This righteousness characterizes all His works, all His laws. As God is, so must His people be. The life of Christ is to be revealed in the lives of His followers. In all His public and private acts, in every word and deed, practical godliness was seen, and this godliness is to be seen in the lives of His disciples. {1SM 198.1}

     Those who heed the light given them will bring the virtues of the character of Christ into the daily life. Christ did no sin, because there was no sin in Him. God has shown me that the lives of believers are to reveal practical righteousness. {1SM 198.2}

     Has not God spoken in His Word concerning the solemn events which must shortly take place? As you read these things, do you believe what He says? Or have you, through listening to specious philosophy, given up your faith in God? Can any power avert the punishment that must come upon you unless you humble your hearts before God and confess your sins? How is it, my brethren in the medical missionary work? Does not the living God speak to you from His Word concerning the events that are taking place in fulfillment of that Word? Soon the last great reckoning with man will take place. Have your lives been such that you can then be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary, and not be found wanting? Or has your faith been molded and restricted until it has become unbelief? Has your obedience to men become rebellion against God? "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves" (2 Cor. 13:5).--Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, pp. 12-17.
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{1SM 198.3}

                        Beware

                                       Washington, D.C.
                                       August 7, 1904

My Dear Brother:


     I am given a message to bear to you and the rest of our physicians who are connected with the Medical Missionary Association. Separate from the influence exerted by the book Living Temple; [A 568-PAGE BOOK ISSUED IN 1903 BY DR. J. H. KELLOGG IN WHICH PANTHEISTIC PHILOSOPHIES WERE PROMULGATED.--COMPILERS.] for it contains specious sentiments. There are in it sentiments that are entirely true, but these are mingled with error. Scriptures are taken out of their connection, and are used to uphold erroneous theories. {1SM 199.1}

     The thought of the errors contained in this book has given me great distress, and the experience that I have passed through in connection with the matter has nearly cost me my life. {1SM 199.2}

     It will be said that Living Temple has been revised. But the Lord has shown me that the writer has not changed, and that there can be no unity between him and the ministers of the gospel while he continues to cherish his present sentiments. I am bidden to lift my voice in warning to our people, saying, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked" (Gal. 6:7). {1SM 199.3}

     You have had access to Testimonies for the Church, volumes 7 and 8. In these Testimonies the danger signal is raised. But the light so clear and plain to minds that have not been influenced by deceptive theories, has not been discerned by some. While the misleading theories of this book are entertained by our physicians, there cannot be union between them and the ministers who are bearing the gospel message. There should be no union until there is a change. {1SM 199.4}

     When medical missionaries make their practice and example harmonize with the name they bear, when they feel their need of uniting firmly with the ministers of the gospel, then there can be harmonious action. But we must
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firmly refuse to be drawn away from the platform of eternal truth, which since 1844 has stood the test. {1SM 199.5}

      Alpha Presented in "Living Temple"

     I am instructed to speak plainly. "Meet it," is the word spoken to me. "Meet it firmly, and without delay." But it is not to be met by our taking our working forces from the field to investigate doctrines and points of difference. We have no such investigation to make. In the book Living Temple there is presented the alpha of deadly heresies. The omega will follow, and will be received by those who are not willing to heed the warning God has given. {1SM 200.1}

     Our physicians, upon whom important responsibilities rest, should have clear spiritual discernment. They are to stand constantly on guard. Dangers that we do not now discern will soon break upon us, and I greatly desire that they shall not be deceived. I have an intense longing to see them standing free in the Lord. I pray that they may have courage to stand firm for the truth as it is in Jesus, holding fast the beginning of their confidence unto the end.--Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, pp. 49, 50. {1SM 200.2}

What is it about the Cross?

What is it about the Cross of Christ that draws men, women, and children to it? For it appears to have a magnetizing power that attracts human beings to behold the Cross on which the Prince of Glory Died. In fact, Jesus Himself predicted that when uplifted, He would draw others to himself. 

"Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself" (Jn 12:31-32)

Jesus draws men, women, boys, and girls because He offers them forgiveness of sins past, peace, and the greatest need of their hearts -- a Savior. Jesus is both a Beautiful Savior and Giver of Hope. In Him, we find the answers to life's deepest questions. Have you come to His Cross Lately? 

~ Pastor Sal Garcia

Here is Your Spirit of Prophecy quote of the Day:

"Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. "With His stripes we are healed." Desire of Ages, page 25.

Pastor Sal's Comment: Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound! To think that God indeed loves a wretched sinner such as I, that He was willing to have His Son Jesus die in my place! If Jesus was willing to die for me, the least I can do today is to live for Him. God help us, to live for Jesus today. He has already purchased a place in Heaven for us. Let's get the Word out!

~ Pastor Sal Garcia

Here is Your Word for Today: "Love God, Love Your Neighbor"

"But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment. And the second is ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:34-40

In a few short words, Jesus is giving us our mission for today: "Love God, Love Your Neighbor". So go out today and fulfill the greatest commandments of Jesus in your life today. He has promised to be with you every step of the way."

~ Pastor Sal 

What "if" Jesus Christ did come back on May 21, 2011 of this year?

What "if" Jesus Christ did come back on May 21, 2011 of this year? What "if"? ... I am fully aware of what Jesus said in Matthew 24:39.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only."

Date setting is definitely out of the question according to Jesus' own words. We are not to set dates for the coming of Jesus. May 21, 2011, December 21, 2012, etc. In fact, the messenger to the Remnant Church has well warned us against making such claims based on future dates. Notice a few statements from her writings:

Many who have called themselves Adventists have been time-setters. Time after time has been set for Christ to come, but repeated failures have been the result. The definite time of our Lord’s coming is declared to be beyond the ken of mortals. Even the angels, who minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation, know not the day nor the hour. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”—Testimonies for the Church 4:307 (1879).

We are not to know the definite time either for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit or for the coming of Christ.... Why has not God given us this knowledge?—Because we would not make a right use of it if He did. A condition of things would result from this knowledge among our people that would greatly retard the work of God in preparing a people to stand in the great day that is to come. We are not to live upon time excitement....

You will not be able to say that He will come in one, two, or five years, neither are you to put off His coming by stating that it may not be for ten or twenty years.—The Review and Herald, March 22, 1892.

We are nearing the great day of God. The signs are fulfilling. And yet we have no message to tell us of the day and hour of Christ’s appearing. The Lord has wisely concealed this from us that we may always be in a state of expectancy and preparation for the second appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds of heaven.—Letter 28, 1897.

The exact time of the second coming of the Son of man is God’s mystery.—The Desire of Ages, 633 (1898).

Also, notice this key statement by Ellen G. White:

I plainly stated at the Jackson camp meeting to these fanatical parties that they were doing the work of the adversary of souls; they were in darkness. They claimed to have great light that probation would close in October, 1884. I there stated in public that the Lord had been pleased to show me that there would be no definite time in the message given of God since 1844.—Selected Messages 2:73 (1885).

Our position has been one of waiting and watching, with no time-proclamation to intervene between the close of the prophetic periods in 1844 and the time of our Lord’s coming.—Manuscript Releases 10:270 (1888).

The people will not have another message upon definite time. After this period of time [Revelation 10:4-6], reaching from 1842 to 1844, there can be no definite tracing of the prophetic time. The longest reckoning reaches to the autumn of 1844.—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 7:971 (1900).

( For more statements, see the book "Last Day Events", chapter 3)

From the Messenger of the Lord and Jesus' own words, the message is pretty plain. Don't set dates or a specific time for Jesus to return. No one knows that exact date or hour, except the Father, the Son (in His divinity and glorified human body), and the Holy Spirit. Neither Angels, nor man, nor even Satan himself knows. Only the Godhead and the Trinity. You have been warned!

Date Setting

Date setting causes people to frown, mock, and ridicule those Christians who perhaps with Good intention, are following God according to the light they have. However, the results of such sincere but erroneous work brings people to distrust and disbelieve the true warning of Jesus' soon coming. In fact, the Apostle Peter puts it this way:

"Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:3-4

As it is, the Devil is working through the media and Hollywood to ridicule Christians and the Real Second Coming of Christ. He will do all that he can to get people to be unprepared for Christ's True Second Coming. The Devil knows that his time is very short. 

"Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” Revelation 12:12

A short time. That is how much time the Devil has left to deceive people into following false Christ's, false teachers, and false religions. He knows that if he can get people to disbelieve the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they will be deceived by man-made religions and a human-centered spirituality. None can save from the gutter most to the uttermost, but Jesus Christ. He is the One who died for us on the Cross of Calvary and took our sins upon Him. He paid the price, the penalty, and punishment that our sins required. He died as our Substitute. He offers us His perfect life of obedience in exchange for our sinful life of disobedience. By faith, we accept His gift of salvation and pass from death unto life. Wow! How amazing! I want to be ready for Jesus to come, don't you? I can't wait to run to Jesus and give Him a big bear hug! I want Him to say to me, "Welcome Home, my child. Welcome Home". What about you? So how can we be ready today for when Jesus really comes back again? 

How to be ready for Jesus to come

The Bible writers from Genesis to Revelation always emphasize the importance of being ready when Jesus comes again by having a personal experience with God. Notice just a few texts.

"After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” But Abram said, “Lord GOD, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!” And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness." Genesis 15:1-5

"But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.  And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.  Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house." Acts 16:25-33

"There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left ... Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”  And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:32-33, 39-43

These texts teach us the importance of having a personal experience with God in our life. In other words, we must have personal faith in Jesus Christ that leads us to make a life commitment to Jesus. We must believe and accept Him as Savior, Lord, and Friend. We must spend time with Him every day just for the purpose of getting to know Him better. For in the end, when Jesus returns, He will take us with Him because He knows us, not because of "what" we know about Him. There is a big difference. Dates, doctrines, and commandments are important. However, a superficial knowledge  of just knowing "about Jesus" will not be enough. We need to personally get to know Him by spending time in His presence every single day. When we do, we become one of Jesus' loyal friends. Let us enjoy spending time with Jesus today, by reading His Love Letter that He left us in the Book we call the Bible. Let's take it up today, and read His Story as for the First Time. Grab a new translation or a new version of the Bible, and take some quality time to sit in the presence of the King of kings and Lord of lords. When you do, you will be ready for Jesus to come!  

Thought of the Day: Getting to know Jesus Christ is the the most important thing in your life. Knowing Him, is having true life, and life abundantly. 

~ Pastor Sal Garcia 

How to share your Testimony with Others

1. Read the Story of Saint Paul's Conversion in Acts 7:57-8:1; 9:1-22

Acts of the Apostles: “After the death of Stephen, Saul was elected a member of the Sanhedrin council in consideration of the part he had acted on that occasion. For a time he was a mighty instrument in the hands of Satan to carry out his rebellion against the Son of God. But soon this relentless persecutor was to be employed in building up the church that he was now tearing down. A Mightier than Satan had chosen Saul to take the place of the martyred Stephen, to preach and suffer for His name, and to spread far and wide the tidings of salvation through His blood.” (102)
 

2. Write Your Testimony or Story
 

My Story #1: Keep it simple . (Acts 22:1-21)
 

• Let your story be a simple timeline that includes “my life before I met Jesus . . . how I met Jesus . . . my life after meeting Jesus.”
 

My Story #2: Keep it short. (Acts 23:6)
 

• In fact some suggest that you can do it in less than 100 words.

My Story #3: Keep it suitable. (Acts 26:4-23)
 

3. Bill Hybels’ four critiques for sharing your story (Just Walk Across the Room):

Criticism #1—Long-Windedness

Our testimony ought to be no longer than 3 minutes.

Pay attention to the other person’s body language.

Keep your story short enough to allow the other person to ask questions.

Criticism #2—Fuziness

“The only thing worse than a long story is a long story that is incoherant.” (120)
“Keep your stories simple—containing one clear plot line that appropriately conveys the heartbeat of your faith journey.” (Ibid)

Criticism #3—Religionese

“It takes a lot of work to expunge insider jargon from your story, but it’s worth it.” (121)

Criticism #4— Superiority

“There may be no quicker way to send an unbeliever to the hills than to play the piety card.” (Ibid)
 

• Because when you share the same “before” and you seek the same “after”—nothing is more persuasive than the testimony, “It worked for me!”
 

• Bill Hybels: “It’s worth searching your heart and soul to firm up the three-pronged foundation of your story: the key word or concept that describes who you were before you met Christ; the fact that you then came into a relationshiop with Christ; and the key word or concept that describes who you are after walking with Christ for a time.” (126, 127)
 

• The whole point of my story is to tell His-story in the history of my story.

Borrowed and adapted from Dwight Nelsons, "“Primetime (5): Turning Your Story into His‐story”
www.pmchurch.tv

Your Spirit of Prophecy Quote of the Day:

"Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, “Follow Me.” There is need of coming close to the people by personal effort. If less time were given to sermonizing, and more time were spent in personal ministry, greater results would be seen. The poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for, the sorrowing and the bereaved comforted, the ignorant instructed, the inexperienced counseled. We are to weep with those that weep, and rejoice with those that rejoice. Accompanied by the power of persuasion, the power of prayer, the power of the love of God, this work will not, cannot, be without fruit." The Ministry of Healing, Page 143-144

Pastor Sal's Comment: Pray for one person this week. Spend time with them talking about the things that matter to them. If they like cars, then talk about cars. If they like American Idol, and sit down and watch it with them. Just hang out with them and spend time taking an interest in the things that matter to them. Become their friend. Go to Starbucks, the Library, the Park, and just "hang out with them." Then when the subject comes up, tell them "how God has made a difference in your life", and invite them to give God an opportunity in their life as well.

Here is Your Word for Today:

^{Here is Your Word for Today:}

^"For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37

Thought of the Day: Are you ready to do the impossible for God this year? ... I sure hope so, because God wants to take you out of your comfort zone and join Him in doing something radical for the Kingdom of God this year: Go on a mission trip, volunteer as a humanitarian worker, feed the homeless, start a new ministry to reach youth or adults in your neighborhood. Start a small bible study group at work during lunch, at school, at your house, or at your church. Give out christian literature at the bus stop, metro stop, or at every ATM and news stand. Whatever it is, do it today and this week with the blessing and presence of God.  

Suggested Prayer: "Lord, with your help, I want to step out in radical faith today and start doing the impossible in my life today. With you, impossible becomes possible. Let me experience your presence and power in my life today. Amen." 

~ Pastor Sal Garcia

A Planet in Upheaval

A Planet in Upheaval

L E S S O N  O N E

1. The signs that Jesus gave us to watch for can be broken down into three general

areas: the ___________________ world, the ____________________ world,

and the ________________ world. (Matthew 24:4-7)

2. TRUE or FALSE: The Bible lays out signs of the times with such detail that we

could probably fi gure out a date for Christ’s return. “But of that ___________

and ____________ knoweth no man, no, not the __________ of heaven, but my

Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)

TRUE __ or FALSE __

3. Will we be able to tell when Christ’s appearing is getting close? (Matthew 24:32,

33)  YES __ or NO __. What does Jesus compare signs to in verse 32?

__________________.

4. In Matthew 24:8, Jesus describes the signs of His appearing and “the end of the

world” as the beginning of sorrows. The original word used in the Greek text is

odin

seen before, but when the _____________________ become more intense and

frequent, it is an indication that we getting close to the appearing.

5. Name some of the signs the Bible gives us to watch for. (Matthew 24:4-7, 11, 12):

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

6. In Matthew 24:37-39, Jesus makes reference to the fact that the world will

resemble the “days of Noah” just prior to the appearing. What was the world like

in those days? (Genesis 6:5, 6)

7. Many people have suggested that Christ’s appearing could never happen in

our lifetime. Some have actually suggested that the Second Coming is a myth,

because so much time has passed since Jesus made His promises—yet the Bible

anticipated this attitude (see 2 Peter 3:3, 4). What did Jesus say on this subject?

(Matthew 24:44)

8. Jesus asked us to be ready. Is it your desire to be ready for His appearing?

Borrowed with Permission from It Is Written and "The Appearing by Shawn Boonstra".

, and it means _______________________. The signs are all things we have