Jana Wagner

Question & Answer – Was Jesus rude to His mother, as recorded in John 2:4?

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“ ‘Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.’

“His manner was respectful, yet firm; He designed to teach Mary that the time for her to control Him as a mother, was ended. His mighty work now lay before Him, and no one must direct concerning the exercise of His divine power. There was danger that Mary would presume upon her relationship to Christ, and feel that she had special claims upon Him and special rights. As Son of the Most High, and Saviour of the world, no earthly ties must hold Him from His divine mission, nor influence the course He must pursue. It was needful that He should stand free from every personal consideration, ready to do the will of His Father in Heaven.

“Jesus loved His mother tenderly … but the time had now come when He was to go about His Father’s business. In rebuking His mother, Jesus also rebukes a large class who have an idolatrous love for their family, and allow the ties of relationship to draw them from the service of God. Human love is a sacred attribute; but should not be allowed to mar our religious experience, or draw our hearts from God.

“The future life of Christ was mapped out before Him. His divine power had been hidden, and He had waited in obscurity and humiliation for thirty years, and was in no haste to act until the proper time should arrive. But Mary, in the pride of her heart, longed to see Him prove to the company that He was really the honored of God. … But He answered that His hour had not yet come. His time to be honored and glorified as King was not yet come; it was His lot to be a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

“The earthly relation of Christ to His mother was ended. He who had been her submissive son was now her divine Lord. Her only hope, in common with the rest of mankind, was to believe Him to be the Redeemer of the world, and yield Him implicit obedience. The fearful delusion of the Roman church exalts the mother of Christ equal with the Son of the Infinite God; but He, the Saviour, places the matter in a vastly different light, and in a pointed manner indicates that the tie of relationship between them in no way raises her to His level, or insures her future. Human sympathies must no longer affect the One whose mission is to the world.

“The mother of Christ understood the character of her Son, and bowed in submission to His will. She knew that He would comply with her request if it was best to do so. Her manner evidenced her perfect faith in his wisdom and power, and it was this faith to which Jesus responded in the miracle that followed.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 101–103.

Pen of Inspiration – Happy New Year

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I wish you a happy New Year,” will soon be repeated far and near, by parents and children, brothers and sisters, acquaintances and friends. In a world like ours, this New Year’s greeting seems far more appropriate than the Merry Christmas so lately echoed from lip to lip. On every hand are pale faces, brows furrowed with pain and care, or forms bowed with age. Wherever we turn may be seen the garb of mourning. The suffering, the care-worn, and the aged can no longer be merry. In many a household there is a vacant chair; a beloved child, a husband and father, whose presence gladdened the last Christmas and New Year’s festivity, is gone from the circle. A merry Christmas seems a mockery to that bereaved family.

But whatever the cares and sorrows of life, whatever the mistakes and errors of the past, the “Happy New Year,” when uttered as an expression of love or respect, falls pleasantly upon the ear. And yet, are not these kindly wishes often forgotten with the utterance? How often we fail to carry their import into the daily life, and thus to aid in their fulfillment. The New Year’s greeting is frequently uttered by insincere lips, from hearts that would not forego one selfish gratification in order to make other’s happy. Recipients of gifts and favors every new year, many accept these as their due. Receiving daily the bounties of Heaven, sunshine and shower, food and raiment, friends and home—all the unnoted yet priceless blessings of life—they forget the claims of the Giver; forget that God has left them a legacy in His poor; and that Christ, the Majesty of Heaven, identifies Himself with suffering humanity in the person of his saints.

Says our Saviour, “It was I Whom you neglected. While your wardrobe was supplied with costly apparel, I had no comfortable clothing; while you feasted, I was hungry; while you were absorbed in pleasure, I was sick, a stranger, and uncared for.” Let those who would have a happy new year, seek to honor God and make all around them happy. Let them share the gifts of Providence with those more needy, and bring to the Lord their offerings of gratitude, their sin-offerings, and their free-will offerings.

Let us review our own course during the past year, and compare our life and character with the Bible standard. Have we withheld from our gracious Benefactor that which He claims from us in return for all the blessings He has granted? Have we neglected to care for the poor, and comfort the sorrowing? Here, then, is work for us.

Upon many, God has bestowed His gifts with a lavish hand. Will they make corresponding returns? Some of these persons, when in poverty, were faithful in the smallest trust committed to them. They would sooner deny themselves of the comforts, or even the necessaries of life, than to withhold their offerings from the Lord’s treasury. God has rewarded their faithfulness by prosperity. But now a change comes over the recipients of His bounty. Their wants increase faster than their income, and they no longer return to God the portion which is His due. Thus is developed that same spirit of covetousness which proved the ruin of Judas.

Let us each bring our souls to task. Let us see if we have brought all our offerings to God. I would do this for myself as an individual. It may be that I have been remiss during the past year. I know not when or where, but to make sure that I have done my whole duty, I will at the first of the year bring an offering to God to be appropriated as may seem best, to some one of the branches of His work. If any of you, my brethren and sisters, are convicted that you have failed to render to God the things that are His; if you have not kindly considered the wants of the poor; or if you have withheld from any man his due, I entreat you to repent before the Lord, and to restore fourfold. Strict honesty toward God and men will alone meet the divine requirements. Remember that if you have defrauded a neighbor in trade, or in any manner deprived him of his own, or if you have robbed God in tithes and offerings, it is all registered in the books of Heaven.

Many are bemoaning their backsliding, their want of peace and rest in Christ, when the past year’s record shows that they have separated themselves from God by their departure from strict integrity. When they will faithfully examine their hearts, when they will open their eyes to see the selfishness of their motives—then their prayer will be, “Create in me a clean heart O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). God requires us to have a pure heart and clean hands (Psalm 24:4). Let those who have committed wrong give proof of their repentance by seeking to make full restitution, let them in their after-life give evidence of a genuine reformation, and they will assuredly enjoy the peace of Heaven.

Let us enter upon the new year with a clean record. Let faults be corrected. Let bitterness and malice be uprooted. Let right triumph over wrong. Let envy and jealousy between brethren be put away. Heartfelt, honest confession will heal grave difficulties. Then, with the love of God in the soul, there may flow from sincere lips the greeting, “I wish you a happy New Year.”

Many who were with us at the beginning of 1881 are not here to welcome 1882. We ourselves may not live to see another year. Shall we not seek to improve the little time allotted us? Will not the church of Christ turn from their backslidings? Will they not cast aside their idols, repent of their love of the world, overcome their selfish greed, and open the door of the heart to bid the Saviour welcome? May the beginning of this year be a time that shall never be forgotten—a time when Christ shall come in among us, and say, “Peace be unto you.”

Brethren and sisters, I wish you, one and all, a happy New Year.

“We live in deeds, not years; in
thought, not breath;
In feelings, not in figures on the dial.
We should count time by heart-throbs
when they beat
For man, for duty. He most lives
Who thinks most, feels noblest, acts
the best.”

The Review and Herald, January 3, 1882.

Keys to the Storehouse – Beacons of Warning

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Are your eyes open to the beacons of warning? To recognize them will enable you to turn defeat into victory and honor your Redeemer. There are many, but consider these few.

Your faith is a beacon – “The faith of God’s true people, manifested, as was Noah’s, by their works, should stand as a beacon of warning to the world. If our works do not correspond with our profession, we present to the world a false light, and thus lure them on to destruction.” The Review and Herald, November 29, 1881.

Your building/temple is a beacon – “Every faculty in man is a workman that is building for time and for eternity. Day by day the structure is going up, although the possessor is not aware of it. It is a building which must stand either as:

  • a beacon of warning because of its deformity
  • or as a structure which God and angels will admire for its harmony with the Divine Model.” Mind, Character and Personality, Book 2, 545.

Solomon’s life was a beacon of warning – It was shaken like a reed under the tempter’s power. “But the case of Solomon is before us as a beacon of warning. When thou … thinkest that thou standest take heed lest thou fall. How, in Solomon’s case, was weak, vacillating character, naturally bold, firm, and determined, shaken like a reed in the wind under the tempter’s power! How was an old gnarled cedar of Lebanon, a sturdy oak of Bashan, bent before the blast of temptation! What a lesson for all who desire to save their souls to watch unto prayer continually! What a warning to keep the grace of Christ ever in their heart, to battle with inward corruptions and outward temptations!” Conflict and Courage, 197.

Words and deeds are beacons of warning – “The words and deeds of the pleasure lovers pass directly from these halls of vice to the book of final records. What is the life of this class worth to the world, except as a beacon of warning to those who will be warned, not to live like these men, and die as the fool dieth.” Temperance, 18.

Warnings – “Beacons of warning are placed on every side in the pathway of life to prevent men from approaching the dangerous, forbidden ground; but, notwithstanding this, multitudes choose the fatal path, contrary to the dictates of reason, regardless of God’s law, and in defiance of His vengeance.” The Adventist Home, 59.

“This is why God has given so many examples showing the results of even one wrong act. From the sad story of that one sin which ‘brought death into the world and all our woe, with loss of Eden,’ to the record of him who for thirty pieces of silver sold the Lord of glory, Bible biography abounds in these examples, set up as beacons of warning at the byways leading from the path of life.” Education, 150.

Overcome but repented – “Though they may have been overcome with temptation, they repented of their sins; and no opportunity is left for us to depreciate their characters or to excuse sin. Their history is a beacon of warning to us, and points out a safe path for our feet if we will but shun their mistakes. These noble men sought the mercy seat and humbled their souls before God.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 346.

Father: I am so thankful for the beacons of warning that You have set before me and appreciate the eye salve that You provide. Please continue to apply the salve so that I may see and understand the warnings before me and the way You would have me to walk. Help me to stand as a beacon of warning filled with heavenly light. Amen.

Current Events – Pope Declared the Importance of the Virgin Mary

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Pope Francis About To Decree Virgin Mary To Be More Important Than Jesus Christ?

For most of the world, Pope Francis is the one pope that everyone seems to like. With is open mind and open attitude to other religions, as well as his more humanist approach to being Catholic, many have fallen under his spell of universal peace. The Inquisitr reported numerous times on the pope’s actions that appeal to others. This includes stating that atheists are also saved, inviting Muslims to pray Islamic prayers at the Vatican, and even stating that Evangelizing is one thing that doesn’t equate to personal happiness.

However, many Evangelical Christians are not happy with the pope. With reports such as Pope Francis saying the only way to God is through the Catholic Church (and not Jesus Christ, who said He was the way) to promoting Chrislam (a religion made by combining Christianity and Islam together), it is no wonder Christ followers are upset. Now they are getting upset again because Pope Francis is about to decree the Virgin Mary to be the fourth entity in the Trinity (which makes it a Quartet).

According to an article by Vatican Radio, it reports that Pope Francis attended the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on Monday morning Mass at Casa Santa Marta. He made a reflection on the Virgin Mary, on how she learned, obeyed, and suffered at the foot of the Cross.

“And this is our hope. We are not orphans, we have Mothers: Mother Mary. But the Church is Mother and the Mother Church is anointed when it takes the same path of Jesus and Mary: the path of obedience, the path of suffering, and when she has that attitude of continually learning the path of the Lord. These two women – Mary and the Church – carry on the hope that is Christ, they give us Christ, they bring forth Christ in us. Without Mary, there would be no Jesus Christ; without the Church, we cannot go forward.”

The argument being presented is that Jesus Christ, the one who says that the only way to the Father is through Me, has been demoted to third place. By stating that without Mary, there would be no Jesus Christ, and with no church, they cannot move forward, Pope Francis effectually placed the Virgin Mary at the Godhead level.

Now The End Begins actually followed up on this news in which they related Pope Francis promoting the Virgin Mary to the status of God by citing verses 4 to 6 in the seventeenth chapter in the Book of Revelation.

“And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.”

Another thing to take notice is that the Godhead has appeared together numerous times, even in the Old Testament, meaning that Jesus Christ has existed even before he was born from the Virgin Mary. Good example is the first chapter of Genesis in which Soldier of Christ that both the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are present during creation. And added note; the Virgin Mary – though Pope Francis has promoted her to Godhead level – is not mentioned.

www.inquisitr.com/1477428/pope-francis-about-to-decree-virgin-mary-to-be-more-important-than-jesus-christ/

You or Me?

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Dr. Sutherland in his book Living Fountains or Broken Cisterns, page 40 wrote concerning God’s spiritual paradigm for the development and happiness of humans. He states, “The God-given system, as found among the Hebrews, rested upon faith, and developed the spiritual side of man’s nature, making it possible in the highest sense for divinity to unite with humanity. The result of this union of the human and the divine – the Immanuel – is the highest creation of the universe. It in itself was a power before which men and demons bowed.”

God’s program of salvation demands self-abnegation for it is only then that man can be used by God. Ellen White wrote, “What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself. When men see their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ.” The Faith I Live By, 111.

Dr. Sutherland reveals the central theme in the religion of the pagans; he maintains, “As to paganism and its system of education, what was the religion of the pagan world? And what were the ideas it strove to propagate? First, it placed above God the study and worship of self.” Living Fountains or Broken Cisterns, 40.

On page 41 of the book he further states, “The thought which must be borne in mind is that man turns from God and worships himself. He can conceive of no power higher than his own mind, no form more lofty than his own. His first idol is the human form, male and female. He endows this with human passions, for he knows no heart but his own.”

The core of self-esteem is the worship and uplifting of self. It is totally devoid of the worship of God. Jesus made it very clear when He said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.” Matthew 6:24.

Deny Self and Follow Christ

Fundamentally each of us worships either “Self” or “Christ” making us either pagans at heart or Christians at heart! One must ask who is the supreme authority in his or her life. The answer will reveal who he or she worships, who is his or her idol.

The self-esteem doctrine acknowledges and praises people with high self-esteem while it boosts people with low self-esteem. Thus the central thought is that we are good within ourselves, we are masters of our own destiny, we are gods!

This “you are god” philosophy was what Satan injected Eve with in the Garden of Eden: “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4, 5.

Ellen White, the servant of the Lord, remarked concerning the forbidden tree: “It was called the tree of knowledge, because in partaking of that tree, of which God had said ‘Thou shalt not eat of it,’ they would have a knowledge of sin, an experience in disobedience.” The Review and Herald, February 24, 1874.

She also states, “The first great moral lesson given Adam was that of self-denial.” Ibid.

The experience of Adam and Eve opened the door to self-love, self-esteem, self-acceptance, self-justification, self-righteousness, self-actualization, self-denigration, self-pity and other forms of self-focus and self-centeredness.

The word of God presents a different picture of human beings; it tells us of our true condition. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9.

The psalmist David wrote, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Psalm 14:1–3.

The Prophet Isaiah depicts man’s true condition: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6.

And the prophet Jeremiah reminds us: “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23, 24.

The apostle Paul tells us our true state: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

There is nothing good in us that sets us apart as worthy of recognition and commendation. Jesus made this clear when He said to His disciples, “But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” Luke 17:7–10.

In our lost and hopeless condition where is the reason for self-exaltation, self-recognition, boasting and self-esteem? Remember, the message of the Bible is addressing a sinful, lost, and otherwise hopeless human race. Every individual is shown to be a desperate sinner, because of Adam’s sin and disobedience.

There is no hope in “self”; we cannot make ourselves good or righteous. Ellen White tells us, “Man needs power outside of, and beyond, himself to restore him to the likeness of God, and to enable him to do the work of God; but this does not make the human agency unessential. Humanity lays hold upon divine power. Christ dwells in the heart by faith; and, through co-operation with the divine, the power of man becomes efficient for good.” The Signs of the Times, April 6, 1904.

“It is impossible for us, of ourselves, to escape from the pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. ‘Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.’ ‘The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.’ Job 14:4; Romans 8:7. Education, culture, the exercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but here they are powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of behavior, but they cannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs of life. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness.” [Emphasis supplied.] Steps to Christ, 18.

The Futility of Self-esteem

A few years ago the California legislature passed a bill creating the California Task Force to Promote Self-Esteem and Personal and Social Responsibility. The legislature funded the bill with $245,000 a year for three years, for a total of $735,000. The twofold title of the task force was quite an assumption. No one has ever demonstrated that promoting self-esteem is in any way related to personal and social responsibility. Nor has anyone proved that all those who exhibit personal and social responsibility have high self-esteem. Self-esteem and social and personal responsibility actually appear to be negatively rather than positively related. The mission statement of the task force is as follows: Seek to determine whether self-esteem, and personal and social responsibility are the keys to unlocking the secrets of healthy human development so that we can get to the roots of and develop effective solutions for major social problems and to develop and provide for every Californian the latest knowledge and practices regarding the significance of self-esteem, and personal and social responsibility.

The task force believed that esteeming oneself and growing in self-esteem would reduce “dramatically the epidemic levels of social problems we currently face.”

Is There a Positive Relationship Between High or Low Self-Esteem and Personal and Social Responsibility?

In order to investigate this relationship the state task force hired eight professors from the University of California to look at the research on self-esteem as it relates to the six following areas:

  1. Crime, violence and recidivism
  2. Alcohol and drug abuse
  3. Welfare dependency
  4. Teenage pregnancy
  5. Child and spousal abuse
  6. Children failing to learn in school

The Result of the Research

Even though they searched for a connection between low self-esteem and problematic behavior, they could not find a cause and effect link. However, more recent studies indicate a definite relationship between violent behavior and high self-esteem. (See www.psychoheresy-aware.org/selfestm.html)

The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 14:7, 8, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”

Horatius Bonar the great preacher and hymn writer wrote concerning the importance of laying self aside. “The words ‘none of us’ show that the apostle is speaking of those who have been delivered from a present evil world. He is contrasting them with the men of earth. Once, our life, he means to say, was the same as theirs; now all is changed; and instead of resemblance, there is unlikeness in every feature. He does not count it pride to say, we are unselfish, they are selfish; we are of God, and the whole world lies in wickedness. …

“I do not mean annihilating self, as some speak. There is no such thing, except in the dreams of a vain philosophy, or a self-righteous mysticism. I speak of giving self its proper place—the place recognized by our Lord, when He said, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’ (Matthew 19:19 NASB). Lawful self-love is not selfishness; yet we may say that selfishness is diseased self-love; and, as such, is the master-sin, the master-curse of man. He lives for self; his estimate of everything is its bearing upon self; the gloss which he casts over everything is one derived from self. Self is the horizon which limits all his views.” [Emphasis author’s.]

Accordingly, Horatius Bonar continues, “The Christian is done with self, at least, in the way in which we have hitherto been connected with it. Self is displaced. It is brought down to its true position and level; it is set aside entirely as an end, or motive; and this, not in one thing—but in everything; … This displacement of self, then, is carried through man’s whole being, from one extremity to the other. From his life and from his death, as well as from all between, this self has been displaced.”

Ellen White also fully understood the importance of the setting aside of self; that is why she wrote, “Selfishness and self-esteem should be guarded against as your bitterest enemy. But how easily self finds opportunities to exhibit itself, and how Satan exults at the exhibitions, and how sorrowful and ashamed are the angels of God of man’s foolishness.” Upward Look, 250.

She also admonishes us: “… the more self-esteem we have, the more we are puffed up by the devil. May God help us to put away self and cling to Jesus; then we will spring up and bear fruit to the glory of God.” Sermons and Talks, vol. 1, 104. “Ye cannot serve self and at the same time be servants of Christ.” The Review and Herald, August 10, 1886.

  1. E. Green in The Youth’s Instructor, January 18, 1894, page 158 wrote this beautiful poem:

“Strip Me of Self”

Strip me of self and make me mild –
Obedient as a little child;
For none but such can hope to win
a home the pearly gates within.
Strip me of self, and let me be, my
Blessed Saviour, just like Thee;
Strip me of self, and let me show to
others, Christ in all I do.
Self has in me too long held place, but
now I am a child of grace;
I long to be from sin set free and
serve, Dear Lord, not self, but thee.

Horatius Bonar explains further the necessity of setting self aside. “The first setting aside of self is in the matter of justification before God; for, previously, self was the main ingredient in man’s theory of justification. His object was to amend self, to improve self, or it might be, to mortify self, in order that thereby he might recommend himself to God. Thus self, in the matter of his justification before God, occupied the chief place. The first thing which the Holy Spirit does, when He convinces a man of sin, is to show that this cannot be; that self can contribute nothing towards his acceptance with God.”

Then he shows the comprehensive nature of this setting aside of self. “From that point it proceeds onwards throughout a man’s whole life. From life, in all its parts and movements, great and small, his inner life, his outer life, his domestic life, his social life, self is displaced. Life is no longer tinged or shaded, or discolored by self as it had once been. And then the close of his life, in like manner, exhibits the setting aside of self. On a sick-bed self is set aside; in dying, self is not allowed to come in.

“Nor in dying, are we to exhibit self or turn the eye either of ourselves or others to it; or to think merely of enjoyment, or comfort, or reputation among men, our good name, our fame after death—posthumous fame, as men vainly call it. In reference to all these points self is set aside—‘None of us lives to himself, and no man dies to himself.’ Others may live to themselves—but not we who have been ‘bought with a price’ 1 Corinthians 6:20. Others may die to themselves—but not we who have been ‘redeemed with the precious blood of Christ.’ ” Self or Christ; Which Is It?, Horatius Bonar, 1867.

The self-esteem doctrine is to promote self and as we have seen this is not of Christ. Significantly Ellen White wrote, “Let no one deceive his own soul in this matter. If you harbor pride, self-esteem, a love for the supremacy, vainglory, unholy ambition, murmuring, discontent, bitterness, evil speaking, lying, deception, slandering, you have not Christ abiding in your heart, and the evidence shows that you have the mind and character of Satan, not of Jesus Christ, who was meek and lowly of heart.”Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 441.

Mortifying Self Yet Valuing Self

How are we to value ourselves? “The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate upon themselves. He desires His chosen heritage to value themselves according to the price He has placed upon them. God wanted them, else He would not have sent His Son on such an expensive errand to redeem them.” The Desire of Ages, 668.

“The worth of a soul cannot be fully estimated by finite minds.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, 144.

“The worth of a human soul can be estimated only by the light reflected from the cross of Calvary. So terrible was the doom of the lost race, so great the glory to which the redeemed might be exalted, that the Father is satisfied with the infinite price which He pays for their redemption.” The Signs of the Times, February 24, 1887.

“We should better appreciate the worth of the soul; for every soul converted to God means a vessel dedicated to a holy use, a depositary for truth, a bearer of light to others.” The Review and Herald, November 24, 1891.

“The redemption of the soul is precious. Christ has paid an infinite price for our salvation, and no one who appreciates the value of this great sacrifice or the worth of the soul will despise God’s offered mercy because others choose to do so.” Conflict and Courage, 54.

The Church of Laodicea Has a Problem

“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” [Emphasis supplied.] Revelation 3:17.

Ellen White wrote concerning what blinds our spiritual eyes: “The people of God should be firmly united in love, strengthening one another against temptations and trials; but how often Satan diverts the mind to selfish objects. He knows our wrong traits of character, and he takes advantage of every opportunity to arouse them to activity. He excites contention, and leads professed Christians to seek for the supremacy, while through pride and self-esteem he blinds their eyes to their own defects of character.” [Emphasis supplied.] The Signs of the Times, January 15, 1885.

Those Only Who Will Enter the Pearly Gates

“Everyone who enters the pearly gates of the city of God will enter there as a conqueror, and his greatest conquest will have been the conquest of self.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 183.

Yet there will be bitter disappointment for many. “Among those to whom bitter disappointment will come at the day of final reckoning will be some who have been outwardly religious, and who apparently have lived Christian lives. But self is woven into all they do. They pride themselves on their morality, their influence, their ability to stand in a higher position than others, [and] their knowledge of the truth, for they think that these will win for them the commendation of Christ.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 81, 82.

Our Perfect Example of Selflessness

Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28–30.

“My brother, the lesson of meekness and lowliness of heart you must learn more fully than you ever yet have done, or you will never see the kingdom of heaven. In your present condition you would even think in heaven that you could improve upon the management of Christ. In learning in Christ’s school, ambition, pride, self-esteem, will all be subdued, self will be hid in Christ, and you will find peace and rest to your soul. We are to look constantly upon the meek and holy Sufferer who in His own body bore our sins, who knew our griefs, who has carried our sorrows.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, 94.

Pastor Ivan Plummer ministers through the Emmanuel Seventh Day Church Ministries in Bronx, New York. He may be contacted by telephone at: 718-882-3900.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

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Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

“Who can know, in the moment of temptation, the terrible consequences that will result from one wrong step?” Patriarchs and Prophets, 61

Many times a day, a person encounters a situation in which he/she has to make a decision of some sort. Most of the time, we do so without too much effort or anxiety. Often the consequences of the decision are not life-changing, though they may affect the way the day ends for us. However, there occasionally comes a time when we have to put some serious thought into what we are going to do next, because the decision we make has eternal consequences.

One decision we are told about in Scripture had eternal consequences, not only for the person who made the decision, but consequences for every person who has ever lived since that fateful decision was made. It is arguably the second most critical decision ever made in the history of this world and perhaps the universe.

“Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, ‘Has God indeed said, “You shall not eat of every tree of the garden”?’ And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, “You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.” ’

“Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” Genesis 3:1–6.

Here in six relatively short verses, consisting of only 171 words in the NKJ version, lies the story of what I consider to be the second most critical decision that was ever made in the entire history of the universe. Although Scripture describes the fall in only 171 words, Inspiration fleshes out the story in far more detail, using several thousand words to help us understand more clearly what an ill thought-out and fateful decision our first parents made when they chose to act contrary to the instructions the Lord gave them.

We know from inspired writings that Adam and Eve had been warned that Satan would tempt them. We know that they were not hungry. We know that Eve had wandered away from Adam, contrary to the counsel she had been given. We know that this test was the easiest, mildest, test that could have been given. And we know that this was to be the only test that they were to be given. If they successfully passed this test, there would not have been another.

Nevertheless, they failed the test. Eve took of the fruit—and note that she took it. She made the fateful decision. Then when she offered it to Adam, he likewise took it. Both failed on this critical decision point, and the world has not been the same since.

Let’s look at another example in the Old Testament of a decision point at which one’s fate was determined for eternity.

“The Lord showed me, and there were two baskets of figs set before the temple of the Lord, after Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and the princes of Judah with the craftsmen and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon. One basket had very good figs, like the figs that are first ripe; and the other basket had very bad figs which could not be eaten, they were so bad. Then the Lord said to me, ‘What do you see, Jeremiah?’ And I said, ‘Figs, the good figs, very good; and the bad, very bad, which cannot be eaten, they are so bad.’ Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: “Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge those who are carried away captive from Judah, whom I have sent out of this place for their own good, into the land of the Chaldeans. For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land; I will build them and not pull them down, and I will plant them and not pluck them up. Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart. And as the bad figs which cannot be eaten, they are so bad”—surely thus says the Lord—“so will I give up Zedekiah the king of Judah, his princes, the residue of Jerusalem who remain in this land, and those who dwell in the land of Egypt. I will deliver them to trouble into all the kingdoms of the earth, for their harm, to be a reproach and a byword, a taunt and a curse, in all places where I shall drive them. And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence among them, till they are consumed from the land that I gave to them and their fathers.” ’ ” Jeremiah 24:1–10.

There is a great deal worth studying in these texts. One obvious conclusion is that when one decides to cooperate with the Lord, even if the initial result may be unpleasant, the eventual outcome will be a blessing. Note the promise given in verses 6 and 7: “For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land; I will build them and not pull them down, and I will plant them and not pluck them up. Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart.”

In Jeremiah 27:17, Jeremiah tells the children of Israel in no uncertain terms: “Do not listen to them [the false prophets]; serve the king of Babylon, and live! Why should this city be laid waste?”

Did they listen? Did they decide to abide by the instructions the Lord gave them? Or did they, like Adam and Eve, decide to follow their own inclinations? Unfortunately, it was the latter. And the consequences? Inspiration provides the answer.

“Why did the Lord permit Jerusalem to be destroyed by fire the first time? Why did He permit His people to be overcome by their enemies and carried into heathen lands? It was because they had failed to be His missionaries, and had built walls of division between themselves and the people around them. The Lord scattered them, that the knowledge of His truth might be carried to the world. If they were loyal and true and submissive, God would bring them again into their own land” [which is just what we read in Jeremiah 24]. The Publishing Ministry, 176.

This lesson of obeying divine counsel—of deciding to follow the Lord regardless of the immediate consequences—is oftentimes a tough lesson to learn. But if we remember that we have a loving God, One Who is fair beyond our ability to comprehend, we can have the faith we need to trust in Him completely, to trust that what He has promised, He will deliver. He explains that in many places to us, perhaps most frequently in the book of Psalms. The word “trust” or some form of it occurs 69 times in the book of Psalms in the NKJV. A study of those occurrences makes for a pleasant and uplifting personal devotional.

The promises in God’s word are abundant, uplifting, reassuring, comforting, and give us great hope, but if we don’t have faith in them, why do we, as Seventh-day Adventists, bother to worship on the day He has told us to?

Let’s read one of the wonderful promises God gives us in the fascinating book of Jeremiah. Although Jeremiah is often referred to as the prophet of doom, his writings contain some of the richest promises in the entire Bible for those who choose to obey.

“ ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,’ says the Lord, ‘thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.’ ” Jeremiah 29:11–13.

If there were no other promise in the entire Bible, that one alone would be sufficient to gladden the heart of any believer. But there are others—lots of others.

As Christ was nearing the end of the Sermon on the Mount, He gave a promise similar to the one we just read in Jeremiah.

“ ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.’ ” Matthew 7:7, 8.

In verses 9–12, Jesus explains again how loving and fair God is. Then as He concluded this most wonderful sermon ever given, He gave three separate examples of contrasting outcomes or critical decision points at which we have the opportunity to decide for ourselves our ultimate fate. And as is the case in every example, the choice is up to us as to which path we choose to follow. Let’s continue in Matthew 7 and look at these examples.

The first fork in the road that Christ discusses as He concludes His sermon is in verses 13 and 14: “ ‘Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.’ ”

I would submit that because you are reading this article, you have at some point in the past chosen the narrow gate and the difficult way that leads to eternal life. However, it is very important to realize that because you chose that narrow gate yesterday does not mean that the wide gate is closed today.

In the Review and Herald, April 1, 1875, is this statement: “Vain philosophy is employed in representing the path to hell as a path of safety. With the imagination highly wrought, and voices musically tuned, they picture the broad road as one of happiness and glory.”

“Come on over and join us on the broad road,” they say—perhaps not in words, but in action. “It’s wide and easily traveled and there are many folks headed to the magic kingdom on it. Snow White, Cinderella, Tinkerbelle, Mickey Mouse—all are waiting to greet you. It will be fun. Come on over.”

That wide gate—much to our detriment—is always open. Remember that Inspiration tells us that people will fall off the path all the way to the Holy City. We must be on our guard at all times.

“Tests are placed all along the way from earth to heaven. It is because of this that the road to heaven is called the narrow way. Character must be tested, else there would be many spurious [false, fake, counterfeit, imitation, illegitimate, phony, inauthentic] Christians who would keep up a fair semblance of religion until their inclinations, their desire to have their own way, their pride and ambition, were crossed. When by the Lord’s permission sharp trials come to them, their lack of genuine religion, of the meekness and lowliness of Christ, shows them to be in need of the work of the Holy Spirit.” In Heavenly Places, 266.

In The Youth’s Instructor, we are given a description of the journey of those who remain on the path, following the light that streams so faithfully from the cross.

“We are pilgrims and strangers on this earth, looking for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. The path in which we travel is narrow, and calls for self-denial and self-sacrifice. We meet with trial and conflict. But God has not left us to travel without help.” The Youth’s Instructor, January 23, 1902.

Let’s look now at the second decision point Christ discussed as He concluded the Sermon on the Mount.

“ ‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.’ ” Matthew 7:15–20.

The fruit that one bears is of such significance that Christ mentions it again in Matthew 12:33. “ ‘Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.’ ”

It’s important to note that, unlike a tree in an orchard, which always bears the same kind of fruit, man has the ability to decide what kind of fruit he bears. That’s clear from this text in Matthew 12: “ ‘Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad.’ ” [Emphasis supplied.] Give some thought to what kind of tree you have decided to be—and recognize that the decision is indeed yours to make.

Christ follows this contrast between the good tree and the bad tree with one of the scariest warnings in all of Scripture:

“ ‘Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” ’ ” Matthew 7:21–23.

Imagine how devastating it will be to hear those words from Jesus.

Let’s look now at the third decision point that Christ presents to His listeners as He concludes His sermon.

“ ‘Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.’ ” Matthew 7:24–27.

In alluding to these verses, Sister White wrote in the Bible Echo, November 5, 1894: “It is not a matter of little consequence to us as to how we hear and how we treat the truth of God. To misunderstand the truth, or fail to appreciate it, because we do not cherish light that comes to us, will be to build upon the sand. The wise builder builds upon the Rock Christ Jesus, no matter what may be the inconvenience. He builds not upon human, but upon divine merit, accepting the righteousness of Christ as his own, and as his only hope of salvation. The foolish builder built upon the sand, and through his carelessness, or prejudice, or through the deceptions of the natural heart, he cherishes a self-righteous spirit, and places human wisdom in the place where God’s wisdom should have the supremacy; and how terrible are the consequences!

“There are many unwise builders, and when the storm of temptation comes and beats upon them, it is made evident that their foundation is only sliding sand. They are left in gross darkness, without faith, without principles, and without foundation.”

Let’s look now at another of the clearest examples of two different outcomes in Scripture, again from the book of Matthew: “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’ … Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’ ” Matthew 25:31–34, 41.

In this parable, Jesus explains very clearly the difference between two character types—one that is centered on self and one that is centered on the great commandment of love to God and to the brethren.

In verses 35 through 40, Jesus explains the decisions one must make to be among the sheep: feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, cloth the naked, give shelter to the stranger, visit the sick and shut-ins and those in prison. In principle, manifest toward others the same degree of disinterested benevolence that Christ manifested to mankind when He was here on earth and which He continues to manifest to His children today. Remember that the sun shines and the rain falls on the unjust and evil just as it does on the just and the good.

It is important to realize that it is up to each of us individually to determine whether we will be among the sheep or the goats, just as it is up to each of us individually to determine what kind of fruit we will bear, and just as it is up to each of us to decide for ourselves whether to travel the broad road or the narrow way.

References have been made earlier to the second most critical decision ever made in regard to the fate of mankind. Now let’s look at that decision which may be the most critical. This decision is referred to only tangentially in the Bible, but—praise God—we have the Spirit of Prophecy to provide wonderful detail about it.

The Bible calls it a “counsel of peace.”

“Yes, He shall build the temple of the Lord.

He shall bear the glory,

And shall sit and rule on His throne;

So He shall be a priest on His throne,

And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”

Zechariah 6:13

In the third chapter of Patriarchs and Prophets, “The Temptation and Fall,” we are given amazing detail about the second most critical decision—really a series of decisions—that Eve and Adam made in the garden of Eden … an account that includes details that could only have been provided by someone who was shown the details by an all-knowing and all-wise God through divine vision. (Are we not blessed as a people to have this account?) Here we see in greater detail than the sacred canon gives us the points made earlier—the lightness of the test, the error made by our first parents in allowing themselves to be separated from one another, the fact that if they passed this first test, there would be no further temptations, the folly and the absolute danger of engaging in controversy with the enemy of souls.

In the following chapter of Patriarchs and Prophets, “The Plan of Redemption,” we are provided detail about what in my opinion is the most important decision ever made. This, it seems upon study of the details, was a decision that had to have been made once and then reaffirmed when it became necessary to implement it, as this paragraph seems to tell us.

“Before the Father He pleaded in the sinner’s behalf, while the host of heaven awaited the result with an intensity of interest that words cannot express. Long continued was that mysterious communing—‘the counsel of peace’ (Zechariah 6:13) for the fallen sons of men. The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth; for Christ is ‘the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world’ (Revelation 13:8); yet it was a struggle, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race. But ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ John 3:16. Oh, the mystery of redemption! the love of God for a world that did not love Him! Who can know the depths of that love which ‘passeth knowledge’? Through endless ages immortal minds, seeking to comprehend the mystery of that incomprehensible love, will wonder and adore.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 63, 64.

May it be your decision to be among those who have the privilege of wondering about and adoring that incomprehensible love through endless ages.

Bible texts are from NKJV unless otherwise noted.

John Pearson is the office manager and a board member of Steps to Life. After retiring as chief financial officer for the Grand Canyon Association, Grand Canyon, Arizona, he moved to Wichita, Kansas, to join the Steps team. He may be contacted by email at: johnpearson@stepstolife.org.

Could the Whole World be Deceived?

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Is it possible that the whole world could be deceived by miracles? That is exactly what the book of Revelation predicts will happen in the last days of this world’s history. There is only one class of people who will not be deceived and this class does not include the scientists or the philosophers. When Jesus spoke about the last days as recorded in Luke 21, He said there would be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

The book of Daniel predicts a time of trouble that will come on the world as never before. Daniel 12:1 says, “At that time Michael shall stand up, the Great Prince Who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book.”

This same period of time is anticipated in Revelation 12:12: “Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

“Fearful are the scenes which call forth this exclamation from the heavenly voice. The wrath of Satan [spoken of throughout the Bible] increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction reaches its culmination in the time of trouble [described in Daniel 12:1].” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, 441.

“Fearful sights of a supernatural character will soon be revealed in the heavens, in token of the power of miracle-working demons.” Ibid. The Scriptures plainly predict in Revelation 16 that demons will go out to fasten all the world in deception to join Satan in his last battle against the government of heaven. This event is described in Revelation 16:13, 14: “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” These spirits of demons are going to go out to the whole world, especially the leaders of the governments of the world, to gather them all to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. These “unclean spirits” will deceive the whole world by performing signs, that is, miracles. The most intelligent, the most highly educated, those in government and commerce, the leaders of our world, will almost, without exception, be deceived.

In Revelation 18:23, last part, it says, “By your sorcery all the nations were deceived.” This text emphatically says “all nations” will be deceived. Revelation 13 describes how some of these signs or miracles will be worked out. “He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.” Revelation 13:13, 14.

When this event transpires, the whole world is going to be involved in this deception.

The purpose of these deceptions is to lead the whole world into uniting with Satan in his last struggle against the government of heaven. Remember, these are deceptive spirits. Jesus said that the devil was a liar and the father of lies. He said to the Pharisees, “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44. The people who are deceived by this deception will not think that they are following the devil and going to war against the God of heaven. They will think that they are worshiping Christ. They will believe that they are following Christ and exalting Him and that they are involved in the greatest religious revival, and having the greatest religious experience that they have ever had.

But as the apostle Paul cautioned the Corinthians, “For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it.” II Corinthians 11:4. Some may think they have the Holy Spirit, but in reality it is another. These are the people that Jesus talks about in Matthew 7:21–23 that will be so sure they are saved that they will actually get into an argument with the Lord when He comes and try to convince Him that He is mistaken, that they know they are saved. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ ” Matthew 7:21, 22.

These people are not atheists; they are not infidels. They are Christians. These are people who call Jesus, Lord. Jesus is talking here especially about the Christian world, those that live in Christian nations, in Christian communities, in Christian families, and who call themselves Christians. They go to church. He is speaking of those who say, “I have received the Holy Spirit. I have been working miracles in Christ’s name.” These people have been working miracles in His name, but they did not know that the spirit motivating them was not the Holy Spirit. It was as the apostle Paul said in II Corinthians 11:4, “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” KJV

Notice what Jesus said He will say to them in Matthew 7:23: “Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ ” Tragically, although they think that they are saved, they have been under such a grand deception that they thought they had the Holy Spirit. They believed that the miracles they had worked were by the power of Christ, but find out too late that it was a different spirit. They thought they were the loyal children of God and called Jesus, Lord, but He will say to them, “I don’t know you. I have never known you. You did not have My Spirit. You had a different spirit. You are not loyal citizens of My government.”

There must be a way of knowing for sure which spirit controls us. A loyal citizen of any country keeps the laws of that government. A loyal citizen of God’s kingdom keeps the commandments of His kingdom. Notice that Jesus will say to many Christians: “I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”

The book of Revelation describes a mammoth, worldwide deception that will affect almost the whole world. It says, “The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of the bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived.” Revelation 18:23. “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Revelation 16:13, 14. And in Revelation 13:13, 14, it says, “He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs [the means of those miracles, KJV] which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.” The majority will be deceived; kings and the leaders of the governments of the whole world and the common people, because of the great signs and miracles that are manifested.

Jesus repeatedly spoke about the last days, warning His disciples to be careful that nobody deceives them. He said, “For false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24.

Persons are going to arise in the future who will claim to be Christ Himself, claiming the title and the worship which is due only to the world’s Redeemer. These imposters will perform miracles. The deception will be so great that Jesus said if it were possible, even the elect, His chosen ones, would be deceived. The only way to be protected from the deceptions that are coming on this world is through the power of the Holy Spirit. If you are one of God’s elect and you are reading and studying His word and following your Bible so that you listen and apply what the Bible says, in spite of what you see and hear, then there is safety.

These false christs are going to perform not just regular signs and wonders, but they are going to perform miracles of healing. There are millions of Christians worldwide who will assume that it is by God’s power that these miraculous healings are occurring. That is one of the ways the devil will succeed in deceiving the whole world when he comes. Through these false christs and false prophets great miracles of healing will be performed. Once they have established trust, these same imposters will profess to have revelations from heaven that contradict the testimony of the Scriptures.

O, friend, study your Bible like never before. Do you know what the Scriptures say? Can you determine the truth from error if a preacher, teacher, priest, or religious leader comes and tells you something that is directly contrary to the word of God? Will you recognize truth from error?

Eventually these false teachers and miracle workers are going to be superseded by a deception that will be almost overwhelming to the whole world. “Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” II Corinthians 11:14. The devil can transform himself into an angel of light so that he appears as a heavenly being and thereby deceives people. “As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will impersonate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour’s advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come. In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of God given by John in the Revelation (Revelation 1:13–15). The glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld. The shout of triumph rings out upon the air. ‘Christ has come! Christ has come!’ The people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His disciples when He was upon the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle, compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths which the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his assumed character of Christ he claims to have changed the Sabbath to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming His name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion. Like the Samaritans who were deceived by Simon Magus, the multitudes, from the least to the greatest, give heed to these sorceries, saying: This is ‘the great power of God’ (Acts 8:10).

“But, the people of God will not be misled. The teachings of this false christ are not in accordance with the Scriptures. His blessing is pronounced upon the worshipers of the beast and his image, the very class upon whom the Bible declares that God’s unmingled wrath shall be poured out.” The Great Controversy, 624, 625.

There will be a small group of people who have studied their Bibles and will not be deceived. They know that this coming of Satan is a counterfeit and is not in the manner of Christ’s second advent and that the blessing Satan pronounces as he impersonates Christ is not according to the Scriptures. Therefore they know that he is a false Christ.

Jesus clearly foretold the manner of His coming and strictly warned His people against deception on this point. He said, “For false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the desert!’ do not go out; or, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:24–27.

The second coming of Christ will be an event that is witnessed by the entire world. “Behold He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, and they also who pierced Him. And all the tribes of earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.” Revelation 1:7. The apostle Paul, talking about the second coming of Christ said, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” I Thessalonians 4:16.

When Jesus comes, the dead will be raised. All of His children from all over the world, from all lands and from all ages, will be raised up. Then, this united company, the raised dead and those that are still alive who are followers of Christ in the world, will be lifted up off the earth into a cloud. That cannot be counterfeited. The devil does not have the ability to raise all the dead people in the world at one time. The second coming of Christ will not be something that you will see on television where Christ is in Jerusalem, or Rome, or Paris, or Africa, or some other place.

We have been warned of this deception by false christs showing great signs and miracles with their hypnotizing influence on the world. Paul said, “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” II Thessalonians 2:9–12.

Everybody who does not receive the love of the truth will be deceived. Those who have pleasure in unrighteousness will be sent a strong delusion and they will believe the lie. Do you love truth and will you be able to detect the deceiver in his disguise? The decisions you make today will determine your future tomorrow.

(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 – Some Things to Study

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As we approach the near coming of Jesus there are important subjects with which you need to be well acquainted to be ready for the swiftly coming future events.

  1. The reasons for your faith. “We shall have to stand before magistrates to answer for our allegiance to the law of God, to make known the reasons of our faith.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 128.
  2. Bible predictions about the closing events in this world’s history. “And the youth should understand these things. They should know the things that will come to pass before the closing up of the world’s history.” Ibid., 128, 129.
  3. The Books of Daniel and Revelation. “There is need of a much closer study of the word of God; especially should Daniel and the Revelation have attention as never before in the history of our work.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 112.

“The unfulfilled predictions of the book of Revelation are soon to be fulfilled. This prophecy is now to be studied with diligence by the people of God, and should be clearly understood. It does not conceal the truth; it clearly forewarns, telling us what will be in the future.” Notebook Leaflets, vol. 1, 96.

  1. The judgment. “We are in the great day of atonement, and the sacred work of Christ for the people of God that is going on at the present time in the heavenly sanctuary should be our constant study.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 520.

“With what care should everyone come to the study of the Scriptures! With what a determination to know all that it is possible for him to know of the reasons of every point of the faith. Especially should he study the sanctuary question, and the first, second and third angel’s messages.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 10, 171.

  1. Health Reform. “God calls upon us to stand upon the broad platform of temperance in eating, drinking, and dressing. Parents, will you not awaken to your God-given responsibilities? Study the principles of health reform, and teach your children that the path of self-denial is the only path of safety.” Ibid., vol. 20, 9.

Bible Study Guides – The Close of a Godly Life

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March 22, 2015 – March 28, 2015

Key Text

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” II Timothy 4:7, 8.

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 485–503, 509–513.

Introduction

“His [Paul’s] own life was a living illustration of the truths he taught; and herein lay his power with the people.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 325, 326.

1 ARREST AT TROAS

  • Against all odds, Paul was miraculously set at liberty by declaration of Nero, who was perhaps the most vile, atrocious despot in the line of the Caesars. How did the apostle consider his newly regained freedom? Galatians 5:13.
  • Although spared from the persecution against Christians in Rome, what happened during Paul’s travel back to Troas? II Timothy 4:14, 15.

Note: “The Jews conceived the idea of seeking to fasten upon Paul the crime of instigating the burning of Rome. Not one of them for a moment believed him guilty; but they knew that such a charge, made with the faintest show of plausibility, would seal his doom. An opportunity soon offered to execute their plans. At the house of a disciple in the city of Troas, Paul was again seized, and from this place he was hurried away to his final imprisonment.

“The arrest was affected by the efforts of Alexander the coppersmith, who had so unsuccessfully opposed the apostle’s work at Ephesus, and who now seized the opportunity to be revenged on one whom he could not defeat.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 305.

  • In view of his circumstances, what poignant appeals did the apostle make in his epistle to Timothy, his beloved son in the faith? II Timothy 1:7–14; 4:9.

2 CHRISTLIKE FAITH

  • Why was Paul’s second arraignment in Rome especially trying, and what was his attitude toward those who might have helped? II Timothy 4:16.

Note: “Accused of instigating one of the basest and most terrible of crimes against the city and the nation, he [Paul] was the object of universal execration.

“The few friends who had shared the burdens of the apostle, now began to leave him, some by desertion, and others on missions to the various churches.” The Acts of the Apostles, 490.

  • In all of this, what assurance did Paul have? II Timothy 4:17, 18. What human comfort did he also receive?

Note: “Never had the apostle needed the ministrations of his brethren as now, enfeebled as he was by age, toil, and infirmities, and confined in the damp, dark vaults of a Roman prison. …

“Paul, though apparently indifferent to hardship and suffering, yearned for sympathy and companionship. The visit of Onesiphorus, testifying to his fidelity at a time of loneliness and desertion, brought gladness and cheer to one who had spent his life in service for others.” The Acts of the Apostles, 490, 491.

  • After all that the apostle had gone through, why did he long to see Timothy, and why had his heart now softened toward Mark, who by now had become more mature in the faith? II Timothy 1:3–6; 4:9–11.

Note: “Since the earlier years of his profession of faith, Mark’s Christian experience had deepened. As he had studied more closely the life and death of Christ he had obtained clearer views of the Saviour’s mission, its toils and conflicts. Reading in the scars in Christ’s hands and feet the marks of His service for humanity, and the length to which self-abnegation leads to save the lost and perishing, Mark had become willing to follow the Master in the path of self-sacrifice. Now, sharing the lot of Paul the prisoner, he understood better than ever before that it is infinite gain to win Christ, infinite loss to win the world and lose the soul for whose redemption the blood of Christ was shed. In the face of severe trial and adversity, Mark continued steadfast, a wise and beloved helper of the apostle.” The Acts of the Apostles, 455.

3 PASSING ON THE TORCH

  • As Paul preached the gospel to hardened Nero, touching the hearts of many, what did he desire for his son in the faith? II Timothy 2:1–4; 4:1, 2. Of what did the apostle feel compelled to warn and exhort this young minister? II Timothy 3:1–5, 13, 14; 4:3–5.
  • What could Paul say of God’s loving watchcare in the many experiences he obtained while preaching the gospel? II Timothy 3:10, 11. What must we all realize in pondering Paul’s life? II Timothy 3:12; II Corinthians 11:23–28.

Note: “The truth always involves a cross. Those who will not believe, oppose and deride those who do believe. The fact that its presentation creates a storm of opposition, is no evidence against the truth. The prophets and apostles imperiled their lives because they would conscientiously obey God. And our Saviour declares that ‘all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution’ (II Timothy 3:12). This is the Christian’s legacy.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 279.

“Reformatory action is always attended with loss, sacrifice, and peril. It always rebukes love of ease, selfish interests, and lustful ambition. Hence, whoever initiates or prosecutes such action must encounter opposition, calumny, and hatred from those who are unwilling to submit to the conditions of reform. It is no easy matter to overcome sinful habits and practices. The work can be accomplished only with the help of divine grace; but many neglect to seek such help, and endeavor to bring down the standard to meet their deficiencies, instead of bringing themselves up to meet the standard of God.” Ibid., 305, 306.

  • How did Paul feel about closing his life bound in chains? 11 Timothy 2:7–10. Despite all persecution, what must be the source of our every decision and practice, and with what assurance? II Timothy 3:16, 17; John 8:32–36.

Note: “When for the truth’s sake the believer is incarcerated in prison walls, Christ manifests Himself to him, and ravishes his heart with His love. When he suffers death for the sake of Christ, Christ says to him, ‘They may kill the body, but they cannot hurt the soul’ (Matthew 10:28). ‘Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33).” Selected Messages, Book 3, 420, 421.

4 PAUL’S TESTIMONY PRIOR TO HIS DEATH

  • At the close of Paul’s life, what did he realize, and what was he fully able to testify? II Timothy 4:6–8. How did he die?

Note: “The emperor’s malice against Paul was heightened by the fact that members of the imperial household, and also other persons of distinction, had been converted to Christianity during his first imprisonment. For this reason he [Nero] made the second imprisonment much more severe than the first, granting him little opportunity to preach the gospel; and he determined to cut short his life as soon as a plausible pretext could be found for so doing. Nero’s mind was so impressed with the force of the apostle’s words at his last trial that he deferred the decision of the case, neither acquitting nor condemning him. But the sentence was only deferred. It was not long before the decision was pronounced which consigned Paul to a martyr’s grave. Being a Roman citizen, he could not be subjected to torture, and was therefore sentenced to be beheaded.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 328, 329.

“Paul was led in a private manner to the place of execution. His persecutors, alarmed at the extent of his influence, feared that converts might be won to Christianity, even by the scenes of his death. Hence few spectators were allowed to be present. But the hardened soldiers appointed to attend him, listened to his words, and with amazement saw him cheerful and even joyous in prospect of such a death. His spirit of forgiveness toward his murderers, and his unwavering confidence in Christ to the very last, proved a savor of life unto life to some who witnessed his martyrdom. More than one erelong accepted the Saviour whom Paul preached, and fearlessly sealed their faith with their blood.” Ibid., 329, 330.

  • What assurance does the apostle eagerly want us to embrace as we deeply ponder the glorious message of the gospel? Romans 8:31–34.

Note: “Paul carried with him through his life on earth the very atmosphere of Heaven. All who associated with him felt the influence of his connection with Christ and companionship with angels. Here lies the power of the truth. The unstudied, unconscious influence of a holy life is the most convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity. Argument, even when unanswerable, may provoke only opposition; but a godly example has a power which it is impossible wholly to resist.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 331.

5 APPLYING THESE LESSONS FOR OUR BENEFIT

  • Why can we be energized into love and action by prayerfully contemplating the life of this meek man of faith—a life that, if we so desire, can in many ways be echoed in our own? Romans 8:35–39.

Note: “What has sustained Christians in every age, amidst reproaches, temptations, and sufferings? A pure, trusting faith, constantly exercised to understand what is truth which sanctifies the receiver, a committing of the keeping of the soul to God, under any and every circumstance, as unto One whom they knew would not betray their trust.” The Upward Look, 244.

“Through his long term of service, Paul had never faltered in his allegiance to his Saviour. Wherever he was—whether before scowling Pharisees, or Roman authorities; before the furious mob at Lystra, or the convicted sinners in the Macedonian dungeon; whether reasoning with the panic-stricken sailors on the shipwrecked vessel, or standing alone before Nero to plead for his life—he had never been ashamed of the cause he was advocating. The one great purpose of his Christian life had been to serve Him whose name had once filled him with contempt; and from this purpose no opposition or persecution had been able to turn him aside. …

“The love of the Saviour was the undying motive that upheld him in his conflicts with self and in his struggles against evil as in the service of Christ he pressed forward against the unfriendliness of the world and the opposition of his enemies.

“What the church needs in these days of peril is an army of workers who, like Paul, have educated themselves for usefulness, who have a deep experience in the things of God, and who are filled with earnestness and zeal.” Conflict and Courage, 356.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What are we to learn from the outrageously unjust accusation against Paul?

2 Explain the growth in attitude of both Paul and Mark.

3 Why is reformation always a challenge—yet a rewarding one?

4 Describe Paul’s attitude in his martyrdom.

5 Summarize the insights we can gain from studying the life of Paul.

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

Bible Study Guides – Rome

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March 15, 2015 – March 21, 2015

Key Text

“I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:15, 16.

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 447–468, 483, 484.

Introduction

“Paul had long looked forward to a visit to Rome; he greatly desired to witness for Christ there, but had felt that his purposes were frustrated by the enmity of the Jews. He little thought … that he would go to Rome [as a prisoner].” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 225.

1 AN AIM LONG DESIRED

  • For how long had Paul hoped to meet the believers in Rome? Acts 19:21. Who had confirmed this goal in the apostle’s heart? Acts 23:11.
  • Describe the impact of Paul’s epistle to the Romans. Romans 1:1–7.

Note: “While addressing the Roman Christians, Paul designed to instruct other churches also; but how little could he foresee the far-reaching influence of his words! The great truth of justification by faith, as set forth in this epistle, has stood through all the ages as a mighty beacon to guide the repentant sinner into the way of life.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 187.

  • Why did Paul want to come to Rome? Romans 1:8–17. What encouraging commendation had the apostle given in his epistle to the Romans? Romans 16:19, 20.

2 A HEART-WARMING WELCOME

  • Describe Paul’s arrival in the city of Rome. Acts 28:15.

Note: “It was with a heavy heart that Paul went forward to his long-expected visit to the world’s metropolis. How different the circumstances from those he had anticipated! How was he, fettered and stigmatized, to proclaim the gospel? His hopes of winning many souls to the truth in Rome, seemed destined to disappointment.

“At last the travelers reach Appii Forum, forty miles from Rome. As they make their way through the crowds that throng the great thoroughfare, the gray-haired old man, chained with a group of hardened-looking criminals, receives many a glance of scorn and is made the subject of many a rude, mocking jest.

“Suddenly a cry of joy is heard, and a man springs from the passing throng and falls upon the prisoner’s neck, embracing him with tears and rejoicing, as a son would welcome a long-absent father. Again and again is the scene repeated as, with eyes made keen by loving expectation, many discern in the chained captive the one who at Corinth, at Philippi, at Ephesus, had spoken to them the words of life.

“As the warmhearted disciples eagerly flock around their father in the gospel, the whole company is brought to a standstill. The soldiers are impatient of delay, yet they have not the heart to interrupt this happy meeting; for they, too, have learned to respect and esteem their prisoner. In that worn, pain-stricken face, the disciples see reflected the image of Christ. They assure Paul that they have not forgotten him nor ceased to love him; that they are indebted to him for the joyful hope which animates their lives and gives them peace toward God. In the ardor of their love they would bear him upon their shoulders the whole way to the city, could they but have the privilege.

“Few realize the significance of those words of Luke, that when Paul saw his brethren, ‘he thanked God, and took courage’ (Acts 28:15). In the midst of the weeping, sympathizing company of believers, who were not ashamed of his bonds, the apostle praised God aloud. The cloud of sadness that had rested upon his spirit was swept away. His Christian life had been a succession of trials, sufferings, and disappointments, but in that hour he felt abundantly repaid. With firmer step and joyful heart he continued on his way. He would not complain of the past, nor fear for the future. Bonds and afflictions awaited him, he knew; but he knew also that it had been his to deliver souls from a bondage infinitely more terrible, and he rejoiced in his sufferings for Christ’s sake.” The Acts of the Apostles, 448, 449.

3 APPEALING TO HIS COUNTRYMEN

  • How were some of Paul’s sufferings relieved in Rome? Acts 28:16.

Note: “At Rome the centurion Julius delivered up his prisoners to the captain of the emperor’s guard. The good account which he gave of Paul, together with the letter from Festus, caused the apostle to be favorably regarded by the chief captain, and, instead of being thrown into prison, he was permitted to live in his own hired house. Although still constantly chained to a soldier, he was at liberty to receive his friends and to labor for the advancement of the cause of Christ.” The Acts of the Apostles, 449, 450.

  • After three days in Rome, Paul made a special request to meet the Jewish elders. What can we learn from Paul’s attitude? Acts 28:17–20.

Note: “He [Paul] said nothing of the abuse which he had suffered at the hands of the Jews, or of their repeated plots to assassinate him. His words were marked with caution and kindness. He was not seeking to win personal attention or sympathy, but to defend the truth and to maintain the honor of the gospel.” The Acts of the Apostles, 450.

  • Describe the results achieved. Acts 28:21–24. What did the apostle finally conclude? Acts 28:25–27.

Note: “He [Paul] related his own experience, and presented arguments from the Old Testament Scriptures with simplicity, sincerity, and power.

“The apostle showed that religion does not consist in rites and ceremonies, creeds and theories. … Paul taught that religion is a practical, saving energy, a principle wholly from God, a personal experience of God’s renewing power upon the soul. …

“To apprehend Christ by faith, to have a spiritual knowledge of Him, was more to be desired than a personal acquaintance with Him as He appeared on the earth. The communion with Christ which Paul now enjoyed was more intimate, more enduring, than a mere earthly and human companionship.

“As Paul spoke of what he knew, and testified of what he had seen, concerning Jesus of Nazareth as the hope of Israel, those who were honestly seeking for truth were convinced. Upon some minds, at least, his words made an impression that was never effaced. But others stubbornly refused to accept the plain testimony of the Scriptures.” The Acts of the Apostles, 451, 452.

4 SALVATION TO THE GENTILES

  • What declaration of Paul still remains evident today? Acts 28:28. What was the result of Paul’s words? Acts 28:29.
  • Describe the new living situation granted to Paul, even though chained still to a Roman guard. Acts 28:30, 31. How did God use this difficulty for a good purpose? Philippians 1:12–14.

Note: “While apparently cut off from active labor, Paul exerted a wider and more lasting influence than if he had been free to travel among the churches as in former years. As a prisoner of the Lord, he had a firmer hold upon the affections of his brethren; and his words, written by one under bonds for the sake of Christ, commanded greater attention and respect than they did when he was personally with them. Not until Paul was removed from them, did the believers realize how heavy were the burdens he had borne in their behalf. Heretofore they had largely excused themselves from responsibility and burden bearing because they lacked his wisdom, tact, and indomitable energy; but now, left in their inexperience to learn the lessons they had shunned, they prized his warnings, counsels, and instructions as they had not prized his personal work. And as they learned of his courage and faith during his long imprisonment they were stimulated to greater fidelity and zeal in the cause of Christ.” The Acts of the Apostles, 454.

  • Though Paul did not try to overthrow the established order of Rome with its policies allowing slave-holding, what principles did he nonetheless teach? Galatians 3:8; Ephesians 6:9; II Corinthians 3:17. Give an example of how he saw hope in the hopeless. Philemon 10–18.

Note: “In the kindness of his heart, Paul sought to relieve the poverty and distress of the wretched fugitive [Onesimus] and then endeavored to shed the light of truth into his darkened mind. Onesimus listened to the words of life, confessed his sins, and was converted to the faith of Christ.” The Acts of the Apostles, 456.

5 IN THE VERY STRONGHOLD OF PAGANISM

  • Who were among the most remarkable converts during Paul’s stay in the vile, corrupt city ruled by its wicked emperor, Nero? Philippians 4:22. What does this tell us whenever we may be tempted to make excuses for ourselves while we are in unfavorable surroundings? Philippians 4:11–13.

Note: “Are any tempted to make their circumstances an excuse for failing to witness for Christ? Let them consider the situation of the disciples in Caesar’s household—the depravity of the emperor, the profligacy of the court. We can hardly imagine circumstances more unfavorable to a religious life, and entailing greater sacrifice or opposition, than those in which these converts found themselves. Yet amidst difficulties and dangers they maintained their fidelity. …

“By His own example the Saviour has shown that His followers can be in the world and yet not of the world. He came not to partake of its delusive pleasures, to be swayed by its customs, and to follow its practices, but to do His Father’s will, to seek and save the lost. With this object before him the Christian may stand uncontaminated in any surroundings. Whatever his station or circumstances, exalted or humble, he will manifest the power of true religion in the faithful performance of duty.

“Not in freedom from trial, but in the midst of it, is Christian character developed. Exposure to rebuffs and opposition leads the follower of Christ to greater watchfulness and more earnest prayer to the mighty Helper. Severe trial endured by the grace of God develops patience, vigilance, fortitude, and a deep and abiding trust in God. It is the triumph of the Christian faith that it enables its followers to suffer and be strong; to submit, and thus to conquer; to be killed all the day long, and yet to live; to bear the cross, and thus to win the crown of glory.” The Acts of the Apostles, 466–468.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How can we be inspired by Paul’s yearning desire to come to Rome?

2 What does the scene of Paul’s arrival teach us about priorities in life?

3 How may we be in danger of missing the point of Christ, as did the Jews?

4 Explain God’s purpose in providing Paul’s living situation in Rome.

5 Why should we feel humbled by the converts in Caesar’s household?

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