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Bible Study – God’s Character Revealed Through Jesus

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January 2 – 8, 2022

Key Text

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son.” Hebrews 1:1, 2,
first part

Study Help: Steps to Christ, 85–91; That I May Know Him, 288, 289

Introduction

“Christ came to the world to reveal the character of the Father, and to redeem the fallen race.” The Review and Herald, January 7, 1890

Sunday

1 THE LAW OF GOD

1.a. What is revealed about God’s character as represented in His moral law? Psalm 119:142; Romans 7:12

 Note: “Christ came to this world to live the law and represent the character of God, that the delusions which Satan had brought upon the world might be dispelled.” The Signs of the Times, February 24, 1898.

1.b. What was Jesus’ attitude in regard to the ten commandments? Isaiah 42:21; John 15:10; Psalm 40:8

Note: “The claim that Christ by His death abolished His Father’s law is without foundation. Had it been possible for the law to be changed or set aside, then Christ need not have died to save man from the penalty of sin.” The Great Controversy, 466

“Though Christ did away with their multitudinous exactions, He explicitly declared that not one jot or tittle of the law should ever fail. He had come to exalt the law, to magnify the law and make it honorable.” The Review and Herald, April 30, 1895

Monday

2 GOD WITH US

2.a. Who was Christ before His incarnation and what was His position? John 1:1–4; Philippians 2:6

 Note: “Christ is the pre-existent, self-existent Son of God. … In speaking of His pre-existence, Christ carries the mind back through dateless ages. He assures us that there never was a time when He was not in close fellowship with the eternal God. …

“Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore. The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father. He was the surpassing glory of heaven. He was the commander of the heavenly intelligences, and the adoring homage of the angels was received by Him as His right.” The Faith I Live By, 46

“There are light and glory in the truth that Christ was one with the Father before the foundation of the world was laid. This is the light shining in a dark place, making it resplendent with divine, original glory.” The Review and Herald, April 5, 1906

2.b. What constituted a miraculous sign about the incarnation of Jesus? Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:34, 35

 Note: “The more we think about Christ’s becoming a babe here on earth, the more wonderful it appears. How can it be that the helpless babe in Bethlehem’s manger is still the divine Son of God? Though we cannot understand it, we can believe that He who made the worlds, for our sakes became a helpless babe. Though higher than any of the angels, though as great as the Father on the throne of heaven, He became one with us. In Him God and man became one, and it is in this fact that we find the hope of our fallen race. Looking upon Christ in the flesh, we look upon God in humanity, and see in Him the brightness of divine glory, the express image of God the Father.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 128

“He [Jesus Christ] was ‘the image of God,’ the image of His greatness and majesty, ‘the outshining of His glory.’ It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world. To this sin-darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God’s love—to be ‘God with us.’ Therefore it was prophesied of Him, ‘His name shall be called Immanuel.’ ” The Desire of Ages, 19

Tuesday

3 SPEAKING THROUGH PROPHETS AND APOSTLES

3.a. Who spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai and gave him the ten commandments written on two tables of stone? Acts 7:38; 1 Corinthians 10:4

 Note: “It was Christ who spoke the law from Sinai. It was Christ who gave the law to Moses, engraven on tables of stone.” The Review and Herald, September 27, 1881

“Christ was not only the leader of the Hebrews in the wilderness—the Angel in whom was the name of Jehovah, and who, veiled in the cloudy pillar, went before the host—but it was He who gave the law to Israel. Amid the awful glory of Sinai, Christ declared in the hearing of all the people the ten precepts of His Father’s law. … It was Christ that spoke to His people through the prophets.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 366

“Through patriarchs and prophets He [Christ] revealed His truth to His people. Christ was the teacher of His ancient people as verily as He was when He came to the world clothed in the garments of humanity. Hiding His glory in human form, He often appeared to His people and talked with them ‘face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.’ He, their invisible leader, was enshrouded in the pillar of fire and of cloud, and spoke to His people through Moses.” Lift Him Up, 314

3.b. When Jesus was on earth, what did He affirm about His real identity? John 8:58; 13:13

Note: “The teaching of Christ in the gospel is in perfect harmony with the teaching of Christ through the prophets in the Old Testament. The prophets spoke through the messengers of Christ in the Old Testament as much as the apostles voiced His messages in the New Testament, and there is no contradiction between their teachings.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 345

“It was by His word that Jesus healed disease and cast out demons; by His word He stilled the sea, and raised the dead; and the people bore witness that His word was with power. He spoke the word of God, as He had spoken through all the prophets and teachers of the Old Testament. The whole Bible is a manifestation of Christ, and the Saviour desired to fix the faith of His followers on the word.” The Desire of Ages, 390

Wednesday

4 CALLED TO BE WITNESSES

4.a. Just before His ascension, what did Jesus request from the disciples? Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4. What must we realize about the Holy Spirit?

Note: “A determined, vigilant leader was in command of the agencies of evil, and the followers of Christ could resist and overcome the powers of darkness only through the help that God could give them. But through the power of the Holy Spirit they [the disciples] were to be successful witnesses of Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth. Beginning at Jerusalem, they were to widen the scene of their operations until all nations should hear the sound of the gospel.” The Review and Herald, November 6, 1894

“Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord’s promise; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies. We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us.” The Desire of Ages, 672 [Author’s italics.]

4.b. What is involved in the gospel commission and how far does it extend? Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8

Note: “The Saviour’s commission to the disciples included all the believers. It includes all believers in Christ to the end of time. It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of saving souls depends alone on the ordained minister. … All who receive the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. For this work the church was established, and all who take upon themselves its sacred vows are thereby pledged to be coworkers with Christ.” The Desire of Ages, 822

“Christ urges again and again upon His disciples the obligation to make known the gospel to the world. When within one step of the throne of God, He opened their understanding that they might know the Scriptures, repeating again the old commandment to go forth and preach the message of salvation.” The Review and Herald, November 6, 1894

Thursday

5 THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

5.a. According to the promise of Jesus, what event took place ten days after His ascension, and what was the result? Acts 2:1–4, 16–18, 41

 Note: “That the disciples of Christ might be prepared for the great work which they were to do, Jesus had instructed them to tarry in Jerusalem until they should be endowed with power from on high. On the day of Pentecost, as they were assembled together, and with one accord were seeking for the fulfillment of His promise, the Spirit of God descended, and the hearts of those who believed were filled with the Holy Ghost. The most signal evidence of the power of God was manifested, and thousands were converted in a day.” The Signs of the Times, June 9, 1890

5.b. In these last days of earth’s history, what promise is given us, and what will be its result? Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 3:19

Note: “As the ‘former rain’ was given, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause the upspringing of the precious seed, so the ‘latter rain’ will be given at its close for the ripening of the harvest. … The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close.” The Great Controversy, 611, 612

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    What relationship exists between Christ and the law?

2    What miracle can we not now fully understand?

3    How does Christ communicate with His people?

4    What is our great duty as Christians?

5    What will help us in the fulfillment of our commission?

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Bible Study – The Importance of Prophecy

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The Book of Revelation

December 26, 2021 – January 1, 2022

Key Text

“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7

Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 722–733; The Acts of the Apostles, 25–28

Introduction

“As we near the close of this world’s history, the prophecies relating to the last days especially demand our study.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 133

Sunday

1 IN THE BEGINNING

1.a. After creating man, how did God communicate with him? Genesis 1:28, first part; 3:9 In what special sense can this kindle hope in our hearts? Matthew 5:8

 Note: “The pure in heart live as in the visible presence of God during the time He apportions them in this world. And they will also see Him face to face in the future, immortal state, as did Adam when he walked and talked with God in Eden. ‘Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face.’ 1 Corinthians 13:12.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 27

1.b. What privilege was extended to Moses? Exodus 33:11; Numbers 12:6–8; Deuteronomy 34:10

Note: “It was the Son of God that gave to our first parents the promise of redemption. It was He who revealed Himself to the patriarchs. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses understood the gospel. They looked for salvation through man’s Substitute and Surety. These holy men of old held communion with the Saviour who was to come to our world in human flesh; and some of them talked with Christ and heavenly angels face to face.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 366

Monday

2 DURING THE OLD DISPENSATION

2.a. What were the prophets called in old times, and why? 1 Samuel 9:9; Numbers 12:6; 24:16. Describe the important scene they beheld. Numbers 24:17

Note: “To Christ ‘give all the prophets witness.’ Acts 10:43. From the promise given to Adam, down through the patriarchal line and the legal economy, heaven’s glorious light made plain the footsteps of the Redeemer. Seers beheld the Star of Bethlehem, the Shiloh to come, as future things swept before them in mysterious procession. In every sacrifice Christ’s death was shown. In every cloud of incense His righteousness ascended. By every jubilee trumpet His name was sounded. In the awful mystery of the holy of holies His glory dwelt.” The Desire of Ages, 211, 212

2.b. What are some of the various deeds performed by God’s prophets, and how are we all to benefit from their work? Hosea 12:13; Amos 3:7; 2 Chronicles 20:20

Note: “This is a time when every soul needs to cling earnestly to God. Those whom the Lord is leading to do His last work in the earth are to stand as Micah and Zephaniah and Zechariah stood in their day, to call to repentance and good works. The writings of these prophets contain warnings and instruction applicable to this time, and should receive our careful study. They should teach us to shun every phase of evil that made such warnings essential to the people of the past. Let every soul arouse and make diligent examination of self, that everything that would separate the people of God from righteousness may be put away. …

“I would say to all our people, Place yourselves in the light, that you may reflect light, and that souls may be led to see the great and soul-saving truths of the word of God. Every believer in Christ should be a laborer together with Him in drawing souls from sin to righteousness. We are to keep in view the life that measures with the life of God. We are to watch for opportunities to bring the truths of the word before those who do not see and understand. Christ is not now with us in person, but through the agency of the Holy Spirit, He is present to impart His power and grace and great salvation.” The Review and Herald, September 16, 1909

Tuesday

3 PROPHETS AFTER OLD TESTAMENT TIMES

3.a. What shows that the prophetic gift continued in New Testament times? Acts 11:27, 28; 13:1; 21:8–11

 Note: “During the ages while the Scriptures of both the Old and the New Testament were being given, the Holy Spirit did not cease to communicate light to individual minds, apart from the revelations to be embodied in the sacred canon. The Bible itself relates how, through the Holy Spirit, men received warning, reproof, counsel, and instruction, in matters in no way relating to the giving of the Scriptures. And mention is made of prophets in different ages, of whose utterances nothing is recorded. In like manner, after the close of the canon of the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit was still to continue its work, to enlighten, warn, and comfort the children of God.” Lift Him Up, 118

3.b. What are two identifying marks of the true church during the time of the end? Revelation 12:17; 19:10; Malachi 4:5, 6; Joel 2:28, 29

 Note: “ ‘And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.’ This prophecy points out clearly that the remnant church will acknowledge God in His law and will have the prophetic gift. Obedience to the law of God, and the spirit of prophecy has always distinguished the true people of God, and the test is usually given on present manifestations.

“In Jeremiah’s day the people had no question about the message of Moses, Elijah, or Elisha, but they did question and put aside the message sent of God to Jeremiah until its force and power was wasted and there was no remedy but for God to carry them away into captivity. …

“As the third angel’s message arose in the world, which is to reveal the law of God to the church in its fullness and power, the prophetic gift was also immediately restored. This gift has acted a very prominent part in the development and carrying forward of this message.” Loma Linda Messages, 33

Wednesday

4 THE GIFT OF PROPHECY WITHDRAWN

4.a. Why was the gift of the Holy Spirit, which includes the gift of prophecy, withdrawn from the Christian church for a time? Revelation 11:6; Psalm 74:9

 Note: “When the early church became corrupted by departing from the simplicity of the gospel and accepting heathen rites and customs, she lost the Spirit and power of God; and in order to control the consciences of the people, she sought the support of the secular power. The result was the papacy, a church that controlled the power of the state and employed it to further her own ends, especially for the punishment of ‘heresy.’ In order for the United States to form an image of the beast, the religious power must so control the civil government that the authority of the state will also be employed by the church to accomplish her own ends.” The Great Controversy, 443

4.b. What conditions can be expected when the gift of prophecy is either not present or not appreciated in the church? Acts 7:51–53; 7:35–39

Note: “The Spirit of God is being withdrawn from the world, and those who have had great light and opportunities and have not improved them, will be the first to be left. They have grieved away the Spirit of God. The present activity of Satan in working upon hearts, and upon churches and nations should startle every student of prophecy. The end is near.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 154

“[The] … reasoning will be heard today from worldly-wise men, from the unfaithful watchmen in the pulpits, ‘My Lord delayeth His coming, all things remain as they were from the beginning. You have no need to be alarmed, there is to be a thousand years of temporal millennium before Christ will come. All the world will be converted. Peace, peace; you should pay no regard to these fanatics, who are only alarmists.’ The world generally will despise prophecy and abuse those who speak to them the words of God, rebuking their sins and calling them to repentance.” The Signs of the Times, January 3, 1878

“I know your danger. If you lose confidence in the testimonies you will drift away from Bible truth. I have been fearful that many would take a questioning, doubting position, and in my distress for your souls I would warn you. How many will heed the warning?” Testimonies, vol. 5, 98

Thursday

5 THE PROPHETIC GIFT RESTORED

5.a. Why should we earnestly heed the counsel given by the apostle Peter regarding prophecy? 2 Peter 1:19–21; 3:1–7

 Note: “The laws of nature cannot prevent the fulfillment of God’s word. The law is never greater than the Lawgiver, nor are the things created greater than the Creator. As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the Son of man. As men are warned of impending judgment, thousands will say, it cannot be. They will despise the truth, make light of prophecy, and deride the teacher of righteousness. One will turn aside to his farm, another to his merchandise, and care for none of these things.” The Signs of the Times, February 24, 1887

“Already the judgments of God are abroad in the land, as seen in storms, in floods, in tempests, in earthquakes, in peril by land and by sea. The great I AM is speaking to those who make void His law. When God’s wrath is poured out upon the earth, who will then be able to stand?” Testimonies, vol. 5, 136

5.b. In view of the nearness of the end of time, what are we admonished to do? 1 Thessalonians 5:20; Revelation 22:7

 Note: “The perils of the last days are upon us, and in our work we are to warn the people of the danger they are in. Let not the solemn scenes which prophecy has revealed, be left untouched. If our people were half awake, if they realized the nearness of the events portrayed in the Revelation, a reformation would be wrought in our churches, and many more would believe the message.” Evangelism, 195

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    How can we be sure to retain the gift of prophecy?

2    What acts were performed by the Old Testament prophets?

3    How were prophets used in the early Christian church?

4    Why was the gift of prophecy withdrawn?

5    What deserves our special attention in these last days?

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Recipe – Apple and Pomegranate Jellies

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Pomegranate

The pomegranate, categorized as a berry, is a shrub that produces a red, round fruit about 2-5 inches in diameter. The skin is thick and inedible with hundreds of edible seeds within. Each seed is surrounded by a red, juicy and sweet seed covering known as an aril. The seeds and arils are eaten either raw or processed into pomegranate juice.

Pomegranates really shine in their wealth of powerful plant compounds, some of which have potent medicinal properties. Pomegranates pack two unique substances that are responsible for most of their health benefits.

Punicalagins

Punicalagins are extremely potent antioxidants found in pomegranate juice and the peel. They are so powerful that pomegranate juice has been found to have three times the antioxidant activity of red grape juice and green tea.

Test-tube studies have shown that punicalagins can reduce inflammatory activity in the digestive tract, as well as in colon cancer cells, diabetes, and breast cancer. Pomegranate extract may inhibit the reproduction of breast cancer cells—even killing some of them.

Punicic Acid

Punicic acid, found in pomegranate seed oil, is the main fatty acid in the arils. It’s a type of conjugated linoleic acid with potent biological effects which may help protect against several steps in the heart disease process. Several human studies have shown it improves cholesterol profile and protects LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage. One research analysis concluded that regular intake of pomegranate juice reduces high blood pressure levels in as little as two weeks, a major factor for heart disease.

If you wish to reap the many health benefits pomegranates have to offer, eat the arils directly or drink the juice.

www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-benefits-of-pomegranate#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2

Recipe – Apple and Pomegranate Jellies

Ingredients

1 cup apple juice

1 cup pomegranate juice

1½ Tbsp. agar flakes

3-4 Tbsp. pomegranate seeds

Process

  • Pour the fruit juices in a saucepan; heat gently until quite warm, but not boiling.
  • Sprinkle the agar over the surface of the liquid; continue to heat without stirring, while the agar dissolves.
  • When the liquid starts to just bubble, stir in the agar, then simmer, stirring occasionally for a few minutes until all the agar flakes have thoroughly dissolved. Strain the hot jelly into four small serving glasses or dishes. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to the fridge until cold and set. Before serving, sprinkle a tablespoon or so of pomegranate seeds onto the top of each jelly.

In Danger of Hell Fire

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If a person cherishes a spirit of malice and unkindness, he is cherishing a spirit that will result in hatred and a desire for revenge. This is why the Bible says that a person who hates his brother is a murderer and cannot hope to have eternal life. The question is, how can this spirit be removed or changed?

Across the Sea of Galilee from where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount was the land of Bashan. This land, filled with wild gorges and wooded areas, had for a long time been a favorite lurking ground for criminals of all descriptions. Even in Jesus’ day, there were reports of frequent murders and robberies committed in the area. People thought that if Jesus was teaching the law, He would have a stern rebuke for the people committing these crimes. They were shocked when He quoted the sixth commandment that says, “You shall not murder,” and showed that the commandment applied to them.

The people of that time cherished bitter hatred against the Romans and other people of their own country who did not in all things conform to their ideas. They were contentious and passionate, and so Jesus said to them, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ [an empty-headed, vain fellow] shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ [a person who has abandoned himself to wickedness] shall be in danger of hell fire.” Matthew 5:21, 22

Actually, many of the most accurate and ancient manuscripts leave out the words “without a cause.” The text would then read: “I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council.”

This spirit of hatred and revenge is at the basis of murders. It originated with Lucifer, the leading angel of heaven. His name became Satan, which means adversary, devil, or slanderer. This spirit led him to put to death the Son of God. The New Testament is very clear, the person, the intelligence that was behind the crucifixion of Jesus, was not just the Jewish leaders or the Roman government or Pilate, but an influence of supernatural forces. The devil wanted to destroy the Son of God, so he engineered and programmed the whole event. The heavenly universe saw and knew exactly what was going on, but the people of the earth did not know or understand.

So, as with the devil and many in ancient Israel, whoever today cherishes malice or unkindness is cherishing the same spirit and its fruit will be death. The revengeful thought is the seed that once grown or unfolded, produces the evil deed. The Bible says, “Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” 1 John 3:15

In the gift of His Son, given for our redemption, God has shown how high a value He places on every human soul. He gives no one permission or liberty to speak contemptuously about another human being. It is true, having eyes and ears, we will see and hear of faults and weaknesses in other human beings. But God claims these as His property, first because He created them, as we find in Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”

But human beings are doubly His because He purchased them back by the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. So, since all human beings were created in the image of God, even those that have been most degraded by sin, we are to treat one another with respect and compassion. When we study the life of Jesus, we find that He treated even His persecutors with politeness and courtesy.

Jesus teaches us in the Sermon on the Mount that God will hold us accountable if we speak contemptuously about anyone for whom Jesus laid down His life. The New Testament also is very strict about this principle. Notice what it says in 1 Corinthians 4:7: “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”

Paul says that everything you have received is from God, so why do you talk as if you produced something on your own? Paul also says in Romans 14:4: “Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.”

We are not to speak contemptuously of any human being no matter how degraded they are because of a life of sin. We are not to condemn our brother or sister as someone who is beyond the reach of salvation, as though they cannot be saved. If we pronounce judgment on someone else and say that we believe they cannot be saved, Jesus says that we are in danger of hell fire ourselves. The book of Jude provides us with an example of how we should talk and treat our fellow human beings. “Yet Michael [one who is like God] the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’ ” Jude 9. Jesus did not bring a railing accusation against the devil. If He had, He would have placed Himself on Satan’s ground for accusations are the weapon of the wicked one. Revelation 12:10 says, “Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.’ ”

This scripture calls Satan “the accuser of the brethren.” Jesus did not bring an accusation against the devil; He left it for His Father to decide the condemnation and judgment of the devil. We are to follow His example. When we are brought into conflict with the enemies of Christ, for He still has many enemies in this world, we are to say nothing with a spirit of retaliation, or anything appearing to be a reviling or railing accusation. If we stand as a mouthpiece for God, as all Christians should, then we should not utter words that even the Majesty of heaven would not use when contending with the devil. We must leave with God the work of judging and condemning.

The love of God is a positive, active principle, a living spring ever-flowing out to bless others. If the love of Christ really dwells in our hearts, we not only will refrain from cherishing evil against our brother or sister, or speaking in a contemptuous way to them or about them, but we will ever and always seek to manifest love for them. In Matthew 5:23, 24, Jesus said, “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” In other words, don’t even go to church to worship the Lord in public until you have made things right with the person that you have wronged. We cannot expect to be able to express faith in God’s pardoning love if we are indulging an unloving spirit.

If, when we come before God, we remember that someone else has something against us, then we are to leave our gift of prayer, thanksgiving, or freewill offering, and we are to go to that brother or sister with whom we are at variance, and in humility confess our sin and ask them to forgive us. If we have in any manner defrauded or injured them, we are to attempt to make restitution. This has been a principle in the Bible from the most ancient times.

Ezekiel 33:15 says, “If the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die.” So, if we have unwittingly borne false witness against a brother or sister, if we have misstated their words, if we have injured their influence in any way, we need to go to those with whom we have conversed about them and take back all the injurious misstatements.

If Christians would do this in matters of difficulty between Christian brothers or sisters, if instead of laying them before third parties we went frankly and honestly to speak directly to them to make things right, in the spirit of Christian love, how much evil might be prevented. How much bitterness, would be avoided, and how closely Christians would be united in a bond of brotherly love (Hebrews 12:15).

As Jesus presented His sermon, the Jews prided themselves on their morality and they looked with horror upon the sensual practices of the Romans and other nations. But when Jesus showed them that the sixth commandment had to do with what was in the mind and heart, not just in the action, He also revealed something shocking about the seventh commandment. He said in Matthew 5:27, 28: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” When the thought of evil is loved and cherished, even secretly, it shows that sin still reigns in the heart.

He who finds pleasure in dwelling upon scenes of impurity, he who indulges the evil thought and the lustful look, may behold in the open sin the result of what he has been thinking. The Bible is very clear that all human beings are tempted in this world. But temptation does not create the evil that is revealed; it only develops or makes manifest that which was already in the heart, although it has been hidden. The Bible says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7. “For out of it [the heart] spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23, last part

To prevent a physical disease from spreading to another part of the body and destroying the life, a man would submit to having a part of his body, an arm or a hand, amputated. How much more should a person be willing to surrender whatever imperils the life of his soul? In Matthew 5:29, 30, He said, “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”

This is a spiritual principle: whatever endangers the soul must be given up. If we are looking at something that endangers our souls, then we must stop looking at it. If we are handling something that endangers our souls, we must put it away. If where our feet take us is somewhere that endangers our souls, we must stop going there, because, through the gospel, souls that have been degraded and enslaved by Satan, by sin, are to be redeemed and are to share the glorious liberty of the sons of God. God’s purpose is not just to deliver us from the suffering that is the inevitable result of sin, His purpose is to save us from sin itself.

The gospel purifies, transforms, and sanctifies the soul that has been corrupted and deformed. It is to be clothed in “the beauty of the Lord our God.” Psalm 90:17. It is “to be conformed to the image of His Son.” Romans 8:29. The Bible says that “ ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ ” 1 Corinthians 2:9. In fact, eternity alone can reveal the glorious destiny to which every man and woman may be restored.

If we are going to reach this high ideal, whatever causes our souls to stumble must be sacrificed. It is through the will that sin retains its hold upon us. Often it seems to us that if we surrender everything to the Lord, we will be maimed, or crippled, or unable to do the things we have been planning to do. But it is through the surrender of the will to God, represented by Jesus as the plucking out of the eye or the cutting off of the hand, that we are freed from sin’s grip.

Jesus says it is better to enter into life, even if we are maimed or crippled, than to continue in sin and lose our souls. You see, God is the fountain of life and we can only have life as we are in communion with Him. Sin separates us from God and if we are separated from God, we may exist for a little time, but it is inevitable that we will die. The only way that we can truly live is when we surrender to the Lord as our Master and Saviour, and through that surrender we will receive what the Lord wants to give to us.

If we refuse to yield our will to God, if we cling to self and sin, then we are choosing death because sin is going to be destroyed (1 John 3:8), and we will be destroyed along with it.

Friend, what will be your destiny? You have a choice to make. Will you forsake your sin and live, or will you hang on to it and be destroyed?

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

Health – The Health Benefits of Singing

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Many studies done over a number of years have focused on the health benefits of singing, and the evidence is overwhelming: singing is good for you.

Singing strengthens the health, broadens the mind, refines the intellect, expands the imagination, makes one happy and gives life a little added zest.

Singing boosts the immune system by causing the body to generate immunoglobin A, a protein considered a first line of defense against respiratory infections. It also increases the production of hydrocortisone, an anti-stress hormone.

Singing releases endorphins into your system and makes you feel uplifted and energized. People who sing are frequently healthier than people who don’t.

Singing gives the lungs a workout. It makes us breathe more deeply than many other forms of strenuous exercise. We take in more oxygen and in turn, our aerobic capacity is improved and we can experience a release of muscle tension.

All of these things—a more robust immune system, a happier mood, stronger lungs, reduced stress and improved circulation—can help prolong life.

And, singing is free. Nearly everyone has the ability, if not perfect tone, to sing for their entire lifetime. Greg Cohen of George Washington University tracked a Senior Singers Chorale in Arlington, Virginia. The chorale singers’ average age is 80—the youngest is 65 and the oldest 96. Preliminary data shows the singers suffer less depression, make fewer doctor visits a year, take fewer medications and have increased their other activities. So singing can provide an inexpensive, easily accessible and powerful way to improve physiological and psychological well-being.

Singing starts in infancy. Babies are known to sing to themselves in moments of absolute emotional tranquility. Like the infant, we sing to ourselves because we feel good. We often find ourselves humming along with a tune or singing in the car or the shower which, in turn, makes us feel even better.

Preschool and kindergarten teachers have found that children learn best through singing, and for a long time, have used music to help children learn and remember material. Music is used to engage the children in activities that are associated with the songs they are singing. Music, including singing, also helps to strengthen math skills.

In music therapy, certain sounds benefit particular parts of the body. For example:

  • Singing the short-a sound, as in ahh, will help banish the blues. It forces oxygen into the blood, which signals the brain to release mood-lifting endorphins.
  • To boost alertness, make the long-e sound, as in emit. It stimulates the pineal gland, which controls the body’s biological clock.
  • Singing the short-e sound, as in echo, stimulates the thyroid gland, which secretes hormones that control the speed of digestion and other bodily processes.
  • Singing the long-o sound, as in ocean, stimulates the pancreas, which regulates blood sugar.
  • To strengthen immunity, sing the double-o sound, as in too. This activates the spleen, which regulates the production of infection fighting white blood cells.

So, think about this: when a choir does vocal exercises that include ahh, a, e, o and oo, they are not only developing flexibility and helping to control pitch and tone—which is the purpose of vocalizing—they have just made themselves happy, given themselves a boost of energy, helped to regulate their blood sugar and have strengthened their immune system. This is one of the reasons why choral singers look to be in a state of euphoric happiness when they sing.

So, to summarize here are a few of the health benefits gained from singing:

  • improves mood
  • effective stress reliever
  • improves sleep
  • releases pain-relieving endorphins
  • improves posture
  • increases lung capacity
  • clears the sinuses and respiratory tubes
  • tones your facial and stomach muscles
  • tones abdominal and intercostal muscles and the diaphragm
  • stimulates circulation

And in addition, a few of the emotional and psychological benefits are:

  • strengthens concentration and memory
  • broadens expressive communication
  • adds a rich, more pleasant quality to speech
  • stimulates insight into prose and poetry and piques interest in the deeper meaning of words
  • is an ageless enjoyment—you are never too young or too old
  • is therapeutic
  • improves mental alertness
  • increases poise and presentation skills
  • increases confidence

And the best part is, you don’t have to be a world-class singer to enjoy all of these benefits. Singing enriches the life far beyond notes and music. Add a healthy, new dimension to your life—SING!

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16

Singing with grace in our hearts to God hymns, scripture songs and uplifting songs of worship are ways we can let the word dwell in us richly. At such times when words alone aren’t enough to convey the depth of our thankfulness or praise to the Lord, singing helps open our heart to Him in a way that words may be difficult to express. So let us sing for health and praise to our God!

“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all people. For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised.” Psalm 96:1–4, first part

Adapted from the following sources: Professor Graham Welch, Director of Educational Research, University of Surrey, Roehampton, UK; Jovita Wallace, Sound Therapist; www.barbershop.org/the-health-benefits-of-singing; Patty Mills, American Academy of Teachers of Singing

Question – How was the ark able to withstand the flood?

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Question:

How was the ark able to withstand the flood? Was Noah just a really good builder?

Answer:

“The building of this immense structure was a slow and laborious process. On account of the great size of the trees and the nature of the wood, much more labor was required then than now to prepare timber, even with the greater strength which men then possessed. All that man could do was done to render the work perfect, yet the ark could not of itself have withstood the storm which was to come upon the earth. God alone could preserve His servants upon the tempestuous waters.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 95

“The massive ark trembled in every fiber as it was beaten by the merciless winds and flung from billow to billow. The cries of the beasts within expressed their fear and pain. But amid the warring elements it continued to ride safely. Angels that excel in strength were commissioned to preserve it.” Ibid., 100

“After Noah had done all in his power to make every part of the work correct, it was impossible that it could of itself withstand the violence of the storm which God in His fierce anger was to bring upon the earth. The work of completing the building was a slow process. Every piece of timber was closely fitted, and every seam covered with pitch. All that men could do was done to make the work perfect; yet, after all, God alone could preserve the building upon the angry, heaving billows, by His miraculous power.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 71

How then are we to withstand the flood of evil, described to be “as in the days of Noah,” that is overwhelming our world today?

“It should be the first work … to be right before God … and then to stand in the strength of Christ, unaffected by the wrong influences to which they will be exposed. If they make the broad principles of the word of God the foundation of the character, they may stand wherever the Lord in His providence may call them, surrounded by any deleterious influence, and yet not be swayed from the path of right.” Counsels on Health, 405

Nature – Why Birds’ Feet Don’t Freeze

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A quick glance at a winter weather forecast is enough to make most of us grateful for our warm homes and thankful for those who work outdoors in these brutal conditions.

For the wildlife in our communities, there is no escaping the harsh realities of winter. In fact, many of these animals must spend time each day out in the snow and ice to find the food necessary for survival. Take the Canada goose, for instance. They are a familiar sight at our local lakes and ponds, whether they are frozen solid or not. How do they do it?

Like people and all mammals, birds are warm-blooded. Their body temperature remains constant—about 106 degrees. To maintain their body heat in freezing temperatures, their bodies have been designed with several specialized mechanisms.

Birds’ feet are little more than bone, sinew and scale, with very few nerves, and for birds such as geese, ducks, and other waterfowl that spend time on ice or in cold water, keeping their legs and feet warm is essential for survival. Birds rely on a vascular system called rete mirabile designed to keep their feet warm. In this system, the arteries and veins in the legs and feet are close together, allowing the blood to be warmed and cooled quickly.

Here is how it works. As warm, oxygenated blood leaves the heart in arteries moving toward the bird’s feet, it passes in close proximity to veins returning oxygenated blood back to the heart. This allows for a concurrent heat exchange. The exchange allows the warmth from the arterial blood to increase the temperature of the blood returning in the veins, which is colder after circulating to the bird’s extremities. The warmer arteries heat the cooler veins and the veins cool the arteries. And since the temperature of the bird’s feet is closer to the environmental temperature, they don’t lose as much heat as they would if they were at body temperature. Also, birds’ feet lack sweat glands, so they stay dry with no danger of freezing to a perch.

The heat exchange is just one way birds stay warm in winter. Many birds have a winter plumage with more feathers to better insulate their bodies. Some species, such as finches, add fat in winter to both better insulate themselves and provide an energy source.

Many small birds, though, cannot bulk up too much because it would affect how they fly. For these birds, such as chickadees, shivering helps them stay warm. Shivering in birds isn’t quite like it is for humans. When birds shiver, they are able to activate particular muscle groups that work in opposition to one another. This causes muscle contractions that allow the birds to better retain their body heat.

All of the interaction between the several parts of the different systems in a bird’s anatomy only reinforces the certainty that birds did not evolve, but were instead created by a loving God who cares deeply for all of His creation, great and small.

“But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?” Job 12:7–10

Sources: reconnectwithnature.org (including Audubon Society, Smithsonian, Popular Science); Michael Stein for Bird Note

Keys to the Storehouse – Giving and Remembrance

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For Christians, the Christmas season should be about giving and remembering. Remembering God’s ultimate gift—His Son, and Jesus’ ultimate gift—His life; both are necessary that the gift of salvation might be available to the people of the world.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16, 17

“What love, what wonderful love, was displayed by the Son of God! The death we deserved was suffered to come upon Him that immortality might be given to us, who could never merit such a reward. Is not salvation great in its simplicity and wonderful in its comprehensiveness? … The plan of redemption provides for every emergency and for every want of the soul.” In Heavenly Places, 37

As we listen to the beautiful music, gaze at the pretty lights, thrill as we wrap and unwrap gifts in festive paper and bright ribbons and bows, let us not forget the true meaning and reason that we celebrate at this time of year.

We should remember all through the year that Jesus left heaven to be born as a babe, to live His life so that He could bring men and women to the Father, and then to die, to pay a price we could not pay. But most of the world, even those who claim to be Christian, celebrate the birth of Christ in December. That makes this time of year an exceptional opportunity to witness to a world that may be just a little more open to hearing about Jesus and what He has done for us.

“ ‘Christmas is coming,’ is the note that is sounded throughout our world from east to west and from north to south. … But what is Christmas that it should demand so much attention? …

“It is right to bestow upon one another tokens of love and remembrance if we do not in this forget God, our best Friend. We should make our gifts such as will prove a real benefit to the receiver. …

“Let the presents you shall make be of that order which will shed beams of light upon the pathway to heaven. …

“Brethren and sisters, while you are devising gifts for one another, I would remind you of our heavenly Friend, lest you should be unmindful of His claims. Will He not be pleased if we show that we have not forgotten Him? Jesus, the Prince of life, gave all to bring salvation within our reach.” The Adventist Home, 477–480

“If Christmas is kept at all, it should be kept in a way that will be in harmony with its significance. Christ should be remembered, His name honored; the old, old story of His love should be recounted. Instead of saying by our actions that we are putting Christ out of our minds and hearts, we should testify to men, to angels, and to God, that we remember our Redeemer, by following His example of self-sacrifice for others’ good.” The Review and Herald, December 9, 1890 [Emphasis supplied.]

Lord, at this time especially, may we joyously tell the world of Your blessed birth and willing sacrifice to save mankind. May our lives reflect Your character every day of the year so that men and women can see Your love and mercy for them.

Inspiration – The Warfare Before Us

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God wants us to help one another by a manifestation of sympathy and unselfish love. There are those who have inherited peculiar tempers and dispositions. They may be hard to deal with; but are we faultless? They are not to be discouraged. Their errors are not to be made common property. Christ pities and helps those who err in judgment. He has suffered death for every man, and because of this He has a touching and profound interest in every man.

A man may be trying to serve God, but temptations from within and from without assail him. Satan and his angels urge and coax him to transgress. Perhaps he falls a prey to their temptings. How then do his brethren treat him? Do they speak harsh, cutting words, driving him further from the Saviour? What a sad sight for Christ and the angels to behold!

Let us remember that we are struggling and falling, failing in speech and action to represent Christ, falling and rising again, despairing and hoping. Let us beware of dealing unkindly with those who, like ourselves, are subjects of temptation and who, like ourselves also, are the objects of Christ’s unfailing love.

Testimonies, vol. 9, 222.

Story – The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

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The Magi were philosophers from the East and wise as man reckons. They studied for long years the heavens and the stars, and as they observed these marvelous things they beheld the glory of the Creator.

Even though they were considered heathens, in their wonderment they turned to the Hebrew Scriptures and learned that there were prophesies that had been handed down century after century regarding a Messiah. Even in their own land there were treasured prophesies regarding a divine Teacher. And as they studied, they learned that His coming was near.

One night they noticed an extremely bright star in the heavens, one they had not observed before. They consulted with priests and philosophers and searched the ancient records. Balaam of the Old Testament had been one of their number and they found that he had declared “There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Numbers 24:17. Some were given dreams and in this way instructed to go in search of the newborn Prince.

They did not know that the star they beheld was actually a company of angels declaring the birth of the Messiah in a manger, in a stable, to the shepherds upon the hills outside Bethlehem. An angel had appeared to the shepherds and said, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manager.” And then this angel was joined by a multitude of angels and they all sang together, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:10–14

When that company of angels had faded away, a luminous star appeared and lingered in the sky.  This was the star observed by the Magi and we are told that once they set off, it led them each night closer to the Christ child. They brought with them rich gifts from their land, as was their custom, to bestow upon the Child. It is a beautiful thought that while the Magi had not only the physical star in the sky to guide their way to the manger, they were also given inward evidence by the Holy Spirit. And though the journey was long, this impressed their hearts and filled them with hope.

The star ultimately led them to the manger in Bethlehem and they were able to bow before the Prince of heaven and to give Him their gifts and worship and praise.

The Spirit of Prophecy says that sin had become very bad and had even found its way into the religious practices of the day. It caused rebellion in the hearts of men and made them hate God, all the while claiming to be His children. “It was demonstrated … that, apart from God, humanity could not be uplifted. A new element of life and power must be imparted by Him who made the world.” The Desire of Ages, 37

Even the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds thought that God would rise up and sweep the earth clean of sin and sinners. But this would have given Satan the opportunity to declare again that God’s government could not be both just and merciful.

But instead of destroying the world, God sent His Son to save it and though sin was everywhere, God made a way for its recovery. “At the very crisis, when Satan seemed about to triumph, the Son of God came [as an emissary] of divine grace.” Ibid.

The angel who came to tell Mary that she would give birth to the Messiah said, “[Y]ou shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21. And verse 23 declares further, “ ‘and they shall call His name Immanuel … God with us.’ ”

So herein lies the greatest love story ever told. The story of a God who wanted children so much that He created worlds until one chose not to be His. Yet, His love for them was so great that instead of abandoning them, leaving them to die alone, He made a plan to send His Son to pay the price they could not pay. He came to die for their sins and to show them how to live their lives so that they could one day be restored again to their heavenly home, to live for all of eternity with their Father.

“Through every age, through every hour, the love of God had been exercised toward the fallen race. Notwithstanding the [wickedness] of men, the signals of mercy had been continually exhibited. And when the fullness of the time had come, the Deity was glorified by pouring upon the world a flood of healing grace that was never to be obstructed or withdrawn till the plan of salvation should be fulfilled.” The Desire of Ages, 37

When the need was the most dire, Jesus came. He lived. He died. He rose again. He lives. He forgives. He saves. This is love.

Adapted from The Desire of Ages