Knockout blow has moved!

Greetings Brethren:

We have moved from wordpress.com to a new self-hosted site, whyperish.org.  All of the original content has been preserved. With the new site we will be adding video studies and other enhancements as the need arises.  Please make a note in your bookmarks and come on over and check us out.  Better yet, once you arrive please sign up so that you can be notified via your email of any new posts and comments. Stay abreast of the most advanced and straight preaching Rod studies found anywhere on the internet.

Yours in that blessed hope–The Publishers

The Feminine Holy Spirit: Bible Doctrine or Gnostic Heresy?

The video presentation below will expose the heretical Gnostic, feminist doctrine of Lois Rodin of Branch Davidian fame claiming that the third person of the Godhead is feminine. By comparing scripture with scripture the foundation of the arguments presented using word studies in the Hebrew and Greek will be shown to be superficial, unsound, and contradictory to the teaching of the Holy Bible. Although this teaching of a feminine Holy Spirit goes far beyond the confines of Branch Davidianism and shares a common heritage with ancient Gnostic teachings, Catholic mysticism, New Age Feminist theology, and Mormon doctrine among others, it is directed primarily to Seventh-day Adventists, Davidian Seventh-day Adventists, in particular. This study will make clear that true Davidians who follow the teachings of the Shepherd’s Rod message published by the late Victor T. Houteff from 1930 to 1954 follow solely what the King James Bible teaches and consider the Branch teaching of Lois Rodin on this subject to be heretical and grossly deviant from scripture.

For a PDF copy of this study please click the following link: Feminine Holy Spirit: Bible Doctrine or Gnostic Heresy?

Presentations of the New Codes: Teach Only That Which is Published

Greetings Brethren:

Below are the first two parts of a presentation which examines whether we as present truth believers should accept the New Codes (Vol. 10, No. 7 to Vol. 13, Nos. 11, 12) as part of the inspired Shepherd’s Rod message as this is an issue of considerable controversy in our midst.  Let us all pray and search for Truth on this matter and teach only that which is published in the official publications of the Shepherd’s Rod message that came from our beloved Brother V. T. Houteff.  God bless–The Publishers

 

Part Three: Why Has God had to Move His Storehouse in the Past?

“I have been instructed to publish the early experiences of the cause of present truth, showing why we stand, as we do, a people separate and distinct from the world…. While Satan is stirring up many to depart from the faith, I am bidden to republish the experiences of the past and give the message of warning God sends, showing the dangers of the present time, and what will be in the future.—Manuscript 13, 1908.” — Publishing Ministry, p. 31.1

In part three of this series we are going to examine some reasons why God has moved His storehouse in times past by illustration with four specific cases in the New Testament era. In a subsequent video presentation we will follow the progression of storehouses through the Old Testament from Genesis to Malachi. In this way we can have a basis to determine if the storehouse has indeed moved again in recent years. By reviewing our history we can gain an understanding how God has led His people in the past and thus gather invaluable insight how God is leading His people today.

From the Jewish Church to the Apostolic Church

The Jewish church, in which reposed the truth up to the time of Christ, was ever to be “the storehouse,” and the priests were ever to be its stewards. But when they rejected Christ, they forced God to transfer His “storehouse” to the little handful who did accept the added message for that day. The unbelieving thereby unwittingly forfeited their stewardship. Their followers who paid tithes to them from then on were diverting the Lord’s money from His treasury to His enemies, to persecute His people. But those who were God’s true people, followed “the Lamb whithersoever” He went, and “as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostle’s feet.” Acts 4:34, 35.—Tract No. 4, p. 64

From the Fallen Roman Church to the Reformers

“Later, God again transferred his storehouse, entrusting its goods to the reformers who were stirred by the spirit of the down-trodden truth. Accordingly, His new and faithful stewards were appointed to care for the “candlestick,” church, from then on.”—Tract No. 4, p. 64

From the General Conference of S. D. A.’s to The Universal Publishing Association

“The instructions in The Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 1, p. 251, “Pay your honest tithe and offering to your church, and feel that ‘IT IS’ your Father’s house,” came near the close of 1930, before the leading brethren, as a denomination, had rejected the sealing message. Clearly, then, The Shepherd’s Rod has faithfully discharged its duty in refusing to accept any tithes or offerings until after the books were scattered throughout the denomination, and after the brethren began bitterly to oppose the message. Now, though, since the opposition is no longer passive, but intensely active, and the proclamation of the message supremely urgent, the only course open is apparent. It will take an army of workers, including the tithes and offerings, to reach the people.

Consequently, as our leading brethren have inadvertently shown them-selves unworthy stewards of God’s “storehouse” for the time of the “Loud Cry of the Third Angel’s Message,” He has transferred the “candlestick” and is also calling for the tithes and offerings to be transferred into “His storehouse” of Present Truth.”—Tract No. 4, pp. 66, 67

From New Mt. Carmel Center, Elk, Texas to Arlington, California

The transition of God’s storehouse after the death of Brother Houteff is not as well known among present truth believers, since little has been published over the years and many rival factions have arisen each having their own story. Yet the key circumstances behind this movement are vital to understand. Fortunately, by the grace and mercy of God a persistent research effort over the past several years has unearthed a number of significant documents such as Symbolic Codes, Session reports, letters to the field, printed tracts. etc. that now allow us to put the pieces of the puzzle together and indeed marvel that God has maintained His storehouse through the “knock out blow” era. A brief summary will be given below on the first step in this movement with more details forthcoming in future presentations.

Brother Houteff died on Saturday evening February 5, 1955. The next day at 8:00 a.m. the remaining members of the Executive Counsel meet at the request of Florence Houteff, the residing Secretary on the Counsel. She laid out four requests that were eventually agreed upon by the end of the day which essentially effected her usurpation of the organization by removing the office of president and positioning herself into the permanent position of “vice-president” (see link below). The vacancy in the secretary’s office was filled by her brother, Oliver. From this point forward the work and mission of the Association would be led over the next few years into complete disarray and resulted in the liquidation of the remaining assets into the hands of a Texas lawyer by 1962. Her false prediction of a 42 month prophecy that would end on April 22, 1959 published in the Symbolic Code (Vol. 11, Nos. 1, 5) was a miserable failure that has cast a shadow of reproach over the Rod message that still haunts us to this day. This tragic episode became to be understood by faithful Davidians as the “knockout blow” that was predicted by Brother Houteff (WHR 33). As we are often reminded of this sad chapter in the history of the message the question must naturally arise, what happened to God’s storehouse during this drastic falling away?

Florence Houteff Executive Counsel Meeting Minutes, 1955 – 1959

Remarkably, God did preserve the Truth in a manner that is not well understood by all and is never discussed in the scholarly publications of the world that are focused primarily on the counterfeit Branch Davidian movement. Prior to the anticipated day for the fulfillment of Ezekiel 9 and subsequent events on the fateful day in April 1959 as nearly 1,000 Davidians gathered from various parts of the world to New Mt. Carmel Center in eager expectation, the voice of a few faithful brethren called into question the predictions of Florence Houteff and her apostate counsel that were being broadcast before the leading men in the conference. Their challenge was largely ignored and muzzled by Florence and her counsel, yet the record remained. A protest letter was sent into the General Conference Executive Committee on April 9, 1959 warning about the problems and how these predictions did not harmonize with full tenure of the Rod. After the date came and went, many Davidians left the message in a state of confusion and disappointment, yet a faithful few lead by two ministers called forth for a reorganization starting in 1960. By 1961 the Symbolic Code was reestablished and a Special Session was called and held in southern California in September of that year. A new Executive was chosen and the primary mission of bringing the Rod message to the church was reinstated with an special emphasis to republish the original “100% Rod only” message, most specifically the original Rod tract literature without addition or subtraction. Thus, by God’s miraculous providence, the storehouse of present truth was preserved through this dark era. How the storehouse progressed from this point forward during the 1960’s up to the present time is another most fascinating saga that will be addressed in future posts.  A remarkable publication entitled “Calling 144,000 Nathaniels: Under New Management” (download link below) contains the letters and documents showing how Florence Houteff and her apostasy was publicly opposed and made known to both the church leadership and the world.

Calling 144,000 Nathaniels: Under New Management

Revisiting the “Living Spirit of Prophecy”

A showdown at antitypical Mt. Carmel is underway between the prophet of God and the prophets of Baal. It is taking place all around the world via the internet in Facebook discussion groups, chat rooms, blog posts, Skype calls, video chats, emails, text messages, tweets, publications, seminars, Bible studies in every possible avenue of communication. A primary battle front stems from our accepting what the Rod teaches regarding “the living spirit of prophecy” (LSOP) or taking what the voice of some man claims the Rod is teaching. This long standing controversy in Davidia is reaching a fevered pitch as false prophets and false teachers are raising their voices to increasing levels as they seek a following and reveal their covetousness of the prophetic office. They and their loyalist minions insist the LSOP must be manifest in the flesh today, i. e., we need to be following a living prophet today or await for someone to arise on the scene in the very near future. However, all wise and true hearted believers who believe and study the original Rod message for themselves will not accept such counterfeit private interpretations but will insist that the LSOP is found in the inspired writings (publications) of God’s two latter day prophets, Ellen G. White and Victor T. Houteff, alone without addition nor subtraction. As the Shepherd’s Rod speaks all can see from the statements below that the LSOP is found in the inspired publications (writings) of the Spirit of Prophecy and the Shepherd’s Rod better known as the “golden bowl”. All other publications or presentations done at the expense of the Rod are rank impostors and counterfeits of the Truth.

“Abundant light has been given to our people in these last days. Whether or not my life is spared, my writings will constantly speak, and their work will go forward as long as time shall last. My writings are kept on file in the office, and even though I should not live, these words that have been given to me by the Lord will still have life and will speak to the people. But my strength is yet spared, and I hope to continue to do smuch useful work. I may live until the coming of the Lord; but if I should not, I trust it may be said of me, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them” (Rev. 14:13)”—Selected Messages, Vol. 1, 55.5

“Never have testimonies been more clearly brought before the people than those that have recently been traced by my pen. God bids me urge upon the attention of our people the importance of their study. Let this work begin now. Then, whether I am permitted to labor or am laid away to rest until Jesus comes, these messages are immortalized.”—Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 56.3

“The two golden pipes (God’s inspired interpreters) store the golden oil in the golden bowl (Spirit of Prophesy publications).” —Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, No. 14, p. 22

“There is but one thing that consists of three such parts (two sheep and a young cow) that is capable of keeping the world alive, and that is the Bible — unfolded by the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit that leads into all Truth.  The two sheep, not being young, and two of a kind, must be symbolical of the Bible Itself, both Old and New Testaments.  The cow being young and larger in size, is obviously symbolical of something of later origin, and more voluminous than the Bible itself.  Hence it is none other than the published works of the everliving Spirit of Prophecy — the inspired interpretation of the Scriptures.”—Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 20, p. 24

“Clearly, then, the bowl in which the golden oil is stored, symbolizes the storehouse of Present Truth—the Word interpreted. The only “storehouse” that contains inspired comments on both Testaments is the books of the Spirit of Prophecy.”—Tract No. 6, p. 23

“Since it now is clear as sunlight thatthe ever-unfolding, Inspired interpretation of the Scriptures is the ever-living Spirit of Prophecy, the eyes of the church at work (1 Sam. 9:9), then to be without these spiritual eyes is to try to walk, as it were, in dense darkness.”—Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 45, p. 8

“Again, it is written in Proverbs 29:18 (margin), “Where there is no vision, the people is made naked.”
     “Here in more extensive relief is the picture of a people who have indeed lost their “vision” (the supernatural guidance afforded by the living voice of the prophetic gift resident among them), but who realize it not. More amazing still, they have evidently introduced their own inventions (idols) as substitutes for the things of God. This they have done so gradually that they are quite as unaware of it as they are that many have not availed themselves of the volumes of the Spirit of Prophecy—their very “eye-sight.” And where others have had these volumes of vision lying all around them, they have let them go either unread or unheeded and therefore “unappreciated.”—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 217.”—Answerer Book, No. 1, p. 71.3

“…will find blessing in reviewing the teachings of Scripture concerning the 144,000 and bringing to bear upon these teachingswhatever of light there may be in the published writings of the Spirit of Prophecy…”.—Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 1, p. 14:1

The remedy for the confusion over understanding what is meant by the LSOP can be found by studying the original Rod message for yourself with prayer and supplication to God asking for the Holy Spirit to guide, lead, and direct you unto all Truth. The following two Rod publications deal with prophecy of Zechariah chapter four which explains how we get Truth from the Bible into the church today.  A careful study of this subject, not letting a single word escape your attention, will unmask all counterfeits and let the light of Truth shine into your hearts as a day star. Ask yourself the question, why is there only two pipes bringing the golden oil from the two olive trees into the golden bowl (Spirit of Prophecy) and not just one, or three, or four, etc.?

Tract No. 6, “Why Perish?”

Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, No. 14: “Isms, and the Remedy”

Some Criteria for God’s Storehouse

A tithe barn in Coxwell, England

Part Two: What are Some Criteria of God’s Storehouse?
(for Part One in this series, please click this link.)

 In part two of this series we aim to determine what God’s storehouse should be doing so that we can recognize it from a myriad of counterfeits that have arisen since Brother Houteff’s death in 1955. To accomplish this goal we will examine several criteria coming from the Bible, Spirit of Prophecy and the Shepherds’s Rod that will aid us in our search. May God richly bless you as you strive to sink the shaft deep into the mine of Truth and avoid the devil’s every ready trap of deception.

Key Text:

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”—1 John 4:1

Summary of Criteria:

1.  Teach and publish only true doctrines from the Shepherd’s Rod not adding or subtracting one jot or tittle from the message.

GCS 8 — Only the message and teaching of Elijah has any authority.
2 TG 34:28-9 — Don’t waste your time between the Rod literature and some other.
2 SR 288-9 — “Get your doctrine, Brother, Sister, only from the golden bowl.”
10 Tr 46— Avoid Uninspired writings
2 TG 46:47 — Stay within the hedge of inspired revelation
3 SC 5, 6:14 — Teach only that which has been revealed
2 TG 46:43-4 — Watch for additions or subtractions from inspiration
1 TG 21:12 — Don’t fall into the trap of being too lazy to study.
1 TG 47:14 — Davidian’s don’t appreciate study as they should.

2. Distribute free literature (original writings of VTH) for distribution to the field (Isa. 55:1-3, 9 JL 4:3, 2 SC 3:2, GCS 35, 1 TG 9:5).

3. Will establish publishing houses and training centers for Bible Workers at strategic locations around the world (7 T 140, 53).

4. Does not publish any literature or books on Shepherd’s Rod doctrine or teachings for personal gain (8 T 250, GW 227.2, 2 TG 30:17, 1 TG 5:21, 9 JL 4:3, 1 SR 243.2, 1 SC 7:4.2, 1 SC 14:3.5, 2 SC 1:7).

5. Issues the Certificate of Fellowship for qualified members (4 Ans. 63, 4 Ans. 36-7, 5 Ans. 82, 2 TG 34:24, 5 Ans. 82-5, 5 Ans. 92).

6. Institutes proper use of tithes and offerings (CSW 129.2, GW 226, 9 T 247-250, 1 SC 14:9, 4 Ans. 51:1, Lev. 10).

7. Support ministers and Bible workers in the worldwide field (see criteria no. 6 above and Lev. 10-11).

8. Support a benevolent fund for the poor and sick among us from the second tithe (1 SC 13:1-3, 4 Ans. 50-1, 2 SR 179-80, GW 331.2, GW 304.3, GW 335.2, 1 T 633, MB 136.4).

9. Have audited financial books for inspection by members during session (GW 226.4, Kress Coll.  120.3, 4).

10. Publish the Symbolic Code as the official voice to the believers in the field (Lev. 7.3, 1 SC 7:3.1, 4).

11. Regularly publish the Association’s current by-laws following each session (announced in the Symbolic Code, see criteria no. 10 above).

12. Host sessions for believers on a local level and a regular basis according to Lev. p. 7 and 9 T 260.2.

13. Support an organized school of prophets (Davidical-Levitical Institute, 2 SC 9:2.8, 2 SC 9:3.4-5, 2 SC 1:2-3)

14. Actively support and teach health reform (7 T 136-7, 6 T 112, 9 T 112, 161, CH 37-38, 301.1, 2 SC 3:16, 2 SC 5:11). For dangers involving spiritualistic health modalities such as iridology and reflexology that have entered into the message, please see the following link:

http://knockoutblow.wordpress.com/2010/07/25/why-seek-ye-the-god-of-ekron/

15. Will establish a provisional General Headquarters for the work to be governed according to every word written in the Leviticus including an Executive Council comprised of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three council members (Lev. 3-10)

16. Will not form any type of confederacy of any sort with the state in order to gain privileges or benefits and thereby forfeit all legal protections afforded by the First amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America.  Specifically this entails incorporation with the state so that IRS 501c3 status can be obtained (Isa. 8:9-12, 9T 233.3, 2 SM 371.1, CS 218-19, FE 476.1, Mil. Stand 4.1, 13 Tr 35). For a study on this topic, please follow the link:  http://knockoutblow.wordpress.com/2010/09/02/irs-501c3-state-incorporation-a-trap-for-davidians/

Summary:  By using the above criteria, and any others that can be found exclusively in the golden bowl, we can be assured of the reality of identifying God’s storehouse today by seeking for it with determined effort and divine guidance, despite the enemy’s determined efforts to bring in confusion through a number of counterfeit storehouses.

For those who may not have access to all of the SOP or SRod publications, a PDF document (about 45 pages) compiling all of the references in the sixteen criteria listed above is available, please click the link below to download.

Part 2: Some Criteria for God’s Storehouse

In that blessed hope,

The Publishers

For any questions, comments, or suggestions about this study, please feel free to contact us anytime.

hosea21@gmail.com
ph: 860 798-3672

Where is God’s Storehouse Today?

A 14th Century Tithe Barn/Storehouse in England

The topic of the location and purpose of God’s storehouse today is one of much confusion and debate among professed believers of the Shepherd’s Rod message. This situation is exacerbated by many rival factions within Davidia that have arisen since 1955 most of whom claim they are the only true storehouse.  How does one go about sorting through this maze of conflicting information coming from every direction? Well brethren, take hold and have faith that God does not leave His faithful forsaken and that an answer can be found by thoroughly searching what is published in the golden bowl.  To address this often hotly debated topic in a logical and systematic manner using only the Holy Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Shepherd’s Rod as our source material, the following questions will be addressed in a seven part series of posts over the next several weeks.

Questions to be Addressed:

1. What is the “storehouse”?
2. What should a “storehouse” be doing? or What are the criteria for a “storehouse”?
3. Where should the “storehouse” be located in a general sense?
4. What is some of the significant history of God’s storehouses from the past?
5. Why has God had to move the His storehouse in the past?
6. What has been the succession of true storehouses in the “knock out blow” period(1955 to the present)?
7. Should there be more than one storehouse today to supply the world field with the “meat in due season”?

God’s Storehouse: Is It Waco Today?

“Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”–Matthew 7:16

The controversy over the location of God’s storehouse of present truth today has reached a fevered pitch with many groups all claiming to be “the place”.  What clearer evidence that Davidia remains under the “knock out blow”?  Foremost in the titanic struggle is the belief by many that God’s storehouse today should be located back on the property that was originally established by Bro. Houteff from 1935 to 1955,–old Mt. Carmel Center, Waco, Texas.

What are the evidences that God did indeed instruct us to relocate back to Waco after the property was sold off from 1954 to 1957? Are they based on a firm “thus sayeth the Lord” and the plain facts of history, or could it be a mirage of half truths and misapplied references calculated by the enemy to bring in confusion and disunity into the ranks? Was this relocation lead of God or of man?  To be fair minded for those of us who were not directly involved in this event that took place in 1991, we should hear all the evidences for and against and ask, how do they harmonize with what is published in the Rod?

To address this most heated controversy in our midst in balanced manner, the attached study faces the issue based solely on the evidences drawn from inspiration and what the facts reveal without any reference to the personalities involved, or to various rumors and reports.  May God help us to be honest hearted and to study each for our own and take no man’s word for settling this most critical issue as our soul salvation depends on standing for the truth and being able to rightly identify God’s storehouse of present truth today and to shun all impostors and counterfeits.

“Our only concern should be to find out where is His “storehouse,” and then faithfully deposit His money there, and, if it is His “storehouse,” He will, without a doubt, take care of His own, but if He does not care for the storehouse which you think is His, then either your conception of His storehouse is incorrect, or else He has moved it to another place. “Seek and ye shall find.”–Symbolic Code, Vol. 2, No. 12, pg. 9, par. 6

The Location of God’s Storehouse Today: Is it Waco?

Who is the Antitypical King David?

An ever-present controversy within the Shepherd’s Rod movement concerns the identity of the antitypical King David that is to rule over the kingdom when it is established in the Promised Land in the latter days.  Some question and cavil as to whether this is a salvation topic.  Careful examination of this topic from several perspectives will reveal that this is a vital issue that can not be dismissed any more than can other topics such as the location of the storehouse, proper tithing, “those with” the 144,000, etc.  For those who are frustrated over the continued agitation over this issue, take heart of the following inspired statement.  Take courage and examine for yourselves so that you can make a firm stand on the side of truth and “be ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you.” Please click the link below to download a PDF which goes through this most interesting study in thorough detail using only the Holy Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy and the Shepherd’s Rod for support.

 “God means that testing truth shall be brought to the front and become a subject of examination and discussion, even if it is through the contempt placed upon it. The minds of the people must be agitated. Every controversy, every reproach, every slander, will be God’s means of provoking inquiry and awakening minds that otherwise would slumber.”–  Testimonies,Vol. 5, p. 453.1

Who Is the Antitypical King David?

Going Eastward: A Study from Ezekiel 47

In the period of the “knockout blow” (1959 to present) perhaps one of the most divisive and controversial doctrines in Davidian circles involves the full understanding of the prophecy given in the 47th chapter of the book of Ezekiel. Strangely there are many who try to divert minds from a full investigation into this topic by stating things like, “Bro. Houteff hid this chart behind his desk and never published it with the other large charts so we do not need to study it today” or “it is not important for Davidians to study from Shepherd’s Rod Vols. 1 and 2 today as they contain some errors”. One must wonder what are these folks are trying to hide? On the other hand there are Davidian Associations and individuals today who, although they claim to follow the entire published Rod message, vigorously oppose any belief that this prophecy has something to do with the movement of the Rod message (God’s storehouse) in an eastward course across the United States since its inception on the west coast of California in 1929. Once again we must ponder why so much opposition to the recognition that Ezekiel’s river does have something to reveal about the movement of God’s storehouse eastward on at least three occasions in the period from 1930 to 2005?

To understand this significant, yet often muted and easily aggravated subject in its full and proper dimension, a systematic study has been compiled and researched over the years and aims to sink the shaft deep into the mine of truth and encourage all honest and sincere present truth believers to turn from the arm of flesh, their private opinions and follow what the Rod teaches and the facts of history confirm without additions or subtractions.  The journey through the often murky period of the “knockout blow” can best be understood through the lens of this most amazing and mighty of Bible prophecies. Please download the attached PDF, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy a most weighty and nutritious feast of butter and honey straight from the golden bowl.

Going Eastward: A Detailed Study from Ezekiel 47

 

Carmel, Bashan, Gilead: Which Pasture Today?

Carmel pasture still open for S. D. A.'s

The proper meaning of symbols is critical to rightly dividing the truth so that we will not be led down false paths of uninspired interpretations of scripture. A good case in point has to do with the terms “Carmel”, “Bashan”, and “Gilead” that are mentioned in Micah 7:14. Especially since the “knock out blow” emerged in the spring of 1959, do we see many winds of doctrine as to the meaning of these symbols in Davidian circles far and wide. Closely connected with this verse is Amos 1:2 which says that “the top of Carmel shall wither” which many interpret to be the sell off of old Mt. Carmel Center, Waco, Texas from 1955 to 1957.   This is a prominent feature of the theology coming from the Bashan group of Davidians who believe that “Carmel” has withered today (ever since 1959) and as a result we are now in the “Bashan” pasture of truth. However, this belief contradicts the plain teachings from the original Rod message and leads to confusion as to what the symbols “Carmel” and “Bashan” actually mean. Thus, it is the purpose of the attached study to address this often perplexing issue from a doctrinal and historical perspective in order to set the facts straight and let each present truth believer study and reason for themselves as to what the Rod teaches on these important topics. The emphasis will be to distinguish between the meaning of the symbol “Carmel” contrasted to the literal physical location of “Mt. Carmel Center” Waco, Texas (1935-55).  Confusion abounds as many people do not realize that these are two different things, thus, the situation needs to be clarified.

Carmel, Bashan, Gilead: Which Pasture Today?

Mt. Carmel Center vs Carmel Pasture

Living Spirit of Prophecy: What is It?

A living message or a living person?

It seems that the winds of doctrine blowing through the diaspora of Davidia is never ending. Take for example the controversy over the meaning of the expression “living spirit of prophecy” (LSOP).  Some argue vehemently that this must be a living prophet or porter in our midst.  However, the difficulty with this thinking is that is sets the stage for an endless string of prophetic office seekers of which inspiration abundantly warns us about. Ever since the death of Bro. Victor Houteff in 1955 there has indeed been a multitude of usurpers that have arisen and the trend continues to this day.  On the other hand, many believe that the LSOP is a heaven sent message that lives in a body of inspired writings just as the Holy Bible is likened to the “living oracles” despite the fact that all 44 of its contributors lay dead in the grave. Thus the question is posed, which is it?  The purpose of the linked study below is to examine the issue strictly from the inspired writings found in the golden bowl and determine what and who is the “porter” spoken of in the tenth chapter of the book of John. This serves as Part 1 of this series, Part 2 will look at a variation of this doctrine that some Davidians insist that Bro. Houteff  must come into our midst prior to Ezekiel 9 in order to unify the ranks.

Living Spirit of Prophecy–Part-1: Who is the Porter?

How are we to Keep the Feast Days Today?

What is the antitypical Passover and how do we keep it today?

The subject of keeping the feast days at their appointed times is being increasingly agitated as a wind of doctrine within Seventh-day Adventist circles. Claims are being made that these Jewish holidays are statutes that are part of the moral law and therefore binding upon us today.  Some say that in order to be translated one has to be a feast keeper. Others suggest that keeping the ceremonial law was the missing element in the 1888 message brought by Elders Jones and Waggoner. What is even more perplexing is that certain Davidian groups are promoting a literal keeping of the feast days at appointed times of the year despite the clear light that shines from the Shepherd’s Rod message on how we are to apply the ceremonial law today in antitype only. This is further evidence that Davidia is still knocked out and following the doctrines of false prophets such as Ben L. Roden who introduced feast keeping into Adventism in 1955, just after the death of God’s true prophet Victor T. Houteff.

With all of the confusion abounding on this topic it seemed timely that a study be lifted up (click link below for a PDF download) that first clearly points out what the Rod teaches as to our duty on how to keep the ceremonial law today in antitype and how this is far and distinct from the position of literal feast keeping at appointed times of the year. In addition, each of the major justifications used by feast keeping advocates are exposed for what they really are, private, uninspired opinions.

How do we Keep the Ceremonial Law Today?

IRS 501c3 & State Incorporation: A Trap for Davidians?

Are the Davidian Associations in a trap?

Ever since the knock out blow Davidian Seventh-day Adventists have been lead astray into many winds of doctrine and practice. A striking example of this alarming trend has been the incorporation of most every Davidian Association since the early 1960′s with the state and their subsequent registration as IRS 501c3 tax exempt religious organizations. What are the legal ramifications and reasons for this? Is it based on sound Biblical principle or could it be a deadly trap designed to ensnare and silence the final work of God? For a detailed study discussing this important, yet often ignored and overlooked subject that will effect every Davidian Association in the very near future, please download the PDF document linked below. Many references from the Bible, Spirit of Prophecy, and the Shepherd’s Rod are given to show the perils of such a confederacy with the world. For additional papers warning on the danger of state incorporated churches/ministries and the IRS, please go the Religious Liberty Studies page on the site.

The State, IRS 501c3, and Davidian Associations: A Dangerous Mix

Iridology & Reflexology: Are they part of our Health Message?

One of the greatest surprises this researcher encountered as they began to earnestly study the message of found in the writings of the Shepherd’s Rod over a decade ago was that many of its followers were actively engaged in “new age” spiritualistic healing modalities, most especially iridology and reflexology. In fact, one leading Davidian Association not only actively used these dark arts in their health clinic, but were teaching it to all of the students in their ministerial (DLI) program at the time. The following study, linked below, was presented at Session to protest such practices and arouse the members of the dangers from engaging in them. Remarkably, two leading ministers stood up and vehemently defended their practices the day after this study was presented. Since this time the researcher has met other Davidians scattered about who are also strangely enamored with these healing arts so this study is being released at the present time to re-harken a call to separate from these unclean and unholy modalities and sanctify the Lord of hosts and return to the time honored health principles that are plainly outlined in the Bible, the Sprit of Prophecy, and the Shepherd’s Rod without any unwarranted additions.

Why Seek Ye the God of Ekron?