WHERE DOES KNOWLEDGE COME FROM?
Prov. 2:6 – “For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of His mouth cometh KNOWLEDGE and understanding.
Matt 4:4 – “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
WHAT ABOUT THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS?
IS IT THE WORD OF ELLEN WHITE OR THE WORD OF GOD?
…the TESTIMONY OF JESUS is the Spirit of Prophecy. (Revelation 19:10)
IN THE BIBLE WE ARE TOLD:
“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars (Rev. 12:1)
WHAT IS THIS MOON THAT IS DIRECTING THE PATH OF THE WOMAN? (God's Church)
Genesis 1:16 – “And GOD MADE TWO GREAT LIGHTS; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night...
***Note: The Bible refers to the moon as the “lesser light.”
What else is referred to as the “lesser light?”
***Note: Many suppose that because Sister White refers to herself / her writings as the “lesser light” that they are not equivalent to the Word of God. Is this true? NO!!!
“The Holy Ghost is the author of the Scriptures and of the Spirit of Prophecy...” 1900. {3SM 30.3}
Note: Even though the SOP is referred to as the lesser light, it is not less needed than the Bible and is not, by God, considered to be on a lower level than the Bible. In fact, it illuminates that which is already in the Bible, just as the moon illuminates the light of the sun. The moon is just as much needed as the sun is. It shines brightest in the darkness as does the SOP.
SOP:
“In the Scriptures God has set forth practical lessons to govern the life and conduct of all; but though He has given minute particulars in regard to our character, conversation, and conduct, yet in a large measure, His lessons are disregarded and ignored. Besides the instruction in His Word, the Lord has given special testimonies to His people, not as a new revelation, but that He may set before us the plain lessons of His Word, that errors may be corrected, that the right way may be pointed out, that every soul may be without excuse.” -- Letter 63, 1893. (See Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 665.) {3SM 31.3}
“Brother J would confuse the mind by seeking to make it appear that the light God has given through the Testimonies is an addition to the Word of God, but in this he presents the matter in a false light. God has seen fit in this manner to bring the minds of His people to His Word, to give them a clearer understanding of it.” {3SM 30.6}
“…some who profess to make the Word of God their study are found living in direct opposition to its plainest teachings. Then, to leave men and women without excuse, God gives plain and pointed testimonies, bringing them back to the Word that they have neglected to follow.” {3SM 31.1}
“The Word of God abounds in general principles for the formation of correct habits of living, and the testimonies, general and personal, have been calculated to call their attention more especially to these principles.” -- Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 663, 664. {3SM 31.2}
“Precious instruction has been given to our people in the books I have been charged to write. How many read and study these books? The light that God has given may be regarded with indifference and unbelief, but this light will condemn all who have not chosen to accept and obey it.” --1907. {3SM 358.1}
“...WILL YOU HEED WHAT THE LORD HAS SPOKEN THROUGH SISTER WHITE, or will you cast the word of the Lord behind you...?” {2SM 82.1}
“Men may get up scheme after scheme, and the enemy will seek to seduce souls from the truth, but all who believe that the Lord has spoken through Sister White, and has given her a message, will be safe from the many delusions that will come in these last days.” --Letter 50, 1906. {3SM 83.5}
“The enemy is on our track. We must be wide awake, on our guard against him. We must put on the whole armor of God. We must follow the directions given through the spirit of prophecy. We must love and obey the truth for this time. This will save us from accepting strong delusions. God has spoken to us through His word. He has spoken to us through the testimonies to the church and through the books that have helped to make plain our present duty and the position that we should now occupy. The warnings that have been given, line upon line, precept upon precept, should be heeded. If we disregard them, what excuse can we offer?” {8T 298.1}
“Satan is a cunning worker, and he will bring in subtle fallacies to darken and confuse the mind and root out the doctrines of salvation. Those who do not accept the Word of God just as it reads, will be snared in his trap. Today we need to speak the truth with holy boldness...” {7MR 357.1}
“In ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and apostles. In these days He speaks to them by the testimonies of His Spirit. There was never a time when God instructed His people more earnestly than He instructs them now concerning His will and the course that He would have them pursue.” -- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 661. {3SM 30.2}
“Many are going directly contrary to the light which God has given to His people, because they do not read the books which contain the light and knowledge in cautions, reproofs, and warnings...” (5T 681.1)
“Light so precious, coming from the throne of God, is hid under a bushel. God will make His people responsible for this neglect. An account must be rendered to Him for every ray of light He has let shine upon our pathway, whether it has been improved to our advancement in divine things or rejected because it was more agreeable to follow inclination.” [VOL. 4, P. 391 (1880)] {5T 681.1}
“The volumes of Spirit of Prophecy, and also the Testimonies, should be introduced into every Sabbathkeeping family, and the brethren should know their value and BE URGED TO READ THEM. It was not the wisest plan to place these books at a low figure and have only one set in a church. They should be in the library of every family and read again and again. Let them be kept where they can be read by many, and let them be worn out in being read by all the neighbors.” {4T 390.3}
“There should be evening readings, in which one should read aloud to those assembled at the winter fireside. There is but little interest manifested to make the most of the light given of God. Much of it is concerning family duties, and instruction is given to meet almost every case and circumstance. Money will be expended for tea, coffee, ribbons, ruffles, and trimmings, and much time and labor spent in preparing the apparel, while the inward work of the heart is neglected. God has caused precious light to be brought out in publications, and these should be owned and read by every family.” (4T 390.4)
2SM = Selected Messages, Volume 2
3SM = Selected Messages, Volume 3
2T = Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2
8T = Testimonies for the Church, Volume 8
7MR = Manuscript Releases, Volume 7
5T = Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5
4T = Testimonies for the Church, Volume 4
***Note: Now that we have established the importance of the writings of Sister White and how they are not an addition to the word of God but shed light on that which has already been written, let's move onto our presentation for today.
1: EXAMINING OURSELVES – Picture of the Sanctuary
2: IN THE BIBLE WE ARE TOLD – “Thy way O God is IN THE SANCTUARY...” (Psalms 77:13)
We're going to look at the Health Reform in light of the Sanctuary...This is not really a message on the sanctuary, although we will be looking a bit at the sanctuary.
KEEP IN MIND THE TITLE OF OUR MESSAGE TODAY: “EXAMINING OURSELVES”
In the Bible we are told:
#3: “EXAMINE YOURSELVES, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves...” (2 Cor 13:5)
Today with the health message, we will be examining ourselves in light of the sanctuary. Where are each one of us in the sanctuary? Which compartment are we in?
4: ARE WE IN THE:
Courtyard?
Holy Place?
Most Holy Place?
OR
Outside the sanctuary area altogether?
Before looking at these areas, I would like to share the following with you:
5: “Reform, continual reform, must be kept before the people...men and women must be taught to take a careful review of every habit and practice and at once put away those things that cause an unhealthy condition of the body...” Nov. 12, 1901. {WM 127.2}
“We have been given the work of advancing health reform...” {TSDF 66.3)
6: “Health reform in all its bearings is to be presented before the people...Let this phase of the message be REVIVED...” {Te 239.3}
“In the family circle and in the church we should place Christian temperance on an elevated platform...” {CG 400.1}
7: “Keep the work of HEALTH REFORM TO THE FRONT, IS THE MESSAGE I AM INSTRUCTED TO BEAR. Show so plainly its value that a widespread need for it will be felt...” (CD 457.1)
8: PICTURE OF THE SANCTUARY
9: Question: WHAT TYPE OF SACRIFICE WAS TO BE BROUGHT?
Answer: Without spot or blemish. (Leviticus 1:1-3)
“The offerings of the ancient Hebrews were to be without blemish...He tells us that our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost; and he requires us to take care of this temple. All should be very careful to preserve the body in the best condition of health, that they may render to God perfect service, and do their duty in the family and in society.” {CTBH 52.3}
10: Now, let's look at the gate and the courtyard.
Q: WHY DID THE PEOPLE HAVE TO COME THROUGH THE GATE INTO THE COURTYARD? Picture of the sanctuary.
11: WHY DID THE PEOPLE HAVE TO COME THROUGH THE GATE INTO THE COURTYARD? Because of sin.
WHAT IS SIN????
1 John 3:4 – “...sin is the transgression of the law”
Q: WHAT LAW?
“It is as truly a sin to violate the laws of our being as it is to break the Ten Commandments. To do either is to break God's laws...” {CTBH 53.1}
12: “...Every law governing the human machinery...Every careless, inattentive action, any abuse put upon the Lord's wonderful mechanism, by disregarding His specified laws in the human habitation, is a violation of God's law...” {CD 17.2}
“The transgression of physical law is transgression of God's law...And the human being who is careless and reckless of the habits and practices that concern his physical life and health, sins against God. God is not REVERENCED, RESPECTED, OR RECOGNIZED...” 1897 {HL 17.4}
13: “The health reform is one branch of the great work which is to fit a people for the coming of the Lord...The law of ten commandments has been lightly regarded by man; yet the Lord will not come to punish the transgressors of that law without first sending them a message of warning. It is in love and pity to the race that he causes the light to shine upon health reform. He publishes his law and its penalties, in order that all may learn what is for their highest good He proclaims his law so distinctly... (CH 20.3-21.1)
14: “To make natural law plain and to urge obedience to it is a work that accompanies the third angel's message.” {CTBH 9.1}
“God...has established natural laws for the proper control of our dress, our appetites, and our passions, and HE REQUIRES OF US OBEDIENCE IN EVERY PARTICULAR…” {HL 17.3}
15: We as Present Truth believers believe that we are in the time of blotting out of sins. Yet, how can they be blotted out if we keep putting them back in? We believe we are in the Anti-typical day of Atonement, and that on this day, if a person's sins were not confessed and inside when the blotting out took place, that you were cut off from Israel…Brothers and Sisters, if we don't believe that the things we have been told not to eat is not a sin when we eat them, we're not confessing and…
16: Repenting of these things, and therefore, those retained sins cannot and will not be blotted out because we have not brought them before our High Priest
17: “In the precepts of His holy law, God...has declared that until the close of time this law, unchanged in a single jot or tittle...” {AA 504.2 -505.1}
“...Let us as a people...NOT VIOLATING A SINGLE PRECEPT KNOWINGLY...It is a work that we must attend to in every one of our churches.” (2SM 379.1)
“When I violate the laws God has established in my being, I am to repent and reform, and place myself in the most favorable condition...” {CD 302.4}
18: WHAT IF WE ARE IGNORANT REGARDING THE LAWS OF HEALTH?
“The Lord is not pleased with ignorance in regard to His laws, either natural or spiritual...” {CH 31.1}
“Ignorance is NO EXCUSE now for the transgression of law... All are bound by the most sacred obligations to God to heed the sound philosophy and genuine experience which He is now giving them in reference to health reform. He designs that the great subject of health reform shall be agitated and the public mind deeply stirred to INVESTIGATE.” (3T 162.1 -See ALSO CD 441.3)
19: “Those who have an opportunity to hear the truth and yet take no pains to hear or understand it, thinking that if they do not hear they will not be accountable, will be judged guilty before God the same as if they had heard and rejected. There will be no excuse for those who choose to go in error when they might understand what is truth...We shall not be held accountable for the light that has not reached our perception, but for that which we have resisted and refused...” (1893) {CH 73.1)
20: Now, let's take a careful look at some of these health laws/principles. But before we do, I want to share some more quotes with you. Some people may say, “Don't you think you are giving the people too much to chew at one time? Isn't this a harsh message?”
WHAT DOES JESUS TELL US ABOUT THIS?
If those who have been in the church for weeks and months have not learned the straightness of the way, and what it is to be Christians, and cannot hear all the straight truths of the Word of God, it were better that they were cut off from Israel.
21: It is too late in the day to feed with milk. If souls a month or two old in the truth, who are about to enter the time of trouble such as never was, cannot hear all the straight truth, or endure the strong meat of the straightness of the way, how will they stand in the day of battle? Truths that we have been years learning must be learned in a few months by those who now embrace the Third Angel's Message.” (1MR 33.3)
NOW, I would like to share a few more things with you before we continue on...
22: THIS PRESENTATION IS NOT INTENDED TO ATTACK ANYONE ALTHOUGH SOME WILL FEEL ATTACKED
“The indulgence of lustful appetite wars against the soul; it is a constant hindrance to spiritual advancement. Those who yield to these lower impulses, bear an accusing conscience; and when strait truths are presented, they are ready to take offense. They are self-condemned, and think that these subjects have been purposely selected in order to reprove them...”
23: “...If these will crucify fleshly lusts, the arrows of truth will pass harmlessly by them. But while they indulge lustful appetite, and thus cherish their idols, they make themselves a mark for the shafts of truth; if the truth is spoken at all, it must wound them.” {CTBH 152.3} (See also 1T 548.1)
“Obeying the word of the Lord, Elijah presented himself before the king.” And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?”
24: He cast upon the prophet the blame of the heavy judgment resting upon the land. Thus it is today when the truth is presented...A division takes place, and the unbelieving ones feel that a great injury has been done them...They cherish hatred against the one who bore the message of truth.
25: The faithful presentation of the message of truth will ALWAYS cause division. And upon the messenger of truth the blame of the trouble will be cast. ...When God's mirror is held up before them, instead of repenting and turning from sin, they become indignant to think that they should be reproved. They think that an uncalled-for attack is being made upon them, and that the messengers of God are their enemies.” {RH, October 22, 1901 par.9- 10}
26: “As men are impressed with the importance of the law of God...Some may turn away, saying, “I am exceedingly afraid. Let not God speak to me anymore.” And...they will begin to criticize the sternness of the requirements of the law. They will say, “Prophesy unto us smooth things. It fills us with terror to look at our lives in the light of that law.” {17MR 320.3}
27: “Some have sneered at this work of reform, and have said it was all unnecessary; that it was an excitement to divert minds from present truth. They have said that matters were being carried to extremes. SUCH DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT...Viewing matters from high religious standpoint, we must be thorough reformers in order to be Christlike.” {CD 50.3} (2 Peter 1:5-9...esp. verse 9)
28: NOW, LET'S GO A LITTLE INTO SOME OF THESE HEALTH LAWS, BUT BEFORE WE DO, LET'S READ THE FOLLOWING: “With our first parents, intemperate desire resulted in the loss of Eden. Temperance in all things has more to do with our restoration to Eden than men realize.” {CD 43.2
29: “As our first parents lost Eden through the indulgence of appetite, our only hope of regaining Eden is through the firm denial of appetite and passion…the controlling power of appetite will prove the ruin of thousands, when, if they had conquered on this point, then they would have had the moral power to gain the victory over every other temptation of Satan. But those who are slaves to appetite WILL FAIL IN PERFECTING CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. . .” T., V. III, p. 491. {HL 74.5}
30: APPETITE/DIET: “There are but few as yet who are aroused sufficiently to understand how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their characters, their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destiny...Men and women must be instructed, and ministers and people should feel that the burden of the work rests upon them to agitate the subject and urge it home upon others.” {1T 488
31: DEFINITION OF THE WORD URGE
Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary
URGE (v. t.)
2. To press the mind or will; to press by motives arguments, persuasions, or importunity
3. To provoke
7. To solicit earnestly
32: “Not all who profess to believe in dietetic reform are really reformers. With many persons the reform consists merely in discarding certain unwholesome foods.
They do not understand clearly the principles of health, and their tables, still loaded with harmful dainties, are far from being an example of Christian temperance and moderation...” {CD 197.2}
33: “The principles of temperance must be carried further than the mere use of spirituous liquors. The use of stimulating and indigestible food is often equally injurious to health, and in many cases sows the seeds of drunkenness.” (Te 138.2
“Our tables should bear only the most wholesome food, free from every irritating substance.” (CD 339.5)
34: WHAT ARE SOME OF THESE HARMFUL ITEMS ON OUR TABLES?
“The use of soda or baking powder in bread making is harmful and unnecessary. Soda causes inflammation of the stomach and often poisons the entire system...” (CD 316.2)
“CONDIMENTS ARE INJURIOUS IN THEIR NATURE. Mustard, pepper, spices, pickles, and other things of a like character, irritate the stomach and make the blood feverish and impure...” {CD 339.3}
“If condiments and spiced foods are placed before them, they make the stomach work by applying this fiery whip; for it has been so treated that it will not
35: Acknowledge unstimulating food.” {CCh 223.8}
“We are living in an age of gluttony, and the habits to which the young are educated, even by many Seventh-day Adventists, are in direct opposition to the laws of nature. I was seated once at the table with several children under twelve years of age...a delicate, nervous girl called for pickles. A bottle of chow-chow, fiery with mustard and pungent with spices, was handed her, from which she helped herself freely.
36: The child was proverbial for her nervousness and irritability of temper, and these fiery condiments were well calculated to produce such a condition...” (CE 163.3)
“You say again, “They are not educated in regard to the injurious effects of MEAT EATING and of using sugar and vinegar, tea and coffee...These things are injurious and deleterious to the human system.
37: You speak...saying that the harmful effects of these things are not kept before the people as in former years, and that many have not learned the harm of eating between meals. All these subjects are treated upon in our health literature. Why not see if you cannot get them to read and become intelligent on these subjects...
38: Why should not those who are accepting the light of present truth become intelligent upon the subjects which concern the habitation the Lord has given them, walking in the light as it shines upon their pathway?” {20MR 2.4-.5}
“True temperance teaches us to dispense entirely with everything hurtful, and to use judiciously that which is healthful. There are few who realize as they should how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their character, their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destiny.” {Te 138.2}
39: “Because we, from principle, discard the use of those things which irritate the stomach and destroy health, the idea should never be given that it is of little consequence what we eat...” {CD 196.4}
“Our habits of eating and drinking show whether we are of the world or among the number whom the Lord by His mighty cleaver of truth has separated from the world.” {CD 58.1}
40: “I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to the time of “refreshing” and the “latter rain” to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation...” (EW 71.2)
41: OTHER THINGS TO PONDER
- What time do we eat?
- How often do we eat?
- Do we eat between meals?
- Do we wait 5 to 6 hours from our last meal to our next?
“Many eat at all hours, regardless of the laws of health. Then gloom covers the mind. How can men be honored with divine enlightenment, when they
42: Are so reckless in their habits, so inattentive to the light which God has given in regard to these things? Brethren, is it not time for you to be converted on these points of selfish indulgence?” {CD 182.3}
“The light which God has given upon health reform cannot be trifled with without injury to those who attempt it; and no man can hope to succeed in the work of God while by precept and example he acts in opposition to the light which God has sent. The voice of duty is the voice of God, an inborn, heaven-sent guide --and the Lord will not be trifled with upon these subjects.” {CH 562.2}
43: Sent guide; and the Lord will not be trifled with upon these subjects. He who disregards the light which God has given in regard to the preservation of health revolts against his own good, and refuses to obey the One who is working for his best good.
“It is the duty of every Christian to follow that course of action which the Lord has designated as right for His servants. He is ever to remember that God and eternity are before him, and he should not disregard his physical health even though tempted by wife, children, or relatives to do so.” (18MR 49.2-.3)
“Those who perceive the evidences of God's love...will come to regard their duties and obligations from an altogether different point of view. Instead of looking upon an observance of the laws of health as a matter of sacrifice or self-denial, they will regard it, as it really is, as an inestimable blessing.” {CTBH 120.3}
“There are times when words of reproof and rebuke are called for. Those who are out of the right way must be aroused to see their peril.
44: A message must be given that shall startle them from the lethargy which enchains their senses. I was shown that the work of health reform has scarcely been entered upon yet. While some feel deeply and act out their faith in the work, others remain indifferent and have scarcely taken the first step in reform. There seems to be in them a heart of unbelief, and, as this reform restricts the lustful appetite, many shrink back. They have other gods before the Lord.
45: Their taste, their appetite, is their god; and when the ax is laid at the root of the tree and those who have indulged their depraved appetites at the expense of health are touched, their sin pointed out, their idols shown them, THEY DO NOT WISH TO BE CONVINCED; and although God's voice should speak directly to them to put away those health-destroying indulgences, some would still cling to the hurtful things which they love. They seem joined to their idols, and God will soon say to His angels: Let them alone.” {1T 486.1}
46: “The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel's message and is just as closely connected with it as are the arm and hand with the human body. I saw that we as a people must make an advance move in this great work. Ministers and people must act in concert. God's people are not prepared for the loud cry of the third angel. They have a work to do for themselves...He has left this work for them to do. It is an individual work...”
47: Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Gluttony is the prevailing sin of this age. Lustful appetite makes slaves of men and women, and beclouds their intellects and stupefies their moral sensibilities to such a degree that the sacred, elevated truths of God's word are not appreciated. The lower propensities have ruled men and women.” (1T 486.2}
“Moral renovation must take place, else souls will perish in their sins.
48: Let the message of truth, like a sharp, two-edged sword, cut its way to the heart. Make appeals that will arouse the careless, and bring foolish, wandering minds back to God. The attention of the people must be arrested. Our message is a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. The destinies of souls are balancing. Multitudes are in the valley of decision. A voice should be heard crying, “If the Lord be God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him.” {CW 13.2-.3}
49: THE QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED ARE:
At this moment, Where are you in the Sanctuary? Are you in the Most Holy Place...OR...
Are you in the “VALLEY OF DECISION?” Have you wavered on any of these points OR any other point regarding health all the while knowing in your heart that some of your practices were out of harmony with God's Word? OR...Are you one who has refused to learn because you believed it would make you less guilty before God?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions…
50: LET’S PLEDGE OURSELVES TO GOD
Then let’s all rededicate ourselves together…Let’s all pledge ourselves to God by signing the temperance pledge.
***God does not want any of his children lost…He has given us the Health Message to help save us.
“We should present to the people the principles of true temperance and call for signers to the temperance pledge. Careful attention should be given to those who are enslaved by evil habits…” {CH 433.1}
51: “Let every God-fearing youth gird on the armor and press to the front. Let no excuse be offered when you are asked to put your name to the temperance pledge, but sign every pledge presented and induce others to sign with you. Work for the good of your own souls and the good of others. Never let an opportunity pass to cast your influence on the side of strict temperance.” {CH 441.2}
“Here is a work opened before the young, the middle-aged, and the aged. When the temperance pledge is presented to you, sign it. More than this, resolve to put all your powers against the evil of intemperance, and encourage others who are trying to do a work of reform in the world.” --Review and Herald, Jan. 14, 1909. {Te 198.1}
MY PERSONAL PLEDGE BEFORE GOD – I solemnly promise, before God, to abstain from tobacco, spirituous liquors, snuff, tea, coffee, flesh-meats, butter, spices, rich cake, mince pies, a large amount of salt, and animal fat of all kinds, baking powder, soda, or saleratus in any form, and cheese, and from all exciting articles of food, and to abstain from eating between meals, and to do all I can to induce others to do likewise.”
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