Newsletter 68, December, 2002

The Jesuits: Opposers of the Sabbath

Among the most brilliant and dedicated men in history, the Jesuits, the Catholic order of the Society of Jesus, have long been controversial. Jesuits have had political and religious power far in excess of their numbers. Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556), founder of the Jesuit Order, promoted the Catholic faith by militant means, and revived the infamous Inquisition. To this day, Jesuits render robot-like obedience to the Church of Rome.

The emblem or symbol of the Jesuits, Emperor Constantine’s cross above the letters IHS (Latin, “In Hoc Signo vinces,” which means, “with this sign, conquer”), is set on the background of the sun that Constantine worshipped.

Banned several times from many European and other countries around the world, the Jesuits nevertheless continue to be influential and controversial. Jesuits are the most methodical and implacable enemies of the Sabbath and Sabbath-keepers. They practice “the end justifies the means.” We should “know thine enemy.”

James A. Wylie’s twenty-four book series, History of Protestantism, devotes one whole book to the Jesuits. Giving & Sharing has reprinted Wylie’s “The Jesuits,” available for a suggested donation of $4.00 from Giving & Sharing, PO Box 100, Neck City, MO 64849. Wylie’s entire book is on our website at www.giveshare.org/ churchhistory/protestantismwylie.

Wylie (1808-1890) also authored, History of the Waldensians (available from G&S for $7.50), The Papacy: Its History, Dogmas, Genius, and Prospects (on our website), and Protestantism, the Sacred Cause of God’s Light and Truth Against the Devil’s Falsity and Darkness. He wrote:

“The men who handed in this protest did not wish to create a mere void. If they disowned the creed and threw off the yoke of Rome, it was that they might plant a purer faith and restore the government of a higher Law. They replaced the authority of the Infallibility [of the Pope] with the authority of the Word of God. The long and dismal obscuration of centuries they dispelled, that the twin stars of liberty and knowledge might shine forth, and that, conscience being unbound, the intellect might awake from its deep somnolency [sleep], and human society, renewing its youth, might, after its halt of a thousand years, resume its march towards its high goal,” from The History of Protestantism, by James A. Wylie.

An excellent study of the Jesuits is the VHS NTSC video, “History of the Jesuits,” by James Arrabito, available from Giving & Sharing for $5 for a 14-day loan, or $23 postpaid to keep.

No discussion of the Jesuits would be complete without mentioning Alberto Rivera (1935-1997), who claims he left the Jesuits in 1967, after years of infiltrating and working to destroy numerous Protestant Churches. Rivera then began a movement exposing the evils of the Jesuit order (www.albertoaic.com). Although discredited and debunked by Catholics, Rivera’s personal story of Jesuit espionage and intrigue is believable. In the end, God through His Son will decide who is on His side, and who is not.

Goals of Giving & Sharing

Giving & Sharing was founded in 1978 by Richard C. Nickels. Our mission statement is:

(1) to distribute Bibles, religious books and articles at the lowest possible cost,

(2) to promote observance of essential Biblical doctrines: Good News of the Messianic Kingdom, Biblical Law, Bible Sabbath, Bible Holy Days, Tithing, Healing, Laws of Health, Marriage and Family,

(3) to oppose eating Unclean Meats, Holidays of Pagan Origins, Divorce, and Sexual Perversions.

(4) to provide a community of fellowship for like-minded brethren who wish to serve one another and extend the blessings of the Kingdom of God to others.

Seventh-day Adventist Books

Those who have studied Seventh-day Adventist history know that the original writings of SDA pioneers, especially Ellen G. White, have been doctored (sanitized) in later editions.

Elder W.H. Olson of Florida, a retired pastor from the Church of God, Seventh Day, and a former Adventist, has lots of original SDA books and has decided to sell his library via mail. For a list, send SASE to: W.H. Olson, 2000 Leisure Drive, Winter Haven, FL 33881.

Kenya Church Progressing

With help from G&S donors, the Church building in Kenya is progressing. The modest structure is up with a roof, but there is need for more funds to finish the walls and floor. Our representative in Kenya, Andrew Koech,has been a Church of God, Seventh Day, Elder since 1996. He has spread the gospel in many regions of Kenya and Tanzania. Donations for the “Kenya Church Building Project” are gratefully accepted.

God’s Promise

Although things are not perfect

Because of trial or pain

Continue in thanksgiving

Do not begin to blame

Even when the times are hard

Fierce winds are bound to blow

God is forever able

Hold on to what you know

Imagine life without His love

Joy would cease to be

Keep thanking Him for all the things

Love imparts to thee

Move out of “Camp Complaining”

No weapon that is known

On earth can yield the power

Praise can do alone

Quit looking at the future

Redeem the time at hand

Start every day with worship

To “thank” is a command

Until we see Him coming

Victorious in the sky

We’ll run the race with gratitude

Xalting God most high

Yes, there’ll be good times and yes some will be bad, but . . .

Zion waits in glory . . . where none are ever sad!

“I AM TOO blessed to be stressed!” The shortest distance between a problem and a solution, is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything. God loves you . . . pass the word on to more friends and ask them to continue telling others that God loves them too. Just think of how many people that could be reached out to and blessed with these words. — from the Internet

Regime Change Coming

The President of the United States wants to overthrow Iraq’s Sadaam Hussein, in a “regime change.” Did you know there is a coming “regime change” at the return of the Messiah to rule the earth? The resurrected saints will sing a new song of praise to Yahweh, the Eternal. When the meek inherit salvation on the earth (Matthew 5:5), the saints will be joyful and sing, Psalm 149:4-5. They will have high praises of God in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, verse 6. What will they do: “To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all His saints. Praise ye the Lord,” verses 7-9.

When is Wave Sheaf Day?

Question: “I am a little confused with your latest Newsletter. When is it you observe the Wave Sheaf Day?” — D.W., Ohio

Answer: Per Jesus’ fulfillment of this day in John 20:17, I believe that the Wave Sheaf Day is always the morrow after the Sabbath during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This was the understanding of the Sadduccees. When Passover falls on a weekly Sabbath, the FUB begins on Sunday, and the following Sunday is Wave Sheaf Day.

The Karaites believe that when Passover falls on the weekly Sabbath, that Wave Sheaf Day is the next day, Nisan 15. In 1974, the Worldwide Church of God accepted the Karaite teaching on the Wave Sheaf Day. There are many problems with this teaching, which we have printed in previous articles in the G&S Newsletter.

Passover falls on the weekly Sabbath only about 10% of the time. Before the next Passover Sabbath, in 2005, and again in 2008, those who are undecided on this issue should make a thorough study of Biblical evidence.

The Christian’s Pledge

I pledge allegiance to my God,

who had such love for me,

He gave His only begotten Son,

to face cruel Calvary.

And to the Church,

for which He stands,

One Church, indivisible,

with its strong bands,

Of love and kindness,

to sinners enthrall

With Calvary’s purchased Liberty,

and Justice for ALL!

And to this great nation,

that I’m privileged to be,

Blessed as a Citizen,

in this land of the Free!

Lord, you made this land so,

As a haven for ALL,

With Freedom to Worship, Lord,

don’t let us fall!

We’ve sunk way down

in the mire of sin

Till — the Courts of this land

won’t let you in.

LORD, this once Great Land

is on a downward slope

Without you back on the Throne,

There is No Hope!

Lord, Send us a revival,

extend it from shore to shore!

War clouds are gathering,

we need you more and more,

In classroom and workplace, from

which you’ve been banned!

In the Strength of God Almighty,

may we once again stand!

— Lloyd D. Walker, from Missouri Watchman, PO Box 156, Fairview, MO 64842 W

The Bible Home Instructor — Group Bible Study Aide

It has brought thousands of people into the Church of God. It is a working history of Church of God doctrines. Originally published in 1920, The Bible Home Instructor groups together Bible testimony on numerous subjects. Each of the scores of Bible topics is a capsule of one doctrinal truth. The “question and answer” format encourages the reader to look up the answer in his own Bible. Usually, verses are quoted without comment, so as to let the Bible answer the questions.

The Bible Home Instructor, was written by Andrew N. Dugger (1886-1975), the most famous Church of God, Seventh Day, leader of the twentieth century. The book gives an effective guideline for family and group Bible study. If you don’t know how to conduct a group Bible study, use this book as an example. Have each person read a question, and the answer from the Bible. Encourage comments and discussion. You will learn from God’s Word, and from each other.

This 182-page book is available for a suggested donation of $9.00 postpaid. Ask about quantity discounts. — written by Richard C. Nickels