gospel

Power of the Gospel

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[Editor’s Note: This sermon was given at the Steps to Life Camp Meeting, July 2003. The conversational style of the speaker has been preserved.]

I read a little sign that I want you to think about. It got my attention when I drove by it recently: “Exposure to the Son will Prevent Burning.” Now think about that. It’s true! We all say don’t get in the sun or you’ll get burned, but this sign is talking about our need of exposure to Jesus Christ. Our exposure to Him will make sure that we don’t burn! So, friend, let’s contemplate that a little bit. We need some more exposure to the Son.

I would like to focus on the power of the gospel. I know I need it in my life, day by day. The church, God’s last-day people, needs power. Jesus is coming, and great signs and wonders will take place that will almost addle the mind. Yet we look for something inside of us. Lord, what is it that we need? What must we do to be saved? Where is this power of the gospel? What is it? How can we have this power? I look at the life of Christ and the disciples, and wherever they went, things happened. I want to be around things that are happening, manifestations of the power of God.

In 1904, Ellen White wrote something that you would think that we didn’t need to hear again, as Seventh-day Adventists. After all, we have the information, don’t we? We have it on the printed page, and we’ve read a lot of it, but friends, where is it finding place to lodge? We need not just the head knowledge but the heart knowledge. “The theme of redemption will employ the minds and tongues of the redeemed through everlasting ages.” Lift Him Up, 76. Notice the theme of redemption. If this theme of redemption is what we are going to think about through these ceaseless ages, don’t you think we need to be contemplating it now? Yes, if this is going to occupy our minds there, it needs to occupy our minds now, or we won’t be there for it to occupy our minds!

We think we know all of the answers to all the problems in the world, but what about this thing of redemption, the power of the gospel?

Why Hasn’t Jesus Come?

A very familiar paragraph in The Desire of Ages, on page 671, says, “The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity.” I’ve asked myself the question, “Why hasn’t Jesus come back?” Has anyone asked that lately? And then I happen to stand in front of the mirror, and maybe it answers the question. Isn’t that right? I can say that about myself, but you need to say it about yourself today. Right?

There has got to be a reason why He hasn’t come, because we know that He could have come shortly after 1844. [“Had Adventists, after the great disappointment in 1844, held fast their faith and followed on unitedly in the opening providence of God, receiving the message of the third angel and in the power of the Holy Spirit proclaiming it to the world, they would have seen the salvation of God, the Lord would have wrought mightily with their efforts, the work would have been completed, and Christ would have come ere this to receive His people to their reward. But in the period of doubt and uncertainty that followed the disappointment, many of the advent believers yielded their faith. . . . Thus the work was hindered, and the world was left in darkness. Had the whole Adventist body united upon the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, how widely different would have been our history!” Evangelism, 695, 696.]

So there must be something wrong. We can’t just say everything is fine, pat it, and keep going.

The Image of God

I am looking at what inspiration says: “The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity.” That’s awesome to me; how about you? It is an awesome thought to think that the very image of God is going to be reproduced in you and in me. How is this going to be accomplished? I know that it is going to be, but maybe when you look at your life today and when I look at my life, we see some of the weaknesses and characteristics that we are not so happy with, and ask, “Is this the very image of God?”

Why is it so important for the image of God to be reproduced in humanity? And really, who’s on trial here, anyway? Is it really you; is it really me? Who is really challenged in the very beginning—you, me, or God?

“The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of His people.” The Desire of Ages, 671. Think about it. The honor of God! God is being challenged. Jesus is being challenged. After all, there is going to be a people who are like Jesus. So God, as it were, is on trial. The enemy, Satan, says it is not going to happen, and you know what? He is going about making sure it is not happening, in a lot of cases. We say that we want to be like Jesus, and yet our lives show differently, in the way we talk, in the way we act, and in the way we conduct ourselves. Just looking at our own character today, is it the character of Jesus? Do you really have the mind of Christ today?

Friend, if not, then that is one of the reasons He has not come back. He is coming back after a people that is like Him.

Ignorant of Salvation

When we think about the theme of redemption all through the ceaseless ages, what do we need as a people now to better prepare us? What kind of instructions? What should we be dwelling on? What should we be spending our time on?

Testimonies, vol. 4, 394, puts it this way: “The people [of God] are more ignorant in regard to the plan of salvation and need more instruction upon this all-important subject than upon any other.” That is awesome to me. I thought, surely not Seventh-day Adventists, surely not you and me—we say we’ve been born-again and have a relationship with Jesus Christ; He is our Lord and our Saviour; He is our Friend; He is our Redeemer. We say we have the connection, but Ellen White says, “The people are more ignorant in regard to the plan of salvation.” You and I realize there is no excuse, because there is so much material right in God’s Word that talks about the plan of salvation. We think we know it, yet as a people, we ought to be studying it as we study the sanctuary.

The sanctuary is the heart of Adventism, is it not? In studying the earthly sanctuary and the message, we should better understand the plan of salvation. Somehow, God’s servant says, we have become ignorant on this subject. When I read that, I said, This is the servant of God, and we need to know more about it, because there is power in what we learn about salvation—power of the gospel.

Why would God’s servant say we were ignorant of these things? Why do we need to study more about it? Romans 10:2 says, “For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.” Zeal is not going to do it! Now let me tell you, I like to see a zealous Christian, a happy Christian, an excited Christian. Do you think a Christian should be a little excited? Do you think a Christian should have a little zeal about them? There should be some excitement, some zeal, but it says here, “I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.”

Verse 3 says, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” Friend, I wonder today; have we really submitted ourselves unto the righteousness of God, or are we tiptoeing around, thinking that we have our own righteousness and that we are doing so well and that we have got everything where it should be? There is a problem with that, because the Bible tells us that we need to be ready, “for in such an hour as ye think not” the Son of man is going to come. Matthew 24:44.

In society today, you hear a lot of news about the belief that everything is going to be all right. The economy is getting better. Right now we [the United States] are going to police the whole world. We are hearing that we are going to have peace in the world. The Bible says, “. . . then sudden destruction cometh.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3. When everything seems to be stabilizing, look out! We live in that time of earth’s history. I understand more and more, day by day what God’s servant and what His Word mean, “Kenny, you just need to occupy for today, son. Do not get too excited about tomorrow, because you don’t have it yet.” After all, the Lord has those things in control; He is going to take care of our needs; we need to just occupy for today. (See Luke 19:13.)

Have we really submitted to Jesus Christ today in such a way in our hearts and our lives that if something should happen today, we are ready to meet Him? Friend, we need some more exposure to the Son! I am determined, by the grace of God, not to continue to be ignorant in regard to the plan of salvation, to not only know but also experience what it means to know Jesus. The more we preach the gospel and live the gospel, we are going to have the power of the gospel! “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18.

Knowledge of Salvation

I’m wondering today if we, as Seventh-day Adventist Christians, sometimes think, maybe, that it is foolish. We’ve got it; we understand it; we’ve read about it; we’ve experienced it; so just let’s leave it. Hosea 4:6 says that there is a people who is going to perish for a lack of knowledge. How could Seventh-day Adventists be lost because of a lack of knowledge, with all the things that we have? We have a wealth, a world of information. But are we using it? Are we utilizing it?

Luke 1: 77 says, “To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins.” So part of the knowledge of salvation is experiencing the remission of sins in our lives. That’s important! If we have no sin, we are not going to worry so much, or we may think about salvation or the blood, and it is not important to us, because we feel we are so good. Verse 78 says, “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us.” We are here today by the mercy of God!

I have often asked myself the question, What is so wrong about feeling good about your relationship with Christ? Is there anything really wrong with feeling content? Could it be dangerous? Should we be striving for a better relationship? Or does there come a time where it plateaus, and we don’t need anything anymore; we’re all right; we have it all together?

Reasonably Good

We need to know we have a relationship with Jesus Christ, don’t we? If we don’t know if we have that connection, there is something wrong. But if we compare that relationship to somebody else’s, or we don’t feel we need any more, there can be trouble. Sometimes I think we have that problem, especially those that have been in Adventism for a lot of years. We can grow a little lukewarm. We think it is enough to be “reasonably good.” It is easier to be “reasonably good” than it is to be perfect.

But the Bible says we are to be perfect. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48. It doesn’t say be “reasonably good.” The person, who feels and thinks that “he is reasonably good, and is contented with his condition, does not seek to become a partaker of the grace and righteousness of Christ.” Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 7. Is there anyone today that thinks they are “reasonably good”? Have you become content with that condition?

Walk in Faith

Chapters 8 through 10 of Ephesians talk about the gift of grace. Abraham is spoken of in Genesis 15:6: “He believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” If I were to ask you today if you believe, how would you answer? If you really believe, it is counted to you for righteousness. How we need Christ’s righteousness today! We have nothing to offer, but when we come to Christ with that belief, He can do something with us.

When was the last time you really walked in faith—not the pocket-book talking, not the savings account talking, not all that stuff in the world talking, but really walked in faith? God wants us to walk in faith. “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17. “Without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6. Without faith it is impossible to please God, and yet how many of us really walk in faith, believing God will take care of our needs? It is so important, in Adventism today, that we learn to trust God—trust that He can turn bad things around and make something good come out of them; trust Him when there is no money in the bank to pay the house payment, the car payment, the insurance, the taxes.

If we are going to be co-laborers with Him, we are going to have to have faith. The Bible also says, in Matthew 5:6, that we need to hunger and thirst after righteousness. Think about the things we hunger and thirst for in this life, and how much more important are the things of eternity.

Earthly Nature

I got to thinking a little about the earthly nature. People say that when they were baptized the old man was killed. That is what is supposed to happen. When you give your life to Jesus, and you go down into that watery grave, that’s where the old man stays. But how often we’ve looked and the old man has come back again. The old nature has come back, and what a struggle that is for every child of God. We need Jesus to keep the old man, the earthly nature, away. We need to understand the plan of salvation, the importance of His grace and strength, the power of the gospel.

The earthly nature is something we fight day by day. We fight it, because we are not totally surrendered to Christ. After baptism, we are still going to be tested and tried. Some want to know how big the battle is going to be. It depends on the kind of fight that you put up or whether you turn it over to Christ.

No Acceptable Excuses

I’ve heard people say, “I am impatient. I have been impatient all my life, and I guess I will be impatient until the Lord comes.” Well, look out now. I have heard some say, “I have a temper.” I have had Seventh-day Adventist Christians say, “You know I can’t control my tongue, I am a cusser. I’ve cussed all my life; I can’t seem to gain the victory, and I know the Lord understands.” Others have said, regarding a bad habit, “It is just something I was kind of born with, and I can’t really help it.” All these things are dealing with earthly nature. These things are part of the old man that is coming back. That is not of Jesus. Bitter and sweet water is not going to come out of the same mouth, out of the same stream. It has to be one way or the other. As long as we keep thinking it is okay, that we are “reasonably good,” we somehow convince ourselves that these things are natural, and we think everything is going to be all right. No! We have to be transformed. Christ’s character must be fully reproduced in us.

No excuses are acceptable. If you say you cannot change because this is the way you were born, heaven is not going to be your home. You are going to have to be born again.

In The Desire of Ages, 391, we read: “By looking constantly to Jesus with the eye of faith, we shall be strengthened. God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering, thirsting people. They will find that Christ is a personal Saviour. As they feed upon His word, they find that it is spirit and life. The word destroys the natural, earthly nature, and imparts a new life in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit comes to the soul as a Comforter. By the transforming agency of His grace, the image of God is reproduced in the disciple; he becomes a new creature. Love takes the place of hatred, and the heart receives the divine similitude.” [Emphasis supplied.]

The Word destroys the natural earthly nature. Friend, if the earthly nature has a hold on you today, there is nothing that you can do without the Holy Spirit. I don’t care how you were raised; I don’t care what happened to you. People say, “I am an abuser, because I was abused.” Come off of it! My Bible tells me that when you have been born again, all things become new. (11 Corinthians 5:17.) It doesn’t say some of them; it says, all things become new. Then when you give your life to Christ, it is no longer your mind but His. You can’t think the way you were thinking before. You can’t even respond the way you used to respond. You realize, if you have the mind of Christ, you can’t hate anybody. You can’t even dislike anybody. There are people I choose not to be around, but I have yet to meet an individual, and I think most of you would say the same thing, that I don’t want in heaven.

Get It Together

The Bible tells us, in Ephesians 6:17, that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. I like to think about the two-edged sword. Whichever way you swing it, it begins to cut and divide and to separate. Sometimes it separates you from family and friends in a way that you don’t understand, but the big challenge is to just accept it. Walking in the will of God and wanting to do what Jesus wants you to do, you just say, “Lord, I trust you. I have faith in you.”

God, in the last days, is going to use men and women and children to finish His work. I believe He may divide and separate them from their families. We’re going to have to cut loose of these earthly things, these things that slow us down.

“For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.” Acts 22:15. The Word of God makes us a witness. Matthew 4:4 says, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” We need to be listening to every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. But we have to do more than listen. Luke 11:28 says, “Blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” We have to hear and keep the sayings—not just doers only or just hearers only. We have got to get the whole thing together. We have to realize that as the Spirit comes into us it imparts life.

There is power in the gospel. There is power in the blood. They are powerful today. I don’t want to hear us say, “We don’t have power. We are just this little group over here.” The work will never be finished that way. I can guarantee the work is going to be finished, with or without you, with or without me. We are told, “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22. Colossians 3:16, 17 says that the Word needs to dwell in us. When the Word of God is dwelling and living inside of us, this old earthly nature is going to be destroyed.

A Living Force

How are we to present this gospel? God wants us to have zeal. He wants some of us who have never said “Amen” before to say “Amen.” Have you ever been so excited you couldn’t be quiet? If there is something in the world that you like, that you enjoy, you let everyone else know about it. This is what is needed. We need to have this zeal, this excitement for God!

Ellen White said it like this: “The gospel is to be presented, not as a lifeless theory, but as a living force to change the life. God would have His servants bear testimony to the fact that through His grace men may possess Christlikeness of character and may rejoice in the assurance of His great love. He would have us bear testimony to the fact that He cannot be satisfied until all who will accept salvation are reclaimed and reinstated in their holy privileges as His sons and daughters.” The Ministry of Healing, 99. How many lifeless sermons and theories do we hear from the pulpit nowadays?

The gospel of Christ I present to you today is the power of God unto salvation. It is the righteousness of Jesus Christ. It’s a cross; it’s a glory; it’s the blood. I am thankful for it today. Without His promises, what could we do? What will we do in the hour of crisis, in the hour of test and trial? We need to hide the Word of God in our hearts that we might not sin against Him. (See Psalm 119:11.) The devil is going to bring every possible thing he can against God’s people in the last days. Friend, where will you stand? Where will I stand? I want heaven to be my home, how about you? I don’t want to have gone this far and somehow miss out on heaven, how about you?

You can make a difference, if you let the Spirit of God come in. He says to “Behold the Lamb.” John 1:29. Friend, please do it. Don’t behold individuals; don’t look to others today. Look to Jesus Christ, who is the Author and Finisher of your faith. Experience the power of the gospel. Remain faithful until Jesus comes.

Pastor Kenny Shelton is speaker for the television ministry of Behold the Lamb in Herrin, Illinois. He may be contacted by e-mail at: BTLM@GTE.net or by telephone at: 1-800-238-2856.

Editorial – The Gospel to All the World . . .

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“By giving the gospel to the world, it is in our power to hasten the coming of the day of God.” Review and Herald, November 11, 1913.

It is this desire and this missionary spirit that has motivated true Christians since apostolic times. This is what caused the Waldenses to travel all over Europe, at the peril of their lives, with gospel literature. This is what caused the Reformers to stand, at the threat of death, for Bible truth. This is what impelled the nineteenth century Seventh-day Adventists to begin sending missionaries all over the world and caused ministers in the twentieth century to start Bible correspondence schools and to begin using radio and television to reach the world with the last message of mercy. This was the motivation in the 1990s to start sending millions of tabloids containing earth’s final warning to the entire inhabited world. This is what motivated the use of large newspapers and billboards to advertise the last warning message. This is the reason historic Seventh-day Adventists became so excited in 1993 about using short-wave radio to reach the entire world with the Three Angels’ Messages.

We, at Steps to Life, have been praying that, if it was the Lord’s will, He would open up the way for us to enlarge our evangelistic outreach through television. We are working on some exciting possibilities to get our television program on stations all over the United States. These possibilities are still there, but God has much larger plans than we could have imagined. God is opening up new resources of technology to help us spread the gospel message to the whole world quickly.

Steps to Life television programming has been broadcasting in southern Kansas every week since 1987. The Lord used the television program as the conduit to send us an invitation to broadcast to the world by Internet Radio. Over the years, the owner of Heartland Internet Broadcasting (HIB), a conservative, Christian ministry located in Wichita, Kansas, U.S.A., and one of its technical personnel have listened to and liked our television program. Several days ago we received a telephone call, inviting us to visit them. Many exciting potentialities have opened up as a result of this visit.

Starting November 1, 2003, Steps to Life will be broadcasting every day, 365 days a year, to all the world! This is the way it will work. Anyone any place in the world, who has access to the Internet with a sound card, will be able to tune in to the Heartland Internet Broadcasting station, KHIB, and hear a Steps to Life Internet Radio broadcast!

Weekdays, Monday through Friday, our programming can be heard from 9:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Central Time in the United States. On Sabbath and Sunday, the broadcast time will be from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Central Time in the United States. Obviously it will be at every hour of the day and night somewhere in the world during these broadcast times.

If you receive our newsletter, you know that we are living in very uncertain times and that income in almost all non-profit organizations and ministries is down from what it was a year ago. In spite of this, we believe that the Lord miraculously opened this door of opportunity for us and that as we go through it by faith, He will impress His servants to sustain the giving of the Three Angels’ Messages to all the world.

We cannot discuss all the wonderful possibilities in this editorial, but get your seatbelt fastened! If the Lord wills, Steps to Life could be broadcasting from Wichita to all the world on Internet Television soon. This is not a dream but a realistic possibility that both KHIB and we are seriously discussing for the near future. If you would like to see Steps to Life evangelistic television worldwide, please put this on your prayer list.

Bible Study Guides – The Gospel of the Kingdom

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July 10, 2004 – July 16, 2004

Memory Verse

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14.

Suggested Reading: The Desire of Ages, 231–235.

Introduction

“Of the poor in spirit Jesus says, ‘Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ This kingdom is not, as Christ’s hearers had hoped, a temporal and earthly dominion. Christ was opening to them the spiritual kingdom of His love, His grace, His righteousness. . . . His subjects are the poor in spirit, the meek, the persecuted for righteousness’ sake. The kingdom of heaven is theirs. Though not yet fully accomplished, the work is begun in them which will make them ‘meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light’ (Colossians 1:12).” God’s Amazing Grace, 9.

1 What did Jesus preach? Matthew 4:23. Compare Mark 1:14, 15.

Note: “The gospel message, as given by the Saviour Himself, was based on the prophecies.” God’s Amazing Grace, 12.

“Christ ‘went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing all manner of sickness.’ [Matthew 4:23.] He preached in the synagogues because thus He could reach the many who gathered there. Then He went out and taught by the seaside and in the great thoroughfares of travel. The precious truths that He had to proclaim were not to be confined to synagogues. . . .

“Christ might have occupied the highest place among the highest teachers of the Jewish nation. But He chose rather to take the gospel to the poor. He went from place to place, that those in the highways and byways might catch the words of the gospel of truth. He labored in the way in which He desires His workers to labor today. By the sea, on the mountainside, in the streets of the city, His voice was heard explaining the Old Testament Scriptures. So unlike the explanations of the scribes and Pharisees was His explanation that the attention of the people was arrested. He taught as one having authority, and not as the scribes. With clearness and power He proclaimed the gospel message.” Evangelism, 54.

2 For what purpose is time being continued? Matthew 24:14.

Note: “Now, before the coming of the Son of man, the everlasting gospel is to be preached ‘to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.’ Revelation 14:6, 14. God ‘hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world.’ Acts 17:31. Christ tells us when that day shall be ushered in. He does not say that all the world will be converted, but that ‘this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.’ [Matthew 24:14.] By giving the gospel to the world it is in our power to hasten our Lord’s return. We are not only to look for but to hasten the coming of the day of God.” The Desire of Ages, 633.

3 What is said of the preaching of the gospel in Abraham’s time? Genesis 12:1–3; Galatians 3:8.

Note: “As the Bible presents two laws, one changeless and eternal, the other provisional and temporary, so there are two covenants. The covenant of grace was first made with man in Eden, when after the Fall there was given a divine promise that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s head. To all men this covenant offered pardon and the assisting grace of God for future obedience through faith in Christ. It also promised them eternal life on condition of fidelity to God’s law. Thus the patriarchs received the hope of salvation.

“This same covenant was renewed to Abraham in the promise, ‘In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.’ Genesis 22:18. This promise pointed to Christ. So Abraham understood it (see Galatians 3:8, 16), and he trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sins. It was this faith that was accounted unto him for righteousness. The covenant with Abraham also maintained the authority of God’s law. The Lord appeared unto Abraham, and said, ‘I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be thou perfect.’ Genesis 17:1.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 370.

4 To what degree did Israel fail of meeting God’s purpose? Hosea 1:9, 10. Compare Hosea 2:23; John 1:12.

Note: “This gathering in of the Gentiles to the church of God had been traced by the pen of inspiration, but had been but faintly understood. Hosea had said, [Hosea 1:10 quoted]. And again, ‘I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.’ [Hosea 2:23.]

“During the life of Christ on earth he had sought to lead the Jews out of their exclusiveness. The conversion of the centurion, and that of the Syrophenician woman, were instances of his direct work outside of the acknowledged people of Israel. The time had now come for active and continued work among the Gentiles, of whom whole communities received the gospel gladly, and glorified God for the light of an intelligent faith. The unbelief and malice of the Jews did not turn aside the purpose of God; for a new Israel was being grafted into the old olive-tree. The synagogues were closed against the apostles; but private houses were thrown open for their use, and public buildings of the Gentiles were also used in which to preach the Word of God.” Redemption: or the Teachings of Paul, and his Mission to the Gentiles (1878), 14.

5 In the time of Israel’s punishment for her failure, what glad tidings did God proclaim? Daniel 2:44.

Note: “The dream of the great image, opening before Nebuchadnezzar events reaching to the close of time, had been given that he might understand the part he was to act in the world’s history, and the relation that his kingdom should sustain to the kingdom of heaven. In the interpretation of the dream, he had been plainly instructed regarding the establishment of God’s everlasting kingdom. [Daniel 2:44, 45 quoted.]” Prophets and Kings, 503.

6 Through whom will this promise be fulfilled? Luke 1:31–33.

Note: “[Luke 1:31–33 quoted.] These words do not refer to any human being, except to the Son of the infinite God.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1128.

“Before the foundations of the world were laid, Christ, the Only Begotten of God, pledged Himself to become the Redeemer of the human race, should Adam sin. Adam fell, and He who was partaker of the Father’s glory before the world was, laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and stepped down from His high authority to become a Babe in Bethlehem, that by passing over the ground where Adam stumbled and fell, He might redeem fallen human beings. He subjected Himself to all the temptations that the enemy brings against men and women; and all the assaults of Satan could not make Him swerve from His loyalty to the Father. By living a sinless life He testified that every son and daughter of Adam can resist the temptations of the one who first brought sin into the world. . . .

“Christ came in human form to show the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds and of the fallen world that ample provision has been made to enable human beings to live in loyalty to their Creator.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 226, 227.

7 Before this promise could be fulfilled, what did the Son of God become? John 1:1, 2, 14.

Note: “In taking upon Himself humanity, our Saviour unites His interests with those of the fallen sons and daughters of Adam, while through His divinity He grasps the throne of God. And thus Christ is the medium of communication of men with God, and of God with men.” The Desire of Ages, 143.

8 What name is given to this divine-human union? 1 Timothy 3:16. What did Jesus call this same mystery? Mark 4:11.

Note: “Great is the mystery of godliness. There are mysteries in the life of Christ that are to be believed, even though they cannot be explained. The finite mind cannot fathom the mystery of godliness.” Letter 65, 1905.

“In eternity we shall learn that which, had we received the enlightenment it was possible to obtain here, would have opened our understanding. The themes of redemption will employ the hearts and minds and tongues of the redeemed through the everlasting ages. They will understand the truths which Christ longed to open to His disciples, but which they did not have faith to grasp. Forever and forever new views of the perfection and glory of Christ will appear. Through endless ages will the faithful Householder bring forth from His treasure things new and old.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 134.

9 What shows that the wise men of Babylon did not understand this blessed, mysterious union? Daniel 2:11.

Note: “ ‘The union of the divine and human in the person of Christ is “the mystery of godliness,” or “the mystery of the kingdom of God.” In the case of the seed which is sown in the field, this same principle is illustrated by the union of the reproducing power with the material form. As the seed is thus capable of multiplying itself, so Christ reproduces His own character in believers, by making them partakers of the divine nature. At His coming He bestows upon the subjects of the kingdom the gift of immortality (1 Corinthians 15:51–53), and so the kingdom will stand forever. It is quite likely that the wise men of Babylon did not understand about the incarnation of God in the flesh in the coming Messiah; but in their statement that the dwelling of the gods was not with flesh, they announced the fundamental error of Babylon, both ancient and modern, and really denied the vital principle of the kingdom of God, which needed to be known in Babylon, and which is still to be proclaimed throughout the world.’ Bible Readings, 211.” Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, April 1918, 9, 10.

10 How did Daniel’s experience show that the true God does dwell with flesh? Daniel 2:19. How personal is this union for us? What does this mystery accomplish for the believer? Colossians 1:26–28.

Note: “While Daniel clung to God with unwavering trust, the spirit of prophetic power came upon him. While honored by men with the responsibilities of the court and the secrets of the kingdom, he was honored by God as His ambassador, and taught to read the mysteries of ages to come. Heathen monarchs, through association with Heaven’s representative, were constrained to acknowledge the God of Daniel.” Education, 56.

“When His words of instruction have been received, and have taken possession of us, Jesus is to us an abiding presence, controlling our thoughts and ideas and actions. We are imbued with the instruction of the greatest Teacher the world ever knew. A sense of human accountability and of human influence gives character to our views of life and of daily duties. Jesus Christ is everything to us—the first, the last, the best in everything. Jesus Christ, His Spirit, His character, colors everything; it is the warp and the woof, the very texture of our entire being. The words of Christ are spirit and life. We cannot, then, center our thoughts upon self; it is no more we that live, but Christ that liveth in us, and He is the hope of glory. Self is dead, but Christ is a living Saviour. Continuing to look unto Jesus, we reflect His image to all around us. We cannot stop to consider our disappointments, or even to talk of them; for a more pleasant picture attracts our sight—the precious love of Jesus. He dwells in us by the word of truth.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 389.

11 In what words did King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledge Daniel’s fellowship with God? Daniel 2:47.

Note: “The Lord worked with power to bring the mightiest king on the earth to acknowledge Him as King over all kings. He moved upon the mind of the proud king until Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged Him as ‘the most high God,’ ‘whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation.’ ” Evangelism, 88.

12 What invitation will the King extend to those who have experienced the mystery of the kingdom? Matthew 25:31–34.

Note: “Not until the personal advent of Christ can His people receive the kingdom. The Saviour said: [Matthew 25:31-34 quoted.] We have seen by the scriptures just given that when the Son of man comes, the dead are raised incorruptible and the living are changed. By this great change they are prepared to receive the kingdom; for Paul says: ‘Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.’ 1 Corinthians 15:50. Man in his present state is mortal, corruptible; but the kingdom of God will be incorruptible, enduring forever. Therefore man in his present state cannot enter into the kingdom of God. But when Jesus comes, He confers immortality upon His people; and then He calls them to inherit the kingdom of which they have hitherto been only heirs.” The Great Controversy, 322, 323.

Bible Study Guides – To a Lost World—Go Ye

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February 19, 2006 – February 25, 2006

Key Text

“I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6, last half.

Study Help: Gospel Workers (1915), 24–29; Christ’s Object Lessons, 296–303.

Introduction

“Men are in peril. Multitudes are perishing. But how few of the professed followers of Christ are burdened for these souls. The destiny of a world hangs in the balance; but this hardly moves even those who claim to believe the most far-reaching truth ever given to mortals. There is a lack of that love which led Christ to leave His heavenly home and take man’s nature that humanity might touch humanity and draw humanity to divinity. There is a stupor, a paralysis, upon the people of God, which prevents them from understanding the duty of the hour. . . .

“With the whole world before them in need of the gospel, professed Christians congregate where they themselves can enjoy gospel privileges. They do not feel the necessity of occupying new territory, carrying the message of salvation into regions beyond. They refuse to fulfill Christ’s commission, ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.’ Mark 16:15. Are they less guilty than was the Jewish church?” Christ’s Object Lessons, 303.

1 How does the prophet Isaiah describe the condition of the world? Isaiah 60:2, first part.

note: “We are near the close of time. . . . The Lord has given us warning of the events about to take place. Light is shining from His word; yet darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people. ‘When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them; . . . and they shall not escape.’ [1 Thessalonians 5:3.]

“It is our duty to inquire the cause of this terrible darkness, that we may shun the course by which men have brought upon themselves so great delusion. God has given the world an opportunity to learn and to obey His will. He has given them, in His word, the light of truth; He has sent them warning, counsel, and admonition; but few will obey His voice. Like the Jewish nation, the majority, even of professed Christians, pride themselves on their superior advantages, but make no returns to God for these great blessings. In infinite mercy a last warning message has been sent to the world, announcing that Christ is at the door and calling attention to God’s broken law.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 99.

2 In what condition is every soul who has not found the Saviour? Ephesians 2:12.

note: “Those for whom you labor are your brethren in distress, suffering from physical disorders and the spiritual leprosy of sin. If you are any better than they, it is to be credited to the cross of Christ. Many are without God and without hope in the world. They are guilty, corrupt, and degraded, enslaved by Satan’s devices. Yet these are the ones whom Christ came from heaven to redeem. They are subjects for tenderest pity, sympathy, and tireless effort; for they are on the verge of ruin. They suffer from ungratified desires, disordered passions, and the condemnation of their own consciences; they are miserable in every sense of the word, for they are losing their hold on this life and have no prospect for the life to come.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 568.

3 What does Christ desire that His followers should do for the world in its darkness? Matthew 5:14–16. What command was given to the apostles in Paul’s day? Acts 13:47.

note: “While Christ is dwelling in the heart it is impossible to conceal the light of His presence, or for that light to grow dim. On the contrary, it will grow brighter and brighter as day by day the mists of selfishness and sin that envelop the soul are dispelled by the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness.

“The people of God are His representatives upon the earth, and He intends that they shall be lights in the moral darkness of this world. Scattered all over the country, in the towns, cities, and villages, they are God’s witnesses, the channels through which He will communicate to an unbelieving world the knowledge of His will and the wonders of His grace. It is His plan that all who are partakers of the great salvation shall be missionaries for Him.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 134.

4 While with His disciples in person, what work did the Saviour give them? Matthew 10:1, 5–8.

note: “The Saviour’s commission to the disciples includes all believers to the end of time. All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come are put in trust with the gospel. All who receive the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. For this work the church was established, and all who take upon themselves its sacred vows are thereby pledged to be co-workers with Christ.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 466.

5 How were the disciples to obtain their support while in the field? Matthew 10:9, 10.

note: “On this first tour the disciples were to go only where Jesus had been before them, and had made friends. Their preparation for the journey was to be of the simplest kind. Nothing must be allowed to divert their minds from their great work, or in any way excite opposition and close the door for further labor. They were not to adopt the dress of the religious teachers, nor use any guise in apparel to distinguish them from the humble peasants. They were not to enter into the synagogues and call the people together for public service; their efforts were to be put forth in house-to-house labor. They were not to waste time in needless salutations, or in going from house to house for entertainment. But in every place they were to accept the hospitality of those who were worthy, those who would welcome them heartily as if entertaining Christ Himself. They were to enter the dwelling with the beautiful salutation, ‘Peace be to this house.’ Luke 10:5.” The Desire of Ages, 351, 352.

6 What were the disciples to expect as a part of their experience? Matthew 10:16–24.

note: “They [the disciples] were warned to beware of men, for they should be delivered up to the councils and scourged in the synagogues.

“Men’s hearts are no softer today than when Christ was upon the earth. They will do all in their power to aid the great adversary in making it as hard as possible for the servants of Christ, just as the people did with Christ when He was upon the earth. They will scourge with the tongue of slander and falsehood. They will criticize, and turn against the servant of God the very efforts he is leading them to make. They will, with their evil surmisings, see fraud and dishonesty where all is right and where perfect integrity exists. They lay selfish motives to the charge of God’s servants, when He Himself is leading them, and when they would give even their lives if God required, if by so doing they could advance His cause.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 234.

7 Just before Christ’s ascension, what command did Jesus give to all His disciples? To make the carrying out of this command possible, whose power and presence were promised? Matthew 28:18–20. Where was the disciples’ witness to begin? How far was it to extend? Acts 1:8.

note: “To you, My disciples, I commit this message of mercy. It is to be given to Israel first, and then to all nations, tongues, and peoples. It is to be given to Jews and Gentiles. All who believe are to be gathered into one church.

“Through the gift of the Holy Spirit the disciples were to receive a marvelous power. Their testimony was to be confirmed by signs and wonders. Miracles would be wrought, not only by the apostles, but by those who received their message.” The Desire of Ages, 821.

8 What results followed the first preaching of the gospel by the apostolic church? Acts 2:41; 4:4.

note: “Then the glad tidings of a risen Saviour were carried to the uttermost bounds of the inhabited world. The church beheld converts flocking to her from all directions. Believers were reconverted. Sinners united with Christians in seeking the pearl of great price. . . .

“These scenes are to be repeated, and with greater power. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was the former rain, but the latter rain will be more abundant. The Spirit awaits our demand and reception. Christ is again to be revealed in His fulness by the Holy Spirit’s power.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 120, 121.

9 What conditions did God allow to come upon the church? With what result? Acts 8:1, 4.

note: “If those who know the truth would practice it, methods would be devised for meeting the people where they are. It was the providence of God which in the beginning of the Christian church scattered the saints abroad, sending them out of Jerusalem into many parts of the world. The disciples of Christ did not stay in Jerusalem or in the cities near by, but they went beyond the limits of their own country into the great thoroughfares of travel, seeking for the lost that they might bring them to God. Today the Lord desires to see His work carried forward in many places. We must not confine our labors to a few localities.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 330.

10 When Paul was converted, to what work was he set apart by the Lord? What would come to him in connection with this service? Ephesians 3:7, 8; Acts 9:13–16; 20:22, 23.

note: “At the time of Paul’s conversion, the Lord had declared that he was to be made a minister to the Gentiles, ‘to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me.’ Acts 26:18. . . . And Paul himself, later in his Christian experience, while praying in the temple at Jerusalem, had been visited by an angel from heaven, who bade him, ‘Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.’ Acts 22:21.

“Thus the Lord had given Paul his commission to enter the broad missionary field of the Gentile world. To prepare him for this extensive and difficult work, God had brought him into close connection with Himself and had opened before his enraptured vision views of the beauty and glory of heaven.” The Acts of the Apostles, 159.

11 What testimony did Paul give at the close of his years of faithful ministry? 11 Timothy 4:6–8.

note: “Well-nigh a score of centuries have passed since Paul the aged poured out his blood as a witness for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. No faithful hand recorded for the generations to come the last scenes in the life of this holy man, but Inspiration has preserved for us his dying testimony. Like a trumpet peal his voice has rung out through all the ages since, nerving with his own courage thousands of witnesses for Christ and wakening in thousands of sorrow-stricken hearts the echo of his own triumphant joy.” The Acts of the Apostles, 513.

12 What promises are given for the encouragement of all faithful ministers of Christ? Isaiah 43:5–7; 49:6, 10–12.

note: “The prophet was permitted to look down the centuries to the time of the advent of the promised Messiah. At first he beheld only ‘trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish.’ Isaiah 8:22. Many who were longing for the light of truth were being led astray by false teachers into the bewildering mazes of philosophy and spiritism; others were placing their trust in a form of godliness, but were not bringing true holiness into the life practice. The outlook seemed hopeless; but soon the scene changed, and before the eyes of the prophet was spread a wondrous vision. He saw the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings; and, lost in admiration, he exclaimed: ‘The dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first He lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.’ Isaiah 9:1, 2. . . .

“Looking on still farther through the ages, the prophet beheld the literal fulfillment of these glorious promises. He saw the bearers of the glad tidings of salvation going to the ends of the earth, to every kindred and people. He heard the Lord saying of the gospel church, ‘Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream;’ and he heard the commission, ‘Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; for thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles.’ Isaiah 66:12; 54:2, 3.” Prophets and Kings, 373, 374.

A Finished Work – The Power

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In this series, we have been studying about a finished work as typified in the conquest of Canaan. We have seen the challenge of a finished work [December 2005] that still lies before us today. We reviewed the method of a finished work [January 2006], and the need to explicitly follow God’s directions. We studied the march of a finished work [April 2006], and the need to march in unity if the work is going to be finished today. We have to march shoulder to shoulder.

A Mindset

John 4 is a very instructive passage of Scripture. In fact, Ellen White tells us that this is the most important discourse that Jesus gave. (See Testimonies, vol. 3, 217.) So this is a very important passage for us to study.

In John 4:3–6, 8, we read where Jesus had come to Jacob’s well, and He was weary. Jesus and His companions had been traveling almost all of the morning, and He was tired from the journey. Not only was He tired, but, apparently, He was also hungry, because the disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. As Jesus was resting there by the well, a woman came. This Samaritan woman, who was probably looking the other way, was just going to draw water and go on her way, but Jesus spoke to her, asking a favor of this woman. Throughout the course of the conversation, Jesus was able to turn a common, casual conversation into spiritual truth and led her to make a decision. It seems this took just a matter of five or ten minutes. The woman went away, but Jesus knew where she was going. She was going to tell the entire city that she had found the Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One. (Verses 7, 9–26, 28, 29.)

The disciples returned with food and urged Him to eat, but Jesus was thinking about this woman who had just made a decision. He was thinking about the people of the city that were on their way to meet Him right then, and He said, “I have meat to eat that ye know not of. . . . My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” Verses 32, 34.

Jesus, by faith, saw a finished work in the example of this Samaritan woman and the Samaritan town. He said, “Even though I am tired, even though I am hungry, I have forgotten all about it by looking at a finished work.”

Is a finished work so much our desire that even if we have walked many hours, and we are weary and hungry, we will say, “You know, I do not even want to eat, because I am thinking about the work being finished”?

This was Jesus’ mindset. A finished work was His goal, and this must be the goal set before us as well. We must always remember what the goal is toward which we are marching.

By God’s Power

The children of Israel had come to the borders of the Promised Land, and God had given them the explicit direction, “March into the Jordan.” (Joshua 3.) They followed those explicit directions from the Captain of the Host.

Would they have been effectual without God’s power being displayed? Absolutely not. If God’s power had not been manifested for them as they marched into the Jordan, they would have been drowned. They would have been carried away by the torrent. But at the very moment the feet of the priests bearing the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the Jordan, the Jordan stopped. By God’s power the Jordan was stopped.

The directions next given were that they were to march around Jericho. Could all of their marching have conquered that city? No, not without the power of God. Without the display of God’s power in tearing down the walls of Jericho, Canaan would have never been conquered. Following the directions of God was not enough; they had to rely solely upon the power of God.

I do not know how the walls came down. I imagine that angels tore them down, or maybe the Lord used sound waves as the people shouted, or an earthquake. Although I do not know exactly how it happened, I do believe it was a miracle that the walls came down, and that the city was surrounded and conquered without a fight.

We must always remember, in our work today, that if the work is going to be finished, it is through God’s power alone that it will be finished—just as it was God’s power alone that conquered Canaan.

We could give Bible studies to every single person in this world, but would that alone be enough? No, that alone would not be enough. We could give literature to every single person in the world, but would that alone be enough? No. We could give everyone a massage, or something recommended by the health message, but would that alone be enough? As important as this is and as much as we need to be doing that, we must realize that we are but clay. We are but dust and ashes. It does not matter what we do; without the power of God directing and supporting our efforts, the work will not be finished.

The Gospel Commission

“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, 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 24:45–49.

These are the last words, recorded in the gospel of Luke, which Jesus spoke to His disciples. Were the disciples given a big work? Oh, yes! Jesus said, “This gospel of repentance and remission of sins is going to be preached in all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.” He gave to them what we call the Great Commission.

Did Jesus tell them to start right then? I do not know about you, but that would be my temperament; I would want to start immediately, but Jesus said, “Tarry until you are endued with power from on high.”

How much more do we need that power from on high in our work today? Ellen White wrote: “Those who today believe in Christ, need more than Pentecostal power, inasmuch as He has given them a large, open field in which to work.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, vol. 4, 1793. The disciples needed the power of Pentecost, but today, as the challenges have grown greater and the giants have grown taller, we need more than Pentecostal power.

Our Need

“The work ought to have moved forward with a hundredfold more power than it has.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 144. Ellen White said that not just do we need more than Pentecostal power, but our work should have been moving forward with a hundred times more power.

If that was true then, do you think it is true today? We might even need 200 times more power today. But in everything we can do, as important as it is, we must realize that without God’s power being displayed, not even one soul is going to be converted. There might be some that accept the message, there might be some that are baptized, but without God’s power truly working, not one soul will be converted. I do not just want baptisms; I want conversions!

God’s Promise

God has promised that the Pentecostal power is going to come. Oh, how I look forward to that time! The Old Testament prophets are full of promises about the power that is going to accompany the work. Those prophecies were given as God desired to do the work through the nation of Israel, but because of their rejection of God’s plans and of His Son, those promises could not be fulfilled.

Ellen White gives many statements describing the power of God that is going to come in the latter rain. She states that, “There will be thousands converted to the truth in a day, who at the eleventh hour see and acknowledge the truth and the movements of the Spirit of God.” The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, vol. 2, 754.

“Let the full light of His life stream into the souls of those who are in darkness. Under the direct power of the gospel thousands have been converted in a day.” Colporteur Ministry, 153. Not only are thousands going to be converted, but thousands are going to step into the light and become eleventh hour workers!

Quoting the promise in Amos 9:13 about the harvester overtaking the planter— “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed”—Mrs. White says: “These conversions to truth will be made with a rapidity that will surprise the church, and God’s name alone will be glorified.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 16. Do you want to be surprised? I want to be surprised. I studied for a year and a half before I was baptized. I want to see conversions come with such rapidity that I am surprised at how quickly they occur.

A Greater Power

Speaking of the Day of Pentecost, Ellen White tells us, “These scenes are to be repeated, and with greater power. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was the former rain, but the latter rain will be more abundant.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 121. More abundant than Pentecost! How often were believers added to the church after Pentecost? Daily! “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:47.

This is going to happen again with even more power than then. There are going to be conversions—not just every year or every few months, but daily. Ellen White says, “The power which stirred the people so mightily in the 1844 movement will again be revealed. The third angel’s message will go forth, not in whispered tones, but with a loud voice.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 252.

Every City

“During the loud cry, the church, aided by the providential interpositions of her exalted Lord, will diffuse the knowledge of salvation so abundantly that light will be communicated to every city and town. The earth will be filled with the knowledge of salvation. So abundantly will the renewing Spirit of God have crowned with success the intensely active agencies, that the light of present truth will be seen flashing everywhere.” Review and Herald, October 13, 1904.

“In the visions of the night a very impressive scene passed before me [Ellen White]. I saw an immense ball of fire fall among some beautiful mansions, causing their instant destruction. I heard someone say: ‘We knew that the judgments of God were coming upon the earth, but we did not know that they would come so soon.’ Others, with agonized voices, said: ‘You knew! Why then did you not tell us? We did not know.’ On every side I heard similar words of reproach spoken.

“In great distress I awoke. I went to sleep again, and I seemed to be in a large gathering. One of authority was addressing the company, before whom was spread out a map of the world. He said that the map pictured God’s vineyard, which must be cultivated. As light from heaven shone upon anyone, that one was to reflect the light to others. Lights were to be kindled in many places, and from these lights still other lights were to be kindled.

“The words were repeated: ‘Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden underfoot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ Matthew 5:13–16.

“I saw jets of light shining from cities and villages, and from the high places and the low places of the earth. God’s word was obeyed, and as a result there were memorials for Him in every city and village. His truth was proclaimed throughout the world.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 28, 29.

We do not have memorials to God in every city and village today, but this is a promise. When God’s power takes hold of the church, there will be memorials to Him in every city and village.

Message Carried

“Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. . . .

“The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God.” The Great Controversy, 612.

The arguments will have been presented. The people have received the literature. They have been given Bible studies. They have attended the evangelistic meetings. They have heard or experienced whatever method brought them the truth of the gospel, and when God’s power is poured out in the latter rain, they will be convicted and take their stand.

Preparation for that Day

Do you want to see that day? Oh, how I long to see that day! We must work and do everything we can right now, but we need to keep our eyes on the time when God’s power is going to be poured out. We must be preparing for that event.

“I know that a work must be done for the people, or many will not be prepared to receive the light of the angel sent down from heaven to lighten the whole earth with his glory. Do not think that you will be found as vessels unto honor in the time of the latter rain, to receive the glory of God, if you are lifting up your souls unto vanity, speaking perverse things, in secret cherishing roots of bitterness. The frown of God will certainly be upon every soul who cherishes and nurtures these roots of dissension and possesses a spirit so unlike the spirit of Christ.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 468, 469.

A work must be done for us. We are not ready for God’s power to be poured out most fully. If God’s power, His Spirit, was poured out and we still had a vestige of pride or selfishness in our hearts, we would be saying, “Look at what we are doing.”

God wants to give us His Spirit, His power, but He cannot do it until a work is done for us.

Moving Forward

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

God’s power is going to be displayed again. We have a work to do, not just in this world, but also in our hearts. When we individually take hold of that work, when we individually are cleansed from every defilement, God is going to give us more and more of His power, until the third angel’s message swells into the loud cry. The knowledge of truth will then be diffused to every land and city and village.

One Family

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, one family moved to a “dark area”—an area void of Seventh-day Adventist Christians. One family, not a whole team of workers, moved there, and within three or four years, I visited the church and the congregation that they had built up. A church of over 100 members had been raised up in those few years!

Now we may say, “That is Africa. They realize their need more.” This is true; it is Africa, but when this family moved to the “dark area,” they learned that the Baptist Church leaders had warned the entire community against them. There was so much prejudice that the local residents would not even look them in the eye or shake their hands.

The father of this family needed to go on a mission one day, and he enlisted the assistance of two young men to go with him. They were to carry some of his things. He later learned that the purpose they had in accompanying him was so they could throw his things by the roadside and return to the village. Those two men are converted now.

From the prejudice, God was able to do a work with just one family. And the work did not stop there, because they put up a sign beside the road that said, “Independent Seventh-day Adventist Church.” This is a major road. Perhaps five to ten vehicles go by the sign in a day, but that is a major road in this part of the country. Perhaps I should clarify that these vehicles are trucks—the equivalent of a grain truck—with about 40 people riding on the top, ten feet up off the ground! As people from the surrounding area traveled this road, they would see the sign, and some of them would stop to find out more information.

This family began to minister to the people there. One lady requested prayer, so they walked the six or eight miles to her village during the night. They prayed all night for her, then walked back to their home the next morning. Then a man was healed through their efforts, and the entire village opened to them. A church was planted there. The Baptist minister became a leader in that church.

The good news of the gospel began to spread, and when I visited there, four churches had been raised up, from one family that had moved to this “dark area.” Within five months of my visit, six more groups of worshippers were meeting every Sabbath and studying for baptism. In one village, 300 to 400 people were interested in studying the message.

God’s Power Displayed

God’s power is certainly being displayed! While visiting there, I talked to people who had been fetish priests; that is like being witch doctors. They had been converted and had given up their livelihood to accept the Lord and to follow His truth. That is the greatest power of God being displayed!

I also talked to a man who was a sorcerer. He said he had been guilty of killing people through his trade. Through this one family, he accepted Christ as his Saviour.

Many other lives are being changed, displaying evidence of the power of God. All this because one family was willing to enter into a “dark area,” and in just a few years, God was able to do a mighty work.

Used of God

God wants to use our families. Do we want to be used by Him? Do we want God’s power to be displayed through us? Do we want to be that channel? Maybe we are only one family in an area, but as we consecrate ourselves to God and as we seek for power from on high, He can do with us just as He is doing in Africa.

Are we willing to comply with the conditions? Are we willing to seek that power? Are we willing to tarry in Jerusalem? Are we willing, as were the disciples? It took them ten days of repenting and of confessing, ten days of humbling their hearts before God and seeking that their lives might be right with Him, ten days to be cleansed of every defilement before God could pour the Holy Spirit upon them.

The same work, only in a greater degree, must be done today. I want to see that time when thousands are converted in a day. I want to see that time when the knowledge of truth and of salvation is spread so abundantly that it goes to every city and village in this world. I want to see the time when there is more than Pentecostal power. I want to see the time when the message is carried not so much by argument, but by the power of His Spirit.

If we are going to see the time of the latter rain, we must individually be doing the work that the disciples did. Are you willing to do it? Pray that the Lord will make us each willing, that we might receive that power from on high.

Link to the next article in this series…

Cody Francis is currently engaged in public evangelism for Mission Projects International. He also pastors the Remnant Church of Seventh-day Adventist Believers in Renton, Washington. He may be contacted by e-mail at: cody@missionspro.org.

Question – Is health reform really a part of the Gospel?

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Question

Is health reform really a part of the Gospel?

Answer

The principles of how to live healthfully are given to us to be a blessing. Is there anyone who really enjoys being sick or not feeling well or being in real pain and misery, which many times ends in premature death? “Only one lease of life is granted us; and the inquiry with every one should be, ‘How can I invest my powers so that they may yield the greatest profit? How can I do most for the glory of God and the benefit of my fellow men?’ For life is valuable only as it is used for the attainment of these ends.” Counsels on Health, 107.

The object of health reform is not just to give us better health, but to promote happiness, to give us clearer minds with which to think, and to prepare us for the heavenly kingdom. It is given in love for the human race that we might develop a character like that of Jesus.

From the very beginning of time here on this earth, Satan has been an enemy of God. The best way that he can fight against Him is to gain control of the human race. In the book Temperance, written by Ellen White, she states: “Satan is constantly on the alert to bring the race fully under his control. His strongest hold on man is through the appetite, and this he seeks to stimulate in every possible way.” Ibid., 13.

On the contrary, Christ is seeking the human race to become the subjects of heaven to be under the kingdom of God. He is seeking to help them to learn to be like Himself, which is the only way to true life and happiness. To do this we must learn to obey His rules and live like Him. One of the first things that Jesus did when He came to save us was to fast 40 days in the wilderness to gain strength to give us the power to overcome the temptation of appetite.

“We have been redeemed by a costly ransom. Only by the greatness of this ransom can we conceive of its results. On this earth, the earth whose soil has been moistened by the tears and the blood of the Son of God, are to be brought forth the precious fruits of Paradise. In the lives of God’s people the truths of His word are to reveal their glory and excellence. Through His people Christ is to manifest His character and the principles of His kingdom.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 296.

So, now, since we have the power of choice, we may choose to have Satan’s diet or the diet that has been chosen for us by our Heavenly Father. The results of our choice we must accept.

The Gospel includes the good news that Jesus is coming again to take us home to heaven. It is the instruction as to how to prepare for our heavenly home, so that we will be ready to fit into the society of heaven and be prepared to live throughout eternity with Jesus and the angels. Surely the health reform message is part of the good news.

“Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” Ibid. 69. The message of health reform is just part of the message that helps us to develop a character like Christ.

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Bible Study Guides – A Plan With a Purpose

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January 28, 2007 – February 3, 2007

Key Text

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

Study Help: “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 926, 927; Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 149–152.

Introduction

“Through the goodness and mercy of Christ the sinner is to be restored to the divine favor. God in Christ is daily beseeching men to be reconciled to God. With outstretched arms He is ready to receive and welcome not only the sinner but the prodigal. His dying love, manifested on Calvary, is the sinner’s assurance of acceptance, peace, and love.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 178, 179.

1 For what purpose does the gospel call come to us? Mark 2:17, last part.

note: “The Majesty of heaven, the only-begotten Son of the true and living God, opened the way for you to come to Him, by giving His life as a sacrifice on Calvary’s cross. But while He suffered all this for you, He is too pure, He is too just, to behold iniquity. But even this need not keep you away from Him; for He says, ‘I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ [Mark 2:17.] Let perishing souls come to Him just as they are, without one plea, and plead the atoning blood of Christ, and they will find acceptance with God, who dwelleth in glory between the cherubim above the mercy seat. The blood of Jesus is a never-failing passport, by which all your petitions may find access to the throne of God.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 251, 252.

2 What does salvation through Christ mean for us, here and now? Matthew 1:21; Revelation 1:5, last part.

note: “God has spoken, and He means that man shall obey. He does not inquire if it is convenient for him to do so. The Lord of life and glory did not consult His convenience or pleasure when He left His station of high command to become a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, accepting ignominy and death in order to deliver man from the consequence of his disobedience. Jesus died, not to save man in his sins, but from his sins. Man is to leave the error of his ways, to follow the example of Christ, to take up his cross and follow Him, denying self, and obeying God at any cost.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 250, 251.

3 What does God offer us, and on what condition, as a first step in our restoration? Isaiah 55:7; Luke 24:47.

note: “Through faith, the believer passes from the position of a rebel, a child of sin and Satan, to the position of a loyal subject of Christ Jesus, not because of an inherent goodness, but because Christ receives him as His child by adoption. The sinner receives the forgiveness of his sins, because these sins are borne by his Substitute and Surety.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1070.

4 Besides forgiving us, what else does God do in behalf of our salvation? 1 John 1:9. What aim is put before us, and what is our responsibility? Philippians 3:12–14; John 5:14; 8:11.

note: “Abstain from all evil. Common sins, however insignificant they may be regarded, will impair your moral sense, and extinguish the inward impression of the Spirit of God. The character of the thoughts leaves its imprint upon the soul, and all low conversation pollutes the mind. All evil works ruin to those who commit it. God may and will forgive the repenting sinner, but though forgiven, the soul is marred; the power of the elevated thought possible to the unimpaired mind is destroyed. Through all time the soul bears the scars. Then let us seek for that faith which works by love and purifies the heart, that we may represent the character of Christ to the world.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 195.

“It is by following in the path of obedience in simple faith that the character obtains perfection.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1137.

5 What did Paul say about the deliverance that Christ operates in us when we accept Him? Hebrews 2:15; Colossians 1:13. Sadly, how do some people cooperate with Satan rather than with Christ?

note: “Satan will move upon minds that have been indulged, upon men who have always had their own way, and anything presented to them in counsel or reproof to change their objectionable traits of character, is considered fault-finding, binding them, restraining them, that they cannot have liberty to act themselves. The Lord in great mercy has sent messages of warning to them, but they would not listen to reproof. Like the enemy who rebelled in heaven, they did not like to hear; they do not correct the wrong they have done, but become accusers, declaring themselves misused and unappreciated.

“Now is the time of trial, of test, of proving. Those who like Saul, will persist in having their own way, will suffer as he did, loss of honor, and finally the loss of the soul.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, 1163, 1164.

6 How does Christ make us free from the penalty of the law, under which we are condemned? Romans 6:14–18; 1 Thessalonians 1:10. What should we learn from the experience of the apostle Paul?

note: “The apostle Paul, in relating his experience, presents an important truth concerning the work to be wrought in conversion. He says, ‘I was alive without the law once,’—he felt no condemnation; ‘but when the commandment came,’ when the law of God was urged upon his conscience, ‘sin revived, and I died.’ [Romans 7:9.] Then he saw himself a sinner, condemned by the divine law. Mark, it was Paul, and not the law, that died.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, 297.

7 How does faith in the gospel relate to the law of God? Romans 3:31. What warning are we given against transgressing God’s law? Romans 2:23–27; 8:7; 1 Timothy 1:9, 10.

note: “The law of God is the mirror to show man the defects in his character. But it is not pleasant to those who take pleasure in unrighteousness to see their moral deformity. They do not prize this faithful mirror, because it reveals to them their sins. Therefore, instead of instituting a war against their carnal minds, they war against the true and faithful mirror, given them by Jehovah for the very purpose that they may not be deceived, but that they may have revealed to them the defects in their character.” Review and Herald, March 8, 1870.

8 What do we lose through sin? Romans 3:23. What is to be restored in us through the gospel? 11 Corinthians 3:18. How? 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

note: “God is clothed with power; He is able to take those who are dead in trespasses and sins, and by the operation of the Spirit which raised Jesus from the dead, transform the human character, bringing back to the soul the lost image of God. Those who believe in Jesus Christ are changed from being rebels against the law of God into obedient servants and subjects of His kingdom. They are born again, regenerated, sanctified through the truth.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 332.

9 On what condition and for what purpose has God given us “the spirit of adoption”? Romans 8:14–17. What must reveal that we are adopted as God’s children? 11 Corinthians 6:16–18; 11 Peter 1:4.

note: “Let every one who desires to be a partaker of the divine nature, appreciate the fact that he must escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. There must be a constant, earnest struggling of the soul against the evil imaginings of the mind. There must be a steadfast resistance of temptation to sin in thought or act. The soul must be kept from every stain, through faith in Him who is able to keep you from falling. We should meditate upon the Scriptures, thinking soberly and candidly upon the things that pertain to our eternal salvation.” Review and Herald, June 12, 1888.

10 How are we enabled to resist the clamoring of our own carnal nature? Colossians 1:10, 11; Ephesians 3:16, 20.

note: “Man cannot transform himself by the exercise of his will. He possesses no power by which this change can be effected. The leaven—something wholly from without—must be put into the meal before the desired change can be wrought in it. So the grace of God must be received by the sinner before he can be fitted for the kingdom of glory. All the culture and education which the world can give will fail of making a degraded child of sin a child of heaven. The renewing energy must come from God. The change can be made only by the Holy Spirit. All who would be saved, high or low, rich or poor, must submit to the working of this power.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 96, 97.

Building Character

“Christ, the Word, the revelation of God,—the manifestation of His character, His law, His love, His life,—is the only foundation upon which we can build a character that will endure.

“We build on Christ by obeying His word. It is not he who merely enjoys righteousness, that is righteous, but he who does righteousness. Holiness is not rapture; it is the result of surrendering all to God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father. When the children of Israel were encamped on the borders of the Promised Land, it was not enough for them to have a knowledge of Canaan, or to sing the songs of Canaan. This alone would not bring them into possession of the vineyards and olive groves of the goodly land. They could make it theirs in truth only by occupation, by complying with the conditions, by exercising living faith in God, by appropriating His promises to themselves, while they obeyed His instruction.

“Religion consists in doing the words of Christ; not doing to earn God’s favor, but because, all undeserving, we have received the gift of His love. Christ places the salvation of man, not upon profession merely, but upon faith that is made manifest in works of righteousness. Doing, not saying merely, is expected of the followers of Christ. It is through action that character is built. ‘As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.’ Romans 8:14. Not those whose hearts are touched by the Spirit, not those who now and then yield to its power, but they that are led by the Spirit, are the sons of God.

“Do you desire to become a follower of Christ, yet know not how to begin? Are you in darkness and know not how to find the light? Follow the light you have. Set your heart to obey what you do know of the word of God. His power, His very life, dwells in His word. As you receive the word in faith, it will give you power to obey. As you give heed to the light you have, greater light will come. You are building on God’s word, and your character will be builded after the similitude of the character of Christ.

“Christ, the true foundation, is a living stone; His life is imparted to all that are built upon Him. ‘Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house.’ ‘Each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord.’ 1 Peter 2:5, R.V.; Ephesians 2:21, R.V. The stones became one with the foundation; for a common life dwells in all. That building no tempest can overthrow; for—‘That which shares the life of God, With Him surviveth all.’

“But every building erected on other foundation than God’s word will fall. He who, like the Jews in Christ’s day, builds on the foundation of human ideas and opinions, of forms and ceremonies of man’s invention, or on any works that he can do independently of the grace of Christ, is erecting his structure of character upon the shifting sand. The fierce tempests of temptation will sweep away the sandy foundation and leave his house a wreck on the shores of time.

“ ‘Therefore thus saith the Lord God, . . . Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.’ Isaiah 28:16, 17.

“But today mercy pleads with the sinner. ‘As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?’ Ezekiel 33:11. The voice that speaks to the impenitent today is the voice of Him who in heart anguish exclaimed as He beheld the city of His love: ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her own brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.’ Luke 13:34, 35, R.V. In Jerusalem, Jesus beheld a symbol of the world that had rejected and despised His grace. He was weeping, O stubborn heart, for you! Even when Jesus’ tears were shed upon the mount, Jerusalem might yet have repented, and escaped her doom. For a little space the Gift of heaven still waited her acceptance. So, O heart, to you Christ is still speaking in accents of love: ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.’ ‘Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’ Revelation 3:20; 11 Corinthians 6:2.

“You who are resting your hope on self are building on the sand. But it is not yet too late to escape the impending ruin. Before the tempest breaks, flee to the sure foundation. ‘Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.’ ‘Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.’ ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.’ ‘Ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.’ Isaiah 28:16, R.V.; 45:22; 41:10; 45:17.” Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 149–152.

Reprinted with permission, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke Virginia, 2003.

Bible Study Guides – Evangelization of the World

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September 2, 2007 – September 8, 2007

Key Text

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15.

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 818-828.

Introduction

“Christ said to his disciples, ‘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.’ [Mark 16:15, 16.]

“The field is the world, and we know what this saying comprehends better than did the apostles who received from the lips of Christ the commission to preach the gospel to all the world. The whole world is a vast missionary field, and yet we who have long been established in the truth, should be encouraged with the thought that fields which were once difficult of access, are now easily entered. Every church in our land should seek for the revival of the missionary spirit. They should seek for steady growth in zeal and activity. All should pray that the indifference which has caused both men and means to be withheld from the work, may be banished, and that Christ may abide in the soul. For our sake he became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich.” The Home Missionary, April 1, 1895.

1 What did Jesus say must go to the world before the end of time? Matthew 24:14. For what purpose is the gospel proclaimed to the world?

note: “A revival in Bible study is needed throughout the world. Attention is to be called, not to the assertions of men, but to the Word of God. As this is done, a mighty work will be wrought. When God declared that His Word should not return unto Him void, He meant all that He said. The gospel is to be preached to all nations. The Bible is to be opened to the people. A knowledge of God is the highest education, and it will cover the earth with its wonderful truth as the waters cover the sea.” Evangelism, 456.

2 What did Jesus say of the condition of the world in the last days that will show that it will be impossible for it to be converted? Luke 17:26-30.

note: “We have the history of the antediluvians, and of the cities of the plain, whose course of conduct degenerated from lightness and frivolity to debasing sins that called down the wrath of God in a most dreadful destruction, in order to rid the earth of the curse of their contaminating influence. Inclination and passion bore sway over reason. Self was their god, and the knowledge of the Most High was nearly obliterated through the selfish indulgence of corrupt passions. . . .

“They [the inhabitants of the Noachian world] worshipped selfish indulgence, eating, drinking, merry-making, and resorted to acts of violence and crime if their desires and passions were interfered with.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1090.

3 When the Lord comes, what two classes will He find in the earth? Isaiah 25:9; Revelation 6:15, 16. Could this be so if all the world were converted before He comes? Could they be converted before He comes? Revelation 22:11, 12.

note: “When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the destiny of all will have been decided for life or death. Probation is ended a short time before the appearing of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. Christ in the Revelation, looking forward to that time, declares: ‘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. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.’ Revelation 22:11, 12.” The Great Controversy, 490, 491.

“The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the earth in their mortal state men will be planting and building, eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above. . . . Silently, unnoticed as the midnight thief, will come the decisive hour which marks the fixing of every man’s destiny, the final withdrawal of mercy’s offer to guilty men.” Ibid., 491.

4 What is the gospel commission? Mark 16:15. For what does God hold His servants responsible?

note: “We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted. We are to minister to the despairing, and to inspire hope in the hopeless.

“The love of Christ, manifested in unselfish ministry, will be more effective in reforming the evildoer than will the sword or the court of justice. These are necessary to strike terror to the lawbreaker, but the loving missionary can do more than this. Often the heart that hardens under reproof will melt under the love of Christ.

“The missionary can not only relieve physical maladies, but he can lead the sinner to the Great Physician, who can cleanse the soul from the leprosy of sin. Through His servants, God designs that the sick, the unfortunate, and those possessed of evil spirits shall hear His voice. Through His human agencies He desires to be a comforter such as the world knows not.” The Ministry of Healing, 106.

5 Who only will be saved? Mark 16:16.

note: “Those who are one with Christ will love souls for whom he died. Jesus has identified his interest with that of suffering humanity, and he has made manifest at what value he estimates the soul, in that he left the honor and glory of heaven, and for our sake became poor, that we through his poverty might become rich. He clothed his divinity with humanity, and came to the sin-cursed world to endure insult, reproach, mockery, rejection, and crucifixion, in order to bring to lost humanity the gift of salvation. The rich, the poor, the high, the low, were all included in the ample provision made on Calvary; for he died that all who believe on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. In his last instruction to his disciples, he opened to his followers the part they should act in bringing to men the glad tidings of his infinite love. He said, ‘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.’ [Mark 16:15, 16.] Then what are we, who have been most highly favored of heaven, doing to accomplish the work that has been given into our hands? What are we doing to bring to others the light, that they also may have life eternal? What are we doing to save our fellow-men?” The Medical Missionary, August 1, 1892.

6 Does God compel everyone who hears to believe? Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17; Matthew 22:14.

note: “Christ sharply reproved the men of His time because they had not learned from nature the spiritual lessons which they might have learned. All things, animate and inanimate, express to man the knowledge of God. The same divine mind that is working upon the things of nature is speaking to the minds and hearts of men, and creating an inexpressible craving for something they have not. The things of the world cannot satisfy their longing. To all these thirsting souls the divine message is addressed: [Revelation 22:17 quoted].

“The Spirit of God is continually impressing the minds of men to seek for those things which alone will give peace and rest the higher, holier joys of heaven. Christ, the Lord of life and glory, gave His life to redeem man from Satan’s power. Our Saviour is constantly at work, through influences seen and unseen, to attract the minds of men from the unsatisfying pleasures of this life to the priceless treasure which may be theirs in the immortal future.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 580.

7 Will the majority of the world believe on Christ? Matthew 7:13, 14.

note: “There is only one path that leads from darkness upward to the light until it touches the throne of God, the path of faith. This path is not dark and uncertain; it is not the way of finite minds, not a path made by human hands, in which toll is exacted from every traveler. Entrance to it cannot be gained by works of penance.

“The way that God has provided is so complete, so perfect, that man cannot, by any works that he can do, add to its perfection. It is broad enough to receive the most hardened sinner, if he truly repents, and yet so narrow that in it sin can find no place. This is the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in.” Gospel Workers, 160.

8 From whence will the redeemed of the Lord come? Revelation 7:9.

note: “All classes, all nations and kindreds and people and tongues will stand before the throne of God and the Lamb with their spotless robes and jeweled crowns. Said the angel, These are they that have come up through great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white, while the lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, the self-indulgent and disobedient, have lost both worlds. They have neither the things of this life nor the immortal life.

“That triumphant throng, with songs of victory and with crowns and harps, have trodden in the fiery furnace of earthly affliction when it was heated and intensely hot. From destitution, from hunger and torture, they come, from deep self-denial and bitter disappointments. Look upon them now as conquerors, no longer poor, no longer in sorrow, in affliction and hatred of all men for Christ’s sake. Behold their heavenly garments, white and shining, richer than any kingly robe. Look by faith upon their jeweled crowns; never did such a diadem deck the brow of any earthly monarch.” In Heavenly Places, 371.

9 What is the gospel of the kingdom? With what must it be connected? 11 Timothy 4:1, 2. See also Matthew 24:14; Mark 1:15.

note: “Summoning Timothy before the bar of God, Paul bids him preach the word, not the sayings and customs of men; to be ready to witness for God whenever opportunity should present itself, before large congregations and private circles, by the way and at the fireside, to friends and to enemies, whether in safety or exposed to hardship and peril, reproach and loss.

“Fearing that Timothy’s mild, yielding disposition might lead him to shun an essential part of his work, Paul exhorted him to be faithful in reproving sin, and even to rebuke with sharpness those who were guilty of gross evils. . . .

“To hate and reprove sin, and at the same time to show pity and tenderness for the sinner, is a difficult achievement. The more earnest our own efforts to attain to holiness of heart and life, the more acute will be our perception of sin, and the more decided our disapproval of it. We must guard against undue severity toward the wrong-doer; but we must also be careful not to lose sight of the exceeding sinfulness of sin. There is need of showing Christlike patience and love for the erring one, but there is also danger of showing so great toleration for his error that he will look upon himself as undeserving of reproof, and will reject it as uncalled for and unjust.” Gospel Workers, 30, 31.

10 What are the people of God admonished to do when they see the signs that indicate the coming of the Lord near? 11 Peter 3:11, 12.

note: “Many who profess to be looking for the speedy coming of Christ are becoming conformed to this world and seek more earnestly the applause of those around them than the approbation of God. They are cold and formal, like the nominal churches from which they but a short time since separated. The words addressed to the Laodicean church describe their present condition perfectly. (See Revelation 3:14-20.) . . .

“The time has come when a large portion of those who once rejoiced and shouted aloud for joy in view of the immediate coming of the Lord, are on the ground of the churches and the world who once derided them for believing that Jesus was coming, and circulated all manner of falsehoods to raise prejudice against them and destroy their influence. Now, if any one longs after the living God, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, and God gives him to feel His power, and satisfies his longing soul by shedding abroad His love in his heart, and if he glorifies God by praising Him, he is, by these professed believers in the soon coming of the Lord, often considered deluded, and charged with being mesmerized or having some wicked spirit.

“Many of these professed Christians dress, talk, and act like the world, and the only thing by which they may be known is their profession. Though they profess to be looking for Christ, their conversation is not in heaven, but on worldly things. [11 Peter 3:11, 12; 1 John 3:3 quoted.] But it is evident that many who bear the name of Adventist study more to decorate their bodies and to appear well in the eyes of the world than they do to learn from the Word of God how they may be approved of Him.” Early Writings, 107, 108.

Restoring the Withered Right Arm, Part 1

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When we exercise an attitude of gratitude, the resulting hormones called endorphins tend to have a physiological impact upon our lives. Endorphins may be produced in three ways: through our emotions, through sunlight, and through exercise. The importance of attitude is spoken of in Proverbs 17:22: “A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

From Proverbs 3:5–8, we read: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” When we look at the context of this passage of Scripture, to what is the word it, in verse 8, referring? It is referring to trust. This is the very theme of the text. The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” The navel is the center of the body; the internal organs surround the navel—the stomach, the spleen, the kidneys and the liver.

Studies have proven that when we are at peace, when we have emotional stability and joy, even our digestion functions properly. We do not need antacids when we have an attitude of gratitude.

Verse 8 also mentions bone marrow. Bone marrow, the soft tissue found in the hollow interior of bones, produces new blood cells. So we may conclude that trust facilitates the function of blood cells.

The first line of defense in helping someone is to help him or her have an attitude of gratitude. This means that if he or she has joy in their heart, their immune system function is enhanced. No herb or juice can do that. Only the Spirit of the living God can do that. This is why it is so important to have an intimate relationship with God.

So, today, praise God and give Him glory. God has given us such an awesome, sacred work to perform, to evangelize the world. Let us be inspired to do His work with joy and with thanksgiving.

Three final, great tests have been given for God’s church. The Sabbath is the final, great test. Another test is the Spirit of Prophecy. There is a movement within the Seventh-day Adventist Church at this time to make none effect of these precious truths. A whole generation of Adventists do not understand the sacredness of the Spirit of Prophecy. You may be surprised at the third test. It is the medical missionary work. This is an indispensable aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We cannot neglect this work and expect to receive the seal of the living God.

A Call

There is a call to medical missionary work. As we read in Psalm 67:2: “That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.” This text is inclusive of everyone on this planet.

Evangelism is the very heartbeat of God’s church. When I became a member of this precious church, I realized that it had a message to give to all the world. I realized that exercise—activity—is the law of life. If we are not exercising our faith, if we are not witnessing, we will spiritually die. The very circulation of the church depends upon evangelism. An arm confined to a sling and left would die. If you do not use it, you will lose it. Atrophy will result.

When evangelism is dead in a church, the church dies. God has not called us to be pew sitters. I recently talked to a young lady who has been asked to help a minister start a television program. This minister is very busy. He even has said that he has so many activities going on that he does not have any time to engage in evangelism. What type of minister must he be if he does not have time to engage in soul winning? If he is just standing in the pulpit preaching, it is no wonder the church is dying.

Evangelism is the heartbeat! Consider the word evangelism. What do you see in the middle of it? Angel! When we engage in evangelism, we have the holy angels with us. In Revelation 14:6, 7, the Bible says: “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven,” showing the urgency and sacredness of the message, “having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”

The word having means, “possessing.” As we study the Bible, we realize that in Revelation 1 Jesus gives us an understanding of those angels as representing the church. That means the angels are symbolic of people. In verse 6, when it refers to this angel as having, that means this angel possessed something. So, this angel, flying in the midst of heaven, is not set in steel. This angel is pro-active. This angel is engaged and involved. There are lives on the line—our lives, the lives of our families.

Who, What, How

We cannot lead people any closer to Christ than we are to Christ. It is important for us to be experiencing the very power of this gospel, because we cannot give something that we have not experienced ourselves.

When I was growing up in Chicago [Illinois], I lived in an apartment. It is possible to live in an apartment in Chicago with neighbors close next door and never know who they are. You may see them as you come in and go out, but there is no conversation, no engagement, and no intercourse. Are we that way as Christians? Are we ashamed of what God has given us? The world is dying around us, and we have a precious message to give.

The world population today is over six billion people. Over 60 percent of the world’s population is in Asia. Asia is non-Christian, which means that 60 percent of the world’s population is non-Christian. It has been predicted that by the year 2050 there will be 9.8 billion people on the face of the earth; 65 out of every 100 will be in Asia. These people need the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Then, when we talk about medical missionary work, we want to answer three questions: who, what, and how? Who is called to do this work? What is medical missionary work, and how is it to be conducted?

Who

“Every son and daughter of God is called to be a missionary; we are called to the service of God and our fellow men.” The Ministry of Healing, 395. This quote really affected my life many years ago, before I even knew who wrote the book.

When many people think of being a missionary, they think of going to a foreign area such as Africa or Asia. Is that what a missionary is? A missionary is one who has a mission, a purpose. So, a missionary is not just a person who goes overseas; a missionary is one who has a purpose and a mission. Your home community may be a mission field! You may go to some areas in the United States that are concentrated with Adventists or other Christians. That is a mission field.

A missionary is not defined as a person who goes to a foreign field; a missionary is one who has a mission and a purpose. Whatever your occupation—whether you are doctor, lawyer, farmer, mechanic, secretary, or homemaker—you can be a missionary.

“Bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; [Even] every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” Isaiah 43:6, 7. He has formed us for His glory, and He has given two purposes for our lives: to love the Lord our God with all our heart, and our neighbor as ourselves. (Luke 10:27.) Our purpose for existence is to glorify God and to serve our neighbor. It is not to make money; it is not for status; it is for these two purposes. When we put this into perspective, everything becomes balanced. We do not have to be stressed.

“We are called to the service of God and our fellow men; and to fit us for this service should be the object of our education…

“They are to obtain an education that will help them to stand by the side of Christ in unselfish service.” The Ministry of Healing, 395.

Yes, education and working are important, but those are only tools to fulfill our purpose. The reason we should acquire education is to equip ourselves to be more effective in the service of God. Money also is only a tool to fulfill that purpose; it is not the object.

My Witness

“Ye [are] my witnesses, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 43:10. What is a witness? A witness is one who gives evidence, who testifies in a cause, who has personal knowledge of something. A witness is someone who has first-hand experience of a situation or topic. This is what the gospel is all about.

Ellen White wrote: “God can and will use those who have not had a thorough education in the schools of men.” Christian Service, 24.

That means you do not have to have secular education degrees in order to do this work. I suggest, however, that you need three degrees: a B.A., an M.D., and a Ph.D. If you are unfamiliar with these degrees, allow me to explain. They are: B.A.—Born Again; M.D.—Made in the Divine image; and Ph.D.—Praise Him Daily. If you have these three degrees, you will qualify to do the work of God.

Every Member

“We have come to a time when every member of the church should take hold of medical missionary work.” Ibid., 135. “Every member”! Does that include you and me? It does not say that you have to be a surgeon, although there is a place for that, or a nurse, although there is a place for that. But every member should be a medical missionary. That means we need to learn what being a medical missionary entails.

“God wants the ministers and the church members to take a decided, active interest in the medical missionary work.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 300. He does not want just lip service, but a decided, active interest. That means action! We are not just going to discuss it; we are going to begin to implement it.

Inspiration says, “One worker who has been trained and educated for the work, who is controlled by the Spirit of Christ, will accomplish far more than ten laborers who go out deficient in knowledge, and weak in the faith. One who works in harmony with the counsel of God, and in unity with the brethren, will be more efficient to do good, than ten will be who do not realize the necessity of depending upon God, and of acting in harmony with the general plan of the work.” Review and Herald, May 29, 1888. If we submit totally to God and allow God to use us, we can each impact the lives of at least ten people. That means you and I, without even traveling around the world, could potentially impact the lives of a thousand people!

Jesus trained 12 men. On the day of Pentecost, there were 120. Do your multiplication—10 x 12! And on that one day, 3,000 souls came into the church. You realize that one woman at the well impacted a whole town. One man, once he got his mind together and God told the fish to spew him out, impacted a whole nation. Then, there were the two from whom Jesus cast out devils. The freed men wanted to follow Jesus, but the residents of the city asked Jesus to leave. He left, but He left behind two missionaries who went about as His witnesses. When Jesus was able to return, the people flocked to Him. (Acts 2; John 4; Jonah 1; Matthew 8:28–34.) Do you see how one person, trained and moved by the Holy Spirit, can impact so many others?

The reason we do not see the impact we have is because most of us are still waiting to be spiritually fed week after week. When we attend church on Sabbath, we should go with praise and testimony, demonstrating the power that God has manifested in our lives throughout the week. God is looking for men and women who will be led by His Spirit.

“As thy days, [so shall] thy strength [be].” Deuteronomy 33:25. The promise of this text keeps me and, I am sure, many others involved in God’s work going. If I were to not engage in missionary work, I believe I would not only spiritually die, but physically die as well. That is the heartbeat; that is the passion; that is the life of the church.

Will you answer the call?

Behind the Scenes

There are those who seem to play seemingly insignificant roles in missionary work. You do not have to be before the people. You do not have to be a public speaker or a preacher. A missionary is not someone who always has to be in front of the television camera.

Do you remember Andrew, Peter’s brother? “One of the two which heard John [speak], and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus.” John 1:40–42. After Andrew shared the good news with Peter, little more is recorded about him. Nevertheless, much is written about Peter. On the day of Pentecost, thousands came in as a result of his sermon. If it had not been for Andrew, there would not have been Peter’s witness.

If the secretary, the computer operator, the camera people, the cook, do not do their work, those who are more visible cannot efficiently do their work. Do not despise a small beginning. We all have an important role to play in winning souls. We are not to compare ourselves among ourselves. We each should find our place in God’s work. No matter how humble it may seem to us, God puts a high value upon it.

Medical Missionary Work

What is true medical missionary work? It is restoring the right arm of the gospel. Medical missionary work is such an important element of God’s work, but it has been dying. It needs to be revived.

“And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched [it] out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.” Mark 3:1–5. These texts are telling of Jesus going into the synagogue, which represents the church. There in the church He found a man with a withered hand. The church leaders, the Pharisees, watched Jesus to see what action He would take.

Even during the times of Christ there were what are called Sabbath Blue Laws. The church leaders had a specific way in which they wanted everybody to worship, so they were watching Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath.

What is the relationship between healing and the Sabbath? It is restoration. What does the Sabbath symbolize? It represents God’s creative work. It is the seal; it is the birthday of the creation; it is a sign that God is the Creator. When Christ died, He rested in the tomb on the Sabbath. That reinforces the Sabbath as a sign of God’s re-creative and restoration work.

We are made in the image of God, and our bodies are to be the temple of the living God. God desires to put His image in the soul of man. The whole plan of salvation is to restore the image of God in the human soul. God wants to bring us back to the original position that Adam had before sin. Healing is a part of that process. Healing is to preserve; healing is to restore. So, there is an intimate relationship between healing and the Sabbath. You cannot separate the two.

The Pharisees looked at Jesus with contempt, and today the health message is being looked upon with contempt, but you cannot separate the Sabbath from healing.

To be continued . . .

Thomas Jackson is a Health Evangelist and Director of Missionary Education and Evangelistic Training (M.E.E.T.) Ministry in Huntingdon, Tennessee. He may be contacted by e-mail at: godsplan@meetministry.org or by telephone at: 731-986-3518.

Living by Faith

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The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17. This statement is the summing up of what the apostle has to say about the gospel. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, but only “to everyone that believeth.” In it the righteousness of God is revealed. The righteousness of God is the perfect law of God, which is but the transcript of his own righteous will. All unrighteousness is sin, or the transgression of the law. The gospel is God’s remedy for sin; its work, therefore, must be to bring all men into harmony with the law,—to cause the workings of the righteous law to be manifested in their lives. But this is wholly a work of faith,—the righteousness of God is revealed from “faith to faith”—faith in the beginning, and faith to the end,—as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

This is true in all ages since the fall of man, and will be true until the saints of God have his name in their foreheads, and see him as he is. It was from the prophet Habakkuk (2:4) that the apostle quoted the statement. If the prophets had not revealed it, the first Christians could not have known it; for they had only the Old Testament. To say that in the most ancient times men had but an imperfect idea of faith in Christ is to say that there were no just men in those times. But Paul goes right back to the very beginning and cites an instance of saving faith. He says: “by faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous.” Heb. 11:4. He says of Noah, also, that it was by faith that he built the ark to the saving of his house; “by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Heb. 11:7. We say that their faith was in Christ, because it was faith unto salvation, and besides the name of Jesus “there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

There are too many who try to live the Christian life on the strength of the faith which they exercised when they realized their need of pardon for the sins of their past life. They know that God alone can pardon sins, and that he does this through Christ; but they imagine that having once been started they must run the race on their own strength. We know that many have this idea, first, because we have heard some say so, and second, because there are such multitudes of professed Christians who show the working of no greater power than their own. If they ever have anything to say in social meeting, besides the ever-recurring formula, “I want to be a Christian, so that I may be saved,” they tell only of past experience, of the joy they had when they first believed. Of the joy of living for God, and of walking with him by faith, they know nothing, and he who tells of it speaks a strange language to them. But the apostle carries this matter of faith clear through to the glorious kingdom in the following most forcible illustration:—

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him; for before his translation he had this testimony that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:5, 6.

Note the argument to prove that Enoch was translated by faith: Enoch was translated because he walked with God, and had the testimony that he pleased God; but without faith it is impossible to please God. That is enough to prove the point. Without faith not an act can be performed that will meet the approval of God. Without faith the best deeds that a man can do will come infinitely short of the perfect righteousness of God, which is the only standard. Wherever real faith is found it is a good thing; but the best faith in God to take away the load of the sins of the past will profit a person nothing unless it is carried right through in ever-increasing measure until the close of probation.

We have heard many people tell how hard they found it to do right; their Christian life was most unsatisfactory to them, being marked only by failure, and they were tempted to give up in discouragement. No wonder they get discouraged; continual failure is enough to discourage anybody. The bravest soldier in the world would become faint-hearted if he had been defeated in every battle. Sometimes these persons will mournfully tell that they have about lost confidence in themselves. Poor souls, if they would only lose confidence in themselves entirely, and would put their whole trust in the one who is mighty to save, they would have a different story to tell. They would then “joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Says the apostle, “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4. The man who doesn’t rejoice in God, even though tempted and afflicted, is not fighting the good fight of faith. He is fighting the poor fight of self—and defeat.

All the promises of final happiness are to the overcomer. “To him that overcometh,” says Jesus, “will I give to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Revelation 3:21. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things,” says the Lord. Revelation 21:7. An overcomer is one who gains victories. The inheriting is not the overcoming; that is only the reward for overcoming. The overcoming is now; the victories over the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life, victories over self and selfish indulgences. The man who fights and sees the foe give way may rejoice that nobody can keep him from rejoicing, for joy comes spontaneously as the result of seeing the enemy give way. Some folks look with dread upon the thought of having to wage a continual warfare with self and worldly lusts. That is because they do not as yet know anything about the joy of victory; they have experienced only defeat. But it isn’t so doleful a thing to battle constantly, when there is continual victory. The old veteran of a hundred battles, who has been victorious in every fight, longs to be at the scene of conflict. Alexander’s soldiers, who under his command never knew defeat, were always impatient to be led into the fray. Each victory increased their strength, which was born only of courage, and correspondingly diminished that of the vanquished foe. Now, how may we gain continual victories in our spiritual warfare? Listen to the beloved disciple:—

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” I John 5:4.

Read again the words of the apostle Paul:—

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.

Here is the secret of strength. It is Christ, the Son of God, the one to whom all power in Heaven and earth is given, who does the work. If he lives in the heart to do the work, is it boasting to say that continual victories might be gained? Yes, it is boasting; but it is also boasting in the Lord, and that is allowable. Says the psalmist, “My soul shall make her boast in the Lord;” and Paul says: “God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14.

The soldiers of Alexander were reckoned invincible. Why? Was it because they were naturally stronger and more courageous than all their enemies? No; but because they were led by Alexander. Their strength was in his leadership. Under another leader they would often have been defeated. When the Union army was feeling panic-stricken, before the enemy at Winchester, the presence of Sheridan turned their defeat into victory. Without him the men were a quacking mob; with him at their head, they were an invincible army. If you had listened to the remarks after the battle, of the soldiers who served under those and similar leaders, you would have heard the praises of their general mingled with all their rejoicing. They were strong because he was; they were inspired by the same spirit that he had.

Well, our captain is the Lord of hosts. He has met the chiefest foe of all and has vanquished him single-handed. Those who follow him invariably go forth conquering and to conquer. Oh, that those who profess to be his followers would put their trust in him, and then, by the repeated victories they would gain, they would show forth the praises of Him who has called them out of darkness into his marvelous light.

John says that he that is born of God overcomes the world, through faith. Faith lays hold of the arm of God, and his mighty power does the work. How the power of God can work in a man, accomplishing that which he could not possibly do for himself, no one can tell. It would be easy to tell how God can give life to the dead. Says Jesus: “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh or whither it goeth; so is everyone that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8. How the Spirit works in a man to subdue his passions, and to make him victorious over pride, envy, and selfishness, is known only to the Spirit; it is sufficient for us to know that it is done, and will be done in everyone who wanted that work wrought in him, and above all things else, and who trusts God for the performance of it.

We cannot tell how Peter was able to walk on the water, when the waves were rolling about him; but as he kept his eye fixed on the Master, divine power enabled him to walk as easily as though it were solid rock underneath; but when he looked at the waves, possibly with a feeling of pride in what he was doing, as though he himself was doing it, fear very naturally took possession of him, and he began to sink. Faith enabled him to walk on the waves; fear made him sink beneath them.

Says the apostle: “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were compassed about seven days.” Hebrews 11:30. Why was that written? For our learning, “that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4. Why, is there any prospect that we shall ever be called upon to fight armed hosts, and to take fortified cities? No: “for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12); but the victories which have been gained by faith in God over visible foes in the flesh, are placed on record to show what faith will accomplish in our conflict with the rulers of the darkness of this world. The grace of God, in answer to faith, is as powerful in these battles as in those days; for says the apostle:—

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3–5.

It was not physical foes alone that faith enabled the ancient worthies to conquer. We read of them that they not only “subdued kingdoms,” but “wrought righteousness, obtained promises,” and, most wonderful and most encouraging of all, “out of weakness were made strong.” Hebrews 11:33, 34. Their very weakness became strength to them through faith, because the strength of Christ is made perfect in weakness. Who, then, shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? Since it is God that justifieth, and we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” Romans 8:35, 37. The Signs of the Times, March 25, 1889.

©1999 by Teach Services, Inc., and used with permission. www.teachservices.com

In 1888, the Lord brought a message of righteousness to the Church through Elders E.J. Waggoner and A.T. Jones. This message was identified as the beginning of the loud cry of the third angel whose glory was to fill the whole earth in preparation for the second coming of Jesus.