RIGHT INTO YOUR LIFE: VERSES AND AN ELLEN WHITE REFERENCE

Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church



To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church, click on the following link:

http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/speaker/dr-derek-morris




PLEASE GO TO YOUR SIDE BAR AND CLICK ON VIEW AND ON ZOOM IN + AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED TO ENLARGE THE WHOLE PAGE SO YOU MAY EASILY READ IN THE PDF WHOSE FONTS YOU MAY ENLARGE ALSO DIRECTLY BY RAISING THE PERCENTAGE INCLUDED. LIKE THAT YOU HAVE A BIRD VIEW OF MANY PERSPECTIVES. THANK YOU.

www.cqbiblestudy.org

 

http://www.absg.adventist.org/




www.ssnet.org

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Paul and Rome

Memory Text: Romans 1:8 NKJV 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
“Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION”. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson Publishers. Used by Permission.
Sabbath Afternoon
Romans 1:1 NKJV 1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God
Sunday
Date and Place
Romans 16:1-2 NKJV 1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.
Acts 18:1-18 NKJV 1 After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. 3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." 7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. 9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 "for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city." 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 12 When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, 13 saying, "This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law."
Acts 19:14-18 14 And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. 15 "But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters." 16 And he drove them from the judgment seat. 17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things. 18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.
Acts 20:2-3 NKJV 2 Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece 3 and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.
Romans 15:25-26 NKJV 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
Acts 18:23 NKJV 23 After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
Ellen G. White Comments, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 373
During his sojourn at Corinth, Paul found time to look forward to new and wider fields of service. His contemplated journey to Rome especially occupied his thoughts. To see the Christian faith firmly established at the great center of the known world was one of his dearest hopes and most cherished plans. A church had already been established in Rome, and the apostle desired to secure the co-operation of the believers there in the work to be accomplished in Italy and in other countries. To prepare the way for his labors among these brethren, many of whom were as yet strangers to him, he sent them a letter announcing his purpose of visiting Rome and his hope of planting the standard of the cross in Spain. {AA 373.1}
In his epistle to the Romans, Paul set forth the great principles of the gospel. He stated his position on the questions which were agitating the Jewish and the Gentile churches, and showed that the hopes and promises which had once belonged especially to the Jews were now offered to the Gentiles also. {AA 373.2}
With great clearness and power the apostle presented the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ. He hoped that other churches also might be helped by the instruction sent to the Christians at Rome; but how dimly could he foresee the far-reaching influence of his words! Through all the ages the great truth of justification by faith has stood as a mighty beacon to guide repentant sinners into the way of life. It was this light that scattered the darkness which enveloped Luther's mind and revealed to him the power of the (p. 374) blood of Christ to cleanse from sin. The same light has guided thousands of sin-burdened souls to the true Source of pardon and peace. For the epistle to the church at Rome, every Christian has reason to thank God. {AA 373.3}
Monday
Personal Touch
Romans 15:20-27 NKJV 20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation, 21 but as it is written: "To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand." 22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.
Romans 15:20-21 NKJV 20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation, 21 but as it is written: "To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand."
Romans 15:20-27 NKJV 20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation, 21 but as it is written: "To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand." 22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.
Tuesday
Paul Reaches Rome
Acts 28:16 NKJV 16 Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
Acts 28:17-31 NKJV 17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: "Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,
Acts 28:18-3118 "who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 19 "But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 20 "For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain." 21 Then they said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. 22 "But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere." 23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25 So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 26 "saying, 'Go to this people and say: "Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive; 27 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them."' 28 "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!" 29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves. 30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.
Philippians 1:14 NKJV 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Ellen G. White Comments, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 464
Not by Paul's sermon's, but by his bonds, was the attention of the court attracted to Christianity. It was as a captive that he broke from so many souls the bonds that held them in the slavery of sin. Nor was this all. He declared: "Many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." Philippians 1:14. {AA 464.1}
Paul's patience and cheerfulness during his long and unjust imprisonment, his courage and faith, were a continual sermon. His spirit, so unlike the spirit of the world, bore witness that a power higher than that of earth was abiding with him. And by his example, Christians were impelled to greater energy as advocates of the cause from the public labors of which Paul had been withdrawn. In these ways were the apostle's bonds influential, so that when his power and usefulness seemed cut off, and to all appearance he could do the least, then it was that he gathered sheaves for Christ in fields from which he seemed wholly excluded. {AA 464.2}
Before the close of that two years' imprisonment, Paul was able to say, "My bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places," and among those who sent greetings to the Philippians he mentions chiefly them "that are of Caesar's household." Verse 13; 4:22. (p. 465)
{AA 464.3}
Philippians 1:12 NKJV 12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,
Wednesday
Called to Be “Saints”
Romans 1:7 NKJV 7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:4 NKJV 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
Hebrews 2:18 NKJV 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
2 Peter 3:9 NKJV 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Matthew 25:41 NKJV 41 "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:
Thursday
World Reputation
Romans 1:8 NKJV 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Read Acts chapter 2
Ellen G. White comments, The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1067
1, 2. A Praise Service on a Stormy Morning.--When the roll was called, not one was missing. Nearly three hundred souls--sailors, soldiers, passengers, and prisoners--stood that stormy November morning upon the shore of the island of Melita. And there were some that joined with Paul and his brethren in giving thanks to God, who had preserved their lives and brought them safe to land through the perils of the great deep (LP 270). {6BC 1067.1} Romans Chapter 1
1. The Beginning of Paul's Apostleship.--Paul regarded the occasion of his formal ordination as marking the beginning of a new and important epoch in his lifework. It was from the time of this solemn ceremony, when, just before he was to depart on his first missionary journey, he was "separated unto the gospel of God,"
that he afterward dated the beginning of his apostleship in the Christian church (RH May 11, 1911). {6BC 1067.2}
7, 8 (see EGW on Acts 18:2). A Strong Church in Rome.--Notwithstanding the opposition, twenty years after the crucifixion of Christ there was a live, earnest church in Rome. This church was strong and zealous, and the Lord worked for it (RH March 6, 1900). {6BC 1067.3}
14 (Matthew 28:19, 20). Debtor Through Accepting Christ.--In what sense was Paul debtor both to the Jew and to the Greek? To him had been given the commission, as it is given to every disciple of Christ, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." In accepting Christ, Paul accepted this commission. He realized that upon him rested the obligation of laboring for all classes of men--for Jew and Gentile, learned and unlearned, for those occupying high positions and for those in the most lowly walks of life (Letter 262, 1903). {6BC 1067.4}
17. A Growing Understanding of Faith.--The righteousness of Christ is revealed from faith to faith; that is, from your present faith to an increased understanding of that faith which works by love and purifies the soul (RH Sept. 18, 1908). {6BC 1067.5}
20. See EGW on ch. 12:1, 2. {6BC 1067.6}
20, 21 (Acts 14:17). Nature Acts as a Silent Preacher.--The material world is under God's control. The laws that govern all nature are obeyed by nature. Everything speaks and acts the will of the Creator. The clouds, the rain, the dew, the sunshine, the showers, the wind, the storm, all are under the supervision of God, and yield implicit obedience to him who employs them. The tiny spear of grass bursts (p. 1068) its way through the earth, first the blade, then the ear, and then the full corn in the ear. The Lord uses these, His obedient servants, to do His will. The fruit is first seen in the bud, enclosing the future pear, peach, or apple, and the Lord develops these in their proper season, because they do not resist His working. They do not oppose the order of His arrangements. His works, as seen in the natural world, are not one half comprehended or appreciated. These silent preachers will teach human beings their lessons, if they will only be attentive hearers (Letter 131, 1897). {6BC 1067.7}
Romans 15:14 NKJV 14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Ellen G. White comments, My Life Today, p. 24
The Bible Begets New LifeBeing born again . . . by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:23 {ML 24.1} In the Bible the will of God is revealed. The truths of the Word of God are the utterances of the Most High. He who makes these truths a part of his life becomes in every sense a new creature. He is not given new mental powers, but the darkness that through ignorance and sin has clouded the understanding is removed. The words, "A new heart also will I give you," mean, "A new mind will I give you." A change of heart is always attended by a clear conviction of Christian duty, an understanding of truth. He who gives the Scriptures close, prayerful attention will gain clear comprehension and sound judgment, as if in turning to God he had reached a higher plane of intelligence. {ML 24.2}
The Bible contains the principles that lie at the foundation of all true greatness, all true prosperity, whether for the individual or for the nation. The nation that gives free room for the circulation of the Scriptures opens the way for the minds of the people to develop and expand. The reading of the Scriptures causes light to shine into the darkness. As the Word of God is searched, life-giving truths are found. In the lives of those who heed its teachings there will be an undercurrent of happiness that will bless all with whom they are brought in contact. {ML 24.3}
Thousands have drawn water from these wells of life, yet there is no diminishing of the supply. Thousands have set the Lord before them, and by beholding have been changed into the same image. Their spirit burns within them as they speak of His character, telling what Christ is to them and what they are to Christ. . . . Thousands more may engage in the work of searching out the mysteries of salvation. . . . Each fresh search will reveal something more deeply interesting than has yet been unfolded. (p. 25) {ML 24.4}
Friday
Ellen G. White comments, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 706
By faith we should look to the hereafter and grasp the pledge of God of a growth of intellect, the human faculties uniting with the divine, and every power of the soul being brought into direct contact with the Source of light. We may rejoice that all that has perplexed us in the providences of God will then be made plain; things hard to be understood will find an explanation; and where our finite minds discovered only confusion and broken purposes, we shall see the most perfect and beautiful harmony. Says the apostle Paul: "Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." {5T 706.1}
Peter exhorts his brethren to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Whenever the people of God are growing in grace, they will be constantly obtaining a clearer understanding of His word. They will discern new light and beauty in its sacred truths. This has been true in the history of the church in all ages, and thus it will continue to the end. But as real spiritual life declines, it has ever been the tendency to cease to advance in the knowledge of the truth. Men rest satisfied with the light already received from God's word and discourage any further (p. 707) investigation of the Scriptures. They become conservative and seek to avoid discussion. {5T 706.2}
Ellen G. White Comments, The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 372-374
Chap. 35 - Salvation to the Jews
After many unavoidable delays, Paul at last reached Corinth, the scene of so much anxious labor in the past, and for a time the object of deep solicitude. He found that many of the early believers still regarded him with affection as the one who had first borne to them the light of the gospel. As he greeted these disciples and saw the evidences of their fidelity and zeal he rejoiced that his work in Corinth had not been in vain. {AA 372.1}
The Corinthian believers, once so prone to lose sight of their high calling in Christ, had developed strength of Christian character. Their words and acts revealed the transforming power of the grace of God, and they were now a strong force for good in that center of heathenism and superstition. In the society of his beloved companions and these faithful converts the apostle's worn and troubled spirit found rest. (p. 373) {AA 372.2}
During his sojourn at Corinth, Paul found time to look forward to new and wider fields of service. His contemplated journey to Rome especially occupied his thoughts. To see the Christian faith firmly established at the great center of the known world was one of his dearest hopes and most cherished plans. A church had already been established in Rome, and the apostle desired to secure the co-operation of the believers there in the work to be accomplished in Italy and in other countries. To prepare the way for his labors among these brethren, many of whom were as yet strangers to him, he sent them a letter announcing his purpose of visiting Rome and his hope of planting the standard of the cross in Spain. {AA 373.1}
In his epistle to the Romans, Paul set forth the great principles of the gospel. He stated his position on the questions which were agitating the Jewish and the Gentile churches, and showed that the hopes and promises which had once belonged especially to the Jews were now offered to the Gentiles also. {AA 373.2}
With great clearness and power the apostle presented the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ. He hoped that other churches also might be helped by the instruction sent to the Christians at Rome; but how dimly could he foresee the far-reaching influence of his words! Through all the ages the great truth of justification by faith has stood as a mighty beacon to guide repentant sinners into the way of life. It was this light that scattered the darkness which enveloped Luther's mind and revealed to him the power of the (p. 374) blood of Christ to cleanse from sin. The same light has guided thousands of sin-burdened souls to the true Source of pardon and peace. For the epistle to the church at Rome, every Christian has reason to thank God. {AA 373.3}
In this letter Paul gave free expression to his burden in behalf of the Jews. Ever since his conversion, he had longed to help his Jewish brethren to gain a clear understanding of the gospel message. "My heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is," he declared, "that they might be saved." {AA 374.1}
It was no ordinary desire that the apostle felt. Constantly he was petitioning God to work in behalf of the Israelites who had failed to recognize Jesus of Nazareth as the promised Messiah. "I say the truth in Christ," he assured the believers at Rome, "my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: who are Israelites, to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever." {AA 374.2}
The Jews were God's chosen people, through whom He had purposed to bless the entire race. From among them God had raised up many prophets. These had foretold the advent of a Redeemer who was to be rejected and slain by those who should have been the first to recognize Him as the Promised One. (p. 375) {AA 374.3}
Ellen G. White Comments, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 454
Thus, while apparently cut off from active labor, Paul exerted a wider and more lasting influence than if he had been free to travel among the churches as in former years. As a prisoner of the Lord, he had a firmer hold upon the affections of his brethren; and his words, written by one under bonds for the sake of Christ, commanded greater attention and respect than they did when he was personally with them. Not until Paul was removed from them, did the believers realize how heavy were the burdens he had borne in their behalf. Heretofore they had largely excused themselves from responsibility and burden bearing because they lacked his wisdom, tact, and indomitable energy; but now, left in their inexperience to learn the lessons they had shunned, they prized his warnings, counsels, and instructions as they had not prized his personal work. And as they learned of his courage and faith during his long imprisonment they were stimulated to greater fidelity and zeal in the cause of Christ. {AA 454.1}
Among Paul's assistants at Rome were many of his former companions and fellow workers. Luke, "the beloved physician," who had attended him on the journey to Jerusalem, through the two years' imprisonment at Caesarea, and upon his perilous voyage to Rome, was with him still. (p. 455) Timothy also ministered to his comfort. Tychicus, "a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord," stood nobly by the apostle. Demas and Mark were also with him. Aristarchus and Epaphras were his "fellow prisoners." Colossians 4:7-14. {AA 454.2}
Ellen G. White Comments, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 373
During his sojourn at Corinth, Paul found time to look forward to new and wider fields of service. His contemplated journey to Rome especially occupied his thoughts. To see the Christian faith firmly established at the great center of the known world was one of his dearest hopes and most cherished plans. A church had already been established in Rome, and the apostle desired to secure the co-operation of the believers there in the work to be accomplished in Italy and in other countries. To prepare the way for his labors among these brethren, many of whom were as yet strangers to him, he sent them a letter announcing his purpose of visiting Rome and his hope of planting the standard of the cross in Spain. {AA 373.1}
In his epistle to the Romans, Paul set forth the great principles of the gospel. He stated his position on the questions which were agitating the Jewish and the Gentile churches, and showed that the hopes and promises which had once belonged especially to the Jews were now offered to the Gentiles also. {AA 373.2}
With great clearness and power the apostle presented the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ. He hoped that other churches also might be helped by the instruction sent to the Christians at Rome; but how dimly could he foresee the far-reaching influence of his words! Through all the ages the great truth of justification by faith has stood as a mighty beacon to guide repentant sinners into the way of life. It was this light that scattered the darkness which enveloped Luther's mind and revealed to him the power of the (p. 374) blood of Christ to cleanse from sin. The same light has guided thousands of sin-burdened souls to the true Source of pardon and peace. For the epistle to the church at Rome, every Christian has reason to thank God. {AA 373.3}
Ellen G. White, Messages to Young People, p. 390
Christ rejoices when the thoughts of the young are occupied by the grand and ennobling themes of salvation. He enters the hearts of all such as an abiding guest, filling them with joy and peace. And the love of Christ in the soul is as "a well of water, springing up into everlasting life." . . . Those who possess this love will delight to talk of the things that God has prepared for them that love Him. {MYP 390.1}
The eternal God has drawn the line of distinction between the saint and the sinner, between converted and unconverted. The two classes do not blend into each other imperceptibly, like the colors of a rainbow, but are as distinct as midday and midnight. God's people cannot with safety enter into intimate associations with those who know the truth, but do not practice it. The patriarch Jacob, when speaking of certain deeds of his sons, which he contemplated with horror, exclaimed, "O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly mine honor, be not thou united." He felt that his own honor would be compromised if he associated with sinners in their doings. He lifted the danger signal, warning us to shun wrong associations, lest we become tainted with evil. And the Holy Spirit, through the apostle Paul, utters a similar warning, "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." --The Youth's Instructor, February 4, 1897. (p. 391) {MYP 390.2}
Titus 1:1-2 NKJV 1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,
2 Timothy 1:8-9 NKJV 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began

Jerry Giardina of Pecos prepares a series of helps to accompany the Sabbath School lesson. He includes all related scripture and most EGW quotations. Jerry has chosen the "New King James Version" of the scriptures this quarter. It is used with permission.

http://www.ssnet.org/qrtrly/eng/10c/helps/lesshp01.html

SOCIAL SUPPORT: THE TIE THAT BINDS

Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church



To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church, click on the following link:

http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q206-26-social-support-tie-binds




PLEASE GO TO YOUR SIDE BAR AND CLICK ON VIEW AND ON ZOOM IN + AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED TO ENLARGE THE WHOLE PAGE SO YOU MAY EASILY READ IN THE PDF WHOSE FONTS YOU MAY ENLARGE ALSO DIRECTLY BY RAISING THE PERCENTAGE INCLUDED. LIKE THAT YOU HAVE A BIRD VIEW OF MANY PERSPECTIVES. THANK YOU.

AND JUST LEAVE YOUR CURSOR ON THE VERSES IN THE PDF SO YOU MAY READ THEM

htpp://www.cqbiblestudy.org






http://www.absg.adventist.org/

Social Support: The Tie That Binds

Memory Text: John 13:34-35 NIV 34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
“Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION”. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson Publishers. Used by Permission.
Sabbath Afternoon
Sunday
The Original Image
Genesis 1:27 NKJV 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
John 1:1-3 NKJV 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
Luke 23:34 NKJV 34 Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots.
Monday
People: Social Beings
Genesis 2:18 NIV 18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
Genesis 2:18 NKJV 18 And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him."
Romans 14:7 NKJV 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.
Genesis 2:18 NKJV 18 And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him."


Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NKJV 9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
1 Corinthians 12:14-26 NKJV 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Galatians 6:2 NKJV 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Tuesday
Unity in Redemption
Acts 17:26 NKJV 26 "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,
2 Peter 3:9 NKJV 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Ephesians 4:1-16 NKJV 1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." 9 (Now this, "He ascended" --what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?
Ephesians 4:10-16 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Ephesians 5:29-30 NKJV 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.
Wednesday
Support One Another
Ellen G. White Comments, Medical Ministry, p. 204
The truths of the word of God, applied to the heart and carried out with humility in the daily life practice, will make Christians strong in the strength of Jehovah and happy in His peace. Christian kindness and earnest consecration are constantly to be manifest in the life. We are not always engaged in special duties connected with sacred service; but the common, daily round of duties may be done in His spirit, and such labor will commend itself to every man, even to the unconverted who know not the doctrine. We may let our light so shine in good works that the truth which we cherish shall be, to unbelievers, spirit and life.--Letter 140, 1906. {MM 204.1}
Imitate God's Perfect Ways Build for eternity. Christ's lessons are before us. We are to do carefully, neatly, and with exactitude whatever is to be done. We are to study economy in every line of work. Builders, gather up the fragments. Let nothing be lost. In all that there is to be done, in planting and building, imitate God's perfect ways. {MM 204.2}
Nurses and physicians, think of Jesus. How careful He was of the remnants of food left after feeding the five thousand! By His thoughtful care He would teach us order and economy. The great work of redemption weighed constantly upon His soul. As He was teaching and healing, all the energies of body and soul were taxed to the utmost, yet He noticed the most simple things in human life and in nature. His most instructive lessons were those in which He illustrated the kingdom of God by the simple things of nature. He did not overlook the needs of the humblest of His servants. His ear heard every needy cry. He was awake to the touch of the afflicted woman in the crowd. His divine nature, combined with the human, was so finely wrought that the least touch of faith brought a response. When He raised from the dead the daughter of Jairus, He turned to the parents and reminded them that she must have something to eat. {MM 204.3}
The little things become great in accordance with the attention given them. The one talent is not to be wrapped in a napkin (p. 205) and hidden in the earth. Do what you can for the Master. "He that is faithful in that which is least" will be "faithful also in much." The Master will use every talent that we consecrate to Him. Your worth is determined by the faithfulness with which you do the little things. Everyone needs in the details of daily life to learn to build for time and for eternity. Then at last there will be written against his name in the books of heaven the most precious commendation, "Ye are complete in Him." --MS. 63, 1899. {MM 204.4}
Read 1 Corinthians chapter 13
John 13:35 NKJV 35 "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Romans 15:7 NKJV 7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.
Ephesians 4:32 NKJV 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
Colossians 3:13 NKJV 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 NKJV 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
James 5:16 NKJV 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
1 Peter 3:8 NKJV 8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;
1 Peter 4:9 NKJV 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
1 John 1:7 NKJV 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Thursday
Serve One Another
Hebrews 2:17-18 NKJV 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
Romans 12:4-8 NKJV 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
1 Corinthians 12:1-5 NKJV 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
Ephesians 4:8-11 NKJV 8 Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." 9 (Now this, "He ascended" --what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
Galatians 5:13 NIV 13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:13 NKJV 13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Friday
Ellen G. White Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 44-51
Chap. 2 - The Creation"By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth." "For He spake, and it was;" "He commanded, and it stood fast." Psalm 33:6, 9. He "laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed forever." Psalm 104:5. {PP 44.1}
As the earth came forth from the hand of its Maker, it was exceedingly beautiful. Its surface was diversified with mountains, hills, and plains, interspersed with noble rivers and lovely lakes; but the hills and mountains were not abrupt and rugged, abounding in terrific steeps and frightful chasms, as they now do; the sharp, ragged edges of earth's rocky framework were buried beneath the fruitful soil, which everywhere produced a luxuriant growth of verdure. There were no loathsome swamps or barren deserts. Graceful shrubs and delicate flowers greeted the eye at every turn. The heights were crowned with trees more majestic than any that now exist. The air, untainted by foul miasma, was clear and healthful. The entire landscape outvied in beauty the decorated grounds of the proudest palace. The angelic host viewed the scene with delight, and rejoiced at the wonderful works of God. {PP 44.2}
After the earth with its teeming animal and vegetable life had been called into existence, man, the crowning work of the Creator, and the one for whom the beautiful earth had been fitted up, was brought upon the stage of action. To him was given dominion over all that his eye could behold; for "God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over . . . all the earth. . . . So God created man in His own image; . . . male and female created He them." Here is clearly set forth the origin of the human race; and the divine record is so plainly stated that there is no occasion for erroneous (p. 45) conclusions. God created man in His own image. Here is no mystery. There is no ground for the supposition that man was evolved by slow degrees of development from the lower forms of animal or vegetable life. Such teaching lowers the great work of the Creator to the level of man's narrow, earthly conceptions. Men are so intent upon excluding God from the sovereignty of the universe that they degrade man and defraud him of the dignity of his origin. He who set the starry worlds on high and tinted with delicate skill the flowers of the field, who filled the earth and the heavens with the wonders of His power, when He came to crown His glorious work, to place one in the midst to stand as ruler of the fair earth, did not fail to create a being worthy of the hand that gave him life. The genealogy of our race, as given by inspiration, traces back its origin, not to a line of developing germs, mollusks, and quadrupeds, but to the great Creator. Though formed from the dust, Adam was "the son of God." {PP 44.3}
He was placed, as God's representative, over the lower orders of being. They cannot understand or acknowledge the sovereignty of God, yet they were made capable of loving and serving man. The psalmist says, "Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet: . . . the beasts of the field; the fowl of the air, . . . and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas." Psalm 8:6-8. {PP 45.1}
Man was to bear God's image, both in outward resemblance and in character. Christ alone is "the express image" (Hebrews 1:3) of the Father; but man was formed in the likeness of God. His nature was in harmony with the will of God. His mind was capable of comprehending divine things. His affections were pure; his appetites and passions were under the control of reason. He was holy and happy in bearing the image of God and in perfect obedience to His will. {PP 45.2}
As man came forth from the hand of his Creator, he was of lofty stature and perfect symmetry. His countenance bore the ruddy tint of health and glowed with the light of life and joy. Adam's height was much greater than that of men who now inhabit the earth. Eve was somewhat less in stature; yet her form was noble, and full of beauty. The sinless pair wore no artificial garments; they were clothed with a covering of light and glory, such as the angels wear. So long as they lived in obedience to God, this robe of light continued to enshroud them. (p. 46) {PP 45.3}
After the creation of Adam every living creature was brought before him to receive its name; he saw that to each had been given a companion, but among them "there was not found an help meet for him." Among all the creatures that God had made on the earth, there was not one equal to man. And God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." Man was not made to dwell in solitude; he was to be a social being. Without companionship the beautiful scenes and delightful employments of Eden would have failed to yield perfect happiness. Even communion with angels could not have satisfied his desire for sympathy and companionship. There was none of the same nature to love and to be loved. {PP 46.1}
God Himself gave Adam a companion. He provided "an help meet for him"--a helper corresponding to him--one who was fitted to be his companion, and who could be one with him in love and sympathy. Eve was created from a rib taken from the side of Adam, signifying that she was not to control him as the head, nor to be trampled under his feet as an inferior,
but to stand by his side as an equal, to be loved and protected by him. A part of man, bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh, she was his second self, showing the close union and the affectionate attachment that should exist in this relation. "For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it." Ephesians 5:29. "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one." {PP 46.2}
God celebrated the first marriage. Thus the institution has for its originator the Creator of the universe. "Marriage is honorable" (Hebrews 13:4); it was one of the first gifts of God to man, and it is one of the two institutions that, after the Fall, Adam brought with him beyond the gates of Paradise. When the divine principles are recognized and obeyed in this relation, marriage is a blessing; it guards the purity and happiness of the race, it provides for man's social needs, it elevates the physical, the intellectual, and the moral nature. {PP 46.3}
"And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there He put the man whom He had formed." Everything that God had made was the perfection of beauty, and nothing seemed wanting that could contribute to the happiness of the holy pair; (p. 47) yet the Creator gave them still another token of His love, by preparing a garden especially for their home. In this garden were trees of every variety, many of them laden with fragrant and delicious fruit. There were lovely vines, growing upright, yet presenting a most graceful appearance, with their branches drooping under their load of tempting fruit of the richest and most varied hues. It was the work of Adam and Eve to train the branches of the vine to form bowers, thus making for themselves a dwelling from living trees covered with foliage and fruit. There were fragrant flowers of every hue in rich profusion. In the midst of the garden stood the tree of life, surpassing in glory all other trees. Its fruit appeared like apples of gold and silver, and had the power to perpetuate life. {PP 46.4}
The creation was now complete. "The heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them." "And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good." Eden bloomed on earth. Adam and Eve had free access to the tree of life. No taint of sin or shadow of death marred the fair creation. "The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." Job 38:7. {PP 47.1}
The great Jehovah had laid the foundations of the earth; He had dressed the whole world in the garb of beauty and had filled it with things useful to man; He had created all the wonders of the land and of the sea. In six days the great work of creation had been accomplished. And God "rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made." God looked with satisfaction upon the work of His hands. All was perfect, worthy of its divine Author, and He rested, not as one weary, but as well pleased with the fruits of His wisdom and goodness and the manifestations of His glory. {PP 47.2}
After resting upon the seventh day, God sanctified it, or set it apart, as a day of rest for man. Following the example of the Creator, man was to rest upon this sacred day, that as he should look upon the heavens and the earth, he might reflect upon God's great work of creation; and that as he should behold the evidences of God's wisdom and goodness, his heart might be filled with love and reverence for his Maker. (p. 48) {PP 47.3}
In Eden, God set up the memorial of His work of creation, in placing His blessing upon the seventh day. The Sabbath was committed to Adam, the father and representative of the whole human family. Its observance was to be an act of grateful acknowledgment, on the part of all who should dwell upon the earth,
that God was their Creator and their rightful Sovereign; that they were the work of His hands and the subjects of His authority. Thus the institution was wholly commemorative, and given to all mankind. There was nothing in it shadowy or of restricted application to any people. {PP 48.1}
God saw that a Sabbath was essential for man, even in Paradise. He needed to lay aside his own interests and pursuits for one day of the seven, that he might more fully contemplate the works of God and meditate upon His power and goodness. He needed a Sabbath to remind him more vividly of God and to awaken gratitude because all that he enjoyed and possessed came from the beneficent hand of the Creator. {PP 48.2}
God designs that the Sabbath shall direct the minds of men to the contemplation of His created works. Nature speaks to their senses, declaring that there is a living God, the Creator, the Supreme Ruler of all. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge." Psalm 19:1, 2. The beauty that clothes the earth is token of God's love. We may behold it in the everlasting hills, in the lofty trees, in the opening buds and the delicate flowers. All speak to us of God. The Sabbath, ever pointing to Him who made them all, bids men open the great book of nature and trace therein the wisdom, the power, and the love of the Creator. {PP 48.3}
Our first parents, though created innocent and holy, were not placed beyond the possibility of wrongdoing. God made them free moral agents, capable of appreciating the wisdom and benevolence of His character and the justice of His requirements, and with full liberty to yield or to withhold obedience. They were to enjoy communion with God and with holy angels; but before they could be rendered eternally secure, their loyalty must be tested. At the very beginning of man's existence a check was placed upon the desire for self-indulgence, the fatal passion that lay at the foundation of Satan's fall. The tree of knowledge, which stood near the tree of life in the midst of the garden, was (p. 49) to be a test of the obedience, faith, and love of our parents. While permitted to eat freely of every other tree, they were forbidden to taste of this, on pain of death. They were also to be exposed to the temptations of Satan; but if they endured the trial, they would finally be placed beyond his power, to enjoy perpetual favor with God. {PP 48.4}
God placed man under law, as an indispensable condition of his very existence. He was a subject of the divine government, and there can be no government without law. God might have created man without the power to transgress His law; He might have withheld the hand of Adam from touching the forbidden fruit; but in that case man would have been, not a free moral agent, but a mere automaton. Without freedom of choice, his obedience would not have been voluntary, but forced. There could have been no development of character. Such a course would have been contrary to God's plan in dealing with the inhabitants of other worlds. It would have been unworthy of man as an intelligent being, and would have sustained Satan's charge of God's arbitrary rule. {PP 49.1}
God made man upright; He gave him noble traits of character, with no bias toward evil. He endowed him with high intellectual powers, and presented before him the strongest possible inducements to be true to his allegiance. Obedience, perfect and perpetual, was the condition of eternal happiness. On this condition he was to have access to the tree of life. {PP 49.2}
The home of our first parents was to be a pattern for other homes as their children should go forth to occupy the earth. That home, beautified by the hand of God Himself, was not a gorgeous palace. Men, in their pride, delight in magnificent and costly edifices and glory in the works of their own hands; but God placed Adam in a garden. This was his dwelling. The blue heavens were its dome; the earth, with its delicate flowers and carpet of living green,
was its floor; and the leafy branches of the goodly trees were its canopy. Its walls were hung with the most magnificent adornings--the handiwork of the great Master Artist. In the surroundings of the holy pair was a lesson for all time--that true happiness is found, not in the indulgence of pride and luxury, but in communion with God through His created works. If men would give less attention to the artificial, and would cultivate greater simplicity, they would come far nearer to answering the (p. 50) purpose of God in their creation. Pride and ambition are never satisfied, but those who are truly wise will find substantial and elevating pleasure in the sources of enjoyment that God has placed within the reach of all. {PP 49.3}
To the dwellers in Eden was committed the care of the garden, "to dress it and to keep it." Their occupation was not wearisome, but pleasant and invigorating. God appointed labor as a blessing to man, to occupy his mind, to strengthen his body, and to develop his faculties. In mental and physical activity Adam found one of the highest pleasures of his holy existence. And when, as a result of his disobedience, he was driven from his beautiful home, and forced to struggle with a stubborn soil to gain his daily bread, that very labor, although widely different from his pleasant occupation in the garden, was a safeguard against temptation and a source of happiness. Those who regard work as a curse, attended though it be with weariness and pain, are cherishing an error. The rich often look down with contempt upon the working classes, but this is wholly at variance with God's purpose in creating man. What are the possessions of even the most wealthy in comparison with the heritage given to the lordly Adam? Yet Adam was not to be idle. Our Creator, who understands what is for man's happiness, appointed Adam his work. The true joy of life is found only by the working men and women. The angels are diligent workers; they are the ministers of God to the children of men. The Creator has prepared no place for the stagnating practice of indolence. {PP 50.1}
While they remained true to God, Adam and his companion were to bear rule over the earth. Unlimited control was given them over every living thing. The lion and the lamb sported peacefully around them or lay down together at their feet. The happy birds flitted about them without fear; and as their glad songs ascended to the praise of their Creator, Adam and Eve united with them in thanksgiving to the Father and the Son. {PP 50.2}
The holy pair were not only children under the fatherly care of God but students receiving instruction from the all-wise Creator. They were visited by angels, and were granted communion with their Maker, with no obscuring veil between. They were full of the vigor imparted by the tree of life, and their intellectual power was but little less than that of the angels. The mysteries of the visible universe--"the wondrous works of Him which is (p. 51) perfect in knowledge" (Job 37:16)--afforded them an exhaustless source of instruction and delight. The laws and operations of nature, which have engaged men's study for six thousand years, were opened to their minds by the infinite Framer and Upholder of all. They held converse with leaf and flower and tree, gathering from each the secrets of its life. With every living creature, from the mighty leviathan that playeth among the waters to the insect mote that floats in the sunbeam, Adam was familiar. He had given to each its name, and he was acquainted with the nature and habits of all. God's glory in the heavens, the innumerable worlds in their orderly revolutions, "the balancings of the clouds," the mysteries of light and sound, of day and night--all were open to the study of our first parents. On every leaf of the forest or stone of the mountains, in every shining star, in earth and air and sky, God's name was written. The order and harmony of creation spoke to them of infinite wisdom and power. They were ever discovering some attraction that filled their hearts with deeper love and called forth fresh expressions of gratitude. {PP 50.3}
So long as they remained loyal to the divine law, their capacity to know, to enjoy, and to love would continually increase. They would be constantly gaining new treasures of knowledge, discovering fresh springs of happiness, and obtaining clearer and yet clearer conceptions of the immeasurable, unfailing love of God. {PP 51.1}
Ellen G. White comments, Counsels on Health, pp. 567-671 (not included)
Ellen G. White Comments, Ministry of Healing, pp. 95-107
Chap. 6 - Saved to ServeIt is morning on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus and His disciples have come to shore after a tempestuous night on the water, and the light of the rising sun touches sea and land as with the benediction of peace. But as they step upon the beach they are greeted with a sight more terrible than the storm-tossed sea. From some hiding place among the tombs two madmen rush upon them as if to tear them in pieces. Hanging about these men are parts of chains which they have broken in escaping from confinement. Their flesh is torn and bleeding, their eyes glare out from their long and matted hair, the very likeness of humanity seems to have been blotted out. They look more like wild beasts than like men. {MH 95.1}
The disciples and their companions flee in terror; but presently they notice that Jesus is not with them, and they turn to look for Him. He is standing where they left Him. He who stilled the tempest, who has before met Satan and conquered him, does not flee before these demons. When the men, gnashing their teeth and foaming at the mouth, approach Him, Jesus raises that hand which has beckoned the waves to rest, (p. 96) and the men can come no nearer. They stand before Him, raging but helpless. {MH 95.2}
With authority He bids the unclean spirits come out of them. The unfortunate men realize that One is near who can save them from the tormenting demons. They fall at the Saviour's feet to entreat His mercy; but when their lips are opened, the demons speak through them, crying, "What have we to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God? art Thou come hither to torment us?" Matthew 8:29. (p. 97) {MH 96.1}
The evil spirits are forced to release their victims, and a wonderful change comes over the demoniacs. Light shines into their minds. Their eyes beam with intelligence. The countenances so long deformed into the image of Satan become suddenly mild, the bloodstained hands are quiet, and the men lift their voices in praise to God. {MH 97.1}
Meanwhile the demons, cast out from their human habitation, have entered into the swine and driven them to destruction. The keepers of the swine hurry away to publish the news, and the whole population flock to meet Jesus. The two demoniacs have been the terror of the country. Now these men are clothed and in their right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His words, and glorifying the name of Him who has made them whole. But those who behold this wonderful scene do not rejoice. The loss of the swine seems to them of greater moment than the deliverance of these captives of Satan. In terror they throng about Jesus, beseeching Him to depart from them, and He complies, taking ship at once for the opposite shore. (p. 98) {MH 97.2}
Far different is the feeling of the restored demoniacs. They desire the companionship of their Deliverer. In His presence they feel secure from the demons that have tormented their lives and wasted their manhood. As Jesus is about to enter the boat they keep close to His side, kneel at His feet, and beg to remain near Him, where they may listen to His words.
But Jesus bids them go home and tell what great things the Lord has done for them. {MH 98.1}
Here is a work for them to do--to go to a heathen home and tell of the blessings they have received from Jesus. It is hard for them to be separated from the Saviour. Great difficulties will beset them in association with their heathen countrymen. And their long isolation from society seems to have disqualified them for this work. But as soon as He points out their duty, they are ready to obey. {MH 98.2}
Not only did they tell their own households and neighbors about Jesus, but they went throughout Decapolis, everywhere declaring His power to save and describing how He had freed them from the demons. {MH 98.3}
Though the people of Gergesa had not received Jesus, He did not leave them to the darkness they had chosen. When they bade Him depart from them, they had not heard His words. They were ignorant of that which they were rejecting. Therefore He sent the light to them, and by those to whom they would not refuse to listen. {MH 98.4}
In causing the destruction of the swine, it was Satan's purpose to turn the people away from the Saviour and prevent the preaching of the gospel in that region. But this very occurrence roused the country as nothing else could have done, and directed attention to Christ. Though the Saviour Himself departed, the men whom He had healed remained as witnesses to His power. Those who had been mediums of the prince (p. 99) of darkness became channels of light, messengers of the Son of God. When Jesus returned to Decapolis, the people flocked about Him, and for three days thousands from all the surrounding country heard the message of salvation. {MH 98.5}
The two restored demoniacs were the first missionaries whom Christ sent to teach the gospel in the region of Decapolis. For a short time only, these men had listened to His words. Not one sermon from His lips had ever fallen upon their ears. They could not instruct the people as the disciples who had been daily with Christ were able to do. But they could tell what they knew; what they themselves had seen, and heard, and felt of the Saviour's power. This is what everyone can do whose heart has been touched by the grace of God. This is the witness for which our Lord calls, and for want of which the world is perishing. {MH 99.1}
The gospel is to be presented, not as a lifeless theory, but as a living force to change the life. God would have His servants bear testimony to the fact that through His grace men may possess Christlikeness of character and may rejoice in the assurance of His great love. He would have us bear testimony to the fact that He cannot be satisfied until all who will accept salvation are reclaimed and reinstated in their holy privileges as His sons and daughters. {MH 99.2}
Even those whose course has been most offensive to Him He freely accepts. When they repent, He imparts to them His divine Spirit, and sends them forth into the camp of the disloyal to proclaim His mercy. Souls that have been degraded into instruments of Satan are still, through the power of Christ, transformed into messengers of righteousness and are sent forth to tell how great things the Lord hath done for them and hath had compassion on them. (p. 100) {MH 99.3}
"My Praise Shall Be Continually of Thee." After the woman of Capernaum had been healed by the touch of faith, Jesus desired her to acknowledge the blessing she had received. The gifts which the gospel offers are not to be secured by stealth or enjoyed in secret. "Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, That I am God." Isaiah 43:12. {MH 100.1}
Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven's chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience.
We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked with our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christlike life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls. {MH 100.2}
It is for our own benefit to keep every gift of God fresh in our memory. By this means faith is strengthened to claim and to receive more and more. There is greater encouragement for us in the least blessing we ourselves receive from God than in all the accounts we can read of the faith and experience of others. The soul that responds to the grace of God shall be like a watered garden. His health shall spring forth speedily; his light shall rise in obscurity, and the glory of the Lord shall be seen upon him. (p. 101) "What shall I render unto the Lord For all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, And call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord, Yea, in the presence of all His people." "I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of Him shall be sweet:
I will be glad in the Lord." "Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can show forth all His praise?" "Call upon His name; Make known among the peoples His doings. Sing unto Him, sing praises unto Him:" "Talk ye of all His wondrous works. Glory ye in His holy name:
Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord." "Because Thy loving-kindness is better than life, My lips shall praise Thee. . . . My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness;
And my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips; When I remember Thee upon my bed,
And meditate on Thee in the night watches. For Thou hast been my help, And in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice." "In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid; What can man do unto me? Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render thank offerings unto Thee. For Thou hast delivered my soul from death: Hast Thou not delivered my feet from falling, That I may walk before God in the light of the living?" "O Thou Holy One of Israel. My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto Thee; And my soul, which Thou hast redeemed. My tongue also shall talk of Thy righteousness all the day long." (p. 102) "Thou art my trust from my youth. . . . My praise shall be continually of Thee." "I will make Thy name to be remembered:. . . Therefore shall the people praise Thee." Psalm 116:12-14, R.V.; 104:33, 34; 106:2; 105:1, 2 (A.R.V.), 2, 3; 63:3-7, A.R.V.; 56:11-13, A.R.V.; 71:22-24, 5, 6; 45:17. {MH 100.3} "Freely Ye Have Received, Freely Give." The gospel invitation is not to be narrowed down and presented only to a select few, who, we suppose, will do us honor if they accept it. The message is to be given to all. When God blesses His children, it is not alone for their own sake, but for the world's sake. As He bestows His gifts on us, it is that we may multiply them by imparting. {MH 102.1}
The Samaritan woman who talked with Jesus at Jacob's well had no sooner found the Saviour than she brought others to Him. She proved herself a more effective missionary than His own disciples. The disciples saw nothing in Samaria to indicate that it was an encouraging field. Their thoughts were fixed upon a great work to be done in the future. They did not see that right around them was a harvest to be gathered. But through the woman whom they despised a whole cityful were brought to hear Jesus. She carried the light at once to her countrymen. {MH 102.2}
This woman represents the working of a practical faith in Christ. Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. No sooner does he come to know the Saviour than he desires to make others acquainted with Him. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and (p. 103) making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life. In doing this work a greater blessing is received than if we work merely to benefit ourselves. It is in working to spread the good news of salvation that we are brought near to the Saviour. {MH 102.3}
Of those who receive His grace the Lord says: {MH 103.1}
"I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in its season; there shall be showers of blessing." Ezekiel 34:26, A.R.V. {MH 103.2}
"On the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water." John 7:37, 38, A.R.V. {MH 103.3}
Those who receive are to impart to others. From every direction are coming calls for help. God calls upon men to minister gladly to their fellow men. Immortal crowns are to be won; the kingdom of heaven is to be gained; the world, perishing in ignorance, is to be enlightened. {MH 103.4}
"Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal." John 4:35, 36. (p. 104) {MH 103.5}
For three years the disciples had before them the wonderful example of Jesus. Day by day they walked and talked with Him, hearing His words of cheer to the weary and heavy-laden, and seeing the manifestations of His power in behalf of the sick and afflicted. When the time came for Him to leave them, He gave them grace and power to carry forward His work in His name. They were to shed abroad the light of His gospel of love and healing. And the Saviour promised that His presence would be always with them. Through the Holy Spirit He would be even nearer to them than when He walked visibly among men. {MH 104.1}
The work which the disciples did, we also are to do. Every Christian is to be a missionary. In sympathy and compassion we are to minister to those in need of help, seeking with unselfish earnestness to lighten the woes of suffering humanity. {MH 104.2}
All may find something to do. None need feel that there is no place where they can labor for Christ. The Saviour identifies Himself with every child of humanity. That we might become members of the heavenly family, He became a member of the earthly family. He is the Son of man, and thus a brother to every son and daughter of Adam. His followers are not to feel themselves detached from the perishing world around them. They are a part of the great web of humanity, and heaven looks upon them as brothers to sinners as well as to saints. {MH 104.3}
Millions upon millions of human beings, in sickness and ignorance and sin, have never so much as heard of Christ's love for them. Were our condition and theirs to be reversed, what would we desire them to do for us? All this, so far as lies in our power, we are to do for them. Christ's rule of life by which every one of us must stand or fall in the judgment (p. 105) is, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." Matthew 7:12. {MH 104.4}
By all that has given us advantage over another,--be it education and refinement, nobility of character, Christian training, religious experience,--we are in debt to those less favored; and, so far as lies in our power, we are to minister unto them. If we are strong, we are to stay up the hands of the weak. {MH 105.1}
Angels of glory that do always behold the face of the Father in heaven, joy in ministering to His little ones.
Angels are ever present where they are most needed, with those who have the hardest battles with self to fight, and whose surroundings are the most discouraging. Weak and trembling souls who have many objectionable traits of character are their special charge. That which selfish hearts would regard as humiliating service, ministering to those who are wretched and in every way inferior in character, is the work of the pure, sinless beings from the courts above. {MH 105.2}
Jesus did not consider heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod. {MH 105.3}
He who becomes a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. {MH 105.4}
Many feel that it would be a great privilege to visit the scenes of Christ's life on earth, to walk where He trod, to look upon the lake beside which He loved to teach, and the hills and valleys on which His eyes so often rested. But we need (p. 106) not go to Nazareth, to Capernaum, or to Bethany, in order to walk in the steps of Jesus. We shall find His footprints beside the sickbed, in the hovels of poverty, in the crowded alleys of the great cities, and in every place where there are human hearts in need of consolation. {MH 105.5}
We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted. We are to minister to the despairing, and to inspire hope in the hopeless. {MH 106.1}
The love of Christ, manifested in unselfish ministry, will be more effective in reforming the evildoer than will the sword or the court of justice. These are necessary to strike terror to the lawbreaker, but the loving missionary can do more than this. Often the heart that hardens under reproof will melt under the love of Christ. {MH 106.2}
The missionary can not only relieve physical maladies, but he can lead the sinner to the Great Physician, who can cleanse the soul from the leprosy of sin. Through His servants, God designs that the sick, the unfortunate, and those possessed of evil spirits shall hear His voice. Through His human agencies He desires to be a comforter such as the world knows not. {MH 106.3}
The Saviour has given His precious life in order to establish a church capable of ministering to the suffering, the sorrowful, and the tempted. A company of believers may be poor, uneducated, and unknown; yet in Christ they may do a work in the home, in the community, and even in "the regions beyond," whose results shall be as far-reaching as eternity. {MH 106.4}
To Christ's followers today, no less than to the first disciples, these words are spoken: {MH 106.5}
"All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations." "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Matthew 28:18, 19; Mark 16:15. (p. 107) {MH 106.6}
And for us also is the promise of His presence, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20. {MH 107.1}
Today no curious multitudes flock to the desert places to see and hear the Christ. His voice is not heard in the busy streets. No cry sounds from the wayside, "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by." Luke 18:37. Yet this word is true today. Christ walks unseen through our streets. With messages of mercy He comes to our homes. With all who are seeking to minister in His name, He waits to co-operate. He is in the midst of us, to heal and to bless, if we will receive Him. {MH 107.2}
"Thus saith Jehovah, In an acceptable time have I answered thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to raise up the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages; saying to them that are bound, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves." "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; That bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; That saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" Isaiah 49:8, 9, A.R.V.; 52:7.
"Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places:. . . For the Lord hath comforted His people. . . . The Lord hath made bare His holy arm In the eyes of all the nations; And all the ends of the earth Shall see the salvation of our God." Verses 9, 10. {MH 107.3}
Ellen G. White Comments, Ministry of Healing, pp. 497-502
Chap. 42 - Development and Service Christian life is more than many take it to be. It does not consist wholly in gentleness, patience, meekness, and kindliness. These graces are essential; but there is need also of courage, force, energy, and perseverance. The path that Christ marks out is a narrow, self-denying path. To enter that path and press on through difficulties and discouragements requires men who are more than weaklings. {MH 497.1}
Force of Character Men of stamina are wanted, men who will not wait to have their way smoothed and every obstacle removed, men who will inspire with fresh zeal the flagging efforts of dispirited workers, men whose hearts are warm with Christian love and whose hands are strong to do their Master's work. {MH 497.2}
Some who engage in missionary service are weak, nerveless, spiritless, easily discouraged. They lack push. They have not those positive traits of character that give power to do something--the spirit and energy that kindle enthusiasm. Those who would win success must be courageous and hopeful. They should cultivate not only the passive but the active virtues. While they are to give the soft answer that turns (p. 498) away wrath, they must possess the courage of a hero to resist evil. With the charity that endures all things, they need the force of character that will make their influence a positive power. {MH 497.3}
Some have no firmness of character. Their plans and purposes have no definite form and consistency. They are of but little practical use in the world. This weakness, indecision, and inefficiency should be overcome. There is in true Christian character an indomitableness that cannot be molded or subdued by adverse circumstances. We must have moral backbone, an integrity that cannot be flattered, bribed, or terrified. {MH 498.1}
God desires us to make use of every opportunity for securing a preparation for His work. He expects us to put all our energies into its performance and to keep our hearts alive to its sacredness and its fearful responsibilities. {MH 498.2}
Many who are qualified to do excellent work accomplish little because they attempt little. Thousands pass through life as if they had no great object for which to live, no high standard to reach. One reason for this is the low estimate which they place upon themselves. Christ paid an infinite price for us, and according to the price paid He desires us to value ourselves. {MH 498.3}
Be not satisfied with reaching a low standard. We are not what we might be, or what it is God's will that we should be. God has given us reasoning powers, not to remain inactive, or to be perverted to earthly and sordid pursuits, but that they may be developed to the utmost, refined, sanctified, ennobled, and used in advancing the interests of His kingdom. {MH 498.4}
None should consent to be mere machines, run by another man's mind. God has given us ability, to think and to act, and it is by acting with carefulness, looking to Him for wisdom
(p. 499) that you will become capable of bearing burdens. Stand in your God-given personality. Be no other person's shadow. Expect that the Lord will work in and by and through you. {MH 498.5}
Never think that you have learned enough, and that you may now relax your efforts. The cultivated mind is the measure of the man. Your education should continue during your lifetime; every day you should be learning and putting to practical use the knowledge gained. {MH 499.1}
Remember that in whatever position you may serve you are revealing motive, developing character. Whatever your work, do it with exactness, with diligence; overcome the inclination to seek an easy task. {MH 499.2}
The same spirit and principles that one brings into the daily labor will be brought into the whole life. Those who desire a fixed amount to do and a fixed salary, and who wish to prove an exact fit without the trouble of adaptation or training, are not the ones whom God calls to work in His cause. Those who study how to give as little as possible of their physical, mental, and moral power are not the workers upon whom He can pour out abundant blessings. Their example is contagious. Self-interest is the ruling motive. Those who need to be watched and who work only as every duty is specified to them, are not the ones who will be pronounced good and faithful. Workers are needed who manifest energy, integrity, diligence, those who are willing to do anything that needs to be done. (p. 500) {MH 499.3}
Many become inefficient by evading responsibilities for fear of failure. Thus they fail of gaining that education which results from experience, and which reading and study and all the advantages otherwise gained cannot give them. {MH 500.1}
Man can shape circumstances, but circumstances should not be allowed to shape the man. We should seize upon circumstances as instruments by which to work. We are to master them, but should not permit them to master us. {MH 500.2}
Men of power are those who have been opposed, baffled, and thwarted. By calling their energies into action, the obstacles they meet prove to them positive blessings. They gain self-reliance. Conflict and perplexity call for the exercise of trust in God and for that firmness which develops power. {MH 500.3}
Christ gave no stinted service. He did not measure His work by hours. His time, His heart, His soul and strength, were given to labor for the benefit of humanity. Through weary days He toiled, and through long nights He bent in prayer for grace and endurance that He might do a larger work. With strong crying and tears He sent His petitions to heaven, that His human nature might be strengthened, that He might be braced to meet the wily foe in all his deceptive workings, and fortified to fulfill His missions of uplifting humanity. To His workers He says, "I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done." John 13:15. {MH 500.4}
"The love of Christ," said Paul, "constraineth us." 2 Corinthians 5:14. This was the actuating principle of his conduct; it was his motive power. If ever his ardor in the path of duty flagged for a moment, one glance at the cross caused him to gird up anew the loins of his mind and press forward in the way of self-denial. In his labors for his brethren he relied much upon the manifestation of infinite love in the sacrifice of Christ, with its subduing, constraining power. (p. 501) {MH 500.5}
How earnest, how touching, his appeal: "Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9. You know the height from which He stooped, the depth of humiliation to which He descended. His feet entered upon the path of sacrifice and turned not aside until He had given His life. There was no rest for Him between the throne in heaven and the cross. His love for man led Him to welcome every indignity and suffer every abuse. {MH 501.1}
Paul admonishes us to "look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." He bids us possess the mind "which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:4-8. {MH 501.2}
Paul was deeply anxious that the humiliation of Christ should be seen and realized. He was convinced that if men could be led to consider the amazing sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven, selfishness would be banished from their hearts. The apostle lingers over point after point, that we may in some measure comprehend the wonderful condescension of the Saviour in behalf of sinners. He directs the mind first to the position which Christ occupied in heaven in the bosom of His Father; he reveals Him afterward as laying aside His glory, voluntarily subjecting Himself to the humbling conditions of man's life, assuming the responsibilities of a servant, and becoming obedient unto death, and that the most ignominious and revolting, the most agonizing--the death of the cross. Can we contemplate this wonderful manifestation of the love of God without gratitude and love, and a deep sense of the fact that we are not our own? Such a
(p. 502) Master should not be served from grudging, selfish motives. {MH 501.3}
"Ye know," says Peter, "that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold." 1 Peter 1:18. Oh, had these been sufficient to purchase the salvation of man, how easily it might have been accomplished by Him who says, "The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine"! Haggai 2:8. But the sinner could be redeemed only by the precious blood of the Son of God. Those who, failing to appreciate this wonderful sacrifice, withhold themselves from Christ's service, will perish in their selfishness. {MH 502.1}
Singleness of Purpose In the life of Christ, everything was made subordinate to His work, the great work of redemption which He came to accomplish. And the same devotion, the same self-denial and sacrifice, the same subjection to the claims of the word of God, is to be manifest in His disciples. {MH 502.2}
Everyone who accepts Christ as his personal Saviour will long for the privilege of serving God. Contemplating what heaven has done for him, his heart is moved with boundless love and adoring gratitude. He is eager to signalize his gratitude by devoting his abilities to God's service. He longs to show his love for Christ and for His purchased possession. He covets toil, hardship, sacrifice. {MH 502.3}
The true worker for God will do his best, because in so doing he can glorify his Master. He will do right in order to regard the requirements of God. He will endeavor to improve all his faculties. He will perform every duty as unto God. His one desire will be that Christ may receive homage and perfect service. {MH 502.4}
There is a picture representing a bullock standing between a plow and an altar, with the inscription, "Ready for either," ready to toil in the furrow or to be offered on the altar of sacrifice. This is the position of the true child of God--willing to go where duty calls, to deny self, to sacrifice for the Redeemer's cause. {MH 502.5}
Ellen G. White Comments, Ministry of Healing, pp. 105-106
By all that has given us advantage over another,--be it education and refinement, nobility of character, Christian training, religious experience,--we are in debt to those less favored; and, so far as lies in our power, we are to minister unto them. If we are strong, we are to stay up the hands of the weak. {MH 105.1}
Angels of glory that do always behold the face of the Father in heaven, joy in ministering to His little ones. Angels are ever present where they are most needed, with those who have the hardest battles with self to fight, and whose surroundings are the most discouraging. Weak and trembling souls who have many objectionable traits of character are their special charge. That which selfish hearts would regard as humiliating service, ministering to those who are wretched and in every way inferior in character, is the work of the pure, sinless beings from the courts above. {MH 105.2}
Jesus did not consider heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod. {MH 105.3}
He who becomes a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. {MH 105.4}
Many feel that it would be a great privilege to visit the scenes of Christ's life on earth, to walk where He trod, to look upon the lake beside which He loved to teach, and the hills and valleys on which His eyes so often rested. But we need (p. 106) not go to Nazareth, to Capernaum, or to Bethany, in order to walk in the steps of Jesus. We shall find His footprints beside the sickbed, in the hovels of poverty, in the crowded alleys of the great cities, and in every place where there are human hearts in need of consolation. {MH 105.5}
We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted. We are to minister to the despairing, and to inspire hope in the hopeless. {MH 106.1}
The love of Christ, manifested in unselfish ministry, will be more effective in reforming the evildoer than will the sword or the court of justice. These are necessary to strike terror to the lawbreaker, but the loving missionary can do more than this. Often the heart that hardens under reproof will melt under the love of Christ. {MH 106.2}
The missionary can not only relieve physical maladies, but he can lead the sinner to the Great Physician, who can cleanse the soul from the leprosy of sin. Through His servants, God designs that the sick, the unfortunate, and those possessed of evil spirits shall hear His voice. Through His human agencies He desires to be a comforter such as the world knows not. {MH 106.3}
The Saviour has given His precious life in order to establish a church capable of ministering to the suffering, the sorrowful, and the tempted. A company of believers may be poor, uneducated, and unknown; yet in Christ they may do a work in the home, in the community, and even in "the regions beyond," whose results shall be as far-reaching as eternity. {MH 106.4}
To Christ's followers today, no less than to the first disciples, these words are spoken: {MH 106.5}
"All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth। Go ye therefore, and teach all nations." "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Matthew 28:18, 19; Mark 16:15. (p. 107){MH 106.6}


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NUTRITION IN THE BIBLE

Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church



To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church, click on the following link:

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PLEASE GO TO YOUR SIDE BAR AND CLICK ON VIEW AND ON ZOOM IN + AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED TO ENLARGE THE WHOLE PAGE SO YOU MAY EASILY READ IN THE PDF WHOSE FONTS YOU MAY ENLARGE ALSO DIRECTLY BY RAISING THE PERCENTAGE INCLUDED. LIKE THAT YOU HAVE A BIRD VIEW OF MANY PERSPECTIVES. THANK YOU.

AND JUST LEAVE YOUR CURSOR ON THE VERSES IN THE PDF SO YOU MAY READ THEM

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Nutrition in the Bible

Memory Text: 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV 31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
“Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION”. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson Publishers. Used by Permission.
Sabbath Afternoon
Sunday
The Original Diet
Genesis 1:26-30 NKJV 26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." 29 And God said, "See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 "Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food"; and it was so.
Revelation 22:2-3 NKJV 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.
Monday
The Post-Flood Diet
Genesis 2:16-17 NKJV 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
Genesis 3:6 NKJV 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
Genesis 9:3-4 NKJV 3 "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. 4 "But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.
Genesis 1:26-30 NKJV 26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." 29 And God said, "See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 "Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food"; and it was so.
Genesis 7:1-2 NKJV 1 Then the LORD said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation. 2 "You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female;
Genesis 8:20 NKJV 20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
Read Leviticus chapter 11 and Deuteronomy chapter 14
Tuesday
Food in the New Testament
1 Timothy 4:1-5 NKJV 1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
1 Timothy 4:3 NIV 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.


1 Timothy 4:3 NKJV 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
Romans 14:1-23 NKJV 1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. 5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way. 14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
1 Corinthians 8:4-13 NKJV 4 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. 7 However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse. 9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols?
1 Corinthians 8:11-13 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
1 Corinthians 10:25-28 NKJV 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience' sake; 26 for "the earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness." 27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience' sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, "This was offered to idols," do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience' sake; for "the earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness."
Review Acts chapter 10
Acts 10:28 NKJV 28 Then he said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Wednesday
A Balanced Diet
Proverbs 23:19-21 NKJV 19 Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way. 20 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.
Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 295-296
In his speech Demetrius had said, "This our craft is in danger." These words reveal the real cause of the tumult at Ephesus, and also the cause of much of the persecution which followed the apostles in their work. Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen saw that by the teaching and spread of the gospel the business of image making was endangered. The income of pagan priests and artisans was at stake, and for this reason they aroused against Paul the most bitter opposition. {AA 295.1}
The decision of the recorder and of others holding honorable offices in the city had set Paul before the people as one innocent of any unlawful act. This was another triumph of Christianity over error and superstition. God had raised up a great magistrate to vindicate His apostle and hold the tumultuous mob in check. Paul's heart was filled with gratitude to God that his life had been preserved and that Christianity had not been brought into disrepute by the tumult at Ephesus. {AA 295.2}
"After the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into (p. 296) Macedonia." On this journey he was accompanied by two faithful Ephesian brethren, Tychicus and Trophimus. {AA 295.3}
Paul's labors in Ephesus were concluded. His ministry there had been a season of incessant labor, of many trials, and of deep anguish. He had taught the people in public and from house to house, with many tears instructing and warning them. Continually he had been opposed by the Jews, who lost no opportunity to stir up the popular feeling against him. {AA 296.1}
And while thus battling against opposition, pushing forward with untiring zeal the gospel work, and guarding the interests of a church yet young in the faith, Paul was bearing upon his soul a heavy burden for all the churches. {AA 296.2}
News of apostasy in some of the churches of his planting caused him deep sorrow. He feared that his efforts in their behalf might prove to be in vain. Many a sleepless night was spent in prayer and earnest thought as he learned of the methods employed to counteract his work. As he had opportunity and as their condition demanded, he wrote to the churches, giving reproof, counsel, admonition, and encouragement. In these letters the apostle does not dwell on his own trials, yet there are occasional glimpses of his labors and sufferings in the cause of Christ. Stripes and imprisonment, cold and hunger and thirst, perils by land and by sea, in the city and in the wilderness, from his own countrymen, from the heathen, and from false brethren--all this he endured for the sake of the gospel. He was "defamed," "reviled," made "the offscouring of all things," (p. 297) "perplexed," "persecuted," "troubled on every side," "in jeopardy every hour," "alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake." {AA 296.3}
Thursday
Diet Today
Romans 14:17 NKJV 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Ellen G. White comments, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 159
"To the Glory of God" We do not mark out any precise line to be followed in diet; but we do say that in countries where there are fruits, grains, and nuts in abundance, flesh food is not the right food for God's people. I have been instructed that flesh food has a tendency to animalize the nature, to rob men and women of that love and sympathy which they should feel for everyone, and to give the lower passions control over the higher powers of the being. If meat eating was ever healthful, it is not safe now. Cancers, tumors, and pulmonary diseases are largely caused by meat eating. {9T 159.2}
We are not to make the use of flesh food a test of fellowship, but we should consider the influence that professed believers who use flesh foods have over others. As God's messengers, shall we not say to the people: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God"? 1 Corinthians 10:31. Shall we not bear a decided testimony against the indulgence of perverted appetite? Will any who are ministers of the gospel, proclaiming the most solemn truth ever (p. 160) given to mortals, set an example in returning to the fleshpots of Egypt? Will those who are supported by the tithe from God's storehouse permit themselves by self-indulgence to poison the life-giving current flowing through their veins? Will they disregard the light and warnings that God has given them?
The health of the body is to be regarded as essential for growth in grace and the acquirement of an even temper. If the stomach is not properly cared for, the formation of an upright, moral character will be hindered. The brain and nerves are in sympathy with the stomach. Erroneous eating and drinking result in erroneous thinking and acting. {9T 159.3}
Friday
Read / Review Ellen G. White Comments, Counsels on Diet and Foods

Jerry Giardina of Pecos, Texas, assisted by his wife, Cheryl, prepares a series of helps to accompany the Sabbath School lesson. He includes all related scripture and most EGW quotations. Jerry has chosen the "New King James Version" of the scriptures this quarter. It is used with permission.



http://www.ssnet.org/qrtrly/eng/10b/helps/lesshp12.html

A STUDY GUIDE: COUNSELS ON DIET AND FOODS

By ELLEN G. WHITE

Study Guide Index

Prepared under the auspices of the

ELLEN G. WHITE ESTATE and the

Department of Health of the General Conference

Review and Herald Publishing Association

Silver Spring, MD.

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

Copyright 1976 by

The Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.

A WORD FROM THE FOLKS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

The World Health Organization in its constitution regards good health as "a state of complete mental, physical, and social well-being." Spiritual well-being adds wholeness to this definition. This interpretation is contained in the prayer of John for his friend Gaius and the church as he declares: "1 wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health" (3 John 2).

We are reminded that "one of the greatest aids in perfecting pure and noble characters... is sound physical health." Therefore, "it is of the highest importance that men and women be instructed in the science of human life, and the best means of preserving and acquiring health."--Messages to Young People, p. 233. During these past one hundred years the church has had access to a vast fund of knowledge, information dealing with optimal nutrition and ways of attaining maximal health. More recently scientific research has confirmed these principles, a development that has brought the Adventist way of life into international prominence.

It is believed that this guide to a study of Counsels on Diet and Foods will fill a need in the church by directing those seeking a better way of life--a way that will give improved health and freedom from disease--to helpful, inspired sources of information. Seventh-day Adventists are urged to study systematically the guiding principles outlined in the Spirit of Prophecy relative to man's nutritional needs and the best ways of satisfying them. This is tremendously important, particularly for a people seeking the best of health, a people called to reflect the image of Christ, and a people looking forward to translation.

We are pleased to participate in the preparation of this Study Guide and recommend it to all church members. We believe that as we consistently apply these precepts to our lives we will have not only a healthier church but a triumphant church. May God add His blessing to a study of the blueprint given to His people.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

of the General Conference of

Seventh-day Adventists

ABOUT THIS STUDY GUIDE

Adventist Advantage

A number of investigations conducted painstakingly by scientists reveal that the incidence of several serious diseases is less frequent among Seventh-day Adventists than among the population as a whole; also that Adventists, on an average, live longer. "Adventist advantage" is the way Time magazine designated this phenomenon, as it reported on a five-year survey.

How different from the beginning days of Adventist history, when members of our church lived and ate very much as did their neighbors, and suffered likewise. They shared in the statistics that marked off an average life expectancy of some thirty-two years. One child in four died before the age of 7. Night air was considered poisonous. If a person was burning up with fever the attending physician, concluding that his patient had too much blood, might relieve him of a pint or two. Germs were unknown. People lived from winter to winter, fearful lest an epidemic of smallpox, diphtheria, or cholera would decimate the population. Except for the process of salting and drying, the science of food preservation was unknown. Meals were heavy with various and sundry meats, fried foods, and rich pastries. Milk was often supplied by cows poorly cared for and often tuberculous, for testing was unknown, and pasteurization was still years away. The farm worker with his long days of toil was seldom satisfied with three meals a day.

Response to God's Call for Changed Living Habits

A few isolated voices were heard calling for reform, but they went almost unheeded. People were skeptical and slow to change an accepted way of life. But when the Lord God of heaven called the attention of our spiritual forefathers to the basic principles of life and health through visions given to Ellen White, and by this means, as wrote Elder J. H. Waggoner, placed the elements of healthful living "on a level with the great truths of the third angel's message," the people took heed. They saw health reform to be "the means whereby a weak people may be made strong to overcome, and our diseased bodies cleansed and fitted for translation." They saw all this as "an essential part of present truth to be received with the blessing of God, or rejected at our peril." For an accurate, interesting account of this phase of Adventist history, we direct you to the book by D. E. Robinson, The Story of Our Health Message.

Amazingly, within a few years the denomination changed its living habits. This was most apparent in dietetic practices. As early Adventists sought to make the simple elements of nutrition both attractive and easily available, the health-food industry was born, one segment of which has developed into the cereal-food industry of America. This has greatly changed the dietetic habits of a nation and has influenced millions in other lands.

Pitfalls Right and Left

No field of reform, however, is fraught with more pitfalls or has suffered more from its would-be friends and its ardent foes. James White, husband of Ellen G. White and a church administrator, refers to this in his statement, "The Spirit of Prophecy and the Cause of Reform," which appears in this pamphlet on pages 50 to 52, Appendix A.

Eating habits are deep-seated and tenaciously guarded. Endeavoring to lead the people steadily forward, Ellen White from time to time published articles and books stating and restating the basic health principles. Then, as one of a series of her last addresses before the General Conference session in 1909, she reviewed and summed up the matter of dietetic reform in a message entitled "Faithfulness in Health Reform." This statement is preserved in Testimonies for the Church, volume 9, pages 153 to 166. It should be frequently read and its counsels heeded.

Published So the People Might Read

The counsels in dietetic lines were abundant and reached the people through the years in various books, articles, and in Ellen G. White correspondence. Not long after her death it was felt that the church and its institutions would be well served if the full range of counsels in this field were brought together in topical order and issued in a single volume. Counsels on Diet and Foods resulted, and because the topic is a vital one, the book's annual sale is large.

While studied primarily by Seventh-day Adventists, the book has reached some research scientists outside our own ranks. One, Dr. Clive McCay, long-time instructor of graduate students in nutrition at Cornell University, after discussing The Ministry of Healing and Counsels on Diet and Foods, declared orally and in print: "In spite of the fact that the works of Mrs. White were written long before the advent of modern scientific nutrition, no better overall guide is available today."

The heart of Dr. McCay's presentation, with strong acclaim of the Ellen G. White counsels on nutrition, which was published in 1959 in three articles he prepared for the Review and Herald, appears in this pamphlet on pages 59-62 as Appendix C. His confirmation, from a scientific standpoint, of many points made long before the development of modern nutritional science is enlightening and reassuring.

Jesus declared: "And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe" (John 14:29).

The Adventist community of a century ago by faith adopted the divine guidelines so different from the accepted concepts of the times. They soon experienced the rewards of a better way of life.

Seventh-day Adventists today have the benefit of the experience of more than a hundred years.

Vegetarianism Pays Off

The position of Adventists in nutritional lines, and especially vegetarianism, which was long frowned upon by many who were considered well-informed people, and often ridiculed, is now recognized as sound and advantageous. Appendix B, appearing on pages 53-58, presents an article from Today's Health, a publication of the American Medical Association, "What You Should Know About Vegetarianism." Its uninhibited, scientifically supported declarations of the adequacy of a nonflesh diet, when proper pains are taken to supply the body with all the now-known needed nutritional elements, is gratifying and in full support of what Seventh-day Adventists have from experience known for many years. It provides verification for Ellen White's general statement that "the instruction that was given in the early days of the message is to be held as safe instruction to follow in these its closing days."--Selected Messages, book 1, p. 41.

It also points up that to which Ellen White continually called attention, namely, the need of approaching the diet question intelligently, avoiding extremes, and making sure there is ample provision to supply all the nutritional needs of the body. When, as has at times occurred, a dietary program is built on less than the full array of counsels, malnutrition and impaired strength and health result, bringing health reform into disrepute.

Many of the statements in Counsels on Diet and Foods are items touching the field of nutrition, selected from periodical articles and book chapters more general in their over-all content. A little time spent with the original sources, when they are available, will be rewarding. The first Ellen G. White comprehensive presentation on health lines was published in 1864 in Spiritual Gifts, volume 4, pages 120 to 151. This volume is available in facsimile reprint at your Adventist Book Center. The six Ellen G. White articles appearing in 1865 in the six pamphlets of "Health, or How to Live" constitute Appendix 1 to Selected Messages, book 2, currently available. The first one deals with diet. All the E. G. White Review and Herald articles are available in facsimile reprints.

The Peril of a Distorted Concept

A topically arranged source book such as Counsels on Diet and Foods, although convenient for study, lends itself to certain types of misuse. Students may focus attention on one point of counsel and neglect others. It is important to gain the full body of teaching by putting statement with statement, as advised in Selected Messages, book 1, page 42: "The testimonies themselves will be the key that will explain the messages given, as scripture is explained by scripture."

Study of this guide, which has been produced in cooperation with the Department of Health of the General Conference, can prove of great benefit in either individual or group study. Such study can well lead to the adoption of a life-style that, as declared in Counsels on Diet and Foods, page 23, "will promote our happiness in this life, and will aid us in a preparation for the life to come."

THE TRUSTEES OF THE ELLEN G. WHITE ESTATE September 9, 1976

CONTENTS

Lesson 1

Section I--Reasons for Reform -- 11

Lesson 2

Section II--Diet and Spirituality (The Relation of Diet to Morals) -- 14

Section III--Health Reform and the Third Angel's Message

Lesson 3

Section IV--The Proper Dietary -- 17

Section V--Physiology of Digestion

Lesson 4

Section Vl--lmproper Eating a Cause of Disease -- 20

Section VII--Overeating

Lesson 5

Section VIII--Control of Appetite -- 23

Lesson 6

Section IX--Regularity in Eating -- 26

Section X--Fasting

Section Xl--Extremes in Diet

Lesson 7

Section XII--Diet During Pregnancy -- 29

Section XIII--Diet in Childhood

Lesson 8

Section XIV--Healthful Cookery -- 32

Section XV--Health Foods and Hygienic Restaurants

Section XVI--Sanitarium Dietary

Lesson 9

Section XVII--Diet a Rational Remedy -- 35

Section XVIII--Fruits, Cereals, and Vegetables

Section XIX--Desserts

Lesson 10

Section XX—Condiments -- 38

Section XXI--Fats

Section XXII--Proteins

Lesson 11--Section XXIII--Flesh Meats -- 41

Lesson 12--Section XXIV—Beverages -- 44

Lesson 13--Section XXV--Teaching Health Principles -- 47

Appendixes

A. The Spirit of Prophecy and the Cause of Reform--James White -- 50

B. What You Should Know About Vegetarianism--Daniel Grotta—Kurska -- 53

C. A Nutrition Authority Discusses Mrs. E. G. White--Clive McCay -- 59

LESSON 1--REASONS FOR REFORM

A. READING AND STUDY ASSIGNMENT: Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 15-40

B. STUDY QUESTIONS

(Complete the quotations by filling in the missing word or words. Answer the questions by writing your answers in the appropriate blanks. The numbers in parentheses at the end of each question indicate the pages where the answers are found in the text.)

1. "Our first duty toward God and our fellow beings is that of ____________________________.” (P. 15)

2. What will keep human beings from disease and premature death?____________________________________________ __________________________________________________ (P. 16)

3. The most wonderful work of God in the natural world is the ___________________________________________. (P. 17)

4. What should be a study of our lives? __________________ ____________________________________________ (P. 18)

5. "When men and women are truly ______________ they willconscientiously regard the laws of life that ___________ hasestablished in their being, thus seeking to avoid __________ _______, ___________ and ____________ feebleness." (P. 18)

6. What is to be guarded from harmful practices? __________ ______________________________________________________________ (P.19)

7. "____________ is working with great power to lead men to _______________________, ________________________, and spend their days in _____________________________." (P. 22)

8. What saps the energies of both mind and body? _________ ______________________ (Pp. 22, 23)

9. What is the great object of hygienic reform? _______________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ________________________ (P. 23)

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10. All the laws of nature which are the laws of God are designed for our good. Obedience to them will promote our _______________ in _____________ and will aid us _______ __________________ for ______________________. (P. 23)

11. On the subject of temperance, where should we as a people be? _________________________________________________ (P. 24)

12. God's Israel of today have two duties to perform, after which He will hear their prayers in behalf of the sick. List these.

a. ________________________________________________

b. _______________________________________________ __________________________________________ (P .25)

13. What must be educated in harmony with the laws of life and health? ____________________________________________ ______________________ (P .28)

14. What are the certificates of good habits and nobility?

a. _______________________________________

b. _______________________________________

c. _______________________________________

d. _______________________________________

e. __________________________________ (P .28)

15. "Our danger is not from _______________________, but from _______________." (P .29)

16. "___________________ might have found a plausible excuse to depart from his strictly ______________________________; but the approbation of _________________ was dearer to him than the favor of the most powerful _____________________ ___________,--dearer even than life itself." (P. 31)

17. What is part of the third angel's message? _______________ _______________ (P .32)

18. What makes slaves of men and women, beclouding their intellects and stupefying their moral sensibilities so that the truths of God's Word are not appreciated? ________________ ________________ (P. 32)

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19. "All those who are indifferent and excuse themselves from this work, waiting for the Lord to do for them that which He requires them to do for themselves, will be _______________________ ____________________ when the meek of the earth, who have wrought His judgments, are hid in the day of the ___________ _________________." (P .33)

20. In order to grow to the full stature of men and women in Christ, what powers must be used aright? ______________________, _____________, ___________ (P. 36)

21. What is the blessing over which some stumble? ____________ ____________ (P .39)

22. "There are some professed believers who accept certain portions of the Testimonies as the message of God, while they ________________ those portions that _____________ their ___________________________." (P .37)

C. THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What lessons can we learn from Israel's failures?

2. In what ways are modern times like Daniel's?

3. What responsibility rests upon those who know the truth about health reform?

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LESSON 2--DIET AND SPIRITUALITY

A. READING AND STUDY ASSIGNMENT: Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 43-77

B. STUDY QUESTIONS

(Complete the quotations by filling in the missing word or words. Answer the questions by writing your answers in the appropriate blanks. The numbers in parentheses at the end of each question indicate the pages where the answers are found in the text.)

1. "Temperance in _______________________ has more to do with our _____________ to _____________ than men realize." (P. 43)

2. When we are careless and reckless in our habits and practices that concern our life and health, what are we doing? _____________________________ (P .43)

3. "The harmonious healthy __________ of all the ___________ of _________ and ________ results in ________________." (P .44)

4. "A diseased body and disordered intellect, because of continual indulgence in __________________________________ make __________________________________________________ _____________ impossible." (P .44)

5. "A clogged ____________ means a clogged _____________." (P .46)

6. What is the fruitful source of most church trials? ___________ ______________________________________(P .50)

7. "The sin of intemperate eating, eating too _________________, too __________, and of __________, ___________________ food, destroys the healthy action of the ___________________ organs, affects the brain, and perverts the __________________ ____________, preventing rational, calm, healthy thinking and acting." (P. 50)

8. What debars the human agent from witnessing for the truth? _____________________________ (P .53)

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9. What is strengthened by the combination of physical labor with mental exertion?_____________________________________ ______________(P. 55)

10. "As the light of truth is _____________ and _____________ ___________ it will work an entire reformation in the life and __________________ of all those who are sanctified through it." (P. 57)

11. Sister White states that true sanctification is a "living, active principle," which "enters into everyday life." List three life habits that have a direct bearing on this:

a. _______________

b. _______________

c. _______________ (P. 57)

12. When persons search the Scriptures with prayer to know the will of God, and then do His will from the heart, without one reservation or self-indulgence, what will they find? __________ (P. 58)

13. "Indulgence of appetite strengthens the __________________ propensities, giving them the ascendancy over the _________ ________and _____________ powers." (P. 62)

14. What are listed as stimulants and narcotics?

a. __________________

b. __________________

c. __________________

d. __________________

e. __________________ (P. 63)

15. What is it that, strictly carried out, becomes a safeguard of the soul? _______________________________________ (P. 64)

16. What types of food are of no benefit to us? ______________ and _________________ (P. 64)

17. "Men and women cannot violate ___________________ law by indulging ________________________ and ______________ ___________________and not violate the law of God.'' (P. 69)

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18. What is God's design in regard to the great subject of health reform?___________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________________________________ (P. 70)

19. What is God's reason for restricting unnatural appetite? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (P. 72)

20. a. When will health reform be given its proper place? __________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. Where?

(1) ______________________________________________ _____________________________________________

(2) _____________________________________________

(3) _____________________________________________

(4) ______________________________________________

(5) _____________________________________________

________________________________________ (P. 73)

21. "The work of _____________________________ is the Lord's means for lessening ____________________ in our world and for ___________________ His church." (P. 77)

C. THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Is there a difference between breaking the laws of health and the law of Ten Commandments?

2. What foods should be served on the Sabbath day?

3. Is the practice of health reform important to an understan-ding of the truths of God?

4. Why does God prohibit certain foods?

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LESSON 3--THE PROPER DIETARY

A. READING AND STUDY ASSIGNMENT: Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 81-113

B. STUDY QUESTIONS

(Complete the quotations by filling in the missing word or words. Answer the questions by writing your answers in the appropriate blanks. The numbers in parentheses at the end of each question indicate the pages where the answers are found in the text.)

1. "____________, _____________, ____________, and ______ _______________ constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator." (P. 81)

2. When proper foods are prepared in a simple and natural manner what do they impart to us?

a. _____________________________________

b. _____________________________________

c. _______________________________ (P. 81)

3. So far as our diet is concerned what does God intend to do?_____________________________________________ (Pp. 81, 82)

4. "You should use the most _____________________ prepared in the most __________________ manner, that the fine nerves of the _________________ be not weakened, ______________ ______________, or paralyzed." (P. 83)

5. What is it that breaks down the organs of body and mind? _________________ (P. 84)

6. What four things will do much to keep sickness from camp meetings?

a. _______________________________________________

b. _______________________________________________

c. _______________________________________________

d. _______________________________________________ (P. 85)

7. Two paragraphs on page 88 are devoted to a discussion of time wasted in long hours required to prepare dainty and

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often unwholesome dishes. How could this time be more profitably spent?

a. ________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

b. ________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ (P. 88)

8. "A diet lacking in the _________________________________ of nutrition brings _____________________ upon the cause of health reform." (P. 92)

9. "Fruits, grains, and vegetables, prepared in a _____________ way, free from ______________ and ___________ of all kinds, make, with ____________ or ___________, the most healthful diet." (P. 92)

10. What three aspects of life should be taken into account in the choice of diet?

a. _______________________________________________

b. _______________________________________________

c. _________________________________________ (P. 94)

11. "Respect paid to the proper treatment of the ______________ will be rewarded in _________________________________ and _______________________________________" (P. 101)

12. What results does overeating bring upon the stomach?

a. ____________________________________

b. ____________________________________

c. ______________________________ (P. 101)

13. "Overeating, even of the simplest food, ________________ the sensitive nerves of the brain, and _____________ its vitality." (P. 102)

14. What activities hinder the digestive processes if they are engaged in immediately after eating?

a. _______________________________

b. ________________________ (P. 103)

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15. What excites the appetite, renders digestion of food more perfect, and induces sound and sweet sleep? ____________________ ___________ (P. 104)

16. "Taken in a ______________________, your food would not give healthful vigor or tone to the system." (P. 105)

17. When is the stomach best able to care for a substantial meal? __________________________________________ (P. 105)

18. Food should not be eaten very _________ or very _________. (P. 106)

19. "Food should be eaten slowly, and should be thoroughly masticated" so "that the __________________ may be properly mixed with the ______________, and the digestive _________ be called into action." (P. 107)

20. What are the results when many varieties are introduced into the stomach?

a. ____________________

b. ____________________ (P. 110)

21. " ______________ mixed and _____________________ foods are injurious to the health of human beings." (P. 113)

22. "Food should be prepared with ____________________, yet with a _____________ which will invite the appetite." (P. 110)

C. THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What foods should one serve to guests?

2. What should we do about foods that don't agree with us?

3. Should the nature of a man's work affect his eating habits?

4. What combination of foods should be avoided?

19

LESSON 4--IMPROPER EATING A CAUSE

OF DISEASE

A. READING AND STUDY ASSIGNMENT: Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 117-142

B. STUDY QUESTIONS

(Complete the quotations by filling in the missing word or words. Answer the questions by writing your answers in the appropriate blanks. The numbers in parentheses at the end of each question indicate the pages where the answers are found in the text.)

1. Man has for over six thousand years withstood an ever-increasing weight of disease and crime. Of what is this proof? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ (P. 117)

2. The present feeble condition of the race is not the work of _________________ but of __________. (P. 118)

3. When men take any course that needlessly expends their vitality or beclouds their intellect, what are they doing? ______________________________________(P. 118)

4. "It is ______________ for a man to present his ____________ a _______________________, holy, acceptable to God, while continuing to ____________________ that are depriving him of ___________, ___________, and _____________________ vigor." (P. 119)

5. "__________________ bequeath to their offspring their own __________________, and loathsome ___________________ corrupt the blood and enervate the brain." (P. 119)

6. Disease results from violating what laws?

a. _________________

b. _________________ (P. 120)

7. When Israel followed God's laws and their conditions, the Bible states that "________________________________________ _________________________________________." (P. 121)

8. What are the main causes of the breakdown of the mental powers?

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a. ________________________________________________

b. ________________________________________________

c. ________________________________________________

d. ____________________________________ (Pp. 122, 123)

9. What prepares the way for drunkenness? _________________ ________________________________ (P. 123)

10. What wonderful experience will gluttons never be able to enjoy? __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ________________________ (P. 126)

11. "Many spoil their ________________by ____________ improperly. We should be just as careful to learn the lessons of ______________________________ as we are to have our studies ______________ prepared; for the ______________ that we adopt in this direction are helping to form our _______________ for the ____________________." (P. 126)

12. Those who after seeing their mistakes, have the courage to change their dietary habits for the better, will find two things are required. List them.

a. ________________________________________________

b. _________________________________________ (P. 127)

13. "We need to learn that _______________________________ is the greatest hindrance to _________________ improvement and ______________________________________." (P. 127)

14. Taking too much food (overeating) results in three evils. These are:

a. ________________________________________________

b. _______________________________________________

c. __________________________________________ (P. 131)

15. What is one great cause of forgetfulness and loss of memory? __________________________________________________ _____________ (P. 138)

16. " __________________ is especially harmful to those who are _____________________________ in temperament." (P. 138)

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17. What is caused by a disordered stomach?

a. _________________

b. _________________

c. _________________ (P. 139)

18. "By intemperance in eating, you _______________ yourselves for seeing clearly the difference between ______________ and ________________ fire." (P. 140)

19. "Shall we not draw near to the Lord, that He may save us from all ____________________ in _______________________ and _________________, from all ______________, __________ _______ passions, all ________________________?" (P. 140)

C. THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What are the social results of uncontrolled appetite?

2. How do we compare in vigor and health with original man?

3. How does improper diet cause death?

4. When can even healthful foods be harmful?

22

LESSON 5--CONTROL OF APPETITE

A. READING AND STUDY ASSIGNMENT: Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 145-170

B. STUDY QUESTIONS

(Complete the quotations by filling in the missing word or words. Answer the questions by writing your answers in the appropriate blanks. The numbers in parentheses at the end of each question indicate the pages where the answers are found in the text.)

1. "Christ has here left us a most important lesson. He would lay before us the danger of making our ___________________ and ___________________ paramount." (P. 146)

2. What is the result of excessive eating and drinking?

a. _______________________________________________

b. _______________________________________________

c. _______________________________________________

d. _________________________________________ (P. 146)

3. What is one of the strongest temptations man has to meet? ________________ (P. 147)

4. "The gratification of ________________________________ led to the sins that caused the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah." (P. 147)

5. What has increased with every succeeding generation? ________________________________ (P. 149)

6. "The first great evil was __________________ in _________ ________ and ____________." (P. 149)

7. How does Satan secure his strongest hold on man?______ _________________ (P. 150)

8. What results follow the disregard of nature's laws?

a. _________________________________________

b. _________________________________________

c. ___________________________________ (P. 151)

9. "And by passing over the ground which _________ must travel, our Lord has __________________________________ for us to ____________." (P. 152)

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10. "Not even by a ________________ did He yield to temptation." (P. 153)

11. What are we to be constantly doing during this probation period? _________________________________________________ __________________________ (P. 156)

12. "Temperance in __________ , ___________ , ___________, and __________________ is one of the grand principles of the religious life." (P. 157)

13. Our eternal welfare depends upon the use we make of what three things?

a. _____________________

b. _____________________

c. _____________________ (P. 157)

14. "A ______________ meal should never be eaten until the stomach has had time to ____________ from the __________ of digesting the preceding meal. If a _________________ meal be eaten at all, it should be ________________, and several __________ before going to bed." (P. 158)

15. "Perseverance in a self-denying course of ________________ and _____________ will soon make ________________, ______________________ food palatable, and it will soon be eaten with greater _____________________ than the epicure enjoys over his _______________________." (P. 159)

16. "If those who profess to be Christians desire to solve the questions so perplexing to them, why their _____________ are so ___________, why their __________ aspirations are so ___________, they need not, in many instances, go farther than the ___________________; here is cause enough, if there were no other." (P. 159)

17. How are many incapacitated for labor?

a. ________________________________________________

b. _______________________________________________ _________________ (P. 160)

18. "There are men of excellent natural ability whose labor does not accomplish ___________ what it might if they were temperate in all thigs." (P. 163)

24

19. Why have thousands gone to the grave, physical, mental, and moral wrecks? ______________________________________ _________________________________________________ _______________ (P. 167)

20. What is said about our association with unbelievers? __________________________________________ (P. 168)

21. "A _________ and ___________ life, a life of ____________ over _________ and ___________ is possible to everyone who will unite his ______________, ______________ human will to the omnipotent, _________________ will of God." (P. 170)

C. THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What important lessons should we learn from Noah's day and from ancient Sodom?

2. Why did God allow Israel to eat flesh?

3. Is sickness always an act of God?

4. In what way were Christ's temptations similar to ours?

25

LESSON 6--REGULARITY IN EATING;

FASTING; EXTREMES

A. READING AND STUDY ASSIGNMENT: Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 173-213

B. STUDY QUESTIONS

(Complete the quotations by filling in the missing word or words. Answer the questions by writing your answers in the appropriate blanks. The numbers in parentheses at the end of each question indicate the pages where the answers are found in the text.)

1. "At ________________ time the stomach is in better condition to take care of more food than at the __________________ or ____________ meal of the day." (P. 173)

2. Having eaten three meals, many feel that they must have a snack at bedtime. They complain of a feeling of faintness. What is often the reason for this? _________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ (P. 174)

3. "The _______________ when we lie down to rest, should have its work all done, that it may enjoy ________________, as well as other portions of the body." (P. 175)

4. What should be considered as pernicious violations of the laws of health?

a. _______________________________

b. ___________________________________ (P. 175)

5. What particular foods are recommended as being most easily digested, if a third, evening meal is necessary? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (P. 176)

6. Why do children come to the table unable to relish good food? __________________________________________ (P. 180)

7. What is the result of eating at all hours? _____________ ____________________________________ (P. 182)

8. How did man become debased and diseased? ____________ ___________________________________________ (P. 185)

26

9. "For certain things, ________________ and ____________ are recommended and appropriate. In the hand of God they are a means of ____________________ the heart and promoting a __________________ frame of mind." (Pp. 187, 188)

10. "The true fasting which should be recommended to all, is __________________ from every ________________ kind of food, and the proper use of ___________________________, ____________ food, which God has provided in abun- dance." (P. 188)

11. "In many cases of sickness, the very best remedy is for the patient to ______________ for a _____________________ that the overworked organs of digestion may have an opportunity to ______________." (P. 189)

12. Ellen G. White counsels against a prolonged fast. Why? _________________________________________________ (P. 190)

13. "When those who advocate _____________________ carry the matter to extremes, people are not to _______________, if they become disgusted." (P. 195)

14. What kind of diet is not recommended? ______________ ________________(P. 196)

15. "Those who understand the laws of health, and who are governed by ______________________, will shun the extremes, both of ________________ and of _________________." (P. 198)

16. Explain why no one person can make himself a criterion for all in regard to health reform. ______________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _________________ (P. 198)

17. Will depriving ourselves of nourishing food make us more holy? ___________ (P. 201)

18. "_________ reform becomes _____________ deform, a health destroyer, when it is carried to ___________." (P. 202)

19. In presenting the gospel, whose opinions should be excluded? ______________ (P. 209)

27

20. "The great backsliding upon health reform is because ____________ minds have handled it and carried it to such _________________ that it has _____________ in place of _________________ people to it." (P. 212)

C. THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Why was it necessary for Christ to fast nearly six weeks?

2. What are the dangers of extremes in diet?

3. Name some mistaken ideas of reform.

28

LESSON 7--DIET DURING PREGNANCY AND

DIET IN CHILDHOOD

A. READING AND STUDY ASSIGNMENT: Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 217-247

B. STUDY QUESTIONS

(Complete the quotations by filling in the missing word or words. Answer the questions by writing your answers in the appropriate blanks. The numbers in parentheses at the end of each question indicate the pages where the answers are found in the text.)

1. "If before the birth of her child she is ___________________, if she is _______________, __________ and ___________ these traits will be reflected in the ______________________ of the child." (P. 217)

2. Why is it important that an expectant mother cultivate such positive aspects of character as kindness, gentleness, unselfishness? ______________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________ (P. 217)

3. Who will bring temptations on the expectant mother so as to affect the character of her child? ________________________ ______________ (P. 219)

4. "Unless she has an ____________ supply of ____________ _______________, she cannot retain her physical strength, and her offspring is ________________ of _________________." (P. 219)

5. Upon what two things do the prosperity of mother andchild depend?

a. ________________________________________________

b. ________________________________________________ (Pp. 219, 220)

6. "The ___________ organs cannot convert ________, _________________, ______________ and ______________ ____________________________ into good blood." (P. 220)

7. "The best food for the infant is the food that ______________ provides." (P. 226)

29

8. In cases where mothers are unable to nurse their children, why are nine out of ten unable to do so? ____________________ _________________________________________________ _____________________ (P. 227)

9. Can a child be poisoned by the unhealthful condition of its mother's blood? ____________ (P. 228)

10. In what subject should a mother first educate her children? ___________________________________ (P. 228)

11. "Your children should not be allowed to eat _______________, _____________, ____________, or ___________ in the line of ______________, between their meals." (P. 229)

12. "The importance of training children to right _____________ habits can hardly be overestimated. The little ones need to learn that they ___________ to ___________, not _____________ to __________." (Pp 229, 230)

13. What two things should not be required of our children?

a. _______________________________________________

b. ________________________________________ (P. 230)

14. "Let the table be made ___________________ and __________ ______________, as it is supplied with the good things which God has so bountifully bestowed." (P. 231)

15. What evil results are seen in the glutton, the tobacco dev-otee, the winebibber, and the inebriate? _________________________ _______________________________ (P. 231)

16. "____________ meats constitute the principal article of food upon the tables of some families, until their _______________ is filled with ______________ and _____________ humors." (P. 233)

17. How can our sisters cooperate in the great work of saving others? __________________________________________________ ___________________________________ (P. 234)

18. What four types of food, placed before children, irritate the stomach and cause "a craving for still stronger stimulants"?

30

a. ___________________

b. ___________________

c. ___________________

d. ___________________ (P. 235)

19. "When ______________ and _____________ meet at the final reckoning, what a scene will be presented. Thousands of ___________ who have been slaves to appetite and debasing vice, whose lives are _____________________________, will stand face to face with the _____________ who made them what they are." (P. 238)

20. "___________ and _________________ food fevers the blood, excites the ___________________ system, and too often dulls the ______________________ perceptions, so that reason and conscience are overborne by the ________________________ _____________." (P. 243)

21. What should children be taught from the earliest years of childhood? _________________________________________ _______________ (P. 246)

C. THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What lessons can we learn from God's instructions to Manoah?

2. What is the best diet for an expectant mother?

3. Why should a mother care for her own child?

4. What foods are especially injurious to children? Why?

31

LESSON 8--HEALTHFUL COOKERY, HEALTH FOODS

AND HYGIENIC RESTAURANTS, SANITARIUM

DIETARY

A. READING AND STUDY ASSIGNMENT: Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 251-298

B. STUDY QUESTIONS

(Complete the quotations by filling in the missing word or words. Answer the questions by writing your answers in the appropriate blanks. The numbers in parentheses at the end of each question indicate the pages where the answers are found in the text.)

1. "It is a _____________ to place poorly prepared food on the table, because the matter of _____________ concerns the __________ of the entire system." (P. 251)

2. How does cooking as a science compare with other sciences? _____________________________________ (P. 251)

3. "It is your duty to know how to ___________, and it is your duty to teach your _____________ to _______________." (P. 253)

4. "Something must be prepared to take the place of meat, and these _________________ for meat must be ______________ _____________, so that meat willnot be ________________." (P. 256)

5. What does poor cooking produce?

a. ________________________________________________

b. ________________________________________________

c. _______________________________________________

d. ___________________________________________________________________ (P. 256)

6. "It may be fashionable to have half a _________________ ____________ at a meal, but the custom is ______________ ____________ to health." (P. 258)

7. "It is a ____________________________ for those who cook to learn how to prepare healthful food in different ways, so that it may be eaten with _________________________________." (P. 260)

32

8. Instruction of a daughter in the mysteries of cooking should be given by the mother, and in what spirit?

a. _______________________________________________

b. _______________________________________________

c. _______________________________________________

d. _________________________________________ (P. 262)

9. "The heavenly Provider of all ______________ will not leave His _______________ in ignorance in regard to the ________ ___________ of the ______________ for all ____________ and occasions." (P. 267)

10. Who will teach those in all parts of the world to combine fruits, grains, and vegetables into foods that will sustain life and not bring disease? _______________________________ (P. 267)

11. "It is His design that the ________________ of each country shall be so prepared that they can be used in the countries for which they are suited." (Pp. 267, 268)

12. As overpopulation, crop failures, and famine result in want and distress, there will be an increasing need to know how to

a. _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

b. _______________________________________________ ________________________________________ (P. 271)

13. "If we would work for the restoration of health, it is necessary to _____________________________________, to __________ __________________, and only a limited ____________ at one time." (Pp. 275, 276)

14. With what should every patient in our sanitariums be provided? __________________________________________________ ________________ (P. 287)

15. "I have been plainly instructed by the Lord that __________ __________ should not be placed before the patients in our sanitarium dining rooms. Light was given me that the patients could have ____________________, if, after hearing the parlor lectures, they still urged us to give it to them; but that, in such cases, it must be eaten in ___________________________ ____________." (P. 290)

33

16. What should be placed on the table in abundance? ___________ ________________ (P. 296)

17. "The cook in a sanitarium should be a _________________ _______________________________." (P. 297)

18. What foods should be served the helpers in our sanitariums? __________________________________________________ ___________________________________________ (P. 297)

C. THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What position of importance is held by the cook?

2. Why are so many mothers weary and overburdened?

3. Will general knowledge substitute for the knowledge of cooking?

4. How best can we get our health message before the world?

34

LESSON 9--DIET A RATIONAL REMEDY;

FRUITS, CEREALS, AND VEGETABLES; DESSERTS

READING AND STUDY ASSIGNMENT: Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 301-335

STUDY QUESTIONS

(Complete the quotations by filling in the missing word or words. Answer the questions by writing your answers in the appropriate blanks. The numbers in parentheses at the end of each question indicate the pages where the answers are found in the text.)

1. "It is ________________________ to become familiar with the benefit of___________________ in case of sickness." (P. 301)

2. What are the true remedies?

a. _______________________________________________

b. _______________________________________________

c. _______________________________________________

d. _______________________________________________

e. _______________________________________________

f. _______________________________________________

g. _______________________________________________

h. ________________________________________ (P. 301)

3. When illness strikes many can do for themselves what others cannot do so well for them. What stands in the way of many in applying the three simple rules, including giving "the stomach a chance for rest"?

a. _______________________________________________

b. _______________________________________________

c. _________________________________________ (P. 304)

4. What is often the cause of sickness? ____________________ ____________________ (P. 305)

5. "___________________ we would especially recommend as a ___________________________ agency." (P. 309)

6. "Nicely prepared _______________ and ______________ in their season will be _____________________, if they are of the best _________________, not showing the slightest sign of _____________." (P. 309)

35

7. What constitutes the diet chosen for us by the Creator?

a. ___________________

b. ___________________

c. ___________________

d. ___________________ (P. 313)

8. "Those who eat ____________ are but eating ____________ and ________________ at second hand; for the _________ ____________ receives from these things the nutrition that produces growth." (P. 313)

9. "Fruits, grains, and vegetables, prepared in a ____________ way, free from ___________ and ______________ of all kinds, make, with ___________ or ___________, the most healthful diet." (P. 314)

10. "_____________ is the real staff of life, and therefore every ____________ should ______________ in making it." (P. 315)

11. In the chapter on breadmaking, we learn that _____________ and ____________ should not be used. The "bread should be ____________ and ____________." "The loaves should be ________________, and so thoroughly baked that, as far as possible, the _______________________ shall be destroyed." (P. 316)

12. When one article of diet is condemned, another is recommended to take its place. What can we use in place of hot biscuits raised with soda or baking powder?

a. ___________________

b. ________ (Pp. 319, 320)

13. What is more nutritious than plain wheat flour? _________ _________________________________________________ (P. 321)

14. "All should be acquainted with the ______________________ of fruits and _______________________ from the orchard and ________________." (P. 321)

15. How may vegetables be made palatable? ________________ __________________________________(P. 322)

16. What food is not good for the stomach and clogs the system? _______________ (p 327)

36

17. What are active causes of indigestion?

a. __________________________

b. __________________________

c. __________________________

d. __________________________

e. ___________________ (P. 327)

18. Mrs. White avoided extremes in the matter of the use of sugar and also milk. How did she support this?

a. _____________________________________________ ________________________________________________

b. _________________________________________________ _____________________________________ (P . 330)

19. "The free use of _____________ and _________ taken together should be avoided." (P. 331)

20. Ellen White makes it plain that a moderate use of simple desserts is not a violation of principle. List four items she cites as examples:

a. _______________________________________________

b. _______________________________________________

c. _______________________________________________

d. ___________________________________ (Pp. 333, 334)

21. When should dessert be served? ________________________ __________________________________________ (P. 334)

C. THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What is one of the most effective and least expensive ways of gaining good health?

2. How should fruit be prepared for winter?

3. What kind of bread should we serve on our tables?

4. Rich foods, what are they? Why is their free use discouraged?

37

LESSON 10--CONDIMENTS, FATS, PROTEINS

A. READING AND STUDY ASSIGNMENT: Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 339-370

B. STUDY QUESTIONS

(Complete the quotations by filling in the missing word or words. Answer the questions by writing your answers in the appropriate blanks. The numbers in parentheses at the end of each question indicate the pages where the answers are found in the text.)

1. "Condiments, so frequently used by those of the world, are ___________ to the _______________." (P 339)

2. "The use of unnatural _________ always tends to excess, and it is an active agent in promoting _______________________ _________________and _____________." (P. 339)

3. What causes teen-agers to become dyspeptics?

a. _______________________________________________

b. ________________________________________ (P. 340)

4. "Spices at first irritate the ___________________________ of the __________________, but finally destroy the _________ __________________of this __________________________ _________________." (P. 341)

5. "The use of ___________ or __________________________ in breadmaking is harmful and unnecessary." (P. 342)

6. Mrs. White made two basic statements about the use of salt. She wrote: "Do not _____________________________________ of salt." She also declared, "I use ________________ salt and always have, because from the ______________ given me by ___________, this article, in the place of being deleterious, is actually __________________ for the_________________." Scientifically confirmed today, Mrs. White, concerning the reasons for this point, declared at the time:____________ _______________________________________________ __________________________________________ (P. 344)

7. What foods cannot be converted into good blood by the blood-making organs?

a. __________________

b. __________________

c. __________________

d. __________________ (P. 345)

8. How can the cook ruin an otherwise healthful salad? What then happens in the stomach?

a. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

b. ________________________________________ (P. 345)

9. What will be the reason for the discontinuance of the use of eggs, milk, cream, and butter? ______________________________ _________________________________________________ (P. 349)

10. What should not be classed with flesh meats?

a. ________________

b. ________________

c. ________________ (P. 351)

11. In a significant statement Mrs. White declared: "As for myself, I have settled the butter question. I _____________________ use it. This question should easily be settled in _____________ ___________ where the _____________________ cannot be obtained. . . . We use _____________ and all are satisfied with this." (P. 351)

12. What was Mrs. White's attitude toward members of her family who chose to eat butter occasionally? ____________________ __________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________ (Pp. 351, 352)

13. _____________ and cream are a part of a healthful, nourishing diet of which "our benevolent heavenly Father says we may ____________________." (P. 355)

14. "Health reform must ______________ be urged in a _______ __________ manner." (P. 352)

39

15. "Some, in abstaining from ____________, ___________, and ___________, have failed to supply the system with proper ________________, and as a consequence have become weak and unable to work." (P. 353)

16. Will God reveal to us when certain foods should be discontinued? ___________ (P. 353)

17. "__________ and ________________ are coming largely into use to take the place of flesh meats." (P. 363)

18. Three other foods can be combined with nuts. They are ___________, _____________, and ____________________. (P. 363)

19. What did Sister White say concerning the proportion of nuts in the preparation of nut foods? ________________________ __________________________________________ (P. 364)

20. "Great care should be taken, however, to obtain ___________ from ________________________, and _____________ from __________________________, that are well fed and well cared for; and the _________________ should be so cooked as to be most easily digested." (P. 365)

21. What is it that should be progressive? ___________________ (P. 365)

22. Sister White used cottage cheese. What was her attitude toward the ripened cheese sold in the stores at that time? __________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _____________________ (P. 370)

C. THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What is a radical in health reform?

2. Why does the use of condiments cause a faintness?

3. How can we follow the instruction of the Lord in moderation?

4. How will we know when the time has come to discontinue the use of dairy and poultry products?

40

LESSON 11--FLESH MEATS

A. READING AND STUDY ASSIGNMENT: Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 373-416

B. STUDY QUESTIONS

(Complete the quotations by filling in the missing word or words. Answer the questions by writing your answers in the appropriate blanks. The numbers in parentheses at the end of each question indicate the pages where the answers are found in the text.)

1. The diet designed originally by God for our first parents consisted of _______________________________________ _____________________________ (P. 373)

2. What was God's reason, after the Flood, for permitting that long-lived race to eat animal food? ______________________ ___________________________________________ (P. 373)

3. "As a general thing, the Lord did not provide His people with flesh meats in the desert, because He knew that the use of this diet would create __________________ and ______________ _____________________." (P. 375)

4. "Our habits of eating and drinking show whether we are of the __________ or among the number whom the ______________ by His mighty cleaver of truth has separated from the world." (P. 379)

5. "Again and again ______________________________ that God is trying to lead us _______________step by step to His ____________________________,--that man should subsist upon the natural ________________ of the ______________." (P. 380)

6. "How can those who are seeking to become ______________, ______________and ____________, that they may have the companionship of heavenly angels, continue to use as food anything that has so harmful an effect on ___________ and ___________." (P. 380)

7. Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, what will cease to form a part of their diet? __________________ (Pp. 380, 381)

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8. What work will have to be done before God's people can "stand before Him a perfected people"? _______________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _____________________ (P. 381)

9. What areas of health are endangered by eating the flesh of animals?

a. ________________

b. ________________

c. ________________ (P. 382)

10. "Those who eat flesh meat disregard ___________________ _________________________________________________ ________________."(P. 383)

11. "______________, _______________, and ______________ ________________are largely caused by _______________ ___________."(P. 383)

12. "Animals are becoming more and more_________________, and it will not be long until _________________________ will be ______________ by many besides Seventh-day Ad ventists." (P. 384)

13. The liability to disease is increased how many times by the eating of meat? ______________ (P. 386)

14. "It is _____________for those who make free use of flesh meats to have an _______________________brain and an _______ _______________ intellect." (P. 389)

15. "The mortality caused by meat eating is not discerned; if it were, we would hear no more arguments and excuses in favor of the indulgence of the appetite for ________________________ ______________. " (P. 391)

16. "It is a _______________ to suppose that ________________ ________________ depends on the use of _________________ _____________." (P. 396)

17. When flesh is discarded, with what should it be replaced? _________________________________________________ ___________________________________________ (P. 397)

18. "Let not any of our _____________ set an evil example

42

in the eating of _____________________________." (P. 399)

19. Is the use of flesh foods a test of fellowship? ______________ (P. 401)

20. Are students in our schools to be served flesh meats? ___________ (P. 403)

21. "I have been shown that the __________ that were given us in the early days of the message are to be regarded as just as __________________ by our people ______________ as they were then." (P. 416)

C. THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What caused much of the wickedness of the antediluvian world?

2. Why did the Lord give flesh food to Israel in the wilderness?

3. What are some of the results caused by eating flesh meats?

4. How does meat eating affect the mind?

5. Have you carefully and prayerfully sought to understand the will of God in these matters?

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LESSON 12--BEVERAGES

A. READING AND STUDY ASSIGNMENT: Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 419-437

B. STUDY QUESTIONS

(Complete the quotations by filling in the missing word or words Answer the questions by writing your answers in the appropriate blanks. The numbers in parentheses at the end of each question indicate the pages where the answers are found in the text.)

1. "In health and in sickness, ___________is one of Heaven's choicest blessings." (P. 419)

2. Cold liquids, especially ice water and lemonade, "drunk with ___________, will arrest _________________ until the system has imparted sufficient _____________ to the ___________ _________ to enable it to take up its ______________ again." (P. 420)

3. "Food should not be _____________ down; no ____________ is needed with meals." (P. 420)

4. "The more ______________ there is taken into the stomach with the meals, the more difficult it is for the food to digest; for the __________ must first be absorbed." (P. 420)

5. "If anything is needed to quench thirst, pure ____________, drunk some little time ______________ or _____________ the meal, is all that nature requires. . . . Water is the best ___________ possible to cleanse the tissues." (P. 420)

6. "Those who resort to ____________ and ___________ for stimulation to labor, will feel the evil effects of this course in _______________________ and lack of ________________ ____________."(P. 422)

7. How does the system suffer through the use of stimulants?

a. _______________________________________________

b. _______________________________________________

c. _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

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d. _______________________________________________ (P. 422)

8. "All partake freely of the favorite _______________, and as the stimulating influence is felt, their __________________ are loosened, and they begin the wicked work of ___________ against ____________." (P. 423)

9. What do tired nerves need in place of stimulation and over work? _________________________________________." (P. 424)

10. What is the immediate reaction from the use of tea and coffee? _________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________. Then "when their immediate influence has gone," what is the secondary reaction? _________________________________________________ ____________ (P. 425)

11. "__________ and __________drinking is a __________, an injurious indulgence, which, like other ___________, injures the soul." (P. 425)

12. What should every true Christian control? _____________ _____________ (P. 427)

13. The greatest danger following the indulgence of perverted appetite is that through such indulgence _________________ _________________________________________________ (P. 429)

14. What is Satan's suggestion in regard to the message of health reform? ___________________________________________ _________________________________________________ ___________________________________________ (P. 431)

15. In the light of the law of God, can Christians conscientiously engage in the raising of hops or in the manufacture of wine or cider for the market? _____________ (Pp. 432, 433)

16. "___________ and ___________ may be canned when fresh, and kept sweet a long time; and if used in an unfermented state, they will not dethrone reason. (p 433)

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7. Mrs. White calls moderate drinking a school. What kind of education is here received? __________________________ __________________________________________ (P. 433)

18. "We must ________________ from any practice which will _______________ the ____________________or encourage ________________." (P. 435)

19. To whose day is our day likened? ________________ (P. 435)

20. "The pure juice of the _____________, free from fermentation, is a wholesome drink." (P. 436)

21. For what should we thank the Lord? __________________ _____________________________ (P. 437)

C. THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What are some of the ways water can be beneficial to the sick?

2. What are the results of drinking tea and coffee?

3. How do stimulants affect spiritual perception?

4. What are the results of whipping tired and flagging nerves?

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LESSON 13--TEACHING HEALTH PRINCIPLES

A. READING AND STUDY ASSIGNMENT: Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 441-477

B. STUDY QUESTIONS

(Complete the quotations by filling in the missing word or words. Answer the questions by writing your answers in the appropriate blanks. The numbers in parentheses at the end of each question indicate the pages where the answers are found in the text.)

1. "Education in __________ principles was never more needed than _____________." (P. 441)

2. To elevate the moral standards in any country we must begin by doing what? _______________________________________ ___________________ (P. 441)

3. "The ____________ is to be bound up with the principles of ______________________________." (P. 442)

4. What two places are suggested as places to demonstrate healthful cooking?

a. ______________________________________________

b. _______________________________________ (P. 443)

5. We must strive continually to educate the people, not only by our words, but _________________________________. (P. 443)

6. "In this institution people were to be taught how to ______________, ______________, and ______________, --how to _________________________ by proper habits of living." (P. 444)

7. "Our __________________________ are to be the means of enlightening those who come to them for ________________ ____________." (P. 444)

8. "The ________________ in the school are to be taught to be strict _____________________________________." (P. 450)

9. When the ministers "obey the laws of life, practicing right principles and living healthfully" they will be able to lead __________________________________________________________________________________________. (P. 452)

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10. "No man should be set apart as a teacher of the people while his own teaching or example __________________________ the testimony God has given His servants to bear in regard to ______________, for this will bring ___________." (Pp. 453, 454)

11. What should the members of poor households be taught?

a. _______________________________________________

b. _______________________________________________

c. _______________________________________________

d. _______________________________________________ (P. 456)

12. "He who is thoroughly ______________ will abandon every injurious ______________ and ________________." (P. 457)

13. What is the great object and purpose of health reform? _________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ __ (P. 457)

14. "The requirements of God must be brought home to the ___________________. Men and women must be awakened to the duty of _____________________________, the need of _______________, freedom from every ________________ ____________ and defiling _____________." (P. 458)

15. "As you seek to draw others within the circle of His love, let the ________________________, the _____________________ ______________________, the _______________________ _____________________________bear witness to the power of His grace." (P. 459)

16. Why should we not attack the wrong habits of others? __________________________________________ (P. 459)

17. In what way does God desire to use Adventist health books and journals? __________________________________________ _________________________________________________ __________________________________________ (P. 461)

18. "There is a time to ________________, and a time to keep _________________." (P. 463)

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19. What is the danger in presenting "our strongest position" in health reform to people who are just beginning to learn what it is? _________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________________________________ (P. 469)

20. "Wherever the truth is presented, the people are to be taught how to prepare __________________ in a __________________, yet ___________ way." (P. 474)

21. Where should classes of instruction be held in proper cooking? __________________________________________ (P. 474)

22. "To the _____________ and _______________ of the whole family nothing is more vital than __________ and ______ ________________ on the part of the cook." (P. 476)

C. THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. How can our sanitariums best instruct patients on health reform?

2. Can a Christian worker live unto himself?

3. Can the Lord bless a church with large increases in membership when it is not living up to right principles?

4. What does it mean to "meet people where they are"?

5. What are some of the opportunities and also dangers of health food restaurants?

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APPENDIX A

THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY AND THE CAUSE OF REFORM

By James White *

Review and Herald, March 17, 1868

Probably there has not been an important movement or reform for the benefit of fallen man, which would, if properly conducted, result in his own spiritual advancement, that has been free from extremes. There are always many who move too slowly, and that testimony necessary to urge them to duty, is always sure to be taken advantage of by some who have more zeal than caution. While Satan tempts the many to be too slow, he always tempts these to be too fast. Mrs. White's labors are made very hard, and, sometimes perplexing, by reason of the course of extremists, who think the only safe position is to take the extreme view of every expression she has written or spoken upon points where different views may be taken. . . . She works to this disadvantage, namely: she makes strong appeals to the people, which a few feel deeply, and take strong positions, and go to extremes. Then to save the cause from ruin in consequence of these extremes, she is obliged to come out with reproofs for extremists in a public manner. This is better than to have things go to pieces; but the influence of both the extremes and the reproofs are terrible on the cause, and brings upon Mrs. White a three-fold burden. Here is the difficulty: What she may say to urge the tardy, is taken by the prompt to urge them over the mark. And what she may say to caution the prompt, zealous, incautious ones, is taken by the tardy as an excuse to remain too far behind.

With the People, Tugging Away

We say to those who wish to help Mrs. White in her work, you will not find her far ahead of the people, with a few extremists. No, she is back with the people, tugging away at the wheel of reform, and has to lift all the harder because of your extreme advance. Come back, good, whole-hearted souls, and stand by her side, and lift where she lifts. What can you do there at such a distance from the people? Come back. You must meet the people where they are.

By this, dear brother, we do not mean that any are to come back to the wrong habits of the people. No, indeed. Their habits should be right. In this respect we say to them, Go on. But those who have run ahead of the work should come back from their heated zeal, and want of Christian patience, and labor for their brethren in the

_____

* Portion of a James White letter initiated by questions from an earnest lay member, but written "for the benefit of the readers of the Review" generally.

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cause of reform as they can bear it. In this way they can help Mrs. White, who is tugging along with a double burden of the work. There may be those, whom others cannot reach, that she can, if rashness on the part of others does not place them out of her reach. If one cannot mend a vase, he need not break it into fragments. It is possible that another can mend it.

We protest against the plan practically taught by some, "Cure or Kill," and give a dose accordingly. Some sores need help in their cure, others will work their own cure best. It takes time to reform a poor, sinful, intemperate, blind, stubborn piece of humanity. It is a large job. And those who come a good way short of the faith of Abraham, and the patience of Job, had better lay out a little more time and toil on their own case, before going to work for others. He who deals with the mind, engages in the nicest piece of business ever undertaken by mortal man. And the greater the reform, and the closer the work, the more difficult and responsible it is.

Counsel to Those Who Teach

Some persons can be converted in a day, others in a week, and still others in a month, while it takes from one to two years to convert and thoroughly reform some. Those who have a work laid upon them for others, will patiently set before the people plain principles, and clear facts, and then leave them to answer for the use they make of them. Those called to teach, are responsible for what they teach, and how they live their own teachings. And it should be a matter of great relief to them, that they are not responsible for the manner the people dispose of their teachings, providing they do their duty, both by precept, and example. Let him who teaches make haste to do his duty, then patiently wait the result. Don't drive. "My sheep hear my voice, and they follow me."

God has called some to teach the truth, and has called all to live it, teachers, and all. Some leave off living out the sweet principles of the truth, and go to battling for it. Now if they cannot do both, they had better live out the truth, and leave the teaching of it to those who can both patiently live and preach the truth. In fact, those not especially called of God, and qualified for the work, will be safest for themselves and others in the position of learners.

Satan stands ready to tempt unconsecrated persons, and prejudice them against the truth. And those who practice it, and especially those who teach it should be exceedingly careful not to give Satan good grounds to tempt people concerning their course. The day of the Lord is the great event before us. The keeping of the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus is the great duty of God's people. And that they may do this acceptably, they must reform in life, and cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Those who drop all other points, and run their own testimony all on the health, and dress reform, will disgust the people, and before they are aware

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of it, they will introduce a spirit of discussion, and contention into their meetings.

Relation to Third Angel's Message

The health reform has not taken the place in any respect whatever, of the third angel's message. It is a work designed to follow in its wake.

Let the work go on, saith my soul, in all its branches. Not a piece at a time, lest it go all to pieces; but let it move on as a complete whole. Not fluttering and trembling in the wind, but like an old seventy-four gun ship, let all the friends of truth and reform get on board and work together. Yet let all the friends of Jesus, His coming, and the future glory of the kingdom, patiently, cheerfully, joyfully unite and stand together in the work of preparation.

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APPENDIX B

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT VEGETARIANISM

Is it healthy to live on a meatless diet? Nutritionists say yes--as long as you follow a few simple rules.

_______

By Daniel Grotta-Kurska

To the meat eater, the first, and very puzzling, question is why. Why give up the steak, the barbecued spareribs, the pork roast, the Thanksgiving turkey, the hamburger, and the hot dog? There is a myriad of reasons why people do so:

! Most vegetarians live below the poverty level. They simply cannot afford the high price of meat;

! Followers of certain religions and philosophies exclude flesh foods from their diets because they believe eating meat hinders their spiritual development, or because it is contrary to their religious edicts;

! Health faddists think that meat, as well as all processed or refined "supermarket" foods, are harmful to the body;

! Some pacifists believe that killing and eating animals is inconsistent with their ethical or social consciences;

! Recent emphasis on ecology has convinced many that using meat as a primary protein source is an arrogant exploitation of the earth's finite resources.

The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that less than 5 percent of the country's population is predominantly vegetarian; even so, that figure represents more than 10 million people. A second question comes naturally: Is a vegetarian diet nutritionally sound?

Demonstrated in War Crisis

It certainly didn't hurt the Danes during World War I, when Denmark virtually became a meatless country because of the British naval blockade. Nutritionists who studied the people during the war concluded that general health had significantly improved. Similarly, Norway had to adopt a vegetarian diet during World War II, and there was a significant drop in heart disease. Both nations, however, reverted to meat diets as soon as the crises passed and subsequent studies showed that the temporary health advantages apparently subsided.

We Americans, too, have been conditioned to believe that only a meat-based diet can provide the adequate nutrition necessary for good health. Traditionally, we have been a nation of carnivores, consuming an average of one-half pound of meat per person every

53

day (the Japanese eat an average of only one-half pound of meat per month, per person). In 1973, Americans devoured 176 pounds of meat per person--66 times more than in the average Indian diet. In fact, McDonald's--the fast-food hamburger franchise--uses more beef per year than is consumed by the entire populations of countries such as Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

Protein Quality

Until recently, even many scientists were accustomed to classify meats as "first-class" proteins and vegetables as "second-class" proteins, thereby implying that nonanimal sources of protein were somehow inferior in quality. The most current medical and scientific evidence, however, points to other considerations:

! Man can subsist perfectly well on a proper nonflesh diet;

! Statistically, vegetarians in the United States are thinner, healthier, and may live longer than meat eaters;

! Meat, especially in the large quantities Americans are accustomed to eating, may be harmful to the body;

! Protein from nonflesh foods can be an adequate nutritional substitute for meat protein.

Protein is essential to life: It is the substance that the body uses to build and replenish its organs, skin, cartilage, nails, hair, muscles, and the organic framework of bones. The proteins that our bodies use are composed of 22 amino acids, not all of which must come from the diet. The human metabolic system can synthesize (produce by uniting chemical elements) 14 of these 22 amino acids, but the remaining 8 must be obtained from food sources outside the body. Hence their name--the essential amino acids.

Complete Proteins

To be useful to a person, the totality of food proteins must be "complete"--that is, all eight essential amino acids must be ingested simultaneously, and in the right proportion. Incomplete proteins cannot be used to build muscle and tissue; they often end up as stored fat or are utilized for energy.

Meat is a complete protein because all eight essential amino acids are present in the proper proportion. Vegetable foods, however, may be incomplete proteins, lacking the minimum requirement of one or more of these eight amino acids.

But it is possible to satisfy your protein needs by a proper intermixing of vegetable proteins, according to Elwood Speckmann, Ph.D., director of the nutrition research program for the National Dairy Council. "You have to be careful and make sure you use the right combinations," explains Dr. Speckmann. "It's simply easier to meet your protein needs with animal foods, such as meat, milk, and eggs."

In Diet for a Small Planet, Francis Moore Lappe offers some suggestions for combining vegetables to good advantage. Wheat, which has a deficiency in the amino acid lysine but an abundance

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of sulfur-containing amino acids, can be combined with beans, which have the opposite enrichment combination. Taken together, they complement each other to form a "complete" protein.

"Certainly some vegetable proteins, if fed as the sole source of protein, are of relatively low value for promoting growth," the editors of the British medical journal Lancet wrote in 1959. "But many field trials have shown that proteins provided by suitable mixtures of vegetable origin enable children to grow as well as children provided with milk and other animal protein."

Quality and Quantity

Nutritionists use two criteria in evaluating protein sources: quality and quantity. Quality refers to the useability of protein by the body (not all of them can be used). This factor is expressed on a scale of 0 to 100. Quantity is the proportion of useable protein to total weight and is expressed as a percentage. The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) gives meat a protein quality rating of 67--higher than that of most plant proteins, with the exception of whole rice (70), but below that of cheese (70), fish (80), milk (82), and eggs (95). In terms of quantity, 20 to 30 percent of the total weight of flesh food is useable protein--lamb rates the lower figure and turkey the higher one--the rest is water, fat, and trace minerals. On the other hand, soybean flour is 40 percent protein; Parmesan cheese, 36 percent; many nuts and seeds between 20 and 30 percent; and peas, lentils, and dried beans, between 20 and 25 percent. Grains are fairly low in quantity but, surprisingly, so are milk (4 percent) and eggs (13 percent).

(There are other rating systems for food protein, also. The Food and Drug Administration uses a protein efficiency ratio [PER] as a quality standard for protein in nutritional labeling. Foods, such as meat and eggs, which are above a 2.5 PER, are considered excellent sources of protein; those, such as vegetables, which are below a 2.5 PER, are considered poor sources. The National Livestock Meat Board rates meats, both raw and cooked, on the basis of protein quantity. A serving of broiled, lean round steak is 31 percent protein; raw, the same piece of meat contains 22 percent. Choice-grade leg of lamb, cooked, is 25 percent protein; raw 18 percent.)

What all this means is that, in general, one has to eat proportionately less meat in order to obtain the same amount of useable protein than if relying on vegetable sources, but that nonflesh alternatives are perfectly adequate. Balanced against this, however, are the disadvantages of a heavily meat-laced diet.

The first problem most American meat eaters face is not a deficiency of proteins, but an excess. Nutritionists have established that a 154-pound man needs 43.1 grams of useable proteins, and 2,800 calories per day for adequate nutrition; a 128-pound woman also needs 43.1 grams of protein, but only 2,000 calories.

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Lacto-Ovo Vegetarianism

A number of nutritional studies have concluded that facto, lacto-ovo-, and pure vegetarians * who eat a proper diet consistently meet their protein and caloric needs but do not significantly exceed them. Most meat eaters, however, consistently exceed their limits and, as a consequence, tend to weigh more.

"Forty percent of the fat in our diets comes from meat," says Frederick Stare, M.D., chairman of the department of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Meat is about 4 percent saturated fat, or cholesterol. With the exception of eggs, nonflesh foods have no cholesterol. The consequences of meat and nonmeat diets were measured in a study conducted by Dr. Stare and Mervyn Hardinge, M.D., dean of the Loma Linda School of Health, Loma Linda, California. The results showed that vegetarians had consistently lower levels of serum cholesterol than did meat eaters.

Some Drawbacks of a Meat Diet

The effect of meat additives on human health also is a point of contention among scientists. In 1971, for example, Charles Edwards, M.D., former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, testified before a House committee on nutrition that sodium nitrite--a meat preservative--is potentially dangerous to small children, can deform the fetus in pregnant women, and can cause serious damage in anemic persons. Dr. Edwards, currently secretary of health in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, also said the additive may be carcinogenic, or cancer causing.

But Harvard's Dr. Stare says no carcinogenic agents are used in preserving meat. "Sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate have probably been used longer than any other type of preservatives," he explains. "And there is no evidence, which I know of, that they are carcinogenic."

Some studies, however, indicate a strong correlation between a meat diet and cancer of the colon. "Animal protein tends to create anaerobic bacteria in the intestinal tract, and these anaerobic bacteria tend to convert bile acids into carcinogenic compounds," explains U. D. Register, Ph.D., chairman of the nutrition department at the Loma Linda School of Health.

And there are some indications that meat is highly susceptible to bacteria growth and food spoilage.

Meat eaters also may be bothered by poor absorption and elimination. Food with a low fiber-content, such as meat, moves sluggishly through the digestive tract, making stools dry and hard to pass. But vegetables retain moisture and bind waste bulk for easy passage.

________

* Lacto-vegetarians do not use meat but use dairy products as milk, cheese, butter. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians add eggs to the above diet. Pure vegetarians do not use any animal products. Some will use honey, however.

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Which Diet Is Superior?

But still the question remains: Is a vegetarian diet better than a meat diet? Nutritionists have yet to agree on an answer. Advocates of vegetarianism frequently cite unsubstantiated evidence and present "testimonials" about the relative superiority of a non-meat diet, often claiming "miraculous" cures for asthma, poor eyesight, and even cancer. While such claims may be sincere, they have not been proved.

Scientific evidence suggesting the superiority of a vegetarian diet is offered, not by nutritionists, but by anthropologists. Field investigations of certain nonmeat cultures have documented the excellent health and longevity enjoyed by people such as the Hunzas of Northern Pakistan and the Otomi Indians of Central Mexico. Heart diseases and many forms of cancer appear to be Western diseases in that they are practically unknown in some underdeveloped countries where meat is not part of the diet. That lower incidence, however, may result from the very different life-style.

[In 1973] . . . the National Institutes of Health (NIH) began a $1 million, five-year study to determine what role vegetarianism plays in health. The subject: 100,000 Seventh-day Adventists who neither drink, smoke, nor eat meat, and use limited amounts of coffee and tea.

"Our studies have revealed that the Seventh-day Adventist vegetarians are healthier than the average Californian," says Dr. Mervyn Hardinge. "There is virtually no lung cancer--in fact, a lower incidence of all forms of cancer. Heart disease is significantly less and, when it does occur, it is an average of 10 years later than in other Californians. Adventist males live 6.2 years longer than the average California male, and women 3.5 years longer."

The differences have been substantiated, says Dr. Hardinge. The purpose of the NIH study is to see if they are linked, in any way, to a meatless diet…

Some Warnings

Unfortunately, certain vegetarian diets can lead to serious nutritional problems. A strict macrobiotic diet, for example, can induce scurvy, hypoproteinemia, anemia, hypocalcemia, emaciation, and loss of kidney function.

Other equally ill-advised exotic vegetarian diets have resulted in kwashiorkor (a rare protein deficiency that became endemic with children who were victims of starvation during the Biafran-Nigerian war), marasmus, beriberi, rickets, pellagra, and severe vitamin deficiencies.

There are a few basic guidelines that nutritionists recommend for people who are following, or plan to adopt, a vegetarian diet. For those who wish to include dairy products and/or eggs:

! Cut "empty" (sugar, fats, oils) calories in half;

! Replace meat with increased intake of legumes, nuts, or

57

meat analogs (textured vegetable protein [TVPs] such as soy-burgers);

! Give up as many refined or processed foods as possible--whole foods have greater nutritional value;

! Eat more grains and cereals;

! Eat a salad every day, adding such things as raw carrots, beet roots, and dried fruits;

! Include cottage cheese and low-fat milk in your daily diet, and restrict eggs to no more than four per week;

! To retain vitamins and minerals, cook vegetables for the shortest time and in as little water as possible.

Pure vegetarians should make a special effort to:

! Increase their intake of leafy green vegetables;

! Increase general caloric intake, eating more of everything;

!Use either fortified soy milk preparations or take some form of vitamin B₁₂ supplement.

Perhaps it is good to remember that the word vegetarian is not, as one might think, derived from the word vegetable, but from the Latin vegetus, which means "whole, sound, fresh, lively."

--Reprinted with permission.

Today's Health Magazine © October, 1974

--All rights reserved.

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APPENDIX C

A NUTRITION AUTHORITY DISCUSSES MRS. E. G. WHITE

By Clive M. McCay, Ph.D.

Former Professor of Nutrition, Cornell University

Among the thousand historical acquaintances in my files, one of the most worth-while is Ellen G. White. As near as one can judge by the evidence of modern nutritional science, her extensive writings on the subject of nutrition, and health in general, are correct in their conclusions. This is doubly remarkable: Not only was most of her writing done at a time when a bewildering array of new health views--good and bad--were being promoted but the modern science of nutrition, which helps us to check on views and theories, had not yet been born. . . .

While the selection and preparation of food plays a key role in the maintenance of health, few people select food on the basis of its nutritive value. Most select it on the basis of its taste, the way the product is packaged, the pressure of advertising, or the ease of preparation. Hence, the large food processors orient their research programs toward packaging, taste, and convenience rather than toward nutritive value.

A Sound Nutrition Program

A sound nutrition program takes account of more than just the purchase of food. A healthy body, a satisfactory program of living, and a tranquil mind are all part of the essentials for sound nutrition, since the glands that insure digestion and assimilation of food cannot function when under the influence of a disturbed mind.

I have given this brief summary to provide the setting for my comments on the teachings of Ellen G. White, particularly in terms of the usefulness of her teaching today for the population of America. Whatever may be the reader's religion, he can gain much in the midst of this confused world in which we live, by a study of the writings of Mrs. White. Also, every thoughtful modern nutritionist must be impressed by the soundness of Mrs. White's teachings in spite of the fact that she began to write nearly a century ago. . . .

When one reads such works by Mrs. White as Ministry of Healing or Counsels on Diet and Foods he is impressed by the correctness of her teachings in the light of modern nutritional science. One can only speculate how much better health the average American might enjoy, even though he knew almost nothing of modern science, if he but followed the teachings of Mrs. White.

To understand better the remarkable nature of her teachings, we should study them in the setting of the intellectual climate that

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prevailed during the earlier years of her life. This climate provided her with the problems that needed answers. Some of the problems press for solution even more today, because of the greater complexity of living and the increase in the world populations. . . .

Specific Illustrations

I earlier stated that Mrs. White was a remarkable woman, particularly in terms of her health views. I wish, now, to be specific, in support of this statement, by comparing certain of her teachings with present-day well-established facts on nutrition. Though, for convenience, I shall quote, in part, from her book The Ministry of Healing, first published in 1905, most of what she there sets forth was presented in various of her writings of much earlier days.

Today there is a widespread movement to reduce the intake of fats, especially animal fats, in order to reduce the blood cholesterol and the dangers of atherosclerosis. Mrs. White wrote, "Nut foods are coming largely into use to take the place of flesh meats. . . . When properly prepared, olives, like nuts, supply the place of butter and flesh meats. The oil, as eaten in the olive, is far preferable to animal oil or fat."--The Ministry of Healing, p. 298.

Near the end of Mrs. White's life in 1915 men began to appreciate that the milling of white flour removed most of the vitamins, part of the protein, and the important trace minerals such as iron. However, even nutritional authorities were very slow to inveigh against white bread. Today nutritionists know that these vital constituents are lost when the bran and germ are taken from the wheat. Mrs. White wrote, "For use in breadmaking, the superfine white flour is not the best. Its use is neither healthful nor economical. Fine-flour bread is lacking in nutritive elements to be found in bread made from the whole wheat."--Ibid., p. 300.

In spite of her emphasis upon a given type of diet, Mrs. White appreciated that there were some people who could not tolerate foods that were well suited to the majority. . . .

Mrs. White wrote, "Foods that are palatable and wholesome to one person may be distasteful, and even harmful, to another. Some cannot use milk, while others thrive on it. . . . For some the coarser grain preparations are good food, while others cannot use them."--Ibid., p. 320.

Danger of Overeating

Today it is well recognized that overeating and overweight produce much ill health. This is one of the few areas in which all professional nutritionists agree. Mrs. White wrote, "There should not be a great variety at any one meal, for this encourages overeating and causes indigestion."--Ibid., p. 299. "Abstemiousness in diet is rewarded with mental and moral vigor." "At each meal take only two or three kinds of simple food, and eat no more than is required to satisfy hunger."--Ibid., pp. 308, 310. . . .

Today many people are restricting their use of salt in order to

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lower their blood pressure or in the hope of preventing high blood pressure. Attempts are made to keep the sodium intake low by using baked products made with yeast instead of baking powder. Mrs. White wrote, "Do not eat largely of salt." "The use of soda or baking powder in breadmaking is harmful and unnecessary."--Ibid., pp. 305, 300. . . .

Further Miscellaneous Counsels

Every thinking person today would agree with such wise statements of Mrs. White as, "Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power--these are the true remedies."--Ibid., p. 127. . . .

Or take these statements: "The best food for the infant is the food that nature provides. Of this it should not be needlessly deprived."--Ibid., p. 383. "In the entertainment of guests there should be greater simplicity."--Ibid., p. 322. "Where wrong habits of diet have been indulged, there should be no delay in reform."--Ibid., p 308. "Take active exercise every day, and see if you do not receive benefit."--Ibid., p. 310. "One of the surest hindrances to the recovery of the sick is the centering of attention upon themselves."--Ibid., p. 256. . . .

Mrs. White recognized the value of mixing a variety of grains. She wrote: "All wheat flour is not best for a continuous diet. A mixture of wheat, oatmeal, and rye would be more nutritious than the wheat with the nutrifying properties separated from it."--Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 321. She recognized the truth from Ezekiel, "Take thou also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils, and millet, and fitches, and put them in one vessel, and make thee bread thereof" (Ezekiel 4:9) These additions supplement the proteins of wheat bread, as well as increase such essential elements as calcium.

Food Value Lost in Meat

Among nutritionists there is an acute awareness of the problem of feeding the ever-increasing population of the world. . . . If this population grows at the present rate basic changes are inevitable. When man feeds an animal such as a pig or a turkey upon the grains that he can eat, at least three fourths of the food value is lost. In other words four men can live upon plant foods directly, in comparison with the one man that can be fed if the food is first converted into meat and then consumed by man.

Mrs. White well stated that, "the life that was in the grains and vegetables passes into the eater. We receive it by eating the flesh of the animal. How much better to get it direct, by eating the food that God provided for our use!"--The Ministry of Healing, p. 313. . . .

Areas of Seeming Disagreement

In some respects it might be easier to write about the areas in which nutrition specialists and the writings of Mrs. White may seem

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to disagree, because the area is so much smaller. These areas are probably owing to changes in food technology. The raw milk in the days of Mrs. White was a carrier for many contagious diseases, such as tuberculosis, dysentery, and typhoid fever. This may explain, in turn, why she declared that cheese was not a satisfactory food. Perhaps on the same basis we should understand her further statement: "The use of milk [in bread] is an additional expense, and it makes the bread much less wholesome."--Ibid., p 301. Products like dry skim milk, now used in bread making, were unknown in the lifetime of Mrs. White. Skim milk was fed to the pigs in her day. It contains the most important nutrients of the milk in terms of calcium, protein, and vitamins. . . .

Discussion Summed Up

To sum up the discussion: Every modern specialist in nutrition whose life is dedicated to human welfare must be impressed in four respects by the writings and leadership of Ellen G. White.

In the first place, her basic concepts about the relation between diet and health have been verified to an unusual degree by scientific advances of the past decades. Someone may attempt to explain this remarkable fact by saying: "Mrs. White simply borrowed her ideas from others." But how would she know which ideas to borrow and which to reject out of the bewildering array of theories and health teachings current in the nineteenth century? She would have had to be a most amazing person, with knowledge beyond her times, in order to do this successfully!

In the second place, everyone who attempts to teach nutrition can hardly conceive of a leadership such as that of Mrs. White that was able to induce a substantial number of people to improve their diets.

In the third place, one can only speculate about the large number of sufferers during the past century who could have had improved health if they had accepted the teachings of Mrs. White.

Finally, one can wonder how to make her teachings more widely known in order to benefit the overcrowded earth that seems inevitable tomorrow with the present rate of increase of the world's population. . . .

In spite of the fact that the works of Mrs. White were written long before the advent of modern scientific nutrition, no better over-all guide is available today.--Review and Herald, Feb. 12, 19, 26, 1959.

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HEALTH CLASSICS

THE MINISTRY OF HEALING, by Ellen G. White

Her crowning health volume declared by her to "contain the wisdom of the Great Physician." Healthful living is here portrayed as a balanced, reasonable, sensible kind of program involving both the mind and the body. It maintains health, or aids recovery from illness. The Creator's plan for a healthful, abundant life is outlined in a practical way that all can use.

THE STORY OF OUR HEALTH MESSAGE, by D. E. Robinson

In this volume are presented the early history and pertinent facts relating to the rise and progress of the medical features of the denominational health program.

COUNSELS ON HEALTH, by Ellen G. White

Seventh-day Adventists not only believe in healthful living, but they teach its principles to many others. These essentials of health, and how, they may be practiced and spread by institutions, nurses, physicians, and, laymen, form the theme of this book.

COUNSELS ON DIET AND FOODS, by Ellen G. White

Science has only recently discovered many of the dietetic principles regarding which the Lord instructed us years ago. This volume contains a complete presentation of the counsels on the subject, and the whole should be carefully studied to gain a balanced view.

MEDICAL MINISTRY, by Ellen G. White

While prepared especially for medical workers of all types, Medical Ministry is in nontechnical language and will benefit all. It deals primarily with the work of the physician, nurse, and institutional worker.

TEMPERANCE, by Ellen G. White

This is a thorough discussion of the problems related to the use of alcoholic beverages. Total abstinence is urged as the Christian's position. The work of the church in fostering the cause of temperance is made plain and is strongly emphasized.

A CALL TO MEDICAL EVANGELISM, by Ellen G. White

A compact compilation from books, periodical articles and manuscripts sounding a clarion call to effective medical evangelism.

Complete Your Library of the Writings of Mrs. E. G. White.

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Study Guide Index

INTEGRITY: WHOLENESS AND HOLINESS

Here's Pastor Doug Batchelor from www.amazingfacts.org with the Sacramento church



To study the lesson with Dr Derek Norris of the Lake Forest church, click on the following link:

http://media.forestlakechurch.org/content/media/2010q206-05-integrity-wholeness-and-holiness



PLEASE GO TO YOUR SIDE BAR AND CLICK ON VIEW AND ON ZOOM IN + AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED TO ENLARGE THE WHOLE PAGE SO YOU MAY EASILY READ IN THE PDF WHOSE FONTS YOU MAY ENLARGE ALSO DIRECTLY BY RAISING THE PERCENTAGE INCLUDED. LIKE THAT YOU HAVE A BIRD VIEW OF MANY PERSPECTIVES. THANK YOU.

AND JUST LEAVE YOUR CURSOR ON THE VERSES SO YOU MAY READ THEM

htpp://www.cqbiblestudy.org


http://www.absg.adventist.org/

Integrity: Wholeness and Holiness

Memory Text: Titus 2:7-8 NIV 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
“Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION”. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson Publishers. Used by Permission.
Sabbath Afternoon
Sunday
Jesus in the Wilderness
Matthew 4:1-11 NKJV 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." 4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" 5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,' and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" 7 Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.'" 8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." 10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.'" 11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
Monday
Maintaining Integrity
Genesis 39:6-12 NKJV 6 Thus he left all that he had in Joseph's hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. 7 And it came to pass after these things that his master's wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, "Lie with me." 8 But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand.
Genesis 39:9-12 "There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" 10 So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her. 11 But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, 12 that she caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me." But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside.
1 Samuel 24:1-10 NKJV 1 Now it happened, when Saul had returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, "Take note! David is in the Wilderness of En Gedi." 2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the Rocks of the Wild Goats. 3 So he came to the sheepfolds by the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to attend to his needs. (David and his men were staying in the recesses of the cave.) 4 Then the men of David said to him, "This is the day of which the LORD said to you, 'Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.'" And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul's robe. 5 Now it happened afterward that David's heart troubled him because he had cut Saul's robe. 6 And he said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD." 7 So David restrained his servants with these words, and did not allow them to rise against Saul. And Saul got up from the cave and went on his way. 8 David also arose afterward, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, saying, "My lord the king!" And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed down. 9 And David said to Saul: "Why do you listen to the words of men who say, 'Indeed David seeks your harm'? 10 "Look, this day your eyes have seen that the LORD delivered you today into my hand in the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you, and I said, 'I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD'S anointed.'
Daniel 6:1-10 NKJV 1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; 2 and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. 3 Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. 4 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then these men said, "We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God." 6 So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: "King Darius, live forever! 7 "All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 "Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter." 9 Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. 10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.
Tuesday
Integrity in Our Spiritual Lives
Ephesians 3:14-21 NKJV 14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-- 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Wednesday
Sexual Integrity
Romans 1:26-27 NKJV 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
1 Corinthians 6:15-18 NKJV 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For "the two," He says, "shall become one flesh." 17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 NKJV 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;
Jude 1:25 NKJV 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.

Thursday
Acting on Belief
Romans 12:1-2 NKJV 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Ellen G. White comments, Counsels on Health, p. 480
The Lord has been sending us line upon line, and if we reject these principles, we are not rejecting the messenger who teaches them, but the One who has given us the principles. {CH 480.1}
Be Light Bearers Reform, continual reform, must be kept before the people, and by our example we must enforce our teaching. True religion and the laws of health go hand in hand. It is impossible to work for the salvation of men and women without presenting to them the need of breaking away from sinful gratifications, which destroy the health, debase the soul, and prevent divine truth from impressing the mind. Men and women must be taught to take a careful view of every habit and every practice and at once put away those things that cause an unhealthy condition of the body, and thus cast a dark shadow over the mind. God desires His light bearers ever to keep a high standard before them. By precept and example they must hold their perfect standard high above Satan's false standard, which, if followed, will lead to misery, degradation, disease, and death for both body and soul. Let those who have obtained a knowledge of how to eat and drink and dress so as to preserve health, impart this knowledge to others. Let the poor have the gospel of health preached unto them from a practical point of view, that they may know how to care properly for the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (481) {CH 480.2}
Friday
Ellen G. White Comments, Education, p. 57
What a lifework was that of these noble Hebrews! As they bade farewell to their childhood home, how little did they dream of their high destiny! Faithful and steadfast, they yielded themselves to the divine guiding, so that through them God could fulfill His purpose. {Ed 57.1}
The same mighty truths that were revealed through these men, God desires to reveal through the youth and the children of today. The history of Joseph and Daniel is an illustration of what He will do for those who yield themselves to Him and with the whole heart seek to accomplish His purpose. {Ed 57.2}
The greatest want of the world is the want of men--men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall. {Ed 57.3}
But such a character is not the result of accident; it is not due to special favors or endowments of Providence. A noble character is the result of self-discipline, of the subjection of the lower to the higher nature--the surrender of self for the service of love to God and man. {Ed 57.4}
The youth need to be impressed with the truth that their endowments are not their own. Strength, time, intellect, are but lent treasures. They belong to God, and it should be the resolve of every youth to put them to the highest use. He is a branch, from which God expects (p.58)
fruit; a steward, whose capital must yield increase; a light, to illuminate the world's darkness.
Ellen G. White, Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 28-29
To win the prize for which they strove,--a chaplet of perishable flowers, bestowed amid the applause of the multitude,--was considered the highest honor. If so much could be endured, so much self-denial practiced, in the hope of gaining so worthless a prize, which only one at best could obtain, how much greater should be the sacrifice, how much more willing the self-denial, for an incorruptible crown, and for everlasting life! {CD 28.1}
There is work for us to do--stern, earnest work. All our habits, tastes, and inclinations must be educated in harmony with the laws of life and health. By this means we may secure the very best physical conditions, and have mental clearness to discern between the evil and the good. {CD 28.2} Daniel's Example (1890) C.T.B.H. 25-28
33. In order rightly to understand the subject of temperance, we must consider it from a Bible standpoint; and nowhere can we find a more comprehensive and forcible illustration of true temperance and its attendant blessings, than is afforded by the history of the prophet Daniel and his Hebrew associates in the court of Babylon. . . . {CD 28.3}
God always honors the right. The most promising youth from all the lands subdued by the great conqueror had been gathered at Babylon, yet amid them all, the Hebrew captives were without a rival. The erect form, the firm, elastic step, the fair countenance, the undimmed senses, the untainted breath,--all were so many certificates of good habits,--insignia of the nobility with which nature honors those who are obedient to her laws. {CD 28.4}
The history of Daniel and his companions has been recorded on the pages of the Inspired Word for the benefit of the youth of all succeeding ages. What men have done, men may do. Did those youthful Hebrews stand firm amid great temptations, and bear a noble testimony in favor of true temperance? The youth of today may bear a similar testimony. (p. 29 {CD 28.5}
The lesson here presented is one which we would do well to ponder. Our danger is not from scarcity, but from abundance. We are constantly tempted to excess. Those who would preserve their powers unimpaired for the service of God, must observe strict temperance in the use of His bounties, as well as total abstinence from every injurious or debasing indulgence. {CD 29.1}
The rising generation are surrounded with allurements calculated to tempt the appetite. Especially in our large cities, every form of indulgence is made easy and inviting. Those who, like Daniel, refuse to defile themselves, will reap the reward of their temperate habits. With their greater physical stamina and increased power of endurance, they have a bank of deposit upon which to draw in case of emergency. {CD 29.2}
Right physical habits promote mental superiority. Intellectual power, physical strength, and longevity depend upon immutable laws. There is no happen-so, no chance, about this matter. Nature's God will not interfere to preserve men from the consequences of violating nature's laws. There is much sterling truth in the adage, "Every man is the architect of his own fortune." While parents are responsible for the stamp of character, as well as for the education and training, of their sons and daughters, it is still true that our position and usefulness in the world depend, to a great degree, upon our own course of action. Daniel and his companions enjoyed the benefits of correct training and education in early life, but these advantages alone would not have made them what they were. The time came when they must act for themselves--when their future depended upon their own course. Then they decided to be true to the lessons given them in childhood. The fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom, was the foundation of their greatness. His Spirit strengthened every true purpose, every noble resolution. {CD 29.3} R. & H., Jan. 25, 1881 34. The youth [DANIEL, HANANIAH, MISHAEL, AND AZARIAH] in this school of training were not only to be admitted to the royal palace, but it was provided that they should eat of the meat, and drink of the wine, which came from the king's (p. 30) table. In all this the king considered that he was not only bestowing great honor upon them, but securing for them the best physical and mental development that could be attained. {CD 29.4}

 Jerry Giardina of Pecos, Texas, assisted by his wife, Cheryl, prepares a series of helps to accompany the Sabbath School lesson. He includes all related scripture and most EGW quotations. Jerry has chosen the "New King James Version" of the scriptures this quarter. It is used with permission.

CHAPTER 26

A Work of Reform

The work of Sabbath reform to be accomplished in the last days is foretold in the prophecy of Isaiah: "Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for My salvation is near to come, and My righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil." "The sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants, everyone that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of My covenant; even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer." Isaiah 56:1, 2, 6, 7.

These words apply in the Christian age, as shown by the context: "The Lord God which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him." Verse 8. Here is foreshadowed the gathering in of the Gentiles by the gospel. And upon those who then honor the Sabbath, a blessing is pronounced. Thus the obligation of the fourth commandment extends past the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, to the time when His servants should preach to all nations the message of glad tidings.

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The Lord commands by the same prophet: "Bind up the testimony, seal the law among My disciples." Isaiah 8:16. The seal of God's law is found in the fourth commandment. This only, of all the ten, brings to view both the name and the title of the Lawgiver. It declares Him to be the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and thus shows His claim to reverence and worship above all others. Aside from this precept, there is nothing in the Decalogue to show by whose authority the law is given. When the Sabbath was changed by the papal power, the seal was taken from the law. The disciples of Jesus are called upon to restore it by exalting the Sabbath of the fourth commandment to its rightful position as the Creator's memorial and the sign of His authority.

"To the law and to the testimony." While conflicting doctrines and theories abound, the law of God is the one unerring rule by which all opinions, doctrines, and theories are to be tested. Says the prophet: "If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Verse 20.

Again, the command is given: "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." It is not the wicked world, but those whom the Lord designates as "my people," that are to be reproved for their transgressions. He declares further: "Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God." Isaiah 58:1, 2. Here is brought to view a class who think themselves righteous and appear to manifest great interest in the service of God; but the stern and solemn rebuke of the Searcher of hearts proves them to be trampling upon the divine precepts.

The prophet thus points out the ordinance which has been forsaken: "Thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away

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thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord." Verses 12-14. This prophecy also applies in our time. The breach was made in the law of God when the Sabbath was changed by the Roman power. But the time has come for that divine institution to be restored. The breach is to be repaired and the foundation of many generations to be raised up.

Hallowed by the Creator's rest and blessing, the Sabbath was kept by Adam in his innocence in holy Eden; by Adam, fallen yet repentant, when he was driven from his happy estate. It was kept by all the patriarchs, from Abel to righteous Noah, to Abraham, to Jacob. When the chosen people were in bondage in Egypt, many, in the midst of prevailing idolatry, lost their knowledge of God's law; but when the Lord delivered Israel, He proclaimed His law in awful grandeur to the assembled multitude, that they might know His will and fear and obey Him forever.

From that day to the present the knowledge of God's law has been preserved in the earth, and the Sabbath of the fourth commandment has been kept. Though the "man of sin" succeeded in trampling underfoot God's holy day, yet even in the period of his supremacy there were, hidden in secret places, faithful souls who paid it honor. Since the Reformation, there have been some in every generation to maintain its observance. Though often in the midst of reproach and persecution, a constant testimony has been borne to the perpetuity of the law of God and the sacred obligation of the creation Sabbath.

These truths, as presented in Revelation 14 in connection with "the everlasting gospel," will distinguish the church of Christ at the time of His appearing. For as the result of the

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threefold message it is announced: "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." And this message is the last to be given before the coming of the Lord. Immediately following its proclamation the Son of man is seen by the prophet, coming in glory to reap the harvest of the earth.

Those who received the light concerning the sanctuary and the immutability of the law of God were filled with joy and wonder as they saw the beauty and harmony of the system of truth that opened to their understanding. They desired that the light which appeared to them so precious might be imparted to all Christians; and they could not but believe that it would be joyfully accepted. But truths that would place them at variance with the world were not welcome to many who claimed to be followers of Christ. Obedience to the fourth commandment required a sacrifice from which the majority drew back.

As the claims of the Sabbath were presented, many reasoned from the worldling's standpoint. Said they: "We have always kept Sunday, our fathers kept it, and many good and pious men have died happy while keeping it. If they were right, so are we. The keeping of this new Sabbath would throw us out of harmony with the world, and we would have no influence over them. What can a little company keeping the seventh day hope to accomplish against all the world who are keeping Sunday?" It was by similar arguments that the Jews endeavored to justify their rejection of Christ. Their fathers had been accepted of God in presenting the sacrificial offerings, and why could not the children find salvation in pursuing the same course? So, in the time of Luther, papists reasoned that true Christians had died in the Catholic faith, and therefore that religion was sufficient for salvation. Such reasoning would prove an effectual barrier to all advancement in religious faith or practice.

Many urged that Sundaykeeping had been an established doctrine and a widespread custom of the church for many

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centuries. Against this argument it was shown that the Sabbath and its observance were more ancient and widespread, even as old as the world itself, and bearing the sanction both of angels and of God. When the foundations of the earth were laid, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy, then was laid the foundation of the Sabbath. Job 38:6, 7; Genesis 2:1-3. Well may this institution demand our reverence; it was ordained by no human authority and rests upon no human traditions; it was established by the Ancient of Days and commanded by His eternal word.

As the attention of the people was called to the subject of Sabbath reform, popular ministers perverted the word of God, placing such interpretations upon its testimony as would best quiet inquiring minds. And those who did not search the Scriptures for themselves were content to accept conclusions that were in accordance with their desires. By argument, sophistry, the traditions of the Fathers, and the authority of the church, many endeavored to overthrow the truth. Its advocates were driven to their Bibles to defend the validity of the fourth commandment. Humble men, armed with the word of truth alone, withstood the attacks of men of learning, who, with surprise and anger, found their eloquent sophistry powerless against the simple, straightforward reasoning of men who were versed in the Scriptures rather than in the subtleties of the schools.

In the absence of Bible testimony in their favor, many with unwearying persistence urged--forgetting how the same reasoning had been employed against Christ and His apostles: "Why do not our great men understand this Sabbath question? But few believe as you do. It cannot be that you are right and that all the men of learning in the world are wrong."

To refute such arguments it was needful only to cite the teachings of the Scriptures and the history of the Lord's dealings with His people in all ages. God works through

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those who hear and obey His voice, those who will, if need be, speak unpalatable truths, those who do not fear to reprove popular sins. The reason why He does not oftener choose men of learning and high position to lead out in reform movements is that they trust to their creeds, theories, and theological systems, and feel no need to be taught of God. Only those who have a personal connection with the Source of wisdom are able to understand or explain the Scriptures. Men who have little of the learning of the schools are sometimes called to declare the truth, not because they are unlearned, but because they are not too self-sufficient to be taught of God. They learn in the school of Christ, and their humility and obedience make them great. In committing to them a knowledge of His truth, God confers upon them an honor, in comparison with which earthly honor and human greatness sink into insignificance.

The majority of Adventists rejected the truths concerning the sanctuary and the law of God, and many also renounced their faith in the advent movement and adopted unsound and conflicting views of the prophecies which applied to that work. Some were led into the error of repeatedly fixing upon a definite time for the coming of Christ. The light which was now shining on the subject of the sanctuary should have shown them that no prophetic period extends to the second advent; that the exact time of this advent is not foretold. But, turning from the light, they continued to set time after time for the Lord to come, and as often they were disappointed.

When the Thessalonian church received erroneous views concerning the coming of Christ, the apostle Paul counseled them to test their hopes and anticipations carefully by the word of God. He cited them to prophecies revealing the events to take place before Christ should come, and showed that they had no ground to expect Him in their day. "Let no man deceive you by any means" (2 Thessalonians 2:3), are his words of warning. Should they indulge expectations that were not sanctioned by the Scriptures, they would be led to

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a mistaken course of action; disappointment would expose them to the derision of unbelievers, and they would be in danger of yielding to discouragement and would be tempted to doubt the truths essential for their salvation. The apostle's admonition to the Thessalonians contains an important lesson for those who live in the last days. Many Adventists have felt that unless they could fix their faith upon a definite time for the Lord's coming, they could not be zealous and diligent in the work of preparation. But as their hopes are again and again excited, only to be destroyed, their faith receives such a shock that it becomes well-nigh impossible for them to be impressed by the great truths of prophecy.

The preaching of a definite time for the judgment, in the giving of the first message, was ordered by God. The computation of the prophetic periods on which that message was based, placing the close of the 2300 days in the autumn of 1844, stands without impeachment. The repeated efforts to find new dates for the beginning and close of the prophetic periods, and the unsound reasoning necessary to sustain these positions, not only lead minds away from the present truth, but throw contempt upon all efforts to explain the prophecies. The more frequently a definite time is set for the second advent, and the more widely it is taught, the better it suits the purposes of Satan. After the time has passed, he excites ridicule and contempt of its advocates, and thus casts reproach upon the great advent movement of 1843 and 1844. Those who persist in this error will at last fix upon a date too far in the future for the coming of Christ. Thus they will be led to rest in a false security, and many will not be undeceived until it is too late.

The history of ancient Israel is a striking illustration of the past experience of the Adventist body. God led His people in the advent movement, even as He led the children of Israel from Egypt. In the great disappointment their faith was tested as was that of the Hebrews at the Red Sea. Had they still trusted to the guiding hand that had been with them in

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their past experience, they would have seen the salvation of God. If all who had labored unitedly in the work in 1844, had received the third angel's message and proclaimed it in the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord would have wrought mightily with their efforts. A flood of light would have been shed upon the world. Years ago the inhabitants of the earth would have been warned, the closing work completed, and Christ would have come for the redemption of His people.

It was not the will of God that Israel should wander forty years in the wilderness; He desired to lead them directly to the land of Canaan and establish them there, a holy, happy people. But "they could not enter in because of unbelief." Hebrews 3:19. Because of their backsliding and apostasy they perished in the desert, and others were raised up to enter the Promised Land. In like manner, it was not the will of God that the coming of Christ should be so long delayed and His people should remain so many years in this world of sin and sorrow. But unbelief separated them from God. As they refused to do the work which He had appointed them, others were raised up to proclaim the message. In mercy to the world, Jesus delays His coming, that sinners may have an opportunity to hear the warning and find in Him a shelter before the wrath of God shall be poured out.

Now as in former ages, the presentation of a truth that reproves the sins and errors of the times will excite opposition. "Everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." John 3:20. As men see that they cannot maintain their position by the Scriptures, many determine to maintain it at all hazards, and with a malicious spirit they assail the character and motives of those who stand in defense of unpopular truth. It is the same policy which has been pursued in all ages. Elijah was declared to be a troubler in Israel, Jeremiah a traitor, Paul a polluter of the temple. From that day to this, those who would be loyal to truth have been denounced as seditious,

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heretical, or schismatic. Multitudes who are too unbelieving to accept the sure word of prophecy will receive with unquestioning credulity an accusation against those who dare to reprove fashionable sins. This spirit will increase more and more. And the Bible plainly teaches that a time is approaching when the laws of the state will so conflict with the law of God that whosoever would obey all the divine precepts must brave reproach and punishment as an evildoer.

In view of this, what is the duty of the messenger of truth? Shall he conclude that the truth ought not to be presented, since often its only effect is to arouse men to evade or resist its claims? No; he has no more reason for withholding the testimony of God's word, because it excites opposition, than had earlier Reformers. The confession of faith made by saints and martyrs was recorded for the benefit of succeeding generations. Those living examples of holiness and steadfast integrity have come down to inspire courage in those who are now called to stand as witnesses for God. They received grace and truth, not for themselves alone, but that, through them, the knowledge of God might enlighten the earth. Has God given light to His servants in this generation? Then they should let it shine forth to the world.

Anciently the Lord declared to one who spoke in His name: "The house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto Me." Nevertheless He said: "Thou shalt speak My words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear." Ezekiel 3:7; 2:7. To the servant of God at this time is the command addressed: "Lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins."

So far as his opportunities extend, everyone who has received the light of truth is under the same solemn and fearful responsibility as was the prophet of Israel, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying: "Son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear

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the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul." Ezekiel 33:7-9.

The great obstacle both to the acceptance and to the promulgation of truth is the fact that it involves inconvenience and reproach. This is the only argument against the truth which its advocates have never been able to refute. But this does not deter the true followers of Christ. These do not wait for truth to become popular. Being convinced of their duty, they deliberately accept the cross, with the apostle Paul counting that "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;" with one of old, "esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt." 2 Corinthians 4:17; Hebrews 11:26.

Whatever may be their profession, it is only those who are world servers at heart that act from policy rather than principle in religious things. We should choose the right because it is right, and leave consequences with God. To men of principle, faith, and daring, the world is indebted for its great reforms. By such men the work of reform for this time must be carried forward.

Thus saith the Lord: "Hearken unto Me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but My righteousness shall be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation." Isaiah 51:7, 8.

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