Righteousness by Faith

A really hot topic that has re-emerged in Adventist circles is that of 'righteousness by faith' and all that it entails: Jones and Waggoner, the humanity of Christ, the acceptance/ non acceptance of the 'message of righteousness by faith' by the Church, justification, sanctification, etc. What really impressed me was that in the 90's when I joined the adventist church controversial topics like 'righteousness by faith', off-shoots and such were not discussed or entertained at all. Recently this trend seems to be reversing with some in-house pastors preaching, and literally quoting from Jones and Waggoner's writings (therefore in my humble opinion embracing the message). Also in-house books are now being promoted that investigate the message of righteousness by faith. At least here in Trinidad openness to this 'most precious message' is indeed welcome news indeed. Previously this message was met with stern resistance from many brethren. To this time there are many who strongly resist the truths that were endorsed by Ellen White that came from brothers Jones and Waggoner. However there is less hostility now with folks being able to sit down and discuss this subject in a very civil manner. Thank God for this, for in the past I have seen both folks for and against the message exhibit some unbecoming behaviour. This change of openness is good for the church both the clergy/pastors and laity/members. I have thus invited a brother who is very knowledgeable on the message of righteousness by faith to write a few posts on this subject. This brother (bro F) has been a proponent of the righteous by faith message for about 10 years. So I think he is well qualified to blog about this topic. Such issues as 'What is righteousness by faith,' 'what really is faith','the nature of Christ' and the like. So til then study this topic if you have not done so before. You will be blessed by so doing.

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I AM BLESSED INDEED

Lately I've been going through some unusual experiences...Like in the past when my funds were low and I could see no way out of financial gridlock; I would then have been really worried. I would stay up late into the night wondering how I could fix the problem on my own. Even as a Christian this habit of worrying about problems still persisted. Now I have a lot more financial problems than then! Thanks be to God that I have gotten the victory over worrying to a great extent. Presently I take my burdens to the Lord in prayer alone and with my kids. Then I just leave it in His most capable hands. This is an experience that I had to have repeated many times over in my life because I just wasn't getting it: I had to let go and let God take care of the problems. Today I can be confident of God's leading as thus far He has taken me through it all. So now when faced with whatever trials I base my confidence on God, knowing that He (and not I) is in control. As the song goes "With Jesus in the vessel, I can smile at the storm....as we go sailing on... Truly I am blessed in spite of all that plagues me because Jesus makes all the difference. Give Jesus first place in your life and all of life's problems will be much easier to bear. Won't you give Him a chance today? Be blessed as always..... And have a blessed and restful sabbath.
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Doing It My Way

As individuals we all like to have our 'own way'.... As kids we fight and compete to have our own way in everything. As a Christian should we then strive to have our own way? Dear readers I considered the matter quite a bit and discovered that sadly there are only two 'ways'. Folks a person can either do things God's way or satan's way. You're either following satan or God. The Bible clearly illustrates this in the broad way (leads to destruction etc), or the narrow way (leads to eternal life).
Recently during family worship one night with my kids, we read a very thought provoking passage from the book 'Desire of Ages' written by Ellen G White, Chapter 51 'The Light of Life', page 466: "Every soul that refuses to give himself to God is under the control of another power. He is not his own. He may talk of freedom, but he in the most abject slavery. He is not allowed to see the beauty of truth, for his mind is under the control of satan. While he flatters himself that he is following the dictates of his own judgment, he obeys the will of the prince of darkness." The italics are mine and highlight how satan deceives us into thinking that when we do something we think we're following our own conscience but it shows we actually place ourselves in bondage to him.
After the above reading my son said that we can never do our own thing. As he so aptly put it its either we're doing God's thing or satan's thing, never our own. So then who are you yielding to? Is it the Holy One or the serpent? This question is for myself also and one that we need to ask ourselves ever so often. Do you want to be free? The only true freedom is found in obedience to Jesus Christ. His Word declares that who the Son of Man (Jesus) has made free is free indeed! This my friends is true freedom. Allow Jesus to liberate you today and you will rejoice in His Glorious freedom.
I recommend as eye-opening thought provoking reading material books by Ellen G White. It will enrich your Christian experience and help you to grow. As usual be blessed.






















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