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To Streets of glory

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Isaiah 42:7 says, “To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.”

Mine is a testimony of being set free from both spiritual and literal prisons. Yet many who have never been behind iron bars have been prisoners to shame and guilt through sin, which is transgression of God’s laws. (See I John 3:4.) Except we should take advantage of the redemption provided for us through the death, resurrection and intercession of Jesus Christ, we all would sit hopelessly on death row, awaiting the just penalty for our sins. (See Ezekiel 18:24; Romans 6:23.) I pray that this testimony will encourage some, who have gone to the depths of sin, to answer the Lord’s call, to become and remain free through the abiding gift of God’s Son.

I was born 1960, in Southern California and raised in a basically non-religious family. There was no Bible around nor Biblical instruction. The closest we got to Christianity was Christmas trees, Santa, and Easter egg hunts. I was the last addition to a family of one sister, Mary, and two brothers, Rob and Phil. I’m the result of my parents’ violation of the 7th commandment and their marriage vows. My mom is 5’ 2” and married to an easygoing man named Jack, whom I call “Dad” to this day. Jack was 5’ 6” with black hair, and worked in aviation. His rival, “Jim,” was 6’8”, a reddish blond police officer, womanizer and husband to mom’s 2nd cousin. Mom worried for nine months that I’d look like Jack’s rival. I was born 10 lbs., 11 oz. with red hair; clearly not Jack’s son. If my mom would have known or taken to heart Numbers 32:23, “Behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out,” I might not be writing this. Anyway, the secret of my origin was kept from me till I was about 13 years old.

Some of my earliest memories, before my folks’ separation and divorce in 1965–1966, are of people saying, “He sure does not look like the others.” How out of place that made me feel. I’m sure it affected Mom and Jack, too. Another memory was going out alone, lying in the grass in our back yard, and looking through the clouds trying to see God. (John 1:9.) He is the light that comes to every child, but we have to cherish that light, or the world (and its god) will eclipse it. I clearly remember people crying over Kennedy’s assassination and racial tension from the Watts riots a few miles away. I also remember that Dad managed my cousins’ rock band, “The Rubber Band,” and how, when they practiced in our garage, it would attract the neighborhood. I used to get as close to the drums or amplifiers as I could, as I liked how it changed the rhythms of my heart. “Rock” and “acid rock,” which evolved into “heavy metal,” profoundly affected my life. (See I Corinthians 15:33.)

  1. The divorce split us all up. We were all given the choice to live with whichever parent we wanted. My sister and I chose Mom. However, my brothers and I still attended the same school. Then, one day, I went to meet them in the park, as we always did after school, and they were not there. Dad and his new wife Hilda had taken them out of state. I never saw or heard from them for several years during which, due to a number of circumstances, I was bounced around to different homes and schools. All this compounded that “out of place” feeling, which grew into a sense of rejection and abandonment. Over time, I found these emotions easier to deal with if channeled or transformed into anger or hate and pointed outward. Pretty soon I did not have to try hard to do it. I vented it on others in attacks or fights.

The one stability I had during that time was Grandpa. (Grandma was a Christian, but had advanced Alzheimer’s before that name was given to it.) Grandpa was not a professing Christian, but while I lived with him, he set fair and firm boundaries and made sure my grades stayed up. He was brutally honest, bitingly sarcastic, and a bit racist; all of which rubbed off on me. He also used tobacco, and I started smoking “like Grandpa” when I was eight.

My mom remarried, and in 1971 I moved back with them. It was not long before her new husband told her, “It’s the brat or me!” Mom chose the brat. Mom became very permissive and acted more like a friend than a parent. Her change in behavior and values seemed to be tied to her becoming depressed and anorexic in addition to the valium, barbiturates and codeine that doctors gave her. Under the influence of these, it seemed not to bother her when I cussed, smoked in front of her, grew my hair long, shoplifted, or got in fights with “the jocks.” I was a manipulative, rebellious child, and I pushed to see where my boundaries were. But, there were no laws, limits, or punishment.

Within a year or so, my brothers ran away from Dad and Hilda, and were in and out of our house before joining the military. It was during a family fallout that my oldest brother let out the family secret and the identity of my true father. As a father and police officer, my biological father was to represent love, law, authority, and integrity. Due to his representation, I rejected them all. (Those are all attributes of God, and they were so distorted in my mind that God had a hard time reaching me.) Satan knows our weak spots and how to time things. He saw to it that somebody showed me a Bible text: Deuteronomy 23:2: “A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the Lord.” That was the ultimate rejection. But, here was (to me) Bible proof that the God I sought as a child had consigned me and any offspring from me to eternal flames. I did not choose to be born this way. I had no affinity for Satan, but I figured I was going to burn with him, so I might as well get what I could from life right then. This may seem simplistic of me, but misapplied Scripture can do serious harm in one not trained to study correctly.

I was 13 years old and there was nobody around I could speak to about spiritual things, at least Christian spirituality. I had some serious voids in my life left by this misunderstanding of God and the lack of a father or brothers. Around that time, my sister’s new husband introduced me to Dexedrine, an amphetamine. I liked it, as it changed the way I felt about everything. I started trying other drugs and liked them better than marijuana and alcohol. However, I continued to use them all. I found that I could chemically alter those feelings of not belonging, insecurity, etc., and I was determined to stay in those altered states. A Vietnam vet moved in next door at that time, bringing all his crazy biker buddies, and I was attracted to the Harley Davidsons, the heavy metal music, and the wild parties. They seemed to like having the wild kid around, who could take as much LSD as they could. They took the place of family to me, and I’d do anything to impress them and spend time with them. My girlfriend Kim used to baby-sit for them, so that also gave us time, unobserved, we should not have had. We were both way ahead of our time.

Amidst all that, I remember the Lord knocking hard at my heart’s door that year. I was confronted by a Christian youth group on my way into a rock concert. You could see joy in their eyes, and I needed that, but in my pocket I had the keys to a ’65 Mustang Mom had turned over to me, money, drugs, and I was surrounded with friends. I quickly reasoned that I was young, and Christian life would take away my fun and friends. Besides, I reasoned further, God’s word already showed me I could have no part with His congregation. So I ignored the knock and sent the Lord away. This brings a passage and a principle to mind: Proverbs 13:12 states, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.”

It was many years before I sensed the call of the Lord like that again. During those years I dropped out of school, began using the needle and committing serious, even gun crimes to supply the large sums needed for drugs. I became more hateful and embraced Nazism. And, of course, I was having run-ins with the law. Though I’d get arrested, for the most part through technicalities or leniency, charges would drop or I’d never get more than 11 months, even for felonies. Ecclesiastes 8:11 reads, “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.”

By my twenties many of my contemporaries were dying of overdoses, being murdered, killing others, or in prison; Subconsciously, I had a death wish. On occasion I’d rob armed drug dealers, knowing they could not call police, they could only kill me. In 1986 I got in close with a bunch of witches. And that is when God intervened. Early in 1987 my fiancée, Jerianna, and I were arrested in La Paz County, Arizona, for a string of crimes committed on both the California and Arizona sides of the Colorado River. One of the charges in Arizona carried a 20-year minimum, mandatory sentence. Jerianna got scared and made a deal with both states. She would tell them everything if they’d let her go but bury me, as she was afraid I’d kill her if I ever got out.

This was the best thing God could do for me. While I was being tried, God used a police officer named Troy to put a King James Bible through the bars into my hands. Troy’s kindness took me off guard, as I had not treated him with much respect. I sat down and admitted that “doing it my way” had caused a lot of hurt, and that I would try God’s way if He’d help me read and understand His Word. I started with Psalm 64. Part of it fit my situation, but He needed to answer my problem with Deuteronomy 23:2, the quote about the bastard not being allowed into the congregation. God did answer that problem with two key passages. John 3:3, 6, 7 says, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. … That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” The second text was John 1:12, 13. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” All of us are offered the privilege of being children of God, if we receive it. But it doesn’t end there. Colossians 2:6 promises, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.”

As I began turning my life over to God, He began overruling in my legal situation. Even after I confessed my crimes, I got roughly 1/10 of the mandatory 20-year sentence in Arizona. I see that as a miracle. I accepted prison as part of God’s way of setting me free spiritually. (See John 8:31, 34.) God taught me that in Christ there can be no racism. In I John 4:20 we are instructed, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” Cutting loose from Nazism was like a huge weight lifting from me. I learned to pray for my enemies. I also learned that God’s forgiveness does not always clear away earthly penalties for our sins. Galatians 6:7 clearly says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” I knew I still had felony charges in California that carried four to ten years.

While going through extradition hearings, I continually studied the Bible and got nicknamed “the preacher.” I was under heavy conviction for my countless sins, and my need for baptism. I was taught that eternal torments in hellfire awaited the unsaved, and the charismatic ministry volunteers taught that speaking in tongues was the evidence that God accepted you. For months they laid hands on me, but it never happened. At my baptism, unintelligible words came out, but nobody could interpret. I reasoned that the Holy Spirit didn’t forget what He inspired Paul to write in I Corinthians 14:27, 28, and this did not match what was taught there or in Acts 2. So I apologized to God for demanding a certain gift as proof that He accepted me, and asked that if that was not His Spirit speaking through me, that it not happen again. It never has. God overruled again, and California courts counted some of my time in Arizona as “time served,” leaving only five months to serve in Chino, California. It was there in 1989 that I became acquainted with “Flying Prison Ministries.”

These men had a thinking man’s faith, not all clapping and emotionalism. They had joy, yet their message carried reproof and called for serious study and continual surrender. The head chaplain was a fallen away Seventh-day Adventist, and he restricted their messages and the literature they brought in. I knew they were different, but did not know they were Seventh-day Adventists till they invited me to attend their church on release. I had a SR-22 driver’s restriction. A Sunday church within walking distance from where I was paroled had already placed me with a good job with one of their elders. Still, God compelled me to call on the Adventists one Saturday, and in minutes I had a ride to church. The prison minister, a former gang member, was the church librarian. When I asked him for the best books to define the SDA church, Bobby handed me Daniel and Revelation by Uriah Smith and The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White. In about a week, I read The Great Controversy, and it helped me see Christ more clearly, as well as remove Satanic mists of false prophecy and traditions that exalted the authority of the Roman Catholic Church over Divine authority, i.e. the Laws of God and Scripture. I never really knew what it meant to be a Protestant or Catholic till I read that book. That book multiplied the worth of my Bible to me more than words can describe.

I wish I could tell you I fully submitted to God right then. But an intellectual assent to even the greatest truths is not enough to break the grip of Satan. I was fired from my job with the Sunday church and became a Sabbath keeper, as God helped me establish a painting business. He helped me leave off unclean foods. I got off parole and got engaged to a Pathfinder leader. Outwardly, I looked good, but deep inside, the missing element that earlier made drugs an option left me with a weakness that needed only the right opportunity to show itself. It was the same weakness that after walking 3 1/2 years with Jesus, Peter had when he denied Jesus in that judgment hall. Self-will was enthroned where God should reign, and like Peter, who went back to fishing in his great disappointment, I went back to my old ways. Compare Matthew 12:43–47. I lost my fiancée, business, home, all but a van that I pit-stopped in. What made my fall worse is that people knew I had been involved with Seventh-day Adventism. I became a false witness who gave room for Satan to reproach Christ, His cause and His Church.

God leaves it to us to surrender our will in exchange for His. That can be our greatest struggle. Many times I asked to be delivered from temptation and sin, in my case, methamphetamines. And one day, in prayer, I finally came to the point where I admitted to God that I loved drugs more than I loved Christ. But I knew Christ loved me more than His own life, and if I would accept that love, and overcome, even as He overcame, He would assure me a place with Him in His eternal throne. (See Revelation 3:19–21.) I asked Him to take my will and what I loved and replace it with His will. This is exactly what Jesus did when He was tempted to give up at Gethsemane. He admitted that His flesh was weak, and surrendered His will for His Father’s will. Three times He did this. (See Matthew 26:39–44.) He overcame, giving us an example of how to overcome while in the likeness of sinful flesh.

God moved decisively, and my friends and drug connections closed up to me. My church had been going toward the celebration style of worship, to the point where a youth leader/elder rode his Harley Davidson motorcycle into the sanctuary on Sabbath, October 22, and told a children’s story about how Harleys got named “Hog.” That was my cue, after making a protest, to wipe my feet and leave to look for fellowship and study among people who respect God and the mission of His church. In 1995 I was told of a Hope International camp meeting in Angeles Oaks, CA. I had seen Our Firm Foundation and LandMarks magazines while I was in Fiji in 1993–1994. I needed strong fellowship when I got back from Fiji, but that was not easily found in my old church. Anyway, I was impressed that I’d find serious Adventists at the camp meeting. Although God had just delivered me from meth and alcohol weeks before, I still smoked. I prayed all the way from Los Angeles to the mountains where the camp meeting was being held that I would not come down those mountains still hooked. God answered. On sight, Ron Spear told me, “God wants to use you right now, but He can’t till you can tell people about victory!” The next question was “where are you your cigarettes?”

He and several others took time to pray with me all through that camp meeting. I found people who really loved the Lord and respected the mission and message of the remnant movement of God. Ron and Betty Spear took a chance with me and pulled out a bundle of cash for gas. Ron said, “If you let the Lord keep you in victory, drive up to Hope and volunteer for a while. God willing, the staff will watch and pray, and maybe you will fit in there.” Of course, there was resistance from my church friends to working with an “independent ministry.”

But Hope was what I needed. I had heart, kidney, liver, brain, and, even worse, soul damage from 20 years of injecting drugs. Overnight, I became a vegan, and in two weeks I was over the slump, retraining taste buds and having remarkable recoveries. I could remember what I studied. I needed strong fellowship, study, country living and a purpose in the Everlasting Gospel Commission. God helped me to find it.

Nearly two years later, I wanted to try something more along the lines of mission field, and went to Mexico to CMS, a training School for health, agricultural and Bible workers, to assist in a small press operation being set up there. It was in this place that I became further convicted to do more to advance the Three Angels’ Messages, and I knew I needed to be better equipped.

Reuben and Jean Teske suggested earlier that I look into Black Hills, a school for evangelism led by Louis and Carol Torres, that had good placement with the churches. Through several miracles the Lord opened the way, even the door the Torres’s meant to keep closed to me due to my “ultra conservative” background. Despite a few doctrinal differences, we became friends, and after graduating from Black hills I was called to Plymouth Sorrento Church in Florida where I met and married my wife Blanca.

After working in Florida for a year, Ron Goss called us to work in Virginia, assisting him so he could further develop Project Restore, a publishing and revival ministry. Ron sent us to the Philippines in 2000, where, with the help of the Holy Spirit and good ground workers, God blessed with over 170 precious souls coming out of Roman Catholic Babylon into Christ and His remnant church. It was the encouragement we needed. God granted us some success in the rural “Bible belt” in the United States, but in comparison, Americans are gospel hardened.

On another occasion, during the day before our main evening city crusade, I remember preaching in a hot, sweaty Filipino jail, with the whole cell block in the aisle with their Bibles, note pads and markers. It was near the end of the series, and out of 220 inmates, 80 men and 11 women stopped coming out for mass and requested baptism. The Lord impressed me to share a message called, “Saved to Serve.” We came to Matthew 28:18–20 which says, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” A depth of meaning to that passage and rays of hope came to me such as I’d not sensed in it before.

As I looked at these men sitting on the floor of that jail, I thought of the first time I had read Matthew 28:18–20. I was in a jail, not seeing further than a prison yard, not knowing when I’d get out and so not really applying it personally. As I looked into their eyes, it came over me that by God’s grace and that commission, here I was, in the end of the world, both geographically and in time, teaching them to observe all that the Lord commanded, and that He was with me, as He was promising to be with them. It brought tears of gratitude to my eyes, and hope for these men as well! It was a hope that God could turn away their captivity and send them also to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. Because they were seeking to obey God, already the key of David and the doors of heaven’s blessings were opening for them, as God was doing for me at that moment.

There have been many other soul-winning opportunities and hundreds of baptisms as the fruit of serving God since then. I don’t have seminary training or church ordination, but since 1999 my wife and I have been Bible instructors, and from late 2004 till last May, we were also lay-pastoring. Oh, how wrong I was when I turned the Lord away at 13, thinking Christian life would be boring or bondage. We look forward to where God will send us next, to use the everlasting Gospel keys He has given us “to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” Isaiah 42:7. May God also set you free to set others free in Christ.

Dean Ferrell has served as a Bible worker, a pastor, and an evangelist in a variety of locations. He and his wife, Blanca, make a powerful team in ministry. Dean is currently helping his spiritual mentor, Elder Ron Spear, in Kettle Falls, Washington.

A Christian Spirit

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In contemplating the love of God, it must be understood as an indispensable element in the Christian’s life. Fundamentally, it is also the prerequisite to possessing the graces of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul makes this very clear. He affirms that the fruit of the Spirit is love. Essentially, the believer must be controlled and driven by the Holy Spirit in order for him/her to have this divine attribute, this heavenly principle! That’s why the apostle Paul says, “Walk in the spirit,” for when the believer agrees with the Holy Spirit to “walk in the spirit,” the Holy Spirit brings Christ into the life of the person; thus Christ’s love is shed abroad in the life, and it becomes the ruling principle by which all actions are determined.

When the motive power in the life of the Christian is the love of Jesus, it will henceforth bring about the fruit of joy! It is on this basis that Paul speaks, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,” etc.

Joy is one of the graces of the Holy Spirit which dominates the life of the Christian as a result of possessing the love of Jesus Christ! But the question I would endeavor to answer is, What is joy? Webster’s Dictionary states that it is the emotion of gladness; happiness; gaiety; contentment; satisfaction.

In defining joy, the Holy Scripture declares, “… the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10, last part. The Hebrew word chedvah or khed-vaw means “rejoicing, gladness, joy.”

The word strength as used in Nehemiah 8:10, in association with the joy of the Lord, is the Hebrew word maw-ooz which means a fortified place; a defense, fort, rock, “a stronghold.” So the joy, rejoicing, and gladness that the Lord gives is the Christian’s defense, fortified place, his/her stronghold. The New Testament word joy, as used in Galatians 5:22, is chara and comes from chairo, meaning “to be cheerful, calmly happy or well-off.” Joyfulness is the invigorating tonic of the Christian character. The thing that makes you a strong Christian or a weak one is your possession or deprivation of the joy of the Lord.

On hearing the words of the book of the law, all the people wept. Nehemiah exhorts them to prepare themselves for serving the God of their fathers with a cheerful mind. Nehemiah 8:10: “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” These words contain this important truth: to the nature of true religion there belongs an inward joy which animates, strengthens, and supports virtue.

In both Old Testament and New Testament, joy is consistently the mark both individually of the believer and corporately of the church. It is a quality, and not simply an emotion, that is grounded upon God Himself and indeed derived from Him. Psalm 16:11 says, “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence [is] fulness of joy; at thy right hand [there are] pleasures for evermore.” Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.” Romans 15:13, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost,” which characterizes the Christian’s life on earth. I Peter 1:8 reinforces this in saying, “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,” and also anticipates eschatologically the joy of being with Christ forever in the kingdom of heaven, e.g., Revelation 19:7, “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.”

In the Old Testament and the New Testament God Himself is the ground and object of the believers’ “joy.” Psalm 35:9, “And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation”; Psalm 43:4, “Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.” Isaiah 61:10, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.” Luke 1:47, “And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” Romans 5:11, “And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Philippians 3:1, “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed [is] not grievous, but for you [it is] safe.” Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.”

In his book, Conquering the Kill-Joys, 13, Bill Weber made the following remark: “God made each of us with the capacity for greatness and joy, but many people go through life never achieving their full potential. He intends for us to live happy, joyful lives, but so often we are too weighted down with the ‘kill-joys’ of life to even think about being happy. … We were never promised that we would be exempt from problems, but we were assured that our personal faith would be adequate for whatever problems we might face.”

He states further, “It is tragic that so many are missing out on God’s best—even Christians—because they have accepted failure, negative thinking, inferiority feelings, bad habits, and shallow faith as their way of life. They are not receiving all the good things that God has planned for them.

“Jesus wants us to win at life. He promised that if we would follow Him, He would give us abundant life. I believe that abundant life is a life full of joy, full of success and satisfaction—a contagiously happy life. He really wants us to reach our highest potential and maximize every opportunity that He gives us.” Ibid., 13, 14.

Dr. Weber lists eleven negative emotions or forces that definitely kill our joy; they are rejection, anger, resentment, stress, poor self-image, frustration, mediocrity, poor values, isolation, discouragement, and loneliness.

Then there is what I call a counterfeit joy that Satan gives. The servant of the Lord penned the following, “Those who indulge in chaffing, mirth, levity, and vanity of spirit, which arise from a superficial, cheap experience, have no real, solid foundation for hope and joy in the love of God and belief of the truth. The giddy, the heedless, the gay, the jovial spirit is not the joy which Paul is anxious that Christ’s followers shall have. This class spends their time in frivolity and excessive levity.” In Heavenly Places, 245.

Speaking to the Battle Creek Church, Ellen White outlined to them what God had revealed to her. Commenting on what she was given, she said, “But there has been a class of social gatherings in Battle Creek of an entirely different character, parties of pleasure that have been a disgrace to our institutions and to the church. They encourage pride of dress, pride of appearance, self-gratification, hilarity, and trifling. Satan is entertained as an honored guest, and he takes possession of those who patronize these gatherings. A view of one such company was presented to me, where were assembled those who profess to believe the truth. One was seated at the instrument of music, and such songs were poured forth as made the watching angels weep. There was mirth, there was coarse laughter, there was abundance of enthusiasm, and a kind of inspiration; but the joy was such as Satan only is able to create. This is an enthusiasm and infatuation of which all who love God will be ashamed. It prepares the participants for unholy thought and action. I have reason to think that some who were engaged in that scene heartily repented of the shameful performance.” Testimonies to Ministers, 82, 83.

It is indeed true that we live in a world that is entrenched and saturated with these negative emotions and counterfeit joy that do not and cannot bring about real joy, real happiness. People are very sad, unhappy, frustrated, depressed, discouraged, lonely, stressed and distressed, isolated—needing someone who cares. Every day they pass us by, on the street, in church, at the work place and even at home. Their eyes speak to us of their lack; our eyes speak to people of our lack. There is no joy in the Lord. For years many of us as humans, including professed Christians, have not truly smiled or laughed; we are purely artificial, and we do so much to cover up our deficiency. Many are looking for happiness in the wrong places, wrong things, and wrong persons. The youth are being drawn away from the true source of joy and happiness because of their hunger for true joy.

At least one out of every ten people in America today experiences some form of depression and discouragement.

“Hi, how are you?”

It is a standard greeting, said quickly with a smile and slight nod as two acquaintances pass hurriedly along their way. But those words, although usually well-intentioned, ring hollow; void of genuine care about how you really are. The words are superficial, said simply to acknowledge another. Any response other than “fine” would be socially unacceptable. In saying it, one is being friendly—but not a friend.

In his collection of essays, Sir Francis Bacon described this societal solitude in a work entitled, On Friendship:

Little do men perceive what solitude is, and how far it extendeth.

For a crowd is not a company, and faces are but a gallery of

pictures and talk but a tinkling cymbal, where there is no love.

“Meaningful friends are so needed today. We all need friends who care enough to dip beneath the surface, to truly care how we are inside.” Conquering the Kill-Joys, 114.

“Today, the vast majority of people are frustrated because they feel they have been turned into ‘machines’ that have to be turned on at eight and then turned off at five. Just flip the switch! As one writer lamented:

“I work, work, work without end.

Why and for whom, I know not.

I care not. I ask not.

I am a machine.

“In the modern-day age there is a prevalent sense of desperation about the future of our society that also is creating a deep sense of frustration. Many people hold jobs that are so tightly connected to the economic health of the nation that the slightest fluctuation can either cause great despair or bring needed financial relief.” Ibid., 82, 83.

Americans are more prone to tenseness and stress than any other people on the earth. Americans wear too much expression on their faces. They are living with all their nerves in action, according to one author.

“A visiting nineteenth-century French author once wrote and told his countrymen that an American had ‘invented a chair called a rocking chair, in which he can move while he sits.’ We have been called the ‘uptight generation,’ and rightly so. This is indeed,

“The age of the half-read page

And the quick hash and the mad dash.

The bright night and the nerves tight,

The plane hop, and the brief stop,

The brain strain and the heart pain.

The cat naps till the spring snaps,

And the fun’s done.” Ibid., 56.

There is but little joy left on this earth and the sad fact is that so many professed Christians are not truly joyful or happy. They do not have the anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll.

But we all need to remember that we have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows of anger, rejection, resentment, stress, frustration, discouragement, grief, loneliness, sadness, etc., roll, fastened to the rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in our Savior’s love. The joy of the Lord is our strength, our stronghold, our defense, our fortress. David said it right, “God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1.

“John Wesley, a great Methodist preacher, arose at four o’clock every morning and often preached up to five times a day. In fifty years of ministry, he preached more than forty thousand times, which averages fifteen sermons a week! He traveled more than 250 thousand miles to spread the gospel. Yet, he never hurried, he never worried, and he never suffered the wear and tear of stress.” Conquering the Kill-Joys, 59.

How could this preacher do this? He made the Lord his trust, and today he says to us in his beautiful hymn,

“Give to the winds thy fears; hope and be undismayed.

God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears, God shall lift up thy head.

Through waves and clouds and storms, God gently clears thy way;

wait thou God’s time; so shall this night soon end in joyous day.

Leave to God’s sovereign sway to choose and to command;

so shalt thou, wondering, own that way, how wise, how strong this hand.

Let us in life, in death, thy steadfast truth declare,

and publish with our latest breath thy love and guardian care.”

Paul Gerhardt, 1653. Translated by John Wesley, 1739.

How can we receive this joy that keeps the soul under all circumstances? Jesus invites us, “Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

“The love which Christ diffuses through the whole being is a vitalizing power. Every vital part—the brain, the heart, the nerves—it touches with healing. By it the highest energies of the being are roused to activity. It frees the soul from the guilt and sorrow, the anxiety and care, that crush the life forces. With it come serenity and composure. It implants in the soul, joy that nothing earthly can destroy,—joy in the Holy Spirit,—health-giving, life-giving joy.

“Our Saviour’s words, ‘Come unto Me … and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28,) are a prescription for the healing of physical, mental, and spiritual ills. Though men have brought suffering upon themselves by their own wrongdoing, He regards them with pity. In Him they may find help. He will do great things for those who trust in Him.” The Ministry of Healing, 115.

“Believing brings peace, and trusting in God brings joy.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 319, 320.

“The only way to gain peace and joy is to have a living connection with Him who gave His life for us, who died that we might live, and who lives to unite His power with the efforts of those who are striving to overcome.” In Heavenly Places, 33.

“In Christ is fullness of joy forevermore. The desires and pleasures and amusements of the world are never satisfying nor healing to the soul.” Testimonies to Ministers, 390.

“We should never give to the world the false impression that Christians are a gloomy, unhappy people. If our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we shall see a compassionate Redeemer, and shall catch light from His countenance. Wherever His Spirit reigns, there peace abides. And there will be joy also, for there is a calm, holy trust in God.” The Desire of Ages, 153.

“Is it possible to have joy in obeying Christ? It is the only real joy that any soul can have.” Sons and Daughters of God, 195.

“He [Christ] says, ‘If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.’ John 15:10, 11. In Him there is joy that is not uncertain and unsatisfying. If the light that flows from Jesus has come to you, and you are reflecting it upon others, you show that you have joy that is pure, elevating, and ennobling. Why should not the religion of Christ be represented as it really is, as full of attractiveness and power? Why should we not present before the world the loveliness of Christ? Why do we not show that we have a living Saviour, one who can walk with us in the darkness as well as in the light, and that we can trust in Him?” That I May Know Him, 142.

“The life in which the fear of the Lord is cherished will not be a life of sadness and gloom. It is the absence of Christ that makes the countenance sad and the life a pilgrimage of sighs. … But Christ dwelling in the soul is a wellspring of joy. For all who receive Him, the keynote of the Word of God is ‘rejoicing.’

“Why should not our joy be full—full, lacking nothing? We have the assurance that Jesus is our Saviour, and that we may freely partake of the rich provision He has made for us. … It is our privilege to seek constantly the joy of His presence. He desires us to be cheerful and to be filled with praise to His name. He wants us to carry light in our countenances and joy in our hearts.” Ibid.

For many, many Christians there is something that has been and is destroying their joy, and that something is trial.

The book, The Upward Look, 252, records for our benefit the following: “When trials come to us, let us not dwell upon the greatness of the difficulties and feel that we cannot have joy in the Lord. It is true we will have changes of feelings. There will come to us times of discouragement and depression. But shall we live by feeling or by faith? When our brethren and friends speak unadvisedly, and cause us grief, let us not be cast down. Let us remember that we are in a world of trial and grief, of sorrow and disappointment. When these experiences come to us, they should drive us to Christ. If they do not, we meet with loss.

“When tempted to give up under discouragement and difficulty, let us study the life and experiences of Christ. He had to contend against the powers of darkness that He might not be overcome. We have the same battle to fight, the same victories to win. ‘God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.’ John 3:16. It is our privilege to lay hold on the strength of One who is able to save unto the uttermost all that come unto God by Him. He invites you to present your case at the throne of grace, and cast your helpless soul on Him.

“The purging is not pleasant, but let us remember that Christ came to our world and took humanity that He might bear the afflictions that humanity must bear and be an example of faithful endurance under every form of trial. God wants us to realize that we are a part of the great human family, and that we must bear its tests. …

“Let your humanity lay hold of divinity. Go to the footstool of God’s grace, and say, ‘Lord, I hang my helpless soul on Thee. Help me to control my speech. Teach me to overcome.’ Christ will give you a spirit of overcoming. ‘They overcame him,’ we read, ‘by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.’ Revelation 12:11.”

Listen to the reason why we should not sink under trials, “Trials are Christ’s workmen to perfect the Christian graces. … These tests are not to sink the believers’ faith, but raise it equal to the occasion, that unto all it may be made to appear more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire. Every trial permitted is designed to exalt the truth to a higher appreciation, that praise to God alone shall be upon the lips of the true disciple of Christ. And the growth in grace is to the honor and glory of God at the appearing of Jesus Christ, ‘whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you.’ I Peter 1:8–10.” The Upward Look, 324.

“We grieve the Spirit of Christ by our complaints and murmurings and repinings. We should not dishonor God by the mournful relation of trials that appear grievous. All trials that are received as educators will produce joy. The whole religious life will be uplifting, elevating, ennobling, fragrant with good words and works.” God’s Amazing Grace, 325.

“So far from causing grief, persecution should bring joy to the disciples of Christ, for it is an evidence that they are following in the steps of their Master.

“While the Lord has not promised His people exemption from trials, He has promised that which is far better. He has said, ‘As thy days, so shall thy strength be.’ ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Deuteronomy 33:25; II Corinthians 12:9. If you are called to go through the fiery furnace for His sake, Jesus will be by your side even as He was with the faithful three in Babylon. Those who love their Redeemer will rejoice at every opportunity of sharing with Him humiliation and reproach. The love they bear their Lord makes suffering for His sake sweet.” Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 30.

No real joy can be found in disobedience. “Man is doing the greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God. No real joy can be found in the path forbidden by Him who knows what is best, and who plans for the good of His creatures. The path of transgression leads to misery and destruction; but wisdom’s ‘ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.’ Proverbs 3:17.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 600.

When king David sinned his great sin, he prayed a prayer that we all need to pray. “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.” Psalm 51:12.

In Testimonies, vol. 3, 481, is recorded these wonderful words, “The sweetest joy comes to man through his sincere repentance toward God because of the transgression of His law, and faith in Christ as the sinner’s Redeemer and Advocate.”

There are three things that constitute the greatest joy, namely, “To honor Christ, to become like Him, to work for Him, is the life’s highest ambition and its greatest joy.” Education, 297.

So why is it so necessary that we experience this joy that comes from knowing Christ? Because we are planning to make heaven our home and, “Heaven is full of joy. It resounds with the praises of Him who made so wonderful a sacrifice for the redemption of the human race. Should not the church on earth be full of praise? Should not Christians publish throughout the world the joy of serving Christ? Those who in heaven join with the angelic choir in their anthem of praise must learn on earth the song of heaven, the keynote of which is thanksgiving.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 244.

The chorus goes like this,

I have a joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart.

I have a joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart to stay.

I know the devil doesn’t like it but it’s down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart.

I know the devil doesn’t like it but it’s down in my heart, down in my heart to stay.

(By George Willis Cooke)

Is the joy of the Lord your strength? Do you have the joy of the Lord down in your heart?

Pastor Ivan Plummer ministers at the Emmanuel Seventh Day Church Ministries in Bronx, New York. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

The Meaning of the Cross

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Ellen White tells us that we are going to spend all eternity studying the meaning of the cross; it is the focal point of everything else. My freshman composition teacher used to say that when you are writing a paper, you need to limit your subject so that you can cover it adequately; but the cross is a subject that we can never fully cover. We still need, however, to understand all that our minds can grasp.

There was a theory going around in the days of Jesus that the soul, or the spirit, hovered over the dead body for three days after death. Jesus, however, waited and did not arrive at Lazarus’ home until he had been dead four days. Thus, even according to the false theories of the Jews, he was really dead. Because Lazarus was raised in the presence of a large group of people, there was no way to deny what had taken place. Some of those present related to the Pharisees what had taken place. A meeting of the Pharisees and chief priests was quickly called. The record of that meeting begins in John 11:45 and continues to the end of the chapter.

“If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” John 11:48. They were afraid of the Romans. Are people afraid of the Romans today? Yes, they are. God’s professed church is afraid of the Roman power today just as the people in Jesus’ day were afraid of the Romans. Interestingly, the very thing that they believed would bring the Roman power to destroy them was the thing that would have delivered them from its power. It is an amazing thing.

On this occasion, the church leaders decided they were going to have to kill Jesus to prevent the Romans from destroying them. Ironically, by that very act, they brought destruction on themselves by the Romans. As we continue our study, keep in mind that something similar could happen again.

“And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people and not that the whole nation should perish.’ Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.” John 11:49–52. What is the reason that the apostle John gives for the cross? The children of God were scattered all over the world, but John said that Jesus was going to die so that all of the people of God who were scattered abroad could be brought together into one. What a wonderful thought.

God’s people are still scattered all over the world; and we are going to continue to be so for a little while, because Ellen White said, concerning the 144,000 during the time of trouble, that they will be scattered all over the world. But when Jesus comes again, they are going to be gathered together into one church. I love to think about it.

Have you noticed that people sometimes do not like it at one church, so they go to another one? It is not usually because they did not like the building, but because they did not get along with some of the people. Have you ever seen that happen? I have never seen anybody decide to go to another church because something was wrong with themselves; but I have seen a lot of people want to go to another church because they said that something was wrong with someone else. Well, now, here is my question: What if this were to take place in heaven? This has to do, friends, with the meaning of the cross. You see, as a result of sin, people are alienated from one another. According to the apostle John, God’s children will be gathered into one.

The Bible is a spiritual book, and when it says that God’s children will be gathered into one, it is not speaking of them being gathered into one building. “He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” I Corinthians 6:17. “For He Himself is our peace, Who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” Ephesians 2:14

I have always had a fascination to understand the American Civil War. It was the most disastrous war the United States has ever fought. As I was in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the whole matter became crystal clear in my mind. At the time of the war, our whole country was separated into two armed camps that were totally alienated from one another. All wars are the result of alienation. By the way, there is a great deal of alienation in the world today. There is even alienation among the professed people of God.

Is the cross just a story, or are we experiencing its spiritual meaning? Let me tell you something—this is something very serious: if there is one other person in this world from whom you are alienated, at least one of you is not going to heaven unless that problem is solved. It is just that simple. Now, it could be both of you, but it might only be one. You might have somebody who is alienated from you and you might not be at fault at all; but if there are two people who are alienated, there is something wrong with at least one of them, and they cannot go to heaven unless that situation is taken care of. The purpose of the cross is to destroy this alienation and bring reconciliation.

Today, with many Christians, the cross is just like the law was for the Jewish nation. The Jewish nation taught the law, talked the law, and yet Jesus said to them, “Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law?” John 7:19. Today, wherever I travel, I see crosses on churches; I see crosses around people’s necks; but people fail to understand what it means. If the cross has not destroyed the enmity in your heart, it has not done the work in your heart that must be done if you are to be saved.

“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled.” Colossians 1:19–21.

Why did Jesus have to go to the cross? “Christ died for our sins.” I Corinthians 15:3. Now, when I understand that, if I choose to sin, what have I chosen to do? I have chosen to do the very thing that sent Jesus to the cross. By wicked works I am alienated, expressing hatred for the Son of God. You cannot love sin and love Jesus. “You who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and blameless, and above reproach in His sight.” Colossians 1:21, 22. When we come to the cross and we see the spiritual meaning of it, we learn to hate the sin that we used to love. Everyone who has that experience, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is going to be reconciled into one.

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry [or service] of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us; we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” II Corinthians 5:18–21.

Oh, friend, is the story of the cross just a story to you, or have you had this experience? Have you been reconciled to God so that you are no longer at enmity with Him, so that you can be taken to heaven and will feel perfectly at home there because you are in harmony with the whole system? We are living in a time when we need to get down on our knees and say, “Lord, I am choosing to surrender, to submit to the cross of Jesus Christ.”

When you are no longer alienated from God, you are in a position to be reconciled, not only to God, but to your fellow man. You will no longer live for self, but for Him who died for you.

“Satan is the originator of sin. In heaven he resolved to live to himself. He resolved to be leader. He determined to make himself a center of influence. … Head he would be, to control, not to be controlled.” The Review and Herald, April 14, 1901. It is this character trait, or desire, in people that splits up churches. When I was a young man, they used to have a popular song in which the words went something like this: There are too many chiefs and not enough Indians around this place. This is the root cause of all manner of troubles.

It is said that Julius Caesar was once walking along a mountain road when, in the distance, he saw a small village. He is said to have remarked, “I would rather be number one in that village than to be number two in Rome.” This is why Julius Caesar was willing to kill millions of people—he wanted to be number one.

If space permitted, we could go through the gospels and see that this was the same problem that the disciples had. They never got over it until Jesus was crucified. After that, you never again find them contending as to who would be the greatest. Though they had been alienated, they were reconciled by the blood of His cross.

If you have a desire in your heart to control other people, you have the same problem. It is possible for you to be the most respected person in town and still have this problem. If you have this desire to control other people, you have not yet been reconciled. The person who lives for himself is not a Christian because he has never experienced the cross. “No one can live for himself and at the same time be united with Christ. Conformity to the world, attachment to the world, manifests a decided denial of Christ.” The Signs of the Times, June 13, 1892.

When His disciples were struggling and quarreling over who would be next to Him in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus said; “The princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.” Matthew 20:25, 26, KJV.

In the English-speaking countries, we are not used to having servants, so we have only one or two words to express the concept. We talk about servants and slaves, and that is about all; but in the Roman Empire, they had many servants of various categories, and used a number of different words to denote a servant. There were some servants who were what we would call managers. It was one of these, by the way, who struck Jesus when He was being tried before Caiaphas. This was a high-class servant, someone who had some authority. There was, however, a lower level of servant. The Greek word for these servants is deakenos. This is where we get the word deacon. Jesus said, “He that will be great among you, let him be a deakenos.”

In the Roman Empire, there was one category that was the lowest of all servants. They would be what we would call slaves. In the old King James Version, this word is usually translated servant, and in modern translations, it is translated as bondservant or slave. It is the lowest category of servanthood. The Greek word is doulos. Jesus said, “He that will be great among you, let him be a deakenos [that is, a middle level of servant], but the one that will be first among you, let him be a doulos [that is, the lowest level of servant], even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister [or, a more literal translation, “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve.”], and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26–28.

Philippians tells us how Jesus followed this principle. He started out as the highest, “but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:7, 8. I say this reverently, friend: He went lower for you and for me than we will ever be able to go for Him. You will never be able to go as low for Jesus as He has already gone for you. And I want to tell you, once the Holy Spirit drives that thought home into our consciousness, we will never be the same again. We cannot go on in this alienated form of life, fighting and bickering, with all that is going on among professed Christians today. We cannot do it!

The apostles did not all think the same on every matter after the cross. The cross did not take away their ability to think, but they were no longer alienated from one another.

Friends, there is going to be a people when Jesus comes who are no longer alienated. They are no longer going to be fighting. The 144,000 will be perfectly unified, in harmony. It is going to happen, all right. The question is, Who is going to experience the experience of the cross so that they can be part of it?

He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Oh, friend, is this your experience? The cross must be an experience, no longer just a story. It must change the inner wellspring of the life so that we no longer live for ourselves. This is such a big problem in human nature that our daily prayer to God needs to be that He will divest us of selfishness. (See Our High Calling, 242.)

The servant of the Lord would not tell us to pray that every day if we did not need to do so. We are talking about a big problem. This is why we need to go to the cross over and over and over again, until the message soaks in. I want to invite you, just now, to kneel down and pray that through the power of the Holy Spirit, this will be your experience.

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 – Christ our Example

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Jesus lived in a country whose government was immoral in every sense of the word. The historians have referred to Rome as the sewer of the nations. “The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,—extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures.” The Desire of Ages, 509.

If you are a Christian, Jesus is your example in all things. Our work as Christians is to spread the good news of the gospel. When this is accepted it will change every aspect of life and bring harmony and peace. Unless the gospel is accepted, no legislation or civil reforms can solve the problems of human society. Our job as Christians is not to interfere with government by stirring up opposition to those in power, but rather to present the remedy to those in government and those in private life.

Bad behavior, whether it is adultery, stealing, killing, lying or dishonor, or rebellion against human or divine authority, cannot be obliterated by force. Even if the behavior is changed as the result of fear of punishment, the heart still has the same evil passions and desires. As long as the heart is evil there will be evil speech and evil actions, no matter what type of government is in power.

“To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.” The Desire of Ages, 509.

“Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ’s nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. ‘As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.’ John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God. …

Now, as in Christ’s day, the work of God’s kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: ‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.’ Gal. 2:20.” The Desire of Ages, 509, 510.

Bible Study Guides – A Broken Covenant Relationship

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April 19, 2009 – April 25, 2009

Key Text

“They have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.” Jeremiah 22:9.

Study Help: “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 948; Testimonies, vol. 2, 303–307.

Introduction

“How widely have the popular churches throughout Christendom departed from the Bible standard of humility, self-denial, simplicity, and godliness!” The Great Controversy, 385.

1 What happened when God’s people trusted in their prosperity and renown? Ezekiel 16:15, first part, 32. Upon what had they fixed their hope?

Note: “The Israelites fixed their hopes upon worldly greatness. From the time of their entrance to the land of Canaan, they departed from the commandments of God, and followed the ways of the heathen. It was in vain that God sent them warning by His prophets. In vain they suffered the chastisement of heathen oppression. Every reformation was followed by deeper apostasy.” The Desire of Ages, 28.

2 What steps led Israel and Judah again to break God’s covenant and suffer the consequences? Hosea 4:6; Jeremiah 11:10.

Note: “Tenderly had the Lord dealt with them, instructing them by His prophets line upon line, precept upon precept.

“Had Israel heeded the messages of the prophets, they would have been spared the humiliation that followed. It was because they had persisted in turning aside from His law that God was compelled to let them go into captivity.” Prophets and Kings, 296, 297.

3 How is Israel’s separation from God described? Jeremiah 3:2, 3, 20. What was the cause of this separation? James 4:4. What warning should we take from this experience?

Note: “The unfaithfulness of the church to Christ in permitting her confidence and affection to be turned from Him, and allowing the love of worldly things to occupy the soul, is likened to the violation of the marriage vow. …

“In the New Testament, language very similar is addressed to professed Christians who seek the friendship of the world above the favor of God.” The Great Controversy, 381, 382.

“Alas, to what a fearful extent is that friendship of the world which is ‘enmity with God,’ [James 4:4] now cherished among the professed followers of Christ! How widely have the popular churches throughout Christendom departed from the Bible standard of humility, self-denial, simplicity, and godliness!” Ibid., 385.

4 How did the Lord summarize the unreasonable behavior of His people? Jeremiah 2:11, 12. How can this description apply to us today?

Note: “[Jeremiah 2:11–13, 20–22 quoted.] Why is it that the people in this age are so easily drawn away from the observance of God’s commandments? Why is it that they relish the mockery of those who profess to be teachers of righteousness, who yet cast contempt upon the commandments of Jehovah? Is it not because the heart of this people is carnal?” The Signs of the Times, October 2, 1893.

“ ‘Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make haste. Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But my people hath changed their glory for that which doth not profit.’ [Isaiah 28:16; Jeremiah 2:11.] ‘Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken?’ [Jeremiah 18:14.]

“There is great danger in our casting aside the counsel of God for the counsels of men. Satan is delighted when he lays his snares and we walk into the meshes of his net. It is spread for our feet. Shall we be led in false paths? … We are to beware of men. Trust in the Lord, heed his voice, and turn from men.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 6, 248.

5 How did the Lord depict the two evils committed by His people? Jeremiah 2:13. Describe Solomon’s woe in turning away from the truth. Ecclesiastes 2:10, 11, 17.

Note: “The pride of prosperity brought separation from God. From the joy of divine communion Solomon turned to find satisfaction in the pleasures of sense.” Education, 153.

“By his own bitter experience, Solomon learned the emptiness of a life that seeks in earthly things its highest good. He erected altars to heathen gods, only to learn how vain is their promise of rest to the spirit.” Prophets and Kings, 76.

6 What is one of the polluted “fountains” found in Solomon’s counsel? Ecclesiastes 12:12. What is our duty if we have such “fountains” in our home? Acts 19:19.

Note: “Evil angels are ever on the alert that they may exalt before the minds of the youth that which will do them injury, and as books expressing infidel and pagan sentiments are read, these unseen agents of evil seek to impress those who study them with the spirit of questioning and unbelief. Those who drink from these polluted channels do not thirst for the waters of life; for they are satisfied with the broken cisterns of the world. They think they have the treasures of knowledge, when they are hoarding that which is but wood and hay and stubble, not worth gaining, not worth keeping. Their self-esteem, their idea that a superficial knowledge of things constitutes education, make them boastful and self-satisfied, when they are, as were the Pharisees, ignorant of the Scriptures and the power of God.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 168, 169.

“When the Ephesians were converted, they changed their habits and practices. Under the conviction of the Spirit of God, they acted with promptness and laid bare all the mysteries of their witchcraft. … They were determined to turn from the service of the evil one, and they brought their costly volumes and publicly burned them. Thus they made manifest their sincerity in turning to God. …

“I would ask the young who have been connected with the truth, Have you burned your magical books?” Messages to Young People, 275.

7 Where can we find, as did Jeremiah, the fountain of life-giving water? Jeremiah 15:16.

Note: “As those who have been cleansed and sanctified through a knowledge of Bible truth engage heartily in the work of soulsaving, they will become indeed a savor of life unto life. And as daily they drink of the inexhaustible fountain of grace and knowledge, they will find that their own hearts are filled to overflowing with the Spirit of their Master, and that through their unselfish ministry many are benefited physically, mentally, and spiritually. The weary are refreshed, the sick restored to health, and the sin-burdened relieved. In far-off countries thanksgiving is heard from the lips of those whose hearts are turned from the service of sin unto righteousness.” Prophets and Kings, 234.

8 What assurance belongs to those who follow the word of God? I Chronicles 22:13.

9 What prophecy connected Christ to the new covenant? Jeremiah 33:14–16. What divine help is available to those who want to correct wrong habits? Jeremiah 31:10, 11; Micah 7:18, 19.

Note: “Christ’s death and resurrection completed His covenant. Before this time, it was revealed through types and shadows, which pointed to the great offering to be made by the world’s Redeemer, offered in promise for the sins of the world. Anciently believers were saved by the same Saviour as now, but it was a God veiled. They saw God’s mercy in figures.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 932.

“The blessings of the new covenant are grounded purely on mercy in forgiving unrighteousness and sins. The Lord specifies, I will do thus and thus unto all who turn to Me, forsaking the evil and choosing the good. ‘I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.’ [Hebrews 8:12.] All who humble their hearts, confessing their sins, will find mercy and grace and assurance.” Ibid., 931.

10 What was predicted about the renewal of God’s covenant with His people in the last days, and what was the difference between the old and new covenants? Jeremiah 31:31–34; 32:40.

Note: “The same law that was engraved upon the tables of stone is written by the Holy Spirit upon the tables of the heart. Instead of going about to establish our own righteousness we accept the righteousness of Christ. His blood atones for our sins. His obedience is accepted for us. Then the heart renewed by the Holy Spirit will bring forth ‘the fruits of the Spirit.’ Through the grace of Christ we shall live in obedience to the law of God written upon our hearts. Having the Spirit of Christ, we shall walk even as He walked.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 372.

“Under the new covenant, the conditions by which eternal life may be gained are the same as under the old—perfect obedience. Under the old covenant, there were many offenses of a daring, presumptuous character, for which there was no atonement specified by law. In the new and better covenant, Christ has fulfilled the law for the transgressors of law, if they receive Him by faith as a personal Saviour. ‘As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.’ [John 1:12.] Mercy and forgiveness are the reward of all who come to Christ trusting in His merits to take away their sins. In the better covenant we are cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 931. [Emphasis in original.]

Additional Reading

“It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who will be alive on the earth when past woes and celestial glory will be blended. They will walk in the light proceeding from the throne of God. By the means of the angels there will be constant communication between heaven and earth. And Satan, surrounded by evil angels, and claiming to be God, will work miracles of all kinds, to deceive, if possible, the very elect. God’s people will not find their safety in working miracles; for Satan would counterfeit any miracle that might be worked. God’s tried and tested people will find their power in the sign spoken of in Exodus 31:12-18. They are to take their stand on the living Word—‘It is written.’ This is the only foundation upon which they can stand securely. Those who have broken their covenant with God will in that day be without hope and without God in the world.

“The worshipers of God will be especially distinguished by their regard for the fourth commandment—since this is the sign of His creative power, and the witness to His claim upon man’s reverence and homage. The wicked will be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the Creator’s memorial, to exalt the institution of Rome. In the issue of the contest, all Christendom will be divided into two great classes—those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark. …

“Fearful tests and trials await the people of God. The spirit of war is stirring the nations from one end of the earth to the other. But in the midst of the time of trouble that is coming—a time of trouble such as has not been since there was a nation—God’s chosen people will stand unmoved. Satan and his angels cannot destroy them; for angels that excel in strength will protect them.” This Day with God, 69.

“If we would come into possession of the heavenly inheritance, the glorious, eternal substance, we must be in covenant relation with God, and employ every faculty of our being to win souls to Christ. … God’s people must be a peculiar, holy people, distinct in character and practice from the world, distinguished from all the religionists of the day. They must be patterns in personal piety and good works. There is higher, holier work for us to do than we have yet done. Christ has said, ‘My Kingdom is not of this world.’ [John 18:36.] It has no principles that will meet the principles of the world. The Lord has set His church as a light in the world, to guide the world to heaven. It is to be a part of heaven on the earth, flashing divine light on the pathway of benighted souls.” The Faith I Live By, 304.

©2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – God’s Covenant With His People

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April 12, 2009 – April 18, 2009

Key Text

“And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, [even] ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.” Deuteronomy 4:13.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 370–373; “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 931–933.

Introduction

“Under the new covenant, the conditions by which eternal life may be gained are the same as under the old—perfect obedience.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 931.

1 When did Israel first enter into a covenant relationship with God? Exodus 19:1, 8. What did the people promise to do after additional instruction had been given? Exodus 24:3, 7.

Note: “God’s favor toward Israel had always been conditional on their obedience. At the foot of Sinai they had entered into covenant relationship with Him as His ‘peculiar treasure … above all people.’ Solemnly they had promised to follow in the path of obedience. ‘All that the Lord hath spoken we will do,’ they had said. Exodus 19:5, 8. And when, a few days afterward, God’s law was spoken from Sinai, and additional instruction in the form of statutes and judgments was communicated through Moses, the Israelites with one voice had again promised, ‘All the words which the Lord hath said will we do.’ At the ratification of the covenant, the people had once more united in declaring, ‘All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.’ Exodus 24:3, 7. God had chosen Israel as His people, and they had chosen Him as their King.” Prophets and Kings, 293.

2 At the close of the wilderness wandering, how was the condition of the covenant repeated? Deuteronomy 4:5, 6, 9.

Note: “Near the close of the wilderness wandering the conditions of the covenant had been repeated. At Baalpeor, on the very borders of the Promised Land, where many fell a prey to subtle temptation, those who remained faithful renewed their vows of allegiance. Through Moses they were warned against the temptations that would assail them in the future; and they were earnestly exhorted to remain separate from the surrounding nations and to worship God alone.” Prophets and Kings, 293, 294.

3 What specific counsel did the Lord give to His people through Moses? Deuteronomy 4:15, 16, 19, 23.

Note: “Plain and decided were the warnings that had been given Israel against the idolatrous customs prevailing among the neighboring nations. …

“Moses traced the evils that would result from a departure from the statutes of Jehovah. Calling heaven and earth to witness, he declared that if, after having dwelt long in the Land of Promise, the people should introduce corrupt forms of worship and bow down to graven images and should refuse to return to the worship of the true God, the anger of the Lord would be aroused, and they would be carried away captive and scattered among the heathen. ‘Ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it,’ he warned them; ‘ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed.’ [Deuteronomy 4:26.]” Prophets and Kings, 294, 295.

4 What would be the ultimate result of Israel’s refusal to honor their covenant of obedience to God? Deuteronomy 4:26–28.

Note: “The apostasy of Israel had developed gradually. From generation to generation, Satan had made repeated attempts to cause the chosen nation to forget ‘the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments’ that they had promised to keep forever. Deuteronomy 6:1. He knew that if he could only lead Israel to forget God, and to ‘walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them,’ they would ‘surely perish.’ Deuteronomy 8:19.” Prophets and Kings, 296.

5 What has always been the basis of God’s covenant with His people? Deuteronomy 4:13. How did Moses vividly illustrate Israel’s violation of this covenant?

Note: “Before Moses left his people for the mount, he read to them the words of the covenant that God had made with them, and they with one voice answered: ‘All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.’ [Exodus 24:7.] How great must have been the sin of Aaron, how aggravated in the sight of God! …

“When he saw their idolatry, and that they had broken in a most marked manner the words of the covenant, he became overwhelmed with grief and indignation at their base idolatry. Confusion and shame on their account took possession of him, and he there threw down the tables and broke them. As they had broken their covenant with God, Moses, in breaking the tables, signified to them that so also God had broken His covenant with them. The tables whereupon was written the law of God were broken.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 297, 298.

6 Throughout the ages, what has been the result of ignoring or disobeying God’s law? Genesis 6:5–7; Hosea 4:1, 2.

Note: “What was it caused the destruction of the people in the world before the flood?—It was their own sin; for the thoughts and imaginations of their hearts were only evil, and evil continually. They trampled upon the commands of God, as did the Jews, and suffered God’s retributive judgment.” The Review and Herald, August 27, 1895.

“The time preceding the captivity of the ten tribes of Israel was one of similar disobedience and of similar wickedness. God’s law was counted as a thing of nought, and this opened the floodgates of iniquity upon Israel.” Prophets and Kings, 297.

7 How does the Lord describe His faithful followers? Jeremiah 6:2. How close is the relationship to be between God and His people? Ezekiel 16:8, last part; Hosea 2:19.

Note: “In the Bible the sacred and enduring character of the relation that exists between Christ and His church is represented by the union of marriage. The Lord has joined His people to Himself by a solemn covenant, He promising to be their God, and they pledging themselves to be His and His alone.” The Great Controversy, 381.

“Very close and sacred is the relation between Christ and His church—He the bridegroom, and the church the bride; He the head, and the church the body. Connection with Christ, then, involves connection with His church.” Education, 268.

8 While Israel was faithful to God, what beautiful description is given of her? Ezekiel 16:13, 14. When was this condition most applicable? II Chronicles 1:1.

Note: “For many years Solomon’s life was marked with devotion to God, with uprightness and firm principle, and with strict obedience to God’s commands. He directed in every important enterprise and managed wisely the business matters connected with the kingdom. …

“The name of Jehovah was greatly honored during the first part of Solomon’s reign. The wisdom and righteousness revealed by the king bore witness to all nations of the excellency of the attributes of the God whom he served. For a time Israel was as the light of the world, showing forth the greatness of Jehovah. Not in the surpassing wisdom, the fabulous riches, the far-reaching power and fame that were his, lay the real glory of Solomon’s early reign; but in the honor that he brought to the name of the God of Israel through a wise use of the gifts of Heaven.” Prophets and Kings, 32, 33.

9 Describe the conditions laid down in the Bible for the blessings of spiritual and material prosperity. Deuteronomy 26:17–19. What exalts a nation? Proverbs 14:34.

Note: “Had Israel been true to God, He could have accomplished His purpose through their honor and exaltation. If they had walked in the ways of obedience, He would have made them ‘high above all nations which He hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honor.’ ‘All people of the earth,’ said Moses, ‘shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee.’ ‘The nations which shall hear all these statutes’ shall say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ Deuteronomy 26:19; 28:10; 4:6.” The Desire of Ages, 28.

“The strength of nations, as of individuals, is not found in the opportunities or facilities that appear to make them invincible; it is not found in their boasted greatness. It is measured by the fidelity with which they fulfill God’s purpose.” Education, 175.

10 What specific blessing did the Lord especially desire for Israel to share with other nations? Genesis 12:1–3; Psalm 33:12. How are we to impart these blessings? Matthew 5:14–16.

Note: “Through Israel it was His [God’s] design to impart rich blessings to all peoples. Through them the way was to be prepared for the diffusion of His light to the whole world. The nations of the world, through following corrupt practices, had lost a knowledge of God. Yet in His mercy God did not blot them out of existence. He purposed to give them opportunity for becoming acquainted with Him through His church. He designed that the principles revealed through His people should be the means of restoring in man the moral image of God. …

“God desired to make of His people Israel a praise and a glory. Every spiritual advantage was given them. God withheld from them nothing favorable to the formation of character that would make them representatives of Himself.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 221, 222.

Additional Reading

“Our God is a jealous God. It is a fearful thing to trifle with Him. Anciently, Achan coveted a golden wedge and a Babylonish garment, and secreted them, and all Israel suffered; they were driven before their enemies. And when Joshua inquired the cause, the Lord said: ‘Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow: for thus saith the Lord God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.’ [Joshua 7:13.] Achan had sinned, and God destroyed him and all his household, with all they possessed, and wiped the curse from Israel.

“I saw that the Israel of God must arise and renew their strength in God by renewing and keeping their covenant with Him. Covetousness, selfishness, love of money, and love of the world, are all through the ranks of Sabbathkeepers. These evils are destroying the spirit of sacrifice among God’s people. Those that have this covetousness in their hearts are not aware of it. It has gained upon them imperceptibly, and unless it is rooted out, their destruction will be as sure as was Achan’s. Many have taken the sacrifice from God’s altar. They love the world, love its gain and increase, and, unless there is an entire change in them, they will perish with the world. God has lent them means; it is not their own, but God has made them His stewards. And because of this, they call it their own and hoard it up. But, oh, how quick, when the prospering hand of God is removed from them, it is all snatched away in a moment! There must be a sacrificing for God, a denying of self for the truth’s sake. Oh, how weak and frail is man! How puny his arm! I saw that soon the loftiness of man is to be brought down, and the pride of man humbled. Kings and nobles, rich and poor, alike shall bow, and the withering plagues of God shall fall upon them.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 140.

“God’s word to His people is: ‘Come out from among them, and be ye separate, … and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters.’ ‘Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.’ II Corinthians 6: 17, 18; I Peter 2:9. God’s people are to be distinguished as a people who serve Him fully, wholeheartedly, taking no honor to themselves, and remembering that by a most solemn covenant they have bound themselves to serve the Lord and Him only.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 17.

©2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – God Chooses Jeremiah

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April 5, 2009 – April 11, 2009

Key Text

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5.

Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 407–409; The Review and Herald, October 20, 1896.

Introduction

“It is the privilege of the watchmen on the walls of Zion to live so near to God, and to be so susceptible to the impressions of His Spirit, that He can work through them to tell men and women of their peril and point them to the place of safety.” The Acts of the Apostles, 361.

1 By nature, what kind of person was Jeremiah? Jeremiah 9:1, 2.

Note: “Naturally of a timid and shrinking disposition, Jeremiah longed for the peace and quiet of a life of retirement, where he need not witness the continued impenitence of his beloved nation. His heart was wrung with anguish over the ruin wrought by sin.” Prophets and Kings, 419, 420.

2 Despite Jeremiah’s timid nature, why did the Lord call him? Jeremiah 15:20, 21. What lesson do we thus learn?

Note: “In the youthful Jeremiah, God saw one who would be true to his trust and who would stand for the right against great opposition. In childhood he had proved faithful; and now he was to endure hardness, as a good soldier of the cross.” Prophets and Kings, 407.

“We must meet troubles and sorrows. Temptations and wearisome toil will afflict the soul, but we must patiently wait in faith to reap with joy. In the final victory God will have no use for those persons who are nowhere to be found in time of peril and danger, when the strength, courage, and influence of all are required to make a charge upon the enemy. Those who stand like faithful soldiers to battle against wrong, and to vindicate the right, warring against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, will each receive the commendation from the Master: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant: … enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’ [Matthew 25:23.]” Testimonies, vol. 3, 327. [Emphasis in original.]

3 What important office did Jeremiah’s father hold in the temple? II Kings 22:4. What unusual double office was Jeremiah called to occupy? Jeremiah 1:1, 5.

Note: “Among those who had hoped for a permanent spiritual revival as the result of the reformation under Josiah was Jeremiah, called of God to the prophetic office while still a youth, in the thirteenth year of Josiah’s reign. A member of the Levitical priesthood, Jeremiah had been trained from childhood for holy service. In those happy years of preparation he little realized that he had been ordained from birth to be ‘a prophet unto the nations.’ [Jeremiah 1:5.]” Prophets and Kings, 407.

4 For what specific mission did the Lord choose Jeremiah, even before his birth? Jeremiah 1:9, 10.

Note: “Thank God for the words, ‘to build, and to plant.’ [Jeremiah 1:10.] By these words Jeremiah was assured of the Lord’s purpose to restore and to heal.” Prophets and Kings, 409.

5 When the Lord called Jeremiah, what warning did He give him? Jeremiah 1:17. What can we learn from this call, and how are we included in the commission? Isaiah 43:10, first part.

Note: “The same God who gave his messages to Moses and Jeremiah will give his word to his witnesses in this generation. ‘For it is not ye that speak,’ Christ declares, ‘but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.’ [Matthew 10:20.] This word of the Lord has been verified in all ages, and it will be verified to the close of time in all who hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end.” The Review and Herald, May 24, 1898.

“Each has his place in the eternal plan of heaven. Each is to work in cooperation with Christ for the salvation of souls. Not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the special place designated on earth where we are to work for God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 326, 327.

“In this closing work of the gospel there is a vast field to be occupied; and, more than ever before, the work is to enlist helpers from the common people. Both the youth and those older in years will be called from the field, from the vineyard, and from the workshop, and sent forth by the Master to give His message. Many of these have had little opportunity for education; but Christ sees in them qualifications that will enable them to fulfill His purpose. If they put their hearts into the work, and continue to be learners, He will fit them to labor for Him.” Education, 269, 270.

6 How is the faithful watchman instructed to labor for those under his care? Ezekiel 33:7; Acts 20:28. What should God’s ambassadors always remember?

Note: “We are Christ’s ambassadors, watchmen unto the house of Israel, to see the dangers that await souls, and give them warning. The pastor is a shepherd of the sheep, guarding them, feeding them, warning them, reproving them, or encouraging them, as the case may require. There is visiting to be done, not to have a pleasant chat, but to do the work required of a watchman. There should be earnest conversation and prayer with these souls. This is the kind of work that gains valuable experience in the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom.

“But if this work is neglected, the wolves will find access to the flock. They will work for their master, as the watchman has failed to work for his. The sheep will be wounded and bruised, owing to the cold indifference and irresponsible course pursued toward them by the shepherd.

“God has enjoined upon the watchmen to watch for souls as they that must give an account.” The Review and Herald, October 20, 1896.

7 How did Jeremiah react when the Lord called him? Jeremiah 1:6, 7. What did the Lord say to His servant concerning the spiritual condition of His professed people? Jeremiah 1:14, 16.

Note: “Stern were the messages to be borne in the years that were to follow. Prophecies of swift-coming judgments were to be fearlessly delivered. From the plains of Shinar ‘an evil’ was to ‘break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.’ ‘I will utter My judgments against them,’ the Lord declared, ‘touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken Me.’ [Jeremiah 1]. Verses 14, 16. Yet the prophet was to accompany these messages with assurances of forgiveness to all who should turn from their evil-doing.” Prophets and Kings, 409.

“God does not send judgments upon His people without first warning them to repent. He uses every means to bring them back to obedience and does not visit their iniquity with judgments until He has given them ample opportunity to repent.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 179.

8 For how long was Jeremiah to be a faithful spokesman? Jeremiah 1:3.

Note: “For forty years Jeremiah was to stand before the nation as a witness for truth and righteousness. In a time of unparalleled apostasy he was to exemplify in life and character the worship of the only true God. During the terrible sieges of Jerusalem he was to be the mouthpiece of Jehovah. He was to predict the downfall of the house of David and the destruction of the beautiful temple built by Solomon. And when imprisoned because of his fearless utterances, he was still to speak plainly against sin in high places. Despised, hated, rejected of men, he was finally to witness the literal fulfillment of his own prophecies of impending doom, and share in the sorrow and woe that should follow the destruction of the fated city.” Prophets and Kings, 408.

9 Facing a very difficult time, what comforting promise did Jeremiah receive from the Lord? Jeremiah 1:8, 19.

Note: “Cruel were the mockings he [Jeremiah] was called upon to endure. His sensitive soul was pierced through and through by the arrows of derision hurled at him by those who despised his messages and made light of his burden for their conversion. …

“But the faithful prophet was daily strengthened to endure. ‘The Lord is with me as a mighty terrible One,’ he declared in faith; ‘therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.’ ‘Sing unto the Lord, praise ye the Lord: for He hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.’ Jeremiah 20:11, 13.” Prophets and Kings, 420.

10 What prophetic view did God give to Jeremiah? Jeremiah 31:12.

Note: “Amid the general ruin into which the nation was rapidly passing, Jeremiah was often permitted to look beyond the distressing scenes of the present to the glorious prospects of the future, when God’s people should be ransomed from the land of the enemy and planted again in Zion. He foresaw the time when the Lord would renew His covenant relationship with them.” Prophets and Kings, 408, 409.

Additional Reading

“On one occasion, by command of the Lord, the prophet took his position at one of the principal entrances to the city and there urged the importance of keeping holy the Sabbath day. The inhabitants of Jerusalem were in danger of losing sight of the sanctity of the Sabbath, and they were solemnly warned against following their secular pursuits on that day. A blessing was promised on condition of obedience. ‘If ye diligently hearken unto Me,’ the Lord declared, and ‘hallow the Sabbath day, to do no work therein; then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain forever.’ Jeremiah 17:24, 25.

“This promise of prosperity as the reward of allegiance was accompanied by a prophecy of the terrible judgments that would befall the city should its inhabitants prove disloyal to God and His law. If the admonitions to obey the Lord God of their fathers and to hallow His Sabbath day were not heeded, the city and its palaces would be utterly destroyed by fire.

“Thus the prophet stood firmly for the sound principles of right living so clearly outlined in the book of the law. But the conditions prevailing in the land of Judah were such that only by the most decided measures could a change for the better be brought about; therefore he labored most earnestly in behalf of the impenitent. ‘Break up your fallow ground,’ he pleaded, ‘and sow not among thorns.’ ‘O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved.’ Jeremiah 4:3, 14.

“But by the great mass of the people the call to repentance and reformation was unheeded. Since the death of good King Josiah, those who ruled the nation had been proving untrue to their trust and had been leading many astray. Jehoahaz, deposed by the interference of the king of Egypt, had been followed by Jehoiakim, an older son of Josiah. From the beginning of Jehoiakim’s reign, Jeremiah had little hope of saving his beloved land from destruction and the people from captivity. Yet he was not permitted to remain silent while utter ruin threatened the kingdom. Those who had remained loyal to God must be encouraged to persevere in right -doing, and sinners must, if possible, be induced to turn from iniquity.

“The crisis demanded a public and far-reaching effort. Jeremiah was commanded by the Lord to stand in the court of the temple and speak to all the people of Judah who might pass in and out. From the messages given him he must diminish not a word, that sinners in Zion might have the fullest possible opportunity to hearken and to turn from their evil ways.

“The prophet obeyed; he stood in the gate of the Lord’s house and there lifted his voice in warning and entreaty.” Prophets and Kings, 411–413.

©2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – A Reformatory Movement

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March 29, 2009 – April 4, 2009

Key Text

“And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all [their heart] and all [their] soul.” II Kings 23:3.

Study Help: “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 1038, 1039; Prophets and Kings, 392–406.

Introduction

“The whole congregation of Israel entered into a solemn covenant to keep the commandments of Jehovah. This is our work today.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 1038.

1 What had the Lord promised to ancient Israel if they would be faithful to Him? Exodus 19:5, 6. What was their responsibility toward the heathen nations? Malachi 1:11.

Note: “God, in His infinite wisdom, chose Israel as the depositary of priceless treasures of truth for all nations. He gave them His law as the standard of the character they were to develop before the world, before angels, and before the unfallen worlds. They were to reveal to the world the laws of the government of heaven. By precept and example they were to bear a decided testimony for the truth. The glory of God, His majesty and power, were to be revealed in all their prosperity. They were to be a kingdom of priests and princes. God furnished them with every facility for becoming the greatest nation on the earth.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1180, 1181.

2 What great evil provoked God’s displeasure against Israel? I Kings 11:7–10; Jeremiah 32:32–35. What warnings are given for these last days?

Note: “Children are not to be trained to be the devotees of society. They are not to be sacrificed to Molech, but they are to become members of the Lord’s family. Parents are to be filled with the compassion of Christ, that they may work for the salvation of the souls that are placed under their influence. They are not to have their minds all engrossed in the fashions and practices of the world. They are not to educate their children to attend parties and concerts and dances, to have and attend feasts, because after this manner the Gentiles walk.” Child Guidance, 181.

3 What were God’s truehearted people doing amidst this wickedness? Habakkuk 1:2–4.

Note: “From a human point of view the divine purpose for the chosen nation seemed almost impossible of accomplishment. The apostasy of former centuries had gathered strength with the passing years; ten of the tribes had been scattered among the heathen; only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained, and even these now seemed on the verge of moral and national ruin. The prophets had begun to foretell the utter destruction of their fair city, where stood the temple built by Solomon, and where all their earthly hopes of national greatness had centered. Could it be that God was about to turn aside from His avowed purpose of bringing deliverance to those who should put their trust in Him? In the face of the long-continued persecution of the righteous, and of the apparent prosperity of the wicked, could those who had remained true to God hope for better days?” Prophets and Kings, 384, 385.

4 Whom did God use while King Josiah did the work of reformation? Jeremiah 1:2. What is recorded about King Josiah? II Kings 22:1, 2.

Note: “With the accession of Josiah to the throne, where he was to rule for thirty-one years, those who had maintained the purity of their faith began to hope that the downward course of the kingdom was checked. … Born of a wicked king, beset with temptations to follow in his father’s steps, and with few counselors to encourage him in the right way, Josiah nevertheless was true to the God of Israel.” Prophets and Kings, 384.

5 At the beginning of Josiah’s reformation, what was providentially found in the temple? II Kings 22:8–10.

Note: “[The prophesied] reform movement, by which threatened judgments were averted for a season, was brought about in a wholly unexpected manner through the discovery and study of a portion of Holy Scripture that for many years had been strangely misplaced and lost. …

“The long-lost manuscript was found in the temple by Hilkiah, the high priest, while the building was undergoing extensive repairs in harmony with King Josiah’s plan for the preservation of the sacred structure.” Prophets and Kings, 392, 393.

6 How did Josiah react when he heard about the content of the long-lost manuscript, and how did the Lord answer the king? II Kings 22:11–20.

Note: “When Josiah heard the words of warning and condemnation because Israel had trampled upon the precepts of heaven, he humbled himself. He wept before the Lord. He made a thorough work of repentance and reformation, and God accepted his efforts. The whole congregation of Israel entered into a solemn covenant to keep the commandments of Jehovah. This is our work today. We must repent of the past evil of our doings, and seek God with all our hearts. We must believe that God means just what He says, and make no compromise with evil in any way. We should greatly humble ourselves before God, and consider any loss preferable to the loss of His favor.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 1038.

7 After receiving an answer from the Lord, what did Josiah immediately do? II Kings 23:1–14.

Note: “The royal reader was deeply affected, and he delivered his message with the pathos of a broken heart. His hearers were profoundly moved. The intensity of feeling revealed in the countenance of the king, the solemnity of the message itself, the warning of judgments impending—all these had their effect, and many determined to join with the king in seeking forgiveness. …

“In the reformation that followed, the king turned his attention to the destruction of every vestige of idolatry that remained. So long had the inhabitants of the land followed the customs of the surrounding nations in bowing down to images of wood and stone, that it seemed almost beyond the power of man to remove every trace of these evils. But Josiah persevered in his effort to cleanse the land.” Prophets and Kings, 400, 401.

8 What prophecy about Josiah, uttered three centuries before, did he literally fulfill? I Kings 13:1, 2; II Kings 23:15–20.

Note: “Three centuries had passed. During the reformation wrought by Josiah, the king found himself in Bethel, where stood this ancient altar. The prophecy uttered so many years before in the presence of Jeroboam, was now to be literally fulfilled.” Prophets and Kings, 402.

9 What important service was re-established to increase faith and unity among God’s people? II Chronicles 35:1, 16–19.

Note: “Josiah had read to priests and people the Book of the law found in the side of the ark in the house of God. His sensitive conscience was deeply stirred as he saw how far the people had departed from the requirements of the covenant they had made with God.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 1038.

“The king sought further to establish the faith of Judah in the God of their fathers by holding a great Passover feast, in harmony with the provisions made in the book of the law. Preparation was made by those having the sacred services in charge, and on the great day of the feast, offerings were freely made. ‘There was not holden such a Passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah.’ II Kings 23:22.” Prophets and Kings, 405.

10 Apart from his good work, what serious mistake did King Josiah make that brought his life to a sudden end? II Chronicles 35:20–24. What should we learn from this?

Note: “Because Josiah died in battle, who will charge God with denying His word that Josiah should go to his grave in peace? The Lord did not give orders for Josiah to make war on the king of Egypt. When the Lord gave the king of Egypt orders that the time had come to serve Him by warfare, and the ambassadors told Josiah not to make war on Necho, no doubt Josiah congratulated himself that no word from the Lord had come directly to him. To turn back with his army would have been humiliating, so he went on. And because of this, he was killed in battle, a battle that he should not have had anything to do with. The man who had been so greatly honored by the Lord, did not honor the word of God. The Lord had spoken in his favor, predicted good things for him; and Josiah became self-confident, and failed to heed the warning. He went against the word of God, choosing to follow his own way, and God could not shield him from the consequences of his act.

“In this our day men choose to follow their own desires and their own will. Can we be surprised that there is so much spiritual blindness?” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 1039, 1040.

Additional Reading

“Many who are seeking a preparation for the Lord’s work think it essential to accumulate large volumes of historical and theological writings. They suppose that the study of these works will be a great advantage to them in learning how to reach the people. This is an error. As I see shelves piled with these books, some of them rarely looked into, I think: Why spend money for that which is not bread? The sixth chapter of John tells us more than can be found in such works. Christ says: ‘I am the Bread of Life.’ ‘The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.’ John 6:35, 63.

“There is a study of history that is not to be condemned. Sacred history was one of the studies in the schools of the prophets. In the record of His dealings with the nations were traced the footsteps of Jehovah. So today we are to consider the dealings of God with the nations of the earth. We are to see in history the fulfillment of prophecy, to study the workings of Providence in the great reformatory movements, and to understand the progress of events in the marshalling of the nations for the final conflict of the great controversy.

“But too often the motive of those who study these many books is not so much to obtain food for mind or soul. It is an ambition to become acquainted with philosophers and theologians, a desire to present Christianity to the people in learned terms and propositions.

“ ‘Learn of Me,’ said the greatest Teacher the world ever knew. ‘Take My yoke upon you, learn My meekness and lowliness.’ [Matthew 11:29.] Your intellectual pride will not aid in the work of communicating with souls that are perishing for want of the bread of life. In your study of these books you are allowing them to take the place, in mind and heart, of the practical lessons you should be learning from the Great Teacher. With the results of this study the people are not fed. Very little of the study and research which is so wearying to the mind furnishes anything that will make one a successful laborer for souls.

“Men and women who spend their lives in humble, commonplace work need words as simple as Christ gave in His lessons, words that are easily understood. The Saviour came ‘to preach the gospel to the poor.’ [Luke 4:18.] And it is written that ‘the common people heard Him gladly.’ [Mark 12:37.] Those who are teaching the truth for this time need a deeper insight into the lessons He has given.

“The words of the living God are the highest of all education. The studied phrases designed to please the taste of the supposed-to-be refined fall short of the mark. Those who minister to the people need to eat the bread of life. This will give them spiritual strength; then they will be prepared to minister to all classes of people. The piety, the spiritual energy of the church is sustained by feeding on the bread that came down from heaven. At the feet of Jesus we are to learn the simplicity of true godliness.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 307, 308.

©2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Food – Gallstone Treatments

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From “Back to Eden” by Jethro Kloss

Several years ago, I witnessed something that as a registered nurse was hard for me to believe. An elderly friend of mine suffered a severe attack of gallstones. She believed in natural remedies and wanted me to help her treat the gallstones naturally. I researched natural treatment of gallstones and found a complete treatment protocol in Jethro Kloss’s book, Back to Eden, so after discussion with my friend, we chose to follow the protocol as outlined by Kloss.

As I said, the results were amazing, with my friend passing hundreds of small softened stones. The pain went away, the jaundice disappeared, and the fever decreased to normal. I was truly expecting my friend to require surgery, but God blessed and the problems resolved with faithful natural remedies and prayer. Praise God!

  1. In the absence of severe pain, give an enema, preferably of catnip tea.
  2. Apply hot fomentations of lobelia and hops over the right upper abdomen or liver area. In the absence of the herbs, just use hot fomentations.
  3. Do a hot footbath and drink a cup of hot tea as soon as possible. The tea would be made of equal parts of hyssop, gentian root, skullcap, and buckthorn bark. Complete instructions for making and administering this tea may be obtained from Back to Eden.
  4. One-half hour after taking the tea, take 4 ounces of olive oil and 4 ounces of lemon or grapefruit juice beaten well. You should then lie on your right side with your hips elevated on two pillow.
  5. Finally, a thorough massage under the right ribs, rubbing toward the center of the body will help facilitate the passage of the gallstones. This massage and the use of the oil and juice drink should be done three days in a row.
  6. It is important to have an alkaline diet during this time, using orange, grapefruit, and unsweetened pineapple juice. The potassium broth recipe is alkaline and highly nourishing, and should also be used.
  7. Other references that I have researched also stressed the importance of keeping the bowels moving freely, and suggested a daily enema, which we did after the massage.

RECIPE – Potassium Broth

2 cups bran

1 cup oatmeal

4 quarts water

2 large onions

2 stalks celery with leaves

½ bunch minced parsley

4 medium potatoes

2 vegetable oysters (a Mediterranean herb)

2 large carrots

Mix the first 3 ingredients and soak overnight. Beat up with an eggbeater and strain through a fine sieve. Thoroughly wash and thinly slice the potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, parsley, and vegetable oysters. Cook there in the bran/oatmeal water. Let simmer in a covered kettle until the vegetables are done. Mash up vegetables and strain again through a fine sieve.

Children’s Story – A Glass of Milk

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One day a poor boy, who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, when a lovely young woman opened the door, he lost his nerve and instead of asking for a meal, he asked for a drink of water.

The young lady thought that he looked hungry, so she brought him a large glass of milk instead. He drank it very slowly, and then asked, “How much do I owe you?”

“You do not owe me anything,” she replied. “Mother has taught us to never accept pay for a kindness done.”

“Then I thank you, from the bottom of my heart,” he said.

As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was also strengthened. He had been ready to give up and quit, but was given the courage to go on.

Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled, and they finally sent her to the big city where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for consultation.

When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor’s gown, he bent over to look at her, and he recognized her at once. He returned to his office determined to do his best to save her life.

From that day on he gave special attention to the case, and after a long struggle, the battle was won. On the day that his patient was to be discharged from the hospital, Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked it over, then wrote something on the edge of the bill and sent it to her room. She was afraid to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for such a long and expensive hospital stay as hers had been. Finally she could endure the suspense no longer, and she opened the bill. Something scribbled in the margin caught her eye, and she read these words: “Paid in full with one glass of milk.” And it was signed by Dr. Howard Kelly.

Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed, “Thank You, God, that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands.”

Editor’s note:
Each day as we pass through our humble lives, we never know when a kind touch, a word of encouragement and cheer or a humble act of generosity might give a discouraged, hurting human being just the lift that will make the difference in his or her life. We must remember, also, that our harsh words, our criticism and coldness can also destroy someone who is already hurting, and can be the final straw to make him or her lose all hope. Let us remember to share love, as Jesus shared love, always lifting each other up, and pointing the way to heaven.