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Bible Study – Parenthood

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Preparing for Eternity Together

February 23 – March 1, 2025

Key Text

“Where is the flock that was given to you, your beautiful sheep?” Jeremiah 13:20, last part

Study Help: Testimonies, Vol. 1, 216–220; Ibid., Vol. 2, 390–411; Ibid., Vol. 3, 131–152; Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 4b, 132–147

Introduction

“Few parents realize that their children are what their example and discipline have made them, and that they are responsible for the characters their children develop.” Testimonies, Vol. 3, 144

Sunday

1 A SOLEMN RESPONSIBILITY

1.a. To whom do our children belong? Psalm 127:3

1.b.      In the day of judgment, what will be asked of all who have brought children into this world? Jeremiah 13:20. What should this cause us to consider?

Note: “Most of men and women have acted in entering the marriage relation, as though the only question for them to settle was whether they loved each other. But they should realize that a responsibility rests upon them in the marriage relation farther than this. They should consider whether their offspring will possess physical health and mental and moral strength.” A Solemn Appeal, 104

“The question to be settled by you is: ‘Am I raising a family of children to strengthen the influence and swell the ranks of the powers of darkness, or am I bringing up children for Christ?’ If you do not govern your children and mold their characters to meet the requirements of God, then the fewer children there are to suffer from your defective training the better it will be for you, their parents, and the better it will be for society.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 323

Monday

2 PADDLING AGAINST THE CURRENT

2.a. What challenge do all parents face in this generation? Proverbs 30:11; 2 Timothy 3:1, 2

Note: “We are living in an unfortunate age for children. A heavy current is setting downward to perdition, and it needs more than childhood’s experience and strength to press against this current, and not be borne down by it. Satan and his angels are leading the youth generally to certain destruction. They seem to be his captives.” Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 4b, 139

2.b.      What promise should we remember as we seek to suppress the rushing tide of evil? Isaiah 59:19

Note: “Parents, help your children. Arouse from the lethargy which has been upon you. Watch continually to cut off the current, and roll back the weight of evil Satan is pressing in upon your children. The children cannot do this of themselves. Parents can do much. By earnest prayer and living faith great victories will be gained. Some parents have not realized the responsibilities resting upon them, and have neglected the religious education of their children. In the morning, the Christian’s first thoughts should be upon God. Worldly labor and self-interest should be secondary. Before leaving the house for labor, all the family should be collected together, and taught that they must respect and reverence the hour of prayer. The father, or mother in the father’s absence, should with humility and a heart full of tenderness, with a sense of the temptations and dangers before themselves and their children, plead fervently before God that He would keep the children through the day. By faith bind your children upon the altar, entreating for them the care of the Lord. Ministering angels will guard children who are thus dedicated to God. It is the duty of Christian parents, morning and evening, by earnest prayer and persevering faith, to make a hedge about their children. They should patiently instruct them—kindly and untiringly teach them how to live in order to please God.” Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 4b, 139, 140

“Build a fortification of prayer and faith about your children, and exercise diligent watching thereunto. You are not secure a moment against the attacks of Satan. You have no time to rest from watchful, earnest labor. You should not sleep a moment at your post. This is a most important warfare. Eternal consequences are involved. It is life or death with you and your family.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 398

Tuesday

3 DEEPENING OUR UNDERSTANDING

3.a. How is the fate of Eli, the high priest, a warning to parents? 1 Samuel 3:11–14

Note: “The curse of God will surely rest upon unfaithful parents. Not only are they planting thorns which will wound them here, but they must meet their own unfaithfulness when the judgment shall sit. Many children will rise up in judgment and condemn their parents for not restraining them, and charge upon them their destruction. The false sympathy and blind love of parents causes them to excuse the faults of their children and pass them by without correction, and their children are lost in consequence, and the blood of their souls will rest upon the unfaithful parents.” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 219

3.b.      Describe the balanced picture God gives of His special combination of parental justice and mercy. Hebrews 12:7–9; Ephesians 6:4

Note: “Parents should better qualify themselves to more fully discharge their duty to their children. Some parents do not understand their children, and are not really acquainted with them. There is often a great distance between parents and children. If parents would enter more fully into the feelings of their children, and draw out what is in their hearts, it would have a beneficial influence upon them.

“Parents should deal faithfully with the souls committed to their trust. They should not encourage in them pride, extravagance, or love of show. They should not teach them, or suffer them to learn, little pranks which appear cunning in small children, which they have to unlearn and correct them for, when they are older. Habits formed when very young, are not easily forgotten. Parents should commence to discipline the minds of their children while very young, to the end that they may be Christians. Let all your efforts be for their salvation. Act as though they were placed in your care to be fitted as precious jewels to shine in the kingdom of God. Beware how you lull your children to sleep over the pit of destruction, with the mistaken thought that they are not old enough to be accountable, and are not old enough to repent of their sins and profess Christ.” Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 4b, 138, 139

Wednesday

4 THE TRAINING OF YOUNG JESUS

4.a. Where did Jesus obtain His education? Matthew 2:12–15, 19–23

Note: “Jesus secured His education in the home. His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips, and from the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things. He lived in a peasant’s home and faithfully and cheerfully acted His part in bearing the household burdens. He who had been the commander of heaven was a willing servant, a loving, obedient son. He learned a trade and with His own hands worked in the carpenter’s shop with Joseph. In the garb of a common laborer He walked the streets of the little town, going to and returning from His humble work.” The Ministry of Healing, 399, 400

4.b.      How can the boy Jesus’ mature understanding and initiative regarding His own education inspire us in prioritizing goals for our children? Proverbs 20:11

Note: “Though Jesus was subject to His parents, He began at a very early age to act for Himself in the formation of His character. While His mother was His first human teacher, He was constantly receiving an education from His Father in heaven. Instead of poring over the learned lore handed down by the rabbis from century to century, Jesus, under the Divine Teacher, studied the words of God, pure and uncorrupted, and studied also the great lesson-book of nature. The words, ‘Thus saith the Lord,’ were ever upon his lips, and ‘It is written,’ was His reason for every act that varied from the family customs. He brought a purer atmosphere into the home life. Though He did not place Himself under the instruction of the rabbis by becoming a student in their schools, yet He was often brought in contact with them, and the questions He asked, as if He were a learner, puzzled the wise men; for their practices did not harmonize with the Scriptures, and they had not the wisdom that comes from God. Even to those who were displeased at His noncompliance with popular customs, His education seemed of a higher type than their own.” Special Testimonies on Education, 162

Thursday

5 THE POWER OF EXAMPLE

  1. What must parents be showing their children? Luke 21:19; 1Corinthians 11:1

Note: “If parents desire their children to be pleasant, they should never speak to them in a scolding manner. The mother often allows herself to become irritable and nervous. Often she snatches at the child, and speaks in a harsh manner. If a child is treated in a quiet, kind manner, it will do much to preserve in him a pleasant temper. The grandest and noblest work that parents have to do for their Master is to bring Bible discipline into their government. Mothers, teachers, and guardians of the youth, be careful. If things arise to irritate, you are not at liberty to act out your feelings. Educate yourselves to carry a pleasant countenance, and to bring sweetness and melody into the voice.” The Review and Herald, May 17, 1898

“With your heart subdued and full of pity and sorrow for your erring children, pray with them, before correcting them. Then your correction will not cause your children to hate you. They will love you. They will see that you do not punish them; because they have put you to inconvenience, or because you wish to vent your displeasure upon them, but from a sense of duty for their good, that they may not be left to grow up in sin and wickedness. …

“Parents, the recording angel writes every impatient, fretful word you utter to your children. Every failure on your part to give your children proper instruction, and show them the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the final result of a sinful course, is marked against your name. Every unguarded word spoken before your children carelessly, or in jest, not chaste and elevated, the recording angel marks as a spot against your Christian character. All your acts are recorded, whether they are good or bad.” Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 4b, 140, 141

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    What should every individual consider carefully before becoming a parent?

2    In what ways does the sin of Eli creep into the experience of today’s parents?

3    How can our homes become more like the home of Jesus as a boy?

Copyright 2006, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Recipe – Endurance Crackers

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Are Pepita and Pumpkin Seeds the Same?

Pepita seeds and pumpkin seeds are frequently used interchangeably, but are they really the same thing? Not exactly. With a crunchy bite and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor, pepita and pumpkin seeds do indeed share some similarities, but they are not the same thing. Pepitas are pumpkin seeds but not all pumpkin seeds are pepitas.

A common misconception is that pepitas are what you’re left with after the outer shell, or hull, of the pumpkin seed is removed. That’s not actually the case. Pepitas (which translates to “little seeds of squash” in Spanish) is a type of pumpkin seed, naturally hull-free and only found in oilseed or Styrian pumpkins.

Unlike most pumpkin seeds, which must be prepped and roasted before eating, green-hued pepitas have a thin skin and delicate crunch and are delicious when eaten raw or roasted. They are wonderful as a snack and also great for cooking. Pepitas can be added to everything from granola and muesli to pesto, salads, snack bars, crackers, and so much more. So, if a recipe calls for pumpkin seeds, you can always use pepitas instead, but you can’t use pumpkin seeds in place of pepitas.

Source: thekitchn.com/pepitas-vs-pumpkin-seeds-23416957

Recipe – Endurance Crackers

Ingredients

1/2 cup chia seeds

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds or pepita seeds

1/2 cup sesame seeds

1 cup water

1 large garlic clove, finely grated

1 tsp. sweet onion, finely grated

1/4 tsp. fine sea salt, plus more for sprinkling

Additional seasoning suggestions: herbamare, kelp granules, rosemary, paprika, turmeric, etc.

Process

Combine seeds in a bowl, then add water, garlic, onion, and salt. Stir until well combined and a thick, gel-like consistency. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes until the water is completely absorbed, and season as desired.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and spread the mixture onto the sheet as thinly as possible. Sprinkle additional salt on top. Bake at 300°F for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully flip. Bake for 25–30 minutes more or until lightly golden around the edges. Let cool for about 15 minutes, then break into crackers and let cool completely on the sheet. Serve with hummus, mashed avocado, or your spread of choice.

The Proud Look

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Some sins are regarded with more disdain than others, often shaped by culture and religious persuasions. Some consider sexual sins to be at the top of the list when assigning the degree of wickedness, while others might feel disrespect is a much more egregious sin. For some religious groups, sacrilege is the sin of all sins, and the list goes on and on.

Interestingly, while there are degrees of sin in the Bible, we must note that God does not view matters as we mortals do. A great offence or trifling matter to us may not be deemed the same by God.

“God does not regard all sins as of equal magnitude; there are degrees of guilt in His estimation, as well as in that of man; but however trifling this or that wrong act may seem in the eyes of men, no sin is small in the sight of God. Man’s judgment is partial, imperfect; but God estimates all things as they really are.” Steps to Christ, 30

The Bible tells us that God is love, so to find that it also says He hates might be hard to imagine. However, Solomon—considered the wisest man ever to live—tells us that God hates seven things. Sadly, some Christians and non-Christians, too, do not regard these seven sins as highly offensive, and they commit them almost every day without a thought of just how heinous they are in nature and to God.

Note carefully that these sins are seven in number. While this distinction may not have any Scriptural significance in this study, seven in the Bible denotes completion or perfection. Hence, we may conclude that where these seven sins are concerned, God hates them with perfect hatred. As we study each sin, we will better understand why God hates them.

Seven Deadly Sins

“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16–19

When a person reads the book of Proverbs, he will notice that the wise man mentions these seven deadly sins several times. Indeed, they are not the only sins that Solomon wrote about, but it is evident that because of the nature of these sins, the Holy Spirit instructed him to focus on them, not just for his benefit but also for the benefit of all his readers. These seven sins have caused more harm in heaven and earth than possibly all other sins combined. I can now begin to study the seven sins God hates, beginning with pride.

Pride

The Bible defines pride as “arrogance, haughtiness, swelling, pomp; to inflate with self-conceit, high-minded.” The Dictionary defines pride as “a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct.” Synonyms for pride are conceit, self-esteem, egotism, vanity, and vainglory. God calls pride, along with the other six deadly sins, an abomination.

Of Roman or pagan origin, abomination, when used as a verb, denotes “the feeling of abhorrence for what was ill-omened.” In the moral sphere, all evil conduct is like a bad omen, exciting dread, and aversion because of boding calamity. In the direct language of the Bible, referring all things immediately to God, abominations are defined as “things that Jehovah hates, and that are an aversion to His soul.” Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 6:16

Why does God hate pride?

“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him: a proud look … .” The first deadly sin which God hates is pride. What is the meaning of pride?

How does the servant of the Lord define pride? “Pride feels no need, and so it closes the heart against Christ and the infinite blessings He came to give. There is no room for Jesus in the heart of such a person.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 7

What is so evil about pride that allows Jesus to abhor it?

Speaking concerning the fall of Lucifer, the prophet Ezekiel wrote, “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” Ezekiel 28:17

The prophet Isaiah records the attitude that controlled Lucifer and led to his fall in heaven. “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:12–14

Mrs. White tells us, “It was pride and ambition that prompted Lucifer to complain of the government of God, and to seek the overthrow of the order which had been established in heaven.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 403. She also points out that, “Little by little, Lucifer came to indulge a desire for self-exaltation.” The Great Controversy, 494

Again, we are told that “Pride in his own glory nourished the desire for supremacy. The high honors conferred upon Lucifer were not appreciated as the gift of God and called forth no gratitude to the Creator. He gloried in his brightness and exaltation, and aspired to be equal with God.” Ibid., 495

God hates pride because it is Satan’s sin. Originating with him and causing discord in heaven, Satan brought sin, misery, and separation into the universe. Inspiration gives us a glimpse of the disposition Lucifer displayed in heaven, “Though he had forsaken his position as covering cherub, yet if he had been willing to return to God, acknowledging the Creator’s wisdom, and satisfied to fill the place appointed him in God’s great plan, he would have been reinstated in his office. But pride forbade him to submit. He persistently defended his own course, maintained that he had no need of repentance, and fully committed himself, in the great controversy, against his Maker.” Ibid., 496

What caused Lucifer to lose heaven? “It was the pride and ambition cherished in the heart of Satan that banished him from heaven.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 242

God hates pride because of its nature. “There is nothing so offensive to God or so dangerous to the human soul as pride and self-sufficiency. Of all sins it is the most hopeless, the most incurable.” Christ Object Lessons, 154

The Holy Spirit inspired Solomon to list pride as the first of these seven deadly sins because it is at the root of all disobedience and rebellion against God’s law because it is rooted in selfishness. Pride is the opposite of humility, which the apostle Paul gives as the basis of all the divine virtues. “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2, 3

The Scriptures remind us how much God is against pride.

“But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud.” James 4:6, first part

“For Thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.” Psalm 18:27

“He judgeth those that are high.” Job 21:22, last part. It is against this spirit that Job prays, “Cast abroad the rage of Thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him. Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.” Job 40:11, 12

Negative spiritual results of pride

“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” Proverbs 13:10

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

“A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.” Proverbs 29:23 (See also Daniel 4:37.)

“ ‘Therefore as I live,’ saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of My people shall spoil them, and the remnant of My people shall possess them.’

“This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the Lord of hosts.” Zephaniah 2:9, 10

“The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord God concerning Edom; we have heard a rumor from the Lord, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle.

“Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised.

“The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

“Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord.” Obadiah 1–4

“Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:6

“Pride … destroys love for God and corrodes the soul.” Selected Messages, Vol. 2, 185

“Satan has much more power over some who profess the truth than many realize. Self reigns in the heart, instead of Christ. Self-will, self-interest, envy, and pride shut out the presence of God.” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 610

“Pride of heart is a fearful trait of character. ‘Pride goeth before destruction.’ This is true in the family, the church, and the nation.” Ibid., 377

“Alas that pride, unbelief, and selfishness, like a foul cancer, are eating out vital godliness from the heart of many a professed Christian!” That I May Know Him, 167

“The light of truth is constantly shining, but many men and women comprehend it not. And why?—Because selfishness, egotism, pride, blinds their spiritual eyesight. Standing between them and the true light, is the idol of their own opinion.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 9, 298

“But when the garden of the heart is neglected, poisonous weeds of pride, self-esteem, self-sufficiency, obtain a rank growth.” Evangelism, 342

How can we overcome or be set free from pride?

To overcome pride, we must die to self. Jesus invites us to come to Him. “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:28, 29

“You mistake pride for sensitiveness. Self is prominent. When self is crucified, then this sensitiveness, or pride, will die; until then you are not a Christian.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 573

“Never will the human heart know happiness until it is submitted to be molded by the Spirit of God. The Spirit conforms the renewed soul to the model, Jesus Christ. Through its influence, enmity against God is changed into faith and love, and pride into humility.” Our High Calling, 152

“The divine love ruling in the heart exterminates pride and selfishness.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 168

[All scripture from KJV.]

Pastor Ivan Plummer ministers through the Emmanuel Seventh Day Church Ministries in Bronx, New York. He may be contacted by telephone at 718-882-3900.

Flint

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Flint is a sedimentary cryptocrystalline form of mineral quartz. Resistant to weathering, flint is a hard stone that is not easily broken. When it is broken, it breaks and chips into sharp-edged pieces, making it a hard and useful stone historically used in the making of tools and weapons. When struck, it sparks enough to start a fire.

Flint was a primary and important material used during the Stone Age. Its importance to mankind’s survival during this period cannot be underestimated. People traveled long distances to obtain the stone. It was also used for many years as trading “currency.”

Flint is found in several different colors—dark grey, black, green, white, reddish brown, red, pink, blue, and a marbled combination of any of these—and can have either a waxy or glossy appearance. Its origin remains shrouded in uncertainty.

Source: wikipedia.org/wiki/Flint

There is a lot of information about flint on the internet. However, almost every source I consulted talked about flint having existed for millions of years, flint fields found in Jurassic or Cretaceous beds, and flint mining started in the Paleolithic period. You get the idea.

So, I want us to look at the one time the Bible uses flint as a metaphor.

“For the Lord God will help Me; therefore will I not be disgraced; therefore have I set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed.” Isaiah 50:7

This is a description of Jesus’ unwavering determination to persevere in the excruciating task set before Him.

Flint is used here to express the steadfastness of our resolve to complete the work both in our own lives and the lives of all that the Lord brings into our path; a determination to follow God’s will and carry out His commands no matter what, a hardening of resolution and courage against all opposition.

“Never let your courage fail. Never talk unbelief because appearances are against you. …

“Put your trust in God. Pray much, and believe. Trusting, hoping, believing, holding fast the hand of Infinite Power, you will be more than conquerors.

“True workers walk and work by faith. …

“Work in faith … . Pray in faith, and the mystery of His providence will bring its answer. At times, it may seem that you cannot succeed. But work and believe, putting into your efforts faith, hope, and courage. After doing what you can, wait for the Lord, declaring His faithfulness, and He will bring His word to pass. Wait, not in fretful anxiety, but in undaunted faith and unshaken trust.

“If God be for us, who can be against us?” Testimonies, Vol. 7, 244, 245

May we always say with Paul, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? …

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35, 38, 39

Keep your face set like flint.

Gratitude

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“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?”
William Arthur Ward

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever”.
1 Chronicles 16:34

“It is impossible to feel depressed and grateful at the same moment.”
Naomi Williams

 

Gratitude affects the brain and body in amazing ways
•   Decreases heart rate, cardiac disease, inflammations, neurodegeneration, and releases toxic emotions so that we feel calmer and happier, and keeps us healthier.

•   Improves our sleep and enhances our mood.

•   Helps us overcome substance abuse and eating disorders.

•   Strengthens and enhances the brain’s emotion-related and motivation-related activity. This allows us to better appreciate what we have and pursue our goals.

•   Reduces pain, improves our quality of sleep, and aids in regulating stress, thus reducing anxiety and depression and improving our physical and mental health.

•   May have lasting effects on the brain, enabling us to be more sensitive to the experience of gratitude.

•   Practicing daily gratitude reduces negative emotions and is a natural detox for the mind and body.
Benefits of gratitude
•   When we feel and express gratitude, stress cannot control us.

•   Gratitude touches our physical, mental, and social well-being.

•   We begin to view the world through a lens of thankfulness.

•   We have a fuller appreciation of our family, friends, jobs, nature, and the Almighty.

•   We learn that nothing should be taken for granted.

 

“The hearts of those who reveal the attributes of Christ glow with divine love. They are imbued with the spirit of gratitude. … Lift up Jesus. Lift Him up, the man of Calvary, with the voice of song and prayer. Seek earnestly to spread the gospel. Tell the precious story of God’s love for man.

“If we will consecrate heart and mind to the service of God, doing the work He has for us to do and walking in the footsteps of Jesus, our hearts will become sacred harps, every chord of which will send forth praise and thanksgiving to the Lamb sent by God to take away the sins of the world. …

“Christ would have our thoughts center upon Him. … Look away from self to Jesus Christ, the life of every blessing, every grace, the life of all that is precious and valuable to the children of God. …

“Filled with gratitude, we communicate to others the blessings that have been freely given us. Thus receiving and imparting, we grow in grace; and a rich current of praise and gratitude constantly flows from our lips; the sweet spirit of Jesus kindles thanksgiving in our hearts, and our souls are uplifted with a sense of security. The unfailing, inexhaustible righteousness of Christ becomes our righteousness by faith.

“Let the fresh blessings of each new day awaken praise in our hearts for these tokens of His loving care.

“When you open your eyes in the morning, thank God that He has kept you through the night. Thank Him for His peace in your heart. Morning, noon, and night, let gratitude as a sweet perfume ascend to heaven.” My Life Today, 170, 171

“The language of the soul should be that of joy and gratitude. … Cultivate only those thoughts and those feelings which will produce gratitude and praise. …

“Contemplate the better land, where tears are never shed, where temptations and trials are never experienced, where losses and reproaches are never known, where all is peace and joy and happiness. … These thoughts … will fill you with joy and hope in believing and will abide with you as a comforter forever.” In Heavenly Places, 36

Sources: positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/#stress; psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/comfort-of-gratitude/202009/gratitude-and-its-impact-on-the-brain

Evil Has a Face

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Friends and neighbors who were interviewed after the Son of Sam killer was apprehended had all found him to be nice, and never would have suspected he was a serial killer. Evil had a face, David Berkowitz.

Jeffrey started killing animals at a young age. He killed his first human when he was 16 but killed 17 more young men before he was finally stopped. Evil had a face, Jeffrey Dahmer.

David was so faithful that God helped him to defeat Goliath and become the king of Israel. God referred to David as a man after His own heart. But then evil was found in his heart, and he lusted after Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of his best friends. David committed adultery with her, and then he killed Uriah to keep it a secret. However, neither the adultery nor the murder was secret. Evil had a face, King David.

On September 11, 2001, terrorists pulled off attacks against America, killing nearly 3,000 people, including eight children. Evil had a face, 19 terrorists, and a culture of hatred.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas executed well-coordinated armed incursions at the southern border of Israel, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis and others of different nationalities, murdered in some of the most horrendous and inhumane ways, and took 251 hostages. Evil had a face that day, Hamas, and a culture that has hated Israel and Western culture for centuries.

A short time after the attacks on October 7, I was watching a day-in-the-life video of a Palestinian journalist in Gaza. I could see the abject fear in his eyes and sense it in his body as he cowered on the floor. He was certain that he would die at any moment. However, at that moment, I felt nothing for him, all of my sympathies being with those who had suffered and the families of those who had died. I don’t dislike Palestinians, so I can’t explain why I felt as I did for this man’s fear, and I saw something in myself that I had not seen before, something that needed to change. As Christians, God calls us all to love our neighbors. But as sinners, evil can have a face any day, and it could be any one of us.

“Love is the principle that underlies God’s government in heaven and on earth, and this love must be interwoven in the life of the Christian. The love of Christ is not a fitful love; it is deep, and broad, and full. Its possessor will not say, ‘I will love only those who love me.’ The heart that is influenced by this holy principle will be carried above everything of a selfish nature.” The Youth’s Instructor, June 10, 1897

“Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:10

Who is our neighbor?

“Everyone who is in suffering need is our neighbor. …

“Our neighbors are not merely our associates and special friends; they are not simply those who belong to our church or who think as we do. Our neighbors are the whole human family. … We are to give to the world an exhibition of what it means to carry out the law of God. We are to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves.

“He who truly loves God and his fellow man is he who shows mercy to the destitute, the suffering, the wounded, those who are ready to die.” My Life Today, 232

Dear Lord, we know evil has a face; we pray it isn’t ours.

The Dog That Sold a Book

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To 16-year-old Leon, Monday morning meant a new week of ringing doorbells or knocking on doorposts. Selling Christian books door to door was a challenging job, but Leon loved the opportunity to help his customers learn about God.

First, he knelt by his bed and asked for courage and strength. Then he slipped into his brown slacks, noting the cuff that his landlady had mended. A dog had grabbed him as he approached a house a few days before.

Leon was not afraid of dogs. He and Gyp, his shaggy shepherd, had had many a fierce tussle, and both had learned that the quickest one wins. Dogs were Leon’s friends in selling the little children’s books he always carried with him. Whenever he saw a dog at a house, usually there were children also.

This Monday morning Leon came to a house set far back from the road at the top of a slope of beautiful green grass. It was a long, low, wood-colored home that didn’t seem at all friendly. Yet there was a big black dog lying on the porch, and Leon had the habit of never passing a house with a dog without giving the folks inside a chance to purchase the children’s book he was selling.

As Leon neared the house, the dog took his stand at the top of the porch steps.

When Leon spoke to him, he growled and lunged. But Leon was quicker and gave him a smack on the nose with the corner of his traveling case.

It hurt enough to change the dog’s mind, and the canine went off quite disgruntled.

The woman of the house would not buy the children’s book even though the eyes of her little girl danced with joy at the pictures of Jesus. All Leon’s talking and the girl’s begging were in vain.

“No, we have more books now than I can get time to read to her,” the mother stated firmly. Leon noted two or three well-worn Mother Goose books on the couch.

As he showed the book, he prayed in his heart, “Please help me to leave the stories of Jesus for this little girl.” But he had to depart without an order, with the children’s book still in his hand.

When he was halfway down the path to the highway, there came the big dog, snarling as he ran. He leaped for Leon’s throat, but again Leon was quicker, and he stuffed the book right into the dog’s open jaws. The dog bit clear through the covers of the book.

Just then the woman, who had come running to help, jerked the dog away by his heavy collar and sent him to the house.

“I’ll take the book,” she said, smiling rather sheepishly. “I guess Dodger wanted to help Linda get it.”

But Leon thought he knew Who really had helped the eager little girl get her book.

Source: guidemagazine.org July 2007

Be Ye Therefore Perfect

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As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” “For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him.”

There is opened before all Christians a path of continual advancement. They have an object to reach, a standard to gain, which includes everything good, and pure, and noble, and elevating; and they should make constant progress toward perfection of character. The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. The religion of Jesus Christ never degrades the receiver, never makes him coarse or rough, discourteous or self-important, passionate or hard-hearted. On the contrary, it refines the taste, sanctifies the judgment, and softens the heart. It purifies and elevates the thoughts, bringing them into captivity to Christ.

The living God has given us in His law a transcript of His character, and this law He calls upon us to obey, saying, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” As God is perfect in His high sphere of action, so man may be perfect in his human sphere.

The case of Daniel may be studied with profit by all who desire perfection of character. He and his companions were sincere, faithful Christians. To them the will of God was the supreme law of life. They knew that in order to glorify God all their faculties must be developed, and they sought to gain knowledge, that they might perfect a Christian character, and stand in that heathen nation as fitting representatives of the true religion. In order to preserve health, they resolved to avoid the luxuries of the king’s table, they refused to partake of any stimulating drink, but practiced strict temperance in all things, that they might not enfeeble brain or muscle. They exerted all their powers to work out their own salvation, and God worked in them to will and to do of His good pleasure. Under His training, their faculties were able to do the highest service for Him … .

When Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image was set up on the plains of Dura, Daniel’s three companions were commanded to fall down and worship it; but their principles forbade them to pay homage to the idol, for it was a rival to the God of heaven. They knew that they owed every faculty they possessed to God, and while their hearts were full of generous sympathy toward all men, they had a lofty aspiration to prove themselves entirely loyal to their God.

These faithful witnesses were cast into the fire for refusing to obey the command of the king, but God manifested His power for the deliverance of His servants. One like unto the Son of man walked with them in the midst of the flame, and when they were brought forth, not even the smell of fire had passed upon them.

Thus these three Hebrew youth, imbued with the Holy Spirit, declared to the whole nation their faith that He whom they worshiped was the only true and living God. This demonstration of their faith was the most eloquent presentation of their principles. In order to impress others with the power and greatness of the living God, His servants must reveal their own reverence for Him, making it manifest that He is the only object of their honor and worship, and that no consideration, not even the preservation of life itself, can induce them to make the least concession to idolatry.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and all who live in communion with their Creator, will have an understanding of His design in their creation, and a sense of their own obligation to employ their faculties to the very best purpose. They will seek neither to glorify nor to depreciate themselves, but they will glorify God; for the man who consents to be molded and fashioned after the divine similitude, is the noblest specimen of the work of God.

But the Lord wants no man to wait until he thinks he has repented, before he turns his steps toward Jesus. The Saviour is continually drawing men to repentance; they need only to submit to be drawn, and their hearts will be melted and subdued, fit temples for the indwelling of Christ. …

God calls upon all men to avail themselves of the blessings He has set before them, that they may cooperate with Him in carrying forward the great work of redemption. He has given His Holy Spirit as a power sufficient to overcome all man’s hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong. By yielding his capabilities to the control of this Spirit, man will be impressed with God’s perfect character, and will become an instrument through which He can reveal His mercy, His goodness, and His love. …

The knowledge which will give the highest culture, is obtained from God’s word. The words of revelation, carefully studied, strengthen the intellect as well as the heart. The experimental knowledge of true godliness, found in daily consecration and service for God, gives true culture of the mind, soul, and body. This consecration of our powers prevents self-exaltation; and the impartation of divine power honors our sincere striving after wisdom in order that we may know how to use our faculties to honor God and to bless our fellow men.

This is the will of God concerning every human being, even your sanctification. In urging our way heavenward, every faculty must be kept in the most perfect condition, in order that it may do the most faithful service. The powers with which God has endowed man are to be put to the test. That which God requires of those whom He has created and redeemed, is summed up in the words: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength.” “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God which worketh in you, to will, and to do of His good pleasure.”

Man is allotted a part in the great struggle for everlasting life. He must respond to the working of the Holy Spirit. It will require a struggle to break through the powers of darkness, but the Spirit that works in him can and will accomplish this. … He is called upon to strain every muscle in the struggle for immortality, yet it is God that supplies the efficiency. No human being can be saved in indolence.

Christ assumed human nature, to demonstrate to the fallen world, to Satan and His synagogue, to the universe of heaven, and to the worlds unfallen, that human nature, united to His divine nature, could become entirely obedient to the law of God, that His followers by their love and unity would give evidence that the power of redemption is sufficient to enable man to overcome. And He rejoices to think that His prayer that His followers might be sanctified through the truth, will be answered; they will be molded by the transforming influence of His grace into a character after the divine similitude. The Signs of the Times, November 5, 1896

Managing Our Emotions

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When creating humanity, God imbued us with His likeness, enriching us with emotions such as love, joy, happiness, and peace. Yet, with the dawn of sin, additional emotions—guilt, anger, disappointment, fear, and insecurity—emerged, emotions that were never part of God’s original design. Often, life’s circumstances can pull these emotions to the forefront, nudging us away from our spiritual path. It is crucial, then, that we learn to effectively manage and harness our emotions.

As followers of God’s teachings, we should be guided by principles of humility, discipline, and obedience. As we fully surrender our hearts, souls, and minds to Him, we allow His will to lead our emotions, enabling us to think and act as He does, thereby reflecting His character.

This mindset is vital to spiritual growth. The essence of this journey involves constant prayer and striving to mirror God’s character. By aligning our emotions and actions with His will, we prepare ourselves for the promised everlasting life.

God designed us to feel deeply. The Lord Himself felt pain, suffering, love, and compassion, demonstrating that emotions are integral to our humanity. However, our challenge is to ensure that these emotions do not govern us. Misguided beliefs that God is not in control can lead to fear and anger. Our feelings should lead us to self-reflection and align our hearts with divine truth. Identifying the root of our emotions and addressing them with biblical principles can lead us to live a life that glorifies God.

James underscores this in his epistle, urging us to listen carefully, speak thoughtfully, and practice patience. We are encouraged to embrace the wisdom of God’s word, which has the power to save our souls. Allowing God’s word to be deeply embedded within us is essential, preparing us for life’s challenges and ensuring that our reactions and choices reflect divine wisdom rather than impulsive emotions. When faced with trials, we must ask, “What is God’s guidance in this situation?” rather than letting emotions dictate our responses.

Romans 6 tells us that when we surrender to Jesus, we shed our old selves and embrace a life aligned with Christ. We are reminded not to revert to past behaviors but to stride forward in faith and maturity.

Ephesians 5 advises us to conduct ourselves wisely, making the most of our time and staying filled with the Spirit. Our actions should resonate like a melody to God—prompting us to meditate on how our reactions honor Him.

The Bible teaches us that if we claim to stand in Christ, our actions should reflect this commitment. Our emotions, though powerful, should be brought before God, allowing Him to guide our actions and sometimes prompting us to forgive or seek forgiveness.

Bringing our emotions to God is exemplified in the Psalms, expressing them openly while seeking His truth and righteousness. Allowing God to direct our emotional responses helps us mature in faith, embodying the virtues of holiness and righteousness.

Furthermore, God wants us to support each other, as highlighted in Galatians 6. Bearing one another’s burdens exemplifies Christ’s law of love. Judgment and reproach should be replaced with empathy and support, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us.

Finally, self-reflection, as advised in Galatians, ensures that we seek God’s guidance instead of selfish desires. We are urged to bear our own responsibilities and, through diligence and determination, God will provide help in our struggles.

Ultimately, living according to the gospel requires discipline. The gospel offers blessings to those committed to its principles. We are also taught in Galatians to share what we learn, spreading its goodness, and thus enriching both teacher and learner alike.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:7–9. This text reminds us of the paramount responsibility we have toward our fellow believers. As members of the church, our primary obligation is to nurture one another’s faith. Often, we focus on preaching the gospel and sharing the three angels’ messages, yet we must first embody these principles ourselves. It is a grave error to neglect this personal transformation, as the Lord evaluates our service potential based on our personal adherence to His teachings.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Verse 10. This text highlights the importance of mutual support among believers. Fellow Christians can offer comfort, encouragement, and a fresh perspective during times of discouragement. Instead of judgment, we should extend compassion and assistance, helping each other overcome personal challenges. It is akin to teaching someone to fish rather than just providing a fish for a meal. Our goal should be to cultivate independence, enabling individuals to stand on their own and seek personal salvation.

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19–21. We must meditate on these texts, which will help us understand the importance of allowing God to manage our emotions. Without His guidance, we risk exacerbating problems rather than providing assistance and creating joy.

“Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.” Matthew 12:31. This passage emphasizes the significance of controlling our words and thoughts. Every idle word is accountable on the day of judgment. Therefore, it is critical to ensure our emotions are governed by God. Prayer and meditation on God’s attributes are vital for transforming our minds and emotions through the Holy Spirit, which fosters self-control.

Christian fellowship is an essential aspect of spiritual growth. By supporting each other in faith, we collectively mature in emotional and spiritual matters. “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.” Matthew 18:15. This counsel promotes direct communication rather than seeking pity or validation elsewhere. The Holy Spirit guides effective communication when we approach each other with humility and a desire to reconcile.

Addressing conflicts should be done with a spirit of meekness.

“As you go to the one you suppose to be in fault, see that you speak in a meek and lowly spirit, for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. The erring can in no other way be restored than in the spirit of meekness and gentleness and tender love. Be careful in your manner of speaking. Avoid everything in look or gesture, word or tone of voice, that savors of pride or self-sufficiency. Guard yourself against word or look that would exalt yourself or set your goodness and righteousness in contrast to their failings. Beware of the most distant approach to disdain, overbearing, or contempt. With care, avoid every appearance of anger, and though you use plainness of speech, yet let there be no reproach, no railing accusation, no token of warmth, but that of earnest love.

“Above all, let there be no shadow of hate or ill will, no bitterness or soreness of expression. Nothing but kindness and gentleness can flow from a heart of love. Yet all these precious fruits need not hinder your speaking in the most serious, solemn manner, as though angels were directing their eyes upon you, and you acting in reference to the coming judgment.

“Bear in mind that the success of reproof depends greatly upon the spirit in which it was given. Do not neglect earnest prayer that you may possess a lowly mind, and that angels of God may work upon the hearts before you, which you are trying to reach, and so soften them by heavenly impressions that your efforts may avail. If any good is accomplished take no credit yourself. God alone should be exalted. God alone hath done it all.” This Day With God, 105

Avoiding prideful attitudes and allowing God to direct every situation is essential. We should focus on reflecting God’s kindness, gentleness, and love, striving for sincere reconciliation rather than defensiveness or argumentation.

We frequently choose the easier, wider roads while God calls us to navigate the narrow path. This requires prayer and discernment to ensure our actions align with divine principles. As instructed, we must avoid bitterness or “soreness of expression,” promoting instead earnest love and kindness.

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:12, 13. We are called to guide, encourage, and uplift each other, approaching every situation with a heart to fulfill God’s will.

As we engage with others, it is crucial to maintain a lowly mind, esteeming others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3), and allowing God’s angels to influence hearts, acknowledging that any good achieved is entirely His doing. We must pray, meditate, and engage with others humbly, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our interactions.

Friends, we must ask ourselves: Am I ready to manage my emotions according to God’s principles? Am I open to being controlled by the Holy Spirit, allowing God, rather than my emotions, to lead me? Let us strive to align our emotional management with God’s guidance.

Pastor Domingo Nuñez is the Director of Outreach Ministry at Steps to Life Ministries. He may be reached by email at historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at 316-788-5559.

The Loud Cry

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Studying the second coming of Christ thrills us with anticipation. The next most exciting subject is the loud cry, for it stirs our hearts for the climax of victory. Surrounding the loud cry is a large cluster of events that begins with the national Sunday law and ends with the close of probation.

Courage or Compromise?

Revelation 18 contains the introduction of the loud cry that is to be given to the entire world.

“After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hateful bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.’

“And I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, My people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.’ ” Verses 1–5

This most powerful message of the loud cry will begin as soon as the United States of America enacts the national Sunday law. Immediately, Rome will compel every nation on earth to follow the United States and declare Sunday the universal day of worship.

“Foreign nations will follow the example of the United States. Though she leads out, yet the same crisis will come upon our people in all parts of the world.” Testimonies, Vol. 6, 395

“All nations and tongues and peoples will be commanded to worship this spurious sabbath. This is Satan’s plan to make of no account the day instituted by God, and given to the world as a memorial of Creation.

“The decree enforcing the worship of this day is to go forth to all the world.” Maranatha, 214

Here, the loyal Sabbathkeepers will face the crisis of their lives. Would they rather die than sin against God, or will they compromise to avoid conflict and death? Will they accept the mark of the beast or the seal of God? Only a small remnant will receive the seal of God, and the Holy Spirit will pour out the latter rain, enabling them to give the loud cry quickly to the entire world. Keep in mind that the sealing is a progressive work, and as men and women all over the world come to understand what is taking place in the loud cry, they will make their decisions in response to the three angels’ messages to accept or reject God’s final appeal. Divine power will be displayed in their lives by the words they will speak.

Satan will manifest himself as Christ returning to the earth.

“Satan sees that he is about to lose his case. He cannot sweep in the whole world. He makes one last desperate effort to overcome the faithful by deception. He does this in personating Christ. He clothes himself with the garments of royalty which have been accurately described in the vision of John. He has power to do this. He will appear to his deluded followers, the Christian world, who received not the love of the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness (transgression of the law), as Christ coming the second time.

“He proclaims himself Christ, and he is believed to be Christ, a beautiful, majestic being clothed with majesty and, with soft voice and pleasant words, with glory unsurpassed by anything their mortal eyes had yet beheld. Then his deceived, deluded followers set up a shout of victory, ‘Christ has come the second time! Christ has come! He has lifted up His hands just as He did when He was upon the earth, and blessed us.’ ” Last Day Events, 164

I believe this to be Satan’s attempt to counterfeit the mighty work of the fourth angel.

Let’s look at the sequence once again.

  • National Sunday law
  • Universal Sunday law
  • Sealing
  • Latter rain
  • Loud cry, which Satan tries to counterfeit with his satanic manifestations

God provides tremendous information to us as He sends the fourth angel to empower the loud cry so that nothing on earth can stop it. This makes it possible to reveal that Babylon is fallen, unmask her sins, and call His people to come out of her lest they should participate in her plagues.

We must be aware that the Lord has people in all other churches.

“The Lord has His representatives in all the churches. These persons have not had the special testing truths for these last days presented to them under circumstances that brought conviction to heart and mind; therefore, they have not, by rejecting light, severed their connection with God.” Testimonies, Vol. 6, 70, 71

“Notwithstanding the spiritual darkness and alienation from God that exist in the churches which constitute Babylon, the great body of Christ’s true followers are still to be found in their communion.” The Great Controversy, 390

We are not to be discouraged by the many within our church who are captivated by false teachings. Though they may leave God’s true church by the millions, millions in other churches will heed the loud cry and come out of Babylon, taking their place among God’s people. This is encouraging!

How are God’s people to react to this Sunday law?

We must never give the impression that we are resting on Sunday in honor of the Sunday sabbath. We may quietly work within our home on Sunday; we may quietly rest during part of Sunday as we do on any other day, remembering it is a work day as God has spoken, “Six days you shall labor and do all your work.” Exodus 20:9

“We must take a firm stand that we will not reverence the first day of the week as the Sabbath, for it is not the day that was blessed and sanctified by Jehovah, and in reverencing Sunday, we should place ourselves on the side of the great deceiver.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 388

What a wonderful God we serve. He cares so much for us that He tells us what we may or may not do so that we do not have to fail.

“The people will soon find out what you believe about Sunday and the Sabbath for they will ask questions. Then you can tell them, but not in such a manner as to attract attention to your work. You need not cut short your work by yourself laboring on Sunday. …

“Refraining from work on Sunday is not receiving the mark of the beast. … In places where the opposition is so strong as to arouse persecution, if work is done on Sunday, let our brethren make that day an occasion to do genuine missionary work.” Last Day Events, 139

Years ago, an attempt was made to pass a Sunday law in Australia. Notice the counsel Ellen White offered.

“At one time those in charge of our school at Avondale inquired of me, saying: ‘What shall we do? The officers of the law have been commissioned to arrest those working on Sunday.’ I replied: ‘It will be very easy to avoid that difficulty. Give Sunday to the Lord as a day for doing missionary work. Take the students out to hold meetings in different places, and to do medical missionary work. They will find the people at home and will have a splendid opportunity to present the truth. This way of spending Sunday is always acceptable to the Lord.’ ” Testimonies, Vol. 9, 238

Conducting Sabbath school for the children on Sunday is acceptable, but never conduct a worship service on Sunday. There is a vast difference between these two programs.

“When the practices of the people do not come in conflict with the law of God, you may conform to them. If the workers fail to do this, they will not only hinder their own work, but they will place stumbling blocks in the way of those for whom they labor, and hinder them from accepting the truth. On Sunday there is the very best opportunity for those who are missionaries to hold Sunday schools, and come to the people in the simplest manner possible, telling them of the love of Jesus for sinners, and educating them in the Scriptures. …

“The light that I have is that God’s servants should go quietly to work, preaching the grand, precious truths of the Bible—Christ and Him crucified. His love and infinite sacrifice—showing that the reason why Christ died is because the law of God is immutable, unchangeable, eternal. The Sabbath must be taught in a decided manner, but be cautious how you deal with the idol Sunday. A word to the wise is sufficient.” Maranatha, 177

Mrs. White provides straightforward counsel regarding obedience to the laws of earthly government and God’s law.

“The people of God will recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment and will by precept and example teach obedience to it as a sacred duty so long as its authority is exercised within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God we must choose to obey God rather than men. The word of God must be recognized and obeyed as an authority above that of all human legislation. ‘Thus saith the Lord’ is not to be set aside for a ‘Thus saith the church or the state.’ The crown of Christ is to be uplifted above all the diadems of earthly potentates.” Last Day Events, 142

The loud cry is the second angel’s message found in Revelation 14:8.

A fearful judgment will come upon those who will worship the beast and his image. This test prepares a people to obey God in the final conflict.

“This warning is brought to view in Revelation 14. Here is a threefold message represented as proclaimed by heavenly beings and immediately followed by the coming of the Son of man to reap ‘the harvest of the earth.’ ” The Great Controversy, 311

Notice what makes the loud cry so different from what the men of God preached for years.

“Heretofore those who presented the truths of the third angel’s message have often been regarded as mere alarmists. Their predictions that religious intolerance would gain control in the United States, that church and state would unite to persecute those who keep the commandments of God, have been pronounced groundless and absurd. … But as the question of enforcing Sunday observance is widely agitated, the events so long doubted and disbelieved is seen to be approaching, and the third message will produce an effect which it could not have had before. …

“Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power—all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings, the people will be stirred.” Ibid., 605, 606

The loud cry includes far more.

The loud cry is a mighty appeal with a message of obedience to the law of God made possible by the enabling grace of Christ. It is a message of righteousness and justification by faith. Revelation 14:12, “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” This is a revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Saviour.

“The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 363. The message is to be a revelation of God’s character, how God’s love can lift a man out of the pit of sin and give him complete victory over every sin.

“The last message of mercy to be given to the world is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 415, 416

“The message of Christ’s righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth to the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This is the glory of God, which closes the work of the third angel.” Testimonies, Vol. 6, 19

When will this glory of God be manifested to all the earth?

“When do her sins reach unto heaven [Revelation 18:2–5]? When the law of God is finally made void by legislation.” Last Day Events, 198. This is the clear result of the universal Sunday law.

Now is the time for God to act.

God commissions the fourth mighty angel to join with the third angel’s message.

“I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message. Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light which attended this angel penetrated everywhere, as he cried mightily, with a strong voice, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen.’ ” Early Writings, 277

The loud cry will penetrate the deepest darkness.

“Amidst the deepening shadows of earth’s last great crisis, God’s light will shine brightest, and the song of hope and trust will be heard in clearest and loftiest strains.” Education, 166

The message will be given all over the earth.

“During the loud cry, the church, aided by providential interpositions of her exalted Lord, will diffuse the knowledge of salvation so abundantly that light will be communicated to every city and town.” Evangelism, 694

“In every city in America, the truth is to be proclaimed. In every country of the world, the warning message is to be given. …

“In heathen Africa, in the Catholic lands of Europe and of South America, in China, in India, in the islands of the sea, and in all the dark corners of the earth, God has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones that will yet shine forth amidst the darkness, revealing clearly to an apostate world the transforming power of obedience to His law.” Last Day Events, 208, 211, 212

The whole earth is to be enlightened.

“Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also works, with lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in the sight of men. Revelation 13:13. Thus the inhabitants of the earth will be brought to take their stand.

“The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God. The arguments have been presented. The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit. The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them. Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord’s side.” The Great Controversy, 612

Thousands will be converted.

“The time is coming when there will be as many converted in a day as there were on the day of Pentecost, after the disciples had received the Holy Spirit.” Evangelism, 692

The evil concepts taught by the ministers and priests of Babylon will be swept away.

“The safeguards which false shepherds have thrown around their flocks will become as nought; thousands will step out into the light, and work to spread the light. Heavenly intelligences will combine with the human agencies. Thus encouraged, the church will indeed arise and shine, throwing all her sanctified energies into the contest; thus the design of God is accomplished; the lost pearls are recovered.” Ibid., 692, 693. Oh, how we should praise God for the return of many backsliders.

“When the storm of persecution really breaks … many who have strayed from the fold will come back to follow the great Shepherd. The people of God will draw together and present to the enemy a united front.” Testimonies, Vol. 6, 401

Such statements should encourage our hearts.

“Thousands in the eleventh hour will see and acknowledge the truth.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 16

The loud cry message will go rapidly.

The loud cry will spread like lightning, flashing from the east to the west.

“The bright light going among the living creatures with the swiftness of lightning represents the speed with which this work will finally go forward to completion.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 754

In other places, we are told that it will spread like the fire in the stubble.

“When divine power is combined with human effort, the work will spread like fire in the stubble. God will employ agencies whose origin man will be unable to discern; angels will do a work which men might have had the blessing of accomplishing, had they not neglected to answer the claims of God.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 118

The prophet Amos describes the finishing of God’s work on earth in this way:

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed.” Amos 9:13 KJV. Yes, we shall be overwhelmed with the speed of which the gospel will go.

“These conversions to truth will be made with a rapidity that will surprise the church, and God’s name alone will be glorified.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 16

“The final movements will be rapid ones.” Testimonies, Vol. 9, 11

“For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth.” Romans 9:28

The loud cry will come with great power.

The latter rain will fall with ten times the power of the midnight cry given in 1844.

“I saw the latter rain was coming as [suddenly as] the midnight cry, and with ten times the power.” Spalding and Magan Collection, 4

How can we contain ourselves when we realize what’s soon to come?

“Souls that were scattered all through the religious bodies answered to the call, and the precious were hurried out of the doomed churches, as Lot was hurried out of Sodom before her destruction.” Early Writings, 279

The vast majority will reject the message.

“Some will listen to these warnings, but by the vast majority they will be disregarded.” In Heavenly Places, 343

God never forces the will, but false ministers will denounce the truth to hold the people.

“The popular ministry, like the Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is questioned, will denounce the message as of Satan and stir up the sin-loving multitudes to revile and persecute those who proclaim it.” The Great Controversy, 607

What a thrill to our souls! Laymen of faith and prayer will finish the work of the loud cry.

“As the time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them.” Ibid., 606

Uneducated men and even children will finish this work.

“Many … will be seen hurrying hither and thither, constrained by the Spirit of God to bring the light to others. The truth, the word of God, is as a fire in their bones, filling them with a burning desire to enlighten those who sit in darkness. Many, even among the uneducated, now proclaim the words of the Lord. Children are impelled by the Spirit to go forth and declare the message from heaven. The Spirit is poured out upon all who will yield to its promptings, and, casting off all man’s machinery, his binding rules and cautious methods, they will declare the truth with the might of the Spirit’s power. Multitudes will receive the faith and join the armies of the Lord.” Evangelism, 700

God Himself will take charge of this final work.

“Let me tell you that the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning. There will be those among us who will always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be made when the work goes forward under the direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the message to be given to the world. God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness.” Testimonies to Minsters and Gospel Workers, 300

“Those who receive Christ as a personal Saviour will stand the test and trial of these last days. Strengthened by unquestioning faith in Christ, even the illiterate disciple will be able to withstand the doubts and questions that infidelity can produce, and put to blush the sophistries of scorners.

“The Lord Jesus will give the disciples a tongue and wisdom that their adversaries can neither gainsay nor resist. Those who could not, by reasoning, overcome satanic delusions will bear an affirmative testimony that will baffle supposedly learned men. Words will come from the lips of the unlearned with such convincing power and wisdom that conversions will be made to the truth. Thousands will be converted under their testimony. …

“There are many men in our world who are like Cornelius. … As God worked for Cornelius, so He works for these true standard-bearers. … They will obtain a knowledge of God as Cornelius did through the visitation of angels from heaven.

“When divine power is combined with human effort, the work will spread like fire in the stubble. God will employ agencies whose origin man will be unable to discern. Angels will do a work which men might have had the blessing of accomplishing had they not neglected to answer the claims of God.” Last Day Events, 207

Indeed, the loud cry will finish the work many today consider impossible. The work will be finished quickly, and Jesus will come.

Pastor Lawrence Nelson served the Seventh-day Adventist church for over fifty years as a pastor and evangelist, then in Conference, Union, and General Conference leadership. He was also the director of Keep the Faith Audio Tape Ministry. Pastor Nelson passed to his rest on April 18, 2012.