Capitol Free SDA

The year 2008 was a notable year for the distribution of documentary video and “secret info” about future events and what the government was planning to do.  Many claim that these reports are simply proclaiming prophecy, while it is difficult to find evidence of such “inside info” in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. Much of what is actually rumor and conjecture is passed off as prophecy.

Part of what makes these videos so popular is the excitement of having “the scoop.” Some in Adventist circles take great delight obtaining and helping to circulate information that no one will ever obtain unless they view that particular report. The refrain is often, “It’s got to be true; they have the documentation.” Yet people enter the country every day illegally with documentation that appears valid. When you go to court, and the defense attorney has his client on the stand, it sounds like he has a concrete and credible case. You can almost guarantee that they are innocent based all the evidence. That is, until the cross-examination approaches the witness stand, and it doesn't seem so credible any more. How then do we judge the end times?  If we read our bibles daily, study bible prophecy, seek to share and study with others, live faithfully and obedient, we will know where we are in prophecy without sitting for hours listening to so called "insider information."

In the 1990’s there may have been three or four of these types of circulations a year, but now with the advance of technology, we find about four per week sent out for distribution. Just prior to Y2k, many reported about how the military would take over America under President Clinton, and that he would impose martial law and remain president. It was also reported that the LA gangs were going to be used as an on the ground military force. In 2008 it was predicted based on secret information obtained by expert researchers that during the summer of 2008 the following would occur; we would go into a great depression, violence would erupt in all the major cities, martial law would be imposed, no one would be able to leave the places where they lived, no travelling would be allowed, The presidential election would be cancelled, President Bush would remain in office because of the state of emergency, and that many would be placed in concentration camps.

These types of “startling notices” are not new to our times. The circulation of reports designed to create excitement and alarm existed in Ellen Whites’ day as well. Most of them were passed off as prophecy about to be fulfilled, which brought a negative image to the world concerning Mrs. Whites’ writings. There are several problem areas as it relates to many of these documentaries and reports.

They are detrimental to the progress of the everlasting gospel, because they open the door to fanaticism.

"Not many years ago, a brother laboring in New York City published some very startling notices regarding the destruction of that city. I wrote immediately to the ones in charge of the work there, saying that it was not wise to publish such notices; that thus an excitement might be aroused which would result in a fanatical movement, hurting the cause of God. It is enough to present the truth of the Word of God to the people. Startling notices are detrimental to the progress of the work." {RH, July 5, 1906 par. 12

"I was not favorably impressed with the startling notices of your meetings. They savor of fanaticism. . . . Do not issue notices so worded as to create an alarm. When the Lord is ready for the advanced denunciation of wicked cities, He will let His people know. But this will be after these wicked cities have had an opportunity to hear the word and to receive the word that is unto life eternal." {Ev 130.4}

" Our work now is to enlighten and educate minds as to the sayings of the Scripture. Doors are now opened for the entrance of truth. Avail yourselves of the opportunity to reach those who have never heard the truth. Explain the truth, as did Christ, in many ways, by figures and parables. And Elder _____'s striking presentation of the truth by the means of charts may be followed to advantage. Let these things speak to the senses of the people. Do not encourage anything like a fanatical movement. Satan works in this line, seeking to draw away disciples after him by representations that, if it were possible, will deceive the very elect.-"-Letter 17

"I assure you that we are praying for you and for the work in New York City. But please do withdraw those startling notices of your meetings. If a fanatical wave should strike New York now, Satan would work upon human minds, setting in operation a work that none of you are prepared to handle. It is not excitement that we need at this time, but calm, steady, devoted effort for the education of the people."--Letter 17, 1902. {Ev 131.3}

They tend to expressions that can easily be interpreted as antagonism toward the civil authorities. It is possible that such can bring unnecessary misunderstandings as to who we are as a people. It can encourage wrong sentiments, particularly those not of our faith.

"By some of our brethren many things have been spoken and written that are interpreted as expressing antagonism to government and law. It is a mistake thus to lay ourselves open to misunderstanding. It is not wise to find fault continually with what is done by the rulers of government. It is not our work to attack individuals or institutions. We should exercise great care lest we be understood as putting ourselves in opposition to the civil authorities. It is true that our warfare is aggressive, but our weapons are to be those found in a plain "Thus saith the Lord." Our work is to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God. We should not be turned aside to lines that will encourage controversy, or arouse antagonism in those not of our faith." {CW 68.1}

" We should not work in a manner that will mark us out as seeming to advocate treason. We should weed out from our writings and utterances every expression, that, taken by itself, could be so misrepresented as to make it appear antagonistic to law and order. Everything should be carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on record as encouraging disloyalty to our country and its laws. We are not required to defy authorities. There will come a time when, because of our advocacy of Bible truth, we shall be treated as traitors; but let not this time be hastened by unadvised movements that stir up animosity and strife." {CW 68-69}

They potentially enable our adversaries and disseminate ammunition to be used to counteract the cause of present truth in the future.

"The time will come when unguarded expressions of a denunciatory character, that have been carelessly spoken or written by our brethren, will be used by our enemies to condemn us. These will not be used merely to condemn those who made the statements, but will be charged upon the whole body of Adventists. Our accusers will say that on such and such a day one of our responsible men said thus and so against the administration of the laws of this government. Many will be astonished to see how many things have been cherished and remembered that will give point to the arguments of our adversaries. Many will be surprised to hear their own words strained into a meaning that they did not intend them to have. Then let our workers be careful to speak guardedly at all times and under all circumstances. Let all beware lest by reckless expressions they bring on a time of trouble before the great crisis which is to try men's souls." {CW 69.1}

"The less we make direct charges against authorities and powers, the greater work we shall be able to accomplish, both in America and in foreign countries. Foreign nations will follow the example of the United States. Though she leads out, yet the same crisis will come upon our people in all parts of the world."  70 {CW 69.2}

They tend to distract from the advancement of the third angel’s message that we are commissioned and commanded to conduct.

"It is our work to magnify and exalt the law of God. The truth of God's holy word is to be made manifest. We are to hold up the Scriptures as the rule of life. In all modesty, in the spirit of grace, and in the love of God, we are to point men to the fact that the Lord God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord. {CW 70.1}

 In the name of the Lord we are to go forward, unfurling His banner, advocating His word. When the authorities command us not to do this work; when they forbid us to proclaim the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, then it will be necessary for us to say as did the apostles: "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Acts 4:19, 20." {CW 70.2}

One true prediction makes room for the reception of future false predictions.

The one prediction that came the closest to being true during the 2008 year was that which related to the economy. However, even Satan at times makes right predictions. See the witch of Endor and her consultation with King Saul. Since the election, new predictions and pronouncements have been introduced. One prediction coming to pass will keep you coming back for more. Of certainty, God is always 100% accurate in his revelation of future events.

If there is anything secretive that needs to be revealed, God will reveal it through inspiration.

“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secrets unto his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7

They contradict prophecy in many instances.

One recent report comes from one claiming to already be in hiding from authorities. This particular expert foretells a “Marxist Communistic Atheistic takeover of America”, and states that this must happen in order to fulfill prophecy. However, neither the Bible, nor Spirit of Prophecy speaks about such a thing as a fulfillment of prophecy. In fact the bible speaks in Revelation 13 and in “Great Controversy” about a well intentioned Christian Church movement in their demands upon the state that will bring about final events. This is what we are to be looking for; and not a Marxist takeover. Many who use what they claim as documentation, is actually fabrication. These are put together in such a way that it will easily convince the average viewer or reader, and those who do not study the prophecies.

When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result. {GC 445.1}

It is a church based movement that marches the world to the events preceding the Second Coming of Jesus.

The same report speaks against the introduction of Black History in educational lines to balance the European focus of history. It is stated that this is the fulfillment of what Ellen White says that the aim of the papacy to “undo all that Protestantism has done.” The implication is that Protestantism was a white European movement. Have we not read about the Ethiopians, the Abyssinians, and the Western African Sabbath-Keepers in “Great Controversy.” I am concerned that some are gleaning information from groups that are, should I say “respecters of persons” when it comes to philosophy.

It is not our work to spread the latest “inside scoop”; but to spread the word of truth like the leaves of autumn, as in Great Controversy, Patriarchs and Prophets, Steps to Christ, Desire of Ages, and invitations to attend meetings where present truth is preached. Thus the message of Jesus Second Coming, the call out of Babylon, the magnification of God’s Holy Law, and the invitation to receive the faith of Jesus will go forth like a tidal wave across the distant continents and Jesus will surely come.

Repeating the passage in inspiration;

Our work now is to enlighten and educate minds as to the sayings of the Scripture. Doors are now opened for the entrance of truth. Avail yourselves of the opportunity to reach those who have never heard the truth. Explain the truth, as did Christ, in many ways, by figures and parables. And Elder _____'s striking presentation of the truth by the means of charts may be followed to advantage. Let these things speak to the senses of the people.

 

Pastor Eric Betts

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