PRISONERS OF HOPE

August 2008
EDITORIAL..SISTER T. NKOMO
I used to think there were two groups in the church. In fact, I first used to think there was one
group. I believed that the ‗Church‘ was the remnant and that we were all going to heaven, to-
gether with those we would convert. Then later on I realised that there were two groups. The
goats and the sheep, the wheat and the tares, those on the left, and those on the right. But even
that has had to change, for there are two types of goats.
There are the typical goats, these are the ones who claim to be Christians but don‘t know what
self -denial entails, be it in dress, diet or lifestyle, then there are those who think they are holy
and in need of nothing, and know not that they are weak and wretched. In Christ‘s day, these
were the Pharisees and scribes. I‘d say our modern-day Pharisees are similar to the ones in
days of yore. They lack love, true love for their fellow man. It seems as if joy has been removed
from the Christian walk, that God is a God of vengeance and wrath. A deeper study of Revela-
tion is undertaken, than one of Christ‘s character. More time is spent talking about the troubles
of others, than in helping them get out of that trouble. They are the ones who apparently have a
closer relationship to God than do others, you will frequently hear them talking about how God
spoke to them directly. These Pharisees spend more time lambasting the church, than trying to
reach and teach those who might genuinely be ignorant of God‘s teachings. They care more
about others keeping the law, than whether or not they truly reflect Christ‘s (complete) charac-
ter. They are loved by their tight-knit group of fellow scribes, but are loathed and feared by the
lay members for they are not known for being loving and friendly and forgiving. We know what
God says about hypocrites and the proud…
Then we go back to the first type of goats. The type who don‘t care what time they arrive for
church, as long as they were there for an hour or less. The type who think God surely didn‘t
mean them when He gave His commands and statues for us to obey by his grace. This group INSIDE THIS ISSUE
knows truth, but the cares of this world make them unable to commit to obeying God no matter Editorial .............................. ……1
what. They emphasise having a relationship with God, over following Him, even though the Colds and Flus .................... .….2
relationship they have with Him seems to be quite antagonistic, considering how little they Mistaken Miller .................. .….3
faithfully aim to please Him. This type prefers happy-clappy music, over reverent worship. The Thoughts On Dress ............. .….4

fact that God calls for complete subjection of the will and desire doesn‘t seem to phase them Lift Up Your Heads ............. .…7
Have Faith ........................... .….8
much. They‘ll happily braai (barbecue) their red meat, even though they know and understand
The Obedience of Faith ...... .….9
what God has revealed in His Word. (In contrast, the Pharisees wouldn‘t be caught dead where
the slightest whiff of meat may be smelt, for fear of being tainted.) Considering we are meant to
be Christ‘s bride, this type of goat would make a terrible wife. She knows exactly how to please
her husband, but would rather do the exact opposite, and not only cause Him to become angry,
but make Him wonder if she really loves Him.
There are not only 10 commandments, there are statues, principles given in the Bible and in
the Spirit of Prophecy. We are to obey ALL of them. And we can only do this if we have Christ
abiding in our hearts. Christ is the only one who helps us to desire to keep our bodies and
minds healthy and gives us the power to do so. He‘s the only one who inspires us to dress in a
manner befitting a true Christian. He is the only one who IS love and therefore can give us love.
Love that loves all sinners, love that does not excuse their sins, but also a love that recognizes
that only God is perfect, and that we all were once sinners needing forgiveness. With God fully
pervading and inhabiting our beings, we will not only be sheep that love their Shepherd, but we
will be sheep that love and pity both types of goats.
 BEATING COLDS & FLUS BY BROTHER N. WALKER
1-Rest and sleep as much as possible– the body can only
‗clean house‘ and deal with damages when we sleep. It is 6-Illness will be greatly shortened if you take some sort of
not an accident that you often feel sleepy why experiencing colon cleansing as soon as 1st symptoms of a virus start.
viral episodes. Get an old fashioned enema bag and do a couple bags of
nice extra warm water enema daily until well. If this is im-
2-Make sure you have good air circulating in your sick- possible, get a herbal laxative tea or capsules and take twice
room. Germs thrive in low oxygen environment while your the regular dose until the bowels are moving 3 or 4 times a
body thrives in high. Keep bedding clean and fresh. Change day. Pneumonia won‘t happen with a really clear colon!
your underwear and PJs etc. daily. Even if you have diarrhea, an enema is great because if
there is no block-up and irritation in the bowel, diarrhea
3-Drink lots of fluids -this aids the body‘s cleansing proc- won‘t happen.
esses and helps clear breathing passages. The fluids are
best hot unless the fever is very high and then should be 7-It is important to cleanse the skin often in a severe cold
warm or cool but NOT cold or iced! or flu– much toxins will be sweated out and need to be re-
moved from the skin. Soaps and
4-Make sure to get at least 6-8 such isn‘t needed just nice hot wa-
large glasses of water- (distilled or ter. Hot baths are good daily, but
reverse osmosis). Small amounts of make sure you rest in bed for at
fresh lemon juice and honey can be least an hour following a hot bath–
added. Juices are best fresh if you get a chill when hot and
squeezed– Orange, Grapefruit, any sweaty, your virus could get much
citrus is good and can be mixed worse. See therapy section for spe-
with hot water. Frozen or process cial baths and other treatments.
juices are not as energy giving.
Make sure NOT to use any drinks 8-Clothing has a bearing also– the
containing sugar, artificial sweet- body needs to be kept warm evenly
eners, dairy products, coffee, tea, all over. Cotton, which absorbs well
chocolate or alcohol– your body is best for night clothes and t-shirts
won‘t benefit from other toxins and other undergarments. Avoid
when you are already sick! If you have no choice but to use wearing anything that is tight around the body especially
store juices– you can get orange, apple, pineapple or grape the chest. Wear t shirts instead of bras, ladies. This will
juice that is unsweetened- read labels well! These juices help the lungs to deal with the illness better. Your germ-
should always be diluted with one to two parts water- 3-4 eating blood cells need a good circulation!
large cups of juice should be used in, or in addition to the
water and should be warm or cool, never iced. 9- Keeping feet warm is important! Wear cotton socks to
bed if there is any chilliness of feet. Don‘t walk on cold
5-Diet should be very light and ‗alive‘ Even if illness makes floors in bare feet when sick, wear them fluffy slippers your
you crave otherwise a little discipline in this can save you Mom gave you.
many days of misery.
Keeping feet In acute stages avoid 10- A quiet environment with soft music, no ‗beat‘ music,
all grains and flour TV or noisy stress is best to speed recovery in the natural
warm is very im- products, dairy, way. Have faith in your body‘s design and support its ef-
portant!! meat, fatty or fried forts to cleanse.
foods also sugar. Use
raw fruit, fresh juices. Simple vegetable soups and vegeta- Once past the acute stage, dressing appropriately for the
ble broth is helpful especially if made fresh. One easy stand weather and taking short strolls out doors (If the environ-
-by that many like is canned tomatoes served hot. See rec- ment is healthy) will aid convalescence.
ipe section for hot drink and fruit serving ideas.
2
HOT FOOT BATH blanket and cuddled in arms. This seems to quiet the most
Soaking feet in a hot container of water relieves congestion distressed child but they will fuss as it is being applied– the
and chills. Combining it with a cold cloth to the head or soothing effect follows quickly and they sleep.
back of the neck helps
fever and headache. For severe sore throat– do a ‗Neck-Wrap‘ (Not for small
This works for mi- children!) Take a piece of flannelette or a light towel– get it
graines too. wet and wring it out. Wrap around neck comfortably, then
top with a dry woolen scarf or dry towel. Go to bed with
Epsom Salt Bath this on and usually in a few hours the sore throat is re-
1 cup of Epsom salts lieved.
in a hot bath – add a
pint of 3% Hydrogen These therapies can be even better using 1 cup of hydrogen
peroxide, (The ordi- peroxide to 2 quarts of cold water to dip the wrap in. This
nary cheap kind) and soak for 1/2 an hour before settling can be used with sprains or painful joints-it has many uses.
for the night. This relieves a lot of aches and pain and helps
the cleansing process. The patient should dry quickly, avoid STEAM
drafts and climb into fresh cotton PJs and into bed. A hot For congestion of lungs or sinuses– use a vaporizer or sit
cup of chamomile or catnip tea is a good addition to pro- with head over a bowl of hot water and a towel draped over
mote sleep. your head. This is to sooth mucous membranes and loosen
secretions.
Simple Chest Wrap
This is a simple but effective relief in chest congestion. COUGH- Best helped by lots of fluids, hot drinks and
Take a cotton T-shirt and soak it with cool water, ring it so lemon and honey. Herbal formulas are available. Avoid
it‘s not drippy. Put it on the patient‗s bare chest– it will feel chemical preparations esp. with ―DM‖ in them. Help the
shocking especially if feverish but it quickly warms up. body flush out– don‘t bottle it up!
Place a dry, thick woolen or heavy cotton sweat shirt over
the wet T-shirt. The patient sleeps with this on, by morning Tips- To prevent a child having sore nose from being
it is dry. It relieves inflammation and congestion, and re- wiped so much– use a soft moist cloth instead of dry tis-
duces fevers. sues. Sore eyes can be wiped with a solution of boiled water
with 1 teaspoon salt to 1 cup water. Use soft cotton balls
Fevered infants or small children can be wrapped in a wet dipped in this warm solution to gently bath secretions from
flannelette then swaddled overtop with a warm towel or eyes.

MISTAKEN MILLER & THE 2ND DISAPPOINTMENT BY SR T. NKOMO

Who was William Miller? We know him as the man who got 1782. He was the eldest of sixteen children, he had 4 broth-
us started on our SDA journey. He was branded a fanatic, ers and eleven sisters. Until age 9, his mother home-
just like the apostles were when they became Christians. schooled him, using mainly the Bible and a hymn book.
And like the disciples before him, he endured a bitter disap- From then, he went to school- for 3 months of the year. The
pointment. We often think that the early SDA movement rest of the time was spent helping his father on the farm.
was the only one to make a mistake, but so did the Jews of He yearned to further his education but his parents were
old. They had the timing right, but they were looking for not able to afford it. He
the wrong event. We know how bitter it was for them to re- ended up relying on wealthy
alise that Jesus was not about to take the throne as an sponsors who supported his
earthly king. In the same way, we know how great the dis- quest for knowledge. They
appointment was indeed, when Miller realised that the allowed him to read the
earth was NOT the sanctuary to be cleansed in 1844. But books found in their libraries
who was this man? and he indulged his love for
history and general reading.
William Miller was born at Pittsfield, Mass., February 15, Continued on P5

3
 THOUGHTS ON DRESS PART 2…..BY BROTHER E PREWITT
CONTINUED FROM LAST EDITION: pants as ―man‘s‖ clothing. If the message of Deuteronomy
22:5 beckoned us to adhere to accepted norms regarding
Look at the statements again. Which of the following propo-
gender and dress, this would be a more significant observa-
sitions is closer in truth to the intention of the inspired
tion. The tendency of society is to diminish the differences.
young lady that wrote the testimonies?
In some circles, the effort is to abolish them. The message of
―Pants on women‖ was a bad idea in 1880 because women Moses‘ admonition is that God‘s people should stand
at that time almost all wore dresses. against these movements. Can we stand against the move-
Women‘s Pants were being advocated and this was offensive ments today and be consistent with ourselves while adopt-
to the morals of the times ing the changes those movements brought into society fifty
years ago?
To a second point:
Dressing similar to the world does not increase our influ-
ence with them at all.
Many dress like the world, in order to have an
influence over unbelievers; but here they make a sad
mistake. If they would have a true and saving influ-
ence, let them live out their profession, show their
faith by their righteous works, and make the distinc-
tion plain between the Christian and the worldling.
The words, the dress, the actions, should tell for God.
There was a movement to have women wear pants as part of Then a holy influence will be shed upon all around
a larger plan to have men and women dress more them, and even unbelievers will take knowledge of
healthfully without regard to keeping a significant dis-
them that they have been with Jesus. If any wish to
tinction between them. This was abominable. have their influence tell in favor of truth, let them live
If you answered the last question too quickly, you may have out their profession and thus imitate the humble Pat-
done it by feel rather than by fact. Options one and two are tern. {CH 598.1}
popular views, but are they really able to be drawn from the
text? There was a prophecy attached to this testimony.
There would be a significant increase in crimes (moral
crimes by inference) if there was a change in dress.
Ladies, I write to you
for a moment. St. Paul
God has pre- is not alive to utter a
sented several rebuke. But let your
ideals..regarding heart be broken for the
dress. persons who have suf-
fered as the victims of
incest, rape, and sexual abuse brought on by the breakdown
in distinctions between feminine and masculine dressing.
I can not prove it to you, but I will tell you, a lady dressed
modestly and femininely has an atmosphere around her of I saw many traveling in this broad road who had the
wholesomeness that represses wickedness in men. The words written upon them: "Dead to the world. The
feminine presence reminds them, by way of contrast, that end of all things is at hand. Be ye also ready." They
they are men and not brutes. It awakens in them a longing looked just like all the vain ones around them, except
for something that their worldy life does not offer. a shade of sadness which I noticed upon their counte-
So perhaps it can not be argued today that society views nances.
4
 Their conversation was just like that of the gay, zine and find an erotic add from Klein‘s marketing depart-
thoughtless ones around them; but they would occa- ment. Calvin Klein himself has worked to glamorize homo-
sionally point with great satisfaction to the letters on sexuality in his advertising.
their garments, calling for the others to have the
Would Jesus wear Calvin Klein? If a trim of blue was to be
same upon theirs. They were in the broad way, yet
a message to the world that the Jews kept the law, what do
they professed to be of the number who were travel-
the letters CK say to the same world? My opinion…
ing the narrow way. Those around them would say:
Christians should not wear items that are associated with
"There is no distinction between us. We are alike; we
lust. We have a different message to carry to the world.
dress, and talk, and act alike." {1T 128.2}
And a final item:
Notice the worldly wisdom in the last sentence. Our dress,
Our clothing should be constructed for durability and prac-
though a little issue in our own Christian life, may be a sal-
ticality. It should be well-fitting and warm in cool weather.
vational issue of huge proportions in the lives of those who
Does this require following fashion? Adopting a style of
know us.
dress that is in keeping with our faith is good regardless of
WAIT! There is something else… whether or not the world may wear it. But fashion is an
I was in an airplane some years ago reading a magazine. I idol and I am afraid that more people put money offerings
found an article about Calvin Klein clothing. Before that before Molech than would admit to doing it.
point I had not really noticed Calvin Klein items. I mean, I The lives and teachings of Christian parents should be in
had seen them, but didn‘t think much about them. The ar- marked contrast with those of unbelievers. Worldlings
ticle explained the advertising theme of the man himself. teach their children to love display, and to bow to the idol
There was a full-page add that implied incest, others high- of fashion. They sacrifice themselves and their children
lighting child nudity, and the theme of all the CK advertise- upon this altar of Moloch. But Christians who profess to be
ments was sex. This theme of the company is published seeking the heavenly Canaan, should obey the instructions
widely. One writer indicated that you can open any maga- of the Bible.{ST, May 26, 1881}..…..To Be Continued

From P3..At age 22, he got married. His wife also sup- isfactory manner. Some pastors ended up telling him that
ported his desire for more and more reading material. She some Bible passages were a mystery and were not meant to
tried as much as possible to lighten his load at home so that be understood. This to him did not jibe with the view he had
he could have time to go to the library. He was also a great been taught, of a loving God. It did not make sense that a
writer, known for his poetry. caring Father would write things that were incomprehensi-
Between the ages of 7 and 10, Miller was very serious about ble. And from that moment, he became a deist. He once
his spiritual life. He was brought up in a Baptist home and wrote ―I viewed it as a system of craft, rather than of truth.
always tried to do the right thing, as if to appease an angry Besides, the advocates of Christianity admitted that the Bi-
God. He would become vexed when his resolutions failed ble was so dark and intricate that no man could understand
and he did something naughty. Because of such disappoint- it. This always was to me an inconsistent idea of God; and
even made the Bible appear more like the oracles of the
ments, he attempted to win God‘s favour by giving up some-
thing he treasured, hoping that by making sacrifices, he‘d heathen gods, than
win God‘s pleasure, but once again, he would fail. He wrote like the wisdom of
―Come, blest religion, with thy angel's face, the just and right-
Dispel this gloom, and brighten all the place; eous God: To give us
Drive this destructive passion from my breast; the Scriptures to
Compose my sorrows, and restore my rest; teach us the way of
Show me the path that Christian heroes trod, eternal life, and at
Wean me from earth, and raise my soul to God!‖ the same time clothe
them in a mantle of
As he grew older he left formal religion. He still believed mysticism, so that
that there was a creator God, but he found the Bible to be so no man could understand them! Reveal his will, which we
full of inaccuracies, as he thought them to be and so many cannot understand, and then punish us for disobedience!
inconsistencies. Miller was also unable to find anyone who How can such a being be called either wise or good? p. 3,
could explain the less obvious passages in the Bible in a sat- Para. 1, [MEMOIR].‖… Continued overleaf
5
Though William Miller ceased to truly believe in the Bible, to tell the world.
he was still courteous towards those who were religious. He From 1832, Miller proclaimed the time of the Lord‘s re-
would host his relatives, even though after they left, he turn. This brought about a revival in the churches. People‘s
would mock their manner of preaching and discoursing on hearts were touched and they‘re relationships with God
the Bible-to the mirth of his other deist friends. After he were strengthened. One newspaper spoke of him thus ――He
left the Army, Miller bought a farm close to his parents‘ old is quite an old fashioned man in his speech, very candid,
home. His farmstead was in such a favourable position, and commands universal attention from his audiences.
situated very close to the church building, that it became a Whatever people may think of his belief, which is peculiar,
sort of headquarters for religious workers, a kind of mis- one thing is conceded by all, that he is a Christian at heart.‖
sion house. If there was no pastor, the deacon would read a
printed sermon to the congregation. Miller‘s mother no- Miller started working with Joshua V. Himes, Charles
ticed that on these occasions he would be absent and asked Fitch, and Josiah Litch who were very energetic and helped
why. He insinuated that the way they read was poor, and Miller‘s teachings reach more and more people. Beer-
that he would attend if he were the one doing the reading. houses were turned into prayer houses, business men
His mother informed the deacons and they willingly made would meet at 11am to pray and discuss the Bible. God was
Miller the ‗reader.‘ using this man in a mighty way,
notwithstanding the many dis-
At first he read even though he senting voices that there were.
was still a Deist, but one after- People claimed that he spoke evil,
noon he was particularly moved that it was better to attend the
by a sermon he had previously theater (which were known to be
heard and he could not continue dens of iniquity) rather than at-
reading. He realised that God‘s tend one of religious meetings.
character was loving. He mar-
veled that the world had such a The time came, the first disap-
Saviour and he decided to read pointment in 1843, and the Great
the Bible for himself, not relying disappointment in 1844. But
on commentators and others though he was saddened, Miller
anymore. After this, he made a
never gave up believing that Christ was returning soon, in
public confession of his new found faith and opened his his lifetime. He had never really set a firm date, but others
home for public worship. firm beliefs led him to look upon October 22 as an impor-
tant date. But even after this day came and went. Bro
Of course, his Deist friends taunted him with all the ques- Miller never stopped preaching about Christ‘s imminent
tions and doubts he had concerning the Bible, and even his return. He became very ill with boils, dropsy, he lost his
Christian friends reminded him of the questions he himself eyesight, but he never lost his love for, and faith in God.
had brought up. In reply to this, he took up the challenge.
He started reading the Bible, comparing verse with verse In his dying hours, he was com-
and using a Bible dictionary, as well as a concordance. Af- forted by the hymn ‗There is a
ter 2 years of intensive study, Miller came to the realization land of pure delight, where bliss
that the common understanding of the millennium was in- eternal reigns, infinite day ex-
correct. cludes the night, and pleasures
banish pain.‘ He died an ill, tired
At that time it was widely believed that it would come be- man, but full of hope that when
fore Christ‘s second advent and that it would be signaled by he would rise, he would meet his
the end of death and sadness. He then also came to the Saviour. William Miller died on
conclusion that the millennium would occur after Christ‘s December 20, in 1849 at 3pm. I
coming, in 1844. For 5 years, William Miller tested his un- pray that we will be there when
derstanding of the prophecy. He thought of as many objec- God comes to ascend into the
tions as possible and proceeded to shoot them down. When skies with him and those who are
he was sure of the truth as he saw it, he felt the impression resting in their graves with him.
6
 LIFT UP YOUR HEADS...
NEWS: Many Americans are fearful the U.S. government will world," the Pontiff said.
be forced to reinstitute the draft given the prolonged Iraq and COMMENT: As
Afghanistan wars. Asked about that possibility by a potential the ecumenical
voter in Florida during a telephone "town hall meeting," movement gath-
McCain said: "I don't know what would make a draft ers pace, I find
happen unless we were in an all-out World War these words from
III…." Ratzinger to be
NEWS: Presidential frontrunner Barack Obama has called clearest as yet
for a ―civilian national security force‖ as powerful as the U.S. about where all
military, comments that were ignored by the vast majority of the religions are
the corporate media but compared by one journalist to the headed. Espe-
Nazi Hitler Youth. ―We cannot continue to rely on our military cially note the text
in order to achieve the national security objectives we‘ve set. in bold. For those
We‘ve got to have a civilian national security force that‘s just that remember
as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded,‖ Obama told a the Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (BEM) document signed
Colorado Springs audience earlier this month. in 1982 in Lima by representatives of our church alongside all
NEWS: ―…. I have days—growing more frequent all the time— the other major religions the above is most telling. The ―B‖ and
when I‘m convinced the time is now upon us that some Big the ―M‖ are now largely in place and the ―church‖ is not putting
Events are about to occur. These fast-approaching events will up opposition to the ―E‖. As members we need to acquaint our-
not go unnoticed. They will affect all of us. They will not be lim- selves with what is truth and stand on a clear ―Thus sayeth the
ited to just some areas of our country. The world economy and Lord‖ and not allow ourselves to be led astray.
political system will share in the chaos about to be unleashed.
Though the world has long suffered from the senselessness of NEWS: A rapping priest from New York's Bronx entertained
wars that should have been avoided, my greatest fear is that the thousands of young pilgrims at Bondi Beach on Wednesday,
course on which we find ourselves will bring even greater con- while acid jazz and Gregorian Chant filled Sydney's Opera
flict and economic suffering to the innocent people of the House on day two of the Catholic Church's "Woodstock"……
world—unless we quickly change our ways.‖ More than 200,000 young Catholics in Sydney for World
COMMENT: I have grouped the above three news snippets Youth Day, July 15-20, held 250 pray ceremonies in parks and
together because they are from the two presumptive nominees streets around the city and attended music concerts, as they
for the democrats and the republicans in the forthcoming elec- eagerly awaited the first appearance of Pope Benedict on
tions and a senior republican that dropped out the race during Thursday……After 150,000 pilgrims attended WYD's opening
the primaries. Given everything that has been going in of late mass and late night rock concert on the shores of Sydney Har-
economically and militarily the under-current is that there will bour on Tuesday, thousands spread out across Sydney on
be activity for us to watch for in the near future. For us Advent- Wednesday to not only to pray but to continue partying.
ists, who have seen TIPS ―defeated‖ and yet morph into the
Highway Watch program, the words of Sen. Obama are deeply COMMENT: We see be-
troublesome. Added to this, last year the FBI came out on re- fore us the results of Vati-
cord to say that it ―is taking cues from the CIA to recruit thou-
can II. As Seventh Day Ad-
sands of covert informants in the United States as part of a ventists we have been
sprawling effort…..to aid with criminal investigations.‖ I won- warned about things like
der how long it will be till these laws which are ―intended‖ to this that will take place at
prevent terrorism will be turned against us as a religious groupthe end of time, even in our
and the network of informants will be required by law to report very church. Let us not fear
on us as a people. Our part is to watch and pray! to stand up to false worship
based on unholy music be-
NEWS: Fifteen leaders of the Australian Christian church met fore our local churches end
the Pope in an Ecumenical event held in the St. Mary‘s Cathe- up caught up in the devils
dral Crypt on Friday morning. In his address to the church ground and we end up as
leaders, Benedict XVI called on them to not view doctrine permissive as the Catholics have begun all for the sake of num-
as divisive since that view can prevent Christians from bers.
working to improve the world…….―This document recog-
nizes a common commitment, sets out goals, and acknowl- NEWS: The Croatian parliament has passed a law forcing
edges points of convergence without glossing over differences,‖ shops to close on Sundays in a concession to the Roman Catho-
said the Pope. lic church. The church has campaigned for years for Sundays to
While Baptism is the starting point for ecumenical be devoted to family or Mass in Croatia, which is almost 90
dialogue, the Pope said that, “The road of ecumenism percent Roman Catholic…The law adopted Tuesday and goes
ultimately points towards a common celebration of into effect Jan. 1. It allows Sunday shopping over the summer
the Eucharist… we can be sure that a common Eucharist one and Christmas holidays. The law also allows stores in gas, bus
day would only strengthen our resolve to love and serve one and train stations to open on Sundays year-round, along with
another in imitation of our Lord.‖ "For this reason, a candid those in hospitals. Bakeries, newsstands and flower shops are
dialogue concerning the place of the Eucharist - stimulated also exempt from the ban.
by a renewed and attentive study of scripture, patris- COMMENT: LET US AWAKE SAINTS!! Time is not on our
tic writings, and documents from across the two mil- side. As we have noted moves are publically afoot in a number
lennia of Christian history - will undoubtedly help to ad- of countries to institute Sunday Laws. The waters are being
vance the ecumenical movement and unify our witness to the tested and we are at ease in Zion!!

7
 HAVE FAITH..SR WHITE
Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nev- due to their lack of faith. When shadows encompass the
ertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith soul, when we want light and guidance, we must look up;
on the earth? there is light be-
yond the darkness.
PP, p657
Our Saviour asks the question, "When the Son of man
cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8), im- If we believe in
plying that true faith would be almost extinct. It is too true God, we are armed
that the spirit of doubt, criticism, and faultfinding is de- with the righteous-
stroying confidence in God's Word and in His work. It is ness of Christ; we
impossible for the carnal mind to understand or appreciate have taken hold of
the work of God. All who desire to doubt or cavil will find His strength. . . .
occasion. . . . Those who in humility of heart follow the We want to talk
light as it shines upon them will receive clearer light, while with our Saviour as
those who refuse to obey till they can see all occasion for though He were right by our side. It is our privilege to carry
doubt removed, will be left in darkness. HP, p105 with us the credentials of our faith, --love, joy, and peace.
When we do this, we shall be able to present the mighty
Our hope is to be constantly strengthened by the knowl-
arguments of the cross of Christ. When we learn to walk by
edge that Christ is our righteousness. Let our faith rest
faith and not by feeling, we shall have help from God just
upon this foundation, for it will stand fast forever. Instead
when we need it, and His peace will come into our hearts.
of dwelling upon the darkness of Satan and fearing his
It was this simple life of obedience and trust that Enoch
power, we should open our hearts to receive light from
lived. If we learn this lesson of simple trust, ours may be
Christ and to let it shine forth to the world, declaring that
the testimony that he received, that he pleased God. If we
He is above all the power of Satan, that His sustaining arm
commit the keeping of our souls to God in the exercise of
will support all who trust in Him. 5T, p742
living faith, His promises will not fail us; for they have no
The touch of faith opens to us the divine treasure house of limit but our faith. ML, p14
power and wisdom; and thus, through instruments of clay,
God accomplishes the wonders of His grace. This living Talk and act as if your faith was invincible. The Lord is rich
faith is our great need today. We must know that Jesus is in resources; He owns the world. Look heavenward in
indeed ours; that His Spirit is purifying and refining our faith. Look to Him who has light and power and efficiency.
hearts. If the followers of Christ had genuine faith, with There is in genuine faith a buoyancy, a steadfastness of
meekness and love, what a work they might accomplish! principle, and a fixedness of purpose that neither time nor
What fruit would be seen to the glory of God! AG, p265 toil can weaken.

It is a mistake to think of the enemy of righteousness as

"Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young
clothed with so great power, when we dwell so little upon
men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the Lord
the love of God and His might. We must talk of the mighti-
shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings
ness of Christ. We are utterly powerless to rescue ourselves
as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall
from the grasp of Satan; but God has appointed a way of
walk, and not faint." Isa. 40:30, 31. COL, p147
escape. The Son
of the Highest has
True faith lays hold of and claims the promised blessing
strength to fight
before it is realized and felt. We must send up our petitions
the battle for us,
in faith within the second veil, and let our faith take hold of
and "through Him
the promised blessing, and claim it as ours. We are then to
that loved us" we
believe that we receive the blessing, because our faith has
may come off
hold of it, and according to the word it is ours. "What
"more than con-
things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye re-
querors." 5T, p741
ceive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24. Here is
Every failure on faith, naked faith, to believe that we receive the blessing,
the part of the even before we realize it.
children of God is
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 THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH
What command did the God of heaven give to Romans 1:5, R.V.
Abraham? What was the effect of the Apostles' preaching
"Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy upon the hearers?
country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's "And the word of God increased; and the number of the
house, unto a land that I will shew thee. " Genesis 12:1. disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great com-
pany of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7.
Did Abraham obey this command?
"So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; How highly does God regard obedience in the lives
and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five of men?
years old when he departed out of Haran." Verse 4. "And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt
offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Of what was Abraham's obedience the result, or Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken
fruit? than the fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15:22.
"By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out
unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; What example of obedience to the will of the Fa-
and he went out, not knowing whither he went." Hebrews ther has Christ given to us?
11:8, R.V. "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Him-
self, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the
What later command did the Lord give to Abra- cross." Philippians 2:8.
ham?
"And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, At what great cost did even He learn the lesson of
whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; obedience?
and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the "Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the
mountains which I will tell thee of ." Genesis 22:2. things which He suffered." Hebrews 5:8.

Upon what ground were the previous promises To whom did Christ become the author of salva-
made to Abraham later renewed? tion?
"And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for be- "And being made perfect, He became the Author of eternal
cause thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy salvation unto all them that obey Him." Verse 9.
son, thine only son: that in blessing I will bless thee, and in
multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the How complete should this obedience be?
heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that ex-
thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; and in thy alteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing
seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2
thou hast obeyed My voice." Verses 16-18. Corinthians 10:5.

What was it that enabled Abraham to obey the What important fact did Jesus mention about the
great test? Pharisees?
"By faith Abraham when he was tried, offered up Isaac: "And He said unto them, Full well ye reject the command-
and he that had received the promises offered up his only ment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition." Mark
begotten son." Hebrews 11: 17. 7:9.

Of what were the works of Abraham an evidence? What will be the future of those who refuse to obey
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he the gospel of Christ?
had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?" James 2:21. "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord
Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty an-
By his actions, or works, what was shown to be gels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know
perfect? not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus
"Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by Christ." 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8.
works was faith made perfect?" Verse 22.
What is the result of faithfully obeying the truth by
What is genuine faith? the enabling grace of Christ?
"In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth
nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love." Ga- through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see
latians 5:6. that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently." 1 Pe-
ter 1:22.
What is the purpose of the grace of Christ? "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the
"Through whom we received grace and apostleship, unto land." Isaiah 1:19.
obedience of faith among all nations, for His name's sake."
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 When the promised blessing is realized and enjoyed, faith is swallowed up. But
many suppose they have much faith when sharing largely of the Holy Spirit, and that
they cannot have faith unless they feel the power of the Spirit. Such confound faith
with the blessing that comes through faith. CET, p126

The work of faith means more than we think. It means genuine reliance upon the
naked word of God. By our actions we are to show that we believe that God will do
PRISONERS OF just as He has said. The wheels of nature and of providence are not appointed to roll
HOPE backward nor to stand still. We must have an advancing, working faith, a faith that
The bulk of this newsletter is works by love and purifies the soul from every vestige of selfishness. It is not self,
authored by members of the but God, that we must depend upon. We must not cherish unbelief. We must have
Mowbray SDA church whose
that faith that takes God at His word. {BTS, June 1, 1915
desire is to provide a thought
provoking newsletter for Ad-
ventists dwelling on the banks Faith is trusting in God,--believing that He loves us, and knows what is for our best
of Jordan; in the process ap-
good. Thus, instead of our own way, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our
pealing to entire fidelity to the
Bible and the Spirit of Proph- ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of
ecy. our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already His; faith ac-
knowledges His ownership, and accepts its blessings. Truth, uprightness, purity, are
pointed out as secrets of life's success. It is faith that puts us in possession of these.
Every good impulse or aspiration is the gift of God; faith receives from God the life
that alone can produce true growth and efficiency. "This is the victory that over-
cometh the world, even our faith," [1 JOHN 5:4.]
It is faith that enables us to look beyond the present, with its burdens and cares, to
the great hereafter, where all that now perplexes us shall be made plain. Faith sees
Jesus standing as our Mediator at the right hand of God. Faith beholds the man-
sions that Christ has gone to prepare for those who love Him. Faith sees the robe
and crown prepared for the overcomer, and hears the song of the redeemed. GW.
p259

There are many who claim to have faith, but how shall we know that it is genuine?
The Lord has given us a test by which we may prove our profession and the profes-
sion of others. The prophet says, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not
according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." John declares, "He
that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth
is not in him." This test applies to those who have been enlightened in regard to the
claims of God's law. The principles of the Bible must be brought into every-day life,
to enlighten conscience, and regulate the conduct. RH, August 18, 1891

Re 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the command-
ments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Oh, for a living, active faith! We need it; we must have it, or we shall faint and fail in
the day of trial. 5T, p215

Contact Information:
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