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THE SILVER TRUMPET

Let Elohim arise, let


his enemies be scattered;
and let them who hate him
flee from his Presence.
- Psalm 68:1

Vol. 1, No. 4

New Moon Eighth Month


(October 26, 2014)

Bul

Yahweh spoke to Moses, Make two trumpets of silver; you are to make
them from a single hammered piece. And they shall be for assembling the
community and for directing the traveling of the camps. When they blow
them both, all the community must come to you to the entrance of the tent
of meeting. But if they blow with one trumpet, then the leaders, the heads
of the thousands of Israel must assemble themselves. When you blow an
alarm, then the camps that are located on the east side must begin to move.
And when you blow an alarm the second time, then the camps that are
located on the south side must begin to move. An alarm must be sounded
for their journeys. But when you assemble the community, you must blow,
but you must not sound an alarm. The sons of Aaron, the priests, must blow
the trumpets; and they will be to you for an eternal ordinance throughout
your generations. If you go to war in your land against an adversary who
opposes you, then you must sound an alarm with the trumpets, and you will
be remembered before Yahweh your Elohim, and you will be saved from
your enemies. Also in the time when you rejoice, such as on your appointed
festivals and at the beginnings of your months, you must blow with your
trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifces of your peace
offerings, so that they may be a memorial for you before your Elohim: I am
Yahweh your Elohim. - Numbers 10:1-10

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The Garments of Holiness


by Trent Wilde

In this latter-day call to priestly consecration, all willing souls are


invited to be clothed with a set of new garments. A new character is
being offered to you, and all you must do to receive it is to allow the
Angel of Yahweh to remove your old one, wash you of all its flthy
residue, and place this new one upon you.
If you decide to be willing to give up your old garments and
consent to be washed and clothed, there will be nothing, and can be
nothing, which could possibly prevent your reception of this new
character. The enemy, knowing this, has set his course at fnding any
and every possible way to impede each individual from making this
decision. Since there is no legitimate reason for resisting the garment
change, Satan has resorted to propping up various lies which, if
accepted, give the deceived one a false construction of reality, one in
which there is no need for new garments or no way of receiving them.
Some are deceived into thinking that wearing flthy garments is a
great thing; that there is something appealing or even cool about it.
Such is the mind of the outright opposer of truth those who
arrogantly and knowingly faunt themselves before our Heavenly
Family in rebellion. Others are convinced that it does not matter
whether their garments are dirty or not. They fgure everyone has
garments as these anyway, so what is the use of changing them? Such
is the mind of the worldly person.
There are others who are told that they can make their current
garments look better by hanging costly ornaments on them and
spraying perfume to cover the stench of their excrement. 1 They work
very hard to earn the money to buy these trinkets and charms and
then deck their bodies with them, satisfed that they are now
beautifully clothed and worthy of love and adoration despite the fact
that they have neither washed nor changed. Such is the case for the
professors of various world religions which all fnd their roots in
ancient paganism.
Still others are led to believe that even though they have on flthy
garments, God does not see it because God himself, in the person of
Jesus, has clean garments; and since He wears them, that is just as
1 Zechariah 3:3 refers to unrighteousness as garments of tso'im (), meaning
excrement. See also Isaiah 64:6 and Philippians 3:8.

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good as if the rest of us were wearing them too. It's all the same to
God. Such is the deception which overshadows the world of
Christendom with their doctrine of spurious holiness.
And yes, there are yet others. These, though clothed in flthy
garments, do not themselves see nor believe it. The stench of their
excrement appears to them to be a pleasant aroma and the sight of
their clothes seems to be beautiful, white, and spotless. This is the class
of religionists who have been blinded with spiritual pride.
Lastly, there are those who have been shown how flthy their
garments really are, and who sincerely want the new garments. These
are those who the devil knows have the greatest potential to choose to
be willing and to receive the garment change, so he has worked
especially hard to deceive this class. He tells them that the new
garments are not so different from those they currently wear, and that
even if they were to possess them, they would not be able to keep
them unsoiled for very long. He tells them that they are too flthy and
undesirable and that until they undergo some change our Heavenly
Family will withhold the garments.
My friends, all these are lies, and a lie is no truth. A lie is nothing
and there is therefore no reason to be deceived. Let the light of truth
dispel the darkness. Behold the glory of our Heavenly Family and see
Their love in the offer which they are now making to you, saying,
I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fre, that you may be
rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed and that the
shame of your nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with
eye salve that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:
be zealous therefore, and repent. 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. To the one that
overcomes I will grant to sit with me in my throne, even also as I
overcame, and have sat down with my Father in his throne. He that
has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches. Revelation 3:18-22

The Priestly Garments


In the typical service, Aaron and his sons were clothed with special
garments, each with their own signifcance. The record states:

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For Aarons sons you are to make tunics, sashes, and headbands
for glory and for beauty.
You are to clothe them your brother Aaron and his sons with
him and anoint them and ordain them and set them apart as
holy, so that they may minister as my priests. Make for them linen
undergarments to cover their naked bodies; they must cover from
the waist to the thighs. These must be on Aaron and his sons when
they enter to the tent of meeting, or when they approach the altar
to minister in the Holy Place, so that they bear no iniquity and die.
It is to be a perpetual ordinance for him and for his descendants
after him. - Exodus 28:40-43

The overall point is that these garments were to be worn by the


priests in order that they might do the work of the tabernacle. Since
the purpose of the tabernacle is to remove sin from the camp, we can
see that the antitypical signifcance of these garments is expressing the
qualifcations for winning souls to Christ, which is the work of
removing sin from Israel. Since the garments of the high priest
included the regular priestly garb, our focus will be on his garments, as
in so doing, we will cover them all.
The Linen Tunic, Leggings, and Headbands
As we discovered in the last issue of The Silver Trumpet, the garments
represent the righteousness of Christ imparted to the individual. The
linen tunic, being a part of the set of garments, naturally carries the
same meaning. That said, it will be well for us to be more specifc,
seeing as there are also other garments involved here which likewise
represent different aspects or manifestations of Christ's righteousness.
The linen tunic, along with the leggings, was to be worn next to the
skin and was thus closer to the individual than any other garment.
Both the tunic and the leggings were made of the same material and
represent the same basic thing. Together, these formed a linen outft
which, being white, represented the pure truth as their clothing.
the righteousness of Christ, which is pure, unadulterated
truth.2
your law is truth. - Psalm. 119:142
2

Testimonies to Ministers, p. 64

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He faithfully pours out righteousness, but a lying witness speaks
deceit. - Proverbs 12:173

Paul states the matter perhaps even more clearly by speaking of the
old man and the new man as if they were different garments.
You were taught concerning your former way of life to lay aside
the old man which is corrupt in accordance with deceitful desires,
to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and to put on the new
man who has been created according to God in righteousness and
holiness that comes from truth. - Ephesians 4:22-24

The intended lesson which being clothed with these garments is


meant to convey is that all who would become priests need to be
clothed with the pure truth the truth which only comes by
Inspiration. You must take the truth into your mind and allow it to
renew you. Surround yourself with truth and let it be tightly ftted to
you even as the ancient tunic of linen was ftted to each priest (Ex.
28:4). You must make the truth your own by personal experience.
The leggings especially represent the truth carried out in the
individual's walk where they go; where they are led. The tunic
represents the truth carried out in all their works what they do. The
headband represents the truth brought into the mind, vitally affecting
the thoughts.
The Sash
The sash was of fne twisted linen and blue, purple, and scarlet
yarn, the work of an embroiderer, just as the LORD had
commanded Moses. - Exodus 39:29

This sash was worn over the linen tunic and kept it tightly held to
the body of the priest. Whatever it may represent then, it stands for
the thing which keeps the righteousness of Christ upon the anti-typical
priest. It is a symbol of what keeps us from falling a symbol of
sanctifcation. The scriptures do not tell us much about the sash but
what they do tell us is highly signifcant. The primary instruction
concerning the sash was the material which made it up. Since we have
3

This text clearly portrays righteousness as the opposite of deceit, thus implying
that righteousness is truth.

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already found what the fne linen represents, we have only to discover
the meaning of the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
Other notable instances of the use of blue fabric are found in
Numbers 4:5-6 and Numbers 15:38-39. In the former, a blue cloth
was used to cover the ark of the covenant, the seat of the Shekinah,
and the container of Her law. In the latter, a blue thread was required
as part of tassels which the children of Israel were to wear on the four
corners of their garments and look upon and remember all the
commandments of Yahweh (Num. 15:39). The color blue was to
remind Israel of the divine authority of the law seeing as the throne of
the Goddess Herself, the One who speaks the words of Inspiration, is
made of sapphire a blue stone (Ex. 24:10; Ez. 1:26; 10:1).
Scarlet is blood red and would thus represent life since the life of
the fesh is in the blood (Lev. 17:11). The particular type of red used
in this sash was taken from a worm which had to be crushed to make
the dye.4 It thus not only represents life itself, but life crushed out of a
worm a common symbol for a man (Job 25:6; Ps. 22:6; Isa. 41:14).
The sacrifce of Christ is herein brought to view, especially in light of
Psalm 22:6, but it is by no means limited to his personal sacrifce as we
are also called to take up our cross and follow Him (Matt. 16:24) and
make His death our own (Rom. 6).
Purple is a mixture of blue and scarlet and thus symbolizes life
mingled with the law. The meaning of this mingling is revealed in the
fact that the altar of burnt offering was to be covered with a purple
cloth (Num. 4:13). When a person would bring their sacrifce, they
would have their sins symbolically transferred from themselves to the
animal, and from the animal it was symbolically transferred via the
blood onto the altar. The sin would thus be removed from the person
and their representative (the animal) to the altar. The altar then, was
the place of atonement removal of sin. From this we understand
that purple is the color for atonement.
To summarize, the sash represents the pillar truths of the gospel.
Like the linen tunic, the sash was worn within other garments in the
case of the high priest, and could not be seen by others. By this it
symbolizes something very close and personal to the wearer. That is, it
demonstrates the reality that the law, the life of Christ, His sacrifce,
and His blood applied to redeem and atone for the sinner, is
4

This is shown from the fact that the word tole'ah ( )for scarlet used here also
means worm.

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personally relating to and affecting the individual. It is this truth which


will keep redeemed mankind from ever falling into sin again, and is
the only safeguard the unfallen worlds have against apostasy.
Not only man but angels will ascribe honor and glory to the
Redeemer, for even they are secure only through the sufferings of
the Son of God. It is through the effcacy of the cross that the
inhabitants of unfallen worlds have been guarded from apostasy. It
is this that has effectually unveiled the deceptions of Satan and
refuted his claims. Not only those that are washed by the blood of
Christ, but also the holy angels, are drawn to him by his crowning
act of giving his life for the sins of the world.5
That which alone can effectually restrain from sin in this world of
darkness, will prevent sin in heaven. The signifcance of the death
of Christ will be seen by saints and angels. Fallen men could not
have a home in the paradise of God without the Lamb slain from
the foundation of the world. Shall we not then exalt the cross of
Christ? The angels ascribe honor and glory to Christ, for even they
are not secure except by looking to the sufferings of the Son of God.
It is through the effcacy of the cross that the angels of heaven are
guarded from apostasy. Without the cross they would be no more
secure against evil than were the angels before the fall of Satan.
Angelic perfection failed in heaven. Human perfection failed in
Eden, the paradise of bliss. All who wish for security in earth or
heaven must look to the Lamb of God. The plan of salvation,
making manifest the justice and love of God, provides an eternal
safeguard against defection in unfallen worlds, as well as among
those who shall be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Our only
hope is perfect trust in the blood of Him who can save to the
uttermost all that come unto God by Him. The death of Christ on
the cross of Calvary is our only hope in this world, and it will be
our theme in the world to come. Oh, we do not comprehend the
value of the atonement! If we did, we would talk more about it.6

The Robe of the Ephod


You are to make the robe of the ephod completely blue. There is
to be an opening in its top in the center of it, with an edge all
around the opening, the work of a weaver, like the opening of a
5
6

Bible Training School, Dec. 1, 1907, par. 4


Signs of the Times, Dec. 30, 1889, par. 4

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collar, so that it cannot be torn. You are to make pomegranates of


blue, purple, and scarlet all around its hem and bells of gold
between them all around. The pattern is to be a gold bell and a
pomegranate, a gold bell and a pomegranate, all around the hem of
the robe. - Exodus 28:31-34

This robe, worn only by the high priest, represents not only the
true manifestation of the outward observance of the law, but also the
divine authority to proclaim the law from the Spirit. The fact that the
garment could not be torn demonstrates the immutability of the law
and its authority. This garment cannot be torn, and therefore, if it is
to be removed, it must be removed entirely, not in part. The lesson is
that if one wants to break one commandment, they must utterly
remove from themselves the law of our Heavenly Family.
To be more specifc, the robe reveals that this antitypical high priest
is endowed with the authority and duty to proclaim a solemn message
sent from heaven. The robe itself pictures the divine authority of the
law manifest in the righteousness of Christ displayed in the life. The
pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn represent the same
thing as the sash only in the form of inviting and nutritious food (the
truth of the message). The golden bells represent the proclamation of
the message in purity (Zech. 14:20; Sir. 45:6). As one hears the bells,
their eyes are drawn to them and they see the inviting truth of the
sacrifce and intercession of Christ to atone for fallen humanity.
The high priest is either wearing this garment, or he is not. There
is no half way position, and no partial wearing. This truth is the same
in principle as that advocated by Victor Houteff in the following lines:
As all prophetic truths are timely revealed, it is evident that there
can be nothing disclosed by the wisdom of man, no matter how
simple it may be. When God reveals a portion of His holy Word
through one of His chosen instruments, analysis of history prove
that they are never erring as far as the message they deliver is
concerned. It is also true that those who erred in their supposed
message of truth, have had no truth. So the great apostle says: "But
God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit
searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man
knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in
him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of
God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the
Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are

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freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the
words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost
teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural
man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are
foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are
spiritually discerned." (1 Cor. 2:10-14.) Therefore, when a message
is proclaimed, it is either all truth or there is no truth in it, save the
quotations of the prophets.7
Analysis proves that truth has never come at any time by the
power and wisdom of men, but by the Spirit of God through
instruments of His own choice. Said Jesus, "When the Spirit of
truth is come, He will guide you into ALL truth." If we should
believe the words of the Master, then we must conclude that the
"Rod" contains either ALL truth or there is NO truth in it, save the
quotations of truth. Therefore, if we admit one truth revealed by
the "Rod," then we must accept it ALL. If God has been able to
guide His servants in the past into ALL truth, He is able now.
Therefore, we take the position that the message in the "Rod" is
free from error in so far as the ideas put forth are concerned. 8

The Ephod
They are to make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and
fne twisted linen, the work of an artistic designer. It is to have two
shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be joined
together. The artistically woven waistband of the ephod that is on it
is to be like it, of one piece with the ephod, of gold, blue, purple,
scarlet, and fne twisted linen.
You are to take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names
of the sons of Israel, six of their names on one stone, and the six
remaining names on the second stone, according to the order of
their birth. You are to engrave the two stones with the names of the
sons of Israel with the work of an engraver in stone, like the
engravings of a seal; you are to have them set in gold fligree
settings. You are to put the two stones on the shoulders of the
ephod, stones of memorial for the sons of Israel, and Aaron will
bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders for a
memorial. You are to make fligree settings of gold and two braided
chains of pure gold, like a cord, and attach the chains to the
settings. - Exodus 28:6-14
7
8

The Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 2, p. 14


The Symbolic Code, Vol. 1, No. 8, p. 1 (Capitalization original to quotation)

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Since the blue robe which we just considered is called the robe of
the ephod (Ex. 28:31), there must be some connection between the
meaning of the robe and of the ephod itself. While the robe was all
blue, the ephod contained all fve of the materials which appear in the
priestly garments (blue, purple, red, linen, and gold). Also, upon the
ephod was placed the breastplate of judgment which contained the
Urim and Thummim. All of these aspects of the high priest's
garments help to inform us of the meaning of the others.
We've seen that the robe of the ephod represents the authority
endowed upon the high priest to speak law (instruction) from the
Spirit. The ephod should represent something similar but also have its
own particular meaning. The story of David's experience with the
ephod should shed some light on how he understood it, or at least its
use:
Now when Abiathar son of Ahimelech had fed to David at
Keilah, he had brought with him an ephod. When Saul was told that
David had come to Keilah, Saul said, God has delivered him into
my hand, for he has boxed himself into a corner by entering a city
with two barred gates. So Saul mustered all his army to go down
to Keilah and besiege David and his men.
When David realized that Saul was planning to harm him, he
told Abiathar the priest, Bring the ephod! Then David said, O
LORD God of Israel, your servant has clearly heard that Saul is
planning to come to Keilah to destroy the city because of me. Will
the leaders of Keilah deliver me into his hand? Will Saul come
down as your servant has heard? O LORD God of Israel, please
inform your servant!
Then the LORD said, He will come down. David asked, Will
the leaders of Keilah deliver me and my men into Sauls hand?
The LORD said, They will deliver you over. - 1 Samuel 23:6-12

Apparently, David understood that the presence of the ephod


would enable him to receive answers from Yahweh in relation to what
was about to take place. For this reason, the ephod has been elsewhere
referred to as the ephod of prophecy. 9 It is in the gift of prophecy
then, that truth and righteousness (linen), the authority of the law
(blue), the sacrifce and life of Christ (red), His atonement on our
behalf (purple), and the purity of the gospel (gold) are all bound
9

See The Testament of Levi 8:3.

10

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together. It is the gift of prophecy endowed upon the high priest which
enables him to govern Israel as revealed by his bearing of the names
of the tribes upon his shoulders (Isa. 9:6; 22:22).
The ephod reveals the prophetic and kingly roles of this antitypical high priest. This is further born out by the fact that the
Zadokite priesthood in Ezekiel's vision is the antitypical priesthood of
righteousness.10 The high priest of that temple is referred to as the
prince (Eze. 43:3; 45:7, 16, 17, 22; 46:2-18; 48:21-22) which is also
the name given to the antitypical Davidic fgure earlier in Ezekiel (Eze.
34:24; 37:25) when speaking of the same time. In other words, the
antitypical David is prophet (2 Sam. 23:1-2), priest (1 Sam. 21:7; 2
Sam. 6:12-14; 1 Chron. 15:27; 16:2), and king (Eze. 37:24); thus
serving as Christ's visible representative.11
It is important to remember that in the priestly consecration types,
Moses, as the mediator of the covenant, acted as the high priest while
ordaining the priesthood (including Aaron as high priest); likewise, in
the antitypical fulfllment, Christ, as the mediator of the new
covenant, acts as high priest while ordaining the priesthood (including
the Davidic high priest). This is also brought out in Zechariah where
Joshua the High Priest is ordained to priesthood (Zech. 3), but is also
given a crown to signify his kingly role (Zech. 6:11). In both the third
and sixth chapters of Zechariah, Joshua is a distinct fgure from the man
whose name is Branch - Christ, the Son of God. This, together with
the fact that Joshua was a sinner in need of a garment change as
represented in the third chapter makes it clear that this latter-day antitypical high priest is not Christ, but is rather only a mere human saved
by grace and through faith.12
The Breastpiece with Urim and Thummim
You are to make a breastpiece for use in making decisions, the
work of an artistic designer; you are to make it in the same fashion
as the ephod; you are to make it of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and
fne twisted linen. It is to be square when doubled, half a cubit long
and half a cubit wide. You are to set in it a setting for stones, four
10 See The Silver Trumpet, Vol. 1, No. 3, p. 22-26.
11 See Tract No. 8 Mount Sion at the Eleventh Hour, p. 71.
12 It can be similarly shown that the antitypical Davidic king is not a member of the
Godhead, but rather only a redeemed human. For an introduction to this topic,
see our studies on Psalm 2.

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11

rows of stones, a row with a ruby, a topaz, and a beryl the frst
row; and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;
and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and the
fourth row, a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They are to be
enclosed in gold in their fligree settings. The stones are to be for
the names of the sons of Israel, twelve, according to the number of
of their names. Each name according to the twelve tribes is to be
like the engravings of a seal Aaron will bear the names of the
sons of Israel in the breastpiece of decision over his heart when he
goes into the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually. You are to put the Urim and the Thummim into the breastpiece of decision; and they are to be over Aarons heart when he
goes in before the LORD. Aaron is to bear the judgments of the
Israelites over his heart before the LORD continually. - Exodus
28:15-21, 29-30

This breastpiece, like the ephod, contained all fve materials used in
the high priestly garments. Also like the ephod, it had precious gems
set upon it with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. The names
being on his shoulders showed that he was to govern them, but the
names over his heart showed that he was to intercede on their behalf.
The primary purpose of this breastpiece though, was that it was to
be for the purpose of making decisions, or judgments. It was known as
the breastplate of judgment by virtue of its containing the Urim
and Thummim. Though the scriptures never give us a detailed
description of the Urim and Thummim, their purpose is declared
plainly.
And he [Joshua] will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will ask
for him before the LORD by the decision of the Urim - Numbers
27:21
Then Saul said, O LORD God of Israel! If this sin has been
committed by me or by my son Jonathan, then, O LORD God of
Israel, respond with Urim. But if this sin has been committed by
your people Israel, respond with Thummim. Then Jonathan and
Saul were indicated by lot, while the army was exonerated. - 1
Samuel 14:41

Clearly, the Urim and Thummim were used as lots by which our
Heavenly Family gave revelation concerning certain circumstances. A

12

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comparison of 1 Samuel 28:6 in the Masoretic Text (MT) and the


Greek Septuagint (LXX) demonstrates that this was also understood
by the ancients:
MT

LXX

So Saul inquired of the


LORD, but the LORD did not
answer him not by dreams
nor by Urim nor by the
prophets.

So Saul inquired of the


Lord, but the Lord did not
answer him in dreams or in
the symbols of revelation or in
the prophets.

The breastplate, with the Urim and Thummim, symbolized the


theocratic governance of the nation. Since all of these garments were
part of the typical levitical system, they fnd the perfect fulfllment of
their meaning with the latter-day antitypical priesthood. The symbol
here is that the nation, led by the 144,000 (as symbolized by the twelve
gems on the breastplate), is to be ruled by Inspiration manifested
through the antitypical high priestly king (David), coming directly
from Yahweh. Thus,
The children of Israel will live many days without a king or
prince, and without sacrifce or altar, and without ephod or
teraphim.13 Afterward the children of Israel will return and seek the
LORD their God and David their king, and shall come with fear
unto the LORD and to his goodness in the end of days. - Hosea 3:4-5

The Turban and The Plate of Gold


You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it the way a
seal is engraved: Holiness to Yahweh. You are to attach to it a
blue cord so that it will be on the turban; it is to be on the front of
the turban. - Exodus 28:36-37

The turban represents the same basic thing as the headbands


which the regular priests wore; namely, the pure truth (righteousness)
13 Teraphim was a word used for an item or items used anciently for the purpose
of divination. The use of teraphim is connected with an ephod on several
occasions (Judges 17:5; 18:14, 17-20) and has some sort of connection with the
Urim and Thummim, if only that the former is a counterfeit of the latter. Here
teraphim seems to be referred to in a positive sense the LXX renders the term
manifestation.

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13

brought into the mind of the priest. One of the aspects of the mind of
Christ which is especially emphasized in the turban of the high priest
is revealed in Job.
I put on righteousness and it clothed me; my judgment
(discernment) was like a robe and a turban. - Job 29:14

Upon the front of the high priestly turban was placed a plate of
pure gold which had an engraving, literally, the engraving of a seal
which read Holiness to Yahweh. This plate thus represents the seal
of God, the name of our Heavenly Family in the forehead (Rev. 14:1).
It is the truth accepted by the individual, not only intellectually, but
also spiritually (LDE 219.4).
Holiness to Yahweh encompasses the seal in all its aspects and is
truly the present truth on the subject. Ellen White taught that the
Sabbath truth is the seal of God. Victor Houteff showed that it also
included sighing and crying and accepting the truth of the kingdom.
Ben Roden was shown that the seal of the 144,000 is composed of
three parts according to Rev. 3:12 and EW 15. These three parts are
(1) God the Sabbath truth brought by E.G. White, (2) the New
Jerusalem the Kingdom truth brought by V.T. Houteff, and (3) Jesus'
New Name Branch, brought by Ben Roden. Later, the hidden
manna of the begotten Daughter of God was revealed to Lois Roden,
making up the glorious star of the seal.14
The next Branch messenger, Doug Mitchell, had revealed to him
the truth that the four above messages are represented by the four
angels holding the four winds in the seventh chapter of Revelation and
that they all take part in the work of sealing as revealed by the
proclamation of the angel from the east to hurt not till we have sealed
the servants of our God That angel started off in the east, the
place of idolatry the place of death in trespasses and sins. If one
accepts the message of this angel, they will see their true condition
and will have learned how to truly sigh and cry, not in theory, but in
reality and thus be prepared to receive the seal.
In this present message, we have seen the angel ascend from the
east like the rising of the sun. This angel has the seal in his hand
(message) and is ready to set it upon the willing hearts of the penitent.
We have learned that up till now, the settling into the truth has only
14 See The Four Horns of the Altars of the Sanctuary.

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been intellectual and that if one is to receive the seal, then that settling
must be a real thing, free from idolatry free from sin. It must be live
spiritual. This seal is bound up in the message of justifcation by
faith in Christ from the Spirit through their dual work of intercession.
She Herself says,
Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm. For love is
as strong as death; passion is as ferce as the grave. Its fashes are
fashes of fre; it is a blazing fame. - Song of Solomon 8:6

The seal encompasses the whole truth brought into the minds and
lives of those who receive it. It stands for everything our Heavenly
Family stands for and thus it bears Their name Yahweh He is Who
He is. The truth is the truth. Let it be what it will be. This seal shows
that everything the seal-bearer does and says and is, is pure truth. To
receive it is to receive the moral image of our Heavenly Family
restored in your mind. Holiness to Yahweh is the ever constant
theme of the mind. Praise Their holy name!

A Goodly Land
by Teresa Wilde

Greetings to All Present Truth Believers,


We have wonderful news of our Heavenly Family's love and
willingness to provide for the work of the Gospel!
Here is an overview of the events that have transpired over the past
several weeks:
Prior to leaving British Columbia to move to Ontario, we were
faced with needing to be able to move all of the Branch Association's
belongings, as well as our own. We knew the most cost effective thing
to do was to sell our car and get a vehicle that could haul a heavy
trailer rather than rent a truck. Neither of us knew much about
vehicles, but we began asking around and looking online for what used
vehicles were available. One of the ads we came across was from an
individual who was selling a 2004 GMC Yukon SLT 4X4. A week or
more went by while Trent and I were just too busy with daily
responsibilities to consider much on the vehicle question. Then, just

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over a week before we were supposed to leave, our Heavenly Family


showed us what we were supposed to do. It was morning, and as I
awoke I turned to Trent and said, I had a dream that we bought the
Yukon without even test driving it. He leaned up and looked at me
with a smile and said, I had a dream last night that we bought the
Yukon as well. We felt reassured that so long as we kept up with our
daily duties, our Heavenly Family would provide everything we
needed, when we needed it.
Later that same day we purchased the Yukon, and were then able
to consider looking for a cargo trailer. Yet again our Heavenly Family
provided what was needed and we obtained a used 7X16' tandem axle
cargo trailer which also had new brakes and new tires. It was road
ready and safe for travel.
On Monday, September 15, 2014 Trent and I left Abbotsford, BC
on our way to head for Ontario. We knew we were being led to the
area to fnd a piece of property from which the work of the Gospel
could be headed up and organized.
Once we were in Ontario, we began looking at properties. We frst
considered a property that was ten acres but it just didn't seem like the
right one. Next we walked through a property that was around 20
acres. It was too swampy. Next, we examined a 50 acre property and
thought this was much more promising, and as we prayed we asked
our Heavenly Family to show us what to do. We asked that if any
property that we were considering was not the right one, that it would
be taken out of the equation. A few days later we received notice that
the 50 acre lot was no longer for sale. Our Gods are so good! The next
property we looked at was 100 acres. This was much larger than we
had originally considered as a possibility to obtain, but each time a
door was closed to a piece of land, the next door opened to a larger
acreage.
As we continued to investigate this property and look at others, it
became evident that it would be much better to be able to do all this
driving without having to haul the trailer. We had rented a campsite
for two days where we were able to leave the trailer and it provided a
lot of freedom and reduction in the cost of fuel. Pulling the trailer, the
traveling was tedious and fuel was costly as we were hauling a very
heavy load, so we began to consider putting it in storage in order to
have more freedom in our search for land. We also knew that we
needed to be working while we were looking for land and we had

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nowhere to do that, so we started to consider renting a dwelling for a


month or so. As we looked online for short term rentals, we found very
few that would work for us and at one point we came across something
that was nearer to Toronto. I looked at Trent and said, If we're
considering renting someplace that near to Toronto, we should just
rent from Alice! Alice is a friend who has been attending the feasts
we've held in Ontario the past year and had told us that if we ever
needed a place to stay, her home was our home. When we called her
to ask about this, she immediately said that it was an answer to prayer.
We also felt that this was where our Heavenly Family was directing us
as we would be able to have more time to study with her, one on one.
She is progressing in her understanding of present truth and hungry
to learn more.
On Wednesday, October 1, 2014 we arrived at Alice's house. We
stored our cargo trailer in a storage unit in Ajax where she lives but it
could only be stored until November 1 since that would be when snow
could most likely start to fall and the snow plows would need to be
able to drive through where the storage business allowed things like
the trailer to be parked. The normal price for a month of storage was
over $300, but their introductory special was a savings of 99%, so with
taxes and fees the total for storing the trailer for a month was only
about $30! We had no idea where we would store the trailer after that
date, but we knew our Heavenly Family would provide either a
property by that time, or another place to store it. Even the way we
obtained such a low cost of storage was quite miraculous. [Here is a
bit more detail on how the storage thing worked. There are two types
of storage at this place; (1) in a storage unit and (2) parking outside.
They said the trailer would ft in their storage unit, however, once we
pulled around to park the trailer, we found that there was absolutely
no way it would ft. So, there we were. We couldn't ft the trailer into
the storage unit and they said they didn't have more places to park. We
were going to have to get a refund and fnd some other place. They
then realized that they did have a parking spot but that we would have
to be out by November 1 due to snow, etc. The discount only applies
to the storage units, but since we were already in the computer with
the discount, the computer would not allow the discount to be
removed. They ended up just giving us the parking spot at the
discounted rate! The 30 dollars was the price of the initial sign up, a
padlock, and the frst month's fee.]

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While at Alice's place, we started to seriously consider the 100 acre


property and began inquiring into building codes and zoning, etc.
What we learned showed us that this was not the right property either.
On the entire 100 acres, we would only be allowed to build one
dwelling house. This just wouldn't work for the purposes of our
Heavenly Family's ministry. This seemed like a large obstacle though,
because anywhere that there was a municipality, we were told we
would run into the same building codes and zoning laws. We trusted
that our Heavenly Family would make Their will known to us as we
needed to know it. At this time we came across the idea of
unorganized townships. An unorganized township is a place where
there are no zoning laws and the closest form of government to the
township is the Provincial government. We knew that if we were to
obtain a property in one of these townships it would provide the
freedom necessary to do the work of our Heavenly Family!
On Tuesday, October 14, 2014 (during the Feast of Tabernacles),
we left Ajax to travel north to look at a couple properties that were for
sale. They were both 151 acre lots, and they were also both in
unorganized townships! We had thought we might only be gone three
days, as those were the only properties that we were aware of that
were of any consideration for our Heavenly Family's headquarters, but
it soon became apparent that these properties were only a means of
bringing us to the general area where we would need to be looking for
the right property. The 151 acre lots were just too swampy.
For almost two weeks, we remained in the area of North Bay where
we drove through unorganized townships, road by road, and searched
for land. We knew we could not sit idly by and expect our Heavenly
Family to simply drop something into our laps with no effort on our
part. We stopped and spoke to people who lived in the area and
inquired about land for sale, but we didn't fnd anything in that area
that was for sale other than small parcels of land with houses which
were not conducive to the needs of the ministry and way beyond the
current budget. Day by day, we would pray and ask our Heavenly
Family for Their guidance and to be sustained by Their love. We were
open to the possibility that we would not fnd property until after
winter, but we couldn't quite envision how that would work since we
had all the Branch belongings in the cargo trailer that really should be
kept out of the humidity to preserve the documents, etc. We just knew
that whatever happened, our Heavenly Family would work out the

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details in the best way for Their purposes.


During our stay in North Bay we also had a few witnessing
opportunities. While we were there, we spent a lot of time in a lounge
at an Esso truck stop to charge the computer and write for The Silver
Trumpet. One of the employees there was working a lot while we were
around and we got to know him a little. Before we left the area to head
back to Ajax, we left a copy of The Lost Gospel of Christ for him. His
name is Mike and we would appreciate it if you would all remember
him in prayer. There was also a local lady who spent her work breaks
in the lounge. She worked nearby and was in the habit of hanging out
in the Esso lounge. We started talking one evening and had a lovely
conversation in which I was able to share the gospel of Justifcation by
Faith. During our conversation, she suddenly asked, So, are you
Jehovah's Witness or Baptist? I hadn't expected that but I smiled and
said, Actually, neither. But I do read my Bible. And so we continued
talking and I could see the Spirit moving upon her heart. We didn't
exchange names, but please pray for her as well. There were two other
individuals to whom we had occasion to witness. One evening, I went
to the laundromat while Trent was writing in the food court at the
mall. While he was there, a lady stopped to ask what he was doing and
they ended up discussing the gospel. Meanwhile, I had gone to wash
clothes at the laundromat and a guy there doing his laundry was
talking to the lady who worked there. She brought me into the
conversation and as I talked to him, I learned that he kept the
Sabbath! I was able to share a good deal about the gospel and gave
him a copy of The Lost Gospel of Christ. We can defnitely see that the
harvest is ripe and people are ready to hear the good news. Pray for
the work; please pray! There are so many people eager to know the
peace and love of the Gospel. (Psalm 4:6)
As we continued driving and looking for land, we also called a few
realtors in the area and had them looking for us. We told them exactly
what our budget was and what our needs would be in the way of type
and size of land. We had originally thought we wouldn't be able to
afford anything much larger than ten or twenty acres, but the more we
thought about it and prayed about it, we could see how necessary it
would be to have a large space in which to have a grade school as well
as a ministerial school and a wellness center and home for the aged;
we would need enough land to grow our own food and have enough
to sustain multiple families if need be. The larger acreages were

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19

defnitely seeming like the thing that was needed. After we determined
that the 151 acre properties would not work due to being much too
wet, we called the realtor who had those listings and told him exactly
what we needed. We told him that we needed nothing less than 50
acres and larger would be better; we mentioned that the price would
need to be below $40,000 unless owner fnancing was an option, and
we told him the land needed to be dry. He promised to fnd us
something, even if it took him a couple weeks. So, in the mean time
we continued our search.
We drove through miles and miles of countryside, but did not fnd
anything promising. However, at one point something came to our
attention that looked pretty good. In talking to people in the area, we
were directed to a man who owned a logging company. We found
where he lived and drove there to inquire if he knew of any land for
sale. He said he did and gave us the number for the owner. Each
property was 160 acres and at least one of them was in an
unorganized township. This sounded promising! We were
contemplating how wonderful it was that each time our Heavenly
Family brought a piece of land to our attention for consideration, it
was always a larger and better acreage than the one before. We
phoned the land owner, but he had decided not to sell the properties
and so that door was closed. What could this mean? Did it mean that
our Heavenly Family was actually going to put us on a property even
larger than that?
Later that same day, Friday, October 24, 2014, we were online
looking for anything new that may have been posted since last we had
looked. As we were perusing the listings, we saw an ad for an acreage
that was 288.96 acres. At frst, we didn't realize it was a new listing but
we went ahead and opened it anyway, just to be certain. When we
clicked the ad, it took us to another web site which happened to
belong to the realtor who had the two 151 acre properties and had
told us he would fnd us something to suit our needs. At the top of the
listing it said, New! So, we knew we had not seen this before. We
continued reading through the ad and could barely believe our eyes. It
was listed for only $60,000 and the seller would fnance so long as the
buyer could put down 30%-40%! The land had surface rights, mineral
rights, and tree rights as well as being in an unorganized township! It
literally had every feature we needed, so long as the land was dry
enough. We called the realtor right away and learned that he had just

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listed it the night before and was going to call us but didn't have our
number with him due to traveling. Praise our Heavenly Family for
guiding us to look and to call the realtor rather than simply waiting to
hear from him! Once we got his permission to go to the property, we
left as soon as we could.
Once we were on the property, we knew quickly that this was the
right one, but rather than feeling elated and excited, we each had a
sense of peacefulness. We had an assurance that our Heavenly Family
had directed us the entire way and that They would continue to bless
this work and see it through to the end! The property has a variety of
terrain. There are cleared areas as well as woods. There are creeks as
well as a few small ponds. One section has an area where the undergrowth is full of beautiful moss. We later learned from Carol and
Norman that Canadian moss is desirable! And when we mentioned
this to Michael, he confrmed that it will be of much use in
agriculture. There are also a variety of different soils which will be
able to be used for farming as well as building cob houses. Here is an
aerial shot of the property:

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21

We called the realtor that evening and let him know it was the right
property. Then, we emailed an offer to him so he could offcially write
it up. The next morning, he emailed us the purchase agreement and
we found a print shop where we printed it out, then read it through
carefully before signing, and once we were fnished we emailed it back
to him. A few hours later, we had the purchase agreement returned to
us with the signature of the seller. It was a done deal. The next thing
was to send a cashier's check for the deposit of $2000, which we did
the following day. We will close on the deal no later than November 14
at which time we will pay the remaining down payment of $18,000.
After this, we will own the title and take possession of the property.
The monthly payments will be less than $380 and we can pay off the
balance at any time with no penalties. Praise our Heavenly Family! We
were able to obtain a 289 acre property with no 9 to 5 jobs with pay
stubs! Most people would simply not believe it. Is there anything too
hard for Yahweh? So long as we are walking in Their will for our lives,
They will provide for our needs. I am reminded of the scripture which
reads,
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But
lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor
steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The
light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy
whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole
body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be
darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two
masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else
he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God
and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your
life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body,
what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body
than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither
do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds
them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking
thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye
thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the feld, how they grow;
they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That
even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the feld, which to day is,

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and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe
you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What
shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be
clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your
heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things. But
seek ye frst the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all
these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for
the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of
itself. Suffcient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:19-34

A Goodly Dwelling
Once we knew we had found the right property, we began looking
online for yurts. Yet again, our Heavenly Family has shown that They
have taken care of all the details. We found a yurt that a woman has
lived in for the past two years with her baby in Barry Bay, Ontario,
and able to stay plenty warm, even in -45C. It cost her nearly
$20,000 and she told us, without our asking, that she is motivated to
sell and will take $11,000 even though her ad was asking $14,000. It
comes complete with a Vermont Castings wood stove as well as a wind
and snow kit for the yurt. All we have to do is move it to the property
and set it up. The diameter of the yurt is 20' and will be large enough
for all our belongings as well as the Branch Association's belongings.
The documents will be kept safe and dry through the winter and we
will have a place to live and work.

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23

Our next need was to fnd a place to store the trailer after
November 1 until we could take possession of the land and set up the
yurt. Alice had mentioned a couple weeks prior that she knows some
Adventists who live in the country with plenty of space to store the
trailer should we need a place for it. So, we asked her to call and see if
we could park it there and they said that we could. The other nice
thing is that their home is located right on the way to go pick up the
yurt. Again, our Heavenly Family has taken care of the details.
We hope that each of you will be encouraged by what our Divine
Family is preparing for the fnishing up of the Gospel. And if you're
able, go back and listen to the study given on Isaiah 6, held June 30,
2014. It is our prayer that when Yahweh asks in Isaiah 6:8, Whom
shall I send, and who will go for us? that everyone now reading this
will be able to cheerfully say, Here am I; send me.

Questions and Answers


IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A
MESSENGER AND A PROPHET?
Question No. 8:
Is there a difference between a messenger and a prophet? If
so, how does one prove which is which?
Answer:
Since the words messenger and prophet mean different things
to different people and are used differently in different contexts, it is
not as simple as we would perhaps like to answer this excellent
question. In order to do so however, we will examine the question in
three different contexts. First, that of the Old Testament scriptures;
second, that of the New Testament scriptures; and third, that of the
writings of Ellen White.
In The Old Testament
The Hebrew Bible uses one main word for prophet; that is, navi
(). The word itself carries the meaning of spokesperson. All the
uses of this word in the scriptures are in clear harmony with this
meaning. For example:

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So the LORD said to Moses, See, I have made you like God to
Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. You are to
speak everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell
Pharaoh that he must release the Israelites from his land. - Exodus
7:1-2
So you are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And
as for me, I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will
teach you both what you must do. He will speak for you to the
people, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were
his God. - Exodus 4:15-16

The word malak ( )is the common Hebrew word employed for
messenger. It literally means messenger and is used throughout
the Hebrew Bible with that meaning. Both carry the same basic
meaning in that one who is a prophet or a messenger is standing in
place of another, or speaking or acting on behalf of another.
The primary difference is that navi ( )is used exclusively in a
religious sense (as in a spokesperson for a god), whereas malak ( )is
used more broadly, encompassing anyone acting as a messenger for
anyone else.15 In the Hebrew Bible, every prophet is a messenger 16 but
not every messenger is a prophet.
In The New Testament
In the New Testament the word for prophet is prophetes ()
and means the same thing as the word navi ( )in the Hebrew Bible.
The word angelos () is the common word for messenger and
means the same as malak (). There is another word that is used in
the New Testament which literally means messenger(s) or sent
one(s). This word is apostolos () which is where we get the
word apostle.
The use of this word in the New Testament is somewhat innovative
as there isn't much evidence of similar use prior to it. The only known
occurrence of the word in the LXX17 is in 1 Kings 14:6 where Ahijiah
the prophet (1 Ki. 14:2) says, I am an apostle to bear to you a hard
15 For example see Gen. 32:3, 6; Josh. 7:22; 1 Ki. 19:2; 1 Chron. 14:1.
16 See 2 Chron. 36:15-16; Isa. 44:26; Hag. 1:1 with 1:13; and Mal. 3:1 with Mal. 4:5.
17 The abbreviation for the Greek Septuagint an important translation of the
Hebrew Scriptures prior to the common era. The particular text in consideration
here is Codex Alexandrinus.

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25

message. What is interesting about this passage is the Hebrew word


there translated apostle is actually a verb which means
commissioned leaving the phrase to be literally translated I have
been commissioned to bear to you a hard message. The meaning of
apostolos () in both this passage and the New Testament
carries a sense of mission beyond that which is conveyed by the more
common words for messenger.
While the New Testament applies many of the same characteristics
to apostles as it does to prophets,18 it also clearly distinguishes them.19
Certain prophets in the New Testament only played very minor roles,
such as Agabus of Judaea (Acts 21:10) and Philip's daughters (Acts
21:9). The apostles though, were called to work intimately close with
Christ Himself (Mt. 10:2) in preparation to bear a message of present
truth to Israel frst, and then the Gentiles also. It is clear that the
apostles were the leaders of the early church 20 and that they led it by
Inspiration.21
A study of the footnotes along with the rest of the occurrences of
apostolos () in the New Testament will reveal that an apostlemessenger is one who is very specifcally called to accomplish a certain
mission which includes bearing a message of present truth given to the
apostle directly from our Heavenly Family 22 as well as taking up the
work in any line which the Spirit indicates.
To summarize: in the New Testament the relationship between the
common words for prophet and messenger are the same as in the
Hebrew Bible. That said, the other word for messenger (apostolos
[]) comprehends more than either of the common words, or
even both combined. To be an apostle-messenger does not simply
mean to speak on behalf of our Heavenly Family on an isolated
18 For example: Prophets are inspired by the Spirit (Num. 11:29; 2 Pet. 1:21) as are
apostles (Acts 1:2; Eph. 3:5); also, prophets may enact sings and/or wonders
(Deut. 13:1) as may apostles (Acts 5:12).
19 See Luke 11:49; Eph. 2:20; 3:5 and esp. 4:11.
20 See Acts 4:35, 37; 5:2; 6:6; 8:18; 1 Cor. 12:28; Rev. 21:14.
21 This is evident from not only the fact that apostles are said to receive their
message and doctrine from the spirit in the same way as prophets (see fn. 18), but
also from the history left us in the book of Acts wherein we fnd that the Spirit was
the one leading the apostles in the forwarding of the gospel (Acts 8:29; 10:19;
11:12; 13:2; 15:28).
22 Paul, in defending his apostleship, took pains to demonstrate that he received his
message directly from the Christ (He and She) as opposed to learning it from
uninspired men, or even from the other apostles (See Gal. 1-2.)

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occasion or even to receive dreams or visions from time to time 23 it


means to be commissioned as a leader to bear a directly Inspired
heaven-sent message with a defnite mission to be accomplished.
In The Writings Of Ellen White
As with the other sections, we will not be writing an exhaustive
survey of the use of the terms prophet and messenger in Ellen
White's writings. We will, though, consider some example occurrences
in order to understand the different ways in which these terms can be
used. Let us consider a few statements:
I am now instructed that I am not to be hindered in my work by
those who engage in suppositions regarding its nature, whose minds
are struggling with so many intricate problems connected with the
supposed work of a prophet. My commission embraces the work of
a prophet, but it does not end there. It embraces much more than
the minds of those who have been sowing the seeds of unbelief can
comprehend.Letter 244, 1906.24
My work includes much more than this name [prophet] signifes.
I regard myself as a messenger, entrusted by the Lord with
messages for His people.Letter 55, 1905.25
To claim to be a prophetess is something that I have never done.
If others call me by that name, I have no controversy with them.
But my work has covered so many lines that I cannot call myself
other than a messenger, sent to bear a message from the Lord to
His people, and to take up work in any line that He points out.26
23 This is not to say that apostles could not receive dreams and visions, as some have.
It should also be mentioned that receiving dreams and visions does not necessarily
qualify one as a prophet either (see Deut. 13:1, 3, 5). Dreamers of dreams,
prophets, and apostles, may all receive dreams and visions with each maintaining
their separate roles. It could be viewed as a tier system in which a dreamer may
dream without being given a prophetic oracle, and thus is not a prophet or
apostle. A prophet must receive the word of Yahweh and a responsibility to share
it with others through direct inspiration and may also dream and have visions
within that calling. To be an apostle one must be commissioned to lead and bear
an inspired message, though they may also be a prophet and a dreamer.
24 Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 36.2
25 Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 36.1
26 Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 34.5

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27

From the above lines it is evident that Ellen White was here using
the term messenger in the sense of apostle-messenger as discussed
above. There are many examples throughout her writings though,
where she uses the term in the more generic sense.27
So, is there a difference between a messenger and a prophet?
In some contexts yes, and in some contexts no. Distinguishing and
proving when there is a difference and what the difference is is
determined by the text. We hope that this brief review of some of the
occurrences of these terms in their different contexts will help the
questioner and our other readers to grasp the matter with more clarity
and that it will aid in further study of the subject.
WHERE TO PAY TITHE?
Question No. 9:
We have recently received inquiry from more than one as to
whether believers in present truth should pay tithe to the Branch
Association or to the General Conference of SDAs.
Answer:
Reading The Symbolic Code, Vol. 1 No. 14, p. 9-10 will provide a
clear answer to this question. If there are any remaining questions,
please do not hesitate to ask.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO PRAY WITHOUT CEASING?
Question No. 10:
Since you teach that our prayers are to be spoken out loud, what
do you make of 1 Thessalonians 5:17 which says, pray without
ceasing?
Answer:
As with all seeming contradictions, what we must do is examine the
27 For example see The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, p. 1455.2 where she
refers to Jones, Prescott, Waggoner, and Olsen as messengers. That she
did not mean this in the same sense in which she referred to herself as a
messenger can be seen by reading the various rebukes which she wrote
to and concerning these individuals. Likewise, she refers to Luther as a
messenger (RH Feb. 12, 1880.10), while at the same time holding that
the Spirit of Prophecy was quiescent during the dark ages (see our study
What is the Spirit of Prophecy?).

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meaning of each passage under the light of Inspiration to discover the


intended meaning of the statement by the author. First though, we will
take a little time to more clearly understand the issue at hand.
The discrepancy is found in the fact that scriptures abound with
references to audible prayer,28 while containing no clear reference to
merely mental prayer, but at the same time, the whole Christian world,
as well as the larger religious demographic, performs mental prayer as
their regular and dominant practice. Due to the latter aspect of the
situation, the scriptures have been read in light of mental prayer and
certain texts, such as the one under consideration, have long been
interpreted as referring to and promoting the practice.
Viewed in the light of mental prayer, the words without ceasing
have been understood to mean, all the time; without break in a very
literal sense. Because of this, and since it is unreasonable to think that
Paul could be instructing the Thessalonians to be audibly talking to
God 24/7, people have assumed that he must be there speaking of
silent/mental prayer.
We want to ask all our readers to examine 1 Thessalonians 5 and
see if there is anywhere in that text which mentions silent or mental
prayer. The seeker for truth will have to admit that there is nothing in
that passage which says anything about mental prayer and that it is
only an insertion of the thought into the text which has caused people
to interpret it as such. In other words, there is nothing in the passage
which at all tells us that Paul is speaking of mental prayer. With this in
view we can see that the discrepancy is not between the teachings of
Paul and that of the Branch, but it is rather between the teachings of
our Heavenly Family and the traditional views of religion which
Christianity has adopted.
Now, let us examine the phrase, pray without ceasing in its own
context according to the Spirit of Truth. The frst context to consider
is that of the phrase itself and the meaning of the words therein. The
word pray, even though it has come to carry the meaning of a
religious act someone engages in, is simply an old english word for
ask.29 Likewise, the greek word here translated pray is
proseuchomai () and simply means, ask. So, rather than
the text giving the instruction to be constantly engaged in a religious
or spiritual activity now referred to as prayer it is simply saying to
28 See Ps. 4:1; 5:1-3; 54:2; 55:17 among many others.
29 Online Etymological Dictionary, art. pray

The Silver Trumpet Vol. 1 No. 4

29

constantly ask. Are we to be continuously, without interruption, asking


things of God 24/7? It doesn't quite make sense does it, even in a
silent prayer context?
There are two other times within this same letter that Paul uses the
word for without ceasing.
We give thanks to God always for all of you and without ceasing
making mention of you in our prayers. - 1 Thessalonians 1:2
For this reason we too thank God without ceasing that when you
received God's message that you heard from us, you accepted not as
the word of man, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which is at
work among you who believe. - 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Two other passages from Paul's letters will help us to understand


his meaning:
For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you, have
not ceased praying for you, asking God to fll you with the knowledge
of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. - Colossians
1:9
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel
of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my
prayers. - Romans 1:9

The clear meaning of both passages is that Paul, when requesting


things from God, would always mention those to whom he was
writing. It is saying that he wouldn't forget them in his prayers. To
pray without ceasing then, means to not forget to pray or neglect
praying (or asking). It is to continue to intercede in the behalf others.
Since there is no reason why fulflling this would have to be done by
means of mental prayer and because it can indeed by done by
audible prayer, we conclude that there is no confict between this
passage and the scriptural admonition to pray audibly found
throughout the rest of sacred writ.
Another aspect of the context of 1 Thessalonians 5:17 is the
historical context. It is unfortunate that more research is not readily
available to the public concerning the history of silent prayer, but what
is available is quite telling:

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The ancients said their prayers out loud. There can be little
doubt that throughout the ancient world the common practice was
to say prayers in a way audible to other persons. The reason simply
was that the anthropomorphic conception of the deities one prayed
to implied that the gods had ears that worked in much the same
way that human ears did. No sound implied no hearing. 30
In antiquity prayers were said out loud and silent prayer was
regarded as an anomalous practice that was looked upon with great
suspicion. It was brought into connection with a variety of base
motives which it was feared would be strongly objected to by others,
foremost among which are wishes to practice magic, to have illicit
sex, or to conceal crimes or criminal plans. It was also feared that
one's prayer might be counteracted or undone by more powerful
prayers of the opponents. It is only in circles of later (esp.
Neo-)Platonism, in the framework of the increasing transcendentalisation in its concept of deity and the corresponding downgrading
of anything material or corporeal, that complete silence as the
purest form of worship was gradually accepted.31

Since mental prayer was still not viewed in a positive light among
the more faithful Jews in the frst century, it is unlikely that Paul would
write in its favor. Moreover, since the idea of merely mental prayer
came from the immaterialistic worldview promoted by Plato and other
pagan philosophers, and since Paul was decidedly opposed to these
transcendental views, especially coming from proto-gnostics and other
mystical groups which claimed Jesus as their Messiah, we can know
with certainty that he would not risk giving any intimation of
compromise on the truths of materialism and corporeality to which he
so frmly held.32

30 Silent Prayer in Antiquity, p. 1 by Pieter W. Van Der Horst published in Nvmen, Vol.
41 (1994). Nvmen is the international review for the history of religions.
31 Silent Prayer in Antiquity, p. 1 by Pieter W. Van Der Horst
32 A study of 1 Corinthians 15 should be enough to convince the candid mind of
Paul's materialistic and corporealist views.

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31

A Personal Testimony
A MARRIAGE RESTORED
For years, Michael and I have had a very unstable marriage life.
We were one of those couples who never got to know each other frst
and in a very short time already had our frst child. However, I cannot
account the unhappy marriage all to that reason. I know some couples
with the same background still managed to have a decent happy
marriage. By the grace of our Heavenly Family, we were able to raise
six children amidst all the turmoil in our lives.
When the Branch message came to our lives, the Justifcation by
Faith truth hit hard at the root of the matter. A searching of the
heart began and it must have been deep although at the time I didn't
realize the extent of it. Giving up self and being born again was the
message of the hour. What did all this mean?
Our relationship was on a downward spiral. Michael knew it and I
knew it. Communication was at a low level and if there was any at all,
it was tumultuous. That seems to be the only way we knew how to
communicate. It had become habitual that we just lived like that
almost thinking it was normal. And I pity our children now for such a
wrong example we exemplifed. It came to a point that neither of us
were willing to give up our own opinions of each other.
I remember one early dawn, Michael woke me up to tell me a
dream he just had:
He was at home struggling while up on a ladder and was calling
me for help. I was not making myself available to help him and all of
sudden, two women came through the door and rushed passed me
and went straight to Michael's aid.
Michael admitted that our Heavenly Family interpreted that dream
to him instantly and it was told to him that he had to start relying on
our Heavenly Mother and Sister in times of need. To Michael, his
focus on the dream was how I was not making myself available to him
and this he related to our relationship. That topic soon became a bone
of contention and I argued how his focus should be on the
interpretation given him and not to make me center of attention in
the dream. This irritated me immensely and I could not calm my
mind to think I was the focus of his dream.
After that incident, during my closet prayers and heart searching

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moments, I started to ask our Heavenly Family to change my heart in


my attitude if there was anything there to change. I told Them that I
felt quite confdent that it was no fault of mine that Michael is
constantly so needy and sensitive, but if there was something there
that I couldn't see for myself, I am allowing Them to do something
about it according to Their will. Eventually, I was able to admit that I
could be unsympathetic at times to my husband. I decided from then
on that our Heavenly Family had to be the Potters while I was the clay.
I really started to want them to mold me and make me according to
Their will.
Even after all that, our marriage was still decaying day by day.
Something had to be done soon. It was getting unbearable.
The summer was full of family weddings and get-togethers. Our
oldest daughter Santiana was getting married. In my private thoughts,
I had to just stay patient and wait for all these family festivities to end
and then I would sit down with Michael to come to a mutual
agreement about separation for now. I refused to live like this any
longer and as scary the thought was in my head, I felt very strongly
about separating. I needed a drastic change. Everybody needed it.
We had grown apart more and more each day. Michael engrossed
himself with the greenhouse business and I was just as busy.
Five days after the wedding of our daughter, September 12, 2014
was the day our marriage hit rock bottom. The climax had reached its
height and I was ready to throw it all out the door. Michael was very
aware and frustrated just the same and accepted what was to come.
We knew it was the end.
But lo and behold a new attitude had entered me that late evening.
Our Heavenly Family decided that it was now time according to my
choice, that Their work they had already begun was going to be
manifest to me. Our Sister transplanted a new heart for me, allowing
me to suddenly have this unconditional love for my husband.
Strangely to me, I started to look at him differently. All the negative
attributes that were deeply embedded in my mind about him
disappeared. I started to appreciate him more. I started to long for
him. At some instances Sister Wisdom allowed my thoughts to
reminisce to specifc situations in our marriage where Michael was
crying out to me for comfort and help. A feeling of sorrow, remorse
and sympathy just penetrated through me unlike in the past, a feeling
of disdain was all I felt.

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33

Scene after scene were brought before me of all those times I did
not stand by him as a loving wife. And each time this happened, I had
to confess and asked Michael for forgiveness for each instance. He
seemed to be quite aware of those same specifc incidences.
Nonetheless, I was dumb-founded to the change in me. I could not
explain the mystery of the transformation. At times I would wonder if
this was just a temporary thing and I was dreaming and soon things
will get back to normal of our unhappy marriage. Surprisingly, all has
changed. Not a drop of negative feeling or thought was able to return.
My love for my husband has been miraculously restored in its
proper place. This has been such an amazing and awesome
transformation in my life. There was nothing of my own ways that
could have resulted in this. I know this for the fact that I have tried in
the past over and over to make things right and to no avail.
I can honestly testify that a change has been wrought in me by our
loving Heavenly Family.
I can only testify that I surrendered and sincerely, contritely and
desperately allowed Them to be the Potters and I be the clay. To mold
me and to make me is what I prayed continuously because I knew that
They had my life and marriage in Their ultimate best interest. How
can I express my gratitude and appreciation in this boundless act of
love They so freely gave?
With humbleness and meekness of heart, I thank our Heavenly
Family for this miracle.
Analiza Allen
BC, Canada

Health Tips
by Teresa Wilde

For those interested in fnding ways to incorporate more raw


vegetables into their diet but fnd it diffcult to get excited about eating
them, we provide these simple dip recipes. Both are also a good source
of benefcial probiotics for the digestive system. Measurements are
approximate and may be modifed to individual taste.

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Tahini Dip
1 Cup tahini (blended sesame seeds)
1 Tbsp organic miso (naturally fermented soybeans and rice for
easy digestion organic to ensure non-GMO)
1 tsp salt (celtic, pink himalayan, or Redmond's real salt or any
other truly unprocessed salt)
2 Tbsp nutritional yeast fakes or powder
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and enjoy with raw carrots, jicima,
zucchini, caulifower, kale, parsnip, or any other raw veggie of your
choice.
Just some of the nutrients contained in tahini are: protein, calcium,
iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and B-vitamins. The miso contains
probiotics.
Organic Dilly Yogurt Dip
1 Cup organic plain yogurt (Greek style works best but not
essential)
1 tsp salt (celtic, pink himalayan, or Redmond's real salt or any
other truly unprocessed salt)
2 tsp dill weed (fresh or dried if using fresh, be sure to mince well)
1/2 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp onion powder (OR) 1 Tbsp dried onion fakes
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp nutritional yeast fakes
Mix well and (for best favor) allow to sit for an hour or more. This
is especially tasty on raw broccoli and raw bell peppers. It also makes a
delicious substitute for ranch dressing on salads, diced cucumber, or
baked potatoes.
Some of the nutrients found in yogurt include: B-12, calcium, B-6,
magnesium, and of course, probiotics.

The Silver Trumpet Vol. 1 No. 4

35

Notices
1
Our weekly and festal meetings will, at least for now, no longer be
held on Webex, but rather will be hosted using a service known as
FreeConferenceCall. Here are the call-in numbers:
Australia: +61 (0) 3 8672 0180
Canada: (605) 562-3107
Kenya: +254 (0) 20 5231002
United States: (605) 562-3130
The access code for all countries is 93775333
The times for the meetings this weekend will be:
Friday Night 8:00 (EST)
Saturday Night 8:00 (EST)
Note: When using Webex, the weekly meeting invitations
listed the starting time according to the Pacifc Time Zone. From now
on we will be listing the meeting times according to the Eastern
Standard Time Zone.
In order to avoid unnecessary background noises, which can be
diffcult to edit out of the recordings, we request that all participants
keep themselves on mute except when speaking. You can mute or
unmute yourself by hitting *6. Also, if at any point during a meeting
you receive another call on the same phone, please end the meeting
call and then call back when you have fnished the other conversation.
When a participant has the meeting on hold, there is a beep which
occurs every few seconds which would disturb the meeting and
dramatically reduce the quality of the recording.
2
With each issue of The Silver Trumpet we hope to include
contributions from those investigating and examining present truth.
These contributions may be testimonies of how the message has
impacted you, reports of how the work is going in your area, or stories
of trials you have undergone on account of the message. It could be
33 See the most recent issue of The Silver Trumpet for up-to-date information.

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The Silver Trumpet Vol. 1 No. 4

health tips, recipes, poems, articles, etc. Whatever it may be, please
send it in that it may be published and thus serve as an encouragement to others.
3
For the convenience of our readers, here are a number of
references to some of the days of this eighth scriptural month which
are found in the ancient Hebrew writings:
Month, no day specifed 1 Ki. 6:381 Chron. 27:11; Zech. 1:1
11th Day (Nov. 5) Jub. 32.33
12th Day (Nov. 6) Jub. 28.20
15th Day (Nov. 9) 1 Kings 12:32-33
21st Day (Nov. 15) 2 Bar. 77:18

THE GARMENT OF PRAISE


The garment of praise in exchange for rags
You see, flthiness stains all pride-flled fags
A turban for ashes and joy for mourning
You can be clothed with sashes by heeding the warning
The lies of the accuser are all the same
Cast off deception and let the truth reign
The priesthood of righteousness
Or the beasthood of sin
Let the Angel of Yahweh form Their image within
Love is here by restoration
Liberation for the captives, see
Victory for all in every temptation
It is here for you in Ezekiel's tree
Present Truth your call to receive
Surely you will if you wholly believe

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37

Your leggings and tunics are needled and done


Your sashes and headbands are skillfully spun
The song in your ear the words of the seer
They are nigh thee, right by thee, before and behind thee
Claim the promise and don't let go
Let the call and election work its deathly blow
With the old garment gone there will be a new dawn
You will fy as the dove and leap as the fawn
You will be trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord
Ministers and priests to all the abhorred
Let Azazel fail and sin end its days
Accept now from Wisdom your garments of praise
Trent Wilde

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