In the book Great Controversy we read:
“Before the final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children.”-- p. 464 (You can read about this in Revelation 18:1)
When will the final visitation of God’s judgments come? Revelation 13, 14, 18 tells us it is when freedom of conscience is restricted by oppressive laws that forbid buying or selling unless one receives the “mark of the beast”.
What is “primitive godliness” spoken of in that paragraph above? In the book Desire of Ages we read about how God’s true people will survive during the time of not being able to buy or sell: “When we learn the power of His word, we shall not follow the suggestions of Satan in order to obtain food or to save our lives. Our only questions will be, What is God's command? and what is His promise? Knowing these, we shall obey the one, and trust the other.” --p. 121
Faith and trust are not identical but they are closely related: “faith includes not only belief but trust.”--Selected Messages book 1 p. 389
With the tremendous pressure God’s people will feel when it appears they will starve unless they accept the “mark of the beast” it is not surprising that the messenger of the Lord says,
“The knowledge of what the Scripture means when urging upon us the necessity of cultivating faith, is more essential than any other knowledge that can be acquired.” --RH, October 18, 1898
In my recent study of faith, I found three very rewarding quotes that are helping me cultivate faith. I hope they will inspire you:
“Faith is trusting God--believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good.”--Education p. 253
“Faith is not a happy flight of feeling; it is simply taking God at His word--believing that He will fulfill His promises because He said He would.--Our High Calling p. 119
“Where there is not only a belief in God's word, but a submission of the will to Him; where the heart is yielded to Him, the affections fixed upon Him, there is faith--faith that works by love and purifies the soul.”--Steps to Christ p. 63
If you are struggling in your faith, remember in the Bible faith and prayer are found very closely related: people “ought always to pray and not lose heart.”-Luke 18:1 and “with the heart one believes”--Romans 10:10. Faith is fed by the Word of God: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”--Romans 10:17. Maybe the best place to begin is regular prayer and Bible study. Why not make a renewed commitment to daily prayer and Bible study? If we commit to what true prayer and Bible study involve, I believe the “primitive godliness” spoken of will come! - Pastor Mike
