"LET THERE BE LIGHT" Ministries
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January - February, 1998

"There are many precious truths contained in the Word of God, but it is `PRESENT TRUTH' that the flock needs now." Early Writings, p 63.


Elder: robert sessler
E-mail address:  lightmin@terragon.com


Dear brothers and sisters,
     1 John 3:1.

     What exactly is temptation?
     "...temptation...it is the means by which those who claim to be the children of God are tested and tried." SDA Bible Commentary, vol 1, p 1094.

     "Temptation is enticement to sin..." Mount of Blessings, p 115-16.

     So when we are tempted, we are actually being tested and tried by being enticed or lured to commit sin, in order to see if we are really the children of God whom we claim to be.
     Is God the one who tempts us to commit sin?  No.
     "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man..." James 1:13.

     Since it is not God who tempts those who claim to be His children and followers, then it must be the Devil who tempts us to commit sin.  But why?
     "Satan seeks to bring us into temptation, that the evil of our characters may be revealed before men and angels, that he may claim us as his own....The enemy leads us into sin, and then he accuses us before the heavenly universe as unworthy of the love of God." Mount of Blessings, p 116.

     Is temptation sin?  No.
     "For we have not an high priest [Christ] which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15.

     "There is no sin in having temptations; but sin comes in when temptation is yielded to." Testimonies, vol 4, p 358.

     All temptations are brought to us from the Devil.  But where do these temptations originate from?
     "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
     "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." James 1:14-15.

     The Greek word "lust" (#1939 in Strong's Concordance) translates "desire."  So every man is drawn away of his own inward desire and enticed to yield to sin.  So these temptations originate from within each of us.  Why?  Because each person, since the fall of Adam, has inherited a fallen sinful nature.  And it is from this natural internal source that Satan tempts each one of us to give in to these natural sinful desires and commit sin.
     "The season of temptation, under which, it may be, one falls into grievous sin, does not create the evil that is revealed, but only develops or makes manifest that which was hidden and latent in the heart." Mount of Blessings, p 60.

     So temptation is not sin, but sin is committed when we give in to the desires or inclinations of our fallen sinful nature.  Thus sin is committed by our choice to sin, not because we are forced to sin.  Sin is our choice.
     "The strongest temptation is no excuse for sin.  However great the pressure brought to bear upon the soul, transgression is our own act.  It is not in the power of earth or hell to compel anyone to sin.  The will must consent, the heart must yield, or passion cannot overbear reason, nor iniquity triumph over righteousness." Maranatha, p 225.

     When a Christian chooses to give in to temptation, yielding their will to Satan and commits sin, what occurs?
     "It is a thought that should arouse Christians to greater zeal and earnestness in overcoming evil, that every defect in character, every point in which they fail to meet the divine standard, is an open door by which Satan can enter to tempt and destroy them; and, furthermore, that every failure and defect on their part gives occasion to the tempter and his agents to reproach Christ." Testimonies, vol 5, p 472.

     None of us wish our Saviour to be reproached by the Devil and his agents because of our failure to get sin out of our lives.  And yet, when we choose to sin, this is exactly what occurs!  Every time we choose to sin, we in effect give Satan permission to reproach our Saviour!
     Then how, brothers and sisters in the same precious separated faith, can we overcome all temptation, no longer choose to sin, and stop allowing Satan to reproach Christ?  What is our most powerful weapon and defense against Satan and temptation?  It is the power of prayer!
     "There is a mighty power in prayer.  Our great adversary is constantly seeking to keep the troubled soul away from God.  An appeal to heaven by the humblest saint is more to be dreaded by Satan than the decrees of cabinets or the mandates of kings." SDA Bible Commentary, vol 2, p 1008.

     "If you are not experienced in discerning the devices of Satan, your only safety is in prayer."  Sons and Daughters of God, p 191.

     Prayer: something so simple to perform that even the humblest and most inexperienced follower of God may use it in combating sin.  And yet prayer is so powerful that even the weakest believer in the truth can utilize it against temptation.  Yet, there is no power at all in the prayer itself!  Prayer itself cannot save anyone from the power of temptation.
     The power to overcome sin is not found in the prayer itself, but the power is found in the One whom we direct our prayers to.  Without the realization that only in Christ can the strength be found to overcome temptation, our prayers are useless and but a hollow form against the power of the Devil.  It is only as we realize our weakness and flee to our loving and strong Saviour, fervently pleading with Him to grant us the power to overcome the strong foe, that Satan can be defeated.
     "Satan knows better than God's people the power that they can have over him when their strength is in Christ.  When they humbly entreat the mighty Conqueror for help, the weakest believer in the truth, relying firmly upon Christ, can successfully repulse Satan and all his host....
     "Satan cannot endure to have his powerful rival appealed to, for he fears and trembles before His strength and majesty.  At the sound of fervent prayer, Satan's whole host trembles." Testimonies, vol 1, p 341, 346.

     Why does Satan and his whole host of evil angels tremble at our fervent prayers being directed to Christ?
     "Satan is enraged at the sound of fervent prayer, for he knows that he will suffer loss." Testimonies, vol 1, p 295.

     So when we are tempted, and we recognize that we are weak and cannot resist on our own, and we send up our prayers to Christ pleading with Him to grant us His strength to overcome, then what do we do?  We must believe that our Saviour has heard our prayers, and we must believe that He will grant us all the strength necessary to overcome.  Then what do we do?  Will God overcome for us?  No.  We must show God that we are serious about overcoming sin, submit our wills to God, and then exercise this faith in resolutely resisting the temptation and the Devil before we will gain the victory.  In this way our prayer becomes a prayer of faith in the power and grace of God through Christ in us to overcome sin.  By resisting the Devil and his temptations, he must flee from us as he fled from Christ, and as we take this first step in overcoming, we are also cleansing our hands and purifying our hearts from sin.
     "Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
     "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.  Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded." James 4:7-8.

     "When the first suggestion of wrong is heard, dart a prayer to heaven, and then firmly resist the temptation to tamper with the principles condemned in God's word." SDA Bible Commentary, vol 3, p 1155.

     "The prayer of faith is the great strength of the Christian and will assuredly prevail against Satan." Testimonies, vol 1, p 296.

     But not one of us will obtain the grace and power from God necessary to overcome sin until we show Him that we are serious and put forth the earnest efforts to resist the temptation!
     "There is but one power that can bring us into conformity to the likeness of Christ, that can make us steadfast and keep us constant.  It is the grace of God that comes to us through obedience to the law of God." My Life Today, p 100.

     So after we recognize the temptation, recognize that we are weak, we then pray for God to help us overcome, and then put forth the efforts needed to resist the temptation; it is only at this point that God recognizes our sincerity and sends the grace and power through Christ which then works in us--combining with our feeble efforts--to aid us in advancing until we will have gained the victory.  Thus it is God through Christ who is working in us to do God's will.  And in being thus united with Christ and divinity, we can gain the victory over all sin.
     "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
     "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13.

     "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13.

     So the 4 key steps in overcoming are: Recognize the temptation and humbly admit that we are weak, Pray to God for grace and strength to overcome, Submit our will unto God, and then Resist the temptation by putting forth efforts to do God's will.  Recognize, Pray, Submit, Resist.  But without prayer, there is no possible way we could overcome sin!  That is why Satan hates prayer so much, and is doing everything he can to keep us from praying--especially when we are tempted.
     "Satan leads many to believe that prayer to God is useless and but a form.  He well knows how needful are meditation and prayer to keep Christ's followers aroused to resist his cunning and deception." Testimonies, vol 1, p 295.

     Prayer is the only channel we have to communicate directly to Christ in every time of need.  Prayer is therefore as the breath of life to the Christian.
     "Prayer is the breath of the soul.  It is the secret of spiritual power.  No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul preserved.  Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well-spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience." Gospel Workers, p 254-55.

     "Prayer is the breath of the soul, the channel of all blessings....Prayer unites us one to another and to God.  Prayer brings Jesus to our side, and gives new strength and fresh grace to the fainting, perplexed soul." Review and Herald, October 30, 1900 (vol 4, p 231).

     Brethren, as sinful and unworthy as we are, we have been given the distinct honor and privilege of talking directly with, and can even urge our petitions before, the King of the entire universe!  There is no other royalty who will allow every subject in their kingdom to approach them with their petitions and requests.  It is out of love for unworthy you and I, that our Saviour is willing to take all our fervent requests before the Father.  And the Father, out of love for Christ and humanity, is willing to hear and answer our requests according to His will!
     "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
     "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in every time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16.

     What love is this brethren?  And yet, many have come to look upon prayer as a drudgery or an almost unnecessary item for salvation.  But prayer is vital for our spiritual life and for a victorious warfare against every temptation and sin.  Let us then remember to pray to God for His strength to overcome every time we find ourselves tempted, and then firmly resist the Devil.
     But some may be praying and still find themselves overcome by temptation.  So the following is a brief list of the reasons why we find ourselves overcome by sin; practical ways on how to resist every temptation; and then what promises God provides for us in this battle.

WHY ARE WE OVERCOME BY TEMPTATION?

 1.  Not having Christ in your life. (Testimonies, vol 4, p 355; Desire of Ages, p 599).
 2.  Not keeping your eyes on Christ. (Testimonies, vol 5, p 652).
 3.  Allowing your mind to be diverted from God. (Testimonies, vol 4, p 357; Early Writings, p 58).
 4.  Failing to realize the need of a constant dependence upon God. (Desire of Ages, p 382).
 5.  Neglecting prayer. (Great Controversy, p 600; Steps to Christ, p 94).
 6.  Neglecting silent prayer. (Testimonies, vol 5, p 120).
 7.  Appetite and intemperance are the greatest reasons. (Testimonies, vol 3, p 485; Ministry of Healing, p 174.
 8.  Not being faithful in the little things. (Counsels on Health, p 410).
 9.  Doubt. (Steps to Christ, p 119.
10.  Impure thoughts. (Patriarchs and Prophets, p 459).
11.  Inward sins. (Prophets and Kings, p 82).
12.  Not having a correct knowledge of self. (Testimonies, vol 4, p 246; Sons and Daughters of God, p 91).
13.  Love of money and earthly treasures. (Testimonies, vol 3, p 480).
14.  Ambition for and love of the world. (Temperance, p 276; Testimonies, vol 3, p 480).
15.  Love of rank and position. (Testimonies, vol 3, p 480).
16.  Selfishness. (Mount of Blessings, p 116-18).
17.  Being self-confident or self-righteous. (Testimonies, vol 5, p 426).
18.  Unbidden association with worldlings and corruption. (Messages to Young People, p 82; Testimonies, vol 3,   p 111, vol 2, p 222, vol 5, p 360).
19.  Mind and body overworked, weary, or perplexed. (Gospel Workers, p 245; Sons and Daughters, p 298).
20.  Idleness. (Desire of Ages, p 72; Child Guidance, p 189).
21.  Inviting temptation. (Testimonies, vol 3, p 47).
22.  Involving yourself in games or sports. (Messages to Young People, p 382).
23.  If overcome, is easier to fall again. (Patriarch and Prophets, p 268; Testimonies, vol 3, p 483).


HOW TO RESIST AND OVERCOME TEMPTATIONS

 1.  Learn of Jesus. (Adventist Home, p 380; Testimonies, vol 5, p 148).
 2.  Knowledge of God is our only safeguard. (Acts of Apostles, p 530-31; Ministry of Healing, p 409).
 3.  Knowledge and use of the Scriptures is a barricade. (Christ's Object Lessons, p 132; Testimonies, vol 5, p   426).
 4.  Obedience to God's word is a shield. (Counsels to Parents and Teachers, p 483; Adventist Home, p 380).
 5.  Restrict reading to Bible and spiritual books only. (Testimonies, vol 3, p 81-82).
 6.  A sense of God's immediate presence is a shield. (Education, p 255; Testimonies, vol 5, p 148).
 7.  By Christ's example. (Bible Commentary, vol 7, p 929-30; Testimonies, vol 4, p 29; Desire of Ages, p 130-31).   8.  Meditate on God. (Testimonies, vol 4, p 45, vol 5, p 148).
 9.  Must be converted. (Testimonies to Ministers, p 426).
10.  Fully surrender your heart to God. (Adventist Home, p 380).
11.  Drive back in Christ's name. (Testimonies, vol 4, p 357, 33, vol 3, p 480; Messages to Young People, p 50).
12.  Continual prayer is necessary and essential. (Gospel Workers, p 128; Ministry of Healing, p 509-10;
   Testimonies, vol 4, p 542-43, vol 5, p 177).
13.  Pray, then firmly resist with every nerve and power. (SDA Bible Commentary, vol 3, p 1155; Sons and   Daughters of God, p 164; Messages to Young People, p 248).
14.  Agonize in prayer. (Early Writings, p 46).
15.  Secret prayer. (Testimonies, vol 5, p 120).
16.  Silent prayer on your knees. (Messages to Young People, p 248; Testimonies, vol 4, p 616).
17.  Pray the Lord's prayer. (Patriarchs and Prophets, p 459).
18.  Constant trust in God. (Patriarchs and Prophets, p 751; Early Writings, p 46; Spiritual Gifts, vol 2, p 289-90).
19.  Victory over appetite is power to resist all other temptations. (Testimonies, vol 3, p 491-92).
20.  Call and claim divine aid. (Testimonies, vol 5, p 312, 426).
21.  Claim God's promises. (Desire of Ages, p 129).
22.  Exercise will power. (Testimonies, vol 3, p 488; Ministry of Healing, p 176; Counsels on Diet and Foods, p   167).
23.  Realize own weakness. (Desire of Ages, p 382).
24.  Self knowledge on weak points. (Gospel Workers, p 276; Testimonies, vol 2, p 511, 517; Fundamentals on   Christian Education, p 525).
25.  Unite your weakness with Christ's strength. (Messages to Young People, p 50; Prophets and Kings, p 487;   Testimonies, vol 3, p 480).
26.  Strength increases with every victory gained. (Testimonies, vol 5, p 183, 120).
27.  Patiently meet. (Testimonies, vol 3, p 287).
28.  Cultivate meekness. (Adventist Home, p 380).
29.  Humility. (Patriarchs and Prophets, p 751; Sons and Daughters of God, p 121).
30.  By a well-ordered life. (Testimonies, vol 5, p 148).
31.  By a godly conversation. (Testimonies, vol 5, p 148).
32.  Form holy habits of thought. (Ministry of Healing, p 454).
33.  By faith. (SDA Bible Commentary, vol 5, p 1082).
34.  Hold beginning of your confidence firm unto the end. (Testimonies, vol 5, p 148).
35.  Practice and spread the present truth. (Testimonies, vol 4, p 397).
36.  Sing praises to God. (SDA Bible Commentary, vol 7, p 936; Adventist Home, p 443).
37.  Watchfulness. (Testimonies, vol 2, p 511, 283).
38.  Do not reason with it. (Counsels on Health, p 587).
39.  Silence and withdrawal from evil associates or churches. (Sons and Daughters of God, p 164).


PROMISES TO CLAIM REGARDING TEMPTATIONS

 1.  God will keep you from the hour of. (Revelation 3:10).
 2.  God gives strength to overcome. (Child Guidance, p 467; Temperance, p 105).
 3.  Light from heaven will come as we pray. (Desire of Ages, p 113; Steps to Christ, p 95).
 4.  Angels are sent to rescue the faithful. (Testimonies, vol 3, p 47).
 5.  All can overcome. (Selected Messages, book 1, p 226, book 2, p 137; Testimonies, vol 3, p 46, vol 5, p 47;   Counsels on Diet and Foods, p 186).
 6.  Divine power unites with human power to resist. (Testimonies, vol 4, p 32-33).
 7.  Every provision has been made to help. (Testimonies, vol 5, p 574).
 8.  God removes for sake of the weak. (Prophets and Kings, p 255).
 9.  God will bring truths to memory to combat. (Great Controversy, p 600).
10.  All things work together for our good. (Romans 8:28; Ministry of Healing, p 489).
11.  God permits none to come which cannot be resisted. (1 Corinthians 10:13; Patriarchs and Prophets, p 332).


MISCELLANEOUS REGARDING TEMPTATIONS

 1.  No excuse for sinning. (Testimonies, vol 5, p 177; Adventist Home, p 331).
 2.  Our own act and choice to yield. (Testimonies, vol 4, p 623, vol 5, p 177, vol 2, p 294; Great Controversy,
p 510).
 3.  Manifests true spirit in heart. (Sons and Daughters of God, p 62; Bible Commentary, vol 1, p 1094).
 4.  Invented to destroy our faith. (Sons and Daughters of God, p 294).
 5.  Is essential to our final victory. (Great Controversy, p 528).
 6.  Only overcomers will be in heaven. (Sons and Daughters of God, p 348).
 7.  Praise God when in. (Testimonies, vol 2, p 593).
 8.  Safest place to be when under. (SDA Bible Commentary, vol 7, p 937).
 9.  What to remember when under. (Testimonies, vol 3, p 378).
10.  What to do when you cannot control circumstances. (Testimonies, vol 3, p 45).

     May this list help you to overcome all temptation and sins.  May we remember the 4 keys to successfully overcome--R.P.S.R. (Recognize, Pray, Submit, Resist).  And may we always remember to pray for strength to overcome, and then escape sin through our Saviour's power to God's glory.



MINISTRY NEWS

     We are continuing to produce quality recorded video taped sermons each month.  Many have expressed appreciation for these video sermons, and we will continue to do so throughout this new year--as God wills.  The video taped sermons which have so far been produced since June of 1997 are: "The Last Message of Mercy, part 1--The Latter Rain, part 2--The Loud Cry; Our Heavenly Father; Christ versus the Churches; Transmutation of the Three Angels; That They May Be ONE; The Controversy Over Revelation 18, parts 1 & 2; and Shattering the Eighth Commandment.  For those who are interested in ordering any of the above video sermons, or would like to obtain the flyer describing them, please write to this Ministry.  The flyer describing the video taped sermons for January and February, 1998, can be found on the last page of this Newsletter.
     The Lord has allowed us to begin sponsoring another separated full-time worker in Africa!  We currently are sponsoring a full-time worker in Kenya, East Africa, and now we have begun sponsoring a full-time minister/worker in Togo, West Africa!  We have examined this brother's beliefs, have corresponded with him for many months, and with much prayer, have decided to support him on a monthly basis.  Since Togo is predominately French speaking, he has begun an intensive work of translating our booklets into French.  He sends his greetings to all his separated brethren here in America and other places as well.  Please pray for him, and for all of our full-time gospel workers.  And may God continue to work that the message of present truth may continue to spread and set Africa and the world ablaze with the glory of the angel of Revelation 18.
     We are very encouraged with the successful and blessed efforts of our full-time minister/workers in the Philippines in establishing unity and New Testament Gospel Order throughout the separated home churches and Filipino brethren.  This is not in any sense a hierarchy, but a church system based upon Matthew 23:8 "all ye are brethren."  God has blessed their efforts tremendously, not only in closing any doors through which Satan can enter the church, but in bringing peace and rest in the Lord among our active people.  For some time now, unity and Gospel Order have been well established throughout the Island of Mindanao (which is the largest in the Philippines).  But just recently they have also established unity and Gospel Order on other Filipino Islands as well--including the Island of Luzon which includes Manila!  This means that most all of the known separated workers in the full present truth message of Revelation 14:6-12 & 18:1-5 throughout the Philippines are now united together and working as one body with Christ as their sole leader!  Thousands of present truth materials have already been printed up and distributed throughout the Philippines!  God is definitely showing that He is in control, and He is blessing His obedient and unselfish people as they do His will!
     God has indeed greatly blessed our Filipino brethren with His presence and Spirit as they have a willing and able heart to perform His will, and have stepped out in faith to do His will.  May our separated brethren here in America, as well as around the world, take note of what their separated Filipino brethren have accomplished and are doing for God's glory.  May we also have the same willing and able heart and then do God's will in this vital and important area of unity and Gospel Order among us.  May we cast away all self and self-interest from us so that we may also perform God's will by fulfilling the prayer of our blessed Leader and Captain found in John 17.  For those who would like to know more about the necessity of unity and Gospel Order among God's people today, please write for our Booklet "Our Most Important Need Today--Christ and Gospel Order" or for our video "That They May Be ONE".




QUOTABLES

L "Where there are fewest difficulties to meet, the Christian is in the greatest danger of spiritual slothfulness." Sketches from the Life of Paul, p 300.

L "When once the gaze is fixed upon Him (Christ), the life finds its center." Education, p 297.

L "They (apostles of Christ) knew that the most acceptable way of waiting for Christ was to work for Him....To direct others to the coming Lord, and to teach them to wait patiently for His appearing.  This work was given to every disciple of Christ." Spirit of Prophecy, vol 3, p 263.




MINISTRY NEEDS

     "Let There Be Light" Ministries is devoted to the spreading of the full present truth gospel message, and has been doing so since 1986.  This Ministry has monthly operating expenses covering the areas of printing, publishing, and writing of present truth books, booklets, tracts, and other literature; video and audio taping, production, and distribution; mail order--domestic and foreign; traveling to hold meetings--both locally and internationally; answering correspondence and questions regarding the message of truth; ongoing Bible studies--both personal and Correspondence Course; sending free present truth literature to contacts in many poor Countries; etc.
     The Lord's blessings and guidance, along with your gracious prayers and support, is greatly appreciated and needed.  Without such, this Ministry could not continue to reach out worldwide with the precious message of Revelation 14:6-12 & 18:1-5.
     May our God and Saviour continue to lead and guide all those who have helped this Ministry reach out to souls who sit in darkness with the precious light of gospel truth.  May our supporters remember that they share in each and every soul who has been reached by this Ministry and converted to the present truth!

FOREIGN MISSION WORK NEEDS

     We are currently supporting 5 full time ministers\workers in 3 different Countries on a monthly basis.  We supply a monthly support base for our 5 full-time workers.  This base support is to ensure that the monthly needs of each worker and family is adequately met for that month so that the worker may devote full time to the ministry work.  In addition to this, we are sending extra money for Evangelism--which includes printing, publishing, meetings, traveling, and other necessary areas in spreading the present truth in their Country.  Currently this Ministry is sending out monthly several hundred dollars to cover these other necessary needs in the work.  And as the work extends, especially will the expenses for Evangelism expand. (Edited from original)
     We are also investigating other full-time ministers/workers whom we are praying over and considering for support.  These potential workers are from 6 different Countries.  The work of spreading God's present truth is not to be limited, but must extend world-wide, to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people before our Saviour can come (Matthew 24:14).  What better way of spreading the present truth gospel than by having workers who speak the native language, who reside in that particular Country, who can live and preach the truth, and spread the printed truth translated into the language of the common people!
     If God so impresses your heart, please help us to continue supporting our current full-time ministers/workers, and to supply enough for Evangelism and the spreading of the truth in their Countries.

SPECIFIC MISSION WORK NEEDS

TOGO, West Africa:
A good typewriter for French translation work--$350.
A mission house for Home Church meetings, training workers, and teaching present truth--$1800 a year ($150 a month).
Bibles and Spirit of Prophecy books in French--$500+ and continuous.

PHILIPPINE Islands:
Printing expenses--currently at $200 each month.
Workers travel expenses--currently at $200 each month total.
A good vehicle for transportation of workers and materials--$6,000-$10,000.

KENYA, East Africa:
Printing expenses for our booklet "The Last Message of Mercy" translated into Kiswalili--$2000+.
Portable generator for the PA system for meetings--at least $600.

     Please be sure to ear-mark all donated monies for any of the above Ministry or Foreign Mission needs.  100% of all donated monies will go where specified.  Unspecified donations will go where needed.




LETTERS to "LET THERE BE LIGHT" Ministries

Dear Bob,
     We hope you are still well and going strong....
     We would like you to know that we really appreciate the donations in materials.  We are putting them to use in the Lord's work and pray that He will help us in His work.
     God bless you.
Christian greetings, E.D.D., South Africa.

Let There Be Light" Ministries,
     I just finished reading the booklet "Abomination of Desolation Stands" and I desire 5 more copies and also the other booklets mentioned in this one: "Transmutation of the Three Angels' Message" and any other material you have on this subject.
     We are a small group who have separated from the structure church...but we are all desirous of preparing to meet Jesus when He comes in the clouds and we all believe it will be soon.  At first we met in homes but we outgrew the home so we bought a building.  Our sign reads "Seventh-day Adventists meet here" Welcome....
     Please reply soon and send a list of available materials and price list....Thank you.
V.V., OK.

Dearly Beloved in Christ,
     ...I did not write to you due to what had happened to me in the past months, the loss of my wife, and the loss of son in the blaze when my house was set on fire in which I lost everything.  You can even see that my address have changed.  My old address was______.  I decided to move from this place due to severe attacks from SDA but I will not stop preaching the truth for which my Master was condemned (Jesus Christ)....
     I am thanking you very very much for the very helpful booklets you sent to me which help me very much to understand Babylon.  In the past I was not agreeing with people who called SDA church Babylon.  This was due to lack of materials, now I am very sure God the Almighty have reveal to me through you...
     The SDA church is completely Babylon and it is taking the people to total destruction.  If you and me fail to wake up these people in this train which is heading to destruction, remember you and I will be held responsible for their punishment....
     I must stop and get some sleep.  May the Lord bless and protect you all is my prayer, and may each one of you keep faithful.  The signs of Christ's second coming are fast fulfilling.  Strive to be amongst the 144,000....Pray that the Lord will send workers into the vineyard.  The harvest is ripe.
Yours sincerely in the Master's service, K.Z., Zambia, Central Africa.

Let There Be Light Ministries,
     Please use the enclosed in God's mission work for souls.
     Thank you for your bi-monthly journal & news.  We have appreciated receiving it.
Sincerely in Christ, L.E.T., FL.

My Bro. Bob,
     Greetings: most especially for you, and your loved ones.  Good day and good health...
Thank you so much for the booklets and the video tape.  I will bring this to our brethren in _____, _____ so that we can all partake the blessings we received from your ministry.
Bro in Christ, W.F., Philippines.

Dear brother Bob,
     Enclosed please find...for your ministry to be used for the promulgation of God's present `sealing' truth messages for both here and abroad.
     May God graciously bless you and your family during these difficult times.  1 Peter 1:17.
Your sister in present truth, R.K., CA.

Dear Pastor Bob,
     How are you?  It has been quite a while since we spoke.  I am doing OK (praise God)...
     Pastor Bob your messages mean so much to me and my wife we cannot tell you in words....My wife and I thank you so much for your timely messages on tapes.
     May the Lord give you the strength to carry on this work for this time.  Thanks again.  God bless your ministry....
R.S., FL.

Dear Brother Sessler and family,
     3 John 2!
     Well, the Lord has given us another year.  It will soon be gone.  It has been a year of precious blessings.  It has brought experiences good and bad, and it has brought me closer to the Lord and although I feel more and more my weakness and imperfection, I cling to His promise in Isa. 41:10, and Phil. 4:13.  I enjoy the occasional opportunity of meeting with fellow believers....
Christian love to all, E.H., CA.

Dear Brother Bob,
     Thanks for the videos.  I enjoy hearing the truth preached in its fullness.  Stay strong.  It won't be long.  I'm 83 but I feel I may be around....
Best wishes, M.D., KY.

Dear Brother Bob,
     Received your newsletter last week.  Thank you for adding our names to your mailing list.
     Also thank you for the video that you sent....There are still a couple who have their names on the church books.  We loaned them the tape hoping that they would see the importance of removing their names.
     I was very interested in your newsletter on tithing.  I have been sending to different ministries.  And lately I have been concerned about supporting Jan Marcussen....In fact we heard him speak...he made the statement that for everyone that goes out of the church God will bring someone in to take his place....
In his last newsletter he makes these statements..."Sweet Vennita and I are standing together in our happy work for dear Jesus in the SDA churches around the world..."....Also the fact that he keeps emphasizing the fact that he is an "ordained SDA minister."...
     May the Lord bless you abundantly in your missionary work.
Until we meet again, G.N.J., OR.

Dear Bob,
     How good it was to see you again...
     Last Sabbath...[we visited] a small group.  But they were very good Bible students and we really had a high day.  I was gone from my house for 10 1/2 hrs.  It was a wonderful day.
     Hope all is well at your house.
Very Sincerely Yours, R.B., TN.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
     I appreciate the work that you are doing, so keep up the good work for our Lord....
Your Sister in Christ, P.B., FL.

Dear Bob & Family,
     It is now a little over a year now that we are in this area, and have had a very good summer & lots of fruit & vegetables & had a lot of opportunity to witness.  We now know why the Lord put us here....
     We have been very saddened by all the disaster in the world and feel for the people involved, but rejoice that the coming of the Lord is getting closer every minute, hour & day and we pray that we will all be accounted worthy.
     We appreciate your newsletter and information and hope you can continue to sent it to us....
     May the Lord continue to bless you and your ministry.
A.D.O., BC, Canada.



CORRESPONDENCE FROM OUR FOREIGN FULL-TIME WORKERS

FROM THE PHILIPPINES

Dear Bob,
     We are home again from Manila.  Probably this is our longest missionary trip so far.  More or less thirty delegates from Manila, Mindoro, Palawan, Laguna, and the whole of Bicol region with us from Mindanao gathered in...Luzon from Dec 1-6, 1997.  Some of the things that were discussed are doctrinal differences among home churches.  Cutting off all fanatics, false teachers, and prominent leaders of the [hierarchical] Historic Seventh-day Adventist Organization [sponsored by Steps to Life].  Working relationship, communication, identifying true workers and most of all, establishing church government through Gospel Order.  The Lord really blessed the effort to establish pure and holy principles in all our boarders.  During the meeting there were shouting, heated arguments, but the Holy Spirit settled all the questions and at last unite us, yes, through many prayers and supplications.  All the workers now throughout the Philippines are untied.  We have a untied front to face all kinds of problems that might endanger again God's fold.  Please pray for us....
Always in Jesus, R.S., Philippines

Dear Bob,
     "The bulwarks of Satan will never triumph.  Victory will attend the third angels message.  As the Captain of the Lord's host tore down the walls of Jericho, so will the Lord's commandment keeping people triumph, and all opposing elements be defeated." TM 410.  "The efforts made to retard the progress of truth will serve to extend it." 5T 454.  These prophecies are fast fulfilling in our place.
     The result of the...council in Luzon has shaken the corrupt and counterfeit reformations here.  That the Apostolic home church is not playing games but is determined to establish church government & church discipline through Gospel Order based on New Testament model.  The "Historic SDA church" led by Tagala & funded by Steps to Life...split into two groups.  One led by the Matudans, & the other one by Jimmy Tagala.  Is it because of doctrinal problems?  No, it is because of money [it is reported that about $4000. U.S. is missing from the tithe fund].  This only shows how corrupt this administration is.  How deceived are their members, and this organization is nothing but a fake & a counterfeit.
     God is really directing this work, taking the reins in His own hands.  The workers in Luzon are now on their way in completing the conquest.  Visiting home churches, establishing them in the truth, uprooting fanaticism, false doctrine, & shutting away all false teachers....Our brethren in Japan call me, and I send them materials.
Always in Jesus, R.S., Philippines


FROM EAST AFRICA

Dear brother Bob,
     ...I received your letter with the message that booklets were on the way.  I thought they could be here, I'd write.  Printing here is a bit expensive...Therefore, I thought it wise to convert it [money sent] into the Public Address System....We are trying to run it on dry cells, though expensive, to avoid the inconvenience of the wet cell.  I wish a better source of energy would be available, like a mobile generator.  Let us have that in prayers....
     As I had told you in advance, I was translating "The Last Message of Mercy" into Kiswalili and now it is ready in manuscript form....It will cost about $2000 American dollars to print 10,000 copies right from manuscript, typesetting, etc.
     The last month saw us bringing under Gospel Order a home church of about ten members which had been abandoned by the "Dreams & Visions" group.  We studied together the Scriptures and the Spirit of Prophecy to see what the Lord wills of us in these last days.  They never had the Lord's supper, baptism nor systematic benevolence.  Remember them in your prayers.
     On first (Nov. 1) we were at Ndhiwa with brothers____ and ____.  I was overjoyed that you had sent them booklets.  We shared with them, and by God's grace, they are seeing the place of the fourth angel's message.  Thanks for having done that.
     We are now looking forward to a camp meeting in December from 22nd through 28th.  Before then, we shall have, God willing, an effort in Maasailand to comfort brethren disfellowshipped for speaking the truth, and also passing the most precious message.  Remember us in your prayers, for these are troublous times here due to the [general] election...
     Pass my Christian greeting to all our brothers and sister there with the message, "The night is far spent and soon it will be morning, never to get dark again."
In Christ's Service, O.O. Kenya, East Africa.

FROM WEST AFRICA

Dear Elder Sessler,
     I received your fax the very day you sent it.  And indeed it is good news.  May God bless all those who have a part in this last hour Gospel to the world.  Like David, let us march without any fear to meet Goliath.  He will surely fall.  Dear brothers at Let There Be Light Ministries, please, rest assured that any effort or amount of money you send to me falls into the hands of a man who meditate nothing but heaven and how to gain it.  I will now indeed set West Africa ablaze with the "Mark of the Beast" warning....
     There are in Togo, about 4,000 S.D.A. members.  Togo is the Union seat for French West Africa Seventh-day Adventist.  Just nearby is the Republic of Benin also French speaking Countries and Ivory Coast too.  But most of the members are ignorant of Spirit of Prophecy book because they can't find them; please, do order some for me, and also Bibles in French....
     About the booklets, I am setting things right to begin a coherent and smooth work done.  Soon, you will receive the outcome of the translation.  The translation will be just what the booklets contain.  But I will need a typewriter to quicken the work.  Would you please help us buy one.
     With $350 dollars we could purchase one....
Yours on the road to the New Jerusalem, S.C., Togo, West Africa

Dear Elder Sessler,
     1 Thess. 1:2-3,
     I received your prompt response.  Thanks many times for the money.  I pray it will serve to uplift the glory of God even here in West Africa....
     The Translation:
     Just after last Sabbath I had no other work than this work....French speaking Seventh-day Adventists not only in Togo, but throughout West Africa need precious truth.  I believe, that only these Booklets can show them the nature of the apostasy and the need to separate from the endangered Ship.
     The little delay in sending you the translated ones is from the lady who is handling the work [of typing out the handwritten translation] at a communication centre 100 yards away from my house.  She has to interrupt the work to serve her clients and so forth.  That is why I spoke of a typewriter.  I have no typewriter.  I have set the next three months for intensive work on these booklets and the "Abomination of Desolation"....Please, help me get a typewriter to speed on.
     In fact, about two weeks ago, I watched as the central S.D.A. church celebrated the Lord's Supper and it was transmitted on National Television on Sunday.  Interviewed by the press the Mission president used Catholic terms such as, Eucharistic, Sacrament, etc., to designate the Lord's Supper.  For about 20 minutes I could not recognize them as Adventists church until my wife noticed some we knew.  It all resemble Catholic celebration....
     Till I hear from you, dear Bob, greet all brothers and sisters when you meet next Sabbath.
Yours, S.C., Togo, West Africa




"LET THERE BE LIGHT" MINISTRIES

VIDEO TAPED SERMONS FOR THE MONTHS
JANUARY & FEBRUARY, 1998

"SALVATION THROUGH TRUTH
or
DOCTRINAL SUICIDE"
Part 1--The Issue of Christ's Nature
Part 2--The Issue of Christ's Flesh

M Understand more fully why there has been, and still is, an ongoing heated debate over these vital issues.

M Discover if Christ was really one with humanity in every natural sense, or if He was just pretending when He was born and lived a human in the flesh!
M Can a person become an antichrist if they hold to a wrong belief in the above issues?  The startling answer is yes!
M Learn more about the amazing love of God and Jesus for unworthy you and I.
M All of the above, plus much more, will be found in these recorded sermons.

"SALVATION THROUGH TRUTH or DOCTRINAL SUICIDE"
(All prices are suggested donations)
L 2 parts on 1 video--$20.00
L 2 audio cassettes--$6.00

--Please send your order to:
"Let There Be Light" Ministries
PO Box 328
Rogue River, OR  97537-0328

NOTE: Foreign orders please specify if need PAL recorded videos