A Message That Causing Sifting

If I decide to obtain higher education in Germany, simply choosing an educational institution and enrolling will not be enough. There are specific rules governing the admission process.

I have two secondary professional education certificates, but this is insufficient for admission to any university. I would need to additionally complete a couple of classes in a gymnasium or technical school before my documents would be considered.

If I decide to become a pastor or preacher in this country, despite my years of church membership, I would not be appointed to this ministry or entrusted with a pulpit. This right is granted only to those who have graduated from a German seminary, having studied or retrained there for at least two years.

I understand that such measures are necessary to maintain the purity of church teaching. And overstepping these rules is quite difficult. However, education does not guarantee the dedication of a minister. And if someone sees this only as a good job, I feel sorry for them.

The Lord sent a special message to His end-time church, which can be found in Revelation 3:14-22. The message to Laodicea is quite consistent, and it cannot be accepted from the middle or the end. Each subsequent verse flows from the previous one. I cannot receive the blessing of verse 21 if I have not received the blessing of verse 18. No one will come to my door and knock or call if I have skipped all the previous counsels and reproofs.

In the message to Laodicea, a detailed plan for the overcomer is outlined. My friends and I have been studying this message thoroughly for over 7 years, and we understand that its depth has not yet been fully revealed to us. We realized that this epistle consistently describes a program for preparing a special group of people who, by all their character qualities, are suitable for the mysterious number 144,000.

In the lessons of the Agape Love School, the meaning of all the symbols in this message has been sufficiently revealed to us, yet this is still not enough to be an overcomer. Fire awaits us ahead, through which we still have to pass. We are partially already experiencing various trials that prepare us for the main exam. And such a time will come someday.

My heart burns with a desire to share the importance of the meaning of this message, and I have to constantly repeat the same things to many people to somehow interest them in the work of preparation.

Previously, I waited for the Latter Rain to be poured out, which would miraculously prepare me for sealing. And the only thing I wanted was to receive baptism with the Holy Spirit. This is a very important event, but God has a preparation plan for it that I cannot bypass or jump over.

If a groom offers his bride an engagement and time together before the wedding to get to know each other better, but the bride simply ignores him, deciding to meet only at the wedding itself, what should the groom do? Most likely, he would lose interest in the one who shows no interest in him.

If I do not understand the importance of the overcomer's plan, the Lord will do everything possible to present and explain it to me. But if I am not interested in what He advises me to do and accept, it reminds me very much of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

Studying the message to Laodicea, one involuntarily comes to the conclusion that this message must cause sifting among God's people. I do not want to engage in dividing the church into the chosen and the lost. But the Bible teaches that this will happen regardless of me. God and His Spirit cannot be neglected forever.

Looking at what is happening in the world, I understand that God is also doing something and expecting something from His people, offering us a way out of our lukewarm state. Many biblical truths are good in themselves, but now it is important to understand the truth for the present time, about what I need to do now. I want to understand the difference between the wise and foolish virgins from the parable in Matthew 25:1-12.

I am interested in everything that will help me better understand God's plan for me at this time because I do not want to lose salvation through my ignorance. And the Lord reveals to those who seek and pray everything they need to know.

In the book "Early Writings" by Ellen White, there is a chapter called "Sifting" that I strongly recommend everyone to read. 170 years ago, the Lord predicted through this messenger what we should pay attention to and what will cause sifting. I will quote from this chapter:

"I asked about the meaning of the sifting I saw, and it was shown to me that this action would be caused by a reliable testimony, inspired by the counsel given to the Laodicean church by the Faithful and True Witness. It will touch the hearts of those who accept it and encourage them to raise the banner of truth high and proclaim it firmly. Not everyone will proclaim this reliable testimony. Some will rise against it, and this will be the cause of sifting among God's people.

I saw that the testimony of the true Witness is not given even half the significance it deserves. The sacred testimony, on which the fate of the Church depends, is not appreciated as it should be, and sometimes it is even completely ignored. This testimony should cause deep repentance; all who truly accept it will submit to it and be purified." – {EW 270.3}

Previously, I read this book many times and did not see what I have shared here. But, studying the message to Laodicea, I came to the same conclusion independently, and then read about it.

And I have questions for you, friend: "Do you understand the importance of the Message to Laodicea for you? Do you believe that this message is addressed to you? Do you have a desire to study, understand, and accept everything that the Faithful and True Witness offers?" Answer this to yourself and follow your answer.

Even now, reading this message briefly, although I understand the meaning of what is written, it is still covered with a mystery that I am trying to comprehend. And this is after seven years of study and reflection! What will those who open it for the first time understand? But there is good news: Seek and you will find, ask and it will be given to you. God is more interested in our salvation and is the first to seek out each one. He will not leave anyone who chooses Him and tries with all their might to understand what is covered in mystery.

The message to Laodicea contains a message about accepting God's agape love as gold refined by fire. And keeping the commandment of love for one another is also God's plan for the end times. We have such simple words from the Heavenly Merchant, yet they are full of such deep meaning!

Agape love is not some product being pushed on me, but an Eternal blessing, a happy spirit, joy at all times, friendliness, and constant delight from God's presence in my heart. It is many friends whom you love. It is happiness from morning to evening. It is endless gratitude to God that He is now yours forever and for what He gives you eternally.

Reflection Questions for this Chapter

1. Please read Eph. 5:15-18; Rev. 3:14-22; Matt. 25:1-12; Luke 11:9-10; Dan. 12:10; Isa. 60:1-3; Rom. 12:1-3; Phil. 1:6; Amos 3:7 in light of this chapter.

2. What did you understand from this chapter?

3. Do you understand the importance of the message to Laodicea, and what is it about?

4. If God offers me personal relationships, is it worth accepting and understanding what is expected of me and how to develop it?

5. Do you have friends with whom you could start studying the message to Laodicea?

6. What do you think will happen to those who never pay attention to the message of the Faithful Witness?

7. If the message to Laodicea is unclear to me, is it worth studying? If yes, then for what purpose?

8. What overcomers are discussed in this message? What or whom should they overcome?

9. What does Jesus offer us in this message?

10. Why does the Lord sell, rather than give away, His goods?