On October 17, 2018, David Gates published this video:
In my humble opinion, it's a wonderful message, preached from the sincere heart of a man who wants to serve God with all his strength. It is a call to awakening and revival. A call to be ready.
But many people didn't like it, and raised questions and concerns. Which is ok. If we have doubts and questions, it is ok to ask.
And so, Pastor Gates published another video, on October 23, 2018, with answers to questions and concerns about the previous video "Even at the Door":
But still, many, many people didn't like it. Why? Because satan, the enemy of the souls, the one who tried to deceive Jesus Himself, wants to deceive His children, and does not want revival and reformation to happen among God's people! He does not want us to be prepared for the soon, eminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ!
And so, a few days ago, on November 14, 2018, Pastor Mark Finley published this sad response to "Even at the Door":
I could say many things about Mark Finley's response, but i will say again that it left me with a feeling of sadness. So, instead of saying anything else, i will conclude this post with the words of Pastor David's father, Pastor Richard Gates:
"OBSERVATIONS BY PASTOR RICHARD GATES - MY FATHER:
Evangelism. p. 48: "There are men who will be taken from the plow, from the vineyard, from various other branches of work, and sent forth by the Lord to give this message to the world."
Unlike his Dad, David has not had the privilege of a formal and seminary theological education. However, God has called him from "behind the plow", and he has responded. The Interamerican Division recognized this and laid hands of ordination on him.
Consider the following:
1. The Scriptures abound with type and antitype applications.
2. Dual applications of Scripture are many. -- 1 SDAC, 1017
Prophetic expositors within the Adventist Church often have different perspectives, without denying the fundamentals of any prophecy.
David's recent message "The Door is About to Close" has stirred Adventists.
Unless critics have listened very carefully to everything said, they are ill prepared.
Prophetic templates and time periods frequently overlap. e.g. Dan. 12.
Not dogmatic, he clearly states that he personally is convinced. Encourages study.
Occasional references to supporting pastors, and limited dream testimony, stir immediate opposition. -- Joel 2: 28, 29.
David makes "Disclaimers". -- Listeners are directed to prayerfully study the issues.
"I am NOT trying to set dates" -- "I am kind of scared". -- "I am not being dogmatic"
(1:07 min.) -- "Don't trust me, go to God". (1:18 Min) -- "Don't rely on human opinion".
INTERESTINGLY: Few pastors ever recognize the 3.5 year "template" related to the siege of Jerusalem! -- EGW in GC states that the destruction of ancient Jerusalem is an antitype of final (future) events.
Cestus started the siege in 66 AD, withdrew, the Christians fled, then Titus returned in 70 AD (3.5 yrs. later) and finished the destruction. -- See Josephus "Wars of the Jews"
Regarding the wording change about the SOP at GC Session in 2015, I would rephrase David's statement. He said it is "not considered inspired anymore".
It would be more accurate to say "the delegates significantly downgraded their view of her inspiration". A very sad change.
(1:09 min) -- "I'm doing my duty to convey to you that THE DOOR IS ABOUT TO CLOSE".
Coming from "behind the plow", God's message, unpolished, and simple, is reaching thousands.
It may be that David's perception is not entirely wrong, Perhaps the rest of us highly trained theologians should take a second, prayerful look."
Pastor Richard Gates (David's Dad)
Retired GC Mission Aviation Bolivia/Peru
