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Reporting from California, USA – Healing the Sick

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“Christ, who created the world and all things that are therein is the life and light of every living thing . . In Him is life, that is original, unborrowed, underived.” Medical Ministry, 7. Because Christ loved the life He gave to each in the human family, He came to restore that life to its fullness. His requirement for all of us is to do our part in the restoration and reconciliation of fallen man to Himself. Jesus says to all that follow Him, “Heal the sick.” Matthew 10:8. This is the work the Lord gave us to do through the health ministry. Specifically what we do is teach health principles to those who are ill and point them to a better way that they may be healed. Our programs are always Christ centered. Our main object is to introduce fallen man to his Creator.

In California we offer a ten day detoxification program. This is a thorough cleanse of the entire body. During the ten days the participants stay with us in our seven bed facility. Each day we teach and put into practice the eight laws of health as found in Ministry of Healing, 127. We encourage sunbathing with moderate exposure, adequate exercise, much needed rest, along with the proper use of water, etc. Each day a lecture is given teaching health principles, the nature of disease, and how to overcome disease. The highlight of the day seems to be the afternoon steambath. Our guests range from the terminally ill to those just wanting to improve their health. No one is turned away because of finance. We want to share with all as Jesus did.

We are located on the eastern slope of the San Bernardino mountains, 4,500 feet above sea level. The air is relatively clean and hiking abundant as we border a protected wilderness area. No neighbors are near, giving privacy to do the Lord’s work in peace and quiet.

We are frequently asked to speak and teach the health message. We also conduct training programs on how to be a medical missionary, give massage therapy, perform hydrotherapy, and the preparation needed to do all this work. The Lord has blessed as we see healing taking place in the physical man. More importantly, souls are being won for the Lord. “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.” Matthew. 9:37. Won’t you be a part of the final harvest and help with the needed work-force to finish this work so we can go home?

Everyone is to be engaged in the service of the Lord. We think you will agree we are at the end of time. “Those who have a knowledge of the truth as it is revealed in God’s word must now come to the front. My brethren, God requires this of you.” Medical Ministry, 22.

“Christ, the great medical missionary, is our example. Of Him it is written that He ‘went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.’ He healed the sick and preached the gospel. In his service, healing and teaching were linked closely together. Today they are not to be separated.” Review and Herald, September 21, 1905.

As we can see, God has a plan to spread the gospel which is to include the medical missionary work.

“Christ stands before us as the pattern Man, the great medical missionary—an example for all who should come after. . . We are to do the same work that the great medical missionary undertook in our behalf. We are to follow the path of self-sacrifice trodden by Christ.” Medical Ministry, 20.

We are frequently asked, “Why did you become a medical missionary?” This question can be answered best by relating a recent experience.

Recently we were at Steps to Life when a man some 1,500 miles away called. He said, “I was told about you by an acquaintance who said you might possibly help me. My wife, whom I love dearly, has terminal cancer. (He was crying as he related this to us.) The doctor gives no hope. I love her so much! I want her to live. Please help my wife.” At that moment we felt the weight and responsibility of what it means to be a medical missionary.

Two weeks later we visited this precious couple in their home. We suggested a natural food diet designed to bring healing to the body. More important we prayed with them and directed them to the Great Physician. Both now have hope and are closer to Jesus than before. She has decided to attend our next program this summer. We all have faith that, if it is God’s will, and she follows the health laws God has given us, restoration of health will come.

Why not pray for a miracle, some people may ask? Wouldn’t this be easier and faster than going through so much trouble? Today, in most cases, lifestyle needs to be changed for healing to come. Part of medical missionary work is to educate on true health principles. Then the Lord can honor prayers for healing. We are told: “The way in which Christ worked was to preach the word, and to relieve suffering by miraculous works of healing. But I am instructed that we cannot now work in this way; for Satan will exercise his power by working miracles. God’s servants today could not work by means of miracles, because spurious works of healing, claiming to be divine, will be wrought.

“For this reason the Lord has marked out a way in which His people are to carry forward a work of physical healing combined with the teaching of the word. . . The time is at hand when Satan will work miracles to confirm minds in the belief that he is God. All the people of God are now to stand on the platform of truth as it has been given in the third angel’s message.” Medical Ministry, 14, 15.

Another aspect of our work is sending Bibles and Spirit of Prophecy books to Africa. Nearly six years ago we inherited “Inspiration Books, Inc.,” a California non-profit organization proclaiming the Three Angel’s Messages mainly to Africa. Many thousands of books are sent each year to hungering souls because of donations of used books or money for new ones which comes to us from faithful Historic Adventists. Many more could be sent if we had the funds. We wish space was permitted in this article to share some of the thrilling testimonies we receive from precious souls who have found the Sabbath and our message through these books. Many home churches are being raised up all over the world as apostasy is growing, and faithful Seventh-day Adventists, along with those who are hearing the name of Jesus for the first time, are meeting together—some just under a tree.

Jesus is coming very soon! We are told, “Get ready! Get ready! Get ready!” Early Writings, 64. Let us follow this instruction and get ready.
The End

Reporting from the Philippines – Pressing Forward Despite Difficulties

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The work in the Philippines is going forward and we are very busy. There are currently eight historic Seventh-day Adventist pastors and we have plans to increase that number to 10 very soon. Their work is mainly evangelism and also visiting and strengthening and organizing the home churches. In April we had a month long training session for the young people which was followed by a month long evangelistic series in Roblon. They learned how to go door to door and sing for the people and give health talks and Bible studies in their homes.

At first the meetings in Roblon were in the open air but when rain interfered we rented a very old condemned school building and completed the series there. Our evangelistic meetings could be helped with a tent and a good PA system. The young people were active in visitation in the villages during the day and assisting the ministers with the meetings each evening. There are about thirty-five young people who are involved in Bible work. But after we trained them we have no more funds to support them in their work. All of the pastors have given up good jobs to go into full time gospel work and they and their families often suffer want as they sacrifice for the work.

We recently held a campmeeting on Palawan. There are two home church groups there who have been constructing church buildings. We are thankful to the supporters of Steps to Life for assisting financially so that these buildings could be completed.

We have been receiving many urgent calls from groups of Catholics (the Philippines is 80-85 % Catholic) who are asking to hear our message. Brother Jun Mendoza and Brother Willie just returned from meeting with a group in Urdaneta Pangasinan in central Luzon. This was a group of Catholics, mostly professional people, who have been studying the Bible and have their own chapel. They were very open to the health message and some became vegetarians immediately. They also enjoyed the messages of prophecy. They asked us to give a series of studies. Hopefully we will be returning soon.

Some of the pastors have been requested by conference SDA churches to give presentations on health and prophecy topics and we have seen some changes with a growing openness. They have learned that Elder Ralph Larson has helped our work and they are more open since he is highly respected here because he taught here in the seminary for many years. Also, we have been explaining about historic Adventist. They know the older conservative Adventists don’t cook on Sabbath and are health reformers and they know that we believe these things and they ask if we are “original” and we say yes we are original or historic Adventist. One young lady from a home church was asked to give health lectures during the first half hour of a radio broadcast sponsored by a conference church and this is working well. We are slowly able to present the Spirit of Prophecy to them. We are praying for a reformation.

One pastor in Palawan has been asked by a group of SDA students in the public university to start a study with them. This is a group of several hundred young people. This will involve a great deal of travel which is costly.

We are moving forward with organizing the home churches with each group electing elders, deacons, a treasurer and clerk. We have been having meetings to decide on the best way to organize for the improvement of the evangelistic work so that we work like a team. We have read of the organization in Ghana and see that it benefits their efforts to have organization.

We have difficulty visiting the many home churches scattered throughout the provinces. Some of the young people are studying under the pastors and are visiting some of the remote home churches. The young people are learning to carry some of the pastorial duties of the pastors.

Brother Willie will be traveling to Mindanao soon to meet with the home churches and to visit the home church school on that island. Workers on this island have a vegetarian restaurant and bakery and often give Daniel and Revelation seminars in cottage meetings. They also have a radio broadcast.

The headquarters for the Philippine work will be in Mindoro on a property which has been donated. This property is in need of some repairs but it includes a large home which can house the offices and a building which was once a shoe factory which can be used for a training center and possibly contain a publishing work in the future. Renovations and office equipment are needed to furnish this facility.

Plans are being made for a program of medical missionary training for the many young people who have requested this training. The curriculum is being prepared now. They will be learning the eight laws of health and also hydrotherapy and simple home remedies. This training will be held in the old shoe factory on Mindoro during the month of August.

We continue to have a radio broadcast in Manila which has one half hour of health lectures and one half hour of evangelistic Bible sermons. The funding for this broadcast will end in a few months. There have been many calls and requests for literature through this broadcast but the supply of books is inadequate.

There is so much work that we are not able to answer all the calls. The people are open when we go door to door and we can always find interested people who wish to study. We have willing workers but limited funds which keep us from doing all that we want to do.

There are workers who wish to start a Bible Correspondence school and others who want to open a sanitarium. When there are funds to copy tracts and literature this is used quickly to meet requests. Many home churches are active in literature distribution.

We want to thank the supporters of Steps to Life for the assistance with books and child evangelism materials, for help to complete construction of the chapels and also for your prayers.

 

Editor’s Note: This report is from Willie Manipol, Dave Matudan, Jr., and other pastors and workers in the Philippines. It contains excerpts from recent phone conversations and letters, which have been edited for this publication.

Reporting from Zaire, Central Africa – A Spiritual Revival Movement

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A Specific Case of a Spiritual Revival Movement with the Zaire Union Mission of Seventh-day Adventist Church Full Member of Historic Seventh-day Adventist Family.

How the SDA General Conference Church in Zaire Central Africa Contributes Greatly to Delay the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

As Historic Seventh-day Adventists, we believe in the holiness of the Good News contained in the Holy Bible. We truly trust in the Spirit of Prophecy and we are proclaiming the message of the Three Angels. We humbly think that any ecclesiastical movement which does not confess such a goal should change its name instead of claiming to be Seventh-day Adventists.

In 1972 the General Conference Church of SDA joined a national ecumenical movement called “The Church of Christ in Zaire” (L’eglise du Christ au Zaire) as the forty-second member.

We will never forget this year during which we, as former members and/or workers of the GC church in Zaire, were informed about the affiliation of the church to the ecumenical movement.

This national movement, created as a reaction to the Catholic denomination is composed of sixty-eight, Protestant churches. These churches no longer have individual names, but are part of a “Community.” The GC Church of Zaire is now called: “The Forty-Second Community of the Church of Christ in Zaire.”

This affiliation was not free, nor under the local church initiative for it was duly accepted and sponsored by the General Conference which paid the duties of affiliation, by sending the required amount to the Union which paid it to the Ecumenical corporation.

We were also very concerned and disappointed with the management of the SDA Church because it does not reflect the Spirit of Prophecy. Tribalism, underhanded dealings, vote catching, private and informal committees instead of official ones, lack of punishment of guilty persons because of their close relationship with some officials of the Union, lack of true social projects of development such as schools for the churches sake, led us to leave the ecumenical church of the GC. In short, we saw we must stay by the old land marks and organize our group based on the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy and the Message of the Three Angels.

We could not figure out how we could preach against the Beast if we made connection with those who are worshipping it. We realized that we could not spread the Three Angels’ Messages while being involved in a fellowship with Sunday Protestant Churches. And last, we could not imagine that it is possible to observe the Law of God in its wholeness while being in connection with an ecumenical movement who are law breakers, especially disregarding the fourth commandment, the sign of God’s people from the beginning to the end of time.

From this evidence, we arrived at the conclusion that we must be self-governing as well as self-supporting. But, we are not yet self-sufficient.Consequently we have to restrain our outreach for lack of funds. May you find here our origin, Seventh-day Adventist Independent Church. Thanks to God’s blessings we have friends and brothers all over the world. We also have partners who contribute to lighten the task we have to spread the warning message to our part of the world.

Organization, of Main Objectives, and Things that Handicap the Way

The Zaire Union Missions of Seventh-day Adventist Independent Church has existed since 1990. At the very beginning, it had only 5,000 members. Today we have 16,000 members out of a population of 45,000,000 people in Zaire. We have a lot of work to do, but we cannot do it without the Holy Spirit is guidance or the benefactors assistance and the prayers of our fellow believers.

We are active in the Kinshasa, Bandundu, and East-Kasai regions. The work in the Shaba and Kivu regions will be organized in the near future.

Evangelism

We are currently using the door-to-door method in our evangelism. We lack very much the French translations of the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy, and Hymnals, as well as Bible literature for witnessing. We would like to start a Bible Correspondence School as soon as we have means to print the lessons.

Communication

The problem of communication is one of the serious problems we are facing in our ministry. In a car it can take more than a day to travel thirty kilometers during the rainy season, because of the bad condition of the roads. On these roads bicycles are faster than cars!

We have 259 workers, that includes Pastors, Evangelists, Bible Workers, Teachers, Gardeners, etc., all work without salary,trusting that God will provide. We need assistance in this area.

We need a private ham radio in order to establish a regular link between Kinshasa, the headquarters of the mission in the country. The official Post Office in Zaire as well as the telephone system are unreliable. Only cellular phones can link the country to Europe and the USA. Here again is a big problem to resolve.

We would also like to broadcast our distinct message by public radio. May the Lord help us in this project. This is the way we can reach a lot of people who we can not reach personally. There are local Sunday churches and ministries that already have broadcasts.

We think we have the best message all over the country—the message of warning given by the Three Angels. Give us a hand so that we might be the co-labourers with the angels in our country and in all the French speaking countries in Africa. God bless all of our benefactors, and may we together hasten the glorious second coming of our King and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

The End

Conservative Adventists and the Shaking

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In the 1960’s and the 1970’s Adventism went through a shaking—many so-called “liberal” Adventists were shaken out by the new theology—they may still be attending an Adventist church today but they were shaken out of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15—the church is the pillar and ground of the truth so when you are shaken out of the truth you are shaken out of the church even if you go to “church.”) This new theology affected and is affecting the Advent movement in all parts of the world.

Conservative Adventists felt secure, but shouldn’t have, because the Bible predicted that everything that could be shaken would be shaken. In the middle 1980’s conservative Adventists, who had no question about the inspiration of the writings of Ellen White, or about the meaning of 1844 or the doctrine of the sanctuary, or the Three Angels’ Messages were shaken. This shaking has intensified. We must go through the purging process because God is sifting His people and will continue to do so until He has a holy church. See Testimonies, vol. 1, 99.

This shaking is now everywhere, through families, special or independent ministries, everything that can be shaken will be shaken and the shaking has become discouraged. They have heard so much evil speech about almost everybody that they do not know who to trust or even what to believe. They have heard ministers and leaders denouncing other ministers and leaders so much that they have believed that part of it must be true and they have lost confidence in anything or anybody. Soon the devil hopes to overwhelm their faith entirely and cause them to give up and go to perdition. But Jesus is going to have a people who endure all these troubles that Historic Adventism is presently going through, a people that will overcome all inclinations to backbite with the tongue and to take up a reproach against his neighbor. They will be a people who will strictly oppose sin in any garb and at the same time will be “slow to censure, quick to discern penitence, ready to forgive, to encourage, to set the wanderer in the path of holiness, and to stay his feet therein.” Desire of Ages, 462. We are praying that we may be a part of that remnant. In this magazine are reports from others who are praying and striving to be part of that remnant and we hope that this is your continual prayer and striving also.

“Satan has gained many victories over the professed followers of Jesus through their unchristlike spirit and behavior toward their brethren who do not agree with them, and toward unbelievers. The discussion of doctrines has not resulted in bringing union, but variance. A bitter spirit has been cherished, bitter words have been spoken. The words of the True Witness should be carefully studied by all “‘I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left they first love,’—grown cold, unsympathetic; hardness of heart has taken the place of brotherly, Christlike love. ‘Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent,’ This warning should be heeded by every church in our ranks. New elements of Christian life must be brought into the church. Love for Christ means a broad, extended love for one another, that love which is now so sadly wanting. The lack of love leads to the lack of respect for each other, and the neglect of true courtesy. There is criticizing, faultfinding, reporting words spoken in confidence, and using these to second the accusations of Satan, who is ever busy in sowing distrust, jealousy, and bitterness. Why do the members of the church run so readily into this evil work, overlooking the precious things? Why do they not speak words of approval and encouragement to one another, and thus water the precious plant of love, that it may not die out of the heart?” Review and Herald, February 9, 1892.

Purified and Refined

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I want to study with you one of the mysteries of the Bible—when God swears. The highest form of taking an oath or judicial swearing is when a man swears by God. He swears that God is his witness, and that what he is saying is the truth. There are many instances in the scriptures where holy men swore by God concerning an important issue. See Genesis 24:3, 2 Chronicles 36:13, Nehemiah 13:25, Psalms 15:4.

Although it is awesome when a human being takes an oath with God as his witness, it is much more awesome when the Creator of the heavens and the earth decides to say something under oath. That is He decides to swear that He will do a certain thing. When God swears He swears by Himself. See Jeremiah 22:5 and Exodus 32:13.

Anytime God swears something exceedingly important is being communicated, and especially important when it is recorded that God swore not to a human being, but to another member of the Godhead. I believe that anytime you find in the scripture that one member of the Godhead swore to another member of the Godhead, something exceedingly important is being communicated that is far beyond my human mind to comprehend. But I want to comprehend it as much as possible.

One of these times is recorded in Zechariah 6:12,13. Another is recorded in Psalm 110:4. And another one very similar, probably the same as is recorded in Zechariah 6:12,13, is recorded in Desire of Ages, 834, where it says: “Before the foundations of the earth were laid the Father and the Son had united in a covenant to redeem man if he should be overcome by Satan. They had clasped their hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race.” In the same way that you go to a court and swear that something is exactly the way you describe it, God the Father and God the Son made an official agreement with each other concerning the salvation of the human race.

I would like to look more closely at another time that God swore, from the latter part of the book of Daniel. This time God the Son swore something in the name of his Father.

In Daniel 10 we see Daniel having a vision. Notice what he says in verse 6: “I lifted my eyes and looked and behold a certain man clothed in linen whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude.”

Who is this man that Daniel sees? Did you recognize this description as being similar to the descriptions of Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation? Ellen White says this in Sanctified Life, 49, 50, after she quotes Daniel 10:2–6: “This description is similar to that given by John when Christ was revealed to him upon the isle of Patmos. No less a personage than the Son of God appeared to Daniel.” So who was this? It was Jesus Christ.

Daniel received this great vision which describes and predicts what would happen from the time in which he received the vision, up until the time of the end, and even beyond. We read in Daniel 11:32–34, a description of the great Papal persecution. Notice what he says in verse 35: “And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end.”

This Papal persecution was to go on until the time of the end. This is not the end of time, but the time of the end—the last epochal period in earth’s history.

Daniel is told in Daniel 12:4: “Shut up the words and seal the book until the time of the end.” In the time of the end, the book is going to be unsealed, but until the time of the end, these prophecies were not going to be comprehended, especially the prophecy in regard to time.

Let’s look at this vision more deeply starting with Daniel 12:5, 6: “Then I, Daniel, looked. And there stood two others, one on this riverbank and the other on that riverbank. And one said to the man clothed in linen, [This is Jesus Christ, as we saw earlier] who was above the waters of the river, ‘How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?’ ” Now let’s stop right there for a moment. What wonders is he talking about? He’s talking about all that has been described in this vision that started clear back in chapter 10 and goes all the way through chapter 11. He wants to know how long it’s going to be until the time of the end?

Now if you were Daniel, wouldn’t you have wanted to know that? Yes, of course. This is an important enough question that the Son of God answered it by taking an oath. He answered this way: “Then I heard the man clothed in linen, [Jesus Christ] who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time, and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.” Daniel 12:7.

Notice what Daniel then says in Daniel 12:8, 9: “Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, ‘My lord, what shall be the end of these things?’ And He said, ‘Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.’”

Daniel understood chapters 10 and 11, but he did not understand about the three and a half times or three and a half years. But this period of time was important enough in the plan of salvation and in working out the mystery of God that the Lord Jesus swore in the name of His Father.

If it is so important, then we need to understand this time period, the 1260 day prophecy. In the Jewish calendar, a month had 30 days, and a year had 12 months. So a year was 360 days. Figuring that up, then three and a half years would be 1260 days.

This 1260 day period of time is so important that it is mentioned over and over again in the books of Daniel and Revelation. It is even referred to by Jesus Christ himself in Matthew 24 and in Mark 13. Without this time period, many of the prophecies in Daniel and Revelation would be impossible to comprehend or interpret. It is extremely important!

To begin our study of Bible prophecy, we have to understand something about this period of time. We are going to go over a number of facts concerning the 1260 day prophecy.

First of all this prophecy is in prophetic time because it was to extend until the time of the end. It could not possibly be literal days.

This period of time is an anchor point. If you study everything in Bible prophecy about this period of time you cannot be led astray by people who say that this happened a long time ago, or that it is going to happen way in the future. This period of time anchors the events in Bible prophecy, and it forces only one type of interpretation of Bible prophecy, the historical interpretation. If you understand the 1260, you cannot be led astray by futurism or by any of these other interpretations of Bible prophecy.

We are now going to look at a number of prophecies in which this time period of 1260 years appears. The first is in Daniel 7:25. In Daniel 7, Daniel has been enumerating and explaining the characteristics of the little horn power which makes war against the people of God. He says: “He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time.” Daniel 7:25.

Notice, this little horn power is going to have the power to persecute for three and a half times or three and one half years which would be 1260 days or 1260 literal years. For that period of time, for over a thousand years, the little horn power is going to have the power to persecute the saints.

Another characteristic of the little horn power can be seen in the prophecy of Daniel 7. Daniel has been describing the four world empires in the beginning of the prophecy—Babylon was represented by a lion, Medo-Persia by a bear, Greece by a leopard, and the Pagan Roman Empire by a great and dreadful beast.

These are the four great empires of the world, and the Bible teaches all the way through the book of Daniel, that there is not going to be another world empire. It teaches that the fourth kingdom would be divided or broken up. This is exactly what it teaches in Daniel 7, where this dreadful beast has ten horns. Notice what it says in verse 8: “I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.”

What does a horn represent? It represents a king or a kingdom. Daniel 7:17, 24. So the Western Roman Empire was to be divided up into ten kingdoms. This happened between A.D. 351 and A.D. 476. The Bible also predicted that a little horn was to arise that would uproot three of these ten kingdoms.

This little horn power could not arise until the ten kingdoms were in place which was not until A.D. 476. It is interesting to note that the little horn power could not possibly be Antiochus Epiphanes, as many believe. He existed 600 years before that time.

Well, somebody says, how then do you understand this power applying to the Papacy, because it existed long before the sixth century, or long before A.D. 476? That is not hard to explain. What is a horn? A horn is a king, someone that has civil, governmental authority. The papacy existed before these ten horns existed, but it did not exist as a horn, it did not have a civil government.

In the days of the apostle Paul, the bishop of Rome did not have a kingdom. Caesar was the king, and anyone else who claimed to be king would be crucified. The apostle Paul talks about this very thing in 2 Thessalonians where he talks about the Papal power, the man of sin. Notice what he says in 2 Thessalonians 2:6: “And now you know what is restraining, that he (the Papacy) may be revealed in his own time.” What was then restraining? The Pagan Roman Empire. The papacy could not develop its real power until the Caesar was taken out of the way. You see, 2 Thessalonians 2 agrees perfectly with Daniel 7. The mystery of lawlessness already existed, the anti-christ power was already there, but Paul says he couldn’t really be revealed yet.

Even when the Roman Empire was divided up, and there were no more Ceasars, there was still someone who had civil authority in Rome. His name was Odoacer, and he ruled the kingdom of the Heruli, who were Arians. They controlled the whole country of Italy. No one could even be chosen as Pope without his permission. This power kept the papacy in check. The papacy was not the little horn power as long as Odoacer was in control.

Something had to be done to get Odoacer out of the way. So an alliance was made, and Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths came down with his army and he defeated Odoacer in A.D. 493. Actually though, that did not help very much, because Theodoric and the Ostrogoths were Arians too. The Pope still could not have his way, because he was still under the control of the Ostrogoth’s power right there in Rome.

One Down Two to Go

Now the Ostrogoths were in control. They had enemies in northern Africa, called the Vandals. These people built great ships and every year they would go to one of the court cities in the Roman Empire, and they would go through and loot the city, taking its wealth. One year they looted Rome. In fact they looted the city for 14 days and took all the wealth that they could find and many prisoners. Understandably this made the people in Rome very unhappy.

So we see that the papacy could never exert its power as long as the Vandals and the Ostrogoths were in control of Italy. Something had to be done. The papacy contacted Justinian, the head of the Eastern Roman Empire in Constantinople. They needed help and they got help. Justinian sent the armies of the Eastern Roman Empire and the Vandals were destroyed around A.D. 534.

There is still one kingdom left, and that was the Ostrogoths. They were driven from the city of Rome in A.D. 538 That was the earliest time that the papacy could exert civil power and authority and be called a little horn power.

Incidentally, that wasn’t permanent, the Ostrogoths came back. They were not driven out permanently until almost ten years later. But they were driven out for the first time in A.D. 538. And so that is the first time that the papacy can be called a horn power, called a little horn. It now had become the little horn that would persecute the saints for 1260 years.

From A.D. 538, if you extend the 1260 year period, you come to 1798. Many people around this time began to realize that something important was about to happen. One of those persons was John Wesley. A few decades before that, John Wesley was preaching the gospel, both in America and in England. He realized that something important was about to happen, and he wrote and taught that the time of papal persecution was about to end.

Persecuted and Broken

We have learned quite a bit about the 1260 year period from Daniel 7:25. We learned from Daniel 12:6, 7, that during this period of time, the power of the holy people would be broken or graphically translated, shattered, and destroyed.

Friends, this is the mystery that I cannot explain, and do not understand. Why would God allow His people to be persecuted, and broken? We won’t fully understand this until we get to heaven, but we have been given a few hints in the Spirit of Prophecy as to why and how God allowed this to happen. In Desire of Ages, in the chapter “It Is Finished,” Ellen White says that Satan was not then (at the cross) totally destroyed. She said, that both for the sake of angels and for men the devil must be allowed to live to more fully develop his principles so that both angels and men could understand what his character was like.

That is an incredible statement. The devil must be allowed to develop the true principles of his government, of his character. The 1260 year period of persecution was a period when that happened. The Bible says in Nahum 1:9, “What do you imagine against the Lord? affliction will not rise up the second time.” Why will affliction not rise up a second time? Because all humanity will have seen the consequence of sin, and it will be abhorrent to them.

We also cannot explain why it took so long. Daniel couldn’t understand it, neither could Adam and Eve. They thought that the Messaiah would come quickly. They didn’t realize it was going to take thousands of years. God knew that the people of past ages, could not bear to comprehend all of this, so He said, “The words are going to be sealed until the time of the end.”

Measuring the Temple

There is an amazing prophecy, which some people think is still in the future, which I would like to study with you. It is in Revelation 11. Notice, right in the middle of the prophecy, we are given some specifications. Revelation 11:1–3: “Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, ‘Rise and measure the temple of God.’ ”

What is the temple of God? Paul said over and over that it is the church. You can see that clearly if you study the following chapters: Ephesians 1, 2, 4 and 1 Corinthians 3, 6.

“Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.” What altar is this? You remember Paul said in Hebrews 13:10: “We have an altar from which those who minister in the temple [that is in the earthly sanctuary] have no right to eat.” This is the altar of the New Covenant.

“But leave out the court.” In the New Covenant, where is the court? The court is this world, in the New Covenant. The altar was where the sacrifice was slain. Where was the sacrifice slain in the New Covenant? In this world. And then, after you come to the altar, before you come into the sanctuary, you come to the laver and the laver is where people are washed and purified.

Get this point: If you’re going to be purified at all, you must be purified in this world. You are not going to be taken up to heaven and be purified there, like some people think. If you’re ever going to be purified, you’re going to be purified right here. The laver is in the court. Don’t ever forget that. Only the pure will see God. Matthew 5:8. Only the sanctified, only the holy, will dwell in His presence. Hebrews 12:14.

You must be washed, you must be purified. “Everyone who has this hope in him must be purified even as He is pure.” 1 John 3:3. Friend, don’t let anyone talk you out of your birthright. Jesus died on the cross so that you could have eternal life, but He can not give it to you unless you are purified.

“Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles.” Who are the Gentiles? It is not talking about Jews and Gentiles by blood, it is talking about spiritual Israel, versus those who are not part of spiritual Israel.

Who are these Gentiles? They are professed Christians. They are professed Jews. Remember, a curse is pronounced twice in Revelation against those who say that they are Jews but they are really not. That’s in Revelation 2:9 and 3:9. They are the Gentiles spoken of here.

“It has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.” Here again you have the 1260 day period again. They will tread the holy city for forty-two months. What is the holy city? Oh friend, if you belong to Jesus, if you have given your heart to Him, your name is written down in a city already.

“They will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.” This holy city is the church. The holy city is a representation of the church. They’ll tread it down, persecute it, for forty-two months.

Verse 3: “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” As I said already, this is a mystery. I cannot tell you why God determined that it was going to take this period of time in order for the whole universe to see the full development of the character of Satan.

This is the period of time also when the woman would have to flee into the wilderness for 1260 days, prophesied in Revelation 12. We cannot explain the mystery of the 1260, it’s one of the great mysteries of Bible prophecy.

Daniel was told something about this mystery in Daniel 12:9, 10. “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” None of the wicked shall understand these things that we are studying. But there will also be many people who despite the persecution and tribulation and the treading down of the city. They will be purified and made white and tried. Many people will have washed their garments in the blood of the Lamb.

It is a number that is so great that the Bible says it will be a number like the sands of the sea, like the stars of heaven. That number is not yet made up. God wants to use the young people of the present generation to help make up this number that will be as the sand of the sea and as the stars of heaven.

God wants to use you. Do you want to be a part of that group that will be purified and made white and tried? Do you want to receive an eternal inheritance, a birthright where there won’t be anymore tribulation or pain? Do you want to be part of that?

The End

Editorial – Are We Humble Enough to be Saved, part 2

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It was pride that caused the Jewish Nation to reject Christ

“The Jewish leaders discerned the truth that Christ presented, but they also realized that it meant the greatest humiliation to them to accept of the rich salvation brought to them through this humble teacher. To be saved through grace alone, to confess that in and of themselves they deserved no favors, was to acknowledge that which was contrary to their cherished ideas, and to lay in the dust their pride, vanity, and ambition. To receive the benediction that Christ pronounced, they saw that an entire change must take place in their lives, but this fact they did not relish.” Sabbath School Worker, August 1, 1895. See also Patriarchs and Prophets, 475.

Pride results in evil surmising and a spirit of accusation and criticism

“When the Spirit of God rests upon you, there will be no feeling of envy or jealousy in examining another’s position; there will be no spirit of accusation and criticism, such as Satan inspired in the hearts of the Jewish leaders against Christ. As Christ said to Nicodemus, so I say to you, ‘Ye must be born again.’ ‘Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ You must have the divine mold before you can discern the sacred claims of the truth. Unless the teacher is a learner in the school of Christ, he is not fitted to teach others.” 1888 Materials, 534.

“Never have an idea that you know more than your brethren, but just keep humble. It was this spirit of evil surmising that brought all the weakness into the Jewish nation.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 11, 243.

It was pride that caused Adventism to reject the message that God sent to us in 1888

“The conference at Minneapolis was the golden opportunity for all present to humble the heart before God, and to welcome Jesus as the great Instructor; but the stand taken by some at that meeting proved their ruin. They have never seen clearly since, and they never will; for they persistently cherish the spirit that prevailed there, a wicked criticizing, denunciatory spirit…They will be asked in the Judgment, ‘Who required this at your hand, to rise up against the message and the messengers I sent to My people with light, with grace and power? Why have you lifted up your souls against God? Why did you not humble your hearts before God, and repent of your rejection of the message of mercy He has sent you?’ The Lord has not inspired these brethren to resist the truth. He designed that they should be baptized with the Holy Spirit, and be living channels of light to communicate the light to our world, in clear, bright rays.” Paulson Collection, 154.

“From this meeting decisions will be made for life or for death; not that anyone needs to perish, but spiritual pride and self-confidence will close the door that Jesus and His Holy Spirit’s power shall not be admitted. They shall have another chance to be undeceived, and to repent, confess their sins, and come to Christ and be converted that He shall heal them.’”1888 Materials, 277.

“If all the brethren at Minneapolis had been seeking the Lord with humility of mind, there would have been no conflict, no clashing, no uncourteous words, nothing unwise advanced. But men who were capable of being entrusted with great interests, desired to reveal their executive ability in guiding the vessel through the breakers to the harbor. They did not wait for divine guidance.” 1888 Materials, 1229.

Those who stumbled at Minneapolis had to overcome their pride or they could not be saved. Do you believe that God is the same in His requirements today? The most basic problems in Minneapolis were not theology. The most basic problems today are not theology. “Only by pride comes contention.” Proverbs 13:10. Even if our theology is all right if the condition of our heart is wrong then we have something to overcome—the old man must be crucified, a new creation must take place, a contrite and humble spirit must develop among us or we will be just as guilty as those in 1888 whether our theology is right or not.

Jockeying for position, pride of opinion, the war of words, the strife of tongues, the attempt to prove that we are just dealing with issues when the facts reveal that it is personalities that are being dealt with even more—all of this and more is evidence for our need to humble ourselves before God in dust and ashes and “pray to him, morning, noon, and night, to give you a meek and humble spirit, a mild temper, an affectionate disposition.” Youth’s Instructor, January 1, 1856.

Bible Study Guides – Knowledge Acquired From God’s Word

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April 22, 2012 – April 28, 2012

Key Text

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” Proverbs 3:13.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 8, 311–324.

Introduction

“Received, believed, obeyed, it [the whole Bible] is the great instrumentality in the transformation of character. And it is the only sure means of intellectual culture.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 319.

1 ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

  • What fundamental knowledge is essential to salvation? John 17:3.

Note: “The knowledge of God as revealed in His word is the knowledge to be given to our children. From the earliest dawn of reason they should be made familiar with the name and the life of Jesus.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 320.

  • What is to be the children’s first lesson, and how, by example, can parents impress it in their heart? Psalm 89:26; I John 4:11.

Note: “The very first lesson given them [to our children] should be that God is their Father. Their very first training should teach them to render loving obedience. Reverently and tenderly let the word of God be read and repeated to them, in portions suited to their comprehension and adapted to awaken their interest. Above all, let them learn of His love revealed in Christ, and its great lesson:

“ ‘If God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.’ I John 4:11.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 320.

“Some parents do not understand their children and are not really acquainted with them. There is often a great distance between parents and children. …

“They [the father and the mother] should make themselves companions to their children.” The Adventist Home, 190.

2 EXPERIMENTAL KNOWLEDGE

  • With what descriptions could the disciples say they knew Christ?
  • John (I John 1:1)
  • Peter (II Peter 1:16–18)
  • The Twelve and more than 500 believers (I Corinthians 15:5–7)
  • Paul (I Corinthians 15:8; Acts 9:4, 5)
  • How can we personally know Christ—and teach our young on such a basis? Psalm 34:8; Ephesians 3:14–19.

Note: “Let the youth make the word of God the food of mind and soul. Let the cross of Christ be made the science of all education, the center of all teaching and all study. Let it be brought into the daily experience in practical life. So will the Saviour become to the youth a daily companion and friend. …

“Through faith they will come to know God by an experimental knowledge. They have proved for themselves the reality of His word, the truth of His promises. They have tasted, and they know that the Lord is good.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 320, 321.

  • How can we develop our knowledge of God? John 5:39; 14:6, 7.
  • What should all be able to declare? Galatians 6:14; II Timothy 1:12.

Note: “Everyone may be able, through his own experience, to ‘set his seal to this, that God is true.’ John 3:33, ARV. He can bear witness to that which he himself has seen and heard and felt of the power of Christ. He can testify:

“ ‘I needed help, and I found it in Jesus. Every want was supplied, the hunger of my soul was satisfied; the Bible is to me the revelation of Christ. I believe in Jesus because He is to me a divine Saviour. I believe the Bible because I have found it to be the voice of God to my soul.’ ” Testimonies, vol. 8, 321.

3 THE YOUNG ARE NOT EXEMPT

  • Why is it so important to instill a Christlike character even in our young children? Proverbs 3:13; 20:11.

Note: “The young are apt to conclude that not much responsibility, care-taking, or burden bearing is expected of them. But the obligation to reach the Bible standard rests upon every one. The light which shines in privileges and opportunities, in the ministry of the word, in counsels, warnings, and reproof, will perfect character or condemn the careless. The light is to be cherished by the young as well as by those who are older. Who will now take a position for God in contrast to the ease-loving and self-indulgent ones?” The Signs of the Times, September 11, 1884.

  • What reality is to be impressed upon the young? Ecclesiastes 11:9.

Note: “Children and youth have trained their minds so that they delight in exciting displays; and they have a positive dislike for the sober, useful duties of life. They live lives more after the order of the brute creation. They have no thoughts of God, or of eternal realities; but flit like butterflies in their season. They do not act like sensible beings, whose lives are capable of measuring with the life of God, and who are accountable to Him for every hour of their time. What assurance has any child or youth that even one day of life may be his? Children and youth die, and they know not how soon their probation will close, and their destiny be fixed for eternal life or everlasting death. Let children and youth take Christ for their example.” The Youth’s Instructor, July 20, 1893.

“In doing the work that was marked out for Him, He [the young Jesus] had no time for indulgence in exciting, useless amusements. He took no part in that which would poison the moral and lower the physical tone, but was trained in useful labor and even for the endurance of hardship.” The Adventist Home, 507.

“Let fathers and mothers take time to teach their children; let them show that they value their help, desire their confidence, and enjoy their companionship; and the children will not be slow to respond. Not only will the parents’ burden be lightened, and the children receive a practical training of inestimable worth, but there will be a strengthening of the home ties and a deepening of the very foundations of character.” Ibid., 287, 288.

4 TOTALLY ALONE WITH GOD

  • What part of Moses’ education inspired a special desire in his heart, and how did God reward his plea? Exodus 3:1; 33:18, 19.

Note: “The most valuable preparation for his [Moses’] lifework was that which he received while employed as a shepherd. Moses was naturally of an impetuous spirit. In Egypt a successful military leader and a favorite with the king and the nation, he had been accustomed to receiving praise and flattery. He had attracted the people to himself. He hoped to accomplish by his own powers the work of delivering Israel. Far different were the lessons he had to learn as God’s representative. As he led his flocks through the wilds of the mountains and into the green pastures of the valleys, he learned faith and meekness, patience, humility, and self-forgetfulness. He learned to care for the weak, to nurse the sick, to seek after the straying, to bear with the unruly, to tend the lambs, and to nurture the old and the feeble.

“In this work Moses was drawn nearer to the Chief Shepherd. He became closely united to the Holy One of Israel. No longer did he plan to do a great work. He sought to do faithfully as unto God the work committed to his charge. He recognized the presence of God in his surroundings. All nature spoke to him of the Unseen One. He knew God as a personal God, and, in meditating upon His character he grasped more and more fully the sense of His presence. He found refuge in the everlasting arms.” The Ministry of Healing, 474, 475.

  • What portion of Paul’s education was vital preparation for his lifework? Galatians 1:15–19.

Note: “In the solitude of the desert, Paul had ample opportunity for quiet study and meditation. He calmly reviewed his past experience and made sure work of repentance. He sought God with all his heart, resting not until he knew for a certainty that his repentance was accepted and his sin pardoned. He longed for the assurance that Jesus would be with him in his coming ministry. He emptied his soul of the prejudices and traditions that had hitherto shaped his life, and received instruction from the Source of truth. Jesus communed with him and established him in the faith, bestowing upon him a rich measure of wisdom and grace.” The Acts of the Apostles, 125, 126.

5 SEEKING THE RIGHT KIND OF GLORY

  • In what does God’s glory consist? Exodus 34:6, 7.

Note: “The Saviour is watching the development of character. He is weighing moral worth. With what pleasure He looks upon the students, both old and young, who are daily hearing the instruction from His written word! …

“The moment we glance inquiringly toward Christ, seeking His grace, He advances to us.” The Review and Herald, October 25, 1898.

“Our lives may seem a tangle; but as we commit ourselves to the wise Master Worker, He will bring out the pattern of life and character that will be to His own glory. And that character which expresses the glory—character—of Christ will be received into the Paradise of God.” The Desire of Ages, 331.

  • By shunning peer pressure and worldly connections, with what healthful sufficiency can we equip our young? Psalms 46:10; 73:25.

Note: “Parents should educate their children to have moral independence, not to follow impulse and inclination, but to exercise their reasoning powers, and to act from principle. Let mothers inquire, not for the latest fashion, but for the path of duty and usefulness, and direct the steps of their children therein. Simple habits, pure morals, and a noble independence in the right course, will be of more value to the youth than the gifts of genius, the endowments of learning, or the external polish which the world can give them.” Temperance, 184.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What knowledge is fundamental to salvation?

2 How can we “taste and see that the Lord is good”?

3 What is forgotten in today’s world of distracting entertainment?

4 Why can times of solitude in nature draw us to God?

5 How does the glory of God differ from the glitter of the world?

Copyright © 2008 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Discerning the Counterfeits

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April 15, 2012 – April 21, 2012

Key Text

“Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not?” Isaiah 55:2.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 5, 542–549; Ibid., vol. 8, 305–311.

Introduction

“Through educational processes he [Satan, the master mind in the confederacy of evil] is doing all in his power to obscure heaven’s light.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 305.

1 PHILOSOPHICAL SPECULATIONS

  • What warning is found in God’s word concerning human philosophy? Colossians 2:8.

Note: “Philosophical speculation and scientific research in which God is not acknowledged are making skeptics of thousands of the youth. In the schools of today the conclusions that learned men have reached as the result of their scientific investigations are carefully taught and fully explained; while the impression is distinctly given that if these learned men are correct, the Bible cannot be. Skepticism is attractive to the human mind. The youth see in it an independence that captivates the imagination, and they are deceived.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 305.

  • How did certain philosophers react upon seeing Paul? Acts 17:18. What only can be expected of those who know not God? Jeremiah 8:9.

Note: “It is because the human heart is inclined to evil that there is so great danger in sowing the seeds of skepticism in young minds. Whatever weakens faith in God, robs the soul of power to resist temptation. It removes the only real safeguard against sin.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 305.

2 THE INFLUENCE OF UNBELIEVERS

  • Why are unbelieving teachers so dangerous, regardless of their intellectual capabilities? Romans 1:22; I Corinthians 1:20.

Note: “There is nothing that he [Satan] desires more than to destroy confidence in God and in His word. Satan stands at the head of the great army of doubters, and he works to the utmost of his power to beguile souls into his ranks. It is becoming fashionable to doubt. There is a large class by whom the word of God is looked upon with distrust for the same reason as was its Author—because it reproves and condemns sin. Those who are unwilling to obey its requirements endeavor to overthrow its authority. They read the Bible, or listen to its teachings as presented from the sacred desk, merely to find fault with the Scriptures or with the sermon. Not a few become infidels in order to justify or excuse themselves in neglect of duty. Others adopt skeptical principles from pride and indolence. Too ease-loving to distinguish themselves by accomplishing anything worthy of honor, which requires effort and self-denial, they aim to secure a reputation for superior wisdom by criticizing the Bible. There is much which the finite mind, unenlightened by divine wisdom, is powerless to comprehend; and thus they find occasion to criticize.” The Great Controversy, 526.

  • How are the ideas of the young affected by infidel influences, whether from authors, teachers, or friends? I Corinthians 15:33; Luke 6:39.

Note: “Can we … expect the youth to maintain Christian principles and to develop Christian character while their education is largely influenced by the teachings of pagans, atheists, and infidels?” Testimonies, vol. 8, 306.

“If parents desire their children to be pure, they must surround them with pure associations such as God can approve.” Child Guidance, 114.

  • Instead of reading the works of unbelieving authors, what should young people do? Isaiah 34:16; Matthew 11:28–30.

3 EVALUATING OUR BOOKSHELVES

  • What happens to those who study history or theology written by unbelieving authors? Ecclesiastes 12:12; Isaiah 50:11.

Note: “Many who are seeking a preparation for the Lord’s work think it essential to accumulate large volumes of historical and theological writings. They suppose that the study of these works will be a great advantage to them in learning how to reach the people. This is an error.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 307.

  • What warning is given against myths, fairy tales, romance novels, and other fiction, even if they are renowned as “classics”? Isaiah 55:2.

Note: “In the education of children and youth, fairy tales, myths, and fictitious stories are now given a large place. Books of this character are used in the schools, and they are to be found in many homes. How can Christian parents permit their children to use books so filled with falsehood? When the children ask the meaning of stories so contrary to the teaching of their parents, the answer is that the stories are not true; but this does not do away with the evil results of their use.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 308, 309.

  • What effect does reading such publications have upon the minds of children and young people? Proverbs 14:12.

Note: “The ideas presented in these [make-believe] books mislead the children. They impart false views of life and beget and foster a desire for the unreal.

“The widespread use of such books at this time is one of the cunning devices of Satan. … He means that our children and youth shall be swept away by the soul-destroying deceptions with which he is flooding the world. Therefore he seeks to divert their minds from the word of God, and thus prevent them from gaining a knowledge of those truths that would be their safeguard.

“Never should books containing a perversion of truth be placed before children or youth.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 309.

4 PEER PRESSURE AND COMPETITION

  • In many schools, what oppressive influence often carries more weight with the students than either their teachers or their books? Isaiah 3:4.

Note: “The influence of association is never stronger than in school life.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 297.

“Very many of those who leave their homes innocent and pure, become corrupted by their associations at school.” Ibid., 40.

“Little do parents consider that injurious impressions are far more readily received by the young than are divine impressions; therefore their associations should be the most favorable for the growth of grace and for the truth revealed in the word of God to be established in the heart. If children are with those whose conversation is upon unimportant, earthly things, their minds will come to the same level. If they hear the principles of religion slurred and our faith belittled, if sly objections to the truth are dropped in their hearing, these things will fasten in their minds and mold their characters. … When a wrong impression is left upon the mind in youth, a mark is made, not on sand, but on enduring rock.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 544, 545.

“Those who attend school could have an influence for the Saviour; but who name the name of Christ? and who are seen pleading with tender earnestness with their companions to forsake the ways of sin and choose the path of holiness?

“This is the course which the believing young should take, but they do not; it is more congenial to their feelings to unite with the sinner in sport and pleasure.” Messages to Young People, 205.

  • What evil characteristic of human nature corrupts and pollutes much learning that might have been useful? II Corinthians 10:12.

Note: “More harm than good results from the practice of offering prizes and rewards.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 270.

“You have loved to debate the truth and loved discussions; but these contests have been unfavorable to your forming a harmonious Christian character, for in this is a favorable opportunity for the exhibition of the very traits of character that you must overcome if you ever enter heaven.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 424.

5 A PURE SOURCE

  • What change in our educational ideas does God call us to make if we truly want to follow His ways? Jeremiah 2:13; 6:16; Psalm 119:9, 10.

Note: “In His [Christ’s] teaching we may drink of the pure streams that flow from the throne of God.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 309.

  • What challenge should be our foremost aim? Proverbs 4:23.

Note: “Heart education is of more importance than the education gained from books.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 311.

“We can not afford to separate spiritual from intellectual training. Well may parents dread intellectual greatness for their children, unless it is balanced by a knowledge of God and His ways. It is of great importance that the youth take with them from school an intelligent love for God and His truth. This lies at the foundation of all true knowledge. We are in a world subject to disease and death. He who during his lifetime serves God faithfully has the assurance that he will come forth from the grave to a glorious immortality. Of such a one it may indeed be said, ‘It is well with his soul.’ In every school in our land the Lord God of Israel should be exalted, revered, and honored. In the place of unsanctified rivalry for earthly honor, the highest ambition of students should be to go forth strengthened, established missionaries for God, educators who can teach what they have learned.

“Goodness alone is true greatness.” The Youth’s Instructor, August 31, 1899.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What danger lurks in bowing to the authority of modern science?

2 Why is so much that is taught in today’s typical education a snare?

3 Against what temptation should all guard when studying theology?

4 What types of reading and influences pervert the mind of a child?

5 What should be our real purpose in education?

Copyright © 2008 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Centered in the Family

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April 8, 2012 – April 14, 2012

Key Text

“Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.” Deuteronomy 4:10.

Study Help: Education, 20–22, 33–35, 187.

Introduction

“The education centering in the family was that which prevailed in the days of the patriarchs.” Education, 33.

1 THE HOME OF CHRIST: A MODEL

  • What schools did Christ attend, and how did this reflect the educational method given in Eden before the fall? John 7:14, 15.

Note: “The system of education established in Eden centered in the family.” Education, 33.

“The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue schools. His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips and from the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things. The very words which He Himself had spoken to Moses for Israel He was now taught at His mother’s knee. As He advanced from childhood to youth, He did not seek the schools of the rabbis. He needed not the education to be obtained from such sources; for God was His instructor.

“The question asked during the Saviour’s ministry, ‘How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?’ does not indicate that Jesus was unable to read, but merely that He had not received a rabbinical education. John 7:15.” The Desire of Ages, 70.

  • From what other source did Jesus obtain wisdom? Matthew 6:28, 29.

Note: “He who had made all things studied the lessons which His [Jesus’] own hand had written in earth and sea and sky. Apart from the unholy ways of the world, He gathered stores of scientific knowledge from nature.” The Desire of Ages, 70.

2 FACING THE SIN OF ELI

  • What characterized the sons of Eli, and why? I Samuel 2:12.

Note: “They [Eli’s sons] had no proper appreciation of the character of God or of the sacredness of His law. His service was to them a common thing. From childhood they had been accustomed to the sanctuary and its service; but instead of becoming more reverent, they had lost all sense of its holiness and significance.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 575, 576.

  • How did Eli’s weakness bring God’s frown—and serious disaster—upon Israel? I Samuel 2:29; 4:2, 10, 11, 18, 19, 22.

Note: “Loving peace and ease, he [Eli] did not exercise his authority to correct the evil habits and passions of his children. Rather than contend with them or punish them, he would submit to their will and give them their own way. … The priest and judge of Israel had not been left in darkness as to the duty of restraining and governing the children that God had given to his care. But Eli shrank from this duty, because it involved crossing the will of his sons, and would make it necessary to punish and deny them.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 575.

  • Why are we in danger of bringing a curse upon ourselves by desecrating God’s sanctuary in allowing our children to wander off and band together at the worship hour? Joel 2:16; Habakkuk 2:20.

Note: “Disorder and irreverence have become prevalent [in God’s holy sanctuary], and God has been dishonored. When the leaders in the church, ministers and people, father and mothers, have not had elevated views of this matter, what could be expected of the inexperienced children? They are too often found in groups, away from the parents, who should have charge of them. Notwithstanding they are in the presence of God, and His eye is looking upon them, they are light and trifling, they whisper and laugh, are careless, irreverent, and inattentive.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 496, 497.

3 TAKING HEED

  • What warning is given to every mistakenly fond, indulgent parent? Proverbs 22:15.

Note: “The fond father [Eli] overlooked the faults and sins of his sons in their childhood, flattering himself that after a time they would outgrow their evil tendencies. Many are now making a similar mistake. They think they know a better way of training their children than that which God has given in His word. They foster wrong tendencies in them, urging as an excuse, ‘They are too young to be punished. Wait till they become older, and can be reasoned with.’ Thus wrong habits are left to strengthen until they become second nature.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 578, 579.

“Children are left to come up instead of being trained up. The poor little children are thought not to know or understand a correction at ten or twelve months old, and they begin to show stubbornness very young. Parents suffer them to indulge in evil tempers and passions without subduing or correcting them, and by so doing they cherish and nourish these evil passions until they grow with their growth and strengthen with their strength.” The Review and Herald, September 19, 1854. (Emphasis author’s.)

“You excuse yourself by saying that your children are now beyond your control, too old for you to command. In this you mistake. None of your children are too old to respect your authority and obey your commands while they have the shelter of your roof.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 623, 624.

  • Before having a baby, what should first be considered about the complexity of raising a child to God’s standard of righteousness?

Note: “The question to be settled by you is, ‘Am I raising a family of children to strengthen the influence and swell the ranks of the powers of darkness, or am I bringing up children for Christ?’ …

“Fathers and mothers, when you know that you are deficient in a knowledge of how to train your children for the Master, why do you not learn your lessons? Why do you continue to bring children into the world to swell the numbers in Satan’s ranks? Is God pleased with this showing?” The Adventist Home, 163, 164.

4 ABRAHAM’S HOME: AN EXAMPLE

  • What could God confidently say about Abraham? Genesis 18:19.

Note: “He [Abraham] would not only fear the Lord himself, but would cultivate religion in his home. He would instruct his family in righteousness. The law of God would be the rule in his household.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 141.

  • What key principle did Abraham embody in educating his children? II Corinthians 6:17, 18.

Note: “Abraham sought by every means in his power to guard the inmates of his encampment against mingling with the heathen and witnessing their idolatrous practices, for he knew that familiarity with evil would insensibly corrupt the principles. The greatest care was exercised to shut out every form of false religion and to impress the mind with the majesty and glory of the living God as the true object of worship.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 141.

  • As far as opposition to idolatry is concerned, what parallel can be seen between Abraham and Paul? I Corinthians 10:14.
  • Describe the fruit of Abraham’s way of educating, as shown in Isaac when he heard that he was to be offered as a sacrifice. Genesis 22:1, 2, 6–10.

Note: “It was with terror and amazement that Isaac learned his fate, but he offered no resistance. He could have escaped his doom, had he chosen to do so; the grief-stricken old man, exhausted with the struggle of those three terrible days, could not have opposed the will of the vigorous youth. But Isaac had been trained from childhood to ready, trusting obedience, and as the purpose of God was opened before him, he yielded a willing submission. He was a sharer in Abraham’s faith, and he felt that he was honored in being called to give his life as an offering to God. He tenderly seeks to lighten the father’s grief, and encourages his nerveless hands to bind the cords that confine him to the altar.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 152.

5 SECRETS OF SUCCESS

  • What characterized Abraham’s daily life, and how should our life reflect it? Genesis 13:3, 4; 26:5; Psalm 119:1.

Note: “If ever there was a time when every house should be a house of prayer, it is now. Fathers and mothers should often lift up their hearts to God in humble supplication for themselves and their children. Let the father, as priest of the household, lay upon the altar of God the morning and evening sacrifice, while the wife and children unite in prayer and praise. In such a household Jesus will love to tarry.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 144.

  • Explain the depth of God’s longing for us today. Deuteronomy 4:10.

Note: “There are few parents who realize how important it is to give to their children the influence of a godly example. Yet this is far more potent than precept. No other means is so effective in training them in right lines. The children and youth must have a true copy in right-doing if they succeed in overcoming sin and perfecting a Christian character. This copy they should find in the lives of their parents.” In Heavenly Places, 212.

“Children must see in the lives of their parents that consistency which is in accordance with their faith.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 621.

“Your hired helpers should understand that they are not at liberty to infringe upon any of your rules in regard to the management of your children. If they fail to comply with this requirement, and secretly indulge your children in that which you have forbidden, discharge them at once. Let nothing interfere with your family government.” The Signs of the Times, December 19, 1878.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Where and how did both Adam and Jesus obtain their education?

2 What did Eli falsely assume about the evil ways of his toddlers?

3 What is often underestimated in bringing babies into the world?

4 How can we teach our children to become more like Isaac?

5 How can we become more like Abraham in guiding our homes?

Copyright © 2008 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – True Education

by

April 1, 2012 – April 7, 2012

Educating for Eternity

Key Text

“The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Thessalonians 5:23.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 3, 131–138; 143–148.

Introduction

“True education … is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come.” Education, 13.

1 THE NICEST WORK EVER

  • What is the nicest task given to humans? Proverbs 22:6.

Note: “It is the nicest work ever assumed by men and women to deal with youthful minds. …

“The training which Solomon enjoins [in Proverbs 22:6] is to direct, educate, and develop.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 131.

  • What is essential in teaching? Deuteronomy 4:9; Proverbs 16:32.

Note: “Parents and schoolteachers are certainly disqualified to properly educate children if they have not first learned the lesson of self-control, patience, forbearance, gentleness, and love. …

“In order for parents and teachers to do this work, they must themselves understand ‘the way’ the child should go. This embraces more than merely having a knowledge of books. It takes in everything that is good, virtuous, righteous, and holy. It comprehends the practice of temperance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to God and to one another.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 131, 132.

2 AN EXTENSIVE WORK

  • What does true education encompass? I Thessalonians 5:23.

Note: “True education is the preparation of the physical, mental, and moral powers for the performance of every duty; it is the training of body, mind, and soul for divine service. This is the education that will endure unto eternal life.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 330.

“The physical, mental, moral, and religious education of children must have attention.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 132.

  • What aim should be sought? Isaiah 61:3, last part; II Timothy 3:17.

Note: “The great object to be secured should be the proper development of character, that the individual may be fitted rightly to discharge the duties of the present life and to enter at last upon the future, immortal life.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 418.

  • Why are educational efforts often misguided? I Corinthians 8:1, last part.

Note: “Children are in great need of proper education in order that they may be of use in the world. But any effort that exalts intellectual culture above moral training is misdirected. Instructing, cultivating, polishing, and refining youth and children should be the main burden with both parents and teachers. Close reasoners and logical thinkers are few for the reason that false influences have checked the development of the intellect. The supposition of parents and teachers that continual study would strengthen the intellect has proved erroneous, for in many cases it has had the opposite effect.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 142, 143.

“Self-denial and self-control have not been molded into their [children’s] characters. They have been petted and indulged until they are spoiled for practical life. The love of pleasure controls minds, and children are flattered and indulged to their ruin. Children should be so trained and educated that they will expect temptations and calculate to meet difficulties and dangers. They should be taught to have control over themselves and to nobly overcome difficulties.” Ibid., 143, 144.

3 ENVIRONMENT AND DISCIPLINE

  • Where is the ideal environment to begin true education, and what results should we seek? Genesis 2:15; Colossians 4:12, last part.

Note: “The only schoolroom for children from eight to ten years of age should be in the open air amid the opening flowers and nature’s beautiful scenery. And their only textbook should be the treasures of nature.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 137.

“Let the study of books be combined with useful manual labor, and by faithful endeavor, watchfulness, and prayer secure the wisdom that is from above. This will give you an all-round education.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 334.

  • How serious a responsibility is it to train children properly? How will children benefit by listening to their Christian parents? Proverbs 4:10, 20–26.

Note: “Fathers and mothers, think earnestly of the importance of your work. It rests with you to decide whether good or evil thoughts shall occupy the minds of your children.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 118.

“God hates the passion, evil tempers, etc., manifested by unruly children. He cannot save them in the time of trouble. They will be eternally lost. Parents, negligent, unfaithful parents, their blood will be upon you, and can you expect to be saved in the day of God’s fierce anger with the blood of your children upon you—children who might have been saved had you acted as faithful parents should?” Ibid., vol. 9, 322.

  • Describe the best atmosphere for learning. I Corinthians 16:14.

Note: “Children will respond by willing obedience to a rule of love. Commend your children whenever you can. Provide the little ones with innocent amusements. As soon as they are old enough, give them something to do, according to their strength. Encourage them with the thought that they are helping you. Then, in doing these little duties, they will find greater pleasure than in mere amusement. Do not let them pass through childhood in a dull routine. Never wound their hearts by a lack of consideration. Walk constantly in the way of the Lord, following the example set by Christ.” The Review and Herald, January 29, 1901.

4 LAYING THE FOUNDATION

  • Who are to be the first and favorite teachers? Deuteronomy 6:6–9.

Note: “God had commanded the Hebrews to teach their children His requirements and to make them acquainted with all His dealings with their fathers. This was one of the special duties of every parent—one that was not to be delegated to another. In the place of stranger lips the loving hearts of the father and mother were to give instruction to their children.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 592.

“Parents should be the only teachers of their children until they have reached eight or ten years of age.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 137.

“Christ is ready to teach the father and the mother to be true educators.” Child Guidance, 282.

  • How can a warm, loving relationship with our children be enjoyed for a lifetime? Galatians 6:2; II Timothy 1:5; 3:15.

Note: “Parents should encourage their children to confide in them and unburden to them their heart griefs, their little daily annoyances and trials.

“Kindly instruct them and bind them to your hearts. It is a critical time for children. Influences will be thrown around them to wean them from you which you must counteract. Teach them to make you their confidant. Let them whisper in your ear their trials and joys.

“Children would be saved from many evils if they would be more familiar with their parents. Parents should encourage in their children a disposition to be open and frank with them, to come to them with their difficulties and, when they are perplexed as to what course is right, to lay the matter just as they view it before the parents and ask their advice. Who are so well calculated to see and point out their dangers as godly parents? Who can understand the peculiar temperaments of their own children as well as they? The mother who has watched every turn of the mind from infancy, and is thus acquainted with the natural disposition, is best prepared to counsel her children. Who can tell as well what traits of character to check and restrain as the mother, aided by the father?” The Adventist Home, 191. (Emphasis author’s.)

5 INVESTING TIME AND KEEN INTEREST

  • What argument do many parents make to justify a lack of attention to their children? What should they bear in mind? Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Note: “Young children love companionship and can seldom enjoy themselves alone. They yearn for sympathy and tenderness. That which they enjoy they think will please mother also, and it is natural for them to go to her with their little joys and sorrows. The mother should not wound their sensitive hearts by treating with indifference matters that, though trifling to her, are of great importance to them. Her sympathy and approval are precious. An approving glance, a word of encouragement or commendation, will be like sunshine in their hearts, often making the whole day happy.” The Adventist Home, 190.

“ ‘No time,’ says the father; ‘I have no time to give to the training of my children, no time for social and domestic enjoyments.’ Then you should not have taken upon yourself the responsibility of a family.” Ibid., 191.

  • What painful words will God be forced to utter to negligent parents who fail to take active interest in their children? Matthew 7:23.

Note: “They [parents who have misspent their time will] hear pronounced upon their children the terrible denunciation, ‘Depart!’ This separates their children forever from the joys and glories of heaven, and from the presence of Christ. And they themselves also receive the denunciation: Depart, ‘thou wicked and slothful servant’ [Matthew 25:26].” Testimonies, vol. 3, 145.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What is the first basic qualification of a good parent or teacher?

2 What is much more important than mere intellectual culture?

3 What factors make the best environment for learning?

4 Why is the relationship between parent and child so important?

5 How serious is one’s failure to “bond” with his or her children?

Copyright © 2008 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.