Divine Hour – Sabbath morning – “The World’s Final Super Power” – Peter Gregory

We want to thank everyone who was involved in the outreach distribution of 2,000 copies of The Great Controversy. It is written…

“The Great Controversy should be very widely circulated. It contains the story of the past, the present, and the future. In its outline of the closing scenes of this earth’s history, it bears a powerful testimony in behalf of the truth. I am more anxious to see a wide circulation for this book than for any others I have written; for in The Great Controversy, the last message of warning to the world is given more distinctly than in any of my other books.” ~ Colporteur Ministry p. 127, Ellen White

May the Lord continue to bless His work.

Dear Loving Heavenly Father,

We humbly ask for your Holy Spirit to teach us today.  Please Lord grant us a true understanding of how you judge children and how we will be judged.  Open our eyes so that we see wonderful things from your word.  May your love and compassion be revealed to us today, and may your love dwell in our hearts.  Help us now and we thank you for doing so.  We pray all these things in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, amen.

Imagine if one day a group of police officers showed up at your door.  They quickly handcuffed you, you were taken to a courtroom and declared guilty of war crimes.  “War crimes, I’ve never fought in a war!” you plead.  The judge responds and says “your great grandfather committed war crimes in World War 1 and we are punishing you for the crime, I hereby sentence you to death”.

Certainly a human judge would never make such an unfair sentence.  How could you be judged for a crime that occurred when you never even were alive? Yet would God throw someone in hell because of the sins of their parents, or grandparents?  Or because of the sins of Adam in the garden of Eden?  Does the guilt of one generation pass on from generation to generation through a bloodline?  The Bible gives us the answer in Ezekiel 18:20 when it says “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.“  Here the Bible says the son shall not bear the guilt of the father.  Again the Bible says “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin.” (Deuteronomy 24:16)  You are not punished for the sins of any past generation.  “God is a just judge” (Psalm 7:11) and God is much fairer than any human court.  It is true, sin does have consequences. If your parents were abusive you may have suffered the consequences, when Adam sinned the earth received the curse of death, but the guilt of one generation does not pass from generation to generation.  This would be unfair.  Only those who have sinned will be condemned.

But what is sin?

If we can determine what sin is, we can determine if God would be able to punish a child for it.  Fortunately Jesus will never leave us in the dark.  He gives us a definition of what sin is in the book of 1 John 3:4 which states “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” ¹  Sin is the transgression or the breaking of God’s law, His Ten Commandments.  Because of this we must ask which of the Ten Commandments has a child violated?  Has an infant murder, lying, theft, adultery, Sabbath-breaking or blasphemy?  Certainly not.  Is crying a sin?  “Jesus wept”.  (John 11:35) Jesus gives us great insight into how God judges sin when He said…

“If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.” (John 9:41)

Listen closely, children are born with a sinful nature that is we have this inward pull or desire to sin but we are not born sinners.  Sin is the breaking of God’s law.  And we have concluded that babies have not broken the Ten Commandments.  Even if they did, Jesus told us in John 9:41 that were there is no understanding, there is no sin. Again Jesus said “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.” (John 15:22)  Where there can be no knowledge, there can be no sin.  Jesus said such is excused in those who cannot possibly know the truth.

Since this is true, have you ever wondered why then spread the gospel?  Why not leave the world in darkness, perhaps their sin would be excused?  The answer to this question is found in Hosea 4:6 which states

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being priest for Me;
Because you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children. ~ Hosea 4:6

Based on Hosea 4:6, John 9:41 and John 15:22 we must learn an important principle.  “If light comes, and that light is set aside or rejected, then comes condemnation and the frown of God; but before the light comes, there is no sin, for there is no light for them to reject.” ²

Let me illustrate this by a very simple example.  One day I was driving on a freeway in southern California and I was in the carpool lane.  I needed to exit the carpool lane because my exit was only a few miles away.  There was a solid white line to my right, but I had seen many drivers cross over that line to exit in the past.  So I decided to cross that solid white line so I wouldn’t miss my exit.  Suddenly I saw red and blue lights in my rear view mirror.  A motorcycle police officer pulled me over and gave me a ticket for crossing over that white line for it was a violation of the law.  I was not aware of this law, it cost me hundreds of dollars to pay the ticket.  But I was held responsible for breaking the law because I should have known better.  I had the department of motor vehicles handbook, I should have known and kept the law.

Beloved, we have the Bible, we have should have knowledge of the law of God.  We cannot blindly  follow the example of others for they may be in violation of God’s law.  You cannot plead ignorance in the day of judgment, the time to study and obey the commandments of the Lord is now.  “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.” (Acts 17:30 NIV)

If we neglect to study the truth for ourselves, if we delay obedience to God and neglect our duty to our fellow man, it becomes sin.  For it is written “to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)  It is not safe to remain in darkness, for Jesus said “Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.” (John 12:35)   Beloved, “beware of procrastination. Do not put off the work of forsaking your sins and seeking purity of heart through Jesus. Here is where thousands upon thousands have erred to their eternal loss. I will not here dwell upon the shortness and uncertainty of life; but there is a terrible danger—a danger not sufficiently understood—in delaying to yield to the pleading voice of God’s Holy Spirit, in choosing to live in sin; for such this delay really is. Sin, however small it may be esteemed, can be indulged in only at the peril of infinite loss. What we do not overcome, will overcome us and work out our destruction.” ³

So will babies be in heaven?

The book of Isaiah chapter 65 tells us that yes, infants will be in heaven for it is written “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;  And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people; The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, nor the voice of crying.  No more shall an infant from there live but a few days”. Isaiah 65:17,19-20

That’s good news beloved.  If you have lost an infant, know that when Jesus returns at the last day they will arise to meet Jesus in the clouds.  The only question is, will you be saved?  Will you be there to greet your child in heaven when Jesus returns?  Time is almost finished, do you reflect the lovely image of Jesus as you should?

Jesus says to you “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”⁴  Have you chosen to follow Jesus friend?  Have you allowed Him to daily purify your life?  Christ is ready to set us free from sin, but He does not force the will. You must choose to confess and forsake sin in order to receive mercy (Proverbs 28:13).  “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” “Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” ⁵ The Lord is calling us today to genuine repentance.  To be saved from sin.  His nail pieced hand is stretched forth across the gulf of sin; His hand open, awaiting your reach.  Jesus asks the question “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.” (Isaiah 49:15-16)  Those nail pierced hands are for our salvation.

Let us never forget that Jesus died the death that we deserve, so that we may live the life that He deserves.  His grace is sufficient for you.  God is a just judge, and He would never condemn the innocent.  He would never condemn infants to hell.  And the good news is you can be declared innocent by the blood of Jesus today.    Is there some sin in your life that you need to surrender to Jesus today?  One of the problems of this world is that many claim to love Jesus but few desire to obey Him.  Have you chosen to surrender your whole will to Him, or just certain areas of your life?  Examine yourself as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourself. Then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. ⁶ Is it your will to choose Jesus and to surrender your entire will to His loving care?  It is God’s desire that you choose Him today, the Savior is waiting.  If you desire and are willing to surrender your whole heart to Jesus, I encourage you to bow your heads as we close in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today our prayer our song is not I surrender some, but Lord our prayer… our song is I surrender all.  You know the sins we struggle with, the sins that so easily beset us but by your might, by your power, by your Holy Spirit we can overcome fully.  Please Lord as we confess our sins individually to you today, forgive us of our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness by the blood of your Son Jesus.  We thank you Lord that we may have a new life in you, and we have it today.  We praise you for this great gift of salvation, empower us to live this new life each day, and help us to be ready for your soon coming we pray in Jesus name, amen.

Words from the Bible are in red.

“After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory.”  (Revelation 18:1)

Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers.” (The Great Controversy p. 611-612, Ellen White)

The shocking reality is, today there are multitudes of professed Christians who are poisoning people.  They know if they continue to do so, that person will die, yet they do it anyways.  Because they are addicted, they have attempted to justify themselves, saying “well it won’t keep me from heaven”.  But as we agreed already such is faulty logic, dangerous logic.

These professed Christians are using deadly substances arsenic, methane, methanol and stearic acid ². The worst thing is these professed Christians are using this poison on themselves.  Cigarettes come with a warning from the U.S. Surgeon General stating that using such will kill you.  God also gives an even greater warning in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, it is written…“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” ³

If someone were to enter a church and start smoking, certainly people would be outraged. That smoker would almost instantly be thrown out of the church. Of how much more value in God’s eyes are you compared to some walls of a building!  Of how greater magnitude then is the sin of defiling yourself with cigarettes than it is to pollute a building?  1 Corinthians says you are the temple of God.  How then shall anyone justify defiling the temple of God? “If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him.”  Let us be perfectly honest with ourselves, those who persist in the use of tobacco cannot enter the kingdom of God for “there shall in no wise enter into it (heaven) any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie” (Revelation 21:27 KJV).  If we do not overcome sin in this lifetime, sin shall overcome us and we will find ourselves in the wrong resurrection. “But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope” (Ecclesiastes 9:4). Where there is life there is hope. The good news is the Bible says where sin abounds grace does much more abound.⁴ But where is our hope?

Perhaps you have learned the shocking truth that based on the Bible we cannot destroy our bodies through the use of cigarettes and enter the kingdom of God.  Maybe you have tried to break the bonds of smoking, but have failed.  And right now, perhaps you are discouraged or even angry at the above statements in this article.  You know God wants you to quit smoking, but it seems like an impossible task.  Beloved, you’re right, it is impossible in your own power.  But your hope is not in yourself, it is in Jesus Christ.  The Bible says “You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21) Jesus Christ came to save you from your sin.  “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8) Friends, whatever chains Satan has bound you with, Jesus Christ can break.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Jesus has promised to not just forgive but to also purify us of all unrighteousness.  Do we simply take Him at His word?  Do we believe?  “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” ⁵

Today God is asking you to give up smoking.  It may seem to some a heavy burden to ask.  “But what do we give up, when we give all? A sin-polluted heart, for Jesus to purify, to cleanse by His own blood, and to save by His matchless love. And yet men think it hard to give up all! God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our best interest to retain. In all that He does, He has the well-being of His children in view. Would that all who have not chosen Christ might realize that He has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves. Man is doing the greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God. ⁶

Gaining the victory will be a battle, it will be a fight.  Yet the apostle Paul wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”.⁷ Paul said the Christian walk is a battle.  And in a conflict there will be victories and defeats, but through Jesus Christ you must win the war.  The battle against self is the greatest battle ever fought.  In order to gain the victory and inherit eternal life you must fight the good fight.   Keep the faith.  Cling to Jesus Christ, do not give up.  The reward will be glorious.  A crown of righteousness, eternal life with Jesus Christ who loves you so much that He died for you.  A world free of pain and suffering and death.  Eternal joy, eternal happiness. Communion with holy angels.  Being reunited with your loved ones who have passed away and died with faith in Jesus.  Best of all, speaking with Him who was pierced for you face to face.

Friend, do not think that Jesus looks forward to destroying those who defile themselves.  Quite the opposite, for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through Him.⁸ The only question is do we believe?  Do we believe that Jesus can give us complete victory over smoking in this lifetime?  The promise of God is powerful and clear, it is written….

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ~ Philippians 4:13

Do not say “I can do all things except stop smoking.”  Jesus Christ is stronger than your sinful habit.  We believe that God will destroy murderers and those who defile themselves, then let us also believe that Jesus came to set us free of the sin that so easily besets us.  Know that Jesus takes pleasure in setting you free from smoking.  Don’t miss that point, Jesus wants nothing more than to grant you victory over smoking.  He wants nothing more than to redeem you.  He proved His sincerity for this mission, He proved His love for you, at the cross.  Do not forget the words of Christ, “The Father Himself loves you.” John 16:27. He desires to restore you to Himself, to see His own purity and holiness reflected in you. And if you will but yield yourself to Him, He that hath begun a good work in you will carry it forward to the day of Jesus Christ. Pray more fervently; believe more fully. As we come to distrust our own power, let us trust the power of our Redeemer, and we shall praise Him who is the health of our countenance.⁹

Jesus has promised “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.“¹⁰  If Peter can do the humanly impossible and walk on water when he kept his eyes on Jesus, you can overcome smoking by keeping your eyes on Jesus. Friend, it’s time to die to self and live for Jesus.  Throw away those cigarettes, cut off all forms of temptation. Take a stand for Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ gave everything for you, give up this sinful habit and surrender your will to Him.  I invite you today to make a radical change in your life.  “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:20, James 4:7-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17)  Would you like to become a new creation in Christ today by making a decision to trust Christ and surrender this habit?  If so I encourage you to bow your head with me as we pray.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord you are awesome.  Despite the failures of our past, Lord you can break the chains which bind us.  You came to set us free.  Today Lord we pray that you set us free from everything which separates us from you.  I pray specifically for my dear brother or sister here today, who desires to be set free from smoking.  Lord you have all power, all strength, you have promised to set us free, may your will be done today.  Grant my dear brother or sister the strength to overcome by the power of your Holy Spirit alone.  We praise you Lord for what you are about to do and what you are about to begin even today.  We thank you for hearing and answering our prayer, and we pray all these things in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, amen.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” ¹¹

How is a Christian to handle competitive sports?  May Christians participate in boxing or football?  Should Christian parents expose their children to such events?  “The tendency of most athletic sports is a subject of anxious thought to those who have at heart the well-being of the youth. Teachers are troubled as they consider the influence of these sports both on the student’s progress in school and on his success in afterlife. The games that occupy so much of his time are diverting the mind from study. They are not helping to prepare the youth for practical, earnest work in life. Their influence does not tend toward refinement, generosity, or real manliness. “¹  The question many have is, which sports are appropriate for Christians to participate in?  Which sports are sinful in God’s sight?  Such are good questions.  The Bible has good answers.  Therefore let us study the Bible to discover the truth about competitive sports. 

But before we consider any sport directly, let us ask for the Lord to guide us in our understanding, let us pray.

Dear Gracious Heavenly Father, Lord we want to be just like you.  Lord we want to have the character of Jesus. Lord if there is anything that is hampering our growth , if there is anything that we are doing that is sinful, please Lord show us.  Guide us, help us to make the right decisions, based solely on your word.  May we lean not in our own understand but in all our ways acknowledge you, and you shall direct our paths.  May your will be done oh Lord, we pray. In Jesus name, amen.

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

The Bible here warns us that just before Jesus returns, many people who have “a form of godliness” but will be proud, brutal, unloving, haughty and lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.  The reality is there are certain sports that we must not partake in, in fact we must not even watch as Christians.  Boxing and UFC or ultimate fighting martial arts competitions, where two men gather into a cage or ring and punch each other out, are clearly brutal.  Such sports are Satanic in origin. Is this what Christ would want us to do, give pain to others for whom Christ died?  Certainly not!  We are not to even watch such sports for it is written “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” (Psalm 101:3)

What about sports where fighting is not allowed such as football?  I’m sure we have seen a NFL game in the past and so I want to illustrate a very common scenario.  A quarterback drops back for a pass, he sees an open receiver and throws a pass into the end-zone to this receiver.  The receiver leaps in the air and catches the ball.  While he is returning to the earth, a defensemen from the other team tackles the receiving in mid-air, blindsiding the receiving and knocking him to the ground, in turn causing the receiver to drop the ball because of the force of the crushing blow.  As the receiving lays on the ground, with ears ringing and pain throbbing through his body, what does the defensemen do after the play is over?  Most of the time they celebrate.  A dance, a high five, or some other ridiculous gesture is preformed and thousands applaud.  Are we to cause pain to others and then celebrate?  Is this the attitude of heaven?  “Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:10)

The sin and degradation of Christian character is not found at the professional level of sports alone.  I once spoke with a twelve year old boy who attended church every week and was engaged in competitive tackle football.  I asked him the question, what do you enjoy most about the game?  He answered me “I get to hit people and not get in trouble”.  Friends, “some of the most popular amusements, such as football and boxing, have become schools of brutality. They are developing the same characteristics as did the games of ancient Rome. The love of domination, the pride in mere brute force, the reckless disregard of life, are exerting upon the youth a power to demoralize that is appalling.

Other athletic games, though not so brutalizing, are scarcely less objectionable because of the excess to which they are carried. They stimulate the love of pleasure and excitement, thus fostering a distaste for useful labor, a disposition to shun practical duties and responsibilities. They tend to destroy a relish for life’s sober realities and its tranquil enjoyments. Thus the door is opened to dissipation and lawlessness with their terrible results.”²

The attitude taken in many competitions is….who is the better athlete?  Who is the better, hockey or soccer or basketball or football player?  Is this bringing glory to God or glory to self?  Is there not a great temptation to think of the winning team as better than the losers?  Is such an attitude dangerous?  The Bible gives us the answer when it says

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” (Philippians 2:3)

Do competitive sports promote such an attitude, or the opposite?  The attitude of proving who is the greater is something the disciples had in Luke 9:46 when it says “Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest.”  Jesus, in compassion knew that this attitude must be corrected, for it is written “And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.” (Luke 9:47-48)

He who is least among you all will be the greatest.  The humility of Christ, this is what God’s people need now more than ever.  Beloved, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8)

The opposite of everything prideful, the opposite of everything selfish, the opposite of everything boastful, is found in the humility of Jesus Christ.  The King of Glory, the commander of the heavenly host, gave all that He had, so that we may spend eternity with Him.  “Never can the cost of our redemption be realised until the redeemed shall stand with the Redeemer before the throne of God. Then as the glories of the eternal home burst upon our enraptured senses we shall remember that Jesus left all this for us, that He not only became an exile from the heavenly courts, but for us took the risk of failure and eternal loss. Then we shall cast our crowns at His feet, and raise the song, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” Rev. 5:12.” ³

In conclusion, “I do not condemn the simple exercise of playing ball; but this, even in its simplicity, may be overdone.  I shrink always from the almost sure result which follows in the wake of these amusements. It leads to an outlay of means that should be expended in bringing the light of truth to souls that are perishing out of Christ. The amusements and expenditures of means for self-pleasing, which lead on step by step to self-glorifying, and the educating in these games for pleasure produce a love and passion for such things that is not favorable to the perfection of Christian character”⁴.  Time is almost finished, let us spend our final hours fulfilling the gospel commission of Matthew 28:18-20 instead of spending time in the amusements of the world.  One soul won to Christ, one effort made that is successful, will bring about eternal happiness in heaven.  Let us redeem the time by sharing the gospel and perfecting Christian character, let us not waste our time with the amusements of the world in these the final hours of earth’s history. “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.  See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Luke 15:7, Ephesians 5:15-16)  May the Lord bless you as you do so.

Could it be that history will repeat itself?  Could it be that the majority of the professed Christian world will be just as unprepared when Jesus comes again because they did not understand the true signs of Jesus return? Could it be that a misunderstanding of Bible prophecy will lead the vast majority of God’s people to reject Jesus right before His second coming and receive the mark of the beast?

What are the true signs of Jesus return?  Is the rapture a secret?  And what is the greatest deception in the last days that will lead many Christians astray?  Let us study the Bible to discover the true signs of Christ’s return, so that we may be prepared for the soon return of Jesus Christ.

But before we do so, let us pray…

Dear gracious and loving Heavenly Father,

Lord nothing is too difficult for you.  Who may instruct you? For your wisdom is great.  Lord today we do not rely on our own simple human minds.  Lord today may we not lean on our own understanding and preconceived ideas and theories.  Lord today, may we have the mind of Christ.  Today Lord may you teach us.  Today Lord we lay aside any ideas regarding the theories of raptures and last day events.  And today may we just sit at your feet and listen to your words.  Help us to follow you, and be ready for your soon return.  We thank you Lord for hearing our prayer and we praise you Lord for what you are about to do.  Teach us Lord for we pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, amen.

The Final Deception

What is the greatest deception in the last days?  The Bible gives us the answer when it says

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.  Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (2 Timothy 3:1, Matthew 24:21-24)

Let me ask you a question, based on this passage who is Satan trying to deceive?  Would you attempt to deceive those who are already deceived?  If someone believes that 2 + 2 was equal to 40.  And then Satan came along and deceived that person into believing that 2 +2 was equal to 22.   Would Satan really rejoice? Why go deceive those who are already deceived?  Why waste your time?  Friends, Jesus warned us that there will be false prophets and false christs, but their primary goal is to deceive you and me.  And so in Matthew 24, Jesus gave a warning specifically for our generation.   And in this passage Jesus, speaking to us, warns us that false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.  These false prophets are not working some sleight of hand illusions friends, for even Jesus said that these “false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders”.  The question we must ask ourselves is, who are these sinister false prophets and false christs?  The Bible warns us that these are no ordinary men, for the book of Revelation speaking of these great signs says “For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” (Revelation 16:14)

What type of signs are we soon to see?

The book of Job tells us that Satan has the ability to even send down fire from the sky in an attempt to make it look like God is doing such work (see Job 1:9-12, 16-19).  The book of Revelation tells us that Satan will again use such a deception in the last days again for it is written “He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men” (Revelation 13:13).  Satan also has the ability to give people diseases for it is written “So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.” (Job 2:7).  Angels and likewise fallen angels also have the ability to bring physical blindness to people (Matthew 12:22, Genesis 19:11).  But in the last days, Satan and his demons are not going to appear to people in red suits with pitchforks, casting plagues on people.  Jesus said they will be false propehts and false christs.  They will appear to be sent from God.   “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.  And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-14)

Now let’s prayerfully consider the warning of Jesus, combined with some additional Bible verses we have covered.  Simply listen to this stirring warning for our time, direct from the Scriptures.  “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.  And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” (Matthew 24:23-24, Revelation 16:14, 2 Corinthians 11:14)

Based on these three Bible passages we can reach only one conclusion.  As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour’s advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come. In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of God given by John in the Revelation. Revelation 1:13-15. The glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld. The shout of triumph rings out upon the air: “Christ has come! Christ has come!” The people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His disciples when He was upon the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. He heals the diseases of the people and in gentle, compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths which the Savior uttered.   Multitudes of all classes bow down before him, not knowing that who they worship is the father of lies.  “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it.  For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”   (Matthew 24:26, 24)

This will be an almost overwhelming deception.  None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict. Only this class will be able to detect this counterfeit christ.  But how?

Detecting The Counterfeit

How do you detect a counterfeit?  If I gave you an Indonesian dollar bill and I said I want you to examine this right now, and tell me if it is a counterfeit or a genuine.  Would you be able to tell?  Unless you are familiar with Indonesian currency you wouldn’t know.  In fact you might not even know what color the genuine is.  But if I gave you a United States $100 dollar bill, and said please tell me if this is a genuine or a counterfeit.  What would you do?  You would probably first check the color.  Then perhaps you would read the writing on the dollar bill.  Then you would likely hold it up to the light, as all genuine $100 bills have a small piece of metal inside that can be seen when they are held up to a light source.  Beloved in order to detect a counterfeit, we need to hold up every statement, every theory, every sermon up to the light, the word of God.  For it is written “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” And “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 8:20)

The easiest way to detect a counterfeit is to know what the genuine looks like.  The easiest way to detect a false Christ, is to know just exactly how Jesus will come.

How will Jesus come?  Let’s let Jesus tell us…let’s continue to read the words of Jesus in Matthew 24 for He says…

“For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matthew 24:27)

How quick is lightning?  Instant.  When Jesus appears, people in China will see Jesus the same time people in America see Him.  Again three verses later Jesus gives us even more signs saying, “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30)

Based on the words of Jesus here, how many people see Him?  All people, instantly.  All the tribes will mourn.  The lost will mourn when they see Jesus return but the saved will rejoice.  For “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.” (Revelation 1:7)

So when Jesus comes it is instant, and visible to all. Yet these are not the only signs of Christ’s return.  Let’s continue to read the words of Jesus, let’s move on to the very next verse in Matthew 24 where Jesus says….

“And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24:31)

When Jesus comes there will be a great….sound of a trumpet.  So when Jesus comes it is instant, visible, and audible to both the living righteous and wicked.  “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

1 Thessalonians 4:16 tells us when Jesus Christ returns the dead in Christ rise.  And we meet Jesus where?  In the air.   So we are taken to Jesus.  So Jesus never even touches the ground.  We meet Him in the air.  What a wonderful day that will be!  To see your friends and family members who have died with faith in Jesus to be resurrected to meet the Lord.  Right by your side!  Based on these Scriptures, if someone claims to be Jesus, but you haven’t seen the dead in Christ rise yet and you are not taken to heaven, then that person is not Jesus.  Now it’s even simpler isn’t it?  If some dazzling being working miracles shows up claiming to be Jesus, but you are not yet taken to heaven, and your friends are not resurrected from the grave, then you know it is not Jesus.

Yes beloved, regarding the return of Christ, Jesus does say “Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.”  (Matthew 24:40) Those who are saved are taken with Jesus to heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).  Those who are lost will be destroyed by the brightness of His coming at His return (see Revelation 19:17-21, 2 Thessalonians 2:8).  “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 4) For Jesus said “As the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matthew 24:37-39)

Jesus said as it was in the days of Noah so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.  In the days of Noah there was no second boat.  Those who chose to be lost were all destroyed by the flood.  Likewise when Jesus comes there is no second boat.  There is no second chance.  Now is the time to give ourselves to Jesus.  “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Yes Satan will be working miracles, yes he will be trying to deceive even Christians.  It is true that Satan will masquerade as Christ for “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,  and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)  But we need not be afraid.  Jesus is coming soon to rescue His own.  For Jesus has promised “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12)

I’m so thankful that no one needs to be lost.  Jesus has made it so clear that even a child could understand it.  The rapture is anything but secret for the entire world will see the literal, visible and audible second coming of Jesus Christ!

Now one day that new car had a mechanical problem, and you didn’t know how to diagnose it. If you had a choice between asking the manufacturer or myself for help who would you ask to give you advice? The manufacturer of course!  Why? The answer is simple, the creator would know exactly how everything works.

The Bible says we are created by God. Since God is our Creator did He give us a manual on how to live? What about what we eat and drink? Let’s be specific, what does the Bible say about alcoholic beverages? Should a Christian drink alcohol? Is it a sin to drink alcohol? Can it keep us out of heaven? No matter what we may think we know, we must realize that the Creator would know exactly how everything works and what we should and should not drink. Therefore let us study the Bible, God’s inspired life manual, to see what God says to these relevant questions for our life.

But before we open the Bible let us ask for the Creator’s help, let us pray.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We know that your way is always best; for you know all and have power over everything on earth.  We ask today that you give us wisdom as we search your word to discover what your plan is for our lives in regards to alcohol.  We ask that you teach us Father, send your Holy Spirit to guide us in our understanding and whatever your will for us is… may we follow you for we know that you desire only good things for us.  We thank you Lord that no matter the question, you have given us clear guidance in your word.  Thank you for first loving us and sending your son Jesus for us.  Bless us now and we thank you for hearing our prayer.  We pray all these things in the name of your son Jesus, amen.

A Biblical Definition

“The word “wine” in the Bible sometimes refers to the new—or fresh juice of the grape; other times it is used to describe the aged or fermented product containing the drug alcohol. The translators never used the term “grape juice.” In the Hebrew text, the writers use different words to distinguish between the two. The word tîyrôsh is used for new unfermented wine, and yayin is generally used for fermented wine, but there were some exceptions (Isaiah 16:10). However, in the New Testament, only one Greek word is used to describe both fermented and fresh grape juice: oinis . But this shouldn’t be a problem. By simply understanding the context of the word in a passage, the appropriate meaning will usually surface. So unless the passage says old or new wine (as in Luke 5:37–39), the context will often tell us what kind of grape juice is being described.”[1]

One simple example occurs in Mark 2:22: Jesus says “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins”. Obviously the new wine would be the fresh unfermented kind, the old wine being that which has undergone the aging process of fermentation and acquired alcoholic content.  Another example would be when Jesus instituting communion said “Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”(Mark 14:25)  Here Jesus clearly stated that communion wine should be new wine, non-alcoholic grape juice.  With this distinction in mind let us now tackle the important questions.

Did Jesus drink? Was this new wine or old wine?  Fermented alcoholic drink, or grape juice?  If Jesus drank alcohol it could not be a sin to do so.  Also if drinking a single drink of alcohol has no effect on anyone or anything it cannot be a sin to do so either.  But if drinking alcohol is a sin and we do not repent, can it keep us out of heaven?

Does it matter at all?

The Bible gives us a clear answer in Galatians 5:19-23 when it says…

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,  idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,  envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control.[2]

Does it matter?  Yes! Galatians 5:19-23 tells us that those who practice drunkenness will not inherit the kingdom of God. But what about just a few drinks?  In the above Biblical passage it gives a list of characteristics, some specified as good some as evil.  As one consumes alcohol I’d like you to make your own decision in regard to which of the below characteristics increase or decrease in strength…

There is actually a simple way to finding the true answers to this worksheet.  We can answer where every characteristic should be placed based on only one question.  Does alcohol increase or decrease one’s self control?  Now I know we all come from different backgrounds and we may have different opinions at the moment on whether a Christian should drink alcohol, but I think we can all agree that drinking alcohol decreases a person’s self-control.  I’ve never met anyone who drove better after 5 drinks.

So if we can agree that drinking alcohol decreases one’s self control, then we have the answer to all the above characteristics.  How so?  Since self-control decreases, then outbursts of wrath, hatred and dissension must increase.  And as self-control decreases then faithfulness also decreases.  A lack of faithfulness leads to adultery, lewdness and fornication.

The fruit of the Spirit is self-control, gentleness and faithfulness.  Can one claim to be controlled by the Holy Spirit and also drink alcohol?  The verse we covered in Galatians 5 told us that those who practice drunkenness “ will not inherit the kingdom of God”.  God cannot break His word, so we know that drinking alcohol is serious, it will keep some out of heaven!  The salvation of many, the difference between heaven and hell is at stake from this toxic substance!

But what about the occasional drink?

“I know that it can be life destroying to some, but it has no influence on me, I can handle it after all I only have a few drinks”. There are many who claim that having a few drinks has no effect on them.   Because they do not drink large amounts, do not experience the physical outward effects of vomiting, hangovers, drunkenness or other extremes many in all walks of life claim that a few drinks has no influence.  So where does God draw the line?  We know drunkenness is condemned but what about casual drinking? If it is true, that alcohol has no influence on an individual then certainly it must be harmless in God’s eyes.  Therefore let us consider what influence alcohol has on us.

What type of influence does it have?  And whose kingdom are we advancing?

Every action is recorded by God and the influence, motivation and results are recorded by the great life giver.  With ever drink of alcohol and with every purchase of strong drink we must ask ourselves, what kingdom are we advancing?  Are those funds advancing God’s kingdom?  Certainly no honest Christian could claim that Budweiser is doing the Lord’s work.  But if they are not doing the Lord’s work, if the principles are not in accordance with God in any form, then which kingdom are they advancing?  “He who is not with Me is against Me[3]”, said Jesus. There is only one biblical conclusion, with each purchase of alcoholic drink, such funds go into the treasury of the enemy of souls.  Satan, having thousands of years to hone his craft, knows exactly what to do with the money you have graciously given him.  He is well pleased when professed Christians claim that their drinking has no negative influence, for Satan uses their charity to increase his influence in the world.  “Those whom God has made His stewards have no right to place in the enemy’s ranks the means which He has entrusted to them to use in His cause.”[4]

Besides this important point, some of the most sinful actions in the entire Bible were done while under the influence of alcohol.   Genesis 19:30-36 records the shocking and sinful action of Lot’s daughters…“So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose.” (Genesis 19:33).   Alcohol consumption has been a primary factor in an increase of crime, murder, car accidents, rape and abuse.  It is confusing to say the least why any professed Christian would argue for its consumption.  It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. (Romans 14:21)  What is a former alcoholic who has gained the victory through Christ to think when he sees his fellow brothers and sisters freely drinking of that, which has brought so much misery in his life?  And what about the brother who is struggling to overcome such a habit?  Will not the scene of his fellow believers consuming alcohol only greatly strengthen his justification of such a sin?

“Those who profess to be Christians amid the perils of the last days, and do not imitate the humble, self-denying Pattern, place themselves in the enemy’s ranks. He considers them his subjects, and they serve as important a purpose for him as do any of his subjects, for they have a name to live, and are dead. Others take them as an example, and by following them lose heaven, when, had these not professed to be Christians, their example would have been shunned. These unconsecrated professors are not aware of the weight of their influence.”[5]

But did Jesus drink?

The Bible records that “On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee… Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece.  Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.  And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it.  When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.  And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” (John 2:1, 6-10)

The reason the Lord recorded that last sentence is because He wants us to know that the wine Jesus made was good wine.   Let us therefore consider what the Lord considers good wine.  Is it new wine (non-alcoholic) or old wine (alcoholic)? Some may argue it was alcoholic, that is the good wine.  Others may argue no it was the non-alcoholic new wine that was good.  Imagine if you could ask God such a question, wouldn’t you accept His answer and follow Him?  If only we could ask the Lord, which wine is good and which is inferior!  The good news is the Lord gives us a direct answer in the book of Isaiah for it is written

“Thus says the LORD:
“ As the new wine is found in the cluster,
And one says, ‘Do not destroy it,
For a blessing is in it’” (Isaiah 65:8)

There is a blessing in new wine, the fresh grape juice of the vine.  But in the same book the Bible records a curse on those who drink intoxicating drink….

Woe to those who rise early in the morning,
That they may follow intoxicating drink;
Who continue until night, till wine inflames them!

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
Woe to men mighty at drinking wine,
Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink ~ Isaiah 5:11, 20-22

But besides this point let us ask the question, would Jesus fill six large waterpots with a total of 120 to 180 gallons of booze?

The weight of our influence not only has an effect on others’ salvation, it affects our own.  Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.”[6] The most sobering warning in the Bible regarding our influence is found in that warning from Jesus. He said it would be better to be drowned in the ocean than to use your influence to cause others to sin!  “A heavy penalty will rest upon those who suffered Satan to use them as mediums to lead astray, and corrupt the minds of others. A heavy curse rested upon the serpent in Eden, because he was the medium Satan used to tempt our first parents to transgress; and a heavy curse from God will follow those who yield themselves as instruments in the subversion of others.”[7] How can we face the judgment knowing that our casual drinking aided in the justification of another person’s sin and destruction?  How then can we suggest that Jesus at the wedding in Cana made between 120 to 180 gallons of booze?  Would Jesus break His own commandments?  The Bible says “Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise[8]” This biblical proverb tells us that wine and strong drink can lead us astray.  It can turn us from salvation.  In essence it can destroy us.

The Bible calls all followers of Christ to “Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22)  Are we to think that Jesus went against His own consul? In doing so that would make us calling Jesus a hypocrite.  And Jesus is no hypocrite, but we could be.  The Lord declares “Would you indeed annul My judgment?
Would you condemn Me that you may be justified?” (Job 40:8)

We can come to only one conclusion regarding the miracle in Cana, Jesus turned water into new wine.  To say otherwise would be to contradict Jesus’ own words “For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.[9]”

Just one drink

How about just an occasional casual drink?  Or how about in times of deep distress?  Isn’t there certain points when God allows drinking?  The Bible gives us the answer when it says

Then the soldiers led Him (Jesus) away …And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!”  Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it. (Mark 15:16-19, 23)

The example of Jesus in Mark 15 demonstrates that there is never an excuse to drink alcohol.  Do you think there was a hidden purpose behind that offer?  Satan well knew that if he could cloud the mind of Christ, if he could get Jesus to disobey just once, victory would be his.  If Satan could only get Jesus to lose His self-control, if only the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world would consume just one drink, He would not be a lamb without blemish.  Jesus would not defile Himself with alcohol.  Does defile sound like a harsh word?  Such is actually God’s choice of wording for it is written…

And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank …
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. (Daniel 1:5, 8 )

The word of God tells us in Daniel 1 that what we drink can defile us.  The Bible says every time we drink alcohol we are defiling ourselves.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

God will destroy those who defile themselves.  Those who willfully transgress such a commandment and do not repent cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.  Having one drink is a serious matter your salvation is at stake.

Why would God have such a harsh commandment?  Is this loving?

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

We all agreed that we would take care of our friend’s $70,000 car. After all it was a free gift bought at a tremendous price.  Because our friend has lent us something of great value, it would be disrespectful and dangerous to neglect the maintenance of such a gift.  But in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, the word of God tells us that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.   The Bible says you are not your own.  You were bought at a price.  But at what price was it?

Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,  but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. ~ 1 Peter 1:18-19

You were bought with the very price of God’s own Son.  There is no higher price than what God paid for you.   After all your health, your life, are free gifts from God, and they were bought at a tremendous price.  The highest price ever paid for anything was when God paid the price for you at the cross. What great value then do you have in His sight!  The value of an item is determined by its price.  Therefore it stands to reason that you have an infinite value in the sight of God.   “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s“[10]

Since we were bought at such a great price… how can anyone dare to defile their body which was bought by God and stand in the judgment?  Shall we then drink?  Shall we then smoke?  Shall we then seek to destroy God’s own property?!  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.[11]

Something Better

The reality is there is many reasons people drink.  Maybe they have lost a loved one, maybe it is to get over a broken relationship, maybe it is to help overcome depression, or physical pain.  Perhaps it is to gain friends, to help fill a deep loneliness inside.  Or maybe it is an addiction, one that seemingly cannot be broken. One day Jesus sat next to a woman at a well.  She was thirsty and sought to quench her thirst from an earthly vessel, but Jesus had something better than a physical drink.

Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,  but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” – John 4:13-14

The woman heard what Jesus was claiming to have.  Something stronger than beer or wine.  What Jesus is offering helps you overcome depression with each drink, guaranteed.

Are you trying to fit in, be accepted with friends? Are you using alcohol simply as an escape from reality?  Perhaps you’ve lost a loved one, maybe you feel lonely, maybe you are depressed.  The woman at the well had attempted to fill her spiritual need by acquiring physical human relationships.  Yet no matter what she tried she was still empty inside. Just like the woman at the well, today Jesus says to you “You’re trying to fill your life with that which cannot satisfy.” Only one thing can quench your thirst, living water.  Jesus knows your struggles. He knows your pain.  He knows that you have been trying to fill the void in your life with alcohol for it is written…

O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. ~ Psalm 139:1-4

He knows.  He knows that you are defiling yourself with alcohol, he knows your sins, even the deepest darkest ones, but He bought you anyways.  What great love is this?  That Christ would come to a sinful stained wicked planet to save us?  Billions of holy perfect angels worshiped the Lord day and night.  Yet he left the glory and riches of heaven, to come to this earth.  His life was one of toil and pain.  Men rejected Him and mocked Him.  He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He was betrayed by one of His own, and suffered the death of a criminal on a cross.   He left the 99 found sheep, to seek and save the one lost.  And that one lost sheep was you.  He is calling you today to something better.  A life free from drunkenness, emptiness, depression, guilt and shame.  You were bought at a price.  The very life of God.  He has issued a standing rebuke to you today, rebuking the defiling drink that you have placed in your body.  But the Lord Himself says “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne[12].”

Jesus is knocking on your heart today friend.  He is calling you to something better.  A life of victory through His power.  Jesus has already proven at the cross His infinite love for you.  When offered to numb His mind of the suffering that He received on your behalf He refused “For your love is better than wine” (Song of Solomon 1:2)

Today the Lord is asking you to declare to the Lord “How much better than wine is your love!” (Song of Solomon 4:10)  It’s time to place all alcoholic drink on the altar friend.  Take all the alcohol you have in your home today, and make your toilet an altar.  Open each bottle of alcoholic drink, and pour it into that altar.  Then…flush the altar beloved.  Do not believe that Satan will pull you back into such an addiction.  Let no one despair of gaining the victory. Victory is sure when self is surrendered to God.[13] Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who trusts in Him![14] Trust In Jesus, go all the way.  Take a stand.  Today declare to Jesus “How much better than wine is your love![15]” How sad it would be to miss out on heaven for something that cannot satisfy.  Beloved, why not choose Jesus today?  Is that you prayer today?  If so then I encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer right now.  Pray for forgiveness, pray for victory, cleanse your home of alcohol and pray for the Holy Spirit to transform your desires, then believe that He will do so because He has promised.  May the Lord bless you as you follow Him!

[2] Galatians 5:19-23

[3] Luke 11:23 NKJV

[4] Testimonies For The Church Volume 1 p. 550

[5] Testimonies For The Church Volume 1 p. 276 – E.G. White

[6] Luke 17:1-2 NIV

[7] A Solemn Appeal – p. 76 E.G. White

[8] Proverbs 20:1 NKJV

[9] Luke 9:56 NKJV

[10] 1 Corinthians 6:20 All scriptures are from NKJV unless otherwise noted

[11] Romans 12:1

[12] Revelation 3:19-21 NIV

[13] MS 2, 1903 – Ellen White

[14] Psalm 34:8 NKJV

[15] Song of Solomon 4:10 NKJV

Words in blue are from the Bible.

Words in red are the direct words of Jesus.

Friends, such is not a nice to have dream, it can be a reality.    A new live Bible study ministry  called  Southern California Connection is  available anywhere you have a phone! Simply dial (712) 432-0075 and enter PIN # 624255 every Sunday to Friday to hear a live sermon*. Devotionals begin at 7AM and conclude around 7:30-8 AM (PST). Evening sermons begin at 7PM and conclude around 7:30-8 PM(PST). Southern California Connection is lead by over 22 Seventh-day Adventist speakers, authors, doctors and evangelists some of which have been seen on 3ABN. Topics include devotionals, health, end time events, parenting, evangelism, overcoming sin and much more.

Below is a list of upcoming devotionals and speakers…

To view speaker profiles and topics you can visit the official site here.

May the Lord continue to bless you as you study His word!

* standard long distance rates apply (if you have unlimited long distance or extra minutes on your cell phone this is a great opportunity to receive a blessing!)