Jana Wagner

Recipe – Florentine Cookies

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Oatmeal Cookies Can Be Healthy

Oatmeal cookies offer an impressive nutritional benefit thanks to their soluble fiber content and beta-glucans, which aid in cholesterol management and supports overall health. Additionally, they contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the oats, contributing to a balanced diet.

The soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance in your gut. This type of dietary fiber is essential for blood sugar control because it slows the absorption of sugar, helping to prevent sudden spikes and crashes. The beta-glucans in oatmeal, a specific type of soluble fiber, are particularly beneficial for heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels, which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease.

Incorporating oatmeal cookies into your diet can be a delicious way to boost your intake of these important nutrients when made with wholesome ingredients and enjoyed in moderation. By carefully selecting ingredients and portions, oatmeal cookies can be a delicious part of a balanced diet, enhancing both taste and health.

Source: taylorchip.com/blogs/news/are-oatmeal-cookies-good-for-you?

Recipe – Florentine Cookies

Ingredients

2 Tbs. vegan butter, or coconut oil

1/4 cup coconut sugar, or less

1/4 cup maple syrup, or less

1/2 tsp. vanilla powder

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1/3 cup rolled oats

1/3 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1/3 cup hemp seeds

pinch of salt

1/2 heaping cup carob chips, optional

Process

In a small saucepan, combine the butter or coconut oil, coconut sugar, maple syrup, vanilla powder, and sea salt to make a “caramel” mixture. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the coconut sugar is dissolved and the caramel just begins to bubble and foam, about 3-5 minutes.

In a food processor, combine oats, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and salt. Process/blend to a coarse meal with no whole oats remaining, about 30 seconds.

Transfer oat/seed mixture to a mixing bowl and add the warm caramel. Mix until evenly combined.

On two parchment paper-lined cookie sheets, using a tablespoon scoop, place 6 scoops onto each baking sheet, allowing cookies to spread considerably. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The cookies should be lightly bubbling in the middle and golden brown on the edges.

If using carob chips, place them in a double boiler; heat and stir until smooth and melted. Lightly drizzle across the top of the Florentines.

Worship & Music

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Worship, music and counterfeits. A definition of terms may prove useful to assure that all readers understand these words in the same way.

For purposes of this article, music is a gift of God. It is a wonderful gift, because He has given us a part of Himself. Everybody knows that God is love. And God gives us that love. What about music? In Exodus 15:2 and Isaiah 12:2 it says, “The Lord is my strength and song.” God Himself is my song, and He gives me music.

Everybody has their own ideas concerning worship, but a definition can be helpful. R. C. Leonard provides one: “Worship is the central focus of a vital Christian faith, and the most distinctive activity of the church of Jesus Christ. The biblical words translated ‘worship’ (Hebrew shachah, Greek proskuneo) mean, literally, to bow down or bend the knee. Such was the ancient gesture of honor to a sovereign and superior authority. To worship is to offer the oath of covenant loyalty to the Great King, and to affirm our faithfulness as His servants. For this reason, the worship of God, through Jesus Christ, lies at the heart of all Christian expression.” R. C. Leonard, Worship in the Church, January 1997,  http://members.aol.com./laudemont/witec.hum. (April 15, 2001).

Now, consider counterfeits. One popular definition is that a counterfeit is a cheap imitation of the real thing. It is cheap, and it is an imitation. Whenever there is something important that comes from God, Satan has to counterfeit it. So, if you notice a counterfeit, it is a good idea to look at the real thing, because it must be very important for Satan to bother counterfeiting it. Do counterfeits look nice? Do they sound nice? Certainly! They are glittery and beautiful and meant to attract. Counterfeits are not good things to have, because they are not worth much and can even be dangerous. You do not want to be found using counterfeit money, do you?

True Worship

All through history, worship has been conducted in different ways, true worship and counterfeit, pagan worship. Even true worship has varied at different times and in different cultural settings. This article does not have time or space to examine historical worships. Presently, we are concerned with worship in the last days, in our own time. God gives us information concerning the worship He requires in the final days. We find it in Revelation 14, in the three angels’ messages. In fact, that is one of the basic things they are all about. God does not leave any significant chance of our misunderstanding what He wants.

Look at the three angels’ messages in Revelation 14:6–12, and read them through. In the first message, verse 7, the angel says, “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” There is that word—worship. We are commanded to worship, and who is to be the object of our worship? The Creator God. That is very plain. We are commanded to worship the One and only true God, the One who, down through history, has repeated His covenant with us to be our God and to claim us as His people. This is the first big message for us.

The second and third messages tell us that there is someone we are commanded not to worship—the beast. The scope of this article does not include identifying the beast, but the angels’ messages tell us the consequences of worshiping the beast—nothing but bad things, horrifying things. The end of that message gives the identifying marks of those who worship the true God—they keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.

It is reasonable to say that all of these identifying marks and commands lead to the conclusion that the worship of God is the true worship and the only true worship. Also, the worship of the beast is the false, or counterfeit, worship. Everything that goes with the worship of the beast is false or counterfeit worship. Some of the things this involves include the false sabbath and the false music. Although many other things could be included, the emphasis of this article is music, true God-based music and false, counterfeit music.

Where Does Music Come In?

Some may ask, Can you prove that music is a part of worship? There have been many people, throughout history, who have said that instrumental music should not be used. John Calvin, for example, claimed that the instrumental music used in the Old Testament times was meant for people who were tender and like children. “But in New Testament times Christ has come and the church has reached full age, it would only bury the light of the gospel should we introduce the shadows of a departed dispensation.” John L. Girardeau, Instrumental Music in the Public Worship of the Church, New Covenant Publication Society, Havertown, PA., 1983, 63, 64.

What about music in worship in the last days, in the setting of the three angels’ messages? Consider the following statements:

“As a part of religious service, singing is as much an act of worship as is prayer. Indeed, many a song is prayer.” Education, 168. Many other quotations could be cited which include instrumental music.

“Singing is just as much the worship of God in a religious meeting as speaking. …” Selected Messages, Book 3, 333

According to Mrs. White, music in worship includes speaking, prayer, and singing. Each of these aspects of music may be true worship or counterfeit worship. So, music is an important part of worship, making it an important part of the third angel’s message and what God wants from us in these last days. It does matter what our music is like. It shows our allegiance to God and our acceptance of His covenant, or it shows our allegiance to the beast. God does not accept any counterfeit in His worship.

The Roles of Music in Worship

Let us examine exactly what music accomplishes in the worship service. Actually, it plays many roles:

  1. Music sets the mood. The thoughts, feelings, and emotions of the people are controlled by the music. Alertness or sleepiness may be caused by the music. Music creates a proper frame of mind for the rest of the service. If a minister wants to introduce strange ideas of theology, he can use what we call celebration music to put the people into a hypnotic state, and they accept and retain in their minds whatever he wishes—without even knowing it is happening.
  2. Music creates unity and harmony. People feel and think together because of the music. It is a kind of group entrainment. What is entrainment? Scientists have discovered that when two rhythms are placed adjacent to each other they lock into each other and become the same rhythm. They first discovered this with pendulum clocks—back in the 1600s. If the clocks were close together, the pendulums would start swinging the same. Since then we have learned that we can control all kinds of body rhythms with music. Just play the music with the speed or vibration you want, and you can slow down or accelerate the heart rate, or any of the other rhythms in the body, including brain waves.

If you play fast, jazzy rhythms at the beginning of church, your whole body gears up to the same thing. Scientists have found ways to eject rhythms of whatever tempo they want, add certain tones into musical recordings, and nobody knows they are there, but their brains accept them and respond accordingly, maybe even slowing them down enough to become like zombies. One danger of this is that Satan can use his counterfeit in accompaniment tapes that vocalists buy, and nobody ever knows the difference. Recent research shows that group entrainment may take place. One study showed that, in a university class, the brain waves of the students entrained with those of the professor. This has serious implications for those who are using NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) to control others. “While preaching, praying, or conversing, some professed Adventists who had rejected present truth used mesmerism to gain adherents, and the people would rejoice in this influence, for they thought it was the Holy Ghost.” Early Writings, 44. Now the scientists are showing us it can really happen. Do not think it is foolish imagination. Satan is using his false, counterfeit worship and the music in it to control people’s minds. This fact makes it extremely important that we do not use Satan’s music in worship, and certainly not anywhere else either.

  1. Music creates a kind of people. You are what you eat; you are what you see; you are what you hear. You are the kind of music to which you listen.
  2. Music invokes the Holy Spirit and invites the presence of angels. “When the singing is such that angels can unite with the singers, an impression is made on minds that singing from unsanctified lips cannot make. … The songs in which every word is uttered clearly, in a musical tone, are the songs that they [angels] join us in singing. They take up the refrain that is sung from the heart with the spirit and the understanding.” Evangelism, 509, 510
  3. Most important of all, music is an act of worship. This places it as a significant part of true worship, which then makes it an important part of the three angels’ messages.

Praise Ye the Lord

What difference does it make what music we have in our worship services? If music is basically entertainment, why do we have music in worship at all? Many people have said that music is just a matter of preference. In other words, just choose what you like. The problem is there is a big difference. And it all goes back to God’s music for God’s worship and Satan’s music (counterfeit) for Satan’s worship.

A search of the Bible will reveal not only what God wants us to sing about but also how He wants us to sing. If music is an important part of the worship of God, He must have given us some instruction about it.

Praise is mentioned more often than anything else. “Praise ye the Lord. … Let them sing praises unto Him with the timbrel and harp.” Psalm 149:1, 3. “Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.” Psalm 147:1

Offer Thanksgiving for His Goodness

The thing mentioned most frequently after praise is thanksgiving. “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most High.” Psalm 92:1. Does God get tired of hearing us thank Him? No, He does not.

We should use joyful songs. “Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honor of His name: make His praise glorious.” Psalm 66:1, 2. “O let the nations be glad and sing for joy.” Psalm 67:4

What Should Our Music Include?

Majesty—“They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the Lord. …” Isaiah 24:14

God’s Righteousness—“They shall abundantly utter the memory of Thy great goodness, and shall sing of Thy righteousness.” Psalm 145:7

God’s Power—“Be Thou exalted, Lord, in Thine own strength: so, will we sing and praise Thy power.” Psalm 21:13

God’s Mercy and Judgment—“I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto Thee, O Lord, will I sing.” Psalm 101:1

To God’s Name—“So will I sing praise unto Thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.” Psalm 61:8

Other verses give us the following: To the glory of God, God’s goodness, Ways of the Lord, Science of Salvation, Psalms, Holy songs, Words of the Law, Prophecy, Songs of Triumph and Victory, Faith and Holy Cheer, Hope and Trust. And the final song for the future: the Song of Deliverance.

Music of the Word

It seems that God has given us plenty to sing about without resorting to the devil’s counterfeit songs about our own selves and our own feelings. It would be a good idea if we would try to practice now for the music of heaven.

I have a dream that some might like to share with me. Imagine a few Seventh-day Adventist churches here and there who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus and are doing all they can to avoid the devil’s counterfeit music, becoming serious about their music being God’s music. Even a church or two could start it. What if these churches started making the music of their church Seventh-day Adventist music? How, you ask, could you do that? Well, there is the previous list that God gave us. With that, suppose we sing songs about the three angels’ messages, about Christ’s Second Coming, about the Sabbath, about the state of the dead, about the sanctuary, about the Spirit of Prophecy—the pillars of our faith. That is just a start. There are plenty of songs in our hymnal that we already know and more good songs that we could learn. For example, do you know the song about the judgment, “Christ the Lord, All Power Possessing,” found on page 415 in the new hymnal? The first verse is about Christ ascending to heaven; the second verse pictures the judgment; the third verse is about Christ coming back. The tune is an exciting, vigorous tune, and the song is well worth some effort to learn. After searching out all of the wonderful songs that truly tell of our own Seventh-day Adventist beliefs, we need to think about the words as we sing them and breathe new life into them. Our whole church will become invigorated!

Words with Meaning

Where Mrs. White wrote that song is an act of worship and song is prayer, she continues as follows: “If the child is taught to realize this, he will think more of the meaning of the words he sings and will be more susceptible to their power.” Education, 168. The older ones among us are not too old to learn the same lesson.

Are you and your church singing God’s music in your worship services, or is the devil’s counterfeit music sneaking in among you? Is your music preparing you for heaven?

Reproduced from Historic LandMarks of Adventism, March 2004.

Nature – Blue Skies Shining on Me

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Why is the sky blue?

The sky is blue because of a phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering—named after Lord Rayleigh, the British scientist who explained the process first in the 19th century.

Sunlight, as it reaches Earth’s atmosphere, is made up of various color wavelengths, like in a rainbow. As it passes through the atmosphere, it interacts with nitrogen, oxygen, and other air molecules scattering the wavelengths in all directions. Each wavelength is different. Blue and violet, because of their shorter, choppy wavelength, scatters more effectively, but also, our eyes are more sensitive to blue light, which is why we see a blue sky during the day. However, the time of day and atmospheric conditions can also have an active influence on the color of the sky.

At sunrise, the sun’s light passes through a thick layer of atmosphere. The blue wavelengths are scattered and this allows the longer red, yellow, and orange wavelengths to dominate the sky. This enables us to see the beautiful hues of these colors as they blend together until the sun is fully up.

There is so much more to know regarding how the different colors in the sky are made. I hope you’ll look at these two sources, and others, to learn more.

Did You Know?

All light travels in a straight line. Unless something gets in the way.

Did You Know?

The wavelengths of color that compose the sun’s light are the same as those that make up the rainbow.

It is also interesting to note that the colors in the light that God made to sustain our planet, and His rainbow, the symbol of His covenant promise with man to never destroy the entire Earth again with a flood, are composed of the same colors.

Sources: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/blue-sky/en/; https://www.space.com/why-is-the-sky-blue

Marvelous Feet

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Taken for granted, used and abused, and squeezed into stylish, but uncomfortable shoes, our feet are simply marvelous.

The human foot is one of the most complex structures in the body. It has more than 100 moving parts that include 28 bones, 33 joints, 19 muscles, over 100 tendons and ligaments, and more than 200,000 nerve endings. Absorbing impact and bearing the entire weight of the body, all of these moving parts work together so that our feet can perform their important, primary functions—enabling us to walk, run, and maintain balance.

Because the foot’s structure is so complicated, it is prone to injury, including traumatic and repetitive use injuries such as sprains, strains, torn ligaments, broken bones, tendonitis, and diseases and disorders such as arthritis, fallen arches, bunions, corns, plantar fasciitis. These injuries, diseases, and disorders do not only cause pain, but can also significantly impair quality of life and lead to loss of mobility.

Did You Know?

The pinky toe is of little value, and those who were born without or lost one or both pinky toes notice very little effect on or change in their activities.

The foot is divided into three parts:

Forefoot

The forefoot is comprised of 21 bones: the phalanges, metatarsal bones, and sesamoid bones.

The phalanges (toes) consist of 14 bones. The big toe has two bones, and the remaining four have three bones each.

The metatarsal consists of five long bones extending from the base of each toe to the midfoot. The metatarsal bones in the big toe have a vital role in forward motion, while the remaining four metatarsals provide stability.

The sesamoids are two pea-shaped bones embedded in a tendon running below the first metatarsal bone at the bottom of the foot. These bones stabilize and reduce stress on the tendon.

Midfoot

Seven tarsal bones help form the arch of the foot. Five of these bones are found in the midfoot. These five are called distal tarsal bones—distal, meaning the little toe side of the foot.

The navicular bone is a C-shaped bone in the heel that articulates (hinges) the five tarsal bones.

The cuboid bone is cube-shaped and sits next to the navicular bone. It is immovable and supports the arch of the foot.

Three cuneiform bones—the medial, intermediate, and lateral—are highly mobile and make up the actual arch of the foot.

Hindfoot

There are only two bones in the hindfoot. Collectively, they are called the proximal tarsal bones—proximal, meaning the big toe side of the foot. They transmit the weight of the entire body to the foot. These tarsal bones are the calcaneus (the heel bone) and the talus (an ankle bone that sits near the calcaneus and between the tibia and fibula).

While the foot provides a solid foundation on which the body stands, the toes have the crucial job of helping the foot to maintain balance by helping with weight distribution, and providing the necessary push forward (propulsion) during activities like walking and running. They anchor the body to the ground and contribute to the foot’s shock absorption. All ten toes are essential, but the big toe is the powerhouse. It bears most of our body weight with a weight-bearing capacity double the nine other toes combined.

“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside.” Job 23:10, 11

Thank you, Lord, for our marvelous feet.

Sources: verywellhealth.com/foot-anatomy-and-physiology; helpshoe.com/toes-importance

It’s Time

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It was April 2014. Alumni weekend at Enterprise Academy. The weekend, like all those that had come and gone before, was a wonderful time to reconnect with friends you haven’t seen in a while, some maybe since graduation. For a lot of us now, that’s as long as a lifetime.

It was during this reunion that I reconnected with Roger, my then soon-to-be husband. Heidi who had been one of my best friends growing up was also there, and Ms. Sanders—Mrs. Hay for the last umpteen years—probably the most popular teacher for every class for decades. Former Reflectors of God’s Love members, and Beth, Debbie, Gary, Glenn, Rob, Brant, Cheryl, Warren, and Cherie, to name just a few. Parents and grandparents of many of the students, who had once been students themselves, were there, too.

Sid and Melody had a huge outbuilding on their property. Everybody brought food and set up a big potluck so that the members of the classes who wanted to come, could gather after Sabbath. Include good conversation and music from our class guitarists and musicians, and it was a weekend to remember.

Today, eleven years down the line, Sid and Melody have sold their property, and a couple years ago Sid contracted Covid and died, so did Ron. Dana had been fighting cancer for years, and, finally, the cancer won. Roger and I got married, and then he died. DJ lost both her husband and mother. Cheryl and Lee lost their mothers, too.

You’re probably tired of hearing me ask, “Are you ready for Jesus to come?” Friends, a reunion is coming. Just think, we will see our family and friends again; not for just a weekend, but for eternity. And best of all, we’ll see Jesus. We’ll sit at His feet and listen to the voice we’ve longed 6,000 years to hear, and feel the touch of His nail-scarred hand.

It’s time, no, it’s way past time. Let’s get ready to go home.

“And when you have finished your course, yours will be the unspeakable joy of being welcomed with the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; … enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’ And with your loved ones around you, you will stand on Mount Zion, and cast your crown at Jesus’ feet, saying, Not unto us, but unto Thy name be glory.” The Signs of the Times, August 20, 1902

Story – David Brainard

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Apostle to the American Indians

At the dawn of the seventeenth century, the memorable “Mayflower” brought to the shores of North America a man and a woman who were to be the grandparents of the great missionary.

Far up amidst a group of hills near Hartford, Connecticut, nestled the cottage where on April 20, 1718, this missionary was born. His name was David Brainard. When he was a mere youth, both his parents died. He did not attend school until he was past twenty years of age. Nevertheless, his education was not neglected. He loved to read the Bible, as is shown by the fact that one year he read the whole volume through twice.

At the age of twenty-four, Mr. Brainard received a license to preach. At this time, he responded to a call to labor among the North American Indians. Although it was in the dead of winter, he started to his field without delay. At that time the American continent was largely peopled by the red race. But few white people had ever gone west of New York, and but little was known of the Mississippi Valley.

The field assigned him was a region at that time inhabited solely by the Indians. On his journey he passed through New York City, then only a small town. After leaving New York he traversed the wilderness with his lone horse, depending entirely upon the hospitality of the Indians for his daily needs, crossing the mountains, facing bleak winds, struggling through deep drifts of snow, having nothing but the limitless blue tent of heaven for a shelter, yet regarding these afflictions lightly when compared with the bitter agony of the Saviour.

Immediately upon reaching his field he set to work to learn the language of the Iroquois, the difficulty of which can be inferred from the word “question,” which in the Indian language contains thirty-six letters. The work that John Eliot had done in reducing the Indian language to a written form, was of inestimable value to David Brainard.

The influence of this earnest Christian over the red man can be seen by the fact that he persuaded an entire tribe to emigrate so that his interpreter might work for them.

After several months of labor, he returned to New Jersey to be ordained, but upon returning to his mission field, he was met by the hostility of the traders. These unprincipled men, instead of trying to uplift their red brothers, carried to them that soul destroying enemy—strong drink. The gospel of Jesus brought to them by Mr. Brainard was having its influence to turn these deluded people away from this vice, and the traders felt as did those men from whom Paul took away “the hope of their gains,” by leading the people to turn away from the evils of divination and serve the true God.

Mr. Brainard heard of a great feast that was to be held the following day, and he knew it would be a time of drunkenness and crime for many of the Indians. What could he do to turn this tide of evil from them? Retiring to the quiet shadow of the woods, he prayed as so often our Saviour prayed, through the entire night, pleading for strength and wisdom to show the Indians their sin. The following day he was enabled by divine grace to break up the tumult, and to speak the word of life to interested listeners.

The Spirit of the Lord was working like leaven upon the hearts of the Indians, and soon there was a great revival. Entire tribes came scores of miles to hear the words of salvation. Ninety-five percent of his hearers were prostrated before the Lord. Their cry of anguish is touchingly expressed in this moving stanza [see in the image above].

This life of hardship and exposure proved too much for Mr. Brainard’s health, and it was at last discovered that he was a victim to that dread disease, tuberculosis. He suffered greatly, and was finally taken to his home and friends. For many weeks his life hung in the balance, and before he reached the age of thirty years his work on earth was finished.

His spirit always rose when it seemed that the end was near. The earnestness of his life is expressed in these words from his diary: “My heaven is to please God and glorify Him; to give all to Him, to be wholly devoted to His cause—that is the heaven I long for, that is my religion and happiness. There is nothing in this world worth living for but doing good, and finishing God’s work, doing the work that Christ did.”

True Education Series, Book 6, ©1912, 352–355

A View of the Conflict

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In vision I saw two armies in terrible conflict. One army was led by banners bearing the world’s insignia; the other was led by the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust as company after company from the Lord’s army joined the foe; and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God. An angel flying in the midst of heaven put the standards of Emmanuel into many hands, while a mighty general cried with a loud voice: “Come into line. Let those who are loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Christ now take their position. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters. Let all who will come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.”

The battle raged. Victory alternated from side to side. Now the soldiers of the cross gave way, “as when a standard-bearer fainteth.” But their apparent retreat was but an effort to gain a more advantageous position. Shouts of joy were heard. A song of praise to God went up, and angel voices united in the song, as Christ’s soldiers planted His banner on the walls of fortresses till then held by the enemy. The Captain of our salvation was ordering the battle and sending support to His soldiers. His power was mightily displayed, encouraging them to press the battle to the gates. He taught them terrible things in righteousness as He led them on step by step, conquering and to conquer.

At last the victory was gained. The army following the banner with the inscription, “The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” was gloriously triumphant. The soldiers of Christ were close beside the gates of the city of God, and with joy the city received her King. The kingdom of peace and joy and everlasting righteousness was established. God’s will was done on earth, as it is done in heaven.

Now the church is militant. Now we are confronted with a world in midnight darkness, almost wholly given over to idolatry. But the day is coming when the battle will have been fought, the victory won. The will of God is to be done on earth, as it is done in heaven. Then the nations will own no other law than the law of heaven. 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, and God and Christ will unite in proclaiming, “There shall be no more sin, neither shall there be any more death.”

This is the scene that is presented to me. But the church must still fight against seen and unseen foes. Satanic agencies in human form are on the ground. Men have confederated to oppose the Lord of hosts. These confederacies will continue until Christ shall leave His place of intercession before the mercy-seat, and shall put on the garments of vengeance. Satanic agencies are in every city, busily organizing into parties those opposed to the law of God. Professed saints and avowed unbelievers take their stand with these parties. This is no time for the people of God to be weaklings. We cannot afford to be off our guard for one moment.

“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

“This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

“Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ; … stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing terrified by your adversaries; which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”

There are revealed in these last days, visions of future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, and these should be dear to His church. What sustained the Son of God in His betrayal and trial?—He saw of the travail of His soul, and was satisfied. He caught a view of the expanse of eternity, and saw the happiness of those who through His humiliation should receive pardon and everlasting life. He was wounded for their transgressions, bruised for their iniquities. The chastisement of their peace was upon Him, and with His stripes they were healed. His ear caught the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.

We must have a vision of the future and of the blessedness of heaven. Stand on the threshold of eternity, and hear the gracious welcome given to those who in this life have co-operated with Christ, regarding it as a privilege and an honor to suffer for His sake. As they unite with the angels, they cast their crowns at the feet of the Redeemer, exclaiming: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. … Honor and glory and power be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.”

There the redeemed ones greet those who directed them to the uplifted Saviour. They unite in praising Him who died that human beings might have the life that measures with the life of God. The conflict is over. All tribulation and strife are at an end. Songs of victory fill all heaven as the redeemed stand around the throne of God. All take up the joyful strain, “Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and lives again, a triumphant conqueror.”

“I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”

“These are they which came out of much tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more; neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” “And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.”

Will you catch the inspiration of the vision? Will you let your mind dwell upon the picture? Will you not be truly converted, and then go forth to labor in a spirit entirely different from the spirit in which you have labored in the past, displacing the enemy, breaking down every barrier to the advancement of the gospel, filling hearts with the light and peace and joy of the Lord? Shall not this miserable spirit of fault-finding and murmuring be buried, never to have a resurrection? Shall not the incense of praise and thanksgiving ascend from hearts purified and sanctified and glorified by the presence of Christ? Shall we not in faith lay hold of sinners, and bring them to the cross?

Who will this day consecrate themselves to the service of the Lord? Who will now pledge themselves not to affiliate with the world, but to come out from the world, and be separate, refusing to pollute the soul with the worldly schemes and worldly practises that have been keeping the church under the enemy’s influence?

We are in this world to lift the cross of Calvary. As we lift this cross, we shall find that it lifts us. Let every Christian stand in his lot and place, catching the inspiration of the work that Christ did for souls while in this world. We need the ardor of the Christian hero, who can endure the seeing of Him that is invisible. Our faith is to have a resurrection. The soldiers of the cross are to exert a positive influence for good. Christ says, “He that is not for Me is against Me, and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.” Indifference in the Christian life is a manifest denial of Christ.

Should we not see in the world today medical missionaries who in all the features of their work are worthy of the name they bear, who aspire to the doing of deeds worthy of valiant soldiers of Christ? We are living near the close of the great conflict, when many souls are to be rescued from the slavery of sin. We are living in a time when to Christ’s followers the promise specially belongs, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” He who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, He who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, bids us let our light shine brightly before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father who is in heaven. In such rich measure has light been given to God’s people that Christ is justified in telling them that they are to be the light of the world.

To our physicians and ministers I send the message: Lay hold of the Lord’s work as if you believed the truth for this time. Medical missionary workers and workers in the gospel ministry are to be bound together by indissoluble ties. Their work is to be done with freshness and power. Throughout our churches there is to be a reconversion and a reconsecration to service. Shall we not, in our work in the future, and in the gatherings that we hold, be of one accord? Shall we not wrestle with God in prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit to come into every heart? The presence of Christ, manifest among us, would cure the leprosy of unbelief that has made our service so weak and inefficient. We need the breath of the divine life breathed into us. We are to be channels through which the Lord can send light and grace to the world. Backsliders are to be reclaimed. We are to put away our sins, by confession and repentance, humbling our proud hearts before God. Floods of spiritual power are now to be poured forth upon those prepared to receive it.

Let us now consecrate ourselves to the proclamation of the message: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Divine and human instrumentalities are to unite for the accomplishment of one great object. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

“They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.” Pamphlets, 109, 1–7

We All Have Idols

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My mother was just a child when her family became Adventists. She raised me and my brother in Adventism, and it is the only religious doctrine I have believed to be true. However, like so many other Christian religions around the world, even Adventism has strayed from the principles of Bible truth. Let’s look at one area where the church has become quite slack: modesty and the wearing of jewelry.

This will not be a comprehensive study on the wearing of jewelry, but an example of how we can easily create idols, though sometimes totally unaware.

My mother raised me with the belief, according to historic Adventism, that wearing jewelry of any kind was biblically wrong, and, except for a short period of time during my misspent youth, I have not worn jewelry, nor have I really had a desire to wear it. I have always viewed jewelry as being necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, and piercings. It never occurred to me that watches, pins, and even scarves could be looked upon as jewelry or adornment.

Let me share a couple of experiences to illustrate my point.

Both my mother and I loved to wear pins. We often wore suits, and a pretty pin displayed on the lapel seemed to be the perfect finishing touch. But one Sabbath, when a new Adventist came to my mother at church and asked how a sparkly pin was any different from a necklace or a ring, it challenged my mother to reconsider her thoughts.

We discussed this conversation and realized that this babe in Christ saw more clearly than we did. Our conclusion? No more pins. It was hard to give them up, but we felt that God had used this experience to make us aware of a darling sin that needed to be overcome. It also helped us to better understand that things that we didn’t see as being wrong could be a stumbling block for someone else. So, they had to go.

This experience also convicted us about the watches we wore. Both of us had a large assortment of watches, some you could call utilitarian, but others were shiny with different stones or fancy tooling. We decided that it wasn’t only the amount of bling on a watch that might make it inappropriate, but also the fact that we both had spent a great deal of money on our individual watch collections, just as we had on our pins.

Another experience was with an older, non-Adventist woman. I used to wear scarves—a trend in the ‘80s and ‘90s. One day, I folded a scarf and tied a knot in the middle, then tied it around my neck so that the knot hung down against my chest. I thought it looked very stylish, but she asked me how wearing a scarf in that way was any different than wearing a necklace.

There really was no difference. The motivation in the way I dressed and presented myself was no different than the one adorning themselves with jewels. The way we dress reflects the spirit that motivates us and it would be wise to be aware of how we present ourselves and how that may be perceived by others.

The idea of having to be concerned about what other people think about us is concerning, however, the truth, from a spiritual perspective, is that our thoughts and actions must take into consideration the impressions we give to those around us that we don’t become a stumbling block to those seeking a  Christian lifestyle. What we do and say, how we appear before others, can all be effective in leading someone to Christ or causing them to turn away from Him, perhaps forever. “In all things show yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” Titus 2:7, 8

We must remember that anything we care about more than we care about God is an idol. God said, “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3. An idol isn’t just a statue that people bow down before and worship. It doesn’t even have to be something that is bad for you. If God brings something to you, revealing to you that it is against His will and commandments to say it or do it, then, if we truly want to live according to His will, we must surrender these things to Him. Otherwise, they become an idol.

An idol can be food, a car, a house, exercise, jewelry, apparel, philosophies and doctrines, television, music, social media, the type of entertainment we pursue, a celebrity, sports, a hobby, or even a loved one. If any of these things, if anything—even things that aren’t necessarily bad—comes between you and your relationship with God and seeking always to do His will, then you have formed an idol before Him. All of these things are part of this world and because of sin, we tend to justify the need for them and for many other things.

A person could say, “But I must eat and wear clothing. I must have a home and a job. I must have a way to get to work and to church. I want to enjoy the beautiful things in this world.” All of these are blessings from God. But if all of our time, money, resources, affections, and energy are spent on things of this world, with little or nothing left for the development of a relationship with God and a Christ-like character, then we have made this world and the things in it our idol. You see, if we cling to these things, then how can God protect us, provide our necessities, when the time of trouble that is coming breaks over us like a crashing wave? Will we rely on our job or our home to protect us? Will we look to the money we’ve earned to buy food? If we put our trust in worldly things, then our faith is not grounded and anchored in God.

So, here is the truth (and I use “you” to represent us all):

If you prefer to spend your time watching television, playing online games, or being on social media rather than being in prayer and studying God’s word, then you may be creating an idol.

If you love foods that are not healthy for the body God created for you, or if you love good food, but eat to excess and are not interested in eating according to the guidance God has given—remember, our bodies are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19)—then consider you may be creating an idol.

If you prefer to listen to music or spend your time and resources to attend concerts and buy CDs or downloads that draw your heart away from spiritual things, rather than devoting your time and resources to furthering the spreading of the gospel, then you may be creating an idol.

If you prefer to spend your time reading worldly books, magazines, and online websites rather than reading the Bible and other spiritual material that will bring you into a closer relationship with God, then you may be creating an idol.

If you buy a house that far exceeds your needs and means just because it’s the house you’ve always dreamed of, and it takes all your time and money for its upkeep and causes you to feel that you have nothing to help support your church’s outreach programs or the mission work—for we are to be God’s messengers of the gospel to the world (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15)—then you may be creating an idol.

If you have a closet overflowing with clothes and shoes and you keep buying more, if you are impeccably dressed, with bright, shiny jewelry, but pay little attention to the inward adornment of the heart, and do not pay tithe because you say you do not have enough money (Matthew 6:28–30; Malachi 3:8) , then you may be creating an idol.

If you look up to and revere an athlete or a movie or television celebrity and think, “I wish I could be just like them and have fame and fortune,” rather than seeking to be like Jesus and to store up your treasures in heaven, then you may be creating an idol.

If you are clinging to a philosophy or doctrine that misrepresents the character of God or is contrary to His commandments, arguing the point and cherishing it until your perception of God is the only reality you will believe and only keep the commandments you choose, then you may be creating an idol.

If you long for a relationship with your spouse, parent, sibling, child, or any other loved one to the exclusion of Jesus—as Adam did when he chose Eve over love and obedience to God (Matthew 10:37–39)—then you may be creating an idol.

There are many other ways to create idols because, in this world of sin, there are so many things that the devil uses to sway our attention away from obeying God’s commandments and seeking to have a saving relationship with Him. Sounds rigid, doesn’t it? The world screams, “You have too many rules. I want to be free!” But they don’t understand that bondage is found in sin and true freedom comes only by obeying God.

John the Beloved tells us to “… keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21

All who have spent their time and money chasing after the things of this world, if they are honest, must tell you that idols are demanding taskmasters, expensive, and they extract a heavy toll on the body, the pocketbook, and, saddest of all, spiritual growth.

Ask the Lord to reveal the areas in your life where you are prone to creating the idols that will steal from you your crown and everlasting life.

“If we would be spiritual worshipers of the true God, we must sacrifice every idol. … for they separate us from God.” The Review and Herald, July 15, 1884

“This matter is of great importance, and it is urged upon you to save you from the sin of idolatry. …

“Grasp the word of the Lord as the treasure of infinite wisdom and love; this is the Guidebook that points out the path to heaven. …

“You may sever yourself from every idol, and link yourself to the throne of God by the golden chain of grace and truth.” Maranatha, 48

“God has given us many things in this life upon which to bestow our affections, but when we carry to excess that which in itself is lawful we become idolaters. … Anything that separates our affections from God and lessens our interest in eternal things is an idol. Those who use the precious time given them by God—time that has been purchased at an infinite cost—in embellishing their homes for display, in following the fashions and customs of the world, are not only robbing their own souls of spiritual food, but are failing to give God His due. … God will not share a divided heart. If the world absorbs our attention, He cannot reign supreme. If this diminishes our devotion for God, it is idolatry in His eyes.” That I May Know Him, 322

“Men may not bow down to idols of wood and stone, but all who love the things of the world and take pleasure in unrighteousness have set up idols in their hearts. The majority of professed Christians are serving other gods besides the Lord.” The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, 238

“An idol is anything that human beings love and trust in instead of loving and trusting in the Lord their Maker. Whatever earthly thing men desire and trust in as having power to help them and do them good, leads them away from God, and is to them an idol. Whatever divides the affections, or takes away from the soul the supreme love of God, or interposes to prevent unlimited confidence and entire trust in God, assumes the character and takes the form of an idol in the soul temple.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 330

If, when God brings to our attention things that need to be removed from our hearts, we push back and fight against the Holy Spirit’s transforming power, rationalizing that He couldn’t possibly mean that we have to surrender something so insignificant, our very resistance and argument proves that it is an idol.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15–17

“Many and varied are the idols which we cherish; idols that engross the mind and harden the heart, so that sacred things are not rightly valued. Oh that the lessons given to ancient Israel might so impress our hearts and affect our lives that we would fully turn from idols, to serve the living God.” The Signs of the Times, August 18, 1881

“Many set up idols in their hearts—idols of selfishness, idols of pride, and love of display. Eternal things lose their value. Withdraw the influences which God has provided to preserve and strengthen our spirituality, and it decays and dies. We must be continually seeking to draw near to God, and to learn His will. We must become more unlike the world, and more like Christ in character.” Ibid., June 30, 1881

It is time for us to fall on our knees and ask the Holy Spirit to show us all the things that must be removed from our lives. Every altar that we have created to this world must be completely destroyed. We must open our hearts to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we must open God’s word and diligently study its sacred records, for it is there that we more fully learn of His unending love for us.

“Self-denial and the cross lie directly in the path of every Christian who is truly following Christ. Jesus says: ‘If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’ Will every soul consider the fact that Christian discipleship includes self-denial, self-sacrifice, even to the laying down of life itself, if need be, for the sake of Him who has given His life for the life of the world?” Counsels on Stewardship, 289

Judy Rebarchek is the managing editor of LandMarks magazine. She can be reached at judyrebarchek@stepstolife.org or by phone at 316-788-5559.

Are Opiates Affecting Your Walk on the Narrow Way?

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“This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”

Ephesians 4:17–24

Opiates have been in the news quite a bit in the last few years. The first dictionary definition of the word is “a drug derived from opium that induces sedation or sleep, depresses respiration, and produces calmness or euphoria, and is associated with physiological tolerance, physical and psychological dependence, and addiction upon repeated or prolonged use.” A second definition is “something likened to a drug that induces rest or inaction or quiets uneasiness.” Synonyms for the effect of opiates include tranquilizing, deadening, stupefying.

However, opiate is used in inspired writings in an unusual and completely different way.

Let’s begin with a passage from Inspiration. “ ‘Put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.’ Once they [the Ephesians] were corrupt, degraded, enslaved by lustful passions; they were drugged by worldly opiates, blinded, bewildered, and betrayed by Satan’s devices. Now that they had been taught the truth as it is in Jesus, there must be a decided change in their life and character.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 172

What are worldly opiates? If being drugged by them, it seems critical that we know what they are to avoid being in the condition that Paul attributes to the Ephesians.

We have already defined an opiate as a drug that induces rest or inaction or quiets uneasiness. So, we ask, What is it in the world that has that effect on us? What is it that induces inaction or quiets uneasiness?

There is one easy answer: anything that takes our minds off eternal realities. This would include such things as television, movies, fictional literature, amusements and amusement parks, the internet, social media in all its forms. When you stop to think about it, the list is really long. Satan has mastered the art of creating diversions that take the mind into territories that prevent his subjects from being ever mindful of eternal realities.

According to worldly sources, which often speak more truth than they realize, opiates induce rest. Inspiration confirms that.

“If the watchmen sleep under an opiate of Satan’s and do not recognize the voice of the true Shepherd, and do not take up the warning, I tell you in the fear of God, they will be charged with the blood of souls. The watchmen must be wide awake, men who will not slumber at their post of duty, day nor night. They must give the trumpet a certain sound, that the people may shun the evil and choose the good. Stupidity and careless indifference cannot be excused. On every side of us there are breakers and hidden rocks which will dash our bark in pieces, and leave us helpless wrecks, unless we make God our refuge and help.” The Review and Herald, December 24, 1889

Clearly, the effects of opiates can have eternal consequences.

“Those who neglect to search the Scriptures, choosing rather to read books of skeptical writers, or of writers who are frivolous or worldly, will be tempted to neglect prayer, to withdraw from religious meetings, to invest money in cheap literature, and will so educate themselves that all taste for the sacred oracles will be erased from the mind. Thus, will they be led to refuse to hear, to refuse to incline the heart to seek God while He may be found, to call upon Him while He is near, while He is still sending messages of reproof, warning, and entreaty.

“They say to all the tender entreaties of God’s Spirit, ‘Not now; I will go into another city, and buy and sell and get gain; and after that I will begin a new life.’ O do not be deceived by this suggestion of the enemy to wait, and that after a time you will repent. The longer you put it off, the less will be your inclination to turn to God and obey the invitations of mercy. The most discouraging development in your case is the very fact that you say, ‘Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.’ This is an evidence that conscience has become aroused, and then put to sleep again with an opiate. But think of this: conscience may never wake again! While God grants you life, while you are sure of probation, embrace your day of opportunity and privilege.” The Youth’s Instructor, December 7, 1893

It is a common practice, following surgery, to prescribe opiates as part of pain management. What I have discovered is that the drugs don’t necessarily alleviate the pain; they just induce a euphoria that overrides the painfulness of pain. The mind becomes beclouded to the pain. He is still in pain, but just doesn’t care. And that is the objective of Satan’s opiates.

“The enemies of truth are working with all their unconsecrated powers to hinder the advance of the message. The churches of the world are being drugged with the opiates of error. The great deceiver is making determined efforts to becloud the understanding of the people.” Spalding and Magan, 436

What are some of the opiates of error that Satan is drugging his victims with?

One of the most common, I think, is the power of the clergy. How many times do we hear from those we are witnessing to, “My pastor says … ,” or “My priest says … .”

It seems that for many people, it is easier to ask supposed ecclesiastical experts than it is to investigate for themselves. We often encounter this reaction after explaining the seventh-day Sabbath to an associate. They will come back after a day or two stating they asked their pastor and he explained that they observe Sunday as the Sabbath in honor of Christ’s resurrection, thus receiving the opiate needed to quiet their uneasiness.

Closely related to that is the power of loved ones. How many do we know who are bound by their spouses, parents, sons, or daughters, and fail to do what they know to be right, just to maintain peace in the family while their hearts are at war with the truth?

Another opiate of error is tradition. We all know how Christ addressed teaching for doctrine the tradition of men.

“Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, ‘Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.’ He answered and said to them, ‘Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, “Honor your father and your mother”; and, “He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.” But you say, “Whoever says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God’—then he need not honor his father or mother.” Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” ’ ” Matthew 15:1–9

Another opiate of error is inertia. It might be difficult to understand inertia as an opiate, but in the broadest definition of an opiate as something that induces inaction, inertia certainly qualifies. Inertia is defined as a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged. It is often far easier to continue doing what you always have done than it is to initiate a change in behavior. I’m sure we all have experienced this at some point in our lives.

I was raised a Sundaykeeper and for 50 years, observed Sunday as the Sabbath. Thankfully, the Lord opened my eyes to the error of my ways, but I still occasionally slip and call the Sabbath Sunday, or use the term “Sunday school.” They say “Old habits die hard,” and the truth of that leads me to a fifth opiate of error.

My seventh grade English teacher once wrote the word “HABIT” on the blackboard in all capital letters. She erased the H, explaining that after working hard to overcome a bad habit, we still had “A-BIT.” Working harder, we still had “BIT.” Working even harder we still had “IT.”

There is a passage in Inspiration that we’ve all read or heard more than once acknowledging the effects of failing to overcome our wrong habits.

“There are some who seem to be always seeking for the heavenly pearl. But they do not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits. They do not die to self that Christ may live in them. [Clearly, living for self is a wrong habit!] Therefore they do not find the precious pearl. They have not overcome unholy ambition and their love for worldly attractions. They do not take up the cross and follow Christ in the path of self-denial and sacrifice. Almost Christians, yet not fully Christians, they seem near the kingdom of heaven, but they cannot enter there. Almost but not wholly saved means to be not almost but wholly lost.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 118

We see from this passage that Inspiration recognizes wrong habits and worldly attractions as opiates—tranquilizing, deadening, stupefying “drugs”—that, if we do not break free, will prevent us from entering the kingdom of heaven.

“Who will turn away from every worldly attraction, from earthly enterprises that promise great gain and selfish gratification, and count all things but loss if he may win Christ? Winning Christ, we win everything. Jesus says He will be in us ‘a well of water springing up into everlasting life.’

“ … ‘Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.’ There is a necessity for a decided choice; for Jesus said, ‘Ye cannot serve God and mammon.’ ‘No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.’

“He who is mighty in counsel speaks to you; will you hear His voice, will you obey His words? Jesus says, ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ He invites you to step upon new and higher ground than that which you have occupied in the past. If your heart is filled with love to Christ, it will be demonstrated that He is stronger than the passions which have ruled you, whose indulgence have undermined noble impulses, and left the soul to the mercy of Satan’s temptations.

“ ‘Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price.’ The world is under the most solemn obligation to render to the Lord Jesus His purchased possession,—soul, body, and spirit. But because the people of the world ignore their responsibility to God, and refuse to accept the great gift of salvation, they are not excused from their obligation to be faithful servants of Christ. In serving their own lust, they make it manifest that they are not subject to the rule of Christ, but day by day are robbing God of that which is His due. They refuse to be the children of Christ, and choose rather to be the slaves of Satan. In astonishment at their blindness, we reiterate the words of the apostle, ‘Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth?’

“Christ invites the sinner to come to Him. With what loving entreaties He follows the sinner! When the heart of the sinner is touched, he yields his will to God’s will, and selfish inclination is no longer the controlling power; for the slavery of Satan is broken, and the soul brought into subjection to Christ. Impressed with the sense of the Saviour’s long-suffering, forbearance, compassion, and measureless love, the repenting soul is deeply conscious of his own unworthiness and guilt. He yields his will to the will of God, and longs to reveal his loyalty to Christ, watching for opportunities to speak forth His goodness and love. He sees in Jesus matchless charms, and his heart is captivated. He has tasted of the love of Christ, and the gratitude of his heart is expressed in speaking to those who do not know the goodness of the Lord. He becomes a partaker of the divine nature.” The Youth’s Instructor, October 27, 1892

May the Lord give us reason, grace, and moral strength to overcome the effect these opiates have on our spiritual journey and that Satan uses so effectively to thwart us in our efforts to walk the narrow way successfully.

John R. Pearson is the office manager and Steps to Life board member. He can be reached by email at johnpearson@stepstolife.org or by phone at 316-788-5559.

Appeal on Immortality

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Men of reason and common sense, give your serious attention to the following points. Read your Bibles again. Read carefully, read prayerfully. See if these things be true or not. Dare to think for yourselves. Do not trust to commentaries. Do not build your faith on bodies of divinity. Go to the fountain head of truth. “The words of the Lord are tried words.” “The law of the Lord is perfect.” This cannot be said of the writings or opinions of any man, or number of men, however wise or holy they may be. To err is human. God and His truth alone are infallible. Show yourselves true Protestants, and cast away the “traditions of men.” You have the Bible. The wisest and holiest of the “fathers” had no more. Your ministers have nothing else to guide them—at least they ought not. “The Bible, and the Bible alone, is the book for Protestants.” Go then to your Bibles, and see if the God-dishonoring doctrines to which I am directing your attention are found there or not. Excuse me if I tell you, that, however full of these doctrines human books and sermons may be, God’s Bible does not contain them.

Rather, believe that man is mortal and condemned to die, but Christ is “come that they [mankind] may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Is It Reasonable

… to suppose that God created man an immortal being, and yet never once in His holy word informed us of the fact?

… to suppose that if man naturally possessed immortality, God’s word would recommend us to seek for it, as it does in Romans 2:7?

… to suppose, that if men were naturally immortal, God’s word would so plainly assure us that “God only hath immortality?” 1 Timothy 6:16

… to suppose that words, when found in the Bible, must have a meaning attached to them, which no man in his senses would ever think of attaching to them in any other book? For instance, the words life and death, when found in the Bible, must (as theologians tell us) mean “happiness” and “misery”; but, if found in any other book in the world, they would simply mean “existence” and “cessation of existence.”

… to suppose that in all the vast multitude of passages in which Christ promised eternal life to His followers, He did not literally mean what He said? This He could not, if all men have immortal life by nature. In that case, the wicked would live with the righteous throughout eternity.

… to suppose, in all the vast multitude of passages in which death is threatened as the punishment of the sinner, that loss of happiness is all that is meant? An unhappy man is as truly alive as the most happy being in existence; and if he be immortal by nature, will continue alive through all eternity. In no plain, common-sense language can any immortal being be said to suffer death.

… to suppose that infinite wisdom would invariably use language which was only calculated to mislead mankind, or which none but doctors of divinity could unravel? Would God speak in riddles to men in the great matters which concern their salvation?

… and more in accordance with the wisdom and love of God to suppose that He would give His creatures such a revelation, as plain, common-sense people could easily understand? He has done so; if men would use their reason in reading the Bible, as they would do in reading any other book.

… to believe that men go to heaven or hell immediately at death, and then hundreds or thousands of years afterward are taken out to be judged, and to see to which they deserve to be sent? Should we deem it right to send a man to a state’s prison for ten years, and then bring him out for trial to see if he deserved such a punishment? And “shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”

… that such prominence should be given in Scripture to the doctrine of the resurrection from the dead, if that event only means a “reunion” of a lump of clay, with the conscious thinking and real man—the soul; and which is said by theologians to be as capable of happiness or misery, without the body as with it?

… to talk about a “death that never dies,” when there is not a word in Scripture to sanction such a contradictory phrase? Would it not be equally reasonable to speak of the reward of the righteous as a “life that never lives?” Is there not as much common sense in the one as in the other?

… to be so constantly, both in sermons and prayers, talking about “immortal souls,” “never-dying souls,” “deathless spirits,” and other such expressions, when there is not from Genesis to Revelation one single passage to warrant the use of such language?

… to say that eternal death and eternal torment are synonymous expressions (as theologians tell us)—for how then can it be said in Revelation 21:4, “There shall be no more death?”

… to believe that a hell of fiery torment and ceaseless misery is to exist forever, when God says, “Behold, I make all things new?” Revelation 21:5

… to believe in the eternal torment of the wicked, when more than two hundred passages of Scripture plainly affirm that they shall “die,” be “consumed,” “devoured,” “destroyed,” “burnt up,” “be as though they had not been?”

… to believe that the righteous in their glorified state can be indifferent to, and unaffected by, the endless sufferings of countless millions of their fellow beings; among whom would probably be found parents, children, husbands, and wives? Is it possible that they will be destitute or deprived of qualities which are considered most lovely and godlike in this life (piety, sympathy, compassion, commiseration for others’ woes)? Will insensibility to the woes of the wretched ever become a virtue? Will that which is a vice in this life, become a grace in the glorious future life? Is the standard of virtue thus variable, that what is vicious here, is to be gracious hereafter?

… to believe that a God of infinite rectitude will punish with eternal torment the heathen who have never heard of Christ, and who therefore could not reject Him? Is it possible that God can cast into one indiscriminate mass of fiery torment, the least wicked among the heathen, together with the most guilty in this Christian land, for such must be the case if their souls are immortal, and if their torment is to be eternal? There can be no degrees in that which is infinite. Is it not far more reasonable to believe the apostle’s words literally, “For as many as have sinned without the law, shall also perish without law?” Romans 2:12

… to believe that God is such a vindictive Being, that His justice cannot be satisfied with the death of the offender? To believe that He must be constantly pouring floods of fiery wrath upon the wretched being through the ever-rolling cycles of eternity?

Is it not far more reasonable to believe that immortality is the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord? Romans 6:23

Forty Questions on Immortality

  1. Who is immortal? “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1Timothy 1:17
  2. Are not all men possessed of immortality? “He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords: who only hath immortality.” 1Timothy 6:15
  3. Are not all men created immortal? God “alone has immortality.” 1Timothy 6:16
  4. Is there any way by which men may obtain immortality? “By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2Peter 1:4
  5. Is this immortality revealed by Plato or Socrates, or by familiar rapping spirits, or in nature—or is it through Jesus Christ and His gospel? “By the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” 2Timothy 1:10
  6. Who has power to bestow immortality upon man? “… the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
  7. Will God give this gift to all persons whatever their works may be? God “will render to every man according to his deeds.” Romans 2:6
  8. What will be the portion of those who are contentious and obey not the truth? “But to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil.” Romans 2:8, 9, first part
  9. To whom will God impart immortality? “To those who by patient continuance in doing good, seek for glory, honor, and immortality.” Romans 2:7
  10. What shall be their reward? “Eternal life.” Romans 2:7
  11. Upon what conditions may we obtain this blessing? “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.” 1Timothy 6:12, first part
  12. When do men obtain immortality? Is it at death or at the resurrection? “And the dead will be raised incorruptible.” 1Corinthians 15:52, last part
  13. How shall those who are not dead become incorruptible? “We shall be changed.” 1Corinthians 15:52
  14. When will this change take place? “At the last trump.” 1Corinthians 15:52
  15. How suddenly will the change occur? “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump.” 1Corinthians 15:52
  16. Will this change be a change of the internal, or the external and physical, corruptible man? “For this corruptible must put on incorruption.” 1Corinthians 15:53, first part
  17. What, then, becomes immortal? “This mortal must put on immortality.” 1Corinthians 15:53, last part
  18. What scripture will be fulfilled when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality? “Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1Corinthians 15:54, last part
  19. Who will be raised from the dead? “All that are in their graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth.” John 5:28, 29, first part
  20. Will the unburied arise? “The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades [the grave] delivered up the dead which were in them.” Revelation 20:13
  21. Will different classes of characters arise in the resurrection? “There will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.” Acts 24:15
  22. For what are the good raised? “They that have done good unto the resurrection of life.” John 5:29, first part
  23. To what will all others be raised? “They that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:29, last part
  24. Will a man’s destiny at last be in accordance with his previous life? “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7, last part
  25. What will be the portion of the ungodly? “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption.” Galatians 6:8, first part
  26. What will be the reward of the saint? “He who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” Galatians 6:8, last part
  27. Where now is the Christian’s life? “Your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3
  28. How, then, should we live? “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9
  29. What will be the fate of those who sow to the flesh? “They will utterly perish in their own corruption.” 2Peter 2:12, last part
  30. Is it possible for man to be utterly destroyed? “Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28, last part
  31. What is the wages of sin? “For the wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23
  32. Is this death merely a bodily death? “The soul who sins shall die.” Ezekiel 18:20, first part
  33. If the wicked turn away from his wickedness and do right, what then? “He preserves himself alive.” Ezekiel 18:27, last part
  34. When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits sin, what will be his fate? “Because of the iniquity which he has done that he dies.” Ezekiel 18:26, last part
  35. As he first dies in his iniquity, and then dies for his iniquity, what must this last death be called? “The second death.” Revelation 21:8
  36. What is the result attained by the man who converts a sinner from the error of his ways? “He will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:20, last part
  37. What has God placed before us to excite us to action? “I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing.” Deuteronomy 30:19, first part
  38. How does God manifest His love to men? “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
  39. What is our Saviour’s complaint concerning mankind? “But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” John 5:40
  40. What is the command of God to all? “Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies, says the Lord God. ‘Therefore, turn and live.’ ” Ezekiel 18:31, 32

Source: adventbeliefs.com/assets/BBR/17/Appeal-on-Immortality-James-White