evil angels in the form of "believers"

[skyblue888]

"I have been shown that evil angels in the form of believers will work in our ranks to bring in a strong spirit of unbelief. Let not this discourage you, but bring a true heart to the help of the Lord against the powers of satanic agencies. These powers of evil will assemble in our meetings, not to receive a blessing, but to counterwork the influences of the Spirit of God. Take up no remark that they may make, but repeat the rich promises of God, which are yea and amen in Christ Jesus. We are never to catch up the words that human lips may speak to confirm the evil angels in their work, but we should repeat the words of Christ... Thus men came to Christ. And mingling with His hearers were evil angels in the form of men, making their suggestions, criticizing, misapplying, and misinterpreting the Saviour's words. In this time evil angels in the form of men will talk with those who know the truth. They will misinterpret and misconstrue the statements of the messengers of God.” Selected Messages, Book 3, pp. 410-411.

I don't know about you but personally I know this is happening here on this forum and on all the adventist forums where I have been.

What say you?

sky

[Woody]

"I have been shown that evil angels in the form of believers will work in our ranks to bring in a strong spirit of unbelief. Let not this discourage you, but bring a true heart to the help of the Lord against the powers of satanic agencies. These powers of evil will assemble in our meetings, not to receive a blessing, but to counterwork the influences of the Spirit of God. Take up no remark that they may make, but repeat the rich promises of God, which are yea and amen in Christ Jesus. We are never to catch up the words that human lips may speak to confirm the evil angels in their work, but we should repeat the words of Christ... Thus men came to Christ. And mingling with His hearers were evil angels in the form of men, making their suggestions, criticizing, misapplying, and misinterpreting the Saviour's words. In this time evil angels in the form of men will talk with those who know the truth. They will misinterpret and misconstrue the statements of the messengers of God.” Selected Messages, Book 3, pp. 410-411.

I don't know about you but personally I know this is happening here on this forum and on all the adventist forums where I have been. And it is not too difficult to know who these inviduals are.

What say you?

sky

[Steve Billiter]

"I have been shown that evil angels in the form of believers will work in our ranks to bring in a strong spirit of unbelief. Let not this discourage you, but bring a true heart to the help of the Lord against the powers of satanic agencies. These powers of evil will assemble in our meetings, not to receive a blessing, but to counterwork the influences of the Spirit of God. Take up no remark that they may make, but repeat the rich promises of God, which are yea and amen in Christ Jesus. We are never to catch up the words that human lips may speak to confirm the evil angels in their work, but we should repeat the words of Christ... Thus men came to Christ. And mingling with His hearers were evil angels in the form of men, making their suggestions, criticizing, misapplying, and misinterpreting the Saviour's words. In this time evil angels in the form of men will talk with those who know the truth. They will misinterpret and misconstrue the statements of the messengers of God.” Selected Messages, Book 3, pp. 410-411.

I don't know about you but personally I know this is happening here on this forum and on all the adventist forums where I have been.

What say you?

sky

Amen sky, we never know where demons may be presenting their subtle lies, pretending to be staunch 7th Day Adventists.Some very well could be on internet forums, as well as church meetings. I certainly see demonic influence on all the forums I've been on.

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places.

As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour's advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come. In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of God given by John in the Revelation. Revelation 1:13-15.

The glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld. The shout of triumph rings out upon the air: "Christ has come! Christ has come!" The people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His disciples when He was upon the earth.

His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle, compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths which the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed the Sabbath to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming his name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth.

This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion. Like the Samaritans who were deceived by Simon Magus, the multitudes, from the least to the greatest, give heed to these sorceries, saying: This is "the great power of God." Acts 8:10. {DD 41.4}

But the people of God will not be misled. The teachings of this false christ are not in accordance with the Scriptures. His blessing is pronounced upon the worshipers of the beast and his image, the very class upon whom the Bible declares that God's unmingled wrath shall be poured out. {DD 42.1}

And, furthermore, Satan is not permitted to counterfeit the manner of Christ's advent. The Saviour has warned His people against deception upon this point, and has clearly foretold the manner of His second coming. "There shall arise false christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. . . .

Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the desert; go not forth; behold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matthew 24:24-27, 31; 25:31; Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17. This coming there is no possibility of counterfeiting. It will be universally known—witnessed by the whole world. {DD 42.2}

Inspiration says Satan will personate Christ and will declare the Sabbath changed.This spirit is working now to instill error in God's people. We need now to more than ever study to show ourselves approved of God, workmen that need not be ashamed

[Steve Billiter]

Originally Posted By: skyblue888

"I have been shown that evil angels in the form of believers will work in our ranks to bring in a strong spirit of unbelief. Let not this discourage you, but bring a true heart to the help of the Lord against the powers of satanic agencies. These powers of evil will assemble in our meetings, not to receive a blessing, but to counterwork the influences of the Spirit of God. Take up no remark that they may make, but repeat the rich promises of God, which are yea and amen in Christ Jesus. We are never to catch up the words that human lips may speak to confirm the evil angels in their work, but we should repeat the words of Christ... Thus men came to Christ. And mingling with His hearers were evil angels in the form of men, making their suggestions, criticizing, misapplying, and misinterpreting the Saviour's words. In this time evil angels in the form of men will talk with those who know the truth. They will misinterpret and misconstrue the statements of the messengers of God.” Selected Messages, Book 3, pp. 410-411.

I don't know about you but personally I know this is happening here on this forum and on all the adventist forums where I have been. And it is not too difficult to know who these inviduals are.

What say you?

sky

I've observed that some come here who are not even members of our faith ... with the purpose of disruption. They only talk of one or two topics. And mostly it is gloom and doom. For sure they talk of nothing positive. I think all of this takes away from the pure Gospel of Love that Jesus would have us to focus on. Care for your neighbor. Love your enemy. Feed the hungry. Clothe the poor. Why is it that these topics are not discussed? In this ... I see the hand of the enemy. He wants to distract us from what is good and holy.

I can only pray that we remain strong from the attacks of those without. Those who seek to come in and destroy. May we resist ... TRUE to the end.

Regarding this gem ...

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And it is not too difficult to know who these inviduals are.

Well ... I just don't see how this is a very positive way to assist our church in unity to accomplish our mission. The wheat and the tares are to grow together till the Harvest. So, we might as well make the best of it.

Our work is not necessarily to identify demons, although we shall know them by their fruits as those who stand for God and who do not. We are not to kick supposed tares out of the church because we think they are tares although membership can be rightfully removed.

Redwood, since you aspire to discuss noble topics only, why don't you lead the way and tell us how in your life you have accomplished work for the poor and needy, which is a most commendable work and fulfills Isaiah 58. Please also enumerate your other good works so we may be inspired to follow your lead. We need godly examples instead of those who just profess to be such, right?

[Woody]

I prefer to discuss the noble needs of our Saviour. We are not to look to men ... but to God. My point is all this tearing down of our church and it's people is not productive. Our prophet says that the tares are to have full advantage of the light that we have. We are not to tear them down as is done by some here on this forum. Condemning people to Hell and pointing fingers at who we might perceive as tares ... will not help God's cause.

[Woody]

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"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him." Rom. 14:1-3

[Woody]

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“The pleasures of the world, life's cares and perplexities and sorrows, the faults of others, or your own faults and imperfections--to any or all of these he will seek to divert the mind. Do not be misled by his devices.” Steps to Christ p.71

[Woody]

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I feel deeply over this matter of men being conscience for their fellowmen. Stand out of the way, and let God work His own instrumentalities. Some have done work for which God will call them to account. He will ask of them, Who hath required this at your hands? {TM 295.3}

I have not liberty to place my writing in the hands of men who feel that their work is to act the part of detectives over their brethren. My brethren in positions of trust, will you not discern your own deficiencies and put on the whole armor of righteousness yourselves? Will you not be just as watchful and critical over your own spirits and temperaments and words as you are over those of others, lest God should be dishonored, and His truth misrepresented? Your discernment would be greatly improved if you would do this. The truth, the living word, would be as a fire shut up in your bones, which would shine forth in clear, unmistakable distinctness, representing Christ to the world. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." {TM 295.4}

Could none of those who have made themselves detectives see the tendency of the position they have taken in endeavoring to become a controlling power?" TM 295

[Woody]

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There are those who are today doing the very same things. In their counsels they venture to pronounce judgment upon the work of God; for they have become trained in doing that which the Lord has never required them to do. They would better humble their own hearts before God, and keep their hands off the ark of God, lest the wrath of God shall break forth upon them; for if God has ever spoken by me, I testify that they have undertaken a work in criticizing and pronouncing unsound judgment which I know is not right. They are but finite men and, being befogged themselves, suppose that other men are in error. {TM 294.3}

But these men who presume to judge others should take a little broader view and say, Suppose the statements of others do not agree with our ideas; shall "we for this pronounce them heresy? Shall we, uninspired men, take the responsibility of placing our stakes, and saying, This shall not appear in print? {TM 294.4}

If they still persist in clinging to their own opinions, they will find that God will not sustain their action. Do they take the position that all they advance is infallible? that there is not a shadow of an error or mistake in their productions? Cannot other men who give just as much evidence that they are led and taught of God catch at an expression in their work which they do not entertain as their views in every particular, and command them to cut it out? {TM 295.1}

Has not our past experience in these things been sufficient? Will we ever learn the lessons which God designs we shall learn? Will we ever realize that the consciences of men are not given into our command?" TM 295

[Woody]

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The envious man shuts his eyes to the good qualities and noble deeds of others. He is always ready to disparage and misrepresent that which is excellent. Men often confess and forsake other faults, but there is little to be hoped for from the envious man. Since to envy a person is to admit that he is a superior, pride will not permit any concession. If an attempt be made to convince the envious person of his sin, he becomes even more bitter against the object of his passion, and too often he remains incurable. {CCh 175.5}

[Woody]

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"We are not to deal out excommunications and denunciations to those who are faulty." {TM 47.1}

Wag more, bark less

"The love that suffers long and is kind will not magnify an indiscretion into an unpardonable offense, neither will it make capital of others' misdoings. The Scriptures plainly teach that the erring are to be treated with forbearance and consideration. If the right course is followed, the apparently obdurate heart may be won to Christ." CT 267

"The love of Jesus covers a multitude of sins. His grace never leads to the exposing of another's wrongs unless it is a positive necessity. " {CT 267.2}

You will have that love which seeks not her own, but another's wealth." [DA 439]

"As if we did not suffer enough from the storms which beat about us without, must we conspire also to harass one another? Blair ST Sept 10, 1895

"Some will be ready to ask, "How can I get out of the worries in which I find myself involved? How shall I ever be understood and appreciated? I have no confidence in this one's religion or honesty, and that one has done me wrong." Be careful how you sin against your brethren by misjudging them, and speaking evil of them. God has not given you permission to climb upon the judgment-seat, and pronounce one good because he praises, pets, and favors you, and denounce another because he is not your particular friend. " ST, October 22, 1885 par. 7

"God's servants are to work together, blending in kindly, courteous order, "in honor preferring one another." Romans 12:10. There is to be no unkind criticism, no pulling to pieces of another's work; and there are to be no separate parties. Every man to whom the Lord has entrusted a message has his specific work. Each one has an individuality of his own, which he is not to sink in that of any other man. Yet each is to work in harmony with his brethren. In their service God's workers are to be essentially one. No one is to set himself up as a criterion, speaking disrespectfully of his fellow workers or treating them as inferior. Under God each is to do his appointed work, respected, loved, and encouraged by the other laborers. Together they are to carry the work forward to completion. " Ellen White in AA 275

" It is a very delicate matter to deal with human minds, and in every case much wisdom from heaven is needed, and a strict guard put on self. As we see the inconsistencies of individuals, we are sometimes stirred to speak and act as we feel, and yet it may not always be in wisdom. I sympathize with you, my brother, and do not wonder that you are sometimes put to your wits' end to know how to act when confronted with the unreasonable course of those who look on only one side of the question--the side that will please and profit them; but we are ever to bear in mind that their education and hereditary tendencies color their opinions and bias their judgment." EGW in {19MR 89.1}

"Let them remember that, while they are watching and criticizing others, they are neglecting to put on the robe of Christ's righteousness.'" PAMPHLETS/PH151

"Accurately recorded in the books of heaven are the sneers and trivial remarks made by sinners who pay no heed to the call of mercy when Christ is represented to them by a servant of God." (MS 105, 1901).

"Do not watch others in order to point out their faults or errors. Teach by example. Let your self-denial and your victory over appetite be an illustration of obedience to right principles. Let your life bear witness to the sanctifying, ennobling influence of truth." CD 464

"I may not view all things as you do, but I do not think it would be my place or duty to try to make you see as I see and feel as I feel. Wherein I have done this, I am sorry." {DG 272.4}

"Let us not bring a reproach upon the Christian religion by manifesting jealousy and intolerance toward others. No one has ever been reclaimed from a wrong position by censure or reproach; but many have thus been driven away from God, with their hearts steeled against conviction. A tender spirit, a gentle, winning deportment, may save the erring, and hide a multitude of sins. We are required of God to exercise that charity that suffereth long and is kind." (Signs of the Times, 1st December 1886)

"God requires His messengers to exercise caution and self-control. In presenting truth, let it not taste so strongly of self that it is unpalatable. Closely criticize self, and exercise true discernment in distinguishing [between] the honor of God and the honor of self. Many are deceived here.

Under the pretense of vindicating truth, they are manifesting their own traits of character, and displaying a spirit of accusation and condemnation." {19MR 206.2}

"He who has the truth can afford to be calm, dignified, and just. It is true that some who advocate the truth for this time put on a coat of mail, and deal out hard thrusts that wound and bruise the soul. Such an advocate makes manifest the fact that he feels bitterly against anyone who does not see as he sees and feel as he feels. He fancies he is maintaining principles; but he does not cause the one who is in error to discern his error or to become an advocate of truth. By his manner, by his temper, by his overbearing words, he puts it out of his power to convince the opposers of truth. His manner was so offensive and his answer was so disgusting, that he closed up the ears of his hearers to the truth. " {19MR 206.3}

Accusation, condemnation, and revenge are all of Satanic origin, and evil thoughts of others should be at once rejected from the mind,.... {ST, April 13, 1891 par. 3}

"If a brother differs with you on some points of truth, do not stoop to ridicule, do not place him in a false light or misconstrue his words, making sport of them; do not misinterpret his words and wrest them of their true meaning. This is not conscientious argument Do not present him before others as a heretic, when you have not with him investigated his positions, taking the Scriptures text-by-text in the Spirit of Christ to show him what is truth. You do not yourself really know the evidence he has for his faith, and you cannot clearly define your own position. Take your Bible, and in a kindly spirit weigh every argument that he presents, and show him by the Scripture if he is in error. When you do this without unkind feelings, you will do only that which is your duty and the duty of every minister of Christ." (EGW to G.I. Butler, Letter 21, 1888 [October 14], The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials 1:98)

A Work of the Heart.--There are many who try to correct the life of others by attacking what they consider are wrong habits. They go to those whom they think are in error, and point out their defects. They say, "You don't dress as you should." They try to pick off the ornaments, or whatever seems offensive, but they do not seek to fasten the mind to the truth. Those who seek to correct others should present the attractions of Jesus. They should talk of His love and compassion, present His example and sacrifice, reveal His Spirit, and they need not touch the subject of dress at all. There is no need to make the dress question the main point of your religion. There is something richer to speak of. Talk of Christ, and when the heart is converted, everything that is out of harmony with the Word of God will drop off. It is only labor in vain to pick leaves off a living tree. The leaves will reappear. The ax must be laid at the root of the tree, and then the leaves will fall off, never to return. {Ev 272.1}

[Woody]

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The Lord forbids us to proceed in any violent way against those whom we think erring, and we are not to deal out excommunications and denunciations to those who are faulty. {TM 47.1}

[Woody]

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But if it is according to this test, do not be so full of prejudice that you cannot acknowledge a point when it is proved to you, simply because it does not agree with your ideas. {1888 547.8}

[Woody]

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"The love that suffers long and is kind will not magnify an indiscretion into an unpardonable offense, neither will it make capital of others' misdoings. The Scriptures plainly teach that the erring are to be treated with forbearance and consideration. If the right course is followed, the apparently obdurate heart may be won to Christ." CT 267

"The love of Jesus covers a multitude of sins. His grace never leads to the exposing of another's wrongs unless it is a positive necessity. " {CT 267.2}

[John317]

I agree with you. I think most people on the forum understand but we still must show love and thoughtfulness. Speak the truth but always in love. Sometimes that means "tough love."

Remember how Ellen White treated Dr. Kellogg even when she knew he was a deceiver. She said that Dr. Kellogg may be on his way to destruction but God wants us to love him and treat him with dignity as he goes there. I think that's great advice and in harmony with the way Christ approached people.

[John317]

Thank you for all those excellent quotes from Ellen White's writings, Redwood. I think those are the most quotes from her that you've ever posted before in such as short time. They're wonderful and all true. I would like to see all of us put them into practice while also not forgetting the quotes that sky posted at the beginning of this thread.

[teresaq]

these are really great quotes, redwood, thanks!!

i love being reminded of these over and over since the natural man forgets so easily!!