Jana Wagner, Author at Steps to Life

What Does God Require?

November 1, 2017 by Demario Carter

Jesus said that if we don’t become converted and become as children, we shall not see the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). What does God require of us?

We find in the Bible, One who was able to fulfill all that was written concerning the Messiah in the first advent. In Matthew 5:17, 18, Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Jesus said He came to fulfill the law, to fill up its righteousness, to live in perfect accord or perfect conformity with that which was written concerning Him. Many of the scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ time were attempting to fulfill the law and the prophets, but in their own strength.

A Jewish rabbi was the first to count and document that there are 613 commandments in the Old Testament. These consist of at least 34 different categories of commandments dealing with family, civil laws, ceremonies, business, and different realms of life. One commandment was to not strike a father or a mother; another one was to not curse either of them. To honor both your mother and your father is vital to both the family and also society.

There were commandments dealing with clothing. One of the commandments of the Old Testament in the Torah was that a man should not wear women’s clothing and a woman was not to wear men’s clothing. Consider how society is turning nowadays with men and women becoming so confused as to who they are. It would be foolish to think that clothing has nothing to do with affecting the mind. Each generation and culture has some kind of a bearing upon what a man should wear and what a woman should wear. Nevertheless, principles have been laid down in the Bible.

Within the list of 613 commandments were guidelines for selling and redeeming slaves. The list goes on. Jesus summarized the law and the prophets in Matthew 7:12 when He said, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Whatever you want someone to do to you, you should do to others. It sounds simple, but the problem, of course, is that the carnal heart gets in the way because it is prone to selfishness. Its reaction is more or less that whatsoever men do to me, I’m going to do to them, whether I’ve been robbed, or cheated, lied to, or despised. Christ says, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”

Throughout the ministry of Jesus the devil continually attempted to get Him to trip up and fail in His mission to accomplish the plan that He and His Father had devised before this world was created. Satan often used with great success the religious leaders and those who were educated. One day a lawyer appeared to Jesus with the question: “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” Matthew 22:36. The Pharisees were so stuck on all the dos and don’ts in their attempt to be so particular and righteous, but Christ simply answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Verses 37–40.

All of the 613 commandments, rules and regulations plus many more that the Pharisees added, can be summed up in loving the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, with all your attention, with all your focus, and loving your neighbor as you would yourself.

There are many within the Christian world that use this very passage in Matthew to say that the Old Testament has been done away with, even the Ten Commandment laws. They say that all we have to do is love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. We do not need to worry about the Old Testament with its ten commandments because Jesus gave us only two.

Interestingly, these two commandments were also in the Old Testament. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Deuteronomy 6:5. Jesus answered the lawyer’s question directly from the Old Testament.

We are not to think Jesus taught that the moral law no longer applied just because He said, “This is the first commandment; love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” What He did teach is that the whole law, including the 613 different commandments as well as the ten given on Mount Sinai are summed up in these two. The Bible says that love is the fulfilling of the law and if we should learn this vital principle, the love of God, then as Paul says, we walk according to the Spirit, against which there is no condemnation.

In Leviticus 19:18, the Bible says, “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.” We see again that Jesus quoted from the Old Testament. The exhortation is for us to love the Lord our God, to put Him first because He is supreme, and then to love our neighbour as ourselves.

“The principles of the ten commandments existed before the fall, and were of a character suited to the condition of a holy order of beings. After the fall, the principles of those precepts were not changed, but additional precepts were given to meet man in his fallen state.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, 295. The Bible teaches that the law of God is eternal. It was in existence before the creation of man. God’s throne is everlasting. He who has a throne has a government and all governments have laws.

God always wanted to keep it simple, but man’s fall into sin made it necessary to be more explicit with instructions that covered every aspect of life. He saw that the natural heart cannot love and man’s heart would become cold and unloving. It was in mercy that He spelled out how to love Him and how to love our fellow man.

Today, God still wants to keep it simple. “Every soul must daily seek the Lord with full purpose of heart, morning, noon, and night, and let the mind dwell upon the word of God, to understand His requirements.

“The one all-important matter is to serve the Lord with full purpose of heart, and seek to become the Lord’s, heart and mind.” This Day With God, 128.

God is to be the supreme ruler in our lives. Every idol must be cast out of our hearts. The love for money, or for materialistic things, or the love for power, or fame, or whatever else it may be, must be dethroned. We must love God supremely. Only then is it possible to love our neighbor as ourselves. There are many who say they have a very good relationship with God, but for some reason they are as far apart from their neighbor as the east is from the west. Could it be an indication that their relationship with God is lacking?

In Micah 6:8 we are told: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” This means to do what is right, and to give what is due to others. Knowing what is just and right involves being honest; it involves integrity, faithfulness and fairness. These are the characteristics that God expects us to have in our lives and to display them in our relationships with others. The wise man said, “To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:3.

Employers or leaders are to be given respect, but at the same time they ought to do what is just and fair and equal for those over whom they govern. This also applies to households where parents are to be just and fair to their children. In return the children should honor and respect their parents. “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.” Colossians 4:1.

The Bible is full of instruction and words of encouragement to enlighten us as to what we should do when treated unfairly. Paul said, “Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.” I Corinthians 6:7, 8. Again, he counsels on this point when he said: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay.” Romans 12:19. There may well be times when you are treated unfairly, but it is not for you to seek vengeance and repay. Leave it with the Lord who will work out all things according to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). “Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and He shall save thee.” Proverbs 20:22.

There is much inequality in this world and many people are mistreated or wronged and treated with unfairness or injustice and much patience is needed. In time, God will work it all out; He says to wait on His judgment; vengeance is His.

God has promised to give wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5) for particular situations. Remember, nobody has been treated with more unfairness than Jesus. Peters said, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.” I Peter 2:21–23.

When Jesus was mistreated, spat upon, mocked, ridiculed, and tempted in every point, He never once retaliated, but committed Himself into the hands of His Father, leaving us an example.

God requires of us to do what is just, to have fairness, to be faithful in our dealings with one another, to be honest and to act always with integrity. These are the characteristics that instilled in His people will last forever. Just as He demonstrates toward us, He also wants us to love mercy. Loving mercy means to execute kindness, compassion, forbearance, and forgiveness. Jesus gives a blessing to those who love mercy. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain [or receive] mercy.” Matthew 5:7.

We can read an account of this in the parable that Jesus gave in Matthew 18:23–35. There was a certain servant who owed his master 10,000 talents. That amount has been estimated to be worth a year’s revenue of the entire economy of Palestine at the time. In other words, it was a debt that was huge and impossible for the man to repay. He came to his master and asked for more time so he could pay it back. Unwilling to do so, the master commanded that he be sold, along with his children and all that he had until the debt could be paid off.

He pled with his master to be patient with him so he could repay the debt. The Bible says that the master was moved with compassion and forgave him all the debt; yet this same servant went out and found someone who owed him a pence, which is estimated to be worth less than a penny. When his servant requested that he be patient with him to repay his debt, the forgiven servant showed no mercy and had him put into jail with all that he had until the debt could be repaid. When other servants heard what had been done to his fellow servant they were sorry and went and told the master all that had happened.

The forgiven man was called back into the presence of his master who said to him, “O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.” Matthew 18:32–34.

We all have a great debt to God, one that is impossible to repay. Yet we fail to love mercy and to show compassion to someone who may be in debt to us, someone who may owe us, someone who needs our compassion, someone who needs our forgiveness. Notice what the Bible says in Matthew 6:14, 15: “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Here we read that for us to be forgiven, it is vital that we have a forgiving attitude and a forgiving spirit toward those who may have offended us in any way. If we lack compassion and forgiveness, we also will not receive mercy on the day of reckoning.

In the book Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 113, 114, it says, “He who is unforgiving cuts off the very channel through which alone he can receive mercy from God. We should not think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong we are justified in withholding from them our forgiveness. It is their part, no doubt, to humble their hearts by repentance and confession; but we are to have a spirit of compassion toward those who have trespassed against us, whether or not they confess their faults.”

“For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:2. We are forgiven as we forgive. We are shown mercy as we show mercy. But not only are we to do justice and love mercy, we ought to walk humbly with God. That walk involves lowliness, humility, meekness, and gentleness, which are the characteristics of God.

Another blessing for those who walk humbly and exhibit meekness is found in Matthew 5:5. The Bible says, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” I remember first learning this as a new Christian. It impressed me so much because it was an attribute that I lacked. I was not meek and I was not humble. In fact, even though I did not have much, I was still proud. All who are not under the control of the Holy Spirit but under the spirit of Satan exhibit pride in some form. Jesus says that the meek are going to be the ones who will live forever. Often times people mistake meekness for weakness. However, the truth is just the opposite. It takes much spiritual strength to manifest meekness when being taunted or mocked.

The apostle Paul said, “Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” I Corinthians 8:1, last part. Often knowledge causes people to become prideful and self sufficient, but Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3.

Jesus told another parable when He was invited to a dinner at a Pharisee’s house. Noticing how the men were taking the best places, He told His disciples that when they are invited to a function not to sit in the best place because someone more important might also be invited and they will be asked to give up their place and be relegated to the lowest place. Instead, He said, choose the least until invited to a more exalted position. (See Luke 14:7–10.) This action could save you from much embarrassment. It is not for man to exalt himself above his brethren. “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 14:11.

In I Peter 5:5 we are told that we all must be clothed with humility. It says, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”

There are three requirements the Lord has for man: “to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NKJV. To simplify it even further Jesus tells us in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

Jesus demonstrated His love for mankind when He voluntarily left the admiration of heavenly beings and the riches that He had in heaven and became a poor man. He gave it all up; He sacrificed heaven for sinful man. He loved us by spending entire nights in prayer for us and He calls us to love others as He loved us. How often are we spending time in prayer for one another? What are we willing to sacrifice for one another? Christ says, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

The Bible says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13. It is that type of love, self-sacrificing love, that God wants us to have. Not only did Jesus love us enough to lay down His life but He “ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25) who love Him. If it were not for the fact that Christ is still living, still mediating and interceding for us as High Priest, we would not exist today. It is only by the grace of God that we are here and it is only by the grace of God that we are sustained. One sin would have blotted us out forever, but we have a High Priest. “Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire” (Zechariah 3:2, last part)? Jesus wants to remove our filthy garments of sin and clothe us with a change of raiment, His robe of righteousness (verses 3, 4).

The Bible says that in his generation, Moses was the meekest man on earth. The Israelites were on the borders of Canaan when they began to complain to God. They were tired of being in the wilderness because they said there was no water and no food that they liked. They were tired of the manna that God rained to sustain them. Their complaints displeased the Lord and He sent fiery serpents among them that bit many of them, causing them to die. They cried out to the Lord in repentance asking Moses to pray for them. In his mediatorial role as a priest in his time, Moses prayed for his people. God said to him, “Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.” Numbers 21:8. That same exhortation is for us today. John the Baptist said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” John 1:36. We must look to Jesus, Who is the only solution to this world’s problems and our only Way to salvation. Only as we are clothed with His righteousness, only as we possess His Spirit and are possessed of Him can we keep His commandments, can we love mercy, do justice, and walk humbly with Him.

Remember, the Jews had all these commandments and tried to do them in their own strength. The science they failed to understand was to simply surrender their hearts and love God and love their neighbors.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:14, 15. The question remains, Do we truly believe? Have we truly committed our lives to Jesus? Are we looking to Him who was lifted up on the cross and are we prepared to receive the healing that we need?

Jesus said, “I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” John 12:32. Look to Him. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” Revelation 5:12.

Bible texts are from the King James Version unless otherwise noted.

Demario Carter is currently working as a Bible worker for Steps to Life.

Choices

October 31, 2017 by John J. Grosboll

When the Jews chose to release Barabbas instead of Jesus, it was actually a more deceptive situation than most people know. There are a number of Greek manuscripts that record that Barabbas’ first name was Jesus. His name was Jesus Barabbas. In Aramaic the word bar means son and abba means father. So Barabbas means the son of the father. In the judgment hall when Pilate asked the people which prisoner to release—Jesus the son of the father, or Jesus the Nazarene, the Christ, they chose Barabbas, Jesus Barabbas, to be released to them and that Jesus be crucified.

Paul, writing to the Corinthian church, was concerned that they would easily be deceived. He said, “I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” II Corinthians 11:3.

He then explained how that would happen. “For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached [one], or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received [two], or a different gospel which you have not accepted [three]—you may well put up with it.” Verse 4. If you receive another Jesus, a different spirit or a different gospel you will be corrupted.

This is not only history but this is going to happen again and this time it will not only affect the Jews; the whole world will be deceived.

Many people do not understand the primitive meaning of the word anti-christ. Anti-christ comes from two Greek words, anti and christos. The common thought is that the anti-christ is somebody who is against Christ. The average Christian thinks the anti-christ will be some communist dictator or atheist that will arise in Jerusalem and lead some apostate Jews against the Christian religion.

It is true that the Greek word anti did develop into the meaning of something that was against, but the primitive or original meaning of the Greek word anti is someone who stands in the place of somebody else. So an anti-christ is somebody that stands in the place of Christ and not an atheist. He not only stands in the place of Christ, but people will believe he is the real Christ. However, this imposter is another Jesus.

Recorded in II Thessalonians 2, Paul warned the church about the anti-christ that was to come in the latter days. He told them about the great falling away, the great apostasy that is going to come in the future. He told them about the man of sin that, “… opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” Verse 4. The anti-christ sits as God, as a divine personage in the temple of God.

The New Testament talks about the fact that God has a temple in heaven. But the word temple, when talking about the anti-christ sitting in the temple of God, does not refer to God’s temple in heaven. Heaven is not the only place where God has a temple. In I Corinthians 3:16, 17, Paul says, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”

A temple is a dwelling place for a deity. God’s temple is the house where God dwells. Paul said to the Gentiles who had become part of the Christian church, “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a habitation [dwelling place] of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19–22.

Paul told the Ephesian Christians that they also were becoming part of this temple, a dwelling place or habitation for God, in the Spirit. In verse 21 he called it “growing into a holy temple in the Lord.” The Christian church is a temple for God in this world. In II Thessalonians 2:4 it says that the man of sin “opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” This is an anti-christ. It is not really God.

What does it mean to sit as God, in the temple of God? Since the 4th century, John Chrisoster, one of the church fathers, taught, “We don’t know who the anti-christ is or exactly when the anti-christ is going to arise, but,” he says, “we know one thing. We know that the anti-christ is going to arise in the church.” How did he know that? Because the Bible says that “he would sit as God in the temple of God.” If the anti-christ sits as God in the temple of God, he must sit as God in the church.

God Alone Receives Worship

In Revelation 22:8, 9, it says, “Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.’ ”

Notice, an angel from heaven would not allow John to worship him. He stated that you worship God, not an angel. God alone has the right to be worshiped. Angels do not have that right, but the anti-christ is described as sitting as God in the temple of God and he receives worship.

God Alone Forgives Sins

Another thing that God has a right to do that we do not is to forgive sin. When a paralytic lying on a bed was brought to Jesus, He said, “ ‘Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.’ And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, ‘This man blasphemes!’ But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven to you” or to say, “Arise and walk”? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’—then He said to the paralytic, ‘Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.’ ” Matthew 9:2–6.

When Jesus forgave sins He was accused of blasphemy. Luke 5:21 states: “Who has power to forgive sins, except God alone?” literal translation. But the anti-christ claims power to forgive sins. None of the apostles ever claimed the power to forgive sins. Instead, they taught people to look to God for forgiveness. The anti-christ, being a man, claims to be God.

In John 10:31–33, it says, “Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, ‘Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of these works do you stone Me?’ The Jews answered Him, saying, ‘For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make yourself God.’ ”

For a man to make himself God is blasphemy. For a man to claim to forgive sins is blasphemy, and for a man to receive worship is blasphemy. The anti-christ does all three of those things and the people who will worship him and bow down to him at the end of the world believing that this is the Christ. It will appear that the whole world is converted, but they will be worshiping another Jesus. They will be deceived just as were the Jews. They accepted a different Jesus. Soon we are going to face a situation where millions of Christians are going to believe that they have had a revival and reformation and that they have received the Holy Spirit. However, it will be a different gospel and a different spirit—another Jesus.

A Different Gospel

Referring to the anti-christ, Paul says, “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.” II Thessalonians 2:9–11. The definite article, “the” is in the original text. It is not any lie, it is the lie.

The lie is the same lie that the devil told Eve in the Garden of Eden. He offered another gospel, the lie that you can be saved in your sins. You do not have to overcome your sins to be saved. You just need to keep them confessed. Many Adventists believe the lie and there are people in other churches that believe the teaching that you can be saved in your sins if you just keep them confessed. For this reason Roman Catholics are scared to not go to confession. They believe they must not die with unconfessed sins. Many Adventists have been taught the very same thing and have the same fear.

To confess sins is the first step but it is not enough; overcoming faults must follow the confession. To confess sins without turning away from them is to believe in a different gospel. The Jews were able to choose Barabbas because they had believed a different gospel and received a different spirit, which caused them to accept another Jesus. They were looking for a Messiah who would give them victory over the Romans. When Jesus made it plain that He had come to give them victory over their sins and not the Romans, they rejected Him. If the Lord does not give you victory over your sins, He cannot give you eternal life.

Ellen White goes into some detail about why the Jews rejected Jesus: “But when Jesus announced, ‘This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears’ (Luke 4:21), they were suddenly recalled to think of themselves, and of the claims of Him Who had been addressing them. They, Israelites, children of Abraham, had been represented as in bondage. They had been addressed as prisoners to be delivered from the power of evil; as in darkness, and needing the light of truth. Their pride was offended, and their fears were roused. The words of Jesus indicated that His work for them was to be altogether different from what they desired. …

“Who is this Jesus? they questioned. He who had claimed for Himself the glory of the Messiah was the son of a carpenter, and had worked at His trade with His father Joseph. …

“What a contrast between His teaching in regard to the new kingdom and that which they had heard from their elder! Jesus had said nothing of delivering them from the Romans. …

“As they opened the door to doubt, their hearts became so much the harder for having been momentarily softened. Satan was determined that blind eyes should not that day be opened, nor souls bound in slavery be set at liberty. With intense energy he worked to fasten them in unbelief. They made no account of the sign already given, when they had been stirred by the conviction that it was their Redeemer who addressed them. …

“But Jesus now gave them an evidence of His divinity by revealing their secret thoughts. ‘He said unto them, Doubtless ye will say unto Me this parable, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in Thine own country. And He said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is acceptable in his own country. But of a truth I say unto you, There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land; and unto none of them was Elijah sent, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman, the Syrian’ (Luke 4:23–27 RV).” The Desire of Ages, 237, 238.

Think through the meaning of what Jesus said to them. The widow in Zarephath, a heathen, was more worthy to entertain the prophet in her home than any of the widows in Israel. There was a similar occurrence in Elisha’s time. Naaman, the Syrian, was the only leper healed by Elisha. That meant that the heathen were on a higher level in God’s eyes than were the Jews, although they were God’s chosen people.

“Our standing before God depends, not upon the amount of light we have received, but upon the use we make of what we have. Thus even the heathen who choose the right as far as they can distinguish it are in a more favorable condition than are those who have had great light, and profess to serve God, but who disregard the light, and by their daily life contradict their profession.” Ibid., 238.

This was too much for the Jews to bear. When Jesus had said these things the Jews got so angry that they took him out of town and were going to throw Him headlong over a cliff. If the angel had not intervened, He would have been killed right there.

Toward the end of Jesus’ ministry He again visited Nazareth. “Unbelief, having once been cherished, continued to control the men of Nazareth. So it controlled the Sanhedrin and the nation. With priests and people, the first rejection of the demonstration of the Holy Spirit’s power was the beginning of the end.” Ibid., 241.

That is a very scary statement. Human beings are creatures of habit. To reject an impression of the Holy Spirit once makes it easier to reject it the second time. After rejecting it a second time, it will be even easier a third time.

“Their rejection of the Spirit culminated in the cross of Calvary, in the destruction of their city, in the scattering of the nation to the winds of heaven. …

“The lessons of Christ revealed their deficiencies of character, and demanded repentance. If they accepted His teachings, their practices must be changed, and their cherished hopes relinquished.” Ibid.

Are you willing to change, to leave something behind that is highly cherished, in order to have eternal life?

“In order to be honored by Heaven, they must sacrifice the honor of men. If they obeyed the words of this new rabbi, they must go contrary to the opinions of the great thinkers and teachers of the time.

“Truth was unpopular in Christ’s day. It is unpopular in our day. …

“The Jewish leaders were filled with spiritual pride. Their desire for the glorification of self manifested itself even in the service of the sanctuary. They loved the highest seats in the synagogue. They loved greetings in the market places, and were gratified with the sound of their titles on the lips of men. As real piety declined, they became more jealous for their traditions and ceremonies. …

“They did not appreciate the fact that real greatness can dispense with outward show.” Ibid., 242.

In summary: “It was not simply the absence of outward glory in His life that led the Jews to reject Jesus. He was the embodiment of purity, and they were impure. He dwelt among men an example of spotless integrity. His blameless life flashed light upon their hearts. His sincerity revealed their insincerity. It made manifest the hollowness of their pretentious piety, and discovered iniquity to them in its odious character. Such a light was unwelcome.” Ibid., 243.

“If Christ had called attention to the Pharisees, and had extolled their learning and piety, they would have hailed Him with joy. But when He spoke of the kingdom of heaven as a dispensation of mercy for all mankind, He was presenting a phase of religion they would not tolerate.” Ibid.

The number of parallels between the first and second advents of Christ discerned through a study of the Scriptures and the Spirit of Prophecy is astounding. Ellen White said that the Lord told her many times that the experience of the Jews before the first coming of Christ would be the experience of God’s people before His second coming. The Desire of Ages is not just a book about something that happened 2,000 years ago. In every chapter you can see similarities between the events of Christ’s day and events of today. Many do not realize what is going on right in front of their eyes.

The chapter “The Crisis in Galilee” describes the rejection of Christ by the people in Galilee. “All who received Him would partake of His nature, and be conformed to His character. This involved the relinquishment of their cherished ambitions. It required the complete surrender of themselves to Jesus. They were called to become self-sacrificing, meek and lowly in heart. They must walk in the narrow path traveled by the Man of Calvary, if they would share in the gift of life and the glory of heaven.

“The test was too great. …

“Jesus told them plainly, ‘There are some of you that believe not;’ adding, ‘Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father’ (John 6:65). He wished them to understand that if they were not drawn to Him it was because their hearts were not open to the Holy Spirit. …

“As those disaffected disciples turned away from Christ, a different spirit took control of them.” Ibid., 391, 392.

I Never Knew You

In the last days when this different spirit takes control of the churches, they will believe that they have received the Holy Spirit. They will think that they are all following the Lord, but they will have a different spirit and be following anti-christ. When the real Jesus comes, they will argue with Him. Jesus predicted that “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.” Matthew 7:21. These people are not the atheists. They claim to be Christians and they call Jesus Lord. “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?’ ” Verse 22. They know they are saved; they had the Spirit; they prophesied and even worked miracles in His name, but they had a different spirit. “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ ” Verse 23.

The majority of Christians will receive a different Jesus and think they are having a great revival. They will think they have received the Holy Spirit because they will have the power to prophesy and work miracles. The Bible says that the devil can work miracles, that he is going to work many of them in the last days, and that it is by means of these miracles that he will gather the whole world together. Atheists and infidels alike who have evidence of one or more of these miracles will accept whatever they are told without Biblical evidence.

I was sent an account concerning a physician who evidently was an agnostic. After a supposed near-death experience, he now believes everything that he has been taught, whereas before he had no belief in God or in His word. Now he thinks he believes the Bible, but has been taught through a different person’s vision rather than from God’s word. Consequently, he has become totally mixed up. That is just a foretaste of what is coming in the future for millions of people all over the world if they do not study God’s word and know truth for themselves. People without any previous belief at all will appear to have the greatest revival and many will be deceived into accepting another Jesus.

Ellen White wrote: “I saw our people in great distress, weeping, and praying, pleading the sure promises of God, while the wicked were all around us, mocking us, and threatening to destroy us. They ridiculed our feebleness, they mocked at the smallness of our numbers, and taunted us with words calculated to cut deep. They charged us with taking an independent position from all the rest of the world. They had cut off our resources so that we could not buy nor sell, and referred to our abject poverty and stricken condition. They could not see how we could live without the world; we were dependent upon the world, and we must concede to the customs, practices, and laws of the world, or go out of it. If we were the only people in the world whom the Lord favored the appearances were awfully against us. They declared that they had the truth, that miracles were among them, that angels from heaven talked with them, and walked with them, that great power, and signs and wonders were performed among them, and this was the Temporal Millennium, which they had been expecting so long. The whole world was converted and in harmony with the Sunday law, and this little feeble people stood out in defiance of the laws of the land, and the laws of God, and claimed to be the only ones right on the earth.” Maranatha, 209.

Catholics, Protestants and most professed Seventh-day Adventists are all going to have the same experience and think it is a marvelous revival and reformation under a spurious spirit that results in spiritualism.

Jesus said, “If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine [the teaching], whether it is from God or whether I speak on my own authority.” John 7:17. This is a marvelous promise for those living in such deceptive times that will only get worse.

People are deceived when they do not receive the love of the truth. In accepting a different gospel and being unwilling to give up their sins, they accept a different Jesus. The false spirit allows you to hold on to sin and promotes a false gospel. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin. He is the agent ordained to purify the soul and clean up the life and prepare the body temple for the indwelling of Christ.

We must know God’s will and recognize His voice. Any voice that speaks contrary to God’s word is a deceiver. Know the truth, and the truth will set you free from sin and ultimately from this world, to be able to spend eternity with the One Who loves us and died to deliver us and redeem us for Himself.

(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 – Destiny

October 31, 2017 by John J. Grosboll

It is widely believed in the Christian world today that a person is saved by making a profession of faith. This profession of faith is either confirmed or denied by a change in lifestyle.

How is it with you? Over and over Jesus emphasized in His parables the truth that character determines destiny. Read about the Good Samaritan, the parables about the talents and the unjust steward.

“In the time of harvest ye shall ‘return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not’ (Malachi 3:18). Christ Himself will decide who are worthy to dwell with the family of heaven. He will judge every man according to his words and his works. Profession is as nothing in the scale. It is character that decides destiny.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 74.

“Christ lifts the veil from the future and bids all to behold that it is character, not position, which decides man’s destiny.” Ibid.,123.

“Actions repeated form habits, habits form character, and by the character our destiny for time and for eternity is decided.” Ibid., 356.

“Angels from the heavenly courts stand by all who do God’s service in ministering to their fellow men. And you have the co-operation of Christ Himself. He is the Restorer, and as you work under His supervision, you will see great results.

“Upon your faithfulness in this work not only the well-being of others but your own eternal destiny depends. Christ is seeking to uplift all who will be lifted to companionship with Himself, that we may be one with Him as He is one with the Father. He permits us to come in contact with suffering and calamity in order to call us out of our selfishness; He seeks to develop in us the attributes of His character–compassion, tenderness, and love. By accepting this work of ministry we place ourselves in His school, to be fitted for the courts of God. By rejecting it, we reject His instruction, and choose eternal separation from His presence.” Ibid., 388, 389.

One of these days, we will all meet up with the consequences of the character we have developed. “Silently, unnoticed as the midnight thief, will come the decisive hour which marks the fixing of every man’s destiny, the final withdrawal of mercy’s offer to guilty men.” The Great Controversy, 491.

Bible Study Guides – Eli and His Sons

October 31, 2017 by Reformation Herald Publishing

July 19, 2015 – July 25, 2015

Key Text

“The sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.” I Samuel 2:12.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 575–580.

Introduction

“Eli did not manage his household according to God’s rules for family government.” The Signs of the Times, April 6, 1888.

1 THE CHILD SAMUEL

Which were the future and important offices held by the child born to Elkanah and Hannah? I Samuel 1:20; 3:20; 7:15–17.
In order to fulfill her solemn oath to God, what did Hannah do when the boy was weaned? I Samuel 1:24. What did she say to Eli the high priest? I Samuel 1:26–28.

Note: “Hannah’s prayer was granted; she received the gift for which she had so earnestly entreated. As she looked upon the child, she called him Samuel—‘asked of God.’ As soon as the little one was old enough to be separated from his mother, she fulfilled her vow. She loved her child with all the devotion of a mother’s heart; day by day, as she watched his expanding powers and listened to his childish prattle, her affections entwined about him more closely. He was her only son, the special gift of Heaven; but she had received him as a treasure consecrated to God, and she would not withhold from the Giver His own. …

“Eli was deeply impressed by the faith and devotion of this woman of Israel. Himself an overindulgent father, he was awed and humbled as he beheld this mother’s great sacrifice in parting with her only child, that she might devote him to the service of God. He felt reproved for his own selfish love, and in humiliation and reverence he bowed before the Lord and worshiped.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 570, 571.

2 WARNING SENT TO THE HIGH PRIEST

What does the Bible say about the child Samuel? I Samuel 2:26.

Note: “God gives all an opportunity in this life to develop character. All may fill their appointed place in His great plan. The Lord accepted Samuel from his very childhood, because his heart was pure, and he had reverence for God. He was given to God, a consecrated offering, and the Lord made him, even in his childhood, a channel of light. A life consecrated as was Samuel’s is of great value in God’s sight. If the youth of today will consecrate themselves as did Samuel, the Lord will accept them and use them in His work.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 1010.

How did Eli’s educational influence benefit Samuel? What lesson should the youth of our time learn from the example of Samuel?

Note: “Samuel had been placed under the care of Eli, and the loveliness of his character drew forth the warm affection of the aged priest. He was kind, generous, obedient, and respectful. Eli, pained by the waywardness of his own sons, found rest and comfort and blessing in the presence of his charge. Samuel was helpful and affectionate, and no father ever loved his child more tenderly than did Eli this youth. It was a singular thing that between the chief magistrate of the nation and the simple child so warm an affection should exist. As the infirmities of age came upon Eli, and he was filled with anxiety and remorse by the profligate course of his own sons, he turned to Samuel for comfort.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 573.

While Eli the high priest was grieving over the behavior of his sons, what warning did the Lord send to him through a prophet, and by what sign would it be confirmed? I Samuel 2:27–30, 34.

Note: “He [Eli] incurred the Lord’s displeasure by not reproving sin and executing justice upon the sinner. He could not be depended upon to keep Israel pure.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 578.

3 CORRUPT PRIESTS’ PERFIDY AND ITS RESULTS

Describe the failure of Eli, the high priest and supreme judge of the nation, in the education of his sons. I Samuel 2:12, 17, 22.

Note: “The priest and judge of Israel had not been left in darkness as to the duty of restraining and governing the children that God had given to his care. …

“But Eli allowed his children to control him. The father became subject to the children. The curse of transgression was apparent in the corruption and evil that marked the course of his sons.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 575.

What effect did the mild admonitions of the high priest have upon his wicked sons? I Samuel 2:23–25.

Note: “Though wholly unfit for the office, they [Eli’s sons] were placed as priests in the sanctuary to minister before God. …

“These unfaithful priests also transgressed God’s law and dishonored their sacred office by their vile and degrading practices; yet they continued to pollute by their presence the tabernacle of God. Many of the people, filled with indignation at the corrupt course of Hophni and Phinehas, ceased to come up to the appointed place of worship. Thus the service which God had ordained was despised and neglected because associated with the sins of wicked men, while those whose hearts were inclined to evil were emboldened in sin. Ungodliness, profligacy, and even idolatry prevailed to a fearful extent.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 576, 577.

What effect would the apostasy in Israel have had on the surrounding nations? How will our inconsistent profession affect neighbors?

Note: “The people of surrounding nations also, who were not ignorant of the iniquities openly practiced in Israel, became still bolder in their idolatry and crime. They felt no sense of guilt for their sins, as they would have felt had the Israelites preserved their integrity.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 582, 583.

4 SAMUEL: A MOUTHPIECE OF GOD

As God could not communicate with Eli or with his sons, whom did He call to convey a last message of reproof to the house of the high priest? I Samuel 3:2–4.
Supposing that the high priest was calling him, what did Samuel do? I Samuel 3:5, 6. When the Lord called Samuel the third time, what did Eli tell the boy to do? I Samuel 3:8, 9.

Note: “Eli was convinced that the mysterious call was the voice of God. The Lord had passed by His chosen servant, the man of hoary hairs, to commune with a child. This in itself was a bitter yet deserved rebuke to Eli and his house.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 581.

What did the Lord commission Samuel to say to the old high priest? I Samuel 3:11–14. What did Eli say to Samuel to coax him out of his silence, and what was Eli’s answer? I Samuel 3:18.

Note: “In Eli’s reproof to his sons are words of solemn and fearful import—words that all who minister in sacred things would do well to ponder: ‘If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him; but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him’ (I Samuel 2:25)?” Patriarchs and Prophets, 580.

“Yet Eli did not manifest the fruits of true repentance. He confessed his guilt, but failed to renounce the sin. Year after year the Lord delayed His threatened judgments. Much might have been done in those years to redeem the failures of the past, but the aged priest took no effective measures to correct the evils that were polluting the sanctuary of the Lord and leading thousands in Israel to ruin. The forbearance of God caused Hophni and Phinehas to harden their hearts and to become still bolder in transgression. The messages of warning and reproof to his house were made known by Eli to the whole nation. By this means he hoped to counteract, in some measure, the evil influence of his past neglect. But the warnings were disregarded by the people, as they had been by the priests.” Ibid., 582.

5 A LESSON FOR THE CHURCH TODAY

How were the wicked priests, Hophni and Phinehas, punished? By what disastrous event did God call the whole nation to repentance? I Samuel 4:2, 14–18.

Note: “The [Israelite] nation was ripe for the judgments of God, yet they [the elders] did not see that their own sins had been the cause of this terrible disaster.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 583.

How careful should the church be in approving men for the ministry? I Timothy 3:5–7.

Note: “The church must show their zeal for God in dealing with those who have, while professing great faith, been putting Christ to open shame. They have imperiled the truth. They have been unfaithful sentinels. They have brought reproach and dishonor upon the cause of God. The time has come for earnest and powerful efforts to rid the church of the slime and filth which is tarnishing her purity.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 450.

“The standard of morality is not exalted high enough among God’s people. … Those who stand as ministers in the sacred desk should be men of blameless reputation. …

“There is a strange abandonment of principle, a lowering of the standard of morality. …

“If those who profess to be the depositaries of God’s law become transgressors of that law, His protecting care will be withdrawn.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 597–601.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What lesson should the youth of our time learn from the example of Samuel?

2 What was the failure of Eli in the education of his sons?

3 How will our inconsistent profession affect neighbors?

4 What disastrous event did God use to call the whole nation to repentance?

5 How careful should the church be in approving men for the ministry?

Bible Study Guides – Samson

October 31, 2017 by Reformation Herald Publishing

July 12, 2015 – July 18, 2015

Key Text

“The Spirit of the Lord began to move him [Samson] at times.” Judges 13:25.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 560–568.

Introduction

“God’s promise that through Samson He would ‘begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines’ (Judges 13:5) was fulfilled; but how dark and terrible the record of that life which might have been a praise to God and a glory to the nation!” Conflict and Courage, 132.

1 ISRAEL ONCE AGAIN UNDER OPPRESSION

What did the Israelites do during the times of prosperity and peace after the victories of Gideon and Jephthah? Judges 10:6, 7; 13:1.
How did the Lord answer their halfhearted cry for deliverance on one of those occasions? Judges 10:13, 14. Would God say the same thing to His people today?
How were the people of God in those times, and how are His people today, to support the work of reform to gain deliverance from sin and oppression? II Chronicles 7:14.

Note: “When His [God’s] people put away the sins that had shut out His presence, He heard their prayers and at once began to work for them.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 558.

“Our first work is to put away sin; but in order to do this, we must come so close to God that we can understand His character and requirements, and thus measure our sinfulness and our need of a Saviour.” The Review and Herald, March 4, 1884.

2 THE CAPTIVITY OF A CHOSEN DELIVERER

How did God answer the prayers of Israel for deliverance from the Philistine oppression? Judges 13:24, 25.

Note: “Though there was apparently no response [to deliver Israel], though year after year the power of the oppressor continued to rest more heavily upon the land, God’s providence was preparing help for them. Even in the early years of the Philistine oppression a child was born through whom God designed to humble the power of these mighty foes.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 560.

Instead of consecrating himself to his mission, how did Samson allow Satan to lead him astray and make him a captive of the powers of darkness? Judges 14:1–3.

Note: “Had Samson obeyed the divine commands as faithfully as his parents had done, his would have been a nobler and happier destiny. But association with idolaters corrupted him. The town of Zorah being near the country of the Philistines, Samson came to mingle with them on friendly terms. Thus in his youth intimacies sprang up, the influence of which darkened his whole life. A young woman dwelling in the Philistine town of Timnath engaged Samson’s affections, and he determined to make her his wife.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 562.

“He did not ask whether he could better glorify God when united with the object of his choice, or whether he was placing himself in a position where he could not fulfill the purpose to be accomplished by his life. To all who seek first to honor Him, God has promised wisdom; but there is no promise to those who are bent upon self-pleasing.

“How many are pursuing the same course as did Samson! How often marriages are formed between the godly and the ungodly, because inclination governs in the selection of husband or wife!” Ibid., 563.

What did Samson do after he found out that his own bride had betrayed him? What happened after he left the wedding? What happened when Samson’s anger cooled? Judges 14:15–20; 15:1, 2.

3 SAMSON’S LIGHT BECOMES DARKNESS

Upon hearing that his wife was given to another man, how did Samson exact revenge against the Philistines? Judges 15:4, 5.
How did Samson avenge the murderous retaliation of the Philistines against his wife and her father? Judges 15:6–8.

Note: “His [Samson’s] revenge, in the wasting of all the fields and vineyards of the Philistines, provoked them to murder her, although their threats had driven her to the deceit with which the trouble began. Samson had already given evidence of his marvelous strength by slaying, singlehanded, a young lion, and by killing thirty of the men of Ashkelon. Now, moved to anger by the barbarous murder of his wife, he attacked the Philistines and smote them ‘with a great slaughter’ (Judges 15:8).” Patriarchs and Prophets, 563, 564.

Describe the process by which Samson developed a character unfit for his mission of reformatory work. How is his story often repeated by some of those who have been called to be the light of the world? Compare Matthew 6:23 with Galatians 5:9; I John 2:11.

Note: “If we do not choose to give ourselves fully to God then we are in darkness. When we make any reserve we are leaving open a door through which Satan can enter to lead us astray by his temptations. He knows that if he can obscure our vision, so that the eye of faith cannot see God, there will be no barrier against sin.

“The prevalence of a sinful desire shows the delusion of the soul. Every indulgence of that desire strengthens the soul’s aversion to God. In following the path of Satan’s choosing, we are encompassed by the shadows of evil, and every step leads into deeper darkness and increases the blindness of the heart. …

“Through persistently cherishing evil, willfully disregarding the pleadings of divine love, the sinner loses the love for good, the desire for God, the very capacity to receive the light of heaven. The invitation of mercy is still full of love, the light is shining as brightly as when it first dawned upon his soul; but the voice falls on deaf ears, the light on blinded eyes.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 92.

4 “THE PHILISTINES TOOK HIM”

Despite God’s purpose to deliver Israel through Samson, what action demonstrated the Israelites spiritual degradation? Judges 15:10–13. Who, in many cases and in the first place, are to be blamed when such an estate of affairs exists among God’s people? Isaiah 3:12; Matthew 15:14.

Note: “There are men standing in responsible positions who teach one thing and practice another. While they have been forward to condemn their brethren, their own character is more faulty in the sight of God than the ones they would criticise [sic] and condemn. These men are blind leaders of the blind, and both leaders and those led by them will be ruined unless there is true repentance and heart-felt confession before God.” Special Testimony to the Battle Creek Church, 13.

After judging Israel for twenty years (Judges 15:20), how did Satan make Samson a slave of the enemies of Israel? Judges 16:1, 4–6, 16–20.

Note: “What a change to him who had been the judge and champion of Israel!—now weak, blind, imprisoned, degraded to the most menial service! Little by little he had violated the conditions of his sacred calling. God had borne long with him; but when he had so yielded himself to the power of sin as to betray his secret, the Lord departed from him.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 566.

Since Samson did not know how to control his eyes (in a spiritual sense, Matthew 5:28, 29), what did God allow the Philistines to do (in a literal sense)? Judges 16:21.

Note: “In suffering and humiliation, a sport for the Philistines, Samson learned more of his own weakness than he had ever known before; and his afflictions led him to repentance. As his hair grew, his power gradually returned; but his enemies, regarding him as a fettered and helpless prisoner, felt no apprehensions.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 566.

5 AMONG THE HEROES OF FAITH

Why do you think Samson’s name is mentioned among the heroes of faith? Hebrews 11:32; Judges 16:28–30.
What warning should every Christian heed, especially by those who are directly engaged in the service of the Lord? I Corinthians 10:12.

Note: “God’s providential care had been over Samson, that he might be prepared to accomplish the work which he was called to do. At the very outset of life he was surrounded with favorable conditions for physical strength, intellectual vigor, and moral purity. But under the influence of wicked associates he let go that hold upon God which is man’s only safeguard, and he was swept away by the tide of evil. Those who in the way of duty are brought into trial may be sure that God will preserve them; but if men willfully place themselves under the power of temptation, they will fall, sooner or later.

“The very ones whom God purposes to use as His instruments for a special work, Satan employs his utmost power to lead astray. He attacks us at our weak points, working through defects in the character to gain control of the whole man; and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. But none need be overcome. Man is not left alone to conquer the power of evil by his own feeble efforts. Help is at hand and will be given to every soul who really desires it.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 568.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 When the few faithful worshippers in Israel were pleading for deliverance, whom did God raise from the family of Manoah?

2 What was the first recorded misstep of Samson?

3 How soon did Samson realize that marriage between a believer and an unbeliever, which brings great suffering, is a great mistake?

4 Describe step by step how Samson allowed his light to become darkness.

5 Under what miserable conditions did Samson still find repentance?

Bible Study Guides – Gideon

October 31, 2017 by Reformation Herald Publishing

July 5, 2015 – July 11, 2015

Key Text

“This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host.” Judges 7:14.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 548-556.

Introduction

“All who would be soldiers of the cross of Christ, must gird on the armor and prepare for conflict. They should not be intimidated by threats; or terrified by dangers. They must be cautious in peril, yet firm and brave in facing the foe and doing battle for God.” The Signs of the Times, June 30, 1881.

1 A MAN WILLING TO OBEY GOD

When the Midianites and the Amalekites found out that Gideon had destroyed the altar of Baal and that he was about to form an army, what did they do? Judges 6:33.
What did Gideon do, with the help of the Lord, to give battle to the invaders? Judges 6:34, 35.
What instruction from the Lord reduced Gideon’s army to three hundred men? Judges 7:2–7.

Note: “He [Gideon] was filled with astonishment at the declaration that his army was too large. But the Lord saw the pride and unbelief existing in the hearts of His people. … Many were filled with fear when they saw the multitudes of the Midianites. Yet, had Israel triumphed, those very ones would have taken the glory for themselves instead of ascribing the victory to God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 549.

2 NO PLACE FOR THE INDOLENT AND SELF-INDULGENT

What lesson can we learn from the way the 32,000 men were tested? Mark 8:34. What are some important qualities we should look for in selecting men and women for the gospel work today? Romans 12:11.

Note: “The Lord has no place in His work for the indolent and self-indulgent. The men of His choice were the few who would not permit their own wants to delay them in the discharge of duty. The three hundred chosen men not only possessed courage and self-control, but they were men of faith. They had not defiled themselves with idolatry. God could direct them, and through them He could work deliverance for Israel. Success does not depend upon numbers. God can deliver by few as well as by many. He is honored not so much by the great numbers as by the character of those who serve Him.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 549, 550.

“We want missionaries who are missionaries in the fullest sense of the word, who will put aside selfish considerations, and let the cause of God come first; and who, working with an eye single to His glory, will keep themselves as minutemen, ready to go where He bids, and to work in any capacity to spread the knowledge of the truth.” Gospel Workers, 459.

In view of the responsibility given to parents to train their children in habits of usefulness (Proverbs 22:6), what question, echoed in the words uttered to the kind of Judah, will parents have to answer? Jeremiah 13:20, last part.

Note: “Parents cannot commit a greater sin than to neglect their God-given responsibilities in leaving their children with nothing to do; for these children will soon learn to love idleness and grow up to be shiftless, useless men and women.” Child Guidance, 122.

“God … is displeased with those who are too careless or too indolent to become efficient, well-informed workers. The Lord bids us love Him with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and with all the mind. This lays upon us the obligation of developing the intellect to its fullest capacity, that with all the mind we may know and love our Creator.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 333.

3 THE SWORD OF GIDEON

After Gideon had spent the night in fear of the imminent encounter with the Midianites and Amalekites, what did the Lord say to him in order to encourage him? Judges 7:9–11.
What did Gideon overhear from two enemy soldiers, and what was his response? Judges 7:13–15.

Note: “Gideon recognized the voice of God speaking to him through those Midianitish strangers. Returning to the few men under his command, he said, ‘Arise; for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian’ (Judges 7:15).” Patriarchs and Prophets, 550.

Describe the plan of attack that was suggested to him by divine revelation. Judges 7:16–20. What did the panic-stricken host do as they were put in confusion by this plan? Judges 7:21, 22.

Note: “By divine direction a plan of attack was suggested to him [Gideon], which he immediately set out to execute. The three hundred men were divided into three companies. To every man were given a trumpet, and a torch concealed in an earthen pitcher. The men were stationed in such a manner as to approach the Midianite camp from different directions. In the dead of night, at a signal from Gideon’s war horn, the three companies sounded their trumpets; then, breaking their pitchers and displaying the blazing torches, they rushed upon the enemy with the terrible war cry, ‘The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon’ (Judges 7:20).

“The sleeping army was suddenly aroused. Upon every side was seen the light of the flaming torches. In every direction was heard the sound of trumpets, with the cry of the assailants. Believing themselves at the mercy of an overwhelming force, the Midianites were panic-stricken. With wild cries of alarm they fled for life, and, mistaking their own companions for enemies, they slew one another.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 550–553.

4 GIDEON BEFORE AN INTERNAL CONFLICT

What did thousands of men from the tribes of Israel do as soon as the call of Gideon reached them? Judges 7:23. What did the men of Ephraim do when Gideon called them? Judges 7:24, 25.
Why did the Ephraimites become angry? How did Gideon’s modest and wise answer soothe the unjustified anger of the men of Ephraim? Judges 8:1–3.

Note: “The spirit of jealousy might easily have been fanned into a quarrel that would have caused strife and bloodshed; but Gideon’s modest answer soothed the anger of the men of Ephraim, and they returned in peace to their homes. Firm and uncompromising where principle was concerned, and in war a ‘mighty man of valor’ (Judges 6:12), Gideon displayed also a spirit of courtesy that is rarely witnessed.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 555.

What must a person learn before he or she can become a successful soul winner? Proverbs 15:1, 33; 25:15; Colossians 4:6; I Peter 3:15.

Note: “The leader whom God chose to overthrow the Midianites occupied no prominent position in Israel. He was not a ruler, a priest, or a Levite. He thought himself the least in his father’s house. But God saw in him a man of courage and integrity. He was distrustful of himself and willing to follow the guidance of the Lord. God does not always choose for His work men of the greatest talents, but He selects those whom He can best use. … The Lord can work most effectually through those who are most sensible of their own insufficiency, and who will rely upon Him as their leader and source of strength. He will make them strong by uniting their weakness to His might, and wise by connecting their ignorance with His wisdom.

“If they would cherish true humility, the Lord could do much more for His people; but there are few who can be trusted with any large measure of responsibility or success without becoming self-confident and forgetful of their dependence upon God. This is why, in choosing the instruments for His work, the Lord passes by those whom the world honors as great, talented, and brilliant. They are too often proud and self-sufficient. They feel competent to act without counsel from God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 553, 554.

5 THE MIND OF GIDEON FINALLY CONFUSED

After the armies of Israel had gained a signal victory over the Midianites and Amalekites, how did Satan work through the mind of Gideon to lead the people of Israel astray? Judges 8:24, 27.

Note: “Because he [Gideon] had been commanded to offer sacrifice upon the rock where the Angel appeared to him, Gideon concluded that he had been appointed to officiate as a priest. Without waiting for the divine sanction, he determined to provide a suitable place, and to institute a system of worship similar to that carried on at the tabernacle. … His course proved a snare to himself and his family, as well as to Israel. The unauthorized worship led many of the people finally to forsake the Lord altogether, to serve idols. After Gideon’s death great numbers, among whom were his own family, joined in this apostasy. The people were led away from God by the very man who had once overthrown their idolatry.

“There are few who realize how far-reaching is the influence of their words and acts. How often the errors of parents produce the most disastrous effects upon their children and children’s children, long after the actors themselves have been laid in the grave. Everyone is exerting an influence upon others, and will be held accountable for the result of that influence. Words and actions have a telling power, and the long hereafter will show the effect of our life here. The impression made by our words and deeds will surely react upon ourselves in blessing or in cursing.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 555, 556.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Why was Gideon surprised when the Lord told him to reduce his army?

2 Under the existing circumstances, why was such a step necessary?

3 What did the Lord say to Gideon in the early hours before dawn?

4 What enabled Gideon to give such a wise answer to soothe the unjustified anger of the Ephraimites?

5 What must a person learn before he or she can become a successful soul winner?

Bible Study Guides – Israel in Canaan

October 31, 2017 by Reformation Herald Publishing

June 28, 2015 – July 4, 2015

Key Text

“Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the Lord, that he had done for Israel.” Joshua 24:31.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 543-548

Introduction

“The Israelites yielded only a partial obedience to the command of God [to drive out all the inhabitants of Canaan], and for many generations they were afflicted by a remnant of the idolatrous nation.” The Signs of the Times, January 13, 1881.

1 THE COVENANT RENEWED AND THEN FORGOTTEN

At the end of his days, how did Joshua exhort the people to remain faithful to the Lord? And how did they respond to his exhortation? Joshua 24:15, 16, 20–26.

Note: “God had placed His people in Canaan as a mighty breastwork to stay the tide of moral evil, that it might not flood the world. If faithful to Him, God intended that Israel should go on conquering and to conquer. He would give into their hands nations greater and more powerful than the Canaanites.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 544.

However, what did they do after the death of Joshua? Judges 2:7, 8, 11, 12; 3:5–7.

Note: “The disregard of the Lord’s restrictions on the part of those who came in possession of Canaan sowed seeds of evil that continued to bring forth bitter fruit for many generations. … By their sins the Israelites were separated from God; His strength was removed from them, and they could no longer prevail against their enemies.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 545.

2 “THERE WAS EVER A REMNANT”

What term does the Bible use for the reformers of this period of church history? What word is used to describe the reformatory work of these servants of God? Judges 2:16, 18.
Describe the depth of backsliding that the people of God experienced? Psalm 78:58–62. Due to His remembrance of the covenant promises to Abraham, how did God work to deliver His people from their enemies? Psalm 78:65, 66.
No matter how many may turn away from God, what assurance do we have that the truth will never be left without faithful standard bearers? Isaiah 1:9; Romans 11:1–5. What suggests that God will also use a faithful remnant to reform His people in the time of the end? Ecclesiastes 3:15.

Note: “He [God] did not utterly forsake His people. There was ever a remnant who were true to Jehovah; and from time to time the Lord raised up faithful and valiant men to put down idolatry and to deliver the Israelites from their enemies.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 545.

“The great Head Who moves in the midst of His candlesticks will never be without a church. …

“If we refuse to let our light shine for the Master … others will do that very work which we might have done and could have done, but refused to do.” The Review and Herald, June 7, 1887.

“Many who have had great light have not appreciated and improved it. … They will deny the principles of truth in practice and bring reproach upon the cause of God.

“Christ declares that He will spue these out of His mouth. …

“The Lord will give His message to those who have walked in accordance with the light they have had, and will recognize them as true and faithful. … These men will take the place of those who, having light and knowledge, have walked not in the way of the Lord, but in the imagination of their own unsanctified hearts.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 421, 422.

“In the hour of the church’s greatest danger most fervent prayer will be offered in her behalf by the faithful remnant.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 524.

3 ISRAEL’S CRY TO GOD OUT OF DESPERATION

Mention some of the deliverers from among the faithful remnant that God raised in the early times of the judges. Judges 3:9, 15, 31; 4:4, 6. After these heroes, who was called to break the yoke of the oppressors? Judges 6:11–14.

Note: “To Gideon came the divine call to deliver his people. … He sadly pondered upon the condition of Israel and considered how the oppressor’s yoke might be broken from off his people.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 546.

Why did Gideon request a sign from the One who was speaking to him? Judges 6:17–21.

Note: “Gideon desired some token that the one now addressing him was the Covenant Angel, who in time past had wrought for Israel. Angels of God, who communed with Abraham, had once tarried to share his hospitality; and Gideon now entreated the divine Messenger to remain as his guest. Hastening to his tent, he prepared from his scanty store a kid and unleavened cakes, which he brought forth and set before Him. But the Angel bade him, ‘Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth’ (Judges 6:20). Gideon did so, and then the sign which he had desired was given: with the staff in His hand, the Angel touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and a flame bursting from the rock consumed the sacrifice. Then the Angel vanished from his sight.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 547.

What assurance calmed Gideon after he had set his eyes on Christ as the Angel of the Covenant and became afraid for his very life? Judges 6:22, 23.

Note: “These gracious words were spoken by the same compassionate Saviour Who said to the tempted disciples upon the stormy sea, ‘It is I; be not afraid’ (Mark 6:50),—He who appeared to those sorrowing ones in the upper chamber, and spoke the selfsame words addressed to Gideon, ‘Peace be unto you’ (Luke 24:36).” The Signs of the Times, June 23, 1881.

4 THE FIRST WORK—A REFORMATION IN THE HOME

Where did Gideon start the work of reformation in Israel? Judges 6:25, 27, 28.

Note: “Gideon’s father, Joash, who shared in the apostasy of his countrymen, had erected at Ophrah, where he dwelt, a large altar to Baal, at which the people of the town worshiped. Gideon was commanded to destroy this altar and to erect an altar to Jehovah over the rock on which the offering had been consumed, and there to present a sacrifice to the Lord. The offering of sacrifice to God had been committed to the priests, and had been restricted to the altar at Shiloh; but He who had established the ritual service, and to Whom all its offerings pointed, had power to change its requirements. The deliverance of Israel was to be preceded by a solemn protest against the worship of Baal. Gideon must declare war upon idolatry before going out to battle with the enemies of his people.

“The divine direction was faithfully carried out. Knowing that he would be opposed if it were attempted openly, Gideon performed the work in secret; with the aid of his servants, accomplishing the whole in one night.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 547.

The next morning, what was the reaction of the men of the city when they saw that the altar of Baal had been destroyed? Judges 6:30.
How did Joash, as a prominent man in the city, stand in defense of his son, and what did he say to the multitude? Judges 6:31, 32.

Note: “Great was the rage of the men of Ophrah when they came next morning to pay their devotions to Baal. They would have taken Gideon’s life had not Joash—who had been told of the Angel’s visit—stood in defense of his son. [Judges 6:31 quoted.] If Baal could not defend his own altar, how could he be trusted to protect his worshipers?” Patriarchs and Prophets, 547, 548.

5 QUALITIES NEEDED IN CHRIST’S SOLDIERS

What lesson should the soldiers of the cross learn from Gideon? Romans 15:4; I Peter 3:15.

Note: “The Lord is willing to do great things for us. We shall not gain the victory through numbers, but through the full surrender of the soul to Jesus. We are to go forward in His strength, trusting in the mighty God of Israel. …

“The Lord is just as willing to work through human efforts now, and to accomplish great things through weak instrumentalities. It is essential to have an intelligent knowledge of the truth; for how else could we meet its wily opponents? The Bible must be studied, not alone for the doctrines it teaches, but for its practical lessons. You should never be surprised, you should never be without your armor on. Be prepared for any emergency, for any call of duty. Be waiting, watching for every opportunity to present the truth, familiar with the prophecies, familiar with the lessons of Christ. But do not trust in well-prepared arguments. Argument alone is not enough. God must be sought on your knees; you must go forth to meet the people through the power and influence of His Spirit.

“Act promptly. God would have you minute men, as were the men who composed Gideon’s army. Many times ministers are too precise, too calculating. While they are getting ready to do a great work, the opportunity for doing a good work passes unimproved. The minister moves as though the whole burden rested on himself, a poor finite man, when Jesus is carrying him and his burden too. Brethren, trust self less, and Jesus more.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 1003, 1004.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 When the Jews were established in Canaan, what happened after the death of Joshua?

2 What assurance do we have that the truth will never be left without faithful standard bearers?

3 Where did Gideon start the work of reformation in Israel?

4 How did Joash try to calm down the anger of the people?

5 What lesson should we learn from the good work of Gideon?

Recipe – Baked Radishes

October 31, 2017 by Judy Hallingstad

6-8 Radishes, sliced Salt to taste

1-2 cloves garlic, minced

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place the radishes and garlic on oiled baking dish. Season with salt. Cover and cook about 20 minutes or until radishes are tender.

Eat raw, slice and sauté until soft in olive oil with garlic and seasoning.

Food – The Scrumptious Radish

February 4, 2019October 31, 2017 by Judy Hallingstad

I remember when I was little, I would pull up a radish right out of the garden, and without even washing it, I would devour it! YUM! I didn’t know anything about the health benefits then. I just knew that they tasted good. Since then I have discovered some health benefits you may be interested in:

Due to their ability to absorb vitamins and minerals from the ground, root vegetables grown in rich soil are full of nutrients and are an excellent source of fiber. Many are high in vitamin C, B vitamins, and vitamin A. Many are antioxidants. Several have remarkable healing properties. Unfortunately, root vegetables also absorb toxins from the ground, making organic the best choice.

The health benefits of radishes are truly impressive. They are said to be good for the liver and stomach, the kidneys and bladder, the lungs, the cardiovascular system and the immune system. They purify the blood and eliminate waste, detoxify and are anti-congestive. They are beneficial in the treatment of cancer, jaundice, constipation, urinary tract and kidney infections, skin ailments, and more.

Radishes come in varying shapes and sizes from large to small, from long to round, and in colors that include white, black, yellow, green, pink, red, or purple. All are a great source of vitamin C.

Daikon radishes come in all shapes and sizes, although the ones sold in the U.S. market generally look like oversized white carrots. The tops—the part that grows above ground—are edible and have a peppery taste; they are often added to salads.

Smaller radishes are more nutritious because nutrition is pulled from the root to the tops as the vegetable matures.

Daikons are an excellent source of vitamin C. They also contain vitamin B6, magnesium, and calcium.

To store, wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate.

www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

Health – Pomegranate – Superfood

February 4, 2019October 31, 2017 by Kaye Sehm

The pomegranate has been called a superfood mainly because of its antioxidant properties. Much research has been done to reveal that this old-fashioned fruit has some of the most amazing health benefits. Even the seeds have health-giving properties.

As a child growing up on a farm in the country, I can remember heading off with my brother on our quest to look for pomegranates. We knew where the tree was located; so we took off on our bicycles, loaded down with bags and baskets to bring some fruit home. We were told not to get the juice on our clothes as it would stain, but we loved the thrill of collecting these fruits. Little did we know that they are loaded with so many health benefits.

Each pomegranate is composed of hundreds of small seeds, each surrounded by a sac of sweet-tart reddish colored juice contained by a thin skin. The seeds are compacted around the core in a layer resembling honeycomb. The layers of seeds are separated by paper-thin white membranes which are bitter to the tongue. The inner membranes and rind are not generally eaten due to high tannic acid content.

Many people eat the fresh fruit by chewing on the seeds to release the juice from the sacs and then swallow seeds and all. The seeds are considered good roughage to help cleanse the body. In India, the seeds are dried and ground into a powder and used to flavor meat dishes. Others will get the juice from the seeds and then spit out the seeds. Eat or discard the seeds according to your personal preference.

Pomegranate juice, with its high levels of anti-oxidants, protects healthy cells from damage by destructive groups of atoms called free radicals. It also contains polyphenols and isoflavones, which are believed to play a role in cancer cell death. It is rich in vitamin C, fiber and potassium and is also effective as an anti-inflammatory.

Cancer

Pomegranates rank high in the list of foods believed helpful in the prevention of cancer. The antioxidants and other compounds in pomegranates help to inhibit the initial formation of cancer cells, activate the enzymes that identify and fix damaged DNA, help eliminate damaged cells, and impair multiplication of cancerous cells.

Consuming pomegranate juice and eating the fresh fruit have been known to have positive effects on numerous types of cancers, especially prostate, breast, lung, skin, and colon cancers. Studies in Israel have shown that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone and may also prevent breast cancer cells from forming. Other studies show that it inhibits the development of lung cancer. It has been shown to slow down the growth of prostate cancer in mice. In a study with 50 men who have had treatment for prostate cancer, one glass of pomegranate juice per day kept PSA levels stable, reducing the need for further treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy.

For 10 years Allan Pantuck, M.D., director of cancer research at UCLA has specialized in the treatment of prostate cancer. Dr. Pantuck was honored by the U.S. Army for his investigations into slowing prostate cancer progression by blocking estrogen. He has received awards several times from the National Institute of Health for his research and written more than 150 peer-reviewed journals on the subject. Now he is sharing his findings from a major study that uses simple, totally safe ingredients to inhibit estrogen production and slow prostate cancer.

Dr. Pantuck studied 50 men over five years. Before enrolling in the study, every man had been treated for prostate cancer. Treatments included surgery or radiation. In all cases, the treatment had failed. Each man’s PSA levels were rising quickly. Their cancer had returned and it was growing fast.

For men with no history of prostate cancer, PSA levels may not always be an accurate indicator of cancer. But when a patient has been diagnosed and treated for cancer, PSA levels are an accurate way to see if the cancer is in remission. When those levels rise quickly, it is a sure indication that the cancer has returned and is progressing quickly. This was the case for every man in the study.

Dr. Pantuck gave each man 250 ml of pomegranate juice each day – and no other treatment. Within weeks the juice was stabilizing their PSA levels and slowing their PSA doubling times. Doubling time is critical in prostate cancer. Patients with short doubling times are much more likely to die from prostate cancer, says Dr. Pantuck. In the case of the test group, the average doubling time was about 15 months.

Adding this simple fruit juice made a big difference. The researchers recorded a four-fold increase in doubling times. Instead of taking 15 months to double, the time increased to 54 months for 82 percent of the men on the study.

“That’s a big increase,” says Dr. Pantuck. “In older men we can give them pomegranate juice and they may outlive their risk of dying from cancer. We’re hoping we may be able to prevent the need for other therapies which bring with them harmful side effects.”

There were further big improvements. The researchers’ results also showed a 12 percent decrease in cancer cell growth and a 17 percent increase in cancer cell death. “There are many substances in the juice that may be prompting this response,” says Dr. Pantuck. “We don’t know if it’s one magic bullet or the combination of everything else we know is in this juice.”

Cardiovascular Health

Pomegranates improve cardiovascular health by reducing serum LDL levels, or bad cholesterol, in healthy and in diabetic patients. A study published in 2008 in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry confirmed the findings of previous studies that whole pomegranate fruit and pomegranate juice demonstrate the ability to prevent and reverse atherosclerosis, or the build-up of plaque on artery walls. This means a decrease in blood pressure and increased blood flow to the heart and therefore reducing the chance of having a heart attack.

Inflammation

Long-term inflammation can cause multiple chronic diseases like rheumatic arthritis, asthma and cardiovascular disease. Pomegranates possess chemicals that reduce inflammation, helping to prevent and relieve symptoms of some of these diseases.

Other Health Benefits

Pomegranates possess antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-diarrheal properties. People drinking the juice have seen considerable improvement in their skin and oral health.
Because of less amyloid plaque build up in the brain, pomegranate consumption may prevent and slow Alzheimer’s disease. Mental tasks become easier.
It may help to slow down the aging process and is beneficial in maintaining the elasticity and health of skin.
It may help to prevent tooth decay by suppressing the detrimental bacteria that cause plaque and tooth decay.
It may inhibit the replication of Influenza viruses.
It may inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and may inhibit the production of endotoxins by Staphylococcus aureus.
Pomegranates fight diarrhea, bronchitis, sore throat, and nausea.

Pomegranates can be purchased in season and eaten, but a very easy addition to the diet is the juice. Be aware that most pomegranate juice is flash pasteurized and is usually found in a clear container. Both of these factors result in the loss of some of the nutrients. Thus you cannot be sure of receiving all of the juice’s health benefits, but the benefits you do get will definitely outweigh the drawbacks. Therefore, try adding pomegranate juice to your diet.

Pomegranate juice is available in many supermarkets. Be sure to read the label to make sure you are getting a quality product that is 100% pure juice, or 100% pure juice from concentrate, at the very least. Also make sure that no sugars are added.

It has been stated that one glass of pomegranate juice a day can help your health in many different ways. The fruit has long been used in folk medicine in the Middle East and India. Healers have used the bark, leaves, skin and rind as well as the edible fruit to cure a multitude of ills. A boiled infusion of the rinds is said to soothe a sore throat and a scalp massage paste made from the leaves is thought to reverse baldness.

www.naturalhealthdossier.com

www.amazing-pomegranate-health-benefits.com

Kaye Sehm, Back to Eden Newsletter. Winter 2011, No. 47, P.O. Box 850, Lavington NSW 2641 Australia Telephone +61-2-6025-5018