Issue: 2010 April

Bible Study Guides – The Officers and Workmen for the Sanctuary

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May 23, 2010 – May 29, 2010

Key Text

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15, 16.

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 418–422.

Introduction

“Over the ephod was the breastplate, the most sacred of the priestly vestments. This was of the same material as the ephod. It was in the form of a square, measuring a span, and was suspended from the shoulders by a cord of blue from golden rings. The border was formed of a variety of precious stones, the same that form the twelve foundations of the City of God. Within the border were twelve stones set in gold, arranged in rows of four, and, like those in the shoulder pieces, engraved with the names of the tribes. The Lord’s direction was, ‘Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.’ Exodus 28:29. So Christ, the great High Priest, pleading His blood before the Father in the sinner’s behalf, bears upon His heart the name of every repentant, believing soul. Says the psalmist, ‘I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me.’ Psalm 40:17.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 351.

1 What family did God choose to be Priests of the Tabernacle? Exodus 28:1, 4.

Note: “After the dedication of the tabernacle, the priests were consecrated to their sacred office. These services occupied seven days, each marked by special ceremonies. On the eighth day they entered upon their ministration. Assisted by his sons, Aaron offered the sacrifices that God required, and he lifted up his hands and blessed the people. All had been done as God commanded, and He accepted the sacrifice, and revealed His glory in a remarkable manner; fire came from the Lord and consumed the offering upon the altar. The people looked upon this wonderful manifestation of divine power with awe and intense interest. They saw in it a token of God’s glory and favor, and they raised a universal shout of praise and adoration and fell on their faces as if in the immediate presence of Jehovah.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 359.

2 Who were designated as helpers to Aaron and his sons? Deuteronomy 10:8, 9.

Note: “By divine direction the tribe of Levi was set apart for the service of the sanctuary. In the earliest times every man was the priest of his own household. In the days of Abraham the priesthood was regarded as the birthright of the eldest son. Now, instead of the first-born of all Israel, the Lord accepted the tribe of Levi for the work of the sanctuary. By this signal honor He manifested His approval of their fidelity, both in adhering to His service and in executing His judgments when Israel apostatized in the worship of the golden calf. The priesthood, however, was restricted to the family of Aaron. Aaron and his sons alone were permitted to minister before the Lord; the rest of the tribe were entrusted with the charge of the tabernacle and its furniture, and they were to attend upon the priests in their ministration, but they were not to sacrifice, to burn incense, or to see the holy things till they were covered.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 350.

3 How was the High Priest to be dressed? Exodus 28:2–43.

Note: “Anciently the priests were required to have their garments in a particular style to do service in the holy place, and minister in the priest’s office. They were to have garments in accordance with their work, and God distinctly specified what these should be. The laver was placed between the altar and the congregation, that before they came into the presence of God, in the sight of the congregation, they might wash their hands and their feet. What impression was this to make upon the people? It was to show them that every particle of dust must be put away before they could go into the presence of God; for he was so high and holy that unless they did comply with these conditions, death would follow.” Gospel Workers (1892), 162, 163.

4 What was around the hem of the Priest’s garment? Exodus 28:34.

Note: “I was shown what did take place in heaven at the close of the prophetic periods in 1844. As Jesus ended His ministration in the holy place and closed the door of that apartment, a great darkness settled upon those who had heard and rejected the message of His coming, and they lost sight of Him. Jesus then clothed Himself with precious garments. Around the bottom of His robe was a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate. A breastplate of curious work was suspended from His shoulders. As He moved, this glittered like diamonds, magnifying letters which looked like names written or engraved upon the breastplate. Upon His head was something which had the appearance of a crown. When fully attired, He was surrounded by angels, and in a flaming chariot He passed within the second veil.” Early Writings, 251.

5 What did he wear over his heart? Exodus 28:15–30.

Note: “Over the ephod was the breastplate, the most sacred of the priestly vestments. This was of the same material as the ephod. It was in the form of a square, measuring a span, and was suspended from the shoulders by a cord of blue from golden rings. The border was formed of a variety of precious stones, the same that form the twelve foundations of the City of God. Within the border were twelve stones set in gold, arranged in rows of four, and, like those in the shoulder pieces, engraved with the names of the tribes. The Lord’s direction was, ‘Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.’ Exodus 28:29. So Christ, the great High Priest, pleading His blood before the Father in the sinner’s behalf, bears upon His heart the name of every repentant, believing soul. Says the psalmist, ‘I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me.’ Psalm 40:17.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 351.

6 What was added to the breastplate to aid in decision making? Exodus 28:30.

Note: “At the right and left of the breastplate were two large stones of great brilliancy. These were known as the Urim and Thummim. By them the will of God was made known through the high priest. When questions were brought for decision before the Lord, a halo of light encircling the precious stone at the right was a token of the divine consent or approval, while a cloud shadowing the stone at the left was an evidence of denial or disapprobation.” Ibid., 351.

7 Who is our High Priest today? Hebrews 4:14–16.

Note: “Jesus cares for each one as though there were not another individual on the face of the earth. As Deity He exerts mighty power in our behalf, while as our Elder Brother He feels for all our woes. The Majesty of heaven held not Himself aloof from degraded, sinful humanity. We have not a high priest who is so high, so lifted up, that He cannot notice us or sympathize with us, but one who was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” God’s Amazing Grace, 78.

8 What is the book where the names of the faithful ones are written? Philippians 4:3; Revelation 13:8; 20:15.

Note: “Christ will clothe His faithful ones with His own righteousness, that He may present them to His Father ‘a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.’ Ephesians 5:27. Their names stand enrolled in the book of life, and concerning them it is written: ‘They shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.’ Revelation 3:4.” The Great Controversy, 484.

9 What promise may we claim? Revelation 3:4, 12, 22.

Note: “While Jesus is pleading for the subjects of His grace, Satan accuses them before God as transgressors. …

“Jesus does not excuse their sins, but shows their penitence and faith, and, claiming for them forgiveness, He lifts His wounded hands before the Father and the holy angels, saying, ‘I know them by name.’ … Their names stand enrolled in the book of life, and concerning them it is written, ‘They shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.’ Revelation 3:4.” The Faith I Live By, 212.

10 Besides being in the Book, where else are our names written? Isaiah 49:16.

Note: “Jesus does not excuse their sins, but shows their penitence and faith, and, claiming for them forgiveness, he lifts his wounded hands before the Father and the holy angels, saying, ‘I know them by name. I have graven them on the palms of my hands’ [Isaiah 49:16]. ‘The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise’ [Psalm 51:17]. And to the accuser of his people he declares, ‘The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee. Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire’ [Zechariah 3:2]? Christ will clothe his faithful ones with his own righteousness, that he may present them to his Father ‘a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing’ [Ephesians 5:27]. Their names stand enrolled in the book of life, and concerning them it is written, ‘They shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy’ [Revelation 3:4].” The Great Controversy (1888), 484, 485.

Additional Reading

“In the breastplate of the high priest there were many stones, but each stone had its special light, adding to the beauty of the whole. Every stone had its special significance, bearing its important message from God. There were many stones, but one breastplate. So there are many minds, but one Mind. In the church there are many members, each having his peculiar characteristics, but they form one family.” Evangelism, 379, 380.

“There I beheld Jesus, a great High Priest, standing before the Father. On the hem of His garment was a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate. Those who rose up with Jesus would send up their faith to Him in the holiest, and pray, ‘My Father, give us Thy Spirit.’ Then Jesus would breathe upon them the Holy Ghost. In that breath was light, power, and much love, joy, and peace.” Early Writings, 55.

This quarter’s lessons were prepared by Ruth Grosboll prior to her passing in January, 2010.

Bible Study Guides – The Object Lesson, Continued

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May 16, 2010 – May 22, 2010

Key Text

“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Hebrews 9:11, 12.

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 409–432; Patriarchs and Prophets, 343–358.

Introduction

“In the first apartment, or holy place, were the table of showbread, the candlestick, or lampstand, and the altar of incense. The table of showbread stood on the north. With its ornamental crown, it was overlaid with pure gold. On this table the priests were each Sabbath to place twelve cakes, arranged in two piles, and sprinkled with frankincense. The loaves that were removed, being accounted holy, were to be eaten by the priests. On the south was the seven-branched candlestick, with its seven lamps. Its branches were ornamented with exquisitely wrought flowers, resembling lilies, and the whole was made from one solid piece of gold. There being no windows in the tabernacle, the lamps were never all extinguished at one time, but shed their light by day and by night. Just before the veil separating the holy place from the most holy and the immediate presence of God, stood the golden altar of incense. Upon this altar the priest was to burn incense every morning and evening; its horns were touched with the blood of the sin offering, and it was sprinkled with blood upon the great Day of Atonement. The fire upon this altar was kindled by God Himself and was sacredly cherished. Day and night the holy incense diffused its fragrance throughout the sacred apartments, and without, far around the tabernacle.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 348.

1 What purpose did the ceremonies of the sanctuary fulfill? Exodus 29:43, 44.

Note: “The ministration of the sanctuary consisted of two divisions, a daily and a yearly service. The daily service was performed at the altar of burnt offering in the court of the tabernacle, and in the holy place; while the yearly service was in the most holy.

“The daily service consisted of the morning and evening burnt offering, the offering of sweet incense on the golden altar, and the special offerings for individual sins. And there were also offerings for sabbaths, new moons, and special feasts.” The Faith I Live By, 196.

2 What was on the south side of the Holy Place? Exodus 25:31, 32; 40:24, 25.

Note: “In the holy place was the candlestick, on the south, with its seven lamps giving light to the sanctuary both by day and by night; on the north stood the table of show-bread; and before the veil separating the holy from the most holy was the golden altar of incense, from which the cloud of fragrance, with the prayers of Israel, was daily ascending before God.” The Great Controversy (1888), 412.

3 What was before the veil that separated the Holy and the Most Holy Place? Exodus 30; 37:25, 26; 40:26, 27.

Note: “The incense, ascending with the prayers of Israel, represents the merits and intercession of Christ, His perfect righteousness, which through faith is imputed to His people, and which can alone make the worship of sinful beings acceptable to God. Before the veil of the most holy place, was an altar of perpetual intercession, before the holy, an altar of continual atonement. By blood and by incense, God was to be approached—symbols pointing to the great Mediator, through whom sinners may approach Jehovah, and through whom alone mercy and salvation can be granted to the repentant, believing soul.” The Faith I Live By, 197.

4 What purpose did the altar of incense serve? Leviticus 4:7, 17.

Note: “In the first apartment, or holy place, were the table of showbread, the candlestick, or lampstand, and the altar of incense. The table of showbread stood on the north. With its ornamental crown, it was overlaid with pure gold. On this table the priests were each Sabbath to place twelve cakes, arranged in two piles, and sprinkled with frankincense. The loaves that were removed, being accounted holy, were to be eaten by the priests. On the south was the seven-branched candlestick, with its seven lamps. Its branches were ornamented with exquisitely wrought flowers, resembling lilies, and the whole was made from one solid piece of gold. There being no windows in the tabernacle, the lamps were never all extinguished at one time, but shed their light by day and by night. Just before the veil separating the holy place from the most holy and the immediate presence of God, stood the golden altar of incense. Upon this altar the priest was to burn incense every morning and evening; its horns were touched with the blood of the sin offering, and it was sprinkled with blood upon the great Day of Atonement. The fire upon this altar was kindled by God Himself and was sacredly cherished. Day and night the holy incense diffused its fragrance throughout the sacred apartments, and without, far around the tabernacle.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 348.

5 What was in the Most Holy Place? Exodus 26:33, 34.

Note: “In the most holy place stood the ark, a chest of precious wood overlaid with gold, the depository of the two tables of stone upon which God had inscribed the law of Ten Commandments. Above the ark, and forming the cover to the sacred chest, was the mercy-seat, a magnificent piece of workmanship, surmounted by two cherubim, one at each end, and all wrought of solid gold. In this apartment the divine presence was manifested in the cloud of glory between the cherubim.” The Great Controversy (1888), 412.

6 How often did the priest enter into the Most Holy Place and for what purpose? Leviticus 16:29, 30.

Note: “Once a year, on the great Day of Atonement, the priest entered the most holy place for the cleansing of the sanctuary. The work there performed completed the yearly round of ministration. On the Day of Atonement, two kids of the goats were brought to the door of the tabernacle, and lots were cast upon them, ‘one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scape-goat’ [Leviticus 16:8]. The goat upon which fell the lot for the Lord was to be slain as a sin-offering for the people. And the priest was to bring his blood within the veil, and sprinkle it upon the mercy-seat, and before the mercy-seat. The blood was also to be sprinkled upon the altar of incense, that was before the veil.

“ ‘And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness; and the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited’ [Leviticus 16:21, 22]. The scape-goat came no more into the camp of Israel, and the man who led him away was required to wash himself and his clothing with water before returning to the camp.

“The whole ceremony was designed to impress the Israelites with the holiness of God and his abhorrence of sin; and, further, to show them that they could not come in contact with sin without becoming polluted. Every man was required to afflict his soul while this work of atonement was going forward. All business was to be laid aside, and the whole congregation of Israel were to spend the day in solemn humiliation before God, with prayer, fasting, and deep searching of heart.” The Great Controversy, (1888), 419, 420.7

7 From what was the sanctuary cleansed? Leviticus 16:16–30.

Note: “The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin; it would stand on record in the sanctuary until the final atonement; so in the type the blood of the sin offering removed the sin from the penitent, but it rested in the sanctuary until the Day of Atonement.

“In the great day of final award, the dead are to be ‘judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.’ Revelation 20:12. Then by virtue of the atoning blood of Christ, the sins of all the truly penitent will be blotted from the books of heaven. Thus the sanctuary will be freed, or cleansed, from the record of sin. In the type, this great work of atonement, or blotting out of sins, was represented by the services of the Day of Atonement—the cleansing of the earthly sanctuary, which was accomplished by the removal, by virtue of the blood of the sin offering, of the sins by which it had been polluted.

“As in the final atonement the sins of the truly penitent are to be blotted from the records of heaven, no more to be remembered or come into mind, so in the type they were borne away into the wilderness, forever separated from the congregation.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 357, 358.

8 What is going on in the heavenly sanctuary now? Daniel 8:14; Malachi 3:1–4; Revelation 11:15–19.

Note: “At the termination of the 2300 days, in 1844, no sanctuary had existed on earth for many centuries; therefore the sanctuary in Heaven must be the one brought to view in the declaration, ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed’ [Daniel 8:14]. But how could a sanctuary in Heaven need cleansing? Turning again to the Scriptures, the students of prophecy learned that the cleansing was not a removal of physical impurities, for it was to be accomplished with blood, and therefore must be a cleansing from sin. Thus says the apostle: ‘It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the Heavens should be purified with these [the blood of animals]; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these [even the precious blood of Christ]’ [Hebrews 9:23]. To obtain a further knowledge of the cleansing to which the prophecy points, it was necessary to understand the ministration of the heavenly sanctuary. This could be learned only from the ministration of the earthly sanctuary; for Paul declares that the priests who officiated there served ‘unto the example and shadow of heavenly things’ [Hebrews 8:5].” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, 262, 263.

9 How does the cleansing of the sanctuary in heaven affect us here on earth? Leviticus 23:27–29; I John 3:2, 3; Malachi 3:1–3.

Note: “The ark of God’s testament is in the holy of holies, the second apartment of the sanctuary. In the ministration of the earthly tabernacle, which served ‘unto the example and shadow of heavenly things’ [Hebrews 8:5], this apartment was opened only upon the great Day of Atonement for the cleansing of the sanctuary. Therefore the announcement that the temple of God was opened in heaven and the ark of His testament was seen points to the opening of the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 as Christ entered there to perform the closing work of the atonement. Those who by faith followed their great High Priest as He entered upon His ministry in the most holy place, beheld the ark of His testament. As they had studied the subject of the sanctuary they had come to understand the Saviour’s change of ministration, and they saw that He was now officiating before the ark of God, pleading His blood in behalf of sinners.” The Great Controversy, 433.

Thought Question

Since the heavenly sanctuary is being cleansed now, what should be the priorities of God’s people?

Additional Reading

“Every morning and evening a lamb of a year old was burned upon the altar, with its appropriate meat offering, thus symbolizing the daily consecration of the nation to Jehovah, and their constant dependence upon the atoning blood of Christ. God expressly directed that every offering presented for the service of the sanctuary should be ‘without blemish.’ Only an offering ‘without blemish’ could be a symbol of His perfect purity who was to offer Himself as ‘a lamb without blemish and without spot.’ I Peter 1:19. The apostle Paul points to these sacrifices as an illustration of what the followers of Christ are to become. He says, ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service’ [Romans 12:1].

“The hours appointed for the morning and the evening sacrifice were regarded as sacred, and they came to be observed as the set time for worship throughout the Jewish nation. … In this custom, Christians have an example for morning and evening prayer. While God condemns a mere round of ceremonies, without the spirit of worship, He looks with great pleasure upon those who love Him, bowing morning and evening to seek pardon for sins committed, and to present their requests for needed blessings.” The Faith I Live By, 196.

This quarter’s lessons were prepared by Ruth Grosboll prior to her passing in January, 2010.

Bible Study Guides – Services of the Sanctuary

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May 9, 2010 – May 15, 2010

Key Text

“Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:30.

Study Help: The Faith I Live By, 194.

Introduction

“From the creation and fall of man to the present time, there has been a continual unfolding of the plan of God for the redemption, through Christ, of the fallen race. The tabernacle and temple of God on earth were patterned after the original in heaven. Around the sanctuary and its solemn services mystically gathered the grand truths which were to be developed through succeeding generations. There has been no time when God has granted greater evidences of his grandeur and exalted majesty, than while he was the acknowledged governor of Israel. The manifestations of an invisible King were grand and unspeakably awful. A scepter was swayed, but it was held by no human hand. The sacred ark, covered by the mercy-seat, and containing the holy law of God, was symbolical of Jehovah himself. It was the power of the Israelites to conquer in battle. Before it idols were thrown down, and for rashly looking into it thousands perished. Never in our world has the Lord given such open manifestations of his supremacy as when he alone was the acknowledged king of Israel.” The Review and Herald, March 2, 1886.

(There were many offerings and many feast days but we will not go into all of them. You may study them on your own and ask questions.)

1 What was required for a sacrifice? Leviticus 14:4–8; 9:1, 2; 6:6; 5:15, 18.

Note: “Every morning and evening a lamb of a year old was burned upon the altar, with its appropriate meat offering, thus symbolizing the daily consecration of the nation to Jehovah, and their constant dependence upon the atoning blood of Christ. God expressly directed that every offering presented for the service of the sanctuary should be ‘without blemish.’ Exodus 12:5. The priests were to examine all animals brought as a sacrifice, and were to reject every one in which a defect was discovered. Only an offering ‘without blemish’ could be a symbol of His perfect purity who was to offer Himself as ‘a lamb without blemish and without spot.’ I Peter 1:19. The apostle Paul points to these sacrifices as an illustration of what the followers of Christ are to become. He says, ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.’ Romans 12:1. We are to give ourselves to the service of God, and we should seek to make the offering as nearly perfect as possible. God will not be pleased with anything less than the best we can offer. Those who love Him with all the heart, will desire to give Him the best service of the life, and they will be constantly seeking to bring every power of their being into harmony with the laws that will promote their ability to do His will.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 352, 353.

2 What kinds of animals were used? Exodus 12:5; 29:1; Leviticus 1:3, 10; 3:6.

Note: “The offerings presented to the Lord were to be without blemish. These offerings represented Christ, and from this it is evident that Jesus Himself was free from physical deformity. He was the ‘lamb without blemish and without spot.’ I Peter 1:19. His physical structure was not marred by any defect; His body was strong and healthy. And throughout His lifetime He lived in conformity to nature’s laws. Physically as well as spiritually, He was an example of what God designed all humanity to be through obedience to His laws.” The Desire of Ages, 50, 51.

3 What did John the Baptist say when he saw Jesus? John 1:29.

Note: “Every soul who has become the servant of God through the grace of Jesus Christ, has his own peculiar sphere of labor. He is not to be bought or sold, but he is to understand that ‘ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently’ [I Peter 1:18–22]. Who have greater need to be doers of this inspired injunction than have those who are living at the very close of this earth’s history?” Pamphlet 80, 40.

4 What was one thing accomplished in the court? Leviticus 1:10, 11; 3:1, 2.

Note: “The sacred tent was enclosed in an open space called the court, which was surrounded by hangings, or screens, of fine linen, suspended from pillars of brass. The entrance to this enclosure was at the eastern end. It was closed by curtains of costly material and beautiful workmanship, though inferior to those of the sanctuary. The hangings of the court being only about half as high as the walls of the tabernacle, the building could be plainly seen by the people without. In the court, and nearest the entrance, stood the brazen altar of burnt offering. Upon this altar were consumed all the sacrifices made by fire unto the Lord, and its horns were sprinkled with the atoning blood. Between the altar and the door of the tabernacle was the laver, which was also of brass, made from the mirrors that had been the freewill offering of the women of Israel. At the laver the priests were to wash their hands and their feet whenever they went into the sacred apartments, or approached the altar to offer a burnt offering unto the Lord.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 347, 348.

5 Beside the altar for sacrifices, what else was in the outer court and for what purpose? Exodus 30:18, 19.

Note: “Anciently the priests were required to have their garments in a particular style to do service in the holy place, and minister in the priest’s office. They were to have garments in accordance with their work, and God distinctly specified what these should be. The laver was placed between the altar and the congregation, that before they came into the presence of God, in the sight of the congregation, they might wash their hands and their feet. What impression was this to make upon the people? It was to show them that every particle of dust must be put away before they could go into the presence of God; for he was so high and holy that unless they did comply with these conditions, death would follow.” Gospel Workers (1892), 162, 163.

6 How are we to wash our characters? Revelation 7:14.

Note: “I urge you to prepare for the coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven. Day by day cast the love of the world out of your hearts. Understand by experience what it means to have fellowship with Christ. Prepare for the judgment, that when Christ shall come to be admired in all them that believe, you may be among those who will meet Him in peace. In that day the redeemed will shine forth in the glory of the Father and the Son. The angels, touching their golden harps, will welcome the King and His trophies of victory—those who have been washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. A song of triumph shall peal forth, filling all heaven. Christ has conquered. He enters the heavenly courts, accompanied by His redeemed ones, the witnesses that His mission of suffering and sacrifice has not been in vain.” The Adventist Home, 550.

7 What went from the court into the Holy Place? Leviticus 4:5, 6.

Note: “The most important part of the daily ministration was the service performed in behalf of individuals. The repentant sinner brought his offering to the door of the tabernacle, and placing his hand upon the victim’s head, confessed his sins, thus in figure transferring them from himself to the innocent sacrifice. By his own hand the animal was then slain, and the blood was carried by the priest into the holy place and sprinkled before the veil, behind which was the ark containing the law that the sinner had transgressed. By this ceremony the sin was, through the blood, transferred in figure to the sanctuary. In some cases the blood was not taken into the holy place; but the flesh was then to be eaten by the priest. … Both ceremonies alike symbolized the transfer of the sin from the penitent to the sanctuary.” The Faith I Live By, 198.

8 What was on the north side of the Holy Place? Exodus 26:35.

Note: “In the holy place was the candlestick, on the south, with its seven lamps giving light to the sanctuary both by day and by night; on the north stood the table of shewbread; and before the veil separating the holy from the most holy was the golden altar of incense, from which the cloud of fragrance, with the prayers of Israel, was daily ascending before God.” The Great Controversy, 412.

9 What was on the table of showbread and what did it represent? Numbers 4:7; John 6:51.

Note: “In the first apartment, or holy place, were the table of showbread, the candlestick, or lampstand, and the altar of incense. The table of showbread stood on the north. With its ornamental crown, it was overlaid with pure gold. On this table the priests were each Sabbath to place twelve cakes, arranged in two piles, and sprinkled with frankincense. The loaves that were removed, being accounted holy, were to be eaten by the priests. On the south was the seven-branched candlestick, with its seven lamps. Its branches were ornamented with exquisitely wrought flowers, resembling lilies, and the whole was made from one solid piece of gold. There being no windows in the tabernacle, the lamps were never all extinguished at one time, but shed their light by day and by night. Just before the veil separating the holy place from the most holy and the immediate presence of God, stood the golden altar of incense. Upon this altar the priest was to burn incense every morning and evening; its horns were touched with the blood of the sin offering, and it was sprinkled with blood upon the great Day of Atonement. The fire upon this altar was kindled by God Himself and was sacredly cherished. Day and night the holy incense diffused its fragrance throughout the sacred apartments, and without, far around the tabernacle.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 348.

Additional Reading

“Type met antitype in the death of Christ, the Lamb slain for the sins of the world. Our great High Priest has made the only sacrifice that is of any value in our salvation. When He offered Himself on the cross, a perfect atonement was made for the sins of the people. We are now standing in the outer court, waiting and looking for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. No sacrifices are to be offered without, for the great High Priest is performing His work in the Most Holy Place. In His intercession as our advocate, Christ needs no man’s virtue, no man’s intercession. He is the only sin-bearer, the only sin-offering. Prayer and confession are to be offered only to Him who has entered once for all into the Most Holy Place. He will save to the uttermost all who come to Him in faith. He ever liveth to make intercession for us.” Lift Him Up, 319.

“The robe of your character must be washed till it is spotless, in the fountain opened for all uncleanness. Your moral worth will be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary, and if you are found wanting, you will be at an eternal loss. All the coarseness, all the roughness, must be removed from your character before Jesus comes; for when He comes, the preparation for every soul is ended.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 155.

This quarter’s lessons were prepared by Ruth Grosboll prior to her passing in January, 2010.

Bible Study Guides – The Object Lesson that Illustrates Christ’s Work on Earth

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May 2, 2010 – May 8, 2010

Key Text

“Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8.

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 409–422.

Introduction

“The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time, or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill. Every individual has a soul to save or to lose. Each has a case pending at the bar of God. Each must meet the great Judge face to face. How important, then, that every mind contemplate often the solemn scene when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened, when, with Daniel, every individual must stand in his lot, at the end of the days.” The Great Controversy, 488.

1 What did God instruct the Children of Israel to do? And for what purpose? Exodus 25:8; Exodus 26:30.

Note: “The tabernacle constructed by the Hebrews in the wilderness was made according to the divine command. Men called of God for this purpose were endowed by him with more than natural abilities to perform the most ingenious work. Yet neither Moses nor these workmen were left to plan the form and workmanship of the building. God himself devised and gave to Moses the plan of that sacred structure, with particular directions as to its size and form, the materials to be used, and every article of furniture which it was to contain. He presented before Moses a miniature model of the heavenly sanctuary, and commanded him to make all things according to the pattern showed him in the mount. And Moses wrote all the directions in a book, and read them to the most influential of the people.” The Signs of the Times, June 24, 1880.

2 Does God still want to dwell with His people? John 17:23; Galatians 2:20.

Note: “Put away all doubt. Dismiss your fears, obtain the experience that Paul had when he exclaimed, ‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me’ [Galatians 2:20]. Surrender everything to Christ, and let your life be hid with Christ in God. Then you will be a power for good. One shall chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight.” Gospel Workers (1892), 371.

3 How did Moses carry out the instructions? Exodus 40:16.

Note: “The foundation firmly laid, we need wisdom that we may know how to build. When Moses was about to erect the sanctuary in the wilderness, he was cautioned, ‘See that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount.’ In his law God has given us a pattern. Our character building is to be ‘after the pattern showed to thee in the mount’ [Hebrews 8:5]. The law is the great standard of righteousness. It represents the character of God, and is the test of our loyalty to his government. And it is revealed to us, in all its beauty and excellence, in the life of Christ. The law is the detector of sin. We have inspired testimony on this point: ‘For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came [home to the conscience], sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.’ Romans 7:9–11. This is the work that it will do for every soul that is living in sin. The law points out sin, and condemns it, and sends the sinner to Christ for pardon and cleansing. ‘The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good’ [Romans 7:12].” Special Testimonies on Education, 73, 74.

4 How many rooms were there in the sanctuary? Exodus 26:33.

Note: “I was also shown a sanctuary upon the earth containing two apartments. It resembled the one in heaven, and I was told that it was a figure of the heavenly. The furniture of the first apartment of the earthly sanctuary was like that in the first apartment of the heavenly. The veil was lifted, and I looked into the holy of holies and saw that the furniture was the same as in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. The priest ministered in both apartments of the earthly. He went daily into the first apartment, but entered the most holy only once a year, to cleanse it from the sins which had been conveyed there. I saw that Jesus ministered in both apartments of the heavenly sanctuary. The priests entered into the earthly with the blood of an animal as an offering for sin. Christ entered into the heavenly sanctuary by the offering of His own blood. The earthly priests were removed by death; therefore they could not continue long; but Jesus was a priest forever. Through the sacrifices and offerings brought to the earthly sanctuary, the children of Israel were to lay hold of the merits of a Saviour to come. And in the wisdom of God the particulars of this work were given us that we might, by looking to them, understand the work of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary.” Early Writings, 252, 253.

5 How were the two rooms separated? Exodus 26:33.

Note: “Besides the outer court, which contained the altar of burnt-offering, the tabernacle itself consisted of two apartments called the holy and the most holy place, separated by a rich and beautiful curtain, or veil; a similar veil closed the entrance to the first apartment.” The Great Controversy, (1888), 412.

6 What was around the outside of the tabernacle? Exodus 27:18.

Note: “The sacred tent was enclosed in an open space called the court, which was surrounded by hangings, or screens, of fine linen, suspended from pillars of brass. The entrance to this enclosure was at the eastern end. It was closed by curtains of costly material and beautiful workmanship, though inferior to those of the sanctuary. The hangings of the court being only about half as high as the walls of the tabernacle, the building could be plainly seen by the people without.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 347.

7 How was the Holy Place furnished? Exodus 40:22–27; Hebrews 9:2.

Note: “I saw an angel flying swiftly to me. He quickly carried me from the earth to the holy city. In the city I saw a temple, which I entered. I passed through a door before I came to the first veil. This veil was raised, and I passed into the holy place. Here I saw the altar of incense, the candlestick with seven lamps, and the table on which was the showbread. After viewing the glory of the holy, Jesus raised the second veil, and I passed into the holy of holies.” Christian Experience and Teaching, 91.

8 What was in the Most Holy Place? Exodus 40:20, 21; Hebrews 9:3, 4.

Note: “All things pertaining to the most holy place were to be looked upon with reverence.” Gospel Workers (1892), 159.

“Beyond the inner veil of the wilderness-tabernacle built in the time of Moses, was the holy of holies, where centered the symbolic service of atonement and intercession. In this apartment was the ark, a chest of acacia wood, overlaid within and without with gold, and having a crown of gold about the top. It was made as a depository for the tables of stone, upon which God himself had inscribed the Ten Commandments. Hence it was called the ark of God’s testament, or the Ark of the Covenant, since the Ten Commandments were the basis of the covenant made between God and Israel.” The Review and Herald, November 9, 1905.

“In the most holy place stood the ark, a chest of precious wood overlaid with gold, the depository of the two tables of stone upon which God had inscribed the law of Ten Commandments. Above the ark, and forming the cover to the sacred chest, was the mercy-seat, a magnificent piece of workmanship, surmounted by two cherubim, one at each end, and all wrought of solid gold. In this apartment the divine presence was manifested in the cloud of glory between the cherubim.” The Great Controversy (1888), 412.

9 What was in the court which surrounded the sanctuary? Exodus 27; Exodus 30:18.

Note: “In the court, and nearest the entrance, stood the brazen altar of burnt offering. Upon this altar were consumed all the sacrifices made by fire unto the Lord, and its horns were sprinkled with the atoning blood. Between the altar and the door of the tabernacle was the laver, which was also of brass, made from the mirrors that had been the freewill offering of the women of Israel.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 347.

“Anciently the priests were required to have their garments in a particular style to do service in the holy place, and minister in the priest’s office. They were to have garments in accordance with their work, and God distinctly specified what these should be. The laver was placed between the altar and the congregation, that before they came into the presence of God, in the sight of the congregation, they might wash their hands and their feet. What impression was this to make upon the people? It was to show them that every particle of dust must be put away before they could go into the presence of God; for he was so high and holy that unless they did comply with these conditions, death would follow.” Gospel Workers (1892), 162, 163.

10 What purpose did the sanctuary serve? Hebrews 9:1–28; Psalm 77:13; Psalm 73:17.

Note: “Such was the service performed ‘unto the example and shadow of heavenly things’ [Hebrews 8:5]. And what was done in type in the ministration of the earthly sanctuary, is done in reality in the ministration of the heavenly sanctuary. After his ascension, our Saviour began his work as our high priest. Says Paul, ‘Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into Heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us’ Hebrews 9:24.” The Great Controversy (1888), 420.

“There is no safety nor repose nor justification in transgression of the law. Man cannot hope to stand innocent before God, and at peace with Him through the merits of Christ, while he continues in sin. He must cease to transgress, and become loyal and true. As the sinner looks into the great moral looking glass, he sees his defects of character. He sees himself just as he is, spotted, defiled, and condemned. But he knows that the law cannot in any way remove the guilt or pardon the transgressor. He must go farther than this. The law is but the schoolmaster to bring him to Christ. He must look to his sin-bearing Saviour. And as Christ is revealed to him upon the cross of Calvary, dying beneath the weight of the sins of the whole world, the Holy Spirit shows him the attitude of God to all who repent of their transgressions. ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16).” Selected Messages, Book 1, 213.

This quarter’s lessons were prepared by Ruth Grosboll prior to her passing in January, 2010.

Bible Study Guides – Temptations of Christ, Part 2

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April 25, 2010 – May 1, 2010

Key text

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15.

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 124–131.

Introduction

“Christ glorified not Himself in being made High Priest. God gave Him His appointment to the priesthood. He was to be an example to all the human family. He qualified Himself to be, not only the representative of the race, but their Advocate, so that every soul if he will may say, I have a Friend at court. He is a High Priest that can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 930.

1 How much was Jesus tempted? Hebrews 4:15.

Note: “The Elder Brother of our race is by the eternal throne. He looks upon every soul who is turning his face toward Him as the Saviour. He knows by experience what are the weaknesses of humanity, what are our wants, and where lies the strength of our temptations; for He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. He is watching over you, trembling child of God. Are you tempted? He will deliver. Are you weak? He will strengthen. Are you ignorant? He will enlighten. Are you wounded? He will heal. The Lord ‘telleth the number of the stars;’ and yet ‘He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.’ Psalm 147:4, 3. ‘Come unto Me’ [Matthew 11.28], is His invitation. Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for endurance. The way will be opened for you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty. The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon the Burden Bearer. The rest that Christ offers depends upon conditions, but these conditions are plainly specified. They are those with which all can comply. He tells us just how His rest is to be found.” The Desire of Ages, 329.

2 What privilege is offered to us? Hebrews 4:15, 16; 6:19, 20.

Note: “True prayer takes hold upon Omnipotence and gives us the victory. Upon his knees the Christian obtains strength to resist temptation. … The silent, fervent prayer of the soul will rise like holy incense to the throne of grace and will be as acceptable to God as if offered in the sanctuary. To all who thus seek Him, Christ becomes a present help in time of need. They will be strong in the day of trial.” God’s Amazing Grace, 86.

3 How was this privilege obtained? I Peter 1:18–20.

Note: “Had silver and gold been sufficient to purchase the salvation of men, how easily might it have been accomplished by Him who says, ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine.’ Haggai 2:8. But only by the precious blood of the Son of God could the transgressor be redeemed. The plan of salvation was laid in sacrifice. The apostle Paul wrote, ‘Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.’ II Corinthians 8:9. Christ gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity. And as the crowning blessing of salvation, ‘the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ Romans 6:23.” The Acts of the Apostles, 519.

4 How did Satan try to prevent our salvation and how did Jesus respond? Matthew 4:2–4.

Note: “With Christ, as with the holy pair in Eden, appetite was the ground of the first great temptation. Just where the ruin began, the work of our redemption must begin. As by the indulgence of appetite Adam fell, so by the denial of appetite Christ must overcome. ‘And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God’ [Matthew 4:2–4].

“From the time of Adam to that of Christ, self-indulgence had increased the power of the appetites and passions, until they had almost unlimited control. Thus men had become debased and diseased, and of themselves it was impossible for them to overcome. In man’s behalf, Christ conquered by enduring the severest test. For our sake He exercised a self-control stronger than hunger or death. And in this first victory were involved other issues that enter into all our conflicts with the powers of darkness.” The Desire of Ages, 117.

5 What was the nature of Satan’s second temptation, and how did Jesus respond? Matthew 4:5–7.

Note: “Christ knew that God could indeed bear Him up if He had required Him to throw Himself from the Temple. But to do this unbidden, and to experiment upon His Father’s protecting care and love because dared by Satan to do so would not show His strength of faith. Satan was well aware that if Christ could be prevailed upon, unbidden by His Father, to fling Himself from the Temple to prove His claim to His heavenly Father’s protecting care, He would in the very act show the weakness of His human nature.” Confrontation, 49.

6 What was Satan appealing to in the third temptation and what was Jesus’ response? Matthew 4:8–10.

Note: “Satan knew that if Christ was indeed the Son of God, the world’s Redeemer, it was for no good to himself that the Lord had left the royal courts of heaven to come to a fallen world. He feared that his own power was thenceforth to be limited, and that his deceptive wiles would be discerned and exposed, and his influence over man would be weakened. He feared that his dominion and control of the kingdoms of the world were to be contested. He remembered the words which Jehovah addressed to him when he was summoned into His presence with Adam and Eve, whom he had ruined by his lying deceptions, ‘I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed. It shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel’ [Genesis 3:15]. This declaration contained the first gospel promise to man.” Confrontation, 18, 19.

7 What promise was left for us as we meet temptations? I Corinthians 10:13.

Note: “The prayer, ‘Bring us not into temptation’ (Matthew 6:13), is itself a promise. If we commit ourselves to God we have the assurance, He ‘will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.’ I Corinthians 10:13.

“The only safeguard against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. It is because selfishness exists in our hearts that temptation has power over us. But when we behold the great love of God, selfishness appears to us in its hideous and repulsive character, and we desire to have it expelled from the soul. As the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ, our hearts are softened and subdued, the temptation loses its power, and the grace of Christ transforms the character.

“Christ will never abandon the soul for whom He has died. The soul may leave Him and be overwhelmed with temptation, but Christ can never turn from one for whom He has paid the ransom of His own life. Could our spiritual vision be quickened, we should see souls bowed under oppression and burdened with grief, pressed as a cart beneath sheaves and ready to die in discouragement. We should see angels flying swiftly to aid these tempted ones, who are standing as on the brink of a precipice. The angels from heaven force back the hosts of evil that encompass these souls, and guide them to plant their feet on the sure foundation. The battles waging between the two armies are as real as those fought by the armies of this world, and on the issue of the spiritual conflict eternal destinies depend.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 118, 119.

8 How complete is our victory to be? Matthew 5:48; I Peter 1:15.

Note: “Through constant watchfulness and prayer, we may grow in grace, and perfect Christian characters. But prayer will be no task to the soul that loves God; it will be a pleasure, a source of strength. Our hearts will be stayed on God, and we shall say by our daily life, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world’ [John 1:29]. In view of what Jesus has done to redeem us from the power of Satan, how can we allow evil traits of character to gain the ascendency, thus giving Satan occasion to rejoice and exult, and bringing grief to Him who died for us? How can we cherish malice toward our brethren, the purchase of Christ’s blood, or even one feeling of unkindness? Let us put away all suspicion and hatred, and all feelings of bitterness even toward our worst enemies, those who are seeking to do us harm. But, brethren, do not wait until your heart is in harmony with your brother before you come to Jesus; for it is his spirit and power working in you that will give you the victory in this particular.” The Review and Herald, May 13, 1884.

9 How do we gain this victory? II Peter 1:2–8; Philippians 4:13.

Note: “Christ came to our world to be man’s surety, to overcome in his behalf, to live for him a sinless life, that in His power they might obtain the victory over sin. He came, saying, ‘I will declare Thy name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee’ [Hebrews 2:12]. He placed Himself on a level with human beings, saying, I will stand at the head of the race, that through My humiliation, they may be accepted as members of the royal family. I will declare the name of God unto My brethren. I will put My trust in Him, just as I desire My disciples to do.” The Signs of the Times, August 26, 1903.

Additional Reading

“Christ came off victor in the second temptation. He manifested perfect confidence and trust in His Father during His severe conflict with the powerful foe. Our Redeemer, in the victory here gained, has left man a perfect pattern, showing him that his only safety is in firm trust and unwavering confidence in God in all trials and perils. He refused to presume upon the mercy of His Father by placing Himself in peril that would make it necessary for His heavenly Father to display His power to save Him from danger. This would be forcing providence on His own account, and He would not then leave for His people a perfect example of faith and firm trust in God.

“Satan’s object in tempting Christ was to lead Him to daring presumption, and to show human weakness that would not make Him a perfect pattern for His people. He thought that should Christ fail to bear the test of his temptations there could be no redemption for the race, and his power over them would be complete.” Confrontation, 49, 50.

This quarter’s lessons were prepared by Ruth Grosboll prior to her passing in January, 2010.

Recipe – Tomato Basil Bread

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2 ½ cups warm water

2 Tbsp Honey or sweetener

2 Tbsp yeast

2 Tbsp tomato paste

¼ cup oil

1 ½ tsp. Italian seasoning

1/8 cup basil leaves, fresh

1 clove garlic, minced

¼ cup shredded onion

1 Tbsp salt

6-7 cups flour (part whole wheat)

Combine warmed water, sweetener and yeast. Let set until bubbly. Add the rest of the ingredients except the flour and mix well. Add flour one cup at a time. Knead until smooth and elastic. Let rise until double in size. Punch down and separate into three parts. Roll each out to an 8 x 12 rectangle; roll up lightly, pinch to seal edges. Place on jelly roll pan. Let rise about 20 minutes. Place in warmed 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Food – The Sunbath

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When used wisely and as a treatment, the sunbath can be very helpful as a natural remedy to aid the body. Safe sunbathing has been shown to help alleviate a host of problems ranging from chronic skin conditions to building strong bones and teeth, lowering cholesterol levels, preventing heart disease, warding off depression, improving the immune system, helping regulate blood sugar, speeding wound healing, reduction of arthritis symptoms, increased production of red and white blood cells and may even prevent some forms of cancer. The sunbath described here is an exposure to natural sunlight and not the use of a sunlamp.

The importance of the sunbath in the role of lowering body cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart disease will be discussed. One component that contributes to elevated blood pressure and heart disease is elevated blood cholesterol, specifically LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is a fatty substance that is carried in the blood stream and can be deposited in the artery walls leading to narrowed, hardened, and plaque filled arteries. All of this can result in major health problems. A component of body fat absorbs the ultraviolet rays of the sun and is then converted into vitamin D. This vitamin has many benefits, including lowering cholesterol, assisting in the absorption and regulation of blood levels and prevention of excretion of calcium and phosphorus.

The procedure for having a healthy sunbath must include enough caution so that the participant does not burn. This is very important to avoid the harmful effects of the sun. Care should be taken to consider the ease with which a person burns (fair skinned, blue eyed, blonde, red haired or diabetic), the environmental elements which encourage burning (midday sun, temperature, cloud or snow cover and altitude), diet, and some pharmaceuticals. With this in mind:

Start by sunbathing for 2 to 3 minutes on each side of the body. This should be done in a private place with as much of the body surface being exposed to the sun as possible. The head and eyes should be protected from the sun at all times.

This time should be gradually increased each day by 2–5 minutes to avoid sunburn. This should continue until the person is exposed to the sun for 30 minutes on each side of the body, for a total of one hour per day.

A feeling of giddiness, fatigue or discomfort experienced during a sunbath, or a burning sensation in the skin, is an indication of excessive exposure to sunlight.

After the sunbath, a cold-water bath should be taken, or the body wiped with a piece of cloth which has been wrung out in cold water.

If you are unsure, consult your health professional before beginning your sunbathing routine to see if you have any medical contraindications to a sunbath.

Take advantage of the healing gift of sunlight, until “the sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.” Isaiah 60:19.

Nature – Sea Stars

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Sea stars, also known as starfish, are widespread marine invertebrates which live on the bottom of the oceans from the tropics to the polar areas. There are over 1,800 species of sea stars, most occurring in shallow waters, but some occurring to abyssal depths of almost 20,000 feet. They range in size from ½ inch to over three feet in diameter and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Being closely related to brittle stars, sea urchins, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers, sea stars are in the phylum Echinodermata. Like all Echinoderms, sea stars have five-point radial symmetry, which means that their body plan has five sections arranged around a central disk. Most common species have 5 arms but some species can have 10, 20, or even up to 50 arms.

Sea stars have a hard endoskeleton located under their skin. Their tough skin is covered with small spines which help protect them from predators such as birds, fish and sea otters. The underside of sea stars is soft and vulnerable, consisting of a mouth in the center with a groove radiating out each leg that is covered in hundreds of tiny, flexible appendages called tube feet. Movement of the starfish is accomplished with the tube feet, which also have suction cups on the ends, which allow them to grip things strongly. At the end of each arm is a short sensory tentacle which is sensitive to chemicals and vibrations in the water, and a red photosensitive eyespot which senses light and movement. If a sea star loses an arm it will regenerate a new one. In many species, the lost arm will grow into a new sea star, especially if the lost arm retains part of the central disk. Sea stars lack blood but instead use a hydraulic-like water vascular system which is unique to Echinoderms.

Sea stars are carnivores, feeding mostly on bivalves, such as clams, mussels, and oysters, which they open with their strong arms and tube feet, but will eat just about anything that is too slow to move out of the way. One species, the crown of thorns sea star, feeds on coral polyps. Sea stars have the ability to digest their prey outside of their bodies which enables them to feed on prey that is too large for them to fit in their mouths. They accomplish this by using one of their two stomachs which is extended outside the body through the mouth, coming in contact with the captured prey, and digesting it.

Not only has God placed stars in the seas and in the heavens, but He has placed them in crowns for us which He is waiting to give us soon if we are faithful. “God is well pleased if those striving for eternal life aim high. There will be strong temptations to indulge the natural traits of character by becoming worldly wise, scheming, and selfishly ambitious, gathering wealth to the neglect of the salvation which is of so much higher value. But every temptation resisted is a priceless victory gained in subduing self; it bends the powers to the service of Jesus, and increases faith, hope, patience, and forbearance. … Let us aim in the strength of Jesus for the crown heavy with stars. ‘They that be wise shall shine as … the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever’ (Daniel 12:3).” That I May Know Him, 91. “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Revelation 3:11.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org .

Children’s Story – Tough Roots

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A wealthy man had only one son. Because he had no other children, this boy whom he named Anthony was very special to him. From the time he was a little baby, his little boy had everything money could buy. His nursery room resembled a baby shopping center; he had so many toys that it was impossible to play with all of them before they were outgrown. As he grew, the baby toys were removed and replaced with toddler games and other innumerable toys. Anything a little boy of that age would want, Anthony received.

He had several closets bursting with clothes, shoes and coats. There was so many that he grew out of some clothes before he even had the opportunity to wear them. There was also no restriction on what he ate and whatever food Anthony desired and however much he wanted it was always available. He was so spoiled that he could do whatever he wanted.

However, instead of being happy, by the time Anthony reached about 12 years old his father began to notice that his son was very discontented. Anything that he was offered Anthony refused, but wanted something else, throwing tantrums that upset the whole house. He was one very unhappy boy!

It would be most children’s dream to have whatever their hearts desired, but here was a boy who had everything and was not happy. Why? Nothing was held back from him—food, clothes and toys—nothing satisfied him and his father did not understand or know what else he could do about it.

Anthony had developed some really bad habits of arguing, believing he knew everything about anything and that he could do anything he wanted. He would just throw his clothes down anywhere without picking them up and he was never satisfied. He looked down at a lot of people around him, considering himself better than they were.

Out of desperation, the father shared his concern about Anthony with his wise, old Christian friend who gave him some advice. Anthony had never been disciplined or denied anything, so he did not know the meaning of the word no! There had never been any boundaries set in place, so there was nowhere that Anthony could feel safe so he became unhappy, discontented, rude and very grumpy.

The Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6. Poor little Anthony! His father had not followed God’s counsel and he had not been rightly trained as a child, causing his son to have such big problems that nobody wanted to be around him.

Father’s friend offered to take Anthony home with him and teach him some manners to help him get rid of his bad habits. One day as they walked through the garden he suddenly stopped and asked the boy to pull out a tiny plant. Thinking how easy that would be to a boy who thought he could do anything, Anthony confidently held the plant between his thumb and forefinger and pulled it out easily with a big smile of accomplishment.

Walking on a little farther, the old man asked him to pull out a slightly bigger plant. Anthony pulled hard and the plant came out, roots and all. Of course Anthony’s smile was big because it was so easy!

“Now pull out that one,” said the old man pointing this time to a bush. Anthony looked at the size of this bush and with confidence proceeded to pull. The boy used all the strength he could muster and it finally came out. Of course, there was another proud smile!

“Now take this one out,” said the old man, pointing to a fruit tree. Anthony’s confidence was soaring so he grabbed the trunk and tried to pull it out, but it would not budge. “It’s impossible,” said the boy all out of breath because of the effort he had exerted.

“So it is with bad habits,” said the old man. “When they are young it is easy to pull them out, but when they take hold they cannot be uprooted.”

That session with the old man changed the boy’s life. Anthony understood the lesson the old man taught him, comparing his ugly habits with the different sized roots of each plant. That lesson, along with the prayers they shared, changed the boy’s life. When he went home to his father his whole attitude had changed and he was a new boy, much happier, as was everybody else around him.

Proverbs 29:17 says, “Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.” Consider the meaning of this verse after reading about Anthony.

Health – Seasonings and Spices

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Many people have been unsure of the words spice and seasoning and therefore a misunderstanding has occurred causing many to not understand how to healthfully season their food. In Genesis 1:29 it says, “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.”

Ellen White states, “At one time Doctor ___ tried to teach our family to cook according to health reform, as he viewed it, without salt or anything else to season the food. Well, I determined to try it, but I became so reduced in strength that I had to make a change; and a different policy was entered upon with great success. I tell you this because I know that you are in positive danger. Food should be prepared in such a way that it will be nourishing. It should not be robbed of that which the system needs.

“I use some salt, and always have, because from the light given me by God, this article, in the place of being deleterious, is actually essential for the blood. The whys and wherefores of this I know not, but I give you the instruction as it is given me.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 344.

This statement tells me that it is possible to be a little fanatical and go a little too far, therefore harming our own bodies.

There are many herbs and greens that our body needs for nourishment and there has been a mistaken idea that these are spices and not to be eaten or used in preparation of our foods. In the past, spices have been categorized as fragrant, aromatic plant products like cinnamon, cloves and pepper. Now there is a tendency to categorize even the herbs, etc., as spices as the word spice is understood in its historical meaning and which include cinnamon, cloves, and pepper.

Many have misunderstood Mrs. White’s statements, i.e., “By the laws of the home everything that renders the blood impure should be discarded from the table. Especially should little children be given wholesome food. They should be given no tea or coffee. Their food should not contain spices or any kind of seasoning. The plainest food is the most wholesome and keeps the temple of God in the most healthy condition.” Sermons and Talks, vol. 1, 215.

The word spice in Mrs. White’s time included items like cinnamon, cloves and pepper, which caused problems with the health. The word spice in our day has included all the good as well as the bad. To season, means to add flavor. The two words, season and spice, are actually used interchangeably now and this is the reason that much confusion exists on how to season our food. People have become hesitant to use dried herbs because they may be labeled as a spice.

Each of us needs to study this out for ourselves. I have done a little research and have been much blessed. Many of the seasonings and/or spices that are being condemned now (because they are labeled as a spice) are herbs and have a much needed place in our foods and in our bodies. It may be that some think that since some have been dried, they are now spices and cause harm. People are mislabeling God’s garden. God has placed within our reach plenty of these herbs, which are natural vitamins and minerals, for our benefit. Just because they might season or enhance the flavor of the dish we are serving should not be reason to stop using it because it seasons the food and therefore is a spice. The majority of the herbs, many of which are now called spices, are a gift to us from God to enhance the flavor of our food.

We also preserve our food by canning or drying. Because an herb is dried does not make it unhealthy for us to use, to be sprinkled on our foods as a seasoning/spice.

“God has caused to grow out of the ground, herbs for the use of man, and if we understand the nature of those roots and herbs, and make a right use of them, there would not be a necessity of running for the doctor so frequently, and people would be in much better health than they are today. I believe in calling upon the Great Physician when we have used the remedies I have mentioned.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 297, 298.

“Again and again I have been shown that God is trying to lead us back, step by step, to His original design—that man should subsist upon the natural products of the earth.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 380. The natural products of the earth include the herbs and greens.

“In this fast age, the less exciting the food, the better. Condiments are injurious in their nature. Mustard, pepper, spices, pickles, and other things of a like character, irritate the stomach and make the blood feverish and impure. The inflamed condition of the drunkard’s stomach is often pictured as illustrating the effect of alcoholic liquors. A similarly inflamed condition is produced by the use of irritating condiments. Soon ordinary food does not satisfy the appetite. The system feels a want, a craving, for something more stimulating.” The Ministry of Healing, 325.

She states that mustard, pepper, spices, pickles, and other things of a like character, irritate the stomach. The herbs, i.e. sweet basil, dill, oregano, chives, cilantro, parsley, marjoram, mint, mustard, etc., are not in like character as what she has listed and should not be considered within the words irritable spices.

“In regard to our using spice, I plead not guilty. We have not had spice in our house for ten years, except a little ginger, which we have always used to some extent.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, 245. Some consider ginger as an irritating spice. Ginger is quite useful and healing in many health problems. Also some have problems with the word mustard. There are mustard greens which are excellent for our bodies and were also used by Mrs. White. There are certain preparations called mustard which contain ingredients which are not health orientated, but those should not be confused with mustard greens and the excellent mustards which are made from very healthy ingredients and are excellent for consumption.

“God has furnished man with abundant means for the gratification of an unperverted appetite. He has spread before him the products of the earth—a bountiful variety of food that is palatable to the taste and nutritious to the system. Of these our benevolent heavenly Father says we may freely eat. Fruits, grains, and vegetables, prepared in a simple way, free from spice and grease of all kinds, make, with milk or cream, the most healthful diet. They impart nourishment to the body and give a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not produced by a stimulating diet.

“Let the table be made inviting and attractive, as it is supplied with the good things which God has so bountifully bestowed. Let mealtime be a cheerful, happy time. As we enjoy the gifts of God, let us respond by grateful praise to the Giver.” My Life Today, 132.

“You speak in regard to my diet. I have not become so wedded to one thing as not to be able to eat anything else. But as far as material for greens is concerned, you need have no concern; for to my certain knowledge there are in the section of country where you live many kinds of vegetable productions which I can use as greens. I shall be able to obtain the leaves of the yellow dock, the young dandelion, and mustard. There will be a far more bountiful supply there, and of a superior quality, than we could obtain in Australia. And if there was nothing else, there are the grain productions.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 323, 324.

“We rode out a few miles and took dinner near the beach in a little clump of brush. There was a nice stream flowing close by where we ate our dinner. Then we gathered greens and after going down on the beach we returned to our home.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 4, 97. We dry many of these things to use to season or flavor our food.

“The dish of greens was usually especially for Ellen White. One day as Sara McEnterfer passed the bowl of dandelion greens to Ellen White, she said, ‘Mother, here is your horse feed.’ The latter looked over the table at the other dishes and quietly replied, ‘Well, I don’t know as my horse feed is any worse than your cow’s peas.’ ” Ellen G. White, vol. 6, The Later Elmshaven Years, 1905–1915, 395. (By Arthur L. White, 1892.)

From all of the above statements, I am sure there were many other kinds of greens that she ate. In fact, if you will notice, the majority of what she called greens are now called herbs, and not greens.

Whether these herbs or greens are eaten fresh or dried, they season the food in a good, nourishing way. Some of the herbs/greens have been called spices and therefore have caused controversy. We cannot call all greens harmful because this is not so.

Some herbs/greens that make excellent flavor enhancers/seasonings and which our bodies require for good health include: sweet basil (basil); dill; thyme; oregano; rosemary; sage; cilantro; parsley; mint, etc. There are many more. Each of us must understand our own bodies and what it requires for good health. Each of these greens has health increasing constituents. In fact, onions and garlic are also dried and labeled seasonings/spices. What is good for one is not good for another. Yes, Mrs. White names specifics and each of us may agree with what she has shared, but that does not mean that we begin to label everything spice because it may not agree with us, or because someone else has labeled it so.

There are many recipes which call for ingredients that I do not use or do not care to use so I will replace those ingredients with more healthful ones or ones that fit my taste buds. I do not expect everybody’s personal recipes to be perfect according to what I like. I am just so thankful when people share recipes with me and I can adjust them to my taste and praise the Lord for someone who wanted to share with me. Praise God for the gift of choice and for all of the different foods He has provided so that we may have an abundance of variety to meet our different tastes and needs.