Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 KJV, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
Matthew 6:20-21 KJV, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Revelation 14:7 KJV, “Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”
EG White, SOP Vol 4, 1884, p. 70, “The Waldenses were the first of all the peoples of Europe to obtain a translation of the Scriptures. Hundreds of years before the Reformation, they possessed the entire Bible in manuscript in their native tongue. They had the truth unadulterated, and this rendered them the special objects of hatred and persecution. They declared the Church of Rome to be the apostate Babylon of the Apocalypse, and at the peril of their lives they stood up to resist her corruptions. While, under the pressure of long continued persecution, some compromised their faith, little by little yielding its distinctive principles, others held fast the truth.”
Pp. 70-71, “Behind the lofty bulwarks of the mountains,—in all ages the refuge of the persecuted and oppressed,—the Waldenses found a hiding-place. Here the lamp of truth was kept burning during the long night that descended upon Christendom. Here for a thousand years they maintained their ancient faith.”
P. 72, “Pure, simple, and fervent was the piety of these followers of Christ. The principles of truth they valued above houses and lands, friends, kindred, even life itself. These principles they earnestly sought to impress upon the hearts of the young. From earliest childhood the youth were instructed in the Scriptures, and taught to sacredly regard the claims of the law of God. Copies of the Bible were rare; therefore its precious words were committed to memory. Many were able to repeat large portions of both the Old and the New Testament. Thoughts of God were associated alike with the sublime scenery of nature and with the humble blessings of daily life. Little children learned to look with gratitude to God as the giver of every favor and every comfort.”
Questions:
1 Why worship the trinity which is not revealed in Scriptures?
2 Why believe in assumptions of men than the clear witness of Scriptures?
3 Why is it that the church of God is friend with Rome, the seat of Satan?
4 Why is it the church is sickly, weak, and powerless in its preaching?
5 Why value temporal profit above eternal principles?
6 Why lightly regard the 7th day Sabbath and compromise its claim?
7 Why do we love the world instead of the Word of God?
The Waldenses are an example for us today. They loved the truth of the Scripture. Though some had departed from the faith, those who remained true and loyal are the heritage of the Protestant reformers, Adventist pioneers, present remnants, and truth seekers. Their lives were fraught with perils but their legacy sure and steadfast.
A deceptive darkness has covered our world today. False gods abound. Fake religion supplanted the truth. Idols of money and matter were exalted. Men’s foolishness replaced the wisdom of God. Soon mercy will meet its limit and the justice of the Just God will be executed. His Son is coming.
I pray we will have the faith of the Waldenses in our time and keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Tonight we will continue our prayer meeting at 8pm US Eastern Standard Time via Zoom. ID: 916 891 5581 PW: Begotten.
Sincerely in the Blessed Hope.