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The Worthlessness of Creature Merit, Part I

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Ellen White stated that preachers should talk about the subject matter given in this article more than any other subject. It is something so simple that a little child can understand it, but the adults have difficulty understanding it. Jesus said one time that unless you receive the kingdom of heaven as a little child, you will not enter in. (Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17.) This is a subject with which adults, especially people like ministers, theologians, and those who have studied religion for a long time, have lots of trouble. The subject is the answer to this question: What must I do to be saved?

Regarding this question, Ellen White wrote: “In every congregation in the land there are souls unsatisfied, hungering and thirsting for salvation. By day and by night, the burden of their hearts is, What shall I do to be saved? They listen eagerly to popular discourses, hoping to learn how they may be justified before God. But too often they hear only a pleasing speech, an eloquent declamation. There are sad and disappointed hearts in every religious gathering.” Review and Herald, March 8, 1881. These disappointed individuals want to know whether or not they can be saved, and if so, how. Some of them think they cannot be saved because they are too wicked.

Zechariah 13:1 reads, “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.” There is going to be opened, according to the prophet Zechariah, a fountain to Israel and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

We are living in the time when that fountain has been opened and anybody, even the worst sinner, can be cleansed at it. However, that fountain is only for certain people. Now, that sounds like a contradiction. I just stated that it is for everybody, and yet it will only work for certain people. Well, who are the only people for whom it will work? We will start right at the beginning so you will see why so many people miss it, even when it is for everybody.

The Poor in Spirit

“One fountain only has been opened for sin, a fountain for the poor in spirit.” The Desire of Ages, 300. This is the fountain which is spoken of in Zechariah 13:1.

Who are the poor in spirit? The poor in spirit are the people who know they are lost, and they know that they are utterly helpless. Maybe they have tried a thousand times to overcome some bad habit, but they cannot do it. They recognize they are utterly helpless, and they know that they cannot do anything to save themselves. How, then, are they going to be saved?

The irony of it is, those are the only people who can be saved! The only people who can be saved are the ones who come to the realization that they are utterly helpless and cannot save themselves. Sometimes the reason it seems as though God is not answering your prayers is so you can get to that position. If you ever get to the position where you recognize that you are utterly helpless and that you cannot do anything to be saved, then you can be saved.

Simple as ABC

Regarding the answer to the question of how to be saved, Ellen White said, “We do not understand the matter of salvation. It is just as simple as ABC. But we don’t understand it.” Faith and Works, 64. How interesting! It is as simple as ABC, but we do not understand it. In fact, at another time, speaking of Seventh-day Adventists, she said, “We need also much more knowledge; we need to be enlightened in regard to the plan of salvation. There is not one in one hundred who understands for himself the Bible truth on this subject that is so necessary to our present and eternal welfare.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 360. That is pretty bad! How can something be as simple as ABC, yet there is not one in a hundred who understands it?

The question we are contemplating actually comes right out of the New Testament, in the Book of Acts, when the Philippian jailer sought an answer from Paul and Silas: “And coming to them outside, he said, ‘Lords, what is necessary for me to do so that I might be saved?’ And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, and your house.’ ” Acts 16:30, 31.

That is it! Easy, is it not? A child can understand it, but adults cannot, because we want something that is more complicated.

Message Rejected

In 1888, God sent this message to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but almost all the people in the Church rejected it. So Ellen White began to write, and most of what is quoted in this article from her pen was written shortly after 1888 in regard to the fact of what God was trying to teach the people that they had rejected.

She wrote: “There is salvation for you, but only through the merits of Jesus Christ.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 97. That is the only way. Period!

In Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, Ellen White, on pages 91-93, goes over what it was that God tried to bring to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Minneapolis in 1888. Several years ago, I studied those pages and listed all the things that God was trying to teach His people at that time. I identified seven things that Ellen White listed on page 92, but we are only going to study one of those seven things. One of the things that the Lord was trying to teach through Ellen White and through Jones and Waggoner to the Adventist Church in 1888 was about Christ’s merits.

Christ’s Merits

“There is salvation for you, but only through the merits of Jesus Christ.” That is all.

Now, this is the way people were saved in Old Testament times: “Through the sacrifices and offerings brought to the earthly Sanctuary, the children of Israel were to lay hold of the merits of a Saviour to come.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1, 160. What was the purpose of all those ceremonies? To help the people exercise faith in “the merits of a Saviour to come.” But we have a problem.

Creature Merit

“Discussions may be entered into by mortals strenuously advocating creature merit, and each man striving for the supremacy, but they simply do not know that all the time, in principle and character, they are misrepresenting the truth as it is in Jesus. They are in a fog of bewilderment. They need the divine love of God which is represented by gold tried in the fire; they need the white raiment of Christ’s pure character; and they need the heavenly eyesalve . . .” Why do they need the heavenly eyesalve? What is going to happen to Laodicea when they get the heavenly eyesalve? “. . . that they might discern with astonishment the utter worthlessness of creature merit to earn the wages of eternal life.” Faith and Works, 23.

Of how much worth is creature merit? Anything that you or I can do, past, present, or future, is absolutely worthless.

One of the reasons this message was rejected in 1888 is that people said, “You are going to do away with the law. We have been teaching people they have to keep the commandments, and you are telling people that all they have to do is trust in Jesus.” See, that is what happens when people study theology. They get all mixed up. A child can understand it. Why can the children understand it better than the adults? As soon as the adults hear, “Just put your trust in Jesus; He has merits; He will save you,” they think, “Oh, that could not be all there is to it.” Yes, it is! Everything else that you need will happen, but all you need to do is trust in Jesus.

Some people may think that I am going to destroy the Adventist Church, that I am going to destroy the revival and reformation movement within the Adventist Church, that I am preaching heresy or the new theology. No, I am not preaching the new theology. I am preaching the gospel.

Ellen White said, “They need the heavenly eyesalve that they might discern with astonishment the utter worthlessness of creature merit to earn the wages of eternal life.”

All Power Imparted

“I [Ellen White] ask, How can I present this matter as it is? The Lord Jesus imparts all the powers, all the grace, all the penitence, all the inclination, all the pardon of sins, in presenting His righteousness for man to grasp by living faith¾which is also the gift of God. If you would gather together everything that is good and holy and noble and lovely in man and then present the subject to the angels of God as acting a part in the salvation of the human soul or in merit, the proposition would be rejected as treason.” Ibid.

If you told the angels everything wonderful and good that a human being had ever done and asked if these things would add any merit to this person’s salvation, the angels would reject it all, saying, “That is treason against the government of God.” The angels know the plan of salvation. They understand what is involved. They understand the utter worthlessness of anything you and I can do to earn salvation.

Mrs. White continued, “Any works that man can render to God will be far less than nothingness.” Ibid., 24. The idea of humans doing anything to merit the grace of pardon is fallacy from beginning to end.

Through Faith Alone

“There is not a point that needs to be dwelt upon more earnestly, repeated more frequently, or established more firmly in the minds of all than the impossibility of fallen man meriting anything by his own best good works. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone.” Ibid., 18.

Do you get it? Children can understand it. Theologians usually cannot understand it. People who have studied the Bible for years and years do not get it figured out. The Philippian jailer was baptized early the next morning, and he had been a heathen.

“Many are losing the right way, in consequence of thinking that they must climb to heaven, that they must do something to merit the favor of God. They seek to make themselves better by their own unaided efforts. This they can never accomplish.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 368.

Can you ever do anything to merit the favor of God? No, never. Nothing. So, what must you do to be saved? All you have to do is trust yourself to the merits of Jesus Christ. Everything else will happen if you do this. And if you do not do this, the other things will not happen. You can struggle with sanctification, keeping the law, health reform and dress reform, and anything else, but you will never be saved doing all those things. There is only one way to salvation, and that is to trust yourself, to yield yourself to Jesus Christ, to trust His merits, not your own.

You Can Be Complete

Colossians 2:10 reads, “And you are complete in Him who is the head of all authority and rulers.” Who is this “you”? Are these the people who are ready for translation?

“We stand in favor before God, not because of any merit in ourselves, but because of our faith in ‘the Lord our righteousness.’

“Jesus stands in the holy of holies, now to appear in the presence of God for us. There He ceases not to present His people moment by moment, complete in Himself.” Faith and Works, 107. You can be complete in Christ right now, today, if you yield yourself to Him.

“Because we are thus represented before the Father, we are not to imagine that we are to presume upon His mercy and become careless, indifferent, and self-indulgent. Christ is not the minister of sin. We are complete in Him, accepted in the Beloved, only as we abide in Him by faith.

“Perfection through our own good works we can never attain. The soul who sees Jesus by faith, repudiates his own righteousness. He sees himself as incomplete, his repentance insufficient, his strongest faith but feebleness, his most costly sacrifice as meager, and he sinks in humility at the foot of the cross. But a voice speaks to him from the oracles of God’s Word. In amazement he hears the message, ‘Ye are complete in Him.’ [Colossians 2:10.]” Ibid., 107, 108.

Who is this? This is the person who has decided that he is hopeless. He sinks “at the foot of the cross,” but then he hears the voice, “Ye are complete in Him.”

“Now all is at rest in his soul. No longer must he strive to find some worthiness in himself, some meritorious deed by which to gain the favor of God.” Ibid., 108.

Basis of Protestant Reformation

What we are noting was the basis of the Protestant Reformation. It was what the Waldenses taught during the Dark Ages. Read the experience of the Vaudois missionary during the Dark Ages:

“With quivering lip and tearful eye did he, often on bended knees, open to his brethren the precious promises that reveal the sinner’s only hope. Thus the light of truth penetrated many a darkened mind, rolling back the cloud of gloom, until the Sun of Righteousness shone into the heart with healing in His beams. It was often the case that some portion of Scripture was read again and again, the hearer desiring it to be repeated, as if he would assure himself that he had heard aright. Especially was the repetition of these words eagerly desired: ‘The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.’ 1 John 1:7. ‘As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.’ John 3:14, 15.

“Many were undeceived in regard to the claims of Rome. They saw how vain is the mediation of men or angels in behalf of the sinner. As the true light dawned upon their minds they exclaimed with rejoicing: ‘Christ is my priest; His blood is my sacrifice; His altar is my confessional.’ They cast themselves wholly upon the merits of Jesus . . . .” The Great Controversy, 73, 74.

When they cast themselves completely on the merits of Jesus, not trusting in themselves at all, what happened?

“They cast themselves wholly upon the merits of Jesus, repeating the words, ‘Without faith it is impossible to please Him.’ Hebrews 11:6. ‘There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.’ Acts 4:12.

“The assurance of a Saviour’s love seemed too much for some of these poor tempest-tossed souls to realize. So great was the relief which it brought, such a flood of light was shed upon them, that they seemed transported to heaven. Their hands were laid confidingly in the hand of Christ; their feet were planted upon the Rock of Ages. All fear of death was banished. They could now covet the prison and the fagot if they might thereby honor the name of their Redeemer.” Ibid., 74.

That is what the reformers found. That is the very thing that caused the Protestant Reformation.

Ellen White recorded the following experience of John Calvin: “In the Bible he found Christ. ‘O Father,’ he cried, ‘His sacrifice has appeased Thy wrath; His blood has washed away my impurities; His cross has borne my curse; His death has atoned for me. We had devised for ourselves many useless follies, but Thou hast placed Thy word before me like a torch, and Thou hast touched my heart, in order that I may hold in abomination all other merits save those of Jesus.’¾Martyn, vol. 3, ch. 13.” Ibid., 221.

Calvin became a Protestant Reformer because he cast aside his confidence and trust in everything else. He said that everything else is an abomination except the merits of Jesus Christ.

Martin Luther found out the same thing: “Luther was the one chosen to breast the storm, stand up against the ire of a fallen church, and strengthen the few who were faithful to their holy profession. He was ever fearful of offending God. He tried through works to obtain His favor, but was not satisfied until a gleam of light from heaven drove the darkness from his mind and led him to trust, not in works, but in the merits of the blood of Christ. He could then come to God for himself, not through popes or confessors, but through Jesus Christ alone.” Early Writings, 222, 223.

More Than Anything Else

Is it complicated? No, it is simple. Children can understand it, but theologians cannot understand it. Ellen White said that it is as simple as ABC, but we do not understand it, because we have so much trouble believing it; we always want to add something to it. But, you see, if we get this point, we are going to get everything else we need. Because it is so simple and, yet, because we do not understand it, it needs to be repeated, Ellen White said, more than anything else is. Then, how does it all come together? Let us consider some questions and answers.

  1. How can we be received by our heavenly Father and adopted into His family?

How? Just one way. God would like to accept us into His family, but He will only do it on one condition, that we will accept the merits of His Son. That is all. There is no other way. (See The Acts of the Apostles, 333.)

  1. Whom will God accept?

“God will accept every one that comes to Him trusting wholly [that is, completely] in the merits of a crucified Saviour.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 354.

God will accept every person who comes to Him, claiming the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour.

This is the gospel according to the Old Testament; this is the gospel Paul preached; this is the gospel the Waldenses preached; this is the gospel the Reformers preached; and this is the gospel that God tried to bring to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1888. But the Church would not take it, because the people thought, “You are going to destroy the law.” It does not destroy anything.

Oh, the people think that surely there has to be something else for us to do. Here is what we are supposed to do: Ellen White wrote, “Man’s part is to lay hold by faith of the merits of Christ.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 430. Come to God and ask that the merits of Christ be applied to our accounts, because you and I do not have any merits.

  1. How much does the righteousness of Christ accomplish in our salvation?

Many people think that we are saved by faith and by our works. That was a major battlefield in the Protestant Reformation between the Catholics and the Protestants. The Catholics believe we are saved by faith and works. In fact, I heard a program recently on a Catholic radio station, and the topic of discussion was about why the Protestant doctrine of faith alone is false and how you must have good works to be saved. That is what the Pharisees thought; that is what the Catholics thought, and that is what the Adventists thought in 1888.

  1. How much does the righteousness of Christ accomplish in our salvation?

This can be answered in just four words: “Christ’s righteousness accomplishes everything.” Faith and Works, 26.

  1. So, what do we need to do to be saved?

Ellen White answers this question in this way: “The sinner must ever look toward Calvary; and with the simple faith of a little child, he must rest in the merits of Christ, accepting His righteousness and believing in His mercy.” Evangelism, 185.

We can only be saved like a little child. She said, “Just rest; just rest in Christ’s merits.” Trust Him. That is it.

“Oh, no,” the theologian declares, “There has to be something more than that.” No, there is nothing more than that. That results in everything else you need.

“Oh,” somebody may say, “but I am an Adventist, and I believe that we are living in the Day of Atonement, and my sins have to be blotted out.” Well, let us just ask that question.

  1. How are our sins going to be blotted out and we be clothed in Christ’s righteousness?

“The merits of Jesus blot out transgressions, and clothe us with the robe of righteousness woven in the loom of heaven.” Ibid., 186.

  1. What is the only plea we need to make to be saved?

“Present your case before Him, pleading the merits of the blood shed for you upon Calvary’s cross. Satan will accuse you of being a great sinner, and you must admit this, but you can say: ‘I know I am a sinner, and that is the reason I need a Saviour. Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’ ‘The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin’ (1 John 1:7). ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness’ (verse 9). I have no merit or goodness whereby I may claim salvation, but I present before God the all-atoning blood of the spotless Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is my only plea.” Faith and Works, 106.

What is the only plea of the true Christian? “I present before God the all-atoning blood of the spotless Lamb of God.” That is it. That is our only plea.

“The name of Jesus gives me access to the Father. His ear, His heart, is open to my faintest pleading, and He supplies my deepest necessities.” Ibid.

Human Pride

Read the first sentence again: “Present your case before Him, pleading the merits of the blood shed for you upon Calvary’s cross.” Can you do that? A six-year-old child can do that. Why is it so hard for adults to do?

The reason it is so hard is because of our human pride. We want to have some part in it so we can be elevated, so we can feel that we have done something. Ellen White wrote: “See how God wrought to abase the pride of men, and lay human glory in the dust.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 16, 335. No place is left for self-esteem or anything that we can do.

  1. How should you plead your case to the Father?

Do you want to be saved? How should you plead your case? Here it is again: “Present your case before Him, pleading the merits of the blood that was shed for you upon Calvary’s cross.”

  1. How often do we need to have the merits of Christ applied to our cases?

“If we are conscious of the weakness of self, we shall not be self-confident and reckless of danger, but we shall feel the necessity of seeking to the Source of our strength, Jesus our Righteousness. We shall come in repentance and contrition, with a despairing sense of our own finite weakness, and learn that we must daily apply to the merits of the blood of Christ, that we may become vessels fit for the Master’s use.” Faith and Works, 86.

Not only do we need the merits of Christ applied to our cases every day, but we need the merits of Christ applied to our cases every hour, every minute. You and I do not have any righteousness. No one who goes to the kingdom of heaven will talk about any righteousness and good deeds that he or she has done. There will not be one. Read the Book of Revelation. All glory will be given to the One who is righteous, to the only One who is holy. God only is holy and righteous.

Our Work

What is our work? There has to be some kind of work. That was asked of Jesus too. The conversation is recorded in John 6:28, 29: “Therefore they said to Him: ‘What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in the One that He sent.’ ”

That is the work! As Ellen White expressed it, “Our work is to hang our helpless souls on His merits.” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 247.)

To be continued . . .

[Bible texts quoted are literal translation.]

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

Editorial – Ellen White’s Counsel Regarding the Controversy over the “Daily,” Pt I

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[Editor’s Note: Historically—in the 1840s and afterward—Seventh-day Adventists have believed that the daily in Daniel 8, 11, and 12 refers to paganism in contrast with “the abomination that makes desolate” (Daniel 11:31) or the papacy; that both terms identify persecuting powers; that the word for daily—correctly meaning “continual or continually or continuance”—refers to the long continuance of Satan’s opposition to the work of Christ through the medium of paganism; that the taking away of the daily and the setting up of “the abomination that makes desolate” represents the action of papal Rome replacing pagan Rome and that this even is the same as that described in 11 Thessalonians 2:7 and Revelation 13:2; and that this replacing of paganism with the papal religion as the official religion of the most prominent country in Europe at that time (France) occurred in a.d. 508.]

Around the turn of the twentieth century, a new view of the daily surfaced in Adventism. This new view was promoted by W. W. Prescott (college president and later vice-president of the General Conference, chairman of the Review and Herald Publishing Association board, editor of the Review and Herald, and later field secretary of the General Conference) and A. G. Daniells (General Conference president at that time). The new view was that the daily, or continual, referred to the continual priestly ministry of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary and to the true worship of Christ in the gospel age; that the taking away of the daily represents the substitution by the papacy of compulsory unity in a visible church in place of the voluntary unity of all believers in Christ, and the replacing of Christ, the invisible head, by the pope, a visible head, and an earthly priestly hierarchy in place of direct access to Christ by all believers; of a system of salvation by works ordained by the visible church in place of salvation by faith in Christ; and the confessional and the sacrifice of the mass in place of the mediatorial work of Christ as our great high priest in the courts of heaven. Those holding this view have no adequate explanation of the 1290 days in Daniel 12 unless they adopt futuristic interpretations. It was concerning this second view held by Prescott and Daniells that the following testimony by Ellen White was written. (See Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 842, 843, 880, 881 for source material about the above two views.)

“At this stage of our experience we are not to have our minds drawn away from the special light given [us] to consider at the important gathering of our conference. And there was Brother Daniells, whose mind the enemy was working; and your mind and Elder Prescott’s mind were being worked by the angels that were expelled from heaven. Satan’s work was to divert your minds that jots and tittles should be brought in which the Lord did not inspire you to bring in. They were not essential. But this meant much to the cause of truth. And the ideas of your minds, if you could be drawn away to jots or tittles, is a work of Satan’s devising. To correct little things in the books written, you suppose would be doing a great work. But I am charged, Silence is eloquence.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, 17.

To be continued . . .

Bible Study Guide – Confidence in the Spirit of Prophecy

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December 23, 2007 – December 29, 2007

Key Text

“Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.” Acts 26:19.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 5, 668–670; Selected Messages, Book 1, 40–48.

Introduction

“It is the responsibility of each individual to apply the Bible tests of a prophet to the life and ministry of Ellen White in order to be assured of the validity of her claim to be the messenger of the Lord… The inspiration of the messenger, the Scriptural nature of the instruction, the value and contribution of the messages, have been recognized and accepted since the beginnings of the [Seventh-day Adventist] church, even before there was denominational organization. Time has vindicated the confidence of the pioneers and the present believers and leaders of the advent cause in the guidance of God through the ministry and writings of Ellen White” T Housel Jemison, A Prophet Among You,< www.WhiteEstate.org> August 2007, 464.

1 By what figurative language did God describe the work of the ancient prophets? Hosea 6:5.

Note: “The people of God in these last days could not be safe in trusting in men, and making flesh their arm. The mighty cleaver of truth has taken them out of the world as rough stones that are to be hewed and squared and polished for the heavenly building. They must be hewed by the prophets with reproof, warning, admonition, and advice, that they may be fashioned after the divine Pattern; this is the specified work of the Comforter, to transform heart and character, that men may keep the way of the Lord.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 464.

2 What purpose did the Lord have in sending prophets to His straying people in days of old? What was the response? II Chronicles 24:19.

Note: “The question to be settled … is: Shall I deny myself and receive as of God the Testimonies which reprove my sins, or shall I reject the Testimonies because they reprove my sins?

“In many cases the Testimonies are fully received, the sin and indulgence broken off, and reformation at once commences in harmony with the light God has given. In other instances sinful indulgences are cherished, the Testimonies are rejected, and many excuses which are untrue are offered to others as the reason for refusing to receive them. The true reason is not given. It is a lack of moral courage—a will, strengthened and controlled by the Spirit of God, to renounce hurtful habits.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 32.

3 What messages did rebellious Judah ask the prophets to give? Isaiah 30:10. Compare Ezekiel 33:30–33.

Note: “There are some in these last days who will cry: ‘Speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.’ [Isaiah 30:10.] But this is not my work. God has set me as a reprover of His people; and just so surely as He has laid upon me the heavy burden, He will make those to whom this message is given responsible for the manner in which they treat it. God will not be trifled with, and those who despise His work will receive according to their deeds.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 679.

4 What was Ahab’s attitude toward the true prophet of God? I Kings 22:8. To what did such an attitude often lead? Acts 7:52.

Note: “’It is Satan’s plan to weaken the faith of God’s people in the Testimonies.’ ‘Satan knows how to make his attacks. He works upon minds to excite jealousy and dissatisfaction toward those at the head of the work. The gifts are next questioned; then, of course, they have but little weight, and instruction given through vision is disregarded.’ ‘Next follows skepticism in regard to the vital points of our faith, the pillars of our position, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and then the downward march to perdition. When the Testimonies, which were once believed, are doubted and given up, Satan knows the deceived ones will not stop at this; and he redoubles his efforts till he launches them into open rebellion, which becomes incurable and ends in destruction.’ [vol. 4, 211; vol. 1, 236.] ‘By giving place to doubts and unbelief in regard to the work of God, and by cherishing feelings of distrust and cruel jealousies, they are preparing themselves for complete deception.’ [vol. 3, 328.]” Testimonies, vol. 5, 672.

5 In contrast to the above, what was David’s attitude toward the message that came to him from the prophet Nathan? II Samuel 12:7–9, 13.

Note: Reporting on the work of Ellen White at a general gathering of workers in Europe, D. T. Bordeau wrote: “Not only does this gift reprove sin without dissimulation and partiality, as did Nathan when he said to David, ‘Thou art the man;’ but it deals in words of encouragement to help those reproved to overcome, and to inspire hope, faith, and courage to the desponding. It not only probes the wound, but it also pours in the oil, binds the wound, and hastens the process of restoration. It brings the receiver to the Bible, and earnestly endeavors to carry out the instructions it enjoins, exemplifying in a marked degree the rare graces of modesty, true humility, and self-denial. It identifies itself with those for whom it labors, bearing their burdens in earnest, persevering prayer, forgetful of self and ease, and keeping the glory of God and the salvation of souls in view, aiming to secure these at any sacrifice.” Review and Herald, November 20, 1885.

6 As Paul recounted his experience before King Agrippa, what did he declare had been his personal relationship to heavenly visions? Acts 26:19.

Note: “Paul declared that his change of faith had not been prompted by impulse or fanaticism, but had been brought about by overwhelming evidence.” The Acts of the Apostles, 125.

7 What principle is given to help the honest seeker in his study of revealed truth? I Corinthians 2:12, 13.

Note: “The Bible is its own expositor. Scripture is to be compared with scripture. The student should learn to view the word as a whole and to see the relation of its parts. He should gain a knowledge of its grand central theme—of God’s original purpose for the world, of the rise of the great controversy, and of the work of redemption.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 462.

“The testimonies themselves will be the key that will explain the messages given, as scripture is explained by scripture.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 42.

8 What need often arises even among those who have known the present truth? Hebrews 5:12. Compare II Peter 1:1–15.

Note: “We are not always to remain children in our knowledge and experience in spiritual things….

“God has given us many advantages and opportunities, and when the last great day shall be ushered in, and we shall see what we might have attained, had we taken advantage of the helps that Heaven vouchsafed to us; when we see how we might have grown in grace, and look upon these things as God looks upon them, seeing what we have lost by failing to grow up into the full stature of men and women in Christ, we shall wish that we had been more in earnest.” Sons and Daughters of God, 330.

“I [Ellen White] was then directed to bring out general principles, in speaking and in writing, and at the same time specify the dangers, errors, and sins of some individuals, that all might be warned, reproved, and counseled. I saw that all should search their own hearts and lives closely to see if they had not made the same mistakes for which others were corrected and if the warnings given for others did not apply to their own cases. If so, they should feel that the counsel and reproofs were given especially for them and should make as practical an application of them as though they were especially addressed to themselves.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 660.

9 What must we consider when we study certain specific counsels in the Bible and in the Testimonies?

Note: “Regarding the testimonies, nothing is ignored; nothing is cast aside; but time and place must be considered.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 57.

10 Against what misuses of the writings of Ellen White are we warned?

Note:

  • Not to be used as an iron rule or club. The following principle addressed to ministers applies to each individual: “They profess to believe the testimony borne, and some do harm by making them an iron rule for those who have had no experience in reference to them, but they fail to carry them out themselves.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 369.
  • Not to be used as proof for unbelievers. “Some have taken an injudicious course; when they have talked their faith to unbelievers, and the proof has been asked for, they have read a vision, instead of going to the Bible for proof. I [Ellen White] saw that this course was inconsistent, and prejudiced unbelievers against the truth. The visions can have no weight with those who have never seen them and know nothing of their spirit. They should not be referred to in such cases.” Ibid., 119, 120.
  • Not to select brief excerpts and use them out of context. “There are those who pick out from the Word of God, and also from the Testimonies, detached paragraphs or sentences that may be interpreted to suit their ideas, and they dwell upon these, and build themselves up in their own positions, when God is not leading them.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 179.

11 Have the passage of the years and the circumstances of modern times made the prophetic writings obsolete?

Note: “I [Ellen White] have been shown that the principles that were given us in the early days of the message are as important and should be regarded just as conscientiously today as they were then.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 158.

“Through His Holy Spirit the voice of God has come to us continually in warning and instruction, to confirm the faith of the believers in the spirit of prophecy…. Time and trial have not made void the instruction given…. The instruction that was given in the early days of the message is to be held as safe instruction to follow in these its closing days.” Review and Herald, July 18, 1907.

12 In Paul’s appeal to Agrippa, what pertinent question did he ask? Acts 26:27.

Note: “My brethren, beware of the evil heart of unbelief. The word of God is plain and close in its restrictions; it interferes with your selfish indulgence; therefore you do not obey it. The testimonies of His Spirit call your attention to the Scriptures, point out your defects of character, and rebuke your sins; therefore you do not heed them. And to justify your carnal, ease-loving course you begin to doubt whether the testimonies are from God. If you would obey their teachings you would be assured of their divine origin.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 234.

13 When there is no prophetic vision, what dire consequences result? Proverbs 29:18. Compare I Samuel 3:1.

Note: “Satan is … constantly pressing in the spurious—to lead away from the truth. The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish’ (Proverbs 29:18). Satan will work ingeniously, in different ways and through different agencies, to unsettle the confidence of God’s remnant people in the true testimony.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 48.

14 With what words did Jehoshaphat encourage the people as they followed the Lord’s direction given through the prophet? II Chronicles 20:20.

Note: “Some will yield their faith, and will deny the truth of the messages, pointing to them as falsehoods.

“Some will hold them up to ridicule, working against the light that God has been giving for years, and some who are weak in the faith will thus be led astray.

“But others will be greatly helped by the messages. Though not personally addressed, they will be corrected, and will be led to shun the evils specified…. The Spirit of the Lord will be in the instruction, and doubts existing in many minds will be swept away. The testimonies themselves will be the key that will explain the messages given, as scripture is explained by scripture. Many will read with eagerness the messages reproving wrong, that they may learn what they may do to be saved…. Light will dawn upon the understanding, and the Spirit will make an impression on minds, as Bible truth is clearly and simply presented in the messages that since 1846 God has been sending His people. These messages are to find their place in hearts, and transformations will take place.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 41, 42.

Bible Study Guides – Prophecy, a Guiding Light

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December 16, 2007 – December 22, 2007

Key Text

“And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.” Joel 2:32.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 5, 467–476; Prophets and Kings, 582–592; Testimonies, vol. 1, 179–184; Early Writings, 269–273.

Introduction

Jesus forewarned and forearmed the disciples and reminded them, “And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.” John 14:29. Ellen White comments, “They [the disciples] would say to one another: ‘He told us that this would come, and what we must do to meet it’” Testimonies, vol. 9, 235.

God has again spoken through the spirit of prophecy, and in so doing He has given to us in more minute detail a picture of the events of the last days. And the inspired message confirms the word of the Bible prophets and aids in a fuller and more complete understanding.

1 What experience will come, at the end of the time of trouble, to many of God’s people who sleep in their graves? Daniel 12:1, 2.

Note: “It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance of His people. The sun appears, shining in its strength. Signs and wonders follow in quick succession…. In the midst of the angry heavens is one clear space of indescribable glory, whence comes the voice of God like the sound of many waters, saying: ‘It is done.’ Revelation 16:17.

“That voice shakes the heavens and the earth. There is a mighty earthquake…

“Graves are opened, and ‘many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth . . . awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.’ Daniel 12:2. All who have died in the faith of the third angel’s message come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God’s covenant of peace with those who have kept His law.” The Great Controversy, 636, 637.

2 What do the New Testament writers foretell concerning the deceptive power of Satanic agencies? II Thessalonians 2:9, 10; II Corinthians 11:13–15; Revelation 16:13, 14.

Note: “Satan ‘works with all deceivableness of unrighteousness’ [II Thessalonians 2:10] to gain control of the children of men, and his deceptions will continually increase. …

“Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world. The foundation of his work was laid by the assurance given to Eve in Eden: ‘Ye shall not surely die.’ [Genesis 3:4.] … Little by little he has prepared the way for his masterpiece of deception in the development of spiritualism. He has not yet reached the full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the last remnant of time. … Except those who are kept by the power of God, through faith in His word, the whole world will be swept into the ranks of this delusion. The people are fast being lulled to a fatal security, to be awakened only by the outpouring of the wrath of God.” The Great Controversy, 560–562.

3 What astounding development did the apostle Paul predict would take place in the religious world before the end? II Thessalonians 2:3, 4. Compare Revelation 13:3, 4, 8, 9.

Note: “The apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, foretold the great apostasy which would result in the establishment of the papal power. He declared that the day of Christ should not come, ‘except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed.’ [II Thessalonians 2:3.]” The Great Controversy, 49.

“God’s word has given warning of the impending danger; let this be unheeded, and the Protestant world will learn what the purposes of Rome really are, only when it is too late to escape the snare. She is silently growing into power. Her doctrines are exerting their influence in legislative halls, in the churches, and in the hearts of men… We shall soon see and shall feel what the purpose of the Roman element is. Whoever shall believe and obey the word of God will thereby incur reproach and persecution.” Ibid., 581.

4 What somber experience lies ahead for all of God’s faithful people? Revelation 3:10.

Note: “Just before us is ‘the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.’ Revelation 3:10. All whose faith is not firmly established upon the word of God will be deceived and overcome.” The Great Controversy, 560.

“We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude.

“The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 11.

5 What view is given of distressing troubles in the economic world? James 5:3–6.

Note: “There are not many, even among educators and statesmen, who comprehend the causes that underlie the present state of society. Those who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the problem of moral corruption, poverty, pauperism, and increasing crime. They are struggling in vain to place business operations on a more secure basis. If men would give more heed to the teaching of God’s word, they would find a solution of the problems that perplex them.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 13.

6 What warning should restrain the child of God from entering into any confederacy with unbelievers? II Corinthians 6:14–18. Compare Isaiah 8:12.

Note: “Men have confederated to oppose the Lord of hosts. These confederacies will continue until Christ shall leave His place of intercession before the mercy seat and shall put on the garments of vengeance. Satanic agencies are in every city, busily organizing into parties those opposed to the law of God.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 42.

“The trades unions and confederacies of the world are a snare. Keep out of them, and away from them, brethren. Have nothing to do with them. Because of these unions and confederacies, it will soon be very difficult for our institutions to carry on their work in the cities. My warning is: Keep out of the cities. Build no sanitariums in the cities. Educate our people to get out of the cities into the country, where they can obtain a small piece of land, and make a home for themselves and their children. …

“Erelong there will be such strife and confusion in the cities, that those who wish to leave them will not be able. We must be preparing for these issues. This is the light that is given me.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 142.

7 What counsel was given to the mother of Samson before the birth of the child? Judges 13:13, 7.

Note: “The effect of prenatal influences is by many parents looked upon as a matter of little moment; but heaven does not so regard it. The message sent by an angel of God, and twice given in the most solemn manner, shows it to be deserving of our most careful thought.” The Ministry of Healing, 372.

8 What far-reaching effects follow right dietary practices? Ecclesiastes 10:17.

Note: Of the nearly 2,000 pages comprising the five spirit of prophecy books devoted to health, a large proportion is devoted to diet, conveying to the reader the instruction given by God to Ellen White.

“The same sins that brought judgments upon the world in the days of Noah, exist in our day. Men and women now carry their eating and drinking so far that it ends in gluttony and drunkenness. This prevailing sin, the indulgence of perverted appetite, inflamed the passions of men in the days of Noah, and led to wide-spread corruption. Violence and sin reached to heaven. This moral pollution was finally swept from the earth by means of the flood. The same sins of gluttony and drunkenness benumbed the moral sensibilities of the inhabitants of Sodom, so that crime seemed to be the delight of the men and women of that wicked city. Christ thus warns the world: ‘Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.’ [Luke 17:28–30.]” Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 11.

9 In Zechariah’s vision of Joshua and the angel, what did Satan do? What did the change of raiment signify? What promise was made to Joshua, the high priest? Zechariah 3:1–7.

Note: “Zechariah’s vision of Joshua and the Angel applies with peculiar force to the experience of God’s people in the closing up of the great day of atonement. The remnant church will be brought into great trial and distress. Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragon and his hosts…

“Satan urges before God his accusations against them, declaring that they have by their sins forfeited the divine protection, and claiming the right to destroy them as transgressors. He pronounces them just as deserving as himself of exclusion from the favor of God.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 472, 473.

“All that have put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness will stand before Him as chosen and faithful and true. Satan has no power to pluck them out of the hand of Christ.” Ibid., 471.

“While Satan was urging his accusations and seeking to destroy this company, holy angels, unseen, were passing to and fro, placing upon them the seal of the living God. These are they that stand upon Mount Zion with the Lamb.” Ibid., 475.

10 What question asked by Jesus suggests a condition that will exist in earth’s last days? Luke 18:8.

Note: “I [Ellen White] was shown the people of God, and saw them mightily shaken. Some, with strong faith and agonizing cries, were pleading with God. …

“Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. …

“I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God’s people.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 179–181.

11 What work will be finished before Christ comes? Matthew 24:14. Compare Matthew 28:19, 20.

Note: “The vineyard includes the whole world, and every part of it is to be worked. There are places which are now a moral wilderness, and these are to become as the garden of the Lord. The waste places of the earth are to be cultivated, that they may bud and blossom as the rose. New territories are to be worked by men inspired by the Holy Spirit. New churches must be established, new congregations organized. At this time there should be representatives of present truth in every city and in the remote parts of the earth. The whole earth is to be illuminated with the glory of God’s truth. The light is to shine to all lands and all peoples.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 24.

12 What words of the prophets apply to the church triumphant? Song of Solomon 6:10; Isaiah 60:1–5; Joel 2:32.

Note: “The church is to increase in activity and to enlarge her bounds. Our missionary efforts are to be expansive; we must enlarge our borders. . . . While there have been fierce contentions in the effort to maintain our distinctive character, yet we have as Bible Christians ever been on gaining ground.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 396, 397.

The Lord will bring His church through triumphantly:

“There is no need to doubt, to be fearful that the work will not succeed. God is at the head of the work, and He will set everything in order. If matters need adjusting at the head of the work, God will attend to that, and work to right every wrong. Let us have faith that God is going to carry the noble ship which bears the people of God safely into port…

“When you think that the work is in danger, pray, ‘Lord, stand at the wheel. Carry us through the perplexity. Bring us safely into port.’ Have we not reason to believe that the Lord will bring us through triumphantly?” Ibid., 390, 391.

God will continue with His church even to the end:

“When in the night season I [Ellen White] am unable to sleep, I lift my heart in prayer to God, and He strengthens me and gives me the assurance that He is with His ministering servants in the home field and in distant lands. I am encouraged and blessed as I realize that the God of Israel is still guiding His people, and that He will continue to be with them, even to the end.” Ibid., 406.

Bible Study Guides – A Gift That Guides and Guards

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December 9, 2007 – December 15, 2007

Key Text

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Psalm 32:8.

Study Help: Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 24–62.

Introduction

During the 70 years of her ministry (1845–1915), Ellen White was used as God’s instrument to bring prophetic guidance to His people, often in times of crisis. A review of the guiding and guarding influences of the spirit of prophecy through the years of the church’s work gives clear, convincing ground for confidence in God’s leadership. Speaking of the early days of the movement when error and fanaticism threatened the leaders, she wrote:

“Those who passed over the ground step by step in the past history of our experience, seeing the chain of truth in the prophecies, were prepared to accept and obey every ray of light. They were praying, fasting, searching, digging for the truth as for hidden treasures, and the Holy Spirit, we know, was teaching and guiding us. Many theories were advanced, bearing a semblance of truth, but so mingled with misinterpreted and misapplied scriptures, that they led to dangerous errors. Very well do we know how every point of truth was established, and the seal set upon it by the Holy Spirit of God. And all the time voices were heard, ‘Here is the truth,’ ‘I have the truth; follow me.’ But the warnings came, ‘Go not ye after them. I have not sent them, but they ran.’ (See Jeremiah 23:21.)

“The leadings of the Lord were marked, and most wonderful were His revelations of what is truth. Point after point was established by the Lord God of heaven. That which was truth then, is truth today.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 103, 104.

Ellen White was not the leader of the advent movement as Moses was of the Exodus movement. She did not serve in a kingly capacity as David did over Israel. Her work was more like the work of Samuel, who was a teacher in Israel. But as the Israel of old “from Dan to Beersheba” recognized in Samuel the work of a true prophet of God, so have Seventh-day Adventists recognized in the work of Ellen White an instrumentality of God’s Holy Spirit sent to give guidance, spiritual aid, and comfort to His people. Her messages have been a guarding, preserving influence.

1 What were the prophets in olden times frequently called? I Samuel 9:9.

Note: In one of her earliest books, Spiritual Gifts, Book 1, Ellen White described the many scenes of the great controversy vision given to her at Lovett’s Grove, Ohio, in the spring of 1858. In writing out her views, she prepared a book of 219 pages. Over 200 times she wrote, “I was shown”; “I was pointed back”; “I saw”; “I was told”; “It was presented before me”; and other such phraseology. These same phrases are repeatedly used in other of her writings. Thus she described scenes past and future as an “eyewitness.”

The prophetic work of Ellen White from the earliest days of the advent movement, offered:

  • Protection against danger from within the church. (See Testimonies, vol. 1, 113–115; 311–323; 356, 357; 409–419.)
  • Protection against danger from without the church. (See Early Writings, 59, 60; 262–266.)
  • Guidance in the understanding of basic Christian truths. (See Early Writings, 145–295.)

2 How does the prophet Isaiah describe those who publish peace and salvation? Isaiah 52:7.

Note: At a conference held in the home of Otis Nichols at Dorchester, Massachusetts, in November 1848, the pioneers sought God for special guidance. Heaven seemed near, and to Ellen White was given a vision. After the vision, she said to her husband:

“I have a message for you. You must begin to print a little paper and send it out to the people. Let it be small at first; but as the people read, they will send you means with which to print, and it will be a success from the first. From this small beginning it was shown to me to be like streams of light that went clear round the world.” Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 125. Thus Present Truth, the first periodical of the Advent movement, was begun.

3 What experience in the New Testament church demonstrated the value of church order and organization? Acts 6:1–6. Compare Acts 15:1–32.

Note: “I [Ellen White] saw that this door at which the enemy comes in to perplex and trouble the flock can be shut. I inquired of the angel how it could be closed. He said, ‘The church must flee to God’s Word and become established upon gospel order, which has been overlooked and neglected.’ This is indispensably necessary in order to bring the church into the unity of the faith. I saw that in the apostles’ day the church was in danger of being deceived and imposed upon by false teachers. Therefore the brethren chose men who had given good evidence that they were capable of ruling well their own house and preserving order in their own families, and who could enlighten those who were in darkness. Inquiry was made of God concerning these, and then, according to the mind of the church and the Holy Ghost, they were set apart by the laying on of hands. Having received their commission from God and having the approbation of the church, they went forth baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and administering the ordinances of the Lord’s house, often waiting upon the saints by presenting them the emblems of the broken body and spilt blood of the crucified Saviour, to keep fresh in the memory of God’s beloved children His sufferings and death.

“I [Ellen White] saw that we are no more secure from false teachers now than they were in the apostles’ days; and, if we do no more, we should take as special measures as they did to secure the peace, harmony, and union of the flock. We have their example, and should follow it.” Early Writings, 100, 101.

4 What experience came to the apostle Paul that led him to carry the gospel to Europe? Acts 16:9, 10.

Note: “From all countries the Macedonian cry is sounding: ‘Come over, . . . and help us.’ [Acts 16:9.] God has opened fields before us, and if human agencies would but co-operate with divine agencies, many, many souls would be won to the truth.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 46.

“The instruction the Lord has given me [Ellen White] is that a field should not be shunned because it has objectionable features. This world was seared and marred by the curse, but still Christ came to it.” Medical Ministry, 321.

5 In the days of Hezekiah, what remarkable instance of divine guidance and protection is recorded? 11 Chronicles 32:22. Compare Isaiah 37:1, 2, 6, 7, 33–37.

Note: As Hezekiah, the God-fearing king, and the prophet Isaiah sought the deliverance of Judah from threatened annihilation at the hand of the boastful king of Assyria, God “guided them on every side.” (11 Chronicles 32:22.)

God has also guided His present-day people “on every side” through the spirit of prophecy. For example:

  • Health reform. “The health work began with the establishment of a sanitarium in 1866.” Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: The Early Elmshaven Years, vol. 5, 1900–1905, Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, D.C., 71. (See Testimonies, vol. 1, 485–494.)
  • Education. “Educational work was started with the opening of Battle Creek College in 1874.” Ibid.
  • Organization. “It has been a necessity to organize union conferences, that the General Conference shall not exercise dictation over all the separate conferences. The power vested in the Conference is not to be centered in one man, or two men, or six men; there is to be a council of men over the separate divisions.” Last Day Events, 55.

6 In addition to leading the nation of Israel, what other work is Moses said to have done? Hosea 12:13.

Note: God miraculously delivered Israel, by the hand of Moses, out of slavery and led them to the borders of the Promised Land. A review of God’s present-day people discloses how, by the hand of the prophetess Ellen White, they have been “preserved” by the divine instruction and protected from Satan’s many attacks.

For instance, one of the first burdens laid upon Ellen White was to erect a wall about the church and protect it from fanatics who taught extreme views such as holy flesh and instantaneous sanctification. Others attempted to set specific times for the Lord to come. (See Selected Messages, Book 2, 31–38; Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 83–89; Testimonies, vol. 1, 72.) These dangerous views were squarely met by Ellen White.

The church will face fanatics again, and the experiences of the past will be repeated. Though extreme views will be taught and practiced, Goxd’s true people will not be misled.

“The principles of truth that God has revealed to us are our only true foundation. They have made us what we are. The lapse of time has not lessened their value. It is the constant effort of the enemy to remove these truths from their setting, and to put in their place spurious theories. He will bring in everything that he possibly can to carry out his deceptive designs. But the Lord will raise up men of keen perception, who will give these truths their proper place in the plan of God.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 201.

7 What may God’s commandment-keeping church, having the “testimony of Jesus,” expect at the hand of the dragon, Satan? Revelation 12:17.

Note: “Through deceptive means and unseen channels, Satan is working to strengthen his authority and to place obstacles in the way of God’s people, that souls may not be freed from his power and gathered under the banner of Christ. By his deceptions he is seeking to allure souls from Christ, and those who are not established upon the truth will surely be taken in his snare. And those whom he cannot lead into sin he will persecute, as the Jews did Christ.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 295.

8 For what purpose did Christ place the gifts in the church? Ephesians 4:11, 13.

Note: “I [Ellen White] have been shown that just such phases of error as I was compelled to meet among Advent believers after the passing of the time in 1844, will be repeated in these last days. In our early experience, I had to go from place to place and bear message after message to disappointed companies of believers. The evidences accompanying my messages were so great that the honest in heart received as truth the words that were spoken. The power of God was revealed in a marked manner, and men and women were freed from the baleful influence of fanaticism and disorder, and were brought into the unity of the faith.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 376.

9 What did the messages of the prophet Elisha do for Israel? 11 Kings 6:8–12.

Note: The attacks upon God’s people today may not be in the form of physical violence, yet they are no less real and perilous. One form in which the archenemy brings his attacks is from within, as misguided and overzealous souls misuse the spirit of prophecy counsels that were given to reform. Ellen White wrote:

“Although there are evils existing in the church, and will be until the end of the world, the church in these last days is to be the light of the world that is polluted and demoralized by sin. The church, enfeebled and defective, needing to be reproved, warned, and counseled, is the only object upon earth upon which Christ bestows His supreme regard.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 49.

10 At a time of crisis in the experience of Israel, through what means did the Lord lead to deliverance and bring about that deliverance? 11 Chronicles 20:14–20. Compare Judges 4:1–7, 14.

Note: Just as Jahaziel and Deborah proclaimed turning points for God’s people, so Ellen White gave messages that were turning points. The prophetic message she presented on a Sabbath afternoon in 1868 in Bushnell, Michigan, was the turning point in the life of the Bushnell church. The preceding Sabbath the members had decided to disband, but the providential appearance of Ellen White and her husband, Elder James White, turned the tide.

“An appointment had been made through a notice on the back page of the Review published on Tuesday, July 16. Neither [Ellen and James White] had ever been to Bushnell [Michigan], but the elder of the Greenville church, A. W. Maynard, and the elder of the Orleans church, S. H. King, had suggested a grove meeting at Bushnell, where there was a struggling group of believers. …

“As the dwindling company of discouraged Sabbathkeepers at Bushnell had met the previous Sabbath morning, July 13, only seven were present, and they had decided to hold no more meetings (The Signs of the Times, August 29, 1878). But the notice in the Review led them to get word around for at least one more meeting. …

“All the Sabbathkeepers were on the grounds Sabbath morning. After James White had spoken, Ellen, Bible in hand, began to speak from a text of Scripture and then paused. Laying her Bible aside, she began to address those who had accepted the Sabbath in that place. She was not acquainted with them and did not know their names, but she addressed a number of persons. …

“She described each peculiar case, stating that the Lord had shown her their cases two years previous [most likely in the vision at Rochester], and that, while she was just then speaking from the Bible, that view had flashed over her mind, like sudden lightning in a dark night distinctly revealing every object. …

“Sunday morning there was a baptism, and the Bushnell church was organized and officers chosen. In the years that followed, several workers in the cause came from that church.” Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years, vol. 2, 1862–1876, Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, D.C., 189–191.

Bible Study Guides – Marks of the Remnant Church

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December 2, 2007 – December 8, 2007

Key Text

“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 3, 446-449; Prophets and Kings, 605, 606.

Introduction

“God is leading a people out from the world upon the exalted platform of eternal truth, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. He will discipline and fit up His people. They will not be at variance, one believing one thing, and another having faith and views entirely opposite, each moving independently of the body. Through the diversity of the gifts and governments that He has placed in the church, they will all come to the unity of the faith…

“He has given His people a straight chain of Bible truth, clear and connected. This truth is of heavenly origin and has been searched for as for hidden treasure. It has been dug out through careful searching of the Scriptures and through much prayer.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 446, 447.

“Let none seek to tear away the foundations of our faith—the foundations that were laid at the beginning of our work by prayerful study of the word and by revelation. Upon these foundations we have been building … Men may suppose that they have found a new way and that they can lay a stronger foundation than that which has been laid. But this is a great deception. Other foundation can no man lay than that which has been laid.

“In the past many have undertaken the building of a new faith, the establishment of new principles. But how long did their building stand? It soon fell, for it was not founded upon the Rock….

“So we are to hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. Words of power have been sent by God and by Christ to this people, bringing them out from the world, point by point, into the clear light of present truth. With lips touched with holy fire, God’s servants have proclaimed the message. The divine utterance has set its seal to the genuineness of the truth proclaimed.” Ibid., vol. 8, 297.

“Let all be careful not to make an outcry against the only people who are fulfilling the description given of the remnant people who keep the commandments of God and have faith in Jesus, who are exalting the standard of righteousness in these last days.

“God has a distinct people, a church on earth, second to none, but superior to all in their facilities to teach the truth, to vindicate the law of God. God has divinely appointed agencies—men whom He is leading, who have borne the heat and burden of the day, who are cooperating with heavenly instrumentalities to advance the kingdom of Christ in our world. Let all unite with these chosen agents, and be found at last among those who have the patience of the saints, who keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 58.

1 What far-reaching truth was given in response to Peter’s confession of faith in Christ? Matthew 16:13–19. Compare Ephesians 2:19–22.

Note: “To those who believe, Christ is a sure foundation. Upon this living stone, Jews and Gentiles alike may build. It is broad enough for all and strong enough to sustain the weight and burden of the whole world.” The Acts of the Apostles, 175.

2 How did Christ begin to lay the foundation of His church? John 1:36–51.

Note: “With the calling of John and Andrew and Simon, of Philip and Nathanael, began the foundation of the Christian church.” The Desire of Ages, 141.

3 After Christ’s ascension to heaven, who was to be His representative in this world? John 14:16–18.

Note: “When Christ gave His disciples the promise of the Spirit, He was nearing the close of His earthly ministry. He was standing in the shadow of the cross, with a full realization of the load of guilt that was to rest upon Him as the Sin Bearer. Before offering Himself as the sacrificial victim, He instructed His disciples regarding a most essential and com-
plete gift which He was to bestow upon His followers—the gift that would bring within their reach the boundless resources of His grace. [John 14:16, 17 quoted.] The Saviour was pointing forward to the time when the Holy Spirit should come to do a mighty work as His representative.” The Acts of the Apostles, 47.

4 What rich endowments were promised to the church with the coming of the Spirit? I Corinthians 12:7–11. Compare John 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26.

Note: “These gifts are said to be ‘set in the church,’ and if a gift is bestowed upon even one member of the church, it may be said that that gift is ‘in the church,’ or that the church ‘has’ it. So the last generation was to have, and it is believed does now have, the testimony of Jesus, or the gift of prophecy.” Uriah Smith, “Introduction,” Patriarchs and Prophets, 28.

“We call upon you to take your stand on the Lord’s side, and act your part as a loyal subject of the kingdom. Acknowledge the gift that has been placed in the church for the guidance of God’s people in the closing days of earth’s history. From the beginning the church of God has had the gift of prophecy in her midst as a living voice to counsel, admonish, and instruct.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 83.

“The talents that Christ entrusts to His church represent especially the gifts and blessings imparted by the Holy Spirit. [I Corinthians 12:8–11 quoted.] All men do not receive the same gifts, but to every servant of the Master some gift of the Spirit is promised.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 327.

5 What assurance of His continuing presence did Christ give to His disciples? Matthew 28:20, last part.

Note: “Christ’s visible presence was about to be withdrawn from the disciples, but a new endowment of power was to be theirs. The Holy Spirit was to be given them in its fullness, sealing them for their work. ‘Behold,’ the Saviour said, ‘I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.’ Luke 24:49.” The Acts of the Apostles, 30.

6 What symbol did Christ use to represent the church to John? Revelation 12:1.

Note: “…a woman, a figure which is used in the Scriptures as the symbol of a church. A virtuous woman represents a pure church, a vile woman an apostate church.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, 233.

7 What action did Satan take against the woman and her children? Revelation 12:17, first part.

Note: “The dignitaries of church and state will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political corruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth; and even in free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance. Liberty of conscience, which has cost so great a sacrifice, will no longer be respected. In the soon-coming conflict we shall see exemplified the prophet’s words: ‘The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.’ Revelation 12:17.” The Great Controversy, 592.

8 What marks of identity are provided to distinguish the remnant church? Revelation 12:17, last part; 19:10, last part.

Note: “Those who are living amid the perils of the last days, days which are characterized by the masses turning from the truth of God to fables, will have close work to turn from the fables which are prepared for them on every hand, and have an appetite to feast upon unpopular truth. Those who turn from these fables to truth are despised, hated, and persecuted by those who are presenting fables to the people for their reception. Satan is at war with the remnant who are endeavoring to keep the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 105.

9 What did the angel declare that John’s brethren, the prophets, possessed? Revelation 19:10; 22:9.

Note: “Revelation 19:10 and 22:9 quoted.] … The thought expressed is the same in both these passages. In one, however, John’s ‘brethren’ are said to have ‘the testimony of Jesus’; in the other these ‘brethren’ are called ‘the prophets.’

“Therefore it is the prophets who have ‘the testimony of Jesus.’” R. W. Munson, “The Prophetic Gift,” “Appendix,” Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White, 243.

10 What further marks of identity does the remnant church possess? Revelation 14:12, 13.

Note: “This is the people that are repairing the breach in the law of God. They see that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment has been supplanted by a spurious sabbath, a day that has no sanction in the Word of God. Amid great opposition they become loyal to their God, and take their position under the standard of the third angel.

“As the end approaches, the testimonies of God’s servants will become more decided and more powerful, flashing the light of truth upon the systems of error and oppression that have so long held the supremacy. The Lord has sent us messages for this time to establish Christianity upon an eternal basis, and all who believe present truth must stand, not in their own wisdom, but in God; and raise up the foundation of many generations. These will be registered in the books of heaven as repairers of the breach, the restorers of paths to dwell in. We are to maintain the truth because it is truth, in the face of the bitterest opposition.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1152.

11 In what Christian movement of these times have the gift of prophecy and the other marks of prophetic identity been manifest?

Note: “Seventh-day Adventists believe in the gifts of the Spirit. They believe that the varied operations of the Spirit of God, having been expressly set in the church (I Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4), were designed to continue therein to the end, because they are not limited, and God has never withdrawn them from the church; just as they believed that the original blessing placed in the beginning upon the seventh day, is there still, because God never has withdrawn it, nor placed it upon any other day. …

“They believe that they have in their midst a special manifestation, answering to one at least of these gifts which have been placed in the Christian church. This is found in the visions [of Ellen White], as published. . . . Every test which can be brought to bear upon such manifestations, proves these genuine. The evidence which supports them, internal and external, is conclusive. They agree with the word of God and with themselves.” Uriah Smith, “The Visions—Objections Answered,” Review and Herald, June 12, 1866.

12 What message had been entrusted to the advent people? Revelation 14:6–13. Compare Matthew 24:14.

Note: “God has a church on earth who are lifting up the downtrodden law, and presenting to the world the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. The church is the depositary of the wealth of the riches of the grace of Christ, and through the church eventually will be made manifest the final and full display of the love of God to the world that is to be lightened with its glory. The prayer of Christ that His church may be one as He was one with His Father will finally be answered. The rich dowry of the Holy Spirit will be given, and through its constant supply to the people of God they will become witnesses in the world of the power of God unto salvation.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 50.

13 What did Jesus say concerning the triumph of His church? Matthew 16:18, last part. Compare Joel 2:32.

Note: “I [Ellen White] warn the Seventh-day Adventist Church to be careful how you receive every new notion and those who claim to have great light. The character of their work seems to be to accuse and to tear down. . . .

“Let the believers heed the voice of the angel who has said to the church, ‘Press together.’ In unity is your strength. Love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. God hath a church, and Christ hath declared, ‘The gates of hell shall not prevail against it’ (Matthew 16:18). The messengers the Lord sends bear the divine credentials. I [Ellen White] have tender feelings toward you, but come to the light, I beseech of you.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 69.

“Messages of every order and kind have been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists, to take the place of the truth which, point by point, has been sought out by prayerful study, and testified to by the miracle-working power of the Lord. But the waymarks which have made us what we are, are to be preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has signified through His word and the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 52.

Recipe – Lentil Burger

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2 cups sunflower seed, soaked 8–12 hours, sprouted 4 hours

4 Tablespoons chopped parsley

4 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice or to taste

1 1/2 cups sprouted lentils

2 Tablespoons Bragg Liquid Aminos or 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

4 carrots, finely grated

1 small onion, cut in chunks

1 Tablespoon chicken-like seasoning

4 stalks celery, coarsely chopped

2 teaspoons fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano

2–3 cloves garlic, chopped

In a food processor, combine all of the ingredients. Process until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and broken into very small bits. (Depending on the size of your food processor, you may have to process this recipe in batches.) Form the mixture into 1/2 to 1-inch thick patties. Dehydrate 8 to 12 hours or leave them in the sun or warm them in a very low oven (below 118 degrees Fahrenheit). Makes 9 to 10 patties. These burgers are great served between cabbage leaves, with bread and Vegenaise, or on a plate with warm mushroom gravy.

Food For Life – Sprouting and Health Pt II

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When it is time to harvest and use your sprouts, a little time and care will increase your eating pleasure. Adzuki, alfalfa, cabbage, clover, fenugreek, mung, and radish taste better with their hulls removed. The sprouts can be put into a sink filled halfway with cool water, then agitated gently with your fingers to remove the hulls, which will either fall to the bottom of the sink or begin to float. Push the floating hulls to one corner of the sink, and then gently remove the sprouts, being careful to not stir up the hulls on the bottom of the sink. The harvested sprouts can be transferred to a covered clean glass jar or placed in a sealable plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator. The sprouts will continue to grow slowly in the refrigerator until use.

Although this is an easy process, sometimes things can go wrong. The most common problem is spoilage. Contributing to spoilage may be one of the following factors: bad or cracked seeds, inconsistent rinsing—remember this removes the seeds’ waste, too much heat, and inadequate ventilation. So be sure to inspect your seeds for cracked seed, rinse on a regular basis, monitor the temperature and rinse more often if needed, and, lastly, use a fan to circulate the air. One other thing that can affect the enjoyment of your sprouts is poor texture or a bitter taste. This can be avoided by following the sprouting chart* carefully—do not over soak and do not grow the sprouts too long.

Sprouts can be used in salads; on bread; in bread recipes, dried breads, and crackers; blended to make spreads or juice; in loafs and dressings; in milks, cereals, and soups. Begin your sprouting journey and see where it takes you. Enjoy better health as you add sprouts into your diet.

*For a copy of the sprouting chart, e-mail your request to: historic@stepstolife.org, or refer to The Sprouting Book, by Ann Wigmore, Avery Publishing Group Inc., Wayne, New Jersey, 1986.

Nature Nugget – The Tree of Life

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Native to Africa, the Shepherd’s Tree grows in hot, arid and semi-arid regions. It is one of the few trees that will grow on the slopes of sand dunes where the shifting sands constantly expose roots, making survival a struggle for most plants. The Shepherd’s Tree is a stocky evergreen that can grow to a height of over 36 feet (11 meters) but is usually much shorter. It has a dense, round to spreading crown and a distinctly smooth, whitish trunk. The tree has heavily scented, small, star-shaped flowers in clusters that are yellowish-green and fruits that are berry-like. The secret to the Shepherd’s Tree’s survival is its root system which reaches deep into the earth to tap underground water sources. Its taproot can extend to a depth of 223 feet (68 meters) in search of underground water. This is why it is one of the few species of trees that can grow in the Kalahari Desert.

The Shepherd’s Tree is so named because during periods of drought, shepherds cut limbs off this tree to feed their flocks. The tree is often called the Tree of Life, as it offers sustenance to both humans and animals. Herbivores in savannah areas, such as giraffe, gemsbok, and kudu, browse the nutritious leaves. Red hartebeest and porcupines are known to feed on the bark. The fragrant flowers attract a host of pollinators, and the leaves are the larval food of a number of butterflies. The fruits are eaten by birds, primates, foxes, jackals, and elephants.

This tree is a valuable source of shade, especially in the desert areas where trees are rare. Daytime temperatures beneath this tree have been found to be as much as 21 degrees Celsius cooler than that of the surrounding open area. The big cat species of Africa are fond of resting under these trees during the heat of the day, and tree rats and numerous bird species nest in the tree’s shaded boughs. The shaded area under the tree also provides an important microhabitat for a great variety of invertebrate fauna.

The Shepherd’s Tree also has a large range of indigenous uses by man, especially during periods of drought when there is little else to eat. The root is eaten raw, pounded to make porridge, or boiled down into sweet syrup. The fruits are eaten raw, cooked in traditional dishes, or used to make jams. The flower buds are used in place of capers. The tree also has numerous important medicinal uses. For instance, the green fruit is used to treat epilepsy, and a cold fusion of the leaves is used to treat eye inflammations in cattle. The roots are used to make an extract for the treatment of hemorrhoids. The powdered root also has preservative and mold inhibiting qualities and is used by local tribes to preserve milk and butter fat.

One day soon we will have access to the real Tree of Life if we are faithful. “The fruit of the tree of life in the Garden of Eden possessed supernatural virtue. To eat of it was to live forever…

“The redeemed saints, who have loved God and kept His commandments here, will… have right to the tree of life. They will eat freely of it as our first parents did before their fall.” Maranatha, 325.

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

Children’s Corner – A Lesson in Thanksgiving

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Sally and Sam had always had fun on Thanksgiving. It had been a time when the whole family got together at Grandma and Grandpa Miller’s house. There was lots of good food to eat, and Sally and Sam got to play with their cousins.

They were disappointed when their mother told them that they would not be able to go to Grandma and Grandpa’s for Thanksgiving this year. “I am afraid we live too far away now, and your father cannot take the time off work,” their mother explained.

Seeing their disappointment, their father said, “I have an idea! Why don’t you invite some of your friends over for Thanksgiving?”

“Everyone is going to have Thanksgiving with their own family!” Sally pointed out with a sigh.

“How about Roger?” Sam asked. “He only has a mother, and she doesn’t make much money. I’ll bet they’d like a nice Thanksgiving dinner.”

“I’ve met Roger’s mother at school,” Sally and Sam’s mother said. “She seems like a very nice woman, but I’m not sure she would like it if she thought we were inviting her because she and her son are poor. I will write her an invitation, explaining that you children are not able to be with your cousins this year, and we would appreciate it if they could join us for dinner. That is true; isn’t it?”

“Is something wrong, Sally?” Sally’s father had seen his daughter’s change of expression. “Don’t you like Roger?”

“The other kids make fun of him, Daddy!” Sally cried. “When they find out he was over for Thanksgiving, they will tease me too!”

“Why do they make fun of him?” her father asked.

“I don’t know. His ears are a little big, so some of the kids call him Roger Rabbit, but mostly, I guess, it is because of how he dresses. He wears the same pants and shirt all week! And his shoes have holes in them!”

“Perhaps his mother cannot afford to buy him new clothes, Sally,” her mother pointed out gently. “Not everyone’s job pays as much as your father’s does.”

“Jesus tells us to do good to others without hoping to get any kind of reward,” Sally’s father reminded. “If the boy is being teased at school, he can use some friends. We will invite Roger and his mother over for Thanksgiving dinner.”

Sally knew her father had made up his mind, but she was not really happy with his decision.

The next day she watched as Sam gave Roger the note their mother had written, and told him that he and his mother were invited over for Thanksgiving. The look of joy that came into Roger’s eyes made her feel slightly uncomfortable.

“Hey, Sally, what is your brother doing with Roger Rabbit?” One of the girls who had been playing nearby came up and asked.

“Father says it is wrong to call names,” Sally answered proudly and walked off before she could be questioned further.

Sally was happy when no one learned that they had invited Roger and his mother to their house. Perhaps no one would ever know, she thought as school let out for the Thanksgiving holiday. It was different with boys, she decided. Boys did not care what they looked like. But girls had to look nice to have friends, and their friends had to look nice too, or people noticed and made fun of you.

On Thanksgiving day, Sally’s mother was glad to have her help. There were potatoes to peel and rolls to make and oh so much more!

“You have done a wonderful job, my dear, and such delicious smells!” Father said approvingly as he lay the last piece of silverware on the table and stood back to inhale deeply. Just then the doorbell sounded, and Father opened the door for their guests.

“Hi, Roger!” Sam called out from his bedroom doorway. “Come on in, and let’s play!”

Roger looked toward his mother and she nodded her head, “Go have fun, dear, and I will get better acquainted with Sam’s parents. And this little girl must be Sam’s sister, Sally? I expect you have been a big help to your mother today.”

“Indeed she has!” Sally’s mother flashed her daughter a smile. “Why don’t you go play with the boys, Sally? Dinner won’t be long.”

Sally stood in the doorway watching the boys as they talked. Approaching, her father asked, “Are there any games the three of you can play?”

“I know a good Thanksgiving game!” Roger explained. “It is easy too. All you have to do is make a list of the things you are thankful for, and the person with the most things wins.”

“I don’t know,” father said hesitantly, but Roger added, “My mother and I play it every year. I will ask her if she wants to play,” and he rushed from the room.

“What can he have to be thankful for?” Sally asked. “He does not even have a good pair of shoes to wear!”

“Perhaps he knows there is more to life than new shoes,” Sally’s father said soberly. “Come you two; let’s play Roger’s Thanksgiving game.”

Paper and pencils were passed out, and the children sat down to list all the things for which they were thankful. This is going to be easy, Sally thought, and wrote down a few items. Then her brow puckered. What else did she own?

“Time is up,” Sally’s father announced as the buzzer in the kitchen went off. “While mother is putting the finishing touches on dinner, suppose we go over our lists and see who came up with the most things to be thankful for.”

The lists were laid out on the table, and Roger’s list was the longest. But as Sally looked at what he had written she felt puzzled. “I don’t understand, Daddy,” she said to the man who stood looking over her shoulder. “How can he be thankful for those things?”

“How can anyone not be thankful for those things, Sally?” her father responded. “Roger has remembered to be thankful for things that many of us take for granted. That is one of the reasons he is so happy all the time. I think we would all be a lot better off if we remembered to thank God every day for the wonderful things He has given us.”

When Sally and Sam’s father gave the prayer of thanksgiving before dinner, he remembered to include many of the things Roger had written on his Thanksgiving list.

Watching Roger as he sat at the table laughing and joking with his mother and the others, Sally began to feel ashamed of herself. Roger knew better than she how to do things God’s way. And that was why Roger, in spite of not having much in the way of physical possessions, was happy.

<www.antelope-ebooks.com> September 2007.