Great Controversy COG pt 3a. Ounce of prevention 2023-07-23

A series of unpleasantly timed events occurred just before and after presenting last Sabbath’s message, prompting expansion on the topic this Sabbath; as some on the line, were unfamiliar with, or have not yet encountered a movement and teaching developing among us. Unpleasant as the events were for me (I'll leave names out), Romans 8:28 is tied to them, as in more ways than one, it opens a teachable moment.

Benjamin Franklin coined a phrase: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This idiom teaches a truth, that it is better and easier to stop a problem or disease from happening (Gangrene for instance), than it is to stop or correct it, once it sets in. Amputation of members or Death will be the result, if one hesitates or ignores it. Prevention is far better.

Mark Twain said: “It's Easier to Fool People Than It Is to Convince Them That They Have Been Fooled.” All this part of the Great Controversy, in that The Great Teacher said: Matthew 24:24,25 “… there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets,.. that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.” This may have seemed clear and obvious enough, last Sabbath, yet people I've know to be well studied, have incrementally succumbed to some of it subtleties. Once people go deep into, and repetitively imbibe certain teachings, it is very rare, that they come out from under its influence. So we will deal with an issue preemptively, in "The Great Controversy (Pt 3 a.) The Character of God, or Mischaracterization (An Ounce of Prevention). We hope you can join us.
Happy Sabbath - Shabbat Shalom - Maranatha.