TEXT FOR PRAYER

We shall continue our reading from Christs Object Lessons page 44, the last paragraph– -2TG11 2.1

As the birds are ready to catch up the seed from the wayside so Satan is ready to catch away the seeds of divine truth from the soul. He fears that the word of God may awaken the careless and take effect upon the hardened heart. Satan and his angels are in the assemblies where the gospel is preached. While angels of heaven endeavor to impress hearts with the word of God the enemy is on the alert to make the work of no effect. With an earnestness equaled only by his malice he tries to thwart the work of the Spirit of God. While Christ is drawing the soul by His love Satan tries to turn away the attention of the one who is moved to seek the Saviour. He engages the mind with worldly schemes. He excites criticism or insinuates doubt and unbelief. The speakers choice of language or his manner may not please the hearers and they dwell upon these defects. Thus the truth they need and which God has graciously sent them makes no lasting impression. -2TG11 2.2

What do we need to pray for this afternoon? — That the angels may be around us so that the Enemy will not have an opportunity to catch away the seeds of Divine Truth that we keep our minds completely centered upon Christ and His Kingdom so there shall be no loophole for the Evil One to gain an entrance and thus beguile us into sin. -2TG11 2.3

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The Jews had built up an erroneous conception of what the Kingdom was to be and how and when it was to come and so when the Lord exposed their misconceptions they became indignant. They were very angry not because the Kingdom which the Saviour disclosed was not much more bountiful and practical than they had ever conceived but because their errors were exposed Thus Heavens favored people the Jews piled error upon error and brought upon themselves shame and disaster. -2TG11 3.1

Should the Christians idea of the Kingdom be somewhat erroneous too and should we fail to profit by the mistakes of the Jews then our fall would be even greater than that of the Jews. Let us therefore lay aside any pre-conceived ideas we may have and accept the Lords revealed Truth which brings us His idea of the Kingdom fresh today: -2TG11 3.2

Matt 13:24-26 — Another parable put He forth unto them saying The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up and brought forth fruit then appeared the tares also. -2TG11 3.3

The pestering tares which grow higher and sturdier than the wheat Satan inspires and by them fabricates erroneous theories concerning Gods plan. The tares according to the parable so closely resemble the wheat that they cannot be discovered except after they bear fruit that is they can be discerned only by the final results brought forth by their works. -2TG11 3.4

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And what can these results be? What else from ideas that are not Heaven-inspired may you expect in the Church but selfishness egotism bigotry worldliness prejudice hatred against reproof and light on their evil deeds? Is it not their aim to exalt themselves rather than to exalt Christ and His Truth? -2TG11 4.1

This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves covetous boasters proud blasphemers disobedient to parents unthankful unholy without natural affection trucebreakers false accusers incontinent fierce despisers of those that are good traitors heady highminded lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses and lead captive silly women laden with sins led away with divers lusts ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth. 2 Tim. 3:1-7. -2TG11 4.2

Matt 13:27-30 — So the servants of the Householder came and said unto Him Sir didst not Thou sow good seed in Thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto Him Wilt Thou then that we go and gather them up? But He said Nay lest while ye gather up the tares ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers Gather ye together first the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into My barn. -2TG11 4.3

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Here we see that even the ideas of the most faithful servants of God as to the setting up of His kingdom and the weeding out the tares are not the same as Gods plans. This cleansing work belongs only to the angels of heaven and this they will do in the time of harvest after being commanded to do so not before. -2TG11 5.1

In this parable we are also told that the spiritual harvest is a time not a momentary work and that it brings the end of the world just as naturally as the years harvest brings the end of the summer. -2TG11 5.2

Thus you see the separation of wheat and tares takes place in the last days and in two different places: first in the house of God (1 Peter 4:17 Matt. 13:47, 48) then in Babylon (Rev. 18:2-4). -2TG11 5.3

In the former the tares are taken out from among Gods people but in the latter Gods people are taken out from among the tares — from the habitation of devils of foul spirits of unclean and hateful birds. -2TG11 5.4

There are two fruits also: the first are from the twelve tribes of the children of Israel (Rev. 7:2-8) the Church and the second from all nations (Rev. 7:9). -2TG11 5.5

Matt 13:31, 32 — Another parable put He forth unto them saying The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field: which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown it is the greatest among herbs and becometh a tree so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. -2TG11 5.6

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Mustard seed being the smallest of all seeds this parable shows that that which is to start the Kingdom will be very insignificant contrary to all human expectation. Nevertheless like the mustard plant becomes the biggest of all herbs so the Kingdom shall grow and become the greatest of all kingdoms. This being contrary to all human planning it is but natural that those who are like Nicodemus and continue to be ashamed to be identified with something that is unpopular hated and insignificant will as a result be left out of the Kingdom. -2TG11 6.1

Matt 13:33 — Another parable spake He unto them The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till the whole was leavened. -2TG11 6.2

The Kingdom is here again shown to start with something small but that little thing is to be like yeast in a loaf of bread. What could the leaven be but an unpopular message borne by some insignificant one and put into the Church the loaf. Well the leaven is in the dough now. Just watch it leaven the whole. -2TG11 6.3

Matt 13:44 — Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field the which when a man hath found he hideth and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath and buyeth that field. -2TG11 6.4

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Those who will gain entrance into the Kingdom are here represented as searchers of great treasure and when the find its location the field they are very eager to make it their own. They are certain of its worth and count it not a risk to sell all they possess whether much or little to obtain the Kingdom. What they sell of course is not only lands or houses but anything which if not disposed of would keep them out of the Kingdom. They are certain that they are making a good investment that they are to get much more out of it than they put into it. On the other hand those who are foolish who do not know the value of it feel they dare not make the investment and consequently will be the losers. -2TG11 7.1

Matt 13:45, 46 — Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man seeking goodly pearls: who when he had found one pearl of great price went and sold all that he had and bought it. -2TG11 7.2

Those who are to inherit the kingdom are here again represented as searching for a very valuable jewel the Kingdom Truth. And when they find it they count it not a gamble to sell all they have in order to make it their own. They know that they are getting a bargain that such an investment will actually make them rich. -2TG11 7.3

Both the man who bought the field containing the great treasure and the man who bought the pearl of great price sold everything they had in order to close the respective deals. But even though it took everything they had they both did have enough to buy what they wanted. So it is that it matters not who we are how rich or how poor we be if we make up our minds to sell all and buy the Kingdom we will have just enough to buy it. -2TG11 7.4

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Matt 13:47, 48 — Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net that was cast into the sea and gathered of every kind: which when it was full they drew to shore and sat down and gathered the good into vessels but cast the bad away. -2TG11 8.1

The net must represent the Truth the message of the Kingdom. As it is cast into the sea published and sent out it is bound to catch good and bad. But when the net is drawn to shore the bad are then cast out from among the good and the good are put into vessels into the Kingdom. Hence merely because one is attracted by the mighty Truth does not mean he is saved. His chance of staying forever with the Truth depends on his meeting the Lords expectations of him. -2TG11 8.2

Matt 13:52 — Then said He unto them Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. -2TG11 8.3

Here the Master plainly points out that Gods messengers of the Kingdom bring out of the Word things both old and new: things that are known and things that are unknown to them. Thus it has ever been in the unrolling of the scroll and thus it must be now. -2TG11 8.4

Luke 14:16, 17 — Then said He unto him A certain man made a great supper and bade many: and sent His servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden Come for all things are now ready. -2TG11 8.5

In this parable it is made known that in the closing hours of probationary time (at supper time about the end of the day) Heaven is to send a message to them that are bidden to them that already know the Gospel of Christ to the members of the Church. The servant is to inform them that everything is now ready that they should now come in for the great and long expected supper — a supper which they are to eat in the Masters mansion (the Kingdom) not in their own. -2TG11 8.6

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Luke 14:18-20 — And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him I have bought a piece of ground and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said I have bought five yoke of oxen and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said I have married a wife and therefore I cannot come. -2TG11 9.1

Those here mentioned did not excuse themselves from accepting the Gospel of Christ but they excused themselves from going into the Masters mansion from taking their seats at His table Yes according to the parable those who had money to buy land oxen and houses also to marry at the time the last call for the supper came all excused themselves with one consent. But the poor and afflicted those who were in the streets and in the lanes so to speak who had nothing much of their own and were in need of everything were glad to go in for the supper. -2TG11 9.2

This is very natural: Those who are satisfied with what the world gives do not care to get out of it. Here you see why it is easier for a camel than it is for a rich person to get through the needles eye (Matt. 19:24). Those whose only difficulty is in trying to get richer those who are deeply engrossed with this worlds goods cannot take time to eat of the Masters supper. Here fits the age old saying Almost saved but entirely lost. Here is vividly seen that to accept one truth but to reject the next profits one nothing. The last call to the individual is what counts most. -2TG11 9.3

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At the times when new truths have been introduced millions have lost out only because they were too well satisfied with what they had. They saw need of nothing better or else they were too proud to accept unpopular Truth from one of Gods own appointed messengers. Thus it is that when God sends a message rather than it being to them a step upward toward salvation it has been and still is to many a step downward toward damnation. To this end was the prophet instructed: …Go and tell this people Hear ye indeed but understand not and see ye indeed but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat and make their ears heavy and shut their eyes lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and convert and be healed. Isa. 6:9, 10. -2TG11 10.1

Luke 14:22, 23 — And the servant said Lord it is done as Thou hast commanded and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the servant Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in that My house may be filled. -2TG11 10.2

The fact that in the city were those who had already been bidden when the last call for supper came to them proves that the city represents the Church. To them was the servant first sent. The highways and hedges therefore where the servant next went represent the world far and wide aside from the Church. But the most important and very sad part to remember in this parable is that which is told in the verse that follows: -2TG11 10.3

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Luke 14:24 — For I say unto you That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of My supper. -2TG11 11.1

This is what happened: As soon as they excused themselves probation closed for them they had no other chance of tasting His supper. Probation nevertheless remained open for those who had not yet been bidden. Those who were in the highways and hedges could yet be saved. -2TG11 11.2

The church seems too well versed as to the time probation closes for the world but not at all informed that probation for her members closes at the very time they reject a heaven-sent message. Here is shown why the five foolish virgins found the door closed though they had later obtained the oil and gotten to the door: their probation had closed when they failed at the first opportunity to fill their vessels with extra oil an extra message. -2TG11 11.3

Matt 25:1-8 — Then [while the unfaithful servant is being cut asunder Matt. 24:51] shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins which took their lamps and went forth to meet the Bridegroom. And five of them were wise and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the Bridegroom tarried they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made Behold the Bridegroom cometh go ye out to meet Him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise -2TG11 11.4

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Give us of your oil for our lamps are gone out. -2TG11 12.1

Here is Truth that should not be lightly passed by any: The oil can but represent revealed prophetic Truth Truth that lightens the path ahead. Oil in a vessel before being put into a lamp however cannot lighten the path of anyone. Hence the oil in the vessels of the five virgins must represent an extra supply extra Truth that came to them during the period of slumber and sleep. For when the call was made Behold the Bridegroom cometh all ten virgins found the oil in their lamps consumed. The vessels of the wise however were full and so they could refill their lamps. In contrast the foolish found that not only were their lamps out but their vessels were empty too. They then went to obtain the oil but it did them no good for they found the door closed to them. They had been satisfied with what they had in their lamps presuming that there was no need for more. Contrary to their assumption though during the period of slumber and sleep they suddenly saw their lamps go out. Finding themselvs in spiritual darkness and confusion they were then anxious to get oil. -2TG11 12.2

Here is seen that the message which the Church has during the period of slumber and sleep is not sufficient to carry her members through to the end. They need an extra message. -2TG11 12.3

Now what is the difference between the oil in the lamp and the oil in the vessel? — Just this: The oil that is in the lamp that already lightens the travelers path toward the Masters mansion must represent Truth in progress. But the oil in the vessel must represent Truth that is to lighten ones path after the former Truth has accomplished its work. For example after the harvest (Investigative Judgment) of the dead is past other truths even more important must be introduced for the harvest of the living. I say more important truths because they are concerning the living themselves concerning those whose own cases are to be weighed in the balances those who personally are to be judged either as wheat or as tares either as good fish or as bad fish. -2TG11 12.4

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Moreover after the judgment of the dead which the Church has been preaching for a number of years is over if the Church does not then receive a new message the message of the judgment of the living she will have no message no oil for the time of the judgment of the living. -2TG11 13.1

As the oil was available to all ten virgins the parable makes clear that the message of the judgment of the living is brought to the Church but that only half the virgins availed themselves of it. When the judgment of the living begins and the cry is made Behold the Bridegroom cometh: go ye out to meet Him they will all arise but only half of them will gain admittance. The other half will have sinned against the Holy Spirit will have rejected His Truth and what a disappointment that will be -2TG11 13.2

This you see is not mans theory Brother Sister. It is Gods plain Truth. How sad the case then for those who are not only neglecting their own vessels but are even preventing others from getting the extra oil now while it is dispensed to all. Indeed there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth unless all the lukewarm Laodiceans now at their first opportunity change their minds about being rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing. -2TG11 13.3

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Matt 25:14-30 — For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country Who called His Own servants and delivered unto them His goods. And unto one He gave five talents to another two and to another one to every man according to his several ability and straightway took His journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth and hid his Lords money. After a long time the Lord of those servants cometh and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents saying Lord Thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold I have gained beside them five talents more. His Lord said unto him Well done thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. He als that had received two talents came and said Lord Thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold I have gained two other talents beside them. His Lord said unto him Well done good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said Lord I knew Thee that Thou art an hard man reaping where Thou hast not sown and gathering where Thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid and went and hid Thy talent in the earth: lo there Thou hast that is Thine. His Lord answered and said unto him Thou wicked and slothful servant thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not and gather where I have not strawed: thou oughtest therefore to have put My money to the exchangers and then at My coming I should have received Mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. -2TG11 14.1

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The talents in this parable represent the Lords goods His timely messages for the people. Each of His servants is here represented as being given a certain amount of responsibility but not beyond their ability. -2TG11 15.1

From this parable we see that any service which does not measure up 100% to capacity that does not double its talents is not acceptable to God. Half-hearted service is not service at all but only a great waste. -2TG11 15.2

Matt 25:31-40 — When the Son of man shall come in His glory and all the holy angels with Him then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and He shall set the sheep on His right hand but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand Come ye blessed of My Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger and ye took Me in: naked and ye clothed Me: I was sick and ye visited Me: I was in prison and ye came unto Me. Then shall the righteous answer Him saying Lord when saw we Thee an hungered and fed Thee? or thirsty and gave Thee drink? when saw we Thee a stranger and took Thee in? or naked and clothed Thee? or when saw we Thee sick or in prison and came unto Thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them Verily I say unto you Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren ye have done it unto Me. -2TG11 15.3

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Here is pointed out that self-centered persons will never enter the Kingdom of God. Only those who are endeavoring to do something for others and especially for those who are of the household of faith will ever enter into the joy of their Lord. -2TG11 16.1

Most certainly this coming of the Lord mentioned in these verses is not one in which the saints meet Him in the air but it certainly is the one in which He meets them in judgment on the earth the judgment of the living. He sits on the throne of His glory on the throne of His Church His Kingdom and from there He judges and separates the whole world. Some He places to His right and some to His left. -2TG11 16.2

Let us now view the separation in the Church according to The Revelation. -2TG11 16.3

Rev 3:14-16 — And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write These things saith the Amen the faithful and True Witness the beginning of the creation of God I know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm and neither cold nor hot I will spue thee out of My mouth. -2TG11 16.4

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The angel the one that has charge of the church cannot represent any class but the ministry of the church His servants. Those who are satisfied (lukewarm) who feel no need of anything no need of an additional message for the judgment of the living — such will He spue out unless they repent. This work you see represents the cleansing of His temple. -2TG11 17.1

Now we turn to Malachi– -2TG11 17.2

Mal. 3:1 — Behold I will send My messenger and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to His temple even the messenger of the covenant whom ye delight in: behold he shall come saith the Lord of hosts. -2TG11 17.3

This verse introduces two persons the Lord and His messenger. In the language of today these verse would read as follows: -2TG11 17.4

Behold I send My messenger even the messenger of the covenant and he shall prepare the way before Me and the Lord whom ye seek and in Whom ye delight shall suddenly come to His temple. Behold He shall come saith the Lord of hosts. -2TG11 17.5

Mal. 3:2-4 — But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiners fire and like fullers sope: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi and purge them as gold and silver that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. -2TG11 17.6

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Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. -2TG11 18.1

Plainly these verses foretell that the Lord is to send Elijah the prophet before the great and dreadful day of the Lord before the judgment of the living members of His church begins before the separating of the tares from the wheat the bad fish from the good. Then He purifies the sons of Levi — the ministry. God assures us that before this work begins He will send His messenger the messenger of the promise Elijah the prophet. -2TG11 18.2

Rev 18:1-4 — And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven having great power and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice saying Babylon the great is fallen is fallen and is become the habitation of devils and the hold of every foul spirit and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven saying Come out of her My people that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye receive not of her plagues. -2TG11 18.3

These verses illustrate the separation that takes place in the so-called Christian world. But mark that the angel proclaims the fall of Babylon in the time of the angels Loud Cry in the time the earth is lightened with the glory of the angel. Then it is that Gods people are actually called to come out of Babylon. -2TG11 18.4

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Moreover for God to call His people out of Babylon on account of her sins means that He must bring them into a place where there are no sins — into His purified Church His Kingdom the place that is free from sin and that is not in danger of the plagues. Plainly then the purification of the Church first takes place and then are the rest of His people called out of Babylon. -2TG11 19.1

Remember now this is the way in which the Kingdom is to come. -2TG11 19.2

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation … ? Heb. 2:1-3. -2TG11 19.3

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