Our Greatest Need Ron Spear - The Eternal Gospel Church

Chapter Ten1191888 REVISITEDGod’s Attempt to Revive and Reform the ChurchTHE GREAT SIN of ancient Israel was that of placing theirown opinions, desires, preferences, and “wisdom” in place ofGod’s revealed will. They tended to look to themselves, or totheir wayward leaders, and even to the pagan nations around them for“ideas” and “inspiration” as to how to live and work for the Lord.Their great sin was to look to man rather than to Christ for their wisdomand guidance.The Hebrews were not willing to submit to the directionsand restrictions of the Lord. They simply wanted their ownway, to follow the leadings of their own mind, and be controlledby their own judgment. Could they have been left freeto do this, no complaints would have been made of Moses;but they were restless under restraint. Testimonies, vol. 3,360.Looking to man rather than to Christ has been modern Israel’s greatsin also—for quite some time now. Because of our tendency to placeour own wisdom, or that of other men, ahead of that of Jesus Christ,the Lord sent a special message of revival and reformation to our churchin General Conference session in Minneapolis in October and November1888. It was a call to turn from looking to man and to focusour attention upon the uplifted Saviour and His atoning heavenly ministryin our behalf. It was a special call from the Lord for His church tonot just know and preach the theory but to actually experience thethree angels’ messages of Righteousness by Faith.The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious messageto His people through Elders Waggoner and Jones. This119