Lessons for the end times in the closing scenes of Christ's life.

The Closing Scenes

What Must I do to be Saved?

God's people had kept neither the letter of the law nor its intent. The law--which defines sin, given by angels, could have been their glory; its perversion was precipitating their shame and destruction and they recognized it not, but believed their sin of the murder of Jesus was actually doing God a favor. They had gotten to the point where they called sin, righteousness!

The Sin Issue

Captured By Babylon

Message 409: "Captured By Babylon"

Is it just me or have you also realized that evil is considered good today, and good is now considered evil? It seems to be the norm for our world. I was contemplating the state of God's professed people in regards to the sin issue and what kept coming to my mind was how clever the devil is in using the Scriptures in such a way as to confuse the differences between truth and error. He can get us so confused that we will call the truth error and error the truth. As Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Now truth in Christ is progressive for us as individuals as well as for Gods church and if we do not keep up with the truth we will fall into confusion and ultimately have the woe of Isaiah 5:20 on our heads, all the while thinking that we are headed to the kingdom. What banner will we be lifting up before Jesus returns?

Lifting Up the Banner of Christ

Message 410:  “Lifting Up the Banner of Christ"

I shared some of the terrible things that are going to happen as we get closer and closer to the second coming of Christ, and already, as we listen to the news, we can see the direction things are going in this land of the free and the home of the brave and the coming religious persecution that will be akin to what happened during the dark ages, only much worse. I must tell you a little more about some of these things, but then I want to share the best part wherein God’s faithful commandment keeping people will be delivered out of the hands of their enemies forever. Is that not good news? Yes!

The Final Deliverance

Message 419: "The Final Deliverance"

Jesus is to prepare a generation of people--by cleansing them of sin--that they will then make the demonstration to all creation that mankind can be trusted to live among Creation for all eternity.  To declare by their character that Christ's sacrifice was not in vain and thus vindicate the character and love of God. Those glorious events which happened almost 2000 years ago, are to be paralleled by a wonderful triumph that awaits the remnant church down here in the closing scenes. These are a generation of people who follow Jesus whithersoever He goes and they trod the winepress like their Savior. And so they will triumph like He did and they will be glorified like He is glorified.

The Triumph

Message 418: "The Triumph"

As I have pointed out, there is much in the agony of the Savior in Gethsemane and on the cross that human beings can never fathom. But there is also much that we can understand through having an experience like Jesus and only through an experience. This is our cup to drink..... will we drink it?

Our Cup to Drink

Message 417: "Our Cup to Drink"

We want to note the parallel in the coming crisis of the remnant church with those trials that Jesus went through so we can be prepared, or as prepared as we can be, to react as He did--with nobility and glory to the Father--and endure them. For like Jesus, we too will be seized. Like Jesus, we shall be thrown into trials. Like Jesus, we shall suffer the results of the combination of church and state uniting to inflict persecution. Like Jesus we want to endure the trials and like Jesus we want to be victorious.

Enduring the Trials

Message 416: "Enduring the Trials"

Now we’re going to study the sequel of the Savior's prayer experience and the sequel to the disciple's experience of sleep. Keep in mind the parallels with His crisis experience and that of the remnant people and their crisis experience. Humanity must be so blended with and subservient to the divine will that the remnant will be prepared to give an exhibition during their trial such as Jesus gave in His trial. And as we shall see, friends, we’re going to be tried in every way that men and devils can invent.

Facing the Mob

Message 415: "Facing the Mob"

The Bible describes two of the major identifiers and characteristics of the remnant people of God, those who will go through the end time of trouble, in Revelation 14:12, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” But there is another attribute that precedes those two, and is the prerequisite, and it is found in verse four of the same chapter, “…These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth…” Revelation 14:4. All through the universe the remnant go with Him. But before they follow Him there, they first must follow Him here.

Our Gethsemane Experience

Message 414: "Our Gethsemane Experience"

In the great plan of salvation, there are two special crises: the crisis at the close of Christ's earthly life, and the crisis that comes at the close of the experience of His remnant people. And between these two experiences there are a number of most interesting parallels.

Jesus Foretells the Sifting

Message 413: "Jesus Foretells the Sifting"

As we get closer and closer to the final battle the bible calls Armageddon, it becomes more and more important to know Jesus and His people. If it weren’t important, the Bible wouldn’t spend so much time describing the attributes of Christ, which will be reflected in His followers—which are members of His body, His church.

In His Name

Message 412: "In His Name"

In Matthew 24 Jesus talks about the signs that will show that the end of the world and thus His second coming are near. What are these signs and are we living in that time?

Signs Signs Everywhere Signs

Message 420: "Signs Signs Everywhere Signs"

If you stop and ponder it for just a moment, each day is the memorial of some event in history. Each day. Some are marked by man as grand events, and some barely a mention, if that, but each day is a memorial of some event in the history of mankind. But I want you to consider that there are certain events, certain dates in the history of mankind that rise even above the recognition of mankind and are recognized as great by all creation throughout the universes. I want to speak about one such day, one such event that is also the foundation of our Adventist faith, a pillar of our faith you could rightly say.

Octover 22nd--Stopping the Stream"

Message 421: "October22nd - Stopping the Stream"

I have something to ask for today that I know is the will of God. I have something to ask for today that I need much more than I currently have. I have something to ask for today because I see a great need among us as the professed people of God. I have something to ask my Father for today. I ask the Lord to give me a pure heart and a disposition imbued with thankfulness and peace.

A Disposition of Thankfulness

Message 423: "A Disposition of Thankfulness"

There are untold mysteries that date back to the beginning of this world but I want to speak to you about the great mystery.

Great is the Mystery

Divinity Became Humanity

Message 425: "Divinity Became Humanity"

In the Old Testament scriptures there are 300 specific predictions concerning the Anointed, the Messiah who would be born to save the world. The prophets of the Bible deal with his birth, life and death in hundreds of instances and in different ways.

Against All Odds

Message 426: "Against All Odds"

A testimony of Pastor Joel Laswell's recent health emergency and God's amazing grace of physical and spiritual healing!

Message 344: God's Safety Valve

Spiritually speaking, there are some people who do not go through the door to get into the church. They climb over the wall. And who are these who climb over the wall? Well, Jesus says they are thieves and robbers. They are wolves in sheep's clothing. That is what they are and He longs to cleanse the church of these wolves. To be in the church you must come through the Door, you must come to Jesus!

Message DGC4: "Do You Hear The Door?"

When you take a look at the history of God's people you will find that when God sends a prophet that Satan then sends false prophets to cause great confusion. There were false prophets during the time of Moses when he was sent by God to guide the Hebrews to the promised land. There were false prophets when John the Baptist was preaching repentance and that the kingdom of God was at hand. Do you think that Satan would raise up false prophets during the time of the Elijah prophet that God promised to send to the end-time church? Absolutely! That is why the Bible has given certain tests of a prophet of God so that we can compare such people to what the word of God says.

Message DGC9-3: "Sending Elijah" Part Three

The body of Christ--His church, will be Vibrant; physically and spiritually healthy as they live in Christ day-to-day. They will exemplify a vibrant fellowship of believers!

Message DGC14-1: "A Vibrant Christian Fellowship" part 1

There is a parallel in the experience of King Saul and King David and that of the professed church of God and the true church of God that will help us to make the right choice and come out of Babylon fallen.

Message DGC17: "Lessons from a King"

Some lessons in taking a closer look at God's people, His church, from the time of Christ and the apostles through to today.

Message DGC18: "HIS Story Through the Ages"

Each role in the family unit--father, mother, children--teaches us something about God's ideal in the organization of the church. So I want to spend some time looking at the roles and responsibilities of the family unit with the understanding that church duties should first begin at home.

Message GO9-1: "Leader of the Home" part one

People do not understand what the cross means and when you tell them its meaning, they usually do not want to hear about it as it cuts straight to the heart and then tough decisions are required. So the preaching of the cross and its meaning isn't preached much in churches today. A different cross is preached... one that tickles the ears of the listeners. But the truth of the cross is not heard much today. So much so that Ellen White said on one occasion, "The cross has been almost lost sight of." White, Our High Calling, p46. That does not mean that people are not seeing the cross on the churches or around other peoples necks or on the rear view mirror of the car. People see all those things but they do not really see what it is about or what it really means for them. And I want to tell you that if you take the cross away, it is just like taking the sun out of the heavens. Everything is lost and we have no hope! What does the cross mean for each of us? Lets find out... 


Message 357: "Why the Cross?"

There are two paths to choose from... One is a narrow path where you must deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus. There you will have joy and peace and the comfort of His presence on your journey and experience, and at the end of the path, everlasting life. The other path, the one that Jesus said most people would choose, is the broad path. It begins with ease and pleasure with no self-denial. But Satan is a cruel, hard, taskmaster and just around the corner, out of sight, the path gets harder and harder as you go along, and the farther you travel on that road makes it more difficult to make a U-turn. It involves sickness, heartache, despair and, in the end eternal death. Which path will you choose?


Message 364: "A Cross to Bear"

Eternal salvation is not complicated. It is simple enough that a child can understand it. All you have to do is believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. It is a free gift from God. Jesus is the gift!

Message 365: "Saved by Grace"

It is not enough for me to come to church or to make a profession of religion. That is not enough. I have to overcome, if I am going to receive eternal life. If I do not overcome, I will not receive eternal life—even if I go to church or make a profession of religion or preach or teach or do any of those things. This is a theme that is recorded over and over and over again in the book of Revelation, the necessity of overcoming. To overcome means to conquer... it means to be like Jesus!

Message 366: "How to be an Overcomer"

To say that the second coming of Christ to gather His saints will be secret, in view of clear texts of Scripture, and in the absence of any text that even hints at His coming being secret, is to deny the Bible as the Word of God. 

AT-2: The False Rapture pt2 "It's NO Secret"

The war we are engaged in, the great controversy that rages between the forces of good and evil, has at it’s core the very subject we are about to discuss. This war started over the understanding or misunderstanding of this subject, which is vital in knowing truth from error. Everything in this struggle comes down to the truth concerning the character of God and the greatest revealing of it is found in the fourth commandment!

AT-5: "God's Anniversary Day"

We need to be cognizant of the fact that there’s another realm, another dimension that we cannot see with our physical sight, and yet it’s just as real as the world we’re living in right now with the things we see all around us. The apostle Paul spoke of these things in 2 Corinthians 4:18 when he said, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”


Message 382: "Visitors Among Us"

Adam and Eve were created with a perfect mind that was in complete control of the passions of the heart—the higher brain was in control. Because the higher brain was in control, and they were wearing a robe of righteousness provided by God Himself, they would hit the mark every time in every choice they made. But something changed. 

Message 388: "It Starts in Your Head"

So what are the Biblical checks and balances in God's word that are to protect the church from the ravages of sin and apostasy, and promote the welfare of its members and the corpus itself? That is the topic of this study. How do we deal with the sin issue in the corpus--the body, the church? What are the principles and right motivation needed to rightly handle the Sin Issue in the church?

What About Sin in the Church?

Message 402-1: What About Sin in the Church? part 1

I learned a life lesson from my coaches when I was young and participated in sports and that is the fundamentals are what will get you through the tough spots. So I was drilled every day in practice with the fundamentals of the game and found by experience that my coaches were correct. God teaches the same thing in the Bible about fundamentals. If we understand the fundamental principles of God's word, they will get us through the tough spots in our life. And this is important for us to believe because this particular topic is a very hard one for many to hear and if applicable to their church, to accept. And sad to say, it is applicable to most all church organizations today.

What About a Church in Sin?

Message 403: What About a Church in Sin?

The Gospel Cycle is the replication process of making disciples for Christ. Please click here to download the accompanying bible study:
http://www.3asdchurch.org/Sabbath-School-Lesson--Student--TheGospelCycle.pdf

Bible Studies

The Gospel Cycle

The Gospel Cycle Bible Study

When we associate with sin we leave our heart open to hardening and not the softening we need in order to be like Jesus. As the old saying says, by beholding we become changed. In case you are unaware of this, no person is going to be in the kingdom of God who has hardness of heart. That is reality. If I am hard-hearted, something has to happen to my heart or I cannot go to heaven to be with Jesus. I want you to be in heaven and I want to be in heaven. Our heart must be in the right condition for this to happen. If we want to go to heaven, we must gain victory here, because there will be no hard-hearted people there.

The Hardness of Heart

Message 406: "The Hardness of Heart"

In order for us to be conquerors in the sin issue, and to endure to the end though we may have been segregated from family, from church and brethren, and from society, we must keep walking in the light from God. What does it mean to walk in the Light and how do we do it?

Keep Walking in the Light

Message 408: "Keep Walking in the Light"

As I have contemplated and studied the sin issue, for over thirty years now, I have come to the conclusion that the real reason that we as professing Christians stay where we are even when called by Jesus to separate from sin and apostasy is because we love our independence. And Satan feeds that love of independence because he is the originator of it and so we are fooled into thinking that we can be independent and still be in the family of God. So naturally then there would be no reason to leave a fallen church because you can be independent of their sin and not worry about receiving any consequences. This is a lie!

The Sin of Independence

Message 407: "The Sin of Independence"

Joel Laswell was born in Indiana to blue collar parents, who ingrained in him an exhaustive work ethic and the Golden Rule. He attended Purdue University in the School of Engineering Technology and spent over forty years in Commercial and Residential maintenance trades. He was called into the Gospel Ministry in 1998 and currently ministers in Indiana. An accomplished author of several books, he is also the Speaker/Director of Eternal Truth Ministries, the host of The Bible Only Television program and Eternal Truth Radio, and Bible Glances LIVE Podcast. He enjoys walking in nature with his wife Debbie, gardening, camping, woodworking, building and spending time with his friends but especially his children and grandchildren!

Pastor Joel Laswell

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