John R. Cofer

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness

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“When the religion of Christ is most held in contempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our courage and firmness the most unflinching. To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few—this will be our test.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 136.

You will find in John chapter 1 the story of John the Baptist and an account of an incident that took place during his public ministry. John was a faithful minister in the church of God, but was not recognized as such. God raised up a voice crying in the wilderness; it was a prophetic ministry clearly outlining the Scriptures yet the ministers had no true understanding of John’s call to do a work of revival and reformation.

John 1:19 says, “And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?” They knew his family history, that John’s father was a priest after the normal order and who he was after the flesh. The question they asked was a statement of doubt. We don’t recognize you; we don’t endorse you; we don’t have any connection with you. We don’t see a legal connection with you and the church that we believe we have control over and we don’t see your messages in harmony with ours. We don’t recognize your theology. We don’t recognize your messages and your way of explaining the Scriptures. We do not recognize who you are because you are definitely not like us. So they asked, “Who are you?”

John 1:20–23 says, “And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias?” They knew that Malachi had said that Elias, or Elijah was supposed to come before Christ would come. “And he saith, I am not.” They really believed that Elijah was to come from the dead. The questioning continued, “Art thou that prophet?” (This refers to Moses, see The Desire of Ages, 135.) This was said in mocking and doubting. “Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?” Because they did not understand the simplest things, he answered their question prophetically. “He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias (Isaiah).”

When John was asked who he was, he did not attempt to give a history of his birth, or his parents or his physical baptism, but simply stated that his identity and foundation of belief was the word of God. He could tell them exactly where his work was prophesied in the Scriptures and he fully understood his role as the present truth of that time. Do you understand exactly where you stand when it comes to the prophecies of the last days? Are you able, as did John, to show others where you stand because you know what God has called you to do today?

John said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord.” The Scripture he quoted was Isaiah 40:3 which says, “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” The job of this voice was to prepare the way for Christ to come. It says, “… make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” So in preparing for Christ to come the way must be made straight in the desert, a highway.

There is a broad way and a narrow way. John’s mission was to direct the people to the narrow way and to prepare a people to find Christ in this way. Verse 3 continues: “… make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Verses 4 and 5: “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”

This prophecy was one most definite, “for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” Through the power of God the high things would be brought down and the things that were abased, or despised would be exalted. The message would be crying out from the wilderness and doing the work in the desert.

John was literally in the desert that ran by the river Jordan. This was a very desolate place but because of the power of God it began to spring up and bud. The high things, even the scribes and the Pharisees, were abased and brought low in the messages that he spoke. Those who were despised of Israel, because of the converting power of God were brought high and exalted. The power of the message, even though the leadership did not recognize him, was a message of God and it was powerful enough to bring down the mountains.

There were many other preachers in Israel that were supposed to give the message. This included the Levites but they did not recognize the work of John or understand his role or the message he brought to the people. Before the second advent of Christ, there will be people who will stand in the power and spirit of Elijah and do a similar work.

“Crying” has a prophetic application. Isaiah 58:1 says, “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression.” This is all tied in with this voice—this message was to bring Israel to repentance by revealing the transgressions of Israel, bring down the high things and exalt that which was low. In a nutshell, this was the message of John the Baptist. The Levites, scribes and Pharisees were not giving this message, neither was the general church population and God rose up another to do the work.

Christ spoke through John when he preached in the wilderness. John gave those who would not listen to the clear admonitions answers that must be understood prophetically. The Scriptures explain the meaning of the words “crying in the wilderness.” “Neither said they, Where is the Lord that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt?” Jeremiah 2:6. To be in the wilderness means to be in a place where there is drought, a desert, a pit and the shadow of death. A land where no man passed through and no man dwelt. In this place John was to raise up a highway for the Lord. A highway is where many people have access. John, among all of those claiming to be waiting for God, gave his message faithfully, the way God would give it.

John was in the desert, literally and figuratively, standing in the position as a prophet and a preacher where no man dwelt. How many pass through the Scriptures in such a way as John did to give the message?

John claimed to be a “voice crying in the wilderness;” like Isaiah, he preached a message that was not popular in his day. There were many people preaching, even some associated with Isaiah, but theirs was not the same message, a voice calling for repentance. No rebuke of sin was heard in their message. They were very gentle and careful about wounding and hurting people’s feelings. Neither John nor Isaiah was unfeeling, but they would rather obey God than men. There was a definite message to be given and it could only be given from the wilderness—a place where not many men pass through.

Many who preach want their fellow associates in the ministry to believe and stand with them. John stood alone; His was a message that came directly from God. He did not preach his own ideas about what he considered truth. Today, those who give the message in a straight line, must also dwell in obscurity, in the wilderness where few preachers will stand and give the straight testimony.

There were many preachers in John’s day. Nicodemus was over many ministers but he did not understand the first thing about God, so John stood alone to give his message. He was not the first; every prophet that God sent to Israel was crying in the wilderness and out of harmony with the theology of his day. None of them were popular and were all rebuked and cast off by the church.

“Those who have been thrust out to bear a plain, pointed testimony, in the fear of God to reprove wrong, to labor with all their energies to build up God’s people, and to establish them upon important points of present truth, have too often received censure [rebuke] instead of sympathy and help, while those who, like yourself, [from a personal testimony] have taken a noncommittal position [jewelry—do not like it but don’t deal with it and say if you want to wear jewelry that is fine; dress—come as you are; music—well everybody has to be persuaded in their own minds; I just deal with Jesus. I want to be noncommittal and not take any clear position in the church. I want to stay on the fence where it is safe. What does the elder say about that? These people dwell where many men pass through] are thought to be devoted, and to have a mild spirit. God does not thus regard them. The forerunner of Christ’s first advent was a very plain-spoken man. He rebuked sin, and called things by their right names. He laid the ax at the root of the tree. He thus addressed one class of professed converts who came to be baptized of him in Jordan: ‘O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. … And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire’ (Matthew 3:7–10).” Testimonies, vol. 1, 321. Consider the next line: “In this fearful time, just before Christ is to come the second time, God’s faithful preachers will have to bear a still more pointed testimony than was borne by John the Baptist. A responsible, important work is before them; and those who speak smooth things, God will not acknowledge as His shepherds. A fearful woe is upon them.” Ibid.

A fearful woe will be upon the great majority of the clergy because they want to preach smoothly and want to be non-committal and have people see them as being mild. Here we come to the end of time where people desire smooth things and now we are to give a more pointed testimony than John the Baptist. How many do not desire to dwell in the wilderness, but want to preach in Jerusalem and in the big synagogue and go up higher? John’s message was to bring the high things low.

“In every age, God has called his servants to lift up their voices against the prevailing errors and sins of the multitude. Noah was called to stand alone to warn the antediluvian world. Moses and Aaron were alone against kings and princes, magicians and wise men, and the multitudes of Egypt. Elijah was alone when he testified against an apostate king and a backsliding people. Daniel and his fellows stood alone against the decrees of mighty monarchs. The majority are usually to be found on the side of error and falsehood. The fact that doctors of divinity have the world on their side does not prove them to be on the side of truth and of God. The wide gate and the broad road attract the multitudes, while the strait gate and the narrow way are sought only by the few.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, 214.

There are many people preaching the message but how many are preaching a message that God would recognize. I ask myself that same question—am I preaching God’s message—will God pass by me and say “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23)?

Elijah, Moses, Noah, all of these people stood alone to preach the truth. These men were voices crying in the wilderness. Many people may wish to be like Elijah and Moses but they do not want to stand alone. They would rather try to harmonize with the brethren and yield the truth instead of standing for the right. I hope you don’t know anybody like that.

There is an amazing quotation found in Prophets and Kings, 367. There was no cloudiness in Isaiah’s message; it was clear truth. It says, “Throughout his ministry Isaiah bore a plain testimony concerning God’s purpose for the heathen. Other prophets had made mention of the divine plan, but their language was not always understood. To Isaiah it was given to make very plain to Judah the truth that among the Israel of God were to be numbered many who were not descendants of Abraham after the flesh. This teaching was not in harmony with the theology of his age, (Isaiah’s message was considered error and very divisive) yet he fearlessly proclaimed the messages given him of God and brought hope to many a longing heart reaching out after the spiritual blessings promised to the seed of Abraham.”

Even today people are confused about who and what comprises the church or who are faithful and who are not.

People wonder why there are some who do not preach like the majority, to be accepted. In Christ’s Object Lessons, 78, 79, it says, “For His church in every generation God has a special truth and a special work. The truth that is hid from the worldly wise and prudent is revealed to the child-like and humble. It calls for self-sacrifice. It has battles to fight and victories to win. At the outset its advocates are few. By the great men of the world and by a world-conforming church, they are opposed and despised. See John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, standing alone to rebuke the pride and formalism of the Jewish nation. See the first bearers of the gospel into Europe. How obscure, how hopeless, seemed the mission of Paul and Silas, the two tentmakers, as they with their companions took ship at Troas for Philippi. See ‘Paul the aged,’ in chains, preaching Christ in the stronghold of the Caesars. See the little communities of slaves and peasants in conflict with the heathenism of imperial Rome. See Martin Luther withstanding that mighty church which is the masterpiece of the world’s wisdom. See him holding fast God’s word against emperor and pope, declaring, ‘Here I take my stand; I cannot do otherwise. God be my help.’ (Martin Luther was crying in the wilderness, crying all alone.) See John Wesley preaching Christ and His righteousness in the midst of formalism, sensualism, and infidelity. See one burdened with the woes of the heathen world, pleading for the privilege of carrying to them Christ’s message of love. Hear the response of ecclesiasticism: ‘Sit down, young man. When God wants to convert the heathen, He will do it without your help or mine.’

“The great leaders of religious thought in this generation sound the praises and build the monuments of those who planted the seed of truth centuries ago. Do not many turn from this work to trample down the growth springing from the same seed today? [The same truths of this generation are trying to be stomped out.] The old cry is repeated, ‘We know that God spake unto Moses; as for this fellow [Christ in the messenger He sends], we know not from whence he is’ (John 9:29). As in earlier ages, the special truths for this time are found, not with the ecclesiastical authorities, but with men and women who are not too learned or too wise to believe the word of God.”

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the paths of the Lord. It may be more possible now that we may not even hear the message for the time. Remember that John was not only literally in the desert, but also was that great body of preachers and ministers supposedly bringing the revival message. John was someone who was seemingly standing alone in the midst of all of these methods and interpretations and even theories about revival and reformation. This work of preparation was going on all over and Jesus passed by all the Essenes, the Pharisees and schools of theology and came right to John the Baptist and suffered him to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus saw that his work would fulfill righteousness.

“I was shown that even this decided message of the True Witness had not accomplished the design of God. The people [the remnant church] slumber on in their sins. They continue to declare themselves rich and having need of nothing [even Christ and the forgiveness of sins]. Many inquire: Why are all these reproofs given? Why do the Testimonies continually charge us with backsliding and with grievous sins? [Many cannot see it—either the testimonies are wrong or they are right.] We love the truth; we are prospering; we are in no need of these testimonies of warning and reproof. But let these murmurers see their hearts and compare their lives with the practical teachings of the Bible, let them humble their souls before God, let the grace of God illuminate the darkness, and the scales will fall from their eyes, and they will realize their true spiritual poverty and wretchedness. They will feel the necessity of buying gold, which is pure faith and love; white raiment, which is a spotless character made pure in the blood of their dear Redeemer; and eyesalve, which is the grace of God and which will give clear discernment of spiritual things and detect sin. These attainments are more precious than the gold of Ophir.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 254.

Without the grace which is shown as being white raiment, eyesalve and gold, we cannot have true spiritual discernment. We will not be able to detect sin under any guise. Remember that “he [Satan] will work with ‘all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved’ (II Thessalonians 2:9, 10)” [Testimonies, vol. 2, 172, 173] and it will be near impossible to distinguish between truth and error except by the Spirit of God and the word of God.

Brothers and sisters, we need that eyesalve, that raiment, that gold tried in the fire but how many are willing to receive this message. How many are willing to stand alone and give this message and be a voice crying in the wilderness in these last days, these evil days. How many are willing to stand alone though the majority forsakes us. How many are ready to stand with Jesus.

Two thieves were crucified with Jesus, one on one side and one on the other and even though they both reviled Him, one was converted. One said to remember him when he came into His kingdom. Jesus had something to strengthen Him in his last hours. That cloud covered Jesus and He was wrapped in thick darkness while lightening crashed and thunder rolled throughout the heaven and he could not be seen and He was all alone wrestling with God. He was suffering the agony of separation from God for you and for me. Jesus knew what it meant to be alone.

In these last days, though we may be in the crowd, or in the forest, we will, in our spiritual experience, have to stand alone with God. If God would send someone to stand by your side and to preach with you, you will still have your hand firmly in His. Though we may have mother, father, brother, sister, pastor, standing with us our hands must be in Christ’s hands alone. We must all be a voice crying in the wilderness, a land where “no man passed through and where no man dwelt.” Jeremiah 2:6.

May we all see the importance of this divine truth and that we understand that the popular, the easy side, is not the side of God. “As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel’s message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls.” The Great Controversy, 608.

All those who desire to be on the popular and easy side will go over there when the storm approaches. We need a fitting up, a preparation that is greater than what we now know. We need an understanding of truth greater than what we now possess so that we may stand.

[All emphasis supplied.]

John R. Cofer is currently engaged in establishing training schools under the name, The Schools of the Prophets for the youth. He and his wife, Maria, have established a digital media company to create and promote video media teaching the unique message of Adventism using social media such as Facebook and YouTube. 

The Lord is My Shepherd

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“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Psalm 23

What a marvelous revelation the Spirit of God inspired David to write when he wrote the Twenty-third Psalm. It is such a precious text and a favorite psalm of so many of us that many have committed it to memory. This psalm teaches us about the great love the Father has for us. When this truth is accepted by faith, we have an inner peace that no other teaching can give, no matter where it comes from. It is only in God’s word that we learn that the precepts of God are far better than any of the maxims or teachings the world’s greatest thinkers have to offer.

The world’s greatest thinkers and teachers promote that each individual already possesses qualities to face life and live in a manner that can beat down any form of difficulty. There are many published resources on the subject of positive thinking, yet none of these works of men will ever accomplish the permanence of joy, peace and assurance that God’s word has promised.

“The life of Christ that gives life to the world is in His Word. 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. When His visible presence should be withdrawn, the Word must be their source of power. Like their Master, they were to live ‘by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God’ (Matthew 4:4).” The Desire of Ages, 390.

Throughout his entire life, in both good and trying experiences, David learned to understand and trust in his Creator so completely that he was continually inspired to write many deep things about God. He said, “For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.” Psalm 138:2. There is a huge difference between the natural things of this world and the spiritual, between our ways and God’s ways. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 59:9.

Positive thinking is humanistic and even though expressions of “positive thinking” may at times give lip service to God, man’s word will always put himself at the center of its counsel. Man’s written works on positive thinking say “believe in yourself.” “You can do it!” But God’s word tells us, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me.” Romans 7:18. The beloved apostle John clearly stated the words of Jesus describing Himself as the true vine that “apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5.

These were David’s thoughts as he tended his father’s sheep. He turned his thoughts to the Great Shepherd and was inspired to write the Twenty-third Psalm. Rather than believing in ourselves, we need to realize the true poverty of our souls and turn our hearts and faith to God. With faith firmly planted in God, in His promises, His word and not in human wisdom, we will be able to say like the apostle Paul: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. This is Biblical thinking. We must believe that what God says in His word is true. Psalm 139 tells us exactly how well acquainted our Creator is with all of us. “O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me … and art acquainted with all my ways … how precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!”

God’s thoughts are based on an honest evaluation of what we are, and in His word He has compared us to sheep. It may not be a pleasant thought to us, to be compared to one of the least intelligent of God’s creatures, but all the positive thinking in this world cannot change the fact that we are like sheep. Isaiah 53:6 says, “We all like sheep have gone astray.” John 10:27 tells us, “My sheep hear My voice.” And in Psalm 103 David says, “We are the sheep of His pasture.” The thing that differenciates the sheep is the Shepherd!

The fact that sheep are helpless, timid, and feeble requires them to have constant attention and meticulous care. Sheep have very little means of self-defense and therefore need a good shepherd to watch and care for them for sheep can actually walk and graze, completely unaware, into an area that is full of danger. If sheep are not watched carefully they can nibble themselves right off a mountainside and they can overgraze the land and be left without food, unless the shepherd leads them to new pastures. If the shepherd is not paying attention to all these needs the sheep will eventually die. Sheep need a good shepherd.

These facts concerning sheep help us to understand why the Lord refers to us in His word as sheep. When teaching His disciples, Jesus used the familiar things in life to teach the deepest truths. In comparing people to sheep, He not only teaches about our total and absolute poverty of soul, but also our need of a shepherd. In the book, The Desire of Ages, the following quote explains it:

“Now in a beautiful pastoral picture He represents His relation to those that believe on Him. No picture was more familiar to His hearers than this, and Christ’s words linked it forever with Himself. Never could the disciples look on the shepherds tending their flocks without recalling the Savior’s lesson. They would see Christ in each faithful shepherd. They would see themselves in each helpless and dependent flock.” The Desire of Ages, 476.

You can determine the character of the shepherd by the condition of his sheep. They need constant care. The better the shepherd, the healthier the sheep.

The book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, Phillip Keller, Zondervan (2007), reveals a deeper insight into the shepherd and the sheep. The author was an actual shepherd in Eastern Africa and relates from his experience that it is impossible for sheep to lie down in green pastures unless four conditions are met:

  1. They must be free from hunger – lie down right in the midst of green pastures!
  2. They must feel totally free from fear – sheep are helpless animals that frighten easily.
  3. They must be free from friction – tension exists within flocks of sheep keeping them in a constant alert mode that must be resolved before they can feel completely at rest.
  4. They are free from pests – like most creatures in the wild, sheep can be tormented by flies and parasites.

There is one fly in particular that can actually deposit its eggs in a sheep’s nose. Once there, the eggs hatch as larvae, which travel up through the nasal passage into the sheep’s head, making their home in the sheep’s flesh. It causes such tremendous irritation to the sheep that the only way to deal with the irritation is to thrash and beat its head against anything it can find. The sheep can become so irritated that to find relieve it will actually kill itself in its desperation.

Now in a spiritual sense, can the enemy place “evil eggs” that hatch and turn into larvae to burrow deep into our heads? Yes! The enemy of souls can place eggs of torment that can hatch into destructive worms, spiritually speaking, in the form of thoughts of fear, rejection, bitterness, hatred, failure, incompetency, sensuality, greed, and the like. That is why the Good Shepherd “anoints my head with oil.”

What is our Great Shepherd like?

Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” When David wrote the words “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside still waters,” he was not referring to a forced rest for the sheep. These words convey the idea that the shepherd meets the needs of the sheep so they feel peaceful enough to lie down. Jesus tells us he wants us to enter into a covenant of peace with Him.

How does the Good Shepherd take care of all our needs so that “we do not want”?

He first frees us from hunger. Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger.” John 6:35. God’s word tells us that there was a time when He had to teach His sheep, the people of Israel, by allowing them to suffer hunger before providing them with manna from heaven, that they might know that man does not live by physical bread alone, but by every word God speaks to us. (See Matthew 4:4.)

“As our physical life is sustained by food, so our spiritual life is sustained by the word of God. And every soul is to receive life from God’s word for himself. As we must eat for ourselves in order to receive nourishment, so we must receive the Word for ourselves. We are not to obtain it merely through the medium of another’s mind. We should carefully study the Bible, asking God for the aid of the Holy Spirit, that we may understand His word. We should take one verse, and concentrate the mind on the task of ascertaining the thought that God has put in that verse for us. We should dwell upon the thought until it becomes our own, and we know ‘what saith the Lord.’ ” The Desire of Ages, 390.

The Good Shepherd frees us from fear when we come to know Him and believe the great love the Father has for us. “God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. … There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” I John 4:16, 18. When David was surrounded by the Philistines, he wrote, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee. In God, whose Word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Psalm 56:3, 4.

“In His promises and warnings, Jesus means me. God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that I, by believing in Him, might not perish, but have everlasting life. The experiences related in God’s word are to be my experiences. Prayer and promise, precept and warning, are mine. ‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me’ (Galatians 2:20). As faith thus receives and assimilates the principles of truth, they become a part of the being and the motive power of the life. The word of God, received into the soul, molds the thoughts, and enters into the development of character.” The Desire of Ages, 390.

When considering the deep subject concerning the Lord our Shepherd one must say, like David, “How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them (Psalm 139:17)!” As you meditate on this subject you will receive abundant blessings. An abundance of blessings are available as you meditate more on all that God’s word has to say about the Lord our Shepherd.

Hilde Nunez is a staff member of Steps to Life and the wife of Pastor Domingo Nunez. She may be contacted by email at: hildenunez@stepstolife.org.

Nebuchadnezzar and Pride

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Bible Prophecy predicts in both the Old and New Testaments that a time is coming when there will be no more proud people living upon the earth. Right now we are a long way from such a condition and the question could be asked, How will such a wonderful condition be achieved?

Notice what it says in Malachi 4:1: “ ‘For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘that will leave them neither root nor branch.’ ”

Jesus talked about that time in His Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:5, Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” The Old Testament, of course, says that too. One of the problems that we have as human beings is that, if we are successful, if we believe that we are more beautiful than those around us, or if we think that we are more intelligent, or if we have more riches, or more power, it has a tendency to go to our heads and make us think that we are really somebody special.

It is pride that brings contention, and strife, and war. The Old Testament tells many stories of the problems that people had due to pride. One of the most famous of these is about a man who actually was called “the king of kings.” He did the work of God, even though he himself was an idolater. The Bible reveals that even idolaters, people that do not follow Him, end up accomplishing the Lord’s will in the earth. The books in the Major Prophets talk about how the heathen actually work out God’s will although they do not understand what they are doing.

God judged against Tyre, one of the more wicked cities of antiquity: “Thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses, with chariots, and with horsemen, and an army and many people.’ ” Ezekiel 26:7. Notice, Nebuchadnezzar is called not only the king of Babylon, but in this text he is called the “king of kings.” In Ezekiel 28:7, the Lord refers to him and Babylon as the most terrible of the nations.

Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and had been very greatly impressed by the dream that had been given him by the Lord God of heaven.

“You, O king, were watching; and behold, a great image! This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome. This image’s head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth” (Daniel 2:31–35).

Daniel then gave the interpretation in verses 37–45: “You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all—you are this head of gold. But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others. Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold—the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.”

The king understood that this marvelous kingdom that he had built was not going to last forever, as he had thought. The time was going to come when it would be overturned. There would be other nations that would control the world and not Babylon.

Babylon, of course, is in the modern area of the world that today we call Iraq. Babylon was taken over by the Medes and the Persians. Since 1935, the modern name for Persia has been Iran. The Medo-Persian kingdom was also not going to last forever. It would cease to be a world power, and the kingdom of Greece would take its place, as you can read in the prophecy in Daniel 7 and 8. The kingdom of Greece would be divided and not last forever, either. It would be overtaken by a fourth kingdom, the kingdom of Rome, which would exist in two phases lasting until the very end of the world.

Nebuchadnezzar had been very impressed by his dream and Daniel’s interpretation that his kingdom was only temporary and would not last forever. Other kingdoms were to arise that would rule the world in his stead, but as time went on, Nebuchadnezzar became more and more prideful. He conquered not only Tyre, but also Egypt, and nation after nation bowed to his sway.

These victories added to his fame. He was considered to be the ruler of his age and as a result of his success, Nebuchadnezzar ended up turning from the path of humility, which is the only path to true greatness. He built up the city of Babylon until it became known as one of the seven wonders of the world. It became the chief glory of his kingdom. It was called the “golden city” and is referred to in the Bible as the praise of the whole earth (see Jeremiah 41:51). This recognition also increased his pride.

In an attempt to save his soul, the Lord God of heaven, in mercy to him, gave him another dream. In Daniel 4:4–6, it says, “I Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace. And I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. Therefore I issued a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.”

So Nebuchadnezzar brought in his “brain trust,” all the wise men of Babylon—the astrologers. Astrology being a very ancient branch of knowledge, Babylon had astrologers and soothsayers, or fortunetellers, referred to collectively in Scripture as Chaldeans. When he brought them in and told them his dream, he demanded that they tell him the meaning, but they could not. Starting in verse 8, he stated, “But at last Daniel came before me (his name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god; in him is the Spirit of the Holy God), and I told the dream before him, saying: ‘Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you, explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.’ ”

Daniel, now standing before Nebuchadnezzar, then told him what he had dreamed. Verses 10–17 say, “These were the visions of my head while on my bed: I was looking, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. The tree grew and became strong; its height reached to the heavens, and it could be seen to the ends of all the earth. Its leaves were lovely, its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it. The birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it.

“I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven. He cried aloud and said thus: ‘Chop down the tree and cut off its branches, strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts get out from under it, and the birds from its branches. Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field, let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts on the grass of the earth. Let his heart be changed from that of a man, let him be given the heart of an animal, a beast. And let seven times pass over him. This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men.’ ”

Then the king said to Daniel, “Then this dream, I King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, declare its interpretation, since all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for the Spirit of the Holy God is in you.” When Daniel heard the dream, he knew immediately what it meant. The Bible indicates that because Daniel was troubled and astonished, he hesitated to say anything. It says in verse 19, “Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him.” He did not want to relate the meaning of the dream, but Nebuchadnezzar pressed him. “So the king spoke and said, ‘Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you.’”

So Daniel told the king what this dream meant in Daniel 4:19–26. As Daniel began to reveal to the king the meaning of the dream, he said, “My Lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies! The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which could be seen by all the earth, whose leaves were lovely and its fruit abundant in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and on whose branches the birds of the heaven had their habitation—it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth.

“And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field; let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts of the field, till seven times [seven years] pass over him’; this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king. They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.

“And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and the roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules.”

After giving the king the awful interpretation of his dream, Daniel made a direct appeal to king Nebuchadnezzar: “Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity” (verse 27).

So, Daniel gave the interpretation. Even though the king then knew his destiny, he did not acknowledge the real ruler in the heavens. By means of this dream, God was trying to save his soul. Nebuchadnezzar thought about what Daniel had said, but because he was not converted and was not under the impressions of the Holy Spirit, the message that God sent through this dream did not have the effect that God intended.

The same is true with us today. If we are not converted, any message that God sends to us has little impact and any conviction that it might bring wears away after a time. The judgments of God that are threatened against wickedness do not bother us so much. There are a lot of people in the world like that today. However, the Bible says the time is coming when there will be no proud people left alive on the earth. Somehow, though, people do not comprehend the message. They don’t realize that they are headed toward eternal death if they keep living the way they are living.

The Bible says in Malachi 4:1, “ ‘For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘That will leave them neither root nor branch.’ ” All of the proud will burn up!

What happened to Nebuchadnezzar? Even though everything that was predicted came true, the judgment was postponed for a year to give him time to repent. “All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. The king spoke, saying, ‘Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty’ ” (Daniel 4:28–30)? He was proud of what he had done. He considered himself the ruler of the world and therefore the most important person in it. “While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses’ (verses 31, 32).”

In an instant, the reason that God had given him was taken away. The judgment that he thought was perfect, the wisdom and ability in which he had prided himself were all removed and he became an insane, raving maniac. He was driven from human society to live out in the field and eat grass like the animals. “That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws” (verse 33).

And he lived like a beast of the field with his reason removed for seven years. He was humbled in the sight of the world and before his own subjects. Then the Bible says that at the end of seven years, when he had been an astonishment to all of his subjects and humbled before all the world, “And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: for His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation.

“All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, no one can restrain his hand or say to Him, ‘What have you done?’ At the same time, my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me” (verses 34–36).

This is the last event that we have recorded in sacred Scripture concerning the life of a heathen, idolatrous king who finally, by a terrible judgment that was inflicted on him for seven years, became converted. At last he acknowledged that God really is the ruler, Who gives, for a temporary time, the kingdoms of this world to whomever He chooses, but their reign, their power are all temporary. It is the God of heaven that we need to adore and to Whom we need to surrender and obey. Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that in verse 37: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the God of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to abase.”

There will not be any proud persons in the kingdom of heaven. If you want to have eternal life, you have to be willing to humble yourself and to surrender to the God of heaven and choose to follow Him and obey Him. True greatness is manifested with true humility. That’s why the greatest person who has ever lived in our world was the man Jesus Christ Who is described this way in Philippians 2:5–11: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

True greatness is manifested in true goodness and true humility. The time is coming when there will not be any proud people left on the earth alive. Where are you going to be? The decisions that you make day by day will determine your destiny.

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

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

Editorial – Need for Greater Zeal in Soul Winning

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In 1892 Ellen White wrote to Elder S. N. Haskell from Australia about her burden for missionary work. In this letter she points out as she does many times in her writings the difference between the professed Christian who is only a nominal believer and the one who is actually converted, living the new Life in Christ and used by Him for the salvation of others. She points out in this letter that it is sometimes necessary to take the young people away from the churches they have been attending. You will find the whole letter in Manuscript Releases, vol. 12, 329–338.

“He who interposes between the professed Christian and his wholehearted service to God, takes the form of an idol, and the most grievous sin of idolatry is idolatry itself. …

“Were the church living by faith, had the oil of faith been in their vessels with their lamps, their guilty repose would end. …

“Many in America who can, might move their families into different towns and cities and there lift the standard of truth. …

“Sins of a grave character are cherished in our borders, and unless there is an awakening such as we have not seen for some time, which will convict and convert professed Sabbathkeepers, they will die in their sins. …

“Now, those who have had years in this same experience, know not God nor Jesus Christ whom He has sent, and should such go forth as representatives of Jesus Christ? These men will never give the right mold to other minds; they have not grown up to the full stature of men and women in Christ. They simply have the name of Christians but are not fitted for the work of God, and never will be until they are born again, and learn the A.B.C. in true religion of Jesus Christ. There is a little hope in one direction: Take the young men and women, and place them where they will come as little in contact with our churches as possible, that the low grade of piety which is current in this day shall not leaven their ideas of what it means to be a Christian. …

“I can but feel deeply over the indifference of those who claim to be the repositories of sacred truth. They seem to be blinded in the way they view sin. They cannot see afar off, and have forgotten they were purged from their old sins. Why? Because they did not advance in the knowledge of the truth. They did not practice the truth; they were not sanctified through the truth. …

“Jesus has provided for every emergency. If they will walk where He leads the way, He will make rough places plain.”

Bible Study Guides – A Cause for Rejoicing!

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September 21, 2014 – September 27, 2014

Key Text

“[Charity] rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” I Corinthians 13:6.

Study Help: Counsels on Stewardship, 339–350.

Introduction

“Charity loves the sinner but hates the sin, and will warn him faithfully of his danger, pointing him to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world. Sin is not to be cloaked, but to be taken away.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, 217.

1 SELF-EXAMINATION

  • Though we may profess to be rejoicing solely in God, what must the Christian steward realize? Proverbs 28:14.

Note: “Bible charity is not sentimentalism, but love in active exercise. To heal the hurt of the daughter of My people, slightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace; when there is no peace’ (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11), is called charity. To confederate together, to call sin holiness and truth, is called charity; but it is the counterfeit article. The false and the spurious are in the world, and we should closely examine our hearts that we may know whether or not we possess the genuine charity. Genuine charity will not create distrust, and evil work. It will not blunt the sword of the spirit so that it does no execution. Those who would cover evil under false charity, say to the sinner, ‘It shall be well with thee.’ Thank God there is a charity that will not be corrupted; there is a wisdom that cometh from above, that is (mark it) first pure, then peaceable, and without hypocrisy, and the fruits of righteousness is sown of them that make peace. This is a description of heaven-born, heaven-bred charity.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, 216, 217.

  • What should characterize the daily experience of the Christian steward? Psalm 139:23, 24.

Note: “If we would be overcomers, we must search our hearts to be sure that we are not cherishing anything that is offensive to God.” Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 138.

2 IMPROPER REJOICING (I)

  • How is the Christian steward to respond to iniquity? I Corinthians 13:6, first part.

Note: “Satan’s work is directly opposed to the work of God. The enemy of all good, he stands as the general of the forces drawn up to hurt the souls of men. He looks on with fiendish triumph as he sees the professed followers of Christ biting and devouring one another. He stands ever ready to mar the lives of those who are trying to serve God. Heavenly angels marvel that men should aid Satanic agencies in their work, discouraging hearts, making God’s people weak, strengthless, faithless.” Spalding and Magan Collection, 345, 346.

  • How does the Christian steward avoid rejoicing in evil? I Peter 5:8, 9.

Note: “When we talk discouragement and gloom, Satan listens with fiendish joy; for it pleases him to know that he has brought you into his bondage. Satan cannot read our thoughts, but he can see our actions, hear our words; and from his long knowledge of the human family, he can shape his temptations to take advantage of our weak points of character. And how often do we let him into the secret of how he may obtain the victory over us. Oh, that we might control our words and actions! How strong we would become if our words were of such an order that we would not be ashamed to meet the record of them in the day of judgment. How different will they appear in the day of God from what they seem when we utter them.” The Review and Herald, May 19, 1891.

  • What admonitions are to strengthen us against the temptations mentioned above? Psalm 141:3; Ephesians 4:29, 30.

Note: “When you are associated together, be guarded in your words. Let your conversation be of such a nature that you will have no need of repentance.” The Review and Herald, June 5, 1888.

3 IMPROPER REJOICING (II)

  • How is the Christian steward warned against delighting in the sins and frailty of others? Ephesians 5:11, 12.

Note: “While many are neglecting their own souls, they eagerly watch for an opportunity to criticize and condemn others. All have defects of character, and it is not hard to find something that jealousy can interpret to their injury. ‘Now,’ say these self-constituted judges, ‘we have facts. We will fasten upon them an accusation from which they can not clear themselves.’ They wait for a fitting opportunity and then produce their bundle of gossip and bring forth their tidbits.” [Emphasis author’s]. Testimonies, vol. 5, 95.

  • What are some examples of how the Christian steward must refrain from rejoicing in iniquity? Proverbs 24:17, 18.

Note: “Instead of finding fault with others, let us be critical with ourselves. The question with each one of us should be, Is my heart right before God? Will this course of action glorify my Father which is in heaven? If you have cherished a wrong spirit, let it be banished from the soul. It is your duty to eradicate from your heart everything that is of a defiling nature; every root of bitterness should be plucked up, lest others be contaminated by its baleful influence. Do not allow one poisonous plant to remain in the soil of your heart. Root it out this very hour, and plant in its stead the plant of love. Let Jesus be enshrined in the soul.

“Christ is our example. He went about doing good. He lived to bless others. Love beautified and ennobled all His actions, and we are commanded to follow in His steps. Let us remember that God sent His only begotten Son to this world of sorrow, to ‘redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works’ (Titus 2:14). Let us seek to comply with the requirement of God and fulfill His law. ‘Love is the fulfilling of the law’ (Romans 13:10), and He who died that we might live, has given us this commandment, that we should love one another as He has loved us; and the world will know that we are His disciples, if we have this love one for another.” The Review and Herald, June 5, 1888.

4 WITH OUR BRETHREN AND SISTERS

  • What teaching and experience of the early disciples is to be ours? James 5:16; Philippians 2:1, 2.

Note: “They [the disciples] were not assembled to relate tidbits of scandal. They were not seeking to expose every stain they could find on a brother’s character. They felt their spiritual need, and cried to the Lord for the holy unction to help them in overcoming their own infirmities, and to fit them for the work of saving others. They prayed with intense earnestness that the love of Christ might be shed abroad in their hearts. This is our great need today in every church in our land. For ‘if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new’ (II Corinthians 5:17). That which was objectionable in the character is purified from the soul by the love of Jesus. All selfishness is expelled, all envy, all evilspeaking, is rooted out, and a radical transformation is wrought in the heart.” The Review and Herald, July 22, 1890.

  • What factors must all Christian stewards bear in mind in their interaction with those whom they profess to love? Romans 14:19; I Thessalonians 5:11.

Note: “There is a sympathy for sin and sinners that is dangerous to the prosperity of the church at the present day. You must have charity is the cry. But that sentiment that would excuse wrong and shield the guilty is not the charity of the Bible. The friendship of the wicked is more dangerous than their enmity; for none can prevail against the servants of the living God, except by tempting them to disobedience.” The Signs of the Times, January 6, 1881.

“Let not the common, cheap, earthly things engross the mind that the presence of Jesus shall be withdrawn. The life of the church is communicated from Christ, and we help the church when we work in harmony with the life-giving power, losing sight of ourselves, and seeking to build one another up in the most holy faith.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 11, 265.

5 PROPER REJOICING

  • How does the Christian steward reveal true charity? I Corinthians 13:6, last part; Psalm 119:140–144, 172.

Note: “ ‘You must have charity,’ is the cry heard everywhere, especially from those who profess sanctification. But true charity is too pure to cover an unconfessed sin. While we are to love the souls for whom Christ died, we are to make no compromise with evil. We are not to unite with the rebellious and call this charity.” The Acts of the Apostles, 554, 555.

  • What is the ultimate goal of the Christian steward? I Corinthians 2:2.

Note: “And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase. The more men learn of God, the greater will be their admiration of His character. As Jesus opens before them the riches of redemption and the amazing achievements in the great controversy with Satan, the hearts of the ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous joy they sweep the harps of gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of voices unite to swell the mighty chorus of praise.” The Great Controversy, 678.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Why is self-examination a key in developing faithful stewardship?

2 When would the Christian steward be liable to please the enemy instead of pleasing Christ?

3 How may the Christian steward be in danger of secretly rejoicing in iniquity?

4 What are the symptoms of false charity?

5 How can the Christian steward manifest true charity?

Copyright © 2012 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – An Unfailing Virtue

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September 14, 2014 – September 20, 2014

Key Text

“Charity never faileth.” I Corinthians 13:8.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 2, 133–136.

Introduction

“Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.” The Desire of Ages, 505.

1 A POWERFUL MOTIVATION

  • What can the Christian steward learn from the apostle Paul’s motivation? I Corinthians 9:16–19; II Corinthians 5:14, 15.
  • What exhortations are given to motivate us in turn? I Peter 1:22, 23.

Note: “ ‘Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them’ (Matthew 7:12). Blessed results would appear as the fruit of such a course. ‘With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again’ (verse 2). Here are strong motives which should constrain us to love one another with a pure heart, fervently. Christ is our example. He went about doing good. He lived to bless others. Love beautified and ennobled all His actions. We are not commanded to do to ourselves what we wish others to do unto us; we are to do unto others what we wish them to do to us under like circumstances. The measure we mete is always measured to us again. Pure love is simple in its operations, and is distinct from any other principle of action. The love of influence and the desire for the esteem of others may produce a well-ordered life and frequently a blameless conversation. Self-respect may lead us to avoid the appearance of evil. A selfish heart may perform generous actions, acknowledge the present truth, and express humility and affection in an outward manner, yet the motives may be deceptive and impure; the actions that flow from such a heart may be destitute of the savor of life and the fruits of true holiness, being destitute of the principles of pure love. Love should be cherished and cultivated, for its influence is divine.” [Emphasis author’s.] Testimonies, vol. 2, 136.

2 THE FRUIT OF CHARITY

  • How did Paul’s unselfish love bear fruit under the most forbidding circumstances? Philippians 1:12–14; 2:15–17.

Note: “Not by Paul’s sermons, but by his bonds, was the attention of the court attracted to Christianity. It was as a captive that he broke from so many souls the bonds that held them in the slavery of sin. Nor was this all. He declared: ‘Many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear’ (Philippians 1:14).

“Paul’s patience and cheerfulness during his long and unjust imprisonment, his courage and faith, were a continual sermon. His spirit, so unlike the spirit of the world, bore witness that a power higher than that of earth was abiding with him. And by his example, Christians were impelled to greater energy as advocates of the cause from the public labors of which Paul had been withdrawn. In these ways were the apostle’s bonds influential, so that when his power and usefulness seemed cut off, and to all appearance he could do the least, then it was that he gathered sheaves for Christ in fields from which he seemed wholly excluded.” The Acts of the Apostles, 464.

  • How can the Christian steward be inspired by Paul’s experiences? II Corinthians 4:5–10; 11:24–28.

Note: “Patience as well as courage has its victories. By meekness under trial, no less than by boldness in enterprise, souls may be won to Christ. The Christian who manifests patience and cheerfulness under bereavement and suffering, who meets even death itself with the peace and calmness of an unwavering faith, may accomplish for the gospel more than he could have effected by a long life of faithful labor. Often when the servant of God is withdrawn from active duty, the mysterious providence which our shortsighted vision would lament is designed by God to accomplish a work that otherwise would never have been done.

“Let not the follower of Christ think, when he is no longer able to labor openly and actively for God and His truth, that he has no service to render, no reward to secure. Christ’s true witnesses are never laid aside. In health and sickness, in life and death, God uses them still.” The Acts of the Apostles, 465.

3 VICTORIOUS CHARITY

  • How can the Christian steward gain the victory over wrong words and attitudes? James 3:2, 10–12; Ezekiel 36:25, 26.

Note: “The most careful cultivation of the outward proprieties and courtesies of life has not sufficient power to shut out all fretfulness, harsh judgment, and unbecoming speech. The spirit of genuine benevolence must dwell in the heart. Love imparts to its possessor grace, propriety, and comeliness of deportment. Love illuminates the countenance and subdues the voice; it refines and elevates the entire man. It brings him into harmony with God, for it is a heavenly attribute.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 559, 560.

  • Through what experiences may the Christian steward learn the unfailing power of love? II Corinthians 8:1–5; I John 5:1–4.

Note: “The opposition we meet may prove a benefit to us in many ways. If it is well borne, it will develop virtues which would never have appeared if the Christian had nothing to endure. And faith, patience, forbearance, heavenly mindedness, trust in Providence, and genuine sympathy with the erring, are the results of trial well borne. These are the graces of the Spirit, which bud, blossom, and bear fruit amid trials and adversity. Meekness, humility, and love always grow on the Christian tree. If the word is received into good and honest hearts, the obdurate soul will be subdued, and faith, grasping the promises, and relying upon Jesus, will prove triumphant. ‘This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith’ (I John 5:4).” The Review and Herald, June 28, 1892.

“Unexpected disappointments will come. Jesus was often grieved at the hardness of heart of the people, and you will have a similar experience. Your prayers, your tears, your entreaties, may fail to awaken a response. Hearts are dead in trespasses and sins. There seems to be no penitence, but only indifference and opposition, and from some even contempt, when you looked for certain victory. But you are not to relax your efforts. If one refuses, turn to another. Have faith that the Comforter will do the work which it is impossible for you to do. Have faith in all the blessed promises which Christ has given you. Work with charity and invincible courage, for you must do this if you would succeed. ‘Let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not’ (Galatians 6:9).” The Signs of the Times, November 30, 1891.

4 ENDURING LOVE

  • What is unique about the plant of charity? I Corinthians 13:8, first part.

Note: “We are to see in our fellowman the purchase of the blood of Christ. If we have this love one for another, we shall be growing in love for God and the truth. We have been pained at heart to see how little love is cherished in our midst. Love is a plant of heavenly origin, and if we would have it flourish in our hearts, we must cultivate it daily. Mildness, gentleness, longsuffering, not being easily provoked, bearing all things, enduring all things—these are the fruits upon the precious tree of love.” The Review and Herald, June 5, 1888.

“In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which ‘seeketh not her own’ (I Corinthians 13:5) has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto.” The Desire of Ages, 20.

  • What should encourage the Christian steward in laboring for souls purchased by the blood of Christ? Galatians 5:1.

Note: “[In the school of the hereafter] all who have wrought with unselfish spirit will behold the fruit of their labors. The outworking of every right principle and noble deed will be seen. Something of this we see here. But how little of the result of the world’s noblest work is in this life manifest to the doer! How many toil unselfishly and unweariedly for those who pass beyond their reach and knowledge! … So gifts are bestowed, burdens are borne, labor is done. Men sow the seed from which, above their graves, others reap blessed harvests. They plant trees, that others may eat the fruit. They are content here to know that they have set in motion agencies for good. In the hereafter the action and reaction of all these will be seen.

“Of every gift that God has bestowed, leading men to unselfish effort, a record is kept in heaven. To trace this in its wide-spreading lines, to look upon those who by our efforts have been uplifted and ennobled, to behold in their history the outworking of true principles—this will be one of the studies and rewards of the heavenly school.” Education, 305, 306.

5 THE BOND OF PERFECTION

  • Why is charity necessary to perfect the Christian character? Colossians 3:14; I John 4:7–12.

Note: “In our life here, earthly, sin-restricted though it is, the greatest joy and the highest education are in service. And in the future state, untrammeled by the limitations of sinful humanity, it is in service that our greatest joy and our highest education will be found—witnessing, and ever as we witness learning anew ‘the riches of the glory of this mystery;’ ‘which is Christ in you, the hope of glory’ (Colossians 1:27).” Education, 309.

  • What is the greatest illustration of unfailing charity that will shine on throughout eternity? Zechariah 13:6.

Note: “Our Redeemer will ever bear the marks of His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head, upon His side, His hands and feet, are the only traces of the cruel work that sin has wrought. Says the prophet, beholding Christ in His glory: ‘He had bright beams coming out of His side: and there was the hiding of His power’ (Habakkuk 3:4, margin). That pierced side whence flowed the crimson stream that reconciled man to God—there is the Saviour’s glory, there ‘the hiding of His power’ (Habakkuk 3:4). ‘Mighty to save’ (Isaiah 63:1), through the sacrifice of redemption, He was therefore strong to execute justice upon them that despised God’s mercy. And the tokens of His humiliation are His highest honor; through the eternal ages the wounds of Calvary will show forth His praise and declare His power.” The Great Controversy, 674.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How should the Christian steward understand Matthew 7:12?

2 What results can charity achieve, even amidst difficulties?

3 How can the Christian steward benefit from trials?

4 Why is loving service never lost?

5 Where is life’s greatest joy and highest education found?

Copyright © 2012 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Thoughts and Moods

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September 7, 2014 – September 13, 2014

Key Text

“The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.” Psalm 10:4.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 2, 707–709.

Introduction

“Let your spirit be cleansed from all earthliness, all unholy, uncharitable thoughts. Let your words be clean, sanctified, vivifying and refreshing all with whom you associate. Be not easily provoked.” Our High Calling, 174.

1 DEVELOPING NOBLE QUALITIES

  • What should characterize our attitude toward everyone—and what can help us consistently maintain such an attitude? I Thessalonians 5:14, 15, 23; I Corinthians 9:25.
  • How is advancement seen in the life of the Christian steward, and by what means is this gained? Colossians 3:8–10, 13; James 3:17, 18.

Note: “When you have little difficulties to bear which seem hard, think of Jesus the dear Saviour, how He suffered and endured to save sinful mortals.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 3, 124.

“You will be misunderstood. Leave with God the wrongs which you think exist. Be easily entreated, and be not easily provoked. Do not speak angry words because of something you have heard. This hurts your influence. May the grace of God help you to have patience.” Ibid., vol. 19, 149.

“We must cherish love, not that which is falsely called charity, which would lead us to love sin and cherish sinners, but Bible charity and Bible wisdom, that is first pure, then peaceable, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 558.

2 HOME AND COMMUNITY STEWARDS

  • What principles must be combined in the training of our children? Psalm 85:10.

Note: “Disobedience and rebellion must be punished; but remember that the punishment is to be given in the spirit of Christ. Require obedience, never with a storm of angry words, but firmly and kindly. And when called upon to discipline your child, remember your own relation to your heavenly Father. Have you walked perfectly before Him? Are you not wayward and disobedient? Do you not grieve Him continually? But does He deal with you in anger? Remember, too, that it is from you that your children have received their tendencies to wrong. Remember how often you act like grown-up children. In spite of your years of Christian experience, in spite of your many opportunities for self-discipline, how easily you are provoked to anger. Deal gently, then, with your children, remembering that they have not had the opportunities you have had to gain self-control.” The Review and Herald, July 8, 1902.

  • What way of acting gives credibility and life to our missionary efforts in the community? Luke 6:28–30.

Note: “In all our associations with unbelievers, be careful to give them no occasion to misjudge your faith, or to reproach the cause of truth which you advocate. Many hedge up the way by their own course of action. There is some indiscretion on their part. They are easily provoked. Little difficulties arise in trade or in some other temporal matter, which lead them to think themselves misjudged or wronged by their neighbors. These things are allowed to create coldness or ill feeling, and thus to close the door of access to those who might be reached by the truth. We should never allow matters of temporal interest to quench our love for souls. Brethren, be kind and courteous on all occasions. Never be sharp, critical, or exacting in your deal. If there is any advantage to be gained, give it to your neighbor, whom you are required to love as you love yourself. With the patience and love of Jesus, watch for opportunities to do him a kindness. Let him see that the religion which we profess does not close up nor freeze over the avenues of the soul, making us unsympathizing and exacting.” The Review and Herald, May 22, 1888.

3 EXERCISING CHARITY

  • How does bitterness toward our brethren or sisters affect our standing before the world? Hebrews 12:15.

Note: “ ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another’ (John 13:34, 35). These words are not the words of man, but the words of our Redeemer; and how important it is that we fulfill the instruction that He has given! There is nothing that can so weaken the influence of the church, as the lack of love. Christ says, ‘Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves’ (Matthew 10:16). If we are to meet opposition from our enemies, who are represented as wolves, let us be careful that we do not manifest the same spirit among ourselves. The enemy well knows that if we do not have love one for another, he can gain his object, and wound and weaken the church, by causing differences among brethren. He can lead them to surmise evil, to speak evil, to accuse, condemn, and hate one another. In this way the cause of God is brought into dishonor, the name of Christ is reproached, and untold harm is done to the souls of men.” The Review and Herald, June 5, 1888.

  • What will happen as we daily cultivate charity? Matthew 12:35, first part; Colossians 3:12–15.

Note: “If you have love in your heart, you will seek to establish and build up your brother in the most holy faith. If a word is dropped that is detrimental to the character of your friend or brother, do not encourage this evil-speaking. It is the work of the enemy. Kindly remind the speaker that the word of God forbids that kind of conversation. We are to empty the heart of everything that defiles the soul temple, that Christ may dwell within. Our Redeemer has told us how we may reveal Him to the world. If we cherish His Spirit, if we manifest His love to others, if we guard one another’s interests, if we are kind, patient, forbearing, the world will have an evidence by the fruits we bear, that we are the children of God. It is the unity in the church that enables it to exert a conscious influence upon unbelievers and worldlings.” The Review and Herald, June 5, 1888.

4 A TYPICAL PROBLEM

  • Name one evil commonly found in the church. Leviticus 19:16, first part; Proverbs 16:17–20; Jeremiah 20:10.

Note: “Floating rumors are frequently the destroyers of unity among brethren. There are some who watch with open mind and ears to catch flying scandal. They gather up little incidents which may be trifling in themselves, but which are repeated and exaggerated until a man is made an offender for a word. Their motto seems to be, ‘Report, and we will report it.’ These tale-bearers are doing the devil’s work with surprising fidelity, little knowing how offensive their course is to God. If they would spend half the energy and zeal that is given to this unholy work in examining their own hearts, they would find so much to do to cleanse their souls from impurity that they would have no time or disposition to criticize their brethren, and they would not fall under the power of this temptation. The door of the mind should be closed against ‘they say’ or ‘I have heard.’ Why should we not, instead of allowing jealousy or evil-surmising to come into our hearts, go to our brethren, and, after frankly but kindly setting before them the things we have heard detrimental to their character and influence, pray with and for them?” The Review and Herald, June 3, 1884.

  • How can we overcome this problem? Proverbs 14:15; 25:9, 10.
  • If we find that a brother or a sister is indeed guilty of some wrong, what is our personal duty? Galatians 6:1; James 5:19, 20.

Note: “When we see errors in others, let us remember that we have faults graver, perhaps, in the sight of God, than the fault we condemn in our brother. Instead of publishing his defects, ask God to bless him, and to help him to overcome his error. Christ will approve of this spirit and action, and will open the way for you to speak a word of wisdom that will impart strength and help to him who is weak in the faith.” The Review and Herald, June 5, 1888.

5 LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR

  • What changes are seen when we are not easily provoked and think no evil (I Corinthians 13:5)? Ephesians 4:23–25; 5:9–12.

Note: “The person who cultivates the precious plant of love will be self-denying in spirit and will not yield self-control even under provocation. He will not impute wrong motives and evil intentions to others, but will feel deeply over sin when discovered in any of the disciples of Christ.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 123.

“Love is unsuspecting, ever placing the most favorable construction upon the motives and acts of others. Love will never needlessly expose the faults of others. It does not listen eagerly to unfavorable reports, but rather seeks to bring to mind some good qualities of the one defamed.” Ibid., 169.

  • How can the world see in our life a daily growth in Christ? Titus 2:7, 8, 11–14.

Note: “Let each ask himself: Do I possess the grace of love? Have I learned to suffer long and to be kind? Talents, learning, and eloquence, without this heavenly attribute, will be as meaningless as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 169.

“While we cannot love and fellowship those who are the bitter enemies of Christ, we should cultivate that spirit of meekness and love that characterized our Master—a love that thinketh no evil and is not easily provoked.” The Review and Herald, June 3, 1884.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Describe the reformation cited in Colossians 3:8–10, 13.

2 How can we better represent Christ in temporal matters?

3 How can we overcome the common problem plaguing many churches?

4 What is wrong with “they say” and “I have heard”?

5 Descibe some ways by which stewardship of God’s love can be manifested in behalf of others.

Copyright © 2012 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Underlying Motives

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August 31, 2014 – September 6, 2014

Christian Stewardship

Key Text

“[Charity] doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own.” I Corinthians 13:5.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 2, 50–60.

Introduction

“The road to paradise is not one of self-exaltation but, of repentance, confession, humiliation, of faith and obedience.” The Review and Herald, December 23, 1890.

1 WATCHING OUR BEHAVIOR

  • Name one characteristic of charity, as far as general behavior is concerned. I Corinthians 13:5, first part.
  • What examples of unseemly behavior should we take as a warning? Galatians 2:11–13; James 2:1–4, 8, 9.
  • How is the Christian steward warned against another common type of unseemly behavior? Proverbs 14:29; 18:23, second part.

Note: “One class have come up without self-control; they have not bridled the temper or the tongue; and some of these claim to be Christ’s followers, but they are not. Jesus has set them no such example. When they have the meekness and lowliness of the Saviour, they will not act out the promptings of the natural heart, for this is of Satan. Some are nervous, and if they begin to lose self-control in word or spirit under provocation, they are as much intoxicated with wrath as the inebriate is with liquor. They are unreasonable, and not easily persuaded or convinced. They are not sane; Satan for the time has full control. Every one of these exhibitions of wrath weakens the nervous system and the moral powers, and makes it difficult to restrain anger on another provocation. With this class there is only one remedy—positive self-control under all circumstances.” The Youth’s Instructor, November 10, 1886.

2 CHARITABLE PRUDENCE

  • How are we exhorted to develop a Christlike demeanor, especially toward those who may provoke us unjustly? James 1:19–21; Proverbs 15:1; 19:11.

Note: “He [Christ] was wrongfully accused, yet He opened not His mouth to justify Himself. How many now, when accused of that of which they are not guilty, feel that there is a time when forbearance ceases to be a virtue, and losing their temper, speak words which grieve the Holy Spirit.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1148.

“If pride and selfishness were laid aside, five minutes would remove most difficulties. Angels have been grieved and God displeased by the hours which have been spent in justifying self.” Early Writings, 119.

  • How does the Christian steward display charitable prudence? Acts 9:36–39.

Note: “At Joppa, which was near Lydda, there lived a woman named Dorcas, whose good deeds had made her greatly beloved. She was a worthy disciple of Jesus, and her life was filled with acts of kindness. She knew who needed comfortable clothing and who needed sympathy, and she freely ministered to the poor and the sorrowful. Her skillful fingers were more active than her tongue.” The Acts of the Apostles, 131.

“Preaching is a small part of the work to be done for the salvation of souls. God’s Spirit convicts sinners of the truth, and He places them in the arms of the church. The ministers may do their part, but they can never perform the work that the church should do. God requires His church to nurse those who are young in faith and experience, to go to them, not for the purpose of gossiping with them, but to pray, to speak unto them words that are ‘like apples of gold in pictures of silver’ (Proverbs 25:11). …

“It is the duty of God’s children to be missionaries for Him, to become acquainted with those who need help. If one is staggering under temptation, his case should be taken up carefully and managed wisely; for his eternal interest is at stake, and the words and acts of those laboring for him may be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 69.

3 WHOM DO YOU REALLY LOVE?

  • When does true love for others become rare—and how is this problem to be overcome? Matthew 24:12; Revelation 2:2–4; Hebrews 12:2–4.

Note: “The love of God has been waning in the church, and as a result, the love of self has sprung up into new activity. With the loss of love for God there has come the loss of love for the brethren.” The Review and Herald, March 20, 1894.

“Let this life, so stormy with conflicts and worries, be brought into connection with Christ, and then self will no longer clamor for the supremacy.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, 1161.

“Pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary.” The Desire of Ages, 661.

  • What is a great reason that makes the Christian steward shine in this world? I Corinthians 10:24.

Note: “Unselfishness, the principle of God’s kingdom, is the principle that Satan hates; its very existence he denies. From the beginning of the great controversy he has endeavored to prove God’s principles of action to be selfish, and he deals in the same way with all who serve God. To disprove Satan’s claim is the work of Christ and of all who bear His name.

“It was to give in His own life an illustration of unselfishness that Jesus came in the form of humanity. And all who accept this principle are to be workers together with Him in demonstrating it in practical life. To choose the right because it is right; to stand for truth at the cost of suffering and sacrifice—‘this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord’ (Isaiah 54:17).” Education, 154, 155.

“In heaven none will think of self, nor seek their own pleasure; but all, from pure, genuine love, will seek the happiness of the heavenly beings around them. If we wish to enjoy heavenly society in the earth made new, we must be governed by heavenly principles here.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 132, 133.

4 WORDS OF CAUTION

  • What should the Christian steward consider in choosing priorities? I John 2:15–17.

Note: “If all the money that is used extravagantly, for needless things, were placed in the treasury of God, we should see men and women and youth giving themselves to Jesus, and doing their part to co-operate with Christ and angels. The richest blessing of God would come into our churches, and many souls would be converted to the truth.” The Review and Herald, December 23, 1890.

“When the cases of all come in review before God, the question, What did they profess? will not be asked, but, What have they done? Have they been doers of the word? Have they lived for themselves, or have they been exercised in works of benevolence, in deeds of kindness and love, preferring others before themselves, and denying themselves that they might bless others? … Christ has been grieved and wounded by your marked selfish love and your indifference to the woes and needs of others.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 525.

  • What unfortunate attitude can affect all of us who are entrusted with great light—and to obtain victory, what must we realize? Isaiah 58:2–4, 10–12.

Note: “In our work we shall find a high profession of piety and much outward exactness bound up with great inward wickedness. The people represented in Isaiah 58 complain that the Lord allows their services to go unnoticed. This complaint is the expression of hearts unsubdued by grace, rebellious against the truth.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1148, 1149.

“Many receive applause for virtues which they do not possess. The Searcher of hearts weighs the motives, and often deeds highly applauded by men are recorded by Him as springing from selfishness and base hypocrisy. Every act of our lives, whether excellent and praiseworthy, or deserving of censure, is judged by the Searcher of hearts according to the motives which prompted it.” Gospel Workers, 275.

5 FOLLOWING CHRIST IN SELF-DENIAL

  • What principle is basic to genuine Christian service? Acts 20:35.

Note: “There is a work to be done in our cities—work to be done in every place. God will take men from the plow, from the sheepfold, from the vineyard, and will put them in the place of those who think that they must have the highest wages. Those who grasp for high wages will find in the money they get all the reward they will ever receive. Such ones can not be expected to feel a burden for the salvation of perishing souls. The Lord can not use such ones in His work. Until they banish selfishness from their hearts, their efforts are worthless.” The Review and Herald, December 15, 1904.

“The heavenly intelligences can co-operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls.” The Desire of Ages, 436.

  • What should inspire the Christian steward with pure, fresh motivation for service? II Corinthians 8:8, 9.

Note: “Jesus left His home in glory, clothed His divinity with humanity, and came to a world marred and polluted by the curse of sin. He might have remained in His heavenly home, and received the adoration of angels; but He came to earth to seek and save the lost, the perishing. ‘For your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich’ (II Corinthians 8:9). He, the Majesty of heaven, who was one with the Father, denied Himself, made every possible sacrifice, in order that man might not perish, but have everlasting life. Christ lived not to please Himself. If He had pleased Himself, where would we be today?” The Review and Herald, December 23, 1890.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How might we be guilty of behaving unseemly?

2 What can we learn about charity from Christ and His followers?

3 How is a vibrant love for Christ to be manifested in us?

4 Why must we always examine our own priorities and motives?

5 What should we do to more fervently promote God’s work?

Copyright © 2012 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Recipe – Living Cucumber Sunflower Seed Pate

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1 large cucumber, peeled

¼ yellow or sweet onion, chopped

1 cup raw sunflower seeds

1-2 tsp. sea salt, to taste

1 large clove garlic, crushed

Blend cucumber to a liquid consistency and place into bowl. Add raw sunflower seeds into blended cucumber and soak overnight in refrigerator. Blend the mixture in the morning and add remaining ingredients (seasonings).

Food – The Living Cucumber

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A beneficial way to build your body with live foods is by incorporating into your diet as many raw foods each day as you can and include the wonderful cucumber. Consider the following:

Cucumbers, like watermelons, are 95 percent water, keeping the body hydrated and the inner temperature regulated. They are also effective in assisting the body to flush out toxins.

Cucumber skin contains a high amount of vitamin C, which is about 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance so leave on as much as possible. If you do like your cucumbers peeled, the skin has other qualities. It can be used to relieve sunburn and mild skin irritations with an affect similar to that of aloe vera. There are some research indications that cucumbers can even stimulate hair growth. Herbalists recommend cucumber juice to reduce puffiness around the eyes and to calm down acne.

Cucumbers can either relieve acid indigestion and heartburn or cause it, depending on the individual. They are a good source of dietary fiber. www.gardeningchannel.com/the-health-benefits-of-cucumbers/

Cucumber History

Cucumber plants naturally thrive in both temperate and tropical environments, and generally require temperatures between 60–90°F (15–33°C). For this reason, they are native to many regions of the world. The first cucumbers were likely to have originated in Western Asia (and perhaps more specifically in India) or parts of the Middle East. Cucumbers are mentioned in the legend of Gilgamesh—a Uruk king who lived around 2500 B.C. in what is now called Iraq and Kuwait. It was approximately 3,300 years later when cucumber cultivation spread to parts of Europe, including France. And it was not until the time of the European colonists that cucumbers finally appeared in North America in the 1500s.

Today, the states of Florida and California are able to provide U.S. consumers with fresh cucumbers for most of the year (from March through November). Imported cucumbers from Mexico are commonly found in groceries during the winter months of December, January, and February. In California alone, about 6,600 acres are planted with slicing cucumber varieties and 4,400 with pickling cucumbers. Worldwide, China is by far the largest producer of cucumbers, and provides about two-thirds of the global supply. Iran, Turkey, Russia, Egypt, Spain, Mexico, the Ukraine, Japan, Indonesia, and the U.S. all participate in the world cucumber market, with an especially high number of exports coming from Iran, Mexico, and Spain. Annual production of cucumbers worldwide is approximately 84 billion pounds.

www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=42