Sample Prayers to Pray

Many pass long years in darkness and doubt because they do not feel as they desire. But feeling has nothing to do with faith. That faith which works by love and purifies the soul is not a matter of impulse. It ventures out upon the promises of God, firmly believing that what He has said, He is able also to perform. Our souls may be trained to believe, taught to rely upon the Word of God. That Word declares that “the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17), not by feeling. OHC 119.2Every promise in the word of God furnishes us with subject matter for prayer, presenting the pledged word of Jehovah as our assurance. Whatever spiritual blessing we need, it is our privilege to claim through Jesus. We may tell the Lord, with the simplicity of a child, exactly what we need. We may state to Him our temporal matters, asking Him for bread and raiment as well as for the bread of life and the robe of Christ's righteousness. Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things, and you are invited to ask Him concerning them. It is through the name of Jesus that every favor is received. God will honor that name, and will supply your necessities from the riches of His liberality.

For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; then we are to believe that we receive, and return thanks to God that we have received. We need look for no outward evidence of the blessing. The gift is in the promise, and we may go about our work assured that what God has promised He is able to perform, and that the gift, which we already possess, will be realized when we need it most. Mar 87.3

Surrender yourself to God, saying, “Here, Lord, I give myself away; ‘tis all that I can do.’ I will not be found in disobedience to Thy law, for that would place me in the enemy’s ranks” OFC 137.5.

"Prayer is heaven's ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of Christian character. The divine influences that come in answer to the prayer of faith will accomplish in the soul of the suppliant all for which he pleads. For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; and the promise is, Ye shall receive." The Acts of the Apostles, p. 564.1.

Start claiming Bible verse PROMISES! Like "Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out" John 6:37. Learn how to pray in the Spirit here.

How to buy the gold of Christ's character: click here.

+THE GREATEST SIN IS UNBELIEF IN THE WORD OF GOD!

"The greatest sin we can cherish is the sin of unbelief"

October 4, 1899 - The Signs of the Times -- Ellen G. White.

"The Sin Of Unbelief Leads Away From God" CHRIST TRIUMPHANT, PAGE 108.

"Our greatest sins which separate our souls from God are unbelief and hardness of heart [not departing from evil in our daily choices Job 28:28]. Why is it that we are so unbelieving and unimpressible?"

August 27, 1889 - The Review and Herald -- Ellen G. White.

God knows our wants, and has provided for them. The Lord has a treasure-house of supplies for his children, and can give them what they need under all circumstances. Then why do we not trust him? He has made precious promises to his children on condition of faithful obedience to his precepts. There is not a burden but he can remove, no darkness but he can dispel, no weakness but he can change to power, no fears but he can calm, no worthy aspiration but he can guide and justify. {Review and Herald, January 14, 1890}

God scatters blessings all along our path, to brighten the rugged way of life; and we want to be receiving all the comfort and tokens of God's love with grateful hearts. {Review and Herald, October 11, 1887}

The "problem" is not with God but with us. Remember Elijah? He prayed 7 times, searching his soul, before the small black cloud was seen in the sky... this is WHERE WE FAIL - we stop PRESSING OUR PETITIONS to the Throne of Grace... Why did Elijah have to pray seven times? The servant watched while Elijah prayed. Six times he returned from the watch, saying, There is nothing, no cloud, no sign of rain. But the prophet did not give up in discouragement. He kept reviewing his life, to see where he had failed to honor God, he confessed his sins, and thus continued to afflict his soul before God, while watching for a token that his prayer was answered. As he searched his heart, he seemed to be less and less, both in his own estimation and in the sight of God. It seemed to him that he was nothing, and that God was everything; and when he reached the point of renouncing self, while he clung to the Saviour as his only strength and righteousness, the answer came. The servant appeared, and said, “Behold, there ariseth a little cloud (144,000) out of the sea (represents people/nations), like a man’s hand (Elder James White's hand writing the PRESENT TRUTH articles)” (Review and Herald, May 26, 1891; The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, 2:1035).

If Elijah, the prophet of God needed to search his heart and afflict his soul and review his life, how much more do we need to do that also! Jesus is coming soon!

We are here for a purpose. God has given us His plan for our life, and He desires us to reach the highest standard of development. (FLB 167)

We must base our faith upon a promise of God. Example: John 15:7 or 1 Cor 1:20.

Learn HOW to PRAY in the Spirit (John 6:63 My WORDS are SPIRIT and they ARE LIFE!) here.

THE THRONE (144,000 Heb 1:8) OF GRACE

By James White

Preached on March 5, 1870

Text: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Heb. 4:16

It is our privilege to come to a throne of grace. And we may approach this throne with boldness. It is a throne of grace. It is where mercy is dispensed. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace."

It is a throne of mercy and of grace, that sinners may approach – to find justice? No, to find grace, to find pardon, to find mercy. Do we go there to obtain our pay for what we have done? No, indeed. After we have done all that we can do, we are but unprofitable servants. We are invited to come where we may find grace, not pay. It is our privilege to find mercy and grace.

Another point of interest in the text is, that we may find grace to help in time of need; or help when we need help, and mercy and grace when we are in greatest need. What a privilege!

But how does this chapter open? "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it." The apostle refers to the children of Israel, who had the gospel preached to them, but it did not profit them, because not mixed with faith in them that heard it. They fell because of unbelief. Let us therefore fear. Now fear is an element of our nature. It is right that we should have fear. It is safest in times of danger that our fears should be excited. We are even exhorted to have fear. Fear of what? We should not fear that the Lord will not hear us when we pray. No, we should not; for we are invited to approach the throne of grace, even with boldness. His ear is always open. We should not fear that the Lord is unable to save. He is able to save to the uttermost.

The experience, shall I say? of our Lord Jesus Christ here in this world shows the strength of God, and the powers there are in reserve to save the children of men, who walk before him with fear. Christ took upon himself our nature, lived our example, passed under the power of the temptations of Satan, which he endured, and obtained the victory over the powers of darkness. He was mocked in the judgment hall, and condemned. The nails were driven through his hands and feet. Heaven sustained him all the while. He died on the cross. He was placed in a new sepulcher, a heavy stone was rolled against the door, and a seal placed upon it.

All that men and devils could do was done to make the thing sure; to test the power of God. But on the morning of the first day of the week, one angel comes down, clothed with power. He rolls away the stone and takes his seat upon it. Another angel enters the sepulcher and unbinds the napkin; and then the voice is heard, bidding the Son of God to come forth. And he rose from the dead, triumphant over death and the powers of the grave. And finally, he is taken up to the throne of God, where he lives ever to be our intercessor and compassionate priest. We have this evidence, Christian friends, in the manifestation of the power of God in the history of Jesus Christ, eighteen centuries ago, that there is power to save sinners, to save to the uttermost. Then do not fear in this direction.

But let us fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, we should come short of it. We need not fear that there is not in reserve sufficient power to save us. The blood of the divine sacrifice is sufficient, if we will avail ourselves of its merits, to remove all sin from us. Yes, he that could raise his Son from the dead has power in reserve to raise all the blood washed throng, though they may have passed under the dominion of death. We have no need to fear in this direction.

We need not fear on the ground that there is any lack of love in Heaven for sinners. If God spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? In other words, after bestowing the greatest gift that Heaven could give, will he withhold the lesser ones? No. In the gift of the Son of God, we have a pledge of the unbounded love of God toward sinners. There is no lack of love on the part of our gracious God, therefore, there is no ground of fear in that respect.

But yet it is right to fear. There is no sin in fear in the proper way. Then it is right, and a virtue. In the wrong way, fear is classed with crimes. "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable," &c., will go into the lake of fire. When we have so many evidences of the power of God and the love of God to save us, to fear that we shall not be saved, for want of the love and power of God to save sinners, is a damning sin. The fearful, who cannot trust our great and mighty God, that fear that doubts his love, his care, his power, dare not trust soul, body, property, reputation, and all, in his hand, will go with the unbelieving and the abominable into the lake of fire. It is a damning sin to fear in this way; yet we should fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of us should come short of it.

It is right to fear, lest we shall fail to do our duty. There is virtue in that kind of fear. It is right to watch ourselves with very jealous care, and with great fear, lest we offend with our tongue. Oh, that unruly member! Fearless, careless talk! That terrible sin among men! It is like a desolating hail, or an uncontrollable fire! We should fear lest our words shall be wrong; lest we have a bad influence over others; lest our words shall have a bad influence over ourselves. Do not let your own ears hear corrupt words, low words, angry words, vain words. Fear lest your own words, sounding in your own ears, corrupt your own heart; and fear lest your words corrupt others.

Oh! how much gossip, and clack, and gabble, and talk, there is in the world about little or nothing! There is more hurt done in talking, even among professors of religion, than in almost any thing else. Take the Bible, friends, and fear to violate what God has said in reference to your tongue and talk. Just take it home and try to live it out. Let us fear unbelief, a doubting heart, and a corrupt mind.

"Let us," says the apostle, "lay aside every weight, and the isn which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." And Paul goes right on through the chapter and bring up numerous examples of faith. Read the 11th and 12th of Hebrews, and you will agree with me that what Paul calls the sin that doth so easily best is the sin of unbelief.

I have heard ministers say that one person has one besetting sin, and another has another besetting sin. One person has this failing, which is his easily besetting sin; another has that fault, which is his besetting sin. But this is not according to the doctrine set forth here by the apostle. Have you a bad tongue? That is one of the weights to which he refers. It is like a millstone hung around your neck. Have you a bad temper? It is like a blacksmith’s anvil hung about you to impede your progress. Have you an avaricious spirit? That is another weight. And so I might go on. We may have different and many weights. But the sin that easily besets all is unbelief.

Paul contrasts it with noble characters of faith, such as Enoch, Noah, Abraham, &c. We are all beset easily with the sin of unbelief. Now let us fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of us should seem to come short of it. Let me read on and prove my point; "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them; but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." You see they were troubled with unbelief. This was their sin. Now let us fear lest a promise being left us, we should come short of it. And then Paul refers back immediately to the unbelief of the children of Israel as an example. What, then, is the fear/ What does Paul immediately bring up to illustrate his subject? Why, it is doubting Israel. They fell through unbelief. Let us fear, lest unbelief gather around us, also, and sink us in perdition.

There are those who consider themselves extremely wise, careful, and cautious; and when any point come sup they pride themselves on studying it over very profoundly; and they will say, very knowingly, I do not embrace a point till I have examined it on all sides, and studied it well. But are such persons always as profound in wisdom as they imagine they are? and in coming to right conclusions? and making right decisions? No, they are sometimes profound doubters.

Thomas was one of these. He said he would not believe unless he should see in Jesus' hands the prints of the nails, and put his finger into the prints of the nails, and thrust his hand into his side. And what did the Lord say to this very cautious doubter? Did he commend his course? Did he say, That is right, Thomas? you should not believe as long as you can help it? wait until you are compelled by evidence to believe? No! no! But he did say, "Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." What a cutting, yet mild, rebuke our Lord gave Thomas on this occasion. He did not directly and harshly rebuke him, although he had let the devil fill him with doubts. Now let us fear, lest a promise being left to us, we, through unbelief, should come short of the promised blessing, as did the children of Israel.

Some men say that they will not believe anything till every objection is removed, and every point cleared up. But I will believe wherever I see the weight of evidence. Just give me the weight of evidence, and I am there. Judges, justices, and courts, have to decide questions upon the weight of evidence, and why not we? I dare not wait till every objection is answered, and every difficulty is taken out of the way. It is a fearful thing to stand back mulishly until every possible chance to doubt is removed. Show me the weight of evidence, evidence from the Bible, from experience, from the influence of the Spirit of God, and I think I am always safest on that side. When I take a position like that, as it usually involves some self denial and cross-bearing, I believe I meet the approbation of my Lord. I may expect then to meet the blessing of God, sufficient to see all things clearly.

We may fear, dear brethren and friends, lest our love of the world shall overcome us. We may fear that we are not keeping the body under, not controlling the tongue, and keeping the passions in subjection as we should. We may fear in regard to ourselves. We may fear our inability to stand, but never, never fear in regard to the ability of the Lord to save us. And while we may cast ourselves, as it were, into the dust, and our cry may be, Unworthy! at the same time we may sing, "Worthy, worthy is the Lamb." While our confidence in ourselves is growing weaker, and we are seeing that we are dependent upon God for everything, our confidence in the Lord may grow stronger and stronger every day.

I am struck with the wisdom that I find in the blessed book of God, especially in this chapter that I have read to you. Follow me, watch me closely, and see if you can see that beauty in it that I see. The chapter opens with this exhortation, Fear, and tremble, and watch yourselves carefully. Do not have so much confidence in yourselves. Now, dear friends, fear in this direction is a virtue. You may fear and tremble as to yourselves. But do you know that the devil is always ready to take advantage of our very best qualifications and efforts, and use them to his own ends? Take, for instance, the accomplishment of singing. What a blessing is talent and voice and taste for singing! And how, with a sanctified use of it, you may glorify God! But the devil has almost entire control of nearly every good singer. And there are more souls sung to hell, than are prayed to Heaven.

So with fear. It is right to have the proper kind of fear. It is a virtue. But the devil will come right in, unless you are careful, and work upon your conscientiousness to drive you to doubts, and to darkness, and to despair. There is no reason for this. You have a sufficient pledge, in the power of God in raising Jesus Christ from the dead, that God is able to save you. You have a pledge of his love in that he condescended to give Christ to die for you. It is, therefore, sin to throw away your shield of faith, and to doubt, under these circumstances.

"Let us fear," says Paul. But in order to help that feeble-minded one; and lest you should cast away your shield of faith, and sink in despair, the apostle states in this very chapter, "Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the Heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession." Hundreds and thousands of Christians have suffered the devil to throw this fear and trembling over them, to pervert this wholesome quality of proper fear which all should have, and so drive them to doubt and despair, and to lay down their profession. Just hear them talk out their cruel doubts:

"There, I am so unworthy, and have so little faith, it is no use to pray any more. I cannot bear my testimony in meeting, and it is of no use to make any further efforts."

And under these feelings they lay aside their profession. But listen to the apostle: "Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the Heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold fast our profession." Do not let the devil drive you to despair. We have a great High Priest who can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He was in all points tempted like as we are, and yet without sin. He is willing and mighty save. Trembling, desponding ones, Look up! Do you say that you are all unworthiness? I respond, Amen! You are. You may just as well set that down for a fact. But Jesus is worthy. He is able. He is willing and ready to save. Then look up, look up. He is your mediator. He is your intercessor with the Father. He has been touched with the feeling of all your infirmities, and woes, and sorrows, and weaknesses, and he knows just how to help you.

You have, it is true, sinned against God. You may be an unpardoned sinner in his sight. But think what a glorious link still unites you to that God of justice whom you have offended. Jesus, who has been touched with the feeling of your woes, is your advocate. And of all the beings in the universe, no one has that influence, to use a common term, with the God of Heaven as his obedient victorious Son. It is the dearly beloved Son that still links you to the great Law-giver, and he is your best friend. He loved you so well as to die for you. He has tasted all your woes. He knows all about you. And it is he whom the Father loves; and the pleading of that Son will move the arm of the Father.

He is mighty. We will love him. With one arm he has hold of the Father, and with the other he reaches down to poor sinners. Under these circumstances you should not tremble and doubt, and fear to trust in his grace. No, never.

The apostle opens this chapter by exciting our fears, by stirring our apprehension to its depths. He would well night throw us into despair. And if any of us feel this morning almost in despair as we read this chapter, God be thanked for it. Let us have fear, watch ourselves with jealous fear, lest we be inspired by the devil to sin against so good a God. And while we fear, here is comforting language – not for the religious bigot; not for the self-righteous hypocrite; not for the man who feels that he has a great amount of righteousness in store, so that if the books in Heaven should be balanced, he would have a considerable balance coming to him. Paul has no comfort for such men. But he has comfort for the man who fears lest his tongue shall carry him into bondage, lest his hands and his feet shall lead him astray. Here is comfort for such, for the Son of God knows how to sympathize with such. He has one hand laid upon the Father. And no being in the universe has so much influence with the great God as his divine Son. And he, with the other hand, has hold of just such sinful beings as we are. With such facts before us, it is a sin to doubt. We believe. Yes, there is all the reason in the world why we should believe; "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."

What a stoop on the part of the divine Son of God to come down and take our nature so that he could enter into all our woes, weaknesses, and sorrows. Just think how the devil takes him up to the pinnacle of the temple. So we sometimes get on to some earthly pinnacle. Not as our Lord; for the devil carried him there. But we become exalted, and lifted up with pride. But see the Lord there while the devil presents before him all the kingdoms of the world, and says, Just fall down and worship me, and all shall be yours. Christ resisted this temptation of the gift of all the world. But how many are willing to sell themselves to the devil for but a little gain.

Again Jesus was carried into the wilderness, and suffered hunger. The devil tempted Eve upon the point of appetite. Jesus, that he might be a merciful high priest, as he undertook to cure the terrible malady of sin, is carried into the wilderness, and fasts forty days. And as he hungered, the devil brought the temptation of appetite to bear upon him. But he overcame. The devil caused the representatives of the race to fall on appetite. By this means he has held control over almost all the race ever since.

Look at that drunkard, bound to his cups, a slave of appetite. So with the tea-drinker, the tobacco-user, the glutton. They are slaves to appetite. The world is given up to appetite. If the popular churches of the day wish to raise money for any purpose, they do it through the indulgence of the appetite. A strawberry festival, an ice-cream entertainment, an oyster supper, or something of the kind is the means by which the liberalities of the people are drawn out.

But our Lord was carried into the wilderness, in order to be prepared to cure the maladies of our fallen natures. He fasted forty days. Oh! my dear friends, there is something in this subject that seems to carry me out of myself, entirely, as I view it in its importance. What reasons there are for us to watch ourselves with jealous fear, and what reasons there are to have confidence in God.in this subject that seems to carry me out of myself, entirely, as I view it in its importance. What reasons there are for us to watch ourselves with jealous fear, and what reasons there are to have confidence in God.

But, says one, I have sinned, and transgressed, and pierced his wounds afresh. How can I have confidence? We reply, He came to save just such as you are. "Then came Peter to him and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven." And I do not know why the Lord will not forgive the truly repenting soul as often as he would have us forgive the erring. Now do not be discouraged, friends, though you have tried and failed, and again and again, and failed every time. When you have fallen seventh times seven times, we may have to give you up as hopeless cases.

But is there a person in this congregation who has never sinned? If so, all I have to say is, The Lord never dies for you, and it is a pity you could not be at once translated as were Enoch and Elijah. But he came to save sinners, and that is why he took such an infinite stoop. That is his mission. That is his work. And the Lord, who never sinned, takes the soul all polluted, all covered with sin, and purifies, and exalts, and makes it white; and this is his glory. If there is in the congregation a person that is a sinner above others, my word of comfort to you is to come and let Jesus wash you from all your sins, and fit you for Heaven.

Now the conclusion from all this is found in the words of the text: "Let us therefore come boldly to a throne of grace." You need not come fearing and trembling. In the name of Jesus you may come boldly. Those whom he forgives most he loves most. Those that have been the greatest sinners, and come along with repentance, will find pardon proportionate to their sins. The blessings will be proportionate to the wrongs committed. Are you a great sinner? Then a great repentance is called for, then a great pardon and a great blessing will be bestowed.

Let us come boldly to a throne of grace. We must not carelessly come, no pompously, not presumptuously. People sometimes pray as though God was greatly indebted to them, as though they had done a great deal for the Lord. Lord, bless me; I have done so much for thee. This is not a holy boldness. The boldness is all in consequence of the character of our Mediator. There is no one reason in yourselves why you should have asked him to forgive you sins; but the reasons are all in Jesus Christ. You have a High Priest that can be touched with a feeling of all your infirmities. That is hwy you may approach a throne of grace with boldness. Have you sinned? Come boldly to the throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Grace to help in time of need! There are a great many professors of religion, who, when they are not in special need, when they do not feel that they have especial wants, will grow careless about offering up their petitions to God for help. But when they are brought into straitened places, into states of anxiety and distress, then they will pray. I might illustrate this by what I witnessed on a steamer on my way from Portland, Maine, to Boston, Massachusetts. A storm was rising, and the sea was rough. I remarked to the captain that it was getting rather rough. "Yes," said he, "but we still try to iron it down" – a sailor phrase to quiet the fears of the passengers. But he knew there was danger. I went down to see how Mrs. W. Was getting along. I remarked upon the roughness of the sea. "Yes," she said, "But God will protect us." Pretty soon the chandelier came down with a crash, causing a shriek through the whole crowd. By-and-by the furniture began to tumble about, and the steward began to hold on to the dishes to keep them from being dashed in pieces.

Previous to this time, we had noticed a very wild, rough girl on board. She had been light and reckless in her talk; but, as the storm increased, she began to cry for mercy. She went to my wife, and asked her if she was not afraid. "No," said my wife, "if my work is done, I would just as soon go to the bottom here as any way; but I have no fears; I do not believe my work is done." And so the frightened girl went from one to another expressing her fears, and wringing her hands in great distress. The next morning the storm abated; and when we reached the harbor, she was as light and thoughtless and frivolous as ever. And as she sprang to land, she exclaimed, "There, glory to God, I am safe now." This she said in trifling mockery of her own fears.

This may be an extreme case, but it illustrates a general rule. People will not pray till there is danger; and when the danger is over, they are as thoughtless as ever. This is a wrong rule. Let us go to find grace for a time of need. You may need especial grace in a week from this. These ministers present may be brought into straits from the opposition of opponents, where they will need help. Now, do not put off praying for grace till that time comes; but pray for it now. Let your prayers go up, even if you do not need especial endowments of grace just at this time. Send every prayer into Heaven you can; and, depend upon it, when the trying hour comes, then the needed help will come.

I do not know that in all my experience I ever witnessed anything which affords a better illustration of my views, than an incident which occurred a year ago last summer. Bro. Andrews and myself were together. We went from General Conference to Greenville, very feeble, and in discouragement. We asked each other, What shall be done for the cause? Bro. A. and myself walked from wood to wood, and from place to place, meditating and deliberating upon this question, and praying for strength and help. I was very feeble, many a time having hardly physical strength to support myself. And I did not realize then that God especially blessed us. Finally, we decided to appoint the Wright Camp-meeting. I came to Battle Creek, then spent one Sabbath at Monterey, and so on to the camp-meeting. And there we witnessed the especial blessing and power of God. There are those here who will testify that God blessed us in that meeting. Such power I hardly ever witnessed in my life. God was then answering our prayers, which we had put up to him for weeks before. And the answer came just when we needed it.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. "Why," says one, "I have been praying for God's blessing now for a week, and he has not answered one of my prayers." But how do you know but he has accepted all these prayers, and in due time the blessing will come, just when you most need it?

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace." A throne supposes a kingdom. Then is there not a kingdom of grace? My mind is settling here. If there is a throne of grace, there is a kingdom of grace. I lament that Adventists have labored so hard, so tenaciously, to maintain the idea that the Scriptures, speaking of the kingdom of God and kingdom of Heaven, always, in some way or other, or in some sense or other, refer to the future kingdom of God. It has given our opponents an advantage which they have no business with. I certainly am looking for a future everlasting kingdom of God – the fifth kingdom of glory and of God, to be set up after all earthly kingdoms shall be destroyed, when the New Jerusalem, the metropolis of the fifth kingdom, shall come down from God out of Heaven, and the kingdom and dominion under the whole heaven shall be given to the saints of the Most High. When you pray, "Thy kingdom come," you are praying for that kingdom. And when James says, "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world . . . heirs of the kingdom," he refers to that kingdom. "Then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of their Father." But it is against us to undertake to apply all the expressions in reference to the kingdom, to the future kingdom.

I now repeat that which I have spoken here before. There are two arrangements in reference to the people of God, to which the expressions, kingdom of God, and kingdom of Heaven, are applied. Sometimes it refers to one of these arrangements, sometimes to the other. These two relations of God and Christ to his people, I shall call, respectively, the kingdom of grace, and the kingdom of glory. The kingdom of grace exists now. The kingdom of glory is future.

But by no means do I take the position that the kingdom of grace was set up at the first advent of Christ. In no sense whatsoever was the kingdom set up then. I submit that there is a kingdom of grace, and hence there is a throne of grace to which we may come boldly. But when was that kingdom set up? I carry it back to the time when grace was first offered to sinful man. Adam and Abel were in the kingdom of grace as fully as the apostles. Daniel could approach a throne of grace, as well as we here to-day. But time will not allow me to say all that I might wish to say on this subject. I will read, however, a few verses from the first chapter of Colossians: "For this cause," says Paul, verse 9, "we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will." "If any man do his will," says Christ, "he shall know of the doctrine." Paul continues, "In all wisdom and spiritual understanding." Oh! that we were there to-day! "That ye might walk worth of the Lord, unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work." Oh, that there was with us an undying desire to be fruitful in every good work! "And increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son."

Here is an expression which I believe applies to Christian experience. Here is a deliverance from the powers of darkness. This has nothing to do with the resurrection of the dead. It is a deliverance which every Christian may realize here; and this deliverance is a part of their Christian experience.

Being translated into the kingdom of his dear Son. Here is a work, too, of Christian experience, to be translated into the kingdom of grace. Many are under the powers of darkness, yielding to the powers of an unsanctified heart. We may be delivered from all this, and translated into the kingdom of his dear Son.

But the next point. Paul continues: "In whom we have redemption." There, says one, that is future. Are you sure of it? There are two redemptions; one from sin or a moral redemption; then there is a physical redemption from the dead by the resurrection. But Paul speaks of a redemption from sin. "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sin." That is enough. It all terminates in the complete forgiveness of sins. And John, then, upon the isle of Patmos, could say, "I am your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ." He was there in exile, as a criminal, for doing right. His banishment only removed him a little nearer God. In tribulation? Yes. And in the kingdom, receiving the blessings of the kingdom of grace in the highest sense while there in the isle of Patmos.

This theme is glorious, but I will not introduce more testimony now. Let me exhort you to seek for that fullness, that richness of experience which is represented here by Paul to the COlossians, when he speaks of our being "filled with the knowledge of his will, in all spiritual understanding, unto all pleasing, fruitful in every good work." Amen.

Read more free books and articles by James S. White here.

The mother of Augustine prayed for her son’s conversion. She saw no evidence that the Spirit of God was impressing his heart, but she was not discouraged. She laid her finger upon the texts, presenting before God his own words, and pleaded as only a mother can. Her deep humiliation, her earnest importunities, her unwavering faith, prevailed, and the Lord gave her the desire of her heart. Today he is just as ready to listen to the petitions of his people. His “hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear;” [Isaiah 59:1.] and if Christian parents seek him earnestly, he will fill their mouths with arguments, and, for his name’s sake, will work mightily in their behalf in the conversion of their children.—“Testimony,” No. 32, pp. 75-79.

In searching the Scriptures there is need of great humility of mind and contrition of heart, of seeking earnestly unto God. Those who come in a lowly spirit, seeking for truth, will be aided in their search by the angels of God.--TSS 55, 56. {CSW 37.1}

"But beware of rejecting that which is truth. The great danger with our people has been that of depending upon men, and making flesh their arm.Those who have not been in the habit of searching the Bible for themselves, or weighing evidence, have confidence in the leading men, and accept the decisions they make, and thus many will reject the very messages God sends to his people, if these leading brethren do not accept them." {GW92 126.4}

"Satan is constantly endeavoring to attract attention to man in place of God. He leads the people to look to bishops, to pastors, to professors of theology, as their guides, instead of searching the Scriptures to learn their duty for themselves. Then, by controlling the minds of these leaders, he can influence the multitudes according to his will." Great Controversy, p. 595.

"There are men among us in responsible positions who hold that the opinions of a few conceited philosophers, so called, are more to be trusted than the truth of the Bible, or the testimonies of the Holy Spirit. Such a faith as that of Paul, Peter, or John is considered old-fashioned and insufferable at the present day. It is pronounced absurd, mystical, and unworthy of an intelligent mind." {5T 79.2}

"He will make [us] ruler over all that He has," Luke 12:44!

"The teachers of divine truth should carefully study the life of Christ, and the practical lessons he taught on true godliness and right living for all who should believe on his name. They should be imbued with the spirit of their great Example, and have a high sense of the sacred life of a follower of Christ. Here is a field of study for the Bible student that he cannot possibly be interested in without having the Spirit of the divine Teacher in his own heart. Here are subjects which Christ presented to all classes; and thousands of people of every stamp of character, of every grade of society, were attracted and charmed with the matter brought before them" SW July 21, 1908, par. 7.

"It is those who, with love for God and their fellow men, are striving to help others, that become established, strengthened, settled, in the truth" ChS 106.4; Testimonies for the Church (triumphant by faith in Heaven) Volume 5, p. 393.2.

"Let us not rest unless we know that our lives are hid with Christ in God. We must have daily the full assurance that we are accepted of Him. If we have [this], all is well. We then can come to a throne of grace with holy boldness and draw strength and glory from the sanctuary, and be triumphant in God. I do long for the mind that was in Christ. Day after day I discover my unlikeness to the meek and lovely Jesus. I want His fashioning hand to be laid upon me, for I would reflect the lovely image of Jesus" 8MR 222.3.

"At times I feel the power of God, even in my flesh, and yet I am not satisfied. I want to plunge deeper and deeper in the ocean of God's love and be wholly swallowed up in Him. Be strong in God. Do not sink. My vision comes up before me and the words of the angel even now seem to ring in my ears, “Get ready, get ready, get ready. Time is almost finished, almost finished, almost finished. Cry, cry, for the arm of the Lord to be revealed, for the arm of the Lord to be revealed. Time is almost finished. What you do, ye must do quickly!”—Letter 26, 1850, p. 2. (To Brother and Sister Loveland, November 1, 1850.) 8MR 222.4

Let us double our diligence to make our calling and election sure. Victory, victory, will be ours if we endure a little longer. I do beg and pray to be more like Jesus that I may reflect His lovely image. More and more I long to be filled with all the fullness of God. It is our privilege to rejoice in a whole Saviour, One that saves us from all sin. We will not rest unless we know the length and breadth, height and depth of perfect love. I expect you are buffeted by the enemy. Do not yield one inch to him. Let faith be in lively exercise. Let it enter within the second veil and take hold upon the most excellent glory.—Letter 30, 1850, p. 2. (To Brother and Sister Loveland, December 13, 1850.) 8MR 223.1.

Every character is to be weighed in the balance of the sanctuary

Go by faith into the Most Holy Place in the Heavenly Sanctuary and present the exceedingly great and precious Bible verse promises to God in the name of His Son Jesus Christ! :) Learn more about the Heavenly Sanctuary and How to Enter into the Most Holy Place by FAITH today here.

Example:

LUTHER says: "Once upon a time the devil said to me, Martin Luther, you are a great sinner, and you will be 'damned.' Stop! stop!' said I; one thing at a time. I am a great sinner, it is true, though you have no right to tell me of it. I confess it. What next?" Therefore you will be damned." That is not good reasoning. It is true I am a great sinner, but it is written, "Jesus Christ came to save sinners;" so I shall be saved! Now go your way. So I cut the devil off, with his own sword, and he went away mourning because he could not cast me down by calling me a sinner.” The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald JANUARY 17, 1878j.

You say: "Once upon a time the devil said to me, {insert your name}, you are a great sinner, and you will be 'damned.' Stop! stop!' said I; one thing at a time. I am a great sinner, it is true, though you have no right to tell me of it. I confess it. What next?" Therefore you will be damned." That is not good reasoning. It is true I am a great sinner, but it is written, "Jesus Christ came to save sinners;" so I shall be saved! Now go your way. So I cut the devil off, with his own sword, and he went away mourning because he could not cast me down by calling me a sinner.

“So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: "I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is there I shall be also!”

― Martin Luther

Someone asked Luther,

"Do you feel that you have been forgiven?"

He answer , "No, but I am as sure As there is a God in heaven.

For feelings come and feelings go,

And feelings are deceiving;

My warrant is the Word of God,

Naught else is worth believing.

Though all my heart should feel condemned

For want of some sweet token,

There is One greater than my heart,

Whose word cannot be broken.

I'll trust in God's undying Word

Till soul and body sever;

For though all things should pass away

His Word shall stand forever."

"The higher the position a man occupies, the greater the responsibility he has to bear, the wider will be the influence he exerts, and the greater his need to feel his dependence on the wisdom and strength of God, and to cultivate the best and most holy character" (SpTB10 36).

The Captain of our Salvation (JESUS) is interceding for His people, not as a petitioner to move the Father to compassion, but as a Conqueror, Who claims the trophies of His victory. He is able to save to the uttermost all who come to God by Him. Make this fact very plain!

We can receive of heaven's light only as we are willing to be emptied of self.

This message (Third Angel's Message: Rev 14:9-12) was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification (declared innocent, holy and righteous) through faith [obedience] in the Surety [Son of God]; it invited the people to receive the Righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God.

Jesus says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). Then why not cast aside all unbelief and heed the words of Jesus? You want rest; you long for peace.

Then say from the heart, pray, "Lord Jesus, I come, because Thou hast given me this invitation. Christ died to save me. The Lord's desire is that I should be saved, and I will come to Jesus just as I am without delay. I will venture upon the promise. As Christ draws me, I will respond. Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee. Lord, if I am to be a channel through which thy love is to flow day by day and hour by hour, I claim by faith the grace and power that thou hast promised. Say, I come to present myself to God in the name of him who has died for me. I give my heart (desires/our little daily choices) to Jesus, and I desire his blessing and his Spirit;" and the power of God will come upon you. I have done as Thou hast said. I present Thy Promise, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Lord, help me to do my best. Teach me how to do better work. Give me energy and cheerfulness. Help me to bring into my service the loving ministry of the Saviour. You know I cannot do this work in my own strength. You must work in me, and by me and through me, sanctifying my tongue, sanctifying my spirit, sanctifying my words, and bringing me into a position where my spirit shall be susceptible to the movings of the Holy Spirit of God upon my mind and character. Let the latter rain come into my vessel. Let the light of the glorious 4th angel which unites with the third angel [Rev. 14:9-12] shine upon me; give me a part in the work; let me sound the proclamation; let me be a colabourer with Jesus Christ.

God has given us the power of choice; it is ours to exercise. We cannot change our hearts, we cannot control our thoughts, our impulses, our affections. We cannot make ourselves pure, fit for God's service. But we can choose to serve God, we can give Him our will (our choices! our consent! to give assent or approval); then He will work in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus our whole nature will be brought under the control of Christ.

We should pray that we might be baptized into Christ's sufferings, that we might not shrink at trials, but bear them with patience and joy, knowing what Jesus had suffered that we through His poverty and sufferings might be made rich. Said the angel, "Deny self; ye must step fast".

Present your case, your problems, present yourself before God by faith [obedience] in the Most Holy Place [in Christ who is in His Father John 14:20] in the Heavenly Sanctuary in the Third Heaven, pleading the merits of the blood shed for you upon Calvary's cross. This is your only plea. As you, the believer bows in supplication (the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly.) before God, and in humility and contrition offers his petition from unfeigned (genuine; sincere) lips, keeping your eyes fixed steadily on the Mediator (Son of God) of the new covenant (the Law of God written to our heart, our bosom, our daily little choices, our daily desires which is our thoughts and our feelings, our character), you will lose all thought of self. Your mind is filled with the thought of what you must have in order to build up a Christlike character. He prays, “Lord, if I am to be a channel through which thy love is to flow day by day and hour by hour, I claim by faith the grace and power that thou hast promised." He fastens his hold firmly on the promise, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth (scold, upbraid, berate, rail, revile, vituperate mean to reproach angrily and abusively. scold implies rebuking in irritation or ill temper justly or unjustly <angrily scolding the children>) not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith (obedience to the 10 laws of God), nothing wavering (be undecided between two opinions or courses of action; be irresolute: hesitate, dither, equivocate, vacillate, waffle, fluctuate).”

It is court week with us. Our cases are pending. We are to present our cases before God pleading the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour saying, "Lord, I have no merit or goodness within whereby I may claim salvation, but I present before you the all-sufficient merits of the spotless Lamb of God. This is my only plea".

Pray that the mighty energies of the Holy Spirit of Christ and His Father, with all their quickening, recuperative, and transforming power, may fall like an electric shock on the palsy-stricken soul, causing every nerve to thrill with new life, restoring the whole man from his dead, earthly, sensual state to spiritual soundness. You will thus become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust; and in your souls will be reflected the image (character) of Him by whose stripes you are healed.

In all you do, let your thought be, “Is this the way of the Lord? Will this please my Saviour? He gave His life for me; what can I give back to God? I can only say, ‘Of Thine own, O lord, I freely give Thee.’” Unless the name of God (Seal of God=12 laws of God, especially the 4th Commandment, the 7th day memorial of Creation, set aside as holy, sanctified, hallowed, blessed) is written in your forehead,—written there because God is the center of your thoughts,—you will not be meet for the inheritance in light. It is your Creator who has poured out to you all heaven in one wondrous gift,—His only-begotten Son. If we are faithful we will be able to eat of the tree of life and live with Jesus and all the angels in heaven throughout all eternity.

Let there be no long prayers. Have your long prayers for the closet. Let not your prayers be all over the world. Pray right to the point, for the blessing of God upon yourselves and upon those assembled then and there. When you pray alone in your closet, then lay before God all the burden of your heart; but in the assembly, such prayers are all out of place; they kill the interest, and make the meetings tedious. Look at the example of prayer given by Christ to His disciples. How brief, how comprehensive that prayer. When approaching God, pray briefly and in simplicity. Do not dishonour God by your oratorical prayers, or by preaching the Lord a sermon in your prayers.

• As the believer bows in supplication (begging, pleading) before God, and in humility and contrition offers his petition from unfeigned (genuine; sincere) lips, keeping his eyes fixed steadily on the Mediator of the new covenant (the law of God written to our daily choices by the Spirit of Christ dwelling in us), he loses all thought of self. His mind is filled with the thought of what he must have in order to build up a Christlike character. He prays, “Lord, if I am to be a channel through which thy love is to flow day by day and hour by hour, I claim by faith the grace and power that thou hast promised." He fastens his hold firmly on the promise, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.”

He says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). Then why not cast aside all unbelief and heed the words of Jesus? You want rest; you long for peace. Then say from the heart (bosom, surrendering all our daily little choices), "Lord Jesus, I come, because Thou hast given me this invitation."

1. Pray "Lord Jesus, I come, because Thou hast given me this invitation."

2. Say "Christ died to save me. The Lord's desire is that I should be saved, and I will come to Jesus just as I am without delay. I will venture upon the promise. As Christ draws me, I will respond (to surrender more fully all my daily little choices in obedience to the law of God)."

3. Say, "Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations" Psalm 90:1.

4. Say: “Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee."

5. He prays, “Lord, if I am to be a channel through which thy love is to flow day by day and hour by hour, I claim by faith the grace and power that thou hast promised."

6. “Say, I come to present myself to God in the name of him who has died for me. I give my heart (desires/our little daily choices) to Jesus, and I desire his blessing and his Spirit;" and the power (character=thoughts and feelings) of God will come upon you”.

7. "Say, I have done as Thou hast said. I present Thy Promise, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you".

8. Say: “Lord, help me to do my best. Teach me how to do better work. Give me energy and cheerfulness. Help me to bring into my service the loving ministry of the Saviour”

9. "I prayed that we might be baptized into Christ's sufferings, that we might not shrink at trials, but bear them with patience and joy, knowing what Jesus had suffered that we through His poverty and sufferings might be made rich. Said the angel, "Deny self; ye must step fast".

10. Pray, "Let the latter rain come into my vessel. Let the light of the glorious angel which unites with the third angel shine upon me; give me a part in the work; let me sound the proclamation; let me be a colabourer with Jesus Christ".

11. Pray, "You know I cannot do this work in my own strength. You must work in me, and by me and through me, sanctifying my tongue, sanctifying my spirit, sanctifying my words, and bringing me into a position where my spirit shall be susceptible to the movings of the Holy Spirit of God upon my mind and character".

12. THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST IN YOU IS THE HOLY SPIRIT OF CHRIST IN YOU, THE LIVING LAW OF GOD MANIFESTING ITSELF THROUGH YOU IN YOUR FRUITS AKA THOUGHTS, WORDS AND ACTIONS:

13. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you" John 15:7.

    1. "To pray in Christ's name means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest His spirit, and work His works. The Saviour's promise is given on condition. If ye love Me, He says, keep My commandments. He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience" The Desire of Ages, 668.

    2. "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love" John 15:7.

    3. John 14:21

    4. Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him."

    5. John 14:23

    6. Jesus replied, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make Our home with him.

    7. 1 John 2:3

    8. By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.

    9. 1 John 2:6

    10. Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.

    11. "As you ask the Lord to help you, honor your Saviour by believing that you do receive His blessing. All power, all wisdom, are at our command. We have only to ask" Pr 16.

    12. https://sites.google.com/site/howtoperformmiracles/sample-prayers-to-pray

        1. The Holy Spirit was sent as the most priceless treasure man could receive. {ML 36.5}

        2. [Godhead truth V/S Trinity Deception] The Personality of the Holy Spirit and Satan's lie: The Personality of the Holy Spirit and Satan's lie

        3. A persons spirit is their mind, will and emotions. It is who you are. So a spirit is not and never can be a literal person in itself. If it were, it would cease to be a spirit.

        4. "To pray in Christ's name means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest His spirit, and work His works. The Saviour's promise is given on condition. If ye love Me, He says, keep My commandments. He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience" The Desire of Ages, 668.

        5. For instance, in order for a spirit to be another person, it would also have to have its own spirit. In other words, for the Holy Spirit to be a person, it would have to have its own spirit in order to have its own mind, will and emotions. So you would end up with the Spirit of the Holy Spirit.

        6. Along with this false theology introduced by Satan so he could achieve worship, man seems to have lost all touch with the reality of a what a spirit is.

        7. However, while our spirit is within us, God's Spirit can do what ours can't. He can send His Spirit anywhere and is how He and His Son represent “Themselves” where “They” are not personally present.

        8. In other words, the Holy Spirit is their presence and power in you.

        9. Unless of course you have chosen Satan's creation called “god the spirit!” Then you have rejected the Spirit of the Father and Son and have Satan's creation instead!

        10. This is what Satan planned when he created the Trinity doctrine long after the Bible was written.

        11. PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

        12. We have a spirit and our spirit is our personality.

        13. God has a Spirit and His Spirit is His personality.

        14. When our spirit speaks or grieves, it is us that is speaking or grieving.

        15. When God's Spirit speaks or grieves, it is God that is speaking or grieving.

        16. It is the same whether it is our spirit or God's Spirit as Paul tells us. We should expect no less. But note Paul states man's spirit is within him while God can send His Spirit anywhere.

        17. “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit WITHIN HIM? In the SAME WAY NO ONE knows the thoughts of God EXCEPT the Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:11

        18. So when God gives us HIS Spirit, He gives us Himself. NOT ANOTHER PERSON!

        19. These are words of CHRIST through HIS prophet!

        20. “In giving us HIS SPIRIT, God gives us HIMSELF,” — (E.G. White, 7T 273.1, 1902)

        21. The Holy Spirit is His presence and power. The deceived who push the satanic doctrine of the Trinity claim those with truth teach that the Holy Spirit is a force or like an electric current. This is a disgraceful lie and is a dishonest means to try and discredit the truth which could only come from Satan as it is indeed a lie!

        22. Again, here is the truth from the words of CHRIST through HIS prophet!

        23. “The DIVINE SPIRIT that the world's Redeemer promised to send, is the PRESENCE and POWER of GOD.” — (E.G. White, ST, Nov 23, 1891)

        24. So our spirit has a PERSONALITY which is our PERSONALITY but that does not make our spirit another person. Does it?

        25. And God's Spirit has a PERSONALITY which is God's PERSONALITY as it is His Spirit.

        26. And for even further evidence, below we see the “Holy Spirit” IS the “Spirit of the Father!”

        27. Luke wrote, “take you no thought how or what thing you shall answer, or what you shall say: For THE HOLY GHOST shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:11-12

        28. And below is the same account from Matthew and what he called the Holy Spirit.

        29. “take no thought how or what you shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what you shall speak. For it is not you that speak, but THE SPIRIT OF YOUR FATHER which speaketh in you.” Matthew 10:19-20

        30. Matthew called the Holy Spirit “the Spirit of your Father,” and so is not another being but God's Spirit, and why it is called the Spirit of God. It is not called “god the spirit.” His Spirit of course is Holy and why it is also called the Holy Spirit.

        31. So why did Satan spread the idea of the Holy Spirit as another god? Who wants to be like the most High and be worshipped and prayed to as God? Isaiah 14:12-14 informs us that this is Satan's desire.

        32. By Satan creating the Trinity doctrine, it creates a non-existent third being. Satan can then step into that position he has created and not only receives the worship he desires, but he would also effectively regain the position he lost as the third highest being in heaven. This is known as worship by representation and is what Satan has also done with Sunday worship.

        33. Does it matter if we choose a non–existent god that is a creation of Satan to be the Holy Spirit so he can get worship and have us deny the real Holy Spirit? In other words, does it matter if we have the Spirit of the Father and Son or a creation of Satan and hence reject the real Holy Spirit?

        34. The third person in the Trinity is actually Satan! It should be obvious that if you get this wrong you will not be in the kingdom!

        35. So when the someone says the Holy Spirit has a personality so therefore it must be another person, know that you are being lied to and are trying to indoctrinate you into wrong thinking that will cost you your soul.

        36. The Personality of the Holy Spirit and Satan's lie

        37. A persons spirit is their mind, will and emotion...

        38. "When the character [thoughts and feelings] of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own" COL 69.1.

    13. "To pray in Christ's name means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest His spirit, and work His works. The Saviour's promise is given on condition. If ye love Me, He says, keep My commandments. He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience" The Desire of Ages, 668.

    14. The Holy Spirit is the Lord Jesus Christ's CHARACTER in us, the living law of God in us! The law of God lived our in our daily little choices, through our TEN fingers and TEN toes! We are to do the TEN Commandments with our TEN fingers, the Holy Spirit is the FINGER of God upon us Luke 11:19-20:

• • 1. "19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. 20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you." Luke 11:19-20 KJV.

    2. "27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you." Matthew 12:27-28 KJV.

    3. "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" 2 Cor 3:17 KJV.

    4. "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" John 6:63 KJV.

    5. "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit" 1 Corinthians 15:45.

    6. To learn more, visit www.trinitytruth.org

13. 15. "The Holy Spirit is to be continually present with the believer. We have need more carefully to consider the fact that the Comforter is to abide with us. If we individually comprehended this truth, we should never feel alone. When assailed by the enemy, when overwhelmed by temptation, we are to repose our faith [obedience] in God; for we have his pledged word that we are never to be left to battle alone. Every soul, pardoned of sin, is precious in his sight,--more precious than the whole world. It has been purchased at infinite cost, and Christ will never abandon the soul for whom he has died. The soul may leave him, and thus be overwhelmed with temptation; but Christ can never turn from one for whom he has paid the ransom of his own life" The Faith I Live By, p. 57.6 (Ellen G. White).

    16. "To pray in Christ's name means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest His spirit, and work His works. The Saviour's promise is given on condition. If ye love Me, He says, keep My commandments. He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience" The Desire of Ages, 668.

• • 1. EGW

    2. October 20th, 1906

    3. Mrs. E. G. White: I should like to pray. (Praying) Our heavenly Father, we come to Thee this evening, as our only Refuge, as our only Helper, as the only One who can save us from ourselves. Oh, my heavenly Father, Thou hast heard the words that I have tried to say to this people this afternoon. And I ask Thee, Lord, that Thou wouldst make the impression. Thou alone canst break the iron bands of the heart. Thou alone canst cause the blind eyes to discern what sin is. Thou alone canst impress the understanding with a realization of the character that every soul must have and reveal in this world before he can be prepared for translation into the family of heaven. Oh, my Father, my Father, the blindness, the terrible blindness, that comes over the people, that they do not discern what manner of character Thou canst accept and what Thou wilt be compelled to reject! We ask Thee, Lord, that Thou wouldst work upon minds and hearts. Oh, that Thou wouldst impress upon all the terrible nature of sin, and how Thou dost regard sin.

    4. Oh, my Father, my Father, Thou didst so love the world that Thou gavest Thine only beloved Son to die a shameful death, that the world through Him might have everlasting life! Thou hast given the human family here below the privilege of educating themselves in rightdoing, that they may be prepared to unite with the sinless family above and dwell forevermore in Thy kingdom. We see the opportunities and the privileges that are passing by, and yet there are hearts that are becoming more and still more hardened, less and still less sensitive. Oh, we pray Thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ who has borne the stripes, who has suffered the agonies of the crucifixion to make it possible for every soul that lives to unite with the family of God—oh, we pray, my Saviour, we pray Thee to break up this hardness of heart! I pray Thee to melt and subdue the soul.

    5. I pray Thee, my heavenly Father, that Thou wouldst flash light upon the people here, that they may obey the call. If they repent not, Thou wilt have to say to them, “How canst thou come in hither, not having on the wedding garment?” It is the wedding garment of Christ’s righteousness that must be put on. Oh, Lord, I ask Thee to have compassion upon human minds in this congregation! I pray Thee, Lord, that they may not go on hardening their hearts any longer. I pray Thee that this awful manifestation of self may be broken up. I pray Thee that self may be crucified, and that self may die, in order that there may be a reconversion in the midst of us, and that souls may be brought to humble themselves before Thee, and to be reconverted.

    6. My Father, my Father, for Christ’s sake, let Thy Spirit impress the minds of those who are in this house, and may they clear the King’s highway, and prepare the way for Thee to come to work with human minds. Help them to remove the stumbling blocks out of the way, and to take themselves out of the way. They are standing directly in Thy way; and oh, impress their hearts so fully, so sensibly, that they will repent, repent, repent, and be converted, before it shall be everlastingly too late!

    7. Oh God, the word is about to be pronounced: “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Awful words to hear, to those that are unready!

    8. Wilt Thou, Lord, break up this coldness, this iciness, this frozenheartedness! Oh, give them no rest, day nor night, until they see the necessity of transformation of character; until they see the necessity of clearing the King’s highway.

    9. My heavenly Father, we come to Thee as Thy little children. Thou hast called us little children, and I pray Thee that we may become little children. Oh Lord, Thou didst say to Thy disciples, when they were seeking to be first, that those who seek to be the first shall be the last of all. Help us to humble our souls before God. Help our hard hearts to repent.

    10. My Father, my Father, I present before Thee the merits of our Redeemer, Thy Son Jesus, who suffered the awful agonies of the cross to redeem the race. I plead with Thee that Thou wouldst break up the fallow ground of the heart, in order that the seeds of truth may become fastened in the mind, and spring up and bear the best kind of fruit, to the glory of God. We cannot endure the thought that of the large number who are in this congregation, many at last may say that “the harvest is past, the summer is ended,” the final proffers of salvation have been made, and my soul is not saved! What an awful acknowledgment this would be! Break, I pray Thee, break the minds of the congregation, so that every one of us may seek Thee with all the heart, as we go out from this house, in order that we may carry with us the impression of the Spirit of God. Help, oh, help us to be converted, that the light of heaven may come into our minds and our souls, and that we may have something to say in honor of Jesus, to glorify His name upon the earth.

    11. Oh God, put a message upon the lips of Thy servants. Bless Elder Haskell; bless his wife who has been laboring with him; and I pray Thee that Thou wouldst bless the other laborers in this community. May Thy blessing rest upon Brother Rice and his wife, as they are trying to clear the way and to do all the good they can in their necessity. We plead with Thee that whatever mistakes may have been made, they shall all be taken out of the way. And we believe that they have been; because Thou hast given me a message for them to take their position in the church. Thou hast declared that they are amenable to Thee. They are not amenable to any arbitrary human domination, but they are Thy servants, to do Thy will. I pray Thee, my heavenly Father, that Thou wouldst give them a fitting up, so that they shall not labor under the discouragement that some have tried to bring upon them here. Thou hast sent me with a message for them, and I ask Thee, my heavenly Father, to encircle them in the arms of Thy mercy and to love them freely.

    12. O heavenly Father, I ask Thee that the angel of the Lord before whom Joshua the high priest is represented as standing while the enemy accuses the sinner of his defiled garments—may this angel vouchsafe his presence unto us this afternoon. Thou didst turn to Satan, and say, “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” And to those who accused the sinner, the angel said, “Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquities to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” And he added: “Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by.”

    13. Satan is trying to fix upon every one that he can influence all the discouragement possible. Lord, I pray Thee, let the baptism of the Holy Spirit come into this congregation. I pray Thee, for Christ’s sake, to sweep back the mist and the cloud that Satan interposes here. He is here; his followers are here; there are those here who are listening to his words; and I ask Thee, Lord, to break the spell; I ask Thee that there may be such marked consecration before God, that Christ can say, “I will clothe thee with change of raiment.”

    14. Oh God, we want raiment without a spot; we want garments without a stain; we want a preparation to do a grand, a great, a holy work that must be done. We pray Thee that Thou wouldst work mightily, so that the salvation of God shall be revealed. Thou hast a whole heaven of blessing that Thou art waiting to pour out upon a people who are ready to receive it and use it. Oh, all heaven is full of Thy graciousness and Thy pardon, which we may receive abundantly if we will only come to Thee and repent and be converted.

    15. My Lord and my God, I ask Thee to carry through the reformation that is to be done in this place, and the reformation that is to be done in the different meetingplaces in this community. Let the salvation of God be revealed. My Saviour, my Saviour, Thou art inviting: Thou art waiting for them to come, so that Thou canst say, “Thy sins be forgiven thee; go, and sin no more.” May the healing power of God come upon body and soul. My Father, my Father, I ask Thee for Christ’s sake to come into the midst of us, and break the terrible power of darkness, and let souls go free, and Thy blessed name shall have all the glory. Amen. http://lineoftruth.org/index.php/2017/09/26/three-holiest-beings-refuted-by-ellen-whites-own-prayer-ms-95-1906-par-29/