church

Practical Tips on How to Organize a Local Church

by

Throughout his entire ministry, Paul, the great evangelist of the New Testament, was careful to institute proper organization in the churches he established. In fact, Paul thought organization was so important, that a short time after he had been stoned in Lystra, he returned to organize the churches. He saw that gospel order (which included the appointment of elders and deacons) was “an important factor in the spiritual growth of the new converts.” Acts of the Apostles, 185. It was a safeguard against error and fanaticism and promoted unity among the believers. In place after place, Paul diligently instructed and aided churches in the establishment of proper order.

Ellen White says that in Lycaonia and Pisidia, “churches were duly organized in all places…where there were believers. Officers were appointed in each church, and proper order and system were established….” Ibid., 185.

The church in Thessalonica was also “properly organized.” “Officers had been appointed to act as ministers and deacons.” Ibid., 261.

Regarding the work in Crete, Paul instructed Titus to “set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.” Titus 1:5.

Inspiration shows that the appointment of elders and deacons was an integral part—a fundamental element—of the gospel order that Paul established in his churches. A group of believers that simply gathers together for meetings, with no officers selected, as elders and deacons, is not a “properly organized” church.

Selection and Ordination of Leaders

To ordain an elder or deacon simply means to appoint a person to a position of authority and leadership, in the church of God. Through ordination, church members recognize a person’s spirituality and ability to serve the church in a leadership capacity.

In the selection of deacons, at the time of the early church, the apostles instructed the church to “look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the work.’ This advice was followed, and by prayer and the laying on of hands, seven chosen men were solemnly set apart for their duties as deacons.” Acts of the Apostles, 89.

We see that the apostles did not themselves alone choose the deacons, but the entire church recognized those, from among its membership, who were “of honest report and full of the Holy Ghost.” We are not told exactly how the process of the selection worked. Today, in some small churches, all the members are directly involved in the selection of officers. In other churches, members select a group of members, called a nominating committee. This committee selects, considers and prays about various potential candidates. When they are finished they recommend to the church at large their completed list of candidates. The church then votes to accept or reject the recommendations of the committee.

For new, small churches, we are given this extremely practical counsel in regards to choosing a leader for a church. “Such arrangements should be made for the little companies accepting the truth as shall secure the prosperity of the church. One man may be appointed to lead for a week or a month, then another for a few weeks; and thus different persons may be enlisted in the work, and after a suitable trial someone should be selected by the voice of the church to be the acknowledged leader, never, however, to be chosen for more than one year. Then another may be selected, or the same one may be re-elected, if his service has proved a blessing to the church.…Many fail to exercise proper discernment in these important matters where eternal interests are involved.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 619.

Consideration of whether a person meets the qualifications for an office is necessary. What are some of the questions that should be asked about a person being considered for a leadership position in the church? Please see the list of qualifications for elders and deacons along with reading the following inspired quotations:

Family

“The family of the one suggested for office should be considered. Are they in subjection? Can the man rule his own house with honor? What character have his children? Will they do honor to the father’s influence? If he has not tact, wisdom, or power of godliness at home in managing his own family, it is safe to conclude that the same defects will be carried into the church, and the same unsanctified management will be seen there.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 618.

Lay Hands on No Man Suddenly

We are also instructed in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy to give a man due consideration and to pray much before placing him in office. We should not be in a hurry. “It will be far better to criticize the man before he is put into office than afterward, better to pray and counsel before taking the decisive step than to labor to correct the consequences of a wrong move.” Ibid.

Head Elders and Deacons

Is it right that there should be a head elder or deacon? In Story of Redemption we find that Stephen was chosen to stand at the head of the seven deacons. He was to lead them. He was thought the best qualified because of his multi-cultural ability in the midst of the tension between the Jews and Greeks.

Blessings from the Appointment of Officers and the Establishment of Church Order

There are great blessings to be gained from following God’s counsel. We have found that the establishment of church order:

  • Enables churches to successfully give the Three Angels’ Messages
  • Shields churches from fanaticism
  • Is an important factor in the spiritual growth of church members
  • Serves to unite in one body all believers in Christ (Acts of the Apostles, 89)
  • Enables ministers and elders to be able to work more effectively
  • Increases the number of believers (Acts 6)
  • Increases the strength of believers (Story of Redemption, 260; Act 6:7)

Some may ask: “With all the theological issues facing the church today, why should they be concerned with the appointment of church officers? Shouldn’t we just focus on spreading the Three Angels’ Messages?” Yes, we should focus on spreading the Three Angels’ Messages. The appointment of church officers and the establishment of church order will not only help us give the message but, according to inspiration, we must have order to be successful in giving the message. “I saw that there should be order in the church of God, and that system is needed in carrying forward successfully the last great message of mercy to the world.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 211.

Many Seventh-day Adventists have been told that they should not conduct evangelistic efforts. Why? Because they are no longer connected with the conference. They have been forced out or have left because error is continually taught. Many have not felt it safe to bring their Bible students to church and felt forced to meet in their homes or in a rented building. Then, should these faithful Adventists no longer take the Three Angels’ Messages to the world—because they are not connected with the conference? No, they should do everything they can to spread it. While exercising the same courtesy that Jesus and the apostles did, we should say with Peter, “We ought to obey God rather than man.” Acts 5:29. We cannot obey any man or woman, whatever their position, when he or she tells us not to evangelize. And we cannot obey man when we are told not to follow the counsel of having orderly churches. The gospel commission of Matthew 28 still stands. And, to effectively fulfill that commission, we must have organized churches.

Proper church order will also help squelch some of the rampant fanaticism existing today and promote unity among the brethren. “There is order in heaven; and there should be system and order upon the earth, that the work may move forward without confusion and fanaticism.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 601.

Proper organization also enables ministers and elders to center their attention on the spiritual welfare of the church. Throughout history we see that it is too much for one man or one group of men to be able to focus on both the spiritual and business matters of the church. In the Old Testament, Moses’ father-in-law instructed him to delegate some of the voluminous load he was carrying, of settling all the minute details of the business, in the camp of Israel. In the New Testament (Acts 6), the church appointed deacons to oversee the business of the church and assist the apostles in spiritual leadership. As a result of dividing the labor (appointing deacons), the number and strength of the believers increased.

Results From Not Following God’s Counsel

  • If God’s counsel is not followed what will be some of the results?
  • Satan will benefit
  • Minister’s spiritual discernment will be dimmed

“Order must be observed, and there must be union in maintaining order, or Satan will take the advantage.” Testimonies, vol.1, 211.

“Those whom God has called to minister in word and doctrine should have time for meditation, prayer and study of the Scriptures. Their clear spiritual discernment is dimmed by entering into the lesser details of business and dealing with the various temperaments of those who meet together in church capacity.” The Story of Redemption, 261. This is very solemn. An elder or minister’s spiritual discernment needs to be as clear and bright as the day.

Reasons for Lack of Organization Today

There appear to be many groups of Seventh-day Adventists that believe in the historic pillars of our faith (including the Spirit of Prophecy), that meet together every Sabbath, but do not recognize the importance of “proper organization.” There are probably many reasons for the lack of organization. Examples include:

  • Fear of starting a “new organization”
  • Belief that it is unnecessary
  • Lack of knowledge of inspired counsel
  • Desire to avoid local church struggles

For those afraid to organize, for fear they are starting a new organization, we would say the following: The church is the “pillar and ground of the truth.” (I Timothy 3:15) To knowingly cling to error is to leave God’s church. If you have left a “structure” church because error is being taught, do not think that you are leaving the true church and starting a new organization.

It is unfortunate—more than unfortunate, it is a tragedy, that so many Seventh-day Adventists do not feel safe to worship in their local conference church. Surely it brings great pain to the heart of God and should to our hearts also. It should cause us to weep. But it should not cause us to disregard inspired counsel. The New Testament instruction, of Paul, Luke and Peter, is that the local church is not complete without the appointment and service of elders and deacons.

Many Seventh-day Adventists who are worshipping separately from the conference are told that they should not organize the group of historic believers with whom they are worshipping. Opponents quote a Spirit of Prophecy statement that says we should enter into no new organization and go on to say that if a church organizes separately from the conference that they are not following the Spirit of Prophecy.

Friends, the only way to avoid starting a “new organization” is to adopt New Testament church order. A candid look at inspired counsel reveals that Seventh-day Adventists, in and out of the conference, are not following the Lord’s instruction when it comes to church organization. (See previous articles by Neil Livingston, “The Mark of An Image,” parts one and two about the 1901 and 1903 General Conference Sessions.) The conferences that we are familiar with are not following God’s counsel regarding church organization. They already have entered a new form of organization and are not following the instructions clearly outlined in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. Neither are most historic Seventh-day Adventists. It is past time that, along with following the counsel about health reform, dress reform and Christ-likeness of character, we also follow the counsel about New Testament church organization.

We cry about the departure of God’s professed people from following His counsel. And well we should. When a person cares about God’s work they will, like the apostle Paul, mourn at the pain we have caused to the heart of God and the reproach that has been brought upon His name. “The position which the Jews as God’s professed people occupied before an unbelieving world, caused the apostle intense anguish of spirit.” Acts of Apostles, 412. But let us do more than mourn. Let us look to see that we, like Paul, are individually doing all we can to promote conformity to the divine plan of order and organization among God’s people.

To those who believe organization to be unnecessary we would say, that, as children of God, we are not in a situation to be telling God what is and is not necessary. Surely our Creator, our Chief Shepherd, knows what is best for His churches. Whenever a church disregards the counsel of God, it is in a weakened position spiritually.

It seems that there are always some that are against proper church organization. There were some in the church at Thessalonica that were “self-willed, and impetuous, who refused to be subordinate to those who held positions of authority in the church. They claimed not only the right of private judgment, but that of publicly urging their views upon the church. In view of this, Paul called the attention of the Thessalonians to the respect and deference due to those who had been chosen to occupy positions of authority in the church.” Ibid., 261–262.

Deacons

In both the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy we are given counsel about the character and qualifications of deacons. Please see the shaded box.

Of the first seven deacons, in the early church, we are told that, “These officers gave careful consideration to individual needs as well as to the general financial interests of the church, and by their prudent management and their godly example they were an important aid to their fellow officers in binding together the various interests of the church into a united whole.” Acts of the Apostles, 89.

Interestingly enough, Ellen White does not limit the responsibility of attending to the business of the church to men alone. She says that women could also attend to this. “There is a wide field in which our sisters may do good service for the Master in the various branches of the work connected with His cause. Through missionary labor they can reach a class that our ministers cannot. . . . There is work neglected or done imperfectly that could be thoroughly accomplished by the help that sisters can give. There are so many kinds of work too laborious for women, which our brethren are called to engage in, that many branches of missionary work are neglected. Many things connected with different churches are left undone that women, if properly instructed, could attend to. Our sisters might serve as church clerks, and the church business would not be so sadly neglected. There are many other offices connected with the cause of God which our sisters are better qualified to fill than our brethren, and in which they might do efficient service.” Welfare Ministry, 147. This should be good news to many small churches. The workforce may be bigger than many at first thought it could be.

Ministers and Elders

The inspired instruction we are given regarding the character and qualifications of elders is both detailed and broad. Please see shaded box.

An elder’s duty encompasses more than merely preaching a good sermon. It means offering personal, unselfish effort for church members and non-church members.

“Those who occupy the position of undershepherds are to exercise a watchful diligence over the Lord’s flock. This is not to be a dictatorial vigilance, but one that tends to encourage and strengthen and uplift. Ministry means more than sermonizing: it means earnest, personal labor.” Acts of the Apostles, 526.

“The greatest help that can be given to our people is to teach them to work for God, and to depend on Him, not on the ministers. Let them learn to work as Christ worked.…Just as soon as a church is organized, let the minister set the members at work. They will need to be taught how to labor successfully. Let the minister devote more of his time to educating than to preaching.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 19–20.

“Let the neglected tithes be now brought in.…Elders of the churches, do your duty. Labor from home to home, that the flock of God shall not be remiss in this great matter, which involves such a blessing or such a curse.” Testimonies to Ministers, 306.

“But My Church is Very Small”

Some will make the plea, “But my church is so small. We do not have enough members to establish true gospel order.” Paul was careful throughout his ministry to organize even small groups of believers. “Those who in any place were by his labor led to accept Christ as the Savior were at the proper time organized into a church. Even when the believers were but few in number, this was done. The Christians were thus taught to help one another, remembering the promise, ‘Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.’ Matthew 18:20.” Acts of the Apostles, 185–186.

What Can Small Churches Do to Support Missions?

We are told in Gospel Workers, 466–467, that several small churches can unite to support a foreign missionary. What about two or three small home churches supporting a minister? Remember the widow with the two mites. She thought that her contribution was so small and insignificant. But how many, upon hearing the story, have given their small bit? And all those small bits added together have provided millions and millions of dollars for the advancement of the Lord’s work on earth. You may not be able to support a foreign missionary in your church, but, as we are told, you can unite with another church or several other churches and together support the local or foreign mission field.

An Important Requirement

Much more could be written about church order and organization. At the end of this article there is a list of recommended reading material for further study of the topic. However, there is one requirement to the establishment of proper church organization that we thought so key that we saved it until the end.

In speaking of the Jews and of Christians today, Ellen White said: “The order and prosperity of the church depended upon the good order and thorough discipline of families.…These injunctions which God laid upon the Jews with so much solemnity, rest with equal weight upon Christian parents.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 294.

In order to have orderly and organized churches, we must have orderly homes and disciplined families. And it does not happen overnight. Everyday we must take up the battle for order and discipline anew. Everyday we must humble ourselves before the throne of grace, pleading with God for a new heart, for wisdom to deal in a loving but firm way with our children and for a sense of our complete dependence upon Him. Only God can make our homes like heaven. In learning the secrets of how to have a happy, disciplined family and an orderly home, we will learn how to have happy, organized churches. It takes much effort, planning and prayer. But God will help you. We know He will. He has helped us. He works with all of us as we put forth earnest effort.

Today, God would have us to study—to be wide-awake to the times in which we live. The counsel is clear. God has instructed us to be organized because we need to be organized to help finish His work of salvation in our homes and our churches. He is calling us to come into line. It may not be easy. A person who has lost his job, because of keeping the Sabbath, would not call Sabbath-keeping easy. In fact, it could seem not only to be hard, but also down right awkward for several weeks; because it is new. But week after week it will become easier and more natural. The same is true with church order. It may be difficult and awkward at first, but, if we persist, God has promised a blessing.

“Choose ye this day whom you will serve.…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15.

Deacons Qualifications

  • Reverent
  • Not double-tongued
  • Not given to much wine
  • Not greedy for money
  • Possess a pure conscience
  • An experienced Christian
  • Involved only in a monogamous relationship, if married
  • Able to rule their homes well
  • Possess calm judgment and discretion
  • Able to deal with difficult cases of trial including murmuring and jealousy

Duties

  • Attend to the general financial interests of the church
  • See that a faithful tithe is brought into the treasury (Testimonies to Ministers, 305)
  • Care for individual needs of the widows, orphans and worthy poor
  • Teach the faith (example: Stephen)
  • Take difficult temporal matters to the minister or elders

Elders Qualifications

  • Blameless
  • Converted
  • Earnest
  • Elevated
  • Ennobled
  • Gentle
  • Hospitable
  • Refined
  • Sober
  • Tactful
  • Unselfish
  • Vigilant
  • A hearer
  • A learner
  • Self-governed
  • Of good repute
  • Competent
  • Able to present Bible subjects
  • Familiar with the Scriptures
  • Full of zeal
  • An effective ruler of household
  • Able to educate church members to be workers
  • Possessor of judgment
  • Possessor of a fresh experience
  • Involved only in a monogamous relationship, if married
  • An experienced Christian

See 1 Timothy 3; Testimonies, vol. 4, 406–407; and Testimonies, vol. 5, 617–618.

Duties

  •  Laboring earnestly and personally for souls, inside and outside of the church
  •  Educating church members about how to work for souls
  •  Providing church members work to do in God’s vineyard
  •  Encouraging faithfulness in the return of the tithe
  •  Preaching the Word

Editorial — A Special Testimony

by

On March 14, 1897, Ellen White sent a special testimony from her home in Cooranbong, Australia, to the Oakland and Battle Creek Churches. This Special Testimony has much counsel on several different subjects that are just as relevant today as they were 100 years ago. Since this testimony is unavailable to many of our readers, we are going to give some excerpts from it in this editorial page.

Use of Tithe

“Ministers have just as much right to their wages as have the workers employed in the Review and Herald Office, and the laborers in the Pacific Publishing House. A great robbery has been practiced in the meager wages paid to some of the workers. If they give their time, and thought, and labor to the service of the Master, they should have wages enough to supply their family with food and clothing.

“The light which the Lord has given me on this subject is that the means in the treasury for the support of the ministers in the different fields is not to be used for any other purpose. If an honest tithe were paid, and the money coming into the treasury were carefully guarded, the ministers would receive a just wage. The auditing committee has often been composed of men who were farmers. These could dress in coarse clothing appropriate for the work they were doing. They raised all they needed as a family to subsist upon, and they knew not what the outlay of a minister must necessarily be when he goes into a new field to labor for perishing souls. The outlook is often hard and discouraging. Some fields when the work is first opened up, are encouraging; but there are other fields that are not so. Both must receive the truth. The minister must labor and pray. He must visit the different families. Frequently he finds the people so poor that they have little to eat and no room in which to sleep. Often means have to be given to the very needy to supply their hunger and cover their nakedness.

Extravagance in Dress

“Let those who take such delight in devoting so largely of their means to clothing their bodies, consider that they are using God’s money, that might be invested in bearing the truth to those that are perishing in their sins.

“The Lord will not serve with the selfish indulgence of these men and women. Had they clothed themselves with modest apparel, as the Holy Spirit has specified they should do, they would have the blessing of God. The atmosphere surrounding their souls would not be as spiritual malaria to others who newly come into the faith. Such examples of show and of the love of dress, of following the fashions of this degenerate age, this leaven of pride and extravagance, is gathering to itself, until the whole lump will be leavened.

Impending Judgments

“The church without living godliness is like the fig tree to which Christ, hungering for food, came and searched for fruit, and found nothing but leaves. This is as it is with many who profess religion; and our position, having as we have great light, great opportunities, great privileges, will bring the curse that came upon the fig tree upon all who have a name to live and are fruitless.

“The Lord is coming speedily, yet, notwithstanding His professed people read the signs of the times,—of famines, of thousands being swept away by earthquakes and floods, by fire, by calamities by sea and land, by plague, by war and bloodshed,—the love of self so deadens the spiritual sense that the day of the Lord will come upon them as a thief in the night, and He declares, ‘They shall not escape.’ The Lord is to judge both quick and dead at His appearing and His kingdom. Will these stand in their pride and self-glorification before that tribunal, when the judgment will sit, and the books will be opened, and every man shall be judged according as his works have been?

“Christ declares, ‘I know thy works.’ Does the Lord seem to be too far away, too indistinct, to produce any appreciable effect on the conduct of the human agent? Shall the hellish shadow of Satan ever be penetrated by living faith? Christ is a personal, present Savior, one who is ordering all things for His own glory. He is accessible at all times if we will come to Him in contrition of soul. I would urge upon all in Battle Creek to wake from your spiritual death-like slumber. Unless you do, it will pass into the slumber of eternal death.”

To be continued…

 

Truth Will Survive

by

Then the high priest rose up, and all those who [were] with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.’ ” Acts 5:17–20.

When we think of the temple, we visualize, first of all, Solomon’s Temple. Though it was later destroyed by Babylon, Ellen White tells us that it was the most magnificent building the world had seen at that time. (Review and Herald, October 19, 1905.)

Then we think of the second temple, which was rebuilt after the captivity. It was beautiful, although it did not compare with the original. But this was the temple that Haggai the prophet prophesied about, “ ‘I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:7.

Desire of All Nations

This building, enlarged and rebuilt by Herod, was glorious, and as the prophet had promised, the Desire of All Nations did come. He was brought as a baby to be dedicated there. We would expect that there would be a glorious celebration, but there was not anything like that. Those who were in charge of the affairs of the temple did not see or feel anything unusual. They saw only a husband and a wife, clothed in the garments commonly worn by the poorer people, bringing the offering of the turtle doves that was the offering prescribed for those who did not have money enough to bring something more. They concluded that it was a matter of no consequence—another poor child.

But the Lord of heaven was not going to let the event pass unnoticed. He caused someone to be there who was spiritually tuned in. Simeon, who had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Lord’s Christ before he died, came in by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Seeing the baby, he knew He was the One. Although the priest giving the baby back into the arms of Joseph and Mary did not have any awareness of what was going on, Simeon did. Simeon took that baby and made a prophecy about it, while the priest looked on in wonder.

So it is still. Events upon which the attention of all heaven is centered are undiscerned, and their very occurrences are unnoticed by religious leaders and worshippers in the house of God. What a tragic thing, but history does repeat itself.

Diminishing Returns

The prophecy was fulfilled; the Desire of All Nations did come. He went first of all to those who should have been foremost in recognizing Him, but something was wrong. They were not in harmony with the Spirit of God. They were desperately confused and did not know what was happening. Nevertheless, He came, fulfilling the promise and witnessing to the leaders of Israel. He witnessed to them several times and, of course, indirectly many times. Finally, He had to give up on the leaders of Israel, but He never gave up on the people.

There seems to be a law of diminishing returns, a point beyond which the Lord recognizes that there is still a little bit of good being accomplished; but the evil being done is so much greater that it does not justify the continuance of the system.

“The people whom God had called to be the pillar and ground of the truth had become representatives of Satan. They were doing the work that he desired them to do, taking a course to misrepresent the character of God, and cause the world to look upon Him as a tyrant. The very priests who ministered in the temple had lost sight of the significance of the service they performed. They had ceased to look beyond the symbol to the thing signified. In presenting the sacrificial offerings they were as actors in a play. The ordinances which God Himself had appointed were made the means of blinding the mind and hardening the heart. God could do no more for man through these channels. The whole system must be swept away.” The Desire of Ages, 36.

But God does not give up on people, so, though the priests had put the apostles in prison for preaching in the temple, the angel brought them right out the same door through which they had entered and said, “Go back; go right back and stand in the temple and preach to the people all the words of this life.”

It was the time of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, probably one of the greatest, if not the greatest occasion which drew people to the temple. They were gathered from far and near, and in the sheltered area in Solomon’s porch they gathered to hear messages of the kind the apostles were going to give them. So, that is where the apostles went to speak to them. God had to give up on the leaders of the church, but He never gives up on the people. This has been manifested ever so many times in the history of religion.

Gospel to the People

We read in The Great Controversy about the experience of Wycliffe, the Morning Star of the Reformation. That very brilliant man, whose work was not exceeded by those Reformers who followed him, even a hundred years later, took his message to the people.

“Wycliffe, like his Master, preached the gospel to the poor. Not content with spreading the light in their humble homes in his own parish of Lutterworth, he determined that it should be carried to every part of England. To accomplish this he organized a body of preachers, simple, devout men, who loved the truth and desired nothing so much as to extend it.” The Great Controversy, 87.

These ministers of the gospel were called Lollards. As nearly as we can learn from the records, the word lollard is a bit of an extension of a Dutch word which means to speak or sing softly. These simple, humble preachers went with such success that the new faith was accepted by nearly one half of the people of England. It is interesting to note that the organized church rose up against these humble ministers, these men called from their walks of life, charging them with heresy.

Have you ever noticed that no matter when in the history of religion heresy appears and heretics embrace heresy, they invariably accuse the faithful of being the heretics?

Zwingli also took his message to the people. “Another class received with gladness the tidings of redemption through Christ. The observances enjoined by Rome had failed to bring peace of soul, and in faith they accepted the Saviour’s blood as their propitiation. These returned to their homes to reveal to others the precious light which they had received.” Ibid., 175.

Calvin took his message to the people. Of him we read, “His work began with the people at their homes. Surrounded by the members of the household, he read the Bible and opened the truths of salvation. Those who heard the message carried the good news to others, and soon the teacher passed beyond the city to the outlying towns and hamlets. To both the castle and the cabin he found entrance, and he went forward, laying the foundation of churches that were to yield fearless witnesses for the truth.” Ibid., 222.

Wesley preached at the entrances to coal mines, in the fields, and in the streets. All of the Reformers had to take their message to the people when they were forced to give up on the leaders of the church—a tragic situation, but a very constantly reoccurring thing.

In 1888, Ellen White did the same thing. She found such resistance among the leaders of the church to the message of righteousness by faith that she and A. T. Jones, as well as others, took their message to the people. In response, in 1891 the leadership sent her to Australia to get rid of that problem.

The lesson for us is that God never gives up on the people, and true reformers never give up on the people. True reformers may have to give up on the leaders, but never on the people.

Obey God Rather Than Man

Right after the angel had brought the apostles out of the prisons, he said to them, “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

I think that three and a half years earlier they would not have been able to handle that command; their childhood training would have been too strong. They would have said, “We cannot disobey the leaders of the church.” But after three and a half years-during which time they had seen the church leaders’ attitude of indifference harden into an attitude of opposition, then into an attitude of bitter hostility, finally ending in the crucifixion—they had no illusions about church leadership. They knew that church leadership can be led of God, but it does not necessarily have to be so. And so, without hesitation, they made their decision: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29.

Now, may I suggest that our problem today is not greatly different. We have been told to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Added to that is the mandate to take the Three Angels’ Messages to every nation, kindred, tribe, tongue, and people. As a people, we have made it our first work—so much so, that in our own Adventist cultural jargon, to speak of “the truth” means simply one thing: we are talking about the Three Angels’ Messages. To speak of “the work” means simply the work of spreading the gospel all around the world. This has been our all-encompassing concern, but in our time, we are seeing the uncaring indifference of church leaders hardening into opposition and open hostility. We ought to lay aside all of our illusions and look very carefully at this in the light of the question, What do we do under these circumstances?

We do not have to guess; we do not have to speculate; we are told very clearly what we should do. “The angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, ‘Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.’ We see here that the men in authority are not always to be obeyed even though they may profess to be teachers of Bible doctrine.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 69. [Emphasis added.]

Well, what does “not always” mean? When is it all right not to obey the leaders of the church? “Because those who were once the depositaries of truth became unfaithful to their sacred trust, the Lord chose others who would receive the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and would advocate truths that were not in accordance with the ideas of the religious leaders.” Ibid., 69, 70.

No Truth, No Authority

That is pretty clear, is it not? When those who were once the depositaries of sacred truth become unfaithful to their sacred trust, they have no authority. Where there is no truth, there is no authority.

“Unless the truth is enthroned in the heart, and a thorough transition takes place from darkness to light, those who handle sacred responsibilities are ministers of darkness, blind leaders of the blind.” Ibid., 81.

O that God’s people would open their eyes! How many times I have tried to explain to people who question me that in the Seventh-day Adventist Church today there are three groups of people. On the one side is one group of people who know very well what they are doing; they are trying to change the doctrines and destroy the historic faith. On the other side is a group of people who know very well what they are doing; we call them historic Seventh-day Adventists. They are trying very hard to resist and oppose those unauthorized, ungodly changes. But in the middle is the vast majority who does not know what is going on. O that God’s people would open their eyes!

“If a brother is teaching error, those who are in responsible positions ought to know it; and if he is teaching truth, they ought to take their stand at his side.” Ibid., 110. [Emphasis added.]

I want to give credit where credit is due, but if any of our modern leaders have ever taken their stand at the side of an historic Adventist, that has not been reported to me.

We can go on from there to take some examples illustrating the principle that there is no authority higher than the authority of truth, that position without truth has no authority whatsoever. We read here of Caiaphas: “Though clothed with a gorgeous dress, he was acting under the inspiration of Satan.” The Youth’s Instructor, June 7, 1900.

“God has made His people the depositaries of His law. They must uphold the claims of that down-trodden law against the opposition of ministers of the gospel, against men of learning, position, and authority.” Sketches From the Life of Paul, 279.

So, we are not giving blind respect to authority.

“However great the confidence reposed in any man, whatever the authority given him by his position. . . . His position and authority depend upon his connection with God, upon the discernment and wisdom he receives from above.” Review and Herald, May 14, 1895.

The fact that a person has an office does not mean that he has authority from God. He may have authority from man, but not from God. Wycliffe faced this problem, as did Huss, Luther, Wesley, and many others.

According to the apostle Paul in Galatians 1:6, the position of an apostle is not enough if that person is not preaching truth. He must preach the truth, and so must we.

Bereft of Reason

But how shall we handle our problem? In our time, those who have brought apostasy into the church are accusing the faithful of apostasy. When asked to please point out the heresy, the accusers say, “We will not discuss theology with you; we are only here to talk about authority.”

“Because those who were once the depositaries of truth became unfaithful to their sacred trust, the Lord chose others who would receive the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and would advocate truths that were not in accordance with the ideas of the religious leaders. And then these leaders, in the blindness of their minds, give full sway to what is supposed to be righteous indignation against the ones who have set aside cherished fables. They act like men who have lost their reason.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 69, 70.

When they are looking at a problem which is theological from the first word to the last, when they are looking at a relationship in the church of tension and stress that is entirely theological and they say that it has nothing to do with theology, have they not lost their reason? When they take heroes of the gospel of Christ and disfellowship them from the church, are they not acting like men who have lost their reason? When they exalt their rules above the Scriptures and above the Spirit of Prophecy, are they not acting like men bereft of reason? When they have taken the policy of credentials, which was established for the purpose of keeping falsehood out of the pulpit and keeping truth in, and prostituted and turned it around to keep falsehood in the pulpit and truth out, are they not acting like men who have lost their reason? But most of all, when they fantasize that they can destroy the historic faith of the Adventist people, have they not gone stark raving mad? God is going to protect His truth. This truth is going to survive.

God is calling out His people. When there is a crisis, God will raise up men and women to meet that crisis. This truth will survive! It will never be destroyed, because it is God’s truth!

Dr. Ralph Larson has completed forty years of service to the Seventh-day Adventist church, as pastor, evan­gelist, departmental secretary, and college and seminary teacher. His last assignment before retiring was chairman of the Church and Minis­try Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Far East. His graduate degrees were earned from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and An­dover-Newton Theological Seminary in Boston, Massachusetts. He now lives in Cherry Valley, California. His evangelistic sermons have resulted in more than five thousand persons being baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The Spirit of Prophecy in the Remnant Church The Gifts – Their Object

by

The subject of the gifts of the church is at the present time receiving much attention. We are anxious that the readers of the Review should understand our real position in regard to them. The Scriptural view of this subject will stand, however it may differ from previously received views. Bible Christians should not be afraid of any Bible question. Those who profess to be seeking for gospel truth in its purity, do well to go back and learn from the acts and teachings of Christ’s first witnesses, who received the pure truth from the lips of the Great Teacher, and shared largely the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth.

“We want the truth on every point;

We want it, too, to practise [sic] by;

Do Thou, O Lord, our eyes anoint

With the fresh unction from on high.”

Gifts in the Church

God set the gifts in the church.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:15-20.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4.

“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. [Are] all apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:27-31.

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:11-16.

There is no evidence that they were given for a limited portion of the Christian age, to be removed from the church, and she be left for a long time without them. And, more, the prophecy of Joel quoted by Peter and other portions of Scripture, furnish sufficient grounds for faith that, in connection with the last message of mercy, the gifts will be restored to a living church. (“And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.” “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all [ye] that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is [but] the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.” Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:1-22.)

Day of Pentecost

To say that Joel 2:28-32 was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost is most absurd, in view of the following facts:

  1. The signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, mentioned in the prophecy, did not then appear.
  2. There is no evidence that the dreams and visions mentioned in the prophecy were given on the day of Pentecost. They were exercised with the gift of tongues on that day; but the record is silent in regard to visions. Neither can we suppose that there were “old men” asleep on that exciting occasion, dreaming dreams!
  3. The prophet is telling what would occur prior to, and would constitute signs of, “the great and the terrible day of the Lord.” The signs in heaven and on the earth, the outpouring of the Spirit, prophesying, and remarkable dreams and visions, as the fruit of the Spirit, all constitute signs of the approach of that great and terrible day.
  4. These were to occur in the “last days.” As there can be no days later than the last, the days of which the prophet speaks must reach to the end (even admitting that the last days cover the whole Christian age); but to apply the prophecy to the day of Pentecost, and have the events of the last days and the signs of the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord fulfilled there, is most absurd.

But we do not admit that the term “last days” applies to the whole Christian age. When Paul says, “In the last days perilous times shall come” (11 Timothy 3:1), he does not refer to the whole Christian age, a part of which had already passed. He was speaking of the future. He pointed to the men of the last generation, to the fallen churches of this day, in whom are fulfilled the things of which he spoke. Hebrews 1:1, 2, may be urged as proof that the “last days” cover the whole Christian age: “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son.” But the days in which the apostle wrote to the Hebrews, in contrast with the days in which God spoke to the prophets, were the last. They were the last that the world had witnessed, hence Paul calls them “these last days”; but that they were the “last days” that the world would ever witness, is quite another thing.

Benefit the Remnant

The prophecy of Joel (chapter 2:28-32) has its fulfillment in the “last days.” It was written for the benefit of the remnant. The remnant mentioned in verse 32, who find deliverance, are evidently the same as in Revelation 12:17, with whom the dragon is wroth. And why wroth? Because they keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. What is the testimony of Jesus Christ? We will let the angel who addressed John answer the question. He says, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10. Says Joel, “Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” The remnant of both texts are evidently the same. No one, then, need marvel because the dragon’s ire is stirred, on seeing the “spirit of prophecy” revive in the church.

“But,” say some, “the spirit of prophecy, with all the gifts, ceased 1800 years since.” We inquire for their proof of this position, and they quote with emphasis 11 Timothy 3:16, 17, to prove that God’s revelation was complete in Paul’s day, therefore instruction by any of the gifts at this day must be unnecessary and false. Paul says, “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable, . . . that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” But when did he thus write to his son Timothy? Answer: a.d. 66. Now this text either proves that all men, for all coming time, were thoroughly furnished unto all good works when Paul penned it, or it does not. If it does, then it also proves that the epistles of John, written twenty-four years afterward, and the Revelation given thirty years after, were superfluous.

But if the text does not prove that all men, for all coming time, were thoroughly furnished unto all good works, a.d. 66, when Paul wrote it, then it does not disprove the view that God may reveal Himself by some of the gifts, a.d. 1856. It is evident that Paul here refers to the Old Testament Scriptures, which Timothy had known from his youth.

Object of the Gifts

As all objections against the revival of the gifts can be fully met, then we inquire, What is their object? Were they designed to take the place of the word? Never! If the gifts be revived, and the church receive instruction from them, will not this supersede the necessity of searching the Scriptures for truth and duty? No! Never!

Here is where some good brethren are stumbling at this subject. They conclude that if it is true that God is reviving some of the gifts, “for the comfort of His people, and to correct those who err from Bible truth,” all errors would at once be corrected by these gifts, and the church be saved the trouble of searching the word for truth to expose error. They think it strange that the error of commencing the Sabbath at six o’clock has not been corrected by some of the gifts, if indeed they exist in the church. But such entertain erroneous views of this subject. They would put the gifts where they do not belong. Said Jesus, “Search the Scriptures.” [John 5:39, first part.] We are to seek for truth, not only as for lost treasures, but as for “hid treasures.” [Proverbs 2:4.]

The revival of any or of all the gifts will never supersede the necessity of searching the word to learn the truth. The Scriptures on the subject of the time of the Sabbath have never been searched as they have been by the remnant on other subjects, till of late. In our opinion, the error never would have been pointed out by any of the gifts, unless the word had first been thoroughly searched on the question. It is not God’s plan to lead out His people into the broad field of truth by the gifts. But after His people have searched the word, if then individuals err from Bible truth or through strife urge erroneous views upon the honest seekers for truth, then is God’s opportunity to correct them by the gifts. This is in harmony with our entire experience on this subject.

God’s Order

Read Acts 15. When certain men from Judea taught the Gentile churches that they must be circumcised and keep the law of Moses, “Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them.” The subject was first duly discussed. Then from their conference at Jerusalem the apostles and elders, with the whole church, sent out chosen men with letters to the Gentile churches. We give an item of the letter as follows: “It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.” Acts 15:28.

Apostolic order on this question was, first, investigation, then the testimony of the Holy Ghost in some way on the question. And we are confident that this has ever been God’s order, and ever will be His order through all coming time. The word should ever stand forth in front, as the rule of faith and duty. But the experience of the past shows that good men have erred greatly from Bible truth. It would be folly to deny this. If, then, in our extremity, it be God’s opportunity to correct errors of the honest Bible reader, and rebuke the ambitious partisan¾who would wish to be found fighting against God?

The following we take from an article we wrote on this subject, published in the first volume of the Review, April 21, 1851:

“Every Christian is therefore in duty bound to take the Bible as a perfect rule of faith and duty. He should pray fervently to be aided by the Holy Spirit in searching the Scriptures for the whole truth, and for his whole duty. He is not at liberty to turn from them to learn his duty through any of the gifts. We say that the very moment he does, he places the gifts in a wrong place, and takes an extremely dangerous position. The word should be in front, and the eye of the church should be placed upon it, as the rule to walk by, and the fountain of wisdom, from which to learn duty, in ‘all good works.’ But if a portion of the church err from the truths of the Bible, and become weak and sickly, and the flock become scattered, so that it seems necessary for God to employ the gifts of the Spirit to correct, revive, and heal their erring, we should let Him work. Yea, more, we should pray for Him to work, and plead earnestly that He would work by the Spirit’s power, and bring the scattered sheep to His fold. Praise the Lord, He will work. Amen.”

This article appeared in the Review and Herald, February 28, 1856. At this time Elder James White was the recognized leader of the Seventh-day Adventist believers, then unorganized. He was elected president of the General Conference in 1865.

Bible Study Guides – Prophecy, a Guiding Light

by

December 16, 2007 – December 22, 2007

Key Text

“And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.” Joel 2:32.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 5, 467–476; Prophets and Kings, 582–592; Testimonies, vol. 1, 179–184; Early Writings, 269–273.

Introduction

Jesus forewarned and forearmed the disciples and reminded them, “And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.” John 14:29. Ellen White comments, “They [the disciples] would say to one another: ‘He told us that this would come, and what we must do to meet it’” Testimonies, vol. 9, 235.

God has again spoken through the spirit of prophecy, and in so doing He has given to us in more minute detail a picture of the events of the last days. And the inspired message confirms the word of the Bible prophets and aids in a fuller and more complete understanding.

1 What experience will come, at the end of the time of trouble, to many of God’s people who sleep in their graves? Daniel 12:1, 2.

Note: “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…. 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.

“That voice shakes the heavens and the earth. There is a mighty earthquake…

“Graves are opened, and ‘many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth . . . awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.’ Daniel 12:2. All who have died in the faith of the third angel’s message come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God’s covenant of peace with those who have kept His law.” The Great Controversy, 636, 637.

2 What do the New Testament writers foretell concerning the deceptive power of Satanic agencies? II Thessalonians 2:9, 10; II Corinthians 11:13–15; Revelation 16:13, 14.

Note: “Satan ‘works with all deceivableness of unrighteousness’ [II Thessalonians 2:10] to gain control of the children of men, and his deceptions will continually increase. …

“Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world. The foundation of his work was laid by the assurance given to Eve in Eden: ‘Ye shall not surely die.’ [Genesis 3:4.] … Little by little he has prepared the way for his masterpiece of deception in the development of spiritualism. He has not yet reached the full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the last remnant of time. … Except those who are kept by the power of God, through faith in His word, the whole world will be swept into the ranks of this delusion. The people are fast being lulled to a fatal security, to be awakened only by the outpouring of the wrath of God.” The Great Controversy, 560–562.

3 What astounding development did the apostle Paul predict would take place in the religious world before the end? II Thessalonians 2:3, 4. Compare Revelation 13:3, 4, 8, 9.

Note: “The apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, foretold the great apostasy which would result in the establishment of the papal power. He declared that the day of Christ should not come, ‘except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed.’ [II Thessalonians 2:3.]” The Great Controversy, 49.

“God’s word has given warning of the impending danger; let this be unheeded, and the Protestant world will learn what the purposes of Rome really are, only when it is too late to escape the snare. She is silently growing into power. Her doctrines are exerting their influence in legislative halls, in the churches, and in the hearts of men… We shall soon see and shall feel what the purpose of the Roman element is. Whoever shall believe and obey the word of God will thereby incur reproach and persecution.” Ibid., 581.

4 What somber experience lies ahead for all of God’s faithful people? Revelation 3:10.

Note: “Just before us is ‘the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.’ Revelation 3:10. All whose faith is not firmly established upon the word of God will be deceived and overcome.” The Great Controversy, 560.

“We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude.

“The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 11.

5 What view is given of distressing troubles in the economic world? James 5:3–6.

Note: “There are not many, even among educators and statesmen, who comprehend the causes that underlie the present state of society. Those who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the problem of moral corruption, poverty, pauperism, and increasing crime. They are struggling in vain to place business operations on a more secure basis. If men would give more heed to the teaching of God’s word, they would find a solution of the problems that perplex them.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 13.

6 What warning should restrain the child of God from entering into any confederacy with unbelievers? II Corinthians 6:14–18. Compare Isaiah 8:12.

Note: “Men have confederated to oppose the Lord of hosts. These confederacies will continue until Christ shall leave His place of intercession before the mercy seat and shall put on the garments of vengeance. Satanic agencies are in every city, busily organizing into parties those opposed to the law of God.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 42.

“The trades unions and confederacies of the world are a snare. Keep out of them, and away from them, brethren. Have nothing to do with them. Because of these unions and confederacies, it will soon be very difficult for our institutions to carry on their work in the cities. My warning is: Keep out of the cities. Build no sanitariums in the cities. Educate our people to get out of the cities into the country, where they can obtain a small piece of land, and make a home for themselves and their children. …

“Erelong there will be such strife and confusion in the cities, that those who wish to leave them will not be able. We must be preparing for these issues. This is the light that is given me.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 142.

7 What counsel was given to the mother of Samson before the birth of the child? Judges 13:13, 7.

Note: “The effect of prenatal influences is by many parents looked upon as a matter of little moment; but heaven does not so regard it. The message sent by an angel of God, and twice given in the most solemn manner, shows it to be deserving of our most careful thought.” The Ministry of Healing, 372.

8 What far-reaching effects follow right dietary practices? Ecclesiastes 10:17.

Note: Of the nearly 2,000 pages comprising the five spirit of prophecy books devoted to health, a large proportion is devoted to diet, conveying to the reader the instruction given by God to Ellen White.

“The same sins that brought judgments upon the world in the days of Noah, exist in our day. Men and women now carry their eating and drinking so far that it ends in gluttony and drunkenness. This prevailing sin, the indulgence of perverted appetite, inflamed the passions of men in the days of Noah, and led to wide-spread corruption. Violence and sin reached to heaven. This moral pollution was finally swept from the earth by means of the flood. The same sins of gluttony and drunkenness benumbed the moral sensibilities of the inhabitants of Sodom, so that crime 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.]” Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 11.

9 In Zechariah’s vision of Joshua and the angel, what did Satan do? What did the change of raiment signify? What promise was made to Joshua, the high priest? Zechariah 3:1–7.

Note: “Zechariah’s vision of Joshua and the Angel applies with peculiar force to the experience of God’s people in the closing up of the great day of atonement. The remnant church will be brought into great trial and distress. Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragon and his hosts…

“Satan urges before God his accusations against them, declaring that they have by their sins forfeited the divine protection, and claiming the right to destroy them as transgressors. He pronounces them just as deserving as himself of exclusion from the favor of God.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 472, 473.

“All that have put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness will stand before Him as chosen and faithful and true. Satan has no power to pluck them out of the hand of Christ.” Ibid., 471.

“While Satan was urging his accusations and seeking to destroy this company, holy angels, unseen, were passing to and fro, placing upon them the seal of the living God. These are they that stand upon Mount Zion with the Lamb.” Ibid., 475.

10 What question asked by Jesus suggests a condition that will exist in earth’s last days? Luke 18:8.

Note: “I [Ellen White] was shown the people of God, and saw them mightily shaken. Some, with strong faith and agonizing cries, were pleading with God. …

“Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. …

“I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God’s people.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 179–181.

11 What work will be finished before Christ comes? Matthew 24:14. Compare Matthew 28:19, 20.

Note: “The vineyard includes the whole world, and every part of it is to be worked. There are places which are now a moral wilderness, and these are to become as the garden of the Lord. The waste places of the earth are to be cultivated, that they may bud and blossom as the rose. New territories are to be worked by men inspired by the Holy Spirit. New churches must be established, new congregations organized. At this time there should be representatives of present truth in every city and in the remote parts of the earth. The whole earth is to be illuminated with the glory of God’s truth. The light is to shine to all lands and all peoples.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 24.

12 What words of the prophets apply to the church triumphant? Song of Solomon 6:10; Isaiah 60:1–5; Joel 2:32.

Note: “The church is to increase in activity and to enlarge her bounds. Our missionary efforts are to be expansive; we must enlarge our borders. . . . While there have been fierce contentions in the effort to maintain our distinctive character, yet we have as Bible Christians ever been on gaining ground.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 396, 397.

The Lord will bring His church through triumphantly:

“There is no need to doubt, to be fearful that the work will not succeed. God is at the head of the work, and He will set everything in order. If matters need adjusting at the head of the work, God will attend to that, and work to right every wrong. Let us have faith that God is going to carry the noble ship which bears the people of God safely into port…

“When you think that the work is in danger, pray, ‘Lord, stand at the wheel. Carry us through the perplexity. Bring us safely into port.’ Have we not reason to believe that the Lord will bring us through triumphantly?” Ibid., 390, 391.

God will continue with His church even to the end:

“When in the night season I [Ellen White] am unable to sleep, I lift my heart in prayer to God, and He strengthens me and gives me the assurance that He is with His ministering servants in the home field and in distant lands. I am encouraged and blessed as I realize that the God of Israel is still guiding His people, and that He will continue to be with them, even to the end.” Ibid., 406.

Bible Study Guides – Marks of the Remnant Church

by

December 2, 2007 – December 8, 2007

Key Text

“And 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.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 3, 446-449; Prophets and Kings, 605, 606.

Introduction

“God is leading a people out from the world upon the exalted platform of eternal truth, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. He will discipline and fit up His people. They will not be at variance, one believing one thing, and another having faith and views entirely opposite, each moving independently of the body. Through the diversity of the gifts and governments that He has placed in the church, they will all come to the unity of the faith…

“He has given His people a straight chain of Bible truth, clear and connected. This truth is of heavenly origin and has been searched for as for hidden treasure. It has been dug out through careful searching of the Scriptures and through much prayer.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 446, 447.

“Let none seek to tear away the foundations of our faith—the foundations that were laid at the beginning of our work by prayerful study of the word and by revelation. Upon these foundations we have been building … Men may suppose that they have found a new way and that they can lay a stronger foundation than that which has been laid. But this is a great deception. Other foundation can no man lay than that which has been laid.

“In the past many have undertaken the building of a new faith, the establishment of new principles. But how long did their building stand? It soon fell, for it was not founded upon the Rock….

“So we are to hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. Words of power have been sent by God and by Christ to this people, bringing them out from the world, point by point, into the clear light of present truth. With lips touched with holy fire, God’s servants have proclaimed the message. The divine utterance has set its seal to the genuineness of the truth proclaimed.” Ibid., vol. 8, 297.

“Let all be careful not to make an outcry against the only people who are fulfilling the description given of the remnant people who keep the commandments of God and have faith in Jesus, who are exalting the standard of righteousness in these last days.

“God has a distinct people, a church on earth, second to none, but superior to all in their facilities to teach the truth, to vindicate the law of God. God has divinely appointed agencies—men whom He is leading, who have borne the heat and burden of the day, who are cooperating with heavenly instrumentalities to advance the kingdom of Christ in our world. Let all unite with these chosen agents, and be found at last among those who have the patience of the saints, who keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 58.

1 What far-reaching truth was given in response to Peter’s confession of faith in Christ? Matthew 16:13–19. Compare Ephesians 2:19–22.

Note: “To those who believe, Christ is a sure foundation. Upon this living stone, Jews and Gentiles alike may build. It is broad enough for all and strong enough to sustain the weight and burden of the whole world.” The Acts of the Apostles, 175.

2 How did Christ begin to lay the foundation of His church? John 1:36–51.

Note: “With the calling of John and Andrew and Simon, of Philip and Nathanael, began the foundation of the Christian church.” The Desire of Ages, 141.

3 After Christ’s ascension to heaven, who was to be His representative in this world? John 14:16–18.

Note: “When Christ gave His disciples the promise of the Spirit, He was nearing the close of His earthly ministry. He was standing in the shadow of the cross, with a full realization of the load of guilt that was to rest upon Him as the Sin Bearer. Before offering Himself as the sacrificial victim, He instructed His disciples regarding a most essential and com-
plete gift which He was to bestow upon His followers—the gift that would bring within their reach the boundless resources of His grace. [John 14:16, 17 quoted.] The Saviour was pointing forward to the time when the Holy Spirit should come to do a mighty work as His representative.” The Acts of the Apostles, 47.

4 What rich endowments were promised to the church with the coming of the Spirit? I Corinthians 12:7–11. Compare John 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26.

Note: “These gifts are said to be ‘set in the church,’ and if a gift is bestowed upon even one member of the church, it may be said that that gift is ‘in the church,’ or that the church ‘has’ it. So the last generation was to have, and it is believed does now have, the testimony of Jesus, or the gift of prophecy.” Uriah Smith, “Introduction,” Patriarchs and Prophets, 28.

“We call upon you to take your stand on the Lord’s side, and act your part as a loyal subject of the kingdom. Acknowledge the gift that has been placed in the church for the guidance of God’s people in the closing days of earth’s history. From the beginning the church of God has had the gift of prophecy in her midst as a living voice to counsel, admonish, and instruct.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 83.

“The talents that Christ entrusts to His church represent especially the gifts and blessings imparted by the Holy Spirit. [I Corinthians 12:8–11 quoted.] All men do not receive the same gifts, but to every servant of the Master some gift of the Spirit is promised.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 327.

5 What assurance of His continuing presence did Christ give to His disciples? Matthew 28:20, last part.

Note: “Christ’s visible presence was about to be withdrawn from the disciples, but a new endowment of power was to be theirs. The Holy Spirit was to be given them in its fullness, sealing them for their work. ‘Behold,’ the Saviour said, ‘I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.’ Luke 24:49.” The Acts of the Apostles, 30.

6 What symbol did Christ use to represent the church to John? Revelation 12:1.

Note: “…a woman, a figure which is used in the Scriptures as the symbol of a church. A virtuous woman represents a pure church, a vile woman an apostate church.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, 233.

7 What action did Satan take against the woman and her children? Revelation 12:17, first part.

Note: “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.” The Great Controversy, 592.

8 What marks of identity are provided to distinguish the remnant church? Revelation 12:17, last part; 19:10, last part.

Note: “Those who are living amid the perils of the last days, days which are characterized by the masses turning from the truth of God to fables, will have close work to turn from the fables which are prepared for them on every hand, and have an appetite to feast upon unpopular truth. Those who turn from these fables to truth are despised, hated, and persecuted by those who are presenting fables to the people for their reception. Satan is at war with the remnant who are endeavoring to keep the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 105.

9 What did the angel declare that John’s brethren, the prophets, possessed? Revelation 19:10; 22:9.

Note: “Revelation 19:10 and 22:9 quoted.] … The thought expressed is the same in both these passages. In one, however, John’s ‘brethren’ are said to have ‘the testimony of Jesus’; in the other these ‘brethren’ are called ‘the prophets.’

“Therefore it is the prophets who have ‘the testimony of Jesus.’” R. W. Munson, “The Prophetic Gift,” “Appendix,” Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White, 243.

10 What further marks of identity does the remnant church possess? Revelation 14:12, 13.

Note: “This is the people that are repairing the breach in the law of God. They see that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment has been supplanted by a spurious sabbath, a day that has no sanction in the Word of God. Amid great opposition they become loyal to their God, and take their position under the standard of the third angel.

“As the end approaches, the testimonies of God’s servants will become more decided and more powerful, flashing the light of truth upon the systems of error and oppression that have so long held the supremacy. The Lord has sent us messages for this time to establish Christianity upon an eternal basis, and all who believe present truth must stand, not in their own wisdom, but in God; and raise up the foundation of many generations. These will be registered in the books of heaven as repairers of the breach, the restorers of paths to dwell in. We are to maintain the truth because it is truth, in the face of the bitterest opposition.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1152.

11 In what Christian movement of these times have the gift of prophecy and the other marks of prophetic identity been manifest?

Note: “Seventh-day Adventists believe in the gifts of the Spirit. They believe that the varied operations of the Spirit of God, having been expressly set in the church (I Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4), were designed to continue therein to the end, because they are not limited, and God has never withdrawn them from the church; just as they believed that the original blessing placed in the beginning upon the seventh day, is there still, because God never has withdrawn it, nor placed it upon any other day. …

“They believe that they have in their midst a special manifestation, answering to one at least of these gifts which have been placed in the Christian church. This is found in the visions [of Ellen White], as published. . . . Every test which can be brought to bear upon such manifestations, proves these genuine. The evidence which supports them, internal and external, is conclusive. They agree with the word of God and with themselves.” Uriah Smith, “The Visions—Objections Answered,” Review and Herald, June 12, 1866.

12 What message had been entrusted to the advent people? Revelation 14:6–13. Compare Matthew 24:14.

Note: “God has a church on earth who are lifting up the downtrodden law, and presenting to the world the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. The church is the depositary of the wealth of the riches of the grace of Christ, and through the church eventually will be made manifest the final and full display of the love of God to the world that is to be lightened with its glory. The prayer of Christ that His church may be one as He was one with His Father will finally be answered. The rich dowry of the Holy Spirit will be given, and through its constant supply to the people of God they will become witnesses in the world of the power of God unto salvation.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 50.

13 What did Jesus say concerning the triumph of His church? Matthew 16:18, last part. Compare Joel 2:32.

Note: “I [Ellen White] warn the Seventh-day Adventist Church to be careful how you receive every new notion and those who claim to have great light. The character of their work seems to be to accuse and to tear down. . . .

“Let the believers heed the voice of the angel who has said to the church, ‘Press together.’ In unity is your strength. Love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. God hath a church, and Christ hath declared, ‘The gates of hell shall not prevail against it’ (Matthew 16:18). The messengers the Lord sends bear the divine credentials. I [Ellen White] have tender feelings toward you, but come to the light, I beseech of you.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 69.

“Messages of every order and kind have been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists, to take the place of the truth which, point by point, has been sought out by prayerful study, and testified to by the miracle-working power of the Lord. But the waymarks which have made us what we are, are to be preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has signified through His word and the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 52.

The Spirit of Prophecy in the Remnant Church

by

We believe the Testimonies present no truth which may not be found in the word of God, in principle, if not in detail. The Bible contains the whole duty of man. It is our rule of faith and practice. We are told in the word that God has set the gifts of His Spirit in the church.

“He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11–13.

The acceptance of the word therefore involves the acceptance of the gifts of the Spirit. This was forcibly expressed by Elder James White, the great apostle of this movement, in the Review of October 3, 1854:

“The gifts of the Spirit should all have their proper places. The Bible is an everlasting rock. It is our rule of faith and practice. In it the man of God is ‘thoroughly furnished unto all good works.’ . . . Every Christian is therefore in duty bound to take the Bible as a perfect rule of faith and duty. He should pray fervently to be aided by the Holy Spirit in searching the Scriptures for the whole truth, and for his whole duty. . . . The position that the Bible, and the Bible alone, is the rule of faith and duty, does not shut out the gifts which God set in the church. To reject them is shutting out that part of the Bible which presents them. We say, Let us have a whole Bible, and let that, and that alone, be our rule of faith and duty. Place the gifts where they belong, and all is harmony.”

Messages of God

But while the writings of the messenger do not constitute an addition to the Scriptures of Truth, they are nevertheless the messages of God to the remnant church, and should be received as such, the same as were the messages of the prophets of old. Some are inclined to minimize their importance, and by specious reasoning and hypercritical distinctions, to confuse minds as to their character and value. To those who would do this, the messenger of the Lord appeals:

“And now, brethren, I entreat you not to interpose between me and the people, and turn away the light which God would have come to them. Do not by your criticisms take out all the force, all the point and power, from the Testimonies. Do not feel that you can dissect them to suit your own ideas, claiming that God has given you the ability to discern what is light from heaven, and what is the expression of mere human wisdom. If the Testimonies speak not according to the word of God, reject them. Christ and Belial cannot be united. For Christ’s sake, do not confuse the minds of the people with human sophistry and skepticism, and make of none effect the work that the Lord would do. Do not, by your lack of spiritual discernment, make of this agency of God a rock of offense whereby many shall be caused to stumble and fall, ‘and be snared, and be taken.’ ” Testimonies, vol. 5, 691.

Catching at Straws

It requires no marked mental acumen to criticize a great movement or great leaders in that movement. Thomas Paine and Robert G. Ingersoll could discourse eloquently on the mistakes of Moses—and he, even though a Heaven-appointed leader, made mistakes because he was human and not divine; but they utterly
failed to appreciate the great principles for which he stood, and the movement which he led. They found an abundance of pegs upon which to hang their doubts. They judged great causes by trifling details. They saw only the human element in God’s work, and failed to recognize God working through the human. Occasion for doubt may be found in every work where the human element exists, if the seeker hunts for the occasion. The Bible teaches that the remnant church will meet great opposition because of adherence to the commandments of God and the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 12:17. We should be careful to see that we do not share in any measure the spirit of this opposition.

We may see in relation to the work of Sister White things which we do not understand. Ancient Israel saw things which they could not understand in the work of the prophets of olden days. We must be careful that in our human reasoning we do not permit details and technicalities to confuse our minds, and thus obscure the messages which the Lord has been pleased to send us.

Believe the Lord and His Prophets

One who has had a living experience in connection with the work of the spirit of prophecy in this church finds no occasion to doubt its divine origin. The history of this movement reveals many instances where the Lord has used this gift for the preservation of His work. Many times in great crises God has sent through His servant a message which saved this church from disruption and from grave errors.

We cannot see how one can prayerfully read the messages which have come through the years, and doubt their genuineness. They speak to one’s heart. They carry with them the proof of their own inspiration.

We thank God that He gave a prophet to the remnant church. … We should rejoice that the Lord has in this manner visited His people, and again and again warned them of their danger in the midst of the evils which threaten the church at the present time. These messages we believe should be faithfully followed by every believer. Next to the Bible, and in connection with it, they should be read and studied. They throw a flood of light upon the Sacred Record.

“Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper.” 11 Chronicles 20:20.

This article was printed in the Review and Herald, March 17, 1921. At this time the writer was editor of the Review.

The Latter Rain in God’s True Church, Part I

by

If we do not receive “the seal of the living God,” [Revelation 7:2] and following it, the latter rain, we are lost. Therefore, the topic of receiving the Holy Spirit is essential for us.

Through the study of this topic, the Lord is leading us to know ourselves better, and this knowledge should lead us to be corrected by Jesus. Everyone needs correction in some area. Our characters are not equally incomplete; we each have our own defects or weaknesses, but the Holy Spirit will show us where our weaknesses are.

When I titled this article, “The Latter Rain in God’s True Church,” it occurred to me that it is important to know what is God’s true church. Ellen White speaks of this:

“God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love God and keep His commandments. ‘Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them’ (Matthew 18:20). Where Christ is even among the humble few, this is Christ’s church, for the presence of the High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity can alone constitute a church.” The Upward Look, 315.

Power of the Latter Rain

“ ‘The commencement of that time of trouble,’ . . . 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. 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. 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.” Early Writings, 85, 86. The latter rain is parallel with the loud voice of the third angel. (Revelation 18:1-4.)

The proclamation of the third angel began in 1844 and reaches to the second coming of Christ. It is not unimportant to receive this special power. Many Seventh-day Adventists say, “Yes, we do believe in the Three Angels’ Messages, but it is not the time right now to preach these messages. The Lord will show us when the time will be.” This is one of the most sophisticated lies of Satan. We will not receive the latter rain if we have not received the earlier, or the former, rain.

“The latter rain, ripening earth’s harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 506.

Many Seventh-day Adventists believe that a latter rain will be coming, and they are looking forward to the time when that will happen. However, they do not make any efforts to receive the former, the early rain. These individuals will experience a bitter disappointment.

Man’s Cooperation Required

We must go forward and exercise our faith. We need to ask the Lord to give us His special rain. “If we do not progress, if we do not place ourselves in an attitude to receive both the former and the latter rain, we shall lose our souls, and the responsibility will lie at our own door.

“ ‘Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain.’ [Zechariah 10:1.] Do not rest satisfied that in the ordinary course of the season, rain will fall. Ask for it. The growth and perfection of the seed rests not with the husbandman. God alone can ripen the harvest. But man’s cooperation is required. God’s work for us demands the action of our mind, the exercise of our faith. We must seek His favors with the whole heart if the showers of grace are to come to us. We should improve every opportunity of placing ourselves in the channel of blessing. Christ has said, ‘Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst.’ [Matthew 18:20.] The convocations of the church, as in camp meetings, the assemblies of the home church, and all occasions where there is personal labor for souls, are God’s appointed opportunities for giving the early and the latter rain.” Ibid., 508.

Did you really read what was written in this statement? “Man’s cooperation is required.” God’s work for us demands that we take action. We are to exercise our faith. We are required to think about where God’s church is, because it is only there that Christ is, and only where Christ is can we get a blessing. Therefore, this is an act of the conscience, of the mind.

Pre-conditions

Ellen White also gives one of the pre-conditions for the latter rain: “For the latter rain will come, and the blessing of God will fill every soul that is purified from every defilement. It is our work today to yield our souls to Christ, that we may be fitted for the time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord—fitted for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

“God has not revealed to us the time when this message will close, or when probation will have an end. Those things that are revealed we shall accept for ourselves and for our children. . . . It is our duty to watch and work and wait, to labor every moment for the souls of men that are ready to perish.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 191.

So, there is no possibility of receiving the latter rain unless we are actively engaged in the work. This is very plainly stated here.

The Question

The important question is, Can we receive the latter rain where Christ is not present? The following quotations give very plain answers to this question:

“The church is in the Laodicean state. The presence of God is not in her midst.” Last Day Events, 49. If the church becomes lukewarm, it does not stand in favor with God any more than do the churches that are represented as having fallen, and “become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Revelation 18:2. It is impossible for us to unite with those who are corrupt and still remain pure.

God has given us some very important counsel: “And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13. We cannot just be satisfied in thinking that He is in a nice building where people are gathering, singing, and praying. All Christians do this, but through His messenger, God says, “The presence of God is not in her midst.”

We are required to be where Christ is. If we are with Him, we will receive the early rain—the seal of the living God. Then we will be prepared to receive the latter rain. Therefore, this question and its answer are important.

Christ Among Us

Christ says, “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst.” Wherever there are as many as two or three believers, let them meet together on Sabbath to claim the Lord’s promises. How do we know that Christ is among this church? It is essential that we give a right answer to this question. The answer is given in Matthew 7:16, 24: “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.”

We are to look and ask, Are these brethren willing to keep the commandments of God? Are they willing to follow Jesus wherever He goes? Are they willing to proclaim the Three Angels’ Messages? Are they willing to go through the process of sanctification?

“Where Christ is even among the humble few, this is Christ’s church, for the presence of the High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity can alone constitute a church.” The Upward Look, 315.

The size of the church does not matter. A right heart is demanded; the fruits are important where Christ is present. Therefore, also, little companies can fulfill the requirements of God’s church. Ellen White wrote of this: “The little companies assembled to worship God on His holy day have a right to claim the rich blessing of Jehovah. They should believe that the Lord Jesus is an honored guest in their assemblies. Every true worshiper who keeps holy the Sabbath should claim the promise: ‘That ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.’ Exodus 31:13.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 360, 361.

We need nothing more than the presence of Christ, and His presence is not dependent upon the number of believers who are gathered together. Neither is God’s presence dependent on beautiful church structures. Even in your home church, Christ is personally present. He wants to be with you when you are true and faithful and desires to bring you forward in the way of sanctification.

Laborers Together

Ellen White says that the latter rain will come only to the church where the majority, the largest portion of the church, are laborers together with God: “The great outpouring of the Spirit of God, which lightens the whole earth with His glory, will not come until we have an enlightened people, that know by experience what it means to be laborers together with God. When we have entire, wholehearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not laborers together with God.” Christian Service, 253.

The majority of the church must stand on the side of Christ. It is very important, for a reformation, to know this. In what area should we work together with God? Well, many say, “We are doing missionary work. We have worship services; we play nice music. We do all these things for our Lord.” Is it important that we do something?

“It [the gospel] is the power that draws men together in unity. To present these truths is the work of the third angel’s message. The Lord designs that the presentation of this message shall be the highest, greatest work carried on in the world at this time.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 11.

Can there be anything above this greatest work? Through His messenger, God compares this work with a ship. It is very important to be aware what this ship represents. “There is no need to doubt, to be fearful that the work will not succeed. God is at the head of the work, and he will set everything in order. If matters need adjusting at the head of the work, God will attend to that, and work to right every wrong. Let us have faith that God is going to carry the noble ship which bears the people of God safely into port.” Review and Herald, September 20, 1892.

God is at the head of the work, the Three Angels’ Messages. These messages will bear and carry His people until His coming. The ship is not the church structure; the ship is the gospel, the Three Angels’ Messages. If we are not carried by this ship—that means our whole lifestyle, our thinking, our acting—we will miss the target, the heavenly port.

Ship’s Pilot

“The cause is the Lord’s; He is on board the ship as chief director, and he will guide our bark into port. Our Master can command the winds and the waves. We are only his workers, to obey orders; what he saith, that will we do. We have no need to be anxious or troubled. God is our trust. The Lord sends his richest endowments of reason and reasoning to a people he loves, and who keep his commandments. He has by no means forsaken his people who are working in his lines.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, vol. 4, 1708.

Ellen White compares this gospel ship to the ship in the Old Testament that Noah built. He also gave the invitation, “Come onto the ship. Only here is salvation. Nowhere else.” Many people laughed at him, and suffered the results of death when rejecting his message. The same fate awaits us, if we, too, reject the warning message.

“I [Ellen White] was pointed back to faithful Noah. When the rain descended and the flood came, Noah and his family had entered the ark, and God had shut them in. Noah had faithfully warned the inhabitants of the antediluvian world, while they had mocked and derided him. And as the waters descended upon the earth, and one after another was drowning, they beheld that ark, of which they had made so much sport, riding safely upon the waters, preserving the faithful Noah and His family. So I saw that the people of God, who had faithfully warned the world of His coming wrath, would be delivered.” Early Writings, 284.

Mrs. White puts a total parallel between the saving gospel ship on one hand and the ark of Noah on the other hand. This gospel ship needs strong leadership, a special pilot. Many ministers think they are some of the pilots on the ship. They want to determine where the ship is supposed to go. “Important interests in the cause of God cannot be wisely managed by those who have had so little real connection with God as some of our ministers have had. To entrust the work to such men is like setting children to manage great vessels at sea. Those who are destitute of heavenly wisdom, destitute of living power with God, are not competent to steer the gospel ship amid icebergs and tempests. The church is passing through severe conflicts, but in her peril many would trust her to hands that will surely wreck her. We need a pilot on board now, for we are nearing the harbor.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 104, 105.

“God does not leave the ship for an ignorant pilot to steer anywhere; He just stands at the helm, and then we work under orders.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, vol. 2, 565.

“There is no need of doubts and fears that the work of God will not succeed. God is at the head of the work, and he will set everything in order. Let us have faith that he is going to carry the noble ship which bears his people, safely into port.” Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, July 15, 1892.

Common Order

So, who is the ship’s pilot, and through whom is the gospel ship being directed? “Let me [Ellen White] tell you that the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning. There will be those among us who will always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be made when the work goes forward under the direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the message to be given to the world. God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 300.

For this work, the proclamation of the gospel will be out of the common order of things. What has been the common order until now? The church structure has pushed the mission forward, but God through His messenger at the end of time states that it will be “out of the common order of things.” Yet, there will be ministers who will say, “No! That is not the way it should be. We cannot offend the other churches. We want to save them, but we cannot tell them they belong to Babylon.”

The work will still go forward in spite of these unfaithful ministers. God will work out of the common order. He will use means and ways that will make known that He Himself took the reins. The workers will be surprised by the simple means He will use to bring about His perfect work of righteousness. Do we see how God is working out of the common order today through independent ministries and self-supporting workers?

The Sealing

“What is the seal of the living God, which is placed in the foreheads of His people? It is a mark which angels, but not human eyes, can read; for the destroying angel must see this mark of redemption. . . .

“It is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved—just as soon as God’s people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come. Indeed, it has begun already; the judgments of God are now upon the land, to give us warning, that we may know what is coming.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1161.

To be sealed so we are settled right in our convictions happens through reading, through prayer, and through the Holy Spirit. We need to use our minds and our understanding. We need to think through the situations of today and conclusively establish in our minds issues such as who is God’s church. When we are absolutely certain of the answers, then we will know what to do. Ellen White calls it the shaking.

The Shaking

The shaking is nothing more than a separation through the sealing; for once settled, we are sure what is God’s church. Nothing will keep us back any longer—no lies of ministers, no wrong teachings of a church. Those things will cause a shaking among God’s people.

This sealing is the same as happened in the time of Ezekiel. We can read about this in Ezekiel 9—a chapter Ellen White recommends very strongly for us to read: “This sealing of the servants of God is the same that was shown to Ezekiel in vision. John also had been a witness of this most startling revelation.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 445, 446.

“The angel with the writer’s ink horn is to place a mark upon the foreheads of all who are separated from sin and sinners, and the destroying angel follows this angel.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1161.

Note that the prerequisite of receiving the seal is to be separated from sin and sinners. This sealing only happens under the proclamation of the third angel—not under the first angel’s message, not under the second angel’s message, but under the third angel’s message. The third angel’s message includes the other ones, but this is the hardest and strongest warning that God has ever given to the earth. This message is a test of faithfulness for you and for me. Therefore, Ellen White wrote: “Says the True Witness: ‘I know thy works.’ The third angel is leading up a people, step by step, higher and higher. At every step they will be tested.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 189.

“All seem to be firmly united, bound together by the truth, in bundles or companies. Said the angel, ‘The third angel is binding, or sealing, them in bundles for the heavenly garner.’ This little company looked careworn, as if they had passed through severe trials and conflicts.” Early Writings, 88, 89.

“I [Ellen White] was pointed down to the time when the third angel’s message was closing. The power of God had rested upon His people; they had accomplished their work and were prepared for the trying hour before them. They had received the latter rain, or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and the living testimony had been revived. The last great warning had sounded everywhere, and it had stirred up and enraged the inhabitants of the earth who would not receive the message.

“I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven. An angel with a writer’s inkhorn by his side returned from the earth and reported to Jesus that his work was done, and the saints were numbered and sealed. Then I saw Jesus, who had been ministering before the ark containing the ten commandments, throw down the censer. He raised His hands, and with a loud voice said, ‘It is done.’ And all the angelic host laid off their crowns as Jesus made the solemn declaration, ‘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.]” Ibid., 279, 280. [Author’s italics.]

Reaching the World

The decision for eternal life or eternal destruction is the most solemn decision in the life of every person.

How can we reach the whole world with the Three Angels’ Messages? How can that happen? Well, surely there are preachers who can preach this message. They will do their jobs, will they not? If we wait for them, this message will never be fully proclaimed. The people of God, as a whole, need to get to work: “The church must not depend so fully as she has done in the past upon the ordained minister alone to carry the gospel to the world. God has given to every man his work. For many years he has been bidding his people, ‘Go work today in my vineyard.’ [Matthew 21:28.] He calls upon men who understand the Scriptures to go into places where the message of truth has never penetrated, and there work, imparting to others what God has imparted to them. They can be as the salt, communicating saving properties to those with whom they come in contact.” Review and Herald, January 12, 1897. Everyone—every sister, every brother, every child, the old and the young—needs to be engaged in this work, if they want to be saved.

How can the common people with simple means be involved in completing the work? “Church members, ask God to give you a burden to open the Scriptures to others and to do missionary work for those who need help. Some will be rescued in one way and some in another, but the work must always be done as the Lord shall lead. . . . Let the publications containing Bible truth be scattered like the leaves of autumn.” In Heavenly Places, 323.

“Do not become weary in the distribution of our literature. This is a work you may all engage in successfully if you are but connected with God.” Welfare Ministry, 162.

This literature will greatly advance the work, for the seeds need to be sown. When we go out every day, we should have with us literature about the Three Angels’ Messages to share with those we may meet. If we would each do this, how quickly this message would be spread. But none of the literature will have an effect on the world unless God, with His Holy Spirit, works on the hearts of the people. The most important part in this work does not happen through you or me; it happens through the working of the Holy Spirit.

Our Preparation

“I [Ellen White] 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. But there will be no time then to do it and no Mediator to plead their cause before the Father. Before this time the awfully solemn declaration has gone forth, ‘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.] 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. We should, therefore, be drawing nearer and nearer to the Lord.” Early Writings, 71.

“ ‘Their only hope of eternal life is to remain steadfast. Although their lives are at stake, they must hold fast the truth.’ The third angel closes his message thus: ‘Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ [Revelation 14:12.]” Ibid., 254.

Will God say to us, “Come, ye blessed of my Father”? Matthew 25:34. He can say that only to those who really understand where His church is, only to those who are separated by the third angel to come into holy fellowship with Jesus Himself.

Dr. Korinth is a physician living in Berlin, Germany. He is very active in spreading the Three Angels’ Messages throughout Europe, using the printed word. He is a promoter of home churches and is very interested in working with other historic Seventh-day Adventist groups worldwide. He may be contacted by e-mail at: hkorinth@mefag.de.

Bible Study Guides – God’s Love in the Church—Hospitality

by

November 22, 2008 – November 28, 2008

Key Text

“Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” I Peter 4:9.

Study Help: Christian Service, 191–193.

Introduction

“The Bible lays much stress upon the practice of hospitality. Not only does it enjoin hospitality as a duty, but it presents many beautiful pictures of the exercise of this grace and the blessings which it brings.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 341.

1 What blessing does Paul mention regarding hospitality? Hebrews 13:2.

Note: “ ‘Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.’ Hebrews 13:2. These words have lost none of their force through the lapse of time. Our heavenly Father still continues to place in the pathway of His children opportunities that are blessings in disguise; and those who improve these opportunities find great joy. ‘If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.’ Isaiah 58:10, 11.” Prophets and Kings, 132.

2 How else does Scripture promote hospitality? Matthew 7:12; Romans 13:9.

Note: “All acts of injustice that tend to shorten life; the spirit of hatred and revenge, or the indulgence of any passion that leads to injurious acts toward others, or causes us even to wish them harm (for ‘whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer’); a selfish neglect of caring for the needy or suffering; all self-indulgence or unnecessary deprivation or excessive labor that tends to injure health—all these are, to a greater or less degree, violations of the sixth commandment.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 308.

3 At his home how did Abraham receive “three men” who were strangers? Genesis 18:2–8. Who was among them? Genesis 18:1.

Note: “It was Christ who spoke with Abraham under the oaks at Mamre.” The Desire of Ages, 290, 291.

“Angels have appeared in human form to men of God. They have rested, as if weary, under the oaks at noon. They have accepted the hospitalities of human homes.” The Great Controversy, 631.

4 What unique experience did Lot have with “two men”? Genesis 19:2–11. Who were those “men”? Genesis 19:1.

Note: “In the twilight two strangers drew near to the city gate. They were apparently travelers coming in to tarry for the night. None could discern in those humble wayfarers the mighty heralds of divine judgment, and little dreamed the gay, careless multitude that in their treatment of these heavenly messengers that very night they would reach the climax of the guilt which doomed their proud city. But there was one man who manifested kindly attention toward the strangers and invited them to his home. Lot did not know their true character, but politeness and hospitality were habitual with him; they were a part of his religion—lessons that he had learned from the example of Abraham. Had he not cultivated a spirit of courtesy, he might have been left to perish with the rest of Sodom. Many a household, in closing its doors against a stranger, has shut out God’s messenger, who would have brought blessing and hope and peace.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 158.

5 How does the experience of these patriarchs apply to us today?

Note: “The privilege granted Abraham and Lot is not denied to us. By showing hospitality to God’s children we, too, may receive His angels into our dwellings. Even in our day, angels in human form enter the homes of men and are entertained by them. And Christians who live in the light of God’s countenance are always accompanied by unseen angels, and these holy beings leave behind them a blessing in our homes.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 342.

6 How did Joseph receive his brothers in spite of their past cruelty toward him? Genesis 45:1–5.

Note: “He [Joseph] had seen in his brothers the fruits of true repentance. Upon hearing Judah’s noble offer he gave orders that all but these men should withdraw; then, weeping aloud, he cried, ‘I am Joseph; doth my father yet live?’ [Genesis 45:3.]

“His brothers stood motionless, dumb with fear and amazement. The ruler of Egypt their brother Joseph, whom they had envied and would have murdered, and finally sold as a slave! All their ill treatment of him passed before them. They remembered how they had despised his dreams and had labored to prevent their fulfillment. Yet they had acted their part in fulfilling these dreams; and now that they were completely in his power he would, no doubt, avenge the wrong that he had suffered.

“Seeing their confusion, he said kindly, ‘Come near to me, I pray you;’ and as they came near, he continued, ‘I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.’ [Genesis 45:4, 5.] Feeling that they had already suffered enough for their cruelty toward him, he nobly sought to banish their fears and lessen the bitterness of their self-reproach. …

“The news of what had taken place was quickly carried to the king, who, eager to manifest his gratitude to Joseph, confirmed the governor’s invitation to his family, saying, ‘The good of all the land of Egypt is yours.’ [Genesis 45:20.] The brothers were sent away abundantly supplied with provision and carriages and everything necessary for the removal of all their families and attendants to Egypt.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 230, 231.

7 How did Pharaoh deal with Jacob and his family at their arrival in Egypt? Genesis 45:16–20; 47:5–7. How was Pharaoh rewarded?

Note: “Joseph brought his father also to be presented to the king. The patriarch was a stranger in royal courts; but amid the sublime scenes of nature he had communed with a mightier Monarch; and now, in conscious superiority, he raised his hands and blessed Pharaoh.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 233.

8 Who was Rahab, and what kindness did she show to the Israelite spies? Joshua 2:1–7.

Note: “A few miles beyond the [Jordan] river, just opposite the place where the Israelites were encamped, was the large and strongly fortified city of Jericho. This city was virtually the key to the whole country, and it would present a formidable obstacle to the success of Israel. Joshua therefore sent two young men as spies to visit this city and ascertain something as to its population, its resources, and the strength of its fortifications. The inhabitants of the city, terrified and suspicious, were constantly on the alert, and the messengers were in great danger. They were, however, preserved by Rahab, a woman of Jericho, at the peril of her own life. In return for her kindness they gave her a promise of protection when the city should be taken.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 482, 483.

9 How was Rahab’s faith rewarded? Joshua 2:8–13; 6:25; Hebrews 11:31.

Note: “God’s judgments were awakened against Jericho. It was a stronghold. But the Captain of the Lord’s host Himself came from heaven to lead the armies of heaven in an attack upon the city. Angels of God laid hold of the massive walls and brought them to the ground. God had said that the city of Jericho should be accursed and that all should perish except Rahab and her household. These should be saved because of the favor that Rahab showed the messengers of the Lord.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 264.

“All the inhabitants of the city [Jericho], with every living thing that it contained, ‘both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass’ [Joshua 6:21], were put to the sword. Only faithful Rahab, with her household, was spared, in fulfillment of the promise of the spies. The city itself was burned.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 491.

“Through the teaching of the sacrificial service, Christ was to be uplifted before the nations, and all who would look unto Him should live. All who, like Rahab the Canaanite and Ruth the Moabitess, turned from idolatry to the worship of the true God were to unite themselves with His chosen people.” Prophets and Kings, 19.

10 How did Job treat the poor and the strangers, and how was his faith rewarded? Job 29:12–16; 31:32; 42:10–17.

11 Why is hospitality required even of those who are not especially rich in this world’s goods? Deuteronomy 26:12, 13.

Note: “ ‘Thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which He shall choose to place His name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always.’ Deuteronomy 14:23, 29; 16:11–14. …

“Every third year, however, this second tithe was to be used at home, in entertaining the Levite and the poor, as Moses said, ‘That they may eat within thy gates, and be filled.’ Deuteronomy 26:12. This tithe would provide a fund for the uses of charity and hospitality.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 530.

“ ‘A lover of hospitality’ is among the specifications given by the Holy Spirit as marking one who is to bear responsibility in the church. And to the whole church is given the injunction: ‘Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.’ I Peter 4:9, 10.

“These admonitions have been strangely neglected. Even among those who profess to be Christians, true hospitality is little exercised. Among our own people the opportunity of showing hospitality is not regarded as it should be, as a privilege and blessing. There is altogether too little sociability, too little of a disposition to make room for two or three more at the family board, without embarrassment or parade. Some plead that ‘it is too much trouble.’ It would not be if you would say: ‘We have made no special preparation, but you are welcome to what we have.’ By the unexpected guest a welcome is appreciated far more than is the most elaborate preparation.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 342, 343.

Additional Reading

“If you would have your homes sweet and inviting, make them bright with air and sunshine. Remove your heavy curtains, open the windows, throw back the blinds, and enjoy the rich sunlight, even if it be at the expense of the colors of your carpets. The precious sunlight may fade your carpets, but it will give a healthful color to the cheeks of your children. If you have God’s presence and possess earnest, loving hearts, a humble home, made bright with air and sunlight, and cheerful with the welcome of unselfish hospitality, will be to your family and to the weary traveler a heaven below.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 527.

“What we say in the church is not of so great consequence as our deportment in the home circle and among our neighbors. The kindly word, the thoughtful act, true politeness and hospitality, will constantly exert an influence in favor of the Christian religion. Let not the testimony be borne concerning any of us, ‘Religion has made them no better. They are as self-indulgent, as worldly, as sharp in trade, as ever.’ All who bear such fruit scatter from Christ, instead of gathering with him. They place obstacles in the way of those whom they might by a consistent course have won to Jesus. It is our duty as Christians to give to the world unmistakable evidence that we are obeying the great commandment, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself’ [Mark 12:31], which is the same as our Saviour’s golden rule, ‘Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.’ [Matthew 7:12.]” The Signs of the Times, January 12, 1882.

“Our social entertainments should not be governed by the dictates of worldly custom, but by the Spirit of Christ and the teaching of His word. The Israelites, in all their festivities, included the poor, the stranger, and the Levite, who was both the assistant of the priest in the sanctuary and a religious teacher and missionary. These were regarded as the guests of the people, to share their hospitality on all occasions of social and religious rejoicing, and to be tenderly cared for in sickness or in need. It is such as these whom we should make welcome to our homes. How much such a welcome might do to cheer and encourage the missionary nurse or the teacher, the care-burdened, hard-working mother, or the feeble and aged, so often without a home and struggling with poverty and many discouragements.” The Adventist Home, 447, 448.

©2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – God’s Love in the Church Pt.2

by

November 15, 2008 – November 21, 2008

Key Text

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” I John 4:7.

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 662–680.

Introduction

“Whatsoever is done out of pure love, be it ever so little or contemptible in the sight of men, is wholly fruitful; for God regards more with how much love one worketh, than the amount he doeth. Love is of God. The unconverted heart cannot originate nor produce this plant of heavenly origin, which lives and flourishes only where Christ reigns.” Gospel Workers (1892), 312.

1 In His intercessory prayer, how did Christ define life eternal? John 17:3.

Note: “It is only by knowing Christ that we can know God. … To know Christ savingly is to be vitalized by spiritual knowledge, to practise [sic] His words. Without this, all else is valueless.” The Signs of the Times, January 27, 1898.

2 What evidences will show that we know God? I John 4:7, 8.

Note: “Pure love is simple in its operations, and is distinct from any other principle of action. The love of influence, and the desire for the esteem of others may produce a well-ordered life, and, frequently, a blameless conversation. Self-respect may lead us to avoid the appearance of evil. A selfish heart may perform generous actions, acknowledge the present truth, and express humility and affection in an outward manner, yet the motives may be deceptive and impure; the actions that flow from such a heart may be destitute of the savor of life and the fruits of true holiness, being destitute of the principles of pure love. Love should be cherished and cultivated; for its influence is divine.” Gospel Workers (1892), 313.

3 What should the manifestation of God’s love cause us to consider? I John 4:9, 10.

Note: “The love of our heavenly Father in the gift of His only begotten Son to the world, is enough to inspire every soul, to melt every hard, loveless heart into contrition and tenderness; and yet shall heavenly intelligences see in those for whom Christ died, insensibility to His love, hardness of heart, and no response of gratitude and affection to the Giver of all good things? Shall affairs of minor importance absorb the whole power of the being, and the love of God meet no return?” Christian Education, 96.

4 How does the law of God go hand in hand with true love? Matthew 22:35–40; Romans 13:10.

Note: “We have full faith in the scripture that says, ‘God is love’ (1 John 4:8); and yet many have shamefully perverted this word, and have fallen into dangerous error because of a false interpretation of its meaning. God’s holy law is the only standard by which we can estimate divine affection. If we do not accept the law of God as our standard, we set up a standard of our own. God has given us precious promises of His love, but we are not to ascribe to Jehovah a tenderness that will lead Him to pass over guilt and wink at iniquity.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 311.

5 Since God has manifested such a great love for us, how should we act toward our neighbors? I John 4:11. Whereby will the world see that God dwells in us? I John 4:12.

6 What must we realize as we seek to develop this love in our heart? Jeremiah 17:9.

Note: “God considers more with how much love we work, than the amount we do. Love is a heavenly attribute. The natural heart cannot originate it. This heavenly plant only flourishes where Christ reigns supreme. Where love exists, there is power and truth in the life. Love does good, and nothing but good. Those who have love bear fruit unto holiness, and in the end everlasting life.” The Youth’s Instructor, January 13, 1898.

7 What are the main characteristics of perfect love? I John 4:17, 18.

Note: “There are many who desire to love and serve God, and yet when affliction comes upon them, they do not discern the love of God in it, but the hand of the enemy. They mourn and murmur and complain; but this is not the fruit of love to God in the soul. If we have perfect love, we shall know that God is not seeking to injure us, but that in the midst of trials, and griefs, and pains, he is seeking to make us perfect, and to test the quality of our faith. When we cease to worry about the future, and begin to believe that God loves us, and means to do us good, we shall trust him as a child trusts a loving parent. Then our troubles and torments will disappear, and our will will be swallowed up in the will of God.” The Youth’s Instructor, January 6, 1898.

8 How should we deal with those who fall in sin? Matthew 18:14–17.

Note: “In dealing with erring church members, God’s people are carefully to follow the instruction given by the Saviour in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew.

“Human beings are Christ’s property, purchased by Him at an infinite price, bound to Him by the love that He and His Father have manifested for them. How careful, then, we should be in our dealing with one another! Men have no right to surmise evil in regard to their fellow men. Church members have no right to follow their own impulses and inclinations in dealing with fellow members who have erred. They should not even express their prejudices regarding the erring, for thus they place in other minds the leaven of evil. Reports unfavorable to a brother or sister in the church are communicated from one to another of the church members. Mistakes are made and injustice is done because of an unwillingness on the part of some one to follow the directions given by the Lord Jesus.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 260.

“Divine love makes its most touching appeals to the heart when it calls upon us to manifest the same tender compassion that Christ manifested. That man only who has unselfish love for his brother has true love for God. The true Christian will not willingly permit the soul in peril and need to go unwarned, uncared for. He will not hold himself aloof from the erring, leaving them to plunge farther into unhappiness and discouragement or to fall on Satan’s battleground.” The Acts of the Apostles, 550.

9 How did Christ answer Peter’s question about forgiveness? Matthew 18:21, 22.

Note: “The rabbis limited the exercise of forgiveness to three offenses. Peter, carrying out, as he supposed, the teaching of Christ, thought to extend it to seven, the number signifying perfection. But Christ taught that we are never to become weary of forgiving.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 243.

10 What parable did Christ present to clarify the issue of forgiveness? Matthew 18:23–34.

Note: “The pardon granted by this king represents a divine forgiveness of all sin. Christ is represented by the king, who, moved with compassion, forgave the debt of his servant. Man was under the condemnation of the broken law. He could not save himself, and for this reason Christ came to this world, clothed His divinity with humanity, and gave His life, the just for the unjust. He gave Himself for our sins, and to every soul He freely offers the blood-bought pardon. ‘With the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption.’ Psalm 130:7.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 244, 245.

11 Since we have received pardon from the Lord, how should we deal with our fellow sinners? Matthew 18:32, 33.

Note: “In the parable, when the debtor pleaded for delay, with the promise, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all’ [Matthew 18:26], the sentence was revoked. The whole debt was canceled. And he was soon given an opportunity to follow the example of the master who had forgiven him. Going out, he met a fellow servant who owed him a small sum. He had been forgiven ten thousand talents; the debtor owed him a hundred pence. But he who had been so mercifully treated, dealt with his fellow laborer in an altogether different manner. His debtor made an appeal similar to that which he himself had made to the king, but without a similar result. He who had so recently been forgiven was not tenderhearted and pitiful. The mercy shown him he did not exercise in dealing with his fellowservant. He heeded not the request to be patient. The small sum owed to him was all that the ungrateful servant would keep in mind. He demanded all that he thought his due, and carried into effect a sentence similar to that which had been so graciously revoked for him.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 245.

12 What admonition is given us when we are tempted to act like the forgiven debtor who was unforgiving? Colossians 3:13.

Note: “There are many who hope by their own works to merit God’s favor. They do not realize their helplessness. They do not accept the grace of God as a free gift, but are trying to build themselves up in self-righteousness. Their own hearts are not broken and humbled on account of sin, and they are exacting and unforgiving toward others. Their own sins against God, compared with their brother’s sins against them, are as ten thousand talents to one hundred pence—nearly one million to one; yet they dare to be unforgiving.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 245–247.

13 If we are unforgiving, how will God deal with us? Matthew 18:35; 6:14, 15.

Note: “Jesus teaches that we can receive forgiveness from God only as we forgive others. It is the love of God that draws us unto Him, and that love cannot touch our hearts without creating love for our brethren.

“After completing the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus added: ‘If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’ [Matthew 6:14, 15.] He who is unforgiving cuts off the very channel through which alone he can receive mercy from God. We should not think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong we are justified in withholding from them our forgiveness. It is their part, no doubt, to humble their hearts by repentance and confession; but we are to have a spirit of compassion toward those who have trespassed against us, whether or not they confess their faults. However sorely they may have wounded us, we are not to cherish our grievances and sympathize with ourselves over our injuries; but as we hope to be pardoned for our offenses against God we are to pardon all who have done evil to us.” Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 113, 114.

Additional Reading

“O that the mercy and love of God were cultivated by every member of our churches! O that brotherly love might be revived, never to wane, but to grow more and more fervent! It is true that words of admonition and counsel are frequently needed in the church, but they are never to be given by those who are filled with suspicion and distrust, who are eager to weigh others in the scales of their own opinions. No one can do the work of reproving and counseling in the way that Christ would have it done, whose heart is not filled with peace and love. We are near the end, there is no time to waste in educating ourselves in the line of accusation of brethren, and we are not to take up a reproach against our neighbor. Deal tenderly and graciously with every soul, and especially deal tenderly with those who are liable to err. They, of all others, need your help the most. Never take up a report against a brother or a neighbor, or harbor evil surmisings against him. Thou shalt not imagine evil in thy heart against thy brother.” Review and Herald, October 24, 1893.

“Bear in mind the fact that the church militant is not the church triumphant. Cultivate a spirit of kindness, of true, heavenly courtesy. Some may look upon this manner of courtesy as mere weakness; but do not regard it thus. It will always pay to be kind, to be courteous. ‘Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another. … Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.’ [Romans 12:9, 10; 14–18.]” Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, 203, 204.

“If brethren would meet together once or twice a week, and with humble minds, feeling their weakness and realizing their defects, would then ask the Lord to enlighten their understanding and fill their hearts with His love, examining not one another, but the Scriptures, Satan would be defeated. Many imaginary difficulties, mere molehills that have been magnified into mountains and have made barriers between brethren, would vanish, and love, compassion, and respect would take the place of jangling and accusation. When you begin to judge your brethren, you are doing a work God has not given you to do. You are not working with Christ. God did not place you upon the judgment seat to measure and pronounce sentence upon your brethren.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 1087.

©2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.