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Bible Study Guides – The Contrast Between Dan and Naphtali

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July 28, 2013 – August 3, 2013

Key Text

“There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” James 4:12.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 4, 193–197; Ibid., vol. 5, 94–98.

Introduction

“Would all professed Christians use their investigative powers to see what evils needed to be corrected in themselves, instead of talking of others’ wrongs, there would be a more healthy condition in the church today.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 96.

1 THE TWO SONS OF BILHAH

  • What did Rachel do in desperation when she saw that she was unable to conceive? Genesis 30:1–6. What serious warnings should we heed against indulging in this type of attitude?

Note: “Jealousy and stubbornness are the natural fruits of selfishness.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 545.

“Fellow laborers, we are each sowing seed in the fields of life. As is the seed, so will be the harvest. If we sow distrust, envy, jealousy, self-love, bitterness of thought and feeling, we shall reap bitterness to our own souls.” Ibid., vol. 5, 30.

“Envy, jealousy, evil surmising, and evilspeaking are of Satan, and they effectually bar the way against the Holy Spirit’s working.” Ibid., vol. 6, 42.

  • Relate the words of Rachel when her maid Bilhah gave birth to Jacob’s second son. Genesis 30:7, 8.

2 DIFFERING IN POTENTIAL

  • Although Dan was the son of a concubine, how did Jacob show honor and deep respect for the natural ability of the young man? Genesis 49:16.
  • Explain the potential value of keen observation and discernment, when rightly employed. Matthew 10:16; I Corinthians 12:7, 8.

Note: “The servants of God who teach the truth should be men of judgment.” Early Writings, 102.

“It is impossible for anyone to foresee to what he may be called. He may be placed in situations where he will need quick discernment and well balanced arguments.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 257.

“Tact and good judgment increase the usefulness of the laborer a hundredfold.” Gospel Workers, 119.

  • How was Naphtali described as timidly fleeing from danger and burdens? Genesis 49:21, first part.

Note: “If he [Brother Pierce] would overcome timidity and possess more confidence that God would be with him and strengthen him he would be much more happy and a greater blessing to others.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 630.

  • When and how did the Naphtalites eventually progress to distinction? Deuteronomy 33:23; Judges 4:4, 6–8, 14, 15; 5:18. How can timidity be overcome?

Note: “What a thought that God chooses a man and brings him into close connection with Himself, and gives him a mission to undertake, a work to do, for Him. A weak man is made strong, a timid man is made brave.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 167.

3 DAN

  • How was the sharp keenness of Dan perverted into backbiting? Genesis 49:17. What warning should be impressed upon us today, to flee from this widespread pitfall of Satan? James 3:5–8.

Note: “[James 3:15–18 quoted.] … He who opens his heart to the suggestions of the enemy, taking in evil surmisings, and cherishing jealousy, frequently misconstrues this evil-mindedness, calling it special foresight, discrimination, or discernment in detecting guilt and fathoming the evil motives of others. He considers that a precious gift has been vouchsafed to him; and he draws apart from the very brethren with whom he should be in harmony; he climbs upon the judgment seat, and shuts his heart against the one he supposes to be in error, as though he himself were above temptation. Jesus separates from him, and leaves him to walk in the sparks of his own kindling.

“Let no one among you glory any longer against the truth by declaring that this spirit is a necessary consequence of dealing faithfully with wrongdoers and of standing in defense of the truth. Such wisdom has many admirers, but it is very deceptive and harmful. It does not come from above, but is the fruit of an unregenerated heart. Its originator is Satan himself. Let no accuser of others credit himself with discernment; for in so doing he clothes the attributes of Satan with the garments of righteousness.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 936, 937.

  • What other evil also occurred among the ranks of the tribe of Dan? Judges 18:1, 2, 26–30. How did the craftsmen from the tribes of Judah and Dan misuse their talents? II Chronicles 2:1, 11–14.

Note: “In the tribes of Judah and of Dan there were men who were regarded as especially ‘cunning’ in the finer arts. For a time these men remained humble and unselfish; but gradually, almost imperceptibly, they lost their hold upon God and His truth. They began to ask for higher wages because of their superior skill. In some instances their request was granted, but more often those asking higher wages found employment in the surrounding nations. In place of the noble spirit of self-sacrifice that had filled the hearts of their illustrious ancestors, they cherished a spirit of covetousness, of grasping for more and more. They served heathen kings with their God-given skill, and dishonored their Maker.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 174, 175.

4 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WORDS

  • How does Inspiration establish the contrast between Naphtali’s goodly words and the evil effects of an unregenerate tongue? Genesis 49:21, last part; Proverbs 16:24; Matthew 12:36, 37.

Note: “True Christians will not exult in exposing the faults and deficiencies of others. They will turn away from vileness and deformity, to fix the mind upon that which is attractive and lovely. To the Christian every act of faultfinding, every word of censure or condemnation, is painful.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 96.

“Those who have tasted that the Lord is gracious cannot partake of the dish of nonsense, and folly, and backbiting. They will say decidedly, ‘Take this dish away. I do not want to eat such food. It is not the bread from heaven. It is eating and drinking the very spirit of the devil; for it is his business to be an accuser of the brethren.’ ” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 458.

  • Of the seven things that the Lord lists as abominations to Him, how many are directly related to speech? Proverbs 6:16–19.

Note: “Those who criticize and condemn one another are breaking God’s commandments, and are an offense to Him. They neither love God nor their fellow beings.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 937.

  • What is the first thing one should do—and not do—if he or she sees a brother or sister in some fault? Proverbs 25:9; Matthew 18:15; Galatians 6:1.

Note: “It pains me to say that there are unruly tongues among church members. There are false tongues that feed on mischief. There are sly, whispering tongues. There is tattling, impertinent meddling, adroit quizzing. Among the lovers of gossip some are actuated by curiosity, others by jealousy, many by hatred against those through whom God has spoken to reprove them. All these discordant elements are at work. Some conceal their real sentiments, while others are eager to publish all they know, or even suspect, of evil against another.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 94.

5 SOMETHING NOT ALLOWED IN HEAVEN

  • How does God view those who harbor a judgmental attitude toward others? Psalm 101:5; Romans 2:1–3; James 4:11, 12.

Note: “To unite with the faultfinding element, to be accusers of the brethren, to take up the reproach they lay at your door is seconding the work of the enemy by playing yourself into his hands to make his work a success.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 266, 267.

“The Lord is testing and proving His people. You may be just as severe and critical with your own defective character as you please; but be kind, pitiful, and courteous toward others.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 97.

“All pride must perish, all jealousy be overcome, all ambition for supremacy be given up, and the meekness and trust of the child be encouraged.” Ibid., 130.

  • Although the name of Naphtali is among the overcomers, why is it that Dan’s name is not there? Revelation 7:5–8; Psalm 15:1–3.

Note: “What a world of gossip would be prevented if every man would remember that those who tell him the faults of others will as freely publish his faults at a favorable opportunity. We should endeavor to think well of all men, especially our brethren, until compelled to think otherwise. We should not hastily credit evil reports. . . . Should a brother go astray, then is the time to show your real interest in him. Go to him kindly, pray with and for him, remembering the infinite price which Christ has paid for his redemption. In this way you may save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 58, 59.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Explain how the attitude of Rachel affected Bilhah’s offspring, and how this attitude can affect God’s people in general.

2 What was Naphtali like, and how only will the remnant of his tribe overcome?

3 Explain the problem of Dan.

4 What dangers, concerning words, can easily plague God’s people?

5 Why is a judgmental spirit so destructive?

© 2007 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Recipe – Swiss Chard Flavor Packet

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2 lbs. Swiss chard

1 cup diced onion

1 cup diced red bell pepper

½ cup diced carrot

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. minced garlic

½ tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

½ cup chopped cilantro or parsley

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees. Separate chard leaves from stalks. Cut stalks into ½-inch dice. Roll chard leaves into bundles and chop. Toss all ingredients in large bowl. Tear 20 x 16-inch sheet of heavy-duty foil. Place on baking sheet and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place chard mixture on half of foil; fold over and crimp edges to make a packet. Bake 25-35 minutes or until chard is tender.

Food – Think Differently

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Gone are the days when a vegetarian had to visit a strange smelling, brightly lit health food store to buy provisions. Now, any decent size market stocks soymilk, quinoa, veggie burgers and even seitan. Certainly there are more vegetarians than ever, but there are also a lot of people who want the benefits of a vegetarian diet but don’t want to commit to it 100 percent. As they discover how delicious vegetarian cuisine can be, they want to have their tofu and eat chicken, too. Some people simply give up beef and pork (these folks are sometimes labeled “pollotarians”). Others are vegetarian most of the time but break the rules for special occasions or when a serious craving hits.

For some time now, American meals have consisted of a main course—meat—accompanied by sides. The newly minted vegetarian may, at first, simply replace the center-of-the-plate meat with a veggie lasagna or tofu dog. …

Vegetarian meals work well as a series of individual dishes that complement each other without a single item stealing the show. Soup, salad and a crusty loaf of bread can be a filling and delightful dinner. A vegetable gratin or a colorful stir-fry could be the centerpiece for an elegant dinner. The possibilities are endless. …

There are more colorful options to choose with veggies, fruits and grains than you would ever find with meat. Variety is an important ingredient in any meal, especially a vegetarian one. Choosing a colorful array of foods doesn’t just look pretty; it provides a good range of vitamins, minerals and micronutrients. The colors can come in a series of smaller dishes—a green salad, cornbread, black beans and rice—or you can mix colorful vegetables in an Asian-style stir-fry or other main course.

Think out of the box when it comes to traditional dishes. A salad doesn’t have to be the standard lettuce with dressing. It can also be an exotic salad, sliced tomatoes with avocado or just an assortment of crisp raw veggies. Turn a favorite vegetable into a casserole or gratin to make it more filling. Resize an appetizer recipe and call it a main course (or vice versa). If you’ve got a taste for a popular meat-containing dish like lasagna or fajitas, indulge in it vegetarian style.

The Vegetarian Bible, Publications International, Ltd., Lincolnwood, Illinois, 2011, 5, 6.

Children’s Story – Peter’s Escape

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When Herod the king began to persecute the members of the church he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword. He saw that this pleased the Jews so Peter was arrested and put in prison. Herod planned to bring him out to the people after the Passover so to prevent his escape, four bands of four soldiers (16 soldiers) were assigned to watch over him.

While Peter remained in prison, the members of the church prayed earnestly to God for his deliverance. On the very night before the day that Herod meant to bring him up for trial, Peter slept peacefully between two soldier guards. As well as being fastened to soldiers with two chains, Herod had also placed watchmen to stand on guard at the doors. Every precaution was taken to make sure Peter was secure and had no way of escape.

All of a sudden a light shone brightly in the jail cell and an angel of the Lord stood by him. Peter must have been sleeping very soundly because the angel had to strike Peter on his side to wake him, saying, “Get up quickly” (Acts 12:7). Immediately the chains fell off in his hands.

The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.” And Peter did so. “Throw your coat around you, and follow me” (verse 8). So Peter went out with him not knowing if it was really true or he was dreaming. They went past the first lot of guards and then the second guards and as they approached the iron gate that led into the city, that opened to them by itself.

Out they went passing through one street after another and as quickly as he had come, the angel left him. Peter found himself alone, “And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.” Acts 12:11.

After he had thought about what he should do, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark. Many people had gathered together there for prayer and when he knocked at the door a girl named Rhoda came to answer. Upon hearing Peter’s voice, she got so excited that she forgot to open the door, but ran in and told everybody that Peter was standing outside. They said to her, “You are mad, or out of your mind.” But she insisted that it was so.

They said, “It is his angel” (verse 15). Peter kept on knocking and when they opened the door and saw him standing there they were amazed. He motioned to them with his hand to be silent and told them how the Lord had brought him out of prison. He said, “Go and tell James and the other brothers” (verse 17). Then he left the house and went to another place. Now as soon as it was morning, there was great excitement among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. After Herod had searched for him and had failed to find him the guards were questioned and then he commanded that they should all be executed. What a cruel King he was!

How different is our loving Saviour who is a forgiving King who always knows where we are and watches over us and takes care of us. Even while he was in prison Peter trusted in Jesus. (See Acts 12.)

Question & Answer – What is the law that Paul talks about in Galatians that is the schoolmaster to bring us to Christ?

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Both the ceremonial and the moral code of ten commandments are designed to bring us to Christ.

“Christ was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. The death of Abel was in consequence of Cain’s refusing to accept God’s plan in the school of obedience to be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ typified by the sacrificial offerings pointing to Christ. Cain refused the shedding of blood which symbolized the blood of Christ to be shed for the world. This whole ceremony was prepared by God, and Christ became the foundation of the whole system. This is the beginning of its work as the schoolmaster to bring sinful human agents to a consideration of Christ the Foundation of the whole Jewish economy.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 233.

“All who did service in connection with the sanctuary were being educated constantly in regard to the intervention of Christ in behalf of the human race. This service was designed to create in every heart a love for the law of God, which is the law of His kingdom. The sacrificial offering was to be an object lesson of the love of God revealed in Christ—in the suffering, dying victim, who took upon Himself the sin of which man was guilty, the innocent being made sin for us.” Ibid.

“ ‘The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith’ (Galatians 3:24). In this scripture, the Holy Spirit through the apostle is speaking especially of the moral law. The law reveals sin to us, and causes us to feel our need of Christ and to flee unto Him for pardon and peace by exercising repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ibid., 234.

“The law is an expression of God’s idea. When we receive it in Christ, it becomes our idea. It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin. ‘Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them’ (Psalm 119:165)—cause them to stumble.” Ibid., 235.

Keys to the Storehouse – It is Almost Summer

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Look up! Keep looking up! It’s almost summer. Can you see the signs? God has told us about our summer. Right now it is winter, and we need now more than ever the sunshine of God’s presence.

“This life at best is but the Christian’s winter and the bleak winds of winter—disappointments, losses, pain, and anguish—are our lot here; but our hopes are reaching forward to the Christian’s summer, when we shall change climate, leave all the wintry blasts and fierce tempests behind, and be taken to those mansions Jesus has gone to prepare for those that love Him.” The Review and Herald, November 7, 1878.

Are you looking ahead and making plans? It is here on this earth that we prepare for heaven. “The time spent here is the Christian’s winter. Here the chilly winds of affliction blow upon us, and the waves of trouble roll against us. But in the near future, when Christ comes, sorrow and sighing will be forever ended. Then will be the Christian’s summer. All trials will be over, and there will be no more sickness or death.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 988.

Just think, “the day is coming in which the battle will have been fought, the victory won.” The Review and Herald, December 17, 1908.

I pray that each of you is fighting for your future eternal life. “If we had perpetual summer, we should not value as we do now its bright days and beautiful flowers. Through the winter months we look forward to the time when summer with its beauty will once more gladden the earth.

“So it is with the Christian life. We are pilgrims and strangers on the earth. Our sojourn here is as it were the Christian’s winter. But our faith and hope reach forward and upward to the better life, to the home that Christ has gone to prepare for those that love Him. ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him’ (I Corinthians 2:9). …

“There are many things to be overcome. Day by day the battle goes on. The struggle is lifelong; for Satan watches every opportunity to take advantage of us, that he may ensnare us to our ruin.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 138.

But, when our winter has ended, “All will be a happy, united family, clothed with the garments of praise and thanksgiving—the robe of Christ’s righteousness. All nature in its surpassing loveliness will offer to God a constant tribute of praise and adoration. The world will be bathed in the light of heaven. The years will move on in gladness. The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold greater than it is now. Over the scene the morning stars will sing together, and the sons of God will shout for joy.” The Review and Herald, December 17, 1908.

Father: The winter here is rough. It is only by Your grace that we can gain the victory over the storms in our lives. We so look forward to the eternal summer You have promised to the faithful. Truly You are a shelter for us and a strong tower from the enemy. Guide us moment by moment as we battle the disappointments, losses, pain, and anguish during this winter. Amen.

Inspiration – Satan’s Devices

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The great controversy between Christ and Satan, that has been carried on for almost six thousand years, is soon to close. And yet how few have their attention called to this matter, how few realize that we are living amid the closing scenes of earth’s history! Satan is working diligently, binding his sheaves preparatory to gathering in his harvest. He is uniting the elements of his kingdom for the final struggle. Since his fall, he has been the great adversary of God and man, and has shown a masterly activity in trying to defeat our Saviour’s efforts in our behalf. He thinks that because so many readily yield to his temptations and believe his lies, he may yet gain some advantage over Christ, who left the royal courts of Heaven that he might defeat this wily foe on his own battle-field, and open a way whereby man might escape from his cruel power.

He is called in the Bible, Satan, Beelzebub, the serpent, the deceiver, a liar, the accuser of the brethren, the prince of the power of the air, the prince of darkness, and the god of this world. Frightful names, infernal agencies! This fallen spirit, so malignant and subtle, is walking about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). When there is no special effort made to resist his power, when profound indifference prevails in the church and in the world, he is not concerned; for he is in no danger of losing those whom he is leading captive at his will. But when the attention is called to eternal things, and souls are inquiring, “What shall I do to be saved?” he is on the ground, seeking to match his power against the power of Christ, and doubling his efforts to counteract the influences of the Holy Spirit. Angels of God, with Jesus at their head, are present to press back the powers of darkness; but no one is forced to accept Jesus, and no one can be compelled by Satan’s power to reject him.

Satan is at your side when you least suspect it, watching to find a weak spot in your armor, where he can introduce his darts, and wound your soul by betraying you into sin. He has access to minds that are open to receive his suggestions, and by long experience he has learned how to apply his temptations to the best advantage. His first effort is to keep as many minds as possible in a state of careless indifference. He will invent every imaginable excuse to keep people away from meetings where they might receive benefit from hearing the truth. He will especially work to make of none effect these morning meetings, where the Spirit of God is at work; and when he cannot keep persons away, his next effort will be to fill the mind with unimportant matters, thus preventing them from treasuring up the truths they hear.

This work Satan is engaged in at every meeting. He has different temptations prepared for different minds, and souls are continually yielding to his suggestions. He will adopt any means by which he may gain control of the thoughts and purposes of the heart. He will work to divert the mind from Heaven and heavenly things by the absorbing cares of this life. He will produce temporary indisposition to keep you away from meetings where testimonies from Heaven will be borne, and your hearts would be impressed with the deep movings of the Spirit of God. If you attend the meetings, and your heart is impressed, he will tempt you to engage in unprofitable conversation on trivial things, so that you will forget the words spoken.

Circumstances will arise to divert the mind. Visitors, relatives, or worldly friends, or some temporal matter, will engage the attention; and then “cometh the devil, and taketh the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved” (Luke 8:12). These friends will make demands upon your time and strength, and thus God is robbed of the service due him. Yet you flatter yourselves that you cannot do otherwise; for how can you displease your friends? God will not bring a curse upon you for thus robbing him, but your own course of action brings its sure result. But however alluring Satan’s temptations, however natural and unavoidable they may seem to the mind that is not clear and sharp in spiritual discernment, you must not be lulled to carnal security. However dear your friends may be, if they lead you away from God they are emissaries of Satan, who works through the children of disobedience, speaks through human organs.

God will not work a miracle to change natural causes which you can control. If you place yourself and family in the current of the world, you and your children will be borne downward by it. Be wise and discriminating in regard to spiritual advantages, and gather about yourselves and your children correct influences. We may have a beautiful and fertile country; but surrounding influences may be weaving a spell upon our souls that will sink us to perdition, and our children may be lost to the cause of God because we did not place them where they would cultivate a love for divine things. We may save our own souls, as did Lot when he fled from Sodom; but the habits and customs with which we have become familiar may cling to us, and we may find that we have assimilated to them more than we were aware. This is a risk that we cannot afford to run. We might better lose every worldly advantage than to lose Jesus, or dishonor him by our careless inattention to his requirements. It is best to obey God at any sacrifice. …

The way to eternal life is a battle and a march. The great adversary of souls is continually seeking to insinuate himself between you and the Source of your strength. If you allow your mind to be taken up with worldly cares, he will manage to have these cares so varied in character, and press so continually upon you, that you can find no time for the spiritual and the eternal. Worldly acquaintances introduce subjects that are of the greatest importance to them; you listen and are attracted, and these things of minor consequence absorb the mind and affections. You give time and attention, skill and inventive faculties, to outward ornamentation, to the neglect of the inward adorning of the soul. Time is worse than lost which should be devoted to the searching of the Scriptures and to earnest prayer for divine guidance; you rob your own souls of grace and power, and others of the light that should be reflected through you to the world.

But few know the real power of religion. They do not appreciate its refining and elevating influence on the character; they do not partake of its joys nor enter into its spirit. We need constant communion with Jesus just as much as we need daily food to nourish the body. If there is a moment when we are in no danger of being deceived by the enemy, then for that moment we may dispense with divine aid. If there is any moment when we are not dependent on God for our breath, then there is a time when we need not obey the injunctions of his word.

We should be sanctified by the truth. The conscience and the understanding, the words, the deeds, and the thoughts, should be controlled by truth, and not error. The principle of truth and righteousness implanted in the heart, will be revealed in the life, and especially in the family circle. God estimates a man by what he is in the bosom of his family. Fix the mind on things that are pure and holy. “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). And the life will be clothed with the beauty of holiness even here; but who shall tell what it will be, when the great controversy between sin and righteousness is forever closed, and we appear in “the beauty of the Lord our God” (Psalm 90:17)?

The Signs of the Times, May 8, 1884.

Health – Carrageenan–Is it Safe?

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“Carrageenan has a long history of causing inflammation, specifically gastrointestinal inflammation. In fact, in the past, many scientists used carrageenan to CAUSE inflammation in order to study how specific drugs could reduce inflammation and to study the cells involved in the inflammatory response. Regular consumption of carrageenan also has a high correlation to different types of gastrointestinal cancers in rats. …” www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/07/beware-carrageenan-a-food-additive-common-in-organic-products.

The following information is taken from Total Health Magazine and provides understanding on just how important it is to read labels and understand how each ingredient may affect health. We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) and Satan delights in causing illness and sorrow.

“Carrageenan Food Additive and Aircraft De-icer,” written by Gloria Gilbère, DAHom, PhD:

Carrageenan is a water-soluble polymer, a gum, used as a fat substitute in processed meats and also found in a multitude of food products for its thickening and gelatin-like qualities.

It is extracted from red seaweed by a powerful chemical alkali solvent—capable of removing skin as quick as any acid. In its natural state it is healthy; in its processed state, it is highly antagonistic to humans. It is the vegetarian equivalent of casein—protein isolated from milk to thicken foods. Carrageenan is the magic ingredient used to de-ice frozen airplanes sitting on tarmacs. … Oh great, and we are ingesting this stuff! If you don’t believe a food additive is also an aircraft de-icer, check out the “official” explanation for de-icing aircraft by the U. S. Patent Office website: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4698172.html

Why It Is Used

Besides food additive uses, carrageenan is in cosmetics, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, room deodorizers, ulcer medications, petrolatum, and cod liver oil. Predominantly it is in food preparations as a substitute for fat—combining with milk proteins, increasing solubility and improves texture. Because of this, it is used in low-calorie formulations like beverages, infant formula, processed low-fat meats, whipped cream, cottage cheese, ice cream, yogurt, etc.—often combined with gums like locust bean or guar, to improve texture.

Dangers of Carrageenan

Carrageenan is a suspected factor linking it to varieties of gastrointestinal disorders including inflammatory bowel syndrome, colorectal malignancy, intestinal ulcerations, tumors and growths.

Health Effects

  • Research shows carrageenan coats the inside of the stomach like gooey honey—often causing digestive challenges. If a person consumes a soy product and reacts negatively, blaming soy for their stomach or lower gastrointestinal discomfort, it may be carrageenan they are actually reacting to.
  • High weight molecular carrageenans are considered safe by the FDA. Low weight carrageenans are considered dangerous—even soy milk manufacturer SILK™ admits this.
  • Another concern about carrageenan is that it stimulates glutamate in the body—similar to MSG or any sodium glutamate. Symptoms often associated with its consumption in products include excessive thirst, a “snappy” attitude, headache and that next day feeling of having one too many glasses of wine. In children it often manifests as anger, short-temper, hyperactivity and immediate need to empty bowels or literally diarrhea.

Scientifically Speaking

Research from Joanne Tobacman, M. D., professor at the University of Iowa College of Medicine, scientist and carrageenan expert, discusses valid concerns that digestive enzymes and bacterial action convert high weight carrageenans to dangerous low molecular weight carrageenans and poligeenans in the human gut—linked to human cancers and digestive disorders. Tobacman’s evidence and conclusions are based upon human tissue samples, not animal studies.

Tobacman studied effects of carrageenan on growth of cultured human mammary epithelial cells for two weeks. She found that extremely low doses of carrageenan disrupted the internal cellular architecture of healthy breast tissue, leading her to conclude: “The food additive, carrageenan, has marked effects on growth and characteristics of human mammary cells in tissue cultures at concentrations much less than those frequently used in food products—carrageenan destroys human cells in tissue cultures, including epithelial intestinal and prostate cells.” To further her research, Tobacman published an extensive review of 45 investigations on the harmful gastrointestinal effects of carrageenan in animal experiments. Her article was published in the October, 2001 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, the journal of the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences. Her conclusion, “There seems to be enough evidence associating carrageenan with significant gastrointestinal lesions, including malignancies, to avoid ingesting it—carrageenans are dangerous for human consumption, period! I believe the first consideration is to inform people about the risks associated with carrageenan. There was evidence back in the 1970s that carrageenan has harmful effects, and I think we’ve waited too long to act on that information.”

Some products known to contain carrageenan are: non-dairy puddings, liquid coffee creamers, processed cheeses, frosting mixes, ice cream and sherbets, jams and jellies, processed meat or fish, cottage cheese/yogurt, prepared pie fillings. These are just a few. Read your labels.

Immediate and Delayed Responses

If you experience any symptoms, especially gastrointestinal, go back and see if what you consumed contained carrageenan. Listen to your body language; it never steers you wrong. Remember, symptoms may be immediate or as delayed as 48 hours.

Carrageenan Allergy—Case History

“Our son had an as-of-yet undiagnosed metabolic disorder as an infant and was not growing. The doctors surgically installed a g-tube in his belly and force-fed him formula containing high amounts of carrageenan (not that they cared; it was the scientifically engineered nutrient content they wanted).

“The more they insisted we pump through him, the sicker he became, the more mucous his body produced, and he nearly died. Rapid improvement occurred when we stopped feeding him the formula under a new doctor’s care, who wanted him breastfed and self-selecting his diet (all whole foods) while his gut healed. It was then we started looking into food additives, most of which trigger our son’s gastro-reflex issues. After complete avoidance of food containing carrageenan, he quickly recovered.” Total Health Magazine: http://totalhealthmagazine.com/features/the-health-detective/carrageenan-food-additive-and-aircraft-de-icer.html

Current Events – Religious Freedom Challenged

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“One woman sits at the center of the developing—and utterly confusing—Internal Revenue Service scandal. It was Lois Lerner, director of the IRS’s Exempt Organizations Division, who let slip at an American Bar Association meeting on Friday that, between 2010 and 2012, conservative nonprofit groups were improperly scrutinized by the IRS. And it is Lerner who has since become the target of a number of accusations and conspiracy theories, lobbed from both ends of the political spectrum. As the media waits impatiently for the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to release an investigative report detailing who knew about the IRS’s inappropriate practices and when, it seems crucial to get to know the main character in this unfolding drama and the core issues swirling around her.” www.thedailybeast.com, May 14, 2013.

“The IRS has admitted to unfairly targeting conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status.” http://hotair.com, May 29, 2013.

“The framework for 501(c) organizations —what we commonly call nonprofits—was established over 75 years ago, when the federal tax laws were first codified. Because these are tax designations, any and all 501(c) organizations—regardless of function—are approved by, and primarily regulated by, the IRS. At present, there are over 29 different sub classifications for the 501(c) designation. But, for the case in question, there are only two that really matter:

  • 501(c)(3) — Religious, Educational, Charitable, Scientific, Literary, Testing for Public Safety, to Foster National or International Amateur Sports Competition, or Prevention of Cruelty to Children or Animals Organizations
  • 501(c)(4) — Civic Leagues, Social Welfare Organizations, and Local Associations of Employees”

www.outsidethebeltway.com, May 29, 2013.

“Let not one who believes the truth, be silent now. None should be careless now; let all urge their petitions at the throne of grace, pleading the promise, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do.” It is a perilous time now. If this land of boasted liberty is preparing to sacrifice every principle which enters into her constitution, making decrees to suppress religious freedom, and for the enforcing of papal falsehood and delusion, then the people of God need to present their petitions in faith to the Most High. There is every encouragement, in the promises of God, for those who put their trust in him. The prospect of being brought into personal danger and distress, need not cause despondency, but should quicken the vigor and hopes of God’s people; for the time of their peril is the season for God to grant them clearer manifestations of his power. We are not to sit in calm expectancy of oppression and tribulation, and fold our hands, doing nothing to avert the evil. Let our united cries be sent up to heaven. Pray and work, and work and pray. But let none act rashly. Learn as never before that you must be meek and lowly in heart. You must not bring a railing accusation against any, whether individuals or churches. Learn to deal with minds as Christ did. Sharp things must sometimes be spoken; but be sure that the Holy Spirit of God is abiding in your heart before you speak the clear-cut truth; then let it cut its way. You are not to do the cutting.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 902.

Second Advent Era of Prophecy

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The second advent era of prophecies began in about A.D. 1845 and continued to about A.D. 1915. The purpose of this era of prophecy is to prepare the world for the close of probation and the restoration of the kingdom of glory. The spirit of prophecy in the second advent movement places much emphasis on the purification of God’s people and the putting away of sin. It gives a detailed account of the day of atonement process in the most holy place of the sanctuary of the new covenant in heaven and the application of Christ’s blood to atone for the confessed sins of His people.

We have seen how Satan led the Jewish church to misapply the Old Testament prophecies. We have seen the successful attack Satan made against the “daily ministry” of Jesus in the holy place.

In the second advent movement, in our day, Satan is continuing his all-out war against the ministry of Jesus in the most holy place of the sanctuary of the new covenant in heaven.

Revelation 12:17 says, “Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring—those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.”

Today Satan is making his final attack against the sanctuary message. The devil is prowling around “like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8. He is destroying the faith of the people in the testimony of Jesus—the spirit of prophecy—as revealed in the life and writings of Ellen G. White, and misconstruing the whole sanctuary message. We know that the remnant —“the woman,” the church—obey the sanctuary message because they obey the commandments of God which are located in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. They have gone to Jesus, have confessed their sins, and Christ has given them power to obey the truth. Notice what Ellen White said about this warfare in a morning talk at Battle Creek, Michigan, January 29, 1890:

“We want [need] to understand the time in which we live. We do not half understand it. [In 1890 she says the people did not understand 50 percent of the time in which they live.] We do not half take it in. [How much do you understand of the sanctuary message today?] My heart trembles in me when I think of what a foe we have to meet, and how poorly we are prepared to meet him. The trials of the children of Israel, and their attitude just before the first coming of Christ, have been presented before me again and again to illustrate the position of the people of God in their experience before the second coming of Christ.” The Review and Herald, February 18, 1890.

What happened to the Jews at the first coming of Christ? They did not accept Jesus as their Saviour and His ascension to open the holy place of the sanctuary of the new covenant in heaven. We have the same attitude today in the second advent movement as the Jews had during the first advent. They should have understood the work of Jesus in the daily service. We should today understand the work of Jesus in the most holy place of the sanctuary in heaven.

In 1844 the sanctuary message was not understood. But Daniel 8:14 says that it will be restored to its rightful state, and that has been fulfilled.

Daniel 8:14 RSV says, “And he said to him, ‘For two thousand and three hundred evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state.’ ” The New American Standard Bible (NASB) says: “And he said to me, ‘For 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the holy place will be properly restored.’ ” This has been completely fulfilled. Many today do not know much about the heavenly sanctuary.

Today we have a complete record of the pioneer’s research on the sanctuary message and what they believed. The Great Controversy has four full chapters on this message:

Chapter 23, pages 409–422, “What is the Sanctuary?” is a record of the development of the pioneer’s understanding of the sanctuary. Chapter 24, pages 423–432, “In the Holy of Holies,” completely explains Christ’s ministry in the judgment. Chapter 25, pages 433–450, “God’s Law Immutable,” outlines the pioneers’ understanding as to what is involved in the sanctuary message. They understood that the Three Angels’ Messages were a warning to the world not to reject the teaching regarding the ministry of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary. Chapter 28, pages 479–491, “Facing Life’s Record,” presents crucial information regarding our records that are being reviewed in the most holy place during the investigative judgment in our day.

In addition, much more information about the sanctuary is given throughout The Great Controversy. Additional information is found in Patriarchs and Prophets, 343–358; 634–637; The Desire of Ages, 785–801; Acts of the Apostles, 38, 39, 593–602 and Early Writings, 54, 55; 232–236; 237–239; 250–260 which include the first, second and third angels’ messages.

Why should we be in trouble with our understanding of the sanctuary message when all of this information concerning the ministration of Jesus in the sanctuary in heaven is available to us? We are told that Satan is conducting a war against this message. (See Revelation 12:17.) The following is a list of some of the battles he has directed in his effort to destroy these precious truths.

  1. The 1888 General Conference in Minneapolis. This is more tragic in light of the fact that in 1888 the first complete addition of The Great Controversy was published. At that conference, the book was available which contained these four chapters and all of the other information. It was their privilege to make plans to distribute this precious truth to the world at that conference. But this did not happen.
  2. By the turn of the century pantheism was introduced into the second advent movement. Dr. Kellogg began to teach pantheistic concepts to the sanitarium staff. The significance of this is important when you understand that the sanitarium staff had a larger business than the General Conference. It had more people, more employees and more finances than the General Conference itself. The Battle Creek Sanitarium also had a wider sphere of influence. Through Dr. Kellogg’s writings and through students who were trained under him, pantheistic theories spread everywhere. Pantheism teaches that God is in everything. He is in the book, the pew, in nature and in ourselves—all we need to do is to improve the god within us and we will be like God. Thus pantheism obviates the need for an intercessor and makes Christ’s role as high priest pointless. The church was so confused on the sanctuary message that they could not fight the battle, so God took it into His own hand and in 1902 burned down the sanitarium. They could not understand why it burned, so they planned to rebuild it. The officers of the General Conference asked Dr. Kellogg to write a book on medical missionary work to raise funds for a new sanitarium but on one condition. He was not to put anything in there about pantheism. This resulted in the book, The Living Temple.

Ellen White was instructed to tell the leaders not to print that book. Against her counsel, the manuscript was sent to the Review and Herald for publication; they set the type and were ready to run the presses. On December 29, 1902, the Review and Herald Publishing Association burned down. God was fighting the battle Himself to get His church back on the right foundation. Dr. Kellogg was not to be defeated; he went to another publisher in Battle Creek and had the book published himself.

  1. The church had not recovered from this battle when, in 1905, A. F. Ballenger came from England with a whole document on the sanctuary to present to the General Conference. In that document, he asserted that there was no sanctuary in heaven and that the atonement was completed at the cross.

In 1905 Ellen White wrote, “I declare in the name of the Lord that the most dangerous heresies are seeking to find entrance among us as a people, and Elder Ballenger is making spoil of his own soul. … There is not truth in the explanations of Scripture that Elder Ballenger and those associated with him are presenting. The words are right but misapplied to vindicate error.” Manuscript Release No. 760, page 4.

That is exactly what the Jews did in the first advent; that is exactly what the Protestant churches did in the early advent awakening. They accepted error; they misapplied the Scriptures. The article continues,

“God forbids your course of action—making the blessed Scriptures, by grouping them in your way, to testify to build up a falsehood.

“Let us all cling to the established truth of the sanctuary. … The men who have lost their hold on the truths of the sanctuary question … had better pray more and talk less. I testify in the name of the Lord that Elder Ballenger is led by satanic agencies and spiritualistic, invisible leaders.” That was written in 1905. Ellen White died in 1915. Her battle was over, but 15 years later a statement of 22 fundamental beliefs was written in 1931 containing men’s explanations of the Scriptures. It was changed quite a few times, but in 1980, it became an official document of the Seventh-day Adventist church. This document, with the church manual, has become the equivalent of a creed, just like the rest of the Protestant churches have and this statement of beliefs has been changed quite a few times since then.

  1. During this same time Desmond Ford attacked the sanctuary message. He asserted that the atonement was completed at the cross. He basically denied the whole sanctuary message with the same end result as A. F. Ballenger.

However, that was not the end of Satan’s battle against the sanctuary message.

  1. The Evangelical Compromise – Dr. Walter Martin, an Evangelical Christian apologist, published a book in 1955 on cults, in which he indicated his opposition to Adventist teachings in a brief paragraph in the inaugural edition of his book The Rise of the Cults (Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1955). Word got to the General Conference that Seventh-day Adventists were being presented to the public as a cult. They did not want that to happen. They wanted to be considered a mainline church. Negotiations were started with Dr. Walter Martin and Dr. Donald Barnhouse on how to state the fundamental beliefs so that the church could be accepted as a mainline church. In his book, Our Evangelical Earthquake (Harvestime Books, Altamont, Tennessee, 2009), Vance Farrell has documented these negotiations and the whole history of that apostasy and fundamental beliefs.

The whole idea of Christ’s blood to atone for sin in the heavenly sanctuary had to be deleted to become a mainline church because of the Evangelicals’ objection to that doctrine and to the first angel’s message.

  1. Spiritual Formation – Today we are in the midst of the worst apostasy yet. Spiritual formation is sweeping the churches. Seventh-day Adventist universities and ministers are being trained and offered degrees in these spiritualistic teachings, which goes directly against the sanctuary message and Christ’s work in the heavenly sanctuary.

We are in a swirl of apostasy today. But we can claim the promise that the sanctuary message will be restored.

“For the past fifty years every phase of heresy has been brought to bear upon us, to becloud our minds regarding the teaching of the Word—especially concerning the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and the message of heaven for these last days as given by the angels of the fourteenth chapter of Revelation. … But the waymarks which have made us what we are, are to be preserved, and they will be preserved as God has signified through His Word and through the testimony of His Spirit.” Ibid., 7.

No matter how bad the apostasy gets, there will be a remnant that will preserve the new covenant and sanctuary messages.

“He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority. Manuscript 44, 1905.” Ibid.

“The third angel closes his message thus: ‘Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus’ (Revelation 14:12). As he repeated these words, he pointed to the heavenly sanctuary. The minds of all who embrace this message are directed to the most holy place.” Early Writings, 254.

“The third angel was pointing them to the most holy place, and those who had had an experience in the past messages were pointing them the way to the heavenly sanctuary. Many saw the perfect chain of truth in the angels’ messages, and gladly received them in their order, and followed Jesus by faith into the heavenly sanctuary. These messages were represented to me as an anchor to the people of God. Those who understand and receive them will be kept from being swept away by the many delusions of Satan.” Ibid., 256.

This anchor—this “perfect chain of truth,” the sanctuary message—is the foundation and central pillar of the Christian faith. Cling to this “perfect chain of truth”—lay hold on that anchor.

These truths “opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, showing that God’s hand had directed the great advent movement and revealing present duty as it brought to light the position and work of His people.” The Great Controversy, 423.

“The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill.” Ibid., 488.

If you do not have a clear understanding of the sanctuary message, begin to study it diligently now, because you cannot be a worker for God in the time of the latter rain without understanding it. It is that critical.

The sanctuary message will be restored and will be the center and focus of the latter rain.

“Only those who have been diligent students of the Scriptures and who have received the love of the truth will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive. By the Bible testimony these will detect the deceiver in his disguise. To all the testing time will come.” Ibid., 625. “As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. … Then, in his assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed the Sabbath to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed.” Ibid., 624.

This is the great final test. We will not have time to get the message straight after the close of probation. We need to get on the right foundation now while Christ is still our Mediator in the heavenly sanctuary.

This is urgent, because we are told that probation will close sooner for the faithful believers, before the loud cry. Those who stand on the true foundation of the new covenant and its sanctuary are sealed at the beginning of the loud cry when the latter rain—the power and glory of the Holy Spirit—is poured out in full measure on the true people of God.

“The light that was shed upon the waiting ones penetrated everywhere, and those in the churches who had any light, who had not heard and rejected the three messages, obeyed the call and left the fallen churches.” Early Writings, 278.

“The time of God’s destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who have no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched; his hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter. Large numbers will be admitted who in these last days hear the truth for the first time.” The Review and Herald, July 5, 1906.

“While the door is closed to those who would not enter” refers to the foolish virgins that come up to the time of the latter rain and find they are not on the foundation of the sanctuary truth. They do not know what it is about, and they have misconceptions about the sanctuary message.

There is a powerful false sanctuary message today. The difference between the true and the false is simply an understanding of the atonement process during which Christ blots out the sins of His repentant people in the heavenly sanctuary.

The false message talks about Christ’s ministry in the holy place. It may even talk about His ministry in the most holy place and the cleansing of the sanctuary, but it does not talk about the need for confession and separation from sin now. Probation is soon to close and there is little time to get ready. The third angel’s message is all about the new covenant—the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus (Revelation 14:12). We need to give the true third angel’s message that points people to the heavenly sanctuary. If you have not been to the heavenly sanctuary and confessed your own sins, it is impossible to give the third angel’s message. I plead with you today to get on the right foundation with Jesus Christ—the foundation of the new covenant and the sanctuary of the new covenant, Christ’s ministry in the most holy place—and the seven pillars of the faith that rest on this eternal truth. These truths provide an anchor for you, and this anchor will hold during the time of storm soon to break upon us.

The third era of prophecy has been given to help the people in the second advent movement prepare for the time when their name will come up in the judgment, for the close of probation and for eternal life. Each era of prophecy fulfills a specific purpose in the great plan of salvation.

(Emphasis in quoted references has been added. Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New International Version.)

Maurice Hoppe is Director of the Steps to Life training programs and a member of the Steps to Life Board. The Training Program for Ministers and Church Leaders is a correspondence course that prepares individuals to serve as pastors or Bible workers. Preparing for the Final Conflict is a correspondence course for the laity. Both of these courses teach present truth that will be an anchor for the soul during the storm of opposition and persecution just ahead. He and his wife also have a correspondence course offered through Revelation Ministry. He can be contacted at: mauricehoppe@stepstolife.org.