Flint

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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.

Manifestation of God’s Love

Love is a sentiment, a feeling, an emotion; rarely, and only under divine influence, is it a deep and abiding condition of a repentant heart. Man, in his sinful condition, cannot create true love in his heart, and he is too selfish to sacrifice himself and his wants and desires for someone else, even those he believes he loves. But the love of God is much more and of an entirely different nature than the world’s love. It is a principle established in the heart and manifested in action.

Do I really understand love?

God first manifested His love toward us in the works of creation. Both holy and beautiful, God pronounced His creative work as “very good.” (See Genesis 1 and 2.)

“Every flower, every shrub, every tree, answered the purpose of its Creator. Everything upon which the eye rested was lovely and filled the mind with thoughts of the love of God. Every sound was music in harmony with the voice of God.” Testimonies, Vol. 6, 358

However, we now live in a fallen world where we have but a faint conception of the beauty and glory of Eden. Yet even today, in the natural world, unmistakable signs and sounds display the love of God. The Bible says that the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord (Psalm 33:5). It still reveals the master Artist’s skill and holy passion for the things He creates and declares that God is omnipotent, great in goodness and mercy.

When we look at green fields or lofty mountains, sunshine and clouds, dew sparkling on the grass and on the leaves of the trees in the early morning rays of the sun, the moon and the glory of the starry heavens at night, or hear the robin sing at the first signs of spring, it is clear that they all testify of God’s great forbearance and love toward us. Love paints the sunset, crafts the delicate rose, and sends the gentle rain and soft breezes; all poured out upon an unthankful and rebellious world.

For thousands of years, Satan has attempted to counteract the tide of divine love flowing to the human family, tempting man to sin, and thus separating him from God. But his efforts failed, for in redemption, God revealed His love for the human race in sacrifice, a sacrifice so broad, so deep, so high that it is immeasurable. God’s mercy and deep love were manifested in a way never seen before.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

“When Adam’s sin plunged the race into hopeless misery, God might have cut Himself loose from fallen beings. He might have treated them as sinners deserve to be treated. He might have commanded the angels of heaven to pour out upon our world the vials of His wrath. He might have removed this dark blot from His universe. But He did not do this. Instead of banishing them from His presence, He came still nearer to the fallen race. He gave His Son to become bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. …

“The gift of God to man is beyond all computation. Nothing was withheld. God would not permit it to be said that He could have done more or revealed to humanity a greater measure of love. In the gift of Christ He gave all heaven.

“Those who have professed to love Christ, have not comprehended the relation which exists between them and God, and it is still but dimly outlined to their understanding. They but vaguely comprehend the amazing grace of God in giving His only-begotten Son for the salvation of the world.

“In order to secure man to Himself and ensure his eternal salvation, Christ left the royal courts of heaven and came to this earth, endured the agonies of sin and shame in man’s stead, and died to make him free.” God’s Amazing Grace, 176

“Christ by His human relationship to men drew them close to God. He clothed His divine nature with the garb of humanity, and demonstrated before the heavenly universe, before the unfallen worlds, how much God loves the children of men.” Ibid., 53

The One who was with the Father before the worlds were created submitted to humiliation that He might uplift humanity. Prophecy draws back the veil that we may behold the throne of heaven and see, upon that throne high and lifted up, the One who came to this world in human form to suffer, lacerated with stripes and bruised for our iniquities. “The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5, last part

The heavenly universe watched as the Lord of glory—that sin might be pardoned and sinners redeemed—suffered in human form. He died so that the love of God might flow to every human being. It is true that in yielding to sin, the human race was under Satan’s control and helpless captives, but God sent His Son into the world to break the devil’s power and set the will of man free.

“To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” Luke 4:18

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?” Isaiah 58:6

By pouring out heaven’s treasury in this one gift and giving me all heaven, God has purchased my will, affections, mind, and body, and is true of every human being in the world. If we place ourselves under God’s control, our wills will become steadfast in doing what is right, and our hearts will no longer be selfish but changed, filled with Christlike love.

When the mind yields to the authority of the law, “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:5, last part), men and women—once unrighteous and servants of sin—will then be consecrated to the service of God and man. This redemption is effective only because God withheld not even Himself.

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ … God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to use the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19

Just as the father and mother of a sick child share in their child’s suffering, so our heavenly Father suffered all the humiliation and agony of Jesus, His beloved Son. He came to save mankind, to pay the penalty for the world’s sins, bearing them in the sinner’s stead. He was rejected, mocked, beaten, slandered, stripped, humiliated, and finally, hung on a cross—a symbol of torture and death, raised between heaven and earth, a representation of the tie that can never be broken except by our own choice. Our human heart understands a parent’s love for their child, and what a mother or father will do or suffer for their beloved one. But we can never comprehend the depths of God’s self-sacrifice.

Abraham and Isaac

Of all humanity, Abraham came closest to a true understanding of God’s love and sacrifice.

We all know the story. God told Abraham he would be the father of a great nation devoted to God. He promised Abraham he would have a son and that through his son Isaac, that nation would be numbered as the sands of the sea and the stars of heaven (Genesis 22:17). But best of all, it would be through this promised son that God’s own Son would come as the Messiah to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).

When Isaac was a young man, God directed Abraham to take him to “the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Genesis 22:2

“The command was expressed in words that must have wrung with anguish that father’s heart: ‘Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, … and offer him there for a burnt offering.’ ” Patriarchs and Prophets, 148

Abraham did not, at that moment, nor for the following three days, understand why God would promise him a son and then command such an incomprehensible action—sacrificing children was a heathen practice. But with faith like Job, Abraham did all that God had asked.

“At the appointed place they built the altar and laid the wood upon it. Then, with trembling voice, Abraham unfolded to his son the divine message. It was with terror and amazement that Isaac learned his fate, but he offered no resistance. He could have escaped his doom, had he chosen to do so; the grief-stricken old man, exhausted with the struggle of those three terrible days, could not have opposed the will of the vigorous youth. But Isaac had been trained from childhood to ready, trusting obedience, and as the purpose of God was opened before him, he yielded a willing submission. He was a sharer in Abraham’s faith, and he felt that he was honored in being called to give his life as an offering to God. He tenderly seeks to lighten the father’s grief, and encourages his nerveless hands to bind the cords that confine him to the altar.

“And now the last words of love are spoken, the last tears are shed, the last embrace is given. The father lifts the knife to slay his son … .” Ibid., 152

The moment had come, but an angel of God stopped him: “Abraham … Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Genesis 22:11, 12

It is essential to understand that God did not create mankind and then over time fall in love with him. God created mankind because He wanted children to love, children who would return that love. This love, God’s never-ending, all-encompassing love, is the reason He sent Jesus, withholding nothing, to be a sacrifice to save humanity.

Abraham’s love for God enabled him to obey. To the human mind, God had made a monstrous request, but Abraham trusted that He would keep His promise regarding his son. His love and trust were so strong that he obeyed, knowing that God would provide, however the outcome. This love does not happen in a moment. It is cultivated as we daily exercise our faith in God’s promises and love.

And what about Isaac? Once he knew what God had asked his father to do, though fear filled his heart, his love and trust, cultivated throughout his young life, allowed him, without argument or struggle, to obey God and put himself on that altar of stone, considering it an honor “to give his life as an offering to God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 152

The plan of salvation didn’t stop with Christ’s life as an example for us to follow, nor with His death to pay sin’s price. God appointed Jesus as our Advocate, standing before His altar, clothed with our nature, as Intercessor on our behalf. Christ has pledged Himself to be our substitute and our surety of salvation. His work is to introduce His children to the Father as His sons and daughters, and He neglects no one.

“There is an inexhaustible fund of perfect obedience accruing from His obedience. In heaven, His merits, His self-denial, and self-sacrifice, are treasured as incense to be offered up with the prayers of His people. As the sinner’s sincere, humble prayers ascend to the throne of God, Christ mingles with them the merits of His own life of perfect obedience. Our prayers are made fragrant by this incense. Christ has pledged Himself to intercede in our behalf, and the Father always hears the Son.” Sons and Daughters of God, 22

Christ took on human nature and lived a life of humiliation so that He might elevate man’s moral worth with the Father. He carried His adopted nature to the throne of God, and it is there that He presents His children to the Father, conferring upon them an honor exceeding that conferred upon angels.

“In Him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:28. Every heartbeat, each breath comes to us from the great I AM, the ever-present God, who breathed the breath of life into the nostrils of Adam. The great and infinite God lives not unto Himself but for the benefit and blessing of every human being, every object of His creation.

The Opposite Principle

Satan lives by the principle of self-serving, which he attributes to the Father by misrepresenting His character to the world. Satan leads man to accept this principle, making him believe that he would be happiest serving himself. However, the Son of God demonstrated this principle to be false.

Jesus committed to God that He would live a life that would rightly represent His character. True ministry and true service were exemplified in Jesus’ life so that His people might not be misled by the selfishness that dwells in the unconverted heart and which is strengthened by self-serving. Christ Himself set an example of service and ministering to others throughout His life (Acts 10).

“He saw the work of Satan revealed in all their woe, and He made every case of need and sorrow His own. With a power that never quailed, He cast out the evil spirits that possessed both mind and body. The power of love was in all His healing, and of the suffering multitudes that were brought to Him, it was said, ‘He healed them all.’

“The Saviour saw a still greater need than bodily suffering. He saw symptoms of a deeper illness. The sufferings of the body excited His pity, but He was moved to still greater pity by the need of the soul.

“With a love that never faltered, Christ spoke to men the words of eternal life. … To the weary and sin-burdened He said, ‘Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ He invited them, ‘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. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.’

“Before men and angels, by His life of obedience and ministry, Christ represented the character of God. ‘God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.’

“In His work on earth, Christ lifts the veil that conceals the invisible world from our view, and reveals the power that is constantly exercised for our good. The same ministry which He performed on earth was continued after His ascension to heaven. Through His representative, the Holy Spirit, God in Christ still ministers to the children of men.” Australasian Union Conference Record, June 1, 1900

The immeasurable gift of the Holy Spirit is promised to each of us. God grants the riches of His grace to flow earthward to men, and if all would accept it, then the power of the Holy Spirit would be poured out upon the church. All the powers of the heavenly world are enlisted and engaged in executing God’s plans to bring man back from rebellion to reconciliation with Himself. With intense earnestness, everything that can be done is being done to bring man back to moral efficiency, and then in Christ, he may be more than a conqueror. Do you long for that day?

“Invisible armies of light and power attend the meek and lowly ones who believe and claim the promises of God. Cherubim and seraphim, and angels that excel in strength—‘ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands’—stand at His right hand, ‘all ministering spirits sent forth for them who shall be heirs of salvation.’ ” Ibid.

But even more than this, God has manifested His love to mankind by making you and me partners with Himself in the work of salvation. “We are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. We are called to represent Him as ambassadors of His love. We are to cooperate as delegates of heaven, to do a work that the angels cannot do because man is meant to communicate with his fellow man.

Through the ministry of angels, God sends light to His people; so that through His people, light is to be given to the world. Man is to be connected with his fellow man as God’s instrumentalities to work on their behalf. We are given the privilege to unite with God for the salvation of humanity, to experience His joy in the redeemed, and to bring honor and praise to His exalted name.

God manifested His love to us in creation, the plan of redemption, His innumerable gifts and infinite sacrifice, and by the service of His Son, the Holy Spirit, and the angels. And He asks, “Do you appreciate My love for you?” If we do, He desires us to accept the salvation He freely offers us, realize our high privilege of being His children, and walk with Him in obedience and humble thanksgiving, serving Him in the newness of life with gladness every day. He longs to see gratitude swelling in our hearts. We have an Advocate by whom we can approach the mercy seat and the Father’s throne of grace because our names are written in the book of life. He tells us that we can now rejoice because we are the heritage of the Lord.

The righteousness of Christ is the white robe we will wear while rejoicing in the blessed hope of the soon appearing of our Lord as the King of kings. We must form a habit of praising the Lord for what He has done for us. To glorify God in fullness and sincerity of heart is just as much a Christian duty as it is to pray or study His word because we must show, not just to people in this world but to all the heavenly intelligences as well, how much we appreciate the wonderful love of God manifested to fallen humanity. They must see that we expect still greater blessings from our Father in heaven.

After a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, our joy in the Lord and efficiency in His service will greatly increase. We must speak of the precious chapters in our experience, recounting His goodness, blessings, and wonderful works for His children.

God knows the future, and He knows far in advance how He will answer the prayer, though not yet uttered, and He will have the answer ready. We will never catch God by surprise for He is constantly planning for our good, not just now but in the future. Some people fear the time of trouble that is soon to come. But remember, God says, “I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20, last part, KJV) He knows what you need and is able and willing to supply it. He says to cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Over and over again, God has answered our prayers and delivered us out of trouble. Now, we must do our part by demonstrating the strength of our faith in Him to do just as He said He would do for us. Our trust is not in vain, and our thankfulness and joy to our heavenly Father is shown, not just by praise services or by the words that we speak but also by what we do. It is time for us to be engaged in personal ministry and sacrifice for the good of others.

In His prayer to His Father, Jesus said of His disciples, “As You have sent Me into the world, even so I also have sent them into the world.” John 17:18. The great commission (Matthew 28:19, 20) was not given just to Jesus’ disciples, ministers, or church leaders. He also gives it to all who would believe in Him until the end of time on this earth.

Jesus said to go into all the world, preach the gospel to every creature, heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils. “As every man has received the gift, even so, minister the same to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10. In this way, God desires us to fulfill His purpose of grace by the power of His love. Through obedience, fallen man—made from the dust of the earth—is to be transformed, fitted to be a member of the heavenly family, a companion of God, Christ, and holy angels throughout the eternal ages.

Then all of heaven will triumph, as the vacancies in the heavenly host, made by the expulsion of Satan and the angels who followed him,will be filled with the redeemed of the Lord. God’s plan for you is higher than the highest human thought can reach, too big for our polluted minds to comprehend just now.

Do not turn your back on God’s plans for you. Do not let the tinsel or noise of this world distract you from the blessings now and the future to come. Satan and the things of this world have nothing for us compared with what God has planned.

We do not, at the end of the millennium, want to be among those who are standing outside of the city saying, “This could have been mine,” never to walk the streets of gold, to hear the rushing of the river, or to taste the fruit of the tree of life, or to kneel at the feet of Jesus and touch the scars on His hands, scars He bears for all, the sacrifice made, the salvation offered, although rejected by so many.

“The last tear for sinners had been shed, the last agonizing prayer offered, the last burden borne, the last warning given. The sweet voice of mercy was no more to invite them. When the saints, and all heaven, were interested for their salvation, they had not interest for themselves. Life and death had been set before them. Many desired life, but made no effort to obtain it. They did not choose life, and now there was no atoning blood to cleanse the guilty, no compassionate Saviour to plead for them and cry, ‘Spare, spare the sinner a little longer.’ All heaven had united with Jesus, as they heard the fearful words, ‘It is done. It is finished.’ The plan of salvation had been accomplished, but few had chosen to accept it. And as mercy’s sweet voice died away, fear and horror seized the wicked. With terrible distinctness, they heard the words, ‘Too late! Too late!’ ” The Story of Redemption, 404

It is not too late now. Now is the time. Every human being who responds to God’s love will be saved. Don’t miss out on what God has prepared for you.

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

Your Nature Can Be Changed

It is only the overcomer who at last will receive a crown and eternal life.(See Revelation 21:5-7; 1 John 5:4, 18.)

All must overcome sin if they are to have eternal life, but there are many who become discouraged, believing they cannot overcome because they inherited evil tendencies (propensities) from Adam; tendencies they cannot change. Consequently, overcoming is not possible for them, or so they say. However, Inspiration tells us it is possible.

“You may claim much leniency because of your human nature, of your temptations and trials, and seek to excuse yourself for sin because of inherited tendencies, but Christ gave Himself in behalf of humanity, and there is no reason for failure. Christ bore temptations such as you will never be called upon to bear. He suffered as you will never suffer. He knew all your griefs, He has carried your sorrows. He has made it possible for you to be an overcomer. Do not say it is impossible for you to overcome. Do not say, ‘It is my nature to do thus and so, and I cannot do otherwise. I have inherited weaknesses that make me powerless before temptation.’ We know you cannot overcome in your own strength; but help has been laid upon One who is mighty to save. When God gave His only begotten Son, He provided everything essential to your salvation. … The resources of heaven are open to us. We should believe this precious truth. And when the enemy comes in like a flood to discourage and to dishearten, the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard against him. … All heaven was poured out to us in Christ, and He that spared not His own Son will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly.” The Upward Look, 154

The true child of God will be made free of every defect of character by the blood of the Lamb and the transforming power of God. And it is the privilege of every believer to possess Christ’s nature. Jesus spoke of this change in the human heart when He said to Nicodemus, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see (discern) the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

“The blessings of salvation are for every soul. Nothing but his own choice can prevent any man from becoming a partaker of the promise in Christ by the gospel.” Conflict and Courage, 297

Marriage

February 16 – 22, 2025

Key Text

“For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of his bones. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Ephesians 5:30, 31

Study Help: The Ministry of Healing, 356–362; Testimonies, Vol. 2, 89, 296–307; Ibid., Vol. 4, 503–508; Ibid., Vol. 5, 361–368, 594, 595

Introduction

“Jesus wants to see happy marriages, happy firesides.” The Bible Echo, September 4, 1899

Sunday

1 A SACRED CALLING

1.a. What was God’s plan in designing marriage? Genesis 2:21–24; Mark 10:6–9

Note: “Neither husband nor wife is to make a plea for rulership. … Both are to cultivate the spirit of kindness, being determined never to grieve or injure the other.” Testimonies, Vol. 7, 47

1.b.      In view of a widespread peril, of what should we be aware? Romans 8:5, 6

Note: “We are living in the last days, when the mania upon the subject of marriage constitutes one of the signs of the near coming of Christ. …

“There is not one marriage in one hundred that results happily, that bears the sanction of God, and places the parties in a position better to glorify Him.” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 503, 504

“Because they have entered into the marriage relation, many think that they may permit themselves to be controlled by animal passions. They are led on by Satan, who deceives them and leads them to pervert this sacred institution.” Ibid., Vol. 2, 480

Monday

2 THE BIGGEST FACTOR IN CHOOSING A SPOUSE

  1. Why was circumcision specifically designed as the token of the covenant with God, and how does it apply today? Genesis 17:11; Colossians 2:11–22

Note: “He [God] required of Abraham and his seed circumcision, which was a circle cut in the flesh, as a token that God had cut them out and separated them from all nations as His peculiar treasure. By this sign they solemnly pledged themselves that they would not intermarry with other nations; for by so doing they would lose their reverence for God and His holy law, and would become like the idolatrous nations around them.” Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, 297

“It is a dangerous thing to form a worldly alliance. Satan well knows that the hour that witnesses the marriage of many young men and women closes the history of their religious experience and usefulness. They are lost to Christ. They may for a time make an effort to live a Christian life, but all their strivings are made against a steady influence in the opposite direction. Once it was a privilege and joy to them to speak of their faith and hope; but they become unwilling to mention the subject, knowing that the one with whom they have linked their destiny takes no interest in it. As the result, faith in the precious truth dies out of the heart, and Satan insidiously weaves about them a web of skepticism.

“It is carrying that which is lawful to excess that makes it a grievous sin. Those who profess the truth trample on the will of God in marrying unbelievers; they lose His favor and make bitter work for repentance. The unbelieving may possess an excellent moral character; but the fact that he or she has not answered to the claims of God, and has neglected so great salvation, is sufficient reason why such a union should not be consummated. The character of the unbelieving may be similar to that of the young man to whom Jesus addressed the words, ‘One thing thou lackest;’ that was the one thing needful.

“The plea is sometimes made that the unbeliever is favorable to religion and is all that could be desired in a companion except in one thing—he is not a Christian. Although the better judgment of the believer may suggest the impropriety of a union for life with an unbeliever, yet, in nine cases out of ten, inclination triumphs. Spiritual declension commences the moment the vow is made at the altar; religious fervor is dampened, and one stronghold after another is broken down, until both stand side by side under the black banner of Satan.” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 504, 505

Tuesday

3 HUSBANDS

3.a. What is to be the attitude of a husband, and why? Ephesians 5:25–31

Note: “The husband should maintain his position in his family with all meekness, yet with decision.” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 308

3.b.      What are various ways in which many men fall short in their high calling as husbands, and how can they improve? 1 Peter 3:7

Note: “It is not pure love which actuates a man to make his wife an instrument to minister to his lust. It is the animal passions which clamor for indulgence. How few men show their love in the manner specified by the apostle: ‘Even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might [not pollute it, but] sanctify and cleanse it; … that it should be holy and without blemish.’ This is the quality of love in the marriage relation which God recognizes as holy. Love is a pure and holy principle; but lustful passion will not admit of restraint, and will not be dictated to or controlled by reason. It is blind to consequences; it will not reason from cause to effect. Many women are suffering from great debility and settled disease because the laws of their being have been disregarded; nature’s laws have been trampled upon. The brain nerve power is squandered by men and women, being called into unnatural action to gratify base passions; and this hideous monster, base, low passion, assumes the delicate name of love.

“Many professed Christians who passed before me seemed destitute of moral restraint. They were more animal than divine. In fact, they were about all animal. Men of this type degrade the wife whom they have promised to nourish and cherish.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 473, 474

“You, Brother C, have felt that it was beneath your dignity to manifest tenderness by kindly acts, and to watch for an opportunity to evince affection for your wife by words of tenderness and kind regard.” Ibid., Vol. 1, 695

“Only let a woman realize that she is appreciated by her husband and is precious to him, not merely because she is useful and convenient in his house, but because she is a part of himself, and she will respond to his affection and reflect the love bestowed upon her.” Ibid., Vol. 2, 416, 417

Wednesday

4 WIVES

4.a. What is the calling of a wife? Ephesians 5:22–33; Proverbs 31:10–31

Note: “I am acquainted with a number of women who have thought their marriage a misfortune. They have read novels until their imaginations have become diseased, and they live in a world of their own creating. They think themselves women of sensitive minds, of superior, refined organizations, and imagine that their husbands are not so refined, that they do not possess these superior qualities, and therefore cannot appreciate their own supposed virtue and refined organizations. Consequently these women think themselves great sufferers, martyrs. They have talked of this and thought upon it until they are nearly maniacs upon this subject. They imagine their worth superior to that of other mortals, and it is not agreeable to their fine sensibilities to associate with common humanity. These women are making themselves fools; and their husbands are in danger of thinking that they do possess a superior order of mind.

“From what the Lord has shown me, the women of this class have had their imaginations perverted by novel reading, daydreaming, and castle-building, living in an imaginary world. They do not bring their own ideas down to the common, useful duties of life. They do not take up the life burdens which lie in their path, and seek to make a happy, cheerful home for their husbands.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 462, 463

“There is often a great failure on the part of the wife. She does not put forth strong efforts to control her own spirit and make home happy. There is often fretfulness and unnecessary complaining on her part. The husband comes home from his labor weary and perplexed, and meets a clouded brow instead of cheerful, encouraging words. He is but human, and his affections become weaned from his wife, he loses the love of his home, his pathway is darkened, and his courage destroyed. He yields his self-respect and that dignity which God requires him to maintain. The husband is the head of the family, as Christ is the head of the Church; and any course which the wife may pursue to lessen his influence and lead him to come down from that dignified, responsible position is displeasing to God.” Ibid., Vol. 1, 307

4.b.      How can a wife improve her husband? 1 Peter 3:1–6

Thursday

5 TRUE FIDELITY

5.a. What must we realize about the sacredness of all vows, including the marriage vow? Mark 10:2–12; Ecclesiastes 5:4–6

Note: “Though difficulties, perplexities, and discouragements may arise, let neither husband nor wife harbor the thought that their union is a mistake or a disappointment. Determine to be all that it is possible to be to each other. Continue the early attentions. In every way encourage each other in fighting the battles of life. Study to advance the happiness of each other.” The Ministry of Healing, 360

5.b.      How does God describe His feelings on divorce? Malachi 2:13–16. How does this apply even when one’s spouse is an unbeliever? 1 Corinthians 7:10–14

Note: “Divorce after divorce is recorded in the daily papers. This is the marriage of which Christ speaks when He says that before the flood they were ‘marrying and giving in marriage.’ ” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 7, 56

5.c. If divorce does occur, what must both parties realize? 1 Corinthians 7:39; Luke 16:18

5.d.      How can much loss of love between spouses be avoided? 1 Thessalonians 5:22

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    Why does God warn us against deceptions surrounding His gift of marriage?

2    How can we become better husbands and better wives?

3    Why is restoring marriage a key element in revealing God’s character of love?

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