Christianity has become very dynamic in its structure and presentation over the last few decades.It has taken on a new face.To the world, it is more palatable, but to those who hold scripture supreme it has been a disaster.There has been a movement toward Pentecostalism and Catholicism going on for quite some time.

Many Evangelical churches have seen the excitement that these types of services generate and have been offering them because the world finds a "rocking" church more palatable than a reverent church.Celebration style worship services are now the norm and not the exception, even in the otherwise docile and reverent worship services of Seventh-day Adventism.One non-Adventist writer wrote back in the early 90’s "Pentecostalism was lapping at the shores of Adventism."

I want to assure you that Pentecostalism is not lapping at the shores of Adventism today.What we heard was the receding waters that occur just before a large tsunami and we are now seeing the left over debris scattered across a new shoreline that does not even come close to resembling the old.

The sad thing is that this was all done in the name of the Spirit.Adventism grabbed a hold of the same Pentecostal spirit that the rest of the Evangelicals embraced.The question is, was it the right spirit?Is it acceptable to add a little excitement to the worship program if it draws the crowds?Besides, isn't it time for a revival in Adventism anyway?Who knows, maybe this is the revival that Adventism has been waiting for all these years.

How do we know what constitutes a real revival anyway?The book Great Controversy defines revivals for us.

‘Wherever the word of God has been faithfully preached, results have followed that attested its divine origin.The Spirit of God accompanied the message of His servants, and the word was with power.Sinners felt their consciences quickened...Deep conviction took hold upon their minds and hearts.They were convinced of sin and of righteousness and of judgment to come.They had a sense of the righteousness of Jehovah and felt the terror of appearing, in their guilt and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts...As the cross of Calvary, with its infinite sacrifice for the sins of men, was revealed, they saw that nothing but the merits of Christ could suffice to atone for their transgressions; this alone could reconcile man to God." GC 461.

Notice that they were convicted of sin.They looked to Christ, for they realized that nothing but His merits could atone for their sin and reconcile man to God.

"Revivals brought deep heart-searching and humility.They were characterized by solemn, earnest appeals to the sinner, by yearning compassion for the purchase of the blood of Christ.Men and women prayed and wrestled with God for the salvation of souls.The fruits of such revivals were seen in souls who shrank not at self-denial and sacrifice, but rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer reproach and trial for the sake of Christ.Men beheld a transformation in the lives of those who had professed the name of Jesus.The community was benefited by their influence.They gathered with Christ, and sowed to the Spirit, to reap life everlasting." GC 462.

Here Sister White gives us the picture of a true revival.It involves heart-searching and humility.Men and women wrestle with God for their salvation.They become transformed into the image of Christ.In the same chapter she describes false revivals.

"But many of the revivals of modern times have presented a marked contrast to those manifestations of divine grace which in earlier days followed the labors of God's servants.It is true that a widespread interest is kindled, many profess conversion, and there are large accessions to the churches; nevertheless the results are not such as to warrant the belief that there has been a corresponding increase of real spiritual life.The light which flames up for a time soon dies out, leaving the darkness more dense than before." GC 463.

Notice that it (1) spreads widespread interest, (2) has many professors of conversion, and (3) the results do not correspond to an increase in spiritual life.Further she goes on to say in the next paragraph:

"Popular revivals are too often carried by appeals to the imagination, by exciting the emotions, by gratifying the love for what is new and startling.Converts thus gained have little desire to listen to Bible truth, little interest in the testimony of prophets and apostles.Unless a religious service has something of a sensational character, it has no attractions for them.A message, which appeals to unimpassioned reason, awakens no response.The plain warnings of God's word, relating directly to their eternal interests, are unheeded." GC 463.2

There are so many parts to this statement. Let’s break them down.First, note that popular revivals have certain characteristics, to them:

1)Carry appeals to the imagination

2)They excite the emotions

3)Gratify the need for something new and startling.

By carrying appeals to the imagination they create an air mystery, excitement, and they stir in the listener a need for something new all the time.

They are obviously unconverted because they are moved only by the stirred emotion. So, when they come to church, which probably is not on a regular basis, they must have something that excites them and it must be new.

Notice also in this statement she says they have "little desire to listen to Bible truth, little interest in the testimony of prophets and apostles.” Why?Because they are unconverted.They cannot stand to hear the pure, beautiful words of scripture.She goes on to say that if the service does not have something of a sensational character to it, "it has no attraction for them." Therefore the word of God is unattractive.

What can fulfill these requirements in such unconverted people?Pentecostalism!Plain and simple celebration worship style will fulfill every aspect of a false revival.

Where is this happening?Go to almost any SDA church now and you will find it to one degree or another.I'm not a prophet but I would estimate that if the trend continues, it will not be long before every SDA church has a full blown Pentecostal worship service.

Look at what the prophet says about the worship style of mainline SDAs just before the close of probation.

"The things you have described as taking place in Indiana, the Lord has shown me would take place just before the close of probation.Every uncouth thing will be demonstrated.There will be shouting, with drums, music, and dancing.

The senses of rational beings will become so confused that they cannot be trusted to make right decisions.And this is called the moving of the Holy Spirit.The Holy Spirit never reveals itself in such methods, in such a bedlam of noise.This is an invention of Satan to cover up his ingenious methods for making of none effect the pure, sincere, elevating, ennobling, sanctifying truth for this time.Better never have the worship of God blended with music than to use musical instruments to do the work which last January was represented to me would be brought into our camp meetings.The truth for this time needs nothing of this kind in its work of converting souls.A bedlam of noise shocks the senses and perverts that which if conducted aright might be a blessing.The powers of satanic agencies blend with the din and noise, to have a carnival, and this is termed the Holy Spirit's working...No encouragement should be given to this kind of worship.I will not go into all the painful history; it is too much...I was instructed to say that at these demonstrations demons in the form of men are present, working with all the ingenuity that Satan can employ to make the truth disgusting to sensible people." 2SM 36-37

I don't have to read anymore of this.You should get the picture by now.Seventh-day Adventists are longing for the Spirit but they do not want to go through the trouble of having their characters conform to the law of God. So, rather than go through that process they elect to invent their own methods of salvation.

Satan is ready to accommodate them with his devices that he might be able to deceive them and lead them to destruction.Satan has created a false revival among the members of God's SDA church.He uses music, drama, sensationalism, mind tricks, philosophy, fables, and a false gospel to make it happen.

The problem we're facing isn't whether or not to have Celebration.The question we are faced with today is, "Is it right for Christian Fellowship of Seventh-day Adventists [self-supporting church in California] to exist, or do we have an obligation to exist?”The question stems from a much more serious problem than celebration.Celebration is simply a means to deceive God's people.

God laid out a plan for man to follow for His salvation.All He asks of us is to follow it.The remedy is simple; while it is available to everyone and is freely given, one must become as Jesus.Man's character must reflect His.The transcript of the character of Christ as it is recorded in the 10 commandments must become ours.In other words, we must obey or die.Continued disobedience has no sacrifice available.It will either be the blood of Christ or the blood of the sinner; it is our choice.

Every sincere, knowledgeable SDA that I have ever known is waiting, praying, and preparing for the latter rain experience.We need a revival with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit so that the work may be completed and we can go home.Have you ever wondered why God doesn't pour out His Spirit upon His people now?What will it take?The Great Controversy spells it out.

"The nature and the importance of the law of God have been, to a great extent, lost sight of. A wrong conception of the character, the perpetuity, and the obligation of the divine law has led to errors in relation to conversion and sanctification, and has resulted in lowering the standard of piety in the church.Here is to be found the secret of the lack of the Spirit and power of God in the revivals of our time." GC 465.1

Men have become frustrated in their efforts to obey.They are too proud to lean on Jesus for the aid they need to succeed.They have replaced this requirement with an invention of their own.So, while men want to have the Holy Spirit, they are not willing to acknowledge a right character, perpetuity, and obligation of the divine law.

It is clear by this statement that the secret, if it were a secret, in receiving the latter rain is obedience to the law of God and not celebration.

In 4SOP 405 we find the following quotation that the prophet applies to spiritualism today.

"Spiritualism is now changing its form, veiling some of its more objectionable and immoral features, and assuming a Christian guise.Formerly it denounced Christ and the Bible; now it professes to accept both.The Bible is interpreted in a manner that is attractive to the unrenewed heart, while its solemn and vital truths are made of no effect.A God of love is presented; but his justice, his denunciations of sin, the requirements of his holy law, are all kept out of sight.Pleasing, bewitching fables captivate the senses of those who do not make God's word the foundation of their faith.Christ is as verily rejected as before; but Satan has so blinded the eyes of the people that the deception is not discerned." 4SOP 405.

Please note that spiritualism used to be objectionable and immoral but it is changing these features so that it appears to be less immoral.It is assuming a Christian guise.Were it used to denounce both Christ and the Bible, it now professes to accept both.Why would Satan do such a thing?Do you think Satan would try this dirty trick on Seventh-day Adventists?YES!!He is working hardest on us for he already has the world.

Now notice that Satan wants to appear in harmony with as many as possible.So what does he do?He accepts a certain view of Christ.He accepts a certain view of the scriptures, and he presents a "God of love."

I will get into the view of Christ and the scriptures that Satan agrees with some other time, but note that spiritualism has a gospel that presents a "God of love." Also note that this view rejects God's justice, denunciation of sins, and the requirements of the 10 commandments.

So, the SOP is defining spiritualism as a rejection of the law of God.No matter how much you preach the rest of the Bible, if you reject the law you are a spiritualist.

Let's take a more practical look at this situation.What is the prophet describing here?Do the local mainline SDA churches proclaim a gospel that God is a God of love?YES!!Do the local mainline SDA churches also alienate and deride those who love God's law and believe that it must be kept for one to gain salvation?YES!!Isn't the false love gospel and the new theology being taught in a majority of SDA pulpits these days?YES!!

I have been across this country and I can testify that this is true in most places.I have many faithful SDA friends across this land and around the world that all say the same thing, "The church doesn't preach the Truth anymore.The New Theology, Pentecostalism, and Catholic doctrine seem to be invading everywhere."

The Great Controversy describes the effectiveness of spiritualism.

"Among the most successful agencies of the great deceiver are the delusive teachings and lying wonders of spiritualism.Disguised as an angel of light, he spreads his nets where least suspected.If men would but study the Book of God with earnest prayer that they might understand it, they would not be left in darkness to receive false doctrines.But as they reject the truth they fall a prey to deception." GC 524

An angel of light in prophecy would be an angel that preaches the Truth, but the prophet says that spiritualism preaches a message disguised as the Truth; therefore making it totally false.

Matthew 24:24 warns us about this day: "For there shall arise false Christ’s, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

Satan has been at this work for 6,000 years preparing for this day.He knows that if he can get God's children to ignore the warnings of scripture and to neglect prayer and duty, then he can destroy the church.The sad thing is that the church seems willing to go along with Satan.

They have clung to their sins and worldliness as evidenced by the introduction of worldly pursuits such as drama, clowns, rock music, sensationalism, and emotionalism into its worship services.All these things the prophet of the Lord describes as Satanic.This is spiritualism that has come into the SDA church, especially here in this conference [California].

Yet, the question has arisen, "Shouldn't we go back to the conference churches to minister?"

Or, statements are made such as, "God's church is organized and since the mainline church is organized and we're not, we must belong there instead."

From Acts of the Apostles page 474 we read:

"The warnings of the word of God regarding the perils surrounding the Christian church belong to us today.As in the days of the Apostles, men tried by tradition and philosophy to destroy faith in the Scriptures, so today, by the pleasing sentiments of higher criticism, evolution, spiritualism, theosophy, and pantheism the enemy of righteousness is seeking to lead souls into forbidden paths.To many the Bible is as a lamp without oil, because they have turned their minds into channels of speculative belief that bring misunderstanding and confusion. . .By spiritualism, multitudes are taught to believe that desire is the highest law, that license is liberty, and that man is accountable only to himself." AA 474.

And in the book Education we are taught:

"Spiritualism asserts that men are unfallen demigods; that 'each mind will judge itself,' that 'true knowledge places men above all law;' that 'all sins committed are innocent;' for 'whatever is, is right,' and 'God doth not condemn.' The basest of human beings it represents as in heaven, and highly exalted there.Thus it declares to all men, 'It matters not what you do; live as you please, heaven is your home.'” Ed 227-8

Imagine that, men wanting to be like God.Where did that come from?You see this attitude that has developed, that people who want to keep God's law are legalists, is simply an expression of wanting to be a god ourselves.We want to sin without impunity.We don't really love God, just the concept of a higher power in our lives.Only we want control!

Now, there is a lot of talk about going back to the conference because we ought to minister there.First of all, I want you to show me from the Bible and the SOP where that is to be our number one work in this day.It is not there.Some talk about rebuilding the wall like in Nehemiah’s day, but there is little evidence that God's work is in the wall re-building phase.

Sister White refers to the wall-building phase of the church being early in Christian history.As I recall we are supposed to be the last living generation.There is no time to build a wall.We are to preach the 3 angel's messages to the world—that is our primary work!

I guess technically, if you insist on building a wall; isn't preaching the 3 angels the wall that should be built'?

We talk a lot about how Jesus' coming is delayed because we are not ready.I want to ask you, is taking time out to preach to the church the things it should already know a waste of time, further delaying the second coming?Are you possibly delaying your own needed preparation and causing yourself to be lost.If the second coming is as close as we talk about then we have no time to throw pearls before swine.

We need to reach the unreached with the 3 angels messages.Let those who are confused hear the Message to Laodicea.Let them hear the messages on tape, and in tracts that are put out by organizations like our own.

Second, who says that you have a right to go against testimonies that God has given us without impunity?God has told us not to go into assemblies where error is being taught.Yet, somehow we think that because we know the truth we will be immune to the effects of error being preached.Remember in the quote from 2SM 36, that says that kind of worship deadens the senses.Look at the counsel from ST 9-3-94:

"Spiritualism is a dangerous phase of infidelity, and we should not go into the assemblies of Spiritualists [Modern SDA churches who use celebration worship styles]...In so doing we are placing ourselves on Satan’s ground, and cannot expect help from God unless he has a work for us to do to speak some message to those who are ignorant and deceived, and immediately leave the assembly." ST 93-1894.

The prophet has much to say on this subject.You need to add to your reading depth.Instead of focusing on "the church is going through" statements, add statements to your study about the sins of the church and spiritualism.You will find yourself more afraid for your salvation.Ellen White describes the motives of the demon talking to Saul.

"The divine precepts condemning sin and enforcing righteousness were set aside; truth was lightly regarded, and impurity was not only permitted, but enjoined.Spiritualism declares that there is no death, no sin, no judgment, no retribution; that "men are unfallen demigods," that desire is the highest law; and that man is accountable only to himself. The barriers that God has erected to guard truth, purity, and reverence, are broken down, and many are thus emboldened in sin.Does not such teaching suggest an origin similar to that of demon worship?" PP,688.

Now I want to get real specific about the church.As most of you who know me know that I don't usually talk against the church much.I don't say the things I'm going to say with pleasure, nor do I say it to belittle or bash anyone. But folks, it is time that we quit trying to kid ourselves about the recovery of an apostatized church.It has never happened before, and it will not happen again. History proves it.If you can find an example, then show me.

I want to address a few questions that have been raised specifically.

First, doesn't Sister White say that the Church appears as though it is about to fall but does not fall?Yes she does, but let us look at the rest of the statement and then examine it from a Biblical perspective.

"Satan will work his miracles to deceive; he will set up his power as supreme. The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out—the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place.None but those who have been overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony will be found with the loyal and true, without spot or stain of sin, without guile in their mouths. We must be divested of our self-righteousness and arrayed in the righteousness of Christ " 2 SM 380.

Notice that while it does not fall, only those who are found overcoming by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony will be found with the loyal and true, without spot or stain of sin, without guile in their mouths.

This is a description of those who are following the biblical counsel of Revelation 14:12, "Here is the patience of the saints, here are they that keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus."

These are not spiritists.These believe the Truth and practice the Truth.Note that it does not specify conference or non-conference church here.It only says church.According to the SOP, "God has a church.It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various denominations it is the people who love God and keep His commandments.'Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them' (Matthew 18:20).Where Christ is even among the humble few, this is Christ's church, for the presence of the High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity can alone constitute a church…Where two or three are present who love and obey the commandments of God, Jesus there presides, let it be in the desolate place of the earth, in the wilderness, in the city enclosed in prison walls." UL 31.5

I won't say another word about who the church is composed of, only to say that those people who keep God's commandments are His church, because that is where Christ dwells.She specifically says it has nothing to do with denominations or buildings.Now Sister White does say that a new organization would be started.

"The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization.Were this reformation to take place, what would result?The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church would be discarded. Our religion would be Changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work... would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced....The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it.Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement.The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless.Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure.1SM 204.2

I want to remind you of 5 important points in this quote in regards to SDAs discarding the principles of Truth that were given to the remnant.

1)Our religion would be changed.

2)Fundamental principles of Seventh-day Adventism would be accounted as error.

3)A new organization would be established.

4)Books of a new order would be written.

5)A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced.

This basically describes Seventh-day Adventism here in Southern California.Notice who started the new organization. IT IS NOT US, it is THEM.People joined the SDA faith and since there is very little of that left in this conference, we have an obligation to provide a place of worship for Seventh-day Adventists.

Now a little different perspective on this topic.Who was God's church during the 1840 to 1844 period?Was it not those who were preaching the first and second angel’s messages?It could not have been the churches that they were preaching to because the second angel said they were fallen and people needed to come out of them.Therefore, it had to be the people who were preaching the message.

There was no General Conference, no Headquarters, no printing presses, and no Organization as we know it today.The pioneers were God's church, organized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ.

Which answers the second question or objection that is thrown at us. Namely, Since the mainline church is organized and there are numerous statements that say the God's church is an organization, then isn't that the earmark of the true church.And since we aren't "organized" like they are then we must not be part of God's true church.You see if the pioneers who preached this message in the early 1840's were God's true "organized” church.Then it follows that those who preached the 3 angel’s messages just before the close of probation are part of God's true "organized" church too.You see the organization of God's true church is not based on whether or not there is a headquarters, buildings, institutions, printing presses, or General Conference for that matter.

At the end of time, God's church will be keeping His commandments and preaching the 3 angels messages; waiting and preparing for the latter rain.

Speaking of General Conferences, that raises another issue.What was the General Conference in the early 1840's anyway?Answer: there was none—at least not one that was a permanent, legal entity.There were some conferences to discuss the many issues confronting Adventists at that time, especially doctrine, but there was no General Conference. Later there were conferences that were held yearly or biannually or so, that were called General conferences, but they still did not have a governing body named the General Conference.The general conference was the name of the gathering.

So, what is that organization that appears to fall and has apostatized?Well, the SDA church existed legally for thirty some years before the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.And the SDA faith existed for twenty some years before that.The General Conference was not legally organized as we know it today, until 1902, at which time a group of men organized themselves into the General Conference of SDAs, which is now a business and not a church. [Please see General Conference vs. Perez court documents] It is that organization that has usurped the name Seventh-day Adventist and sues believers for using it.It was reorganized against the blueprint that God had given for organization.

So to answer the first question about the church going through, what if the General Conference is not God's church but those who meet in the name of Jesus, keeping His commandments are?Would it not appear as though the church was going to fall—while people are looking to the General Conference for leadership, but then when it is realized who the church really is, it does not fall? Because it turns out the church all along was God's Commandment keeping people.After all, God's faithful church could never fall, not as long as they continue keeping His Commandments.

The minute, they stop, they are not His church anymore—they're spiritualist.And, therefore that fallen entity was never really God's church in the first place.

Look at the parallel between the development of the papacy and development of the General Conference.Both usurped power and a name that was not given them.Both tried to adulterate the word of God.Both have persecuted its professors for maintaining the Truth.Look at the parallel between the Protestant Reformation and the preaching of the 3 angel’s messages just before Jesus comes.Both were believers from the mother church who advocated the message of their day.Both were God's church for their time.Both were preparing people for important purposes.And, neither had a purpose of starting a new denomination.

Finally, I want to address one last issue.Dates are important.It has been said that since the General Conference speaks as the voice of God, they have been given the authority to govern and lead God's people and those who do not fall under their umbrella will be lost and/or are doing Satan's work.

Well, dates are important.For example, Ellen White said in the early part of her ministry that one should eat a healthy diet and her example of doing that included eating meat.But, a little later in her ministry God introduced the health message and told us that meat eating is not healthy and eating pork is a sin.Later she said that those who eat meat cannot form the kind of characters that is necessary to be translated.

When God first said that the General Conference spoke as the voice of God, it was before and up to 1872 according to my research.

“I have been shown that no man’s judgment should be surrendered to the judgment of any one man.But when the judgment of the General Conference, which is the highest authority that God has upon the earth, is exercised, private independence and private judgment must not be maintained, but be surrendered.Your error was in persistently maintaining your private judgment of your duty against the voice of the highest authority the Lord has upon the earth. 3T 492 (1872).

So, as late as 1872, Ellen White considered the General Conference in session to speak as the voice of God.

"This is the reason I was obliged to take the position that there was not the voice of God in the General Conference management and decisions.Methods and plans would be devised that God did not sanction, and yet Elder Olsen made it appear that the decisions of the General Conference were as the voice of God.Many of the positions taken, going forth as the voice of the General Conference, have been the voice of one, two, or three men who were misleading the Conference." 17MR 167 (1891).

Remember that these statements were made before the legal organization of the General Conference of SDAs, Inc.

“…but the wrong principles remain unchanged.The same work that has been done in the past will be carried forward under the guise of the General Conference Association.The sacred character of this association is fast disappearing.What will then be respected as pure, holy, and undefiled?Will there be any voice that God's people can regard as a voice they can respect?There certainly is nothing now that bears the divine credentials.Sacred things are mixed and mingled with earthly business that has no connection with God." PM 142 (1896).

"My spirit was pained within me, for I had lost confidence in that which I had ever presented before the people as the voice of God [General Conference in session] to His children. It has not been the voice of God. There has been a lording power exercised over God's heritage in decisions, which were not dictated by the Spirit of God.Unconsecrated men who were brought in connection with the work have exercised their own wisdom, and have woven into the work their own unconverted peculiarities. . . We cannot therefore present before the people that the voice of the General Conference in its decisions must move and control them; for its propositions and decisions cannot be accepted. They are not in the right line of progress.God is cropped out of their counsels." 17MR 221-2, (1898).

"But it has been some years since I have considered the General Conference as the voice of God, and therefore I feel no desire to write." 17MR 216 (Written August 26, 1898, from "Sumyside," Cooranbong, NSW, to "Dear Brother and Sister Waggoner.”).

"Let those in America who suppose the voice of the General Conference to be the voice of God, become one with God before they utter their opinions.The Word of God is to be lived as well as preached.It is to be brought into every phase of the Christian work done in this world.The men God has appointed to do His work must be emptied of self.Let Jesus in." 13MR 291 (1899).

"It has been some years since I have considered the General Conference as the voice of God." General Conference Daily Bulletin 3 (1899).

"That these men (leaders) should stand in a sacred place, to be as the voice of God to the people, as we once believed the General Conference to be, that is past.What we want now is a reorganization.We want to begin at the foundation, and to build upon a different principle." — General Conference Bulletin, page 25 (1901).

"He [Satan] keenly observes the backsliding of those who have been placed at the head of the work—the very men who through communications have been informed that they were out of place and in error in representing the voice of the General Conference president as being the voice of God. For many years it has not been thus, and it is not thus now; nor will it ever be thus again, unless there is a thorough reformation." 17MR 240 (1901).

This next is the quote that everybody presents to say that even though she made all those previous statements, she really didn't mean it.

"At times, when a small group of men entrusted with the general management of the work have, in the name of the General Conference, sought to carry out unwise plans and to restrict God's work, I have said that I could no longer regard the voice of the General Conference, represented by these few men, as the voice of God.But this is not saying that the decisions of a General Conference composed of an assembly of duly appointed, representative men from all parts of the field, should not be respected.God has ordained that the representatives of His church from all parts of the earth, when assembled in a General Conference, shall have authority.The error that some are in danger of committing, is in giving to the mind and judgment of one man, or of a small group of men, the full measure of authority and influence that God has vested in His church, in the judgment and voice of the General Conference assembled to plan for the prosperity and advancement of His work. GW 490 (1909) see also 9T 260.

Now the trend until 1909 was that the General Conference no longer spoke as the voice of God.Then this statement comes up.What happened?Was there a thorough reformation in the years between 1901 and 1909 as Sister White said there needed to be in order for the General Conference to speak as the voice of God?Did the General Conference all of a sudden do a turn around and begin speaking as the voice of God?

Let's dissect this statement.First, she states "I have said that I could no longer regard the voice of the General Conference, represented by these few men, as the voice of God" This seems plain enough.She says that she could no longer regard the General Conference as the voice of God—which is consistent with her previous statements.

Next she says, "But this is not saying that the decisions of a General Conference composed of an assembly of duly appointed, representative men from all parts of the field should not be respected." First, There is a great deal of difference between respect and the voice of God.While the members of this congregation may respect the decisions of the elders, I doubt seriously that you would take them as the voice of God in all matters.

Now there may be some instances that you may, when a thus saith the Lord backs them up then you could agree that they spoke as the voice of God—because they would be speaking God's word.Second, note that she uses the terminology, "duly appointed." What does that mean?

"Proper men should have been duly appointed and special efforts made, and not leave such a place almost destitute of help.Workers must now be appointed who will make most determined efforts, working and praying and drawing in even cords.Men must be appointed who will first lay hold of the Lord's gracious promises and then, under subjection to the Holy Spirit, do the very work which has been neglected—build a church or hire a suitable place to build up the work, all under the Holy Spirit's guidance." 10MR 17

Duly appointed appears to have something to do with being subjected to the Holy Spirit.Which we have already clearly shown cannot be had without obedience to the law of God—in other words, spiritualists do not have the Holy Spirit.All that they do in the work is to be under the subjection of the Holy Spirit.So, Sister White is saying in the 1909 statement that if men are duly appointed, that is, under the subjection of the Holy Spirit, then they deserve our respect.And, I would hope that we would be willing to give it.

But to assume that this statement is in any way a reversal of her previous determinations is ludicrous.She maintains that the General Conference no longer speaks as the voice of God, but lays down conditions under which they should be respected.We must always test this with "to the law and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word, there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20.

This is further backed up by the statement written in 1902 and is found in 18MR 195-6, which says:

“My brethren, I feel great sorrow of heart.I shall not appear before you again in our general gatherings unless I am impressed by the Spirit of God that I should.The last General Conference that I attended gave you all the evidence that you will ever have in any meeting that shall be convened.If that meeting did not convince you that God is working by His Spirit through His humble servant, it is because the candlestick has been removed out of its place.I thought that after the last General Conference there would be a change of heart, but during that meeting the work was not done that ought to have been done that God might come in, nor has this work been done since that time.God is knocking at the door of the heart; but as yet the door has not opened to let Him enter and take full possession of the soul-temple.”

Written in 1902, the year the General Conference reorganized into the General Conference of SDAs with similar structure as we know it today.

It appears that by these statements that Ellen White did regard the church in general conference session as the voice of God in the 1870's.But, after that, up until the 1890's, there were some questions in this regard.After 1896 there is no question that she does not regard the General Conference as the voice of God.And when it organized into the GC of SDAs Inc. she could not agree with that decision because it placed one man at the head of the work.Yet, she did leave open the possibility that God's work could still progress even with that plan as long as duly appointed individuals made up the leadership.

But, this too has proven a failure as we behold the great apostasy that is going on in the mainline church.It appears to be falling and maybe even fallen.Yet, God's church continues on as it has in all ages past.God has always had a remnant who love and obey Him.

I want to close with a vision that Sister White recorded for our benefit in 1T 578:

"That night I dreamed that I was in Battle Creek looking out from the side glass at the door and saw a company marching up to the house, two and two.They looked stern and determined.I knew them well and turned to open the parlor door to receive them, but thought I would look again.The scene was changed.The company now presented the appearance of a Catholic procession.One bore in his hand a cross, another a reed.And as they (Seventh-day Adventists) approached, the one carrying a reed made a circle around the house, saying three times: 'This house is proscribed.The goods must be confiscated.They have spoken against our holy order.' Terror seized me, and I ran through the house, out of the north door, and found myself in the midst of a company, some of whom I knew, (Seventh-day Adventists) but I dared not speak a word to them for fear of being betrayed.I tried to seek a retired spot where I might weep and pray without meeting eager, inquisitive eyes wherever I turned.I repeated frequently: 'If I could only understand this!If they will tell me what I have said or what I have done!' I wept and prayed much as I saw our goods confiscated.I tried to read sympathy or pity for me in the looks of those around me, and marked the countenances of several whom I thought would speak to me and comfort me if they did not fear that they would be observed by others.I made one attempt to escape from the crowd, but seeing that I was watched, I concealed my intentions.I commenced weeping aloud, and saying: 'If they would only tell me what I have done or what I have said!' My husband, who was sleeping in a bed in the same room, heard me weeping aloud and awoke me.My pillow was wet with tears, and a sad depression of spirits was upon me."

Could this be the end of things?Is it realistic to think that SDAs might have a hand in the confiscation of our things and in the performance of the beast's will?I pray not, but it is not safe for us to attend the worship of spiritualists to find out.We must worship where it is safe.It must be safe, celebration free, where the law of God is honored, and that church must be actively preaching the message to a devastated world.May God be blessed by this dissertation.Amen.