To prepare people for eternal life.
IssueM Articles
4 cups thinly sliced raw potatoes
1 ½ to 2 tsp. salt (to taste)
½ cup raw cashews
1 rounded tsp. onion powder
2 cups water (hot)
Place sliced potatoes in an oiled 9” x 9” baking dish. Blend remaining ingredients until smooth and pour over the potatoes. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 1 to 1 ½ hours. It is very easy to double the recipe for a 9” x 13” dish. (Provided by Judy Hallingstad. Thank you , Judy!)
A good definition of temperance is, “True temperance teaches us to dispense entirely with everything hurtful and to use judiciously that which is healthful.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 562. In this definition we find a direct contradiction to the philosophy of the world which says, If it feels good do it, if it tastes good eat it, and if you want it, get it. Unfortunately, this philosophy has led the world into sin and rebellion, ruining lives all around us. This philosophy becomes a way of life and habits of sin become so ingrained into who we are that at times we do not see any way to break them.
The first step in changing an intemperate habit, whether it be overeating, smoking, alcohol, drugs, sexual sins, or any other host of sinful habits, is to come to God just as you are, admitting that you are helpless to change in your own power. Only God can change the sinful heart. “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.” Jeremiah 13:23. Although God can miraculously take away a bad habit, He prefers to give us the victory in His time.
The next step is to make a firm decision to change with the help of God. This involves a decision of the will and acting on that decision to starve the habit by avoiding situations that feed it. If the habit is one of tobacco usage, for example, starve the habit by eliminating all cigarettes from your home, car, purse, etc., and resist buying another cigarette. Then avoid, as much as possible, situations in which there would be a strong temptation to smoke. This will starve the bad habit.
Then, begin to develop new and better habits. When the urge to smoke hits, have a backup plan to resist the temptation. Send a quick prayer to the Lord for power to resist the devil and then go for a brisk walk. This will soon develop into a new habit. When this is done repeatedly changes are actually made in the brain. Activities are facilitated by chemicals moving between the nerve endings in the brain, and when an activity is repeated over and over, small grooves are formed between the nerve endings, thus creating a pathway for the chemicals. The more these activities are repeated, the easier it is for the chemicals and electrical activity to move within these grooves and a habit is formed in the brain. As old habits are resisted and new ones are developed, they become second nature. In this way we can actually cooperate with the Lord by developing new habits through repetition of good activities.
In I Corinthians 9:25 it says, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”
Examine the areas in your life that need change and ask for God’s help to change those bad habits and live a temperate life.
Chia is an annual wildflower in the mint family of the genus Salvia. There are two species of Chia, one occurring in the southwestern U.S. from California and Utah south to northwest Mexico and the other occurring in southern Mexico and Guatemala. Chia grows in sunny, dry open areas of plains, foothill woodlands, chaparral and sage scrub communities, and other arid environments where it prefers sandy to loamy soils that are near neutral in pH. It is one of the so-called fire following species, as it increases in abundance after a fire. The plant is thin and tall, up to 3 feet, with a cluster of blue flowers at the top of the stems. Flowers are small and tubular, surrounded by several bracts (specialized leaves). Chia is drought and salt tolerant.
The tiny, brownish, often mottled seeds of Chia are a valuable source of nutrients, protein and oil and are the highest known source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Chia was grown by the Indian tribes of Mexico and the southwestern U.S. for their seeds which were ground into flour and used to make biscuits, cakes and a mush called pinole. The seeds were also eaten roasted and had a pleasant nutlike flavor. Chia was a major crop in Mexico between 1500 and 900 B.C. and was still cultivated well into the 16th century A.D. Chia seed was valued so much by these tribes that it was used as a currency. Known as the running food, its use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. Aztec warriors were said to have subsisted on the Chia seed during their conquests. Native American tribes of the southwest took Chia seeds on journeys where a few seeds kept in the mouth and periodically chewed, would keep up their strength. One tablespoon of seeds was said to be enough to provide 24 hours worth of energy. Indians running from the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would bring only Chia seed for their nourishment.
Chia seed was also used for its extensive hydration properties. Containing a mucilaginous substance, due to soluble fibers, Chia seeds expand considerably into a gelatinous volume when moistened. Chia seed has the ability to absorb twelve times its weight in water. If you mix a spoonful of Chia in a glass of water and leave it 30 minutes, it will become an almost solid mass of gelatin. The Indians would soak the ground seeds in water to make a refreshing beverage that was said to have high thirst-quenching properties and was also used in this way to make alkaline desert water palatable.
Just as the ancient Indians relied on Chia seeds for energy and endurance for their travels and conquests, so we Christians are to rely on Christ for power and endurance to overcome our daily trials. “The great desire in this age of the world is for more power. I want more grace, more love, [a] more deep and earnest living experience. The Christian who hides in Jesus will have power without measure awaiting his draught upon it. Living faith unlocks heaven’s storehouse and brings the power, the endurance, the love so essential for the Christian soldier.” The Upward Look, 154. “Satan brings all his powers to the assault in the last, close conflict, and the endurance of the follower of Christ is taxed to the utmost. At times it seems that he must yield. But a word of prayer to the Lord Jesus goes like an arrow to the throne of God, and angels of God are sent to the field of battle. The tide is turned.” In Heavenly Places, 297.
David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.
Two young men who were both seriously ill occupied the same hospital room.
Jack’s bed was next to the room’s only window. For one hour each day he was allowed to sit up in his bed to drain the fluids from his lungs. The other man, Jim, whose bed was across the room, had to spend all of his time lying flat on his back.
The two young men became very good friends in a short time and they talked for hours on end about their families, their homes, their jobs, holidays they had and their involvement in activities around their homes and in the community. They were both so thankful to have somebody to talk with and each day they prayed together for God to help them through the pain of each day and to have joy in their hearts.
Each afternoon while Jack was sitting up in his bed knowing that his friend could not get up and needing to hear something about the outside world, he passed the time describing to his roommate the things he saw as he looked out of his window. Jim looked forward to those one-hour periods each day as his friend shared with him, and his world opened up and was given life by all the activity and color of the outside world.
The window overlooked a park that surrounded a lake that sparkled in the sunshine. Ducks and swans swam on the water undisturbed by the children who laughed and played while sailing their model boats. Grand old trees graced the landscape where young men and women walked arm in arm amid the many colorful flowers and shrubs. In the distance could be seen a fine view of the city skyline. As Jack described what he saw in great detail, Jim would just close his eyes and in his imagination view the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon Jack described a parade passing by and although Jim could not hear the band, he could see it vividly in his mind.
Then one day an unexpected thought entered Jim’s head. Why should Jack have the privilege of seeing everything while I am stuck in this bed seeing nothing? It just didn’t seem fair. At first Jim was ashamed of such a thought of jealousy, but as the days passed his envy grew into resentment and very soon he became very bitter. He began to brood about it and was unable to sleep peacefully. The constant thought that he should be the one by that window controlled his life, making him miserable, and he no longer enjoyed Jack sharing with him the things that he saw. Late one night, as Jim lay staring at the ceiling feeling very sorry for himself, he thought he heard a commotion from the other bed where Jack was but did not pay any attention. The following morning Jack was taken to another location. Jim now saw an opportunity for himself and was glad that the bed beside the window was now vacant. As soon as Jack’s belongings were removed Jim asked if he could have that bed. Once the switch had been made and the nurse had done all she could to make him comfortable, he was left alone.
He was so excited, because now he would see everything Jack saw for himself. Slowly, painfully, and after much struggling, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look. Finally, after all this time he would have the joy of seeing everything himself. He strained and slowly turned to look out the window and all he saw was a blank wall.
Oh, what a letdown! He suddenly realized that all those things that Jack had shared with him to make him happy were the joyful things in Jack’s own heart. He never saw that blank wall. Jim felt so sad now about his attitude of jealousy which had affected the friendship he had before Jack had left.
Both men were very ill and in dealing with that, Jack had decided to always think on the positive things. He knew that true happiness does not depend upon circumstances, but the condition of the heart.
What a lesson that Jim finally learned! Now he really missed his old buddy and the insights of Jack’s heart that had always lightened their situation. Unfortunately, sometimes we do not appreciate what we have until it is gone.
God tells us that, “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8.
If we regularly put positive, encouraging and uplifting thoughts into our minds and bite our lips before we begin to grumble or complain, we will have much happiness to share with others.
Apricots are beautifully colored orange fruits full of beta carotene and fiber that are one of the first signs of summer.
This fruit was long thought to have originated in Armenia—note the Latin name—but now is known to have originated in China, the Himalayas, and other parts of temperate Asia. The people of Hunza who live in the Himalayas, with their very limited diet, rely a great deal on dried apricots and edible apricot kernels. These people are world renowned for their unusual longevity. Apricot trees are cultivated all around the world, mostly for their fruit but also for their kernels, which are edible in several varieties.
Apricots are very delicate during their brief season, so most of the time they are eaten dried. The fruit is dried easily and retains nutrients well, including goodly amounts of vitamins A and B2, niacin, magnesium, potassium, sodium and iron.
The kernel of the apricot is the part that most interests herbalists and cosmetic manufacturers. Oil, called Persic Oil, is pressed from the kernels for use in cosmetic preparations and is similar to Oil of Almonds, though not as expensive, and is very softening to the skin, being a smooth, light, richly emollient oil. It can be purchased in health food stores and used for making homemade cosmetic preparations.
Of the most interest to herbalists, however, is the use of apricot kernels to provide a cancer drug called Laetrile which is now available only in Mexico because of restrictions in the United States. It is distributed worldwide, and there are many reports of success in treating cancer with it. Laetrile is said to have antitumor properties and is claimed to be effective in preventing as well as treating cancer. As early as A.D. 502, apricot seeds were used to treat tumors, and in the 17th century, apricot oil was used in England against tumors and ulcers.
Laetrile is present in the seeds of various fruits, such as almonds, cherries and plums, but is most abundant in certain varieties of apricots. Laetrile consists of amygdalin, the bitter-tasting factor in the seeds, chemically known as mandelic nitrile beta-gluruconide, a cyanogenic glycoside. This means that the seeds contain cyanide. The theory goes that small amounts given over a long period will accumulate in cancer tissue and prevent oxygen from reaching the unhealthy tissue. Since cancer tissue is said to have greater beta-glucosidase activity, it cannot detoxify the cyanide in Laetrile very easily. Cyanide is extremely toxic to human beings, and can cause death by asphyxiation even in very small doses, so taking a concentrated extract such as Laetrile even if from a natural substance like apricot seeds seems unwise. Many natural practitioners recommend eating apricot kernels from tree varieties that produce edible kernels as a cancer preventative. This seems to be a safer course than taking the extract, which is reported to have caused hydrocyanic acid poisoning, with symptoms of severe headaches, stupor, convulsions, collapse and respiratory paralysis.
In Chinese medicine, apricot fruits are thought to relate to the heart and are therefore utilized in heart disease. The kernels are crushed and combined with licorice and ginger to act as a cough medicine and expectorant. They are also used particularly as an asthma remedy. The crushed kernels are taken as a remedy for tumors, as we suggest above. Apricot flowers are considered a tonic women’s remedy, used to help in fertility.
The Japanese folk remedy bainiku-ekisu (concentrated Japanese apricot juice) has been used for the treatment of gastritis (stomach inflammation) and enteritis (bowel inflammation) since ancient times, and has recently been studied as a bacteriostatic (stops the growth/reproduction of bacteria) agent.
Apricot kernels are used to treat asthma in various localities around the world; research shows that chemicals in the kernels possess the anti-asthma activity.
In Turkey and Iraq, the oil is pressed and used to soften skin. The seeds are used in various countries against parasites, taken as a vermifuge.
If you are growing apricot trees, select varieties that are suitable for your area. For those in northern areas with short growing seasons, imported varieties from China or the Himalayas can produce well. Do not grow oats near apricots; the root excretions inhibit the growth of young apricot trees.
Right now 97% of the commercial apricot crop is grown in California. Only about 21% of those grown commercially are sold as fresh fruit. The majority are canned, dried or frozen.
For the best flavor, eat tree-ripened fruit. These are rarely available in stores, even those close to the orchard. The next best thing to a well matured apricot is one that is orange-yellow in color, and plump and juicy. Immature apricots never attain the right sweetness or flavor. There are far too many immature apricots on the market. They are greenish-yellow; the flesh is firm with a sour taste. Avoid green and shriveled apricots.
Apricots may be eaten raw in a soft diet. Ripe apricots are especially good for very young children and for older people. This fruit is quite laxative, and rates high in alkalinity. Apricots also contain cobalt, which is necessary in the treatment of anemic conditions.
Apricots may be pureed for children who are just beginning to eat solid foods. Blend some apricots for a wonderful desert. They make good afternoon and evening snacks.
The sugar content in dried apricots is six times higher than that of the fresh fruit. Therefore, persons with diabetic conditions must be careful not to eat too many dried apricots. On the other hand, because of its sugar content it is good when an energy boost is needed.
Dried fruit should be put in cold water and brought to a boil the night before, or permitted to soak all night, before eating. Bringing the water to a boil kills any germ life that may be on the fruit. Sweeten only with honey, maple syrup, or natural sugars.
We cannot physically see either the Lord or Satan at this time; but we can see the fruits of each. Jesus tells us, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:20.
Satan has usurped, or seized, the temporary leadership of this world through Adam’s fall. We are born into this world with the propensity, or natural inclination, to follow Satan, the god of this world. And “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” II Corinthians 4:4.
For this reason, we need to be in the School of Christ so that we may be able to identify the path we are on and to identify, by our own fruits, whom we are following.
We are told in Revelation 3:18 to “anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see” spiritual things. To anoint means to consecrate by applying oil—the oil is the Holy Spirit. When we apply that oil, we can have the power of clear discernment between good and evil.
“Let the heavenly eyesalve be applied to the eyes of your understanding that you may distinguish between truth and error. Search the Word; and when you find a ‘Thus saith the Lord,’ take your stand.” My Life Today, 73.
“Our only safety is to be shielded by the grace of God every moment, and not put out our own spiritual eyesight so that we will call evil, good, and good, evil. Without hesitation or argument we must close and guard the avenues of the soul against evil.” The Adventist Home, 403.
The god of this earth has blinded many eyes, and that is why many cannot see and they follow Satan. We need to ask God daily for that eyesalve that will give us spiritual discernment to see where the devil is deceiving us and for the grace to turn away from following Satan. Make your choice today to sit in heavenly places with the God of Heaven.
In I Kings 18:21 Elijah said, “How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.” When you have spiritual discernment, you will want to choose the God of heaven and not the god of this earth. You will no longer halt between two opinions.
When the eyes have been enlightened with spiritual eyesight, we will no longer follow Satan.
If you have a Bible question you wish to have answered, please write to Steps to Life or e-mail it to:
landmarks@stepstolife.org.
We have been seeking to do everything in our power to educate the people here to understand what it means to be a Christian. We have been holding morning meetings the past week at half past five, lasting one hour. All who are connected with the office and all in the building attend these meetings. I talk to them about 30 minutes and then we have a social meeting. …
I feel deeply that we must do everything in our power to educate the people to be Bible Christians. Not only must we show in our character the meekness and lowliness of Christ, but we must educate the people who profess present truth so that they will not be satisfied to merely have a nominal faith in the truth for this time but have that faith brought into their character as a sanctifying power. How few of us see the importance of living by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God; that is, not depart from a Thus saith the Lord.
I feel deeply in regard to the fact that our people talk the truth, but do not live the truth, thus carrying its principles in their life practices. Every church that has been organized needs a work done for them that God alone can do. They talk consecration, mention consecration in their prayers, and say over and over again, “We give ourselves wholly to Christ,” when they hold tenaciously to their own ideas and will and are not consecrated to Christ.
Saying consecration, praying consecration, are not enough. We must practice consecration. We feel deeply pained to see the absence of consecration in the individual members of the church. These reach too high. When they bring their consecration down into their very words and actions, into their associations with one another, they will bring consecration into their practical life. It is present religion we need, not an imaginary religion. It is a Saviour today to help us. It is to reveal Christ in our words today; it is to be kind, tender, and affectionate today; it is to esteem others better than ourselves today. Each separate word and action is to show consecration not to ourselves, but to God. We are fitting up for heaven. The Spirit of Jesus dwells in us richly by faith.
Consecration is a very simple thing when brought daily into our individual life in practice, but it is our spiritual power. We shall know far more by consecration daily than by trusting to our experience. Each day, each hour, let the heart go out after God: “Here, Lord, am I, Thy property; take me, use me today. I lay all my plans at Thy feet; I will have no way of my own in the matter. My time is Thine; my whole life is Thine. Thou hast bought me with a price.” Let the heart be constantly going forth to God for strength, for grace every moment.
Let not one evil word escape our lips, because our lips, our voice, belong to the Lord, and must be consecrated to the Lord and to His service. These lips must not dishonor Jesus, for they belong to Him. He has bought them and I must speak nothing that will offend Jesus. My ears must be closed to evil. Thus day by day we can consecrate ourselves to God. The ears must not be defiled by listening to any gossip that faultfinding ones would have us hear, for I not only cause them to sin in allowing them to talk of others’ faults, but I sin myself in listening to them. I can prevent much evil speaking in thus having ears consecrated to God. I can say before the evil is done, “Let us pray,” then ask God to enlighten both our minds to understand our true relation to one another and our true relation to God.
Let us open our hearts to Jesus with all the simplicity that a child would tell its earthly parents his perplexities and the things that trouble him. Tell him you are not to listen to evil speaking, to hurt others. Thus we can restrain evil not only in ourselves but in others. Practice consecration to God daily; then there will be no danger in the life of service to God. We want gratitude brought into our life, words, and works.
Every word, every thought of complaining indulged in, is a reflection upon God, a dishonor to His name. We want our hearts attuned to His praise, full of thankfulness, talking of His love, our hearts softened and subdued by the grace of Christ, full of sweetness and peace and fragrance. We shall be patient, kind, tenderhearted, pitiful, courteous, even when dealing with those who are disagreeable. Oh, how many precious blessings we lose because we esteem self altogether too highly and have so little esteem for others. We want to live a life that will please God, one that will bear witness that we are children of God and not children of the wicked one.
This is the nature of the instruction that we are giving in the morning meetings, and we hope some good is being effected. I feel Jesus verily present. I tell you in the fear of God, our churches are altogether too formal. The love, the tenderness of Christ, is not expressed in practice in their intercourse with one another. We must not demerit ourselves and lightly esteem the ability given us of God, neither should we overestimate our own importance and trust to our human ability. Those who have far less ability may verily be doing far more for the Master because they put out of the exchangers every talent they possess. They keep up an unfaltering purpose, a brave heart, and a calm, peaceful, trusting confidence in God because they believe His Word.
Heaven recognizes the loyalty of the soul that is struggling to do the will of God, and to grow into the likeness of Christ. Each has to win his way by struggles and efforts to elevation of character and noble attainments. Jesus has divine help to give every one of us in our aspirations to seek to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. God is ready to give abundant grace, and the door of the heart must be open to receive. Open the door and let the Saviour in. Then we must teach this, reveal it in our lives. What rich promises we have, how deep, how full, how abundant! If we do not grasp them, we meet with a great loss, and those with whom we associate also meet with a loss.
Jesus would reflect His light and grace through us to others. Then come close to Jesus; open the door of the heart that the bright beams of Christ’s righteousness may shine into our souls to be reflected upon others. We are to be constantly reaching upward to God. Think much, and talk little of ourselves, but talk of Jesus; dwell upon His matchless charms. Talk not of our trials, brood not over our privations, but remember Jesus, the Son of God.
Study His life of self-denial, self-sacrifice, His life of privation, and how much abuse He endured for our sakes on the cruel cross, and then let us never exalt ourselves or think we have a trying time, but let us be thankful. God does not want us to be in gloom, but walk in the light as He is in the light. Jesus lives; He is not in Joseph’s new tomb, but lives to make intercession for us. He does not forget us for one brief moment. He encouraged His disciples to [obey] that which He commanded them, [then promised], “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” [Matt. 28:20]. Then let peace come into the soul, joyfulness into the heart, and speak forth the words Christ has given us, and show forth by our piety, “the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” [I Peter 2:9].
Manuscript Releases, Book 21, 306–309.
It is amazing how often the devil tried to thwart (oppose, frustrate or baffle) the purposes of Jesus. Do you remember the time when the devil caused the whole herd of swine to go over the cliff? When you first look at it, it appears that the devil again thwarted the plans of Jesus, but read the following:
“But the purposes of Christ were not thwarted. He allowed the evil spirits to destroy the herd of swine as a rebuke to those Jews who were raising these unclean beasts for the sake of gain. Had not Christ restrained the demons, they would have plunged into the sea, not only the swine, but also their keepers and owners. The preservation of both the keepers and the owners was due alone to His power, mercifully exercised for their deliverance. Furthermore, this event was permitted to take place that the disciples might witness the cruel power of Satan upon both man and beast. The Saviour desired His followers to have a knowledge of the foe whom they were to meet, that they might not be deceived and overcome by his devices. It was also His will that the people of that region should behold His power to break the bondage of Satan and release his captives. And though Jesus Himself departed, the men so marvelously delivered, remained to declare the mercy of their Benefactor.” The Great Controversy, 515.
Amazing! Even though the keepers and owners of the swine were living in sin, Jesus protected them from being destroyed and they were given another opportunity. This story is a real faith builder!
It is a must for each of us to know and believe that, “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.
And why are we to believe this? Because, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Verse 29.
Just stop to think about this for a moment. The only reason God allows things to happen the way they do in our lives is that He is working things out for you and for me to be conformed to the image of His Son. This should bring rejoicing into our hearts, even though for a little while we do not understand, but when we get to heaven we will thank Him for everything that ever happened to us because He allowed it for our good. We serve a most loving God.
Put your trust fully in Him and rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.
“Be careful [full of care] for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6, 7.
“Oh Lord, we are in danger of forgetting You and looking at the things which are seen instead of beholding, by the eye of faith, the things which are unseen. When misfortune or afflictions come, we are ready to blame You for neglect and cruelty. When You see fit to cut off our usefulness in some line, we mourn, not stopping to think that You are working for our good. Help us to remember that You can bring victory out of that which may seem to us misfortunes and afflictions. Help us to understand that we need to learn that these things are a part of Your great plan and that under the rod of affliction we may sometimes do more for Thee than when engaged in active service. Help us to behold You in all areas of our lives.” Amen.
On November 1, 1755, an earthquake struck in the Atlantic Ocean. It is commonly known as The Great Lisbon Earthquake. The total duration of the shaking lasted ten minutes, comprising three distinct jolts. A devastating fire following the earthquake destroyed a large part of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and a very strong tsunami caused heavy destruction along the coasts of Portugal, south Spain and western Morocco. Geologists today estimate that the earthquake approached magnitude 9. The effects from the earthquake were far reaching, with shaking felt in North Africa.
May 19, 1780, stands in history as The Dark Day. Since the time of Moses, no period of darkness of equal density, extent or duration has ever been recorded. “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come.” Joel 2:31. The moon became as red as blood on the night of the Dark Day, May 19, 1780. Milo Bostick in Stone’s History of Massachusetts says, “The moon which was at its full, had the appearance of blood.”
On November 13, 1833, the skies over the eastern United States were lit up by thousands of shooting stars every minute. This display lasted for four hours preceding dawn that day.
These phenomena were the fulfillment of the signs given before the coming of Jesus. At first, the people were afraid and gathered themselves together to pray. However, when nothing happened they soon went back to their former lifestyles.
“We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude.
“The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.” Lift Him Up, 356.
Then is described the condition of the world at that time. Ellen White says, “Bold robberies are of frequent occurrence. Strikes are common. Thefts and murders are committed on every hand. Men possessed of demons are taking the lives of men, women, and little children. Men have become infatuated with vice, and every species of evil prevails.” Ibid.
“On one occasion, when in New York City, I was in the night season called upon to behold buildings rising story after story toward heaven. These buildings were warranted to be fireproof, and they were erected to glorify the owners and builders. Higher and still higher these buildings rose, and in them the most costly material was used. Those to whom these buildings belonged were not asking themselves: ‘How can we best glorify God?’ The Lord was not in their thoughts.
“I thought: ‘Oh, that those who are thus investing their means could see their course as God sees it! They are piling up magnificent buildings, but how foolish in the sight of the Ruler of the universe is their planning and devising. They are not studying with all the powers of heart and mind how they may glorify God. They have lost sight of this, the first duty of man.’
“As these lofty buildings went up, the owners rejoiced with ambitious pride that they had money to use in gratifying self and provoking the envy of their neighbors. Much of the money that they thus invested had been obtained through exaction, through grinding down the poor. They forgot that in heaven an account of every business transaction is kept; every unjust deal, every fraudulent act, is there recorded. The time is coming when in their fraud and insolence men will reach a point that the Lord will not permit them to pass, and they will learn that there is a limit to the forbearance of Jehovah.
“The scene that next passed before me was an alarm of fire. Men looked at the lofty and supposedly fire-proof buildings and said: ‘They are perfectly safe.’ But these buildings were consumed as if made of pitch. The fire engines could do nothing to stay the destruction. The firemen were unable to operate the engines.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 12, 13.
The day before 9/11 when the twin towers in New York came down, there was a special documentary aired on the television explaining how the buildings had been erected and how they had withstood the 1993 bombing attempt to bring them down. They were declared to have been built from the most costly material, were fireproof and that nothing could bring them down. Some, since the attack, claim that there had been bombs put inside, and that there was an explosion because of the way the building fell. No, the prophet of God said buildings would come down. Angels touched those buildings. That was our modern day sign, a wake up call. God said, “I am coming.” If you want to know how the people reacted in November of 1755 and how they responded in 1780 and again in 1833, just remember how the people responded after 9/11. All of a sudden, sports were no longer important and churches of all different denominations filled up.
In The Review and Herald, September 10, 1901, Ellen White says, “Satan has devised a multitude of ways in which to keep men from serving God. He has invented sports and games, into which men enter with such intensity that one would suppose a crown of life was to reward the winner.” The purpose of this is to take the minds of God’s people so that they will not think of God. But now, after a tragedy, everybody agrees, no baseball games, no football games; all of the evening talk shows and laugh shows were stopped. All of sudden, people who were not interested before, were interested in talking about God.
When I first moved into my neighborhood, my neighbors invited us over for little housewarming parties and would offer me beer, which I would refuse. I told them I am a minister and they would say, Well, my pastor is cool. My pastor and I are buddies and he knows that he can come to my house and have a beer and no one is going to know. I told him I don’t drink, but you can go ahead and drink. Because I refused to join them we were known as killjoys and are no longer invited to their parties. I would see neighbors run by my house to their parties thinking I did not see them with their wine bottles and beer, etc. When they got so far, often I would call out the door and ask them how they were doing.
But after 9/11, it was different. These same people who had shunned me now wanted me to come and pray in their homes. Everybody in our area would drive by and wave. Everybody was afraid. They became solemn and serious about God. This is the same way people responded in November of 1755 when the great Lisbon earthquake struck, and also how people responded in 1780 when the sun went black and the moon turned red. It is how people responded in 1833 when all the stars were falling. These were all events beyond their control and they were scared.
In the days of Noah, when the animals boarded that ark, directed by an unseen hand, everybody was interested and intrigued. These were intelligent people, some of whom lived to be 950 years old; they were not cave men. You can only imagine what inventions there were and what your computer skills would be like with 900 years of experience. When the people saw this, everybody was frightened, just like now. But, in those next seven days after the door of the ark had been shut, when nothing else happened, they went back to business as usual. Fear will never convict a person to be loyal to God. The prophet of God says that when that angel swirled around in the sky, dropped down and got hold of that massive door of the ark and shut it, everybody was afraid. There was quiet. If the rain had started right then the people would have said, “Lord, if you would only have given me a few more days, I was going to get on board.”
Instead, God allowed that emotion to wear off. The first day, everybody was praying; the second day everybody was praying. You can just imagine Wednesday night prayer meeting—all the churches were filled just like they were after 9/11. But when nothing happened, somebody cracked a little joke and before you knew it, by Thursday, they were all laughing and saying that Noah was a wild fanatic. All of the preachers were preaching on that next Sabbath and planning on doing whatever they do after sunset Saturday.
Out of nowhere on that eighth day, dark hellish clouds came together and with combustion that man had never experienced, from the top and from the bottom. Water came from everywhere but by then it was too late for help. Then, the people wanted God and cried to Noah but the door was shut and the opportunity to be saved was passed.
Some today are trapped in regard to their siblings, children and parents who do not want to know their God. It comes to a point when each needs to ask, Who is my brother; who is my sister; who is my mother—they that do the will of my Father. When Noah entered that ark he had many family members who remained outside. The Bible said his father had more children, so there must have been sisters and brothers and maybe his mother was still alive, screaming for help when the rain started falling. Noah had to keep trusting in God—his name means rest. Salvation is an individual decision and Noah rested in his confidence in God.
“There are not many, even among educators and statesmen, who comprehend the causes that underlie the present state of society. Those who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the problem of moral corruption, poverty, pauperism, and increasing crime. They are struggling in vain to place business operations on a more secure basis.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 13.
Few understand the time in which we are living. Shortly after these disasters we are being told that the economy is coming back and everything is going to be good. This is not true; we are at the end of time. God did not leave us without a witness. In detail He tells us to listen. We must believe in the prophets. These testimonies were not written for one hundred years ago; they were written for our warning today.
Because nothing more happened right away after 9/11, people have become relaxed again. Now we see the economy is gone and is not coming back. Everybody is crying for the government to support them. Take care of us; take care of us; you are responsible for us! They are going to take care of us with their many schemes, but not without a cost. There is healthcare—at what cost? Save your home—at what cost?
This dear little lady prophetess is trying to tell us, through the Holy Spirit, that we should have our houses in order. There is no time to pretend that you have an experience that you don’t really have. Only you know what goes on when no one else is looking but God. Only you know how interested you really are in His Word. We need to ask God for help now for He will not cast us out, but some will not consistently ask. Are we too busy being occupied with the cares of this world to seek Him with all of our hearts? Do we leave the sanctuary after a seed of truth has dropped into our hearts and then not allow it to take root because of casual talking and neglecting to pray and praise God for what He has done for us? We should be able to go home and spend time in prayer, pleading with God for help, lest we perish. Ask Him for help and then linger to hear His voice. The prophet of God said that when she was 15 years old, she used to wait until her twin sister was asleep and then get out of bed and plead with God and agonize with Him and tell Him that she would not go to bed until He blessed her. She said that sometimes the sun would come up before she slept, but the Lord blessed her because she had prevailed in prayer. You have to search and ask God and the promise says that you will receive it. It is worth asking for.
The world in this condition cannot continue to go on indefinitely. Are you ready for Jesus to come? Have you really embraced eternal life? The Bible says that this is life eternal that you know Jesus (John 17:3). Do you really know Him? Jesus desires to have an intimate, personal relationship with you. The younger you are the easier it will be without having to fight through all of the different things you have conditioned yourself to believe. John the Baptist was a young man, preaching and doing ministry before Jesus came and commenced His ministry. When Jesus approached where he was baptizing, He said, “This is the Lamb of God” (John 1:36). God wants us to know Him, to recognize Him like John did. How angels must weep seeing so many unprepared and not interested in getting ready to go home.
Whatever the enemy of souls offers you, it is only temporary. Life in this world is so short. “Why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth.” Ezekiel 18:31, 32. To those who reject the offer of eternal life God asks, Why will you die? Take a look at your life and ask, Are the pleasures of this world worth losing heaven over? The Lord says that He has no pleasure at all in your death, so why will you die?
Isaiah 5:4 says, “What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?” What more could God have done for you? These are pertinent questions. When the world turns their back on you and when nobody else understands, the Lord says, Come; it is going to be alright. Choose life and spend eternity with Jesus, the One who loves you and shed His innocent blood that you might live. Though you have rejected Him and spat in His face in the past, when you are ready, He says, Come. He never mentions the spit. He says, I want to give you My victory. When we walk in the flesh, we crucify Him afresh. Jesus has a personal interest in seeing you in heaven. You were created for His pleasure and for His joy. He wants to save you.
“Why will ye die, O house of Israel?” “What could have been done more to my vineyard?” Make your choice today. Make a decision right now to give your heart to the Lord. He longs to create in you a new heart right now.
“A new heart also will I give you.” Ezekiel 36:26.
Pastor Stephen Lewis is an international speaker and director of The Present Truth. This article is from a sermon he preached at Steps to Life Camp Meeting, 2009. He can be contacted at www.thepresenttruth.org.
The sanctuary message is so deep and so broad that it would take a lifetime to study it. As you walk through the sanctuary you behold Jesus Christ. The sanctuary in heaven is the very sensor of Christ’s work in behalf of men. It concerns every living soul upon the earth. It opens to view the plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very close of time revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness and sin. It is of the utmost importance that all should thoroughly investigate these subjects and be able to give the hope that is in them. The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truths connected and harmonious, showing that God’s hand had directed the great Advent Movement, revealing present duty as it brought to light the position of His people.
We all need to keep the subject of the sanctuary in mind. Why? God forbid that the clatter of words coming from human lips should lessen the belief of our people in the truth that there is a sanctuary in heaven, and that the pattern of this sanctuary was once built on this earth. God desires His people to become familiar with this pattern, keeping ever before their minds the heavenly sanctuary where God is all in all.
We live in a time where so many things bombard us, even in our churches. The sanctuary is not preached much. Before I came into the church, I was a Catholic studying to be a Mormon. I did not have much understanding of the Adventist faith, only studying for four days before being baptized. The sanctuary doctrine was particularly hard to understand. The Bible said there was a sanctuary and I was told about the 2300 days and how everything ended in 1844 but not too many people knew anything more than that. They could tell me that there was a building up in heaven and that was all. I knew I had to study more if I wanted to know the truth.
Eventually I met some people who confused me a little and one of my pastors in his message said that the sanctuary did not exist and not to believe that anymore. I thought he was a good pastor and kind of believed him. Another lay person said I needed to believe it and to read the Book, because the truth is there and that is just what I did. I do not know everything, but I do know there is a High Priest ministering in heaven and Jesus is interceding for me and for you right now and there is a sanctuary in heaven.
“In the future, deception of every kind is to arise, and we want solid ground for our feet. We want solid pillars for the building. Not one pin is to be removed from that which the Lord has established. The enemy will bring in false theories, such as the doctrine that there is no sanctuary. This is one of the points on which there will be a departing from the faith. Where shall we find safety unless it be in the truths that the Lord has been giving for the last fifty years?” The Review and Herald, May 25, 1905.
In 1905 the Ballinger controversy was going on and one of his teachings some still hold today. He believed in universal justification which means that everybody was saved at the cross. Ellen White tried to counsel him and told him to be careful, as he was taking a pin away from the sanctuary. If everyone is justified, there is no need for a high priest.
“Satan is striving continually to bring in fanciful suppositions in regard to the sanctuary, degrading the wonderful representations of God and the ministry of Christ for our salvation into something that suits the carnal mind. He removes its presiding power from the hearts of believers, and supplies its place with fantastic theories invented to make void the truths of the atonement, and destroy our confidence in the doctrines which we have held sacred since the third angel’s message was first given. Thus he would rob us of our faith in the very message that has made us a separate people, and has given character and power to our work.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 53, 54.
It is not merely being a vegetarian or keeping the Sabbath that made Seventh-day Adventists a special people, because there are vegetarians and Sabbatarians not of our faith. It is the understanding of Jesus’ work of salvation in the sanctuary, and there are no Sunday keepers who I know of who believe in this truth.
“The intercession of Christ in man’s behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was his death upon the cross.” The Great Controversy, (1888), 489.
Salvation does not end at the cross but continues on into heaven. The cross is the power, but it does not finish there. Jesus is trying to lead us back to the Father. We cannot, in our own righteousness, stand in His presence until Jesus washes us and we are a new people in the way we look, talk and think. If our mind is not in unity with His mind, we would want to shrink away from the presence of the One who knows all and reads our mind. The graciousness of Jesus is to bring us back to the Father because He only knows what is acceptable in His sight.
“The intercession of Christ in man’s behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was his death upon the cross. By his death he began that work which, after his resurrection, he ascended to complete in Heaven. We must by faith enter within the veil, ‘whither the forerunner is for us entered’ [Hebrews 6:20].” Ibid.
There is both an intellectual and also a practical faith. Just because I know that there is a heavenly sanctuary is not enough to save me. By faith I have to enter into that experience.
“There the light from the cross of Calvary is reflected. There we may gain a clearer insight into the mysteries of redemption. The salvation of man is accomplished at an infinite expense to Heaven; the sacrifice made is equal to the broadest demands of the broken law of God. Jesus has opened the way to the Father’s throne, and through his mediation the sincere desire of all who come to him in faith may be presented before God.” Ibid.
In the next passage, Satan is talking—these are his words: “Through those that have a form of godliness but know not the power, we can gain many who would otherwise do us harm. Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God will be our most effective helpers. [Remember, this is Satan talking, and he wants us.] Those of this class who are apt and intelligent will serve as decoys [something that is false—Satan has decoys] to draw others into our snares. Many will not fear their influence, because they profess the same faith [within the church]. We will thus lead them to conclude that the requirements of Christ are less strict than they once believed, and that by conformity to the world they would exert a greater influence with worldlings. Thus they will separate from Christ; then they will have no strength to resist our power, and erelong they will be ready to ridicule their former zeal and devotion.
“Until the great decisive blow shall be struck, our efforts against commandment keepers must be untiring. We must be present at all their gatherings. In their large meetings especially our cause will suffer much, and we must exercise great vigilance, and employ all our seductive arts to prevent souls from hearing the truth and becoming impressed by it.
“I will have upon the ground, as my agents, men holding false doctrines mingled with just enough truth to deceive souls. I will also have unbelieving ones present who will express doubts in regard to the Lord’s messages of warning to His church. Should the people read and believe these admonitions, we could have little hope of overcoming them. But if we can divert their attention from these warnings, they will remain ignorant of our power and cunning, and we shall secure them in our ranks at last. God will not permit His words to be slighted with impunity. If we can keep souls deceived for a time, God’s mercy will be withdrawn, and He will give them up to our full control.
“We must cause distraction and division. We must destroy their anxiety for their own souls, and lead them to criticize, to judge, and to accuse and condemn one another, and to cherish selfishness and enmity. For these sins, God banished us from His presence; and all who follow our example will meet a similar fate.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 474, 475.
Satan knows he is a defeated foe so he attempts to bring everybody else down with him by putting his decoys into the church, and many people are giving up their faith.
At one time while visiting with a minister he told me that The Great Controversy is 19th century theology, that it was not good for today but only good for their time and that the two beast powers were no longer the papacy and the United States because the United States does not act like a beast and the papacy is too quiet. Satan has fooled him.
“From the creation and fall of man to the present time, there has been a continual unfolding of the plan of God for the redemption, through Christ, of the fallen race. The tabernacle and temple of God on earth were patterned after the original in heaven. Around the sanctuary and its solemn services mystically gathered the grand truths which were to be developed through succeeding generations.” The Faith I Live By, 194.
“The great plan of redemption, as revealed in the closing work of these last days, should receive close examination.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 575.
We need to work in harmony with what God is teaching us through the sanctuary. “By study, contemplation, and prayer God’s people will be elevated above common, earthly thoughts and feelings, and will be brought into harmony with Christ and His great work of cleansing the sanctuary above from the sins of the people. Their faith will go with Him into the sanctuary, and the worshipers on earth will be carefully reviewing their lives and comparing their characters with the great standard of righteousness. They will see their own defects; they will also see that they must have the aid of the Spirit of God if they would become qualified for the great and solemn work for this time which is laid upon God’s ambassadors.” Ibid.
Exodus 25:8, 9 says, “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.” God wants to dwell with us. Moses had to make everything after the pattern he saw in the mountain.
In Acts 7:44 it says, “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.” “The holy places made with hands were to be ‘figures of the true,’ ‘patterns of things in the heavens’ (Hebrews 9:24, 23)—a miniature representation of the heavenly temple where Christ, our great High Priest, after offering His life as a sacrifice, was to minister in the sinner’s behalf. God presented before Moses in the mount a view of the heavenly sanctuary, and commanded him to make all things according to the pattern shown him. All these directions were carefully recorded by Moses, who communicated them to the leaders of the people.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 343.
The earthly sanctuary was a symbol or a shadow of the heavenly. When you look at a shadow of yourself, you see an outline because you cannot see everything else. The message that God is portraying is that the sanctuary is so deep that even Moses did not have complete understanding.
“It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” Hebrews 9:23, 24.
“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building.” Hebrews 9:11.
When everything was made for the earthly sanctuary, the priest went into the Most Holy Place, then to the Holy Place and then to the courtyard to dedicate it to the service of God. Then the priest went into the Holy Place for his daily work. Because of a misunderstanding through the translations of the Book of Hebrews some people think He went into the Most Holy Place. Many times when the Bible says Holy Place, it really means Holy places—plural. When Jesus’ ministry on earth was completed here on earth, He went to heaven, right into His Father’s presence. When His Father said that His sacrifice was accepted, He came back to His disciples and told them. When He went into heaven He took some first fruits and He went to a coronation, a dedication, of the sanctuary. He opened it; it says He anointed it and then He started his Holy Place ministration.
In Hebrews 8:1–5 it says, “Now of the things which we have spoken that is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount.” Jesus could not be a priest here on earth because he was of the wrong tribe. He was from the tribe of Judah.
I believe that the sanctuary is a miniature crossing of the promise land. The children of Israel were supposed to go from Egypt, across the Red Sea to Sinai and then to the promised land. This is a symbol of the last days. God has brought us out of Egypt, out from all of our idols. He has baptized us, or brought us through the water, brings us to the law and now He wants to take us in. What is the problem? We do not believe there is a sanctuary. The Word says, “Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.” Exodus 15:17.
God wants to bring us into the sanctuary because that is where God dwells—in the sanctuary. He wants to draw us right in and say, “Well Done;” but many do not believe.
“Many of the Israelites regarded the sacrificial service as having in itself virtue to set them free from sin. God desired to teach them that it had no more value than that serpent of brass. It was to lead their minds to the Saviour.” The Desire of Ages, 174, 175. The understanding of the sanctuary service is to lead us to the Saviour. Teaching the sanctuary message without introducing Jesus is of no value at all.
In A.D. 70 when the temple was destroyed, all the Jews could do was run and say, “the temple, the temple.” The temple in itself was powerless to do anything for them because Jesus was not there. “Whether for the healing of their wounds or the pardon of their sins, they could do nothing for themselves but show their faith in the Gift of God. They were to look and live.” Ibid. Just like that serpent of brass that was erected in the wilderness, those who looked up in faith to Jesus, whom it represented, were healed.
I grew up in the Catholic church; my godmother was a nun and she would tell me to pray to the rosary beads and they would help me. I would pray, but it did not help. Then she gave me this little statue of a black saint from Africa and told me to put him in my car and wherever I would go he would help me. When I got into an accident, where was he? I knocked him off my dash in frustration because he was no help. Then my godmother gave me some water that came from Italy and told me to put it on me and I would become smart. All of those things were just symbols and idols and useless.
We need to examine ourselves to see if our lives are leading others to Jesus or just uplifting ourselves. In Psalm 29:9 it says, “In his temple doth every one speak of his glory.” His glory is His character. Everything reveals His glory.
“And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.” Ezekiel 37:28. Most people in the world do not know anything about the sanctuary. I had an opportunity to work with a Baptist minister. One time he was reading the book, The Ministry of Healing, and he liked the book and he said that whatever spirit is in that book it is in the Bible. He asked about the author because he had never heard of Ellen White or Seventh-day Adventists. He was so interested that he went down to the book store and bought the whole three-volume set of the Spirit of Prophecy and started reading the books.
The first book he opened to read was The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Volume 7A, Revelation chapter 13, where it talks about apostate Protestantism, and he was a Sunday keeper. He then started crying, recognizing that he was part of apostate Protestantism. He said that if he went back to his church and started preaching from these books, they would fire him. I assured him that if he was fired, Jesus would take him in. I challenged him to accept the message, and he said he was going to take the books back to his church and read them before making a decision. I have not heard from him since.
The understanding of the workings of the sanctuary is a blessing to God’s people. We are the ones privileged to have that light and are teaching it to others. The sanctuary is basically the plan of redemption.
“The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men. It concerns every soul living upon the earth. It opens to view the plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very close of time and revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness and sin. It is of the utmost importance that all should thoroughly investigate these subjects and be able to give an answer to everyone that asketh them a reason of the hope that is in them.” The Great Controversy, 488.
“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” Hebrews 4:2.
We know that God loves us because He tells us, “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3. God is drawing us. “For the love of Christ constraineth us.” II Corinthians 5:14. “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.
In John 3:14, 15 it says, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
Jesus draws His people. He is pursuing you and He knows what you have been through and has the power to save you. When He takes your mess from your hands, He takes it into the sanctuary where He can cleanse you and make you into a new creature.
I John 4:8–10 tells us: “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Propitiation is another word for mercy seat and Jesus is our Mercy Seat.
God loves us so much that He sent His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not die but have everlasting life (John 3:16), and it is by leading us through the sanctuary service that He restores our relationship with Him.
Brad Neeley is Administrative Assistant of M.E.E.T. Ministry. He is a master gardener, lecturer and Bible instructor with over ten years in Christian ministry. He is married to S. Lynn Neeley, they have one daughter, Christiana.