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Cold Weather Effects on Nature

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It is true that winter weather can have some negative effects in the environment, but it is also true that winter has positive—even necessary—effects in the environment.

“Snow affects people everywhere by cooling the Earth, supplying water for a variety of human uses, and sustaining healthy ecosystems, including fish and wildlife populations.”

Reflecting and Absorbing

On a sunny, snow-covered day the sun reflects off the bright white of snow. The heat and light coming from the sun is called radiation. The amount of radiation that is reflected from a material is called albedo, a Latin word meaning white. And what covers the Earth’s surface during winter with a whole lot of white and contains the greatest amount of albedo? That’s right, snow. New snow (the brightest and whitest) on the ground reflects up to 90% of the incoming radiation from the sun. The older and dirtier the snow, the less radiation it reflects.

The albedo is either absorbed by the earth or reflected back into the atmosphere. The more radiation the Earth absorbs, the warmer it becomes. But when snow covers the Earth’s surface, the majority of the albedo is reflected back into the atmosphere instead of being absorbed into the earth, and thus, it keeps the planet cooler.

Water Supply

The more snow that falls the greater the melt when warmer temperatures arrive. This melting snow soon becomes the water that comes out of the faucet, it helps produce the food we eat, and supplies electricity. Melting snow is actually critical as a source of water for agriculture, electricity generation, and other industrial uses.

Agriculture

Winter is a tough time for farmers, but farmers are pretty tough, too. Despite the risk of frost, which can damage both crops and the soil, the farmer uses winter as an opportunity to prepare the land and make plans for the coming year’s crops. They plant cold-resistant crops (i.e., garlic, carrots, spinach, lentils) using protective techniques to help mitigate the cold weather.

Winter time is the recommended time for applying compost or manure to the soil. This helps the soil to maintain its structure and fertility. To protect your winter crop from frost cover it with mesh or plastic or mulch. A light watering at the end of the day, before the temperatures drop to the point of frost, will help to keep the plants from freezing.

Did You Know? If you live in the western U.S., there’s a good chance that you brushed your teeth this morning with water that started out as millions of tiny snowflakes that fell in the mountains during the winter. The eastern U.S. enjoys sufficient year-round precipitation in the form of snow and rain. This provides a reliable source of water. The precipitation seeps through the soil into underground aquifers storing water until it is pumped out when needed.

Snowmelt supplies 75% of the water supply in the western states, and this is important because of the warmer temperatures particularly in the summer months. Melting snow is a slow process that begins in the spring and provides a steady flow of water.

Source: ourwinterworld.org\importance-of-snow

Did You Know? If you thought that winter would wipe out those pesky pests like fleas and ticks, you’ll have to think again. Cold temperatures can kill some, but both fleas and ticks have gotten pretty good at surviving even a really cold, hard winter.

“If we had perpetual summer, we should not value as we do now its bright days and beautiful flowers. Through the winter months we look forward to the time when summer with its beauty will once more gladden the earth.

“So it is with the Christian life. … Our sojourn here is as it were the Christian’s winter. But our faith and hope reach forward and upward … to the home that Christ has gone to prepare for those that love Him.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 18, 138

Source: agronoblog.com/agriculture/winter-and-its-impact-on-agriculture-a-guide-for-the-cold-season

‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

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Louisa M.R. Stead was born in England in 1850. As a young girl, she wanted to be a missionary. At 21, she immigrated to America, living in Cincinnati, Ohio. While attending a camp meeting in Urbana, Ohio, her desire to be a missionary grew, and her ambitions to serve in China sadly were dashed because of her frail health.

In 1875, Louisa married George Stead and moved to New York City. One summer day in 1880, Louisa and her husband, George, took their daughter Lily to Long Island Sound for a picnic. While enjoying the day by the seashore, they heard cries for help from a young boy struggling against the tide offshore. Without hesitation, George plunged into the water to save him.

But as Louisa and Lily watched from the shore, both George and the boy drowned. In those darkest days following her loss, and when grief was the most profound, Louisa turned to the one constant in her life: Jesus Christ.

As Louisa poured out her heart through prayer and tears, a divine inspiration began to stir within her soul, and the refrain of this beloved hymn was born. Through the words of this hymn, Louisa expressed her complete reliance on God’s promises and found peace and solace as she trusted her Saviour to carry her through this trial, as He had throughout her life. William J. Kirkpatrick set the lyrics of ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus to music, and the hymn became a beacon of hope for Louisa and Lily as they navigated their grief together and many others down through time.

The impact of the hymn is evident by its popularity and ability to touch hearts within churches across cultural barriers. It remains an enduring testament of unshakable faith amid sorrow and adversity. It serves as a reminder that we are never alone when we place our trust in our loving Saviour, as every Christian believer should.

As you sing or listen to this cherished hymn today, may you find strength and solace in knowing that you have a Saviour who loves you deeply and will carry you through every storm life brings your way.

Sources: hymncharts.com/2023/05/29/the-story-behind-tis-so-sweet-to-trust-in-jesus; Wikipedia.org/wiki/%27Tis_So_Sweet_to_Trust_in_Jesus

‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me
‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, ‘tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Predestined or Predestined

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We are predestined to be saved because God created us to be His children. Sin and the separation it brings, had no place in His creation.

We are predestined to be saved because God formulated a plan so that if man exercised his free will and chose to love and serve another, there would be a way to bring him back.

We are predestined to be saved because Jesus came to this world to live the life that would restore us to the condition of holiness and righteousness that is necessary to live in the presence of Almighty God.

We are predestined to be saved because Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty that justly belongs to each one of us as sinners and to make forgiveness available to every man, woman, and child who choose to unite with Him as His child.

We are predestined to be saved when we accept the gift of salvation.

Everyone who commits his or her life to Christ is predestined to be saved, because God has promised that all who make a full surrender of their lives to Him are saved.

We are not predestined because God has a naughty or nice list on which He places a check mark by my name or your name and, regardless of our life, saves us while others on the list are left behind.

God has provided salvation through His Son, and when we accept that salvation and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us to be, once again, holy and righteous, then we become a part of His people, His church, all of whom are predestined to be saved by virtue of their acceptance of salvation and obedience to God’s law.

“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself … .” Ephesians 1:4, 5, first part

“These promises are not made to a few, but to all who will come to the heavenly banquet that God has prepared by sending His Son to our world to die in our behalf, that through faith in Him, we should become one with God. … The predestination of which God speaks includes all who will accept Christ as a personal Saviour, who will return to their loyalty, to perfect obedience to all God’s commandments. This is the effectual salvation of a peculiar people, chosen by God from among men. All who are willing to be saved by Christ are the elect of God. It is the obedient who are predestinated from the foundation of the world.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 6, 388

God gives me the ability to reject His offer of salvation, but if I do not reject salvation, if I seek to develop a Christlike character, then I am predestined to be saved.

“The struggle is lifelong and the victory is certain. Every soul who has Christ abiding in him … will maintain a noble spirit, after the holy example of Christ. He will represent Christ’s character, maintaining integrity, purity, and holiness.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 938, 939

Christ’s Followers the Light of the World

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So far as human sympathy was concerned, Christ was as though alone in our world. His nearest friends and relatives did not understand Him. They could not understand the nature of the kingdom of which He spoke, nor comprehend the vastness of that love which embraced humanity.

His knowledge extended, not only to this world, but to the future, unseen world. He had lived in eternal light in the heavenly courts, and was one with the Father, but in the world which He had created, He was in solitude.

Fallen men, in one sense, could not be companions for Christ, for they could not enter into sympathy with His divine nature, and hold communion with the world’s Redeemer. When woe, and want, and suffering demanded His help, they found relief; for human suffering ever touched a responsive chord in the Saviour’s heart. His work was to elevate men through His condescension, through His lessons of instruction, and by means of His example, lifting them heavenward by the might of His divine power. But companions He had none upon earth. He was fully understood in heaven alone.

After the toils of the day, the Redeemer of the world was frequently found all night in prayer. Crowds throng Him through the day so that He has not a moment for rest or prayer. The fame of His work and of His wonderful teachings brought vast multitudes from all the region round about, not only to listen to His life-giving words, but to receive power from Him that they might be healed of their maladies. All are eager to receive His first attention.

Some ply Him with questions to gratify their curiosity, some to show their aptness and learning; and the jealous, caviling Pharisees watch to find some pretext to denounce Him as an impostor. Some selfishly think that they may be advantaged by His great knowledge, and receive help in their personal difficulties, while others, hungering and thirsting for clearer light, and a better knowledge of the true way, humbly listen as for their lives, drinking in every word that falls from the Master’s lips.

The restless throng sways to and fro, as some are continually coming and striving to press nearer, while others are passing away with greater zeal in their own worldly interests than in the words of eternal life.

The suffering ones call for His sympathy, the feeble, the distorted, the decrepit, the blind, and the palsied, all turn imploringly to Him, and faint voices plead earnestly for help. The crowd is so dense it seems impossible to urge a passage to Christ, and hope almost dies out of some hearts. They fear their chance will come too late, for they feel that life is fast ebbing. Can they reach the mighty Healer through the dense masses before it is too late?

But not one passes from His presence unrelieved. He repulses none, but speaks kindly and patiently with all, and in clear, calm, earnest tones He utters the truths that search to the very souls of His hearers. He is often interrupted with the cry of the demoniac, and the suffering and dying ones are urged through the crowd and laid at His feet.

His disciples see the pressure of care and burdens upon the Master, and decide that they must interfere and draw Him away from the crowd. They invite Him to find rest from His physical weariness before He shall faint with exhaustion. But Jesus continues His work notwithstanding the urgency of His disciples to draw Him away for refreshment and rest. They say one to another, He must be beside Himself to continue this taxing labor longer. They think that force will have to be used to save His life. He has not had sleep, or food, or a moment’s repose. He makes His way toward the sea-shore, and the surging crowd urge Him to the very water’s edge. He beckons to Peter to receive Him in his boat, and there upon the swaying seat of a fisherman’s boat He teaches His disciples upon the shore.

When the sun was set, and the night came on, and the people had dispersed to their homes, the disciples felt relieved. They felt sure that the Master would rest in some quiet home, and they would have Him a little period all to themselves; but they were disappointed. Weary, exhausted, and faint as He was, He would not consent to go with them to seek refreshment or repose. He dismissed His disciples, and would not allow them to accompany Him, but repaired to the solitary mountains, telling them where they may meet Him in the morning.

All night He must be alone in the mountain sanctuary with His God. All night He spent in prayer, pouring out His soul with strong crying and tears, not because He had sins to confess, or to bring remorse to His heart, not because He had troubles of His own to be relieved. A world in the darkness of error is weighing upon His soul, and while it sleeps in security He prays that it may not perish in its sin and impenitence. Thus passed the night, and when nature’s choristers tuned their songs of praise in the early morning, Christ was prepared for the day of active, earnest work.

The day after the scene at Capernaum was to be one of great importance. The memorable sermon upon the mount was to be given to His disciples, and so come down through the ages to us. The day before He had not place sufficiently large to accommodate the people, and had taken His seat in Peter’s boat to address the people on the shore. This day He led the people to the high table-land overlooking the lake, where the tall grass was waving in the breeze, and wild flowers bloomed in rich profusion of beauty and variety at their feet, and nature was clothed in her most beautiful garments. Yonder were sharp mountain peaks outlined against the sky, bearing testimony to the majesty and power of God in His created works.

Christ seated Himself upon an eminence, while the people gathered on the large grassy plain at its foot. The place was well chosen for the discourse. The sun had not yet appeared above the mountains; the incense of flowers perfumed the air, and the singing birds seemed to attune their songs responsive to the words uttered by the God of nature to impress souls with the truths falling from His divine lips.

The contrast of this morning’s scene with that of Sinai was marked. Then the millions of people gathered before the mountain whose lofty peaks seemed to reach to the very heavens. The lightnings flashed, and the groaning, muttering thunders, like supernatural voices filled the air, and God’s voice was heard in trumpet-like tones by all the congregation. Moses was commanded to come up and talk with God. He obeyed the mandate, and climbed far up the solitary heights, and God talked with him. On the morning of the third day a thick cloud began to cover the mountain, increasing in denseness every moment, while its billowy form surged violently. The earth shook and trembled as if convulsed, and the thunder peals were caught up in reverberations from peak to peak, far and near. The stately tread of the Lord Jehovah and of His Son was upon that mountain. At intervals, between the bursts of the thunder were sounds as of a trumpet swelling louder and louder till it rose above the war of the elements.

The people stood terror-stricken, every face pale as the dead, with eyes fixed in awe upon the fearful manifestations of the awful presence of God. Then was spoken amid flame and smoke the law of God. The people about the mount receded from its base in awe and fear. Their souls were overwhelmed with the grandeur and terrible majesty of the scene. They saw the two men go up amid the awful glory to receive the law from the lips of God. When Moses and Aaron again stood in their midst, the people implored them that the word of God might come to them through Moses, and not by the direct and terrible voice of God, lest they could not live.

“Fear not,” said Moses, “for God is come to prove you, and that His fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.” All the majesty of this scene was necessary to impress its solemnity upon the minds of the children of Israel, whose lives had been spent among the symbols and ceremonies of the Egyptian worship.

Christ, who had led the children of Israel in the wilderness, who revealed His majesty and spoke the law from Sinai, was now to define the principles of that law, which was to be carried out and exemplified in practical life. The multitude close about the great Teacher, interested and eager to catch every word that fall from His lips. Yet there are no grand and awful demonstrations on this occasion, as at Sinai. The beauties of nature in the luxuriant vegetation and adornment of flowers speak to the senses of the love of God in His created works.

There was no eloquence of words used in the lessons of Christ, no overdrawn language hiding the simple grandeur of the thought, nothing to bewilder the mind or mislead the imagination. The language was simple, the utterance slow and forcible, and the enunciation clear and distinct. God was speaking to the soul of man in kindness and love. The countenance of Christ beamed with the glory of heaven’s light. His eyes expressed love and sympathy for man. Divinity flashed through humanity as the deep and earnest words of eternal life were spoken to the interested hearers.

The sun was climbing above the mountain tops, reflecting its bright beams upon the hills and mountains, distinctly revealing the cities upon their slopes.

“He pointed to the bright beams of the sun, saying impressively, ‘Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set upon a hill cannot be hid. … Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ ” The Signs of the Times, December 11, 1879

Story – Siddi’s Secret

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The tinkle of her father’s sheep bells awoke Siddi. Usually she smiled and closed her eyes for another few minutes of sleep, but not this morning.

Last night her father had told her, “Siddi, you will have to herd the sheep by yourself tomorrow. I have to go to the village for our supplies, and the herd boy cannot come.”

This news had pleased Siddi. In the country of India, where she lived, the children often herded goats and sheep. Siddi’s father had never allowed her to herd them by herself, but she was certain she could.

Springing out of bed, she dressed and hurried outside. “Little shepherdess, are you ready?” her father greeted her with a smile.

“Oh yes, Father,” Siddi answered.

“Then I’ll drive the sheep to the grazing grounds for you.” Father opened the gate and started the ewes and the lambs on the trail.

Siddi did not follow right away.

After a moment, her father called to her, “Siddi, are you not coming?” He saw her standing by the gate with her head bowed.

“Yes, Father,” she answered and ran to catch up. Siddi had a secret that she had never told her father. Her secret was that she believed in Jesus Christ.

Several months ago, her missionary friend Naomi had told her about Jesus, and every day now Siddi prayed to Him. She was certain her father would be angry if he knew. Often he had remarked, “Don’t forget, Siddi, to worship our gods.” But Siddi had learned better than to worship gods who can neither see nor hear.

As she skipped along on the trail with her father, she saw her friends Rajendra and Santha standing in their uncle’s garden. She knew they were beginning their task for the day. It was their job to chase away any birds or animals that came to eat the young vegetable plants.

“I would rather herd sheep than chase birds,” she told her father gaily.

“Would you?” smiled Father. “Why?”

Siddi wanted to say because Jesus had loved the baby lambs so much, but she knew she couldn’t. Before she could think of an answer, her father turned onto another path. “Graze the sheep here this morning,” he said. “I should be back in the early part of the afternoon. Then we will drive them farther.”

“All right, Father,” Siddi said. She gave her father a kiss and waved goodbye to him.

After he had gone so far down the trail that she could no longer see him, Siddi sat on a rock. For a while she watched the wooly lambs eat the tender green grass beside their mothers. Then she looked across the countryside.

Naomi had told her that India was a little like the land where Jesus had lived. She said the tamarind groves were once like the olive groves mentioned in the Bible. In the distance, Siddi saw some day lilies and a clump of balsams. I guess they are like the flowers that grew in Jesus’ land, she thought.

The sun grew hot. Siddi became sleepy, but she remembered to stay awake and watch the sheep.

She was still herding them in the grassy plain when she saw her father coming down the trail from the village. Forgetting the sheep for a moment, she raced to meet him.

Then a strange thing happened. Siddi heard a voice calling, “Go back, Siddi.”

Siddi slowed and looked at her father. He was smiling and waving to her. Surely he hadn’t told her to go back.

Again, Siddi started down the path. Again came the voice, “Go back, Siddi, go back!”

Puzzled, Siddi stopped once more. Who could be calling? There was no one but her father near. As she stood still, the voice spoke louder this time. “Siddi, go back to the sheep at once!”

Quickly Siddi turned to obey. As she did she caught sight of something beside the path—the horrible flat head of a cobra!

Siddi ran as fast as she could. She did not see the poisonous snake strike, barely missing her, nor did she see her father destroy the snake.

She was still shaking from the experience when her father reached her. “Oh, Siddi, if you hadn’t run when you did the snake would have killed you!” her father cried. “How did you ever see it in time?”

Siddi shook her head. She knew it had been one of Jesus’ angels who had warned her. She knew too, that she must tell her father her secret.

“I didn’t see the snake in time, Father,” she said. “Jesus sent an angel to tell me to turn back. My friend Naomi has taught me all about Jesus. Father, you must come to the meetings that Naomi’s father has and learn about Jesus too.”

For a moment Siddi’s father looked almost angry. Then his look softened as he put his arm around Siddi. “If Jesus has the power to save you from the cobra,” he said, “then I certainly must learn about Him.”

Learning about Jesus is no longer a secret in Siddi’s family. Both her father and her mother go with her to the Sabbath meetings.

Heaven, Please!, Helena Welch, ©1973, 76–79

The Christian America Project 2.0

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In the previous two articles on issues related to the separation of church and state, we traced the history of the formation of the idea of the great separation and the threats posed to it by human nature and contemporary global trends in politics, society, and religion. In this article, I would like to look at selected historical and contemporary examples of the crumbling of the wall separating church and state.

A brief history of religious freedom in the Roman Empire

In the November issue of LandMarks, I wrote that man’s age-old thinking about politics is political theology, that is, politics as a sphere of social life regulated by religion. From its beginnings, Christianity has stood in steadfast opposition to the pagan world, a world that requires conversion and lives under the rule of demonic supremacy. Therefore, Christians have sought to maintain a biblical separation from the pagan world, not accepting the relationship between light and darkness. To put it another way, Christians did not think about political theology. However, in the fourth century, an epochal change occurred. Emperor Constantine created a new world order.

In 313, the Edict of Milan was promulgated jointly by the emperor of the western part of the Roman Empire, Constantine the Great, and the emperor of the eastern part, Licinius. The promulgation of this document established religious freedom in the Roman Empire because the imperial document was not merely tolerant but expressed the idea of religious freedom based on the belief that true faith and worship could not come from coercion. Until then, Christianity had been an illegal and persecuted religion, but from then on, Christianity became a legal religion and, more specifically, was legally equated with other religions of the Roman Empire.1

Certainly, the religious freedom brought about by the promulgation of the Edict of Milan was extremely valuable and good. What is worth noting is that religious freedom was something unusual in the ancient world, something unprecedented. The Edict of Milan was promulgated not in the vacuum of socio-religious life but in the specific religious and political context of the ancient world. This context assumes a symbiotic relationship between religion and politics, creating a homogeneous social system in which religion and the state are mutually supportive. The Edict of Milan did not fit into such a world. It is also clear that Christianity, with its religious-political dualism, i.e., the professed principle of separation of religion and politics, in line with Jesus’ words on paying taxes: “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God, the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21), did not fit the pagan world of the time. “In the ancient states, political purpose was equated with religious purpose and political power with religious power. The monarch was both ruler of the state and high priest.”2

Beginnings of the union of church and state

Christians now had to choose to transform and overcome the prevailing pagan principle of the union of religion and state or to submit completely to this principle. Unfortunately, Christianity chose the second option. Within a relatively short period of time, after the edict was issued, the Christian Church merged with state power, using the state’s coercion to enforce what it considered to be orthodoxy and exterminate what it considered to be heresy.

The birth of the Christian state

In 380 A.D., Emperor Theodosius issued the Thessalonian Edict, which established Christianity as the state religion of the Roman Empire.3 The church gained influence over the state, but the state also gained influence over the church. The balance of gains and losses of the union of church and state seemed unequivocally positive but led to the greatest deviation in Christianity. Christians, led by church leaders, adapted very quickly and very easily to the new order of things, recognizing in it the restoration of God’s theocratic covenant with Israel. Christian dissidents who did not benefit from this union were persecuted by the state and established Catholicism.4

Thus was born a political-religious alliance, its roots dating back to the Tower of Babel, which would later develop into a power that would usher in a theocratic totalitarian system in medieval Europe, bloodily persecuting all opposition. The Bible calls this political-religious power the beast. Nimrod founded the world’s first empire in which religion and the state were one.5

Christian inspired legislation

The construction of a new political-religious system was highly promising, and it may have seemed that Christianity had achieved a transformation in the cruel and decadent pagan culture of the Roman Empire, influencing the state to make legal and social changes. The Roman state passed many Church-inspired laws: the abolishment of crucifixion as a punishment, the elimination of bloody gladiatorial performances, and banned other cruel rituals. The state abolished the burning of birthmarks on the faces of slaves, and their liberation was encouraged. Pro-family laws emerged: the prohibition of abortion, adultery, and concubinage, restrictions regarding divorce, and assistance for widows and orphans. In addition, the emperor ordered soldiers to say public prayers on Sunday, supported the Church’s finances, placed Christian symbols in public places, and legally sanctioned Sunday, banning work on that day.6

Initially, the Edict of Milan by Emperor Constantine granted everyone the freedom to practice their religion according to their conscience, but later the Edict of Thessalonica by Emperor Theodosius established Christianity as the state religion, thereby invalidating the right to practice religion according to one’s conscience.

However, morality and religion imposed by state laws never lead to a true renewal of the heart. Religious legislation resulted in intolerance, and it didn’t take long before using state coercion to enforce religious laws was established. In short order came persecution—first of non-Christians, and later of Christians who disagreed with the official Church in something. Finally, Pope Leo I sanctioned the death penalty for heresy in the fifth heresy.7 Only those Christians who led lives in desolate places where the power of the imperial might of papal Rome did not reach remained free from persecution.

Christian America before the Constitution

We should note that Protestantism has also proved vulnerable to the temptation to use state coercion in matters of faith. Political theology is written into human sinful nature more strongly than we may think. Yes, the Reformation brought to the world the extraordinary light of God’s truth, progress, and much good for humanity. However, it did not abolish the church-state connection in Europe, which was the root cause of intolerance and lack of freedom of conscience and speech. Anabaptists, persecuted by both Catholics and most Protestants, were among the few Protestants who denied the church-state connection.8

A historical example is the Anglican Church’s persecution of dissenters. During the 16th and 17th centuries, thousands of religious nonconformists were forced to seek refuge on the American continent. Many of those who failed to escape were imprisoned, tortured, and killed. Therefore, America is referred to in Revelation as the “land” that came to the aid of God’s people (Revelation 12:15, 16). Here, we find another paradox of history, which is not a paradox but a confirmation that the mentality of people operating in terms of political theology is extremely difficult to eradicate. The same people who found refuge from religious persecution in Europe on American soil persecuted Christian minorities, such as Baptists and Quakers.9

The lack of separation of church and state in America caused Protestant newcomers, mainly Puritans, to try to transfer the model of church-state relations to American soil. How oppressive and tyrannical a social system can be when the church influences politics is shown by the example of religious laws introduced in the state of Virginia in 1610; of particular interest is the law on the observance of the so-called Christian Sabbath, or Sunday: “Every man and woman shall repair in the morning to the divine service and sermons preached upon the Sabbath day, and in the afternoon to divine service, and catechising, upon pain for the first fault to lose their provision and the allowance for the whole week following; for the second, to lose the said allowance and also be whipped; and for the third to suffer death.”10

The Christian America Project

Just as in the days of the Roman Empire, the church, through its influence on politics, sought the moral renewal of the empire, so today, the religious right in the U.S. is influencing politics and the government to enact legislation that the Christian right believes will halt the moral decline of the American people and lead to their moral renewal.

Social barometer—the Supreme Court

In relation to the wall of separation of church and state, a peculiar barometer of changes is taking place in politics, society, and religion. This barometer is the Supreme Court of the United States and its decisions because “the responsibility for interpreting American constitutional principles lies precisely with the Supreme Court, its jurisprudence clarifies the understanding of all principles, including those relating to religious freedom. The endless number of new doubts related to the interpretation of constitutional principles also allows the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence to admit a certain amount of dynamism. It is all the greater because this institution is not an interpretive monolith, but a place where different positions and opinions clash. An example of such divergence is precisely the coexistence in the Supreme Court of different positions on the assessment of the degree of separation of state and church between supporters of strict separation and supporters of symbiosis of the spheres of politics and religion, allowing the state to adapt, in a certain way, to the religious needs of citizens. The problem of the degree of separation of church and state is often an issue of public debate, in which the opinion of the Supreme Court is treated as conclusive.”11

The role of the President of the United States

However, let us remember that the Supreme Court does not operate in a vacuum. The President of the United States has a fundamental influence on public opinion on this issue, and his attitude, both formal and informal, to religious freedom and the social role of churches, has repeatedly set the boundaries of the separation of state and church.12

If the influence on the understanding of the separation of church and state becomes a question not of constitutional guarantees but more of the will of the majority, then we have a problem that threatens the very existence of the separation of state and church. A democratic majority elects the President, and the President appoints certain judges whose ideological profile agrees with the ideological profile of the democratic majority. The Supreme Court, structured in this way, then decides the degree of separation of church and state by a majority vote. We must then ask: Is the United States a democracy, ruled by a majority, or is it a constitutional republic, in which it is decided not only by the electoral vote of the people but also by constitutional principles that stand above the current majority?

Pro-religious Supreme Court of a global superpower

We certainly are living in perilous times for the idea of separation of church and state, for the Supreme Court, in which conservatives are in the majority, in a series of recent rulings, has undermined this wall of separation, thus undermining American legal traditions designed to prevent government officials from promoting any particular faith.13

Conservative judges appointed by President Donald Trump seek to minimize the impact of President Jefferson’s separation wall. In three 2022 cases, the court backed a Washington State soccer coach who officials suspended for leading a Christian prayer with players after a game. Using the doctrine of free speech and the right to the free exercise of religion, the judges found that the coach had the right as a citizen to lead the post-game prayer. In addition, the judges approved taxpayer money for students to attend religious schools in rural areas without public high schools nearby. Finally, the Supreme Court overturned the City of Boston’s decision to remove a flag with a cross from the front of City Hall. In that case, too, the right to free speech and the right to the free exercise of religion provided the basis for supporting the display of the flag on public property. Currently, the conservative majority on the Supreme Court supports the trend of linking free speech to religiously motivated activities.14

However, as Judge Sonia Sotomayor, quoted by Reuters, accurately noted, such an approach “brings us to a place where the separation of church and state becomes a violation of the Constitution.”15

Now let’s take a look at the composition of the Supreme Court, because something is very wrong here. “The current Court consists of six conservative Catholics in the majority: Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett, as well as a liberal Catholic (Justice Sotomayor), a Jew (Justice Kagan) and a Protestant (Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson).”16

These decisions of the Supreme Court in a country with hundreds of different faiths are alarming and puzzling. The Supreme Court now has a majority of Catholic justices who will be able to advance their interests and political-religious agenda. This was not an accident but a deliberate, planned action. Random events do not exist in big politics, and it is all the more frightening because, as Ellen White noted: “The Roman Catholic Church, with all its ramifications throughout the world, forms one vast organization under the control, and designed to serve the interests, of the papal see. Its millions of communicants, in every country on the globe, are instructed to hold themselves as bound in allegiance to the pope. Whatever their nationality or their government, they are to regard the authority of the church as above all others. Though they may take the oath pledging their loyalty to the state, yet back of this lies the vow of obedience to Rome, absolving them from every pledge inimical to her interests.”17

Pro-religious President of global superpower

President Donald Trump believes he received miraculous divine protection during a near-fatal attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.18 In other words, President Trump feels anointed by God to play a historical role and repay the debt of gratitude for saving his life by divine intervention on the day of the assassination attempt. How can such a debt be repaid? If only by implementing a Christian-nationalist agenda allowing churches to participate in power, giving Christians a privileged position in the country, and thus disregarding the separation of church and state. This is what the Christian right wants, and this is what President Trump promised at the National Religious Broadcasters annual meeting in Nashville on February 22, 2024, attended by leaders of the largest evangelical communications media. “If I get in, you’re going to be using that power at a level that you’ve never used before.”19 He continued: “I really believe it’s the biggest thing missing from this country, the biggest thing missing. We have to bring back our religion. We have to bring back Christianity in this country.”20

The horizon of prophetic time

Under these conditions, the majority of Christian churches in the U.S. will gain influence similar to that which the churches held over the government in the days of Constantine the Great. Then, an alliance of Catholics and Protestants will use the state’s authority to implement a religious agenda, just as in the Middle Ages. This is the future. The U.S. still upholds religious freedom and the separation of church and state. However, history does not stand still. Current societal trends, Christianity, and politics are causing the eschatological perspective to accelerate sharply. The wall that separates church and state stands, but we must fervently defend it. In the dynamically changing world around us, let us be vigilant. Let us prudently read the signs of the times and be ready to bear witness to truth and freedom.

Marcin Watras lives in Katowice, Poland. He is interested in the philosophy of religion and trends in society. He works for the European Union.

 Endnotes:

  1. Zbigniew Jaworski, Wolność religijna według Edyktu Mediolańskiego – w 1700 rocznicę wydania, published by Biuletyn SAWP June 2014, Vol. 9, No. 11 (1), pp. 17–29
  2. , p. 22
  3. The Edict of Thessalonica, February 2, 2021, historytoday.com/archive/months-past/edict-thessalonica, accessibility: 01.08.2025
  4. Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Volume III: Nicene and Post-Nicene Christianity. D. 311–600, Publisher Grand Rapids 2002, p. 55
  5. Dave Hunt, Kobieta jadąca na bestii, publishing house Fundacja Świadome Chrześcijaństwo 2024, p. 51
  6. , pp. 54–75
  7. Jonatan Dunkel, Apokalipsa, publishing house Orion plus 2001, p. 93
  8. , p. 85
  9. Mark A. Noll, Protestantyzm, publishing house Uniwersytet Łódzki 2017, pp. 59, 60
  10. Articles, Lawes, and Orders, Divine, Politique, and Martiall for the Colony of Virginea, in William Strachey, For the Colony in Virginea Britannia: Lawes, Divine, Morall, and Martiall, etc. (London: Walter Barre, 1612), 1–7, 19, from the website: religioninamerica.org/rahp_objects/excerpts-of-colonial-laws-related-to-religious-establishment-and-toleration/, accessibility:
    01.12.2025
  11. Marcin Pomarański, Współczesny amerykański fundamentalizm protestancki, publishing house UMCS, p. 75
  12. , p. 78
  13. Lawrence Hurley, Andrew Chung, U.S. Supreme Court takes aim at separation of church and state, June 29, 2022, reuters.com/legal/government/us-supreme-court-takes-aim-separation-church-state-2022-06-28/, accessibility: 01.15.2025
  14. Michael Kryzanek, The Doctrine of Separation of Church and State, 30 May, 2023, bridgew.edu/stories/2023/doctrine-separation-church-and-state, accessibility: 15.01.2025
  15. Lawrence Hurley, Andrew Chung, U.S. Supreme Court takes aim at separation of church and state, 29 June 2022, reuters.com/legal/government/us-supreme-court-takes-aim-separation-church-state-2022-06-28/, accessibility: 01.15.2025
  16. Marci A. Hamilton and Leslie C. Griffin, How Did Six Conservative Catholics Become Supreme Court Justices Together?, 3 May 2023, https://verdict.justia.com/2023/05/03/how-did-six-conservative-catholics-become-supreme-court-justices-together, accessibility: 01.16.2025
  17. Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 580
  18. Peter Smith, White evangelical voters show steadfast support for Donald Trump’s presidency, 7 Nov 2024, pbs.org/newshour/politics/white-evangelical-voters-show-steadfast-support-for-donald-trumps-presidency, accessibility: 01.19.2025
  19. Trump Promises to Grant Christians Unprecedented Political Power, youtube.com/watch?v=CbVqE6pacc8, accessibility: 01.19.2025
  20. Ibid.

Are You Ready to Die?

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“I am so ready for Jesus to come.”

We have all made that statement at some point in our lives. A person usually says that after some unpleasant experience, or in a time of want, or after reading about or seeing some terrible calamity or evil occur in the world. But are those reasons sufficient for anyone to be ready to be taken out of this world? It is the equivalent of saying, “Get me out of here!”

Wanting something and being prepared to go is not the same as being anxious to leave.

I am going on vacation for a few days and I am anxious to have these days off. However, I still need to pack, make travel and lodging arrangements, and make reservations to board my dog and cat. Someone might wonder if I am truly ready for my vacation. I certainly want to go, and I am anxious to be where I intend to spend my days off, but I have made none of the necessary preparations for my vacation. And that is the difference between wanting to go and being prepared to go.

We are all destined to die; there is no escape from this inevitability. Death is the consequence of sin, and as sinners, we will all die, just as those who have died over the 6,000 years behind us. However, the Bible tells us that there will be a group of people—the 144,000—who will never see death on this earth. We have Bible examples of that group—Enoch and Elijah. But except for these two and the 144,000, not one of us will escape the first death. The truth is, there is one death that everyone in heaven must experience while they are still on this earth—death to self.

Physical death is the consequence of being sinful, which we are by nature. But death to self is the spiritual necessity if we are to spend eternity in heaven, and definitely if it is our desire to be one of the 144,000. This life is only a time of preparation. If I want to see Jesus, then I must do the work of being made ready now, and it must be done here. There is no second chance. Preparation for heaven is our earthwork.

“The Christian’s life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.” Messages to Young People, 157

“You must experience a death to self, and must live unto God. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.’ Self is not to be consulted. Pride, self-love, selfishness, avarice, covetousness, love of the world, hatred, suspicion, jealousy, evil surmisings, must all be subdued and sacrificed forever. When Christ shall appear, it will not be to correct these evils and then give a moral fitness for His coming. This preparation must all be made before He comes. It should be a subject of thought, of study, and earnest inquiry, What shall we do to be saved? What shall be our conduct that we may show ourselves approved of God? …

“Only the faultless will be there [before the throne of God]. None will be translated to heaven while their hearts are filled with the rubbish of earth. Every defect in the moral character must first be remedied, every stain removed by the cleansing blood of Christ, and all the unlovely, unlovable traits of character overcome.” Maranatha, 58

So, what is the purpose of this life? Dying to self. In dying, I reject the world and all its evils and temptations, and in doing so, my selfish nature is cleansed of every stain, and my character is transformed to be like Christ’s. Death to self is the most important experience through which I must pass, and becoming Christlike is the sure result of the daily experience of dying to self.

“There are those who for a time are successful in the struggle against their selfish desire for pleasure and ease. They are sincere and earnest, but grow weary of protracted effort, of daily death, of ceaseless turmoil. Indolence seems inviting, death to self repulsive; and they close their drowsy eyes, and fall under the power of temptation instead of resisting it.

“The directions laid down in the word of God leave no room for compromise with evil. The Son of God was manifested that He might draw all men unto Himself. He came not to lull the world to sleep, but to point out the narrow path in which all must travel who reach at last the gates of the city of God. His children must follow where He has led the way; at whatever sacrifice of ease or selfish indulgence, at whatever cost of labor or suffering, they must maintain a constant battle with self.” Gospel Workers, 135

“True conviction of sin, real heart sorrow because of wickedness, death to self, the daily overcoming of defects of character, and the new birth—these, represented as old things, Paul says had passed away, and all things had become new.” Our Father Cares, 300, 301

“He who has an obedient heart, that is ready to do the will of God, will not only gladly receive truth, but will earnestly seek for truth as for hidden treasure. He will come to the Scriptures with a humble and teachable spirit, seeking to understand how he may walk in the light, and saying, ‘Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?’ (Acts 9:6). He is ready to sacrifice anything and everything, if required, in order that he may be in harmony with the will of God.

“It is not always an easy matter to render obedience to the will of God. It demands firmness of purpose to enter in at the strait gate and to travel in the narrow path that leads to eternal life … . There is not room to enter in at the strait gate and carry the things of this world along.

“He who would enter in at the strait gate must make an entire consecration of his all to God.” Ye Shall Receive Power, 110

So, the next time you hear yourself saying, “I am so ready for Jesus to come,” look closely at your heart’s desires, listen to what you say, and pay attention to what you think and do. You may not be as ready for that day to come as your statement suggests.

“Since we know not the hour of Christ’s coming, we must live soberly and godly in this present world, ‘Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.’ ” Reflecting Christ, 258

“We are to live only one day at a time. We do not have to do the work of a lifetime in a few hours. We need not look into the future with anxiety; for God has made it possible for us to be overcomers every day.

“By the exercise of living faith today, we are to conquer the enemy. We must today seek God, and be determined that we will not rest satisfied without His presence. We should watch and work and pray as though this were the last day that would be granted us.

“If you are right with God today, you are ready if Christ should come today.” The Faith I Live By, 249

Friend, today is the day of our salvation. Today, we must surrender ourselves—body, soul, mind, and spirit—to the One who makes us ready to dwell with Him for eternity. We must not simply want to go; we must now prepare to go.

“The heart of God never yearned toward His earthly children with deeper love and more compassionate tenderness than now. There never was a time when God was ready and waiting to do more for His people than now. And He will instruct and save all who choose to be saved in His appointed way. Those who are spiritual can discern spiritual things and see tokens of the presence and work of God everywhere.” Testimonies, Vol. 3, 455

“Sanctification is not the work of a day or a year, but of a lifetime. Without continual efforts and constant endeavor, there can be no real advancement in the divine life, no attainment of the victor’s crown.” The Southern Watchman, January 17, 1905

“The voice of the angel seems to ring in my ears … Get ready, get ready, get ready, lest ye be weighed in the balance and found wanting.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 6, 253

“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” Romans 13:11

“Therefore you also be ready … .” Luke 12:40, first part

“No outward observances can take the place of simple faith and entire renunciation of self. But no man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.

“It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore, there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 159, 160

Let this be our prayer. Let our work during these closing hours of earth’s history be “to make a heart and a life surrender” (The Upward Look, 289), letting the old man die so that a complete change of character can occur in our lives. May we truly be made ready for Jesus to come, to at last hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

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

The Christian’s Privilege

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“He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

John 1:11–13

What is the difference between a right and a privilege?

According to legal scholars, a right is something that cannot be legally denied, such as the right to free speech, press, religion, and raising a family. A privilege is something that can be given and taken away and is considered to be a special advantage or opportunity that is available only to certain people.

This explains the difference in secular law between a right and a privilege. I would like to suggest, however, that in the religious realm, a right and a privilege are pretty much the same. We talk of the privilege we have to bow before the throne of grace and carry our petitions to the source of infinite power. While this is indeed a privilege, a special advantage or opportunity that is available only to certain people—and that would be those who believe in a superior power—it is also something that cannot be legally denied. While laws may well be passed that prohibit in a certain degree open prayer, nothing can stop someone from silently praying.

We indeed have a right to pray. While it is also considered a privilege to bow before our Creator, legally we cannot be prevented from praying. The time may well come when we have to pray silently, but as true believers, we know that God hears even our silent prayers.

In nearly every one of Paul’s letters, he exhorts his readers to understand the wonderful privileges they have as followers of Christ. He often expressed these privileges in terms of prayers. This is especially evident in his letter to the Ephesians.

“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14–19

Here Paul writes of his desire that the brethren at Ephesus might come to understand the height, the fullness of the Christian’s privilege. He opens before us, in the most comprehensive language, the marvelous power and knowledge that we might possess as sons and daughters of the Most High. It is our privilege “to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man,” to be “rooted and grounded in love,” to “comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge.” But the prayer of the apostle reaches the epitome of privilege when he prays that “you might be filled with all the fullness of God.”

This is the exact same condition that Christ experiences in His relationship to His Father. “For in Him [Christ] dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2:9. Paul prays for that same fullness for us!

Let’s take a deeper look at this prayer. Paul prays that his readers—and indeed all Christians—might comprehend the love of Christ; then he acknowledges that that love passes knowledge.

It is incomprehensible.

It is an interesting contrast in understanding that we can comprehend the love of Christ, although it passes knowledge. The Greek word that is translated passes in this text can also be translated exceeds or excels. Christ’s love for us exceeds knowledge, although we can comprehend it and are aware of it. It is revealed to us in the fragrance of every flower, the song of every bird, the beauty of the sunrise. Indeed, throughout nature God’s love is revealed to us when we sense and perceive that love as He wants us to, as He has given us the privilege to, and indeed, the right to.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul sets forth the rich blessings granted to the children of God. He says: We “do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.” Colossians 1:9–11

Another prayer; another set of privileges for the Christian. Here, Paul prays that the Colossians, and again, all Christians, may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. What exactly does that mean? Knowing and doing God’s will is a salvational issue. There is absolutely no hope of my crossing the Jordan if I am not actively engaged in seeking to know His will and following through with action. If it were not important, the Holy Spirit would not have moved upon Paul to compose that prayer.

A walk worthy of the Lord.

Paul also prays that Christians may walk worthy of the Lord and be fruitful in every good work. Whether or not a person is worthy can be a hot topic. It is true that on my own I cannot now nor will I ever “walk worthy of the Lord,” as Paul puts it. However, as we all know, it is the Christian’s privilege to be clothed, by faith, in the righteousness of Christ, and therefore, be found worthy of everlasting life.

Indeed, we are promised in Zechariah 3 that the Angel of the Lord will perform the miracle of miracles by removing those character traits that defile us—our filthy garments—and replacing them with His own righteous nature.

“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at His right hand to oppose him.

“And the Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?’

“Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, ‘Take away the filthy garments from him.’ And to him He said, ‘See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.’

“And I said, ‘Let them put a clean turban on his head.’ So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.

“Then the Angel of the Lord admonished Joshua, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “If you will walk in My ways, and if you will keep My command, Then you shall also judge My house, and likewise have charge of My courts; I will give you places to walk among these who stand here.

“ ‘ “Hear, O Joshua, the high priest, you and your companions who sit before you, For they are a wondrous sign; For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the Branch. For behold, the stone that I have laid before Joshua: upon the stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave its inscription,’ ” Says the Lord of hosts, ‘ “And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. In that day,’ ” says the Lord of hosts, “Everyone will invite his neighbor under his vine and under his fig tree.” ’ ” Zechariah 3:1–10

I don’t fully understand every verse of Zachariah 3; however, the final verse depicts a time of peaceful and tranquil Christian fellowship that the saved will experience after the destruction of the enemy of peace. This experience is a privilege that is open to all.

We can engage in endless discussions about the legal difference between a right and a privilege. But in religious terms, I don’t think it matters that much. Although legally, while a right cannot be denied, I can choose to reject salvation. If I choose to disregard the privileges that I have as a believer in the salvation that Christ has afforded me by His death on the cross, I have no right to reside where the peace and blessings of Jesus reign supreme, and where “everyone will invite his neighbor under his vine and under his fig tree.” If I, by my own choices, am lost, then there is no place for me among the saved, neither here nor there.

It is my hope, indeed my prayer, that all who succeed in overcoming, which it is our privilege to do, will have a fruitful vine and a shady fig tree near their country homes in the earth made new and enjoy wonderful fellowship as we invite others to join us there.

John R. Pearson is the office manager and Steps to Life board member. He can be reached by email at johnpearson@stepstolife.org or by phone at 316-788-5559.

The Sudden Change Coming

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“There will soon be a sudden change in God’s dealings. The world in its perversity is being visited by casualties—by floods, storms, fires, earthquakes, famines, wars, and bloodshed. The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power; yet He will not at all acquit the wicked. ‘The Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.’ O that men might understand the patience and longsuffering of God! He is putting under restraint His own attributes. His omnipotent power is under the control of Omnipotence. … But His forbearance will not always continue. Who is prepared for the sudden change that will take place in God’s dealing with sinful men?” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 356

God called the second advent movement into existence to warn the world that the judgement of this world had come. Do not let any misguided person cause you to forget that we are living in that time when all its inhabitants will be judged by the God of heaven and the millions of angels at His court (Daniel 7:9, 10) First the righteous will be judged (1 Peter 4:17) and then the unrighteous—those who have not accepted the gospel and endured to the end (Matthew 24:13).

The judgment of the righteous will end at midnight—the darkest period of human history (Matthew 25:6) And a short time after this, the Lord Jesus will appear in the clouds of heaven (Mark 4:29; Revelation 14:15).

Christ’s first advent to this world was not to judge but to save the world (John 3:17). At His second advent, He will come to judge its inhabitants (2 Timothy 4:1; Acts 10:43).

“People are now settling to rest, imagining themselves secure under the popular churches; but let all beware, lest there is a place left open for the enemy to gain an entrance. Great pains should be taken to keep this subject before the people. … The day of the Lord will come suddenly, unexpectedly. The fearful warning of the prophecy is addressed to every soul. Let no one feel that he is secure from the danger of being surprised. Let no one’s interpretation of prophecy rob you of the conviction of the knowledge of events which show that this great event is near at hand.” Ibid., 336

Physical Vigor

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May 25 – 31, 2025

Key Text

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 2

Study Help: Sons and Daughters of God, 168–174

Introduction

“What might not men and women have been had they realized that the treatment of the body has everything to do with the vigor and purity of mind and heart.” Maranatha, 230

Sunday

1 ONE OF CHRIST’S SPECIALTIES

1.a. When Jesus, the Son of man, lived on earth, what was He most often doing? Acts 10:38

Note: “During His ministry Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching. His miracles testified to the truth of His words, that He came not to destroy but to save. His righteousness went before Him, and the glory of the Lord was His rearward. Wherever He went, the tidings of His mercy preceded Him. Where He had passed, the objects of His compassion were rejoicing in health, and making trial of their new-found powers.” The Desire of Ages, 350

1.b.  What is God’s plan for the physical health of His children? 3 John 2

Note: “He [Jesus], the Chief of physicians, is ready to dispense the balm of Gilead. He will hear the prayers offered by the physician and the missionary, if His name will be glorified thereby; and the life of the suffering patient will be prolonged.” Counsels on Health, 536

“I urge that those who are taking a neutral position in regard to health reform be converted. This light is precious, and the Lord gives me the message to urge that all who bear responsibilities in any line in the work of God take heed that truth is in the ascendancy in the heart and life. Only thus can any meet the temptations they are sure to encounter in the world.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 453

Monday

2 THE POT OF MANNA AS A SYMBOL

2.a. In what was a special pot of manna stored, and in what part of the sanctuary was this? Exodus 16:33, 34; Hebrews 9:3, 4

Note: “As God gave manna from heaven to sustain the children of Israel, so He will now give His people in different places skill and wisdom to use the productions of these countries in preparing foods to take the place of meat.” Testimonies, Vol. 7, 124

“The world at large are given to gluttony and the indulgence of base passions. The light of health reform is opened before the people of God at this day, that they may see the necessity of holding their appetites and passions under control of the higher powers of the mind. This is also necessary, that they may have mental strength and clearness, to discern the sacred chain of truth, and turn from the bewitching errors and pleasing fables, that are flooding the world. Their work is to present before the people the pure doctrine of the Bible. Hence health reform finds its place in the preparatory work for the second appearing of Christ.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 2, 44

2.b.  How does God view the eating of flesh foods? What should we do, considering we are living in the antitypical Day of Atonement? Psalm 78:17, 18; Isaiah 22:12–14, 20–22

Note: “Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, meat eating will eventually be done away; flesh will cease to form a part of their diet. …

“Again and again I have been shown that God is bringing His people back to His original design, that is, not to subsist on the flesh of dead animals. He would have us teach people a better way. … If meat is discarded, if the taste is not educated in that direction, if a liking for fruits and grains is encouraged, it will soon be as God in the beginning designed it should be. No meat will be used by His people.” Child Guidance, 383

“Will our people see and feel the sin of indulging perverted appetite? Will they discard tea, coffee, flesh meats, and all stimulating food, and devote the means expended for these hurtful indulgences to spreading the truth?” Testimonies, Vol. 3, 569

Tuesday

3 A STRENGTH-PRODUCING PLAN

3.a. What is our Creator’s original plan of nutrition for humanity? How did this change after sin corrupted the planet? Genesis 1:29; 3:18

Note: “In order to know what are the best foods, we must study God’s original plan for man’s diet. He who created man and who understands his needs appointed Adam his food. ‘Behold,’ He said, ‘I have given you every herb yielding seed, … and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food.’ Upon leaving Eden to gain his livelihood by tilling the earth under the curse of sin, man received permission to eat also ‘the herb of the field.’

“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 81

3.b.  Besides adopting the health reform for ourselves, what other sacred responsibility do we have regarding it? Psalm 67:1, 2

Note: “God would be recognized as the Author of our being. That life He has given us is not to be trifled with. Recklessness in the bodily habits reveals a recklessness of moral character. The health of the body is to be regarded as essential for the advancement of growth in grace, an even temper.” Mind, Character, and Personality, Vol. 2, 405

“Seventh-day Adventists are to be represented to the world by the advance principles of health reform which God has given us.

“Still greater truths are unfolding for this people as we draw near the close of time, and God designs that we shall everywhere establish institutions where those who are in darkness in regard to the needs of the human organism may be educated, that they in their turn may lead others into the light of health reform.” Medical Ministry, 187

“The sick and suffering are to be helped. Many for whom this work of mercy is done will hear and accept the words of life. Many will be healed by the prayer of faith, and will go forth to advocate the precious principles of health reform.” Pacific Union Recorder, November 6, 1902

“The Lord does not now work to bring many souls into the truth, because of the church members who have never been converted and those who were once converted but who have backslidden. What influence would these unconsecrated members have on new converts? Would they not make of no effect the God-given message which His people are to bear?” Testimonies, Vol. 6, 371

Wednesday

4 A COMPREHENSIVE MESSAGE

4.a. How does spiritual truth promote physical health? Proverbs 3:7, 8; 4:20–22

Note: “In order for children and youth to have health, cheerfulness, vivacity, and well-developed muscles and brains, they should be much in the open air and have well-regulated employment and amusement.

“Children should have occupation for their time. Proper mental labor and physical outdoor exercise will not break the constitution of your boys. Useful labor and an acquaintance with the mysteries of housework will be beneficial to your girls, and some outdoor employment is positively necessary to their constitution and health.

“Those who do not use their limbs every day will realize a weakness when they do attempt to exercise. The veins and muscles are not in a condition to perform their work and keep all the living machinery in healthful action, each organ in the system doing its part. The limbs will strengthen with use. Moderate exercise every day will impart strength to the muscles, which without exercise become flabby and enfeebled. By active exercise in the open air every day, the liver, kidneys, and lungs also will be strengthened to perform their work.” Child Guidance, 339

“When I violate the laws God has established in my being, I am to repent and reform, and place myself in the most favorable condition under the doctors God has provided—pure air, pure water, and the healing, precious sunlight.

“Water can be used in many ways to relieve suffering.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 297

“Will you not sign a pledge that you will no longer weaken or deface the Lord’s temple by working when you ought to rest? In order to have proper thoughts and in order to speak proper words, you must give your brain rest. You do not take sufficient time to rest. The weary brain and tired nerves would be invigorated if you would make a change in this respect.” Mind, Character, and Personality, Vol. 2, 735

4.b.  When we consider the health benefits of trust in God, nutritious food, exercise, water, sunshine, fresh air, and rest, what else should we keep in mind (especially in an age of extremes)? 2 Peter 1:6

Thursday

5 STANDING FOR PRINCIPLE, BY GRACE

  1. How far-reaching is our duty to uphold God’s health laws? To whom do we owe this duty, and why? 1Corinthians 9:24–27

Note: “Eating, drinking, and dressing are carried to such excess that they become crimes. They are among the marked sins of the last days, and constitute a sign of Christ’s soon coming. Time, money, and strength, which belong to the Lord, but which He has intrusted to us, are wasted in superfluities of dress and luxuries for the perverted appetite, which lessen vitality, and bring suffering and decay. It is impossible to present our bodies a living sacrifice to God when we continually fill them with corruption and disease by our own sinful indulgence.

“Knowledge must be gained in regard to how to eat and drink and dress so as to preserve health. Sickness is the result of violating nature’s law. Our first duty, one which we owe to God, to ourselves, and to our fellowmen, is to obey the laws of God. These include the laws of health. If we are sick, we impose a weary tax upon our friends, and unfit ourselves for doing our duty either in the family or to our neighbors. And when premature death is the result, we bring sorrow and suffering to others; we deprive our neighbors of the help we might have rendered them; we rob our families of the comfort and help which they should have received from us, and rob God of the service He claims of us to advance His glory. Then are we not, in a high sense, transgressors of God’s law?” Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 12

“It is as truly a sin to violate the laws of our being as it is to break the ten commandments. To do either is to break God’s laws.” Ibid., 53

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    How do we know that the Lifegiver cares about our health?

2    Why is health reform so important in the present Day of Atonement?

3    Where in Scripture is God’s plan for what we should eat in these last days?

4    What does true health reform involve besides just our food?

5    How does my acceptance of the health message show my love for others?

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