March-April-97

"I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou has sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me." John 17:14-23.

Was this prayer for oneness or unity of Christ's followers only for the disciples, or only for the churches of the past--including the Adventist church? Or is it especially for those who have separated from all churches in obedience to Christ and His loud cry message of Revelation 18?

"Oh read the prayer of Christ for unity, `Keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are' (John 17:11). The prayer of Christ is not only for those who are now His disciples, but for all those who shall believe on Christ through the words of His disciples, even to the end of the world. Jesus...looks down the lines two thousand years to His church which would be in existence in the last days, before the close of this earth's history." 1MR 355.

God's last day church are those chosen Remnant who are not defiled with, or connected to, corrupt women or churches (see Revelation 14:4); those who have followed Christ out of all the apostate churches in obedience to Revelation 18! We are to be in unity with Christ and with one another! But can this really be true? Are God's separated people to be in complete unity with one another without each being independent of the other? What is the work that God's people are to cultivate today?

"Please read this chapter [John 17] with careful, prayerful attention, and practice the petition which Christ made to His Father. Mark the twentieth to the twenty-third verses. This unity it is our work to cultivate. Even our thoughts are to be brought into captivity to Christ, that we may bind them about, and think no evil of our brethren." 1888 Mat, p 1150.

"If we draw nigh to God, individually, then don't you see what the result will be? Can't you see that we will draw nigh to one another? We cannot draw nigh to God, and come to the same cross, without our hearts being blended together in perfect unity, answering the prayer of Christ `that they may be one' as He is one with the Father. And therefore we should seek in spirit, in understanding, in faith, that we may be one, that God may be glorified in us as He is glorified in the Son; and that God shall love us as He loves the Son." SDA Bible Commentary, vol 7, p 937.

"For many years I have been instructed that you are in danger of looking at things in a wrong light....You have traits of character which need to be entirely changed, else you will be a hindrance to the work, leading some to entertain suspicions, and to strike out in independent lines of action. Such a course of action is surely a mistake, and if followed will bring difficulties not easily managed....your temperament is such that it is hard for you to work in Christian union with your brethren....There are some who unless things appear right to their human judgment, draw apart from their ministering brethren. Thus God is dishonored....Give your mind up to unifying rather than to drawing apart." 1888 Mat, p 1757-60.

"It is his [Satan's] studied effort to lead professed Christians just as far from heaven's arrangement as he can; therefore he deceives even the professed people of God and makes them believe that order and discipline are enemies to spirituality; that the only safety for them is to let each pursue his own course, and to remain especially distinct from bodies of Christians who are united and are laboring to establish discipline and harmony of action. All the efforts made to establish this are considered dangerous, a restriction of rightful liberty, and hence are feared as popery. These deceived souls consider it a virtue to boast of their freedom to think and act independently. They will not take any man's say so. They are amenable to no man. It was and now is Satan's special work to lead men to feel that it is God's order to strike out for themselves and choose their own order independent of their brethren." Evangelism, p 318.

"Like the different parts of a machine, all are closely related to one another...There is to be unity in diversity. No member of the Lord's firm can work successfully in independence. Each is to work under the supervision of God; all are to use their entrusted capabilities in His service, that each may minister to the perfection of the whole." Review and Herald, 5-13-09.

"The Captain of our salvation died for the human race that men might be made one with Him and with each other....No soul can be made independent of the rest. There is to be no party strife in the family of God; for the well-being of each is the happiness of the whole. No partition walls are to be built up between man and man." FCE 479.

We cannot successfully carry forward God's work unless we are united together (see CC 288; 4T 19). We cannot be Christ's disciples unless we reach unity (see PP 520). We cannot reach perfection of character unless we gain unity (see Manuscript Releases, vol 11, p 179). We cannot be true laborers for God, or be His witnesses, or be connected with heaven, unless we work for unity (see 7T 156-57). Our efforts to win souls to Jesus and His truth will not be very successful unless we come into unity (see Series B#18, p 34). We cannot be close to God unless we answer the prayer of Christ in John 17 (see 7BC 937). We cannot receive the approval of God unless we are united together with love and tender kindness for each other (see 15MR 128). We cannot be God's true separated Remnant people who have obeyed the midnight cry unless we seek perfect unity (see 8T 212). And thus we will never make it to heaven unless we are brought into unity (see 17MR 291).

That is why John 17 "are the credentials" that we have the true gospel of Christ (TDG 120). That is why John 17 "is the convincing evidence of the divine character of [our] mission" (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p 74). And that is why John 17 "is to be our church creed" (3SM 21). In fact, we dishonor and deny Christ by our disunity (see 18MR 213; 8MR 69)!

How can we claim to be followers of Christ and then dishonor Him by refusing to unite with our fellow separated brethren? Do we want to continue to be hypocrites? How can we claim to be the unselfish disciples of Christ when we refuse to answer His prayer for unity among us? He answers our prayers, why can't we answer His?

"When God's chosen people are of one mind, barriers of selfishness will disappear as by magic, and many, many souls will be converted, because of the unity which exists among believers....Man is to obey the word of God declared in the seventeenth chapter of John. Then of him can be spoken the words, `Ye are complete in Him.'" 6MR 331.

"Union is strength; division is weakness. When those who believe present truth are united, they exert a telling influence. Satan well understands this. Never was he more determined than now to make of none effect the truth of God by causing bitterness and dissension among the Lord's people." 5T 236 (See also 1T 212-13, 326, SC 71, RH 11-10-85, 18MR 359-66).

"Jesus and holy angels are bringing up and uniting God's people into one faith, that they may all have one mind and one judgment. And while they are being brought into the unity of the faith, to see eye to eye upon the solemn, important truths for this time, Satan is at work to oppose their advancement. Jesus is at work through His instruments to gather and unite. Satan works through his instruments to scatter and divide." Testimonies, vol 1, p 332.

"God does not separate from His people, but His people separate themselves from God by their own course of action. And I know of no sins greater in the sight of God than cherishing jealousy and hatred toward brethren, and turning the weapons of warfare against them." 1888 Mat, p 1011.

"It matters not how blameless the character and life of those who speak to the people the words of God; this procures for them no credit....But if a false report is circulated, if by some inference or conjecture an imputation is cast upon the character of Christ's ambassador, with what absurd credulity is it received! How many are ready to magnify and spread the slander! Such are revealing their real character." Selected Messages, book 1, p 72-73.

"As we approach the last crisis, it is of vital moment that harmony and unity exist among the Lord's instrumentalities....While he [Lucifer] seeks to unite his agents in warring against the truth he will work to divide and scatter its advocates. Jealousy, evil surmising, evil speaking, are instigated by him to produce discord and dissension. The members of Christ's church have the power to thwart the purpose of the adversary of souls. At such a time as this let them not be found at variance with one another or with any of the Lord's workers. Amidst the general discord let there be one place where harmony and unity exists because the Bible is made the guide of life. Let the people of God feel that a responsibility rests upon them to build up His instrumentalities." Publishing Ministry, p 114.

"It is not the opposition of the world that we have to fear; but it is the elements that work among ourselves that have hindered the message. The efficiency of the movements for extending the truth depends upon the harmonious action of those who profess to believe it. Love and confidence constitute a moral force that would have united our churches, and insured harmony of action; but coldness and distrust have brought disunion that has shorn us of our strength." General Conference Daily Bulletin 2-28-93. (See also ST 1-3-84, CC 357.)

"The abuses of the stomach by the gratification of appetite are the fruitful source of most church trials. Those who eat and work intemperately and irrationally, talk and act irrationally. An intemperate man cannot be a patient man....The sin of intemperate eating, eating too frequently, too much, and of rich, unwholesome food, destroys the healthy action of the digestive organs, affects the brain, and perverts the judgment, preventing rational, calm, healthy thinking and acting. And this is the fruitful source of church trials." Testimonies, vol 1, p 618-19.

"...the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell....it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." James 3:5-8.

"The adversary of souls is not permitted to read the thoughts of men; but he is a keen observer, and he marks the words; he takes account of actions, and skillfully adapts his temptations to meet the cases of those who place themselves in his power. If we would labor to repress sinful thoughts and feelings, giving them no expression in words or actions, Satan would be defeated; for he could not prepare his specious temptations to meet the case. But how often do professed Christians, by their lack of self-control, open the door to the adversary of souls! Divisions, and even bitter dissensions which would disgrace any worldly community, are common in the churches, because there is so little effort to control wrong feelings, and to repress every word that Satan can take advantage of. As soon as an alienation of feeling arises, the matter is spread before Satan for his inspection, and the opportunity given for him to use his serpent-like wisdom and skill in dividing and destroying the church....Worldlings look on, and jeeringly exclaim, `Behold how these Christians hate one another! If this is religion, we do not want it.' And they look upon themselves and their irreligious characters with great satisfaction. Thus they are confirmed in their impenitence, and Satan exults at his success." Review and Herald, 3-22-87.

"The secret of unity is found in the equality of believers in Christ. The reason for all division, discord, and difference is found in separation from Christ. Christ is the center to which all should be attracted; for the nearer we approach the center, the closer we shall come together in feeling, in sympathy, in love, growing into the character and image of Jesus." 1SM 259.

Christ wants His people to be thoroughly united with Him, so that through the Holy Spirit we can know and understand the truth and follow it unerringly! Then we can spread Christ and the truth to a perishing world. And in doing this we would be eliminating all barriers that keep us from uniting one with another in the same faith! And in uniting together we would be fulfilling Christ's command to be "All ye are brethren!" (Matt 23:8). God did not say "all ye are clones" or "all ye are puppets," but "all ye are brethren."

It was only after the disciples came into complete harmony and loving unity with each other that the Lord recognized the fact by pouring out His Holy Spirit upon them in early rain power. Thus none of us have any hope of receiving the fullness of the latter rain until we come into complete harmony and loving unity with each other in the same separated faith!

"I would that I had the power to present the subject to others as it has been presented to me. Just before He descended to the greatest depths of humiliation, the Saviour lifted up His eyes to heaven, and prayed that His disciples might be one. He said, [John 17:20-23 quoted]. The church will never as a whole receive the latter rain unless they shall put away all envy, evil surmising, and evil speaking. Those who have cherished hatred in the heart until it has strengthened and become part of their character, must have a different experience if they would share in the latter rain. Many are not awake to the fact that the Lord is testing and proving them to make it manifest whether or not they really love Jesus. The spirit and attitude manifested to their brethren, tells their spirit and attitude toward God. Great dishonor is done to Jesus Christ by those who claim to be His disciples....it is impossible for one to have the love of God, and fail to have compassion for his fellow men. The love of Jesus in the heart will always be revealed in tender compassion for the souls of those for whom Christ paid so dear a price." Home Missionary, 8-1-96. (See also RH 2-25-90, TM 399.)

All envying, evil surmising, bearing false witness, gossiping, character assassination, spreading rumors, disunity, dissension, etc., must be put away from the separated brethren and our home churches with all speed, and be replaced with loving harmony and unity with each other. Unless this occurs among our separated people and churches, we will be left without the latter rain--watching others being chosen to finish God's work, watching others receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and watching others take our heavenly crowns, while we wither and dry up without Christ ready to be burned! We must be "All ye are brethren"!

We left the USA Wednesday morning December 18, and arrived in Manila Thursday night, December 19. We spent the night in the domestic airport awaiting our departure for the Island of Mindanao. We had the company of brother James Kirtley, who graciously agreed to meet us at the airport and keep us company for several hours while awaiting our 6:00 am flight.

The brethren in Mindanao met us at the airport and arranged a room at a local motel for our stay until the Camp-meeting began. It was so good to see familiar faces greeting us at our arrival at the Mindanao airport: after such a long trip with little sleep, it was very pleasant to see the smiling faces of other brethren of like faith!

We spent the rest of Friday recuperating, fellowshipping, and talking. On Sabbath we spent a wonderful day holding meetings with the local separated home church brethren, and even some who had arrived from Manila for the Camp-meeting which began on Sunday and extended through till the next Sabbath.

Brethren from all over Mindanao continued to arrive throughout the week. Many had to travel 6-10 hours. Some even came by faith--only having enough money to make it there, and had to sell items in order to have money to return home. The dedication of these, and many others who attended, to the Lord and His truth was very encouraging for us to see and humbling for us to witness. If all our brethren--especially in America--would only be so dedicated, the work would spread like wild-fire!

It was also very encouraging to see that close to half of those who attended were youth! Lizary held special meetings just for the youth, and they were much encouraged and edified by these various talks. On Sabbath we had our largest overall attendance which was about 200.

During our question and answer sessions, the subject of re-baptism was addressed and discussed. The testimonies do discuss re-baptism (see SpM 3-4; AA 286). The Holy Spirit impressed several brethren, that since they had separated from the Babylonian SDA church, they needed to be re-baptized. And on Sabbath afternoon, brother Cain and myself had the distinct privilege to perform the baptisms and re-baptisms on over 20 dedicated brothers and sisters!

One of the joys on our visit with the brethren in Mindanao, was that their home churches were well organized in simple Gospel Order. They still have their problems--especially with so-called brethren and self-sent men, but they handle these and other issues in accordance with God's simple plan, and God is indeed blessing them with unity and harmony among themselves. They are also very active in reaching out to others with the present truth.

On Wednesday, January 1, we left Mindanao for our next set of meetings in Manila. These meetings were arranged by brother James Kirtley. Both the Cains and myself knew that these meetings were going to be much different in atmosphere than the meetings in Mindanao because we would be directly confronting the issue of the organization which some of the brethren had formed and were working to bring all of our separated brethren under it.

This organization was developed under a centralized hierarchical system patterned after the system of the SDA church. The only difference was that its president or administrator--Jimmy Tagala--was directly in control of all the different departments of this church, while the GC president must control the different branches of the church through various individuals at different levels of organizational structure. Thus this Manila organization is a much more dangerous hierarchical centralized structure than even the SDA church! Thus their control over those under them is even more deceptive and binding. And we were to find out that their leaders believe they have the right to control even those outside of their organization!

Before we even arrived in Manila, the various leaders of this Manila organization (Jimmy Tagala, Jun Mendosa, David Matudan) were insistent that we meet with them before our scheduled meetings could take place so that they could screen us. This we declined, but extended them an invitation to attend our meetings and find out what our position was on organization. They were not satisfied with this response, and so worked to force us to meet with them.

Our first meeting was scheduled for Friday night at a certain sister's home, and we thought it best to re-confirm with her that the meetings would continue even if the Manila leaders would try to interfere. She then informed us that she wanted us to come early so as to get acquainted with her. We grew suspicious and called her back and asked if the leaders were there. She stated yes, and that she was undecided if we could still hold meetings at her home unless we would agree to be screened by the leaders and they would also have to give their approval. This we declined, and made other arrangements for the meetings to be held in another place. The leaders then stated that they would allow us to speak at this sister's home as originally planned as long as we would promise not to mention anything about church organization. This we also declined, and began letting all the people know of the change of place of meetings, and the reasons why it had to be changed.

The meetings were scheduled from Friday night through Sunday night. The attendance was good, over 70 brethren showed up. And on Sabbath, the president of the Manila organization--Jimmy Tagala, even showed up along with his wife. I was glad that they were there, because on Sabbath, all the messages from brother Cain and myself were on the type of organization which God desires all of His separated people to establish. I covered the necessity of being one with Christ, and then being one with each other in an "all ye are brethren" form of Gospel Order organization. While Gary covered the different forms of worldly and so-called religious organizations as compared to the God-endorsed organization patterned after the New Testament church. We allowed time for all questions to be asked that evening, and most were on this issue of organization.

Jimmy Tagala was asking questions and making statements still trying to defend his hierarchical and centralized organization as being God-ordained, while ignoring all the weight of Bible and Testimony evidence presented against it throughout the day! (For more insight on this particular issue, we have put together a Position Paper for our brethren in the Philippines which clearly addresses this issue. If any would also like to receive this, please write.)

During the Sabbath night meeting Jimmy Tagala was openly rebuked for his part in forming and defending his deceptive and destructive organization, and I pray that his heart, as well as the hearts of the other leaders, will be humbled and melted by the Spirit of God before it is forever too late for their souls. To think, that as God has led His people through the pain of having to separate from the hierarchical centralized organizational system of the SDA church into home churches, and then Satan deceives men to raise up another organization patterned after the SDA church, and then believe that God wants all His separated people to come back under bondage to a more centralized system than what they originally came out of, is beyond my understanding to comprehend. May God help our separated people to never allow themselves to become captive to any group of men, and especially never to place themselves under bondage to another hierarchical centralized church system!

The really sad thing about this problem in Manila is the fact that there would be no Manila hierarchical centralized church organization if Steps To Life had not prompted them to organize! The separated brethren were already meeting in home churches, and then Steps To Life informed them that if they would agree to organize by following a ten-point plan provided by Steps To Life (I have a copy), then Steps To Life would support them with money, equipment, etc! And please note: Steps To Life does NOT believe in willing separation from the Babylonian SDA church! (see Landmarks, December, 1996, Insert)

Now some may be led to believe that Steps To Life is not to be faulted in this Filipino issue; that Steps To Life would do nothing in any way to deceive our people. We wanted to give Steps to Life, and those individuals connected with that Ministry, the benefit of the doubt, so we began asking various Filipino brethren if they had any direct-first-hand knowledge of the workings of Steps To Life in the Philippines, and how the work was going there since their arrival. Some declined to give their testimonies while being recorded, but many others were willing to do so for the sake of their American brethren. We were quite surprised and even shocked by the testimonials of various Filipino brothers and sisters regarding the influence and workings of Steps To Life in the Philippines! Please know, we have no axe to grind against Steps To Life, but when we read glowing reports in their Landmarks magazine about the fine work going forward in the Philippines through Steps To Life's help, while things are really very different than reported--even falsehoods being told, souls are being deceived and misled and thus we are duty bound to alert others! We have transcribed and translated (when necessary) these testimonials for those who would like to read some of what is really going on in the Philippines since Steps To Life began working there.

Before we left the Philippines, we inquired into the various needs of our separated brethren. This Ministry was able to supply most of their immediate and continuing needs, but there are two pressing needs we were not able to fill as of yet: the need for printing equipment, and a vehicle for transportation. The brethren are currently copying needed materials, and printing equipment would be a great advantage and cost effective tool for the work there. The cost for this equipment is about $4,000 US. As far as travel, we are currently supplying our workers with extra money for public transportation, but a lot of time is wasted and lost in taking this mode of travel; plus it is quite impossible for any large amount of materials to be carried along with them. It is thus advantageous, safer, and more profitable in the long run for a good used vehicle to be provided for our workers to use. The cost for a good used reliable vehicle in the Philippines is about $6,000-$10,000 US. We place these two needs before the attention of our separated brethren. If you are so impressed, please come up to the help of the Lord and our Filipino brethren in these areas.

We were also able to spend some quality time with brother James Kirtley and his lovely family before we left. We were able to discuss the issue of the latter rain, and we have both come to a united position with each other! God is so merciful to His children in bringing a closer unity among His people! We both agree that the blotting out of sin occurs when Christ places the sins upon the head of the scape goat (Satan) which is after probation closes for the world; which means that the latter rain must fall some time prior to the closing of probation and the blotting out of sin (see Acts 3:19; 3SM 356; 4SP 266-67, 437; PP 357-58). We both agree that the latter rain is falling prior to the Sunday law, but will fall in its greatest amount after the Sunday law is passed and the Sabbath-Sunday controversy heats up (see 3SM 385; 4SP 421-25, 429; 8T 118; 6T 401). And we both agree that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is found attending or connected with the loud cry message of the truth of the righteousness of Christ and separation to Christ--or the third and fourth angels' messages (see 1T 353; 1888 Mat, p 1017; Hosea 10:12, 6:3; Psalms 72:6; Proverbs 1:22-23, 16:15, 3:20; Deut 32:2; Isaiah 45:8; 1SM 183, 360; TM 23, 49; Job 29:23; Micah 7:8-9; 3RH 38; 7BC 984; TM 507). May God again be praised for the unity being established among us!

The Lord has also graciously allowed us to support two more full-time separated ministers in the Philippines! We were able to meet and fellowship with these two full-time separated ministers, and after questioning them and our other workers about them, we felt that their talents and presence would be very advantageous to the work there. One of these will be working in translating the booklets and other present truth materials into their language! And the other is a medical-missionary who also has contacts in, and access to, other Islands. May God be praised for the marvelous work He is doing in spreading His truths--not just in the Philippines, but around the world!

Our Filipino brethren, especially our full time ministers and workers, send their prayers, greetings, and appreciation to their separated brethren in America and elsewhere. They realize that without the help and prayers of their separated brethren in other countries, their work and effectiveness would be greatly curtailed. The same is true with all of us as well!

Thank you for your newsletter and the articles you sent to me....The lay members and myself are going through severe persecution. Our persecutors are the SDA church leaders and church members. The laymen work is exploding in my country and the devil is not happy with us. Hundreds of SDA church members are taking a bold stand and joining the laymen movement. Because of this the conference leaders are threatening us and also persecuting us. Please pray for us as we are praying for you and your ministry....

I believe you also have heard about how I was punched and kicked by the church leaders....We do know that the work in PNG is exploding and the old devil is trying to counter attack the work. Despite of persecution and threats we are determined to go extra mile in 1997. You will soon hear of blood shed in PNG....the conference leaders called them into the conference office and told them directly that the fight between the lay members and conference church members will not finish until Jesus will come. Friends these are the very words from the conference leaders. As a Papua New Guinean I believe what the conference leaders said will come to reality. Please pray for us and send books and articles where we can flood the whole country with the truth before any thing happen to us.

I hope my few lines will reach you all in good health and in good courage in the Lord in doing the work you are doing. I am in reception of a number of small booklets from you...These booklets are very interesting and would like you to send some more of them so that I can give out to the brethren (SDA)...And all other information which you can send will be very much appreciated.

I am glad the work you are doing for the truth in the Philippines has went so well....I just pray the Lord will give me the strength I need to be faithful until the end. I don't want to fear death on this earth. I don't ever want to let Jesus down, even no matter what my lot will be. O to live with Jesus and all the heavenly host forever. We can't realize what forever is like. O to be there at last. What a goal to reach at last. Please pray for me.

I had received my parcel (booklets) about two weeks ago. And to be honest with myself, it is just interesting. Friends and relatives here in Fiji have been asking for it and so photocopies of it have been distributed. I want to acknowledge the whole Ministry ("Let There Be Light") for shining us the light that had made us separate from darkness.

I think you know already the division in Manila and Mindanao, is because of the Step to Life who give aid to our brethren. Some of our brethren here not called [no longer call] the Seventh Day Adventist Corporation Babylon. Steps to Life give a support to our brethren in this condition. They alter their faith, they [are] bought, also they forget Education 57 [middle]....

I appreciate your presentation on the will; I have your booklet and cassette tape on the will, and am glad you are emphasizing it. Other than you I have heard only one other person discuss the topic, and it seems to me it is a very neglected topic, despite the fact that it's so crucial....

I'm glad you are printing your newsletter; I was completely unaware that your ministry is reaching out to other countries. I appreciate your stand regarding supporting ministers and workers who are teaching the truth and working with people directly. I believe God will bless your work in that direction, and will look forward to updates in forthcoming newsletters....