Issue: 2022 February

Bible Study – Laodicea

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March 20 – 26, 2022

Laodicea – Judgment of the People (A.D. 1844–the End)

Key Text

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:19

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 593–602; The Great Controversy, 662–678

Introduction

“The message to the Laodicean church is applicable to all who have had great light and many opportunities, and yet have not appreciated them.” The Faith I Live By, 306

Sunday

1 JESUS SPEAKS TO THE CHURCH

1.a. How does Jesus address the angel of the Laodicean church? Revelation 3:14

 Note: “Some will not receive the testimony that God has given us to bear, flattering themselves that we may be deceived and that they may be right. They think that the people of God are not in need of plain dealing and of reproof, but that God is with them. These tempted ones, whose souls have ever been at war with the faithful reproving of sin, would cry: Speak unto us smooth things. What disposition will these make of the message of the True Witness to the Laodiceans? There can be no deception here. This message must be borne to a lukewarm church by God’s servants.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 259

1.b. What startling message does Jesus give about the condition of the angel of the church? Why is this condition unacceptable? Revelation 3:15, 16

Note: “Halfhearted Christians are worse than infidels; for their deceptive words and noncommittal position lead many astray. The infidel shows his colors. The lukewarm Christian deceives both parties. He is neither a good worldling nor a good Christian. Satan uses him to do a work that no one else can do.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 963

Monday

2 DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSED

2.a. What do the angel and the people of the Laodicean church think of and state about their own condition, and what is Christ’s answer? Revelation 3:17

 Note: “ ‘And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and True Witness, the beginning of the creation of God. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable and poor, and blind, and naked.’

“The Lord here shows us that the message to be borne to His people by ministers whom He has called to warn the people is not a peace-and-safety message. It is not merely theoretical, but practical in every particular. …

“What greater deception can come upon human minds than a confidence that they are right when they are all wrong! The message of the True Witness finds the people of God in a sad deception, yet honest in that deception. They know not that their condition is deplorable in the sight of God. While those addressed are flattering themselves that they are in an exalted spiritual condition, the message of the True Witness breaks their security by the startling denunciation of their true condition of spiritual blindness, poverty, and wretchedness. The testimony, so cutting and severe, cannot be a mistake, for it is the True Witness who speaks, and His testimony must be correct.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 252, 253

2.b. What is it about the condition of “thou knowest not” that is the most dangerous? John 9:40, 41

Note: “The Pharisees were spiritually blind, and were leaders of the blind. The physical blindness that Jesus had healed in the man born blind, was not as dangerous as the moral blindness of those who had evidence piled upon evidence in regard to the divine character of the world’s Redeemer, and yet who closed the eyes of their understanding, and refused to see, because they were too self-exalted to be instructed by Christ. They claimed to be learned in the Scriptures, to have spiritual eyesight, yet they made the plainest specifications concerning Christ a different matter from that which the records testified. ‘The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles; the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.’ The light of the world was shining amid the moral darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” The Signs of the Times, November 6, 1893

Tuesday

3 A GENEROUS OFFER

3.a. Before a complete rejection takes place, what wonderful goods does Jesus offer to Laodicea? Revelation 3:18

 Note: “As I have of late looked around to find the humble followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, my mind has been much exercised. Many who profess to be looking for the speedy coming of Christ are becoming conformed to this world and seek more earnestly the applause of those around them than the approbation of God. They are cold and formal, like the nominal churches from which they but a short time since separated. The words addressed to the Laodicean church describe their present condition perfectly. They are ‘neither cold nor hot,’ but ‘lukewarm.’ And unless they heed the counsel of the ‘faithful and True Witness,’ and zealously repent and obtain ‘gold tried in the fire,’ ‘white raiment,’ and ‘eyesalve,’ He will spew them out of His mouth.” Early Writings, 107, 108

“The deadly lethargy of the world is paralyzing your senses. Sin no longer appears repulsive because you are blinded by Satan. The judgments of God are soon to be poured out upon the earth. ‘Escape for thy life’ is the warning from the angels of God. Other voices are heard saying: ‘Do not become excited; there is no cause for special alarm.’ Those who are at ease in Zion cry ‘Peace and safety,’ while heaven declares that swift destruction is about to come upon the transgressor.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 233

3.b. What heavenly virtues are represented by the “gold,” the “white raiment,” and the “eyesalve”? 1 Peter 1:7; Revelation 19:8; Revelation 3:5; 19:8

 Note: “Again and again has the voice from heaven addressed you. Will you obey this voice? Will you heed the counsel of the True Witness to seek the gold tried in the fire, the white raiment, and the eyesalve? The gold is faith and love, the white raiment is the righteousness of Christ, the eyesalve is that spiritual discernment which will enable you to see the wiles of Satan and shun them, to detect sin and abhor it, to see truth and obey it.

“The deadly lethargy of the world is paralyzing your senses. Sin no longer appears repulsive because you are blinded by Satan.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 233

Wednesday

4 BE ZEALOUS AND REPENT

4.a. Since the destiny of the church hangs on the acceptance of the counsel of the True Witness, what strong appeal does Jesus make to the angel? Revelation 3:19

Note: “I saw that the testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it will obey it and be purified.” Early Writings, 270

“The displeasure and judgments of God are against those who persist in walking in their own ways, loving self, loving the praise of men. They will certainly be swept into the satanic delusions of these last days, because they received not the love of the truth. Because the Lord has, in former days, blessed and honored them, they flatter themselves that they are chosen and true, and do not need warning and instruction and reproof. The True Witness says, ‘As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.’ The professed people of God have the charge against them, ‘Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.’ ” The Review and Herald, December 23, 1890

4.b. What is the proof of true and genuine repentance? Ezekiel 33:14–16; Luke 19:8, 9

 Note: “There is no evidence of genuine repentance unless it works reformation. If he restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, confess his sins, and love God and his fellow men, the sinner may be sure that he has found peace with God. Such were the effects that in former years followed seasons of religious awakening.” The Great Controversy, 462, 463

“There are many who fail to understand the true nature of repentance. Multitudes sorrow that they have sinned and even make an outward reformation because they fear that their wrongdoing will bring suffering upon themselves. … Balaam, terrified by the angel standing in his pathway with drawn sword, acknowledged his guilt lest he should lose his life; but there was no genuine repentance for sin, no conversion of purpose, no abhorrence of evil.” Steps to Christ, 23

Thursday

5 STANDING AT THE DOOR AND KNOCKING

5.a. Since there was no evidence of repentance of the angel, to whom is Jesus now addressing His words? Revelation 3:20. How does Christ knock at the door?

Note: “Christ waits at the door of the heart, saying, Open to Me; but He will not force Himself upon any one. Are we listening for His voice? Is our pride humbled and subdued by His divine compassion and pitying love? Open the door of the heart; for Christ is waiting to enter.” The Signs of the Times, February 3, 1898

“Says the True Witness, ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock.’ Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the word of God, or through His delegated messengers, is a knock at the door of the heart; it is the voice of Jesus, asking for entrance. With every knock unheeded, your determination to open becomes weaker and weaker. If the voice of Jesus is not heeded at once, it becomes confused in the mind with a multitude of other voices, the world’s care and business engross the attention, and conviction dies away. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of time, and of the great eternity beyond.” The Review and Herald, November 2, 1886

5.b. What special blessing is pronounced upon the overcomer in the period of Laodicea? Revelation 3:21, 22

Note: “ ‘To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.’ We can overcome. Yes; fully, entirely. Jesus died to make a way of escape for us, that we might overcome every evil temper, every sin, every temptation, and sit down at last with Him.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 144

Friday

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1    What work does the lukewarm Christian do?

2    What is the true state of Laodicea?

3    How can we obtain the gold, white raiment, and eyesalve?

4    How only can the true believer overcome?

5    What is granted to the Laodicean overcomer?

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Bible Study – Philadelphia

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March 13 – 19, 2022

Philadelphia – Brotherly Love (A.D. 1833–1844)

Key Text

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” 1 John 3:14

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 317–330; Maranatha, 247

Introduction

“Christians are to cultivate self-restraint, love, forbearance, and unity one to another by the cords of brotherly love.” The Review and Herald, November 27, 1894

Sunday

1 THE KEYS OF DAVID

1.a. What was foretold in prophecy concerning the keys of David? Isaiah 22:20–22

 Note: “But clearer light came with the investigation of the sanctuary question. They [the early Adventist believers] now saw that they were correct in believing that the end of the 2300 days in 1844 marked an important crisis.” The Great Controversy, 429

1.b. In 1844, what door was shut and what door was opened? Revelation 3:7, 8

 Note: “Then I was shown that the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ relating to the shut door could not be separated, and that the time for the commandments of God to shine out with all their importance, and for God’s people to be tried on the Sabbath truth, was when the door was opened in the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary, where the ark is, in which are contained the ten commandments. This door was not opened until the mediation of Jesus was finished in the holy place of the sanctuary in 1844.” Early Writings, 42

Monday

2 WORSHIPING AT THE SAINTS’ FEET

2.a. How is the synagogue of Satan described, and what do they say? Revelation 3:9, first part

 Note: “Satan has a large confederacy, his church. Christ calls them the synagogue of Satan because the members are the children of sin. The members of Satan’s church have been constantly working to cast off the divine law, and confuse the distinction between good and evil. Satan is working with great power in and through the children of disobedience to exalt treason and apostasy as truth and loyalty.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 16

“Satan has a church upon the earth which outnumbers the church of Christ. Christ calls it the ‘synagogue of Satan,’ because its members are the children of sin and transgression. They have ceased to honor God, they have cast His divine law aside, they have confounded the distinction between good and evil. But the world’s Redeemer will have a church in which these essential differences will be made apparent, where the character of God will be represented.” The General Conference Bulletin, April 1, 1897

2.b. Who are the members of the synagogue of Satan and what will they do? Revelation 3:9, last part

 Note: “The 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written, God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious star containing Jesus’ new name. At our happy, holy state the wicked were enraged, and would rush violently up to lay hands on us to thrust us into prison, when we would stretch forth the hand in the name of the Lord, and they would fall helpless to the ground. Then it was that the synagogue of Satan knew that God had loved us who could wash one another’s feet and salute the brethren with a holy kiss, and they worshiped at our feet.” Early Writings, 15

“You think, that those who worship before the saint’s feet, (Revelation 3:9), will at last be saved. Here I must differ with you; for God shew me that this class were professed Adventists, who had fallen away, and ‘crucified to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame.’ And in the ‘hour of temptation,’ which is yet to come, to show out everyone’s true character, they will know that they are forever lost; and overwhelmed with anguish of spirit, they will bow at the saint’s feet.” A Word to the Little Flock, 12

Tuesday

3 THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION

3.a. What encouraging promise is given to them that trust wholly in God? 1 Corinthians 10:13

 Note: “God sometimes allows Satan to tempt His children, that they may be proved and tested. If they rely on their own strength, they will fail in the trial, but if they realize their inability to help themselves, and trust wholly in God, He will provide a way of escape. There are times when it is necessary for men to be exposed to danger, and to be placed among corrupting influences, but a sense of their dependence on God will lead them to keep their hearts uplifted to Him in prayer every hour, for strength to resist and grace to overcome. The experience gained in these fierce conflicts fortifies the soul to pass unscathed through more trying ordeals.” The Signs of the Times, March 29, 1905

“At times the masterly power of temptation seems to tax our will power to the uttermost, and to exercise faith seems utterly contrary to all the evidences of sense or emotion; but our will must be kept on God’s side. We must believe that in Jesus Christ is everlasting strength and efficiency.” Our High Calling, 124

3.b. In order to be delivered from Satan’s temptations, what should we do? Revelation 3:10; James 4:7

3.c. Especially when will this experience be a reality? Psalm 91:14, 15

 Note: “Do not think that you can safely drift with the current. If you do, you will surely become the helpless prey of Satan’s devices. By diligent searching of the Scriptures and earnest prayer for divine help prepare the soul to resist temptation. The Lord will hear the sincere prayer of the contrite soul and will lift up a standard for you against the enemy. But you will be tried; your faith, your love, your patience, your constancy will be tested.” In Heavenly Places, 184

“The hour of temptation is to come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth; and although we do not wish to make a time of trouble for ourselves, nor do we wish to groan over trials in the future, still we should be so closely connected with God that we shall not fall under the temptation when it does come.” The Review and Herald, April 15, 1890.

Wednesday

4 STEADFAST TO THE END

4.a. What promise of Jesus should encourage us all along our Christian race? Revelation 3:11 first part; 22:12

Note: “ ‘This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.’ Precious, indeed, was this promise to those sorrowing disciples, that they should again see Jesus who was greatly beloved by them all. Precious also is this promise to every true follower of Christ. None who truly love Jesus will be sorry that He is coming again. And as they approach nearer to the coming of the Son of man, the true lovers of Jesus will look forward with joyous hope, and will seek to get all ready to behold Him whom their souls loveth, who died to redeem them.” The Youth’s Instructor, April 1, 1854

“We are pilgrims and strangers on the earth. Our sojourn here is as it were the Christian’s winter. But our faith and hope reach forward and upward to the better life, to the home that Christ has gone to prepare for those that love Him. …

“There are many things to be overcome. Day by day the battle goes on. The struggle is lifelong; for Satan watches every opportunity to take advantage of us, that he may ensnare us to our ruin.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 138

4.b. To whom will the crown of life be given, and when? Revelation 3:11, last part; Matthew 24:13; 2 Timothy 4:7, 8

Note: “ ‘Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.’ Here again we are admonished to faithfulness, in view of the conflict. We must not yield any point that we have already gained. … We are seeking for a crown, a crown of glory that fadeth not away. As overcomers we are to reign with Christ in the heavenly courts; and we are to overcome through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.” The Review and Herald, July 9, 1908

“If it were possible for us to be admitted into heaven as we are, how many of us would be able to look upon God? How many of us have on the wedding garment? How many of us are without spot or wrinkle or any such thing? How many of us are worthy to receive the crown of life?” Maranatha, 98

Thursday

5 THE REMNANT OF PHILADELPHIA

5.a. What promise is given to the overcomers of Philadelphia, and who are they? Revelation 3:12, 13

Note: “While I was praying at the family altar, the Holy Ghost fell upon me, and I seemed to be rising higher and higher, far above the dark world. I turned to look for the Advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a voice said to me, ‘Look again, and look a little higher.’ At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling to the city, which was at the farther end of the path. … Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake.” Early Writings, 14, 15

5.b. Following the example of the Philadelphian church, what should we cultivate if we want to be overcomers? John 13:34, 35

 Note: “God wants us to love one another. He says, ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another,’ ‘as I have loved you; that ye also love one another.’ This is the new commandment. It was new because Christ had not, before it was spoken, given the evidence of how much He loves us.” The General Conference Bulletin, April 3, 1901

“They [the disciples] were to love one another as Christ had loved them. These were their credentials that Christ was formed within, the hope of glory.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1141

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    What event would close the Philadelphian period?

2    Who constitutes the synagogue of Satan?

3    How are we to deal with temptation?

4    Who will receive the crown of life?

5    What is the promise given to Philadelphia?

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Bible Study – Sardis

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March 6 – 12, 2022

Sardis – That Which Remains [a Remnant] (A.D. 1798–1833)

Key Text

“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” Revelation 3:1

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 289–298; Maranatha, 238

Introduction

“In the message to the church at Sardis two parties are presented—those who have a name to live, but are dead; and those who are striving to overcome. Study this message, found in the third chapter of Revelation.” The Review and Herald, August 20, 1903

Sunday

1 ALIVE BUT DEAD

1.a. What words were spoken by Jesus to assure us of His tender care for His church? Revelation 3:1, middle part

Note: “God’s promise to His church will stand fast forever. He will make her an eternal excellence, a joy of many generations. There is no limit to His power. Our covenant-keeping Saviour unites with the omnipotence of the King of kings the tender care of a faithful shepherd. He who has chosen Christ has joined Himself to a power that no array of human wisdom or strength can overthrow.” The Review and Herald, October 8, 1903

1.b. What contrast exists between the profession of the church of Sardis and her real condition? Revelation 3:1, last part; James 2:17

Note: “Faith and works go hand in hand; they act harmoniously in the work of overcoming. Works without faith are dead, and faith without works is dead. Works will never save us; it is the merit of Christ that will avail in our behalf. Through faith in Him, Christ will make all our imperfect efforts acceptable to God.” Faith and Works, 48, 49

Monday

2 SEEKING FOR STRENGTH

2.a. What counsel is given in the word of God for those who are tempted to be discouraged? Revelation 3:2 first part; Hebrews 12:12, 13

 Note: “There are times when under adversity and sorrow, the servants of God become discouraged and despondent. They brood over their circumstances, and, contrasting their condition with the prosperity of those who have no thought or care for eternal things, they feel aggrieved.” The Signs of the Times, February 3, 1888

“Often He met those who had drifted under Satan’s control, and who had no power to break from his snare. To such a one, discouraged, sick, tempted, fallen, Jesus would speak words of tenderest pity, words that were needed and could be understood. Others He met who were fighting a hand-to-hand battle with the adversary of souls. These He encouraged to persevere, assuring them that they would win; for angels of God were on their side, and would give them the victory.

“At the table of the publicans He sat as an honored guest, by His sympathy and social kindliness showing that He recognized the dignity of humanity; and men longed to become worthy of His confidence.” Gospel Workers, 47

2.b. What was the charge given against the church of Sardis regarding her works? Revelation 3:2

 Note: “Faith is made perfect by works. The cry will come to us from the servers of Mammon: You are too exacting; we cannot be saved by works. Was Christ exacting? He placed the salvation of man, not upon his believing, not upon his profession, but upon his faith made perfect by his works. Doing, and not saying merely, was required of the followers of Christ. Principle is always exacting. …

“That religion which leads its subjects to enclose themselves in monastic walls, excluding themselves from their fellow men, and not doing the good they might, cannot be the light of the world. The world is no better for their living in it, because they shed no beams of light in good works. These live for themselves, and bring no glory to the Master, for they hide away from man as though ashamed of the light which they claim to have.” The Signs of the Times, January 15, 1880

Tuesday

3 AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT

3.a. What would happen if those in Sardis would not repent and obey the truth they had heard? Revelation 3:3, first part

 Note: “ ‘Hold fast.’ This does not mean, Hold fast to your sins; but, Hold fast to the comfort, the faith, the hope, that God has given you in His word. Never be discouraged. A discouraged man can do nothing. Satan is seeking to discourage you, telling you it is of no use to serve God, that it does not pay, and that it is just as well to have pleasure and enjoyment in this world.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 959

“ ‘Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.’ Here is the work which every son and daughter of God must do. But to adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour, we must have the mind that was in Christ. Our likes and dislikes, our desire to be first, to favor self to the disadvantage of others, must be overcome. The peace of God must rule in our hearts. Christ must be in us a living, working principle.” The Review and Herald, August 24, 1897

“Why repent? Because there have come in faults in the form of theories so subtle that by the influence of mind upon mind—through the agency of those who have departed from the faith—the wily foe will cause you imperceptibly to be imbued with the spirit that will draw you away from the faith.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 12, 126

3.b. What is the meaning of the words “I will come on thee as a thief”? Revelation 3:3, last part; 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 4

 Note: “Let every soul be on the alert. The adversary is on your track. Be vigilant, watching diligently lest some carefully concealed and masterly snare shall take you unawares. Let the careless and indifferent beware lest the day of the Lord come upon them as a thief in the night. Many will wander from the path of humility, and, casting aside the yoke of Christ, will walk in strange paths. Blinded and bewildered, they will leave the narrow path that leads to the city of God.

“A man cannot be a happy Christian unless he is a watchful Christian. He who overcomes must watch; for, with worldly entanglements, error, and superstition, Satan strives to win Christ’s followers from Him.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 99, 100

Wednesday

4 WHITE RAIMENT

4.a. What does the Lord promise to those who do not defile their garments? Revelation 3:4, 5, first part; Zechariah 3:4, 5

 Note: “Every defect in character, every point in which they fail to meet the divine standard, is an open door by which Satan can enter to tempt and destroy them. … We are to exert every energy of the soul in the work of overcoming, and to look to Jesus for strength to do what we cannot do of ourselves. No sin can be tolerated in those who shall walk with Christ in white. The filthy garments are to be removed, and Christ’s robe of righteousness is to be placed upon us. By repentance and faith we are enabled to render obedience to all the commandments of God, and are found without blame before Him. Those who shall meet the approval of God are now afflicting their souls, confessing their sins, and earnestly pleading for pardon through Jesus their Advocate. Their attention is fixed upon Him, their hopes, their faith, are centered on Him, and when the command is given, ‘Take away the filthy garments, and clothe him with change of raiment, and set a fair miter upon his head,’ they are prepared to give Him all the glory of their salvation.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 472

4.b. Why is it necessary to be clothed with white raiment, and what does it symbolize? Matthew 22:11–14; Revelation 19:8

 Note: “We should consider the great sacrifice that was made in our behalf, to purchase for us the robe of righteousness, woven in the loom of heaven.” The Youth’s Instructor, January 30, 1896

“Christ’s white robe of righteousness will never cover any soul that is found in sin unrepented of and unforsaken. ‘Sin is the transgression of the law.’ Therefore those who are trampling upon the law of God, and teaching others to disregard its precepts, will not be clothed with the righteousness of Christ. Jesus came not to save people in their sins, but from their sins. ‘And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him.’ ” The Review and Herald, August 28, 1894

Thursday

5 CONFESSING CHRIST

5.a. What did Jesus say should be a reason for great satisfaction and rejoicing, and why? Luke 10:20; Revelation 20:15; 21:27

 Note: “The names of all those who have once given themselves to God are written in the book of life, and their characters are now passing in review before Him. Angels of God are weighing moral worth. They are watching the development of character in those now living, to see if their names can be retained in the book of life. A probation is granted us in which to wash our robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. Who is doing this work? Who is separating from himself sin and selfishness?” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 960

5.b. In what way may we confess Christ or deny Him, and what will be the ultimate result? Revelation 3:5, last part; Matthew 10:32, 33; Romans 10:9

 Note: “He who would confess Christ must have Christ abiding in him. He cannot communicate that which he has not received. The disciples might speak fluently on doctrines, they might repeat the words of Christ Himself; but unless they possessed Christlike meekness and love, they were not confessing Him. A spirit contrary to the spirit of Christ would deny Him, whatever the profession. Men may deny Christ by evilspeaking, by foolish talking, by words that are untruthful or unkind. They may deny Him by shunning life’s burdens, by the pursuit of sinful pleasure.” The Desire of Ages, 357

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    How is true faith demonstrated?

2    How is faith made perfect by works?

3    Why is repentance an important work?

4    What is the white raiment?

5    How can we confess Christ?

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Bible Study – Thyatira

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The Book of Revelation, Chapters 1-3

February 27 – March 5, 2022

Thyatira – Sacrifice of Contrition (A.D. 538–1798)

Key Text

“And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; ‘These things saith the Son of God, who hath His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet are like fine brass.’ ” Revelation 2:18

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 61–78; Maranatha, 175

Introduction

“The 1260 years of papal supremacy began in A.D. 538, and would therefore terminate in 1798.” The Great Controversy, 266

Sunday

1 THE SON OF GOD

1.a. How did Jesus identify Himself to the church of Thyatira? Revelation 2:18

1.b. What unmistakable evidence do we have that Jesus Christ is God, and is to be worshiped? John 1:1–4, 14, 20:28; Hebrews 1:5, 6, 8; John 20:28; Matthew 28:16–20

1.c. In contrast, what was foretold in prophecy concerning the “son of perdition”? 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4

Note: “The apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, foretold the great apostasy which would result in the establishment of the papal power. … Even at that early date he saw, creeping into the church, errors that would prepare the way for the development of the papacy.” The Great Controversy, 49

“The ‘man of sin,’ which is also styled the ‘mystery of iniquity,’ ‘the son of perdition,’ and ‘that wicked,’ represents the papacy, which, as foretold in prophecy, was to maintain its supremacy for 1260 years. This period ended in 1798.” Ibid., 356

Monday

2 COMMENDATION AND REBUKE

2.a. What positive characteristics of the church existed even under persecution? Revelation 2:19

Note: “Notwithstanding all the persecution of the saints, living witnesses for God’s truth were raised up on every hand. Angels of the Lord were doing the work committed to their trust. They were searching in the darkest places and selecting out of the darkness men who were honest in heart.” Early Writings, 222

2.b. What false worship was introduced into the Christian church? Revelation 2:20

Note: “All false worship is spiritual adultery. The second precept, which forbids false worship, is also a command to worship God, and Him only serve. The Lord is a jealous God. He will not be trifled with. He has spoken concerning the manner in which He should be worshiped. He has a hatred of idolatry; for its influence is corrupting.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1106

“The man of sin was to arise, and do his work of exaltation and blasphemy, before the brethren could look for the coming of Christ. That great event was to be preceded by a falling away. There would be revealed a form of antichrist, and the leaven of apostasy was to work with increasing power to the end of time.” The Review and Herald, July 31, 1888

2.c. What were the works of Jezebel? 1 Kings 16:31; 18:4; 21:5–14

 Note: “I was carried back to the time of Ahab. God would have been with Ahab if he had walked in the counsel of heaven. But Ahab did not do this. He married a woman given to idolatry. Jezebel had more power over the king than God had. She led him into idolatry, and with him the people.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 1033

“Jezebel then decided, as she could not make Elijah feel her murderous power, that she would be revenged by destroying the prophets of God in Israel. No one who professed to be a prophet of God should live.” The Review and Herald, September 23, 1873

Tuesday

3 MOTHER AND DAUGHTERS

3.a. The “woman Jezebel” is represented in chapter 17 as Babylon the great. Explain what made her drunk. Revelation 17:3–6

Note: “In the thirteenth century was established that most terrible of all the engines of the papacy—the Inquisition. The prince of darkness wrought with the leaders of the papal hierarchy. In their secret councils Satan and his angels controlled the minds of evil men, while unseen in the midst stood an angel of God, taking the fearful record of their iniquitous decrees and writing the history of deeds too horrible to appear to human eyes. ‘Babylon the great’ was ‘drunken with the blood of the saints.’ The mangled forms of millions of martyrs cried to God for vengeance upon that apostate power.” The Great Controversy, 59, 60

3.b. What are the characteristics of spiritual Jezebel, “Babylon the great,” and who are her daughters? Ezekiel 16:44

 Note: “Babylon is said to be ‘the mother of harlots.’ By her daughters must be symbolized churches that cling to her doctrines and traditions, and follow her example of sacrificing the truth and the approval of God, in order to form an unlawful alliance with the world. The message of Revelation 14, announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to religious bodies that were once pure and have become corrupt. Since this message follows the warning of the judgment, it must be given in the last days; therefore it cannot refer to the Roman Church alone, for that church has been in a fallen condition for many centuries. … ‘Thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown’ (Ezekiel 16:14, 15).” The Great Controversy, 382, 383

“In Revelation 17 Babylon is represented as a woman, a figure which is used in the Scriptures as the symbol of a church. A virtuous woman represents a pure church, a vile woman an apostate church. Babylon is said to be a harlot; and the prophet beheld her drunken with the blood of saints and martyrs. The Babylon thus described represents Rome, that apostate church which has so cruelly persecuted the followers of Christ. But Babylon the harlot is the mother of daughters who follow her example of corruption.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, 233

Wednesday

4 A TIME OF TRIBULATION

4.a. What did Christ predict about that terrible time of persecution, and what hope was given to the believers? Matthew 24:21, 22

Note: “Amid the gloom that settled upon the earth during the long period of papal supremacy, the light of truth could not be wholly extinguished. In every age there were witnesses for God—men who cherished faith in Christ as the only mediator between God and man, who held the Bible as the only rule of life, and who hallowed the true Sabbath.” The Great Controversy, 61

“In the Saviour’s conversation with His disciples upon Olivet, after describing the long period of trial for the church—the 1260 years of papal persecution, concerning which He had promised that the tribulation should be shortened—He thus mentioned certain events to precede His coming, and fixed the time when the first of these should be witnessed: ‘In those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light.’ Mark 13:24. The 1260 days, or years, terminated in 1798. A quarter of a century earlier, persecution had almost wholly ceased.” Ibid., 306

4.b. What words of the apostle Paul were fulfilled by the faithful Waldenses? 2 Timothy 2:19

Note: “But of those who resisted the encroachments of the papal power, the Waldenses stood foremost. In the very land where popery had fixed its seat, there its falsehood and corruption were most steadfastly resisted. For centuries the churches of Piedmont maintained their independence; but the time came at last when Rome insisted upon their submission. After ineffectual struggles against her tyranny, the leaders of these churches reluctantly acknowledged the supremacy of the power to which the whole world seemed to pay homage. There were some, however, who refused to yield to the authority of pope or prelate. They were determined to maintain their allegiance to God and to preserve the purity and simplicity of their faith. A separation took place. Those who adhered to the ancient faith now withdrew; some, forsaking their native Alps, raised the banner of truth in foreign lands; others retreated to the secluded glens and rocky fastnesses of the mountains, and there preserved their freedom to worship God.” The Great Controversy, 64

Thursday

5 THE OVERCOMERS OF THYATIRA

5.a. Because of the fierce persecution during the period of Thyatira, what assurance was given to the faithful? Revelation 2:24, 25

Note: “While, under the pressure of long-continued persecution, some compromised their faith, little by little yielding its distinctive principles, others held fast the truth. Through ages of darkness and apostasy there were Waldenses who denied the supremacy of Rome, who rejected image worship as idolatry, and who kept the true Sabbath. Under the fiercest tempests of opposition they maintained their faith. Though gashed by the Savoyard spear, and scorched by the Romish fagot, they stood unflinchingly for God’s word and His honor.” The Great Controversy, 65

5.b. What wonderful promise was given to the church that remained faithful in the time of the Dark Ages? Revelation 2:26–29

Note: “Except among the Waldenses, the word of God had for ages been locked up in languages known only to the learned; but the time had come for the Scriptures to be translated and given to the people of different lands in their native tongue. The world had passed its midnight. The hours of darkness were wearing away, and in many lands appeared tokens of the coming dawn.

“In the fourteenth century arose in England the ‘morning star of the Reformation.’ John Wycliffe was the herald of reform, not for England alone, but for all Christendom. The great protest against Rome which it was permitted him to utter was never to be silenced.” The Great Controversy, 79, 80

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    Who has attempted to take the place of Christ?

2    What errors crept into the church of Thyatira?

3    Who are the daughters of Babylon?

4    What are the results of tribulation on the church?

5    What is promised to those who overcome tribulation?

Copyright 2000, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Recipe – Avocado Toast

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Avocado

Avocados are a bright green fruit with dark, leathery skin. They are also known as an alligator pear or butter fruit and are considered a large berry containing a single, large seed (pit).

Mexico is the largest producer of avocados, but 95% of the avocados supplied to the United States are grown in Southern California. These little wonder fruits are packed full of vitamins C, E, K, B6, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, lutein, beta carotene and omega-3 fatty acids.

Research suggests that eating avocados can help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels, and enhance weight loss. They also have been proven to reduce the risk of cancer and the fiber contained in the fruit is a natural detox for your digestive tract. Avocado oil actually fights off certain bacterial infections.

If you enjoy planting seeds, try growing an avocado tree following these easy steps. After removing the seed from the avocado, wash it well and wrap it in a wet paper towel. Place the wrapped seed in an air-tight baggie. Blow the baggie up with your breath, seal it tight and place it in a window sill that gets full sunlight. Be sure the air-tight baggie stays blown up with moisture in it.

Once the seed has sprouted, plant it in a good-sized pot filled with potting soil. Keep it inside during the cold months where it can get sunlight and put it outside in the summer. It may take three years or more before you see your first avocado, but it will continue to grow.

The Lord has provided so many good foods that maintain our health. The avocado is just one example. See how many fruits and vegetables you can list using the alphabet. Here, I’ll get you started: avocado, banana …

Source: Medical News Today, Megan Ware, RDN, July 28, 2021, webmd.com, Wikipedia

Recipe – Avocado Toast

Ingredients

1 ripe avocado, peeled and chopped

1 small tomato, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. lime juice

salt to taste

Process

Mix together and spread on your favorite toast.

Do Unto Others

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He who is guilty of wrong is the first person to suspect wrong in someone else. When human beings start accusing, they are not satisfied with simply pointing out the supposed defect in somebody else, but will resort to coercion to force others to comply with their ideas about what is right. This is what the Jews did in the time of Christ.

In Matthew 7:1, Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” When men try to earn salvation by their own works, they inevitably are led to pile up human exactions as a barrier against sin. When they see that they fail to keep the law, they devise all manner of rules and regulations of their own to obey and they esteem these higher than the law or even in place of the law. All this turns the mind from God and toward self, and as a result the love of God dies out in the heart, and with it perishes love for our fellow men. This system of human intervention, with its multitudinous exactions, meant to make people good, will always lead its advocates to judge those who come short of the prescribed human standard. This develops an atmosphere of selfish and narrow criticism, stifling noble and generous emotions, and leading men to become self-centered and judgmental.

The Pharisees were of this class. Ungrateful for the great privileges that God had given them, they left their religious services without any sense of their own weaknesses. Instead, they were filled with spiritual pride, believing their thoughts, feelings, and knowledge made them better than others. Their own attainments became the standard by which they judged everyone else. Putting on a garment of self-dignity and self-righteousness, they mounted the judgment seat to criticize and condemn others.  Jesus referred to the prayer of the Pharisee found in Luke 18:11, where he said, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men.” The people partook of this very same spirit. It intruded upon the conscience and they began to judge one another in matters that should have been kept between the soul and God alone.

It was in reference to this spirit and practice of judging in matters of conscience that Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” There is no true standard or ideal except that of God’s law and standard of perfection. It is man’s distortion of God’s standard that results in man setting himself up as the standard, putting forth his opinions, view of duty, and interpretation of scripture as the criteria for everyone else in the world. Man condemns others because they do not come up to his standard of ideals. And he criticizes them, presuming to know their motives, which he cannot truly know, and passes judgment on them.

The apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:5, “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.” Paul also says there is coming a time when everyone in the world will be judged: “We must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ … to receive a reward for deeds done in the body.” 2 Corinthians 5:10

Jesus said that there is coming a time, according to God’s providence, when everything that has ever been done in this world will be known (Matthew 10). He knows the hearts of mankind, the secret motives that drive them to do what they do, and say what they say. But as human beings, we cannot read the heart. We ourselves are faulty and unqualified to sit in judgment over others because we can only judge by the outward appearance.

God knows the secret springs of action, and He will judge righteously and compassionately. Paul again brings a rebuke to those who are entering upon the judgment seat in Romans 2:1: “Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.”

Notice, those who condemn or criticize others are also guilty themselves because they do the same things. In condemning others, we pass sentence upon ourselves, and God declares that this is a just sentence, accepting our own verdict. The sin that leads to the most unhappiness is the cold, unforgiving, critical spirit that characterized the Pharisees. When the religious experience has no love in it, the sunshine of Jesus’ presence is not there. No matter how active we may be in the service of Christ, that zeal cannot supply the lack of love.

We may have a wonderful keenness of perception to discover the defects of others, but anyone who seeks to discover these and expose them is a hypocrite. We must first cast out the log in our own eye (Matthew 7:5). When men indulge in this accusing spirit, they will not be satisfied with pointing out what they suppose is the defect in another. If milder means fail to make someone what they think he or she ought to be, they will, as far as lies in their power, force others to comply with their ideas of what is right.

This is exactly what the Jews were doing in the days of Christ and the apostles, and it is what the Christian church throughout history, whenever she has turned away from Christ to follow her own way, has done. When the church has found itself destitute of the power of love, it has relied on the strong arm of the state to enforce its dogmas and execute its decrees. Understand that, and you will understand the secret behind all the religious laws and legislation that have ever been enacted; you also will know the secret of all persecution from the days of Abel to our own time.

Jesus Christ does not use these methods. He does not drive men to be righteous; instead He seeks to draw all men to Himself. Only by love does He compel us to do what is right. Paul says, “The love of Christ constrains us.” It is love that persuades us, causes us to act. But when the church seeks the support of a secular power, it is plainly evident that the church is devoid of the power of Christ, the constraint of divine love.

Today, in the whole world, Christianity must be constrained by the love of Christ to have His character inside. This alone drives us to do that which is right for Christ. When we take upon ourselves His yoke of obedience and service, no one will have to crack the whip over us to make us do what is right. Jesus says that if we need anything, we need only come to Him and ask for it.

In Matthew 7:7–11, Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

Jesus does not specify conditions. If we feel our need enough to ask, the Lord promises to hear. Are we hungry for His mercy, do we desire His counsel, long for His love? If we ask in faith and contrition, we will receive. The Lord has pledged His word and it cannot fail. When we ask for the blessings we need so that we might perfect a Christlike character, the Lord assures us that we are asking according to a promise that will be verified. No matter that we may be terrible sinners, we can cry out to Him asking for His mercy and compassion and He will answer.

We do not have to be holy or fulfill some condition before we can come to God because the Bible says there is no one like this. We come as we are, but we must understand that God does not intend to leave us as we are. If we desire Him to cleanse and purify us from our sin, recognizing the utter helplessness that makes His redeeming power a necessity, then we present our need, and our need will be fulfilled.

Job 22:21, first part, says, “Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace.” In 1 Chronicles 28:9, last part, when David was talking to Solomon just before his death, he said, “If you seek Him, He will be found by you.”

The Holy Spirit is the greatest gift that God can give us. All good things are contained in this gift. In fact, the Creator Himself cannot give us anything greater or any better. When we ask the Lord to send the Holy Spirit to dwell in our lives, we are asking Him for a gift that will bring with it every other gift we need. When we ask the Lord to pity us in our distress and to guide us by His Holy Spirit, He will never turn away our prayer.

The Bible asks the question that if a child comes to his or her parent for food, would a parent turn the child away? The question is asked with the belief that the parent would not turn them away, because in this world, there are exceptions. But it is true that some human parents know how to give love and good gifts to their children. So then we can believe that God knows how to, and will, provide the needs of His children. God will never turn away from a longing and needy heart. To people who have felt in their distress that God was not mindful of their need, the Lord has told them, “Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me.’ ‘Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.’ ” Isaiah 49:14–16. When Jesus was nailed to the cross, we were inscribed on the palms of His hands. The Lord says, even though a human parent may forget, I will never forget.

Every promise in the word of God, therefore, brings us subject matter for prayer. They show us what we may pray for. It is our privilege to claim these promises through Jesus. We need only come to Him in faith, confession, and repentance, asking for our sins to be forgiven, and He has promised to forgive (1 John 1:9). We may not only acknowledge our need for forgiveness of sins, but our need for spiritual help, strength, and salvation.

We are perfectly free to come to Him with any temporal concern—financial difficulties, need for food and clothing, shelter—whatever our need is, we are invited to come and ask for it. However, we must remember that in claiming these promises, we also claim God as our Father, acknowledging that we are His children, and have given ourselves to His work. It is to these that Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness …” that He gave the promise, “Ask, and you will receive.”

Jesus said, “… [W]hatever you desire that men should do to you, you do even so to them.” Matthew 7:12. This is known as the Golden Rule. In this text Jesus teaches us that we should not be concerned with what we receive, but rather with what we give. The standard of our obligation to others is found in what we ourselves would regard as their obligation to us were our situation reversed. In our association with others, we need to put ourselves in their place, to enter into their feelings, difficulties, and disappointments, their joys and sorrows—identify with them, and then treat them in the same way we would want them to treat us.

This is the true rule of honesty and courtesy, the genuine expression of the law. Jesus says in Matthew 22:39, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This is the substance of the teaching of the prophets, a principle of heaven, and everyone who is fitted for the holy companionship of heaven will have developed it in their life before they are allowed to go there. The truest illustration of the Golden Rule is seen in the life and character of Jesus Christ. When we study His life, we see not only softness and firmness, but beauty and sweetness flowing from His very presence.

This same spirit is to be seen in His children. If Jesus is dwelling in the heart, then we will be surrounded with a divine atmosphere, a fragrance of purity. No one who genuinely understands what constitutes true Christian character will fail to manifest the sympathy and tenderness of Jesus Christ. The influence of His grace softens our hard hearts and gives us a heaven-born sense of delicacy, a true sense of propriety. As with all gifts and blessings of this life, whatever we have that our fellows do not have obligates us to those that are less favored. Are there people around us who are sick, widowed, orphaned, fatherless? Are we treating them in the same way that we would want them to treat us?

The Golden Rule teaches, by way of implication, the very same truth that Jesus taught in Luke 6:38, last part, where He said, “For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Whatever we do to others, whether it is good or evil, will surely react upon ourselves, whether in blessing or in cursing. Whatever we give, we will receive again.

The earthly blessings that we give to others are often repaid in kind. What we give often does come back to us, even in this world. All gifts are repaid in God’s eternal time of reckoning, both good and evil. Any person who has been free to condemn or discourage or bring hardship upon others, will, sooner or later in his own experience, be brought over the same ground where he has caused others to pass. He will feel what he has caused others to feel.

The Golden Rule is the standard of Christianity. Any religion that leads men to place a low estimate upon those whom Jesus estimated to be of sufficient value to surrender His life on the cross is not a Christian religion. Any person who expresses a careless disregard of the needs, sufferings, and rights of his fellow man is not a Christian and is proving themselves to be a traitor to Jesus Christ. It is because men call themselves Christians while denying His character in their life, that Christianity today has so little power in the world and the name of the Lord is blasphemed.

Friends, we need to ask ourselves, especially if we call ourselves Christians: Is my religion real? If our Christianity is real, we will manifest and practice the principle of the Golden Rule in our lives.[All emphasis supplied.]

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by email at: historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at: 316-788-5559.

Health Nugget – The Blessing of Health Reform

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It was the autumn of 1978 when we arrived at Wildwood Sanitarium and Hospital to begin classes, home training, and work, and I selected the nurse’s training program. I did not realize how abundantly God would bless that choice in the years to come, not only for me, but also for many others.

In our world today, health problems are rampant. In Testimonies, vol. 3, 139, Sister White says, “The violation of physical law, and the consequence, human suffering, have so long prevailed that men and women look upon the present state of sickness, suffering, debility, and premature death as the appointed lot of humanity. Man came from the hand of his Creator perfect and beautiful in form, and so filled with vital force that it was more than a thousand years before his corrupt appetite and passions, and general violations of physical law, were sensibly felt upon the race. More recent generations have felt the pressure of infirmity and disease still more rapidly and heavily with every generation. The vital forces have been greatly weakened by the indulgence of appetite and lustful passion.”

She further states that “Sickness, suffering, and death are work of an antagonistic power. Satan is the destroyer; God is the restorer.” Counsels on Health, 168

“The words spoken to Israel are true today of those who recover health of body, or health of soul: ‘I am the Lord that healeth thee.’

“The desire of God for every human being is expressed in the words, ‘Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.’ 3 John 2.” The Ministry of Healing, 113

“The Lord desires us to obey the laws of health and life. He holds each one responsible to care properly for his body that it may be kept in health.” Letter 123, 1903.

Sister White also gives the following counsel regarding what is the most important subject to be taught in childhood:

“A practical knowledge of the science of life is necessary in order to glorify God in our bodies. It is therefore of the highest importance that among studies selected for childhood, physiology should occupy the first place.” Healthful Living, 13

Unfortunately, I think that most of us did not receive this most wonderful and practical knowledge in our childhood, but it is not too late to begin at whatever age you are, as I was already 40 when I began it at Wildwood.

Let us consider what the apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

And Sister White says, “We are God’s workmanship, and His word declares that we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made.’ He has prepared this living habitation [our body] for the mind; it is ‘curiously wrought,’ a temple which the Lord Himself has fitted up for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.” Healthful Living, 9

True Medical Missionary Work and the Great Final Test

“The truth for this time, the third angel’s message, is to be proclaimed with a loud voice [the power of the Holy Spirit] as we approach the great final test. This test must come to the churches in connection with true medical missionary work. We are told that in time of trouble ‘there will be sick ones, plenty of them, that will need help’ so because of the need, but also ‘for their own sake, they should, while they have opportunity, become intelligent in regard to disease, its causes, prevention and cure, and those who will do this will find a field of labor anywhere.’ ” Pamphlet 144, 29, 30

Oh, friend, it seems that we are now entering the time. Now is our opportunity to “become intelligent in regard to disease, its cause, prevention and cure.”

“Nature will want some assistance to bring things to their proper condition, which may be found in the simplest remedies, especially in the use of nature’s own furnished remedies—pure air, and with precious knowledge of how to breathe; pure water, with a knowledge of how to apply it; plenty of sunlight in every room of the house if possible, and with an intelligent knowledge of what advantages are to be gained by its use. All these are powerful in their efficiency, and the patient who has obtained a knowledge of how to eat and dress healthfully may live for comfort, for peace, for health, and will not be prevailed upon to put to his lips drugs, which, in the place of helping nature, paralyzes her powers. If the sick who are suffering will do only as well as they know in regard to living out the principles of health reform perseveringly, then they will in nine cases out of ten recover from their ailments.” Medical Ministry, 223, 224

“The true method of healing the sick is to tell them of the herbs that grow for the benefit of man. … They can themselves administer the simple herbs if necessary.

“To educate the human family that the doctor alone knows all the ills of infants and persons of every age is false teaching, and the sooner we as a people stand on the principles of health reform, the greater will be the blessing that will come to those who would do true medical work.” Pamphlet 144, 13

“[W]hen the plagues of God shall be all around you, you will then see the principles of health reform and strict temperance in all things—that temperance alone is the foundation of all the graces that come from God, the foundation of all victories to be gained.” Temperance, 201

The blessing of health reform will come to all who live its principles to the glory and honor of God. [Emphasis supplied.]

Question – Why do I have to change?

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Question:

The Bible says God accepts you where you are.  If that is true, then why do I have to change?

Answer:

Yes, God does accept you as and where you are. As sinners, we have no way to change ourselves for the better so that we can come to Him ready for heaven. But this does not mean that we should believe that God does not require a change of heart. He does not leave us where He found us.

“The religion of Christ never degrades the receiver; it ennobles and elevates. Upon certain conditions we are assured that we may become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. … Through faith in Christ, and obedience to the requirements of His law, we are offered a life that shall run parallel with the life of God.” The Review and Herald, May 5, 1891

“Transformation of heart means an entire change of the entire man. ‘Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God,’ Christ declared (John 3:3). This change of heart is unseen; for it is an inward work, and yet, it is seen, because it works outward from within.

“Has the leaven of truth been at work in your heart? Has it absorbed the whole heart, the whole affections by its sanctifying power? …

“Our first work is with our own hearts. The true principles of reform should be practiced. The heart must be converted and sanctified else we have no connection with Christ.” This Day With God, 48

“When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the life, the whole being. To have a change of heart is to withdraw the affections from the world, and fasten them upon Christ. To have a new heart is to have a new mind, new purposes, new motives. What is the sign of a new heart?—A changed life.” Our High Calling, 159

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” Psalm 51:7, 9–11

Nature – The Amazingly Made Caribou

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It is hard to understand how the caribou can live in regions that average well below freezing temperatures for six to eight months out of the year. This extreme cold, often with high winds, makes the frigid temperatures even harder to handle. Let’s see how it is possible for caribou to survive in the extreme cold and wind.

First, caribou have two coats that cover their skin to help keep them warm. The undercoat, is dense and wooly, while the other is an overcoat consisting of long, quill-like, air-filled hairs. This is the primary insulation for the caribou, helping to regulate their core body temperature, and enabling them to stay warm.

During the many months of below-freezing winter, made more dangerous by the wind, caribou often walk in snow deep enough to reach their bellies. Their body organs and brain have to be kept at a temperature of about 101 degrees or they will die. But despite their warm core temperature, their legs are only about one degree above freezing; however, they never freeze. Why? An amazing process known as rete mirabile, the same process that keeps birds’ legs and feet from freezing and keeps the blood from rushing to a giraffe’s head when they bend down to get a drink. It works this way: the 101-degree blood coming down the artery from the heart is in close proximity to the vein with cold blood going up from the legs back to the heart. In a process called countercurrent exchange, the heat is transferred from the artery to the vein, which warms the blood going back to the organs and brain. Hence the legs, which don’t have a great need for warm blood, are kept just above freezing and the blood returning to the body is warmed, which helps maintain their core temperature. Only a “heating and cooling engineer” like God could design this in a living being.

The nose structure of the caribou contributes to its heat and water balance. The nose has turbinates that resemble a rolled-up newspaper. When the caribou breathe air in, which, in an 80-mile-an-hour wind could be minus 60 degrees, the massive surface area of these turbinates does two things: it pulls out the moisture, helping to maintain their water balance and warms the air before it gets to the delicate structures of the bronchial tubes and lungs. When they exhale, most animals breathe out producing steam, but not the caribou. On exhalation, the turbinates again pull out the moisture keeping the water in the system. The moisture conservation is very important because caribou do not drink water. There are minerals in the water of lakes and streams, and drinking water would require an increased filtering workload on the kidneys increasing their water loss. The turbinates also absorb the heat from the air further heated by the lungs, thus helping to maintain their 101-degree core body temperature. All of these heat and moisture conservation mechanisms are critical to help keep them alive in their extreme environments.

None of the mechanisms worked into the bodily systems of the caribou can be the result of gradual evolutionary changes and mutations. Every minute detail was created to allow them to live in their cold and harsh surroundings. It is absolutely amazing that our Lord has thought of everything for the survival of the caribou. “O give thanks to the Lord for He is good.” Psalm 136:1

Adapted from God’s Living Treasures, Volume 2, Amazing Animals of Alaska, Hosted by Dr. Jobe Martin

Testimony – “I’ve Got It!”

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In The Southern Review, January 23, 1902, Mrs. White recounts an experience while speaking in Launceston, Tasmania.

At the end of the meeting a tall, fine-looking woman came to Mrs. White and threw her arms about her shoulders and wept and wept.  She was unable to speak for a little while. Mrs. White’s son tried to disentangle the woman from his mother, but she would not let go.

She told Mrs. White of her son who was very sick. He had been visited by many ministers and had read many books, but he could not understand them and none of them impressed him or spoke directly to his heart. He had asked her if there was some other book in all their library that he could read. She said there was one book that canvassers had brought to them. She had not read it, but she would get it for him.

He read the book and then re-read it. And then he read it a third time. His joyous response was, “I’ve got it, I know my Saviour and I am His child.” He was happy every moment after, as long as he lived.

But he made a request of his mother before he died: “Now, mother, promise me one thing, if ever Mrs. White shall come into our country and you see her, will you tell her that that book was the means of saving my soul? Will you lend this book to all our neighbors?”

The woman said, “I have done it and it’s about worn out and I will have to replace it. There are several that know now what faith is and what dependence upon God is.”

The book? The Great Controversy.

Never doubt it, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please. And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11