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The Seven Last Plagues

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November 2 – 8, 2025

Key Text

“Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.” Revelation 15:1

Study Help: Early Writings, 36, 52–54, 64–67, 118–121

Introduction

“The plagues upon Egypt when God was about to deliver Israel were similar in character to those more terrible and extensive judgments which are to fall upon the world just before the final deliverance of God’s people.” The Great Controversy, 627, 628

Sunday

1 THE WRATH OF GOD

1.a. What warning does the third angel sound against those who receive the mark of the beast, and what is the fullness of the wrath of God? Revelation 14:9, 10; 15:1

 

1.b.  Can the seven last plagues be poured out while Jesus is ministering in the temple in heaven? Revelation 7:1–3; 8:3, 4. What will happen when He ceases His intercessory ministry? Revelation 8:5; 15:5–8

 

Note: “It was impossible for the plagues to be poured out while Jesus officiated in the sanctuary; but as His work there is finished, and His intercession closes, there is nothing to stay the wrath of God.” Early Writings, 280

1.c. Who will receive the seal of protection against the seven last plagues? Psalms 27:2–5; 91:9, 10

 

Note: “Those that overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, will be the favored ones who shall receive the seal of the living God. Those whose hands are not clean, whose hearts are not pure, will not have the seal of the living God.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 445

Monday

2 THE FIRST THREE PLAGUES

2.a. What reasons are given for the first three plagues? Revelation 16:2–7

 

Note: “God’s judgments will be visited upon those who are seeking to oppress and destroy His people. His long forbearance with the wicked emboldens men in transgression, but their punishment is nonetheless certain and terrible because it is long delayed.” The Great Controversy, 627

2.b.      What measures will be taken against the people of God? Revelation 13:15

 

Note: “These [seven last] plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob’s trouble.” Early Writings, 36, 37

“By condemning the people of God to death, [those who receive the mark of the beast] have as truly incurred the guilt of their blood as if it had been shed by their hands. In like manner Christ declared the Jews of His time guilty of all the blood of holy men which had been shed since the days of Abel; for they possessed the same spirit and were seeking to do the same work with these murderers of the prophets.” The Great Controversy, 628

2.c. How did Ellen White respond when shown the plagues in vision?

 

Note: “Terror seized me, and I fell upon my face before the angel and begged of him to cause the sight [of the plagues] to be removed, to hide it from me, for it was too dreadful. Then I realized, as never before, the importance of searching the word of God carefully, to know how to escape the plagues which that word declares shall come on all the ungodly who shall worship the beast and his image and receive his mark in their foreheads or in their hands. It was a great wonder for me that any could transgress the law of God and tread down His holy Sabbath, when such awful threatenings and denunciations were against them.” Early Writings, 65

Tuesday

3 THE FOURTH AND FIFTH PLAGUES

3.a. Describe the fourth and fifth plagues. Revelation 16:8–11

 

Note: “In the plague that follows, power is given to the sun ‘to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat.’ Verses 8, 9. The prophets thus describe the condition of the earth at this fearful time: ‘The land mourneth … because the harvest of the field is perished. … All the trees of the field are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.’ ‘The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate. … How do the beasts groan! The herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture. … The rivers of water are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.’ ‘The songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord God: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence.’ Joel 1:10–12, 17–20; Amos 8:3.” The Great Controversy, 628

“With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men are about to rush upon their prey, when, lo, a dense blackness, deeper than the darkness of the night, falls upon the earth.” Ibid, 635, 636

3.b. Describe the woe that will come upon those who have believed in the third angel’s message, yet have compromised with the prevailing apostasy in Christendom. Isaiah 8:22; Jeremiah 8:20; Matthew 7:22, 23

 

Note: “I was shown a company who were howling in agony. On their garments was written in large characters, ‘Thou art weighed in the balance, and found wanting.’ I asked who this company were. The angel said, ‘These are they who have once kept the Sabbath and have given it up.’ I heard them cry with a loud voice, ‘We have believed in Thy coming, and taught it with energy.’ And while they were speaking, their eyes would fall upon their garments and see the writing, and then they would wail aloud. I saw that they had drunk of the deep waters, and fouled the residue with their feet—trodden the Sabbath underfoot—and that was why they were weighed in the balance and found wanting.” Early Writings, 37

Wednesday

4 THE SIXTH PLAGUE

4.a. During the sixth plague, what will occur? Revelation 16:12

 

Note: “When the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those who honor the law of God, there will be, in different lands, a simultaneous movement for their destruction. As the time appointed in the decree draws near, the people will conspire to root out the hated sect. It will be determined to strike in one night a decisive blow, which shall utterly silence the voice of dissent and reproof.

“The people of God—some in prison cells, some hidden in solitary retreats in the forests and the mountains—still plead for divine protection, while in every quarter companies of armed men, urged on by hosts of evil angels, are preparing for the work of death. …

“With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men are about to rush upon their prey, when, lo, a dense blackness, deeper than the darkness of the night, falls upon the earth. Then a rainbow, shining with the glory from the throne of God, spans the heavens and seems to encircle each praying company. The angry multitudes are suddenly arrested. Their mocking cries die away. The objects of their murderous rage are forgotten. With fearful forebodings they gaze upon the symbol of God’s covenant and long to be shielded from its overpowering brightness.” The Great Controversy, 635, 636

4.b.      What powers are involved in bringing the whole world together for the last battle? Revelation 16:13, 14

 

Note: “Every form of evil is to spring into intense activity. Evil angels unite their powers with evil men, and as they have been in constant conflict and attained an experience in the best modes of deception and battle, and have been strengthening for centuries, they will not yield the last great final contest without a desperate struggle. All the world will be on one side or the other of the question. The battle of Armageddon will be fought, and that day must find none of us sleeping.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 982

4.c. How are the events under the sixth plague disclosed by God through the prophet Joel? Joel 3:2

 

Thursday

5 THE SEVENTH PLAGUE

  1. What will happen under the seventh plague? Revelation 16:17–21. Why only can God’s faithful remnant have hope through all this accumulated turmoil? Isaiah 26:20, 21

 

Note: “It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance of His people. The sun appears, shining in its strength. Signs and wonders follow in quick succession. The wicked look with terror and amazement upon the scene, while the righteous behold with solemn joy the tokens of their deliverance. Everything in nature seems turned out of its course. The streams cease to flow. Dark, heavy clouds come up and clash against each other. In the midst of the angry heavens is one clear space of indescribable glory, whence comes the voice of God like the sound of many waters, saying: ‘It is done.’ Revelation 16:17.

“That voice shakes the heavens and the earth. There is a mighty earthquake, ‘such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.’ Verses 17, 18. The firmament appears to open and shut. The glory from the throne of God seems flashing through. The mountains shake like a reed in the wind, and ragged rocks are scattered on every side. There is a roar as of a coming tempest. The sea is lashed into fury. There is heard the shriek of a hurricane like the voice of demons upon a mission of destruction. The whole earth heaves and swells like the waves of the sea. Its surface is breaking up. Its very foundations seem to be giving way. Mountain chains are sinking. Inhabited islands disappear. The seaports that have become like Sodom for wickedness are swallowed up by the angry waters. Babylon the great has come in remembrance before God, ‘to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.’ Great hailstones, every one ‘about the weight of a talent,’ are doing their work of destruction. Verses 19, 21.” The Great Controversy, 636, 637

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    What triggers the beginning of the seven last plagues?

2    What opposition will the people of God have to suffer?

3    How will rebellion continue even during the plagues?

4    What powers unite to usher in the climax of the ages?

5    What is essential in order to be protected during the plagues?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

The Final Warning

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Sealed for Eternity

October 26  – November 1, 2025

Key Text

“After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory.” Revelation 18:1

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 603–612

Introduction

“The efforts made to retard the progress of truth will serve to extend it. … The people whom God has made the depositaries of His law are not to permit their light to be hidden. The truth must be proclaimed in the dark places of the earth.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 454

Sunday

1 THE GLORY OF THE TEMPLE

1.a. At the beginning of the reconstruction of Jerusalem when the foundation of the new temple was laid, there was, on the one hand, weeping and, on the other, shouts of joy. Why were there two opposite reactions? Ezra 3:10–12; Haggai 2:3

 

Note: “There were them … aged men who had seen the glory of Solomon’s temple, and who wept at the foundation of the new building, that it must be so inferior to the former. … Then was given the promise that the glory of this latter house should be greater than that of the former.” The Great Controversy, 23, 24

1.b.      How, or in what work, did the Jews hope to see, in the second temple, the fulfillment of the prophecy of Haggai 2:9? John 2:20

 

Note: “The disciples had been filled with awe and wonder at Christ’s prediction of the overthrow of the temple, and they desired to understand more fully the meaning of His words. Wealth, labor, and architectural skill had for more than forty years been freely expended to enhance its splendors.” The Great Controversy, 24

Monday

2 THE GLORY OF THE TEMPLE (CONTINUED)

2.a. To what did Haggai refer when speaking about the glory of the second temple? Haggai 2:7, 9 (compare Malachi 3:1). In what manner did the second temple supersede the glory of the first temple? In other words, whose presence filled the second temple with superior glory? John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 2:8

 

Note: “For centuries the Jews had vainly endeavored to show wherein the promise of God given by Haggai had been fulfilled; yet pride and unbelief blinded their minds to the true meaning of the prophet’s words. The second temple was not honored with the cloud of Jehovah’s glory, but with the living presence of One in whom dwelt the fullness of the Godhead bodily—who was God Himself manifest in the flesh. The ‘Desire of all nations’ had indeed come to His temple when the Man of Nazareth taught and healed in the sacred courts. In the presence of Christ, and in this only, did the second temple exceed the first in glory. But Israel had put from her the proffered Gift of heaven. With the humble Teacher who had that day passed out from its golden gate, the glory had forever departed from the temple. Already were the Saviour’s words fulfilled: ‘Your house is left unto you desolate’ (Matthew 23:38).” The Great Controversy, 24

2.b.      What did Jesus say about the surprising fate of the second temple? Matthew 24:1, 2; Luke 21:5, 6

 

Note: “The stones of the temple were of the purest marble, of perfect whiteness, and some of them of almost fabulous size. A portion of the wall had withstood the siege by Nebuchadnezzar’s army. In its perfect masonry it appeared like one solid stone dug entire from the quarry. How those mighty walls could be overthrown the disciples could not comprehend.

“As Christ’s attention was attracted to the magnificence of the temple, what must have been the unuttered thoughts of that Rejected One! The view before Him was indeed beautiful, but He said with sadness, I see it all. The buildings are indeed wonderful. You point to these walls as apparently indestructible; but listen to My words: The day will come when ‘there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down’ (Mark 13:2).” The Desire of Ages, 627

Tuesday

3 CHRIST IN YOU

3.a. How can human nature be briefly summarized? Romans 3:10–12, 23

 

3.b.      What is the glory of God that must shine through His servants? Exodus 33:18, 19; 34:5–7

 

Note: “The followers of Christ are to shed light into the darkness of the world. Through the Holy Spirit, God’s word is a light as it becomes a transforming power in the life of the receiver. By implanting in their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. The light of His glory—His character—is to shine forth in His followers. Thus, they are to glorify God, to lighten the path to the Bridegroom’s home, to the city of God, to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 414

3.c. What must happen in us if we want to reflect the glory of God? Colossians 1:27. How does God work in our life to prepare us for such an experience? 2 Corinthians 3:18; 4:17

 

Note: “The closer our communion with God, and the clearer our knowledge of His requirements, the more fully shall we be conformed to the divine image, and the more readily do we become partakers of the divine nature.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 330

“Before giving us the baptism of the Holy Spirit, our heavenly Father will try us, to see if we can live without dishonoring Him.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 426, 427

“Christ is seeking to uplift all who will be lifted to companionship with Himself, that we may be one with Him as He is one with the Father. He permits us to come in contact with suffering and calamity in order to call us out of our selfishness; He seeks to develop in us the attributes of His character—compassion, tenderness, and love. By accepting this work of ministry, we place ourselves in His school, to be fitted for the courts of God. By rejecting it, we reject His instruction, and choose eternal separation from His presence.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 388, 389

Wednesday

4 THE EARTH LIGHTENED WITH GOD’S GLORY

4.a. What is the glory that will lighten the whole earth, and why is another angel needed to accomplish this work? Revelation 18:1

 

Note: “Those who wait for the Bridegroom’s coming are to say to the people, ‘Behold your God.’ The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character, they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them.

“The light of the Sun of Righteousness is to shine forth in good works—in words of truth and deeds of holiness.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 415, 416

“There must be no toning down of the truth, no muffling of the message for this time. The third angel’s message must be strengthened and confirmed. The eighteenth chapter of Revelation reveals the importance of presenting the truth in no measured terms but with boldness and power. … There has been too much beating about the bush in the proclamation of the third angel’s message. The message has not been given as clearly and distinctly as it should have been.” Evangelism, 230

“The Lord God of heaven will not send upon the world His judgments for disobedience and transgression until He has sent His watchmen to give the warning. He will not close up the period of probation until the message shall be more distinctly proclaimed. The law of God is to be magnified; its claims must be presented in their true, sacred character, that the people may be brought to decide for or against the truth. Yet the work will be cut short in righteousness. The message of Christ’s righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth to the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This is the glory of God, which closes the work of the third angel.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 19

4.b.      When did the light of Revelation 18:1 begin to shine?

 

Note: “The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 363. [Written in 1892 with reference to the 1888 Minneapolis conference.]

Thursday

5 “COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE”

5.a. What is the message of this other angel, and how does it compare with the second angel’s message? Revelation 18:2, 3; 14:8

 

Note: “The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel’s message as it swells to a loud cry. And the people of God are thus prepared to stand in the hour of temptation, which they are soon to meet. I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united to fearlessly proclaim the third angel’s message.” Early Writings, 277

“While Satan is working with his lying wonders, the time has come [that was] foretold in the Revelation, when the mighty angel that shall lighten the earth with his glory will proclaim the fall of Babylon and call upon God’s people to forsake her.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 406, 407

5.b.      In what manner is the message so severe? What is found in Babylon that demands such forceful action? Revelation 18:5–24

 

5.c. What must God’s people in other folds do in order to escape the coming plagues? Revelation 18:4; Isaiah 56:1–7; John 10:16

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    When the Bible speaks of the glory of God, what does it mean?

2    In what way did the second temple exceed the glory of the first?

3    How is it possible for a human being to reflect the glory of God?

4    Why is there a need for the fourth angel, and when did he begin his work?

5    What do people who are in the popular churches need to do in order to be spared?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Recipe – Florentine Cookies

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Oatmeal Cookies Can Be Healthy

Oatmeal cookies offer an impressive nutritional benefit thanks to their soluble fiber content and beta-glucans, which aid in cholesterol management and supports overall health. Additionally, they contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the oats, contributing to a balanced diet.

The soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance in your gut. This type of dietary fiber is essential for blood sugar control because it slows the absorption of sugar, helping to prevent sudden spikes and crashes. The beta-glucans in oatmeal, a specific type of soluble fiber, are particularly beneficial for heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels, which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease.

Incorporating oatmeal cookies into your diet can be a delicious way to boost your intake of these important nutrients when made with wholesome ingredients and enjoyed in moderation. By carefully selecting ingredients and portions, oatmeal cookies can be a delicious part of a balanced diet, enhancing both taste and health.

Source: taylorchip.com/blogs/news/are-oatmeal-cookies-good-for-you?

Recipe – Florentine Cookies

Ingredients

2 Tbs. vegan butter, or coconut oil

1/4 cup coconut sugar, or less

1/4 cup maple syrup, or less

1/2 tsp. vanilla powder

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1/3 cup rolled oats

1/3 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1/3 cup hemp seeds

pinch of salt

1/2 heaping cup carob chips, optional

Process

In a small saucepan, combine the butter or coconut oil, coconut sugar, maple syrup, vanilla powder, and sea salt to make a “caramel” mixture. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the coconut sugar is dissolved and the caramel just begins to bubble and foam, about 3-5 minutes.

In a food processor, combine oats, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and salt. Process/blend to a coarse meal with no whole oats remaining, about 30 seconds.

Transfer oat/seed mixture to a mixing bowl and add the warm caramel. Mix until evenly combined.

On two parchment paper-lined cookie sheets, using a tablespoon scoop, place 6 scoops onto each baking sheet, allowing cookies to spread considerably. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The cookies should be lightly bubbling in the middle and golden brown on the edges.

If using carob chips, place them in a double boiler; heat and stir until smooth and melted. Lightly drizzle across the top of the Florentines.

Worship & Music

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Worship, music and counterfeits. A definition of terms may prove useful to assure that all readers understand these words in the same way.

For purposes of this article, music is a gift of God. It is a wonderful gift, because He has given us a part of Himself. Everybody knows that God is love. And God gives us that love. What about music? In Exodus 15:2 and Isaiah 12:2 it says, “The Lord is my strength and song.” God Himself is my song, and He gives me music.

Everybody has their own ideas concerning worship, but a definition can be helpful. R. C. Leonard provides one: “Worship is the central focus of a vital Christian faith, and the most distinctive activity of the church of Jesus Christ. The biblical words translated ‘worship’ (Hebrew shachah, Greek proskuneo) mean, literally, to bow down or bend the knee. Such was the ancient gesture of honor to a sovereign and superior authority. To worship is to offer the oath of covenant loyalty to the Great King, and to affirm our faithfulness as His servants. For this reason, the worship of God, through Jesus Christ, lies at the heart of all Christian expression.” R. C. Leonard, Worship in the Church, January 1997,  http://members.aol.com./laudemont/witec.hum. (April 15, 2001).

Now, consider counterfeits. One popular definition is that a counterfeit is a cheap imitation of the real thing. It is cheap, and it is an imitation. Whenever there is something important that comes from God, Satan has to counterfeit it. So, if you notice a counterfeit, it is a good idea to look at the real thing, because it must be very important for Satan to bother counterfeiting it. Do counterfeits look nice? Do they sound nice? Certainly! They are glittery and beautiful and meant to attract. Counterfeits are not good things to have, because they are not worth much and can even be dangerous. You do not want to be found using counterfeit money, do you?

True Worship

All through history, worship has been conducted in different ways, true worship and counterfeit, pagan worship. Even true worship has varied at different times and in different cultural settings. This article does not have time or space to examine historical worships. Presently, we are concerned with worship in the last days, in our own time. God gives us information concerning the worship He requires in the final days. We find it in Revelation 14, in the three angels’ messages. In fact, that is one of the basic things they are all about. God does not leave any significant chance of our misunderstanding what He wants.

Look at the three angels’ messages in Revelation 14:6–12, and read them through. In the first message, verse 7, the angel says, “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” There is that word—worship. We are commanded to worship, and who is to be the object of our worship? The Creator God. That is very plain. We are commanded to worship the One and only true God, the One who, down through history, has repeated His covenant with us to be our God and to claim us as His people. This is the first big message for us.

The second and third messages tell us that there is someone we are commanded not to worship—the beast. The scope of this article does not include identifying the beast, but the angels’ messages tell us the consequences of worshiping the beast—nothing but bad things, horrifying things. The end of that message gives the identifying marks of those who worship the true God—they keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.

It is reasonable to say that all of these identifying marks and commands lead to the conclusion that the worship of God is the true worship and the only true worship. Also, the worship of the beast is the false, or counterfeit, worship. Everything that goes with the worship of the beast is false or counterfeit worship. Some of the things this involves include the false sabbath and the false music. Although many other things could be included, the emphasis of this article is music, true God-based music and false, counterfeit music.

Where Does Music Come In?

Some may ask, Can you prove that music is a part of worship? There have been many people, throughout history, who have said that instrumental music should not be used. John Calvin, for example, claimed that the instrumental music used in the Old Testament times was meant for people who were tender and like children. “But in New Testament times Christ has come and the church has reached full age, it would only bury the light of the gospel should we introduce the shadows of a departed dispensation.” John L. Girardeau, Instrumental Music in the Public Worship of the Church, New Covenant Publication Society, Havertown, PA., 1983, 63, 64.

What about music in worship in the last days, in the setting of the three angels’ messages? Consider the following statements:

“As a part of religious service, singing is as much an act of worship as is prayer. Indeed, many a song is prayer.” Education, 168. Many other quotations could be cited which include instrumental music.

“Singing is just as much the worship of God in a religious meeting as speaking. …” Selected Messages, Book 3, 333

According to Mrs. White, music in worship includes speaking, prayer, and singing. Each of these aspects of music may be true worship or counterfeit worship. So, music is an important part of worship, making it an important part of the third angel’s message and what God wants from us in these last days. It does matter what our music is like. It shows our allegiance to God and our acceptance of His covenant, or it shows our allegiance to the beast. God does not accept any counterfeit in His worship.

The Roles of Music in Worship

Let us examine exactly what music accomplishes in the worship service. Actually, it plays many roles:

  1. Music sets the mood. The thoughts, feelings, and emotions of the people are controlled by the music. Alertness or sleepiness may be caused by the music. Music creates a proper frame of mind for the rest of the service. If a minister wants to introduce strange ideas of theology, he can use what we call celebration music to put the people into a hypnotic state, and they accept and retain in their minds whatever he wishes—without even knowing it is happening.
  2. Music creates unity and harmony. People feel and think together because of the music. It is a kind of group entrainment. What is entrainment? Scientists have discovered that when two rhythms are placed adjacent to each other they lock into each other and become the same rhythm. They first discovered this with pendulum clocks—back in the 1600s. If the clocks were close together, the pendulums would start swinging the same. Since then we have learned that we can control all kinds of body rhythms with music. Just play the music with the speed or vibration you want, and you can slow down or accelerate the heart rate, or any of the other rhythms in the body, including brain waves.

If you play fast, jazzy rhythms at the beginning of church, your whole body gears up to the same thing. Scientists have found ways to eject rhythms of whatever tempo they want, add certain tones into musical recordings, and nobody knows they are there, but their brains accept them and respond accordingly, maybe even slowing them down enough to become like zombies. One danger of this is that Satan can use his counterfeit in accompaniment tapes that vocalists buy, and nobody ever knows the difference. Recent research shows that group entrainment may take place. One study showed that, in a university class, the brain waves of the students entrained with those of the professor. This has serious implications for those who are using NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) to control others. “While preaching, praying, or conversing, some professed Adventists who had rejected present truth used mesmerism to gain adherents, and the people would rejoice in this influence, for they thought it was the Holy Ghost.” Early Writings, 44. Now the scientists are showing us it can really happen. Do not think it is foolish imagination. Satan is using his false, counterfeit worship and the music in it to control people’s minds. This fact makes it extremely important that we do not use Satan’s music in worship, and certainly not anywhere else either.

  1. Music creates a kind of people. You are what you eat; you are what you see; you are what you hear. You are the kind of music to which you listen.
  2. Music invokes the Holy Spirit and invites the presence of angels. “When the singing is such that angels can unite with the singers, an impression is made on minds that singing from unsanctified lips cannot make. … The songs in which every word is uttered clearly, in a musical tone, are the songs that they [angels] join us in singing. They take up the refrain that is sung from the heart with the spirit and the understanding.” Evangelism, 509, 510
  3. Most important of all, music is an act of worship. This places it as a significant part of true worship, which then makes it an important part of the three angels’ messages.

Praise Ye the Lord

What difference does it make what music we have in our worship services? If music is basically entertainment, why do we have music in worship at all? Many people have said that music is just a matter of preference. In other words, just choose what you like. The problem is there is a big difference. And it all goes back to God’s music for God’s worship and Satan’s music (counterfeit) for Satan’s worship.

A search of the Bible will reveal not only what God wants us to sing about but also how He wants us to sing. If music is an important part of the worship of God, He must have given us some instruction about it.

Praise is mentioned more often than anything else. “Praise ye the Lord. … Let them sing praises unto Him with the timbrel and harp.” Psalm 149:1, 3. “Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.” Psalm 147:1

Offer Thanksgiving for His Goodness

The thing mentioned most frequently after praise is thanksgiving. “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most High.” Psalm 92:1. Does God get tired of hearing us thank Him? No, He does not.

We should use joyful songs. “Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honor of His name: make His praise glorious.” Psalm 66:1, 2. “O let the nations be glad and sing for joy.” Psalm 67:4

What Should Our Music Include?

Majesty—“They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the Lord. …” Isaiah 24:14

God’s Righteousness—“They shall abundantly utter the memory of Thy great goodness, and shall sing of Thy righteousness.” Psalm 145:7

God’s Power—“Be Thou exalted, Lord, in Thine own strength: so, will we sing and praise Thy power.” Psalm 21:13

God’s Mercy and Judgment—“I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto Thee, O Lord, will I sing.” Psalm 101:1

To God’s Name—“So will I sing praise unto Thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.” Psalm 61:8

Other verses give us the following: To the glory of God, God’s goodness, Ways of the Lord, Science of Salvation, Psalms, Holy songs, Words of the Law, Prophecy, Songs of Triumph and Victory, Faith and Holy Cheer, Hope and Trust. And the final song for the future: the Song of Deliverance.

Music of the Word

It seems that God has given us plenty to sing about without resorting to the devil’s counterfeit songs about our own selves and our own feelings. It would be a good idea if we would try to practice now for the music of heaven.

I have a dream that some might like to share with me. Imagine a few Seventh-day Adventist churches here and there who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus and are doing all they can to avoid the devil’s counterfeit music, becoming serious about their music being God’s music. Even a church or two could start it. What if these churches started making the music of their church Seventh-day Adventist music? How, you ask, could you do that? Well, there is the previous list that God gave us. With that, suppose we sing songs about the three angels’ messages, about Christ’s Second Coming, about the Sabbath, about the state of the dead, about the sanctuary, about the Spirit of Prophecy—the pillars of our faith. That is just a start. There are plenty of songs in our hymnal that we already know and more good songs that we could learn. For example, do you know the song about the judgment, “Christ the Lord, All Power Possessing,” found on page 415 in the new hymnal? The first verse is about Christ ascending to heaven; the second verse pictures the judgment; the third verse is about Christ coming back. The tune is an exciting, vigorous tune, and the song is well worth some effort to learn. After searching out all of the wonderful songs that truly tell of our own Seventh-day Adventist beliefs, we need to think about the words as we sing them and breathe new life into them. Our whole church will become invigorated!

Words with Meaning

Where Mrs. White wrote that song is an act of worship and song is prayer, she continues as follows: “If the child is taught to realize this, he will think more of the meaning of the words he sings and will be more susceptible to their power.” Education, 168. The older ones among us are not too old to learn the same lesson.

Are you and your church singing God’s music in your worship services, or is the devil’s counterfeit music sneaking in among you? Is your music preparing you for heaven?

Reproduced from Historic LandMarks of Adventism, March 2004.

Nature – Blue Skies Shining on Me

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Why is the sky blue?

The sky is blue because of a phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering—named after Lord Rayleigh, the British scientist who explained the process first in the 19th century.

Sunlight, as it reaches Earth’s atmosphere, is made up of various color wavelengths, like in a rainbow. As it passes through the atmosphere, it interacts with nitrogen, oxygen, and other air molecules scattering the wavelengths in all directions. Each wavelength is different. Blue and violet, because of their shorter, choppy wavelength, scatters more effectively, but also, our eyes are more sensitive to blue light, which is why we see a blue sky during the day. However, the time of day and atmospheric conditions can also have an active influence on the color of the sky.

At sunrise, the sun’s light passes through a thick layer of atmosphere. The blue wavelengths are scattered and this allows the longer red, yellow, and orange wavelengths to dominate the sky. This enables us to see the beautiful hues of these colors as they blend together until the sun is fully up.

There is so much more to know regarding how the different colors in the sky are made. I hope you’ll look at these two sources, and others, to learn more.

Did You Know?

All light travels in a straight line. Unless something gets in the way.

Did You Know?

The wavelengths of color that compose the sun’s light are the same as those that make up the rainbow.

It is also interesting to note that the colors in the light that God made to sustain our planet, and His rainbow, the symbol of His covenant promise with man to never destroy the entire Earth again with a flood, are composed of the same colors.

Sources: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/blue-sky/en/; https://www.space.com/why-is-the-sky-blue

Marvelous Feet

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Taken for granted, used and abused, and squeezed into stylish, but uncomfortable shoes, our feet are simply marvelous.

The human foot is one of the most complex structures in the body. It has more than 100 moving parts that include 28 bones, 33 joints, 19 muscles, over 100 tendons and ligaments, and more than 200,000 nerve endings. Absorbing impact and bearing the entire weight of the body, all of these moving parts work together so that our feet can perform their important, primary functions—enabling us to walk, run, and maintain balance.

Because the foot’s structure is so complicated, it is prone to injury, including traumatic and repetitive use injuries such as sprains, strains, torn ligaments, broken bones, tendonitis, and diseases and disorders such as arthritis, fallen arches, bunions, corns, plantar fasciitis. These injuries, diseases, and disorders do not only cause pain, but can also significantly impair quality of life and lead to loss of mobility.

Did You Know?

The pinky toe is of little value, and those who were born without or lost one or both pinky toes notice very little effect on or change in their activities.

The foot is divided into three parts:

Forefoot

The forefoot is comprised of 21 bones: the phalanges, metatarsal bones, and sesamoid bones.

The phalanges (toes) consist of 14 bones. The big toe has two bones, and the remaining four have three bones each.

The metatarsal consists of five long bones extending from the base of each toe to the midfoot. The metatarsal bones in the big toe have a vital role in forward motion, while the remaining four metatarsals provide stability.

The sesamoids are two pea-shaped bones embedded in a tendon running below the first metatarsal bone at the bottom of the foot. These bones stabilize and reduce stress on the tendon.

Midfoot

Seven tarsal bones help form the arch of the foot. Five of these bones are found in the midfoot. These five are called distal tarsal bones—distal, meaning the little toe side of the foot.

The navicular bone is a C-shaped bone in the heel that articulates (hinges) the five tarsal bones.

The cuboid bone is cube-shaped and sits next to the navicular bone. It is immovable and supports the arch of the foot.

Three cuneiform bones—the medial, intermediate, and lateral—are highly mobile and make up the actual arch of the foot.

Hindfoot

There are only two bones in the hindfoot. Collectively, they are called the proximal tarsal bones—proximal, meaning the big toe side of the foot. They transmit the weight of the entire body to the foot. These tarsal bones are the calcaneus (the heel bone) and the talus (an ankle bone that sits near the calcaneus and between the tibia and fibula).

While the foot provides a solid foundation on which the body stands, the toes have the crucial job of helping the foot to maintain balance by helping with weight distribution, and providing the necessary push forward (propulsion) during activities like walking and running. They anchor the body to the ground and contribute to the foot’s shock absorption. All ten toes are essential, but the big toe is the powerhouse. It bears most of our body weight with a weight-bearing capacity double the nine other toes combined.

“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside.” Job 23:10, 11

Thank you, Lord, for our marvelous feet.

Sources: verywellhealth.com/foot-anatomy-and-physiology; helpshoe.com/toes-importance

It’s Time

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It was April 2014. Alumni weekend at Enterprise Academy. The weekend, like all those that had come and gone before, was a wonderful time to reconnect with friends you haven’t seen in a while, some maybe since graduation. For a lot of us now, that’s as long as a lifetime.

It was during this reunion that I reconnected with Roger, my then soon-to-be husband. Heidi who had been one of my best friends growing up was also there, and Ms. Sanders—Mrs. Hay for the last umpteen years—probably the most popular teacher for every class for decades. Former Reflectors of God’s Love members, and Beth, Debbie, Gary, Glenn, Rob, Brant, Cheryl, Warren, and Cherie, to name just a few. Parents and grandparents of many of the students, who had once been students themselves, were there, too.

Sid and Melody had a huge outbuilding on their property. Everybody brought food and set up a big potluck so that the members of the classes who wanted to come, could gather after Sabbath. Include good conversation and music from our class guitarists and musicians, and it was a weekend to remember.

Today, eleven years down the line, Sid and Melody have sold their property, and a couple years ago Sid contracted Covid and died, so did Ron. Dana had been fighting cancer for years, and, finally, the cancer won. Roger and I got married, and then he died. DJ lost both her husband and mother. Cheryl and Lee lost their mothers, too.

You’re probably tired of hearing me ask, “Are you ready for Jesus to come?” Friends, a reunion is coming. Just think, we will see our family and friends again; not for just a weekend, but for eternity. And best of all, we’ll see Jesus. We’ll sit at His feet and listen to the voice we’ve longed 6,000 years to hear, and feel the touch of His nail-scarred hand.

It’s time, no, it’s way past time. Let’s get ready to go home.

“And when you have finished your course, yours will be the unspeakable joy of being welcomed with the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; … enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’ And with your loved ones around you, you will stand on Mount Zion, and cast your crown at Jesus’ feet, saying, Not unto us, but unto Thy name be glory.” The Signs of the Times, August 20, 1902

Story – David Brainard

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Apostle to the American Indians

At the dawn of the seventeenth century, the memorable “Mayflower” brought to the shores of North America a man and a woman who were to be the grandparents of the great missionary.

Far up amidst a group of hills near Hartford, Connecticut, nestled the cottage where on April 20, 1718, this missionary was born. His name was David Brainard. When he was a mere youth, both his parents died. He did not attend school until he was past twenty years of age. Nevertheless, his education was not neglected. He loved to read the Bible, as is shown by the fact that one year he read the whole volume through twice.

At the age of twenty-four, Mr. Brainard received a license to preach. At this time, he responded to a call to labor among the North American Indians. Although it was in the dead of winter, he started to his field without delay. At that time the American continent was largely peopled by the red race. But few white people had ever gone west of New York, and but little was known of the Mississippi Valley.

The field assigned him was a region at that time inhabited solely by the Indians. On his journey he passed through New York City, then only a small town. After leaving New York he traversed the wilderness with his lone horse, depending entirely upon the hospitality of the Indians for his daily needs, crossing the mountains, facing bleak winds, struggling through deep drifts of snow, having nothing but the limitless blue tent of heaven for a shelter, yet regarding these afflictions lightly when compared with the bitter agony of the Saviour.

Immediately upon reaching his field he set to work to learn the language of the Iroquois, the difficulty of which can be inferred from the word “question,” which in the Indian language contains thirty-six letters. The work that John Eliot had done in reducing the Indian language to a written form, was of inestimable value to David Brainard.

The influence of this earnest Christian over the red man can be seen by the fact that he persuaded an entire tribe to emigrate so that his interpreter might work for them.

After several months of labor, he returned to New Jersey to be ordained, but upon returning to his mission field, he was met by the hostility of the traders. These unprincipled men, instead of trying to uplift their red brothers, carried to them that soul destroying enemy—strong drink. The gospel of Jesus brought to them by Mr. Brainard was having its influence to turn these deluded people away from this vice, and the traders felt as did those men from whom Paul took away “the hope of their gains,” by leading the people to turn away from the evils of divination and serve the true God.

Mr. Brainard heard of a great feast that was to be held the following day, and he knew it would be a time of drunkenness and crime for many of the Indians. What could he do to turn this tide of evil from them? Retiring to the quiet shadow of the woods, he prayed as so often our Saviour prayed, through the entire night, pleading for strength and wisdom to show the Indians their sin. The following day he was enabled by divine grace to break up the tumult, and to speak the word of life to interested listeners.

The Spirit of the Lord was working like leaven upon the hearts of the Indians, and soon there was a great revival. Entire tribes came scores of miles to hear the words of salvation. Ninety-five percent of his hearers were prostrated before the Lord. Their cry of anguish is touchingly expressed in this moving stanza [see in the image above].

This life of hardship and exposure proved too much for Mr. Brainard’s health, and it was at last discovered that he was a victim to that dread disease, tuberculosis. He suffered greatly, and was finally taken to his home and friends. For many weeks his life hung in the balance, and before he reached the age of thirty years his work on earth was finished.

His spirit always rose when it seemed that the end was near. The earnestness of his life is expressed in these words from his diary: “My heaven is to please God and glorify Him; to give all to Him, to be wholly devoted to His cause—that is the heaven I long for, that is my religion and happiness. There is nothing in this world worth living for but doing good, and finishing God’s work, doing the work that Christ did.”

True Education Series, Book 6, ©1912, 352–355

A View of the Conflict

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In vision I saw two armies in terrible conflict. One army was led by banners bearing the world’s insignia; the other was led by the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust as company after company from the Lord’s army joined the foe; and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God. An angel flying in the midst of heaven put the standards of Emmanuel into many hands, while a mighty general cried with a loud voice: “Come into line. Let those who are loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Christ now take their position. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters. Let all who will come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.”

The battle raged. Victory alternated from side to side. Now the soldiers of the cross gave way, “as when a standard-bearer fainteth.” But their apparent retreat was but an effort to gain a more advantageous position. Shouts of joy were heard. A song of praise to God went up, and angel voices united in the song, as Christ’s soldiers planted His banner on the walls of fortresses till then held by the enemy. The Captain of our salvation was ordering the battle and sending support to His soldiers. His power was mightily displayed, encouraging them to press the battle to the gates. He taught them terrible things in righteousness as He led them on step by step, conquering and to conquer.

At last the victory was gained. The army following the banner with the inscription, “The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” was gloriously triumphant. The soldiers of Christ were close beside the gates of the city of God, and with joy the city received her King. The kingdom of peace and joy and everlasting righteousness was established. God’s will was done on earth, as it is done in heaven.

Now the church is militant. Now we are confronted with a world in midnight darkness, almost wholly given over to idolatry. But the day is coming when the battle will have been fought, the victory won. The will of God is to be done on earth, as it is done in heaven. Then the nations will own no other law than the law of heaven. All will be a happy, united family, clothed with the garments of praise and thanksgiving—the robe of Christ’s righteousness. All nature, in its surpassing loveliness, will offer to God a constant tribute of praise and adoration. The world will be bathed in the light of heaven. The years will move on in gladness. The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold greater than it is now. Over the scene the morning stars will sing together, and the sons of God will shout for joy, and God and Christ will unite in proclaiming, “There shall be no more sin, neither shall there be any more death.”

This is the scene that is presented to me. But the church must still fight against seen and unseen foes. Satanic agencies in human form are on the ground. Men have confederated to oppose the Lord of hosts. These confederacies will continue until Christ shall leave His place of intercession before the mercy-seat, and shall put on the garments of vengeance. Satanic agencies are in every city, busily organizing into parties those opposed to the law of God. Professed saints and avowed unbelievers take their stand with these parties. This is no time for the people of God to be weaklings. We cannot afford to be off our guard for one moment.

“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

“This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

“Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ; … stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing terrified by your adversaries; which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”

There are revealed in these last days, visions of future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, and these should be dear to His church. What sustained the Son of God in His betrayal and trial?—He saw of the travail of His soul, and was satisfied. He caught a view of the expanse of eternity, and saw the happiness of those who through His humiliation should receive pardon and everlasting life. He was wounded for their transgressions, bruised for their iniquities. The chastisement of their peace was upon Him, and with His stripes they were healed. His ear caught the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.

We must have a vision of the future and of the blessedness of heaven. Stand on the threshold of eternity, and hear the gracious welcome given to those who in this life have co-operated with Christ, regarding it as a privilege and an honor to suffer for His sake. As they unite with the angels, they cast their crowns at the feet of the Redeemer, exclaiming: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. … Honor and glory and power be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.”

There the redeemed ones greet those who directed them to the uplifted Saviour. They unite in praising Him who died that human beings might have the life that measures with the life of God. The conflict is over. All tribulation and strife are at an end. Songs of victory fill all heaven as the redeemed stand around the throne of God. All take up the joyful strain, “Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and lives again, a triumphant conqueror.”

“I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”

“These are they which came out of much tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more; neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” “And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.”

Will you catch the inspiration of the vision? Will you let your mind dwell upon the picture? Will you not be truly converted, and then go forth to labor in a spirit entirely different from the spirit in which you have labored in the past, displacing the enemy, breaking down every barrier to the advancement of the gospel, filling hearts with the light and peace and joy of the Lord? Shall not this miserable spirit of fault-finding and murmuring be buried, never to have a resurrection? Shall not the incense of praise and thanksgiving ascend from hearts purified and sanctified and glorified by the presence of Christ? Shall we not in faith lay hold of sinners, and bring them to the cross?

Who will this day consecrate themselves to the service of the Lord? Who will now pledge themselves not to affiliate with the world, but to come out from the world, and be separate, refusing to pollute the soul with the worldly schemes and worldly practises that have been keeping the church under the enemy’s influence?

We are in this world to lift the cross of Calvary. As we lift this cross, we shall find that it lifts us. Let every Christian stand in his lot and place, catching the inspiration of the work that Christ did for souls while in this world. We need the ardor of the Christian hero, who can endure the seeing of Him that is invisible. Our faith is to have a resurrection. The soldiers of the cross are to exert a positive influence for good. Christ says, “He that is not for Me is against Me, and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.” Indifference in the Christian life is a manifest denial of Christ.

Should we not see in the world today medical missionaries who in all the features of their work are worthy of the name they bear, who aspire to the doing of deeds worthy of valiant soldiers of Christ? We are living near the close of the great conflict, when many souls are to be rescued from the slavery of sin. We are living in a time when to Christ’s followers the promise specially belongs, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” He who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, He who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, bids us let our light shine brightly before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father who is in heaven. In such rich measure has light been given to God’s people that Christ is justified in telling them that they are to be the light of the world.

To our physicians and ministers I send the message: Lay hold of the Lord’s work as if you believed the truth for this time. Medical missionary workers and workers in the gospel ministry are to be bound together by indissoluble ties. Their work is to be done with freshness and power. Throughout our churches there is to be a reconversion and a reconsecration to service. Shall we not, in our work in the future, and in the gatherings that we hold, be of one accord? Shall we not wrestle with God in prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit to come into every heart? The presence of Christ, manifest among us, would cure the leprosy of unbelief that has made our service so weak and inefficient. We need the breath of the divine life breathed into us. We are to be channels through which the Lord can send light and grace to the world. Backsliders are to be reclaimed. We are to put away our sins, by confession and repentance, humbling our proud hearts before God. Floods of spiritual power are now to be poured forth upon those prepared to receive it.

Let us now consecrate ourselves to the proclamation of the message: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Divine and human instrumentalities are to unite for the accomplishment of one great object. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

“They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.” Pamphlets, 109, 1–7

We All Have Idols

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My mother was just a child when her family became Adventists. She raised me and my brother in Adventism, and it is the only religious doctrine I have believed to be true. However, like so many other Christian religions around the world, even Adventism has strayed from the principles of Bible truth. Let’s look at one area where the church has become quite slack: modesty and the wearing of jewelry.

This will not be a comprehensive study on the wearing of jewelry, but an example of how we can easily create idols, though sometimes totally unaware.

My mother raised me with the belief, according to historic Adventism, that wearing jewelry of any kind was biblically wrong, and, except for a short period of time during my misspent youth, I have not worn jewelry, nor have I really had a desire to wear it. I have always viewed jewelry as being necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, and piercings. It never occurred to me that watches, pins, and even scarves could be looked upon as jewelry or adornment.

Let me share a couple of experiences to illustrate my point.

Both my mother and I loved to wear pins. We often wore suits, and a pretty pin displayed on the lapel seemed to be the perfect finishing touch. But one Sabbath, when a new Adventist came to my mother at church and asked how a sparkly pin was any different from a necklace or a ring, it challenged my mother to reconsider her thoughts.

We discussed this conversation and realized that this babe in Christ saw more clearly than we did. Our conclusion? No more pins. It was hard to give them up, but we felt that God had used this experience to make us aware of a darling sin that needed to be overcome. It also helped us to better understand that things that we didn’t see as being wrong could be a stumbling block for someone else. So, they had to go.

This experience also convicted us about the watches we wore. Both of us had a large assortment of watches, some you could call utilitarian, but others were shiny with different stones or fancy tooling. We decided that it wasn’t only the amount of bling on a watch that might make it inappropriate, but also the fact that we both had spent a great deal of money on our individual watch collections, just as we had on our pins.

Another experience was with an older, non-Adventist woman. I used to wear scarves—a trend in the ‘80s and ‘90s. One day, I folded a scarf and tied a knot in the middle, then tied it around my neck so that the knot hung down against my chest. I thought it looked very stylish, but she asked me how wearing a scarf in that way was any different than wearing a necklace.

There really was no difference. The motivation in the way I dressed and presented myself was no different than the one adorning themselves with jewels. The way we dress reflects the spirit that motivates us and it would be wise to be aware of how we present ourselves and how that may be perceived by others.

The idea of having to be concerned about what other people think about us is concerning, however, the truth, from a spiritual perspective, is that our thoughts and actions must take into consideration the impressions we give to those around us that we don’t become a stumbling block to those seeking a  Christian lifestyle. What we do and say, how we appear before others, can all be effective in leading someone to Christ or causing them to turn away from Him, perhaps forever. “In all things show yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” Titus 2:7, 8

We must remember that anything we care about more than we care about God is an idol. God said, “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3. An idol isn’t just a statue that people bow down before and worship. It doesn’t even have to be something that is bad for you. If God brings something to you, revealing to you that it is against His will and commandments to say it or do it, then, if we truly want to live according to His will, we must surrender these things to Him. Otherwise, they become an idol.

An idol can be food, a car, a house, exercise, jewelry, apparel, philosophies and doctrines, television, music, social media, the type of entertainment we pursue, a celebrity, sports, a hobby, or even a loved one. If any of these things, if anything—even things that aren’t necessarily bad—comes between you and your relationship with God and seeking always to do His will, then you have formed an idol before Him. All of these things are part of this world and because of sin, we tend to justify the need for them and for many other things.

A person could say, “But I must eat and wear clothing. I must have a home and a job. I must have a way to get to work and to church. I want to enjoy the beautiful things in this world.” All of these are blessings from God. But if all of our time, money, resources, affections, and energy are spent on things of this world, with little or nothing left for the development of a relationship with God and a Christ-like character, then we have made this world and the things in it our idol. You see, if we cling to these things, then how can God protect us, provide our necessities, when the time of trouble that is coming breaks over us like a crashing wave? Will we rely on our job or our home to protect us? Will we look to the money we’ve earned to buy food? If we put our trust in worldly things, then our faith is not grounded and anchored in God.

So, here is the truth (and I use “you” to represent us all):

If you prefer to spend your time watching television, playing online games, or being on social media rather than being in prayer and studying God’s word, then you may be creating an idol.

If you love foods that are not healthy for the body God created for you, or if you love good food, but eat to excess and are not interested in eating according to the guidance God has given—remember, our bodies are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19)—then consider you may be creating an idol.

If you prefer to listen to music or spend your time and resources to attend concerts and buy CDs or downloads that draw your heart away from spiritual things, rather than devoting your time and resources to furthering the spreading of the gospel, then you may be creating an idol.

If you prefer to spend your time reading worldly books, magazines, and online websites rather than reading the Bible and other spiritual material that will bring you into a closer relationship with God, then you may be creating an idol.

If you buy a house that far exceeds your needs and means just because it’s the house you’ve always dreamed of, and it takes all your time and money for its upkeep and causes you to feel that you have nothing to help support your church’s outreach programs or the mission work—for we are to be God’s messengers of the gospel to the world (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15)—then you may be creating an idol.

If you have a closet overflowing with clothes and shoes and you keep buying more, if you are impeccably dressed, with bright, shiny jewelry, but pay little attention to the inward adornment of the heart, and do not pay tithe because you say you do not have enough money (Matthew 6:28–30; Malachi 3:8) , then you may be creating an idol.

If you look up to and revere an athlete or a movie or television celebrity and think, “I wish I could be just like them and have fame and fortune,” rather than seeking to be like Jesus and to store up your treasures in heaven, then you may be creating an idol.

If you are clinging to a philosophy or doctrine that misrepresents the character of God or is contrary to His commandments, arguing the point and cherishing it until your perception of God is the only reality you will believe and only keep the commandments you choose, then you may be creating an idol.

If you long for a relationship with your spouse, parent, sibling, child, or any other loved one to the exclusion of Jesus—as Adam did when he chose Eve over love and obedience to God (Matthew 10:37–39)—then you may be creating an idol.

There are many other ways to create idols because, in this world of sin, there are so many things that the devil uses to sway our attention away from obeying God’s commandments and seeking to have a saving relationship with Him. Sounds rigid, doesn’t it? The world screams, “You have too many rules. I want to be free!” But they don’t understand that bondage is found in sin and true freedom comes only by obeying God.

John the Beloved tells us to “… keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21

All who have spent their time and money chasing after the things of this world, if they are honest, must tell you that idols are demanding taskmasters, expensive, and they extract a heavy toll on the body, the pocketbook, and, saddest of all, spiritual growth.

Ask the Lord to reveal the areas in your life where you are prone to creating the idols that will steal from you your crown and everlasting life.

“If we would be spiritual worshipers of the true God, we must sacrifice every idol. … for they separate us from God.” The Review and Herald, July 15, 1884

“This matter is of great importance, and it is urged upon you to save you from the sin of idolatry. …

“Grasp the word of the Lord as the treasure of infinite wisdom and love; this is the Guidebook that points out the path to heaven. …

“You may sever yourself from every idol, and link yourself to the throne of God by the golden chain of grace and truth.” Maranatha, 48

“God has given us many things in this life upon which to bestow our affections, but when we carry to excess that which in itself is lawful we become idolaters. … Anything that separates our affections from God and lessens our interest in eternal things is an idol. Those who use the precious time given them by God—time that has been purchased at an infinite cost—in embellishing their homes for display, in following the fashions and customs of the world, are not only robbing their own souls of spiritual food, but are failing to give God His due. … God will not share a divided heart. If the world absorbs our attention, He cannot reign supreme. If this diminishes our devotion for God, it is idolatry in His eyes.” That I May Know Him, 322

“Men may not bow down to idols of wood and stone, but all who love the things of the world and take pleasure in unrighteousness have set up idols in their hearts. The majority of professed Christians are serving other gods besides the Lord.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, 238

“An idol is anything that human beings love and trust in instead of loving and trusting in the Lord their Maker. Whatever earthly thing men desire and trust in as having power to help them and do them good, leads them away from God, and is to them an idol. Whatever divides the affections, or takes away from the soul the supreme love of God, or interposes to prevent unlimited confidence and entire trust in God, assumes the character and takes the form of an idol in the soul temple.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 330

If, when God brings to our attention things that need to be removed from our hearts, we push back and fight against the Holy Spirit’s transforming power, rationalizing that He couldn’t possibly mean that we have to surrender something so insignificant, our very resistance and argument proves that it is an idol.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15–17

“Many and varied are the idols which we cherish; idols that engross the mind and harden the heart, so that sacred things are not rightly valued. Oh that the lessons given to ancient Israel might so impress our hearts and affect our lives that we would fully turn from idols, to serve the living God.” The Signs of the Times, August 18, 1881

“Many set up idols in their hearts—idols of selfishness, idols of pride, and love of display. Eternal things lose their value. Withdraw the influences which God has provided to preserve and strengthen our spirituality, and it decays and dies. We must be continually seeking to draw near to God, and to learn His will. We must become more unlike the world, and more like Christ in character.” Ibid., June 30, 1881

It is time for us to fall on our knees and ask the Holy Spirit to show us all the things that must be removed from our lives. Every altar that we have created to this world must be completely destroyed. We must open our hearts to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we must open God’s word and diligently study its sacred records, for it is there that we more fully learn of His unending love for us.

“Self-denial and the cross lie directly in the path of every Christian who is truly following Christ. Jesus says: ‘If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’ Will every soul consider the fact that Christian discipleship includes self-denial, self-sacrifice, even to the laying down of life itself, if need be, for the sake of Him who has given His life for the life of the world?” Counsels on Stewardship, 289

Judy Rebarchek is the managing editor of LandMarks magazine. She can be reached at judyrebarchek@stepstolife.org or by phone at 316-788-5559.