John J. Grosboll

Are You Ready?

by

Do you believe that we are living in what the Bible describes as the last epochal period of earth’s history, the last days, or do you think time will continue in its present condition?

The Jewish leaders once came to Jesus asking that He show them a sign, something they continually asked for that they might know whether they could believe Him.

“Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, ‘When it is evening you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red”; and in the morning, “It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.” Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.’ ” Matthew 16:1–3.

Jesus reproved the religious leaders of His day, because they knew a lot about predicting weather for the next day, but they didn’t know how to tell the signs of the times. They missed the signs that told of certain prophecies in the Old Testament that were being fulfilled right before their eyes. There are approximately 60 different prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the Messiah, His mission, and what He would do when He came. For centuries they had all of that information, but they did not recognize that prophecy was being fulfilled right in front of them.

In the same way now, there are many prophecies in both the Old and the New Testaments concerning the events leading up to the second coming of the Messiah, which have been and are being fulfilled. Yet they go by unnoticed by the majority. Do you believe we are living in the last days? How can we know?

In the books of Daniel and Revelation we are told that after the coming of the Messiah, there was to be a great time of persecution that would last for 1,260 years. At the end of that period of time, the world would enter the last epochal period of earth’s history, called the time of the end or the last days.

We are told in Daniel 7:25: “He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time.”

A close look at the context of Daniel 11:30–35 clearly reveals that this period occurs after the coming of the Messiah. It says, “He shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant. And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame [they shall be burned at the stake], by captivity [put in dungeons] and plundering. Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time.”

Notice, this prophecy says, very distinctly, that there would be a long period of persecution against God’s children, and when that time ends, the world would enter “the time of the end.” Jesus spoke about this in Matthew 24. And John corroborated it in the book of Revelation when he recorded, “Leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city [God’s church] underfoot for forty-two months.” Revelation 11:2.

God’s true and faithful people were to endure terrible persecution for 42 months, or for 1,260 days, or 3½ years, as we read in Daniel 7:25. Then in Revelation 11:3, it says, “And I will give power to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”

We find the same persecuting period mentioned in Revelation 12:6: “Then the woman [the church] fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.”

And again, in Revelation 13:5–8, talking about the anti-christ persecuting the true church, it says, “He was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.”

These prophecies have been fulfilled. It has been estimated that during the Dark Ages over 50,000,000 Bible believing Christians were martyred because of their faith in Christ. But Jesus said that toward the close of this period of the tribulation or persecution of Bible Christians that certain signs would appear in the heavens. He said, “In those days [the days of the tribulation or the persecution], after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light.” Mark 13:24.

In Matthew 24:29, 30 we read another record of the same prediction by Jesus. “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

Those events have happened. On May 19, 1780, there was an unexplained dark day and in November 1833, the greatest meteor shower that has ever been recorded occurred. These events can be verified by an encyclopedia or Internet search.

When we look at history and follow it right up to the present time, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we have been living in that period of earth’s history that the Bible calls “the time of the end” or “the last days” for approximately 200 years. We are living in that period of time during which Daniel predicted the Lord of heaven is going to come back to this world and set up His kingdom. (See Daniel 2 and 7.) There are certain events that are to happen before Christ returns.

Daniel 12:4: “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Two things are going to happen in the time of the end, according to this verse. Many will go to and fro. There will be much traveling in the time of the end. Today, there is more travel than in any previous time in earth’s history. A few hundred years ago, even just 250 years ago, the only people who traveled much were explorers, soldiers, sailors, or people who emigrated to some new part of the world. The average person then lived and died within a few miles of his or her birthplace. But today, at any international airport you will see people from all over the world, coming and going by the thousands. It was not that way even 150 years ago.

In the time of the end, “knowledge would increase.” Today, we live in the time of an information explosion. History reveals that this information explosion in technology and science got started about 200 years ago, in direct fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

Not all the things the Bible predicted for the last days are so wonderful. Jesus said, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:37–39.

Noah preached for 120 years that a flood was coming but the world did not believe it. Jesus said that the same condition that existed prior to the Flood will prevail just before His return, but most will not believe. “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14. Most people will not know what is coming. They will not know the signs.

There are millions of people today who boast that they do not believe in the Bible or in Bible prophecy. Nevertheless, Bible prophecy has an infallible way of being fulfilled right to the letter.

“Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5. Every thought was evil continually; it was a time of great wickedness. One needs only to pick up a newspaper to see that today we are also living in a time of great wickedness. Jesus said this would be the condition right before He would come again. “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” Verse 11. Does that sound familiar?

Referring to the same subject in Luke 17:28–30: “Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”

Jesus said it will be just as it was in the days of Lot. They did not know that that was their last night on earth. The end came suddenly. So it will be when the Son of man is revealed. Life will go on day after day after day, and then suddenly, the Lord will return and people will not be ready.

In Ezekiel 16:48, 49 the prophet tells why Sodom was destroyed. “ ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘neither your sister Sodom nor her daughters have done as you and your daughters have done. Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.’ ”

According to the apostle Paul, there will be great social problems in the world in the last days. He wrote to Timothy, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people, turn away!” II Timothy 3:1–5.

There will be lots of religion in the last days. There will be a form of godliness, but people will deny its power. The power of godliness is the power that is given to the Christian to follow Jesus in obedience, to live a righteous and holy life. “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” Romans 6:17–22.

There will be many professed Christians in the last days with a form of godliness, but denying its power and manifesting all the social problems that the apostle Paul listed.

In the last days, there will be great natural disasters. In Luke 21:11 it says, “There will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines, and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.” And in verse 25, Jesus said, “There will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring.”

At the same time in the last days there will be a great international religious peace movement. This is very fascinating to study because there is no record in history of such a thing occurring, unless perhaps it happened in the days of Noah. But the prophets do predict clearly that there will be an international religious peace movement in the last days.

Isaiah tells about it in Isaiah 2:2–4. He says, “It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” There is a similar prophecy in Micah 4:1–6. For a little over a 100 years, we have said that we are going to outlaw war. We have established an international court to rule on matters so that we will not have war anymore.

The Bible predicts that at the very time that there is this great international religious peace movement, there will be the greatest wars of all time. In Joel 3:9–14 it says just the opposite of what the people say. The Lord says, “Proclaim this among the nations: ‘Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near, let them come up. Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, “I am strong.” Assemble and come, all you nations, and gather together all around. Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O Lord. “Let the nations be wakened and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; for the winepress is full, the vats overflow—for their wickedness is great.” Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.’ ”

These texts describe exactly the way the world is today. There are multitudes trying to figure out on which side of the great controversy they want to be. They are in the valley of decision, but there is not a lot of time for them to decide because the Day of the Lord is near.

We see in Joel 3 that Bible prophecy has a way of turning out to be accurate every time. In II Peter 3, the apostle predicted that in the last days there would be a time of great unbelief. People would not believe that the world was created by a divine Intelligence. In II Peter 3:3–5 we are told: “Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’ For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water.” They willfully forget, not wanting to remember that this world was created by the word of God. That is a fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

We are living in a time when there is the accumulation of great wealth in the world and at the same time the most abject worldwide poverty. This is also a fulfillment of Bible prophecy. James predicted that there would be oppression of the poor by the rich. He said, “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.” James 5:1–6.

When people are not ready and are not looking for it, the end will come. Jesus said, “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:44. It is going to happen friends. Most of the world won’t be ready, but what about you? Are you ready?

(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 – Uncertain Voices and Unsafe Paths

by
  1. Eve lost paradise by listening to the voice of doubt, questioning and conjecture: “We must be careful not to listen to agents of the great adversary, who would guide our feet into forbidden paths, as our first parents were led into transgression.” The Signs of the Times, October 29, 1885.
  2. “Doctrines are being taught that lead into bypaths and forbidden paths; doctrines that lead men to act in harmony with their own inclinations and to work out their unsanctified purposes.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 231.

What are these doctrines?

  1. You can commit sin but be free from the consequences: “… the mass of humanity love a doctrine that permits them to commit sin, and yet frees them from its consequences. … Men … do not think it is in harmony with their dignity to inquire into the ways of God. Therefore they go into false ways, into forbidden paths, become self-sufficient, self inflated.” The Signs of the Times, February 19, 1894.
  2. higher criticism
  3. evolution
  4. spiritualism
  5. theosophy
  6. pantheism
  7. Practices that lead God’s professed people into forbidden paths.
  8. Attempting to control and rule fellowlaborers: “The man who holds office in the church should stand as a leader, as an advisor and a counselor and helper in carrying the burdens of the work. … But he is not appointed to order and command the Lord’s laborers. The Lord is over His heritage.” The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters (1985), 298.
  9. Seeking and following the counsel of counsellors not under the control of the Holy Spirit:

“The sins against which ancient Israel were warned have led modern Israel into byways and forbidden paths. The professed people of God have made those who are trampling under foot His commandments their counselors.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, 130.

  1. Participating in worldly amusement
  2. Studying skeptical and sensual literature
  3. Being very religious while the heart is somewhere else.

[All emphasis supplied.]

Bible Study Guides – A Prisoner for Truth

by

February 22, 2015 – February 28, 2015

Key Text

“Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.” Micah 7:8.

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 406–418.

Introduction

“If you have caught a glimpse of Heaven’s truth, turn not away. Be not disobedient to the heavenly vision. Walk in the light you have received, and your pathway will grow brighter and brighter. In the light shining from Calvary you will see the sinfulness of sin, and you will see also God’s willingness and power to save from sin.” The Signs of the Times, May 27, 1903.

1 SUFFERING AS HIS MASTER

  • As an internationally renowned advocate for Christ entering the revered inner court of the temple at Jerusalem, to what peril did Paul expose himself? Acts 21:27, 28.

Note: “Those who advised Paul to take this step [of ceremonial purification] had not fully considered the great peril to which he would thus be exposed. At this season, Jerusalem was filled with worshipers from many lands. As, in fulfillment of the commission given him by God, Paul had borne the gospel to the Gentiles, he had visited many of the world’s largest cities, and he was well known to thousands who from foreign parts had come to Jerusalem to attend the feast. Among these were men whose hearts were filled with bitter hatred for Paul, and for him to enter the temple on a public occasion was to risk his life.” The Acts of the Apostles, 406.

  • What false accusation did the Jews thrust upon Paul as they violently dragged him from the precincts of the temple? Acts 21:29.
  • Relate the tumultuous uproar that followed. Acts 21:30–36. Of what might this whole scene remind us? Mark 15:12–14.

2 GOD’S SERVANT PRESERVED

  • What did Paul request (in the Greek language) from the man holding him in custody? Acts 21:37. Who had the chief captain wrongly assumed Paul to be—and why was he quick to grant Paul’s next request? Acts 21:38–40. What can we learn from the kinds of opportunities Paul was always seeking? II Timothy 4:2.

Note: “Do not mingle with the world from choice; but if you have a word of warning, of invitation, of entreaty, do not fear to speak it. Lose no opportunity of witnessing for Christ. He is the Source of all grace, and He will send to His people the precious golden oil, enabling them to witness boldly for Him. As we consecrate ourselves to God, the Holy Spirit will impart to us the holy oil, that our lamps may be kept bright and shining.” The Review and Herald, May 16, 1899.

  • Why were Paul’s opening remarks in Hebrew relatively well received by many of his Jewish hearers? Acts 22:1–5. Why was Paul even able to continue his testimony until that certain point in his discourse when the Jews could tolerate it no more? Acts 22:6–22.

Note: “Had he [Paul] attempted to enter into argument with his opponents, they would have stubbornly refused to listen to his words; but the relation of his experience was attended with a convincing power that for the time seemed to soften and subdue their hearts.

“He then endeavored to show that his work among the Gentiles had not been entered upon from choice. He had desired to labor for his own nation; but in that very temple the voice of God had spoken to him in holy vision, directing his course ‘far hence unto the Gentiles’ (Acts 22:21).

“Hitherto the people had listened with close attention, but when Paul reached the point in his history where he was appointed Christ’s ambassador to the Gentiles, their fury broke forth anew. Accustomed to look upon themselves as the only people favored by God, they were unwilling to permit the despised Gentiles to share the privileges which had hitherto been regarded as exclusively their own.” The Acts of the Apostles, 409, 410.

3 BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN

  • Unable to understand Hebrew, what action did the chief captain take against his prisoner, based solely on the fury of the mob against him? Acts 22:23, 24. How did Paul quietly avert the preparations for torture to be inflicted upon him, and what plan was arranged for him? Acts 22:25–30.
  • How strong were Paul’s chances of being allowed to testify properly before the Jewish council? Acts 23:1–5. Realizing the futile situation, what shrewd step did Paul take—and why did God have to use the heathen ruler to protect His servant? Acts 23:6–10. What does this experience bring to mind?

Note: “Satan was bent on shutting out the divine light from the world, and he used his utmost cunning to destroy the Saviour. But He who never slumbers nor sleeps was watching over His beloved Son. He who had rained manna from heaven for Israel and had fed Elijah in the time of famine provided in a heathen land a refuge for Mary and the child Jesus.” The Desire of Ages, 65.

  • What perspective do we need to have in considering the trials of Paul, as explained in his own words? II Corinthians 4:17, 18.

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

“When we contrast our circumstances with those of the apostle Paul, we should feel rebuked for ever harboring the least feeling of murmuring or complaint. We know but little by experience of self-denial, and persecution, and pain for Christ’s sake. We are here as probationers, and we must be tested and proved.” The Review and Herald, November 7, 1878.

4 LIGHT IN DARKNESS

  • While Paul was alone that night, ashamed of his countrymen, and bitterly persecuted for his Saviour, how did God remember him? Acts 23:11.

Note: “While reflecting on the trying experiences of the day [when the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the multitude were divided], Paul began to fear that his course might not have been pleasing to God. Could it be that he had made a mistake after all in visiting Jerusalem? Had his great desire to be in union with his brethren led to this disastrous result?

“The position which the Jews as God’s professed people occupied before an unbelieving world, caused the apostle intense anguish of spirit. How would those heathen officers look upon them?—claiming to be worshipers of Jehovah, and assuming sacred office, yet giving themselves up to the control of blind, unreasoning anger, seeking to destroy even their brethren who dared to differ with them in religious faith, and turning their most solemn deliberative council into a scene of strife and wild confusion. Paul felt that the name of his God had suffered reproach in the eyes of the heathen.

“And now he was in prison, and he knew that his enemies, in their desperate malice, would resort to any means to put him to death. Could it be that his work for the churches was ended and that ravening wolves were to enter in now? The cause of Christ was very near to Paul’s heart, and with deep anxiety he thought of the perils of the scattered churches, exposed as they were to the persecutions of just such men as he had encountered in the Sanhedrin council. In distress and discouragement he wept and prayed.

“In this dark hour the Lord was not unmindful of His servant. He had guarded him from the murderous throng in the temple courts; He had been with him before the Sanhedrin council; He was with him in the fortress; and He revealed Himself to His faithful witness in response to the earnest prayers of the apostle for guidance. ‘The night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of Me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome’ (Acts 23:11).” The Acts of the Apostles, 412, 413.

  • What could Paul realize at that moment? Psalm 63:5–9; Deuteronomy 31:6.

5 RAYS OF LIGHT AMIDST THE TRIAL

  • What wise principles and promises echo down through the ages whenever we find ourselves in difficult, perplexing situations similar to those Paul suffered? Micah 7:7, 8; II Corinthians 4:8–10.

Note: “Had the leaders in the church fully surrendered their feeling of bitterness toward the apostle, and accepted him as one specially called of God to bear the gospel to the Gentiles, the Lord would have spared him to them. God had not ordained that Paul’s labors should so soon end, but He did not work a miracle to counteract the train of circumstances to which the course of the leaders in the church at Jerusalem had given rise.” The Acts of the Apostles, 417.

  • While Paul was in prison, what strange vow was being made—and by what means did God provide for the chief captain to be informed of what was going on and to take action in Paul’s behalf? Acts 23:12–30. How does the Lord look upon such fasting? Isaiah 58:2–5.
  • What did the soldiers do with Paul, and what did the governor decide? Acts 23:31–35. How did Christ prophesy this would happen to His followers—and why could Paul view this trial as a privilege? Luke 21:12; Psalm 119:46; Proverbs 22:29.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How can we avoid the type of situation Paul had in the temple?

2 What was Paul’s foremost priority in this crisis?

3 How does the apostle describe his perspective in the midst of great trial?

4 In the night, how did Christ shower His mercy upon His troubled servant?

5 What principles do we learn from this chapter in Paul’s experience?

Copyright © 2013 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Surrounded by Perils

by

February 15, 2015 – February 21, 2015

Key Text

“We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12.

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 389–405.

Introduction

“We have a soldier’s duty to perform, victories to gain, for we must not be ignorant of Satan’s devices. We pray and then watch lest Satan shall steal upon us and make us forget our need of prayer.” This Day With God, 27.

1 DISCERNING SUPERNATURAL ACTS

  • Explain Paul’s unusual medical missionary acts reminiscent of some of Christ’s miracles. Acts 19:11, 12; Matthew 14:35, 36; Luke 8:43–48.

Note: “The apostles were not always able to work miracles at will. The Lord granted His servants this special power as the progress of His cause or the honor of His name required. … On this occasion, garments were made the means of cure to all that believed; ‘diseases departed from them, and evil spirits went out of them’ (Acts 19:12). Yet these miracles gave no encouragement to blind superstition. When Jesus felt the touch of the suffering woman, he exclaimed, ‘Virtue is gone out of Me’ (Luke 8:46). So the Scripture declares that the Lord wrought miracles by the hand of Paul, and that the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified, and not the name of Paul.

“The manifestations of supernatural power which accompanied the apostle’s work, were calculated to make a deep impression upon a people given to sorcery, and priding themselves upon their intercourse with invisible beings. The miracles of Paul were far more potent than had ever before been witnessed in Ephesus, and were of such a character that they could not be imitated by the skill of the juggler or the enchantments of the sorcerer. Thus the Lord exalted His servant, even in the estimation of the idolaters themselves, immeasurably above the most favored and powerful of the magicians.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 135, 136.

2 ANCIENT AND CONTEMPORARY SORCERY

  • How was Christ’s name vindicated to the shame of apostate Jews who had actually stooped to sorcery? Acts 19:13–16. How were many impressed by this event? Acts 19:17, 18.
  • What step was taken by the new converts who had been practicing sorcery? Acts 19:19, 20. Why? Matthew 5:29, 30; Ephesians 6:12.

Note: “When the transforming grace of Christ is upon the heart, a righteous indignation will take possession of the soul because the sinner has so long neglected the great salvation that God has provided for him. … He will, like the Ephesians, denounce sorcery, and will cut the last thread that binds him to Satan. He will leave the banner of the prince of darkness, and will come under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel. He will burn the magical books.” The Youth’s Instructor, November 16, 1893.

  • What must we realize about much that is in print and on many videos, DVDs, and websites? Ecclesiastes 12:12, 13; I Timothy 6:20, 21.

Note: “To take up fictitious stories, the fruits of somebody’s imagination, is to lay the mind open to the bewitching power of Satan; and this kind of reading creates an unnatural appetite for fictitious stories, from which no moral strength is derived. Fictitious stories leave the mind and heart as destitute of the grace of God as were the hills of Gilboa of dew and rain. Let every one who claims to be a child of God, burn the magical books. …

“Books from the pens of infidels should have no place in the libraries of those who would serve God. They will make better kindling material for your stove, than food for the mind. Infidel books have been a cause of ruin to many souls. Men have studied these books of Satan’s inspiration, and they have become confused in regard to what was truth. Satan stands at the side of him who opens an infidel book, and he will educate the mind that peruses such literature, and so bewitch the soul that it will be almost impossible to break the infatuation.” The Youth’s Instructor, November 23, 1893.

“All who venture into scenes of dissipation or irreligious pleasure, or seek the society of the sensualist, the skeptic, or the blasphemer, by personal intercourse or through the medium of the press, are tampering with sorcery.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 140.

3 NEW AGE, OCCULTISM, SPIRITISM

  • In God’s sight, how seriously offensive is sorcery? Leviticus 20:6, 27; Deuteronomy 18:9–12. Name some ways this ancient evil is practiced today under various names and disguises.

Note: “An agent of the great deceiver will say and do anything to gain his object. It matters little whether he calls himself a spiritualist, an ‘electric physician,’ or a ‘magnetic healer.’ By specious pretenses he wins the confidence of the unwary. He pretends to read the life history and to understand all the difficulties and afflictions of those who resort to him. Disguising himself as an angel of light, while the blackness of the pit is in his heart, he manifests great interest in women who seek his counsel. He tells them that all their troubles are due to an unhappy marriage. This may be too true, but such counsel does not better their condition. He tells them that they need love and sympathy. Pretending great interest in their welfare, he casts a spell over his unsuspecting victims, charming them as the serpent charms the trembling bird. Soon they are completely in his power, and sin, disgrace, and ruin are the terrible sequel.

“Our only safety is in preserving the ancient landmarks.” Counsels on Health, 459.

“Believers in spiritism may speak with scorn of the magicians of old, but the great deceiver laughs in triumph as they yield to his arts under a different form.

“There are many who shrink with horror from the thought of consulting spirit mediums, but who are attracted by more pleasing forms of spiritism. Others are led astray by the teachings of Christian Science, and by the mysticism of Theosophy and other Oriental religions.

“The apostles of nearly all forms of spiritism claim to have power to heal. They attribute this power to electricity, magnetism, the so-called ‘sympathetic remedies,’ or to latent forces within the mind of man.” Prophets and Kings, 210, 211.

“Not a few in this Christian age and Christian nation resort to evil spirits rather than trust to the power of the living God. The mother, watching by the sickbed of her child, exclaims: ‘I can do no more. Is there no physician who has power to restore my child?’ She is told of the wonderful cures performed by some clairvoyant or magnetic healer, and she trusts her dear one to his charge, placing it as verily in the hands of Satan as if he were standing by her side. In many instances the future life of the child is controlled by a satanic power which it seems impossible to break.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 193, 194.

“Every person who cherishes a known error, in faith or practice, is under the power of sorcery.” The Signs of the Times, May 18, 1882.

4 PAUL GOES TO JERUSALEM

  • Although Paul had always clung to a goal of going to Jerusalem to remove the prejudice of his Jewish countrymen, what did his brethren warn him? Acts 21:3, 4. Why did he still press forward? Acts 21:5; II Corinthians 5:7.

Note: “The Holy Spirit had revealed to them [a few disciples at Tyre] something of the dangers which awaited Paul at Jerusalem, and they endeavored to dissuade him from his purpose. But the same Spirit which had warned him of afflictions, bonds, and imprisonment, still urged him forward, a willing captive.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 203.

  • What further enlightenment came to Paul at Caesarea, and why were all subdued by Paul’s touching response? Acts 21:8–15. What perspective does Christ give us concerning martyrdom? Luke 12:4, 5.

Note: “The apostle was deeply moved by the entreaties of his beloved brethren. To human judgment he had sufficient reason to relinquish his plan as unwise. But he felt that he was moving in obedience to the will of God, and he could not be deterred by the voice of friends, or even the warning of the prophet. He would not swerve from the path of duty to the right hand nor to the left. He must follow Christ, if need be, to prison and to death. His tears fell not for himself, but in sympathy with his brethren, upon whom his determination had brought so great sorrow.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 205.

  • Describe the results upon Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem. Acts 21:17, 18.

Note: “Paul and his companions formally presented to the leaders of the work at Jerusalem the contributions forwarded by the Gentile churches for the support of the poor among their Jewish brethren. The gathering of these contributions had cost the apostle and his fellow workers much time, anxious thought, and wearisome labor. The sum, which far exceeded the expectations of the elders at Jerusalem, represented many sacrifices and even severe privations on the part of the Gentile believers. …

“It was apparent to Paul and his companions that even among those before whom they now stood were some who were unable to appreciate the spirit of brotherly love that had prompted the gifts.” The Acts of the Apostles, 399, 400.

5 PLACED IN DANGER

  • Explain the unwise, unnecessary plan suddenly unveiled to Paul by the elders at Jerusalem, and the human logic behind it. Acts 21:19–25.

Note: “The brethren hoped that Paul, by following the course suggested, might give a decisive contradiction to the false reports concerning him. They assured him that the decision of the former council concerning the Gentile converts and the ceremonial law, still held good. But the advice now given was not consistent with that decision. The Spirit of God did not prompt this instruction; it was the fruit of cowardice.” The Acts of the Apostles, 404.

  • What did Paul do about this plan? Acts 21:26. Why did he agree to perform such an act? I Corinthians 9:22, 23.

Note: “Paul realized that so long as many of the leading members of the church at Jerusalem should continue to cherish prejudice against him, they would work constantly to counteract his influence. He felt that if by any reasonable concession he could win them to the truth he would remove a great obstacle to the success of the gospel in other places. But he was not authorized of God to concede as much as they asked.

“When we think of Paul’s great desire to be in harmony with his brethren, his tenderness toward the weak in the faith, his reverence for the apostles who had been with Christ, and for James, the brother of the Lord, and his purpose to become all things to all men so far as he could without sacrificing principle—when we think of all this, it is less surprising that he was constrained to deviate from the firm, decided course that he had hitherto followed.” The Acts of the Apostles, 405.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Under what types of circumstances has God performed unusual miracles?

2 What are some “magical books” that need to be burned right away?

3 To what forms of spiritism may we be in danger of falling prey?

4 Why did Paul go to Jerusalem?

5 What caution should we heed from Paul’s reasoning in Jerusalem?

Copyright © 2013 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Galatia and Ephesus

by

February 8, 2015 – February 14, 2015

Key Text

“Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.” Ephesians 5:11–13.

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 281–297, 383–388.

Introduction

“Good and evil never harmonize. Between light and darkness there can be no compromise. Truth is light revealed; error is darkness.” In Heavenly Places, 260.

1 THE TIMING OF GOD’S PROVIDENCE

  • Which area (of relatively little mention in the book of Acts) had been included within the scope of Paul’s missionary journeys? Acts 16:6; 18:23.
  • Where had Paul been forbidden to go? Acts 16:7. What shows there was eventual success in that area—and what does this teach us? I Peter 1:1, 2.

Note: “True workers walk and work by faith. Sometimes they grow weary with watching the slow advance of the work when the battle wages strong between the powers of good and evil. But if they refuse to fail or be discouraged they will see the clouds breaking away and the promise of deliverance fulfilling. Through the mist with which Satan has surrounded them, they will see the shining of the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness.

“Work in faith, and leave results with God. Pray in faith, and the mystery of His providence will bring its answer. At times it may seem that you cannot succeed. But work and believe, putting into your efforts faith, hope, and courage. After doing what you can, wait for the Lord, declaring His faithfulness, and He will bring His word to pass. Wait, not in fretful anxiety, but in undaunted faith and unshaken trust.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 245.

2 DEALING WITH DIFFERENT MINDS

  • With what sharp words did Paul attack head-on a spiritually fatal crisis among the Galatian believers? Galatians 1:6–9; 3:1–3; 4:9. Why did Paul treat them differently than he did the Corinthians?

Note: “The Corinthians had been overcome by temptation, and deceived by the ingenious sophistry of teachers who presented errors under the guise of truth. They had become confused and bewildered. To teach them to distinguish the false from the true, required great caution and patience in their instructor. Harshness or injudicious haste would have destroyed his influence over those whom he sought to benefit.

“In the Galatian churches, open, unmasked error was supplanting the faith of the gospel. Christ, the true foundation, was virtually renounced for the obsolete ceremonies of Judaism. The apostle saw that if these churches were saved from the dangerous influences which threatened them, the most decisive measures must be taken, the sharpest warnings given, to bring them to a sense of their true condition.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 189, 190.

  • In our desire to witness and win others to the Saviour, what distinction should be clear in our mind? Jude 21–23.

Note: “In all true teaching the personal element is essential. Christ in His teaching dealt with men individually. It was by personal contact and association that He trained the Twelve. It was in private, often to but one listener, that He gave His most precious instruction. To the honored rabbi at the night conference on the Mount of Olives, to the despised woman at the well of Sychar, He opened His richest treasures; for in these hearers He discerned the impressible heart, the open mind, the receptive spirit. Even the crowd that so often thronged His steps was not to Christ an indiscriminate mass of human beings. He spoke directly to every mind and appealed to every heart. He watched the faces of His hearers, marked the lighting up of the countenance, the quick, responsive glance, which told that truth had reached the soul; and there vibrated in His heart the answering chord of sympathetic joy.

“Christ discerned the possibilities in every human being.” Education, 231, 232.

3 CEREMONIES OR A CHANGED HEART?

  • What must all realize to be saved? Galatians 3:7–9, 27–29.

Note: “In the Galatian churches, open, unmasked error was supplanting the gospel message. Christ, the true foundation of the faith, was virtually renounced for the obsolete ceremonies of Judaism. …

“The apostle urged the Galatians to leave the false guides by whom they had been misled, and to return to the faith that had been accompanied by unmistakable evidences of divine approval. The men who had attempted to lead them from their belief in the gospel were hypocrites, unholy in heart and corrupt in life. Their religion was made up of a round of ceremonies, through the performance of which they expected to gain the favor of God. They had no desire for a gospel that called for obedience to the word, ‘Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God’ (John 3:3). They felt that a religion based on such a doctrine, required too great a sacrifice, and they clung to their errors, deceiving themselves and others.

“To substitute external forms of religion for holiness of heart and life is still as pleasing to the unrenewed nature as it was in the days of these Jewish teachers. Today, as then, there are false spiritual guides, to whose doctrines many listen eagerly. It is Satan’s studied effort to divert minds from the hope of salvation through faith in Christ and obedience to the law of God. In every age the archenemy adapts his temptations to the prejudices or inclinations of those whom he is seeking to deceive. In apostolic times he led the Jews to exalt the ceremonial law and reject Christ; at the present time he induces many professing Christians, under pretense of honoring Christ, to cast contempt on the moral law and to teach that its precepts may be transgressed with impunity. It is the duty of every servant of God to withstand firmly and decidedly these perverters of the faith and by the word of truth fearlessly to expose their errors.” The Acts of the Apostles, 385–387.

  • As many get caught up today in keeping ceremonial feast-days, what should we remember? Galatians 5:1, 2, 16–26.

Note: “It was Christ’s desire to leave to His disciples an ordinance [of feet washing] that would do for them the very thing they needed—that would serve to disentangle them from the rites and ceremonies which they had hitherto engaged in as essential, and which the reception of the gospel made no longer of any force. To continue these [ancient Jewish] rites would be an insult to Jehovah.” The Review and Herald, June 14, 1898.

4 LABORS IN EPHESUS

  • Why did Paul need to rebaptize some disciples in Ephesus? Acts 19:1–7. Why was this appropriate?

Note: “When they [the twelve Jewish brethren at Ephesus] received baptism at the hand of John, they were holding serious errors. But with clearer light they gladly accepted Christ as their Redeemer; and with this advance step came a change in their obligations. As they received a purer faith, there was a corresponding change in their life and character. In token of this change, and as an acknowledgment of their faith in Christ, they were rebaptized, in the name of Jesus.

“Many a sincere follower of Christ has had a similar experience. A clearer understanding of God’s will, places man in a new relation to Him. New duties are revealed. Much which before appeared innocent, or even praiseworthy, is now seen to be sinful.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 132.

  • Describe Paul’s task in Ephesus. Acts 19:8–10.

Note: “The Spirit of God had wrought with and through Paul in his labors for his countrymen. Sufficient evidence had been presented to convince all who honestly desired to know the truth. But many permitted themselves to be controlled by prejudice and unbelief, and refused to yield to the most conclusive evidence. Fearing that the faith of the believers would be endangered by continued association with these opposers of the truth, Paul separated the disciples as a distinct body, and himself continued his public instructions. …

“Paul saw that ‘a great door and effectual’ was open before him, though there were ‘many adversaries’ (1 Corinthians 16:19). Ephesus was not only the most magnificent, but the most corrupt, of the cities of Asia. Superstition and sensual pleasure held sway over her teeming population. Under the shadow of her idol temples, criminals of every grade found shelter, and the most degrading vices flourished.

“The city was famed for the worship of the goddess Diana and the practice of magic. Here was the great temple of Diana, which was regarded by the ancients as one of the wonders of the world. Its vast extent and surpassing magnificence made it the pride, not only of the city, but of the nation. Kings and princes had enriched it by their donations. … The idol enshrined in this sumptuous edifice was a rude, uncouth image, declared by tradition to have fallen from the sky.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 134.

5 CHALLENGES IN EPHESUS

  • Seeing that the teachings of Paul had hurt his financial enterprise as a manufacturer of portable “Diana” statues, what did Demetrius the silversmith do? Acts 19:23–27. How did the people react to this charge? Acts 19:28, 29.
  • Although Paul was willing to face grave danger to gain yet another chance to present the gospel, what did his brethren urge him to do? Acts 19:30–32. What role did Alexander the coppersmith play—and why did his attempt to oppose the apostle’s work prove a failure? Acts 19:33–41; II Timothy 4:14.
  • How did Paul summarize his work in Ephesus? Acts 20:17–21, 25–27, 33–35. What should we learn from the foresight of his final words—and the response that followed? Acts 20:22–24, 28–32, 36–38.

Note: “By his fidelity to the truth, Paul inspired intense hatred; but he also inspired the deepest and warmest affection. Sadly the disciples followed him to the ship, their hearts filled with anxiety, both for his future and for their own. The apostle’s tears flowed freely as he parted from these brethren, and after he had embarked there came to him from the shore the sound of weeping. With heavy hearts the elders turned homeward, knowing that they could expect no further help from him who had felt so deep an interest and labored with so great zeal for them and for the church under their care.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 202, 203.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What should we always consider about the timing of God’s providence?

2 Explain the character distinction between Corinthians and Galatians.

3 Why are people so prone to fall into ceremonialism and Judaization?

4 In what ways was Ephesus similar to our society today?

5 What can we learn from the way Paul handled this difficult mission field?

Copyright © 2013 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Corinth

by

February 1, 2015 – February 7, 2015

The Life of Paul

Key Text

“Out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.” II Corinthians 2:4.

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 243–254, 298–322.

Introduction

“No man ever lived who was a more earnest, energetic, and self-sacrificing disciple of Christ than was Paul. … He possessed a burning desire to bring perishing men to a knowledge of the truth through a Saviour’s love.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 100, 101.

1 THE MISSIONARY TENTMAKER

  • What blessing did the Lord provide for Paul upon his arrival in Corinth? Acts 18:1–3. What should we realize about Paul’s situation?

Note: “His [Paul’s] whole soul was engaged in the work of the ministry; but he seated himself to the labor of his humble trade that he might not be burdensome to the churches that were pressed with poverty. Although he had planted many churches, he refused to be supported by them, fearing that his usefulness and success as a minister of Christ might be injured by suspicions that he was preaching the gospel for gain. He would remove from his enemies all occasion to misrepresent him, and thus to detract from the force of his message.

“As a laborer in the gospel, Paul might have claimed support, instead of sustaining himself; but this right he was willing to forego. Although feeble in health, he labored during the day in serving the cause of Christ, and then toiled a large share of the night, and frequently all night, that he might make provision for his own and others’ necessities. The apostle would also give an example to the Christian ministry, dignifying and honoring industry. While thus preaching and working, he presented the highest type of Christianity.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 101.

2 THE WORK EXPANDS …

  • In Corinth, whom did Paul persuade in the synagogue every Sabbath? Acts 18:4, 5. What did he decide there, and how did the Lord encourage His servant at this difficult time? Acts 18:6–11.
  • Describe the next trials Paul faced, and how God blessed his labors. Acts 18:12–23.
  • What can we learn from the mutual love and respect among Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla—and the way God was able to use all three of them to His glory? Acts 18:24–28; I Corinthians 3:22, 23; 4:6.

Note: “Aquila and Priscilla listened to him [Apollos], and saw that his teachings were defective. He had not a thorough knowledge of the mission of Christ, His resurrection and ascension, and of the work of His Spirit, the Comforter which He sent down to remain with His people during His absence. They accordingly sent for Apollos, and the educated orator received instruction from them with grateful surprise and joy. Through their teachings he obtained a clearer understanding of the Scriptures, and became one of the ablest defenders of the Christian church. Thus a thorough scholar and brilliant orator learned the way of the Lord more perfectly from the teachings of a Christian man and woman whose humble employment was that of tent-making.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 119.

“Aquila and Priscilla were not called to give their whole time to the ministry of the gospel, yet these humble laborers were used by God to show Apollos the way of truth more perfectly. The Lord employs various instrumentalities for the accomplishment of His purpose, and while some with special talents are chosen to devote all their energies to the work of teaching and preaching the gospel, many others, upon whom human hands have never been laid in ordination, are called to act an important part in soulsaving.

“There is a large field open before the self-supporting gospel worker. Many may gain valuable experiences in ministry while toiling a portion of the time at some form of manual labor, and by this method strong workers may be developed for important service in needy fields.” The Acts of the Apostles, 355.

3 NOT TO LOSE FOCUS

  • As talented Apollos had now begun his faithful work as an apostle in Corinth, what began to occur among the believers in that city? I Corinthians 1:10–13.
  • What points was Paul constrained to clarify to the Corinthians regarding the vanity of human learning and finite knowledge? I Corinthians 1:17–31.
  • Although Paul could have easily spoken in such a way as to impress his Corinthian hearers with his extensive learning, how had his limited success in Athens influenced him to try a different method instead? I Corinthians 2:1–5.

Note: “In preaching the gospel in Corinth, the apostle [Paul] followed a course different from that which had marked his labors at Athens. While in the latter place, he had sought to adapt his style to the character of his audience; he had met logic with logic, science with science, philosophy with philosophy. As he thought of the time thus spent, and realized that his teaching in Athens had been productive of but little fruit, he decided to follow another plan of labor in Corinth in his efforts to arrest the attention of the careless and the indifferent. He determined to avoid elaborate arguments and discussions, and ‘not to know anything’ among the Corinthians ‘save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.’ He would preach to them ‘not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power’ (I Corinthians 2:2, 4).” The Acts of the Apostles, 244.

“Paul was an eloquent speaker. Before his conversion he had often sought to impress his hearers by flights of oratory. But now he set all this aside. Instead of indulging in poetic descriptions and fanciful representations, which might please the senses and feed the imagination, but which would not touch the daily experience, Paul sought by the use of simple language to bring home to the heart the truths that are of vital importance. Fanciful representations of truth may cause an ecstasy of feeling, but all too often truths presented in this way do not supply the food necessary to strengthen and fortify the believer for the battles of life.” Ibid., 251, 252.

4 REFUSING TO BE RIVALS

  • What principles did the Corinthians need to learn about God’s apostles—and how can this apply in our midst today? I Corinthians 3:1–10. How was the problem wisely handled? I Corinthians 16:12.

Note: “There can be no stronger evidence in churches that the truths of the Bible have not sanctified the receivers, than their attachment to some favorite minister, and their unwillingness to accept the labors of some other teacher, and to be profited by them. The Lord sends help to His church as they need, not as they choose; for short-sighted mortals cannot discern what is for their highest good. It is seldom that one minister has all the qualifications necessary to perfect any one church in all the requirements of Christianity; therefore God sends other ministers to follow him, one after another, each possessing some qualifications in which the others were deficient.

“The church should gratefully accept these servants of Christ, even as they would accept the Master Himself. They should seek to derive all the benefit possible from the instruction which ministers may give them from the word of God. But the ministers themselves are not to be idolized; there should be no religious pets and favorites among the people; it is the truths they bring which are to be accepted and appreciated in the meekness of humility.

“In the apostles’ day, one party claimed to believe in Christ, yet refused to give due respect to His ambassadors. They claimed to follow no human teacher, but to be taught directly from Christ, without the aid of ministers of the gospel. They were independent in spirit, and unwilling to submit to the voice of the church. Another party claimed Paul as their leader, and drew comparisons between him and Peter, which were unfavorable to the latter. Another declared that Apollos far exceeded Paul in address, and power of oratory. Another claimed Peter as their leader, affirming that he had been most intimate with Christ when He was upon the earth, while Paul had been a persecutor of the believers. There was danger that this party spirit would ruin the Christian church.

“Paul and Apollos were in perfect harmony. The latter was disappointed and grieved because of the dissension in the church; he took no advantage of the preference shown himself, nor did he encourage it, but hastily left the field of strife. When Paul afterward urged him to visit Corinth, he declined, and did not again labor there until long after, when the church had reached a better spiritual state.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 127, 128.

5 UPHOLDING STANDARDS

  • What appeals did Paul make to the conscience of the Corinthians who, by nature, tended heavily to sensuality? I Corinthians 3:16, 17; 6:13–20; 9:25–27.
  • What is often the experience of an earnest teacher of reformation? II Corinthians 11:29, 30; 12:15. When Paul felt that the struggling Corinthians would not necessarily profit very much from a personal visit from him, what did he do? II Corinthians 2:4; 8:16.

Note: “When Paul sent Titus to Corinth to strengthen the believers there, he instructed him to build up that church in the grace of giving. …

“Unselfish liberality threw the early church into a transport of joy; for the believers knew that their efforts were helping to send the gospel message to those in darkness. Their benevolence testified that they had not received the grace of God in vain. What could produce such liberality but the sanctification of the Spirit? In the eyes of believers and unbelievers it was a miracle of grace.

“Spiritual prosperity is closely bound up with Christian liberality. The followers of Christ should rejoice in the privilege of revealing in their lives the beneficence of their Redeemer.” The Acts of the Apostles, 344, 345.

  • What did Paul instruct Titus about expanding the gospel work into broader regions while still maintaining its purity? Titus 1:5–9, 15, 16; 2:1, 11–15; 3:9–11.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How can Paul inspire all who work with their hands for a livelihood?

2 Explain how humble Priscilla and Acquila could bear far-reaching fruit.

3 In seeking to win intellectuals, what can we learn from Paul in Corinth?

4 What type of attitude can ruin the effects of the varied gifts in the church?

5 Why is it so vital to uphold biblical standards of behavior in the church?

Copyright © 2013 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Recipe – Wild West Bean Caviar

by

¼ cup lemon juice with a pinch of sweetener

6 cups cooked black beans or black-eyed peas

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

3 ripe tomatoes

½ cup chopped red onion

2 Tbsp olive oil

½ cup chopped cilantro

1 Tbsp. lime juice

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp salt

corn chips or pita chips

Under the broiler, cook tomatoes for 10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until charred on all sides. Cool, peel, seed and core. In a food processor, combine tomato flesh, lemon juice, olive oil, lime juice, garlic and salt; process until smooth.

In a bowl, stir together roasted tomato sauce, beans, red onions, cilantro, and jalapeno pepper. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Serve with chips for scooping or serve as a starter salad or side dish.

Use 3 cans (each 19 ounces) black beans or black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained or cook your own starting with 1 ½ cups dried.

Food – Beans and Lentils

by

Beans and lentils are delicious hot or cold. They are visually appealing and come in many different shapes, sizes and colors – including yellow chickpeas, red or white kidney beans and multi-colored lentils. Being highly adaptable, they combine well with a wide variety of flavors and foods, running the gamut from graceful and elegant to rib-sticking. Lentils can make inspiring appetizers, distinctive soups, the most stylish of salads, and delicious entrees. Better still, they are inexpensive and highly nutritious. In fact, if it weren’t for dried beans and lentils, many of our pioneer ancestors would not have survived. Because they were easy to store, legumes were a crucial source of nutrition for an age that lacked refrigeration as well as seasonal supplies of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Although the benefits vary between different types, legumes share some common nutritional characteristics. All are a rich source of B vitamins, calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium, and zinc.

Legumes are an excellent source of low-fat protein. A diet rich in beans and lentils can help to provide necessary protein without the added cholesterol and fat contained in meat. Strict vegetarians should ensure they eat adequate amounts of grains and cereals, seeds and nuts in addition to legumes.

Dried beans and lentils can be purchased in various package sizes at most supermarkets or from bulk food stores. They should be stored in a dry, airtight container at room temperature. Since they lose their moisture over time, they are best used within a year. Not only do old beans take longer to soak and to cook, they are likely to be tougher than beans that have been stored for only a few months.

Once cooked, legumes should be covered and stored in the refrigerator where they will keep for four to five days. Cooked legumes can also be frozen. Packaged in an airtight, freezer-friendly container, they will keep frozen for up to six months. The Beans Lentils & Tofu Gourmet, Published by Robert Rose Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2000.

Children’s Story – Sowing Seeds

by

It is the beginning of a new year. Many people make resolutions that they hope will make a difference in their lives. Unfortunately, most of them are not fulfilled. This year why not resolve to protect your heart from the enemy.

“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Philippians 4:8

Early Sunday morning, Dr. Reed called his children to come out into the garden for a seed-planting game. They selected a plot of ground where they had planned to sow winter rye for the chickens.

“We will use only a small part of this good ground for our game,” announced Daddy Reed, as he set a few stakes to mark off a small corner of the plot. Then he took from his pocket three envelopes. Handing one to Harold, he said, “Son, you may take this dock seed and scatter it as evenly as you can over this corner of the plot.”

Harold objected. “Why, daddy, why plant dock seed? We’ll have an awful time pulling up the plants when they once get started.”

“It’s part of the game,” said the doctor, handing another envelope to Linda. “You may plant this hemlock weed seed.”

“Hemlock!” exclaimed Linda in surprise. “Isn’t that a poisonous plant?” She could scarcely believe her ears when daddy replied, “Yes, it is very poisonous, but this is only a game; we’re just playing it for fun. So scatter the seed over the ground.” Then he gave Betty Lou and Eddie some dandelion seed.

“Ready! Now plant!” came the orders; “scatter your seeds carefully.”

Harold looked at his father as if to ask, “Do you really mean for us to do this foolish thing?” The only response to his questioning look was, “Go ahead and plant the seed!”

Slowly, hesitatingly, the children began to drop the seeds.

“Our seeds are flying away,” exclaimed Eddie. He and Betty Lou ran here and there trying to catch the fluffy things, but the breeze carried them off. Only a few of the dandelion seeds reached the damp ground, which held them fast.

“Now, children, you have sown the seed. The game is to see how many of these seeds you can find and put back into the envelopes.”

“Oh, no!” objected all the children.

Then daddy went on to say, “There is another kind of seed that we are planting every day in the gardens of our hearts. Either we are helping Jesus plant good seed, or we are helping the evil one plant bad seed. Satan has many people working for him, helping scatter bad seeds in the minds of boys and girls, where they will grow into poisonous plants.

“The men who print these books and papers telling about the foolish or wicked things that people can do, and the naughty tricks of children, illustrating their stories with ugly pictures, are helpers of Satan. They try to make these bad things appear as funny as they can so those who read them will think it smart to do the same kinds of things themselves. Other helpers of Satan pile these books on the newsstands where young people will be tempted to spend their nickels and dimes for them. Others make up nonsense pages which go into the newspapers for the entertainment of boys and girls.

“Some of these books and papers are silly. They are like the dandelion seeds that cover the ground with useless plants and keep good seeds from finding a place to grow. They fill the mind with foolishness, so there is little room for the good thoughts which make life beautiful.

“Some are like the dock seeds, which grow big, ugly roots that are hard to pull up. They leave bad pictures in the minds, which are almost impossible to forget.

“But the very worst of all these worthless books are the ones that tell of wicked deeds, like shooting, and stealing, and other sinful things. These bad books are like the poisonous hemlock. They fill the mind with thoughts of sin and crime.

“Now, children, I hope that you will finish this seed planting game and gather up as many of these seeds as you can so they will not spoil our garden. Remember, every one you pick up now will save hard work digging out weeds later on. You may put the seeds back into their envelopes as you gather them up.

“Put the dandelion seed into this envelope marked The Funnies. The dock-weed seed goes into this one marked The Uglies. And this one, for the hemlock seed, I have marked The Crimies.”

The children objected even to trying to find the tiny things, but daddy insisted that they make the effort. An hour later they came into the house tired and discouraged.

“We’ve lost the game,” Harold had to admit, as he handed the almost empty envelopes to his father.

“The seeds are so small we can’t find them, and the dandelion seeds all flew away,” Eddie complained.

“The only thing we can do now is to dig the weeds out early in the spring before they get big,” Harold concluded.

Daddy looked serious as he said, “It will be a hard task to dig out the weeds you planted today in your garden, but not nearly as hard as it would be to uproot the weeds of sin in your lives, if you should be foolish enough to let their seeds into your minds.”

The children all agreed that they would do their very best to keep the bad seeds out, and to sow only good seeds, that would bear beautiful flowers and precious fruit for Jesus.

Happy Home Stories by Ella M. Robinson, Teach Services, Inc.

Health – Fatigue and How to Conquer It

by

Fortunately, there are a number of simple causes of fatigue. If we eliminate these, fatigue will usually disappear. A rarely understood cause of fatigue is overeating. It would seem that a snack or between meal eating would be the very thing to help cure fatigue, but the reverse is actually the case. Do not overeat, such as between-meal snacks or a heavy supper. While a heavy supper may enable some to sleep the sleep of the drugged, it does not cause refreshment. Next morning the person awakens in a partial stupor.

Too little exercise is another common cause of fatigue. Again it would appear that exercise would cause fatigue in itself. Not so. As the out-of-condition person begins to exercise, chronic fatigue may disappear like magic.

The use of too little water is also a common source of weakness and fatigue. Drinking water will perk you up just as a wilted flower perks up in water. Chronic dehydration is often caused by diuretics such as coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate. Eating concentrated, rich, or heavy foods promotes chronic dehydration. Protein food supplements can also cause chronic dehydration.

There are certain conditions of the body associated with fatigue which must be diagnosed by chemical tests: thyroid problems, blood sugar problems, and many chronic diseases. Ideal fasting blood sugar ranges between 70 and 85. Any deviation from the ideal may mean a trend toward an error in metabolism. A special program should then be followed.

If your hemoglobin (blood iron) is either too high or too low you may feel fatigue. Almost everyone is aware that a low level of hemoglobin is associated with fatigue, but it is the rare person who understands that rich, heavy blood can also cause fatigue. Pushing around the heavy blood is a tax on the heart and arteries, uses up energy, and results in fatigue. In order to bring the hemoglobin down one should take more exercise, eat more fruits and vegetables prepared simply or eaten raw, avoid all rich or concentrated foods, avoid overeating, drink plenty of water, and avoid stresses.

A class of stressful stimuli can be listed as fatigue producers. These include working around a lot of noise, being in a stressful or anxious state, having periods of lack of rest, and depression. One of the first indications of depression is fatigue. Overweight, overwork, and depression are often related, and may cause fatigue.

If one has an irregular schedule, the body does not have the ability to control the expenditure of energy, and the loss of energy with resultant fatigue is a frequent companion of an irregular schedule.

Constipation can cause fatigue by the constant transmission of electrical signals from the gastrointestinal tract to the central nervous system, using up energy.

Poor air, especially in the bedroom while sleeping, is a common cause of early morning fatigue as well as headache. If exhaled impurities are taken again into the blood, the body must expend double energy to throw them off. Foods having a high nutrient density per unit volume require more energy to metabolize, resulting in fatigue. Concentrated foods are oils, sugars, wheat germ, all animal products (meat, milk, eggs, and cheese), and anything other than fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Excesses of one’s pleasures are a sure producer of fatigue.

Make a self-evaluation and correct all those things that are known to be causes of fatigue. If fatigue continues after correcting all known causes, then one should select a good physician and receive an evaluation of his/her thyroid, blood sugar, hemoglobin levels, and other health indicators.

www.ucheepines.org/fatigue-and-how-to-conquer-it-1/