Articles – Page 243 – Steps to Life

God’s True People and the Professed People of God, Part I

October 21, 2019 by Dr. Bernd Korinth

It is important to understand what God’s Word really says. Certainly it is important to understand what the Bible says concerning the people of God. The phrase “people of God” is many times used in the Bible. The Jews understood themselves to be the people of God. Even at the time when they crucified the Saviour on the cross, they understood themselves to be the people of God. For us, it is important to know how God looks upon us, not what our own estimation is.

A Vital Distinction

There is a vital distinction between the true people of God and the professed, or so-called, people of God. Let us see what the Word of God says in Jeremiah 7:23: “But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.”

Many Christians in various denominations, journeyed for a time on the path of God, but then they took another way. However, these Christians still believe they are the people of God, and they claim all the promises, which can be claimed only by the people of God. Today, when asked, Catholics affirm that they belong to the people of God just as do the Seventh-day Adventists. So it is not our own opinion of ourselves that is important; it is important for us to know how God sees us. That is the decisive question, if we want to be in heaven.

God defines His people as those who obey His voice. That is true for the people of the Old Testament as well as for those of the New Testament.

Jeremiah 31:33 says, “But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

Whoredoms

In the Old Testament, the people of Israel lost the privilege of being God’s chosen people. They became a whore. We need to understand how they became a whore, for if we do not understand this, we cannot discern our own situation. We read, in Hosea 1:2, 9: “And the Lord said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, [departing] from the Lord.” “Then said [God], Call his name Loammi: for ye [are] not my people, and I will not be your [God].”

Is a whore God’s people? What did God do to this whore? Did He cast her away immediately? He gave warning after warning, but when they cast away and disregarded all His warnings, He then allowed punishment to come. His punishment came step by step, and in the end, God asked, “Why shall I still bid you, that you should recognize that I am your God? Let the people understand God’s punishment.” History tells us that they did not. So God despised and cast out His people.

In the Old Testament, there was a separation between the people of God. Both Israel and Judah called themselves the people of God, but who of them were really the people of God? God separated and divided that which caused the most apostasy among Israel. When the kings tried to reunite what God had divided, for instance, when the king of Judah wanted to help the king of Israel fight against the Amorites, God told this king, “Should you help those who forsake Me?”

God was against Judah and Israel getting together to fight against their enemies. From a human standpoint, we may think that it is only common sense for two groups that are related to each other to connect to fight a common enemy. But God told Judah, “You will not stand before the enemy if you take the help of Israel.” The history is teaching for our time.

When God very clearly said that He cast off Israel because of her apostasy, Judah should have been awake. Did Judah learn from the experience of Israel? We read in Jeremiah 3:8, “And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.”

No Longer a People?

What? Did God no longer have a faithful people? The ten tribes had fallen; now Judah became a whore. God has always had a people, a remnant. In all time, God has had a church on earth. We read, in Isaiah 1:8, 9, how God looks upon His people: “And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city. Except the Lord of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, [and] we should have been like unto Gomorrah.”

Very similar words are recorded in Isaiah 10:22, 23: “For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, [yet] a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. For the Lord God of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.”

Both groups—Israel and Judah—had fallen. The people of God consisted of a small group, a remnant. Does it sound familiar to you—a people of a remnant?

God’s People Defined

In the New Testament, we read from the apostle Paul a similar definition: “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.” Romans 2:28, 29. And, in Romans 9:6, 7, we read: “Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.”

There is a teaching for us in these verses. God’s people are defined. We can draw out of it the teaching, What is God’s church? Is there a difference between God’s people and God’s church? Ellen White answers that question by drawing a parallel of the New Testament Israel in the following words:

“ ‘As a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel, saith the Lord;’ ‘as a wife that committeth adultery, which taketh strangers instead of her husband!’ Ezekiel 16:8, 13–15, 32; Jeremiah 3:20.

“In the New Testament, language very similar is addressed to professed Christians who seek the friendship of the world above the favor of God. Says the apostle James: ‘Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.’ [James 4:4.]” The Great Controversy, 381, 382.

If the adulteresses in the Old Testament were not God’s people, can the adulteresses in the New Testament be God’s people?

“The alliances made by the Israelites with their heathen neighbors resulted in the loss of their identity as God’s peculiar people. . . .

“The experience of Israel will be the experience of all who go to the world for strength, turning away from the living God. Those who forsake the mighty One, the source of all strength, and affiliate with worldlings, placing on them their dependence, become weak in moral power, as are those in whom they trust. . . .

“No semblance of nearness to God, no assertion of connection with him, will be accepted from those who persist in dishonoring him by leaning upon the arm of worldly power.” Review and Herald, August 4, 1904.

Identity Lost

The identity of God’s peculiar people got lost through their connection with the world. People who make a connection or union with the world are not looked upon as God’s people. If people who look for their strength in the world are looked upon as people who are dishonoring God, how does He look upon us if we look for strength in other humans? He is a God in anger, because His people are looking for another source of power and strength. He is a jealous God. We find this description of God’s jealousy in the Ten Commandments: “I the Lord thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me.” Exodus 20:5. Has God somehow changed?

“It was by departure from the Lord, and alliance with the heathen, that the Jewish church became a harlot; and Rome, corrupting herself in like manner by seeking the support of worldly powers, receives a like condemnation.

“Babylon is said to be ‘the mother of harlots.’ By her daughters must be symbolized churches that cling to her doctrines and traditions, and follow her example of sacrificing the truth and the approval of God, in order to form an unlawful alliance with the world. The message of Revelation 14, announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to religious bodies that were once pure and have become corrupt.” The Great Controversy, 382, 383.

What churches do we know that were once pure? Yes, the Protestant churches were once pure. They made mistakes, but in God’s eyes, they were pure. He saw their trying to follow the truths they discovered, and they paid for their faithfulness to these truths even with their lives. Although they did not understand all truth, still they were God’s people and were considered pure and clean in God’s eyes. “At the time of their rise these churches took a noble stand for God and the truth, and His blessing was with them.” Ibid, 382.

We have not yet stood the test, which numbers of Protestant martyrs have stood. We have not stood at the stake because of our faith. We have not been cast before lions because of our faith. We have not been sawn through because of our faith. But those Christians stood such tests of their faithfulness.

Turn into Babylon

God states very clearly through His messenger how once clean and pure churches turn into Babylon: “Many of the Protestant churches are following Rome’s example of iniquitous connection with ‘the kings of the earth’—the state churches, by their relation to secular governments; and other denominations, by seeking the favor of the world. And the term ‘Babylon’—confusion—may be appropriately applied to these bodies, all professing to derive their doctrines from the Bible, yet divided into almost innumerable sects, with widely conflicting creeds and theories.” Ibid., 383.

Ellen White also wrote: “The term ‘Babylon’ is derived from ‘Babel,’ and signifies confusion. It is employed in Scripture to designate the various forms of false or apostate religion.” Ibid., 381.

Can you identify some of these false religions which belong to Babylon? All of the heathen religions are false religions, are they not? They were faulty from their inception. They did not come from a true religion. There have been false and apostate religions from the beginning. The mark of those religions is that they have been once pure. The term “Babylon” has two applications. This study is not addressing the religions that have fallen anyway, but rather those that are apostate religions. A connection with the state and a friendship with the world are the marks of an apostate religion. Remember the quotations from The Great Controversy.

History as Our Textbook

We need to look back into history in order to understand how these churches came to pass, for history is our textbook. Paul recommends in the Book of 1 Corinthians that we should learn from history. (See 1 Corinthians 10:11.) In her introductory words in The Great Controversy, Ellen White recommends that we learn from the history of Israel and the first disciples, so that we may make the right decisions at the end of time.

“What was the origin of the great apostasy? How did the church first depart from the simplicity of the gospel? By conforming to the practices of paganism, to facilitate the acceptance of Christianity by the heathen. The apostle Paul declared, even in his day, ‘The mystery of iniquity doth already work.’ 11 Thessalonians 2:7. During the lives of the apostles the church remained comparatively pure. But ‘toward the latter end of the second century most of the churches assumed a new form; the first simplicity disappeared, and insensibly, as the old disciples retired to their graves, their children, along with new converts, . . . came forward and new-modeled the cause.’—Robert Robinson, Ecclesiastical Researches, ch. 6, par. 17, p. 51.” Ibid., 384, 385.

Does this description of apostasy sound familiar to us? Do the people of God today try to confirm the practices of reason? Do we not see the people of God lowering their standards to win converts? What is the result of this? It is the same as when the first church did not watch in keeping the heathen from coming into the church. History shows the outcome of this church.

Satan has tried to use the same tactics in all times, in all churches: “Has not the same process been repeated in nearly every church calling itself Protestant? As the founders, those who possessed the true spirit of reform, pass away, their descendants come forward and ‘new-model the cause.’ . . .

“Alas, to what a fearful extent is that friendship of the world which is ‘enmity with God,’ now cherished among the professed followers of Christ!” Ibid., 385.

Ellen White posed the rather rhetorical question, “Has not the same process been repeated in nearly every church calling itself Protestant?” Ibid., 385. The answer given is: “The spirit of worldly conformity is invading the churches throughout Christendom.” Ibid., 388.

Was the prophet mistaken in this? Did she make an error? When God speaks of all churches in the whole of Christendom, then it would be illogical to think that she did not write what she meant.

Ellen White also wrote of the apostasy of the church that occurs because it casts off and disregards the Three Angels’ Messages: “Revelation 18 points to the time when, as the result of rejecting the threefold warning of Revelation 14:6–12, the church will have fully reached the condition foretold by the second angel, and the people of God still in Babylon will be called upon to separate from her communion.” Ibid., 390. Which is the only church that can disregard and cast off the Three Angels’ Messages? She is talking about a church—singular, not plural.

Example of Apostasy

I want to give you an example of this apostasy, which is documented in Germany.

There were communications between the Seventh-day Adventist leaders and councils of the Ecumenical Movement that dealt with the question of whether or not the Seventh-day Adventists would be accepted into the Ecumenical Movement. The Catholic Church was one that said, “No, the Seventh-day Adventist Church cannot participate unless certain things are changed.”

Then, letters were written back and forth between the leaders of the church, their supporters, or their lawyers and the leaders of the Ecumenical Council. These letters were kept under closure, but through indiscretions of a secretary, who could not live with this burden and who could not believe what she was ordered to type, these documents were made public. We published them and spread thousands of copies among the Seventh-day Adventists to open their eyes to what extent the apostasy had gone in the leadership.

In these papers, it was clear that the Catholic Church requested clarification as to whether or not the interpretation of Revelation 13, which was traditionally understood to be the papacy, also identified as the Antichrist, was still valid today. The answer from the Seventh-day Adventist representatives was that these beliefs were some sort of a tradition, which came from the old Reformation, which, without doubt, still has its effects today, but that they had given up the institutionalized identification of the Antichrist as the Pope. They stated as well that there were anti-Christian characteristics in their own denomination, meaning that the traditional criticism of Revelation 13 could be also applied to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This statement was sufficient for the Roman Catholics, and the Catholic Church gave the green light for the Seventh-day Adventist Church to enter into the Ecumenical Movement.

Concerning the beast of Revelation 13, which traditionally has been applied to the papacy, the church leadership said that they could get unused to this view, but that there were some fanatic Adventists who still believed it. Do we believe that the beast with seven heads and ten horns that came out of the sea is the papacy? Is it the papacy? Yes, but what do the leaders say? “Well, this view we can get unused to. There are still some fanatic Adventists, but they are not really a part of us. They believe it, but we in Germany, as a whole, no longer hold that position.”

I recall a former leader of the General Conference, many years ago, making a similar statement. In connection with some law issues, he stated that the view of Seventh-day Adventists regarding the papacy belonged to the historical trash heap. In Germany, that went around like a wildfire! We can see that the apostasy is starting behind closed doors.

Opened Eyes

The prophet Ezekiel was shown what happened in the temple, behind closed doors—they bowed down before the sun; they put unholy pictures in the temple. The same situation is represented here. (See Ezekiel 8.)

God gave the people the opportunity to open their eyes to what the leaders were doing. Regarding the ecumenical cooperation with each other, the Seventh-day Adventists were asked how they imagined themselves working with the Ecumenical Movement, if they cherished doctrines such as the teaching of Babylon and the teaching of the beast of Revelation 13. The answer given was that, on an international level, an ecumenical cooperation was still possible, despite certain prophetic interpretations. For over three decades, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has belonged to the World Council of Churches.

Ellen White counseled against such action: “Let the watchmen on the walls of Zion not join with those who are making of none effect the truth as it is in Christ. Let them not join the confederacy of infidelity, popery, and Protestantism in exalting tradition above Scripture, reason above revelation, and human talent above the divine influence and the vital power of godliness.” Review and Herald, March 24, 1896.

She further wrote: “Let us not form unholy bonds of union with the friends of the world; for God has pronounced His curse upon all such unions.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 277.

All is Possible

Is it possible to unite with the ecumenical cooperation, when we have these warnings before our eyes? Oh, sure, it is possible. We see it happening. It was also possible for the Jews to unite with the heathen. The apostate churches united themselves with the state force, the Romans, and thus the Roman state church developed.

All of this is possible, but how does God look upon such confederacies? “The world must not be introduced into the church, and married to the church, forming a bond of unity. Through this means the church will become indeed corrupt, and as stated in Revelation, ‘a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.’ [Revelation 18:2.]

“Through association with the world our institutions will become unsubstantial, unreliable; because these worldly elements, introduced and placed in positions of trust, are looked up to as teachers to be respected in their educating, directing, and official position, and they are sure to be worked upon by the spirit and power of darkness; so that the demarcation becomes not distinguished between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.” Ibid., 265, 266.

“The world must not be introduced into the church, and married to the church, forming a bond of unity.” The Ecumenical Movement is such a bond. Is this a plain message? Could God make it any clearer?

In another quotation, Ellen White says, “We are in danger of becoming a sister to fallen Babylon, of allowing our churches to become corrupted, and filled with every foul spirit, a cage for every unclean and hateful bird; and will we be clear unless we make decided movements to cure the existing evil?” Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, 380. While the context deals with sexual disorders in the church, it is spiritual adultery that God abhors more than physical adultery. What does the Bible say? To lust or look upon a woman is sin. (Matthew 5:28.) The thoughts are sin before God, even though nothing has happened with bodily connection or union. The connection with Israel—the spiritual union—God sees as adultery, for there is no difference. We may sometimes draw a difference, but God does not.

To be continued . . .

Dr. Bernd Korinth is a physician living in Berlin, Germany. He is very active in spreading the Three Angels’ Messages throughout Europe. He and his family have a printing press in their home and have had tracts translated in most of the different European languages. He is a promoter of home churches and is very interested in working with other historic Seventh-day Adventist groups worldwide. He may be contacted by e-mail at: hkorinth@mefag.de.

I Saw a Great Tumult, Part I

October 21, 2019 by John J. Grosboll

I never imagined years ago that we would still be here on this earth at this time! But just because we are here now does not mean that we are going to be here very much longer. The work is closing up. The title I have given this article could just as well have been, “The People Who Will Cry When They get to Heaven.” But I entitled it, “I Saw a Great Tumult,” and I want to state at the very beginning that many of the people in Adventism who never figure out the issues presented herein will lose their souls.

Now, please notice carefully what was just stated. It did not say that everyone who does not figure out these issues will lose their souls, but that many Adventists, who do not figure out the issues that we are going to study, will lose their souls. I pray that the Lord, by the instruction of the Holy Spirit, will help you to see how dangerous it can be if you do not understand what we are going to study.

When I was 19 or 20 years of age, I was reading the book, The Great Controversy, for the second or third time. I read again a statement on page 591 that I could not figure out: “Satan’s policy in this final conflict with God’s people is the same that he employed in the opening of the great controversy in heaven.” How is it that the issue at the end is going to be the very same as it was at the beginning?

Then Ellen White says that from the very beginning Satan’s object has been to overthrow the Law of God, and that is what his object will be at the end. I could not figure that out either. I just did not understand it. I had read Patriarchs and Prophets; I had read the chapters in The Great Controversy about the origin of evil and the development of the rebellion in heaven. Hopefully most of you are not as slow to get things figured out as I have been!

It actually was not until about 1988 that things became crystal clear in my mind as to what really had happened in heaven when Lucifer rebelled. Lucifer wanted to change the first commandment in God’s Law. The first commandment says, “You shall not have any other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3); Lucifer wanted God to change that and to allow him into the inner council with the Godhead. But God said, “No.”

In this article, we are going to study, in miniature, the great controversy between Christ and Satan. The story of the great controversy has been told to us on a human level in miniature in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. We will study the example in the Old Testament.

Morning Star

Jesus Christ is called the Morning Star. (See Revelation 22:16.) If you have read the Book of Job, you know that the angels are also called morning stars. (See Job 38:7.) But Lucifer, the Latin name for Satan before he was cast out of heaven, was not just one of the angels; he was the chief angel. He was one of the sons of God. In fact, in his unfallen state, he was referred to in terminology very similar to that of Jesus Christ. He was also called a morning star. One of his original names was, in Hebrew, Halal. This word is found in the Hebrew Bible in Isaiah 14. Halal means “the shining one, the luminescent one.”

Isaiah 14:12 says, “O shining one, the son of the dawn! [That is the son of the morning; in other words, the morning star.] How did you fall from heaven?”

The Lord said, concerning this being, “You were perfect in all your ways from the day that you were created, until iniquity was found in you.” Ezekiel 28:15.

Is not Halal, the shining one, the son of the morning, the morning star, a beautiful name? Satan, in-deed, had a beautiful name. He was not called Satan, which means “the adversary,” until after his fall from heaven. Neither was he called the devil, which means “a slanderer,” until then.

“Father Peace”

In the Old Testament, there is a king who also had a son who was perfect. The Bible says that from the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him. (11 Samuel 14:25.) The extended story is found in 11 Samuel 14–18.

This son of David also had a very beautiful name, Absalom, or, in Hebrew, Abiyshalowm, which means, “my father is peace” or “father peace.” How beautiful!

Because of how things turned out, today we do not ever call our sons Absalom, nor do we call our sons Lucifer. However, before the King James Bible was translated and the translators chose to translate the word Halal into the Latin word Lucifer, Lucifer was a common name. If you have read church history, you may know that one of the church father’s name was Lucifer. Lucifer never meant “the devil” in the days of early church history. It meant “the one that was the shining one, a star.”

Promises

Lucifer went out from the pres-ence of God and talked with the angels. He proposed that though he was loyal to the government of God, he would improve the government of God if he could be placed in charge. If you study 11 Samuel 14–18, you will find that Absalom did the very same thing. He professed, for many years, to be loyal to the government, and he said, “Oh, if you could only make me a judge, I would make certain that you are taken care of and given justice.”

Lucifer promised the angels a better, higher, improved situation if they would follow him. He told them that they would be free to do anything they pleased; they would be more free. They would be just like God. You see, God is free to do anything He pleases.

Concerning Jesus Christ, Ellen White says, “He is the eternal, self-existing Son, on whom no yoke had come.” The Youth’s Instructor, June 21, 1900. The angels could not come and pay the price for a fallen world; they were under the Law of God. They were under the yoke of obedience to the Law of God. Jesus was not under any yoke. The Godhead was not under any yoke. The Godhead could do anything they pleased, but the angels were not able to do anything they pleased. They were under the Law of God. It was not burdensome to keep the law until Lucifer introduced the idea that they would be freer if they got out from under it.

Absalom did the very same thing with the people of Israel. He would grab people, kiss them, and say, “Your cause is right.” By the way, is everyone’s cause right? No.

Stolen Affections

Lucifer stole the affections of the angels in heaven—between one-third and one-half pledged allegiance to him. Absalom stole the hearts, the Bible says, of the children of Israel.

A Loyalty Scam

Lucifer publicly proposed to be loyal to the government of God, but secretly he was trying to overthrow the government of God. Absalom did the very same thing. Publicly he was a true, faithful, loyal subject of David’s kingdom, but privately, he was trying to overthrow the government.

Displace the Ruler

Satan wanted to displace God as ruler. Absalom wanted to displace David as ruler.

Long-time Controversy

A controversy developed between Lucifer and the God of heaven. A controversy developed between Absalom and David.

This controversy went on for a long time. We do not know how long it went on in heaven, but Ellen White says that it was a very long time. “God in His great mercy bore long with Lucifer. He was not immediately degraded from his exalted station when he first indulged the spirit of discontent, nor even when he began to present his false claims before the loyal angels. Long was he retained in heaven.” The Great Controversy, 495, 496. Why did it go on so long? Because God was merciful; He was long-suffering. But God’s mercy and His long-suffering were misinterpreted.

In Absalom’s case, the controversy continued for many years. David’s mercy and his long-suffering were misinterpreted. Incidentally, if you attempt to exercise mercy in this world, your mercy will be misinterpreted too. You will be thought of as a wimp. People will think that you do not have any backbone.

Because of the mercy and long-suffering that was manifested in both cases, both Lucifer and Absalom thought that if they persisted long enough, they would get their own way.

I hope you are seeing that every point being presented has a direct application for the end of time.

Civil War

The controversy in heaven developed into a civil war. The Bible says, in Revelation 12:7, “War broke out in heaven, and Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels.”

Civil war also broke out in the land of Israel. We are coming to some of the most important points now that we need to understand.

Profession of Loyalty

In both cases, in heaven and in Israel, each side claimed to be loyal and true. If you had asked the people in Absalom’s army, “Are you a true child of Israel? Are you part of Israel?” they would all have said, “Yes.” The people that were following Absalom in his rebellion claimed to be loyal and faithful, and the people following David claimed to be loyal and faithful.

In heaven, Lucifer’s followers certainly felt they were being loyal and true to God, but there was only one side that was really the true and loyal followers of God. The other side, although they professed to be, were not really so.

It is one thing to look back and envision this happening, but when it happens right in front of our eyes, it is very difficult for God’s people to understand. It is extremely important to understand that both sides made a profession of being true and loyal to God. Ellen White said that the devil maintained that he was faithful and loyal to the very end, until he was cast out of heaven. (See The Great Controversy, 497, 498.) Such false loyalty was all very mystifying and confusing to the children of Israel, and it is still today.

True or Professed

Today, there is the true church and the professed church, and the true church and the professed church both make the same profession. It is very difficult to differentiate. Ellen White makes a sharp distinction between the true church of God and those that profess to be the true church of God but really are not. She refers to the nominal church, or the nominal believers, in contrast to the true. In her writings, she has a lot to say about the nominal church and the nominal Adventists at the end of time. (See, for instance, Manuscript Releases, vol. 5, 290; vol. 14, 177.)

In the last days, the nominal church will claim to be the true church. They will claim to be the remnant, but in the Scriptures, the true church is distinguished from the nominal church as being the remnant—the elect or the chosen. “And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went out to make war with the rest of her seed [or the remnant of her seed], those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus.” Revelation 12:17.

What we need to understand before we go farther is this: How can you tell the difference between the true and the faithful and those who profess to be the true and the faithful but are not? They have the same name. They profess the same faith. They profess the same religion. Which one is true and which one is nominal?

Two Anchors

Let us go back to the beginning. In heaven, the time came when the members of the angelic host had to get on one side or the other. They either had to choose for Lucifer or for God. Do not ever forget that. Personally, I do not believe the decision for the angels was nearly as easy to make as I at first thought when I was a young man. The more I have studied this, the more I have realized that the choice was really, really tricky, because both sides claimed to be true and faithful. I have come to understand that there was only one way an angel could tell the difference—one side was faithful and loyal to the Law of God; the other side wanted the Law of God, specifically the first commandment, changed. Those who were faithful and loyal to God said, “No, we are going to stick with the government of God, with the Law of God, just the way it is. We do not want it adjusted.”

This was the deciding point. I do not know of any other way that a decision could have been made. The final choice was over the Law of God.

From a human point of view, it was even trickier in David’s time than it was in heaven, because David was not God; he was a sinner. It was well-known throughout the nation of Israel, at the time of Absalom’s rebellion, that David was a murderer and an adulterer. He had Uriah the Hittite killed by treachery after having lain with his wife. Not only that, it was also well-known that David had another son by the name of Ammon who had raped his own half sister, Absalom’s sister. According to the old covenant, Ammon should have been stoned to death, but David did not execute judgment on Ammon. So, Absalom had taken the law into his own hands and had justice executed on Ammon and had him killed. This also was well-known throughout the nation of Israel.

I have trembled in my own soul when I study this story, and I have asked myself what side I would have chosen, because, by popular opinion, it appeared that Absalom was much more righteous than was David.

If you would have said, “Absalom killed his brother”; they would have responded, “He killed his brother because he was a rapist; he was supposed to be killed. Since David did not do what he was supposed to do, Absalom had to take the law into his own hands, because his father would not do what was right.” It was all very confusing because they were both lawbreakers. How would you have been able to tell on which side to join?

It was confusing enough that the vast majority in the nation of Israel joined Absalom. Ellen White says that the forces of Joab, when they went out to meet the forces of Absalom, looked like a little company facing a whole mighty armed host. (See Patriarchs and Prophets, 743.)

How could you have been able to tell? I know of only one way. In this situation, you could not have decided from the Law of God, because David looked like a worse sinner than Absalom. The only way I know that you would have been able to tell the difference was through the Spirit of prophecy. You see, Samuel, who was a true prophet, had anointed David as the king of Israel. Neither Samuel nor any other prophet had anointed Absalom as king of Israel.

By the way, you could not have told by church organization either, because one of the high priests went along with Absalom too. If you were dependent upon the Law of God or upon your church organization, you could have gone with Absalom. You could not have been able to tell who was the true church or who was the nominal church by either the Law of God or church organization, but only by means of the Spirit of prophecy. The only people who could have remained stable on the right side in the civil war between the true church and the nominal church, under the leadership of Absalom, were those who had confidence in the Spirit of prophecy.

In the controversy at the end of time, there will only be two anchors that can hold you—the Law of God and the Spirit of prophecy, the testimony of Jesus. That will be all. If you do not have those two anchors, you will not make it to heaven.

End Expectation

There was a civil war between the true remnant church and the professed or nominal remnant church in David’s time. Will it be like that in the end? Yes.

There was a long time when you could not tell on which side the angels in heaven were, but there came a time when war broke out, and every angel was forced to get on one side or the other. There was a long time when you could not tell on which side the sons of Israel were, but there came a time when war broke out, and every single man was forced to decide on which side he was going to be. He was forced to make it known publicly on which side he was going to be, because the war was being waged between the remnant and the nominal church. The Spirit of prophecy shows that this is the way it is going to be at the end of time as well.

“If we hope to wear the crown, we must expect to bear the cross. Our greatest trials will come from those who profess godliness. It was so with the world’s Redeemer; it will be so with his followers. I [Ellen White] should doubt whether I were a child of God, if the world, or even all professed Christians, spoke well of me. Those who are in earnest to win the crown of eternal life need not be surprised or disheartened because at every step toward the heavenly Canaan they meet with obstacles and encounter trials. The opposition which Christ received came from his own nation, who would have been greatly blessed had they accepted him. In like manner the remnant church receive opposition from those who profess to be their brethren.” Review and Herald, August 28, 1883.

How interesting! From where does the opposition come? It comes from the nominal church. The nominal church and the remnant church claim that they are the same. They make the same profession of faith. They both claim to be loyal.

Incidentally, in every single case—in heaven, in David’s time, and at the end of time—who is it that fires the first shot? Who is it that wages war? Have you ever thought about this? Who initiated the battle in heaven? Did God initiate the battle? No. Who initiated a war with David? Did David initiate a war against his son? No. Who initiates the war at the end? Does the remnant church initiate a war with its brethren who are nominal? No. God’s remnant church is not a persecuting church. God’s remnant church does not take its professed brethren to court.

In 1989, my brother, Marshall, wrote an article entitled, “Declaration of War,” which went over these very principles. It was published in Steps to Life’s newsletter, In His Steps, because he saw our professed brethren choosing to initiate a war against us. That has not ceased.

Take a Position

The time came when every angel in heaven had to take a position. The time came in the life of David when every single person had to take a position, had to take a side. And a time is coming at the end when every single person will have to take a side, because a war is going on, right now.

Some people say that they are just going to be neutral. If you say that you are going to be neutral, you have already made your choice. Jesus said, “He that is not with Me is against me.” Matthew 12:30.

You will be judged as being one of the most dangerous enemies of God in the Day of Judgment if you attempt to take a neutral position.

To be continued . . .

[Bible texts quoted are literal translation.]

Pastor John Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at: 316-788-5559.

Editorial – Pre-Advent or Investigative Judgment

October 21, 2019 by John J. Grosboll

I [Ellen White] have been shown that many who profess to have a knowledge of present truth know not what they believe. They do not understand the evidences of their faith. They have no just appreciation of the work for the present time. When the time of trial shall come, there are men now preaching to others who will find, upon examining the positions they hold, that there are many things for which they can give no satisfactory reason. Until thus tested they knew not their great ignorance. And there are many in the church who take it for granted that they understand what they believe; but, until controversy arises, they do not know their own weakness. When separated from those of like faith and compelled to stand singly and alone to explain their belief, they will be surprised to see how confused are their ideas of what they had accepted as truth. Certain it is that there has been among us a departure from the living God and a turning to men, putting human in place of divine wisdom.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 707.

Friend, how is it with you? Do you know what you believe? Do you know what the landmark doctrines of Adventism are, and can you substantiate them from the Scriptures?

Here are the landmark doctrines: “The passing of the time in 1844 was a period of great events, opening to our astonished eyes the cleansing of the sanctuary transpiring in heaven, and having decided relation to God’s people upon the earth, [also] the first and second angels’ messages and the third, unfurling the banner on which was inscribed, ‘The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.’ One of the landmarks under this message was the temple of God, seen by His truth-loving people in heaven, and the ark containing the law of God. The light of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment flashed its strong rays in the pathway of the transgressors of God’s law. The nonimmortality of the wicked is an old landmark. I [Ellen White] can call to mind nothing more that can come under the head of the old landmarks.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 30, 31.

Another term for the cleansing of the sanctuary in heaven is the judgment or the investigative judgment. Can you substantiate this from the Bible alone?

This doctrine is under attack both within and without God’s professed remnant people.

Any judgment, even in human courts, has three phases: the first or investigative phase is when hearings and court trials occur; the second phase is the sentencing; the third phase is the execution of the sentence. If you are acquitted in the first phase, you do not have to participate in receiving the second and third phases of the judgment. The same is true of God’s judgment.

Before Jesus comes, it will be determined who will be saved and who will be lost. (See Revelation 22:11, 12.) If you have not been acquitted in the first phase of the judgment, you will be sentenced during the millennium. (See Revelation 20:1–6.) The sentence will be executed upon you after the end of the millennium. (See Revelation 20:7–15.)

Contrary to what our adversaries thrust against us, the Bible clearly predicts a pre-advent or investigative judgment. In fact, the Bible even tells us who the prosecuting attorney is in this judgment. It is the devil. (See Zechariah 3:1–10.) The defending advocate of His people is Jesus Christ. (See Zechariah 3 and 1 John 2:1.)

If you are a beginning Bible student and want to study scriptures that clearly teach a pre-advent investigative judgment, following is a list of Scriptures to help you get started: (1) Daniel 7. Notice especially the language in verses 9, 10, 25, and 26. (2) Daniel 8. The continuance in rebellion and the depopulating or desolating rebellion are descriptions of the first major rebellion against God’s Law, which was paganism or heathenism and was continual for the first 4,500 years of human history. The second rebellion, the desolating rebellion, is a description of the apostasy of the latter times, which began to develop in the days of the apostles and became worldwide in scope 500 years later. It will continue until the Second Advent of Christ. (3) Zechariah 3; (4) Isaiah 2, 3, and 4; (5) Micah 4; (6) Matthew 22:1–14; (7) Hebrews 8, 9, 10, and 12; and (8) Revelation 11.

Bible Study Guides – The Love of Christ Exemplified, Part II

October 21, 2019 by Unknown

June 18, 2006 – June 24, 2006

Key Text

“For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.” John 12:8.

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 557–568

Introduction

“The cause of God should not be overlooked that the poor may receive our first attention. Christ once gave His disciples a very important lesson on this point. When Mary poured the ointment on the head of Jesus, covetous Judas made a plea in behalf of the poor, murmuring at what he considered a waste of money. But Jesus vindicated the act, saying, ‘Why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on Me.’ ‘Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.’ Mark 14:6, 9. By this we are taught that Christ is to be honored in the consecration of the best of our substance. Should our whole attention be directed to relieving the wants of the poor, God’s cause would be neglected. Neither will suffer if His stewards do their duty, but the cause of Christ should come first.” Counsels on Health, 229.

1 At Simon’s feast for Jesus in Bethany, what language would imply that the woman who honored Him had not been invited? How was it that she knew Simon? Luke 7:37.

note: “Simon questioned whether Christ was a prophet. Because Christ allowed this woman to approach Him, because He did not indignantly spurn her as one whose sins were too great to be forgiven, because He did not show that He realized that she had fallen, Simon was tempted to think that He was not a prophet. His heart was filled with mistrust and unbelief. Jesus knows nothing of this woman, who is so free in her demonstrations, he thought, or He would not allow her to touch Him. . . .

“Simon’s way was to take no notice of Mary’s penitent service, her humble action. Her act of kissing Christ’s feet and anointing them with ointment was exasperating to Simon. He thought that if Christ were a prophet, He would recognize sinners and rebuke them. . . .

“He [Simon] himself had led into sin the woman he now despised. She had been deeply wronged by him.” Daughters of God, 237.

2 Who was this woman? John 11:1, 2.

note: “Jesus had often found the rest that his weary human nature required at the house of Lazarus, in Bethany. His first visit there was when he and his disciples were weary from a toilsome journey on foot from Jericho to Jerusalem. They tarried as guests at the quiet home of Lazarus, and were ministered unto by his sisters, Martha and Mary. Notwithstanding the fatigue of Jesus, he continued the instruction which he had been giving his disciples on the road, in reference to the qualifications necessary to fit men for the kingdom of Heaven. The peace of Christ rested upon the home of the brother and sisters. Martha had been all anxiety to provide for the comfort of her guests, but Mary was charmed by the words of Jesus to his disciples, and, seeing a golden opportunity to become better acquainted with the doctrines of Christ, quietly entered the room where he was sitting, and, taking her place at the feet of Jesus, drank in eagerly every word that fell from his lips.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 358, 359.

3 Who found fault with Mary? John 12:4–6.

note: “Judas was treasurer for the disciples, and from their little store he had secretly drawn for his own use, thus narrowing down their resources to a meager pittance. He was eager to put into the bag all that he could obtain. The treasure in the bag was often drawn upon to relieve the poor; and when something that Judas did not think essential was bought, he would say, Why is this waste? why was not the cost of this put into the bag that I carry for the poor? Now the act of Mary was in such marked contrast to his selfishness that he was put to shame; and according to his custom, he sought to assign a worthy motive for his objection to her gift. Turning to the disciples, he asked, [John 12:5, 6 quoted]. Judas had no heart for the poor. Had Mary’s ointment been sold, and the proceeds fallen into his possession, the poor would have received no benefit.” The Desire of Ages, 559.

4 In what way did Christ comfort Mary? Matthew 26:10, 13.

note: “Mary heard the words of criticism. Her heart trembled within her. She feared that her sister would reproach her for extravagance. The Master, too, might think her improvident. Without apology or excuse she was about to shrink away, when the voice of her Lord was heard, ‘Let her alone; why trouble ye her?’ [Mark 14:6.] He saw that she was embarrassed and distressed. He knew that in this act of service she had expressed her gratitude for the forgiveness of her sins, and He brought relief to her mind.” The Desire of Ages, 560.

5 In what manner did Christ reprove Judas? John 12:7, 8.

note: “Many feel that it would be a great privilege to visit the scenes of Christ’s life on earth, to walk where He trod, to look upon the lake beside which He loved to teach, and the hills and valleys on which His eyes so often rested. But we need not go to Nazareth, to Capernaum, or to Bethany, in order to walk in the steps of Jesus. We shall find His footprints beside the sickbed, in the hovels of poverty, in the crowded alleys of the great city, and in every place where there are human hearts in need of consolation. In doing as Jesus did when on earth, we shall walk in His steps.

“All may find something to do. ‘The poor always ye have with you,’ (John 12:8), Jesus said, and none need feel that there is no place where they can labor for Him. Millions upon millions of human souls ready to perish, bound in chains of ignorance and sin, have never so much as heard of Christ’s love for them. Were our condition and theirs to be reversed, what would we desire them to do for us? All this, so far as lies in our power, we are under the most solemn obligation to do for them. Christ’s rule of life, by which every one of us must stand or fall in the judgment, is, ‘Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.’ Matthew 7:12.” The Desire of Ages, 640.

6 What shows that Simon questioned the propriety of Mary’s conduct? Luke 7:39.

note: “Simon the host had been influenced by the criticism of Judas upon Mary’s gift, and he was surprised at the conduct of Jesus. His Pharisaic pride was offended. He knew that many of his guests were looking upon Christ with distrust and displeasure. . . .

“By curing Simon of leprosy, Christ had saved him from a living death. But now Simon questioned whether the Saviour were a prophet. Because Christ allowed this woman to approach Him, because He did not indignantly spurn her as one whose sins were too great to be forgiven, because He did not show that He realized she had fallen, Simon was tempted to think that He was not a prophet. Jesus knows nothing of this woman who is so free in her demonstrations, he thought, or He would not allow her to touch Him.

“But it was Simon’s ignorance of God and of Christ that led him to think as he did. He did not realize that God’s Son must act in God’s way, with compassion, tenderness, and mercy. Simon’s way was to take no notice of Mary’s penitent service. Her act of kissing Christ’s feet and anointing them with ointment was exasperating to his hardheartedness. He thought that if Christ were a prophet, He would recognize sinners and rebuke them.” The Desire of Ages, 566.

7 How did Christ reprove Simon? Luke 7:41, 42.

note: “Christ concealed His home thrust under the veil of a parable. He threw upon His host the burden of pronouncing sentence upon himself. Simon had led into sin the woman he now despised. She had been deeply wronged by him. By the two debtors of the parable, Simon and the woman were represented. Jesus did not design to teach that different degrees of obligation should be felt by the two persons, for each owed a debt of gratitude that never could be repaid. But Simon felt himself more righteous than Mary, and Jesus desired him to see how great his guilt really was. He would show him that his sin was greater than hers, as much greater as a debt of five hundred pence exceeds a debt of fifty pence.

“Simon now began to see himself in a new light. He saw how Mary was regarded by One who was more than a prophet. He saw that with keen prophetic eye Christ read her heart of love and devotion. Shame seized upon him, and he realized that he was in the presence of One superior to himself.” The Desire of Ages, 566, 567.

“You should help those who stand most in need of help, those who are less favorably situated, who are erring and faulty, and who may have injured you and tried your patience to the utmost. It is just such ones that Jesus pities, because Satan has more power over them and is constantly taking advantage of their weak points and driving his arrows to wound them where they are least protected. Jesus exercises His power and mercy for just such pitiable cases. . . . Jesus did not shun the weak, unfortunate, and helpless, but He helped such as needed help. He did not confine His visits and labors to a class more intelligent and less faulty, to the neglect of the unfortunate. He did not inquire whether it was agreeable for Him to be a companion of the poorest, the most needy. These are the ones whose company He sought, the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 75.

8 What response did Simon make? Luke 7:43.

note: “When Satan comes to tell you that you are a great sinner, look up to your Redeemer and talk of His merits. That which will help you is to look to His light. Acknowledge your sin, but tell the enemy that ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ and that you may be saved by His matchless love. 1 Timothy 1:15. Jesus asked Simon a question in regard to two debtors. One owed his lord a small sum, and the other owed him a very large sum; but he forgave them both, and Christ asked Simon which debtor would love his lord most. Simon answered, ‘He to whom he forgave most.’ Luke 7:43. We have been great sinners, but Christ died that we might be forgiven. The merits of His sacrifice are sufficient to present to the Father in our behalf. Those to whom He has forgiven most will love Him most, and will stand nearest to His throne to praise Him for His great love and infinite sacrifice. It is when we most fully comprehend the love of God that we best realize the sinfulness of sin. When we see the length of the chain that was let down for us, when we understand something of the infinite sacrifice that Christ has made in our behalf, the heart is melted with tenderness and contrition.” Steps to Christ, 35, 36.

9 How did Christ apply His teachings? Luke 7:44–48.

note: “Christ recounted the opportunities Simon had had to show his love for his Lord, and his appreciation of what had been done for him. Plainly, yet with delicate politeness, the Saviour assured His disciples that His heart is grieved when His children neglect to show their gratitude to Him by words and deeds of love. . . .

“Simon’s coldness and neglect toward the Saviour showed how little he appreciated the mercy he had received. He had thought he honored Jesus by inviting Him to his house. But he now saw himself as he really was. While he thought himself reading his Guest, his Guest had been reading him. He saw how true Christ’s judgment of him was. His religion had been a robe of Pharisaism. He had despised the compassion of Jesus. He had not recognized Him as the representative of God. While Mary was a sinner pardoned, he was a sinner unpardoned. The rigid rule of justice he had desired to enforce against her condemned him.

“Simon was touched by the kindness of Jesus in not openly rebuking him before the guests. He had not been treated as he desired Mary to be treated. He saw that Jesus did not wish to expose his guilt to others, but sought by a true statement of the case to convince his mind, and by pitying kindness to subdue his heart. Stern denunciation would have hardened Simon against repentance, but patient admonition convinced him of his error. He saw the magnitude of the debt which he owed his Lord. His pride was humbled, he repented, and the proud Pharisee became a lowly, self-sacrificing disciple.” The Desire of Ages, 567, 568.

Bible Study Guides – The Love of Christ Exemplified, Part I

October 21, 2019 by Unknown

June 11, 2006 – June 17, 2006

Key Text

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33.

Study Help: In Heavenly Places, 300.

Introduction

“How many have come to Christ, ready to cast their interests in with his, and, like the rich young ruler, earnestly desiring to inherit eternal life! But when the cost is presented to them,—when they are told that they must forsake all, houses and lands, wife and children, and count not their lives dear unto themselves,—they go away sorrowful. They want the treasures of heaven, and the life that measures with the life of God, but they are not willing to give up their earthly treasures. They are not willing to surrender all to obtain the crown of life.” Review and Herald, April 19, 1898.

1 Of what does godliness have promise? 1 Timothy 4:8.

note: “ ‘What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?’ Mark 8:36, 37.

“This is a question that demands consideration by every parent, every teacher, every student—by every human being, young or old. No scheme of business or plan of life can be sound or complete that embraces only the brief years of this present life and makes no provision for the unending future. Let the youth be taught to take eternity into their reckoning. Let them be taught to choose the principles and seek the possessions that are enduring—to lay up for themselves that ‘treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth;’ to make to themselves friends ‘by means of the mammon of unrighteousness,’ that when it shall fail, these may receive them ‘into the eternal tabernacles.’ Luke 12:33; 16:9, R.V.

“All who do this are making the best possible preparation for life in this world. No man can lay up treasure in heaven without finding his life on earth thereby enriched and ennobled.” Education, 145.

2 How much should a man forsake to be a true follower of Christ? Luke 14:33.

note: “In giving ourselves to God, we must necessarily give up all that would separate us from Him. . . . Whatever shall draw away the heart from God must be given up. Mammon is the idol of many. The love of money, the desire for wealth, is the golden chain that binds them to Satan. Reputation and worldly honor are worshiped by another class. The life of selfish ease and freedom from responsibility is the idol of others. But these slavish bands must be broken. We cannot be half the Lord’s and half the world’s. We are not God’s children unless we are such entirely.” Steps to Christ, 44.

3 How extensive is the promise to all who forsake everything to be true followers of Christ? Mark 10:29, 30.

note: “Here is the reward for those who sacrifice for God. They receive an hundred-fold in this life, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many, I [Ellen White] saw, that are first, shall be last, and the last shall be first. I was shown those who receive the truth, but do not live it. They cling to their possessions, and are not willing to distribute of their substance to advance the cause of God. They have no faith to venture and trust God. Their love of this world swallows up their faith. God has called for a portion of their substance, but they heed it not. They reason thus, that they have labored hard to obtain what they have, and they cannot lend it to the Lord, for they may come to want. ‘O, ye of little faith!’ [Luke 12:28.] That God who cared for Elijah in the time of famine, will not pass by one of his self-sacrificing children. He that has numbered the hairs of their heads, will care for them, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied. While the wicked are perishing all around them for want of bread, their bread and water will be sure. Those who will still cling to their earthly treasure, and will not make a right disposition of that which is lent them of God, will lose their treasure in heaven, lose everlasting life.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, 243, 244.

4 How long will such followers of Christ be in remembrance? Psalm 112:5, 6.

note: “When a man dies, his influence does not die with him; but it lives on, reproducing itself. The influence of the man who was good and pure and holy lives on after his death, like the glow of the descending sun, casting its glories athwart the heavens, lighting up the mountain peaks long after the sun has sunk behind the hill. So will the works of the pure and the holy and the good reflect their light when they no longer live to speak and act themselves. Their works, their words, their example will forever live. . . .

“But what a contrast to this is the life of those who are earthly, sensual, devilish! The sensual pleasure was indulged. In the light of the judgment, the man appears as he is, stripped of the livery of heaven. He stands before others as he is in the sight of a holy God. Let every one of us think seriously whether the works following us will be the mellow light of heaven or the shadows of darkness, and whether the legacies we bequeath are those of blessings or curses.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 429.

5 In what manner does real devotion manifest itself? Acts 10:1, 2.

note: “Cornelius was a man of wealth and noble birth. His position was one of trust and honor. A heathen by birth, training, and education, through contact with the Jews he had gained a knowledge of God, and he worshiped him with a true heart, showing the sincerity of his faith by compassion to the poor. He was known far and near for his beneficence, and his righteous life made him of good repute among both Jews and Gentiles. His influence was a blessing to all with whom he came in contact. . . .

“Believing in God as the Creator of heaven and earth, Cornelius revered him, acknowledged his authority, and sought his counsel in all the affairs of life. He was faithful to Jehovah in his home life as well as in his official duties, and had erected the altar of God in his home. He dared not attempt to carry out his plans or to bear his responsibilities without the help of God, and for that help he prayed earnestly.” Review and Herald, April 6, 1911.

“Tho Cornelius was a Roman, he had become acquainted with the true God, and had renounced idolatry. He was obedient to the will of God, and worshiped Him with a true heart. He had not connected himself with the Jews, but was acquainted with the moral law, and was obedient to its precepts. He had not been circumcised, nor did he take part in the sacrificial service; he was therefore regarded by the Jews as unclean. However, he made liberal gifts to sustain the Jewish worship, and was known far and near for his charity and beneficence. His righteous life made him of good repute, among both Jews and Gentiles. Cornelius had not an understanding faith in Christ, tho he believed the prophecies, and was looking for the Messiah to come. Through his love and obedience to God, he was brought nigh unto Him, and was prepared to receive the Saviour when He should be revealed to him. It is rejection of the light given that brings condemnation.” The Signs of the Times, April 6, 1904.

6 How is such devotion of mingled almsgiving and prayer regarded by God? Acts 10:3, 4.

note: “Those churches who are the most systematic and liberal in sustaining the cause of God are the most prosperous spiritually. True liberality in the follower of Christ identifies his interest with that of his Master. In God’s dealing with the Jews and His people to the end of time, He requires systematic benevolence proportionate to their income. The plan of salvation was laid by the infinite sacrifice of the Son of God. The light of the gospel shining from the cross of Christ rebukes selfishness and encourages liberality and benevolence. It is not to be a lamented fact that there are increasing calls to give. God in His providence is calling His people out from their limited sphere of action to enter upon greater enterprises. Unlimited effort is demanded at this time when moral darkness is covering the world. Worldliness and covetousness are eating out the vitals of God’s people. They should understand that it is His mercy which multiplies the demands for their means. The angel of God places benevolent acts close beside prayer. . . .

“The spiritual health and prosperity of the church is dependent in a great degree upon her systematic benevolence. It is like the lifeblood which must flow through the whole being, vitalizing every member of the body. It increases love for the souls of our fellow men; for by self-denial and self-sacrifice we are brought into a closer relation to Christ, who for our sakes became poor.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 405.

7 What instruction did the angel give Cornelius? Acts 10:5, 6. What do we learn from this circumstance?

note: “The explicitness of these directions, in which was named even the occupation of the man with whom Peter was staying, shows that Heaven is acquainted with the history and business of men in every station of life. God is familiar with the experience and work of the humble laborer, as well as with that of the king upon his throne. . . .

“God gave evidence of His regard for the gospel ministry and for His organized church. The angel was not commissioned to tell Cornelius the story of the cross. A man subject, even as the centurion himself, to human frailties and temptations, was to be the one to tell him of the crucified and risen Saviour.” The Acts of the Apostles, 133, 134.

8 After the healing of Simon from his leprosy, what did he do in honor of Christ? Mark 14:3; John 12:2.

note: “Simon of Bethany was accounted a disciple of Jesus. He was one of the few Pharisees who had openly joined Christ’s followers. He acknowledged Jesus as a teacher, and hoped that He might be the Messiah, but he had not accepted Him as a Saviour. His character was not transformed; his principles were unchanged.

“Simon had been healed of the leprosy, and it was this that had drawn him to Jesus. He desired to show his gratitude, and at Christ’s last visit to Bethany he made a feast for the Saviour and His disciples. This feast brought together many of the Jews. . . .

“Jesus and His friends were invited to Simon’s feast. At the table the Saviour sat with Simon, whom He had cured of a loathsome disease, on one side, and Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead, on the other. Martha served at the table, but Mary was earnestly listening to every word from the lips of Jesus.” The Desire of Ages, 557–559.

9 What scene transpired while Jesus sat at meat? John 12:3; Luke 7:38; Mark 14:3.

note: “There are gifts that we rightly proportion to the character and necessities of the ones upon whom we bestow them. Not many of the poor would appreciate Mary’s offering, or our Lord’s sacrifice of Himself, which gift was the highest that could be given. That ointment was a symbol of the overflowing heart of the giver. It was an outward demonstration of a love fed by heavenly streams until it overflowed. And that ointment of Mary, which the disciples called waste, is repeating itself a thousand times in the susceptible hearts of others.

“The Lord God is profuse in His gifts to our world. The question may be asked, Why does the Lord show such waste, such extravagance in the multitude of His gifts that cannot be enumerated? The Lord would be so bountiful toward His human family that it cannot be said of Him that He could do more. When He gave Jesus to our world, He gave all heaven. His love is without a parallel. It did not stop short of anything. . . .

“To human reasoning the whole plan of salvation is a waste of mercies and resources. They are provided to accomplish the restoration of the moral image of God in man. The atonement is abundantly able to secure to all who will receive it, mansions in heaven. The supposed prodigality of Mary is an illustration of the methods of God in the plan of salvation; for nature and grace, related to each other, manifest the ennobling fullness of the Source from which they flow (MS 28, 1897).” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1101.

Bible Study Guides – Gratitude Appreciated, Part II

October 21, 2019 by Unknown

June 4, 2006 – June 10, 2006

Key Text

“Both riches and honour [come] of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand [is] power and might; and in thine hand [it is] to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” 1 Chronicles 29:12, 13.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 750–753.

Introduction

“The house where God is worshiped should be in accordance with His character and majesty. There are small churches that ever will be small because they place their own interests above the interests of God’s cause. While they have large, convenient houses for themselves, and are constantly improving their premises, they are content to have a most unsuitable place for the worship of God, where His holy presence is to dwell. They wonder that Joseph and Mary were obliged to find shelter in a stable, and that there the Saviour was born; but they are willing to expend upon themselves a large part of their means, while the house of worship is shamefully neglected. How often they say: ‘The time is not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built.’ [Haggai 1:2.] But the word of the Lord to them is: ‘Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house lie waste?’ [Verse 4.]

“The house where Jesus is to meet with His people should be neat and attractive. If there are but few believers in a place, put up a neat but humble house, and by dedicating it to God invite Jesus to come as your guest. How does He look upon His people when they have every convenience that heart could wish, but are willing to meet for His worship in a barn, some miserable, out-of-the-way building, or some cheap, forsaken apartment? You work for your friends, you expend means to make everything around them as attractive as possible; but Jesus, the One who gave everything for you, even His precious life,—He who is the Majesty of heaven, the King of kings and Lord of lords,—is favored with a place on earth but little better than the stable which was His first home. Shall we not look at these things as God looks at them? Shall we not test our motives and see what kind of faith we possess?

“ ‘God loveth a cheerful giver,’ [11 Corinthians 9:7] and those who love Him will give freely and cheerfully when by so doing they can advance His cause and promote His glory.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 268, 269.

“The glory of the first temple, the splendor of its service, could not recommend them [the Israelites] to God; for that which is alone of value in His sight, they did not offer. They did not bring Him the sacrifice of a humble and contrite spirit.” Prophets and Kings, 565.

1 With what reception did David meet when he went to make his sacrifice, the atonement for his sin against God of following customs of the surrounding heathen nations? 11 Samuel 24:20–23.

note: “The threshing-floor of Araunah is offered him freely, where to build an altar unto the Lord; also cattle, and everything needful for the sacrifice.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 386.

2 How did David respond to Araunah’s offer? 11 Samuel 24:24.

note: “David tells him who would make this generous offering, that the Lord will accept the sacrifice which he is willing to make, but that he would not come before the Lord with an offering which cost him nothing. He would buy it of him for full price. He offered there burnt-offerings and peace-offerings.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 386.

3 How did God accept David’s offering? 11 Samuel 24:25.

note: “God accepted the offerings by answering David in sending fire from Heaven to consume the sacrifice. The angel of the Lord was commanded to put his sword into his sheath, and cease his work of destruction.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 386.

4 What important lesson may be drawn from David’s experience? Consider Mark 12:41–44; Acts 5:1–5.

note: “If all were devoted to God, a precious light would shine forth from them, which would have a direct influence upon all who are brought in contact with them. But all need a work done for them. Some are far from God, variable and unstable as water. Some have no idea of sacrifice. When they desire any pleasure, or any article of dress, or any special indulgence, they do not consider whether they can do without the article, or deny themselves of the pleasure, and make a freewill offering to God. How many have considered that they were required to make some sacrifice? Although it may be of less value than that of the wealthy man in possession of his thousands, yet that which really costs self-denial would be a precious sacrifice, and an offering to God. . . .

“Your stinted offerings are brought to God almost unwillingly, while in self-gratification means are spent lavishly. How much of the wages earned finds its way into the treasury of God to aid in the advancement of his work in saving souls? They [the youth] give a mite each week, and feel that they do much. But they have no sense that they are each stewards of God over their little, as are the wealthy over their larger possession. God has been robbed, and themselves indulged, their pleasures consulted, their tastes gratified, without a thought that God would make close investigation of how they have used their Lord’s goods. While they unhesitatingly gratify their supposed wants (which are not wants in reality), and withhold from God the offering they ought to make, he will no more accept the little pittance they hand in to the treasury than he accepted the offering of Ananias and his wife Sapphira, who purposed to rob God in their offerings.” Review and Herald, August 10, 1886.

5 What did David do after he was forbidden to build the temple? 1 Chronicles 29:1–3.

note: “The first temple had been erected during the most prosperous period of Israel’s history. Vast stores of treasure for this purpose had been collected by King David, and the plans for its construction were made by divine inspiration. 1 Chronicles 28:12, 19. Solomon, the wisest of Israel’s monarchs, had completed the work. This temple was the most magnificent building which the world ever saw.” The Great Controversy, 23.

6 What did King David ask of the others? 1 Chronicles 29:5, last part.

note: “David’s exhortation to Solomon, and his appeal to the burden-bearers of the nation, should be kept in mind by those who are in positions of trust in the Lord’s cause today. In this our day God’s people will prosper only so long as they keep His precepts; and those who bear responsibilities are called upon to consecrate their service to the Lord. . . . Laborers in the field at home and abroad,—all are to render faithful service by using their talents wholly for God. The Lord is not pleased with half-hearted service. To Him we owe all that we have and are.” Review and Herald, September 14, 1905.

7 What effect did David’s call for consecrated service have on the leading men in Israel? How did the people show their interest? 1 Chronicles 29:6–8.

note: “With deepest interest the king had gathered the rich material for building and beautifying the temple. He had composed the glorious anthems that in after years should echo through its courts. Now his heart was made glad in God, as the chief of the fathers and the princes of Israel so nobly responded to his appeal, and offered themselves to the important work before them. And as they gave their service, they were disposed to do more. They swelled the offerings, giving of their own possessions into the treasury.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 752, 753.

“The liberality of the Jews in the construction of the tabernacle and the erection of the temple illustrates a spirit of benevolence which has not been equaled by Christians of any later date. They had just been freed from their long bondage in Egypt and were wanderers in the wilderness; yet scarcely were they delivered from the armies of the Egyptians who pursued them in their hasty journey, when the word of the Lord came to Moses, saying: ‘Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take My offering.’ [Exodus 25:2.]

“His people had small possessions and no flattering prospect of adding to them; but an object was before them—to build a tabernacle for God. The Lord had spoken, and they must obey His voice. They withheld nothing. All gave with a willing hand, not a certain amount of their increase, but a large portion of their actual possessions. They devoted it gladly and heartily to the Lord, and pleased Him by so doing. Was it not all His? Had He not given them all they possessed? If He called for it, was it not their duty to give back to the Lender His own?

“No urging was needed. The people brought even more than was required, and were told to desist, for there was already more than could be appropriated. Again, in building the temple, the call for means met with a hearty response. The people did not give reluctantly. They rejoiced in the prospect of a building being erected for the worship of God, and donated more than enough for the purpose.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 77, 78.

8 How were the people affected by their actions? 1 Chronicles 29:9.

note: “David well understood from whom came all his bounties. Would that those of this day who rejoice in a Saviour’s love could realize that their silver and gold are the Lord’s and should be used to promote His glory, not grudgingly retained to enrich and gratify themselves. He has an indisputable right to all that He has lent His creatures. All that they possess is His.

“There are high and holy objects that require means, and money thus invested will yield to the giver more elevated and permanent enjoyment than if it were expended in personal gratification or selfishly hoarded for greed of gain. When God calls for our treasure, whatever the amount may be, the willing response makes the gift a consecrated offering to Him and lays up for the giver a treasure in heaven that moth cannot corrupt, that fire cannot consume, nor thieves break in and steal. The investment is safe. The money is placed in bags that have no holes; it is secure.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 78, 79.

9 Whom did David acknowledge as the real owner of all the gifts that they had made? 1 Chronicles 29:14–16.

note: “David had felt deeply his own unworthiness in gathering the material for the house of God, and the expression of loyalty in the ready response of the nobles of his kingdom, as with willing hearts they dedicated their treasures to Jehovah and devoted themselves to His service, filled him with joy. But it was God alone who had imparted this disposition to His people. He, not man, must be glorified. It was He who had provided the people with the riches of earth, and His Spirit had made them willing to bring their precious things for the temple. It was all of the Lord; if His love had not moved upon the hearts of the people, the king’s efforts would have been vain, and the temple would never have been erected.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 753.

10 What was the design of God’s providence in bringing about circumstances where means were required of the people to build God’s house? 1 Chronicles 29:17.

note: “All that man receives of God’s bounty still belongs to God. Whatever God has bestowed in the valuable and beautiful things of earth is placed in the hands of men to test them—to sound the depths of their love for Him and their appreciation of His favors. Whether it be the treasures of wealth or of intellect, they are to be laid, a willing offering, at the feet of Jesus; the giver saying, meanwhile, with David, ‘All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.’ [1 Chronicles 29:14.]” Patriarchs and Prophets, 753.

Bible Study Guides – Gratitude Appreciated, Part I

October 21, 2019 by Unknown

May 28, 2006 – June 3, 2006

Key Text

“He hath showed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8.

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 606–608.

Introduction

“Call to mind your former wretchedness, your spiritual blindness, and the darkness which enshrouded you before Christ, a tender, loving Saviour, came to your aid and reached you where you were. If you let these seasons pass without giving tangible proofs of your gratitude for this wonderful and amazing love which a compassionate Saviour exercised toward you, who were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, there is reason to fear that still greater darkness and misery will come upon you. Now is your sowing time. You will reap that which you sow. Avail yourselves while you may of every privilege of doing good.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 330.

1 What does God require of us all? Micah 6:8.

note: “The words and law of God, written in the soul, and exhibited in a consecrated, holy life, have a powerful influence to convict the world. Covetousness, which is idolatry, and envy, and love of the world, will be rooted from the hearts of those who are obedient to Christ, and it will be their pleasure to deal justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before God. Oh, how much is comprised in this, walking humbly before God! The law of God, if written in the heart, will bring the mind and will into subjection to the obedience of Christ.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 201.

“[Isaiah 61:8; Deuteronomy 25:14–16; Micah 6:8 quoted.] One of the very highest applications of these principles is found in the recognition of man’s right to himself, to the control of his own mind, to the stewardship of his talents, the right to receive and to impart the fruit of his own labor. Strength and power will be in our institutions only as in all their connection with their fellow men they recognize these principles,—only as in their dealing they give heed to the instruction of the word of God.” Ibid., vol. 7, 179, 180.

2 What is of more value than burnt offerings and sacrifices? Mark 12:33.

note: “It is a sacred duty that we owe to God to keep the spirit pure, as a temple for the Holy Ghost. If the heart and mind are devoted to the service of God, obeying all His commandments, loving Him with all the heart, might, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves, we shall be found loyal and true to the requirements of heaven.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 33.

“Well may the question be asked with earnest, anxious heart, ‘Is envy cherished, is jealousy permitted to find a place in my heart?’ If so, Christ is not there. ‘Do I love the law of God, is the love of Jesus Christ in my heart?’ If we love one another as Christ has loved us then we are getting ready for the blessed heaven of peace and rest. There is no struggling there to be first, to have the supremacy; all will love their neighbor as themselves. Oh, that God would open the understanding and speak to the hearts of our churches by arousing the individual members. . . .” Selected Messages, Book 2, 382.

3 What called forth these words (Mark 12:33)? Mark 12:28–31.

note: “Wherever there is union with Christ there is love. Whatever other fruits we may bear, if love be missing, they profit nothing. Love to God and our neighbor is the very essence of our religion. No one can love Christ and not love His children. When we are united to Christ, we have the mind of Christ. Purity and love shine forth in the character, meekness and truth control the life. The very expression of the countenance is changed. Christ abiding in the soul exerts a transforming power, and the outward aspect bears witness to the peace and joy that reign within. We drink in the love of Christ, as the branch draws nourishment from the vine. If we are grafted in Christ, if fiber by fiber we have been united with the Living Vine, we shall give evidence of the fact by bearing rich clusters of living fruit. If we are connected with the Light, we shall be channels of light, and in our words and works we shall reflect light to the world. Those who are truly Christians are bound with the chain of love which links earth to heaven, which binds finite man to the infinite God. The light that shines in the face of Jesus Christ shines in the hearts of His followers, to the glory of God.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 337, 338.

4 Because the scribe of Mark 12:28 discerned these principles, what did the Saviour say to him? Mark 12:34.

note: “The scribe was near to the kingdom of God, in that he recognized deeds of righteousness as more acceptable to God than burnt offerings and sacrifices. But he needed to recognize the divine character of Christ, and through faith in Him receive power to do the works of righteousness. The ritual service was of no value, unless connected with Christ by living faith. Even the moral law fails of its purpose, unless it is understood in its relation to the Saviour. Christ had repeatedly shown that His Father’s law contained something deeper than mere authoritative commands. In the law is embodied the same principle that is revealed in the gospel. The law points out man’s duty and shows him his guilt. To Christ he must look for pardon and for power to do what the law enjoins.” The Desire of Ages, 608.

5 What sacrifice must be the foundation of all other sacrifices? Psalm 51:17.

note: “The only reason that we have not remission of sin is that we have not acknowledged to Him [Jesus] whom we have wounded by our transgressions, whom we have pierced by our sins, that we are at fault, and in need of mercy. The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul will find its way to the heart of infinite pity; for the Lord is nigh unto him that is of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 326.

6 In whose heart has God promised to dwell? Isaiah 57:15.

note: “The life in which the fear of the Lord is cherished will not be a life of sadness and gloom. It is the absence of Christ that makes the countenance sad, and the life a pilgrimage of sighs. Those who are filled with self-esteem and self-love do not feel the need of a living, personal union with Christ. The heart that has not fallen on the Rock is proud of its wholeness. Men want a dignified religion. They desire to walk in a path wide enough to take in their own attributes. Their self-love, their love of popularity and love of praise, exclude the Saviour from their hearts, and without Him there is gloom and sadness. But Christ dwelling in the soul is a wellspring of joy. For all who receive Him, the very keynote of the word of God is rejoicing.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 162.

7 How will God’s Word affect a contrite and humble heart? Isaiah 66:2.

note: “To know ourselves is to be humble. Self-knowledge will take away all disposition to entertain the Most High with a recital of our own excellent qualities. Realizing our sins and imperfections, we shall come to the feet of Jesus with earnest supplication, and our petitions will not be passed by unheard. Ezra had the true spirit of prayer. Presenting his petition before God for Israel, when they had sinned grievously in the face of great light and privileges, he exclaimed, ‘I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God; for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.’ [Ezra 9:6.] Ezra remembered the goodness of God in again giving his people a foothold in their native land, and he was overwhelmed with indignation and grief at the thought of their ingratitude in return for the divine favor. His language is that of true humiliation of soul, the contrition that prevails with God in prayer. Only the prayer of the humble enters into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.” The Signs of the Times, February 19, 1885.

8 How does the prophet speak of those who cannot discern the sacredness of divine things? Isaiah 66:3, 4.

note: “God has not changed toward His faithful servants who are keeping their garments spotless. But many are crying, ‘Peace and safety,’ while sudden destruction is coming upon them. Unless there is thorough repentance, unless men humble their hearts by confession and receive the truth as it is in Jesus, they will never enter heaven. When purification shall take place in our ranks, we shall no longer rest at ease, boasting of being rich and increased with goods, in need of nothing.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 250.

9 Can these things (Isaiah 66:3, 4) be in the heart and not be seen in the life? Matthew 7:16–20.

note: “The good tree will produce good fruit. If the fruit is unpalatable and worthless, the tree is evil. So the fruit borne in the life testifies as to the condition of the heart and the excellence of the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that acts by love and purifies the soul. And though the eternal reward is not bestowed because of our merit, yet it will be in proportion to the work that has been done through the grace of Christ.

“Thus Christ set forth the principles of His kingdom, and showed them to be the great rule of life. . . . It is not enough, He says, for you to hear My words. By obedience you must make them the foundation of your character.” The Desire of Ages, 314.

10 What did David say when he saw the judgment of God upon the people on account of his sin of numbering Israel and proposing to increase the military? What response did God make to his repentance? 11 Samuel 24:17, 18.

note: “David, in his prosperity, did not preserve that humility of character and trust in God which characterized the earlier part of his life. He looked upon the accession to the kingdom with pride, and contrasted their then prosperous condition with their few numbers and little strength when he ascended the throne, taking glory to himself. He gratified his ambitious feelings in yielding to the temptation of the devil to number Israel, that he might compare their former weakness with their then prosperous state under his rule. This was displeasing to God, and contrary to his express command. It would lead Israel to rely upon their strength of numbers, instead of the living God.

“The work of numbering Israel is not fully completed before David feels convicted that he has committed a great sin against God. He sees his error, and humbles himself before God, confessing his great sin in foolishly numbering the people. But his repentance came too late. The word had already gone forth from the Lord to his faithful prophet, to carry a message to David, and offer him his choice of punishments for his transgression. David still shows that he has confidence in God. He chooses to fall into the hands of a merciful God, rather than to be left to the cruel mercies of wicked men.

“Swift destruction followed. Seventy thousand were destroyed by pestilence. David and the elders of Israel were in the deepest humiliation, mourning before the Lord. As the angel of the Lord was on his way to destroy Jerusalem, God bade him stay his work of death. A pitiful God loves his people still, notwithstanding their rebellion. The angel, clad in warlike garments, with a drawn sword in his hand, stretched out over Jerusalem, is revealed to David, and to those who are with him. David is terribly afraid, yet he cries out in his distress, and his compassion for Israel. He begs of God to save the sheep. In anguish he confesses, ‘I have sinned, and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.’ [11 Samuel 24:17.] God speaks to David, by his prophet, and bids him make atonement for his sin. David’s heart was in the work, and his repentance was accepted.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 385, 386.

Food for Life – Nature’s Penicillin

October 21, 2019 by Thomas Jackson

During February 2006, Dr. Thomas Jackson, from Missionary Education and Evangelistic Training (M.E.E.T.) Ministry in Huntingdon, Tennessee, led in a health and nutrition community outreach in Wichita, Kansas.

Thirty plus years ago, Dr. Jackson discovered the secret of health through his study of the Bible. He confirmed his findings scientifically as well as through his own personal experience. For ten years, beginning at the age of 17 years, he waged a seemingly hopeless battle against the number one crippling disease—arthritis. He was told that medically there was no cure for his condition and that he would just have to live with it for the rest of his life. However, he began to apply the Bible’s secret of health to his own life, and, by God’s grace, he was freed from the devastating effects of arthritis. Although his condition kept him from pursuing his career as a professional basketball player, God had something better for him to do!

Dr. Jackson is the Director of M.E.E.T. Ministry and has a Ph.D. in Naturopathy (Natural Medicine). He is a Christian Hygienic Practitioner, a Gospel-Health Evangelist, Christian Health Educator, Lecturer, and Lifestyle Consultant. His wife, Dr. LaVerne Jackson, is the Associate Director of M.E.E.T. Ministry and has a Ph.D. in Nutritional Science. They have been involved with Christian health education for over 25 years. From a small beginning in their home, M.E.E.T., a full time health ministry, has grown until it is now located on 30 acres of land and is staffed by committed men and women.

This month’s featured recipe, Nature’s Penicillin, is a recipe from Dr. Jackson’s book, God’s Farmacy. Nature’s Penicillin can be used as a general immune system strengthener as well as to effectively combat colds, flu, sore throat, infections, and respiratory problems. It is simple and inexpensive to make.

If you are interested in hosting a community outreach in your area, would like any of the material Dr. Jackson has available, or are interested in medical missionary training, you may contact M.E.E.T. Ministry by telephone at: 731-986-3518, or via e-mail at: godsplan@meetministry.org.

Nature’s Penicillin

1 grapefruit

1 orange

2 lemons

3 cloves of garlic

1/2 large onion

3 drops peppermint oil

Cut fruit and onion into pieces. Place in a blender with enough water so the mixture turns in the blender. You may need to add more water, but do so just a little at a time. Mix well. Add peppermint oil at the last. For an adult, drink a total of 1 cup a day. For a child, drink a total of 1/2 cup a day. This amount should not be consumed all at once, but taken a spoonful at a time periodically throughout the day. Pour remaining mixture into a glass jar, cover with a lid, and keep refrigerated. When ready to use, warm to room temperature in a saucepan or in hot water before serving. This is not recommended for children under 5 years of age.

Do you have a favorite vegan recipe you are willing to share with LandMarks’ readers? Send it to us with a photo of you, if available, and a two or three line bio. We will consider all submissions. Send to the address below or by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

LandMarks Recipes
Steps to Life Ministry
PO. Box 782828
Wichita, KS 67278

Nature Nugget – The Fat Sleeper

October 21, 2019 by David Arbour

Sleepers are goby-type fishes that are members of the family Eleotridae, but they differ from most gobies by having widely spaced pelvic fins that are never joined or modified into a sucking disk. Sleepers are named such because most have eyes that tend to have a “glassy” look, as if the fish is unconscious, and because the behavior of many is to lie still on the bottom or in vegetation waiting to ambush prey.

Sleepers are found in habitats varying from pure freshwater to seawater (marine) and in numerous brackish habitats in-between. They can move or be moved between these varying degrees of salinity without showing any indications of stress. This ability of sleepers to live in and move between freshwater, brackish, and marine water is linked to an enzyme in the fishes’ gill epithelium called “sodium-potassium-activated ATPase,” the activity of which is triggered by immersion in salt-containing water. The enzyme promotes the discharge of sodium ions from the gills, allowing the fish to maintain osmotic balance in seawater. The enzyme activity turns off when the fish moves into freshwater.

There are several species of sleepers in the United States coastal areas, the most common one being the Fat Sleeper (Dormitator maculatus). Fat Sleepers are common in vegetated fresh, brackish, and occasionally marine habitats along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from North Carolina to Brazil and including the Bahamas and West Indies. Their preferred habitats are freshwater ponds, fresh and brackish marshes, low salinity tide pools, and coastal mangrove swamps. Adaptation to variations in coastal habitats has made this fish very resistant to low oxygen and changing water quality. The Fat Sleeper is large—up to 12 inches—and stocky (hence its name). It is mostly benthic (bottom dwelling) where it occurs in weed beds and areas of debris where it feeds on aquatic invertebrates such as copepods, ostracods, and insects.

Fat Sleepers will only breed in freshwater. When it comes time to breed, they undergo a change in body color, and after a complex mating “dance,” they spawn and lay eggs on a flat surface such as a rock. Both parents guard the eggs until they hatch. The eggs hatch within 24 hours and the young travel to saltwater to spend the first stage of their lives.

Does the name Fat Sleeper describe many of us today who claim to be a part of God’s last day church? The first part of this name certainly describes many of us. What about the second part of this name? Are we asleep? “Many have been altogether too long in a sleepy condition.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 206. “Men and women are in the last hours of probation, and yet are careless and stupid, and ministers have no power to arouse them; they are asleep themselves. Sleeping preachers preaching to a sleeping people.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 337. Fortunately, there is hope for us that are in this condition. “Yet the case of even this class is not utterly hopeless. With those who have slighted God’s mercy and abused His grace, the heart of long-suffering love yet pleads. Wherefore He saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” The Great Controversy, 601, 602. “We are living in the closing scenes of this earth’s history. Prophecy is fast fulfilling. The hours of probation are fast passing. We have no time—not a moment—to lose. Let us not be found sleeping on guard. Let no one say in his heart or by his works: ‘My Lord delayeth his coming.’ [Matthew 24:48.] Let the message of Christ’s soon return sound forth in earnest words of warning.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 252.

David Arbour writes from his home in DeQueen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Restoring the Temple – Beverages

October 21, 2019 by Ellen G. White

In health and in sickness, pure water is one of Heaven’s choicest blessings. Its proper use promotes health. It is the beverage which God provided to quench the thirst of animals and man. Drunk freely, it helps to supply the necessities of the system, and assists nature to resist disease.

“I should eat sparingly, thus relieving my system of unnecessary burden, and should encourage cheerfulness, and give myself the benefits of proper exercise in the open air. I should bathe frequently, and drink freely of pure, soft water.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 419.

Right and Wrong use of Water

“Many make a mistake in drinking cold water with their meals. Taken with meals, water diminishes the flow of the salivary glands; and the colder the water, the greater the injury to the stomach. Ice water or ice lemonade, drunk with meals, will arrest digestion until the system has imparted sufficient warmth to the stomach to enable it to take up its work again. Hot drinks are debilitating; and besides, those who indulge in their use become slaves to the habit. Food should not be washed down; no drink is needed with meals. Eat slowly, and allow the saliva to mingle with the food. The more liquid there is taken into the stomach with the meals, the more difficult it is for the food to digest; for the liquid must first be absorbed. Do not eat largely of salt; give up bottled pickles; keep fiery spiced food out of your stomach; eat fruit with your meals, and the irritation which calls for so much drink will cease to exist. But if anything is needed to quench thirst, pure water, drunk some little time before or after the meal, is all that nature requires. Never take tea, coffee, beer, wine, or any spirituous liquors. Water is the best liquid possible to cleanse the tissues.” Ibid., 420.

Effects of Tea and Coffee

“Tea is poisonous to the system. Christians should let it alone. The influence of coffee is in a degree the same as tea, but the effect upon the system is still worse. Its influence is exciting, and just in the degree that it elevates above par, it will exhaust and bring prostration below par. Tea and coffee drinkers carry the marks upon their faces. The skin becomes sallow, and assumes a lifeless appearance. The glow of health is not seen upon the countenance.” Ibid., 421.

“Coffee is a hurtful indulgence. It temporarily excites the mind to unwonted action, but the aftereffect is exhaustion, prostration, paralysis of the mental, moral, and physical powers. The mind becomes enervated, and unless through determined effort the habit is overcome, the activity of the brain is permanently lessened. All these nerve irritants are wearing away the life forces, and the restlessness caused by shattered nerves, the impatience, the mental feebleness, become a warring element, antagonizing to spiritual progress. Then should not those who advocate temperance and reform be awake to counteract the evils of these injurious drinks? In some cases it is as difficult to break up the tea-and-coffee habit as it is for the inebriate to discontinue the use of liquor. . . .

“Those who resort to tea and coffee for stimulation to labor, will feel the evil effects of this course in trembling nerves and lack of self-control. Tired nerves need rest and quiet. Nature needs time to recuperate her exhausted energies. But if her forces are goaded on by use of stimulants, there is, whenever this process is repeated, a lessening of real force. For a time more may be accomplished under the unnatural stimulus, but gradually it becomes more difficult to rouse the energies to the desired point, and at last exhausted nature can no longer respond.

“The habit of drinking tea and coffee is a greater evil than is often suspected. Many who have accustomed themselves to the use of stimulating drinks, suffer from headache and nervous prostration, and lose much time on account of sickness. They imagine they cannot live without the stimulus, and are ignorant of its effect upon health. What makes it the more dangerous is, that its evil effects are so often attributed to other causes.

Effects on Mind and Morals

“Through the use of stimulants, the whole system suffers. The nerves are unbalanced, the liver is morbid in its action, the quality and circulation of the blood are affected, and the skin becomes inactive and sallow. The mind, too, is injured. The immediate influence of these stimulants is to excite the brain to undue activity, only to leave it weaker and less capable of exertion. The aftereffect is prostration, not only mental and physical, but moral. As a result we see nervous men and women, of unsound judgment and unbalanced mind. They often manifest a hasty, impatient, accusing spirit, viewing the faults of others as through a magnifying glass, and utterly unable to discern their own defects.

“When these tea and coffee users meet together for social entertainment, the effects of their pernicious habit are manifest. All partake freely of the favorite beverages, and as the stimulating influence is felt, their tongues are loosened, and they begin the wicked work of talking against others. Their words are not few or well chosen. The tidbits of gossip are passed around, too often the poison of scandal as well. These thoughtless gossipers forget that they have a witness. An unseen Watcher is writing their words in the books of heaven. All these unkind criticisms, these exaggerated reports, these envious feelings, expressed under the excitement of the cup of tea, Jesus registers as against Himself. ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.’ [Matthew 25:40.]” Ibid., 421–423.

Nervous Excitement

“Tea has an influence to excite the nerves, and coffee benumbs the brain; both are highly injurious. You should be careful of your diet. Eat the most wholesome, nourishing food, and keep yourself in a calm state of mind, where you will not become so excited and fly into a passion.

“Tea acts as a stimulant, and, to a certain extent, produces intoxication. The action of coffee and many other popular drinks is similar. The first effect is exhilarating. The nerves of the stomach are excited; these convey irritation to the brain, and this in turn is aroused to impart increased action to the heart, and short-lived energy to the entire system. Fatigue is forgotten, the strength seems to be increased. The intellect is aroused, the imagination becomes more vivid.

“Because of these results, many suppose that their tea or coffee is doing them great good. But this is a mistake. Tea and coffee do not nourish the system. Their effect is produced before there has been time for digestion and assimilation, and what seems to be strength is only nervous excitement. When the influence of the stimulant is gone, the unnatural force abates, and the result is a corresponding degree of languor and debility.

“The continued use of these nerve irritants is followed by headache, wakefulness, palpitation of the heart, indigestion, trembling, and many other evils, for they wear away the life forces. Tired nerves need rest and quiet instead of stimulation and overwork. Nature needs time to recuperate her exhausted energies. When her forces are goaded on by the use of stimulants, more will be accomplished for a time; but as the system becomes debilitated by their constant use, it gradually becomes more difficult to rouse the energies to the desired point. The demand for stimulants becomes more difficult to control, until the will is overborne, and there seems to be no power to deny the unnatural craving. Stronger and still stronger stimulants are called for, until exhausted nature can no longer respond.” Ibid., 423, 424.