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Do You Have the Faith of Jesus?

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“Here the patience of the saints is. Here are those keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” 

Revelation 14:12, literal translation (Hendrickson)

From the writings of Ellen G. White, we understand that Seventh-day Adventists have always held this verse to be an integral part of the third angel’s message. However, early in our history the law was emphasized to the point of minimizing the faith of Jesus. A number of statements bear this out. One statement in point is the following:

“The law of God has been largely dwelt upon and has been presented to congregations, almost destitute of the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His relation to the law as was the offering of Cain.” Faith and Works, 18.

At another time Sister White described such discourses as being as dry as the hills of Gilboa upon which neither dew nor rain would fall (see 2 Samuel 1:21 for context).

The law demands righteousness from the sinner, which he is utterly incapable of producing. However, through faith in Christ’s righteousness, which He wrought out in His life of perfect obedience, that sinner is accounted righteous—hence, righteousness by faith.

The above is a very brief introduction to what is presented next. During a week of prayer held by Ellen G. White and Elder A. T. Jones at the Battle Creek Tabernacle—following shortly after the 1888 Minneapolis Conference—Sister Ellen wrote these significant words:

“The message that was given to the people in these meetings presented in clear lines not alone the commandments of God—a part of the third angel’s message—but the faith of Jesus, which comprehends more than is generally supposed. And it will be well for the third angel’s message to be proclaimed in all its parts [Revelation 14, including verses 9–11], for the people need every jot and tittle of it. If we proclaim the commandments of God and leave the other half scarcely touched, the message is marred in our hands.

“There was precious truth and light presented before the people, but hearts that were obdurate received no blessing. They could not rejoice in the light which, if accepted, would have brought freedom and peace and strength and courage and joy to their souls.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 16, 227.

Another very clear statement about the “faith of Jesus” is provided in the Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 217:

“The third angel’s message is the proclamation of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. The commandments of God have been proclaimed, but the faith of Jesus Christ has not been proclaimed by Seventh-day Adventists as of equal importance, the law and the gospel going hand in hand. I cannot find language to express this subject in its fullness.

“ ‘The faith of Jesus.’ It is talked of, but not understood. What constitutes the faith of Jesus, that belongs to the third angel’s message? Jesus becoming our sin-bearer that He might become our sin-pardoning Saviour. He was treated as we deserve to be treated. He came to our world and took our sins that we might take His righteousness. Faith in the ability of Christ to save us amply and fully and entirely is the faith of Jesus.”

These words are full of meaning to each one of us. Should we not be so thrilled with all that Jesus means to us that we cannot help but share our experience with others? Ellen White had that urgency with which to share. On March 28, 1889, she, along with her secretary Fanny Bolton and Elder A. T. Jones, left Battle Creek for Chicago where they held meetings especially for Adventists. However, Sister White stated that she wished “every church, whatever their faith and doctrines, could … have the precious light of truth as it has been so clearly presented. I know it would have been a rich feast to very many souls not of our faith to see the plan of salvation so clearly and simply stated.” Ibid., 280.

This next quotation shows what a precious relationship we might have with the Lord Jesus. 

“The religion of Jesus Christ has not been as clearly defined as it should be, that the souls who are seeking for the knowledge of the plan of salvation may discern the simplicity of faith. In these meetings this has been made so clear that a child may understand that it is an immediate, voluntary, trustful surrender of the heart to God—a coming into union with Christ in confidence, affectionate obedience to do all His commandments through the merits of Jesus Christ. It is a decisive act of the individual, committing to the Lord the keeping of the soul. It is the climbing up by Christ, clinging to Christ, accepting the righteousness of Christ as a free gift. The will is to be surrendered to Christ. Through faith in the righteousness of Christ is salvation.” Ibid., 281.

Thus Galatians 2:20 takes on new meaning: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”

Consider some of the ways in which Jesus in His earthly life revealed faith, even in His youth. “To every temptation He had one answer, ‘It is written.’ … Often He was accused of cowardice for refusing to unite with them [his brothers] in some forbidden act; but His answer was, It is written. ‘The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding’ (Job 28:28).” The Desire of Ages, 88, 89. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). 

Jesus and His disciples were in a boat when a storm arose. While the disciples battled to keep the boat afloat Jesus was peacefully sleeping.

“When Jesus was awakened to meet the storm, He was in perfect peace. There was no trace of fear in word or look, for no fear was in His heart. But He rested not in the possession of almighty power. It was not as the ‘Master of earth and sea and sky’ [“Master, the Tempest is Raging,” Mary Ann Baker, 1875] that He reposed in quiet. That power He had laid down, and He says, ‘I can of Mine own self do nothing’ (John 5:30). He trusted in the Father’s might. It was in faith—faith in God’s love and care—that Jesus rested, and the power of that word which stilled the storm was the power of God.

“As Jesus rested by faith in the Father’s care, so we are to rest in the care of our Saviour.” The Desire of Ages, 336. How beautiful! 

There is more. “In all that He did, Christ was co-operating with His Father. Even He had been careful to make it evident that he did not work independently; it was by faith and prayer that He wrought His miracles.” Ibid., 536.

On the cross of Calvary Christ won His greatest victory of faith. “Amid the awful darkness, apparently forsaken of God, Christ had drained the last dregs in the cup of human woe. In those dreadful hours He had relied upon the evidence of His Father’s acceptance heretofore given Him. He was acquainted with the character of His Father; He understood His justice, His mercy, and His great love. By faith He rested in Him whom it had ever been His joy to obey. And as in submission He committed Himself to God, the sense of the loss of His Father’s favor was withdrawn. By faith, Christ was victor.” Ibid., 756.

Are we to have the same kind of faith that Jesus exhibited? Above in the quote from The Desire of Ages, 336, we learn that is so. We have the privilege of resting “in the care of our Saviour.”

Remember, it was by faith and prayer that Jesus accomplished all that He did for humanity. We too may do this. “As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength. … The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch.” Ibid., 668.

Finally, “Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was.” Ibid., 664.

O Lord, grant us the faith of Jesus, and may it grow and grow.

E. M. Anderson King was a former teacher of Marshal Grosboll (2 classes) and his sister Gwen (4th Grade) at the Longmont SDA School, Colorado.

Religious Liberty by Law

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A few days since the writer was very much interested in reading the story of the experience of an agent of the Bible Society in South America. It told of narrow escapes from Roman Catholic mobs, and of the power of the preaching of the pure Gospel, to remove prejudice. In the last paragraph of the article there occurred this statement: “No less a personage than the public school teacher came to warn me that, not bonds and imprisonment (we have religious liberty by law), but death at the hands of a mob awaited me if I did not desist from entering Orobe Grande.” 

This started a train of thought. What is religious liberty? and is it something which can be secured to people by law? Is its existence doubtful if it be not upheld by law? and can oppressive laws deprive people of it? The answers to the last three questions depend upon the answer to the first. According to the popular idea of religious liberty, the last three questions must be answered in the affirmative; but there is at least a strong probability that the popular idea of the matter is wrong. How can we find out the true definition? 

A question concerning religious liberty is one that pertains to religion; and where should we go for information concerning religion, except to the Bible? There we learn that, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). 

How can one keep himself “unspotted from the world”? – Again we read the answer, in the statement that the Lord Jesus Christ “gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father” (Galatians 1:4). Therefore true religion is a religion of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

There are very many kinds of religion in the world, but only one true religion. That is not a form, but a life. It consists not in a creed and ceremonies, but in a living faith in Christ. The word religion is not synonymous with Christianity, but true religion is. It promises what no other religion does, and fulfils its promises. It alone gives salvation. Besides the name of Jesus, “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” There is not salvation in any other (Acts 4:12). And this salvation is not merely something, promised for the future, but is a present reality. It is deliverance “from this present evil world” (Galatians 1:4), and that means deliverance from the evil of this present world. (See John 17:15.) 

The word deliverance means freedom. To deliver is to free. Therefore we find that the religion of Jesus Christ is a religion of freedom. Read the words of Christ, and the opening of His earthly ministry. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:18). 

Read again what He said to the Jews who followed Him: “If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31, 32). Then when the Jews demurred, saying that they were never in bondage, He continued, “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” (verse 34). And so the apostle Peter, speaking of false prophets that were to arise, teaching false light, said: “While they promised them [that is, their followers] liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption; for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is He brought in bondage” (2 Peter 2:19). 

We have just read the Scripture which says that the Spirit of the Lord anointed Jesus to preach deliverance to the captives, and to set at liberty them that are bound. Now read in 2 Corinthians 3:17: “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” That means, as well, that where the Spirit of the Lord is not, there is not liberty. If it were otherwise, there would be no point in Christ’s work. He came to grant liberty, for the reason that liberty could be obtained from no other source. 

We have therefore the answer to our first question. Religious liberty is the possession of the Spirit of the Lord. The others are easily answered. Can religious liberty be secured by law? – Not unless the Holy Spirit can be secured by law. What saith the Scripture? – “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). The Spirit of God is subject to no men, or the will of the men. God is not a subject; He is the King of kings; and therefore His Spirit cannot be controlled by any human power. The Spirit can no more be affected by human law than the north wind can by legal enactment be made to blow from the south. Therefore since religious liberty is obtained only through the Spirit, it is evident that religious liberty is something with which human laws have no more to do than with the blowing of the wind or the shining of the sun. 

That which is ordinarily called religious liberty is not religious liberty in any sense of the term. Legal permission to worship in public without molestation, is of precisely the same nature as liberty to open a shop, or to carry on any business without interference. But liberty to think or to believe, is something with which laws can have nothing to do. The slave is as free to think as is his master. Prison bars cannot stop a man from thinking what he pleases, nor can they take away man’s freedom to believe. Nay, more, they cannot take away a free man’s freedom to speak what he will. The apostles spoke in spite of all the laws against them; and their words were with power because of the very liberty which they enjoyed through Christ, which could not be checked by bonds and imprisonment. 

The man who depends upon civil law for liberty to believe, is not a free man, even though the law be the most liberal ever known. For the fact that he derives his freedom from the law, shows that if the law were adverse, he would at once lose his liberty; and that shows that his is not the liberty of Christ, for that comes from heaven. 

It is evident therefore, that they who think to advance the cause of religious liberty by political action, are really working against it. The very existence of laws concerning religion is a badge of slavery. When men wish a law to “protect” them in the performance of religious duties, or what they conceive to be religious duties, they thereby show that they are slaves to fear. They want a law to help them to do what they have not the power or the courage to do without the support of “public sentiment.” “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). 

“The word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9), and therefore whosoever has it abiding in him has liberty. Let us “stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free” (Galatians 5:1), and not dishonour Him by intimating that He or His cause depends to any degree whatever on human laws. 

Present Truth UK, November 23, 1893, 531, 532.

Perfection, What is It?

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Seventh-day Adventists are fond of claiming that we are the remnant church. The proof text normally used to prove our case is Revelation 12:17, which says, “And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Revelation 12:9 identifies the dragon: “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” 

Many Protestants will tell you the “woman” represents the virgin Mary. Revelation 12:1–6 speaks of a woman with child, who cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. The dragon that stood before the woman ready to give birth was ready to devour her Child as soon as it was born. 

It says here that this woman bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. Revelation 19:11–15 describes in symbolic language the Second Coming of Christ. Verse 15 says, “Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

The person who rules all nations with a rod of iron is Jesus Christ. It also says something very similar to that in Revelation 2:26, 27: “… he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—He shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the potter’s vessel shall be broken in pieces, so I also have received from My Father” (literal translation).

Jesus Christ is the ruler of the nations. He was a male child, and was caught up to heaven, to God, and to His throne (Revelation 12:5). Looking at the text that says a great sign appeared in heaven, we notice that John is not here talking about a literal man or woman, dragon or beast. This is a vision that has been given in symbolic language. The Greek word is semeion, which means a symbol or a sign. 

The woman standing on the moon and clothed with the sun that brings forth a male child cannot be the virgin Mary for Revelation 12:1 speaks in symbolic language. Paul wrote, “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you” (Galatians 4:19). Notice, Christ is to be formed in the church. The church is to bring forth the spiritual image of Jesus Christ. 

In Colossians 1:27 we are told: “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” It is when Christ is formed within a person that he has hope of eternal life. 

A symbolic woman in Scripture refers to the church. One example of many is found in Hosea 1:2. Hosea is told to take a wife of harlotry and this harlot wife has three children. This sad story of Hosea and his wife is a type or an example of God’s experience with the children of Israel, God being the husband and the children of Israel who were supposed to be married to Him, but continually fall in love with other lovers. You can see in chapters 3 and 4 that the book of Hosea uses the symbolism of a woman representing a church and her husband representing the Lord.

Jeremiah 3:14 says, “ ‘Return, O backsliding children,’ says the Lord; ‘for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.’ ”

“Surely, as a wife treacherously departs from her husband, so have you dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel,” says the Lord” (verse 20).

The whole book of Song of Solomon is based on this imagery where Solomon, the husband, represents the Lord, and where the wife, a Shulamite woman, represents the church. In his letter written to the church in Corinth, Paul says, “For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2).

To interpret the woman in Revelation 12 as the church is in harmony with the way this symbol is used throughout Scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments. We also know from other language used in this chapter that this woman could not be the virgin Mary. It was the seed of the woman, the church, that was to bring forth the Messiah. Verse 6 says, “Then the woman fled into the wilderness (the desert), where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.” There is no record of that being the experience of the virgin Mary.

Verses 13–16 say, “Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth.”

Clear back at the time of the flood, the Lord had made preparation for His people. In the mountains north of Milan, Italy, were the Alps and seven Piedmont Valleys. The passageway to get into some of these valleys was so narrow that to enter you had to go single file. A small force of men could defend the valley against a huge army. 

As a result of persecution, God’s people fled from all over the world to the kingdom of Theodoric, who controlled Italy and offered people religious freedom. Many from the eastern part of the Roman Empire, where they did not have religious freedom, fled to Italy. Freedom was short lived there; so the Christians travelled north to Milan and then north of Milan where they worshiped the Lord in freedom of conscience for hundreds of years in obscurity.

Finally, the papacy tried to wipe out the Waldenses and Revelation 12:14–16 describes the persecution against God’s saints that continued for one thousand, two hundred and sixty years, as was prophesied. Verse 17 says, “… the dragon was enraged with the woman (not the virgin Mary, for she had been dead for about 2,000 years by then). The dragon was enraged with the woman (the church), and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring (the last remnant of the church), who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

The testimony of Jesus Christ is defined in Revelation 19:10: “And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’ ” God’s last church on the earth will keep the commandments and will have the spirit of prophecy. 

The remnant of anything is what is left at the end. It will be the church described in Ephesians 5:26, 27, which says, “… that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”

There are other places where the apostles describe the remnant. Paul says, “Who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:8). Various other apostles talked about the church being blameless when Jesus comes. 

Peter says in 2 Peter 3:14: “Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” John said the same in 1 John 3:2, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

This is an unpopular doctrine and many, recognizing their own imperfections feel it is an impossible goal and look for some other way to be saved without being perfect. But Paul says, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). The Holy Spirit can work a miracle in your life. 

Paul discusses the growth of the Christian life. “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you must also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

“Therefore, as the elect of God (the remnant), holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:1–14, literal translation).

Notice verse 14. More important than anything else that you try to either leave aside or adopt as part of your character, Paul says to put on love because that is the bond of perfection. 

A perfect person is one who has perfect love in his heart. It is just that simple. Love will develop all other Christian graces, leaving off the sins that have been mentioned in the previous verses. In fact, love is so powerful that the apostle Paul says you will never fail to reach Christian perfection if you have love in your heart. 1 Corinthians 13:8 says, “Love never fails.” 

Love “bears (protects) all things and believes all things.” When things get unbelievable, it still “hopes all things,” and then when it seems altogether hopeless, it “endures all things” (verse 7). “Love never fails” (verse 8, first part).

If love is the way to perfection, how can I get it? It is not a natural attribute of the carnal man. Our nature is to be selfish, to love self more than anybody else. It is a perverted form of love, the way the devil loves—selfishness. 

Jesus loved selflessly so we could be saved. The experience of His lowly birth in Bethlehem, His life, His ministry, His trial, His death on the cross; He endured it all to open the gates of Paradise for others who did not deserve it. 

Love is the bond of perfection; it is something I do not naturally have in myself, or have the ability to generate. It is given as a precious gift that we receive from Jesus.

In The Desire of Ages, 22, Ellen White wrote that love cannot be awakened by force or by authority. And then is this interesting sentence, that I have pondered many times. She says, “Only by love is love awakened.” 

Solomon talked about this. “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, jealousy as cruel as the grave, its flames are flames of fire, a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it. If a man would give for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly despised” (Song of Solomon 8:6, 7).

Love cannot be bought with money, “Only by love is love awakened.”

Many years ago, an orphanage took in infants that had no mothers. These infants were not gaining weight as they should. It was found that the reason the infants were not thriving was that nobody took time to hold them or to cuddle them. They were fed but they were not being loved; so they did not thrive. Though babies are born selfish, they crave love. As the mother loves the baby and it feels secure and happy, it very quickly responds. A baby does not feel that same security and happiness with a stranger. 

There are many people, even Christians, who have never really been loved as a child and do not know how to love and often grow up emotionally crippled, which often affects that person for the rest of his life. 

The Bible talks about this. Paul says in Hebrews 12:12, 13, “Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.”

This person is not one needing a cane to walk but a person who is spiritually crippled, spiritually lame and not able to walk the path the same way as somebody else. For this reason, we are not to judge people in the church, for we do not know their background. When the Lord comes again, He is going to heal these people, but for now we have a work to do. Make the paths straight and do not put an obstacle in it that they won’t be able to get over. Make special allowances for these people. 

When Jesus met people, He bent over them with a tenderness that exceeded the love of a mother for her child. Those who were healed or forgiven knew that this Person loved them, He wanted them to have everlasting life. If only one person had responded to Him, He still would have come to this world. Remember, the Shepherd had a hundred sheep and went out to find the one that was lost. 

Love comes from Jesus and to receive it from Him we must spend time with Him. Only then will we have love to give to other people and to give back to the Lord. 

Two questions about love: What is it, and What it is not?

1 John 5:3 says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”

Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” The one that doesn’t love Me, doesn’t keep My commandments (see John 14:22, 23). 

So, if I receive the love of Jesus into my heart, I will be obedient.

Luke 6:27, 28: “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.”

That command is impossible from a human point of view and only possible if the Holy Spirit gives you a new heart and a new spirit. 

John 13:34 and 35: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for one another.”

Until Jesus went to the cross, His disciples did not know the depth of love their Master had for each one and what He was willing to give up to save mankind. Then He said, You love one another, the way I love you. 

John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down One’s life for His friends.” And, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16).

Look at 1 John 4:7, 8: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” “We love Him because He first loved us” (verse 19).

In the book Education, 114, Ellen White says, “Only the love that flows from the heart of Christ can heal. Only he in whom that love flows, even as the sap in the tree or the blood in the body, can restore the wounded soul.”

And by the way, friends, there are wounded people all around us. But if we do not have love in our heart, we cannot heal them. 

“Love’s agencies have wonderful power, for they are divine. The soft answer that ‘turneth away wrath,’ the love that ‘suffereth long, and is kind,’ the charity that ‘covereth a multitude of sins’ (Proverbs 15:1; 1 Corinthians 13:4 R.V.; 1 Peter 4:8)—would we learn the lesson, with what power for healing would our lives be gifted!  How life would be transformed, and the earth become a very likeness and foretaste of heaven!” Education, 114.

 “True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. On the contrary, it is calm and deep in its nature. It looks beyond mere externals and is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating, and its devotion is real and abiding. God tests and proves us by the common occurrences of life. It is the little things which reveal the chapters of the heart. It is the little attentions, the numerous small incidents and simple courtesies of life, that make up the sum of life’s happiness; and it is the neglect of kindly, encouraging, affectionate words, and the little courtesies of life, which helps compose the sum of life’s wretchedness. It will be found at last that the denial of self for the good and happiness of those around us constitutes a large share of the life record in heaven. And the fact will also be revealed that the care of self, irrespective of the good and happiness of others, is not beneath the notice of our heavenly Father.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 133.

“Mildness, gentleness, forbearance, long-suffering, being not easily provoked, bearing all things, hoping all things, enduring all things—these are the fruit growing upon the precious tree of love, which is of heavenly growth. This tree, if nourished, will prove to be an evergreen. Its branches will not decay, its leaves will not wither. It is immortal, eternal, watered continually by the dews of heaven. 

“Love is power. Intellectual and moral strength are involved in this principle, and cannot be separated from it. The power of wealth has a tendency to corrupt and destroy; the power of force is strong to do hurt; but the excellence and value of pure love consist in its efficiency to do good, and to do nothing else than good. Whatsoever is done out of pure love, be it ever so little or contemptible in the sight of men, is wholly fruitful; for God regards more with how much love one worketh than the amount he doeth. Love is of God. The unconverted heart cannot originate nor produce this plant of heavenly growth, which lives and flourishes only where Christ reigns.    

“Love cannot live without action, and every act increases, strengthens, and extends it. Love will gain the victory when argument and authority are powerless. Love works not for profit nor reward; yet God has ordained that great gain shall be the certain result of every labor of love. It is diffusive in its nature and quiet in its operation, yet strong and mighty in its purpose to overcome great evils. It is melting and transforming in its influence, and will take hold of the lives of the sinful and affect their hearts when every other means has proved unsuccessful. Wherever the power of intellect, of authority, or of force is employed, and love is not manifestly present, the affections and will of those whom we seek to reach assume a defensive, repelling position, and their strength of resistance is increased. Jesus was the Prince of Peace. He came into the world to bring resistance and authority into subjection to Himself. Wisdom and strength He could command, but the means He employed with which to overcome evil were the wisdom and strength of love. Suffer nothing to divide your interest from your present work until God shall see fit to give you another piece of work in the same field.” Ibid., 134–136.

“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12). Ibid., 136.

Perfection is not a bad word, as many people think. Perfection simply means to have perfect love in your heart. If you love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and you love your neighbor as yourself, you are perfect. 

Perfection is not complicated. We are talking about spiritual perfection. Physical perfection will not be acquired until Jesus comes when He will change you and give you a new body. You are not even required to have mental perfection, but rather spiritual perfection. Spiritual perfection is achieved simply when a person loves God with all his heart, soul, and mind, and his neighbor as himself. And that can happen in your life when you get acquainted with Jesus. He will put that love in your heart through His Holy Spirit. Love is the first fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

When you receive Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes into your life and the first thing that happens is you receive the gift of love in your heart. And being perfect simply means to have perfect love.

It would be dangerous to take anybody to heaven who did not love God with all his heart, soul, and mind, and his neighbor as himself, for it would not be heaven for very long. Pray for that gift of perfect love so you will be ready to meet Jesus when He returns.

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New King James Version.)

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

Editorial – The Reluctant Prophet

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Jonah was the prophet who did not want to be a prophet. The Bible does not give all the reasons for Jonah’s reluctance, but it does record his complaint against God in Jonah 4.  Jonah was afraid for his own reputation. He feared that since he had stated the prophecy in unconditional terms, as God had instructed, he could be considered a false prophet if God showed mercy and his prophecy did not come to pass.

There are many people today to whom God has given the last message of warning and mercy to give to the world who are like Jonah. Instead of going east they go west. Instead of taking the message to everyone whom the Lord places in their pathway of influence, they are simply engaging in worldly business—not doing anything illegal (it was not illegal for Jonah to travel to Tarshish), but not getting the message out.

If you are one of those people, are you going to awake before it is too late? The ship’s captain said to Jonah, “What do you mean sleeping. Get up” (Jonah 1:6)! This wake-up call needs to be given to many who are asleep today. Will you hear the wake-up call before it is too late? Read the mission letter in this magazine for a suggestion what you could do.

“Not one in a hundred among us is doing anything beyond engaging in common, worldly enterprises. We are not half awake to the worth of the souls for whom Christ died.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 148.

Remember, there are people that you can reach who cannot be reached by others. This is especially true of many “timid” women who think that all the evangelism can be done by their husbands or sons or male relatives. Notice what God said women can do.

“Women as well as men can engage in the work of hiding the truth where it can work out and be made manifest. They can take their place in the work at this crisis, and the Lord will work through them. If they are imbued with a sense of their duty, and labor under the influence of the Spirit of God, they will have just the self-possession required for this time. The Saviour will reflect upon these self-sacrificing women the light of His countenance, and this will give them a power that will exceed that of men. They can do in families a work that men cannot do, a work that reaches the inner life. They can come close to the hearts of those whom men cannot reach. Their work is needed. Discreet and humble women can do a good work in explaining the truth to the people in their homes. The word of God thus explained will do its leavening work, and through its influence whole families will be converted.” Ibid., vol. 9, 128, 129.

Bible Study Guides – “Ask, and It Shall Be Given You”

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February 19, 2012 – February 25, 2012

Key Text

“Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:24.

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 139–149.

Introduction

“Our prayers are not to be a selfish asking, merely for our own benefit. We are to ask that we may give.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 142.

1 LIVING THE LORD’S PRAYER

  • Why is prayer so important? John 16:24; I Corinthians 10:12.

Note: “It is a part of God’s plan to grant us, in answer to the prayer of faith, that which He would not bestow did we not thus ask.” The Great Controversy, 525.

“Prayer is both a duty and a privilege. We must have help which God alone can give, and that help will not come unasked. If we are too self-righteous to feel our need of help from God, we shall not have His help when we need it most. If we are too independent and self-sufficient to throw ourselves daily by earnest prayer upon the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, we shall be left subject to Satan’s temptations.” Our High Calling, 129.

  • What desire expressed by Christ’s disciples should also be ours? Luke 11:1. How did the Lord respond to the disciples’ request? Luke 11:2–4.

Note: “The Saviour does not … restrict us to the use of these exact words [as found in the Lord’s prayer]. As one with humanity, He presents His own ideal of prayer. … We are taught to come to God with our tribute of thanksgiving, to make known our wants, to confess our sins, and to claim His mercy in accordance with His promise.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 103.

2 COMPLYING WITH THE CONDITIONS

  • How only can we expect the Lord to stand behind His promises? John 15:7.

Note: “Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him.

“Many are forfeiting the condition of acceptance with the Father. We need to examine closely the deed of trust wherewith we approach God. If we are disobedient, we bring to the Lord a note to be cashed when we have not fulfilled the conditions that would make it payable to us. We present to God His promises, and ask Him to fulfill them, when by so doing He would dishonor His own name.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 143.

“All His gifts are promised on condition of obedience. God has a heaven full of blessings for those who will cooperate with Him. All who obey Him may with confidence claim the fulfillment of His promises.” Ibid., 145.

  • What is one reason why many prayers remain unanswered? Malachi 3:6–8.

Note: “If we withhold from Him [God] that which is His own, how can we claim His blessing? If we are unfaithful stewards of earthly things, how can we expect Him to entrust us with the things of heaven? It may be that here is the secret of unanswered prayer.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 144.

  • How does Jesus illustrate the importance of persistent prayer? Luke 18:1–7.

Note: “Often He [God] delays to answer us in order to try our faith or test the genuineness of our desire. Having asked according to His word, we should believe His promise and press our petitions with a determination that will not be denied.

“God does not say, Ask once, and you shall receive. He bids us ask. Unwearyingly persist in prayer. The persistent asking brings the petitioner into a more earnest attitude, and gives him an increased desire to receive the things for which he asks.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 145.

3 APPROACHING THE FATHER’S THRONE

  • What is a key point regarding prayer, and why? Matthew 5:23, 24; 6:12.

Note: “Are you estranged from your brother, because you think he has injured you? Are there no heart-burnings among you? Is there no bitterness in your hearts, no envy, no jealousy, no evil surmising, no misjudging of your brethren? Is there no emulation, no desire for special favor or honors, no wish to have the supremacy? These feelings should not exist among Christians.” Gospel Workers (1892), 429.

  • After completing the Lord’s prayer on the Sermon on the Mount, what essential thought did Jesus specifically reemphasize to aid us? Matthew 6:14, 15.

Note: “He who is unforgiving cuts off the very channel through which alone he can receive mercy from God. We should not think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong we are justified in withholding from them our forgiveness. It is their part, no doubt, to humble their hearts by repentance and confession; but we are to have a spirit of compassion toward those who have trespassed against us, whether or not they confess their faults. However sorely they may have wounded us, we are not to cherish our grievances and sympathize with ourselves over our injuries; but as we hope to be pardoned for our offenses against God we are to pardon all who have done evil to us.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 113, 114.

  • Why is a forgiving spirit especially important in these last days? James 5:9.

Note: “He who is full of envy looks upon the one he envies with dislike and seeks to show himself superior to his rival; unless he sees and repents of his sin, he will grudge against the one he envies, and all love of Christ will die out of his heart.” The Signs of the Times, February 5, 1894.

“No resentment must come into our hearts. When reviled, we must not revile again. O jealousy and evil surmising, what mischief have ye wrought! how have ye turned friendship and love into bitterness and hatred! We must be less proud, less sensitive, have less self-love, and be dead to self-interest.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 566.

4 THE FRAGRANT INCENSE OF CHRIST

  • How should the attitude of the psalmist be reflected in our prayer life, and especially in how we view others? Psalm 66:18–20; Luke 18:10–14; Romans 2:1–4.

Note: “If we regard iniquity in our hearts, if we cling to any known sin, the Lord will not hear us; but the prayer of the penitent, contrite soul is always accepted. When all known wrongs are righted, we may believe that God will answer our petitions. Our own merit will never commend us to the favor of God; it is the worthiness of Jesus that will save us, His blood that will cleanse us; yet we have a work to do in complying with the conditions of acceptance.” Steps to Christ, 95.

“How cruel it is to judge, condemn, and pass sentence upon your brother when he has not the slightest suspicion that you are not his friend. …

“Let us reverently inquire, What does the Lord require of me in my relation to my brother?” The Review and Herald, August 16, 1892.

  • What assurance comes as we seek a purer relationship with God and with others—including those who may have hurt us? Ephesians 2:13; 4:31, 32.
  • What truth is to strengthen our prayer life? Luke 11:5–8, 13; I John 5:14, 15.

Note: “Our prayers do not always seem to receive an immediate answer; but Christ teaches that we should not cease to pray. Prayer is not to work any change in God; it is to bring us into harmony with God. When we make request of Him, He may see that it is necessary for us to search our hearts and repent of sin. Therefore He takes us through test and trial, He brings us through humiliation, that we may see what hinders the working of His Holy Spirit through us.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 143.

  • Why are too many of our prayers offered in vain? James 4:2, 3.

Note: “Our prayers are not to be a selfish asking, merely for our own benefit. We are to ask that we may give.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 142.

5 PURSUING OUR MASTER’S MISSION

  • What serious, thought-provoking challenge comes to all who truly desire to pray according to Christ’s model? Matthew 6:10.

Note: “Is your interest selfishly shut up to your own family or to your own church? God pity your narrowness! You should have that undying zeal, that far-reaching love, that encircles the world. There are hundreds of millions of men, women, and children who have never heard the truth, and multitudes are constantly going down to the grave without any sense of their accountability to God. How can you who repeat the Lord’s prayer, ‘Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ [Matthew 6:10], sit at ease in your homes without helping to carry the torch of truth to others? How can you lift up your hands before God and ask His blessing upon yourselves and your families when you are doing so little to help others?” Historical Sketches, 287, 288.

  • What may well be the greatest need for which we should pray? I John 4:16.

Note: “The working out of the principle of love is true sanctification. Those who walk in the light will be the children of the light, and will diffuse light to those who are around them in kindness, in affection, in unmistakable love.” The Youth’s Instructor, November 8, 1894.

“Personal effort for others should be preceded by much secret prayer; for it requires great wisdom to understand the science of saving souls. Before communicating with men, commune with Christ.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 149.

“There are many who long to help others, but they feel that they have no spiritual strength or light to impart. Let them present their petitions at the throne of grace. Plead for the Holy Spirit. God stands back of every promise He has made.” Ibid., 147.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What four elements should be included in our prayers?

2 What are some hindrances that prevent prayers from being answered?

3 Why does God consider deeply our attitude toward His other children?

4 For what purpose may the Lord be delaying the answer to our prayers?

5 What does the Spirit of Prophecy reveal as true sanctification?

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

Bible Study Guides – Cultivating the Mind

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February 12, 2012 – February 18, 2012

Key Text

“Gird up the loins of your mind.” I Peter 1:13.

Study Help: Education, 123–134.

Introduction

“Discipline and control the mental faculties.” Our High Calling, 219.

1 IMPARTING MENTAL VIGOR

  • In this day of professed intellectual enlightenment, what timeless admonition is sorely needed? I Timothy 6:20, 21.

Note: “Human science is not divine enlightenment. Divine science is the demonstration of the Spirit of God, inspiring implicit faith in Him. The men of the world suppose this faith to be beneath the notice of their great and intelligent minds, something too low to give attention to; but here they make a great mistake. It is altogether too high for their human intelligence to reach.

“The gospel message is far from being opposed to true knowledge and intellectual attainments. It is itself true science, true intellectual knowledge. True wisdom is infinitely above the comprehension of the worldly wise. The hidden wisdom, which is Christ formed within, the hope of glory, is a wisdom high as heaven.” Our High Calling, 364.

  • How does the Bible provide greater blessing than most realize? Isaiah 55:1–3.

Note: “As a means of intellectual training, the Bible is more effective than any other book, or all other books combined. The greatness of its themes, the dignified simplicity of its utterances, the beauty of its imagery, quicken and uplift the thoughts as nothing else can. No other study can impart such mental power as does the effort to grasp the stupendous truths of revelation. The mind thus brought in contact with the thoughts of the Infinite cannot but expand and strengthen.” Education, 124.

2 WHAT ARE WE READING?

  • What keen observation should make the scholar ponder? Ecclesiastes 12:12.

Note: “The Christian should possess more intelligence and keener discernment than the worldling. The study of God’s word is continually expanding the mind and strengthening the intellect. There is nothing that will so refine and elevate the character, and give vigor to every faculty, as the continual exercise of the mind to grasp and comprehend weighty and important truths.

“The human mind becomes dwarfed and enfeebled when dealing with commonplace matters only, never rising above the level of the things of time and sense to grasp the mysteries of the unseen. The understanding is gradually brought to the level of the subjects with which it is constantly familiar. The mind will contract its powers and lose its ability if it is not exercised to acquire additional knowledge and put to the stretch to comprehend the revelations of divine power in nature and in the Sacred Word.

“But an acquaintance with facts and theories, however important they may be in themselves, is of little real value unless put to a practical use. There is danger that those who have obtained their education principally from books will fail to realize that they are novices so far as experimental knowledge is concerned.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 545, 546.

  • Where is the adequate source of knowledge in contrast with the inadequate source? Jeremiah 2:13.

Note: “It is acquaintance that awakens sympathy, and sympathy is the spring of effective ministry. To awaken in the children and youth sympathy and the spirit of sacrifice for the suffering millions in the ‘regions beyond’ [11 Corinthians 10:16], let them become acquainted with these lands and their peoples. In this line much might be accomplished in our schools. Instead of dwelling on the exploits of the Alexanders and Napoleons of history, let the pupils study the lives of such men as the apostle Paul and Martin Luther, as Moffat and Livingstone and Carey, and the present daily-unfolding history of missionary effort. Instead of burdening their memories with an array of names and theories that have no bearing upon their lives, and to which, once outside the schoolroom, they rarely give a thought, let them study all lands in the light of missionary effort and become acquainted with the peoples and their needs.” Education, 269.

3 THE PURPOSE OF INTELLECT

  • What makes the true Christian distinct in this world? II Corinthians 4:18.

Note: “While the worldly wise is skimming along the surface, grasping the things of sight and sense, the one who fears and reveres God is reaching into eternity, penetrating the deepest recesses and gathering the knowledge and riches that are as enduring as eternity. …

“To walk the world a pure man of untarnished morals, bearing the sacred principles of truth in your heart, its influence seen in the acts of your life; to live uncorrupted by the baseness, falsity, and dishonesty of a world which must soon be purified of its moral corruption by the fires of God’s retributive justice, is to be a man whose record is immortalized in heaven, honored among the pure angels who weigh and appreciate moral worth. This is what it is to be a man of God.” Our High Calling, 80.

  • What plain command comes to every receiver of present truth? Ezekiel 33:7–9.

Note: “So far as his opportunities extend, everyone who has received the light of truth is under the same responsibility as was the prophet of Israel to whom came the word. [Ezekiel 33:7–9 quoted.]

“Are we to wait until the fulfillment of the prophecies of the end before we say anything concerning them? Of what value will our words be then? Shall we wait until God’s judgments fall upon the transgressor before we tell him how to avoid them? Where is our faith in the word of God? Must we see things foretold come to pass before we will believe what He has said? In clear, distinct rays light has come to us, showing us that the great day of the Lord is near at hand, ‘even at the doors’ [Matthew 24:33]. Let us read and understand before it is too late.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 19, 20.

“It is not only by preaching the truth, not only by distributing literature, that we are to witness for God. Let us remember that a Christlike life is the most powerful argument that can be advanced in favor of Christianity, and that a cheap Christian character works more harm in the world than the character of a worldling. Not all the books written can serve the purpose of a holy life. Men will believe, not what the minister preaches, but what the church lives.” Ibid., 21.

4 A MIND FOR A MISSION

  • Following his experience in Athens, why did the highly-educated apostle Paul change his evangelistic approach? Acts 17:15–17; 18:1; I Corinthians 2:2.

Note: “The apostle Paul had all the privileges of a Roman citizen. He was not behind in the Hebrew education; for he had learned at the feet of Gamaliel; but all this did not enable him to reach the highest standard. With all this scientific and literary education, he was, until Christ was revealed to him, in as complete darkness as are many at this time. Paul became fully conscious that to know Jesus Christ by an experimental knowledge was for his present and eternal good. He saw the necessity of reaching a high standard.

“It had been Paul’s custom to adopt an oratorical style in his preaching. He was a man fitted to speak before kings, before the great and learned men of Athens, and his intellectual acquirements were often of value to him in preparing the way for the gospel. He tried to do this in Athens, meeting eloquence with eloquence, philosophy with philosophy, and logic with logic; but he failed to meet with the success he had hoped for. His after-sight led him to understand that there was something needed above human wisdom. God taught him that something above the world’s wisdom must come to him. He must receive his power from a higher source. In order to convict and convert sinners, the Spirit of God must come into his work and sanctify every spiritual development. He must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God.” The Review and Herald, July 18, 1899.

  • Like Paul, what is the main assignment given to each of us? II Timothy 2:1, 2.

Note: “In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world. On them is shining wonderful light from the word of God. They have been given a work of the most solemn import—the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages. There is no other work of so great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention.

“The most solemn truths ever entrusted to mortals have been given us to proclaim to the world. The proclamation of these truths is to be our work.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 19.

5 DISCIPLINE OF THE MIND

  • What should be the goal of all mental growth? I Peter 1:13–16; Ephesians 4:13.

Note: “He [God] wants you to have great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, and lofty purposes of action. …

“Is our earthly, temporal work done with a thoroughness, a fidelity, that will bear scrutiny? Are there those whom we have wronged who will testify against us in the day of God? If so, the record has passed up to heaven, and we shall meet it again. We are to work for the great Taskmaster’s eye, whether our painstaking efforts are seen and appreciated by men or not. No man, woman, nor child can acceptably serve God with neglectful, haphazard, sham work, whether it be secular or religious service. The true Christian will have an eye single to the glory of God in all things, encouraging his purposes and strengthening his principles with this thought, ‘I do this for Christ.’ ” Our High Calling, 369.

  • What is the highest level that the human mind can achieve? II Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 2:5–8.

Note: “Self-control is a power that all may possess. It is gained by placing the will wholly on the side of God, taking the will of God for your will.

“Christ … can and will, if we submit to Him, fill the chambers of the mind and the recesses of the soul with His Spirit. Then our will will be in perfect harmony with the Divine will. Our spirit and will may be so identified with His Spirit and will that in thought and aim we shall be one with Him.” Our High Calling, 219.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How does the human quest for progressive knowledge relate to the gospel?

2 Of what pitfalls do we need to beware in the “information age” of today?

3 What makes the true Christian peculiar in the sight of the world?

4 In what way is Paul’s growth in wisdom while in Corinth a lesson for us?

5 What is the highest education we can receive, and for what goal would it be?

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

Bible Study Guides – Aiming High

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February 5, 2012 – February 11, 2012

Key Text

“This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13, 14.

Study Help: Education, 262–271.

Introduction

“Kneeling in faith at the cross, he [the sinner] has reached the highest place to which man can attain.” The Acts of the Apostles, 210.

1 INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Why do we know that we each have an important part in God’s great plan? Mark 13:34. What responsibility does this imply? Mark 13:35–37.

Note: “To His servants Christ commits ‘His goods’—something to be put to use for Him. He gives ‘to every man his work’ [Mark 13:34, last part]. Each has his place in the eternal plan of heaven. Each is to work in co-operation 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.

  • What is true of every human being, whether we realize it or not? Job 37:7.

Note: “God has not given talents to merely a chosen few, but to everyone He has committed some peculiar gift to be used in His service. Many to whom the Lord has given precious talents have refused to employ them for the advancement of the kingdom of God; nevertheless, they are under obligation to God for their use of His gifts. Everyone, whether serving God or pleasing himself, is a possessor of some trust, whose proper use will bring glory to God and whose perverted use will rob the Giver.” Our High Calling, 289.

2 LIFE TO THE FULLEST

  • As followers of Jesus, how are we to take up our cross every day? Matthew 10:38, 39; 16:25.

Note: “We are to give God all there is of us; and in giving to God our all, are we to consider that we sustain a great loss?—No, for in giving to Him our talents, we are doubling them.” Our High Calling, 18.

“The Lord has given man capacity for continual improvement, and has granted him all possible aid in the work. Through the provisions of divine grace, we may attain almost to the excellence of the angels.” Ibid., 218.

  • How should we respond to the Giver of every good gift? Psalm 116:12–14.

Note: “It is not the amount entrusted or the improvement made that brings to men the approbation of Heaven, but it is the faithfulness, the loyalty to God, the loving service rendered, that brings the divine benediction, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord’ [Matthew 25:23]. This reward of joy does not wait until our entrance into the city of God, but the faithful servant has a foretaste of it even in this life.” Our High Calling, 289.

  • What key principle should underlie our Christian experience? Philippians 2:4.

Note: “God has given all something to do. Those who are willing to work in self-denial and self-sacrifice will find their place. But those who seek only a safe and easy place need to be converted. Until their hearts are renewed, their purposes changed, God has no use for them in His work. By an unreserved consecration we are to prepare ourselves for His service. Our ministers are not to hover over the churches, regarding the churches in some particular place as their special care. And our churches should not feel jealous and neglected if they do not receive ministerial labor. They should themselves take up the burden, and labor most earnestly for souls. Believers are to have root in themselves, striking firm root in Christ, that they may bear fruit to His glory. As one man, they are to strive to attain one object—the saving of souls.” Australasian Union Conference Record, August 1, 1902.

3 ONWARD AND UPWARD

  • What plan should we adopt for the advancement of God’s work? John 9:4; Philippians 3:13, 14.

Note: “God is waiting for men and women to awake to a sense of their responsibilities. He is waiting for them to link themselves with Him. Let them mark the signals for advance, and no longer be laggards in working out the will of the Lord.

“Do we realize how large a number in the world are watching our movements? From quarters where we least expect, will come voices urging us forward in the work of giving to the world the last message of mercy. Ministers and people, wake up! Be quick to recognize and seize every opportunity and advantage offered in the turning of the wheel of providence.” Australasian Union Conference Record, August 1, 1902.

  • What must we realize about the sacredness of our calling? Ephesians 5:8–13.

Note: “There must be no pretense in the lives of those who have so sacred and solemn a message as we have been called to bear. The world is watching Seventh-day Adventists because it knows something of their profession of faith and of their high standard, and when it sees those who do not live up to their profession, it points at them with scorn.

“Those who love Jesus will bring all in their lives into harmony with His will. They have chosen to be on the Lord’s side, and their lives are to stand out in vivid contrast with the lives of worldlings. The tempter will come to them with his blandishments and bribes, saying: ‘All this will I give thee if thou wilt worship me.’ But they know that he has nothing worth receiving, and they refuse to yield to his temptations. Through the grace of God they are enabled to keep their purity of principle unsullied. Holy angels are close beside them, and Christ is revealed in their steadfast adherence to the truth. They are Christ’s minutemen, bearing, as true witnesses, a decided testimony in favor of the truth. They show that there is a spiritual power that can enable men and women not to swerve an inch from truth and justice for all the gifts that men can bestow. Such ones, wherever they may be, will be honored of heaven because they have conformed their lives to the will of God, caring not what sacrifices they are called upon to make.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 23, 24.

4 WHAT SHALL WE DO?

  • What should be foremost in our mind when beginning or changing our life work? I Corinthians 3:13; 10:24.

Note: “We should carefully weigh the matters relative to the work we take up. Will this work be a blessing to souls? God has not given us work merely to keep us busy, but for His name’s glory. Many are busily engaged gathering wood, hay, stubble. But this will all be consumed. …

“By God’s appointment each man has his post of duty. The careful, prayerful inquiry is to be made, What duty is assigned us individually, as men and women under accountability to God? And whether our labor be wholly limited to spiritual things, or whether it is temporal and spiritual combined, we are to faithfully discharge our work. … Man is to remember that God has the ownership of all, and that his pursuits are invested with a sacredness that they did not possess before he enlisted in the army of the Lord. Every action is to be a consecrated action, for it occupies God’s entrusted talent of time.” Our High Calling, 220.

  • Whatever our occupation, what attitude does Christ teach? Matthew 20:27, 28; Luke 22:27.

Note: “Many a man whose talents are adapted for some other calling, is ambitious to enter a profession; and he who might have been successful as a farmer, an artisan, or a nurse, fills inadequately the position of a minister, a lawyer, or a physician. There are others, again, who might have filled a responsible calling, but who, for want of energy, application, or perseverance, content themselves with an easier place.

“We need to follow more closely God’s plan of life. To do our best in the work that lies nearest, to commit our ways to God, and to watch for the indications of His providence—these are rules that ensure safe guidance in the choice of an occupation.

“He who came from heaven to be our example spent nearly thirty years of His life in common, mechanical labor; but during this time He was studying the word and the works of God, and helping, teaching, all whom His influence could reach. When His public ministry began, He went about healing the sick, comforting the sorrowful, and preaching the gospel to the poor. This is the work of all His followers.” Education, 267, 268.

5 HELP FROM ABOVE

  • What is expected of every soldier in the Lord’s army? I Peter 2:21–23; Colossians 2:10; 3:10.

Note: “We are not to walk according to our own ideas, and present before others in our example a human standard which they will follow; but we are to follow in the footsteps of Christ, and make straight paths for our feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. We are to keep the commandments and live.” The Review and Herald, July 12, 1892.

“Through His [Christ’s] sacrifice, human beings may reach the high ideal set before them, and hear at last the words, ‘Ye are complete in him’ [Colossians 2:10].” Our High Calling, 364.

  • What was the psalmist able to declare frankly regarding the wisdom he had gained, and why? Psalm 119:99. What kind of education did Paul emphasize? Ephesians 1:3–6.

Note: “Man’s learning may be considered supreme, but it is not that higher education which he can take with him into the kingdom of heaven. The learned men of the world, notwithstanding all their intellectual studies, know not the truth as it is in Jesus. In his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul brings to view a kind of education which these supposed intellectual stars have not: [Ephesians 1:3–6 quoted.]

“These divine heights the true believer may reach. All who will may see the mystery of godliness. But it is only through a correct understanding of Christ’s mission and work that the possibility of being complete in Him, accepted in the Beloved, is brought within our reach. His long human arm embraces the human family; His divine arm grasps the throne of the Infinite, that man may have the benefit of the infinite sacrifice made in his behalf.” The Review and Herald, July 18, 1899.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Within our individual sphere, what work has been assigned to us?

2 Why is the world shocked to hear Christ’s idea of human potential?

3 Why hasn’t the world yet been enlightened by the Three Angels’ Messages?

4 What guidelines are given to determine our place in God’s vineyard?

5 Describe the high ideal that is set before us.

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

Bible Study Guides – Tested on Stewardship

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January 29, 2012 – February 4, 2012

The Christian’s Calling

Key Text

“How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship.” Luke 16:2.

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 325–365.

Introduction

“Every gift, every talent, every ray of light, is ours as a sacred trust, bestowed upon us that we may win souls to Christ.” The Review and Herald, February 27, 1894.

1 THE GIVER OF ALL GOOD

  • Why was God’s greatest gift bestowed upon us—unworthy as we are—and how should we respond to it? John 3:16, 17; Romans 5:6–10.

Note: “The gift of Christ to the world was beyond computation, and no power could compete with God by giving a gift that would bear any comparison to the value of heaven’s best treasure. The greatness of this gift was to furnish men with a theme of thanksgiving and praise that would last through time and through eternity. Having given His all in Christ, God lays claim to the heart, mind, soul, and strength of man. Looking upon the treasure which God has provided in the full and complete gift of Christ, we can exclaim: ‘Herein is love’ [I John 4:10]!” Our High Calling, 18.

  • What must we consider about our accountability toward the One who bestows every good gift and talent? Romans 14:10, last part, 12; James 1:17.

Note: “If you are true disciples of Christ, you will consecrate every talent, and be able to reach out for the unconverted, by ways and methods that will be effective. You will be active, working agencies for Christ.” The Signs of the Times, May 29, 1893.

“Every human being will have to give an account to God for the way in which he has used his entrusted talents.” This Day With God, 318.

2 AWAKENING TO OUR ACCOUNTABILITY

  • How does our standing in the hour of judgment involve all that we have ever received from God? Luke 16:1, 2.

Note: “To every man God has entrusted talents for wise improvement. If rightly used, these talents will reflect glory to the Giver. But the most precious gifts of God may be perverted, and thus become a curse rather than a blessing.” Our High Calling, 218.

“We must train and improve our ability that we may not disappoint our Master, but reach the highest possible standard, and thus influence others to follow in the footsteps of our Example. We may say, ‘Neither society nor intimate companions must have their ideas of Christian character cheapened by my course of action.’ ” Ibid., 290.

“Why have you been so passive? Why have you done so little? … What have you gained by serving self at the sacrifice of the best interests of God’s cause?” The Review and Herald, December 5, 1907.

“The talents of God’s people are to be employed in giving the last message of mercy to the world.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 494.

“If we do but one third of that which we have entrusted talents to do, the other two thirds are working against Christ.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 439.

  • When we consider the abilities and talents God has given us—whether small or great—what is our continual duty? II Corinthians 13:5, 6.

Note: “Every energy, every endowment, is a talent that should contribute to God’s glory by being used in His service. Our God-given capabilities should not be made to serve selfish ends. We should always be willing to impart, letting others know all that we know; and we should rejoice, if they in their work develop an energy and an intelligence superior to that which we possess.

“God’s gifts are not to be used for the exaltation of self, but are to be put out to the exchangers, so that He shall receive His own with usury. Let not one attempt to secure greatness, happiness, or self-gratification by diverting from their proper use the powers with which he is endowed; for by so doing he dishonors the Giver, and fails of fulfilling the purpose for which he was created.” This Day With God, 132.

“As a people we have had great light. Oh, that we were awake to the purposes of God and to our individual responsibility! Then would we use every gift, every talent, in the work of giving to the world the truth for this time.” Pacific Union Recorder, August 28, 1902.

3 BETWEEN EACH SOUL AND GOD

  • What did Christ say concerning Peter’s curiosity about John? John 21:20–22.

Note: “We have a personal work, an individual responsibility, a personal account to render, and it is our own salvation we must secure, for it is a matter of individual concern. … The piety and obedience of others will not save us or be doing our work. Their efforts will never be registered against our names as ours. …

“God has left to every one of us our work—not the temporal labor as planting, sowing, reaping, and gathering in the harvest, but to build up His kingdom, to bring souls to the knowledge of the truth, and to regard this as our first and highest duty. God has claims upon us. He has endowed us with capabilities and given us opportunities, if we will see them and improve them. These obligations to God none but ourselves, individually, can meet.” Our High Calling, 303.

  • What should we consider when tempted to compare ourselves with others? II Corinthians 10:12.

Note: “The delinquencies of others … will be no excuse for any one to follow their example, because Christ is lifted up as the only true Pattern—faultless, pure, uncorrupted.” Our High Calling, 303.

“What shall be said of those who, having had many years of experience in the truth, and many precious advantages for growth in grace, are yet inclined toward the world, and find pleasure in its amusements and display? Instead of going on from strength to strength, they are, little by little, departing from God, and losing their spiritual life. …

“Talent can never take the place of piety, nor can the applause of men recommend us to the favor of God.” Ibid., 218.

“The knowledge of the truth is altogether too precious to be hoarded up, and bound about, and hid in the earth. Even the one talent entrusted by the Master is to be faithfully employed.” Ibid., 290.

  • In Christ’s prayer to His Father, what task did He entrust to His followers? John 17:18.

Note: “We are individually responsible. We ourselves should be our concern. Are we in all our words and actions building up the kingdom of Christ, or are we tearing down?” Our High Calling, 303.

4 AVOID THE CURSE OF MEROZ

  • What sobering thought comes to mind when we consider our talents during the times in which we are living? John 9:4; Judges 5:23.

Note: “Could the ledger of Heaven be opened before us, we would be greatly astonished at the large proportion of professing Christians who really contribute nothing toward the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom, who put forth no efforts for the salvation of souls. Such are slothful servants. Many who are satisfied not to do much good, flatter themselves that they are doing no harm so long as they do not oppose the earnest, active workers. But this class are doing much harm by their example. …

“The slothful servant was not condemned for what he had done, but for what he had not done. There is no more dangerous enemy to the cause of God than an indolent Christian. An open profaner does less harm, for he deceives no one; he appears what he is, a brier, a thorn. The do-nothings are the greatest hindrance.” Our High Calling, 302.

  • In this busy age of constant struggle for economic survival, what should be foremost in the mind of all who profess to believe the present truth? Mark 8:36–38.

Note: “The heavenly Guest is standing at your door, while you are piling up obstructions to bar His entrance. Jesus is knocking through the prosperity He gives you. He loads you with blessings to test your fidelity, that they may flow out from you to others. Will you permit your selfishness to triumph? Will you squander God’s talents, and lose your soul through idolatrous love of the blessings He has given?” The Review and Herald, November 2, 1886.

“We are living in a time when there should be deep thought and solemn consideration. What shall be the end of these things? What profit is there under the sun?” Ibid., March 6, 1894.

“What shall we say, what can we say, to arouse those who know the truth, both ministers and lay members, to a sense of their responsibility? How can they be led to feel the burden of imparting to others the truth God has imparted to them? O that they were awake to the purposes of God and to their individual responsibility! Then would they use every gift, every talent, in the work of giving to the world the truth for this time. The number of laborers would greatly increase, and the work would grow in influence and extent. God’s people would be light bearers, shining amid the darkness of this degenerate age.” Australasian Union Conference Record, August 1, 1902.

5 IN THE SHORTNESS OF TIME

  • How do the signs of the times relate to our talents? Matthew 24:32, 33.

Note: “Am I [Ellen White] so familiar with the ‘sure word of prophecy’ that I can see in the events transpiring around me positive evidence that the coming King is even at the door? Do I sense the responsibility that rests upon me, in view of the light God has given? Am I using every talent entrusted to me as His steward, in well-directed effort to rescue the perishing? or am I lukewarm and indifferent, partly mixed up with a wicked world, using the means and ability God has given me, largely in self-gratification, caring more for my own ease and comfort than for the advancement of His cause?” The General Conference Bulletin, April 1, 1897.

“If ever there was a time when men and women should have an assurance that they are co-partners with Christ in the saving of the world, it is now.” The Review and Herald, April 9, 1895.

  • What inspired declaration should echo in each heart? Galatians 6:14.

Note: “Call every talent into exercise to copy the Pattern. Christ died to save man, and He calls upon us to live as seeing Him who is invisible, that we may save souls. Then seek the Lord most earnestly. Eternal life at the right hand of God is worth a lifelong, persevering, untiring effort. Look to the cross of Calvary, and be no longer half-hearted. It is either life or death with every one of us; and when we surrender all, then Jesus will open ways that we may serve Him with every power of our being. The Lord would have us gather up the rays of light, and be witnesses for Christ.” The Signs of the Times, November 28, 1892.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What example did God demonstrate in giving us His Son?

2 In what ways may I be misusing the talents God has given me?

3 Why is competition to have no place in the Christian experience?

4 Why does the mere struggle for economic survival fall short of God’s plan?

5 As we consider Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, what should we do with the talents entrusted to us?

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

Recipe – Triple Sprout Salad

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TRIPLE SPROUT SALAD  
1 cup crunchy bean sprouts, such as lentils, green    peas, and adzuki beans ¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 cup mung bean sprouts ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
4 green onions, white and green parts chopped 1 cup alfalfa sprouts
½ cup sliced grape tomatoes 4 cups watercress
½ cup chopped orange bell peppers  
Toss together crunchy sprouts, mung bean sprouts, green onions, tomatoes, bell pepper, cilantro, and sesame seeds in large bowl. Add dressing of 2 Tbsp. lime juice, 2 tsp. sesame oil and 1 tspn white miso, and toss to coat. Separate alfalfa sprouts with your fingers, and stir into salad mixture. Serve on bed of watercress.  

 

Food – No Dirt Required

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Throughout the world there are seasons when fresh greens from the garden or market may not be available. Most of us in North America depend on fresh produce that is transported across half a continent. Though we may garden in the summer, winter stops all but the most dedicated, or most southern, gardeners. But there is one way to get a little homegrown veggie goodness in a matter of days: sprouts! The crisp, curly, sometimes leafy tendrils are a cinch to grow on the kitchen counter.

Home sprouting can supply delicious fresh food, without the environmental drawbacks of the Mega-farm produced fresh produce, and at a fraction of the cost. Sprouting at home takes only a few seconds a day and can produce a good part of your daily requirements of the nutrients you need from fresh produce. The hassles are minor, the costs are low, and the freshness is wonderful. If you can supply a jar, some screen or netting, and rinse the sprouts twice a day, you can grow delicious organic sprouts in four to six days.

Sprouts are very inexpensive (even when organic), always fresh (they grow until you chew them) and have the potential to help solve hunger and malnutrition problems in our communities and in developing countries, because they are so rich in nutrients, affordable, and easy to transport before sprouting. Sprouts are precious in winter, when the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables is declining as their price increases. In addition to providing the greatest amount of nutrients, sprouts deliver them in a form that is easily digested and assimilated.

Many seeds can be sprouted, but some sprouts cannot be eaten raw. The most commonly sprouted seeds include:

  • Pulses (pea family):alfalfa, fenugreek, mung bean, lentil, pea, chickpea, soybean
  • Cereals: wheat, maize (corn), rice, barley, rye, kamut and then quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat (these last three are used as cereal even if botanically they are not)
  • Oilseeds: sesame, sunflower, almond, hazelnut, linseed
  • Vegetables and herbs:broccoli, carrot, spinach, cabbage, celery, fennel, onion, parsley, radish, turnip, leek, watercress, mustard, rocket (arugula), lemon grass, lettuce, clover, mizuna (Japanese mustard), milk thistle

Sprouting 1–2–3

What you’ll need:

  • organic sprout seeds or beans
  • 1–quart canning jar
  • cheesecloth or screen
  • rubber band
  • water

Place seeds or beans in bottom of jar, filling no more than one-quarter full. Cover with water, and let stand five hours or overnight, depending on type of seed.

Drain water from seeds or beans and rinse. Cover top of jar with cheesecloth or screen secured with a rubber band. Set in a warm spot that gets indirect sunlight.

Pour cool water through the cheesecloth or screen to rinse seeds or beans twice a day. Drain off excess water through cheesecloth—the seeds or beans will begin to sprout in three to five days. Once they’ve sprouted, store in the refrigerator for up to one week.