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A n d h e w i l l s h o w y o u a l a r g e u p p e r r o o m f u r n i s h e d a n d p r e p a r e dt h e r e m a k e r e a d y f o r u s M a r k 14 :15

Conference in Perth, Australia

The Assyrian Gilgamesh Epic Part IThe Crude Antediluvian World

by Idel Suarez, Jr., Ph.D.

"And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of thethoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Genesis 6:5.

One of the most fascinating archeological discoveries in the 1800's was the discovery of eleven claytablets of the Gilgamesh Epic. Of particular interest to Jews and Christians is tablet XI, which gives anaccount of Noah's ark and the deluge. Originally written in cuneiform, an ancient script, the tabletshave been translated into English. Although the actual clay tablets unearthed date to the year 700B.C., they are believed to be a copy of an older document dating back to the twentieth or eighteenthcentury B.C. which antedates the book of Genesis by several centuries (1). It stands as another writtentestimony validating the existence of an ancient Oral Bible known among the ancients yet conciselysummarized in Genesis by Moses around 1500 B.C.

Its Origin

The Gilgamesh Epic clay tablets were originally housed in the palace library of King Assurbanipal, thelast great king of the Assyrian Empire and the brother of Nabopolassar, Nebuchadnezzar's father. KingAssurbanipal was a formidable general and a collector of notable literary and historical records. Hegave strict orders to his servants and scribes "to search the archives of the ancient seats of learning inBabylon, Uruk, and Nippur, and to copy and translate" "those texts which were in older Sumerianlanguage of Mesopotamia" "into the contemporary Akkadian Semitic" language (2).

In 609 B.C., the united forces of the Babylonians and Medes under Nabopolassar attacked,conquered, and destroyed Nineveh (3). As foretold by the prophets Isaiah (10:12,16), Nahum (3:7),and Zephaniah (2:13), the allied Babylonian forces devastated the city by fire. The palace libraryperished with its keepers and deteriorated under its broken walls. Hence, the new Babylonian empirewas born.

Its Discovery

Our story on the discovery of the Gilgamesh Epic starts in 1839, when a young Englishman named SirAusten Henry Layard was enroute to Ceylon but stopped in Mesopotamia upon admiring the AssyrianMounds. His delay of days became weeks, and eventually turned into years, as he and his subsequentcolleagues unearthed the ancient cities of Nineveh and Nimrud. Among his remarkable finds was theancient palace library of King Assurbanipal at Nineveh. A great part of his significant excavationsmake up the present day Assyrian collection at the British Museum. Over 25,000 broken clay tabletswere unearthed and brought back to the British Museum. In the subsequent excavation of 1853,Rassam, Layard's collaborator and successor at Nineveh, unearthed part of the palace library anddiscovered the tablets of the Gilgamesh Epic (2).

The Gilgamesh Epic was later rediscovered at the British Museum by George Smith in 1872. He wasable to decipher the cuneiform text, or wedge-shaped characters, into English. He later returned toNineveh and found the missing clay fragments of the text and thus, composed the most complete

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version published of the whole Gilgamesh Epic. Regretfully, George Smith contracted a disease anddied of mulnutrition at the young age of 36 years old (2)

The "mutilated condition" of the Gilgamesh Epic "makes us wonder that they could ever have beendeciphered, but as duplicate copies of some portions exist, the work has been rendered possible" (3).

Its Present Location and Content

The Gilgamesh Epic consists of eleven clay tablets. I saw the original eleventh clay tablet in April of1995 while touring the British Museum in London, England. Its composition is written in Akkadiancuneiform on baked clay. The height of the tablet XI which contains the flood episode is 15.5centimeters or approximately 6 inches. It was labeled "the Flood Tablet."

The following caption appeared next to the Assyrian version of the Flood:

"This is perhaps the most famous of all cuneiform tablets. It is the eleventh tablet of the GilgameshEpic, and describes how the gods send a flood to destroy the world. Like Noah, Ut-Napishtim wasforewarned and built an ark to house and preserve living things. After the flood he sent out birds tolook for dry land (4)."

The British Museum guide book elaborates further, saying:

"He [Ut-Napishtim] does this and so escapes a prodigious storm leading to a flood which destroys allthe rest of mankind. The storm ends on the seventh day, and on the twelfth day land emerges from thewaters. In due course the boat comes to rest on Mount Nisir (in Kurdistan) and Ut-Napishtim sendsout in turn a dove, a swallow and a raven, only the raven not returning. Finally, Ut-Napishtim emergesfrom the boat, and offers a sacrifice to the gods" (1).

With the exception of the eleventh tablet of the Gilgamesh Epic, the real protagonist is Gilgamesh.The entire story deals with Gilgamesh's search for immortality. The tablets I through X describeGilgamesh living in an age of city-states, superhuman giants, priest-kings, polytheism, hunting, strongdrinks, meat-based diets, harlots, wars, and a culture of violence.

Although many have already attempted to draw parallels between the Gilgamesh epic and Genesis, avast majority of the parallelisms cited concentrate mostly on clay tablet XI which deals with the actualepisode of the flood and Noah's ark. Such reviews ignore the content in the earlier 10 tablets. They aresimply dismissed as having no similarity with the Holy Scriptures or as being merely another pagannovel.

Herein, an in-depth overview and parallelism will be drawn between those overlooked ten clay tabletsand the account of the antediluvian world in Genesis. The key phrase which sets the background andtone of the first ten clay tablets of the Gilgamesh Epic appears on line six of the first clay tablet. Itsays, "He brought [a] report of before the Flood" (5). Those same three last words, "before theFlood", were cited by Jesus as validating the story of the antediluvian world which appears in Genesis.Jesus said, "for as in the days that were before the flood." Matthew 24:38. What was it like before theflood?

An Era of City-States

The Gilgamesh Epic speaks not of countries nor provinces as much as of city states. Tablet I of theGilgamesh Epic describes the city of Uruk, which existed "before the Flood." The city had walls,"outer" and "inner" walls. The city also had a "pure sanctuary." "Go up and walk on the walls of Uruk,Inspect the base terrace, examine the brickwork: Is not its brickwork of burnt brick?" (5).

The description of Uruk agrees with the brief narrative of city-states in the antediluvian world. Menlike Cain founded evil city-states. "And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: andhe builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch." Genesis 4:17.

Many city-states sprang up after the flood and the dispersion from the Tower of Babel. City-stateswere also common during Greek affluent era and were known as "polis." The middle ages had its owncity-states like Venice, Geneva, Geneva, Hamburg, etc. Among all city-states known none have beenso powerful as Babel, Babylon, and Rome.

An Era of Giants

The epic then introduces a giant named Gilgamesh. Tablet I of the Gilgamesh Epic states, "Two-thirdsof him is god, [one-third of him is human]. The form of his body... like a wild ox" (5).

Gilgamesh, like the Genesis antediluvians, was probably an offspring of the "sons of God" and the"daughters of men."

The Bible says, "that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they tookthem wives of all which they chose.... There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that,when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, they bare children to them, the samebecame mighty men which were of old, men of renown." Genesis 6:2.

The sons of God were the male descendants of Seth, the noble and faithful race of Adam. Thedaughters of men were the female descendants of Cain, Seth's older evil brother. These were godless,mundane, and sensual women. Their offspring became proud, violent, and corrupt like the worlddescribed in the Gilgamesh Epic before the flood. Thus, Gilgamesh is described as being "two-thirds...god" and one-third human. He was the product of godly forefathers who lost their devotion by unitingwith ungodly and evil Cainites.

The same occurs today when godly young people unite their interests, life, and posterity with ungodlyspouses. The believer grows cold and eventually gives up his or her faith. Their children follow thepath of least resistance in the company of unrepentant sinners. They lose all fear of God and becomeruthless, mockers of religion, and sensual.

Gilgamesh was known as being "mighty" and renown in the epic. Tablet I states, "In Uruk [there lives]Gilgamesh. [No one is there more mighty] than he... [mi]ghty is his strength!" (5). Genesis also speaksof the antediluvians as "mighty men which were of old, men of renown" just like Gilgamesh. Genesis6:4

An Era of Violence and Manslaughter

Tablet I of the Gilgamesh Epic then describes the reigning violence, "The onslaught of his weaponsverily has no equal.... Gilgamesh leaves not the son to [his] father... Gilgamesh leaves not a maid to[her mother] "(5).

Gilgamesh was known proverbially for his revengeful spirit and slaughter of men and their families.Tablet I speaks of his "onslaught... weapons." Weapons are used in war and crime. Such was theatmosphere of the antediluvian world as attested by both the Gilgamesh Epic and Genesis. The crueltywas such that even the sons and daughters of the opposers were murdered. The epic says that he leftnot a son to his father, nor a maid or daughter to her mother. The description seems to mirror agenocide culture.

The above setting is very similar to the one described in the book of Genesis. The scriptures state thatthe antediluvian world was an era of giants, corruption, and violence.

"And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of thethoughts of his heart was only evil continually.... And the earth also was corrupt before God, and theearth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for allflesh had corrupted his way upon the earth." Genesis 6:5,11,12.

Men like Lamech, a descendent of Cain, sought unjust revenge, premeditated murder. Lamech waswilling to pursue vengeance up to 70 times 7.

"And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken untomy speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. If Cain shall beavenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold." Genesis 4:23,24.

What a contrast between the prevalent viewpoint of Lamech and that of Jesus Christ! Jesus told Peterthat he should forgive his brother or sister, neighbor or enemy, up to 70 times 7. Such is the spirit ofthe gospel and the power of a renovated Christian heart!

"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, Until seventy timesseven." Matthew 18:21,22.

An Era of Hunters

There seems to have been two major diets adopted by the antediluvian world: vegetarian andomnivorous. Tablet I speaks of both "a hunter" and "a trapping man", and of those who "feed ongrass." Thus, the epic indirectly testifies that faulty eating is correlated with faulty behavior. Sciencehas found evidence that eating habits and foods have the ability to influence human behavior for thebetter or for the worse. Violence begets violence. The hormones of the animals slaughtered and eatenreign in their new host. The temperament of one is passed on to the other. The diseases of one arepassed on as a legacy to the other. The feeder inherits the qualities of the flesh of slain animals.

Today, much is reported by the mass media regarding the growing fear of Mad Cow disease. Cows,fed the flesh of dead cows, are at risk of developing an irreversible neurological disorder. Humans

who consume infected meat can develop a human form of Mad Cow disease known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. "More than 80 people have died in Britain and two in France from this fatal humanequivalent" of Mad Cow disease. "The incubation period is believed to be up to 25 years, and sohealth officials have warned that the disease's toll may rise sharply in years to come" (6).

Men like Jabal, Lamech's son, were cattle ranchers and glutton eaters of flesh. Although God had notgiven any permission to eat flesh before the flood, this Cainite generation adopted a meat-based dietcontrary to God's original menu for the human race.

"And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle." Genesis4:20. Although the text does not explicitly state that the Cainites ate flesh foods, ranchers do not keepcattle but for meat or dairy purposes.

Thus, the Genesis account correlates with the Gilgamesh Epic on the meat-based dietary habits of thegeneration before the flood. Genesis says they were cattle ranchers and the Gilgamesh epic says theywere "hunters" and "trappers". Tablet I of the Gilgamesh Epic also speaks about "Sumuqan" who wasthe god of cattle (5). The antediluvians or Cainites ate both the meat of game and domesticatedanimals.

The other major dietary pattern was vegetarian. The faithful descendants of Seth for nearly 1,500years maintained a plant-based diet as originally prescribed by God during the week of Creation. "AndGod said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth,and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat [food]."Genesis 1:29.

The G?lgamesh Epic mentions in Tablet I "Nisaba" who was the Assyrian "goddess of grain" (5). Italso makes numerous references to "Enkidu" who "like the gazelles he feeds on grass" (5). Such epicreferences parallel the Genesis plant-based diet of the descendants of Seth, the faithful sons anddaughters of God.

An Era of Harlotry and Polygamy

The Gilgamesh Epic vividly describes scenes of prostitution. Women lived as harlots and alluredsavage men into their sensual traps. Tablet I says that Gilgamesh spoke to the hunter and advised himto hire a harlot at the city of Uruk.

"Gilgamesh says to him, [to] the hunter: 'Go, my hunter, take with thee a harlot-lass.... As soon as hesees her, he will draw near to her...'" (5).

The vegetarian Enkidu of the epic is allured by the harlot and loses his strength. In a way, the tale ofEnkidu with the harlot corresponds to an antediluvian Samson and Delilah novel. The mighty man isovertaken by the weak but beautiful harlot. Samson has his long locks shorn and he loses his strength.Similarly, Enkidu is said to be "endowed with head hair like a woman. The locks of his hair sprout likeNisaba"—the goddess of grain (5). But after uniting with the harlot, Enkidu's "body became taut, Hisknees were motionless... Enkidu had to slacken his pace—it was not as before" (5),

The story of Enkidu and the harlot personifies how an entire generation of faithful vegetarians anddescendants of Seth were overtaken by passion. In those ungodly unions, the faithful abandoned theirfaith and godly lifestyle. They lost their spiritual strength and moral might.

The Genesis account makes mention of harlotry before the flood. Women like Naamah, the daughterof Lamech, were pleasure seekers and harlots. Women like Adah and Zillah lived in polygamousrelationships.

"And Zillah, she also bare Tubal-cain... and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah." Genesis 4:22.Naamah [Strong's no. 5279] comes from the Hebrew root word "naam" [Strong's no. 5277] whichmeans "pleasure." The Hebrew pronunciation of "naamah" is very similar to the word"naalah" [Strong's no. 5275] which had the connotation "to refuse to marry" (7). So Naamah mayhave lived a life of harlotry and pleasure-seeking like many women of Gilgamesh's time.

Lamech, in Genesis, is the first to have taken multiple wives. He was the father of polygamy. "AndLamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah."Genesis 4:19.

Adah [Strong's no. 5711] literally means in Hebrew "ornament" (7). With polygamy, women arereduced to mere ornaments valued only for their external beauty, used at will and discarded by sensualmen. Their self-worth is degraded and individuality suppressed. Envy and jealousy and strife are anatural unavoidable outcome of polygamy.

The name Zillah [Strong's no. 6741] is a feminine rendition of the Hebrew word "tsale" [Strong's no.6738] meaning "shadow" both literally and figuratively (7). Zillah apparently was merely a shadow ofAdah. She may have felt the discrimination and inequality from Lamech's favoritism of Adah—perhapslike Leah who was centuries later overshadowed by Rachel in their polygamous relationship withJacob.

An Era of Drunkenness and Dancing

Tablet II of the Gilgamesh Epic tells of how the harlot introduces Enkidu to hunting, wild feasting,and strong drinks. He is taught the age-old cliche, "let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we shall die."Isaiah 22:13.

The second clay tablet says, "Nothing does Enkidu know of eating food; to drink strong drink He hasnot been taught. Saying to Enkidu: 'Eat the food Enkidu, As is life's due; Drink the strong drink, as isthe custom of the land.' Enkidu ate the food, Until he was sated; Of strong drink he drank Sevengoblets... He took his weapon to chase lions... He caught wolves, He captured lions" (5).

The chaste and vegetarian Enkidu first became a fornicator and then a drunker, hunter, and meat-eater. His life illustrates a grand implicit principle of Genesis, one sin leads to another. Sin has thecharacteristic of entangling its prey into a mud of immorality and degeneration—a quick sand of moraldegradation. Solomon said, "His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holdenwith the cords of his sins." Proverbs 5:22.

Although Genesis does not explicitly cite drunkenness as one of the sins of the antediluvian age, itdoes state that Noah became drunk after the flood. Noah had escaped the flood but one of the sinsthat brought the flood overtook him, namely drunkenness. In his drunkenness, he unclothed himselfand behaved shamefully before his offspring. Thus, sensuality and drunkenness act as catalysts to eachother. They coexist in Genesis as they coexisted in the Gilgamesh Epic.

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"And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine, and wasdrunken; and he was uncovered within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness ofhis father, and told his brethren without." Genesis 9:20-22.

An additional sad fact of alcohol abuse is that it always affects more than one person. Families areadversely affected by the irrational behavior of their loved ones under the influence of alcohol. Noah'sdrunkenness and shameful nakedness set the stage for Ham and Canaan's rebellion and parentaldisobedience from which the modern world has not been able to free itself.

Alcohol is a toxin which provides empty calories. It is a narcotic drug which slows the nervoussystem, clouds the mind, reduces reaction time, reddens the eyes, alters respiration, and unleashes allthe natural immoral inhibitions of man. Of all drugs sold in the market place, collectively they do notaccount for more disease, divorce, accidents, abuse, violence, and ecological disasters as those due tothe influence of alcohol. In the United States alone, half of all fatal automobile accidents are due todrunk driving.

Jesus also tells us that drunkenness was prevalent before the flood and undoubtably was one of thecauses of the moral depravity of that era. He says, the antediluvians were "drinking" right up to thelast day when the flood waters came and destroyed the old world. "They did eat, they drank, theymarried wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and floodcame, and destroyed them all." Luke 17:27.

The End of An Era

Jesus declared that the antediluvian world was absorbed in gluttony, drunkenness, and sensuality. "Foras in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving inmarriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark and knew not until the flood came, and took themall away." Matthew 24:38,39.

Human worth had reached an all time low. Fidelity seemed to be avoided at all cost. People soughtrevenge for the most minute wrong-doing. Entire families were slaughtered. Villages were wiped out.Humanity was given over to drunkenness, gluttony, feasting, orgies, dancing, and harlotry. It was anera which lost all fear and reverence for life, health, humanity, and God.

Ironically, the first ten tablets of the Gilgamesh Epic retell of the transgression of God's ten moralcommandments which appear in Exodus 20. The eleventh tablet outlines the supernatural consequencefor transgressing the ten commandments.

In a way, our modern civilization is reliving that ancient past recounted in the Gilgamesh Epic and inGenesis. A simple review of the news or of TV programming will confirm the degeneration of thepresent age. What will become of the next generation?

Jesus said, "for as in the days that were before the flood," so shall it be when the Son of Man shallreturn to earth. "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.... And[they] knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son ofman be." Genesis 24:37-39.

Thus, the characteristics of the present age which mirror the antediluvian world are signs of the

coming of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The alarming reality is that the past lost generation"knew not until the flood came, and took them all away." They were living in willful ignorance andwillful rebellion. When they awoke from their spiritual and moral slumber, it was too late.

Both the Gilgamesh Epic and Genesis attest that the ancient world was swallowed up by a flood. SaintPeter tells us that this time there will be an atomic flood of fire with the return of Jesus and Hisheavenly host.

"Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and theearth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day ofjudgment and perdition of ungodly men." "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; inthe which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat,the earth also the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall bedissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation [lifestyle] and godliness?" IIPeter 3:6-7,10-11.

On which side will you find yourself when He returns? In the ark of salvation with the sons of God orin the waters of damnation with the mighty men of sin? The choice is yours.

References

1. T.C. Mitchell. (1988). The Gilgamesh Epic. Document 33. The Bible in the British Museum.Interpreting the Evidence. London: British Museum Press, page 70.

2. N.K. Sandars. (1972). The Epic of Gilgamesh. An English version with an introduction.Harmondsworth, Middlesex, England: Penguin Books, Ltd., pages 7-10.

3. Ada R. Habershon. (1925). The Nineveh Gallery. The Bible and the British Museum. London:Pickering & Inglis, pages 42-46.

4. Idel Suarez Jr. (1995). The Flood Tablet. Private Journal, volume XX. Notes entered onWednesday, March 19, 1995, being at the British Museum in London, England.

5. James B. Pritchard. (1958). The Epic of Gilgamesh. The Ancient Near East, volume 1. Princeton,NJ: Princeton University Press, pages 65-75.

6. Dave Plank. (January 2001). EU Enacts Toughest Mad Cow Controls Yet. Natural FoodsMerchandiser, volume XXII, no. 1, pages 1, 16.

7. James Strong. (XIX century A.D.). The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Peabody, MA:Hendrickson Publishers.

[Gilgames.I]

Purity and innocence and conformity to Christ's character will makeheaven enjoyable. All the faculties will be strengthened, all in harmony.Perfect bliss can only dwell in the heart where Christ reigns supreme.TMK 95

CHOOSE YE THIS DAY..."And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which yourfathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for

me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15.

Life involves many choices, for Godhas created man with the ability tomake choices. He has the ability toreason so that he can see beyond thepresent moment and get an idea ofwhat the consequences of his actionswill lead to. There are often twovoices calling to us, the voice of God,through the working of the Holy Spiritand a voice that is contrary to the willof God. For many - to choose theLord's way appears difficult andtedious. We are not promised an easyroad. It is a strait gate that we mustenter and a narrow road that we musttravel if we are to reach the goal ofeternity. If we seek to know the will ofGod and listen to His voice He willreveal to us the way to go and we mustthen choose to travel the way He haslaid open before us.

Unfortunately in this day and age fewpeople want to hear God's voiceanymore. They invent many methodsin order to block God out of their lives.Some turn to worldly entertainments,TV, worldly music, the theatre, partiesand other places of socialentertainment where the angels refuseto tread. In these places you will nothear God's voice speaking to you, butthis is what many of these people want.Others make themselves extremelybusy so that they don't have time tofind out what God is asking of them.They work from morning until night,j ust dropping to bed at a late hour fromsheer exhaustion. Still others willcreate false theories that are contrary toBiblical truth, believing and teachingthem as fact, such as the EvolutionaryTheory with the Big Bang that createdthe earth and the universe. They wantto block God out of the picture. Otherswill follow these fables taught bymodern day scientists - the "wise" menof the earth so they don't have tobelieve in God either. While still othersturn to drugs and alcohol numbingtheir brains, giving them a false viewof reality.

Why do people invent ways to block

God out of their lives? One reason isthat they don't like the sound of theirconscience rebuking them when theygive into, and indulge, their darlingsins. And a second reason is fear. Theyare afraid of what God may ask themto do. He will most certainly ask themto give up their sinful habits - whichthey feel will lead to a very boring life(although they are greatly mistaken).But God may also ask them to performa certain duty or send them on amission that they don't want to go on.

Christians sometimes also seek forways to ignore the voice of God. Theyclaim to serve the Lord because theyfear of burning in hell fire, but whenGod calls them to duty they choose notto obey, rather going their own way.

TO FOLLOW THE LORD ORNOT?Some have a life-long struggle as towhether they should serve God or not.They love the world and it is so hard toseparate from the world. Some evenmay have become church membersbecause they realize that this is theonly way to salvation, but they are stillhaving a secret love of the world.Eventually their secret sins will berevealed and they will have to chooseone way or the other. The Lord will notleave people in the valley of decisionforever.

Joshua chose to follow the Lord. Hementioned to Israel in his finalmessage to the nation that the choicebelongs to the individual (Joshua 24:15— quoted above). The command toserve the Lord involves a choice. "Anyservice that is not voluntary is useless.God sets before men life and death andurges them to choose life, but He doesnot interfere with their contrary choice,nor does He protect them from itsnatural results. Joshua resolved tofollow the Lord despite what othersdid. Sometimes the choice to followGod becomes a singular act. . . thosewho are bound for heaven must bewilling, despite all opposition, to do as

the best do and not as the most do.Joshua had been remarkably true toGod all his life. He was resolved toremain faithful to the last. His lastappeal was for the people to follow hisexample of consecration, and thedignity and simplicity of his life addedpowerfully to the weight of his words."2BC, p. 296.3

Job's friend encourages us to choosethe good. "Let us choose to usjudgment: let us know amongourselves what is good." Job 34:4.Elihu here wants to discover the realtruth from among all the conflictingopinions that have been spoken aboutamong his friends. In the end the Lordreveals the truth to them.

THE LORD CHOOSES US FORSALVATION.The Lord chooses all of us to besaved..." For when we were yetwithout strength, in due time Christdied for the ungodly. . . . Godcommendeth his love towards us, inthat while we were yet sinners, Christdied for us." Rom. 5:6,8.

The Lord wants everyone to be saved"For I have no pleasure in the death ofhim that dieth, saith the Lord God:Wherefore turn yourselves and liveye." Ezk. 18:32. When we fall or makea misstep He is there to pick us up andset us on our way again. "For the justman falleth seven times, and riseth upagain." Pro. 24:16. Israel fell manytimes but when they turned back to theLord, He was there for them. "Cry yet,saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts;My cities through prosperity shall yetbe spread abroad; and the LORD shallyet comfort Zion, and shall yet chooseJerusalem." Zech. 1:17. "And theLORD shall inherit Judah his portionin the holy land, and shall chooseJerusalem again." Zech. 2:12. TheLord has great patience and comes tous over and over again. Yet there is alimit to the mercy of God, and myprayer is that none of us have crossedthat line yet.

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WE MUST CHOOSE LIFEThe Father in Heaven in conjunctionwith Jesus made a choice. The firstchoice they made for mankind was toput into operation the plan of salvation.What will we choose in return?

"God has made one greatcondescension to save erring, lost man;

"He yielded His dearly Beloved fromHis bosom to suffer indignity, scorn,and hate, to die an ignominious deathupon the cross. If anyone will be Hisdisciple now, he must live a self-denying life. His will must die. ThePlan of Salvation is laid. Now manmust condescend, now man must yield.His life must be a continual yielding.God does not deviate or change fromHis plan at all to save any. The greatcondescension has been made. Now itall lies with man, whether he willaccept the plan God has laid down,whether he will yield his will to thewill of God. God does not change nowto accommodate man. He is left now tochoose life or death. If he chooses life,he chooses the cross, the suffering,self-denying life of Christ, and he mustnot go murmuring along at theruggedness of the way." 21MR, p. 253.Does this mean that the way of theChristian is beset with only sorrow andsadness? Even though the way isrugged, the road is narrow and steep,the Lord has promised to be with usand we can have peace and joy bykeeping our eyes fixed upon the goal.

It is not an initiation process that weare put through before being grantedeternal life. It is dying to self. Sin is adeadly poison and it takes a lot ofpurging to get rid of it. The longer ithas remained in the body, the moredifficult it is to cleanse the soul temple.God is willing to change maninstantaneously, the delay falls uponus. "Can we not understand that themost costly thing in the world is sin? Itis at the expense of purity ofconscience, at the cost of losing thefavour of God and separating the soulfrom Him and at last losing heaven.The sign of grieving the Holy Spirit ofGod and walking contrary to Him hascost many a one the loss of his soul."FW, p. 17. "God would not compel anyto be saved. Jesus has made the greatsacrifice, and if any man will freely,gladly accept it: if he will choose life,he can have it. But his life must be oneof continual yielding." SG, Vol. 2, p.278. Jesus wants heaven to be a happyplace again and the only way for this to

be possible is to bring people to heaventhat have put sin out of their lives. It isa difficult struggle to get rid of the oldsinful nature and live a new life inChrist, but the struggle is worth itwhen we see the end result. There willbe no sin in heaven.

"The path of life is beset with perils. ..A constant battle must be kept up withthe selfishness and corruption of thehuman heart. Often the wicked seem tobe prospered in their way; but thosewho forget God, even for an hour or amoment, are in a dangerous path. Theymay not realize its perils, but ere theyare aware, habit, like an iron band,holds them in subjection to the evilwith which they have tampered. Goddespises their course, and unless theyturn from their evil ways, His blessingcannot attend them. Life and death areset before every worker, and thestrongest motives are presented toinduce them to choose life byobedience to God's law." MC, p. 59.

SPIRITUAL CHOICES WITHINTHE CHURCH."Ye have not chosen me, but I havechosen you, and ordained you, that yeshould go and bring forth fruit, and thatyour fruit should remain: thatwhatsoever ye shall ask of the Father inmy name, he may give it you." John15:16. Jesus chose 12 disciples whileon this earth. While all may choose tofollow Christ, it is He who chooses andqualifies men to occupy positions ofresponsibility and leadership. "But themanifestation of the Spirit is given toevery man to profit withal. . . But allthese worketh that one and theselfsame Spirit, dividing to every manseverally as he will, . . And God hathset some in the church, first apostles,secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers,after that miracles then gifts ofhealings, helps, governments,diversities of tongues." 1 Cor.12:7,11,28.

The Lord chooses some for leaders,ministers, canvassers and other officesfor which He has given talents. It is ourduty to ask the Lord what He wouldhave us to do and then to not hesitate toperform that which is asked of us. Wemust never become negligent of ourduties nor should we try to do dutiesthat are someone else's. We may nothave the talent for someone else's job.

"But if I live in the flesh, this is thefruit of my labour: yet what I shallchoose I wot not." Phil. 1:22. HerePaul is faced with a dilemma. Heknows what he wants. He would like tohave his life come to an end and to restfrom his labours until Jesus returns, buton the other hand he knows that thebelievers in the church may need hiscounsel and encouragement. What isbest? Sometimes we are honestly andsincerely following the Lord and weare perplexed as to which choice theLord wants us to make. First of all wemust know how to listen to the voice ofGod and secondly must be willing todo what God asks. Are not Christiansoften in this dilemma, as Paul was, thatif it were left to themselves they wouldnot know which to choose, life ordeath? But God, who knows the endfrom the beginning leads, as we wouldchoose to be led if we could see as Hesees. Therefore we must seek to dowhat God wants us to do, and not whatwe may want to do. We must pray asdid Jesus, "Not my will, but thine bedone."

All throughout His life on earth, Jesussought to do the Father's will, not Hisown. "For I came down from heaven,not to do mine own will, but the will ofhim that sent me." John 6:38.

DIFFICULT TASKSSometimes the Lord gives us tasks thatseem daunting. We feel as though thereis no way we can accomplish them andask, "Are you sure God?" I am sureAbraham felt this way when he wasasked to leave his family and friendsbehind in Ur and go to this strange newcountry and also when asked tosacrifice his son. Yet, he neverswerved from his duty, as difficult as itwas. The Lord chose Abraham for aspecial work. He separated Abrahamfrom his kindred and friends in order topreserve the truth in his life and family."Thou art the LORD the God, whodidst choose Abram, and broughtesthim forth out of Ur of the Chaldees andgavest him the name of Abraham."Neh.9:7

Sister White often felt overwhelmed inthe beginning of her ministry and sheasked that this responsibility be takenaway and given to another. It was notdone, and the Lord sustained her.

Both Jeremiah and Moses did not feelequal to the task the Lord had putbefore them. Jeremiah pointed out that

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he was just a child and there was noway anyone would listen to him.Moses reminded God that he had notbeen in Egypt for 40 years and hadforgotten much of the language. Theyweren't telling God anything He didn'talready know and He still chose tosend these men, and they wentobediently, trusting God to be withthem. We must have the desire to doGod's will as Isaiah did. When theLord told him of the work that neededto be done, Isaiah simply answered,"Here am I, send me." Isa.6:8.

God has chosen us for something, whatis it? As difficult as it may seem, wemust not hesitate to perform our duty.Jeremiah was told that he was called tobe a prophet before he was born."Before I formed thee in the belly Iknew thee; and before thou earnestforth out of the womb I sanctified thee,and I ordained thee a prophet unto thenations." Jer. 1:5.

In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesusprayed in agony. Three times He askedHis Father that if it was possible thatthis cup be taken away, then pleasetake it - however He finished bysaying, "Nevertheless, not as I will, butas thou wilt." Matthew 26:39.

No more difficult task will ever begiven to any human being than wasgiven to Jesus. If you ever feeloverwhelmed by the duty you havebeen asked to do and feel that it is toohard, remember what Jesus wentthrough in Gethsemane. He sufferedmore than any human being will eversuffer. The beautiful part is that He hasbeen there. He understands and He haspromised to be with us until the end ofthis world's history. We don't have towalk alone. It is important then that wealways pray, asking for God's will tobe done in our lives, and we must bewilling to go where He wants us to goand do what He wants us to do.

God needs minutemen who arewilling to go to the ends of the earth

for Him, should He ask.

There was a prophet in the oldtestament who came and gave amessage to Jeroboam. (1 Kings 13:1-32) God told him not to eat or drinkanything until he had completed hismission and arrived back home again.A false prophet met him on hishomeward journey and informed himthat the Lord had told him that He had

changed His mind, and that the Lordhad instructed him to bring this prophetinto his house and feed him. The trueprophet believed him and what a sadend he had to his life. He was no matchfor the lion he met the next morning onthe road towards his home. He shouldhave done God's will. If we hearsomeone telling us something that isexactly the opposite to what God hastold us, we had better check to makesure the person is genuine otherwisecontinue doing what God had told youin the first place.

DIET

Does diet have anything to do in aid ofmaking the right choice? Some feelthat it does not matter what you eat asit will not affect your thinking anddiscernment of good and evil, howeverthis is not true. "Butter and honey shallhe eat, that he may know to refuse evil,and choose the good." Isaiah 7:15. Yesit most certainly does. When Jesus wason the cross they offered him vinegaron a sponge to drink. This is oftengiven in mercy to the suffering one tohelp numb the pain. This also numbsthe brain and dulls the senses. Jesuswould have nothing of that. He knewthat He needed a clear mind at thismost crucial time in the Plan ofSalvation. He decided to bear the painand maintain a clear mind. Yes, it isvery important to keep a clear mind byeating only the best foods, so that wecan clearly discern the way of the Lordand make the right choices.

REFUSING GOD'S WAY

Sometimes Christians will shy awayfrom doing God's will. They ask in agenuine manner what God would havethem to do, but they don't like theanswer they have been given, sotherefore they decide it could not havebeen the voice of God and they go theirown way - sometimes with unfortunateconsequences. It is often easier to haveothers make decisions for us ratherthan for us to make our own, but wemust make the choices and decisionsfor our selves. I am reminded of ayoung person I knew many years agowho was unsure as to whether heshould enter the canvassing field oflabour and become a missionary for theLord. He felt impressed in thatdirection and inquired of an elderly,faithful person in the church as towhether he should or should not. Thisperson answered the young person by

telling him that they can't make thedecision for him. This was a decisionbetween that young person and God. Ifhe was impressed to go, then he mustobey that voice as the call of God. Thisyoung person wanted someone else tomake the decision. Sad to say that thisyoung person did not decide to becomea worker for the Lord and today is nolonger in the church and almost anAtheist. This person should have doneGod's will immediately when he feltthe impression.

I have also known ministers andworkers who were asked by the churchto go to certain places but chose not to.I remember one particular ministerwho was asked to go to a certain area,but he chose not to go and went toanother city instead. Today he is nolonger in full time ministry and hisfamily is not faithful to the truth.Would it have been different if he hadchosen to go where he was asked,rather than the city of his ownchoosing? I am not God, so I cannotsay, however I do know that there is ablessing involved if you choose to doGod's will. There have been otherswho have been asked to go to differentplaces, but have refused, making onekind of excuse or another and now arehaving difficulties with the church.How sad to see these things happen. Itis very dangerous to choose anotherway than the way God has asked us to

Some are afraid to ask God for fearthat they will not like the answer - sothey don't ask, however it is dangerousto go against God's will. If God hasgiven us a duty to do, He will not leaveus alone to struggle on. He haspromised to be with us until the end.

It is a very serious mistake to chooseNOT to do God's will. Sometimes itseems that God has more mercy than atother times, but He knows the heart ofevery individual and He will judgerighteously. When Jonah was called togo to Nineveh, he didn't like themission. He set out to go in theopposite direction. He chose to not doGod's will, however God in His mercysent a great fish, which spewed Jonahon the land beside Nineveh. He gaveJonah a second chance and so Jonahreluctantly went. He did not want torun from God any more. What ablessed result came from Jonah'spreaching.

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Other times if people flatly refuse to doGod's will, His spirit will depart fromthem and their lives will come toconfusion. I am reminded of HazenFoss and William Foy who lived over100 years ago. They absolutely refusedto give the message to the people thatthe Lord gave them. Finally the Lordtook the message from them and gaveit to Ellen Harmon, who was only a 17-year-old frail young girl at that time.Ellen was at first fearful of preachingthe message, but God in His mercyshowed her what the consequenceswould be if she refused. She dared notdisobey God and do her own will. Shechose to do God's will and to leave theresults in the hands of the Lord.

Unfortunately many will clearly refuseuntil it is too late. "Therefore will Inumber you with the sword, and yeshall all bow down to the slaughter:because when I called, ye did notanswer; when I spake, ye did not hear;but did evil before mine eyes, and didchoose that wherein I delighted not."Isa. 65:12. There will be a time whensome will call on God but He will notanswer. The fault does not lie withGod, but rather the wrong choice thatthey have made previously. "For thatthey hated knowledge, and did notchoose the fear of the LORD." Pro.1:29. "When they had hearts softenough to be impressionable, theyrefused to permit the Spirit of God towork upon them. Now their hearts havebecome hardened and their charactersfixed. Now it is too late. Any simulatedrepentance is only a desire to escapethe dreadful results of their sins. Evenif these men were granted anotheropportunity, it would produce nochange. Real forgiveness is not a mereexcusing of sin, but a cleansing of thesinner. Without a genuine surrender tothe instruction and control of the HolySpirit and an earnest desire to bechanged, no sinner can be saved."3BC, p. 951. Many don't want theknowledge of the Lord because itwould interfere with their enjoyment oftheir sin. It would mean a change intheir life, therefore they do what theycan to avoid such knowledge. Nowthey would like to avoid theconsequences of their choice, but it istoo late.

IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE:How long will life continue on planetearth? Only God knows, but if we arespiritually awake, we will see the signsof the times fulfilling before our very

eyes and we will not be like the TenVirgins, falling asleep when there is agreat need for preparation.Unfortunately many will wake up andit will be too late.

"Then I saw Jesus lay off his priestlyattire, and clothe Himself with Hismost kingly robes. Upon His head weremany crowns, a crown within a crown.Surrounded by the angelic host, He leftheaven. The plagues were falling uponthe inhabitants of the earth. Some weredenouncing God and cursing Him.Others rushed to the people of God andbegged to be taught how they mightescape His judgements. But the saintshad nothing for them. The last tear forsinners had been shed, the lastagonizing prayer offered, the lastburden borne, the last warning given.The sweet voice of mercy was no moreto invite them. When the saints, and allheaven, were interested for theirsalvation, they had no interest forthemselves. Life and death had beenset before them. Many desired life, butmade no effort to obtain it. They didnot choose life, and now there was noatoning blood to cleanse the guilty , nocompassionate Saviour to plead forthem and cry, "Spare, spare the sinnera little longer." All heaven had unitedwith Jesus, as they heard the fearfulwords, "It is done. It is finished." Theplan of salvation had beenaccomplished, but few had chosen toaccept it. And as mercy's sweet voicedied away, fear and horror seized thewicked. With terrible distinctness theyheard the words, 'Too late! Too late!"'EW,p. 281.

Yes, "Many desire life, but do notchoose it. They love the world, itsfashion, its pleasure, and they plainlyshow they have not chosen eternal life.Their treasure is here. This world istheir home. The lives of those whochoose life and salvation will bemarked with their choice. Theirconduct will say plainly that they areseeking a better country, even aheavenly, a city that hath foundations,whose builder and maker is God."7MR,p. 216.

"Even many professed Christiansseem to have no earnest desire for thisheavenly knowledge, and remain inwilling ignorance of this divine gracewhich it is their privilege to obtain.. . .All can choose life if they will. Theycan resist sin, take pleasure in the waysof righteousness and true holiness, and

be rewarded with eternal life in God'severlasting kingdom." SA, p. 79."Some Sabbath keepers so earnestlydesire to have friendship with theworld, that they mangle their feelingsand make wretched work of followingChrist. They desire the approval ofGod and the friendship of the worldtoo. Such I saw would certainly loseheaven. They do not enjoy this world,therefore they lose both.. . For a life ofhumble obedience here, God will grantthe rich reward hereafter. He willaccept of nothing but entireconsecration." RH, 11-26-61.

And we have to trust the Lord that ifwe choose to follow Him, whatever Hemay ask, He will be with us and allwill work out for the best. He will leadus in the paths of righteousness. TheLord never leads anyone into error orinto false religious movements. "Whatman is he that feareth the Lord? Himshall he teach in the way that he shallchoose." Psalm 25:12. If we choose tofollow the Lord, He will teach us andguide us.

"Envy thou not the oppressor, andchoose none of his ways." Pro. 3:31.Never let your friends or familymembers cause you to choose thewrong way. Choose for yourself theway of the Lord and He will bless you.Often those who are in the way ofdeath, may seem to prosper and we aretempted to follow them, however wemust never envy them. Think of whatlies at the end of the road. And wehave to choose today because verysoon momentous events will break outon this earth and we do not want to becaught on the wrong side because wedelayed our choice. But God does notforce us - the choice is ours. Where weend up will be completely dependenton the choice we made. God will helpus, but the choice is ours to make.

"/ call heaven and earth to record thisday against you, that I have set before

you life and death, blessing andcursing: therefore choose life, thatboth thou and thy seed may live:"

Deut. 30:19.

"My brother, my sister, today theSpirit invites you to come to Jesus. ."Look unto me, and be ye saved," isGod's gracious invitation. Will you

not choose life, eternal life."RH, 02-15-12

Wendy Eaton

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PROPENSITYIn the letter to Brother Baker, sister Whiteused the word "propensity" which hasconfused many.

"Be careful, exceeding careful as to how youdwell upon the humanity of Christ. Do notset Him before the people as a man with thepropensities of sin... He took upon Himselfhuman nature, and was tempted in all pointsas human nature is tempted. He could havesinned; He could have fallen but not for onemoment was there in Him an evil propensity."Manuscript Releases 13. page 18.

According to the dictionary, the word"propensity" means tendency and leaning.

We also must check how sister White usedthis word in other testimonies to find out herunderstanding of this word.

"If you allow yourself to become a talebearer,you will not be welcome in any family,because of your propensity to report everytransaction that may occur." Spalding andMorgan Collection.

"Satan know that it cannot be, and for thisreason he brings his temptations to bear uponmen upon the point of appetite, that he maybring them into bondage to this propensityand thus work their ruin." Mind, Characterand Personality Book 1, pg 76.

"You are watching with keen business eye thebest chance to secure a bargain. Thisscheming propensity has become secondnature with you, and you do not see andrealize the evil of encouraging it." ThePublishing Ministry pg. 330.

"Judas was naturally avaricious, and he hadfostered this evil propensity until it had

become the ruling motive in his life." Spiritof Prophecy Vol. 3 chapter 4.

"It only increased your money-lovingpropensity, and was an additional weight tosink you to perdition." Test. Vol. 2 page 240.

"Sister R., your brain is wearied and taxed byreading. You should deny your propensity forcrowding your mind with everything it candevour." Test. Vol 2. page 434.

"Brother *1BU has cultivated an almostungovernable propensity for sight-seeing andtrips of pleasure." Test. Vol. 3 page 26.

"He cares only to indulge his scandal-lovingpropensity." Test. Vol. 5 page 57.

"We need not retain one sinful propensity...as we partake of divine nature, hereditary andcultivated tendencies to wrong are cut awayfrom the character and we are made a livingpower for good." The Faith I live By, page23.

"This propensity for speech-makingfrequently dampens a religious interest thatmight have produced great results." GospelWorkers (1892) Chapter 1

"The higher, nobler powers of his being havebeen brought very much into subjection tothis close, selfish propensity." Mind,Character and Personality, Chapter 63.

"He must train his mind to good works. Hemust brace against his propensity to acquire."Mind, Character and Personality, Chapter 63.

In these above quoted testimonies, sisterWhite used the word "propensity" as a habitor fault in the character which can beovercome and put away.

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But then sister White wrote more than 400testimonies about the sinful flesh which Jesustook upon Himself.

"Christ came in the likeness of sinful flesh,clothing His divinity with humanity." ST4/11/95

"Adam was tempted by the enemy, and hefell. It was not indwelling sin that caused himto yield; for God made him pure and upright;in His own image. He was faultless as theangels before the throne. There were in himno corrupt principles, no tendencies to evilbut when Christ came to meet the temptationsof Satan, He bore 'the likeness of sinfulflesh'" S.T. 10/17/1900

Jesus did not come as Adam before his fallbut as human beings after 4000 years ofpracticing sin.

"Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord,which was made of the seed of Davidaccording to the flesh." Rom. 1:3.

The Seed of David did not have holy flesh,but sinful flesh and nature.

Yet we understand that Jesus did not havesinful habits that He had to overcome, yet Hewas tempted by His sinful flesh. He did notyield to the temptations. His flesh felt hungerin the wilderness after fasting for 40 days buthe did not yield to the temptation that camefrom within Him. He overcame His appetitewhich have caused many others to fall.

We can overcome and put away the sinfulpropensities but we cannot get rid of oursinful flesh. It continues to tempt us as it didwith Jesus.

May the Lord help us to understand the natureof Christ during His humanity and look toHim as our example, how to overcome sinand temptations.

AMEN.

Timo Martin

THE POWER OF PRAYER

I got up early one morning, rushed right into the day;I had so much to accomplish, I had no time to pray.

Problems just tumbled around me, heavier came each task;"Why doesn't GOD help me?" I wondered; He answered, "Youdidn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty; the day toiled on gray and bleak.I wondered why GOD didn't show me; He said, "You didn'tseek."

I tried to come into GOD's Presence, used all my keys at thelock.Gently and lovingly HE chided, "My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning, paused before entering the day,I had so much to accomplish, I had to take time to pray.

Author Unknown

Submitted by: Kathleen Ross

15Joshua from Australia

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

Paul counsels us to "Praywithout Ceasing", in 1Thess. 5:17. Sister Whitesays that if we go onehour without prayer, wewill fall into sin. How isthis possible? Are we tostay on our knees 24hours of the day? It ismost certainly possible tobe in communion withour heavenly Fatherwithout ceasing. We cantalk to Him as we performour daily dutiesmaintaining theconnection with heaven.We can also sing songs aswe are out and about.Songs are prayers inthemselves.

"There is no time or placein which it isinappropriate to offer up apetition to God. . . . In thecrowds of the street, inthe midst of a businessengagement, we may sendup a petition to God, andplead for divine guidance,as did Nehemiah when hemade his request beforeKing Artaxerxes." SC, p.99.

"We may speak withJesus as we walk by theway, and He says, I am atthy right hand. We maycommune with God in ourhearts; we may walk incompanionship withChrist. When engaged inour daily labour, we maybreathe out our heart'sdesire, inaudible to anyhuman ear; but that word

cannot die away intosilence, nor can it be lost.Nothing can drown thesoul's desire. It risesabove the din of thestreet, above the noise ofmachinery. It is God towhom we are speaking,and our prayer is heard."GW, p. 258.

"It is not alwaysnecessary to bow uponyour knees in order topray. Cultivate the habitof talking with theSaviour when you arealone, when you arewalking, and when youare busy with your dailylabour." MH, p. 510,511.

However we must neverneglect private and publicprayers. These aredifferent kinds of prayerswhen all distractions areput aside and we are alonewith the Lord. Duringthese times does it matterwhat position we are in?Yes, very much so. Hereare a few quotes from theSpirit of Prophecy.

"Why not pray as if youhad a conscience void ofoffence, and could cometo the throne of grace inhumility, yet with holyboldness, lifting up holyhands without wrath anddoubting? Do not bowdown and cover yourfaces as if there weresomething that youdesired to conceal; but liftup your eyes toward the

heavenly sanctuary,where Christ yourMediator stands beforethe Father to present yourprayers, mingled with Hisown merit and spotlessrighteousness, as fragrantincense." CT, p. 241."And let not those whokneel around the familyaltar put their faces intheir hands close down tothe chair when theyaddress God. Let them liftup their heads and withholy awe speak to theirheavenly Father, utteringtheir words in tones thatcan be heard." 6T, p. 381.

"Both in public and inprivate worship, it is ourprivilege to bow on ourknees before the Lordwhen we offer ourpetitions to Him. Jesus,our example, "kneeleddown, and prayed." OfHis disciples it isrecorded that they, too"Kneeled down, andprayed." Paul declared, "Ibow my knees unto theFather of our Lord JesusChrist." In confessingbefore God the sins ofIsrael, Ezra knelt. Daniel"kneeled upon his kneesthree times a day, andprayed, and gave thanksbefore his God." GW, p.178.

"Your knees are to bowthree times a day inheartfelt prayer." 6T, p.298.

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"O come, let us worshipand bow down: let uskneel before the Lord ourmaker." Psalm 95:6. "Forthis cause I bow my kneesunto the Father of ourLord Jesus Christ." Eph3:14. "To bow downwhen in prayer to God isthe proper attitude tooccupy. . . . Both inpublic and privateworship it is our duty tobow down upon our kneesbefore God when we offerour petitions to Him. Thisact shows our dependenceupon God." 2 SM, p. 312.

"I received lettersquestioning me in regardto the proper attitude to betaken by a person offeringprayer to the Sovereign ofthe universe. Where haveour brethren obtained theidea that they shouldstand upon their feetwhen praying to God?One who has beeneducated for about fiveyears in Battle Creek wasasked to lead in prayerbefore Sister Whiteshould speak to thepeople. But as I beheldhim standing upright uponhis feet while his lipswere about to open inprayer to God, my soulwas stirred within me togive him an open rebuke.Calling him by name, Isaid, 'Get down uponyour knees.' This is theproper position always."2SM,p. 311. .

given to His people on thesubject of reverence, thatministers, principals, andteachers in our schools,by precept and example,teach young men to standerect in devotion as didthe Pharisees? Shall welook upon this assignificant of their self-sufficiency and self-importance? Are thesetraits to becomeconspicuous?

"And he spake thisparable unto certainwhich trusted inthemselves that they wererighteous, and despisedothers: Two men went upinto the temple to pray;the one a Pharisee, andthe other a publican. ThePharisee stood and prayedthus with himself, God, Ithank thee, that I am notas other men are,extortioners, unjust,adulterers, or even as thispublican. I fast twice aweek, I give tithes of allthat I possess" (Luke18:9-12). Mark you, itwas the self-righteousPharisee who was not in aposition of humility andreverence before God; butstanding in his haughtyself-sufficiency, he toldthe Lord all his gooddeeds. "The Phariseestood and prayed thuswith himself (Luke18:11); and his prayerreached no higher thanhimself.

not lift up so much as hiseyes unto heaven, butsmote upon his breast,saying, God be mercifulto me a sinner. I tell you,this man went down to hishouse justified rather thanthe other: for every onethat exalteth himself shallbe abased; and he thathumbleth himself shall beexalted." (Luke 18:13,14).

"We hope that ourbrethren will not manifestless reverence and awe asthey approach the onlytrue and living God thanthe heathen manifest fortheir idol deities, or thesepeople will be our judgesin the day of finaldecision. I would speak toall who occupy the placeof teachers in our schools.Men and women, do notstand up in yourPharisaism and offer yourprayers to God. Mistrustyour own strength.Depend not in it; but oftenbow down on your kneesbefore God, and worshipHim...

"And when you assembleto worship God, be sureand bow your kneesbefore Him." 2 SM, p.313,314.

AMEN.

Compiled byWendy Eaton

"Is it possible that with all "And the publican,the light that God has standing afar off, would

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FALSE DOCTRINES

Since the beginning Satan has tried tointroduce heresies into the church of God.Then we can expect also today to see falsedoctrines being presented to us as truth.Unfortunately many do not discern the errorsin these theories but believe them and areconfused to the point even to lose their faith.

Sister White gave many warnings andcounsels in regards to these heresies that willbe presented to us.

"Heresies are now arising among the peopleof God, and they will continue to arise. Aswe near the end of time, falsehood will be somingled with truth, that only those who haveguidance of the Holy Spirit will be able todistinguish truth from error." Manuscriptreleases #7 p. 359

"We are warned that heresy of every kind willbe brought in among the people of God inthese last days. One heresy leads to manyother heresies hi the explanation of the Wordof God and in departing from the Lord'sdesign and plans." Manuscript Releases #760page 14.

"These teachers spoken by Christ will comein sheep's clothing, and will delude thepeople with their heresies, and this we shallsee more and more as we draw nearer the end.Consequently it is of the great necessity thatwe search the Scriptures for ourselves, andlearn their contents." Manuscript releases #3page 89.

"In these last days many influences will ariseto draw the worker from standing firmly for aThus saith the Lord'. Men who themselveshave departed from the faith, will seek todraw the workers into controversy, by thismethod attempt to present heresies that willlead souls astray. My brethren, do not beenticed by such influences. Engage in nodebate." Australian Record Dec. 30. 1907

"The time has come when we cannot dependupon the doctrines which comes to our ears,unless we see that it harmonizes with theWord of God. There are dangerous heresiesthat will be presented as Bible doctrines; andwe are to become acquainted with the Bibleso that we may know how to meet them. Thefaith of every individual will be tested, andeveryone will pass through a trial of closecriticism." Evangelism p. 590, 591

"The Scriptures pointing forward to this timedeclare that Satan will work with all powerand 'with all deceivableness' ofunrighteousness." 2 Tess. 2: 9,10 Hisworking is plainly revealed by the rapidlyincreasing darkness, the multitudinous errors,heresies, and delusions of these last days. Notonly is Satan leading the world captive, buthis deceptions are leavening the professedchurches of our Lord Jesus Christ" C.O.L. p.414

Clear are the warnings that the Spirit ofProphesy has given us. Multitudes will bedeceived by these heresies. What can we doto escape these deceptions?

The first thing is Bible study. We must bewell rooted and grounded in the message.The second thing is presence of the HolySpirit. Without the Spirit's guidance we willbe confused. The greatest intellect cannotfigure out the truth alone.

Next comes the obedience to the truth andfinally the love of the truth.

Apostle Paul gives us a warning that all whodo not love the truth will believe a lie.

Sometimes for the fear that someone may beoffended we dare not correct them from theerrors they believe. But the fear of God willnot permit us to do that. Jesus spake the truthand many were offended and left Him.

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Sister White counsels us to do painstakingefforts to fasten the minds of the people to thetruth.

"There must be painstaking effort to fastenthe minds of all to the solid arguments of thetruth; for everyone will be tested, and thosewho are rooted and grounded in the work ofGod will be unmoved by the heresies that willarise on all sides; but if any neglect to obtainthe necessary preparation, they will be sweptaway by errors that have the appearance oftruth." Evang. P. 365

God is allowing those errors to arise for aspecific purpose. These heresies instead ofdestroying the church will do the opposite;they will purify the church.

"My prayer is: Purify Thy church, O God....God is shifting His people. He will have a

clean and holy church. We cannot read theheart of man. But the Lord has providedmeans to keep the church pure." Test. Vol. 1p. 99

"God will arouse His people; if other meansfail, heresies will come among them, whichwill sift them, separating the chaff from thewheat." Test. Vol. 5 pg. 707

May the Lord help us to escape these heresies.Many will be shaken out by them, but thehonest seekers of the truth will not bedeceived.

As the church we must have a clear sound inour trumpet. Our publications must preparethe people to meet these heresies and remainfirm in the truth. AMEN

Timo Martin

THE JOURNEYThe journey is an entire lifetime-Let us walk with ChristHand in handTogether

The road is long and difficultLet us not look behind usBut look to JesusOn Calvary

The way is paved with obstaclesLet us not dare go aloneFor without HimWe are lost

The sojourn is not foreverLet us keep our eyes on the goalAnd trust the Heavenly guideWho will never let us down

The battle is almost overLet us take the amour of GodAnd with the sword of the spiritConquer sin

The race is not to the swift-Let us not delayBut press onwardsFor the crown

The path is straight and narrowLet us place our will in HisSo that we may overcomeIn His strength

The journey is an entire lifetime-Let us walk with ChristHand in handTogether

19 Reyna Esther Conde

WAITING, WATCHING AND GAZING2 Thess. 3:5. "And the Lord direct your hearts intothe love of God, and into the patient waiting forChrist." Luke 12:37. "Blessed are those servants,whom the Lord when He cometh shall findwatching..."

We as a people of God have a lot to say about "thewaiting and watching time." We often talk about it inour sermons, and exhortations; advice, warnings,preparations, and trying to do what we think is properor required in our earnest, yet wavering minds.Furthermore, we even sing about it in our hymns andspiritual songs and music. Then, too, we see it oftenwritten in the Gospel, testimonies, and periodicals.Our Prayer Week has greater emphasis on it year-by-year. Our ordinary conversation seems to point toheavenly and eternal things... watching and waiting.

We profess to believe we are actually living in thattime and have been for many years. Our labouringpioneers and hardy forefathers have been "waiting,and watching" also... and we are in the same positiontoday.

Well, this is all, as a matter of fact, very well andfine; but, what is it to watch? Is it just to standpassively and squarely and look up to the clouds ofheaven? Is it to sit with our uncertain gaze directedoutward, as one would follow the hands around thedial of his vigilant clock or watch? Is it to sit at thewindow and searchingly gaze at passersby as the passby your house, as is the custom in many countries?

No! No! it is more than this! In Matthew 24:42, weare admonished to watch in reference to the Lord'scoming... "Watch therefore, for ye know not whathour you Lord doth come." In the very next verse,we have the illustration of the careless "goodman",allowing the thief to break into his house. He shouldhave watched, but failed. But, this means more, orthat we can comprehend, than simply keeping a"sharp lookout" for the thief.

It means "advance work"... doing something"before" the thief comes, making preparationbeforehand. So it is in watching for the coming ofthe Lord. It is doing something in reference to thatcoming "before" it takes place. It is giving thepreparatory warning and heeding it; the warning ofthe third angel's message, and the two preceding, and

accessory or additional messages. Rev. 14: 7-11;Rev. 18:1, 2, 4; Luke 12:37, in speaking of this time,it says, "blessed are those servants whom the Lordwhen He cometh shall find watching."

An illustration is used here in Luke also. It is acircumstance attaching to an Oriental wedding, Lk12:37. "I tell you the truth, He will dress himself toserve, and make them to recline at the table, and willcome forth to serve them." Peter, always askingquestions, wanted to know of Jesus, the scope of theparable, to whom it referred... unto "us", the twelve,or "even to all"? (v. 41). The Lord applied it tothose servants of His who shall be present at Hiscoming; "It will be good for those servants whosemaster finds them ready..." (v. 38). He said, further,"Blessed is that servant when His Lord when Hecometh shall find so 'doing'." (v. 43), i.e. giving the"household meat in due season." (v. 42).Watchfulness is essential to accomplish what Godwould have His people do." (CH 560).

So, we find the warning, or admonition to "watch" inMatthew, and the "blessing of watching". In Lukewe have reference to "doing something". What, then,is this "watching-doing"? Watching is the "gatheringout" from the family of Adam, the "household" of thekingdom, and warning, instructing, and disciplining itfor the coming of its King! To watch, then, is to"work"; and to such as "look" (watch), for him shallHe appear the second time without sin unto salvation.(Heb. 9:28). A little period of watching remains. (2T192).

So, it seems very clear from the scriptures that tothose only who watch, (work) for Him, will theSaviour appear, as a Saviour to bring them salvation.My brother, my sister... myself, what are we doing?Are we looking for the Lord in the right way? Arewe giving meat (soul food), substance, meaning, gistto the true "household of the kingdom", or justdreamily gazing into the sun-sweetened air?

"The Christian's watch-word is, "Watch, pray, andwork." (GW 257). Watchfulness is the true life offaith. (5T235). AMEN.

John TheodorouAthens, Greece

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PLANSHow can I make plans for the New Year?Jesus made no plans for Himself; Hesurrendered Himself to God, and day by dayGod unfolded His work before Him. "This isthe work of God, that ye believe on Himwhom He has sent." So we should surrenderourselves and our plans to God day by day;and day by day God will unfold His plans ofwork for us. We do not know which willprosper, this or that; but God has fore-knowledge, and wisdom and understanding toguide us.

Our Heavenly Guide will give us ourmarching orders as we need them. We wouldbecome confused if we had to organize andplan all the various complicated turns that ourpaths take; so God reserves all theinstructions, and rolls them out as needed andused.

If we do our part, if we take the first stepunder His direction, then strength anddirection will be given us for the next. "And Iwill bring the blind by a way that they knewnot; I will lead them in paths that they havenot known: I will make darkness light before

them, and crooked things straight. Thesethings will I do unto them, and not forsakethem."

If we knew God's strategy beforehand, in ourhuman ignorance we might betray the secretinto the enemy ranks. Therefore God, as awise Commander, guards these importantmoves. Our part is simply to trust and obey.Our part is to submit to the rigid training anddiscipline that is required of a member ofGod's Heavenly Army. We must put andkeep our hearts in order, in subjection to Hisauthority.

Don't think this is easy! It is not simple for aproud, independent, rebellious human heart tobecome submissive, willing and obedient. Itrequires daily death, ceaseless turmoil, andunyielding determination. But at the sametime there is a wonderful sense of rest,because our Heavenly Shepherd jealouslycares for, feeds, waters and houses His sheep.AMEN

Kathleen RossAlberta, Canada

Baptism in Australia 21

The Pink BeachWalking one Sabbath morningon the island road, I came to alittle path leading to a verybeautiful beach beside aluxury resort. The beach wasseparated from the hotel by arock formation high enough toserve as a wall. At the otherend of the beach there was arocky cliff, having little cavesand openings to pass throughto another beach.

It was almost midmorning;still a bit too cool for people toswim, so I was all by myselfand enjoyed the quiet hours,soaking in the loveliness of thescenery before me. All aroundwas so fresh, crisp-cut in sharplines by the crystal clear air,while the golden ball of thehigher and higher rising sunbathed everything in itswarming rays.

It was sheer delight to stroll onthe beach while no other stepshave yet marked the virginsand. All was still smooth anduntouched from the last tidethat had erased every tracefrom the day before.

Walking thus along, I rejoicedgreatly in being on thisbeautiful spot. Gazing at theendless vast sea I observedwith untiring admiration therestless waves hastening to theshore, finally rolling gentlyalong the beach, leaving for abrief moment a silvery film of

glistening water on the surfacebefore being absorbed into thesand.

Some dainty, long-leggedshorebirds adorned the scene,as they swiftly and silentlysnapped tiny crustaceans fromthe edge of the water forbreakfast. It was a mostinspiring sight - the blueocean on the one side, palms,sand and beautiful rocks onthe other, so that I utteredconstant praises to the Lord onhigh, who made thesewonderful things. Everythinglooked perfect, pristine,satisfying the eye, elevatingsoul and spirit, invigoratingmy entire being.

And I imagined Jesus (if Hewould now live on this earth)walking along here after anight of prayer, as He wouldtake off His sandals to enjoythe softness of the sand andthe glory of the scene, torefresh His careworn soulbefore facing the burdens ofthe day.

Then I wanted to take a closerlook at the sand. Bermuda isfamous for its pink-coloredbeaches, and I desired toexamine the myriads of tiny,crushed corals, which give thebeaches their lovely pink. As Istooped down, letting myfingers move through the sand,I saw a sharp-edged piece ofglass sticking out, and next to

it another and another. Ithought it foolish and strangethat someone would discard abroken bottle on a beach,where people walk barefoot,and a little child may happilythrow itself in the sand andfall right on this spot and hurtitself.

Then, as I looked around, Isuddenly saw broken pieces ofglass sticking out everywhere.And the more I stirred thesand, the more there appeared.I was shocked, to say the least,and extremely saddened bywhat I had discovered. I couldnot understand why somemischievous people would dosuch a thing, and all at oncethe serenity and beauty of theplace was terribly marred andspoiled. This made a deep andlasting impression on me for along time and reminded methat the work of evil iseverywhere you go, being theresult of sin that is destroyingman and nature.

Then I thought about Jesushow He would hurt His tenderfeet there - and suddenly itflashed into my mind howoften we are hurting Jesuswith our sins and rebellion,piercing Him thus just as withreal, sharp-edged pieces ofglass!

Let us now take a look at thisbeach in a different way for anobject lesson. What happenswhen Jesus is taking a closer

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look at us, and His hand stirsup the settled routine of life, totry our patience, faith and self-control? Some unpleasantsituation or a serious problemsuddenly confronts us, a mostunpleasant incident disruptsour complacency, or somehighly offensive words arebeing hurled at us, hurtingdarling pride - the list isendless for all kinds ofdisturbing incidents. Thinknow and earnestly examineyourself, how you normallyreact to any sort of disruption.Do you remain calm andcontrolled, or do you letyourself get upset all over andallow your countenance tochange to express anxiety orsudden anger?

We speak here about ordinarydaily matters which mighthappen any day, anytime, notabout tragic events, but whichshape and affect us just aswell. So, as Jesus stirs Hishand in our life, like I stirredthe sand, the trouble spots inour character are beinguncovered, sticking out insharp contrast to the characterof Christ in bolsteringrebellion to show Jesus our hotdispleasure.

Resistance and resentmentrises up from deep within, theemotions are astir for the oldman is still alive, and self, theunyielding king - braces itselfin determined obstinacyagainst the challengingannoyance. Self will not bend,but stubbornly justifies itself,

that it is right and all else iswrong, and fortifies itself withan outbreak of ill temper tofight its case.

However, by responding withsuch resistance we do notrealize how much harm we doto ourselves. How entirely wemisunderstand andmisconceive the purpose ofJesus, who desires to cleanseus from all iniquity and everystain of sin, so that Hislikeness might be restored inus. And to accomplish this, Hehas to teach us lessons inevery day circumstances, intrials, temptations, insituations, which challengeour endurance and faith, thatwe may learn from them todevelop a character that willbe fit for heaven.

Most of all Jesus Himselfpersonally is by this processour very refuge and strength,for He is our great High Priestin the heavenly sanctuarywhere we may boldly enter byfaith to "obtain mercy, andfind grace to help in time ofneed." Heb. 4:16. Howencouraging! But what are Hischildren doing instead? Theyare impatient, ill-tempered,fault-finding, judging,criticizing, selfish, proud, andupset about any little thing,blind to their real condition,dull of hearing and deaf tocorrection. Making it thus allvery difficult for themselvesand wear out God'sforbearance and patience."Thou hast made Me to servewith thy sins, thou hast

wearied Me with thineiniquities." Isa. 43:24.When we are like this webring shame to His name,giving Satan occasion toaccuse us by pointing hisfinger to ridicule Christianity,and charging God that He isnot able to save His children.Is this what we are to offer ourLord and Saviour for all Hislove and incredible sacrificefor us? Our sins have piercedthe tender feet and lovinghands of Jesus on the cross ofCalvary. He suffered for oursake an agony and soulanguish that no human mind isable to comprehend. He paidthe penalty for sin that wewould deserve, in order tobring eternal salvation to lostmankind; salvation from theslavery of sin to destroy theworks of the devil. We areJesus' rightful property,purchased with a price at aninfinite cost. We are not ourown. l.Cor, 6:19,20. And whatdo we give in return for allthis? We wound the soul ofJesus and grieve His HolySpirit every time we rebel andtransgress. We cannot affordthis, salvation had cost toomuch!

We have no right to beobstinate, selfish, impatient,unkind, unloving, etc. theseare the traits of the enemy ofChrist, and Jesus says wecannot serve two masters.Matt.6:24. We must decidewhom we want to serve andovercome by faith all thatwhat is contrary and offensiveto God's character, if wedesire to be saved. When

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anyone is being tempted tosay, "this is the way I am, Icannot change myself," he isbelieving a lie from the enemywho wants just this one thing:that you consider yourself ahopeless case, that it isimpossible for you toovercome your unholy temperand so on. Satan wants you toremain just as you are to belost at the end. It is very trueyou cannot change yourself inyour own power, for this veryreason we have accepted thegospel of Jesus Christ, werebaptized and became childrenof the living God. But what weforget is that our life here untilJesus returns, is a daily battleagainst our old nature, thatstrives against the spiritualnature. The solution to the oldman in us is that he mustdecrease and Jesus and HisSpirit increase in us. There isthe source of strength toovercome, and we receive thepower through His Word, thatwe may read it. Eat it as Jesussaid, (John 6:53-56), andapply it to our daily life. Thepromises of God are for us,and it is our privilege to provethem. The condition forfulfillment is our dailysubmission to God's will,obedience to His word, andfaith that He will performwhat He says.

You need to come to termswith yourself, that you have tomake a change; it cannotcontinue that you experiencemostly defeats and are unableto master the annoyanceswhich come along the way,without being overtaken by

unsubdued emotions. Examineyourself and dare toacknowledge that you aremiserable, wretched, blind andnaked (Rev. 3:17), and havenothing to cover yourbareness. Accept thiscondition and see how it reallyis with you, then will you cryout like Paul when he said,"O wretched man that I am,who shall deliver me from thebody of this death?"Rom.7:24. And fall with abroken heart and a contritespirit at the feet of Jesus,confessing your utterhelplessness. You must indeedtremble for your condition. Indoing this you make allheaven rejoice, and honorJesus your King, for now youdesire His righteousness tocover you and His power tochange you as you yieldyourself to Him. The word ofGod encourages us to do thisvery thing: "If we confess oursins, He is faithful and just toforgiven us our sins, and tocleanse us from allunrighteousness" 1. John 1:9.

Now you look to Jesus Christour High Priest and perfectRedeemer, who when Hewalked on earth was in allpoints tempted as we are, yetwithout sin, (Hebr.4:15), andis able to succor them that aretempted, and able to save tothe uttermost. Heb.2:18; 7:25.

Believing these promises, youbring them to Jesus in humbleprayer, and ask Him for helpagainst your shortcomingsand character defects. TellHim of all your troubles, how

unable you are and howimpossible it is for you to holdback your biting tongue, yourirritated temper, yourmurmuring and complaints atthe slightest occasion and howunhappy you are about all this.Tell Jesus how you hate beingthat way and how distressedyou are because of this, andhow very sorry you are thatyou have disappointed andhurt Him all these times. TellHim that you do not want tobe like this at all, but that youare so helpless and miserable.

Pour out all your grievances,cry, weep and spare no wordsto say everything that burdensyour heart. Lay it all at the feetof Jesus and ask Him to takeaway these unholy traits, thatHe may uproot the very natureof sin in you and implant Hisnature and virtues that youmay live a victorious life toglorify His name.

O what delight will suchprayer be in the ears of Jesus,who looks with tendercompassion at you, and hasbeen waiting all along to hearthis very thing from your lips!Be sure that such a prayer willbe answered in a mostwonderful way. It shallbecome a reality what Godsays in His word in Jeremiah33:3, "Call upon Me, and Iwill answer thee, and shewyou great and mighty thingswhich thou knowest not."

All your wretchedness He willturn into joy, your weaknessinto strength, as a new powercontrols your feelings, actions

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and reason. You walk in theSpirit and when temptationarises you are alert, watchfuland immediately perceive thedanger. And instead ofresisting and resenting aproblem you go on yourknees, and yield there any illfeeling that may come up andhand them over to Jesus togive you victory instead.Through daily prayer yousubmit to God's will, andarmor yourself with the divinearmor of Ephesians 6:10-18.

Thus you will be prepared tomeet the foe and anyunsettling situation in perfectcalmness. Thus you grow ingrace and develop thecharacter sanctified byobedience, self-denial andfaith. Jesus in you increases,and ego, the tyrant SELF whotormented you all these yearsdecreases and dies out, as youdie daily to self crucifying theflesh and its works.

Jesus is removing the sharp,rough spots of your characterone by one and the fruits ofHis Spirit of love, joy, peace,longsuffering, gentleness,goodness, faith, meekness,temperance are being seen(Gal.5:22,23). The Spirit ofProphecy tells us that "whenthe character of Jesus isperfectly reproduced in Hispeople, he will come to claimthem as His own." Sons andDaughters of God, pg. 32.Shall we not hasten to developthis Christ-like character, sothat Jesus can at last come andtake us home with Him toheaven? And what will this be,standing with Jesus on theglorious sea of glass, singingthe song of Moses and theLamb (Rev. 15:3,2), the songof personal experience andvictory of deliverance fromsin!

There Jesus shall look withimmeasurable joy upon Hisprecious children who haveovercome every defect and

sin, and have washed theirrobes in the blood of theLamb. He shall raise Hisloving arms and shout throughthe heavens and the universeto proclaim His ownership ofthe redeemed: "Behold, I andthe children of man, whichGod had given Me!" Heb.2:13.

Be not discouraged ordisheartened at anybacksliding and weakness!Look constantly forward andupward and say like Paul inPhilippians 3:12: "Not asthough I had already attained,either were already perfect,but I follow after... this onething I do, forgetting thethings which are behind, andreaching forth to the thingswhich are before, I presstoward the mark for the prizeof the high calling of God inChrist Jesus." With this inmind you are destined to winthe prize - Jesus and eternallife! By Edda Tedford,

Kelowna, B.C.

Some membersand visitors inFinland.

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GOD RAISES A MAN TO MEET ASPIRITUAL CRISIS

"From the time of Jeroboam's death to Elijah'sappearance before Ahab the people of Israelsuffered a steady spiritual decline. Ruled by menwho did not fear Jehovah and who encouragedstrange forms of worship, the large number of thepeople rapidly lost sight of their duty to serve theliving God and adopted many of the practices ofidolatry." PK 109

Did you notice the italicized words above? Whenwas it that the Lord raised up Elijah the Prophet?What were the leaders of that particular bit ofhistory teaching the people who professed ancientAdventism?

Now many might be surprised to find out thatbeing guilty of idolatry doesn't necessarily meanthat a person has to carve some figure out of woodor stone and then bow down to it, although itcertainly could.

Lets see what Webster Collegiate Dictionary hasto say about an idol: 1. A representation orsymbol of an object of worship; broadly, a falsegod. 2 a) a likeness of something b) pretender,imposter 3. form or appearance visible butwithout substance 4. an object of extremedevotion. 5. a false conception, fallacy.

Therefore brothers and sisters, to be an idolworshiper can be someone who dedicates to hisideas, job, hobby, likes, food, family, children,wife, church, more than to Jehovah, the real Onewho can understand you and listen to us and helpus find eternity.

It also is very interesting that it is at this time thatwe are told that God would send one last time theElijah message which will have the same effect ithad many years ago. We are told that in theearth's last moments the church of God willappear as about to fall but it will not fall. Thisstatement, should give us much courage andconfidence in our Lord's ability to save us, butmust also be a warning to all - that times aregoing to get very tough and that only throughGod's help and plan - not man's - do we haveactually any hope of salvation.

In the days of Elijah there is a parallel to thisevent. In the time of this great apostasy by Israelthe tribe of Judah (make a note that this is thetribe of Jesus) had a king who did serve God.Kind Asa had stood firm during his reign and ledhis people away from idolatry and false worship.

Many years after King Asa began to reign, hiskingdom was invaded with the threat ofextermination by Zerah the Ethiopian. As amatter of fact, this warrior brought with him ahost of a thousand thousand and three