Through the years many have wondered how Revelation 13:16,17 would be fulfilled.
Digital Dollars
With the technology which we have today it could happen with the implementation of Central Bank Digital Currency; CBDC. Nothing is missing except the approval by whoever is in charge. Already many today carry no cash.
Revelation 7 gives us a picture of why God waits,
“And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. God is waiting for a heartfelt response.”
My question to us is why are we still here? Because the latter rain power of the Holy Spirit must take place. The World needs to see a correct picture of a loving God who can be trusted.
Will God pour out His Spirit upon a divided church? The question many in the church have is, will the next GC Session end with the church still divided over WO and other issues? What will it take to unite us?
The following quote gives us a little insight,
"The history of this departure from right principles stands as a solemn warning to men in positions of trust in the cause of God, that they may not fail in integrity, but firmly adhere to principle. The greater the responsibilities placed upon the human agent, and the larger his opportunities to dictate and control, the more harm he is sure to do if he does not carefully follow the way of the Lord and labor in harmony with the decisions arrived at by the general body of believers in united council" ( AA 199.1).
General Conference in Session Highest Authority
"1 have often been instructed by the Lord that no man's judgment should be surrendered to the judgment of any other one man. Never should the mind of one man or the minds of a few men be regarded as sufficient in wisdom and power to control the work, and to say what plans should be followed. But when, in a General Conference, the judgment of the brethren assembled from all parts of the field, is exercised, private independence and private Judgment must not be stubbornly maintained, but surrendered. Never should a laborer regard as a virtue the persistent maintenance of his position of independence, contrary to the decision of the general body ... 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."-Testimonies for the Church 9:260, 261. ( ChL 1.8)
United we stand, divided we dishonor God and fail. There are decisions made in the past which remain in effect which were not voted at a GC session.
If the voice of the General Conference in session is regarded as the voice of God is it safe to set it aside and each person or group decide to do what they think is right? Will we pray that God will guide His church at the 2025 Session so that we do not give Satan another opportunity to accuse and divide God's Remnant Church?
Maybe the real question is..
Can self be surrendered? (James 4:10). No, make that ‘Will self be surrendered?’
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Darrel is a retired pastor, living in southern Ohio.
