Issue: 2011 July

Bible Study Guides – God’s Tools

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August 21, 2011 – August 27, 2011

Key Text

“When he ascended up on high, he … gave gifts unto men. … For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:8, 12.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 80–89; Testimonies, vol. 2, 354–376.

Introduction

“Men were taught that it is possible to obey the law of God; that even while living in the midst of the sinful and corrupt, they were able, by the grace of God, to resist temptation, and become pure and holy.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 88.

1 RESPECTING GOD’S METHODS

  • What are God’s tools for the perfecting of His children? I Corinthians 12:28.

Note: “When Christ ascended to heaven, He left the work on earth in the hands of His servants, the undershepherds. [Ephesians 4:11–13 quoted.]

“In sending forth His ministers our Saviour gave gifts unto men, for through them He communicates to the world the words of eternal life. This is the means which God has ordained for the perfecting of the saints in knowledge and true holiness. The work of Christ’s servants is not merely to preach the truth; they are to watch for souls as they that must render account to God. They are to reprove, rebuke, exhort with long-suffering and doctrine.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 237.

  • How long will God use this method? Ephesians 4:13, 15. What is our responsibility? James 1:22.

Note: “I was shown that God had given light through the gifts placed in the church, which would instruct, counsel, guide, reprove, and warn. … To disregard light is to reject it. The rejection of light leaves men captives bound about by chains of darkness and unbelief.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 93.

2 HEALTH AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

  • How does physical health relate to character development? I Thessalonians 5:23; I Corinthians 3:16, 17; 6:19, 20.

Note: “Let it ever be kept before the mind that the great object of hygienic reform is to secure the highest possible development of mind and soul and body. … Obedience to them will promote our happiness in this life, and will aid us in a preparation for the life to come.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 23.

“You need clear, energetic minds, in order to appreciate the exalted character of the truth, to value the atonement, and to place the right estimate upon eternal things. If you pursue a wrong course, and indulge in wrong habits of eating, and thereby weaken the intellectual powers, you will not place that high estimate upon salvation and eternal life which will inspire you to conform your life to the life of Christ.” Ibid., 47.

  • How should we respond to all of God’s health instruction? Why? Proverbs 4:20–22.

Note: “There are but few as yet who are aroused sufficiently to understand how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their characters, their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destiny. I saw that it is the duty of those who have received the light from heaven, and have realized the benefit of walking in it, to manifest a greater interest for those who are still suffering for want of knowledge.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 51, 52.

  • Can we disregard any instruction if it is not convenient for us? Proverbs 1:5; 14:12.

Note: “There is danger in departing in the least from the Lord’s instruction. When we deviate from the plain path of duty, a train of circumstances will arise that seems irresistibly to draw us further and further from the right.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 197, 198.

“There are some professed believers who accept certain portions of the Testimonies as the message of God, while they reject those portions that condemn their favorite indulgences. Such persons are working contrary to their own welfare and the welfare of the church.” Ibid., vol. 9, 154.

3 HEALTH AND PRAYER

  • What relationship exists between following God’s health principles and having our prayers answered? Proverbs 28:9; 30:5.

Note: “God gave the light on health reform, and those who rejected it, rejected God.” Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 6, 31.

  • Can we properly train our children and youth in our homes and churches while disregarding any of God’s instruction? What will the results be? Psalm 119:138; Galatians 6:7.

Note: “Satan is constantly seeking to gain control of your bodies and spirits. … Yet some will say: ‘What business is it to anybody what I eat or what I drink?’ I have shown you what relation your course has to others. You have seen that it has much to do with the influence you exert in your families. It has much to do with molding the characters of your children. …

“You should be instructing them how to shun the vices and corruptions of this age. Instead of this, many are studying how to get something good to eat. You place upon your tables butter, eggs, and meat, and your children partake of them. They are fed with the very things that will excite their animal passions, and then you come to meeting and ask God to bless and save your children. How high do your prayers go? You have a work to do first. When you have done all for your children which God has left for you to do then you can with confidence claim the special help that God has promised to give you.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 359, 362.

“If light is turned from in one case, it will be disregarded in another. It is just as much sin to violate the laws of our being as to break one of the ten commandments, for we cannot do either without breaking God’s law. We cannot love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength while we are loving our appetites, our tastes, a great deal better than we love the Lord.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 45.

“I saw that the reason why God did not hear the prayers of His servants for the sick among us more fully was, that He could not be glorified in so doing while they were violating the laws of health.” Ibid., 25, 26.

4 FURTHER EDUCATION

  • By what other means can we honor our Creator? I Timothy 6:11.

Note: “The greatest evidence of the power of Christianity that can be presented to the world is a well-ordered, well-disciplined family. This will recommend the truth as nothing else can, for it is a living witness of its practical power upon the heart.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 304.

“There is no education to be gained higher than that given to the early disciples, and which is revealed to us through the word of God. To gain the higher education means to follow this word implicitly; it means to walk in the footsteps of Christ, to practice His virtues. It means to give up selfishness and to devote the life to the service of God. Higher education calls for something greater, something more divine, than the knowledge to be obtained merely from books. It means a personal, experimental knowledge of Christ; it means emancipation from ideas, from habits and practices, that have been gained in the school of the prince of darkness, and which are opposed to loyalty to God. It means to overcome stubbornness, pride, selfishness, worldly ambition, and unbelief. It is the message of deliverance from sin.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 11, 12.

  • What will be the result of this type of education? Proverbs 22:6; III John 4.

Note: “Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness—godlikeness—is the goal to be reached. Before the student there is opened a path of continual progress. He has an object to achieve, a standard to attain, that includes everything good, and pure, and noble. He will advance as fast and as far as possible in every branch of true knowledge. But his efforts will be directed to objects as much higher than mere selfish and temporal interests as the heavens are higher than the earth.” Education, 18, 19.

“It is the privilege of every soul to be a living channel through which God can communicate to the world the treasures of His grace, the unsearchable riches of Christ. There is nothing that Christ desires so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and character.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 419.

5 PATRIARCHAL EXAMPLES

  • In what ways did Enoch and Noah leave us examples to follow in these last days? Hebrews 11:5, 7; II Corinthians 4:18.

Note: “Enoch’s walk with God was not in a trance or a vision, but in all the duties of his daily life. He did not become a hermit, shutting himself entirely from the world; for he had a work to do for God in the world. In the family and in his intercourse with men, as a husband and father, a friend, a citizen, he was the steadfast, unwavering servant of the Lord.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 85.

“In the midst of a life of active labor, Enoch steadfastly maintained his communion with God. The greater and more pressing his labors, the more constant and earnest were his prayers. He continued to exclude himself, at certain periods, from all society. After remaining for a time among the people, laboring to benefit them by instruction and example, he would withdraw, to spend a season in solitude, hungering and thirsting for that divine knowledge which God alone can impart. Communing thus with God, Enoch came more and more to reflect the divine image. His face was radiant with a holy light, even the light that shineth in the face of Jesus. As he came forth from these divine communings, even the ungodly beheld with awe the impress of heaven upon his countenance.” Ibid., 86, 87.

“It was through Noah’s consistent faith and works combined that condemned the world. He not only preached the present truth appropriate for that time, but he acted every sermon. Had he never lifted his voice in warning, his works, his holy character among the corrupt and ungodly would have been condemning sermons to the unbelieving and dissolute of that age.” This Day with God, 235.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What are God’s tools for your perfection?

2 Explain the connection between health reform and character development.

3 Is there something that keeps God from answering your prayers?

4 What is to be the goal of education?

5 What can you learn from those who have lived before you?

Copyright © 2002 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – A Paradise on Earth

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August 14, 2011 – August 20, 2011

Key Text

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10.

Study Help: The Adventist Home, 421–429, 506–520.

Introduction

“Home should be made all that the word implies. It should be a little heaven upon earth, a place where the affections are cultivated instead of being studiously repressed.” The Adventist Home, 15.

1 A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN

  • How can we have here on earth a little taste of heaven? Matthew 18:3; Colossians 3:16.

Note: “Family religion is a wonderful power. …

“Hearts that are filled with the love of Christ can never get very far apart. …

“Only where Christ reigns can there be deep, true, unselfish love. Then soul will be knit with soul, and the two lives will blend in harmony. Angels of God will be guests in the home.” The Adventist Home, 94.

  • What will happen as we enter into an abiding experience with Jesus every day, and how can this be accomplished in our lives? Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:6.

Note: “Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, ‘Take me, O lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in thee.’ This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ.” Steps to Christ, 70.

“When Christ abides in the heart, the whole nature is transformed.” Ibid., 73.

2 SHOWING AFFECTION

  • Describe what we need to cultivate in our homes and in our churches. Romans 12:10; I John 4:12.

Note: “Home is to be the center of the purest and most elevated affection. Peace, harmony, affection, and happiness should be perseveringly cherished every day, until these precious things abide in the hearts of those who compose the family. The plant of love must be carefully nourished, else it will die. Every good principle must be cherished if we would have it thrive in the soul. That which Satan plants in the heart—envy, jealousy, evil surmising, evil speaking, impatience, prejudice, selfishness, covetousness, and vanity—must be uprooted. If these evil things are allowed to remain in the soul, they will bear fruit by which many shall be defiled. Oh, how many cultivate the poisonous plants that kill out the precious fruits of love and defile the soul!” The Adventist Home, 195, 196.

  • What attitude must we have in order to have the kinds of relationships described? I Corinthians 13:1–8.

Note: “Not all can go as missionaries to foreign lands, but all can be home missionaries in their families and neighborhoods. There are many ways in which church members may give the message to those around them. One of the most successful is by living helpful, unselfish Christian lives. Those who are fighting the battle of life at great odds may be refreshed and strengthened by little attentions which cost nothing. Kindly words simply spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep away the clouds of temptation and doubt that gather over the soul. The true heart expression of Christlike sympathy, given in simplicity, has power to open the door of hearts that need the simple, delicate touch of the spirit of Christ.” The Adventist Home, 485.

“Some parents—and some teachers as well—seem to forget that they themselves were once children. They are dignified, cold, and unsympathetic. … Such discipline is not Christlike. Children thus trained fear their parents or teachers, but do not love them; they do not confide to them their childish experiences. Some of the most valuable qualities of mind and heart are chilled to death, as a tender plant before the wintry blast.

“Smile, parents; smile, teachers. If your heart is sad, let not your face reveal the fact.” Child Guidance, 147, 148.

3 WHAT SHOULD WE SPEAK?

  • What kinds of words should we use with each other? Philippians 1:27; James 4:11; Ephesians 4:25, 29–32.

Note: “The voice is an entrusted talent, and it should be used to help and encourage and strengthen our fellow men. If parents will love God and keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment, their language will not savor of sickly sentimentalism. It will be of a sound, pure, edifying character. Whether they are at home or abroad, their words will be well chosen. They will descend to no cheapness.

“Every word spoken by fathers and mothers has its influence over the children, for good or for evil.” The Adventist Home, 434.

  • How should we speak? I Thessalonians 2:7; II Chronicles 10:7.

Note: “Religion is love, and a Christian home is one where love reigns and finds expression in words and acts of thoughtful kindness and gentle courtesy.” The Adventist Home, 94.

“Parents should keep the atmosphere of the home pure and fragrant with kind words, with tender sympathy and love; but at the same time they are to be firm and unyielding in principle. If you are firm with your children, they may think that you do not love them. This you may expect, but never manifest harshness.” Ibid., 434.

“We must subdue a hasty temper and control our words, and in this we shall gain great victories. Unless we control our words and temper, we are slaves to Satan. We are in subjection to him. He leads us captive. All jangling and unpleasant, impatient, fretful words are an offering presented to his satanic majesty. And it is a costly offering, more costly than any sacrifice we can make for God; for it destroys the peace and happiness of whole families, destroys health, and is eventually the cause of forfeiting an eternal life of happiness.” Ibid., 437.

  • How should we respond when receiving correction? Proverbs 8:33; 19:20.

4 HELPERS IN THE HOME

  • How does God want us to spend our time and energy? Colossians 3:23. What warnings are given against idleness? Ecclesiastes 10:18.

Note: “I have been shown that much sin has resulted from idleness. Active hands and minds do not find time to heed every temptation which the enemy suggests, but idle hands and brains are all ready for Satan to control. The mind, when not properly occupied, dwells upon improper things. Parents should teach their children that idleness is sin. …

“The minds of children are active, and if not occupied with that which is good and useful, they will inevitably turn to what is bad. While it is right and necessary for them to have recreation, they should be taught to work, to have regular hours for physical labour and also for reading and study. See that they have employment suited to their years and are supplied with useful and interesting books.” The Adventist Home, 284.

“Parents should by their example encourage the formation of habits of simplicity, and draw their children away from an artificial to a natural life.” Child Guidance, 139.

  • What is the necessary principle we must keep in mind in choosing how we will spend our time? Ecclesiastes 11:9.

Note: “Educate men and women to bring up their children free from false, fashionable practices, to teach them to be useful. …

“There are plenty of necessary, useful things to do in our world that would make the pleasure-amusement exercise almost wholly unnecessary. Brain, bone, and muscle will acquire solidity and strength in using them to a purpose, doing good hard thinking, and in devising plans which shall train them [the youth] to develop powers of intellect and strength of the physical organs, which will be putting into practical use their God-given talents with which they may glorify God.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 321.

“I do not condemn the simple exercise of playing ball; but this, even in its simplicity, may be overdone. I shrink always from the almost sure result which follows in the wake of these amusements. It leads to an outlay of means that should be expended in bringing the light of truth to souls that are perishing out of Christ.” Ibid., 322.

5 PREPARING FOR HEAVEN

  • In order to prepare to dwell in that holy place called heaven, what must we do now? Genesis 35:2; Colossians 2:5.

Note: “We should teach our children lessons in simplicity and trust. We should teach them to love, and fear, and obey their Creator. In all the plans and purposes of life His glory should be held paramount; His love should be the mainspring of every action.” Child Guidance, 141.

  • What are some of the strange gods that should be put away before we are able to meet our Lord? II Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 21:27.

Note: “There are amusements such as dancing, card playing, chess, checkers … which we cannot approve, because Heaven condemns them.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 514.

“Children are not to be trained to be the devotees of society. They are not to be sacrificed to Molech, but they are to become members of the Lord’s family. … They are not to have their minds all engrossed in the fashions and practices of the world. They are not to educate their children to attend parties and concerts and dances, to have and attend feasts, because after this manner the Gentiles walk.” Child Guidance, 181.

“In the education of children and youth fairy tales, myths, and fictitious stories are now given a large place. … How can Christian parents permit their children to use books so filled with falsehood? …

“Never should books containing a perversion of truth be placed in the hands of children or youth.” The Adventist Home, 413.

“Some of the most popular amusements, such as football and boxing, have become schools of brutality. They are developing the same characteristics as did the games of ancient Rome.” Ibid., 500.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Can you now have a little bit of heaven? How?

2 How does showing affection help your spiritual development?

3 What words should be in your home?

4 How can habits of simplicity best function in the home?

5 From what must you cleanse your life in order to be prepared to live in heavenly places?

Copyright © 2002 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – The Church in Our Home

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August 7, 2011 – August 13, 2011

Key Text

“I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.” II John 1:4.

Study Help: Child Guidance, 293–311.

Introduction

“The greatest evidence of the power of Christianity that can be presented to the world is a well-ordered, well-disciplined family. This will recommend the truth as nothing else can, for it is a living witness of its practical power upon the heart.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 304.

1 PROPERLY TRAINED

  • What must we consider in determining our suitableness as parents? Deuteronomy 6:5–8.

Note: “How startling is the proverb, ‘As the twig is bent, the tree is inclined.’ This is to be applied to the training of our children. Parents, will you remember that the education of your children from their earliest years is committed to you as a sacred trust? … Home education is not by any means to be neglected.” Child Guidance, 18.

  • What does the Lord desire to see in our homes? Colossians 3:12–14; II John 4.

Note: “God commanded the Hebrews to teach their children His requirements, and to make them acquainted with all His dealings with their people. The home and the school were one. In the place of stranger lips, the loving hearts of the father and mother were to give instruction to their children.” Child Guidance, 18, 19.

“Every family is a church, over which the parents preside. The first consideration of the parents should be to work for the salvation of their children. When the father and mother as priest and teacher of the family take their position fully on the side of Christ, a good influence will be exerted in the home.” Ibid., 549.

2 WHAT SHALL WE TEACH?

  • What is included in the mandate to “train up a child”? Exodus 24:12; Deuteronomy 4:1, 9, 10; 20:18.

Note: “There is a time for training children and a time for educating youth, and it is essential that in school both of these be combined in a great degree. Children may be trained for the service of sin or for the service of righteousness. The early education of youth shapes their characters both in their secular and in their religious life. Solomon 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]. This language is positive. The training which Solomon enjoins is to direct, educate, and develop.

“In order for parents and teachers to do this work, they must themselves understand ‘the way’ the child should go. This embraces more than merely having a knowledge of books. It takes in everything that is good, virtuous, righteous, and holy. It comprehends the practice of temperance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to God and to one another. In order to attain this object, the physical, mental, moral, and religious education of children must have attention.” Child Guidance, 297.

  • What parable gives us lessons in child training? Mark 4:28.

Note: “The gradual development of the plant from the seed is an object lesson in child training. There is ‘first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear’ [Mark 4:27]. …

“The work of parents and teachers is here suggested. They should aim so to cultivate the tendencies of the youth that at each stage of their life they may represent the natural beauty appropriate to that period, unfolding naturally, as do the plants in the garden. …

“The little ones should be educated in childlike simplicity. They should be trained to be content with the small, helpful duties and the pleasures and experiences natural to their years. … The children should not be forced into a precocious maturity but should retain as long as possible the freshness and grace of their early years.

“The little children may be Christians, having an experience in accordance with their years. This is all that God expects of them. They need to be educated in spiritual things; and parents should give them every advantage that they may form characters after the similitude of the character of Christ.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 82–84.

3 TRUE OR FALSE EDUCATION?

  • What is the purpose of true education? Colossians 1:9, 10.

Note: “True education means more than taking a certain course of study. It is broad. It includes the harmonious development of all the physical powers and the mental faculties. It teaches the love and fear of God and is a preparation for the faithful discharge of life’s duties.

“Proper education includes not only mental discipline, but that training which will secure sound morals and correct deportment.

“The first great lesson in all education is to know and understand the will of God. We should bring into every day of life the effort to gain this knowledge.” Child Guidance, 293.

  • What should be our textbook and the foundation of all our education? II Timothy 3:15.

Note: “The Bible should be the child’s first textbook. From this book, parents are to give wise instruction. The Word of God is to be made this rule of the life.” Child Guidance, 41.

“God designed the Bible to be a lessonbook to all mankind, in childhood, youth, and manhood, and to be studied through all time. He gave His word to men as a revelation of Himself. … The study of the Scriptures is the means divinely ordained to bring men into closer connection with their Creator and to give them a clearer knowledge of His will. It is the medium of communication between God and man.” The Great Controversy, 69.

  • What fundamental truths must we be aware of in seeking to educate our children? I Corinthians 3:18–20; Colossians 2:8.

Note: “There are two classes of educators in the world. One class is those whom God makes channels of light, and the other class is those whom Satan uses as his agents, who are wise to do evil. …

“In planning for the education of their children outside the home, parents should realize that it is no longer safe to send them to the public school, and should endeavor to send them to schools where they will obtain an education based on a Scriptural foundation.” Child Guidance, 303, 304.

4 LIFESTYLE

  • What else is necessary for our own well-being and that of our families? Titus 2:12; Mark 6:31.

Note: “An intensity such as never before was seen is taking possession of the world. In amusement, in money-making, in the contest for power, in the very struggle for existence, there is a terrible force that engrosses body and mind and soul. In the midst of this maddening rush, God is speaking. He bids us come apart and commune with Him. ‘Be still and know that I am God’ [Psalm 46:10]. …

“Not a pause for a moment in His presence, but personal contact with Christ, to sit down in companionship with Him—this is our need.” Education, 260, 261.

“The more quiet and simple the life of the child—the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature—the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength.” The Desire of Ages, 74.

  • How can we simplify our lives so that we can make time for being still? I Timothy 6:8.

Note: “We must turn away from a thousand topics that invite attention. There are matters that consume time and arouse inquiry, but end in nothing.” The Ministry of Healing, 456.

“A great work was before them [the disciples], and first of all they must learn that their strength was not in self, but in God. Like Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, like David among the hills of Judea, or Elijah by the brook Cherith, the disciples needed to come apart from the scenes of their busy activity, to commune with Christ, with nature, and with their own hearts.” The Desire of Ages, 360.

“I was shown that Sabbathkeepers as a people labor too hard without allowing themselves change or periods of rest. Recreation is needful to those who are engaged in physical labor and is still more essential for those whose labor is principally mental. It is not essential to our salvation, nor for the glory of God, to keep the mind laboring constantly and excessively, even upon religious themes. …

“Recreation in the open air, the contemplation of the works of God in nature, will be of the highest benefit.” The Adventist Home, 494, 496.

5 KEEPING THE FOCUS

  • What warnings has our Saviour given to us? Matthew 6:20; I Timothy 6:10.

Note: “Money is not ours; houses and grounds, pictures and furniture, garments and luxuries, do not belong to us. We are pilgrims, we are strangers. We have only a grant of those things that are necessary for health and life. … Our temporal blessings are given us in trust, to prove whether we can be entrusted with eternal riches.” The Adventist Home, 367.

“God’s requirements come first. We are not doing His will if we consecrate to Him what is left of our income after all our imaginary wants have been supplied.” Ibid., 369.

“If we represent the character of Christ, every particle of selfishness must be expelled from the soul. In carrying forward the work He gave to our hands, it will be necessary for us to give every jot and tittle of our means that we can spare. …

“That which is spent for the gratification of pride in dress, in buildings, in furniture, and in decorations would relieve the distress of many wretched, suffering families. God’s stewards are to minister to the needy.” Ibid., 370.

“It is not necessary to specify here how economy may be practiced in every particular. Those whose hearts are fully surrendered to God, and who take His word as their guide, will know how to conduct themselves in all the duties of life. They will learn of Jesus, who is meek and lowly of heart; and in cultivating the meekness of Christ, they will close the door against innumerable temptations.” Ibid., 380.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What should be the fundamental purpose of the home and the church?

2 List some of the things that should be taught to our children.

3 What three areas of your life will be affected by true education?

4 Describe what your priorities in life should be.

5 What guidelines are helpful in family financing?

Copyright © 2002 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – God’s Order Extended

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July 31, 2011 – August 6, 2011

Families for Christ

Key Text

“Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.” Psalm 128:1, 2.

Study Help: The Adventist Home, 114–120.

Introduction

“The cause of division and discord in families and in the church is separation from Christ. To come near to Christ is to come near to one another.” The Adventist Home, 179.

1 THE CHURCH FAMILY

  • Describe God’s plan both for individual families and for the church? Ephesians 3:14, 15; 2:19–22.

Note: “The secret of true unity in the church and in the family is not diplomacy, not management, not a superhuman effort to overcome difficulties—though there will be much of this to do—but union with Christ.

“Picture a large circle, from the edge of which are many lines all running to the center. The nearer these lines approach the center, the nearer they are to one another.

“Thus it is in the Christian life. The closer we come to Christ, the nearer we shall be to one another. God is glorified as His people unite in harmonious action.” The Adventist Home, 179.

“When religion is manifested in the home, its influence will be felt in the church and in the neighborhood.” Ibid., 38.

  • What is one purpose of the church family? Ephesians 4:12, 13.

Note: “God has appointed the church as a watchman. …

“The church has a special work to do in educating and training its children that they may not, in attending school, or in any other association, be influenced by those of corrupt habits.” Child Guidance, 312.

2 THE GREATEST DUTY

  • Who is described as a person of great importance? Proverbs 31:10.

Note: “Woman should fill the position which God originally designed for her, as her husband’s equal. The world needs mothers who are mothers not merely in name but in every sense of the word. We may safely say that the distinctive duties of woman are more sacred, more holy, than those of man. Let woman realize the sacredness of her work and in the strength and fear of God take up her life mission.” The Adventist Home, 231.

  • What is the mother’s role and why is it so important? Titus 2:4, 5.

Note: “The king upon his throne has no higher work than has the mother. The mother is the queen of her household. She has in her power the molding of her children’s characters, that they may be fitted for the higher, immortal life. An angel could not ask for a higher mission; for in doing this work she is doing service for God. Let her only realize the high character of her task, and it will inspire her with courage.” The Adventist Home, 231.

  • Describe how the enemy seeks to weaken the family.

Note: “If you ignore your duty as a wife and mother and hold out your hands for the Lord to put another class of work in them, be sure that He will not contradict Himself; He points you to the duty you have to do at home. If you have the idea that some work greater and holier than this has been entrusted to you, you are under a deception. By faithfulness in your own home, working for the souls of those who are nearest to you, you may be gaining a fitness to work for Christ in a wider field. But be sure that those who are neglectful of their duty in the home circle are not prepared to work for other souls.

“The Lord has not called you to neglect your home and your husband and children. He never works in this way; and He never will. … Never for a moment suppose that God has given you a work that will necessitate a separation from your precious little flock.” The Adventist Home, 245, 246.

3 SUBMISSION—WHAT IS IT?

  • In these days of frequent preoccupation with “women’s rights,” what is Christ’s injunction to wives? Colossians 3:18; Ephesians 5:22–24.

Note: “In the creation, God had made her [Eve] the equal of Adam. Had they remained obedient to God—in harmony with His great law of love—they would ever have been in harmony with each other. …

“Eve had been perfectly happy by her husband’s side in her Eden home; but, like restless modern Eves, she was flattered with the hope of entering a higher sphere than that which God had assigned her. In attempting to rise above her original position, she fell far below it. A similar result will be reached by all who are unwilling to take up cheerfully their life duties in accordance with God’s plan.” The Adventist Home, 115.

  • Is this counsel of submission only for wives? Ephesians 5:21. Are there any conditions as to when is it right to submit and when is it wrong? Colossians 3:18; Acts 5:29.

Note: “God requires that the wife shall keep the fear and glory of God ever before her. Entire submission is to be made only to the Lord Jesus Christ, who has purchased her as His own child by the infinite price of His life. God has given her a conscience, which she cannot violate with impunity. Her individuality cannot be merged into that of her husband, for she is the purchase of Christ. It is a mistake to imagine that with blind devotion she is to do exactly as her husband says in all things, when she knows that in so doing, injury would be worked for her body and her spirit, which have been ransomed from the slavery of Satan. There is One who stands higher than the husband to the wife; it is her Redeemer, and her submission to her husband is to be rendered as God has directed—‘as it is fit in the Lord’ [Colossians 3:18].” The Adventist Home, 116.

  • Explain the purpose and meaning of submission. I Peter 3:8.

Note: “The wife, if she has the spirit of Christ, will be careful of her words; she will control her spirit, she will be submissive, and yet will not feel that she is a bondslave, but a companion to her husband.” The Adventist Home, 118.

4 MORE LOVE

  • What else is needed in the marriage, and in the church relationship? I Peter 3:1–4; Proverbs 31:26.

Note: “Let each give love rather than exact it. Cultivate that which is noblest in yourselves, and be quick to recognize the good qualities in each other. The consciousness of being appreciated is a wonderful stimulus and satisfaction. Sympathy and respect encourage the striving after excellence, and love itself increases as it stimulates to nobler aims. …

“Neither the husband nor the wife should attempt to exercise over the other an arbitrary control. Do not try to compel each other to yield to your wishes. You cannot do this and retain each other’s love. Be kind, patient, and forbearing, considerate, and courteous. By the grace of God you can succeed in making each other happy, as in your marriage vow you promised to do.” The Ministry of Healing, 361.

“Pray for the sweet, molding influence of the Holy Spirit. Let your lips be governed by the law of kindness. Refuse to be sour, uncourteous, unkind. …

“Do not serve the enemy of God by exhibiting a harsh, unkind spirit.” This Day With God, 111.

  • How should her daily duties be viewed by the wife and by others? Proverbs 31:10–31.

Note: “The mother seldom appreciates her own work and frequently sets so low an estimate upon her labor that she regards it as domestic drudgery. She goes through the same round day after day, week after week, with no special marked results. She cannot tell at the close of the day the many little things she has accomplished. Placed beside her husband’s achievement, she feels that she has done nothing worth mentioning. …

“While the father has been dealing with the things which must perish and pass away, the mother has been dealing with developing minds and character, working not only for time but for eternity. …

“There are opportunities of inestimable worth, interests infinitely precious, committed to every mother. The humble round of duties which women have come to regard as a wearisome task should be looked upon as a grand and noble work. It is the mother’s privilege to bless the world by her influence, and in doing this she will bring joy to her own heart.” The Adventist Home, 232–234.

5 UNITY IN ACTION

  • What do all of us need in our relationships both in the family and in the church? Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:2, 3.

Note: “Parents are to work together as a unit. There must be no division. … It sometimes happens that, of the mother and father, one is too indulgent and the other too severe. This difference works against good results in the formation of the characters of their children. …

“If fathers and mothers are at variance, one working against the other to counteract each other’s influence, the family will be in a demoralized condition, and neither the father nor the mother will receive the respect and confidence that are essential to a well-governed family. … Children are quick to discern anything that will cast a reflection upon the rules and regulations of a household, especially those regulations that restrict their actions.” The Adventist Home, 312.

  • What are the results of disunity? Mark 3:25.

Note: “In these first disciples was presented marked diversity. They were to be the world’s teachers, and they represented widely varied types of character. In order successfully to carry forward the work to which they had been called, these men, differing in natural characteristics and in habits of life, needed to come into unity of feeling, thought, and action. This unity it was Christ’s object to secure. To this end He sought to bring them into unity with Himself.” The Acts of the Apostles, 20.

  • In what are we to be united? I Peter 1:22; I John 2:4, 5; 3:18.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Why does God give us family relationships?

2 What is the most important duty for the wife?

3 What is submission and how do you accomplish it?

4 What are some of the wonderful challenges given to the wife and mother?

5 How can we achieve the unity needed in the family and in the church?

Copyright © 2002 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Recipe – Garden Gazpacho

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½ cup corn (cooked)

½ cup cucumber (diced)

1 yellow or red tomato (seeded, chopped)

2 cups low-sodium VI Vegetable Juice

1 cup zucchini (raw, chopped)

2 teaspoons lime juice

½ cup diced carrots (cooked ‘til crunchy tender)

2 Tablespoons fresh basil or parsley

½ cup peas (cooked)

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl; stir until combined. Chill 1-2 hours or overnight before serving. Serve cold. Yield: Four one-cup servings. Per serving: calories: 95; Fat: 0 grams; saturated fat: 0 grams; sodium: 37 milligrams; carbohydrates: 20 grams; dietary fiber: 4 grams; protein: 4 grams.

Food – Shaving Salt from Your Diet

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“Food should be prepared in as simple a manner as possible, free from condiments and spices, and even from an undue amount of salt.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 340.

We consume sodium every single day, and that’s a good thing! Our bodies need sodium to help maintain water and mineral balances and blood volume. But too much of a good thing (sodium in this case) can have negative effects on our health. The amount of salt we ingest has a direct effect on our blood pressure. Salt makes our body retain water, which increases the volume of our blood, which increases the pressure in our veins and arteries. High sodium intake also contributes to osteoporosis, kidney disease, asthma, and is even closely related to some cancers.

Sodium is a mineral that occurs naturally in foods that you eat every day. Salt and sodium are not the same things—but salt is made from sodium (and chloride). While most of us get enough sodium each day to meet our body’s needs, the average person consumes way too much! You might be surprised to learn that Americans consume three to four teaspoons of salt per day. That is twenty times more than is actually needed! Experts recommend that adults consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium daily—that’s about one teaspoon of salt.

It’s not just the salt we shake on our food that’s the problem. Most comes from fast and processed foods. It’s hidden in products we might not even suspect such as peanut butter, canned vegetables, crackers, chips, breads, bakery products, soy sauce, many beverages, and even toothpaste.

Here are ways you can cut back on sodium:

  • Use fresh fruit and vegetables instead of packaged or processed foods.
  • Replace the salt shaker with fresh herbs and spices for seasoning your foods.
  • Don’t add salt to boiling water when cooking pasta, vegetables, or rice.
  • Drain and rinse canned foods before serving or adding to recipes. Buy canned goods with “No salt added” on the label.
  • Select brown rice instead of flavored rice or any that comes with a packet of powdered seasoning.
  • Use salt substitutes wisely. Some salt substitutes or light salts contain a mixture of table salt and other compounds. To achieve that familiar salty taste, you may use too much of the substitute—and get too much sodium.

Your taste for salt is acquired, so you can learn to enjoy less. Decrease your use of salt gradually and your taste buds will adjust. After a few weeks of cutting back on salt, you probably won’t miss it, and some foods may even taste too salty. Start by using no more than 1/4 teaspoon of salt daily—at the table and in cooking. Then throw away the salt shaker. As you use less salt, your preference for it diminishes, allowing you to enjoy the taste of the food itself, with heart-healthy benefits.

Children’s Story – What Happened at a Funeral?

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Many years ago, James and Ellen White, while traveling, attended a funeral. Elder White had just finished speaking and his wife was sharing about the joyous reunion of loved ones at Jesus’ return when suddenly, she paused. Those listening looked up, wondering.

What a marvel they saw. Her expression had completely changed. She was no longer looking at them; she was looking upward, as if into the distance. They heard her exclaim, “Glory to God!” then lower and softer, “Glory to God!” and then a third time, as though from a great distance, “Glory to God!”

Ellen was in a heavenly vision. As usually happened when going into vision, she became very weak and needed support. Several people approached her to examine her. One exclaimed, “She’s not breathing!” It was true! Her heart was still beating. Her pulse was regular, but she was not breathing.

At that moment Mrs. White regained strength, stood up on her own and stepped forward, her face radiant. A man stepped towards her to steady her, but her weakness was gone. She was so strong no one could change her motions or direct her actions.

The congregation sat spellbound in awe. From time to time she uttered a word, a phrase, sometimes even a statement or question. As time went on, they began asking questions of Elder White.

At one point he said, “She is conversing with her accompanying angel. Often she has described him as a tall, majestic-appearing young man with a beautiful countenance and a musical voice.” He shared that in these visions she was shown many things, past, present and future. Sometimes she even seemed to be in heaven talking with Jesus and the angels.

Again silence reigned. Then a whisper was heard, clearly audible in the quiet room, “Heaven is near, very near!” Another voice spoke. “It seems as if we are listening at the open gate of heaven. If only we could catch a glimpse of the glory within, and hear the angel voices!”

Elder White replied, “Yes, Jesus has sent His angel direct from His throne to assure us that all His promises are true. … They all tell the same story: Jesus is coming back to this earth to bring an end to sin and sorrow and to set up His everlasting kingdom of righteousness and joy and peace.”

Suddenly, he was interrupted. A distressed voice whispered, “What can she be looking at now? It must be something terrible! See! She is wringing her hands as if in distress; and the expression of anguish on her face—what can it mean?” Elder White responded, “It must be that Mrs. White is looking at scenes of great suffering!”

All continued to watch and silently wait. In time, her expression changed again. A pleased look came over her face.

For two hours the sorrow, the funeral, the coffin, all were forgotten. God was speaking through “the weakest of the weak” to give comfort, hope and instruction to His believing people on earth.

For two hours Mrs. White had not drawn a breath, but now she took a full deep breath; then, after a brief pause, another, and then a third. She became aware of her surroundings. People began asking what she had seen and heard. But she could not talk—not yet; what she had seen was too solemn.

The funeral completed, the White’s continued their journey home. While traveling Mrs. White shared with her husband things she had seen in the vision. She said, “As soon as I get some very important letters written, I’ll begin to write it out.” James added, “We’ll print it in a little book and send it out through the mail.”

But Satan did not want it written out. At one stop on their journey Mrs. White had a severe stroke. A strange sensation entered her mouth. Her tongue seemed thick and numb. A chill passed over her head, down her right side, and she lost consciousness. When she came to, she tried, but could not rise. What would she do? They were not even home yet. She decided they would travel on. Soon they were on their way to the train station and a two-hour ride to Battle Creek and home.

For weeks, she could not take one unaided step or feel the coldest water on her head. Yet she could not forget the command God had given her to write out the vision. She requested writing materials and, with all the strength she could muster, wrote a few sentences and that day completed one page. Daily she wrote. She would not give up. She had been warned, “Satan would try to prevent my writing out the vision because it exposes his secret plans to deceive people and lead them to destruction. But I have been promised that angels will strengthen me.” And strengthen her they did.

Those writings eventually became a wonderful story, in five volumes, The Conflict of the Ages. It tells of the beginnings of sin and sorrow, begun in heaven, then brought to this earth. It tells of the covenant of God the Father and Jesus to offer fallen man salvation. It shows Jesus’ great battle with Satan while here on earth. It describes the intense interest of the heavenly beings in this “great controversy” and the wonder and adoration of the entire universe in seeing the unspeakable love of God and Jesus for this race of rebels. And ultimately these writings instruct and guide God’s true followers through the troublous times ahead to the glorious restoration of the universe to its original pure, free, beautiful and perfect state. What a wonderful God we serve.

 

Customs of Bible Times – The Sacred Duty of Hospitality

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Bowing

When a guest is received into an Eastern home, bowing between the guests and host is quite apt to take place. In Western lands such bowing would be of the head only, but in the East there is a more expressive custom of saluting with the head erect and the body a little inclined forward, by raising the hand to the heart, mouth, and forehead. The symbolic meaning of this action is to say something like this: “My heart, my voice, my brain are all at your service.” James Neil, Pictured Palestine, London: J. Nisbet, 1904, pp. 64, 65.

But those who are used to this custom on many occasions enter into a more complete bow. They do not wait to do this only for royalty, but when they want to express thanks for a favor, or supplicate for a favor, and at many other times of meeting they often fall on their knees, and then incline the body touching the ground with their head, and kissing the lower part of the other person’s clothing, or his feet, or even the dust at his feet. To those not acquainted with such manners, it would seem that one person was worshiping the other like he would worship God; but ordinarily, worship of this sort is not involved in the action. Ibid., pp, 65–67.

Cornelius is said to have worshiped Peter: “And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet, and worshiped him” (Acts 10:25). Of course, Peter rejected this lest it might involve divine worship. …

Greeting

Upon entering an Arab house or a Bedouin tent, the greetings used are something like this: The host will say:

“Salam alakum,” which means, “Peace be on you.” The guest will respond with the words: “Wa alakum es-salam,” meaning, “And on you peace.” John D. Whiting, “Bedouin Life in Bible Lands,” The National Geographic Magazine, January 1937, 72.

Knowing that these Arabic customs date back for centuries, how significant then are the instructions of Jesus to His disciples, who were to be entertained in certain homes: “And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house, and if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again” (Luke 10:5, 6).

Kissing

Guests in Holy Land homes expect to be kissed as they enter. When entertained by a Pharisee, Jesus commented on His reception by saying to the host, “Thou gavest me no kiss” (Luke 7:45). …

Here men shake hands when they meet and greet, but in Palestine, instead of doing this, they place their right hand on their friend’s left shoulder and kiss his right cheek, and then reversing the action, place their left hand on his right shoulder, and kiss his left cheek. In this country [the United States] men never kiss each other’s faces; there it may be constantly seen. But how the practice lights up the numerous allusions in Scripture which are naturally lost to a Westerner! Once grasp the fact that their kiss answers to our hearty handshake between friends and social equals, and how much—how very much—becomes plain that was before obscured . … Neil, op. cit., 68.

Guest Given a Drink of Water

One of the first things done for a guest who has been received is to offer him a drink of water. The doing of this is recognizing him as being worthy of peaceful reception. … When Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, sought a welcome, he did so by requesting of the maiden who came to the well to draw water (Genesis 24:17, 18), “Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.” And when she made answer, “Drink, my lord,” it was an indication that he was welcome to be a guest at the nearby home. With this significance attached to a drink of water, the promise of Jesus takes on new meaning (Mark 9:41), “Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” H. Clay Trumball, Studies in Oriental Social Life, 106, 108, 112.

The Guest Made Lord of the House

An Eastern proverb runs thus: “The guest while in the house is its lord.” This is a true statement of the spirit of the hospitality of the East. One of the first greetings a Palestinian host will give his guest is to say, “Hadtha Beitak;” that is, “This is your house.” This saying is repeated many times. Thus, actually, the guest during his stay is master of the house. And whenever the guest asks a favor, in granting it the host will say, “You do me honor.” … Milton N. Lindberg, A Guest in a Palestinian Home, a pamphlet, 6, 7.

The host was considered to be a servant, and the guest was lord. Thus Lot spoke of himself and his guests: “Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house” (Genesis 19:2).

Privacy Not Expected by the Guest

An Eastern guest would think he was ill-treated if he were left alone at any time. He does not need privacy at night, because he sleeps with his clothes on. He is happy to have others sleep with“ him. If a sleeping place is assigned to him in an upper room, then some of the family sons sleep alongside of him that he might have their companionship. He would feel that he was being deserted if treated the way he would be if entertained in the West, just as a Westerner would feel oppressed by the constant attention of an Eastern host. George M. Mackie, Bible Manners and Customs, Cornell University Library, 1898, 93.

In the lands of the East, when a host accepts a man to be his guest he thereby agrees at whatever the cost to defend his guest from all possible enemies during the time of his entertainment.

Excerpts from Manners and Customs of Bible Land, by Fred H. Wight, Moody Press, Chicago, 1953, 69–79.

Health – Cancer’s New Status

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The diagnosis of cancer strikes fear in the minds of millions of people worldwide every year.1 For many years heart disease was labeled as the number one killer in the United States, but recently that has changed. In January 2005, cancer surpassed heart disease as the number one killer of Americans under 85 years.2 Globally the World Health Organization projects that global cancer rates could increase by 50 percent by 2020.3 Thus there is good reason to be concerned. However, research also shows that we can do something to significantly reduce our risk of having cancer.

Globally, tobacco usage was the cause of the death of millions during the last century. Half of those who regularly smoke are killed by tobacco related diseases (cancer, lung disease, and heart disease), and one quarter die prematurely. Lung cancer in regular tobacco users is drastically higher (20 to 30 fold), and cancers of the oral cavity, esophagus, and upper digestive tract are significantly higher (2 to 6 fold). Even passive or secondary tobacco smoke increases lung cancer risk by 20 percent. Thus tobacco is a very dangerous, but avoidable, cancer risk. Of course, it is best to never start smoking; however, there is clear evidence that stopping smoking significantly reduces the chance of getting cancer. The greatest reduction is seen when a person stops smoking in their early 30s, but significant risk reduction is seen when a person stops smoking even after age 50.4

Diet is also a significant risk factor. Many studies have been conducted showing that the kind of diet we eat has a significant impact upon our cancer risk. We shall look at some of these studies.

In one study of 190,545 participants who were followed for seven years, researchers found that those who regularly ate red meat (beef, pork, lamb) had a 50 percent increase in pancreatic cancer risk (a very serious form of cancer), and those who consumed processed meat (sausage, salami, bologna) had a 70 percent increase.5

Another study looked at ovarian cancer. This Canadian study followed 2,500 women, and researchers found that those with the highest cholesterol consumption had a 40 percent increase in ovarian cancer risk compared to those with the lowest cholesterol consumption. Even those with the highest egg consumption had a 30 percent increase in risk. Cholesterol is found only in animal products (meat, eggs, dairy including cheese, etc.) and not in plant foods. It is interesting that this same study showed that the women with the highest consumption of total vegetable intake, including cruciferous vegetables (kale, collards, mustard greens, turnip greens, turnips, radishes, rutabaga, cabbage, bok choy, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, watercress, kohlrabi), had a reduced cancer risk by almost 25 percent.6

A large study following 148,610 people for over 20 years showed that those with the highest meat intake had approximately a 50 percent higher colon cancer risk compared with those with lower intakes. The researchers concluded that the less red and processed meat people eat, the lower was their risk of colon cancer.7

A review of 21 studies showed a relationship between dairy product consumption (skim milk, low-fat milk, whole milk, yogurt, cheese) and ovarian cancer risk. Study reviewers found that for every 10 grams of lactose (about the amount in one glass of milk) consumed daily, ovarian cancer risk increased by 13 percent.8 Thus a person consuming two glasses of milk or equivalent will have an increased risk of 26 percent, ingesting three glasses or equivalent will have an increased risk of 39 percent, and the risk continues to escalate as consumption increases.

A Canadian study compared data from men with testicular cancer to healthy individuals. After examining nutrients, food groups, and particular foods, researchers concluded that a high intake of dairy products (particularly cheese), baked goods, and luncheon meats, could contribute to this cancer.9

Harvard researchers analyzed 90,655 premenopausal women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study 11. They found that animal fat intake, especially from red meat and high-fat dairy products during premenopausal years increased the risk of breast cancer.10

One of the most prestigious studies on diet and health is The China Study. It is widely considered the most comprehensive study of diet, lifestyle and disease ever completed. It was headed by T. Colin Campbell, and he makes this very interesting comment: “My fellow researchers and I determined that plant-based diets are the main reason there are such low rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer in certain areas of rural China. In contrast, even small amounts of animal protein-based foods [meat, fish, poultry, milk and milk products, and eggs] increased the risk of many diseases.”11

Other studies also consistently show that plant foods prevent or inhibit cancer; such as avocados inhibit prostate cancer,12 oranges and bananas may reduce childhood leukemia,13 and fruits and vegetables lower pancreatic cancer risk.14 The message for reducing the risk of cancer seems to be the same over and over and over again: eat little or no animal products and eat a plant based diet. In other words, the less animal fat and protein you include in your diet, the less your risk of cancer. You will notice that each of the studies cited above looked at one kind of cancer. Researchers often limit a study to one particular problem because of the very nature of study design. However, the fact that we see the same message being repeated for so many different types of cancer, we can logically conclude that the message will be the same for all types of cancer: eat a plant-based diet and your risk of all types of cancer will decrease.

Another major determinant in whether or not you will get cancer is the health and vitality of your immune system. Every day our bodies produce about 300 abnormal cancerous cells, and more if we are exposed to carcinogens. However, a healthy immune system will quickly identify and kill these cancerous cells.15 The consumption of simple carbohydrates (sugar) distinctly suppresses the immune system. Ingesting 100 grams (25 teaspoons) of sugar (table sugar, sugar cane crystals, fructose, glucose, maltose, etc.) at one meal or snack suppresses the immune system for the next five hours. Even the consumption of 24 grams (6 teaspoons) reduces the body’s ability to destroy bacteria.16

In 2003, per capita sugar consumption in the United States was 142 pounds,17 which works out to about 43.5 teaspoons per day (142 lbs. per year x 16 oz. x 28 [ounce to gram conversion] / 365 days / 4 grams = # of teaspoons per day).18 Soda pops and many sweet desserts have 10 teaspoons of sugar, and many candy bars, cookies, and donuts can have 6 or more teaspoons of sugar. Many fat-free items have simply replaced the fat with sugar to maintain a taste that Americans will buy. Also, sugar is added to many things to which you would not think it would be added. Just look at the ingredient list of items you buy, and notice if and how much sugar is added. Also, notice how near the top these sugars are listed. Then look at the Nutrition Facts label and look for the quantity of sugar in the item. Remember that 4 grams of sugar equals 1 teaspoon of sugar. If you see, say, 15 grams beside “Sugars,” that means there are almost 4 teaspoons of sugar per serving in that item. If you start to look at the Nutrition Facts labels of the things you consume, you may just be surprised how much sugar you do eat on a daily basis. (Also, be aware that fruits and vegetables often have naturally occurring “sugar,” which will be included in the quantity of sugar given in the Nutrition Facts label. That is why it is also good to look at the ingredient list to find out the source(s) of the sugar and its relative amount to the other ingredients.)

The bottom line is that it is easy to see that the vast majority of Americans have chronically suppressed immune systems through excessive consumption of sugar. And the fact that many eat donuts for breakfast, drink soda pop instead of water, have candy bars for snacks, and love to have a nice dessert for dinner, the immune system is just not able to function at a level to protect against the cancerous cells all of us develop in our bodies every day. If these cancerous cells are not identified and killed by the immune system, they are left to grow, and after a few years you are diagnosed with a tumor or cancer.

Even though cancer is now the number one killer of Americans under age 85, there are things that we can all do to drastically reduce our risk of cancer. Eliminating tobacco usage by those who smoke is a major step in cancer risk reduction. Moving from a diet containing animal fat and protein to a plant-based diet is repeatedly shown to provide major cancer risk reduction benefits. Finally, drastically reducing our intake of sugar will help give our immune systems the ability and vitality necessary to identify and kill the abnormal cells in our bodies and not allow them to reproduce to form the basis of full-blown cancer. Certainly there are things that we can do; therefore, let us do all that we can to reduce the risk of cancer in our lives and in the lives of others.

  1. World Health Organization. Global cancer rates could increase by 50% to 15 million by 2020. Internet: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2003/pr27/en/. Accessed Feb. 20, 2006. Also: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/20/health/main667998.shtml. Accessed Feb. 17, 2011
  2. Good Medicine, Spring 2005, Vol. XIV, No. 2:16
  3. WHO, Ibid.
  4. Ibid.
  5. Nothlings U, Wilkens LR, Murphy SP, Hankin JH, Henderson BE, Kolonel LN. Meat and fat intake as risk factors for pancreatic cancer: the multiethnic cohort study. J. Natl Cancer Inst. 2005;97:1458-65.
  6. Pan SY, Ugnat AM, Mao Y, et al. A case-controlled study of diet and the risk of ovarian cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers. 2004;13:1521-7.
  7. Chao A, Thun MJ, Connell CJ, et al. Meat consumption and risk of colorectal cancer. JAMA 2005;293:172-82.
  8. Larsson SC, Orsini N, Wolk A, Milk, milk products, and lactose intake and ovarian cancer risk: a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies. Int. J. Cancer. Internet: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/110575092/ABSTRACT. Accessed Feb. 20, 2006.
  9. Garner MJ, Birkett NJ, Johnson KC, Shatenstein B, Ghadirian P, Krewski D. Dietary risk factors for testicular carcinoma. Int. J Cancer 2003;106:934-41.
  10. Cho E, Spiegelman D, Hunter DJ, et al. Premenopausal fat intake and the risk of breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. (#5. last line) 2003; 95:1070-85.
  11. Campbell TC, Campbell II TM. Lessons of a Lifetime: Decades of Scientific Research Show the Power of a Plant-based Diet. Good Medicine, Spring 2005, Vol. XIV, No. 2:8.
  12. Lu QY, Arteaga JR, Zhang Q, et al. Inhibition of prostate cancer cell growth by an avocado extract: role of lipid-soluble bioactive substances. J Nutr Biochem. 2005;16:23-13. Kwan ML, Block G, Selvin S, et al. Food consumption by children and the risk of childhood acute leukemia. Am J Epidemiol. 2004;160:1098-107.
  13. Nkondjock A, Krewski D. Johnson KC, Chadirian P. Dietary patterns and the risk of pancreatic cancer. Int J Cancer. 2005;114:814-23.
  14. Pizzorno J. Total Wellness. Prima Publishing. 1996:24
  15. Country Life Natural Foods. Nutrition Seminar Cookbook. Southern Missionary Society, Harrisburg, NH. 1984:69-71.
  16. US News. One Sweet Nation. Internet: http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/articles/050328/28sugar.b.htm. Accessed Feb. 20, 2006
  17. The Food Pyramid-Food Label Connection. Internet: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/special/foodlabel/pyramid.html. Accessed Feb. 20, 2006

Diane Herbert, ND, is leader of the Health and Temperance team at Tucker-Norcross Free Seventh-day Adventist Church, and teaches health classes at The Gilead Institute, a medical missionary organization.

The Health Reform

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I was again shown that the health reform is one branch of the great work which is to fit a people for the coming of the Lord. It is as closely connected with the third angel’s message as the hand is with the body. The law of Ten Commandments has been lightly regarded by man, but the Lord would not come to punish the transgressors of that law without first sending them a message of warning. The third angel proclaims that message. Had men ever been obedient to the law of Ten Commandments, carrying out in their lives the principles of those precepts, the curse of disease now flooding the world would not be. …

Our gracious heavenly Father sees the deplorable condition of men who, some knowingly but many ignorantly, are living in violation of the laws that He has established. And in love and pity to the race, He causes the light to shine upon health reform. He publishes His law and the penalty that will follow the transgression of it, that all may learn and be careful to live in harmony with natural law. He proclaims His law so distinctly and makes it so prominent that it is like a city set on a hill. All accountable beings can understand it if they will. Idiots will not be responsible. To make plain natural law, and urge the obedience of it, is the work that accompanies the third angel’s message to prepare a people for the coming of the Lord.

Adam and Eve fell through intemperate appetite. Christ came and withstood the fiercest temptation of Satan and, in behalf of the race, overcame appetite, showing that man may overcome. As Adam fell through appetite and lost blissful Eden, the children of Adam may, through Christ, overcome appetite and through temperance in all things regain Eden.

Ignorance is no excuse now for the transgression of law. The light shines clearly, and none need be ignorant, for the great God Himself is man’s instructor. All are bound by the most sacred obligations to God to heed the sound philosophy and genuine experience which He is now giving them in reference to health reform. He designs that the great subject of health reform shall be agitated and the public mind deeply stirred to investigate; for it is impossible for men and women, with all their sinful, health-destroying, brain-enervating habits, to discern sacred truth, through which they are to be sanctified, refined, elevated, and made fit for the society of heavenly angels in the kingdom of glory.

The inhabitants of the Noachian world were destroyed because they were corrupted through the indulgence of perverted appetite. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed through the gratification of unnatural appetite, which so benumbed the intellect that they could not discern the difference between the sacred claims of God and the clamor of appetite. The latter enslaved them, and they became so ferocious and bold in their detestable abominations that God would not tolerate them upon the earth. God ascribes the wickedness of Babylon to her gluttony and drunkenness.

The apostle Paul exhorts the church: “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]. Men, then, can make their bodies unholy by sinful indulgences. If unholy, they are unfitted to be spiritual worshipers and are not worthy of heaven. If man will cherish the light that God in mercy gives him upon health reform, he may be sanctified through the truth and fitted for immortality. But if he disregards that light and lives in violation of natural law he must pay the penalty.

God created man perfect and holy. But man fell from his holy estate because he transgressed God’s law. Since the Fall there has been a rapid increase of disease, suffering, and death. Yet notwithstanding man has insulted his Creator, God’s love is still extended to the race; and He permits light to shine that man may see that in order to live a perfect life he must live in harmony with those natural laws which govern his being. Therefore it is of the greatest importance that he know how to live so that his powers of body and mind may be exercised to the glory of God.

It is impossible for man to present his body a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God, while, because it is customary for the world to do so, he is indulging in habits that are lessening physical, mental, and moral vigor. The apostle adds: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” [verse 2]. Jesus, seated upon the Mount of Olives, gave instruction to His disciples concerning the signs which should precede His coming. He said, “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the Flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the Flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” [Matthew 24:37–39].

The same sins exist in our day which brought the wrath of God upon the world in the days of Noah. Men and women now carry their eating and drinking to gluttony and drunkenness. This prevailing sin, the indulgence of perverted appetite, inflamed the passions of men in the days of Noah and led to general corruption, until their violence and crimes reached to heaven, and God washed the earth of its moral pollution by a flood.

The same sins of gluttony and drunkenness benumbed the moral sensibilities of the inhabitants of Sodom so that crimes seemed to be the delight of the men and women of that wicked city. Christ thus warns the world: “Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed” [Luke 17:28–30].

Christ has here left us a most important lesson. He does not in His teaching encourage indolence. His example was the opposite of this. Christ was an earnest worker. His life was one of self-denial, diligence, perseverance, industry, and economy. He would lay before us the danger of making eating and drinking paramount. He reveals the result of giving up to indulgence of appetite. The moral powers are enfeebled so that sin does not appear sinful. Crimes are winked at, and base passions control the mind until general corruption roots out good principles and impulses, and God is blasphemed. All this is the result of eating and drinking to excess. This is the very condition of things which He declares will exist at His second coming.

Will men and women be warned? Will they cherish the light, or will they become slaves to appetite and base passions? Christ presents to us something higher to toil for than merely what we shall eat, and what we shall drink, and wherewithal we shall be clothed. Eating, drinking, and dressing are carried to such excess that they become crimes, and are among the marked sins of the last days, and constitute a sign of Christ’s soon coming. Time, money, and strength, which are the Lord’s, but which He has entrusted to us, are wasted in needless superfluities of dress and luxuries for the perverted appetite, which lessen vitality and bring suffering and decay. It is impossible to present our bodies a living sacrifice to God when they are filled with corruption and disease by our own sinful indulgence.

Knowledge must be gained in regard to how to eat and drink and dress so as to preserve health. Sickness is caused by violating the laws of health; it is the result of violating nature’s law. Our first duty, one which we owe to God, to ourselves, and to our fellow men, is to obey the laws of God, which include the laws of health. If we are sick we impose a weary tax upon our friends and unfit ourselves for discharging our duties to our families and to our neighbors. And when premature death is the result of our violation of nature’s law, we bring sorrow and suffering to others; we deprive our neighbors of the help we ought to render them in living; we rob our families of the comfort and help we might render them, and rob God of the service He claims of us to advance His glory. Then, are we not, in the worst sense, transgressors of God’s law?

But God is all-pitiful, gracious, and tender, and when light comes to show who have injured their health by sinful indulgences, and they are convinced of sin, and repent and seek pardon, He accepts the poor offering rendered to Him, and receives them. Oh, what tender mercy that He does not refuse the remnant of the abused life of the suffering, repenting sinner! In His gracious mercy He saves these souls as by fire. But what an inferior, pitiful sacrifice, at best, to offer to a pure and holy God! Noble faculties have been paralyzed by wrong habits of sinful indulgence. The aspirations are perverted, and the soul and body defaced.

Testimonies, vol. 3, 161–165.