Jana Wagner

Current Events – The Elevated Character of Women

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The influence of the female character is now felt and acknowledged in all the relations of life. I speak not now of those distinguished women, who instruct their age through the public press. Nor of those devout strains we take upon our lips when we worship. But of a much larger class—of those whose influence is felt in the relations of neighbor, friend, daughter, wife, mother.

Who waits at the couch of the sick to administer tender charities while life lingers or to perform the last acts of kindness when death comes? Where shall we look for those examples of friendship that most adorn our nature, those abiding friendships, which trust even when betrayed, and survive all changes of fortune?

Where shall we find the brightest illustrations of filial piety? Have you even seen a daughter watching the decline of an aged parent and holding out with heroic fortitude to anticipate his wishes, to administer to his wants, and to sustain his tottering steps to the very borders of the grave?

But in no relation does woman exercise so deep an influence, both immediately and prospectively, as in that of mother. To her is committed the immortal treasure of the infant mind. Upon her devolves the care of the first stages of that course of discipline which is to form of a being, perhaps the most frail and helpless in the world, the fearless ruler of animated creation, and the devout adorer of its great Creator.

Her smiles call into exercise the first affections that spring up in our hearts. She cherishes and expands the earliest germs of our intellects. She breathes over us her deepest devotions. She lifts our little hands and teaches our little tongues to lisp in prayer.

She watches over us like a guardian angel and protects us through all our helpless years, when we know not of her cares and her anxieties on our account. She follows us into the world of men, and lives in us, and blesses us, when she lives not otherwise upon the earth.

What constitutes the center of every home? Whither do our thoughts turn, when our feet are weary with wandering and our hearts sick with disappointments? Where shall the truant and forgetful husband go for sympathy unalloyed and without design, but to the bosom of her who is ever ready and waiting to share in his adversity or his prosperity? And if there be a tribunal where the sins and the follies of a forward child may hope for pardon and forgiveness this side of heaven, that tribunal is the heart of a fond and devoted mother.

Finally, her influence is felt deeply in religion. If Christianity should be compelled to flee from the mansions of the great, the academies of philosophers, the halls of legislators, or the throng of busy men, we should find her last and purest retreat with woman at the fireside; her last altar would be the female heart; her last audience would be the children gathered round the knees of the mother; her last sacrifice, the secret prayer escaping in silence from her lips, and heard, perhaps, only at the throne of God.

The Moore McGuffey Readers, Carter, 64–66.

The Iron Wolf

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I conducted the services two months ago,” said a clergyman, “at the funeral of one of my parishioners. He had been a farmer. Forty years ago, as a young man, he commenced work for himself and his young wife with one hundred acres of land, and he ended with one hundred. He was a skilled, industrious workingman, but he laid by no money in the bank. I understood the reason, as I listened to the comments of his neighbors and friends.

“ ‘It was always a warm, hospitable house,’ said one.

“ ‘The poor man was never turned away from that door.’

“ ‘His sons and daughters all received the best education which his means could command. One is a clergyman, one a civil engineer, two are teachers; all lead useful, happy, and full lives.’ ”

“Said another neighbor, ‘Those children sitting there and weeping are the orphans of a friend. He gave them a home. That crippled girl is his wife’s niece. She lived with them for years. That young fellow who is also weeping so bitterly was a waif that he rescued from the slums of the city.’ ”

“And so the story went on, not of a miser who had heaped dollar on dollar, but of a servant of God, who had helped many lives, and had lifted many of them out of misery and ignorance into life and joy.

“On my way home from the funeral, I stopped at the farm of another parishioner, who said to me, in a shrill, rasping tone—

“ ‘So poor Gould is dead? He left a poor account. Not a penny more than he got from his father. Now I started with nothing, and look there pointing to his broad fields. I own down to the creek! D’ye know why? When I started to keep house, I brought this into it the first thing,’ taking an iron savings-bank in the shape of a wolf out of the closet. ‘Every penny I could save went into its jaws.’ ”

“ ‘It’s surprising how many pennies you can save when you’ve a purpose. My purpose was to die worth a hundred thousand dollars. Other folks ate meat; we ate molasses. Other men dressed their wives in merinoes; mine wore calico. Other men wasted money on schooling; my boys and girls learned to work early and keep it up late. I wasted no money on churches, or sick people, or paupers, or books, and’—he concluded, triumphantly—‘now I own to the creek, and that land with the fields yonder and the stock in my barns are worth one hundred thousand dollars. Do you see?’ and on the thin, hard lips was a wretched attempt to laugh.

“The house was bare and comfortless; his wife, worn out by work, had long ago crept into her grave; of his children, taught only to make money a god, one daughter, starved in body and mind, was still drudging in his kitchen; one son had taken to drink, having no other resource, and died in prison; the other, a harder miser than his father, remained at home to fight with him over every penny wrung out of their fertile fields.

“Yesterday I buried this man,” continued the clergyman. “Neither neighbor nor friend, son nor daughter, shed a tear over him. His children were eager to begin the quarrel for the ground he had sacrificed his life to earn. Of it all, he had now only earth enough to cover his decaying body.

“Economy for a noble purpose,” added the good old clergyman, “is a virtue; but in the houses of some of our farmers it is avarice, and like a wolf, devours intelligence, religion, hope, and life itself.” Selected.

The Youth Instructor, April 14, 1886.

How the Will of Man Can Overcome All Sin

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In my personal devotions with God one early morning, I discovered a most profound truth that I must share with you. I was reading the book Christ’s Object Lessons, 333, and found this mind boggling inspired quotation: “As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent.” At first I found this difficult to comprehend, for only God is omnipotent. Could it be possible that God loves us so much that He is willing to share this unbelievable power of omnipotence with you and me? Since I am a firm believer that both the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy are divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, I was overwhelmed with this revealed truth that God would share His omnipotent power with sinners like you and me so that we may overcome every temptation of Satan and live victoriously as Jesus did.

Let us keep in mind that there is no question concerning the eternal truth that is found in Romans 8:3: “God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” It was thus that Christ as our example demonstrated for us how He in the likeness of our sinful flesh joined His will with God’s omnipotent power making it possible for Him to live on earth without committing one sin. This is why He could say, “Which of you convinceth Me of sin” (John 8:46, first part)? Only Christ could make such a statement, for in His daily life He fully surrendered His will to God’s will. We read of this dedication in John 6:38: “I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me.” This was demonstrated in the Garden of Gethsemane in choosing death rather than life when He stated, “Father, all things are possible unto Thee; take away this cup from Me: nevertheless not what I will, but what Thou wilt” (Mark 14:36).

Christ has revealed how He cooperated with God in joining His human will with God’s divine will. This is why the Bible pleads, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). If we will follow the example of Christ and place our will in the hand of God we too can have absolute victory over sin.

Now this brings us to a most important question. What is the will? I believe this can best be described by what it is not. Please let me illustrate. Most of you have no doubt experienced something similar to what I am about to tell you. You have been in someone’s home when it was bedtime for their children. I was making a pastoral call with my wife one evening in the home of one of our church members. Their little boy Johnny was excited to see the pastor. As we visited, the boy’s bedtime became past due so Mother said, “Johnny, it’s time for you to go to bed.” Instantly he shook his head, No! No! and he began to pout. Mother insisted, “Johnny, come now, let’s go to bed.” At these words he began to reveal his real nature. He stamped his feet, fell on the floor kicking and screaming. His mother picked the little fellow up as he struggled to resist. Mother blushed as she said, “My boy has such a strong willpower.” Now that was a misnomer. Johnny was not displaying his God-given willpower, but instead a disobedient “won’t” power. And what’s more, won’t power is not to be confused with want power.

Let me explain further. An old man in the jungle was in such pain that he walked ten miles to one of our dispensaries in a small town. The doctor took one look at his swollen jaw and told the man his tooth must be taken out. So the man got in the dental chair and watched the doctor make preparations. First he put on a white jacket and then placed the hypo with the long needle on it on a nearby table. The jungle man’s eyes grew bigger and bigger. Next the doctor placed a small lance and forceps next to the hypo. After rolling up his sleeves the doctor told the man, “Open your mouth.” Suddenly he yelled, “No! No!” You see this jungle man had never seen a dentist before in his entire life and he was scared to death. The doctor pleaded, “You will only feel a tiny prick and when the tooth is gone you will not have any more pain.” “No! No!” The man got up out of the chair and rushed to the door and ran back into the jungle with his terrible pain. Why? Because he was not willing. Now what have we learned thus far? The will of man is not won’t power. It is not want power. The will is the deciding power of man.

Let me give you the best definition of the will that I have ever found. “Pure religion has to do with the will. The will is the governing power in the nature of man, bringing all the other faculties under its sway. The will is not the taste or the inclination, but it is the deciding power which works in the children of men unto obedience to God or unto disobedience.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 513. So we have arrived at the proper definition. The will is not won’t power. The will is not want power. The will is the deciding power. These words deciding power imply there is a counsel of judges.

Let us consider that your mind, your brain, is the chamber in which three judges sit. The first judge is called the voice of reason. This is why God pleads, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 1:18). Only man has this power of reasoning. This ability leads to choice. It is not found in the animal kingdom. The greatest gift that God ever gave to mankind is His son Jesus Christ and the next gift is that of the power of choice. If man is to be saved to everlasting life he must accept this precious gift of Jesus and then properly use the gift of choice.

We read in Deuteronomy 30:19, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” Now let us consider this judge called reason. He is cold and factual. He will argue the pro and the con pointing out the good and the bad and he pays no attention as to whether you like it or not. Without question he points out the advantages or disadvantages.

Now what makes our reasoning power tick?

Point number 1: Reasoning power is developed by your home life, the teachings and example of your parents, Bible study and prayer, and how you use the television, the radio, [and the Internet].

Point number 2: Your reasoning power is determined by the school you attend. Are Christian standards taught and upheld? Are modern scientific theories to be accepted without question? Or, is the final answer found in God’s word?

Point number 3: The church you attend affects the power of choice. Are its teachings based on God’s word or on tradition? Do you attend for the excitement of its weekly drama and the beat of the Christian rock music, or to be quietly, spiritually fed by the Holy Spirit? There is one more point.

Point number 4: Do not forget the effect of your associations upon your reasoning ability. Are your close friends worldly with evil habits? Or are they the kind you love to discuss spiritual truths with?

Each of these four factors affects the reasoning ability of this judge called reason.

The second judge is your heart’s ideal. Some may call it your feelings. We are not talking about your mind of knowledge, but of your heart’s seat of affections. For God says in His word in I Kings 3:9, first part: “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart.” Our ideal judge is developed by the same four standards of our personal environment – the home life, the school, the church and your associates. The important question is Are these four factors Christ centered? The poet has stated, “Be like Jesus, this my song; in the home and in the throng. Be like Jesus all day long. I would be like Jesus” (James Rowe, 1911).

The third judge is the voice of conscience. As with the other two judges, the counsel of this judge is also developed by the home, school, church and our associates. We are not born with a conscience and we must not consider our conscience infallible. Take the example of Saul of Tarsus. It was his home life, schooling, church, and associates which all played a part in the development of his ungodly conscience. Keep in mind that he was taught that tradition was above the word of God, that he could work his way to heaven, that higher education should be trusted as above the counsel of God, that priestly teachings and commands were to be obeyed with a cadaver-like conscience. Is it any wonder that he acted as he did? He persecuted the people of God, believing he was doing God a favor. But on the road to Damascus he met Jesus and he was never the same again. As Saul looked into Christ’s face, He became his ideal. His conscience was renewed by the Holy Spirit enabling him to see the folly in fighting God’s truth. He immediately forsook his former associates. His reasoning power no longer was based on tradition but on God’s eternal word.

No longer do we talk of Saul the persecutor, but of Paul the apostle. Why? Because the three judges in his mind chamber now acted differently. His reasoning power was now based on Scripture. His heart’s ideal was no longer to be like the Jewish priests but to be like Jesus. His conscience followed the leading of the Holy Spirit. His new associates encouraged him to stand faithful to God. The Bible explains this in two words—born again.

We praise God for Paul’s new birth experience, but we must ever keep in mind that if this change of mind in us does not reveal a death of the old nature and a resurrection of a new Christ-like nature, this apparent change of character will not last but end in complete failure.

Consider the following: An individual may accept God’s word as the basis of his reasoning, but if he continues to make his ideal that of some TV movie star, the power of this worldly ideal will become so strong as to eventually overrule the word of God. Or if one permits the Holy Spirit to develop within him a godly conscience but he reasons to question God’s word because of the teachings of higher education, he will discover that doubt will become the master, actually destroying his faith in God. And what’s more, you may have good reasoning, heavenly ideals and a holy conscience, yet, if you accept as your closest friends the unconverted with evil habits, all of your godly counsel, high ideals, and saintly conscience will avail you nothing, for the power of evil associates is so great that it will overpower these Christian qualities. Thus you will never be able to join your human willpower with that of omnipotence. Victory over sin will be unattainable.

Consider once more this will chamber in man’s mind. Sometimes it often takes a few moments to make the right decision and this requires a porter called self-control to take control and give time for the three judges to take action. For instance, when a problem arises demanding a decision, this self-control porter opens the door to the will chamber stating, Just a minute; don’t be too hasty, for we expect the right decision.

Paul explains this action with these words: “Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things” (I Corinthians 9:25, first part). Ellen White uses these words found in Messages to Young People, page 134: “The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who can stand unmoved amid a storm of abuse is one of God’s heroes. …

“It is God’s purpose that the kingly power of sanctified reason, controlled by divine grace, shall bear sway in the lives of human beings. He who rules his spirit is in possession of this power.”

So at the doorway to the council chamber of the will sits this porter of self-control. And whatever the source of impulse, be it habits, hereditary tendencies or some emotion, you name it, your mind chamber becomes alerted for action. Self-control gives the three judges of your will sufficient time to come to the right decision. It may take only a split second for reason, desire, and conscience to act. Then again it may take more time, but to act impulsively without the decision of these three judges can be a disaster – the difference between life or death, heaven or hell.

Let me make this practical. Take the example of hunger. This is a God given desire implanted at birth. As it follows the nerve pathway to the brain, if it is unhampered by reason, ideal, or conscience, the result is obvious – we will eat anything at any time, in any quantity to satisfy the impulse. This could lead us to become a glutton or a drunkard, but if we channel this desire to our will chamber, immediately the porter for the self-control says, Wait a minute, your three judges need to act. Instantly reason takes over. So you want to eat? Well, that’s perfectly all right, but remember, the work you are doing dictates the quantity you eat. And don’t forget – you should wait at least four to five hours between meals. And you will need some protein, carbohydrates, and minerals. What? You don’t like greens? That doesn’t matter. Eat it; it is good for you. Remember, you are what you eat. You want to be alert, don’t you? Clear eyed and quickly able to distinguish between truth and error. It is a known fact that the man who follows God’s prescribed diet of fresh fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables is found to be in the best of health, mentally as well as physically.

Then conscience speaks up. Everything that can be eaten shouldn’t be eaten. Some things are poison and God has declared some things are unclean. So in the will chamber of your mind you will have made a right decision: I will eat the right food, in the right quantity, at the right time. And the result – you’re a happy, contented, healthy, clear-minded thinker on the road to the best of health—all because of the correct action of your will.

Now what about passion? There are two paths that can be taken. One is controlled passion. The other is uncontrolled passion. God gave us passion and there is nothing wrong with this wonderful gift, but if uncontrolled by the will, it can lead to indiscretion, petting, lasciviousness, adultery, perversion, and even incest. What was true love can become lust, breaking the marriage vow and ruining the life. Uncontrolled passion is a curse and it is always promoted by the devil.

You may not like the comparison I am about to give but it’s absolutely true. A young woman with a proper willpower can become an unselfish mother, rearing her beautiful children for Christ in her Christ-like home, or she can become a harlot, roaming the streets like a dog in heat. Both are inspired by the same instinctive urge of passion. What makes the difference? It is the willpower. No wonder the wisest man that ever lived said in Proverbs 4:23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” And the apostle Paul added in Romans 8:13, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” This fact remains as long as there is life on earth. Your will is the determining factor between eternal life or death. Inspiration makes this very clear in Messages to Young People, page 31: “O that every one might realize that he is the arbiter of his own destiny! Your happiness for this life, and for the future, immortal life lies with yourself.”

Now does this mean that God doesn’t have anything to do with your salvation? Of course not. What it means is that you must do the willing and then God can do the saving. Let me read further from this inspired book on page 212: “Remember, … that each day, each hour, each moment, you are weaving the web of your destiny. Each time the shuttle is thrown, there is drawn into the web a thread which either mars or beautifies the pattern. If you are careless and indolent, you spoil the life which God designed should be bright and beautiful. If you choose to follow your own inclinations, unchristlike habits will bind you with bands of steel.” Here again we discover what is the deciding factor. It is the will.

Now let me conclude with the profound truth I read to you in our introduction of this important message found in Christ’s Object Lessons, 333: “As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent.” [Emphasis added.] What a tremendous thought! Omnipotent? Why, that is a power belonging only to God. What does this mean? Your will can become omnipotent when it is completely dominated by God’s will because your reasoning, your ideal, your conscience and your choice of associates are all in tune with God. This is how Jesus as a man made in the likeness of our flesh (Romans 8:3) was able to overcome every temptation of Satan and never sinned. God pleads with you and me to do likewise.

As we read before in Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” As Christ gave His will completely to God, His willpower became omnipotent over every temptation, and praise the Lord, we too can live victoriously over sin when we can say as Christ said, “Not My will, but Thy will be done” (Luke 22:42, literal translation). God never forces the will. The power of choice was God’s original gift to man and it will always be as long as eternity lasts. When we willingly give our reasoning, ideal, and conscience to God, He shares His divine power with us. Praise His name! Oh what love! What a Savior! You can hear His voice calling now.

Isaiah 1:19, 20 says, “If ye be willing [there it is again, the power of the will] and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” Praise God; it is so simple. Messages to Young People, 120: “Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is ‘dead in trespasses’ (Ephesians 2:1). He will set free the captive that is held by weakness and misfortune and the chains of sin.”

Don’t you like this kind of a God? Does He not appeal to your heart? With the help of His omnipotent power you can say with Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). So beloved, with God’s help I have laid before you life or death. Your will determines what your choice will be.

A missionary told me of an old man who walked into the mission hospital asking for some medicine to heal his broken finger. As the doctor unwrapped the dirty rag covering his hand he discovered the finger was dead. It was black, rotten to the bone. Alarmed, the doctor said, “There’s no medicine that I can give you to cure your finger. It must be amputated immediately or the blood poison of your dead finger will kill you.” But the man would have none of this. He insisted, “Doctor, if you won’t give me medicine to cure my finger, I’ll return to the jungle and find my old witch doctor. He will give me medicine. If it won’t work, I’ll come back in ten days.” Two weeks later the doctor inquired of a patient who knew this man. “Tell me, what happened to the man with the infected finger?” “Oh,” said the friend, “he died five days ago.”

Why did he die? Was it because there was no doctor to save him? No, he was not willing. When we shall soon see Jesus coming in the clouds of angels to bestow eternal life to the faithful, if any of us should find ourselves calling for the mountains to hide us from His glory, it will not be because God made no provision to share with us His omnipotent power to gain victory over every sin. It will be because we were not willing for Christ to save us.

So I beg of you – let your reasoning be developed by a daily study of God’s word; let your ideal be to become like Jesus. Keep friends with those who do likewise. Let your conscience be the still small voice of the Holy Spirit and you will be living day by day ready to meet Jesus. Remember, “You cannot control your impulses, your emotions, as you may desire, but you can control the will, and you can make an entire change in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, your life will be hid with Christ in God, and allied to the power which is above all principalities and powers.” Messages to Young People, 152. Beloved, that is omnipotent power. Praise God!

“As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 333.

For more than fifty years Lawrence Nelson served the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a church pastor, evangelist, and then in Conference, Union, and General Conference leadership. When God laid upon him the responsibility to tell it “like it is” to alert the people how the church was leading them into the worldwide ecumenical movement he was forbidden to preach in any church within the Oregon Conference. Though nothing could be found in his preaching that was contrary to the doctrines of the church he was considered divisive so Keep the Faith Audio Tape Ministry was born.

How Do We Compare – A Lowered Church Standard

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Consider where the Christian church started and how it has changed. The following article written over 100 years ago describes a move to secularism and a decline in spirituality. What about today; is Christ in the so-called Christian churches or have we been deceived?

A Lowered Church Standard

How the World Looks upon It

By C. L. Taylor

Under the heading, “The Church Penalized,” the Kansas City (Missouri) “Post,” in its issue of Sunday, May 29, 1910, took occasion, editorially, to say a few plain things concerning “the church of to-day.” I quote:

“Almost every church of Christendom began as did the apostolic church—down among the mudsills of society, the common people, so commonly despised. But without being able to detail the processes of each, the law of ecclesiastical evolution seems to have seized upon the spirit of the followers of the lowly Nazarene, and a few generations have been sufficient to develop a church pride and aristocracy which have caused the church to ‘forget the pit from which she was dug,’ and ‘the rock from whence she was hewn.’ ”

“Two or three illustrations prove the rule. The Methodists were a plain, homely folk, laying special stress upon plainness of dress, of meeting-houses, simplicity of worship, and a spirit on fire from a new Pentecost. Fifty years have seen this denomination grow into flattering numbers, highly educated clergy, fashionable congregations, colossal church buildings, cathedral-like in architecture, great pipe-organs, and cultivated choirs singing in an unknown tongue.”

The masses and the backwoods have all been left in the apparent race for an ideal of greatness. Seeing the needs of the hour, the Disciples’ church came to the rescue, and making better time, because living in a faster age than their Methodist brethren, have, within the recollection of the young man writing this article, grown from the four square wooden walls of the unpainted meeting-house, and as bald a service as it was possible to have, and a ministry which belonged to the common people, and which decried education, and with a prejudice against musical instruments often codified into a law of the congregation—these followers of Him who had nowhere to lay His holy head, have become spurring rivals of their pioneer Methodist brethren, and now worship God in imposing edifices, sometimes looking more like a heathen temple than a house of the manger Babe, and with poetical, philosophical, and logical orators in the pulpit, and the costliest organs in the loft, and also with choirs which seem to have been selected more because of their skillful use of Greek in singing than because of their superior soul power in song. They, too, have broken with their humble origin.

While some portions of this picture may be a little too highly colored, the fact remains that for years the church of Christ has notoriously violated her own principles of professed humility and simplicity in the very ways pointed out in the “Post” editorial. She has adopted and adapted the spirit of the age in her extravagance and love of display, this being especially true in our great cities. And it is a just reflection on the part of many, that as the cost of church buildings and equipment has gone up, the real value of the church service has gone down. The better the pew the poorer the religion.

A Non-Theological Creed

But sad as may be the fact that in outward display the church of to-day is so sadly lowering the standard of Christian profession, sadder still is the fact that she is finding it convenient to abrogate the very fundamentals of Christian doctrine. A clipping from the New York “Evening Telegram” of April 21, 1910, will serve to illustrate the trend of the times:

“New Haven, Connecticut, Thursday — A new confession of faith, which drops the Apostles’ Creed and requires no formal expression as to the divinity of Christ, has been adopted by the deacons and will be presented for adoption by the Center Congregational Church of this city.

“The significance of this action is that the church has strictly held to Puritan orthodoxy for more than two and a half centuries, having been founded in 1638. New members will only have to pledge themselves to believe in a higher life and to moral purposes. The old confession of faith will be spread upon the records of the church as a historical relic.

“As explained by the church officers, the purpose of the change is to make the confession of faith absolutely non-theological and to gather into membership those who have hitherto been debarred by slight theological scruples.”

It may be, indeed, that to many religionists “the divinity of Christ” is a matter of “slight theological” importance, and therefore may be advantageously omitted from church belief. To all true followers of the Lord Jesus, however, this doctrine of our Lord’s divinity constitutes the very foundation of all Christian living. As well may we believe in a Bible without inspiration, as a Jesus without divinity. Only because He was “God manifest in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16), “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), was Jesus Christ worthy of our affection and worship. Only divinity can save from sin, and only faith in divinity can bring salvation into men’s lives.

Who cannot see that in this yielding up of fundamentals the church is veritably allowing her colors to trail in the dust? It is a deliberate surrender to those forces which would make the church only a social club, her faith a mere form of words, her work a purely esthetic quantity. Think of it! People want to join the church, but demand before doing so, that she eliminate those doctrines which are essential to her existence, but which are distasteful to their ideas!

Sensationalism

Along with this surrender of principle in matter of faith, there come practices quite foreign to the spirit of the pure Gospel of the Scriptures. The San Francisco “News Letter” of February 13, 1909, had this to say about present-day popular methods of carrying forward church work:

“A clergyman, either in the doctrines he preaches or the manner in which he presents them, must be in sore straits when he resorts to theatrical devices for luring people to his church. The tendency to sensationalism in the pulpit and to extraordinary musical programs, is quite prominent nowadays, and some pastors are even advertising, just as theaters do.”

Yes, advertising, and sensational advertising at that, has taken the place in many ministers’ work of the drawing power of the Spirit of God, as it was manifested in the work of an Elijah, a Paul, a Luther, or a Wesley. And not only have certain Protestant ministers adopted advertising schemes for themselves, but they have gone into print and boldly advocated their methods as models for their brethren to follow.

But would the ministry dare endorse theatrical plans if their congregations stood in open opposition? Is it not a case of “like people, like priest”? Do not the people “love to have it so”? Have not “extraordinary musical programs” and other mere entertainments been introduced because the majority of attendants upon church services really demand it? The fact is, church members, unreproved and unreprovable, are so largely in attendance upon and educated by the common theater through the six days of the week, that their tastes call for theatrical food the other one day.

Theatricals Planned for

That the church trend is toward the theatrical, toward loose plans which will draw the multitude, may be seen from the following clipping:

“Philadelphia, June 2 – Fairhill Baptist Church, one of the largest in the city, is to be so enlarged and reconstructed as to provide for a roof garden, upon which in warm weather vaudeville is to be presented in conjunction with Gospel services. When the weather is cold or it is raining a spacious auditorium, which the proposed roof garden will surmount, will be used instead.”

In justification of the scheme, the pastor, the Reverend Mr. McClellan, is reported to have said:

“It is time that Christians who would win unsaved men and women from the playhouse, cardtable, and saloon to the church should provide practical means of making the latter attractive. A radical departure in church work is needed, if we are to appeal successfully to non-churchgoers.”

But this is CHURCHianity instead of CHRISTianity. Men and women may indeed be drawn to the church by stage performances and kindred methods, but they are not drawn to Christ. They will find in the end and to their utter dismay that the church had lost her power, and had provided them only a deceptive substitute. It has long been known that plain, open, worldly vaudeville is demoralizing, worthy of all Christians’ severe condemnation; but what shall be said of it when it assumes a Christian name, masquerades in the sacred precincts of Jehovah’s church, and claims to be able to save people from their sins! No wonder that the theatrical world of nowadays seeks closer union with the church, and claims a place in the work of man’s moral uplift.

Boxing Matches

Note the following from the New York “Evening Telegram”

“BOXING IN CHURCH—Atlanta, GA, Friday.— Deacons of a church here have hit on a plan to induce delinquent members to attend services. A boxing contest was advertised to take place in the church last night, and long before the time for the bout to begin every pew was filled.

“Shortly afterward two of the deacons appeared gloved for the ring. The fighters faced each other and the fight was on, but after sparring a few minutes, both failing to land a blow, the bout was declared off and the usual services held.”

These things are painful. Gladly would all true followers of the Lord Jesus forget them and if possible bury them deep in oblivion. But that cannot be. God says, “Cry aloud” (Isaiah 58:1). Only because earth’s millions stand in danger of complete and eternal loss are the sins of God’s professed people to be plainly revealed. It may be, yea, it will be, that some will hear the warning and flee from the paths that lead to death.

Honest hearts, one here, another there, in this land and in that, are breathing earnest prayers to God that He will turn back the tidal wave of worldliness which seems about to engulf the church, and give back to them the days of Spirit power and Pentecostal preaching. Their petitions will be answered, but not as they expect. The Scriptures declare that the last days will be filled with mighty perils, summed up, as it were, in a church “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3: 5). The church, as a great whole, will not repent and reform. She will go on in her blindness and folly, lowering the standard more and more, until, as a part of great Babylon, she will finally become the rendezvous of evil men and wicked spirits (Revelation 18:2). But “out of her” God will call, His people (verse 4). Upon the platform of “the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12) they will take their stand, and triumph when the Master appears.

Our Greatest Need

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As a preacher I am often contacted by people with suggestions to preach about certain subjects that they are concerned about. These suggestions are always the pet subject of the people who think everyone should agree with their interpretation on the subject. Identifying the king of the north, the identity of the 144,000, or how to apply certain aspects of health reform are just a few. Though these are important issues, they are not salvational issues.

The most important question anyone can ask himself or herself is, Am I ready for Jesus to come and am I going to spend eternity in the kingdom of heaven?

So, whatever view you hold concerning the king of the north, or concerning what constitutes appropriate dress, it will not do you any good if the Lord should come and you are not ready to meet Him.

As I pondered the reason why many professed Christians will not be ready for the Lord to come, I finally narrowed it down to just one big reason that covers a multitude of other reasons.

The One Who Overcomes 

The Bible teaches that if you are going to be ready for the Lord to come, you must be an overcomer. In Revelation 2 and 3 to all seven churches, which represents the whole Christian world for all time, salvation is promised only to the overcomer.

Revelation 21:5–7: “Then He Who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega [the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet], the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.’ ” We see here that it is the one who overcomes who is going to inherit everything.

Salvation is for those who overcome. Today we are living in a pessimistic age, but the 19th century, in Ellen White’s time, was an age of optimism. I could hardly believe it and used to laugh as a child when my father would tell me how people used to talk. There were people who would actually stand in front of the mirror and say, “Every day in every way I’m getting better and better.” They would repeat it believing that if they said it enough it would actually happen. It was believed that life would get better and better.

I thought, What trash! What craziness! How could people be so foolish in just one generation past? The fact of the matter is they lived in a time of optimism. Because of all the new inventions, they thought they could conquer disease and war and they thought they were going to live in a utopian society.

After a couple of world wars in the 20th century, confidence was destroyed. Since then we have become a very pessimistic people. Now people say to preachers, “I can’t overcome.” The preachers too are affected just like other people by the society in which they live and have adjusted their preaching to suit the tenor of what people think. This is where the doctrine of perfectionism came from. It is the idea that you just come to Christ and instantly you are perfect from that time on. Seventh-day Adventists do not believe in perfectionism, have never taught it, and Ellen White never endorsed that doctrine.

The pendulum has swung from the extreme view of the 19th century clear to another extreme wherein the people now say it is impossible to be perfect, although the Bible clearly teaches Christian perfection.

Jesus said, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him” (Luke 11:13)! All parents love to give good gifts to their children.

Why can’t People Overcome?

If that is the case, if indeed our heavenly Father wants to give His children the Holy Spirit, why is it then that these people cannot overcome? They have not received the Holy Spirit because they are unwilling to make an undivided commitment to God. Luke 14:33: “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Unless you are willing to make an unreserved, undivided commitment to God, to follow Him and to obey Him, you cannot receive the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit will continue pleading with you; however, cannot work in your life contrary to your will. We need to understand that the Holy Spirit will never work contrary to your will and in order to work in your life, your will has to be totally surrendered to God.

Without full surrender and total commitment, you become stuck. That is why people get discouraged in their Christian walk. They say, “I can’t overcome,” which is true without the Holy Spirit. Why don’t they have the Holy Spirit? Because they have not made an undivided, unreserved surrender to God. Now we could go one step further and ask why they have not made an undivided, unreserved surrender to God. If that is the way you get the Holy Spirit, why don’t people do it?

The reason people are not willing to make an undivided commitment, to give their undivided affections to God is because they don’t know Him. Therefore, they don’t love Him and they don’t trust Him. How can you make an unreserved surrender to somebody that you don’t know, and you don’t trust, and you don’t love?

Would you want to marry somebody you do not know, do not love and do not trust? Of course not. People do not know, love and trust God because they lack faith. Ellen White says, “Every failure on the part of the children of God is due to their lack of faith.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 657. It doesn’t matter how weak you are, how sinful you are, or whatever your problem is; if you have faith in God and understand the plan of salvation, He is going to make it work out in your life.

Every failure on the part of the children of God is because of their lack of faith. The disciples came to the Lord one time and they said, “… Lord, increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).

Romans 10:6–17 explains why there are some people that do not have any faith. If you do not have faith, then you do not know God and cannot make a commitment. You are stuck and cannot receive the Holy Spirit.

Verse 17 tells how to get the faith you need so that you can be saved. It says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

It is never the wrong time to decide that it is time to get serious about knowing God and learning how to get the faith that you need, so that you can make the commitment to Him and receive the Holy Spirit. Thus the plan of salvation can work out in your life.

Start by reading the Bible through. Maybe you have done this before, but each time you read, you will find some new treasure that you had previously missed. Learn the principles found in God’s word regarding life and then apply the principles to your own life.

Some people have read the whole Bible several times, concentrating on certain chapters. However, it is not enough just to read. The Bible says in Psalm 119:11, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” David memorized Scripture passages that would come to his mind readily when they were needed.

Many people find temptations irresistible. When the devil comes at them with temptations they do not have any weapons with which to fight him. Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the weapons of Scripture.

When the devil came to Jesus in the wilderness of temptation, His only defense was the word of God. Scripture that He had previously committed to memory was His only weapon against His wily foe.

Scripture memorization Suggestions

If you want to win in your Christian life, it would be beneficial to have some scriptures memorized. Here are a few suggestions:

The Sermon on the Mount – The length of this passage may be scary for some people, being three chapters, but most people have memorized part of it anyway. Most people can say the Lord’s Prayer which is part of that sermon. The Golden Rule is also a part and can be found in Matthew 7:12. Jesus said, “… do to others the way you’d like them to do to you.” I think about that scripture often. I am convinced that if I do not learn to do to others the way I would like for them to do to me, I will not be in the kingdom of heaven. That same principle is also taught throughout the writings of Ellen White.

Within the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus specifies in very clear language that anyone can understand who will be saved and who will be lost. Jesus also spoke there about the ten commandments. It would do well to memorize the whole sermon.

Remember, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. When you put the word of God (Romans 10:17) in your mind, it has an effect on the way you think and the way you feel, and it starts having an effect on the way you act. It enables you to make an unreserved surrender to the Lord and to receive the Holy Spirit. Thus you start having victory in your life over bad habits.

The Love Chapter – Another passage worth memorizing is I Corinthians 13. It is wonderful to recite to yourself these passages about love. Read them in different translations. Once while a guest in someone’s home I was asked to share for morning worship with them. I had my Greek New Testament with me so I just read to them a literal translation of I Corinthians 13 and we were all blessed. It is one of the most important chapters for a Christian to understand. Paul spells out 15 different characteristics of love, all of which should be manifest in the life of each Christian.

The Ten Commandments – These should be memorized with an understanding of every word. It is also beneficial to know where all 10 of them are repeated in the New Testament. Interestingly, each time they are mentioned they are repeated as a divine obligation. Someday we might have to answer to that in a court of justice.

The Three Angels’ Messages – These messages are the very reason that Seventh-day Adventists exist. It is these three final messages that have to be sounded to the world before the Lord can return. They contain God’s last invitation of mercy to a planet that is in rebellion. And as we approach the end of the world, the eternal destiny of every single person in the world will be determined by whether that person accepts or rejects the warnings therein.

Have you carefully noticed the final instructions that Jesus gave to His disciples before the crucifixion? This instruction is so important, so precious and so wonderfully recorded in John chapters 13 to 17 that it would do well to commit to memory. If you are feeling a little weak-minded at the length of the passage just remember that the Waldensian young people would memorize the whole gospels of Matthew and John.

John 17 is one of the clearest chapters in the whole Bible that describes the mediatorial work of Christ in our behalf in heaven. Here we get a preview of what He was going to do after His resurrection.

Make sure your life is in harmony with the divine commands given to Christians in 2 Corinthians 6:14 to 2 Corinthians 7:1. In a sermon recorded in Romans 12, Paul describes 40 different characteristics that identify Christian living. He also elaborates the practices that, if continued, will bar you from the kingdom of God. These can be found in I Corinthians 6:9, 10; Ephesians 5:3–6; Colossians 3:5, 6; Romans 1:28–32; Romans 2:8, 9 and Galatians 5:19–21.

Peter’s Ladder – 2 Peter 1:3–7 describes the Christian growth in the form of a ladder.

The disciple described as the one whom Jesus loved teaches the way to develop the grace of brotherly love in I John 2:2–5.

And finally, James admonishes in James 3 the importance of getting control of the littlest member of the body that often gets us in so much trouble. Whoever can control his tongue will be able to overcome other character defects. There will be a group of people who will overcome and be like those described in these scriptures. The Lord has promised to have a group of people at the end who are without fault before the throne of God. John said it in Revelation 14:5. Paul talked about it in Ephesians 5. Jesus talked about it and all the apostles talked about it and we are living in the time when it is going to happen. The question is, Am I going to be part of it?

Toward the end of James’ book, after he had given much instruction for being ready for judgment, he says to the people, especially for those who live in the last days: “… the Judge is standing at the door” (James 5:9)!

Dear friends, Jesus came to this world to save you, to save every member of the human race who is willing to be saved. He came to this world the first time as a Saviour and not a judge. But let me tell you something. When He comes the second time, He is not coming as a Saviour; He is coming as a judge. All cases will have been decided before He leaves the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. You will already have been saved or you will never be saved. There is no second chance. That time is rapidly approaching.

Before the door of mercy shuts, it would be well for us to say, “Lord, I am serious. I am going to pray every day. I am going to study Your word every day. I am going to seek to bring my life into harmony with what I read in Your Book. I am going to make an unreserved commitment. Lord, I want to receive the Holy Spirit so that I can have victory in my life.”

He is calling to us today, pleading with us to return into His fold where there is safety. The Lord never fails to do His part when we approach Him in sincerity and repentance.

(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 – When God Questions Man

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When God asks man a question, that man is required to answer. When God asked Adam in the garden of Eden “Where are you” (Genesis 3:9), Adam had to tell the Lord where he was. When God gave Job a science test (Job 38 and 39), Job said, “I am insignificant, what can I reply to you? I lay my hand on my mouth” (Job 40:3, 4, literal translation). After the Lord had finished speaking to Job, he said, “I repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6). But in the future the Lord is going to ask all of us to give an account to Him (Romans 14:12).

“The only question asked in the judgment will be, ‘Have they been obedient to My commandments?’ ” Gospel Workers, 315.

“Christ would have all understand that the end of all things is at hand, that the solemn scenes of the final judgment are soon to take place. In that great day, those whose characters the Judge of all the earth can vindicate will stand before the world glorified and honored. …

“The whole world will then receive sentence. Of all the question will be asked, ‘Have you diligently studied the word of God that you might know the will of God, that you might be enabled to understand the difference between sin and righteousness?’ Sad will be the fate of those who would not come to Christ that they might be cleansed from all unrighteousness. Then sinners see the character of God as it is. And they see, too, the sinfulness of the sins that have drawn souls away from Christ, and placed them under the banner of rebellion, to war against Him who gave His life for them.

“Because Christ was one with the Father, equal with Him, He could make an atonement for transgression, and save man—not in his sins, but from his sins. Those who have despised His grace will see what they have lost by treating with contempt the One who humbled Himself to stand at the head of humanity. They hear the words of condemnation, ‘Depart from Me. By your example you have caused many to err. You have led them astray from the commandments in obedience to which they would have found eternal life.’ ” The Upward Look, 272.

Inspired: “Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, ‘Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? and in Your name have cast out devils? and in Your name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you: depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness’ ” (Matthew 7:22, 23, literal translation).

Bible Study Guides – God’s Voice in the Church

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July 24, 2016 – July 30, 2016

Key Text

“What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God” (Romans 3:1, 2).

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 188–200.

Introduction

“God had chosen Israel … to preserve among men the knowledge of His law, and of the symbols and prophecies that pointed to the Saviour. … They were to reveal God to men.” The Desire of Ages, 27.

1 GOD SPEAKS THROUGH HIS CHURCH

  • What was the first direction that Jesus gave to Saul of Tarsus after his conversion? Acts 9:6.

Note: “Many have an idea that they are responsible to Christ alone for their light and experience, independent of His recognized followers on earth. Jesus. … respects the means that He has ordained for the enlightenment and salvation of men; He directs sinners to the church.” The Acts of the Apostles, 122.

  • How important is it to hear God’s voice speaking to us through His church and to cooperate with His people? Matthew 18:18–20.

Note: “The Lord has an organized body through whom He will work.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 17.

“The Redeemer of the world does not sanction experience and exercise in religious matters independent of His organized and acknowledged church. … The Saviour placed him [Saul] in connection with His church, and let them direct him what to do. …

“All is done in the name and by the authority of Christ; but the church is the channel of communication.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 31, 32.

2 HEARING GOD SPEAKING THROUGH THE CHURCH

  • Three years later, after Jesus had taught him personally, where did Saul (now called Paul) go? Galatians 1:1, 15–19.

Note: “Notwithstanding the fact that Paul was personally taught by God, he had no strained ideas of individual responsibility. While looking to God for direct guidance, he was ever ready to recognize the authority vested in the body of believers united in church fellowship.” The Acts of the Apostles, 200.

“God never designed that one man’s mind and judgment should be a controlling power. He never designed that one man should rule and plan and devise without the careful and prayerful consideration of the whole body.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 16, 17.

“Even the best of men, if left to themselves, will err in judgment. …

“The greater the responsibilities placed upon the human agent, and the larger his opportunities to dictate and control, the more harm he is sure to do if he does not carefully follow the way of the Lord and labor in harmony with the decisions arrived at by the general body of believers in united council.” The Acts of the Apostles, 198, 199.

  • What happened in Old Testament times when God’s chosen leadership was jealously criticized? Numbers 12:1, 2, 9, 10. What can we learn from this?

Note: “Those who are inclined to regard their individual judgment as supreme are in grave peril. It is Satan’s studied effort to separate such ones from those who are channels of light, through whom God has wrought to build up and extend His work in the earth. To neglect or despise those whom God has appointed to bear the responsibilities of leadership in connection with the advancement of the truth, is to reject the means that He has ordained for the help, encouragement, and strength of His people. For any worker in the Lord’s cause to pass these by, and to think that his light must come through no other channel than directly from God, is to place himself in a position where he is liable to be deceived by the enemy and overthrown. … Every agency will be subordinate to the Holy Spirit, and all the believers will be united.” The Acts of the Apostles, 164.

3 COOPERATION WITH CHURCH DECISIONS

  • What respect should be given to legitimate church decisions? I Peter 5:5; Hebrews 13:17; Proverbs 11:14.

Note: “I have often been instructed by the Lord that no man’s judgment should be surrendered to the judgment of any other one man. Never should the mind of one man or the minds of a few men be regarded as sufficient in wisdom and power to control the work and to say what plans shall be followed. But when, in a General Conference, the judgment of the brethren assembled from all parts of the field is exercised, private independence and private judgment must not be stubbornly maintained, but surrendered. Never should a laborer regard as a virtue the persistent maintenance of his position of independence, contrary to the decision of the general body.

“At times, when a small group of men entrusted with the general management of the work have, in the name of the General Conference, sought to carry out unwise plans and to restrict God’s work, I have said that I could no longer regard the voice of the General Conference, represented by these few men, as the voice of God. But this is not saying that the decisions of a General Conference composed of an assembly of duly appointed, representative men from all parts of the field should not be respected. God has ordained that the representatives of His church from all parts of the earth, when assembled in a General Conference, shall have authority. The error that some are in danger of committing is in giving to the mind and judgment of one man, or of a small group of men, the full measure of authority and influence that God has vested in His church in the judgment and voice of the General Conference assembled to plan for the prosperity and advancement of His work. …

“Let us give to the highest organized authority in the church that which we are prone to give to one man or to a small group of men.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 260, 261.

“God has bestowed the highest power under heaven upon His church. It is the voice of God in His united people in church capacity which is to be respected.” Ibid., vol. 3, 451.

  • What type of attitude does the Lord want the church leaders to have toward their fellow believers? Philippians 2:3–8.

4 THE CHURCH NEVER REPLACES GOD

  • Can any member or church officer determine or dictate the individual duty of another member? Matthew 20:25–28.

Note: “Let all who accept human authority, the customs of the church, or the traditions of the fathers, take heed to the warning conveyed in the words of Christ, ‘In vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men’ (Matthew 15:9).” The Desire of Ages, 398.

“Let your faith and trust be in God. Do not depend on any erring man to define your duty. …

“Every church member should understand that God is the One to Whom to look for an understanding of individual duty. It is right that brethren counsel together; but when men arrange just what their brethren shall do, let them answer that they have chosen the Lord as their counselor. Those who will humbly seek Him will find His grace sufficient. But when one man allows another to step in between him and the duty that God has pointed out to him, giving to man his confidence and accepting him as guide, then he steps from the true platform to a false and dangerous one. Such a man, instead of growing and developing, will lose his spirituality.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 279, 280.

  • What advice given to church leaders should also guide any member tempted to control the behavior of another human being? Matthew 23:8, 10–12.

Note: “Instead of considering it their duty to order and dictate and command, they [all who occupy responsible positions] should realize that they are to be learners themselves. When a responsible worker fails to learn this lesson, the sooner he is released from his responsibilities the better it will be for him and for the work of God. Position never will give holiness and excellence of character. He who honors God and keeps His commandments is himself honored.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 282, 283.

“Men whom the Lord calls to important positions in His work are to cultivate a humble dependence upon Him. They are not to seek to embrace too much authority; for God has not called them to a work of ruling, but to plan and counsel with their fellow laborers.” Ibid., 270.

5 RESOLVING CONFLICTS

  • What procedure was used in resolving a conflict in the early church? Acts 15:1–4. What can we learn from this?

Note: “They [certain Jews] asserted with great assurance, that none could be saved without being circumcised and keeping the entire ceremonial law.

“This was an important question, and one which affected the church in a very great degree. … The matter resulted in much discussion and want of harmony in the church, until finally the church of Antioch, apprehending that a division among them would occur from any further discussion of the question, decided to send Paul and Barnabas, together with some responsible men of Antioch, to Jerusalem, to lay the matter before the apostles and elders. There they were to meet delegates from the different churches, and those who had come to attend the approaching annual festivals. Meanwhile all controversy was to cease until a final decision should be made by the responsible men of the church. This decision was then to be universally accepted by the various churches throughout the country.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 63.

  • Summarize Peter’s account of the point in question. Acts 11:2–17. Upon what did the apostle James base his argument? Acts 15:13– 17. Who settled this dispute? Verse 28.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How do we know that God works and speaks through an organized body?

2 Why is one human not entrusted with the responsibility of ruling over and planning for God’s church?

3 How should we relate to decisions made by church representatives in session?

4 What does God want us to do regarding our personal duty instead of going to someone in the church for advice? Why?

5 How should we handle controversy in the church?

Copyright © 2015 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – God’s Ambassadors

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July 17, 2016 – July 23, 2016

Key Text

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother” (Proverbs 1:8).

Study Help: The Adventist Home, 187–194.

Introduction

“Parents … cannot displease Him [God] more than by neglecting to train their children aright. God has given them these children as a sacred trust, to educate for Him. In a sense they stand in the place of God to their children.” The Signs of the Times, September 25, 1901.

1 AMBASSADORS FOR GOD

  • What is the message of the fifth commandment? Exodus 20:12.

Note: “Parents are entitled to a degree of love and respect which is due to no other person. God Himself, Who has placed upon them a responsibility for the souls committed to their charge, has ordained that during the earlier years of life, parents shall stand in the place of God to their children. And he who rejects the rightful authority of his parents is rejecting the authority of God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 308.

  • How are parents to help young children? Proverbs 22:6.

Note: “They [parents] are to work out the salvation of those who are too young to understand the difference between good and evil. They are in no case to think that good will naturally predominate in the hearts of their children. They are to guard carefully the words and actions of their little ones, lest the enemy shall gain an influence over them.” The Signs of the Times, September 25, 1901.

2 AN AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY

  • How should parents handle the most serious responsibility ever given to humanity? Ephesians 6:4.

Note: “For some reason many parents dislike to give their children religious instruction, and they leave them to pick up in the Sabbath School the knowledge which it is their privilege and duty to impart. … God commands His people to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. What does this mean—the nurture and admonition of the Lord? It means to teach them to order the life by the requirements and lessons of the word; to help them to gain a clear understanding of the terms of entrance into the city of God. Not to all who would enter will the gates of that city be opened, but to those only who have studied to know God’s will, and have yielded their lives to His control.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 109.

“Kindly, earnestly, tenderly, parents are to work for their children, cultivating every good trait and repressing every evil trait which develops in the character.” The Signs of the Times, September 25, 1901.

“You should have no work so important that it will prevent you from giving to your children all the time that is necessary to make them understand what it means to obey and trust the Lord fully.” The Adventist Home, 183, 184.

  • Who taught Timothy in his home, and how did their teaching affect his life as a child and as a youth? 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15.

Note: “Timothy’s father was a Greek and his mother a Jewess. From a child he had known the Scriptures. The piety that he saw in his home life was sound and sensible. The faith of his mother and his grandmother in the sacred oracles was to him a constant reminder of the blessing in doing God’s will. The word of God was the rule by which these two godly women had guided Timothy. The spiritual power of the lessons that he had received from them kept him pure in speech and unsullied by the evil influences with which he was surrounded. Thus his home instructors had co-operated with God in preparing him to bear burdens.” The Acts of the Apostles, 203.

3 THE ROLE OF DISCIPLINE

  • What is the purpose of discipline? Psalm 144:12; Proverbs 25:28; 16:32.

Note: “The object of discipline is the training of the child for self-government. He should be taught self-reliance and self-control. … Help him to see that all things are under law, and that disobedience leads, in the end, to disaster and suffering. …

“The true object of reproof is gained only when the wrongdoer himself is led to see his fault and his will is enlisted for its correction. When this is accomplished, point him to the Source of pardon and power.” Child Guidance, 223.

“One child, properly disciplined in the principles of truth, who has the love and fear of God woven through the character, will possess a power for good in the world that cannot be estimated.” Ibid., 163.

  • How should we discipline the children under our care? Proverbs 29:15; Colossians 3:21.

Note: “First reason with your children, clearly point out their wrongs, and impress upon them that they have not only sinned against you, but against God. With your heart full of pity and sorrow for your erring children, pray with them before correcting them. Then they will see that you do not punish them because they have put you to inconvenience, or because you wish to vent your displeasure upon them, but from a sense of duty, for their good; and they will love and respect you.” Child Guidance, 252, 253.

“Great care should be exercised by parents lest they treat their children in such a way as to provoke obstinacy, disobedience, and rebellion. Parents often stir up the worst passions of the human heart because of their lack of self-control. They correct them in a spirit of anger, and rather confirm them in their evil ways and defiant spirit, than influence them in the way of right.” The Review and Herald, November 15, 1892.

“Parents, never act from impulse. Never correct your child when you are angry; for if you do this, you will mould him after your own image—impulsive, passionate, and unreasonable. You can be firm without violent threatenings or scoldings.” Australasian Union Conference Record, September 6, 1909.

4 OVERCOMING PARENTAL MISTAKES

  • What command is given to all children about obeying their parents? Ephesians 6:1. What can parents learn from the advice given to teachers?

Note: “The parent’s will, when it is in harmony with the will of God, is to be law.” The Review and Herald, December 18, 1900.

“Heavenly messengers are sent to minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation; and these would converse with the teachers if they were not so satisfied with the well-trodden path of tradition, if they were not so fearful of getting away from the shadow of the world. Teachers should beware lest they close the gates so that the Lord can find no entrance into the hearts of the youth.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 161.

  • What should we do as we review those things which we have learned in our childhood? I Thessalonians 5:21.

Note: “In all who have been chosen to accomplish a work for God the human element is seen. Yet they have not been men of stereotyped habits and character, who were satisfied to remain in that condition. They earnestly desired to obtain wisdom from God and to learn to work for Him. … [James 1:5 quoted.] But God will not impart to men divine light while they are content to remain in darkness. In order to receive God’s help, man must realize his weakness and deficiency; he must apply his own mind to the great change to be wrought in himself; he must be aroused to earnest and persevering prayer and effort. Wrong habits and customs must be shaken off; and it is only by determined endeavor to correct these errors and to conform to right principles that the victory can be gained. Many never attain to the position that they might occupy, because they wait for God to do for them that which He has given them power to do for themselves. All who are fitted for usefulness must be trained by the severest mental and moral discipline, and God will assist them by uniting divine power with human effort.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 248.

  • How many generations of our ancestors will have influenced our habits? Exodus 20:5.

5 VICTORY POSSIBLE

  • When Moses was a young man, what choice did he make? How was he able to overcome the effects of his life in Egypt? Hebrews 11:24–27.

Note: “Moses had been learning much that he must unlearn. The influences that had surrounded him in Egypt—the love of his foster mother, his own high position as the king’s grandson, the dissipation on every hand, the refinement, the subtlety, and the mysticism of a false religion, the splendor of idolatrous worship, the solemn grandeur of architecture and sculpture—all had left deep impressions upon his developing mind and had molded, to some extent, his habits and character. Time, change of surroundings, and communion with God could remove these impressions. It would require on the part of Moses himself a struggle as for life to renounce error and accept truth, but God would be his helper when the conflict should be too severe for human strength.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 248.

  • How can we encourage our children to overcome sin? 2 Peter 1:4; I Corinthians 15:57, 58; Proverbs 24:16, last part.

Note: “Let the child and the youth be taught that every mistake, every fault, every difficulty, conquered, becomes a steppingstone to better and higher things. It is through such experiences that all who have ever made life worth the living have achieved success.” Child Guidance, 255.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 When are parents’ words to their children as the voice of God?

2 How can we bring up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?

3 What must be gained in order for discipline or reproof to be successful?

4 What great change must we go through to be used by God?

5 How can we overcome bad habits that we have formed in childhood?

Copyright © 2015 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – God’s Voice in Nature

by

July 10, 2016 – July 16, 2016

Key Text

“God thundereth marvellously with His voice; great things doeth He, which we cannot comprehend” (Job 37:5).

Study Help: Education, 113–120; The Ministry of Healing, 50–58.

Introduction

“Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature. … The sunshine and the rain, that gladden and refresh the earth, the hills and seas and plains, all speak to us of the Creator’s love.” Steps to Christ, 9.

1 A UNIVERSAL VOICE

  • Where in the world would the voice of God in nature be unheard? Psalm 19:1–3.

Note: “Nature speaks to [our] senses, declaring that there is a living God, the Creator, the Supreme Ruler of all. … The beauty that clothes the earth is a token of God’s love. We may behold it in the everlasting hills, in the lofty trees, in the opening buds and the delicate flowers. All speak to us of God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 48.

  • What message does nature provide to people around the world? Romans 1:20.

Note: “Those who have a true knowledge of God will not become so infatuated with the laws of matter or the operations of nature as to overlook, or refuse to acknowledge, the continual working of God in nature. Nature is not God, nor was it ever God. The voice of nature testifies of God, but nature is not God. As His created work, it simply bears a testimony to God’s power.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 293.

2 LESSONS FROM THE BIRDS

  • What does God teach us through the behavior of the eagle? Isaiah 40:31.

Note: “The eagle of the Alps is sometimes beaten down by the tempest into the narrow defiles of the mountains. Storm clouds shut in this mighty bird of the forest, their dark masses separating her from the sunny heights where she has made her home. Her efforts to escape seem fruitless. She dashes to and fro, beating the air with her strong wings, and waking the mountain echoes with her cries. At length, with a note of triumph, she darts upward, and, piercing the clouds, is once more in the clear sunlight, with the darkness and tempest far beneath. So we may be surrounded with difficulties, discouragement, and darkness. Falsehood, calamity, injustice, shut us in. There are clouds that we cannot dispel. We battle with circumstances in vain. There is one, and but one, way of escape. The mists and fogs cling to the earth; beyond the clouds God’s light is shining. Into the sunlight of His presence we may rise on the wings of faith.” Education, 118, 119.

  • What is another lesson that we can learn by watching the birds? Matthew 6:25, 26.

Note: “The natural world has, in itself, no power but that which God supplies.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 293.

“The birds are teachers of the sweet lesson of trust. Our heavenly Father provides for them; but they must gather the food, they must build their nests and rear their young. Every moment they are exposed to enemies that seek to destroy them. Yet how cheerily they go about their work! how full of joy are their little songs!” Education, 117, 118.

“Let us not mourn and grieve because in this life we are not free from disappointments and afflictions. If in the providence of God we are called upon to endure trials, let us accept the cross and drink the bitter cup, remembering that it is a Father’s hand that holds it to our lips. Let us trust Him in the darkness as well as in the day.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 316.

3 FAITH THAT WORKS

  • What other lessons of trust does God want to teach us from nature? Matthew 6:27–30. Should we devote more interest, time, and effort to serving God or to meeting our daily temporal needs? Verses 31–33.

Note: “He Who has given you life knows your need of food to sustain it. He Who created the body is not unmindful of your need of raiment. Will not He Who has bestowed the greater gift bestow also what is needed to make it complete?” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 95.

“God’s law is the law of love. He has surrounded you with beauty to teach you that you are not placed on earth merely to delve for self, to dig and build, to toil and spin, but to make life bright and joyous and beautiful with the love of Christ—like the flowers, to gladden other lives by the ministry of love.” Ibid., 97.

  • What lessons can we learn from some of God’s other creatures? Proverbs 6:6–11; 30:25–28 (compare 2 Thessalonians 3:10).

Note: “The ants teach lessons of patient industry, of perseverance in surmounting obstacles, of providence for the future.” Education, 117.

“The habitations which the ants build for themselves show skill and perseverance. Only one little grain at a time can they handle, but by diligence and perseverance they accomplish wonders. Solomon presents to the world the industry of the ant as a reproach to those who waste their hours in sinful idleness, in practices which corrupt soul and body. The ant prepares for future seasons. This is a lesson which many gifted with reasoning powers disregard. They fail entirely to prepare for the future immortal life which God has in His providence secured for the fallen race.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, 1157, 1158.

“Jesus does not release us from the necessity of effort, but He teaches that we are to make Him first and last and best in everything. We are to engage in no business, follow no pursuit, seek no pleasure, that would hinder the outworking of His righteousness in our character and life. Whatever we do is to be done heartily, as unto the Lord.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 99.

4 BE LIKE A TREE

  • Why is our study of nature so important? What can we learn about God? Psalm 111:4, 6–8; Isaiah 40:26.

Note: “How much time is spent by intelligent human beings in horse racing, cricket matches, and ball playing! But will indulgence in these sports give men a desire to know truth and righteousness? Will it keep God in their thoughts? Will it lead them to inquire, How is it with my soul? …

“God calls upon His creatures to turn their attention from the confusion and perplexity around them and admire His handiwork. As we study His works, angels from heaven will be by our side to enlighten our minds and guard them from Satan’s deceptions. As you look at the wonderful things that God’s hand has made, let your proud, foolish heart feel its dependence and inferiority.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 456, 457.

  • To what is the Christian compared? Psalms 1:1–3; 92:12, 13.

Note: “The palm tree well represents the life of a Christian. It stands upright amid the burning desert sand, and dies not; for it draws its sustenance from the springs of life beneath the surface.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, 1151.

  • What are some other practical lessons we can learn from nature?

Note: “Many are the lessons that may thus be learned [from nature]. Self-reliance, from the tree that, growing alone on plain or mountainside, strikes down its roots deep into the earth, and in its rugged strength defies the tempest. The power of early influence, from the gnarled, shapeless trunk, bent as a sapling, to which no earthly power can afterward restore its lost symmetry. The secret of a holy life, from the water lily, that, on the bosom of some slimy pool, surrounded by weeds and rubbish, strikes down its channeled stem to the pure sands beneath, and, drawing thence its life, lifts up its fragrant blossoms to the light in spotless purity.” Education, 119.

5 HOW TO UNDERSTAND NATURE’S MESSAGES

  • Whose guidance is essential in order for us to understand nature? John 16:13; 14:26.

Note: “Teach them [the children] to notice the evidences everywhere manifest in nature of God’s thought for us, the wonderful adaptation of all things to our need and happiness.

“He alone who recognizes in nature his Father’s handiwork, who in the richness and beauty of the earth reads the Father’s handwriting—he alone learns from the things of nature their deepest lessons, and receives their highest ministry. Only he can fully appreciate the significance of hill and vale, river and sea, who looks upon them as an expression of the thought of God, a revelation of the Creator.” Education, 119, 120.

  • What event teaches us the messages of nature most clearly? John 1:4.

Note: “Only in the light that shines from Calvary can nature’s teaching be read aright. Through the story of Bethlehem and the cross let it be shown how good is to conquer evil, and how every blessing that comes to us is a gift of redemption.

“In brier and thorn, in thistle and tare, is represented the evil that blights and mars. In singing bird and opening blossom, in rain and sunshine, in summer breeze and gentle dew, in ten thousand objects in nature, from the oak of the forest to the violet that blossoms at its root, is seen the love that restores. And nature still speaks to us of God’s goodness.” Education, 101.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What is God trying to tell you through nature today?

2 How can the birds teach us lessons of trust in God?

3 What can we learn from the ant, one of the smallest of creatures?

4 What are some object lessons that trees give us?

5 How does God explain nature’s messages to us today?

Copyright © 2015 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Practical Listening

by

July 3, 2016 – July 9, 2016

Key Text

“O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart” (Proverbs 8:5).

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 3, 521–544.

Introduction

“The voice of duty is the voice of God—an inborn, heaven-sent guide. Whether it be pleasing or unpleasing, we are to do the duty that lies directly in our pathway.” The Review and Herald, December 29, 1910.

1 GOD’S VOICE IN DAY-TO-DAY LIFE

  • What is a common way that God reveals His will to us? Luke 17:10. Can we safely ignore this method of God’s communication?

Note: “No one can believe with the heart unto righteousness, and obtain justification by faith, while continuing the practice of those things which the word of God forbids, or while neglecting any known duty.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 396.

“While living in neglect of a known duty, he [Moses] would not be secure; for he could not be shielded by the angels of God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 256.

“Duty admits no rival, enters into no compromise with any opposing powers. The most precious friends and relatives must not step in between your duty and your God. The voice of duty is the voice of God in our souls.” The Review and Herald, June 7, 1887.

  • Why was the Master displeased with the servant to whom He had given one talent? Matthew 25:26, 27; Luke 16:10.

Note: “By unfaithfulness in even the smallest duties, man robs his Maker of the service which is His due.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 356.

2 REFUSING TO HEAR

  • Why didn’t the rich young ruler want to do what Jesus had asked him to do? Matthew 19:21, 22. What two tools does God use to teach us our duty?

Note: “The man or woman that leaves the place that God has given him or her, in order to please inclination, and acts on his own devised plan meets with disappointment, because he has chosen his way instead of God’s way.” Sons and Daughters of God, 175.

“There are persons who would understand their duty clearly, if their duty was in harmony with their natural inclinations. Reason and circumstances may point out their duty clearly; but when the path of duty is not in line with their inclinations, these evidences are frequently set aside. Then these persons will presume to go to God to learn their duty. But God will not be trifled with. He will permit such persons to follow the desires of their own hearts.” The Watchman, September 1, 1908.

“Those who disregard the requirements of God in this life would not respect His authority were they in heaven.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 312.

  • Why does God sometimes choose to refrain from teaching us His will? Isaiah 59:1, 2; Psalm 81:11, 12; John 7:17.

Note: “There is no help for man, woman, or child, who will not hear and obey the voice of duty; for the voice of duty is the voice of God. The eyes, the ears, and the heart, will become unimpressible if men and women refuse to give heed to the divine counsel, and choose the way that is best pleasing to themselves.” Sons and Daughters of God, 175.

  • What is usually the reason for not listening to God? Deuteronomy 1:43; I Samuel 15:23.

3 NO MIDDLEMAN NEEDED

  • Do we need to wait for anyone else to teach us God’s will? James 1:5, 6.

Note: “We are not to place the responsibility of our duty upon others, and wait for them to tell us what to do. We cannot depend for counsel upon humanity. The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. And they will receive not only wisdom, but strength. Power for obedience, for service, will be imparted to them, as Christ has promised.” The Desire of Ages, 668.

  • What are we promised when we ask God for guidance? Proverbs 3:5–7.

Note: “When perplexities arise, and difficulties confront you, look not for help to humanity. Trust all with God. The practice of telling our difficulties to others only makes us weak, and brings no strength to them. It lays upon them the burden of our spiritual infirmities, which they cannot relieve. We seek the strength of erring, finite man, when we might have the strength of the unerring, infinite God. …

“We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him. He longs to give you understanding in temporal as well as in spiritual matters. He can sharpen the intellect. He can give tact and skill.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 146.

“Has not God said He would give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him? and is not this spirit a real, true actual guide? Some men seem afraid to take God at His word as though it would be presumption in them. They pray for the Lord to teach us and yet are afraid to credit the pledged word of God and believe we have been taught of Him. So long as we come to our heavenly Father humbly and with a spirit to be taught, willing and anxious to learn, why should we doubt God’s fulfillment of His own promise?” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, 1155, 1156.

4 GOD’S ATTITUDE TOWARD US

  • What did Christ say to reveal God’s willingness to teach us His ways, personally? Matthew 7:7–11.

Note: “God wants His children to ask for those things that will enable Him to reveal His grace through them to the world. He wants them to seek His counsel, to acknowledge His power. Christ lays loving claims on all for whom He has given His life; they are to obey His will if they would share the joys that He has prepared for all who reflect His character here. It is well for us to feel our weakness, for then we shall seek the strength and wisdom that the Father delights to give to His children for their daily strife against the powers of evil.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 284.

  • How patient is God as He seeks to communicate with us? Romans 14:5, second part; 2 Peter 3:9.
  • How patient should we be with others in their understanding of God’s ways? Matthew 7:12; Ephesians 4:2; Luke 6:37.

Note: “As God’s free agents, all should ask wisdom of Him. When the learner depends wholly upon another’s thoughts, and goes no further than to accept his plans, he sees only through that man’s eyes and is, so far, only an echo of another. God deals with men as responsible beings. He will work by His Spirit through the mind He has put in man, if man will only give Him a chance to work and will recognize His dealings. He designs that each shall use his mind and conscience for himself. He does not intend that one man shall become the shadow of another, uttering only another’s sentiments. …

“Men are individually accountable to God, and each must act as God moves upon him, not as he is moved by the mind of another.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 724, 725.

“No one is to control another’s mind, to judge for another, or to prescribe his duty. God gives to every soul freedom to think, and to follow his own convictions. … No one has a right to merge his own individuality in that of another.” The Desire of Ages, 550.

5 HOW GOD USES IMPRESSIONS

  • In addition to guiding us through the voice of duty, what is another way that God speaks to us? Isaiah 30:21. How did God guide Mary through the impressions of the Holy Spirit?

Note: “Mary knew not the full significance of her deed of love. She could not answer her accusers. She could not explain why she had chosen that occasion for anointing Jesus. The Holy Spirit had planned for her, and she had obeyed His promptings. Inspiration stoops to give no reason. An unseen presence, it speaks to mind and soul, and moves the heart to action. It is its own justification.” The Desire of Ages, 560.

“Another way in which God’s voice is heard is through the appeals of His Holy Spirit, making impressions upon the heart, which will be wrought out in the character.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 512.

“Conscience is the voice of God, heard amid the conflict of human passions; when it is resisted, the Spirit of God is grieved.” Ibid., 120.

“God speaks to us through His providential workings and through the influence of His Spirit upon the heart.” Steps to Christ, 87.

  • Against what standard should we evaluate our impressions? Isaiah 8:20.

Note: “The Bible … marks out the duty of man in every circumstance of life.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 312.

“If you are in doubt upon any subject you must first consult the Scriptures.” Ibid., vol. 5, 512.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 If we neglect a known duty, what is our spiritual condition?

2 How are we to determine our duty?

3 What must we do in order to learn our duty?

4 What is the relationship between duty and individuality?

5 How does God use impressions? How can we abuse them?

Copyright © 2015 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.