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PRISONERS OF HOPE September 2010

EDITORIAL..BR N. NKOMO
I often find myself wondering which important message I can share with people, especially my friends that
are sceptical about my faith. I often wonder what it is that will tip them to believe in what we preach, what
will make that difference to them between us and the other churches. For a long time, I have concentrated
on talking about the 3rd angels message, especially in explaining to them what will take place in terms of the
state and church clasping hands. I remember having such a discussion almost 10 years ago with one of my
friends, and now that he is seeing moves that are afoot in that direction, lights are going on in his head. I
worry, and I do pray that their probation will not close before they make a decision for Christ, especially
with the knowledge that they do have, but those are things beyond my control. Having said that, I believe
that the words below are something that we should be sharing with not only our non-believing friends, but
also those that are Christians.
Satan sees that he is about to lose his case. He cannot sweep in the whole world. He makes one last
desperate effort to overcome the faithful by deception. He does this in personating Christ. He clothes him-
self with the garments of royalty which have been accurately described in the vision of John. He has pow-
er to do this. He will appear to his deluded followers, the Christian world who received not the love of the
truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness (transgression of the law), as Christ coming the second time.
He proclaims himself Christ, and he is believed to be Christ, a beautiful, majestic being clothed with maj-
esty and, with soft voice and pleasant words, with glory unsurpassed by anything their mortal eyes had
yet beheld. Then his deceived, deluded followers set up a shout of victory, "Christ has come the second
time! Christ has come! He has lifted up His hands just as He did when He was upon the earth, and blessed
us.". . .LDE, p164
The warnings given us by Christ, about false Christs that were to come upon the earth will find their ulti-
mate fulfilment when the devil personates Christ, not just impersonates him. We are told from the pen of
inspiration that he will clothe himself with the garments of royalty as depicted in the book of Revelation.
We are told in the Bible that ―For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great
signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.‖
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
We are told that he will speak with a soft voice and pleasant words, which is the antithesis of the common
depiction of the evil one in our day and age. The world is being set up to be led astray by the portrayal of Editorial ......................... ……1

the devil in the various media forms. Elsewhere in the spirit of prophecy, we are told that he will even have Better than my husband.….2

a radiant light around his head. What we will behold will truly be a ―glory unsurpassed by anything our Perfection ...................... .….3

mortal eyes have beheld. Couple this with the many miracles that satan will be performing, including heal- Health in Jesus .............. ..…5

ing the sick and making fire come down from heaven, and you can almost understand why those without Channel to reach God ... …..5

true Biblical understanding will be deceived. Discovering dreams…..8


What is man? ................ .….9
This all highlights the danger of placing heavy emphasis on our ―faith‖ being based on the things that we
see. If our faith is based on miracles, and we teach men so, how then we will persuade that that the evil one
is not of God when he performs greater miracles than we are likely to have ever performed? Picture how the
delusional media will carry the news around the world. Articles will be penned, interviews done, shows
made – and the whole world will know about this soft spoken, majestically clad, radiant faced, miracle
working wolf in sheep‘s clothing.
What then is the purpose of my writing about this? It is simple. If we have not warned people about this
colossal deception ahead of time, our words, in the light of the ―evidence‖ that they will be seeing with their
eyes, will not amount to much. Whereas, if we have given the trumpet a true sound, when these things
come to pass they shall remember our words, and if it is not too late, they will repent. When satan, while
personating Christ, then proceeds to push for Sunday law, those that have already been warned will be in a
better position to see him for who he truly is. My challenge to you is that we neglect not to warn others of
the deception that lies ahead….hopefully by telling others and preparing them to see through it, we will also
better prepare ourselves to, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, stand firm upon the truth.
BETTER THAN MY HUSBAND... BY SR T NKOMO
“Christ honored the marriage relation by making it also a sym- which would make them look like images to frighten the crows
bol of the union between Him and His redeemed ones. He Him- from the corn. It is more gratifying to their husbands and chil-
self is the Bridegroom; the bride is the church, of which, as His dren to see them in a becoming, well-fitting attire than it can be
chosen one, He says, "Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot to mere visitors or strangers.‖ AH Ch.42. Marriage requires ef-
in thee." {AH 26.2} fort; it requires spouses not to ‗let themselves‘ go. Jesus also has
requirements for the way I‘m to dress. I make the effort to al-
A few days ago I came across a blog post (by a non-Adventist) ways look good for my husband, of course I‘ll make the effort to
about her husband, specifically, about how much she loves her look right for God.
husband. She mentioned how he supports her in her work of
home-schooling and taking care of the family. Then she wrote Sometimes my husband snores. Now generally, I‘m a light sleep-
something that reminded me of my husband. She said er so this results in broken sleep, or the inability to go back to
―Following him as He follows God.‖ sleep. Contrast this to Jesus who neither slumbers nor sleeps.
(Ps 121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber
Those are, minus some adjustments, the words I said to my hus- nor sleep.) My Lord is a better protector and provider than my
band during my wedding vows. The more coincidental thing is husband will ever be. He doesn‘t sleep, He owns the cattle on the
that before I read her blog post, I‘d been thinking about how thousand hills, and He‘s prepared a mansion for me in a lovely
much I loved my (own) husband and how blessed I was to have land.
met him. So to find a post that mirrored what I was feeling, and
even included words similar to my vows really made an impact. I Now let‘s go back to our courtship. As the wedding date drew
remember promising my husband ―to follow you as you follow near, there were frenzied preparations for the day. Our dresses
God that our home may be a praise to Him.‖ were sewn and adjusted, the men‘s suits were chosen, the cooks
knew what they were going to cook. Right now,
While thinking about how wonderful my hus- we are in a ‗type‘ of courtship with God. We got
band is, I thought of the Bridegroom, Jesus to know Him through His word. We saw how
Christ. And I must say, that He‘s much better wonderful He is and we decided we want to
than my husband! I looked back to my court- spend eternity with Him. What are the prepara-
ship with my husband, to the disappoint- tions needed for that? ―Husbands, love your
ments, to the times when we misunderstood wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and
each other, and thought of how Jesus knows gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and
me so well that He would never misunder- cleanse it with the washing of water by the
stand me. That my motives are so obvious to word. That he might present it to himself a glo-
Him that I never need to explain myself to Him. rious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but
that it should be holy and without blemish.‖ Eph 5:25-27. He
My courtship with my husband was (and still is) filled with love wants us to prepare a garment, spotless, wrinkle-free, white and
letter, poems and emails. My Jesus sent me the whole Bible, the perfect. His robe of righteousness. A gown better than any wed-
writings of Ellen White and the Holy Spirit. Not only that, but ding dress. Re 3:18 ― I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the
also spirit-led men to show me new truths from His word. With fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou may-
courtship and marriage, I have to be selfish. I don‘t want anyone est be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not ap-
else to take my time away from my husband. It‘s the same with pear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.‖
God. I guard my time spent studying, praying and meditating
very jealously. When something disrupts it, I feel like I‘ve been I‘ve been submissive and loving to him, yet he‘s just an imper-
cheated. But my relationship with Jesus is different in that un- fect human, in the same way that I‘m an imperfect human. My
like wedding vows where God Himself said only I should be inti- husband can‘t make me perfect, only God can. If I am able to
mate with my husband, God wants me to share Him with the love and obey a fallible man, how can I fail to love and obey the
whole world. Not only does He want me to, but He has implant- Son of Man who came to seek and to save the lost? He‘ll never
ed that same desire in me as well. forsake me-He hates divorce and He‘ll never die. God gave me
my husband, and God is much better –for my health, my eternal
I have known my husband for 11 years now and each day is filled destiny, for salvation- than my husband. I made and kept the
with joy and laughter. I will never tire of being with him. I have vows (or covenant) I wrote for my husband, it‘s time I kept the
known Jesus for even longer, and I will never tire of being with covenant between my Saviour and me. Heb 10:16 ―This [is] the
Him either. Ellen White tells us that we should not dress so bad- covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the
ly that we look unattractive to our husbands and children. Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will
―Sisters, when about their work, should not put on clothing I write them;‖
2
PERFECTION IN THE LAST GENERATION PART 2…..BY BR E PREWITT
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not The Gospel in the Goal
yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when The third chapter of Peter‘s second epistle portrays the high
he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see standard set for the last generation in similar colors as John
him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in and Zechariah. They are to be ―diligent to be found…without
him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. I Jo 3:2-3 spot and blameless,‖ v. 14. Adventists aiming to be found ―holy
When will we be like Him? When He appears. Does that level of still‖ at the close of probation might fall into a trap of viewing
development find expression in the church in the time of John? their achievements as the basis of their salvation. But a more
No, it does not yet appear. What is the fruit of this belief in those likely, even common, error is that of one fearing that he/she
that have it? They purify themselves. What end are they seeking? might not be ready before it is too late. This fear finds its
To be pure ―even as He is pure.‖ ground not in scripture, but apart from it. The very same pas-
sages that proclaim the ascension-day church to be without
While our Lord Jesus Christ has always been the Sinless One, the fault, blame, or spot, also remove all Biblical reasons for fear-
Holy One, His return to earth is heralded in Hebrews as being ing that the harvest will come before the harvest is ripe. We
particularly ―without sin,‖ in relation to His bearing of the sins of will consider first the passage in Peter.
the world.
But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire
and unto them that look for him shall he appear the against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly
second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:28 men. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as
These sins have been either laid to the charge of those that would some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-
not accept Deliverance, or blotted out for those that have accepted ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all
it, and Jesus returns as a King bearing them no longer. An under- should come to repentance.
standing of the rites pointing to this truth led early Adventists to While ungodly men will be burned in the final fire, God‘s un-
question to what extent the Remnant would be ripened prior to willingness to prematurely bring their destruction is motivated
Christ‘s coming. Sins that would be committed during the final by His will that not one should thus ―perish.‖ But why does He
scenes of earth‘s history presented a problem in the types and wait? While the coming in Matthew 24 is timed on the finish-
shadows. How could they be blotted out when the work of judg- ing of the gospel commission, the coming in 2 Peter 3 is timed
ment was completed and Christ was descending in the clouds of like that of Revelation 14, on the ripening of the harvest.
glory? The Bible indicates that a special work of purification will
prepare the church for this crisis. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the
night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a
Zeph 3:13 The rem- great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent
nant of Israel shall heat, the earth also and the works that are therein
not do iniquity, nor shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things
speak lies; neither shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye
shall a deceitful to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking
tongue be found in for and hasting [margin] the coming of the day of
their mouth: for they God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dis-
shall feed and lie solved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
down, and none shall
make them afraid. The day waits for a certain ―manner of persons‖ that having
―holy conversation and godliness‖ are ready for the day that
The language reminds us of will melt the world. Men ought to be seeking this state and
the 144,000 described in Revelation 14:5. thus be found ―hasting‖ the Coming. There will be a new heav-
These are they that follow the Lamb wherever He en and a new earth appropriate for those that escape the fire of
goes. . . And in their mouth was found no guile: for the last day.
they are without fault before the throne of God. Reve- Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such
lation 14:3-5 things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in
Consider the parallels. peace, without spot, and blameless.

Remnant 144,000 If we expect that the end will come that way, we ought to be
diligently preparing. The word ―found‖ implies a finished
No deceit in mouth No guile in mouth judgement by ―Him‖ that is coming. Then to what should we
Feed and lie down safely Follow the Lamb everywhere account our salvation in the last days? Are we saved because
we have become so good? Do our characters then stand in
Shall do no iniquity Without Fault
place of our characters before? Are we our own saviors? Peter
What does it mean to be ―without fault‖ before the throne? answers the question by reminding us why the Coming was
Whatever it does mean, the phrase and others like it are used delayed. It waited for us to be ready. 
repeatedly in reference to the last generation.

3
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salva- But if we hope for that
tion; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to we see not, then do we
the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; with patience wait for it.
Ro 8:18-19, 25. See Gala-
When do we count that God‘s longsuffering ―is Salvation‖? At the tians 5:5.
time when, on account of that longsuffering God postpones His
return so that not one need be lost. God waits for His people, and These passages describe a
if it were not so, our case would be hopeless. Before someone process that begins with the
mumbles ―carnal security‖ let him reread the chapter. Who is God proclamation of the gospel,
waiting for? Those that are seeking. Those that look for such proceeds in the end of time
things. Those that are ―diligent‖ accordingly. The class that are to the finishing of the mys-
entering into the Day of Atonement work of soul searching, the tery, and leads immediately
very ones most inclined to be discouraged with what they find in to Christ‘s coming and our
their souls, they are the ones for whom Christ waits. He waits, not translation into a glorified
impatiently and fretfully, but with a longsuffering that is our sal- state. We may understand
vation. As if Peter feels that readers might accuse him of teaching the nature of the mystery
another gospel, he refers us to the writings of Paul. that prepares for translation from other epistles.

As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of
things; in which are some things hard to be understood, God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in every
which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all
they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruc- knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was con-
tion. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things firmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting
before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error for the revelation [margin] of our Lord Jesus Christ:
of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be
blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is
Paul speaks of ―these things‖ in all his epistles. What are ―these faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of
things‖? The truths about the last generation, its faultless, blame- his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. I Cor. 1:4-8
less state, and about the relation of the gospel to their situation.
While Paul‘s epistles present the same end, they give also a great If we work backwards through this long sentence, we find that we
deal of information about what God has done to assure that not are called to share an experience with Jesus. That experience is to
one grain will be unripe when the angel says ―thrust in your sick- be shared ―in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.‖ It consists in be-
le.‖ They teach how one may have the ―steadfastness‖ that Peter ing ―blameless‖ in that day. To give us that experience, we have
tells us not to fall from, and that lacking, might cause us to wrest been given a continuing confirmation right down to the end of
scriptures to our own eternal loss. Amos, speaking of the final time. That gift is given specifically to those that are ―waiting for
shaking, said ―not the least grain will fall to the ground.‖ Amos the revelation‖ of Christ in the end of time. That gift is otherwise
9:9. known as the ―testimony of [Jesus] Christ.‖ It was given to the
church of Corinth, and enriched them in all knowledge and speak-
All Paul’s Epistles ing.
In his conclusion of the book of Romans Paul introduces a subject The ―Testimony of Jesus [Christ]‖ is indeed a spiritual gift. It was
that is woven throughout his other epistles. possessed by the prophet John and by the prophetically gifted an-
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to gel that spoke to him. Compare Revelation 22:9 and 19:10.
my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according The testimony is the spirit of prophecy, and was manifest in the
to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret city of Corinth (see I Corinthian 12 and Acts 8:1-6). It was a con-
since the world began. But now is made manifest, and by firmation to them that they were the true church, for they were
the scriptures of the prophets, according to the com- lacking no gift. And it was to be given as a confirmation again at
mandment of the everlasting God, made known to all na- the end of time to those who are waiting for Christ‘s return. What
tions for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glo- is the purpose of this end-time granting of the prophetic office?
ry through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Ro 16:25-27 The living testimony was granted that the church may be found
The mystery, kept secret for thousands of years, was by the com- ―blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.‖
mandment of God to be sounded throughout the world. Both the The Corinthian church, prior to John‘s Revelation, were given to
work of the mystery, and the proclaiming of it (Matthew 24:14), know that the last day church would be given again the Spirit of
are linked with the end of the world. Prophecy, and that its purpose would be to ripen the harvest and
But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he make ready a people for the coming of the Lord.
shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be fin- In the second letter the Testimony came to them, as testimonies
ished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. do, very practically. They were to separate from their worldly-
Revelation 10:7. minded associates and ―be separate.‖ On condition of obedience to
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are this command, the Lord had promised ―I will receive you, and will
not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith
revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the crea- the Lord Almighty.‖ Of this glorious offer, Paul wrote:
ture waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God . . . TBC
4
HEALTH IN JESUS.... BY BR J HACHOMBWA
PHYSICAL DISEASES AND SPIRITUAL DISEASES harmony with them. Had men been obedient to the law of
Ten Commandments, had they carried out in their lives the
1. Which laws should we obey to have a healthy body, physi-
principles of these ten precepts, the curse of disease that now
cal or spiritual laws?
floods the world would not be." CH 627 (see also CH 20, CD
2. Can we have perfect hearth physically while we neglect 118). Isa 1:4-6 Judah sinned and forsook the Lord then sick-
our spiritual life? Can the vice versa be true? ness followed as a reward of their sinful lives.
PHYSICAL DISOBEDIENCE WILL AFFECT YOUR SPIRIT- "HEALTH…is a result of obedience to law." MH 128, Ex
UALITY ALSO. 15:26, Deut 5:33.
"There has been a continual backsliding in the health reform, "ALL SICKNESS is the result of transgression." CH 37, Deut
and as a result God is dishonored by a great lack of spirituali- 28:15, 22.
ty." CD 33. "Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the
LIFE OR DEATH - The condition for Adam and Eve's happi-
soul, (1 Peter 2:11), is the language of the apostle Peter. Many
ness or sorrow, health or sickness, life or death was depend-
regard this warning as applicable only to the licentious; but it
ed on their obedience or disobedience. ―They could obey and
has a broader meaning. It guards every injurious gratifica-
live, or disobey and perish." PP 53. This is still our condition,
tion of appetite or passion. It is a most forcible warning
there has been no change.
against the use of such stimulants and narcotics as tea, cof-
fee, tobacco, alcohol and morphine." CH 67-68 JESUS – ―To many of the afflicted ones who received healing
Christ said, 'Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.‘
SPIRITUAL DISOBEDIENCE WILL AFFECT YOUR BODY
John 5: 14. Thus He taught that disease is the result of violat-
HEALTH ALSO.
ing God's laws, both natural and spiritual.‖ DA 824.
"Godliness does not conflict with the laws of health, but is in
NEWSTART
PRINCIPLE MH 127 IN THE BEGINNING
1. Nutrition Proper diet Gen 1:29: 3: 18. 23. Grains. Fruits, Nuts, Vegetables.
2. Exercise Exercise Gen 2:15: 3:19, 23 Manual labor or useful work.
3. Water Use of water Gen 2:10 Rivers of pure water for drinking
4. Sunshine Sunlight Gen 1:3, 16 Light is the foundation of life. SD 281.
5. Temperance Abstemiousness Gen 2:17 Forbidden tree for growth in self control.
6. Air Pure air Gen 1:7 Firmament full of fresh air to breath.
7. Rest Rest Gen 1:5: 2:3 Daily night to sleep, weekly Sabbath to rest.

8. Trust in God Trust in divine Power Gen 2:17 Tree of knowledge, test of Faith. PP 48 - 49, 53. 

A CHANNEL WHERE WE CAN REACH GOD PART 1... BY SR K NARANJO


What I am sharing with you today are some of my own de- knows and he makes provision to our needs. In the OT we
sires and frustrations in life. When I meet up with walls have many examples.
of problems in life, I am so upset that I desire a place where if
Abel brought a sacrifice to God…Where did he go to meet
I go there I can meet God and get an answer to my problems.
God? An alter. Abraham built an alter. Noah after the
I want so much more than what we have now…
flood experience, built an alter. Jacob built an alter. Maybe
I wish we could ask God directly and He would tell us the we should pile up some stones and make an alter at our home
answer: yes, or no. My soul cries out for God to touch me, to have a place where we can meet God? No, every bone in
answer me, meet with Him, to see His face, to feel my body tells me NO, this is not right. But yet, if we would
His touch. Humanity limits us to visible and tangible take a field trip to the top of Mt. Sinai today… I‘m told that
things picked up by our senses. Those few times we do get an the top is still black. How would you approach that place?
answer we give a testimony and we can‘t stop talking about
Remember when Jacob was fleeing for his life from his
it!!
brother after taking the blessing away from him? He laid
When Adam fell we have all been separated from God for a down and had a dream – he sees in the dream a ladder that
long time. WE desire to be re connected with Him. He at the base it touches the earth and at the top it touches heav-
en – he sees angels ascending ….Continued on P7
5
ORIGIN – "The principles of health reform are found in third angel's message, to prepare a people for the coming of
the word of God." CD 75. the Lord." CD 69.

NATURE – "Nature is God‘s physician" MH 263-264. 8. PREPARATION FOR HEAVEN. "All the laws of na-
ture - which are the laws of God - are designed for our good.
7T 76 "The things of nature are God's blessings, provided to Obedience to them will promote our happiness in this life,
give health to body, mind, and soul. They are given to the and will aid us in a preparation for the life to come." CD 23
well to keep them well and to the sick to make them well." (MH 146). "The path of obedience to nature's laws is the di-
CH 127 (CD36) "Nature's laws are not to be resisted, but rect path to heaven. He who is converted from errors in eat-
obeyed." ing, drinking, and dressing is being prepared to hear and
receive the truth into a good and willing heart." CH222.
HOW THE HEALTH LAWS ASSIST US.
9. DISREGARD: Spiritual consequences of violation.
1. PREVENTION OF DISEASE. "Too little attention is
a) Gradually grow careless. "Will gradually grow careless
generally given to the preservation of health. It is far better
to prevent disease than to know how to treat when contract- of the instruction the Lord has given regarding other
ed." "There is sickness everywhere and most of it might be phases of the present truth and will lose their perception
prevented by attention to the laws of health." MH 128, 146. of what is truth; they will surely reap as they have sown."
CH 130.
2. TRUE REMEDIES. ―There are many ways of practicing
the healing art; but there is only one way that Heaven ap- c) Hardens heart to disregard light on other matters.
"Health reform ... Whoever turns from the light in one in-
proves. God's remedies are the simple agencies of nature,
that will not tax or debilitate the system through their pow- stance hardens his heart to disregard the light upon other
erful properties…Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, matters." CH 73.
exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power, d) Lack of spirituality. "There has been a continual back-
--these are the true remedies.‖ CD 301 (5T 443, MH 127) sliding in health reform, and as a result God is dishonored
3. DEVELOPMENT OF FACULTIES. ―In teaching by a great lack of spirituality." CH578 (CD 33)
health principles, keep before the mind the great object of 10. SANCTIFICATION. "He who cherishes the light which
reform--that its purpose is to secure the highest develop- God has given him upon health reform has an important aid
ment of body and mind and soul.‖ MH 146 (CH 390; CD in the work of becoming sanctified through the truth, and
23). fitted for immorality." CH 22 (CD 59-60)
4. TRUE RELIGION: "True religion and the laws of health 11. PERFECTION is preceded by obedience to health re-
go hand in hand." CH 445. form. "Many have backslidden from their former loyalty to
5. ENTERING WEDGE: " When properly conducted, the health reform principles. God demands that the appetites be
health work is an entering wedge, making a way for other cleansed, and that self-denial be practiced in regard to those
truths to reach the heart." CD 73. things which are not good. This is a work that will be done
before His people can stand before Him a perfect people."
6. THIRD ANGEL'S CD 36 (9T153-4).
MESSAGE: "Health is
the right arm of the 12. LAW OF GOD - (a) Health laws are like the Ten Com-
mandments. "Every law governing the human machinery is
message." ―The health
to be considered just as truly divine in origin, in character,
reform is as closely re-
lated to the third angel's and in importance as the word of God." CD 17. "Every need-
message as the arm is to less transgression of the laws which God has established in
the body; but the arm our being is virtually a violation of the law of God, and is as
cannot take the place of great a sin in the sight of Heaven as to break the Ten Com-
the body…The presenta- mandments. Ignorance upon this important subject is sin."
tion of the health princi- CH 40, (MH113).
ples must be united (b) Health Principles" are as everlasting and inexorable as
with the message, but God Himself." MH 129.
must not in any case be independent of it or in any way take
(c) "In the judgment we shall see how seriously God regards
the place of it." CD 75, 73.
the violation of the laws of health." CD 40 (CH 610).
7. SECOND ADVENT "To make plain natural law, and
TBC
urge the obedience of it, is the work that accompanies the
6
and descending on this ladder – when he wakes up he says 2 Kings 18:4 what Hezekiah had to do…[4] He removed the
that this is a fearful thing and surely this is the house of God high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves,
and makes an alter there and calls it Bethel. and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made:
for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to
Years later when Jacob was returning with his family and all
it: and he called it Nehushtan. He removed and broke the
that he owned he once again fears meeting his brother. So,
brazen serpent as it had become a symbol of idolatry instead
what does he do? He tells his people to put away their idols
of reverence for God.
and jewelry because they are approaching Bethel once again
and He is going there to pray to God. God works with our limitations but if not honored properly it
can open the door to idolatry. God has established certain
When the people in the desert were being bit by snakes Mo-
things as holy here on earth and they must be honored. We
ses was told to make a snake of brass and put it on a pole
often confuse the object with God – the meeting place is
and if the people looked up at it, they would be healed. It
where your faith interacts with the power of God.
was not anything in the snake. But God provided this for the
people. God‘s power was channeled through a snake. We Look at worship today – church – Sabbath – Wed. night
sometimes battle with truth and error. We can see the ex- prayer – are we not like them and only do certain things
tremes of idolatry and we run so far from it that sometimes on these days but are different every other time? Jacob
we run past the truth. It is like a pendu- comes back to Bethel and he tells the peo-
lum with the extremes on either side and ple to put away their idols and jewelry be-
the truth is somewhere in the middle. cause they are coming to a place where God
We must be careful that we don‘t run is…. But God is omnipresent so shouldn‘t
past the truth. we behave such all the time? Do we some-
times try and limit God to our own under-
Elijah on Mt. Carmel – was a victory for
standing?
God and the prophets of Baal were slain
and no more. Elijah ran back to the city Where is this place today? John.14 [6]
showing Ahab the way through the rain Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the
but stayed outside the royal gates and truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
slept. A messenger came to him and Father, but by me. Yes, Jesus is that lad-
woke him to tell him that Jezebel was der that Jacob saw in his dream. Jesus is
after his life. Elijah was surprised and symbolized and represented by everything
shocked because he was expecting a return to God and a re- in the sanctuary…. By every sacrifice… by every alter
vival taking place but Jezebel was still on the throne and still made… by the snake on the pole that was lifted up… it
had her power. He was scared, discouraged and ran for his was all symbolic of Jesus and a shadow of things to come.
life. … Now, here is the question… Where did he run? He
Review – why did God do this in the OT? To reach out to
ran to Mt. Sinai. Why there? Where can I be sure God will
them in a physical way. Can you see or touch Christ today?
be? If you knew of such a place today wouldn‘t you be there
No. So we are in the same position again today as they were.
now? I would. Elijah had to talk to God. At this point, God
This is where our Faith comes in. God is the same God and
was willing to come down to his human level …. And God
maybe WE need to make an adjustment…..
asks him… What are you doing here?
Heb 11:1 is an amazing statement [1] Now faith is the sub-
David is being chased by Saul and Saul wants to kill him. In
stance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
1 Sam 23:9 David asks for a priest to come and bring the
How can it have substance if you cannot see it… can‘t touch
ephod. Oh don‘t you wish we had an ephod today? We could
it… can‘t experience it, feel it, sit on it, hold it… But the bible
have answers to our questions from God right away. God
claims you can! In reality the bible uses terms we have trou-
established this… and he honored it.
ble understanding in our limited human experience. 1 Tim
Or Gideon… with his fleece. Don‘t you wish we had a fleece 6:12 says [12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on
today? eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast pro-
fessed a good profession before many witnesses. How do
God catered to this need of ours and set up a system. God
you fight something you cannot see? How do you lay hold of
said to Moses, make me a sanctuary that I may dwell with
something you cannot touch? But, the bible says we can….
them. God is wanting to reach down and help us. And, we
know that He is omnipresent and is everywhere. But, he If you were to go to a court of law and say to the judge,
came down to our level to show He was there in a real way here is my evidence of what happened that you cannot
that we could see and hear Him. The sanctuary fulfilled see… here is the substance of my defense and case that is
that need and took on a sacred aura. invisible. He/She would laugh at you and throw out your
case. And, yet, the bible uses these words as if we CAN expe-
Remember the brass snake Moses put on a stick and peo-
rience this kind of faith. TBC
ple had to look at it to be healed? 400 years later we read in
7
DISCOVERING THEIR DREAMS…..BY BR P RAYNE
Picture yourself at a vintage car show. You know the ones— tention it touches them in a way our previous half-hearted
where polished chrome attempts never could. Joining them in the activities they en-
sparkles as enthusiastic joy helps to develop a close bond, a connection that brings joy
owners display their pride to them and ultimately, respect for us. It also makes it easier
and joy. Passing a particu- for them to join us in the things we see as important, like
larly interesting car you in- cleaning the windows, mowing the lawn or washing the car.
quire, ―What do you have
The key here is whole-hearted commitment. If we are on the
here?‖ The owner responds
cell phone talking with our friends or otherwise disengaged
with unmistakable pride as
from their world while we are supposed to be watching the
he introduces you to the fin-
birds or sledding down the hill, it neutralizes a large portion
er points of his 1925 Ford
of the good we could have accomplished. Just as we can per-
Model T Coupe. As you ex-
ceive when our children are committed to us, so they can
press more interest an in-
know when we are engaged with them. Don‘t kid yourself,
stant rapport develops. It is
they notice whether we are tuned in or checked out.
through your interest in this
car enthusiast‘s hobby hat a In order to know our children on a deeper level it would be
sense of camaraderie is born. wise for us to investigate their interests and desires. We may
ask where they would like to go on vacation or what they
We all enjoy other people taking an interest in us. It is even
would like to do if a Sunday afternoon were set aside for a
more meaningful when someone we love or respect expresses
special family activity. The answers to these types of ques-
that interest. What if you were displaying your 1931 Cadillac
tions will give us a deeper understanding of our children and
and Bill Gates were to show an interest? Do you think it
we will then be more prepared to meet their needs.
would make your day? Would you be eager to tell your
friends? Of course you would! It is a sad fact that many
parents are too self-
But how does this relate to our children‘s dreams? All chil-
centered to take this kind
dren have an inexpressible longing for their parent‘s atten-
of genuine interest in their
tion. Some will not admit it because peer pressure tells them
children. They would ra-
it‘s not ―cool‖ to enjoy time with Mom and Dad, but deep
ther play golf with their
down they still long for us to take an interest in them. Our
buddies or shop with their
children want friends. If they could articulate it, they would
friends than be engaged
tell us they want friends they can trust, friends that love and
with their children. As we
care for them, friends that take time for them. It is our re-
repeatedly miss opportuni-
sponsibility as parents to fulfill this
ties to spend quality time
need, to actively befriend our children
with them while they live
by getting involved in their dreams.
under the same roof, we
This means if your daughter likes bird
unwittingly prepare the
watching, you go bird watching with
way for our children to be
her. Yes, even if you couldn‘t care less
more distant in the future.
about sitting in the woods waiting for
Taking the time now to cre-
some little two-legged tree finch to
ate special memories will
make an appearance. If your son likes
reap dividends in the years
to go sledding down the steepest hill in
ahead. The Bible declares
town when it‘s zero degrees outside,
the order of events in Mala-
then guess what? You don your long
chi 4:6: first we must turn our hearts toward our children and
underwear and join him! Like it or
then they will turn their hearts to us.
not, it is part of the job of being a com-
mitted parent. Now is the time to discover and participate in the dreams of
our children, binding their hearts to ours for time and eterni-
When we express interest in our chil-
ty.
dren by giving them our time and at-

8
WHAT IS MAN?
1. In what condition was man created?
"Thou madest him a little lower than the angels." Ps. 8:5.
2. What will be the final condition of the righteous?
"Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of
the resurrection." Luke 20:35,36.
3. What are angels called?
"And of the angels He saith, Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire." Heb. 1:7.
4. What is the difference between the two Adams?
"The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit." 1 Cor. 15:45.
5. Are our present bodies natural or spiritual?
"Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual." Verse
46.
6. When will the righteous have spiritual bodies?
"It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body." Verse 44.
PRISONERS OF 7. To what does the sowing here spoken of refer?
HOPE "That which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die." Verse 36.
8. How is man's nature defined?
This newsletter is authored
"Shall mortal man be more just than God?" Job 4:17.
by members of the SDA 9. What is God's nature?
church whose desire is to "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." 1
provide a thought provoking Tim. 1:17.
newsletter for Adventists 10. Of what was man formed in the beginning?
dwelling on the banks of "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground." Gen. 2:7, first part.
Jordan; in the process ap- 11. What act made him a living soul?
pealing to entire fidelity to "And [God] breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." Same verse, last part.
the Bible and the Spirit of 12. Are other creatures besides man called "living souls"?
Prophecy.
"And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea;
and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea." Rev. 16:3. See also Gen. 1:30, margin.
13. Do others besides man have the "breath of life"?
"And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and ofcattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that
creepeth upon the earth, and every man: all in whose nostrils was the breath of life." Gen. 7:21,22.
14. Is their breath the same as man's?
"As the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast:
for all is vanity." Eccl. 3:19.
15. What does Job call that which God breathed into man's nostrils?
"All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils." Job 27:3.
16. When man gives up this spirit, what becomes of it?
"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." Eccl. 12:7.
17. Who only have hold of the life eternal?
"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." 1 John 5:12.
18. Why was Adam driven from the garden of Eden and, excluded from the tree of life?
"And now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever." Gen. 3:22.
19. What was done to keep man away from the tree of life?
"So He drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming sword which
turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." Verse 24.
20. How are all men in the natural state regarded?
"We all . . . were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." Eph. 2:3.
21. If the wrath of God abides on a person, of what does it deprive him?
"He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36.
22. Through whom is the sinner saved from wrath?
"Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Rom. 5:9.
23. With whom is the Christian's future life hid?
"For ye are dead [to sin], and your life is hid with Christ in God." Col. 3:3.
24. When will this life be bestowed upon the believer?
"When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory." Verse 4.
25. Who only possesses inherent immortality?
"Who is the blessed and only potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality." 1 Tim.
6:15,16.
26. Through whom has immortality been brought to light?
"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought
life and immortality to light through the gospel." 2 Tim. 1:10.
27. To whom is eternal life promised?
"To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life." Rom. 2:7.
28. When will the faithful be changed to immortality? "Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep,
but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1 Cor. 15:51,52.
29. What is then to be swallowed up?
"So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be
brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." Verse 54. See verse 57.

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