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 Sermon on Spirit of Prophecy

Looking Through the Prophet's Eyes

By Brian Pepper

Adventists are recognized as a people who are very knowledgeable regarding prophecy. I visited a lady just the other day who told me "'you Adventists are very good in explaining prophecy." And so we should. After all, prophecy is very important.

2 Peter 1:19 says, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy: whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.” 

A more sure word of prophecy! If there is anything that builds up confidence in the Bible and in the Word of God it is prophecy. The Church that does not have the gift of Prophecy is a sightless Church, for this gift provides eyes for the Church.

I never cease to wonder how our Church has been so wonderfully blessed in having the Gift of prophecy. For this precious gift has opened up tomorrow to those who wish to peer into the future.


Time Travel in Visions

Here is a statement from Spiritual Gifts, Vol.2. page 292. "A times I am carried far ahead into the future and shown what is to take place. Then again I am shown things as they have occurred in the past."

In vision Allen White was shown in detail how the great controversy between Christ and Satan would come to its climax. How Satan, knowing he has a short time, would do everything in his power to bring ruin to the world and to deceive and mislead God's people.

We have passed the time of sham battles. The pressure is really on. Everyone is thankful that Vietnam is no longer the big trouble spot of this world where for so long innocent blood was spilt for what apparently was a rather futile cause.

But Bible prophecy tells us that we are moving into a conflict that will engulf the whole world. Satan is mustering all his forces to prepare for the last desperate struggle where he will try to wrench the world and its inhabitants from Christ and to plunge it to destruction.
 

Breakdown in Standards Today

A grim picture, yes it is! Let us face it, it is happening before our very eyes. Thinking people are very disturbed about the general trend in the world today.  There is no question of what is happening, for the forces of evil seem to be taking over. 

One hardly needs to point to the great breakdown in moral standards. It is so obvious. Wherever you look, whether it be to the Social world, Political world with dangerous inflation, Entertainment world with low moral standards, Academic world with its evolutionary teachings, it does not matter where. There is a very rapid decline in standards.

GOD knew that this would be the case so He gave this warning found in 1 Timothy 4:1. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”

The Book of Revelation brings further warnings that are designed to put us on our guard.


Spirit of Prophecy

The 'Spirit of prophecy' or the writings of Mrs. E.G. White amplify those prophecies and clarify some of the things that were a little obscure.

I think that it should be made very clear right from the outset of this study, that the writings we speak of as the 'Spirit of Prophecy' are not to be used in place of the Bible or as a Bible, but rather they are a grand commentary on the Bible.

I know how much my ministry has been enriched by having this wonderful material at my disposal, and countless others can testify of this too. The wise counsel that has been given to the Church as a whole has been responsible for establishing this church on very sound and solid foundations.


Examples of Prophetic Insight

One does not need to look beyond Australia to see this. Take a look at Avondale, training ground of countless workers in God's cause. It was a matter of more than human foresight which was responsible for selecting this wonderful site for a training institution. One never stops marveling over this wise selection, and the remarkable development that has gone on there.

The Sydney Adventist Hospital, so wonderfully situated in one of the best suburbs in Sydney. Today that land is worth almost a fortune and yet in the early days it was considered too far from Sydney proper. There was much criticism of the selection. Once again prophetic vision was able to peer into the future and to see that this was to be the place.

I could go on reciting the many instances where we as a people have been blessed because we had that Prophetic eyesight.


Prophetic Writings for the Future

But today I wish to present rather, the things that are written to help us in understanding the future, for everyone is interested in the future. We are all naturally curious of what will happen. And people are conscious that something great and decisive is about to take place. The hearts of men and women today are troubled because they cannot understand nor explain what is happening with this world of ours.

GOD gave Ellen G. White messages that were designed to guide us, to give us courage and to prepare us for the days that lie ahead, as well as to prepare us for eternal life.


We are on the Verge of Catastrophe

Listen to this, an extract from ‘Prophets and Kings’. "The world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis..." page 537. Now, does that statement picture things as they are today?

Listen to this! "The whole world appears to be in the march to death." ‘Evangelism’ page 26. A grim statement but it is true enough; the rising road toll, death by disaster, death by violence, death by war. You could go on in a long recital but I want to link this with another statement, "The time is at hand when there will be sorrow in the world that that no human balm can heal. The Spirit of God is being withdrawn. Disasters by sea and by land follow one another in quick succession. How frequently we hear of earthquakes, and tornadoes, of destruction by fire and flood with great loss of life and property."

One of our ministers in the USA scanned the front pages of the Chicago Tribune for a three week period and he found that 1796 persons had lost their lives in disasters and destruction by aeroplane crashes, landslides, mine explosions, fires and flood.

In 'Prophets and Kings' page 278 we read this statement, "We are standing on the threshold of the crises of the ages. In quick succession the judgments of God will follow one another; fire, and flood, and earthquake, with war and bloodshed. We are not to be surprised at this time by events both great and decisive; for the angel of mercy cannot remain much longer to shelter the impenitent."


Counterfeit Tongues

Not only is Satan causing thousands to go to untimely graves by land, air and sea; but far greater numbers are being caught up in great deceptive net. The charismatic movement is a phenomenon that is sweeping the world today.

In the ‘Great Controversy' page 593 we read, "so closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested."

For a long time we have not really understood in what way this counterfeit revival would come, but now as we see the way the Charismatic movement is sweeping over the world and into even the most conservative churches. It is becoming apparent that this could be the way in which the great counterfeit revival will come.

Not so long ago a copy of the ‘Review and Herald’ came in and there was a special promotion of the Youth magazine Insight, The great Counterfeit Revival, has it already begun? It goes on to say that four issues of Insight were specially dealing with the Tongues Movement. Catch statements were: already the tongues movement has penetrated more than 40 denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church. Is it possible that the great counterfeit revival has already begun?

"Today the 'gift of tongues' is gathering people of all religions and beliefs: Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Spiritualists, cultists, all under one mighty umbrella with a rapidity that is nothing short of amazing. All you have to do to belong is, to be able to speak in tongues. It is an ecumenical movement the like of which has never been seen before.


New Testament Tongues  

In the early New Testament Church Christ gave special gifts that were designed to build up the church and to bring about unity. One of those gifts was the Gift of Tongues. 

In the book of Mark Jesus made a statement regarding this gift. Mark 16:17 says, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; Verse 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” 

"They shall speak with new tongues." Keeping this statement within the context it is clear that the new tongues were to be given for the purpose of winning new converts. The disciples performed their miracles not only to help some unfortunate individuals but also to demonstrate that they were true followers of the Master, for Jesus had done these things before them.

The Gift of Tongues is mentioned three times in the Book of Acts. Acts 2:4 says, "And they... began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." 

Acts 10:45.46 says, "...on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost, For they heard them speak with tongues..."

Acts 19:6 says, "...the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues."

Definitely it was a gift and without this gift, the Gospel, could not have been proclaimed in such a remarkable manner as it was, for the people of various nations who were gathered in Jerusalem at that time would not been able to hear the message.

Paul makes it clear that not everyone is to have this gift, but like all the other gifts it would be given with discrimination.


Gift of Tongues to Speak in Foreign Languages

There were two different manifestations of the gift of tongues given in the Apostolic Church.

The first one was given at Pentecost where the disciples were given the ability to speak one or more foreign languages without having studied them previously. The reason for this is obvious. Jews from the four corners of the earth were assembled in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. For their special benefit the Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to proclaim the gospel fluently in their own national language.

This miraculous ability to speak in other languages gave the strongest possible proof that their commission was carried out under the authority of God Himself.


Gift of Tongues
for Private Devotions

The second manifestation of the gift of tongues was manifested in the church in Corinth and was certainly different from the one at Pentecost.

Let us consider what Paul has to say in 1 Corinthians 14:2-4, "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God…
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.”

You will notice that this gift was primarily designed for private, personal edification and was not recommended by Paul for public assemblies. This gift as manifested at Corinth. It served to edify the speaker but not others. Also it was only to be used when it could be interpreted.

Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 14:27, 28,33. "If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church…
33 For God is not the author of confusion…”

Notice that when they were speaking in tongues they were to take turns, "and that by course" as Paul puts it, and not all at once.

In verse 2 Paul says, "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.”  

The one who spoke in tongues addressed God not men. He was in a state of ecstasy with his conscious mind dormant.


Warnings of the Abuse of Tongues

1 Corinthians 14:39,40. "… forbid not to speak with tongues.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.”

There is no doubt that the gift of tongues was a genuine gift of the Spirit.

Paul did not condemn, but he certainly did endeavour to counsel carefully how it should be used and not used, and to warn very strongly against its abuse. Obviously there was and has been much abuse of this gift. There were evidently occasions when many people spoke at the same time, making for wild and noisy confusion.

Unfortunately it is a little obscure as to the precise manner in which this second gift of tongues was manifested, and because of this Satan has not found it hard to counterfeit.

In voodoo and in pagan worship incoherent mutterings is common. The witch doctors revel in it.

There are those who claim they definitely have the gift of tongues. They work themselves into a state of excitement then they cry out, go into contortions, followed by ‘holy laughter’ or ‘Spiritual singing.’ There is no reverence and the house of God is turned into confusion.

There is definitely a true gift of tongues and there is just as definitely a false gift of tongues.


How to Discern the True Gift of Tongues

The big question is 'how to distinguish the True from the False’.

First of all we must be clearly aware of the fact that before probation closing there will be a worldwide religious movement that will closely counterfeit the mighty revival that will be experienced by those who "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus”. Revelation 14:12.

One of the surest ways by which we may know whether a charismatic movement is genuine or not is to begin with basic Biblical doctrine and not with physical manifestations that tend to dazzle the mind and move the emotions. Any last day group that is in disagreement with the biblical teaching regarding the state of the dead would not be honoured by God with the gifts of the Sprit.

You see it is impossible for one to speak under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and still deny any of Christ’s teachings such as His Divinity, His resurrection, His second coming, His teaching that death is a sleep, that the seventh day is the 'Sabbath’ and so on.

Notice some of the counsel God has given us for these lasts days. ‘Selected Messages’ page 43 Book 2 says, "...the Holy Spirit ...always comes... in a way that commends itself to the judgment of the people. In our speaking, our singing, and in all our spiritual exercises, we are to reveal that calmness and dignity and godly fear that actuates every true child of God."


Pentecostals Resisting the 10 Commandments

When I was in Esperance the charismatic movement was sweeping through the district. It did not become accepted by the local churches but on this occasion it was promoted by the Pentecostal group. At this time I was studying with a young couple. The wife came from a very good family. She had had a rather close contact with the Pentecostal group as some of them were close relations. She told me that there was one thing certain, and that was she would never allow her daughter to go to their meetings, as she said the music they played in the Youth groups was far too suggestive. This same lady told me that immorality was rife amongst the movement. She knew of ministers who had run off with other men's wives. Very recently this same thing has happened to a Methodist minister who has been speaking in tongues right here in South Australia.

The Pentecostalists have always been bitterly opposed to the 10 Commandments, so one could expect that their standards would not be very high. The fact that they reject the 10 Commandments indicates very clearly that they are not blessed with the gift of the Holy Spirit but rather that they are the counterfeit gift. I have noticed over the years that they have mushroomed and increased almost overnight but have declined almost as quickly.

I read this excellent statement. ‘Selected Messages’, page 24. "Let God's people act so that the world will see that Seventh-day Adventists are an intelligent thinking people whose faith is based on a surer foundation than the bedlam of confusion."


Healings Linked to Tongues

Healings are often linked with tongues. A recent convert to the movement wrote. "When Ken prayed for me, he prayed in a beautiful language I had never heard before. You might have intellectual arguments against the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the speaking in tongues, but when somebody prays for you in tongues and heals you, what is there left to argue about? That was the first time I had heard someone manifesting a new language." Soon after this person was healed, he began speaking in tongues.

From Gospel Business Men's Voice, July/ August, 1972, "Some will be tempted to receive these wonders as from God. The sick will be healed before us. Miracles will be performed in our sight. Are we prepared for the trial which awaits us when the lying wonders of Satan shall be more fully exhibited? Will not many souls be ensnared and taken? By departing from the plain precepts and commandments of God, and giving heed to fables, the minds of many are preparing to receive these lying wonders. We must all now seek to arm ourselves for the contest in which we must soon engage. Faith in God’s Word, prayerfully studied and practically applied, will be our shield from Satan' s power and will bring us off conquerors through the blood of Christ."


Medium of Music

Another way that Satan is endeavoring to loosen our hold on Christ is through the medium of music. Three very evil ways are used by Satan to gain control of our Youth. There is rock music, drugs and Satan worship.

I read the story of Calvin, reared in an Adventist home, a fine young man with healthy ambitions like any youth of his age. He became interested in rock music, and from rock music to drugs. Then he just slid down that dangerous path which leads to total oblivion. Realizing that he was heading straight for hell he awakened his parents one morning and told them of the L.S.D. trip he had just been through. Through prayer and studying God's word he found Christ. Now he wants people to realize that “rock groups turn kids on to drugs, and under the influence of drugs, rock music leaves an open channel for the working of Satan on the mind and body."

He went on to say that eight out of ten records promote in a subtle way some sort of devil worship. Some songs have language so vulgar that I would not dare read it in a mixed group, yet idle young people everywhere are singing these songs and do not know what they are singing. Some songs cannot really be fully understood until a person in under the influence of drugs.

Calvin also went on to say, "Rock music today is progressing into deep and heavier records portraying grosser sins with unbelievable rapidity."


Music Influence in Religious Services

Mrs. White writes of Satan's influence in religious services just before the close of probation.

‘Selected Messages’, Book 2. page 36 says, “There will he shouting, with drums, music, and dancing. The senses of rational beings, will become so confused that they cannot be trusted to make right decisions...This is an invention of Satan to cover up his ingenious methods for making of none effect the pure sincere, elevating, ennobling, sanctifying truth for this time...The powers of satanic  agencies blend with the din and the noise, to  have a carnival, and this is termed the Holy Spirit’s working." 


Trend Toward Oriental Religions

It is very noticeable that Young People today are turning to the oriental religions. And it is the young people whose minds have been distorted by the use of drugs and through these drugs have had mystical experiences; who often turn to Eastern Cults and devil worship.

David Wilkerson who has done so much for drug addicts in New York wrote these words. "I have yet to find a Satan worshipper who did not first open his mind to mystical experiences through drugs. Devil worshippers are graduates of the school of psychedelia.”

Listen to what Ellen G. White saw would happen in the end of time. ‘Evangelism’ page 609 says, “With the imagination highly wrought, and voices musically tuned, they picture the broad road as one of happiness and glory... Satan... covers his hideous purposes, and succeeds too well in deluding the unwary who are not firmly anchored upon eternal truth."

Calvin is grateful for God's forgiving grace and that he has been released from this world of rock music and drugs. As he has studied the Spirit of Prophecy he says, "Ellen G. White is so far ahead of her times that many cannot grasp it. It is about time we were catching up."


Cities Like Sodom and Gomorrah

Another warning that the cities would become just like ancient Sodom. In ‘Testimonies’ Vol. 9 page 89 we read, "The cities of today are fast becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah."

A columnist for Newsweek wrote recently, "We are living in a Babylonian society more Babylonian than Babylon itself... all codes have been broken down."

We have been warned for a long time now that the cities would become dangerous places to live in. In many of the large cities it is not safe for a person to be out at night.

Yet in spite of the gross wickedness that would prevail in the cities, the Lord's messenger wrote, "In every city, filled through it may be with violence and crime, there are many who with proper teaching may learn to become followers of Jesus. Thousands may thus be reached with the saving truth and be led to receive Christ as a personal Saviour." ‘Prophets and Kings’ pg. 277.

At the present moment a large scale effort is to be carried on in New York. Plans are being laid to carry on a full scale mission effort in that city. Mrs. White long ago spoke of New York as a fruitful place for evangelistic ventures, "Millions living in these congested centres are to hear the third angels message." ‘Review and Herald’ July 5 1906. 'Evangelism'.


Glimpses into the Future

And now for a few quick glimpses into the future. Despite all the efforts of Satan to stamp out Christianity and to demoralize God' s people it will conclude in triumph.

The ‘Spirit of Prophecy’ has told us that thousands will go from place to place warning the people, working miracles, speaking in the true gift of tongues, and preparing folk for the Lord’s coming.

Also she speaks of when the big test comes to God' s people, when Sunday laws are enforced, a great shaking will take place, an experience in which "the church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall ." 2SM page 380. Then she goes on to say that the church remains, but “the sinners in Zion will be sifted out; the chaff separated from the precious wheat."

I would like to close with this very encouraging message. MS 97 1898. "There are men who will receive the truth, and will take the places made vacant by those who become offended and leave the truth...The Lord will work so that the disaffected ones will be separated from the true and loyal ones. Those who like Cornelius will fear God and glorify Him, will take their places. The ranks will not be diminished. Those who are firm and true will close up the vacancies that are made by those who become offended and apostatize.

I am glad that we as a people have this wonderful counsel. I ask you where would we be without it. Thank God for the ‘Spirit of Prophecy’.

 

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Click image for sample. The Complete Sermon Collection is available at the Store Page. It includes 169 sermons which are listed on the Sermons Page, plus several audio visual sermonettes and a number of incomplete sermons. Original typed sermon notes have been scanned in PDF files on a DVD.

 

 
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Easy access to all the uploaded Revelation Bible Commentaries written by Brian Pepper. Also a CD of the complete Book of Revelation consisting of 22 PDF files scanned from original typed documents. These files can be downloaded by Adobe Acrobat to view on computer screen, or printed in booklet or other format.

 

 
  SDA Prophecy Chart
Bible in Song Sermons and Commentaries pages have exposed flaws in the "2300 day" prophecy chart most notably used by Seventh-day Adventists. Seventh-day Adventists in their biblical interpretation have favored the tradition of their founding fathers over Scripture and the "divine revelation" of their own prophet Ellen White. Read more.

 

 
 
  Testimonials
Thank you for posting some of (Brian Pepper's) sermons. It's like reading the very words Jesus has spoken to me and is a great encouragement. I cannot say that about many Pastors but I can say that about (Pr Pepper). Thank you. Robert @yeshuaskingdom.org (USA) ... more testimonials.

 

 
 

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