Issue: 2004 November

Bible Study Guides – The Battle of Armageddon

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December 18, 2004 – December 24, 2004

Memory Verse

“‘Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars Forever and ever.’” Daniel 12:3, 4. (NKJV)

Suggested Reading: Great Controversy, 635-659.

note: At the end of the last lesson it was seen that the time of trouble comes to an end because God intervenes to deliver His people.

1 What does Daniel predict about the second coming of Jesus? Daniel 2:34, 35, 44; 7:26, 27.

2 In the book of Revelation how is Jesus described when He returns to earth the second time? Revelation 19:11-13.

note: We notice that this description shows that Jesus is returning to this world as a conquering Prince to fight a war. Notice the following descriptions: (1) garment dipped in blood; (2) horse (in the Bible a horse is almost always a symbol of warfare); (3) followed by heavenly armies (v. 14); (4) has a sharp sword; (5) in righteousness he judges and makes war (v. 11).

“And I saw a flaming cloud come where Jesus stood. Then Jesus . . . took His place on the cloud which carried Him to the East, where it first appeared to the saints on earth—a small black cloud which was the sign of the Son of man. While the cloud was passing from the Holiest to the East, which took a number of days, the synagogue of Satan worshipped at the saint’s feet.” Maranatha, 287.

“Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man’s hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness. The people of God know this to be the sign of the Son of man. In solemn silence they gaze upon it as it draws nearer the earth, becoming lighter and more glorious, until it is a great white cloud, its base a glory like consuming fire, and above it the rainbow of the covenant. Jesus rides forth as a mighty conqueror. Not now a ‘Man of Sorrows,’ to drink the bitter cup of shame and woe, He comes, victor in heaven and earth, to judge the living and the dead. ‘Faithful and True,’ ‘in righteousness He doth judge and make war.’ . . . No human pen can portray the scene; no mortal mind is adequate to conceive its splendor. ‘His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. And His brightness was as the light.’ Habakkuk 3:3,4. As the living cloud comes still nearer, every eye beholds the Prince of life. No crown of thorns now mars that sacred head; but a diadem of glory rests on His holy brow. His countenance outshines the dazzling brightness of the noonday sun. ‘ And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords.’ Revelation 19:16.” Great Controversy, 640, 641.

3 Who comes with Jesus when He comes to earth? Matthew 16:27; Luke 9:26; Revelation 19:14.

note: “Soon appeared the great white cloud, upon which sat the Son of man. When it first appeared in the distance, this cloud looked very small. The angel said that it was the sign of the Son of man. As it drew nearer the earth, we could behold the excellent glory and majesty of Jesus as He rode forth to conquer. A retinue of holy angels, with bright, glittering crowns upon their heads, escorted Him on His way.” Early Writings, 286.

“And ‘the armies which were in heaven’ (Revelation 19:11, 14) follow Him. With anthems of celestial melody the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered throng, attend Him on His way. The firmament seems filled with radiant forms—‘ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.’ ” Great Controversy, 641.

4 What does Revelation 19 say that Jesus is going to do when He comes? Revelation 19:15.

note: “Jesus rides forth as a mighty conqueror. Not now a ‘Man of Sorrows,’ to drink the bitter cup of shame and woe, He comes, victor in heaven and earth, to judge the living and the dead. ‘Faithful and True,’ ‘in righteousness He doth judge and make war.’ And ‘the armies which were in heaven’ (Revelation 19:11, 14) follow Him. With anthems of celestial melody the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered throng, attend Him on His way. The firmament seems filled with radiant forms—‘ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.’ No human pen can portray the scene; no mortal mind is adequate to conceive its splendor. ‘His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. And His brightness was as the light.’ Habakkuk 3:3,4. As the living cloud comes still nearer, every eye beholds the Prince of life. No crown of thorns now mars that sacred head; but a diadem of glory rests on His holy brow. His countenance outshines the dazzling brightness of the noonday sun. ‘And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords.’ Revelation 19:16.

“Before His presence ‘all faces are turned into paleness;’ upon the rejecters of God’s mercy falls the terror of eternal despair. ‘The heart melteth, and the knees smite together, . . . and the faces of them all gather blackness.’ Jeremiah 30:6; Nahum 2:10. The righteous cry with trembling: ‘Who shall be able to stand?’ The angels’ song is hushed, and there is a period of awful silence. Then the voice of Jesus is heard, saying: ‘My grace is sufficient for you.’ The faces of the righteous are lighted up, and joy fills every heart. And the angels strike a note higher and sing again as they draw still nearer to the earth.

“The King of kings descends upon the cloud, wrapped in flaming fire. The heavens are rolled together as a scroll, the earth trembles before Him, and every mountain and island is moved out of its place. ‘Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about Him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that He may judge His people.’ Psalm 50:3,4.” Ibid., 641, 642.

5 What four groups of people make up the coalition against Christ and the armies of heaven? Revelation 16:13, 14.

note: “As spiritualism more closely imitates the nominal Christianity of the day, it has greater power to deceive and ensnare. Satan himself is converted, after the modern order of things.” Ibid, 588.

“Papists, who boast of miracles as a certain sign of the true church, will be readily deceived by this wonder-working power; and Protestants, having cast away the shield of truth, will also be deluded. Papists, Protestants, and worldlings will alike accept the form of godliness without the power, and they will see in this union a grand movement for the conversion of the world and the ushering in of the long-expected millennium.” Ibid., 588, 589.

6 What is the name of the battle they engage in? Revelation 16:16; 19:19.

note: “The powers of evil will not yield up the conflict without a struggle. But Providence has a part to act in the battle of Armageddon.” Maranatha, 297.

7 How do the Bible writers and the Spirit of Prophecy describe this battle? Revelation 19:15; 14:10, 11, 14-20; Isaiah 13:3-13; 24:1-23; Jeremiah 4:19-21, 23-26; Joel 2:11; Psalm 50:3, 4; 97:1-7; Zephaniah 1:14-18; Zechariah 14:12.

note: “In the mad strife of their own fierce passions, and by the awful outpouring of God’s unmingled wrath, fall the wicked inhabitants of the earth—priests, rulers, and people, rich and poor, high and low. ‘And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried.’ Jeremiah 25:33.

“At the coming of Christ the wicked are blotted from the face of the whole earth—consumed with the spirit of His mouth and destroyed by the brightness of His glory.” Great Controversy, 657.

8 What will happen to two groups that belong to the coalition that was formed in Revelation 16:13, 14? Revelation 19:19, 20.

9 What happens to the rest of the earth’s inhabitants who were not part of the beast or the false prophet? Revelation 19:17, 18, 21.

note: “In the mad strife of their own fierce passions, and by the awful outpouring of God’s unmingled wrath, fall the wicked inhabitants of the earth—priests, rulers, and people, rich and poor, high and low. ‘And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried.’ Jeremiah 25:33.” Ibid.

10 What happens to the dragon and the fallen angels? Revelation 20:1-3.

note: “When the work of atonement in the heavenly sanctuary has been completed, then in the presence of God and heavenly angels and the hosts of the redeemed the sins of God’s people will be placed upon Satan; he will be declared guilty of all the evil which he has caused them to commit. And as the scapegoat was sent away into a land not inhabited, so Satan will be banished to the desolate earth, an uninhabited and dreary wilderness.” Ibid., 658.

“Even the wicked are now placed beyond the power of Satan, and alone with his evil angels he remains to realize the effect of the curse which sin has brought.” Ibid., 660.

11 What will Jesus establish following the battle of Armageddon? Daniel 7:18, 27; 2:44; Revelation 21:1; 22:14.

note: “With unutterable love, Jesus welcomes His faithful ones to the joy of their Lord. The Saviour’s joy is in seeing, in the kingdom of glory, the souls that have been saved by His agony and humiliation. And the redeemed will be sharers in His joy, as they behold, among the blessed, those who have been won to Christ through their prayers, their labors, and their loving sacrifice. As they gather about the great white throne, gladness unspeakable will fill their hearts, when they behold those whom they have won for Christ, and see that one has gained others, and these still others, all brought into the haven of rest, there to lay their crowns at Jesus’ feet and praise Him through the endless cycles of eternity.” Ibid., 647.

12 Who only will be part of this kingdom that Christ will set up? Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 7:9; 14:12; 21:5-7, 27.

note: “Now is fulfilled the Saviour’s prayer for His disciples: ‘I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.’ ‘Faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy’ (Jude 24), Christ presents to the Father the purchase of His blood, declaring: ‘Here am I, and the children whom Thou hast given Me.’ ‘Those that Thou gavest Me I have kept.’ Oh, the wonders of redeeming love! the rapture of that hour when the infinite Father, looking upon the ransomed, shall behold His image, sin’s discord banished, its blight removed, and the human once more in harmony with the divine!” Ibid., 646.

“With unutterable love, Jesus welcomes His faithful ones to the joy of their Lord.” Ibid., 647.

Bible Study Guides – The Time of Trouble – Part 2

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December 11, 2004 – December 17, 2004

Memory Verse

“For thus says the Lord: ‘We have heard a voice of trembling, Of fear, and not of peace. Ask now, and see, Whether a man is ever in labor with child? So why do I see every man with his hands on his loins Like a woman in labor, And all faces turned pale? Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble. But he shall be saved out of it.’ ” Jeremiah 30:5-7 (NKJV).

Suggested Reading: Great Controversy, 613-621, 626-634.

1 When does the great time of trouble begin? Daniel 12:1.

note: “ ‘At that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book.’ Daniel 12:1.

“When the third angel’s message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received ‘the latter rain,’ ‘the refreshing from the presence of the Lord,’ and they are prepared for the trying hour before them.” Great Controversy, 613.

2 What changes take place in the world at the close of probation (when Michael stands up) and following?

note: “When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor. The restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent. God’s long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected His mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation; the Spirit of God, persistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they have no protection from the wicked one. Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old.” Ibid., 614.

3 What four judgments fall on the earth immediately following the close of probation? Revelation 16:2-9; Great Controversy, 627-629.

note: “Those who honor the law of God have been accused of bringing judgments upon the world, and they will be regarded as the cause of the fearful convulsions of nature and the strife and bloodshed among men that are filling the earth with woe.” Ibid., 614.

4 What will be the effect of these plagues on the world?

note: “A single angel destroyed all the first-born of the Egyptians and filled the land with mourning. When David offended against God by numbering the people, one angel caused that terrible destruction by which his sin was punished. The same destructive power exercised by holy angels when God commands, will be exercised by evil angels when He permits. There are forces now ready, and only waiting the divine permission, to spread desolation everywhere.” Ibid.

“The power attending the last warning has enraged the wicked; their anger is kindled against all who have received the message, and Satan will excite to still greater intensity the spirit of hatred and persecution.” Ibid., 614, 615.

5 What law is passed because of the desolation caused by these judgments? Revelation 13:15-17.

note: “It will be urged that the few who stand in opposition to an institution of the church and a law of the state ought not to be tolerated; that it is better for them to suffer than for whole nations to be thrown into confusion and lawlessness. The same argument eighteen hundred years ago was brought against Christ by the ‘rulers of the people.’ ‘It is expedient for us,’ said the wily Caiaphas, ‘that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.’ John 11:50. This argument will appear conclusive; and a decree will finally be issued against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. Romanism in the Old World and apostate Protestantism in the New will pursue a similar course toward those who honor all the divine precepts.” Ibid., 615, 616.

6 What will be brought upon the saints as a result of this death decree? See Jeremiah 30:5-7.

note: “The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the time of Jacob’s trouble. ‘Thus saith the Lord: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. . . . All faces are turned into paleness. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.’ Jeremiah 30:5-7.” Ibid., 616

7 What will be the experience of the people of God as a result of this death decree? Isaiah 33:14-17.

note: “As the decree issued by the various rulers of Christendom against commandment keepers shall withdraw the protection of government and abandon them to those who desire their destruction, the people of God will flee from the cities and villages and associate together in companies, dwelling in the most desolate and solitary places. Many will find refuge in the strongholds of the mountains. Like the Christians of the Piedmont valleys, they will make the high places of the earth their sanctuaries and will thank God for ‘the munitions of rocks.’ Isaiah 33:16. But many of all nations and of all classes, high and low, rich and poor, black and white, will be cast into the most unjust and cruel bondage.” Ibid., 626.

8 What does the Lord allow Satan to do to the saints during this time?

note: “As Satan accuses the people of God on account of their sins, the Lord permits him to try them to the uttermost. Their confidence in God, their faith and firmness, will be severely tested. As they review the past, their hopes sink; for in their whole lives they can see little good. They are fully conscious of their weakness and unworthiness. Satan endeavors to terrify them with the thought that their cases are hopeless, that the stain of their defilement will never be washed away. He hopes so to destroy their faith that they will yield to his temptations and turn from their allegiance to God.” Ibid., 618, 619.

9 What is the purpose of the time of Jacob’s trouble?

note: “God’s love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity; but it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace of fire; their earthliness must be consumed, that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected.” Ibid., 621

“The time of trouble is the crucible that is to bring out Christ-like characters. It is designed to lead the people of God to renounce Satan and his temptations. The last conflict will reveal Satan to them in his true character, that of a cruel tyrant, and it will do for them what nothing else could do, up-root him entirely from their affections. For to love and cherish sin, is to love and cherish its author, that deadly foe of Christ. When they excuse sin and cling to perversity of character, they give Satan a place in their affections, and pay him homage.” Review and Herald, August 12, 1884.

10 What is the greatest concern of God’s people during this time of trouble?

note: “Though God’s people will be surrounded by enemies who are bent upon their destruction, yet the anguish which they suffer is not a dread of persecution for the truth’s sake; they fear that every sin has not been repented of, and that through some fault in themselves they will fail to realize the fulfillment of the Saviour’s promise: I ‘will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world.’ Revelation 3:10. If they could have the assurance of pardon they would not shrink from torture or death; but should they prove unworthy, and lose their lives because of their own defects of character, then God’s holy name would be reproached.” Great Controversy, 619.

11 What special promises of help are for God’s people during this time? Psalm 27:5; Luke 18:7, 8; Psalm 34:7; Isaiah 21:11, 12; 51:11-16, 21-23; Malachi 3:17; Isaiah 26:20, 21.

note: Read Great Controversy, 630-634.

12 What will bring the time of Jacob’s trouble to an end? Daniel 12:1 (last part).

note: “When the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those who honor the law of God, there will be, in different lands, a simultaneous movement for their destruction. As the time appointed in the decree draws near, the people will conspire to root out the hated sect.” Ibid., 635

“With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men are about to rush upon their prey, when, lo, a dense blackness, deeper than the darkness of the night, falls upon the earth.” Ibid., 635, 636.

“It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance of His people. The sun appears, shining in its strength. Signs and wonders follow in quick succession. The wicked look with terror and amazement upon the scene, while the righteous behold with solemn joy the tokens of their deliverance. Everything in nature seems turned out of its course. The streams cease to flow. Dark, heavy clouds come up and clash against each other. In the midst of the angry heavens is one clear space of indescribable glory, whence comes the voice of God like the sound of many waters, saying: ‘It is done.’ Revelation 16:17.” Ibid., 636.

“When the voice of God turns the captivity of His people, there is a terrible awakening of those who have lost all in the great conflict of life.” Ibid., 654.

Bible Study Guides – The Time of Trouble – Part 1

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December 4, 2004 – December 10, 2004

Memory Verse

“At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book.” Daniel 12:1 (NKJV).

Suggested Reading: Great Controversy, 582-592, 603-612.

Introduction

The topic for the next two lessons is “The Time of Trouble.” The “time of trouble” has not always been clearly understood. Inspiration teaches that the “time of trouble” has three components. They are: (1) the short time of trouble before probation closes; (2) the great time of trouble that begins when Michael stands up—this applies to the world at large—and (3) the “time of Jacob’s trouble” which follows the issuing of the death decree. The “time of Jacob’s trouble” has to do with the experience of the people of God.

The last few questions in this lesson and some of the questions in the next lesson will use only Spirit of Prophecy as references. The reason for this is that as we have come to the time of the end, in order to prepare a people for His soon coming, the Lord revealed to Ellen G. White many things that are not given in such detail in the Bible. This fact is born out by the additional information that is given to us in the last seven chapters of the Great Controversy. Therefore, because these lessons deal with “The Time of Trouble” as a part of last-day events, we will be using the Spirit of Prophecy to help us understand these things.

1 When does the time of trouble begin?

note: “‘And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.’ . . .

“‘The commencement of that time of trouble,’ here mentioned does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary.” Early Writings, 85.

2 According to the above reference in Early Writings, how is the time of trouble described?

3 What is taking place on the earth during this “short period”? Revelation 13:12-17.

note: “At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel.” Ibid., 85, 86.

“The dignitaries of church and state will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political corruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth; and even in free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance. Liberty of conscience, which has cost so great a sacrifice, will no longer be respected. In the soon-coming conflict we shall see exemplified the prophet’s words: ‘The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.’ Revelation 12:17.” Great Controversy, 592.

4 What will the unsaved experience during this time? Luke 21:26; Matthew 24:4-8.

note: “While appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladies, he will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are reduced to ruin and desolation. Even now he is at work. In accidents and calamities by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations are to become more and more frequent and disastrous. Destruction will be upon both man and beast.” Ibid., 589, 590.

5 What will the saints experience during this “short period” of trouble? Matthew 24:21-26; Luke 21:12-19.

note: “Those who endeavor to obey all the commandments of God will be opposed and derided. They can stand only in God. In order to endure the trial before them, they must understand the will of God as revealed in His word; they can honor Him only as they have a right conception of His character, government, and purposes, and act in accordance with them. None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict.” Ibid., 593, 594.

“And then the great deceiver will persuade men that those who serve God are causing these evils. The class that have provoked the displeasure of Heaven will charge all their troubles upon those whose obedience to God’s commandments is a perpetual reproof to transgressors. It will be declared that men are offending God by the violation of the Sunday sabbath; that this sin has brought calamities which will not cease until Sunday observance shall be strictly enforced; and that those who present the claims of the fourth commandment, thus destroying reverence for Sunday, are troublers of the people, preventing their restoration to divine favor and temporal prosperity. Thus the accusation urged of old against the servant of God will be repeated and upon grounds equally well established: ‘And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.’ 1 Kings 18:17, 18. As the wrath of the people shall be excited by false charges, they will pursue a course toward God’s ambassadors very similar to that which apostate Israel pursued toward Elijah.” Ibid., 590.

6 What message will the people of God be proclaiming during this “short period” of trouble? Revelation 14:9-12; 18:1-4.

note: “Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message. Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. . . . I heard voices which seemed to sound everywhere, ‘Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.’ This message seemed to be an addition to the third message, joining it as the midnight cry joined the second angel’s message in 1844. The glory of God rested upon the patient, waiting saints, and they fearlessly gave the last solemn warning, proclaiming the fall of Babylon and calling upon God’s people to come out of her that they might escape her fearful doom.” Early Writings, 277, 278.

7 What are the “times of refreshing”? Acts 2:38; 3:19.

note: “At that time the ‘latter rain,’ or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.” Ibid., 86.

8 What must the saints experience in order to be ready for the “refreshing from the presence of the Lord” (the latter rain)? Acts 2:1; 2:38; 3:19.

note: “He declared that they were to believe and act upon His teaching. All who received Him would partake of His nature, and be conformed to His character. This involved the relinquishment of their cherished ambitions. It required the complete surrender of themselves to Jesus. They were called to become self-sacrificing, meek and lowly in heart. They must walk in the narrow path traveled by the Man of Calvary, if they would share in the gift of life and the glory of heaven.” Desire of Ages, 391.

9 If a person does not complete the early rain preparation what will be the consequence when the latter rain comes? John 6:66.

note: “The Lord calls for united action. Well-organized efforts must be made to secure laborers. There are poor, honest, humble souls whom the Lord will put in your place, who have never had the opportunities you have had, and who could not have them because you were not worked by the Holy Spirit. We may be sure that when the Holy Spirit is poured out those who did not receive and appreciate the early rain will not see or understand the value of the latter rain. When we are truly consecrated to God, His love will abide in our hearts by faith, and we will cheerfully do our duty in accordance with the will of God.” Testimonies to Ministers, 399.

“By the public rebuke of their unbelief these disciples were still further alienated from Jesus. They were greatly displeased, and wishing to wound the Saviour and gratify the malice of the Pharisees, they turned their backs upon Him, and left Him with disdain. They had made their choice,—had taken the form without the spirit, the husk without the kernel. Their decision was never afterward reversed; for they walked no more with Jesus.” Desire of Ages, 392.

10 What is one prerequisite to receiving the latter rain?

note: “I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to the time of ‘refreshing’ and the ‘latter rain’ to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation; therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God. Those who refuse to be hewed by the prophets and fail to purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, and who are willing to believe that their condition is far better than it really is, will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed to be hewed and squared for the building. . . . I saw that none could share the ‘refreshing’ unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action.” Early Writings, 71.

11 What is a second prerequisite to receiving the latter rain?

note: “Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake. The work that God has begun in the human heart in giving His light and knowledge must be continually going forward. Every individual must realize his own necessity. The heart must be emptied of every defilement and cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit. It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now. Then the human agent had only to ask for the blessing, and wait for the Lord to perfect the work concerning him. It is God who began the work, and He will finish His work, making man complete in Jesus Christ. But there must be no neglect of the grace represented by the former rain. Only those who are living up to the light they have will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.” Testimonies to Ministers, 507.

12 During the time of trouble, what will be the condition of those who have failed to make preparation during the early rain experience?

note: “Those who delay a preparation for the day of God cannot obtain it in the time of trouble or at any subsequent time. The case of all such is hopeless.

“Those professed Christians who come up to that last fearful conflict unprepared will, in their despair, confess their sins in words of burning anguish, while the wicked exult over their distress.” Great Controversy, 620.

Bible Study Guides – The Eastern Question (continued)

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November 27, 2004 – December 3, 2004

Memory Verse

“And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, [many] days.” Daniel 11:33.

Suggested Reading: Stephen N. Haskell, Story of Daniel the Prophet, (1904), TEACH Services, Inc., Brushton, New York, 1995, 224–245.

Introduction

“The accession of the Roman Church to power marked the beginning of the Dark Ages. As her power increased, the darkness deepened. Faith was transferred from Christ, the true foundation, to the pope of Rome. . . . A deviation from his requirements was sufficient cause for the severest punishment to be visited upon the bodies and souls of the offenders.” The Great Controversy, 55.

“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. How much the world owes to these men, posterity will never know. They were branded as heretics, their motives impugned, their characters maligned, their writings suppressed, misrepresented, or mutilated. Yet they stood firm, and from age to age maintained their faith in its purity, as a sacred heritage for the generations to come.” Ibid., 61.

1 After a league (agreement) was made by the Jews with Rome, how were the growth and work of that power referred to in Daniel 11:23? Compare Daniel 8:25.

note: “In the year 161 b.c., the Jews were being continually attacked by the Syrians, with whose force they were unable to cope. Being informed that the Romans were always ready to support weak nations against the oppression of kings, whose power gave them umbrage, it was thought necessary to make an alliance with that people. Ambassadors sent to Rome for this purpose were well received by the senate, and a decree was passed, by which the Jews were declared friends and allies of the Romans, and a defensive league was made with them.

“At this time the Romans, who were still a small people, were rapidly coming to the front, working deceitfully, or with cunning, as the word implies, and by rapid strides they arose to the height of their power. Thus Rome became strong with a small people.” International Sabbath School Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California, January 1, 1904, 29.

2 How was Rome to enter upon the “fattest places of the province”? Unlike her predecessors, what was she to do? From whence, and for how long a time, was Rome to forecast devices? Daniel 11:24.

note: “Verse 24—‘He [Rome] shall enter peacefully even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers’ fathers [receive large acquisitions of territory through peaceful means, by legacy of other kings]; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches; yea, and he shall forecast his devices against [from] the strongholds [from the fortress of the seven-hilled city], even for a time.’

“ ‘Even for a time.’ This, doubtless, is a prophetic time, which should be computed as follows: A time, 1 year, or 360 days; each day for a year gives 360 years, during which, according to this prediction, the empire was to be governed from the city of Rome. The next verse [verse 25] introduces the battle of Actium, which was fought between Egypt and Rome, in the year b.c. 31. Exactly 360 years from that date Constantine moved the seat of the Roman Empire to Constantinople, a.d. 330.” Quarterly, 29.

“Rome’s method of conquest, first promising peace then confiscating ‘the fattest places,’ is brought to our notice in verse 24. Under the pretense of offering protection, they gradually moved in to steal the liberties of the world.” Roy Allan Anderson, Unfolding Daniel’s Prophecies, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, 1975, 147.

“Before the days of Rome, nations entered upon valuable provinces and rich territory by war and conquest. Rome was now to do what had not been done by the fathers or the fathers’ fathers, namely, receive these acquisitions through peaceful means. The custom was now inaugurated of kings leaving their kingdoms to the Romans by legacy. Rome came into possession of large provinces in this manner.” Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, Southern Publishing Association, Nashville, Tennessee, 1944, 259.

3 What is meant by the expression, “at the time appointed”? Daniel 11:29.

note: “Verse 29—‘At the time appointed [a.d. 330, see last clause of verse 24] he [Rome] shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.’ The triumphs of former days were not repeated. The removal of the seat of government from Rome to Constantinople, under Constantine the Great, in a.d. 330, is recognized as the signal of the downfall of the Roman Empire.” Quarterly, 29, 30.

“Recognizing that a ‘time’ in prophecy equals a year of 360 days, it is interesting to note that from 31 b.c., the year in which Egypt capitulated, until Constantine moved his seat of government from the city of Rome to Constantinople in a.d. 330, makes exactly 360 years.” Anderson, 147.

4 To what period in Roman history has this prophecy brought us? Daniel 11:29.

note: “[The prophecy has brought us] to the rise of the papacy, which henceforth stands for Rome.” Quarterly, 28.

5 What was to stand on the part of the papacy? What were they to do to the “sanctuary of strength”? What was to be taken away? What was to be established in its place? Daniel 11:31. Compare Daniel 8:11.

note: “The breakup of the empire of the Caesars opened the way for the establishment of the papacy, which did indeed ‘pollute the sanctuary of strength.’ Verse 31. In other words, papal worship corrupted the true understanding of Christ as our Intercessor in the heavenly sanctuary. Many teachings such as the doctrine of transubstantiation undermined the doctrine of the finished sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Roman Catholicism claims that ‘Christ is offered every day on our altars.’

“The prominent powers of Europe exchanged their paganism for another type of paganism under the name of Christianity. . . . In place of the continual ministry of Christ a human priesthood was established which claimed the power to forgive sins and open the gates of heaven to the transgressor.” Anderson, 148.

“ ‘Sacrifice’ is a word erroneously supplied. It should be ‘desolation.’ The expression denotes a desolating power, of which the abomination of desolation is but the counterpart, and to which it succeeds in point of time. It seems clear therefore that the ‘daily’ desolation was paganism, and the ‘abomination of desolation’ is the papacy.” Smith, 270.

6 What was the papacy to do to those who wickedly departed from the covenant? Daniel 11:32, first part.

note: “Those who forsake the book of the covenant, the Holy Scriptures, who think more of the decree of popes and the decisions of councils than they do of the word of God—these shall he, the pope, corrupt by flatteries. That is, they shall be led on in their partisan zeal for the pope by the bestowment of wealth, position, and honors.” Smith, 278.

7 Who were to perform marvelous acts of self-sacrifice and heroism in behalf of the true faith? Who were to hold up the torch of truth during the long, dark night of papal rule? Daniel 11:32, last part, 33.

note: “At the same time a people shall exist who know their God, and these shall be strong, and do exploits. These were Christians who kept pure religion alive in the earth during the Dark Ages of papal tyranny, and performed marvelous acts of self-sacrifice and religious heroism in behalf of their faith. Prominent among these stand the Waldenses, the Albigenses, and the Huguenots.” Smith, 278, 279.

1260 years—from a.d. 538 to 1798? While the people of God were thus going down beneath the hand of persecution, what were they to receive? How long were some of the saints of God to be permitted to fall by persecution? Daniel 11:34, 35.

note: “The same hatred that prompted the cry, ‘Crucify Him! crucify Him!’ the same hatred that led to the persecution of the disciples, still works in the children of disobedience. . . . The history of truth has ever been the record of a struggle between right and wrong. The proclamation of the gospel has ever been carried forward in this world in the face of opposition, peril, loss, and suffering.” The Acts of the Apostles, 85.

“At times God allows His children to suffer, even to the point of death, that their characters may be purified and made fit for heaven. Even Christ ‘learned . . . obedience by the things which he suffered’ (Hebrews 5:8).” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 874.

[Questions 1–8 were adapted from International Sabbath School Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California, January 1, 1904. The balance of these lessons have been written by Mike Baugher, John J. Grosboll, and Maurice Hoppe.]

note: The last verses of Daniel 11 have captured the interest of many scholars over the years and continue to generate interest for those who want to understand Bible prophecy. The study of this chapter may not disclose an understanding of every point, but true study always produces a blessing. As the scroll continues to unroll, more and more information is revealed concerning last-day events. Because of the lack of precise understanding we will bypass the last of Daniel 11 and move into Daniel 12.

9 When will the events in the latter part of Daniel 11 reach a culminating crisis point? Daniel 12:1.

note: “ ‘At that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book.’ Daniel 12:1.

“When the third angel’s message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received ‘the latter rain,’ ‘the refreshing from the presence of the Lord,’ and they are prepared for the trying hour before them.” Great Controversy, 613.

10 What happens when Michael stands up? Daniel 11:2,3; Revelation 19:1-4.

note: “Then I saw Jesus lay off His priestly attire and clothe Himself with His most kingly robes. Upon His head were many crowns, a crown within a crown. Surrounded by the angelic host, He left heaven. The plagues were falling upon the inhabitants of the earth. Some were denouncing God and cursing Him. Others rushed to the people of God and begged to be taught how they might escape His judgments. But the saints had nothing for them. The last tear for sinners had been shed, the last agonizing prayer offered, the last burden borne, the last warning given. The sweet voice of mercy was no more to invite them. When the saints, and all heaven, were interested for their salvation, they had no interest for themselves. Life and death had been set before them. Many desired life, but made no effort to obtain it. They did not choose life, and now there was no atoning blood to cleanse the guilty, no compassionate Saviour to plead for them, and cry, ‘Spare, spare the sinner a little longer.’ All heaven had united with Jesus, as they heard the fearful words, ‘It is done. It is finished.’ The plan of salvation had been accomplished, but few had chosen to accept it. And as mercy’s sweet voice died away, fear and horror seized the wicked. With terrible distinctness they heard the words, ‘Too late! too late!’ ” Early Writings, 281.

11 What pronouncement is made when Michael stands up? Revelation 22:11.

note: “An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done; the final test has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts have received ‘the seal of the living God.’ Then Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above. He lifts His hands and with a loud voice says, ‘It is done;’ and all the angelic host lay off their crowns as He makes the solemn announcement: ‘He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.’ Revelation 22:11. Every case has been decided for life or death. Christ has made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The number of His subjects is made up; ‘the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,’ is about to be given to the heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.” Great Controversy, 613, 614.

12 From the quotation below, underline and number the things that will happen after Michael stands up.

note: “When the third angel’s message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received ‘the latter rain,’ ‘the refreshing from the presence of the Lord,’ and they are prepared for the trying hour before them. Angels are hastening to and fro in heaven. An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done; the final test has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts have received ‘the seal of the living God.’ Then Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above. He lifts His hands and with a loud voice says, ‘It is done;’ and all the angelic host lay off their crowns as He makes the solemn announcement: ‘He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.’ Revelation 22:11. Every case has been decided for life or death. Christ has made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The number of His subjects is made up; ‘the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,’ is about to be given to the heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.” Ibid.

“When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor. The restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent. God’s long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected His mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation; the Spirit of God, persistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they have no protection from the wicked one. Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old.” Ibid., 614.

Food for Life – Tomato Kale Dish

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We endeavor to use good judgment in determining what combinations of food best agree with us. It is our duty to act wisely in regard to our habits of eating, to be temperate, and to learn to reason from cause to effect. If we will do our part, then the Lord will do His part in preserving our brain-nerve power.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 492.

“The other members of my family do not eat the same things that I [Ellen White] do. I do not hold myself up as a criterion for them. I leave each one to follow his own ideas as to what is best for him. I bind no one else’s conscience by my own. One person cannot be a criterion for another in the matter of eating. It is impossible to make one rule for all to follow. There are those in my family who are very fond of beans, while to me beans are poison. Butter is never placed on my table, but if the members of my family choose to use a little butter away from the table, they are at liberty to do so. Our table is set twice a day, but if there are those who desire something to eat in the evening, there is no rule that forbids them from getting it. No one complains or goes from our table dissatisfied. A variety of food that is simple, wholesome, and palatable, is always provided.” Ibid., 491.

Tomato Kale Dish

1 1/2 bunches of kale (about 12 cups)

1 cup chopped tomatoes or 1 14-ounce can stewed tomatoes

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

1 Tablespoon olive oil or water

1/2 cup cleaned raw cashews

1 teaspoon ground cumin

salt to taste

Remove stems from kale, rinse well and chop; then steam until tender. While kale is steaming, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil or water. When onion is soft, add cumin and heat until fragrant; then add tomatoes and peas. When heated through, add kale and cashews. Serve over brown rice.

Submitted by Wally Lacey

Office administrator for an ophthalmology practice in Oceanside, California, Wally enjoys encouraging patients to eat a healthy, vegan diet to improve their health.

Ask the Pastor – Let Order Prevail

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Question:

I have a question concerning the text found in 1 Corinthians 11:10. I can understand what is being said before and after it, but what does this verse mean?

Answer:

This whole section of Scripture has caused questions among the saints for centuries. For some, it has allowed for the subjection of women to be just a little better than slaves. Others have made this section part of their doctrine as to how women should dress themselves. It is important that we understand the customs of those times, because God does work within the times and customs of the various races of people. Otherwise, if this were not true, polygamy could never have become as popular as it was in the lives of Old Testament patriarchs.

Ellen White makes no comment in regard to this text. What is left for us, then, is to try and figure out what Paul is getting at, based upon the whole chapter. We cannot divorce this text from the whole context. One thing is clear from the context. It deals with gospel order.

In the setting up of the early Christian church, it was extremely necessary that order prevail. The success of the church was dependent upon fellowship and mutual respect. In chapter 5 of the Book of Ephesians, Paul set in place the template from which all relationships and congregational fidelity were to be built. “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” Verses 19–23.

Submission of one to another was the prevailing attitude throughout the East. This was the order that needed to prevail so that the church could prosper. This was part of what is known as gospel order.

There is one fact of which we cannot lose sight: we are not just an island unto ourselves. We have a responsibility to those around us in the church, and we also have a responsibility to the angelic host. The Book of Hebrews makes it plain when it says that the angels are “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.” Hebrews 1:14. The whole creation is tied together. Our subjection to one another is a testimony that we are followers of Christ. Women’s subjection to their husbands is also a testimony to the heavenly hosts that God is right and the devil is wrong. The great controversy is still being decided in the minds of many in the universe, including the angels. How gospel order prevails in the lives of God’s people serves as a testimony to every creature in heaven and in earth.

This places a great responsibility upon us as heirs of the kingdom. It will only be when we get to heaven that we will fully understand how all this fits together. Until then, we need to follow the gospel order set down by inspiration.

Pastor Mike Baugher is Associate Speaker for Steps to Life. If you have a question you would like Pastor Mike to answer, e-mail it to: landmarks@stepstolife.org or mail it to: LandMarks, Steps to Life, P. O. Box 782828, Wichita, KS 67278.

Restoring the Temple – Why Reform?

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Our first duty toward God and our fellow beings is that of self-development. Every faculty with which the Creator has endowed us should be cultivated to the highest degree of perfection, that we may be able to do the greatest amount of good of which we are capable. Hence that time is spent to good account which is used in the establishment and preservation of physical and mental health. We cannot afford to dwarf or cripple any function of body or mind. As surely as we do this, we must suffer the consequences.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 15.

Question of Obedience

“It is our work to obtain a knowledge of these principles [that will restore in us the divine image], and by obedience to cooperate with Him in restoring health to the body as well as to the soul.” Ibid., 16.

“It is as truly a sin to violate the laws of our being as it is to break the ten commandments. To do either is to break God’s laws. Those who transgress the law of God in their physical organism, will be inclined to violate the law of God spoken from Sinai.” Ibid., 17.

“When men and women are truly converted, they will conscientiously regard the laws of life that God has established in their being, thus seeking to avoid physical, mental, and moral feebleness. Obedience to these laws must be made a matter of personal duty.” Ibid., 18.

“[God’s] requirements should be sacredly obeyed. Those who accept and obey one of His precepts because it is convenient to do so, while they reject another because its observance would require a sacrifice, lower the standard of right, and by their example lead others to lightly regard the holy law of God.” Ibid., 30.

“If we weaken these powers of mind or body by wrong habits or indulgence of perverted appetite, it will be impossible for us to honor God as we should.” Ibid., 21.

Why Health Reform?

“Knowledge must be gained in regard to how to eat, and drink, and dress so as to preserve health.” Ibid., 21.

“It is impossible for those who indulge the appetite to attain to Christian perfection. . . .

“Satan is working with great power to lead men to indulge appetite, gratify inclination, and spend their days in heedless folly. He presents attractions in a life of selfish enjoyment and of sensual indulgence. Intemperance saps the energies of both mind and body. He who is thus overcome, has placed himself upon Satan’s ground, where he will be tempted and annoyed, and finally controlled at pleasure by the enemy of all righteousness.” Ibid., 22, 23.

“Our heavenly Father sent the light of health reform to guard against the evils resulting from a debased appetite, that those who love purity and holiness may know how to use with discretion the good things He has provided for them, and that by exercising temperance in daily life, they may be sanctified through the truth.

“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. All the laws of nature—which are the laws of God—are designed for our good. Obedience to them will promote our happiness in this life, and will aid us in a preparation for the life to come.” Ibid., 23.

“The health reform is a branch of the special work of God for the benefit of His people. . . .” Ibid., 25.

Unready for the Loud Cry

“The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel’s message, and is just as closely connected with it as are the arm and hand with the human body. . . . God’s people are not prepared for the loud cry of the third angel. They have a work to do for themselves which they should not leave for God to do for them. He has left this work for them to do. It is an individual work; one cannot do it for another. ‘Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.’ Gluttony is the prevailing sin of this age. Lustful appetite makes slaves of men and women, and beclouds their intellects and stupefies their moral sensibilities to such a degree that the sacred, elevated truths of God’s word are not appreciated. The lower propensities have ruled men and women.” Ibid., 32.

All Being Proved

“It is of great importance that individually we act well our part, and have an intelligent understanding of what we should eat and drink, and how we should live to preserve health. All are being proved to see whether they will accept the principles of health reform or follow a course of self-indulgence.” Ibid., 34.

Of Primary Importance

“The question of how to preserve the health is one of primary importance. When we study this question in the fear of God, we shall learn that it is best, for both our physical and our spiritual advancement, to observe simplicity in diet. Let us patiently study this question. We need knowledge and judgment in order to move wisely in this matter. Nature’s laws are not to be resisted, but obeyed. . . .

“God demands that the appetites be cleansed, and that self-denial be practiced in regard to those things which are not good. This is a work that will have to be done before His people can stand before Him a perfected people.” Ibid., 36.

True Worship

“Those who claim to believe in health reform, and yet work counter to its principles in the daily life practice, are hurting their own souls and are leaving wrong impressions upon the minds of believers and unbelievers.

“A solemn responsibility rests upon those who know the truth that all their works shall correspond with their faith, and that their lives shall be refined and sanctified, and they be prepared for the work that must rapidly be done in these closing days of the message. They have no time or strength to spend in the indulgence of appetite. . . .

“The power of Christ alone can work the transformation in heart and mind that all must experience who would partake with Him of the new life in the kingdom of heaven. [John 3:3 quoted.] The religion that comes from God is the only religion that can lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the Divine Spirit. This will lead to watchfulness. It will purify the heart and renew the mind, and give us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship.” Ibid., 37.

United Front

“We have been given the work of advancing health reform. The Lord desires His people to be in harmony with one another. . . . Beware how you place yourself in opposition to the work of health reform. It will go forward; for it is the Lord’s means of lessening the suffering in our world, and of purifying His people. . . .

“The Lord has given His people a message in regard to health reform. This light has been shining upon their pathway . . . and the Lord cannot sustain His servants in a course which will counteract it. He is displeased when His servants act in opposition to the message upon this point, which He has given them to give to others. Can He be pleased when half the workers laboring in a place, teach that the principles of health reform are as closely allied with the third angel’s message as the arm is to the body, while their co-workers, by their practice, teach principles that are entirely opposite? This is regarded as a sin in the sight of God.” Ibid., 38.

Ellen G. White (1827–1915) wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books during her lifetime. Today, including compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Mrs. White was appointed by God as a special messenger to draw the world’s attention to the Holy Scriptures and help prepare people for Christ’s second advent.

Nature Nugget – The Bird-watcher’s Lifelist

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There are approximately 9,730 species of birds worldwide, of which a little over 800 have been recorded in North America, north of Mexico. A few new species are still discovered every year in remote areas of the world, such as in the rainforests of South America and Southeast Asia. Birds are found literally everywhere on this planet, from smog-choked cities to remote wilderness areas, and from high, snow-covered mountains to open, high seas thousands of miles from land. Because of their beauty and easy accessibility (just step out into your backyard), birds have been an object of man’s interest since creation. Now, more than ever, due to the inventions of quality binoculars and spotting scopes, and identification field guides that now cover every region of the earth, watching birds has become very popular. Often all one has to do is see a Painted Bunting or a Purple Gallinule, and he or she is hooked!

Over 60 million Americans will grab their binoculars and field guides to do a bit of bird watching this year! Most only watch birds in their own backyard at bird feeders or while on vacation, but some regularly travel many miles to observe birds in different parts of their own states, country, or various countries of the world, and there are various degrees of interest and participation between these extremes.

Bird watching or “birding,” as many prefer to call it, is often considered a sport, and is now the single most popular hobby on the North American continent. In Great Britain, the term “bird-watcher” is preferred over “birder,” and the term “twitcher” is used for the serious “bird-watcher.” The term “twitcher” was coined to describe the uncontrollable spasms of excitement the “bird-watcher” exhibits when seeing a new bird for the first time.

Most “birders,” as the more serious prefer to call themselves, keep lists of the birds they see in various places. They keep lists of species seen in their country, state, county, and yards. They keep day lists and trip lists. Some keep lists for other states and countries they visit. The most important list for the serious birder is his Lifelist. The Lifelist is a running list kept of all new species encountered that one has never seen before. When a “birder” encounters a “Lifer,” as new species are called, he records in a log book its name, date seen, and location. For instance, my last “Lifer” was a Cocoa Woodcreeper seen on February 3, 2004, at Lancetilla Botanical Gardens near Tela, Honduras. In Great Britain, the adding of a species to one’s list is called “ticking.” It is quite a sight to see a “twitcher” in the act of “ticking”!

Heaven keeps a “Lifelist” also. It is not a list of birds, but rather a list of souls that have surrendered their lives to Christ. “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.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 960. “All who persevere in obedience, all who will not sell their souls for money or for the favor of men, God will register in the book of life.” Ibid., 950.

“Glorious will be the deliverance of those who have patiently waited for His coming and whose names are written in the book of life.” The Great Controversy, 634.

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

The Pen of Inspiration – The Coming Thanksgiving

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Our Thanksgiving is approaching. Will it be as it has been in many instances, a thanksgiving to ourselves? or will it be a thanksgiving to God? Our Thanksgivings may be made seasons of great profit to our own souls as well as to others, if we improve this opportunity to remember the poor among us. God has placed his poor in our midst, and he identifies his interest with them. Those who for Christ’s sake relieve their necessities thus show that they would gladly do the same for Jesus; but as they cannot manifest their love to Jesus in person, they do their acts of sympathy, their deeds of love and beneficence, to him in the person of his saints.

There are among us poor persons who need not have been thus if they had manifested wise forethought and careful Bible economy when they had opportunity and ability to earn wages. But they spent all as fast as it came, indulging in things they might have done without, and lacking nothing for their own comfort. Their desire to dress as richly as their relatives or friends, the desire to gratify their fancy so to provide for their tables as to make a good showing before friends or relatives who love not the truth, makes them very liberal to themselves, which results in their really doing injustice to themselves, to their families, and those whose capital they are using. Many need not be poor if they were self-denying and economical. When in possession of health, they should improve the opportunity when money comes in, to practice economy and lay by a certain sum weekly, resolving not to touch it even if for some meals they were obliged to eat salt and potatoes, or porridge and bread. This self-denial would be of the greatest advantage to the health. And if wages were low, or money scarce, it would be a gratification to know that there was something to fall back upon.

There are families where enough is wasted to support a small family. Such the Lord is testing. He will let them experience pinching want,—the only way in which they can learn the lesson that it is not selfish indulgence or chasing after pleasure that brings peace and contentment. Real moral worth, the love and fear of God, opens fountains of pleasure that are never dry.

While there are those who are in poverty through extravagant habits of living, there are also those who bear the curse of God for their dishonesty. They profess to be Christians; but they have overreached, thinking it was very cunning to deceive, to prevaricate, to obtain means under false pretenses, to take that which was not their own. God cannot bless this class. They will eventually come to want.

But these are the degraded poor, bearing the present penalty for their evil course, preparatory to the final judgment of God, and the reward they will receive according as their deeds have been. While he bears long with the perversity and iniquity of those who profess to be Christians, but who are so only in name, God never forgets, and he will punish their transgressions and visit their iniquities. There are poor among us who have done the best they could; but misfortune and sickness seem to be their lot. Their homes are not attractive because they cannot make them so. They have no money to indulge in the gratification of luxuries or those things their tastes desire. The plain necessities of life are all they can afford. There are many such ones to whom it is exceedingly galling to be obliged to depend on charity in the least sense. But, brethren and sisters, God has placed these very ones in our midst to test and prove us, to keep our dispositions Christ-like. God withholds nothing from us; we are the recipients of his mercies. Day by day and hour by hour, God is giving to us generously; and shall we for one moment look down upon the poor as though in God’s sight we were better than they? God forbid! Never let the hungry cry of the destitute and afflicted ones come up to God against us; for every tear and every pressure of suffering want bears a cry up to heaven,—a grave charge upon some one of God’s favored ones.

There are a hundred ways that can be devised to help the poor in so delicate a manner as to make them feel they are doing us a favor by receiving our gifts and sympathy. We are to remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The attentions of our brethren are most liberal to those whom they wish to honor, and whose respect they desire, but who do not need their help at all. Custom and fashion say, Give to those who will give to you; but this is not the Bible rule of giving. The word of God declares against this way of gratifying self in thus bestowing our gifts, and says, ‘He that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.” [Proverbs 22:16.]

Now a season is coming when we shall have our principles tested. Let us begin to think what we can do for God’s needy ones. We can make them through ourselves the recipients of God’s blessings. Think what widow, what orphan, what poor family you can relieve, not in a way to make a great parade about the matter, but be as a channel through which the Lord’s substance shall flow as a blessing to his poor. As you look upon your own children, consider how many there are just as good and noble who have but little to cheer or make them glad. They may be orphans, with no home, no father, no mother, subject to temptations and influences calculated to lead them to ruin when these days of festivity occur. Who has a care for these homeless ones? Whose doors are open to them? Let the widow and the orphan be remembered.

But this does not embrace all your duty. Make an offering to your best Friend; acknowledge his bounties; show your gratitude for his favors; bring a thank-offering to God. . . . Brethren and sisters, eat a plain dinner on Thanksgiving day, and with the money you would spend in extras with which to indulge the appetite, make a thank-offering to God. . . .

Everything seems to have degenerated into mixing the spurious with the genuine. Thanksgiving is almost entirely perverted. Instead of being a day of solemn gladness and gratitude to God, it has become a day of jollification, self-indulgence, and gluttony. Self interposes for attention, for gratification, for indulgence. This is a thanksgiving and oblation made to self to the forgetfulness of God and all his benefits to us. Let nothing interpose to detract glory from God.

How much good might be done if we would make a right use of our associations with one another! Every one who has received of the heavenly benefits is under obligation to shed some light on the pathway of others. In all our associations we are to be witnesses for Christ. Then all those who truly love God will cease their idolatry of self. Let this be the case in the coming Thanksgiving. Employ your powers to a better purpose than in cooking a variety of food with which to gratify your appetites. Employ that time in becoming missionaries for God’s cause, seeking how much you can do to turn the attention from self to the Lord our Creator. Gather up the offerings. Set the mind to running in a different channel than has been your custom. Let your works correspond with your faith. See what you can do toward turning your thoughts heavenward in place of upon earthly appetite and selfish indulgence. Wisely improve your powers in gathering up the smaller and larger offerings for the Master, and thus present a true thanksgiving to God. Make the most of your social position and influence to advance the interests of God’s cause in the earth. There have been so few true Thanksgivings to God! Everything has been turned from God and heaven to earth; and now let us make every effort in our power to turn the mind back to God, away from earth, away from selfish interests, and away from self-serving. We know but little of the experience of self-denial. We must know more of it, weaving benevolence into our daily experience.

There never was a time when we needed to begin to understand our duty to God as now. Let the questions be asked in sincerity, Am I a Christian (Christ-like)? Am I showing my loyalty to God, and interestedly engaged in his service? Am I doing his word as well as hearing it? Let every one, young and old, feel the responsibility of his stewardship. All are in their Master’s service. If those who profess to be Christians expend money needlessly when there are so many missionary enterprises that demand all the means that can be spared by every one of us, they are unfaithful servants. When about to purchase some article that is not essential, remember that the means thus invested, if not necessary for health or comfort, is so much retained for selfish purposes that ought to have been invested in the cause of God. It might have added some really necessary article of food or apparel to the needy poor around us. Cannot we, upon the coming celebration of Thanksgiving, make a thanksgiving for others through our thoughtful sympathy and deeds of love and kindness? We may bring rays of sunshine into many a heart that has long been desolate.

How many in the Christian world will upon this Thanksgiving obey the injunction of Christ, “When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” Instead of inviting those who have many good things in this life, and who cannot appreciate the favors of a feast, invite to your homes the needy, the poor, the widow, the fatherless. To the ones who have an abundance we have shown honor; but the ones who were really in need, who would esteem our favors as of great value, we neglect because they are poor, as though they did not belong to the Lord’s family. The poor as well as the rich are under God’s care. Then let us keep Thanksgiving in God’s own way, and no longer follow the customs of the world, selfishly heaping our favors upon a few favorites, and neglecting the ones precious in the sight of the Lord, though slighted and neglected by those who profess to be the children of God.

The pampered, the indulged, need to be in the place of the poor for a year, if not longer, that they might learn by experience what it is to be straitened in purse, to be humbled by slights, to be neglected, to want for sympathy, to put up with inconvenience, to lack many things necessary for comfort. This experience would give a different mold to the character. It would open eyes now selfishly blind; and when placed back where there was an abundance at their command, their sympathies, which are now sealed to everything but selfish interests, would become extended and deepened.

Brethren and sisters, will you this Thanksgiving live and act the Christian as well as bear the name? Remember the words of Jesus: “I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. . . . Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of the least of these, ye did it not unto me.” Matthew 25:42–45. Never let it pass from our minds that Christ identifies his interest with suffering humanity. And we are to work for them as he worked for us. Jesus says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” We may show our love and benevolence to Jesus in the person of his saints, saying as did David, “All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:14.]

When the blessing is pronounced on the faithful, unselfish worker, the question arises from the lips of him receiving the blessing, “When saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?” They knew not that they had done any wonderful thing. The works of love and mercy had been the natural result of their love for Jesus. When the heart is filled with the heaven-born principles of true faith and devotion, there will be an immediate kindling of love toward Jesus, the author of redemption; and the very same works of benevolence which characterized the life of Jesus, will be wrought out by his followers, in gratitude, in devotion, in acts of mercy,—the natural fruit borne by a branch of the Living Vine. If there is in us the love of Jesus, who hath loved us, and given himself for us, then we shall reveal the spirit that is in us by doing as Christ has done. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” [1 John 4:11.]

The poor we have always with us; and opportunities are thus granted us of testifying to our love for Jesus in the person of his saints. Jesus linked himself with humanity in ties of close brotherhood. He sympathized with the poorest of the race. On the coming Thanksgiving, let us take our stand on the platform of love to our Redeemer. Review and Herald, November 18, 1884.

Ellen G. White (1827–1915) wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books during her lifetime. Today, including compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Mrs. White was appointed by God as a special messenger to draw the world’s attention to the Holy Scriptures and help prepare people for Christ’s second advent.

Children’s Story – The Ant and the Contact Lens

by

A young woman named Brenda was invited one day to go rock climbing with some friends. Although she was not a skilled rock climber and was apprehensive about the excursion, she went with her group to a tremendous granite cliff. In spite of her fear, she put on the necessary gear, took hold of the safety rope, and started up the face of the rock. About half way up the rock was a ledge where she stopped to rest. As she was hanging there, the safety rope snapped against Brenda’s eye and knocked out one of her contact lens.

There she was, on a rock ledge, with hundreds of feet of the sheer granite rock below her and hundreds of feet above her. As she hung there, she looked and looked and looked, hoping the contact lens had landed on the ledge, but it just was not there. Far from home, her sight now blurry, Brenda was desperate and began to become upset. Before continuing her climb, she prayed to the Lord to help her find the missing lens.

When Brenda reached the top of the cliff, a friend examined her eye and her clothing carefully for the lens, but there was no contact lens to be found. She sat down, despondent, waiting for the rest of the group to complete the climb up the face of the cliff. Looking out across range after range of mountains, she thought of the verse that says, “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth.” 11 Chronicles 16:9. She prayed, “Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me.”

Finally, everyone in Brenda’s group reached the top. Then they made their way down the trail to the bottom of the massive rock. At the bottom, a new party of climbers was just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out, “Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?” That would be startling enough, but do you know why that climber had spotted the lost lens? An ant was moving slowly across the face of the rock, carrying it on its back.

When she got home, Brenda told her father, a caricature artist, the incredible story of the contact lens, the prayer, and the ant, so he drew a picture of an ant lugging a contact lens with the words, “Lord, I don’t know why You want me to carry this thing. I can’t eat it, and it’s awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, I’ll carry it for You.”

It would probably do some of us good to occasionally say, “God, I don’t know why you want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it, and it’s awfully heavy. But, if you want me to carry it, I will.” “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13.