25 December 2018
09:21
Part 1: The Economy & Our Election
Rev 10:1,2,6,7(1Tim 3:16)
Rev 11:15
Dan 8:14
Rev 10:10,11(Rev 14:6-15)
Rev 12 – The True Church
9T 150.3 – Our work has been mapped out for us. To take up our Bibles and warn the world…
CE 121.2 – A great work is before us…
Context of Our Election/ Our Message:
Rev 13:15-18 – The Economy will be the battle ground
Rev 18/ Eze 27
Rev 18:9-13 – Babylon’s Net worth (It runs the world economy)
Rev 17/ 2Thess 2
Rom 12:1 – A living sacrifice..
1T 492.1 – A sacrifice does not increase, but decreases and is consumed…
CH 300.3 – The work to be carried out with much more self-sacrifice…
AA 109.3 – God’s people have always been aggressive missionaries…
3SM 427.5 – The time of trouble is upon us, I saw our people in great distress… They mocked at the smallness of our numbers… They charged us with taking an independent position from the rest of the world…
AH 141.4 – Families to be taken out of the cities
*God expects us to make economic preparation.
7 Main Points From The Economy & Our Election:
- Whatever economic system we choose demands our all
- The economy is not neutral (No neutral position)
- We’ve been given a special purpose (To preach the 3 Angels’ Messages)
- The final battle will be centred on the Economy
- The Papacy controls the world’s economy
- God expects us to work with increasing aggressiveness and sacrifice, not with timidity
- God expects us to make spiritual as well as economic preparation
Part 2: The Economy & Our Godliness
Is perfection tenable?
Matt 5:48 – …as God is perfect
Gen 17:1 – …be thou perfect
2Tim 3:16-17 – The means to perfection: All Scripture
1 Pet 2:21-22 – Jesus Christ was perfect & left us an example that we may follow His steps
Gen 6:9 – Noah: just and perfect
Job 1:1 – Job: perfect and upright
DA 24.2 – Satan presents the Law as a Law of selfishness & that its precepts can’t be kept
Rev 14:1-5 – Qualities of the redeemed (144,000):
– Father’s name (character) written in their foreheads (minds/thoughts)
– They sung as it were a new song (They had a personal experience with Christ)
– They were redeemed from the earth
– They were not defiled with women (false churches). They were virgins (had pure doctrine)
– Follow the lamb withersoever he goes (the Most Holy Place experience)
– Redeemed from among men/ first fruits unto God
– Without fault before the throne of God
Job 9:20 – If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me; if I say I’m perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
SC 64.2 – The closer you come to Christ…
COL 331.1 – A noble, all-round character is not inherited…but gained through individual effort…
James 1:27 – Good works & sinlessness
Ps. 24:3-4 – clean hands & a pure heart
Does my Occupation allow for:
- *Personal Devotion?*
Ps. 1:1-3 – delight in the law & meditate on it day & night
- *Freedom to Share?*
Matt 5:13-16
- *Godly Atmosphere?*
Ps 101:1-4
- *Clean Money?*
Prov 13:11 – wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished…
*It may be legal, but is it clean and godly?*
- *Personal Integrity?*
2Cor 6:17-18 – …touch not the unclean thing…
- *Support for the Poor & Helpless?*
James 1:27
AH 170 – …open your home to orphans and the friendless
AH 170.3 – we will be tested on this point…
– There’s an economic way of life that makes it easy for us to share and we should adopt it.
- *Right Measure of Success? (Biblical Measure of Success)*
2Tim 4:6-8 – Paul, at the end of his life, deems himself successful…not by the wealth he had amassed, but by his faithfulness to God’s cause.
HFM – Financial gain should be made a secondary matter.
*Our measure of success determines what we strive for.*
Ps 15:1-5 – Lord who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He who walks blamelessly, and does what is right, and speaks truth from his heart;… who does not put out his money at interest, and does not take a bribe against the innocent. *He who does these things shall never be moved.*
Part 3: The Economy & Our Freedom
How free are you?
– Political freedom – not in jail
– Economic freedom – not in debt
*There are only 5 debt free nation in the world (and they are all tiny islands)
4 Types of Money over the world’s history:
- Commodity Money
- Receipt Money
- Fractional Money
- Fiet Money
Prov 22:7 – …the borrower is servant to the lender
*Debt creates a master-slave relationship
Rom 13:8 – owe no man anything, but love…
Rev 13:17 – Debt will make it hard to resist the mark of the beast…
Ps 37:21 – The wicked borrow and do not pay…
Ps 37:38 – The end of the wicked: cut off
CCh 155.5 – Be determined not to incur debt…
CM 93.3 – All must practice economy…
CH 308.1 – We are to have hearts of flesh… Help others in proportion as God has blessed us.
CS 278.2 – It is right to borrow for a noble work (Outreach/Mission)
PM 235.1-2 – In reply I wrote, “Keep it all, if you can only train young men to go out and labor as missionaries. I will continue to pay interest on money in order that I may give this to you as a donation.” This is how Sister White is becoming rich. I have been laying up my treasure in heaven, and … I will not draw back.
*5 Tips on Taking Debt: (for noble cause – to do God’s work)*
- Debt backed by cash equivalent
- Obtain debt from brethren rather than from financial institutions
- Work hard from day one to reduce the debt
- Debt backed by assets
- Emergency debt (6-12 months)
*10 Tips to Avoid Debt/ Attain Economic Freedom:*
- *The Home*
– should be a producing home
AH 141.2 – Fathers and mothers who possess a piece of land and a comfortable home are kings and queens. AH 141.2
Prov 24:27 – Prepare thy work without…
Prov 28:19 – till the land…
CG 356.3 – He who earns his livelihood by agriculture escapes many temptations and enjoys unnumbered privileges and blessings denied to those whose work lies in the great cities. And in these days of mammoth trusts (big corporations) and business competition, there are few who enjoy so real an independence and so great certainty of fair return for their labor as does the tiller of the soil. CG 356.3
*In the 1700s 90% of the US population were farmers, today less than 10% are.
- *One spouse at home* (or as close to the home as possible)
Prov 31:10-31
*This point can only work, if point one has been adhered to… i.e. the home to be a producing home.
*The man is greatly responsible for setting up the producing home the wife supports and is also productive as highlighted in Prov 31:10-31
- *The Gospel should be a significant source of our livelihood.*
Religion and business are not two separate things; they are one. Bible religion is to be interwoven with all we do or say. Divine and human agencies are to combine in temporal as well as in spiritual achievements. They are to be united in all human pursuits, in mechanical and agricultural labors, in mercantile and scientific enterprises. There must be co-operation in everything embraced in Christian activity. COL 349.3
- *Keep to the trades prescribed for these time* (That can survive during the time of not buying and selling)
Period 1: 1844 to NSL
Period 2: NSL to Rev 13:14-15 (Death Decree)
Period 3: Death Decree to 2nd Coming of Christ
At least 3 trades recommended by SoP:
(a) Medical Missionary Work
(b) Schools/ Training Centers
(c) Publishing/ Colporteur Ministry
- *Multiple Sources of Income*
Prov 27:23-27 (but should be in conformity to the counsels for this time)
- *Simple Ownership and Operation Models*
Conflicts Between Trade Confederacies and Labor Unions: The work of the people of God is to prepare for the events of the future, which will soon come upon them with blinding force. In the world gigantic monopolies will be formed. Men will bind themselves together in unions that will wrap them in the folds of the enemy. A few men will combine to grasp all the means to be obtained in certain lines of business. Trades unions will be formed, and those who refuse to join these unions will be marked men.—Letter 26, 1903.CL 10.3
- *Services direct to the people and keep it local*
The message God has given me is that His people in foreign lands are not to depend for their supply of health foods on the importation of health foods from America. The freight and the duty make the cost of these foods so high that the poor, who are just as precious in the sight of God as the wealthy, can not have the advantage of them. HFM 53.1
- *Services to Non-Adventists*
The profits on these foods are to come principally from the world, rather than from the Lord’s people. God’s people have to sustain His work; they have to enter new fields and establish churches. On them rest the burdens of many missionary enterprises. No unnecessary burdens are to be placed upon them. To His people God is a present help in every time of need. HFM 26.1
If in your restaurant work you make no advancement in religious lines, what have you gained? Daily you are brought into association with many who perhaps all their lifetime have continued in sin. Some means of arresting their attention must be devised. They must be warned of their danger. If this work can not be done in our restaurants, let them be discontinued; for what use is it to expend means and talent in a work that consumes without producing? Of what use is it for workers to spend their time preparing temporal food for men and women, while they neglect to offer them the bread of life and the water of salvation? Merely to provide temporal food is not a savor of life unto life. HFM 69.1
- *Price Right*
Prov. 20:14 – “It is bad, it is bad,” says the buyer; but when he goes away, then he boasts.
- *Cash*
Expect Individual Guidance
There are poor men and women who are writing to me for advice as to whether they shall sell their homes, and give the proceeds to the cause. They say the appeals for means stir their souls, and they want to do something for the Master who has done everything for them. I would say to such, “It may not be your duty to sell your little homes just now; but go to God for yourselves; the Lord will certainly hear your earnest prayers for wisdom to understand your duty.”—Testimonies for the Church 5:733, 734. CS 59.1
Possessions to Decrease Rather Than Increase
It is now that our brethren should be cutting down their possessions instead of increasing them. We are about to move to a better country, even a heavenly. Then let us not be dwellers upon the earth, but be getting things into as compact a compass as possible. CS 59.2
The time is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save he that hath the mark of the beast.—Testimonies for the Church 5:152. CS 59.3
*Rent in the city, buy in the country
*For the salvation of one soul we should tax our resources to the uttermost.
Counsels on Diet and Foods – Cpt 23
*The secret is in obedience
Phil 3:14 – …press toward the mark…
AH 115.2 – Eve had been perfectly happy by her husband’s side in her Eden home; but, like restless modern Eves, she was flattered with the hope of entering a higher sphere than that which God had assigned her. In attempting to rise above her original position, she fell far below it. A similar result will be reached by all who are unwilling to take up cheerfully their life duties in accordance with God’s plan. AH 115.2
Summary of The Economy of The Remnant
25 December 2018
09:26
A remnant forms a small minority of people who will remain faithful to God and so be saved.
Often times it is not easy for many professed Christians to relate with the term Remnant. However several passages in scripture offer light. Such one passage is Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
As captured here in verse 17 of Revelation 12, we see the Remnant (or the seed of the remnant) as a people who;
- Have war declared on them
- Keep the commandments of God
- Have the testimony of Jesus
According to the Spirit of Prophecy from the Inspired Writings of Ellen White, we read; This remnant has a great work and deduced to be the True Church;
Our work has been marked out for us by our heavenly Father. We are to take our Bibles and go forth to warn the world. (The rest of the quote says-Can be a drop down hyperlink ) We are to be God’s helping hands in saving souls—channels through which His love is day by day to flow to the perishing. The realization of the great work in which he has the privilege of taking part, ennobles and sanctifies the true worker. He is filled with the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Nothing is drudgery to the one who submits to the will of God. “Doing it unto the Lord” is a thought that throws a charm over whatever work God gives him to do. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9 page 150, paragraph 3 (9T 150.3)
The Jews were led into error and ruin, and to the rejection of the Lord of glory, because they knew not the Scriptures, nor the power of God. A great work is before us,—to lead men to take God’s word as the rule of their lives, to make no compromise with tradition and custom, but to walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.—The Review and Herald, July 17, 1888. Christian Education page 121, paragraph 2 (CE 121.2)
(15) And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
(16) And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
(17) And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
(18) Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Revelation 17:9-13 (The net worth of the Economy that runs the world)
(9) And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
(10) And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
(11) And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
(12) And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
(13) These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
- Its people are to be as a living sacrifice
Romans 12:1
(1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
I was shown that there is no lack of means among Sabbath keeping Adventists. At present their greatest danger is in their accumulations of property. Some are continually increasing their cares and labors; they are overcharged. The result is, God and the wants of His cause are nearly forgotten by them; they are spiritually dead. They are required to make a sacrifice to God, an offering. A sacrifice does not increase, but decreases and consumes. Here, I was shown, was a worthy enterprise for God’s people to engage in, one in which they can invest means to His glory and the advancement of His cause. Much of the means among our people is only proving an injury to those who are holding on to it. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1 page 492, paragraph 1 (1T 492.1)
We are nearing the end of this earth’s history, and the different lines of God’s work are to be carried forward with much more self-sacrifice than they have yet been. The work for these last days is a missionary work. Present truth, from the first letter of its alphabet to the last, means missionary effort. The work to be done calls for sacrifice at every step of advance. The workers are to come forth from trial purified and refined, as gold tried in the fire. Counsels on Health Page 300, paragraph 3 (CH 300.3)
- God’s missionaries have always been aggressive
In the trust given to the first disciples, believers in every age have shared. Everyone who has received the gospel has been given sacred truth to impart to the world. God’s faithful people have always been aggressive missionaries, consecrating their resources to the honor of His name and wisely using their talents in His service. The Acts Of The Apostles Page 103, paragraph 3 (AA 109.3)
- The Remnant will live in a time of trouble
The time of trouble was upon us. I saw our people in great distress, weeping and praying, pleading the sure promises of God, while the wicked were all around us mocking us and threatening to destroy us. They ridiculed our feebleness, they mocked at the smallness of our numbers, and taunted us with words calculated to cut deep. They charged us with taking an independent position from all the rest of the world. They had cut off our resources so that we could not buy or sell, and they referred to our abject poverty and stricken condition. They could not see how we could live without the world. We were dependent on the world, and we must concede to the customs, practices, and laws of the world, or go out of it. If we were the only people in the world whom the Lord favored, the appearances were awfully against us. Selected Messages Book 3 Page 427, paragraph 5 (3SM 427.5)
- Our people are to take their families away from the cities
Contributes to Economic Security—Again and again the Lord has instructed that our people are to take their families away from the cities, into the country, where they can raise their own provisions; for in the future the problem of buying and selling will be a very serious one. We should now begin to heed the instruction given us over and over again: Get out of the cities into rural districts, where the houses are not crowded closely together, and where you will be free from the interference of enemies. (For further detailed counsel on this topic see Country Living.) The Adventist Home Page 141, Page 4 (AH 141.4)
- Whatever economic system we choose, demands our all.
- The economy is not neutral – (No neutral position)
- We’ve been given a special purpose (To preach the 3 Angels’ Messages)
- The final battle will be centered on The Economy
- The Papacy controls The World’s Economy
- God expects us to work with increasing aggressiveness and sacrifice, not with timidity
- God expects us to make spiritual as well as economic preparation
- Instruction to be perfect – Matthew 5:48
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
- Instruction to be perfect – Genesis 17:1
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
- The means to perfection – 2Timothy 3:16-17
(16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
(17) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
- Jesus Christ was a model of perfection – 1 Peter 2:21-22
(21) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
(22) Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
- Men of old like Noah was found perfect with God – Genesis 6:9
These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
- Avoiding evil in the world – Job 1:1
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
- Satan presents the Law as a Law of selfishness & that its precepts can’t be kept – Desire of Ages Page 24, Paragraph 2 (DA 24.2)
Since Jesus came to dwell with us, we know that God is acquainted with our trials, and sympathizes with our griefs. Every son and daughter of Adam may understand that our Creator is the friend of sinners. For in every doctrine of grace, every promise of joy, every deed of love, every divine attraction presented in the Savior’s life on earth, we see “God with us.”
- Revelation 14:1-5
(1) And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
(2) And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
(3) And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders:and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
(4) These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb.
(5) And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
A study of the text of Revelation 14;1-5 will reveal the following;
- Father’s name (character) written in their foreheads (minds/thoughts)
- They sung as it were a new song (They had a personal experience with Christ)
- They were redeemed from the earth
- They were not defiled with women (false churches). They were virgins (had pure doctrine)
- Follow the lamb withersoever he goes (the Most Holy Place experience), pointing to the Sanctuary message and experience in the life.
- Redeemed from among men/ first fruits unto God
- Without fault before the throne of God
- Job 9:20
If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
- The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to His perfect nature. This is evidence that Satan’s delusions have lost their power; that the vivifying influence of the Spirit of God is arousing you. Steps to Christ Page 64, Paragraph 2 (SC 64.2)
- But Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. A noble, all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected. Christ’s Object Lessons Page 331, Paragraph 1 (COL 331.1)
- James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
- Psalms 24:3-4
(3) Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
(4) He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
- Personal Devotion?
We are to delight in the law of God & meditate on it day & night.
Psalms 1:1-3
(1) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
(2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
(3) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
- Freedom to Share?
We are to be a salt and light to the earth
Matthew 5:13-16
(13) Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
(14) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
(15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
(16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
- Godly Atmosphere?
We are to walk with Integrity
Psalms 101:1-4
(1) A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.
(2) I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
(3) I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
(4) A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
- Clean Money?
It may be legal, but is it clean and godly?
Proverbs 13:11
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
- Personal Integrity?
Touch not the unclean thing, for you are the temple of God
2 Corinthians 6:17-18
(17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
(18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
- Support for the Poor & Helpless?
Hearing and doing the Word, Are we really practicing it?
James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Open your home to orphans and the friendless
If those who have no children and whom God has made stewards of means would expand their hearts to care for children who need love, care, and affection, and assistance with this world’s goods, they would be far happier than they are today. So long as youth who have not a father’s pitying care nor a mother’s tender love are exposed to the corrupting influences of these last days, it is somebody’s duty to supply the place of father and mother to some of them. Learn to give them love, affection, and sympathy. All who profess to have a Father in heaven, who they hope will care for them and finally take them to the home He has prepared for them, ought to feel a solemn obligation resting upon them to be friends to the friendless and fathers to the orphans, to aid the widows, and be of some practical use in this world by benefiting humanity. The Adventist Home Page 169, Paragraph 1 (AH 169.1)
We will be tested on this point…
A Test for God’s People—Years ago I was shown that God’s people would be tested upon this point of making homes for the homeless; that there would be many without homes in consequence of their believing the truth. Opposition and persecution would deprive believers of their homes, and it was the duty of those who had homes to open a wide door to those who had not. I have been shown more recently that God would specially test His professed people in reference to this matter. Christ for our sakes became poor that we through His poverty might be made rich. He made a sacrifice that He might provide a home for pilgrims and strangers in the world seeking for a better country, even an heavenly. Adventist Home Page 170, Paragraph 3 (AH 170.3)
- Right Measure of Success? (Biblical Measure of Success)
Paul, at the end of his life, deems himself successful…not by the wealth he had amassed, but by his faithfulness to God’s cause.
2Timothy 4:6-8
(6) For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
(7) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
(8) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Financial gain is to be made a secondary matter. Let the mind become spiritualized. Watch unto prayer. It is hard for some to admit that, to a great extent, selfishness controls their actions. The food business is a door through which we are to let our light shine forth. Jesus is watching, ready to help everyone who desires His help. My brethren, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God. Watch and pray, and work to answer your prayers by seizing the precious opportunities for service as they come. Manuscripts 81-1906.21 (Ms 81-1906.21)
Psalms 15:1-5
(1) A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
(2) He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
(3) He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
(4) In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
(5) He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
- Political freedom – not in jail
- Economic freedom – not in debt
There are only a handful of debt free nations in the world. Some of the most top ranking debt-free nations are: Macao, The British Virgin Islands, Palau and Liechtenstein.
Over the world’s history there have been four types of Money;
- Commodity Money
- Receipt Money (Can’t find this type – I only find Fiduciary money)
- Fractional Money a.k.a Commercial Bank Money
- Fiat Money
Proverbs 22:7
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Debt creates a master-slave relationship
Romans 13:8
Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Debt will make it hard to resist the mark of the beast
Revelation 13:17
And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Psalms 37:21
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
Psalms 37:38
But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
Many, very many, have not so educated themselves that they can keep their expenditures within the limit of their income. They do not learn to adapt themselves to circumstances, and they borrow and borrow again and again and become overwhelmed in debt, and consequently they become discouraged and disheartened. Counsels for the Church Page 155,Paragraph 5 (CCh 155.5)
Not to Incur Debt—All must practice economy. No worker should manage his affairs in a way to incur debt. The practice of drawing money from the treasury before it is earned, is a snare. In this way the resources are limited, so that laborers cannot be supported in missionary work. When one voluntarily becomes involved in debt, he is entangling himself in one of Satan’s nets which he sets for souls.—Manual for Canvassers, 65 (1902). Colporteur Ministry Page 93, Paragraph 3 (CM 93.3)
Helping those in Need
As God’s agencies we are to have hearts of flesh, full of the charity that prompts us to be helpful to those more needy than ourselves. If we see our brethren and sisters struggling under poverty and debt, if we see churches that are in need of financial aid, we should manifest an unselfish interest in them and help them in proportion as God has prospered us. If you who have charge of an institution see other institutions bravely struggling for standing room, so that they may do a work similar to the work of the institutions with which you are connected, do not be jealous. Counsels on Health Page 308, Paragraph 1 (CH 308.1)
Danger in Extreme Position
It is right to borrow money to carry forward a work that we know God desires to have accomplished. We should not wait in inconvenience, and make the work much harder, because we do not wish to borrow money. Mistakes have been made in incurring debt to do that which could well have waited till a future time. But there is danger of going to the other extreme. We are not to place ourselves in a position that will endanger health and make our work wearing. We are to act sensibly. We must do the work that needs to be done, even if we have to borrow money and pay interest.—Letter 111, 1903. Counsels on Stewardship Page 278, Paragraph 2 (CS 278.2)
In reply I wrote, “Keep it all, if you can only train young men to go out and labor as missionaries. I will continue to pay interest on money in order that I may give this to you as a donation.” This is how Sister White is becoming rich. I have been laying up my treasure in heaven, and … I will not draw back.—Letter 106, 1908. The Publishing Ministry Page 235, Paragraph 2 (PM 235.2)
- Debt backed by cash equivalent
- Obtain debt from brethren rather than from financial institutions
- Work hard from day one to reduce the debt
- Debt backed by assets
- Emergency debt (6-12 months)
- The Home – Get a Country Home
With a Piece of Land and a Comfortable Home—Whenever possible, it is the duty of parents to make homes in the country for their children. Fathers and mothers who possess a piece of land and a comfortable home are kings and queens. The Adventist Home Page 141, Paragraph 1,2 (AH 141.1,2)
Proverbs 24:27
Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
Proverbs 28:19
He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
He who earns his livelihood by agriculture escapes many temptations and enjoys unnumbered privileges and blessings denied to those whose work lies in the great cities. And in these days of mammoth trusts and business competition, there are few who enjoy so real an independence and so great certainty of fair return for their labor as does the tiller of the soil. Child Guidance Page 356, Paragraph 3. (CG 356.3)
In the 1700s 90% of the US population were farmers, today less than 10% are still farmers.
- One spouse at home (or as close to the home as possible)
Proverbs 31:10-31 (The Woman Who Fears The Lord)
Pro 31:10-31
(10) Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
(11) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
(12) She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
(13) She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
(14) She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
(15) She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
(16) She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
(17) She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
(18) She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
(19) She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
(20) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
(21) She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
(22) She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
(23) Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
(24) She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
(25) Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
(26) She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
(27) She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
(28) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
(29) Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
(30) Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
(31) Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
The spouse remaining at home will only be fruitful if there is a country home to support the staying home
The man is greatly responsible for setting up the producing home the wife supports and is also productive as highlighted in Proverbs 31:10-31
- The Gospel should be a significant source of our livelihood
Religion and business are not two separate things; they are one. Bible religion is to be interwoven with all we do or say. Divine and human agencies are to combine in temporal as well as in spiritual achievements. They are to be united in all human pursuits, in mechanical and agricultural labors, in mercantile and scientific enterprises. There must be co-operation in everything embraced in Christian activity. Christ’s Object Lessons Page 349, Paragraph 3 (COL 349.3)
- Keep to the trades prescribed for this time (That can survive during the time of not buying and selling)
- Period 1: 1844 to NSL (What is this?)
- Period 2: NSL to Rev 13:14-15 (Death Decree)
Rev 13:14-15
(14) And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
(15) And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
- Period 3: Death Decree to 2nd Coming of Christ
There are at least 3 trades recommended by The Spirit of Prophecy:
- Medical Missionary Work
- Schools/ Training Centers
- Publishing/ Colporteur Ministry
- Multiple Sources of Income
Pro 27:23-27
(23) Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
(24) For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
(25) The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
(26) The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
(27) And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.
- Simple Ownership and Operation Models
Conflicts Between Trade Confederacies and Labor Unions
The work of the people of God is to prepare for the events of the future, which will soon come upon them with blinding force. In the world gigantic monopolies will be formed. Men will bind themselves together in unions that will wrap them in the folds of the enemy. A few men will combine to grasp all the means to be obtained in certain lines of business. Trades unions will be formed, and those who refuse to join these unions will be marked men.—Letter 26, 1903. Country Living Page 10, Paragraph 3 (CL 10.3)
- Provide services direct to the people and keep it local
The message God has given me is that His people in foreign lands are not to depend for their supply of health foods on the importation of health foods from America. The freight and the duty make the cost of these foods so high that the poor, who are just as precious in the sight of God as the wealthy, cannot have the advantage of them. The Health Food Ministry Page 53, Paragraph 1 (HFM 53.1)
- Provide services to Non-Adventists
The profits on these foods are to come principally from the world, rather than from the Lord’s people. God’s people have to sustain His work; they have to enter new fields and establish churches. On them rest the burdens of many missionary enterprises. No unnecessary burdens are to be placed upon them. To His people God is a present help in every time of need. The Health Food Ministry Page 26, Paragraph 1 (HFM 26.1)
If in your restaurant work you make no advancement in religious lines, what have you gained? Daily you are brought into association with many who perhaps all their lifetime have continued in sin. Some means of arresting their attention must be devised. They must be warned of their danger. If this work cannot be done in our restaurants, let them be discontinued; for what use is it to expend means and talent in a work that consumes without producing? Of what use is it for workers to spend their time preparing temporal food for men and women, while they neglect to offer them the bread of life and the water of salvation? Merely to provide temporal food is not a savor of life unto life. The Health Food Ministry Page 69, Paragraph 1 (HFM 69,1)
- Always Price Right
Pro 20:14
(14) It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
- Cash
Expect Individual Guidance
There are poor men and women who are writing to me for advice as to whether they shall sell their homes, and give the proceeds to the cause. They say the appeals for means stir their souls, and they want to do something for the Master who has done everything for them. I would say to such, “It may not be your duty to sell your little homes just now; but go to God for yourselves; the Lord will certainly hear your earnest prayers for wisdom to understand your duty.”—Testimonies for the Church 5:733, 734. Counsels on Stewardship Page 59, Paragraph 1 (CS 59.1)
Possessions to Decrease Rather Than Increase
It is now that our brethren should be cutting down their possessions instead of increasing them. We are about to move to a better country, even a heavenly. Then let us not be dwellers upon the earth, but be getting things into as compact a compass as possible. Counsels on Stewardship Page 59, Paragraph 2 (CS 59.2)
The time is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save he that hath the mark of the beast.—Testimonies for the Church 5:152. Counsels on Stewardship Page 59, Paragraph 3 (CS 59.3)
Rent in the city, buy in the country
It would be a mistake to build or purchase large buildings in the cities. … Those who seem to see such great advantages in so doing are without understanding. Ministry to the Cities Page 62, Paragraph 1 (MTC 62.1)
For the salvation of one soul we should tax our resources to the uttermost
One soul is of more value to heaven than a world of property, houses, lands, money. If the sacrifice were essential for the salvation of one soul, it would be the duty of the inhabitants of the earth to sell their possessions in order to secure that soul for eternity. For the conversion of one soul we should tax our resources to the utmost. One soul won to Christ will flash heaven’s light all around him, penetrating the moral darkness, and saving other souls. Thus two, five, ten talents will accumulate and double. This is not exaggeration. If Christ left the ninety and nine, that he might seek and save the one lost sheep, shall we be justified in doing less? Monthly Missionary Reading May 9, 1908 Par 7 (MMR 9,1908, Par7)
The secret is in obedience
Philippians 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Eve had been perfectly happy by her husband’s side in her Eden home; but, like restless modern Eves, she was flattered with the hope of entering a higher sphere than that which God had assigned her. In attempting to rise above her original position, she fell far below it. A similar result will be reached by all who are unwilling to take up cheerfully their life duties in accordance with God’s plan. The Adventist Home Page 115, Paragraph 2 (AH 115.2)
The Remnant, its Economy, Election and Freedom is in conclusion more than an identity, but a standard to be embraced with utmost commitment. Are you a remnant of this 21st Century? (Don’t know the best way to conclude the story.)