Yesterday Pastor Steve Wohlberg uploaded his latest lecture from the minister's conference in Michigan. Here's a
link. Excellent presentation. Notice what he says was the cause for rejection of the 1888 message. Excellent insight imo. But don't miss the main point - the balance to be struck in the message of righteousness by faith.
Here is an example:
"By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith." Heb. 11:7
Noah believed God though, remarkably, the thing that God was talking about was not yet seen, known or imaginable. In other words, it was sheer faith on Noah's part that led him to build the ark. In our time, the thing that God is talking about is also not yet seen, known or imaginable. Paul says,
"Eye has not seen nor ear heard; nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Cor. 2:9 But does anyone believe? Do YOU believe?
In much the same way as Noah built the ark, so you (we who believe unto salvation) enter into the contract of baptism by immersion and celebrate the communion service in sincere hope. These things we do through sheer faith, ever looking forward to when, as Jesus said,
"I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom." Mat. 26:29 As Peter cries out,
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." 2 Pet. 3:10
And what do we do? Yes, we believe God. Such is righteousness by faith. Such is the character of the little child who goes to bed excitedly on Christmas Eve knowing for sure their present will be under the Tree in the morning. Do parents not delight in children who believe them? Are teachers not proud of students who believe them? How happy and great is the One whose followers are many and faithful! Does He not rise up early and bless them? They are His, are they not?
Heb. 11:13-16///
