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I have received letters questioning me in regard to the proper attitude to be taken by a person offering prayer to the Sovereign of the universe. Where have our brethren obtained the idea that they should stand upon their feet when praying to God? One who has been educated for about five years in Battle Creek was asked to lead in prayer before Sister White should speak to the people. But as I beheld him standing upright upon his feet while his lips were about to open in prayer to God, my soul was stirred within me to give him an open rebuke. Calling him by name, I said, “Get down upon your knees.” This is the proper position always.

“And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed” Luke 22:41.

“But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up” Acts 9:40.

“And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this he feel asleep” Acts 7:59, 60.

“And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all” Acts 20:36. “And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, until we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed” Acts 21:5.

“And at the evening sacrifice, I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord God, and said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face unto thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our heads, and our trespass is grown up into the heavens”Ezra 9:5, 6.

“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker” Psalm 95:6.

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”Ephesians 3:4. And this whole chapter will, if the heart is receptive, be as precious a lesson as we can learn.

To bow down when in prayer to God is the proper attitude to occupy. This act of worship was required of the three Hebrew captives in Babylon. At the dedication of the golden image, representing the king of Babylon, and which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up, a herald cried aloud, “To you it is commanded, O peoples, languages, and nations, that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image which Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: and whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. Therefore at that time when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, all the peoples, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.”

This act of bowing the knees to the great image was understood to be an act of worship. But such an act was homage to be rendered to God alone—the Sovereign of the world, the Ruler of the universe; and these three Hebrews refused to give such honor to any idol, even though composed of pure gold. In doing so, they would, to all intents and purposes, be bowing to the king of Babylon. Refusing to do as the king had commanded, they suffered the penalty, and were cast into the burning fiery furnace. But Christ came in person and walked with them through the fire, and they received no harm.

Both in public and private worship, it is our duty to bow down upon our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. This act shows our dependence upon God.

At the dedication of the temple, Solomon stood facing the altar. In the court of the temple was a brazen scaffold or platform, and after ascending this, he stood and lifted up his hands to heaven, and blessed the immense congregation of Israel, and all the congregation of Israel stood.

“Then said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he will dwell in the thick darkness. But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling forever. And the king turned his face and blessed all the congregation of Israel, and all the congregation of Israel stood. And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which he spake with his mouth to my father David, saying, Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt, I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in, that my name might be there; neither chosen I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel: but I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.

“Now it was in the heart of my father David to build an house to the name of the Lord God of Israel. But the Lord said to David my father, Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build an house for my name: thou didst well in that it was in thine heart: notwithstanding thou shalt not build the house; but thy son which shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house for my name. The Lord therefore hath performed his word that he hath spoken: for I am risen up in the room of David my father, and am set on the throne of Israel as the Lord promised, and have built the house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. And in it I have put the ark, wherein is the covenant of the Lord, that he made with the children of Israel.”

“For Solomon had made a brazen scaffold of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court; and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven.”

The lengthy prayer which he then offered was appropriate for the occasion. It was inspired of God, breathing the sentiments of the loftiest piety blended with the deepest humility.

I present these proof texts with the inquiry, “Where did Brother _____ obtain his education?” At Battle Creek. Is it possible that with all the light that God has given to His people on the subject of reverence, that ministers, principals, and teachers in our schools, by precept and example teach young men to stand erect in devotion as did the Pharisees? Shall we look upon this as significant of their self-sufficiency and self-importance? Are these traits to become conspicuous?

“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all I possess.” Mark you, it was the self-righteous Pharisee who was not in a position of humility and reverence before God; but standing in his haughty self-sufficiency, he told the Lord all his good deeds. “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself,” and his prayer reached no higher than himself.

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

We hope that our brethren will not manifest less reverence and awe as they approach the only true and living God than the heathen manifest for their idol deities, or these people will be our judges in the day of final decision.

I would speak to all who occupy the place of teachers in our schools. Men and women, do not dishonor God by your irreverence and pomposity. Do not stand up in your Pharisaism and offer your prayers to God. Mistrust your own strength. Depend not in it; but often bow down on your knees before God, and worship Him.

And when you assemble to worship God, be sure and bow your knees before Him. Let this act testify that the whole soul, body, and spirit are in subjection to the Spirit of truth. Who have searched the Word closely for examples and direction in this respect? Whom can we trust as teachers in our schools in America and foreign countries? After years of study shall students return to their own country with perverted ideas of the respect and honor and reverence that should be given to God, and feel under no obligation to honor the men of grey hairs, the men of experience, the chosen servants of God who have been connected with the work of God through almost all the years of their life? I advise all who attend the schools in America or in any other place, Do not catch the spirit of irreverence. Be sure you understand for yourself what kind of an education you need, that you may educate others to obtain a fitness of character, that will stand the test that is soon to be brought upon all who live upon the earth. Keep company with the soundest Christians. Choose not the pretentious instructors or pupils, but those who show the deepest piety, those who have a spirit of intelligence in the things of God.

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” This is the only safe knowledge that students can obtain. The light reading of the Scriptures makes my heart ache. Whilst I am writing I groan in spirit as I see how superficial is the understanding of the Scriptures, and yet they are teachers. There is an abundance of profession of Christianity, but very little practice. Jesus says, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Who will prove themselves wise virgins? Who are the foolish virgins? Those who have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. Shall it be as represented—half wise, and half foolish?

We are living in perilous times. Seventh-day Adventists are professedly the commandment-keeping people of God; but they are losing their devotional spirit. This spirit of reverence for God teaches men how to approach their Maker—with sacredness and awe throughout faith, not in themselves, but in a Mediator. Thus man is kept fast, under what ever circumstances he is placed. Man must come on bended knee, as a subject of grace, a suppliant at the footstool of mercy. And as he receives daily mercies at the hand of God, he is ever to cherish gratitude in his heart, and give expression to it in words of thanksgiving and praise for these unmerited favors. Angels have been guarding his pathway through all his life, and many of the snare he has been delivered from he has not seen. And for this guardianship and watchcare by eyes that never slumber and never sleep, he is to recognize in every prayer the service of God for him.

All should lean upon God in their helplessness and daily necessity. They should keep humble, watchful, and prayerful. Praise and thanksgiving should flow forth in gratitude and sincere love for God.

In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation should they praise the Most High God. All who have a sense of their vital connection with God should stand before the Lord as witnesses for Him, giving expression of the love, the mercies and the goodness of God. Let the words be sincere, simple, earnest, intelligent, the heart burning with the love of God, the lips sanctified to His glory to make known the mercies of God not only in the assembly of the saints, but to be His witnesses in every place. The inhabitants of the earth are to know that He is God, the only true and living God.

There should be an intelligent knowledge of how to come to God in reverence and godly fear with devotional love. There is a growing lack of reverence for our Maker, a growing disregard of His greatness and His Majesty. But God is speaking to us in these last days. We hear His voice in the storm, in the rolling thunder. We hear of the calamities He permits in the earthquakes, the breaking forth of waters, and the destructive elements sweeping all before them. We hear of ships going down in the tempestuous ocean. God speaks to families who have refused to recognize Him, sometimes in the whirlwind and storm, sometimes face to face as He talked with Moses. Again, He whispers His love to the little trusting child and to the grey-haired sire in his dotage. And earthly wisdom has a wisdom as it beholds the unseen.

When the still small voice, which succeeds the whirlwind and the tempest that moves the rocks out of position, is heard, let all cover their face, for God is very near. Let them hide themselves in Jesus Christ, for He is their hiding place. The cleft in the rock is hidden with His own pierced hand while the humble seeker waits in bowed attitude to hear what saith the Lord unto His servant. -Ms84b-1897

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Reverence in the House of God
January 1930, Ministry Magazine

True Reverence: How Inspired. — "True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer are sacred, because God is there. And as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened." —"Prophets and Kings,"pp. 48, 4

A Change Apparent. —" There has been a great change, not for the better, but for the worse, in the habits and customs of the people in reference to religious worship. The precious, the sacred things which connect us with God, are fast losing their hold upon our minds and hearts, and are being brought down to the level of common things." —" Testimonies," Vol. V, p.491.

" An enemy has been at work to destroy our faith in the sacredness of Christian worship." —Id., p. 496.

Reasons for Reverence. — " We have abundant reason to maintain a fervent, devoted spirit in the worship of God. We have reason even to be more thoughtful and reverential in our worship than had the Jews." " Our present habits and customs, which dishonor God, and bring the sacred and heavenly down to the level of the common, are against us. We have a sacred, testing, sanctifying truth; and if our habits and practices are not in accordance with the truth, we are sinners against great light, and are proportionately guilty. It will be far more tolerable for the heathen in the day of God's retributive justice than for us." —Id., pp. 496, 495.

Duty of Parents.—" Nearly all need to be taught how to conduct themselves in the house of God. Parents should not only teach, but command their children to enter the sanctuary with sobriety and reverence." — Id., p. 496.

Common Things Excluded. —" The precincts of the church should be invested with a sacred reverence. It should not be made a place to meet old friends, and visit and introduce common thoughts and worldly business transactions. These should be left outside the church." — Id., p. 494.

Motto for Children. —" Parents, elevate the standard of Christianity in the minds of your children; . . . teach them to have the highest reverence for the house of God, and to understand that when they enter the Lord's house, it should be with hearts that are softened and subdued by such thoughts as these: 'God is here; this is His house. I must have pure thoughts and the holiest motives. I must have no pride, envy, jealousy, evil surmising, hatred, or deception in my heart; for I am coming into the presence of the holy God.
— Id-, P. 494.

There Should Be Rules . —" There should be rules in regard to the time, the place, and the manner of worshiping." — Id., p. 491.

Eloquence of Silence. —" The Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him." Hab. 2:20. " If when the people come into the house of worship, they have genuine reverence for the Lord, and bear in mind that they are in His presence, there will be a sweet eloquence in silence."
—" Testimonies," Vol. V, p. 492.

Entering God's House. —" When the worshipers enter the place of meeting, they should do so with decorum, passing quietly to their seats. If some have to wait a few minutesbefore the meeting begins, let them maintain a true spirit of devotion by silent meditation, keeping the heart uplifted to God in prayer that the service may be of special benefit to their own hearts, and lead to the conviction and conversion of other souls". —Id., page 492.

When Minister Enters Desk. — "When the minister enters, it should be with dignified, solemn mien. He should bow down in silent prayer as soon as he steps into the pulpit, and earnestly ask help of God. . . . Every one of the congregation, also, who fears God, should with bowed head unite in silent prayer with him.. . . When the meeting is opened by prayer, every knee should bow in the presence of the Holy One, and every heart should ascend to God in silent devotion." — Id., pp. 492, 493.

During the Benediction. —" When the benediction is pronounced, all should still be quiet, as if fearful of losing the peace of Christ." —Id., P. 494.

Leaving the Church. —"Let all pass out without jostling or loud talking, feeling that they are in the presence of God, that His eye is resting upon them, and they must act as in His visible presence. Let there be no stopping in the aisles to visit or gossip." — Id., P. 494. The Ministry

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Adventist Women’s Ordination IQ Test

Test your Knowelege of the Counsels of God's Spirit on the Subject of the Role of Women in the Church

Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. -1Tim 2:11-15

1. Question: According to this Scriptures, what are the reasons for women to “learn in silence”, not “teach” men or seek “authority over” men?

Answers:

a. Adam was created first.

b. Eve was deceived.

c. It was a mere cultural vestige conditioned by time and place.

d. It was merely Paul’s biased opinion.

e. a and b

Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. [or “If someone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.” -1Cor 14:38, NET Bible] -1Cor 14:34-38

2. Question: What says that women in the church are to refrain from speaking and be obedient?

Answer:

a. The law.

b. The prevailing custom in the region

c. Paul’s chauvinistic feelings

d. b and c

3. Question: If you do consider yourself to be spiritual, what does this Scripture specifically urge you to acknowledge?

Answer:

a. That what Paul wrote here is not his personal opinions but “the commandments of the Lord”.

b. Those women should assert their rights to function in the same roles as men and reject the notion of the headship of men.

c. That Paul was spewing his disgusting philosophy of male dominance.

d. That Paul, being a product of his times could not but reflect the patriarchal societal norms.

4. Question: What is the Bible writer’s assessment one who chooses to remain ignorant of this Biblical teaching?

Answer:

a. Sadly, they are culpably ignorant and should be esteemed as such.

b. Though they may have a differing opinion on the matter, everyone should humbly give them a fair hearing and consider their position as equally valid as his own.

c. In the free marketplace of opinions everyone’s perceptions of reality are to be valued as being of equal truth.

d. It doesn’t really matter since customs are continually evolving.

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. -1Cor 11:3-16

5. Question: What is the purpose of the Biblically mandated head covering for a praying woman?

Answer:

a. To acknowledge her position as willingly subordinate the authority of her husband.

b. To make a fashion statement.

c. To make her look and feel pretty.

d. To sullenly submit to the galling yoke of male dominance.

6. Question: According to this passage of Scripture, what is a woman doing if she refuses to practice this sign of her husband’s authority?

Answer:

a. She was dishonoring her head.

b. Asserting her God-given dignity as a person endowed with all the rights and responsibilities accorded to men.

c. Throwing off the demeaning patriarchal cultural restraints that hold women in bondage as chattel to be used and abused by men.

d. Glorifying God by exerting herself to be all that she can be.

7. Question: Was this practice a mere tradition of a local church? How broad was the observance of this practice?

Answers:

a. It was not a local church tradition, but was practiced in all the churches of God.

b. It was merely a local expedient measure to broker peace between headstrong women and insecure husbands by invoking the Deity on the side of the traditions of men.

c. It was all a scheme by the prayer shawl weavers union to expand their market.

d. None of the above.

If God's professed people had not greatly departed from Him, there would now be a marked difference between their dress and that of the world. The small bonnets, exposing the face and head, show a lack of modesty. The hoops are a shame. The inhabitants of earth are growing more and more corrupt, and the line of distinction between them and the Israel of God must be more plain, or the curse which falls upon worldlings will fall on God's professed people. {1T 188.3}

8. Question: Did women in the early days of the Seventh-day Adventist church follow the head covering practice?

Answers:

a. Yes, unquestionably.

b. Nobody knows. There are not historical documents indicating one way or the other and nobody is alive now who could tell us.

c. No. This tradition was started back in the 1920 with the flapper craze.

d. Maybe and few fanatics who took the Bible literally covered their heads, but it was never the norm.

9. Question: According to this passage from the Testimonies, what did the minimizing of this symbol indicate?

Answers:

a. Immodesty.

b. Worldliness.

c. a & b

d. Modesty and decorum, as big bonnets are necessarily gaudy and a sign of a pride of appearance.

10. Question: What result did she warn would be the result of moving in this direction?

Answers:

a. The curse of God would fall on God's professed people.

b. People would be better able to see the preacher on the rostrum.

c. Women would be liberated from the demeaning practice of male imposed humiliation.

d. Women would be freer to express their individuality though their personal preferences in clothing and apparel.

Those who feel called out to join the movement in favor of woman's rights and the so-called dress reform might as well sever all connection with the third angel's message. The spirit which attends the one cannot be in harmony with the other. The Scriptures are plain upon the relations and rights of men and women. Spiritualists have, to quite an extent, adopted this singular [unisex] mode of dress. Seventh-day Adventists, who believe in the restoration of the gifts, are often branded as spiritualists. -Volume I, Testimonies for the Church, page 421

11. Question: The privilege of ordination to the gospel ministry is considered by its supporters as a woman’s right’s issue. As a reformer and a woman of influence in the church, what position did she express in this passage regarding women’s efforts to push for their rights?

Answer:

a. She declared that those who feel that they have been called to join in such efforts (which entails the wearing of clothing associated with men) aught to separate themselves from the Adventist church.

b. To each her own.

c. They should continue their fight until they succeeded in attaining the full privilege of exercising all the rolls that have been denied them since the days of the patriarchs and apostles.

d. They should exert their influence subtly as mothers and children’s division Sabbath school teachers until a C-change might be effected.

12. Question: How did Ellen White compare the Spirit of the Adventist movement with that of the women’s rights movement?

Answer:

a. She declared that the spirit of the woman’s rights movement could not harmonize with the spirit of the Adventist movement.

b. As a leader in reform movements, she fully embraced such cultural reform movements and expressed her confidence that they were of the same spirit.

c. She saw a perfect harmony between the woman’s rights movement and the advent movement

d. b & c.

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Emerging Mysicism

“We need not the mysticism that is in this book. Those who entertain these sophistries will soon find themselves in a position where the enemy can talk with them, and lead them away from God.” SpTB02 52

In a Position Where The Enemy Can Talk With Them

Satan’s Startling Attack on Seventh-day Adventism

Would you willingly enter a chamber to speak with Satan? Of course you wouldn’t—at least knowingly—that is if you are a Christian! But what if you were invited to enter the same chamber to converse with one of his fallen angels? “Ridiculous!” you might be saying to yourself, “There is no danger of me ever even dreaming of such a thing! Why, I am a Seventh-day Adventist! I know all of the proof texts that warn a Christian against spiritualism. I would be able to identify one of the Devil’s imposters immediately!” Are we as Adventists not virtually immune to such deceptions? Don’t be too certain! Will a rock-solid belief and understanding of the state of the dead protect you from the spiritualism that is threatening Adventism today? Did it protect yesterday’s Seventh-day Adventists from speaking to the enemy of their souls?

It was the dawning of a new century. In Battle Creek, the center of SDA medical ministry, the flagship institution appeared to be headed for its zenith of prosperity and popularity. Under John Harvey Kellogg’s leadership the sanitarium was enjoying worldwide acclaim. It seemed that nothing could stand in the way of the advancement of the institution. Everything Dr. Kellogg put his hand to seemed to succeed. What could stop him from achieving his highest ambitions now? What or who could turn him from God and the work God desired him to accomplish?

Kellogg had a brilliant mind. Whatever he set his mind to it seemed he mastered, until the day it mastered him. Bright minds are ever eager to learn. The appetite for knowledge grows as more and more knowledge is gained. To such it is a temptation to become intemperate in the search for knowledge. It can advance until it becomes a form of gluttony. To such, books are feasts to be ravenously devoured. Becoming intrigued with the question of God’s nature, apparently Dr. Kellogg began reading books that led him into a fascination with the spiritualistic mysticism embraced by pantheism. This was despite the warnings of the Spirit of Prophecy:

The study of God's word should take the place of the study of those books that have led minds into mysticism and away from the truth. Testimonies vol. 6, pages 132-133

Dr. Kellogg, brushing aside the repeated warnings finally became controlled by a philosophy that takes in the idea, that since God is omnipresent, He is therefore contained in every flower, rock and leaf--and if in the leaf, then in the breast of every man. If this is so, he reasoned, with every breath inhaled we receive an inspiration of God’s Spirit—and that the mind of God indwells every mind that realizes the “God within”. The mind opened to these spiritualistic beliefs leads one into mysticism whereby one naturally comes to believe that the prophetic gift and visions are available to anyone who cares to learn how to prepare their minds to receive them. This is what defines mysticism. And this is what the Kellogg crisis led to.

In the editorial comments in Manuscript Releases, vol. 10, a revealing note is inserted regarding the fruit of the mysticism brought into the church by Kellogg. In a discourse by one of Kellogg’s better known followers, E. J. Waggoner, he expressed his belief that every Christian could manifest the gift of prophecy:

During the General Conference of 1901 the Lord warned me against sentiments that were then held by Brethren Prescott and Waggoner. These sentiments have been as leaven put into meal. Many minds have received them. The ideas of some regarding a great experience supposed to be sanctification have been the alpha of a train of deception. Because of some overdrawn expressions frequently used by Brother E. J. Waggoner at the conference, [IN HIS MESSAGE DELIVERED AT THE 1901 GENERAL CONFERENCE, ELDER E. J. WAGGONER ADVOCATED SEVERAL CONCEPTS WHICH WERE NOT ENTIRELY IN HARMONY WITH ADVENTIST TEACHINGS. THESE WERE (1) THAT EVERY CHRISTIAN COULD "GET THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS" OR SPIRIT OF PROPHECY, (2) THAT SANCTIFICATION INCLUDED BODILY HEALING, AS WELL AS HOLY LIVING, AND (3) THAT THE LIFE OF GOD COMES TO US THROUGH THE AIR AND OTHER NATURAL MEANS. NOTE THE FOLLOWING CITATIONS DRAWN FROM THREE OF HIS SERMONS: EXCERPTS ARE CITED ON PAGE 88 FROM THE 1901 GENERAL CONFERENCE BULLETIN, PP. 78, 79, 149, 222, AND 223.] I was led to speak words intended to counteract their influence. 10MR 87

Of course the idea that every Christian is privileged to "get the testimony of Jesus" or Spirit of Prophecy does not agree with Scripture, which declares that it is the Holy Spirit that decides which spiritual gift will be given to whom:

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:21

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord…. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 1 Cor. 12:4-11

It is the Spirit of God that distributes the gifts according to His own all-wise and perfect will. God’s word is clear that, though all may benefit from the messages of those manifesting the gift of prophecy, not all will receive these direct messages from God. Not all are given the gift of prophecy. The apostle Paul highlights this truth in his rhetorical question to the believers in Corinth:

Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 1 Cor. 12:29-31

Not all who seek dreams and visions from God will receive these spiritual gifts. God spoke through inspiration to Ellen White regarding the seductive and deadly nature of the mysticism, which Kellogg interwove into his book, the Living Temple:

“We need not the mysticism that is in this book. Those who entertain these sophistries will soon find themselves in a position where the enemy can talk with them, and lead them away from God.” SpTB02 52

Do you comprehend that? Those who entertain the philosophy of mysticism will “find themselves in a position where the enemy--Satan or a fallen angel can talk with them. You might ask, “But what does this have to do with us today? Adventists are not reading The Living Temple. Kellogg has long ago retired to his grave.”

Indeed, Kellogg and his book are no longer posing any threat to Adventism, but are we now safe from the seductive lure of mysticism? Through the gift of prophecy Ellen White cautioned that the mysticism of the Living Temple was only the beginning:

Be not deceived; many will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We have now before us the alpha of this danger. The omega will be of a most startling nature. 1SM 197

Again she warned:

"Living Temple" contains the alpha of these theories. I knew that the omega would follow in a little while; and I trembled for our people. SpTB02 53

And once more:

In the book Living Temple there is presented the alpha of deadly heresies. The omega will follow, and will be received by those who are not willing to heed the warning God has given. 1SM 200

Notice, that the mysticism of the book Living Temple was only the beginning, or “alpha of deadly heresies”, but that at last it would appear yet again as the “omega”. When mysticism made its first appearance in the SDA church it was very subtle—so subtle, history reveals that the majority of the leadership of the SDA church could not even detect its presence in Kellogg’s book. However, when it re-emerges as the “omega” it will be “of a most startling nature.” It will be a shocking, blatant and unabashed form of mysticism. Is this possible? Could a brazen form of mysticism find any kind of favorable reception within mainline Seventh-day Adventism today? Judge for yourself.

On the back page of a recent issue of the Adventist Review [June 2001, NAD edition], will be found an advertisement for a book from Pacific Press by the title, Devotional Retreats, by Debbonnaire Kovacs. In this book she defends the practice of combining the techniques of “Zen Buddhism, Yoga, and Transcendental Meditation” with “Christian meditation”.

In chapter one of Devotional Retreats, the author tells how she became interested in various meditation disciplines, such as Zen Buddhism, Yoga, and Transcendental Meditation. Seeing what she believed to be the benefits of the mysticism of these oriental religions, she relates how it occurred to her that perhaps there was a way to “combine” these practices “with Christian meditation.” She experimented with the idea and found a way to blend the mysticism of these oriental religious practices into her devotional life. After using the process that both pagan and Roman Catholic mystics employ to go into vision, she would in the chamber of her imagination see “Jesus” and talk with him. However, after being warned by Seventh-day Adventist counsel against the danger of inculcating mysticism into Christianity, she became afraid and for a time discontinued her mystical exercises.

She tells how in “meditation” “Jesus” promised to grant to her a cherished desire. She does not reveal what that desire was, but goes on to explain that the promise was never fulfilled and she realized that it would never be fulfilled. This of course added to her doubts and apprehension.

However, after a protracted struggle with her fears and doubts, alas, she tells how she finally went back to her self-initiated trances. She relates how she had a breakthough after reading Morris Venden’s book, How to Know God’s Will in Your Life:

The answer to my question—Is it, or is it not, safe to prayerfully imagine conversations with God—is Yes, it is safe, as one part of a whole, well-rounded Christian understanding of how God leads us!

She relates her emotions at her return to the “Jesus” created through the workings of her own imagination:

I cried. I told my friends and family. Most of all, I thanked God. I went back to meditation. I hugged Jesus and cried some more.

I cannot but be touched by her struggle and heartache, her unrequited loneliness and yearning to see Jesus! I too long to see his face, no longer through a glass darkly but to know even as I am known! Face to face in all His glory I shall see Him by and by! Oh, I do not condemn her. I pray with tender sympathy for this dear sister. I do not oppose her because she is a bad person but because she is teaching falsehood, and is endeavoring to put upon deadly heresy the stamp of truth. My eyes well up in tears as I contemplate her comforted in the arms of a demon spirit who she thinks is Christ! If only she had heeded the counsel of the Lord:

There are many who shrink with horror from the thought of consulting spirit mediums, but who are attracted by more pleasing forms of spiritism. Others are led astray by the teachings of Christian Science, and by the mysticism of Theosophy and other Oriental religions.

Speaking of the pantheistic ideas that led Kellogg into mysticism, Ellen White wrote, “I have seen the results of these fanciful views of God, in apostasy, spiritualism….” Letter 230, 1903 (3MR 351)

This book, Spiritual Retreats is fast becoming a best seller among SDAs. It was featured on page three of the Pacific Union Recorder [July 2001] in a positive review by the Director of Women’s Ministries for the North American Division. In her comments she expressed her belief that, “This book is definitely worth your devotional time…!”

The Review and Herald® Publishing Associations 2001 Camp Meeting Catalog features the book on page five in its “Knowing God Better” section. The advertisement promises that using the method taught in the book, one will “draw closer to Jesus.” However the counsel of the Spirit of Prophecy advises us just the opposite regarding the sophistries of mysticism:

The Scriptures warn us not to inquire as to the methods used by heathen nations to worship their gods:

Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Deut. 12:30

If only sister Kovacs had taken this warning to heart! Oh, how her guardian angel must weep as Satan laughs in triumph:

Today the mysteries of heathen worship are replaced by the secret association and séances, the obscurities and wonders, of spiritistic mediums. The disclosures of these mediums are eagerly received by thousands who refuse to accept light from God's word or through His Spirit. Believers in spiritism may speak with scorn of the magicians of old, but the great deceiver laughs in triumph as they yield to his arts under a different form. PK 210

I am sure she would never have considered consulting a spirit medium. Oh, but poor deluded soul, in reality, she has been tricked into becoming a spirit medium herself! Not a “medium” in the classic sense. She does not hold séances to communicate with spirits, but placing herself in a position where the spirits of demons can talk to her, is she not communing with spirits? When she in turn relates the messages received to others is she not making herself a medium for communication with evil spirits? She knocked on the door to the spirit world of darkness hoping to find Christ on the other side. She did find a Christ on the other side. As the Bible informs us:

For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. Mark 13:22

Oh, dear reader, how many of our SDA friends and family members will be deceived? How many of our dear brothers and sisters will be seduced into consenting to let the enemy come into the chamber of their soul and speak to them? As many as “are not willing to heed the warning God has given”.

Could it be that we are once again repeating the history of ancient Israel? It may be instructive to notice what was seen when Ezekiel was invited to behold the abominations within the inner court:

Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery?… Ezekiel 8:12

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9. Both Ezekiel and Jeremiah warned the people of God about embracing prophesies and visions arising out of the heart and imagination of man:

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. Jeremiah 7:23-24

Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. Jeremiah 23:16

Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them, Ezekiel 13:17

Dear sister Kovacs is not alone in this developing movement. The inroads of this mysticism through the labors of former prominent SDA pastor and college president and professor, Dr. William Loveless are not news to many. Even NAD vice president, Manuel Vasquez has taken notice. He was so concerned that he wrote two books in which he warned our people of this mysticism. Though giving no names, in chapter one of The Mainstreaming of The New Age he refers to Loveless:

A pastor who believes that Ellen White was a 'mystic' leads workers in mystical meditation at a conference meeting and then instructs them in turn to do the same with their members during one of their 11 o'clock services. http://www.pacificpress.com/books/mainstre.htm

In this book he outlines the primary features of this mystical meditation, point for point defining the elements that this and other SDA leaders in this movement are promoting:

These people go on to tell me about the importance these Christian proponents of mystical meditation place on preparation for meditation—rhythmic breathing, posture control. Closing eyes, guided imagery, the imaginary place where they are to meet the visualized “Christ,” the actual dialogue with him, and finally, keeping a careful journal of their experience. The Danger Within, p. 62.

He also brings out that:

Christians are instructed to conjure up the image of Christ, dialogue with Him in their minds, and equate his message (given though an inner voice) with those of Scripture. Ibid. p. 59.

Again, Dr. Loveless asserted, “Because you see, I believe that your imagination in conjuring up images is dealing with equal truth to scripture.” A Short Meditational Prayer Exercise, transcript, William Loveless.

Like E. J. Waggoner, Loveless goes on to express the idea that every Christian can possess the gift of “inspiration”. However, he limits this gift to only those who practice the mystical meditation that he promotes:

Because the Scriptures say the same Spirit that inspired it inspires us to understand it. That’s what we mean by the doctrine of inspiration. People who are not everyday meditators shouldn’t even be discussing the doctrine of inspiration because they don’t know anything about it. And we shouldn’t be talking about things in public that we don’t know anything about. Ibid.

By his criteria, neither Jesus nor His disciples had any business discussing the doctrine of inspiration, for none practiced or taught others to utilize the elements of mysticism involved in being an everyday “meditator” as Loveless defines it! Not one hint of this mystical meditation is to be found in Christ’s response to the disciple who asked him to teach them to pray (see Luke 11:1). Not one suggestion of endorsement of this form of “meditation” can be found in the whole of the Bible.

The insinuation of principles of mysticism is not limited to a small segment of Adventism. Debbonaire Kovacs has authored two books and several articles and has written the first two of four new elementary Bible textbooks. Very subtle elementary facets of this mysticism have been woven into the Grace Link Curriculum, a publication of Sabbath School/Personal Ministries Department, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Our children in Sabbath School class are instructed to practice the less objectionable simple facets of mysticism:

Imagine you are at the foot of the cross. Record in your Bible study journal what you “see” happening around you. Describe what the soldiers, priests, common people, disciples, and Mary (Jesus’ mother) are doing. Grace Link Curriculum, Power Points, Second Quarter- Year A, p.21.

Imagine. Close your eyes and imagine the scene. What smells and sounds are there? What colors do you see? Write in your Bible study journal…. Ibid. p. 37.

Even the highly acclaimed NET 98 series included some of these elements. In the final program, A New Way to Pray, these same milder basic components of mysticism were introduced. Dr. Dwight Nelson encouraged the participants to visualize details of a Bible passage utilizing their imaginations to supply details not given in the text:

We are sensory craved; we have become people who now live, move and think this kind of visual encounter. So a full-sensory reliving of the gospel stories of Jesus will allow our minds to be impressed in a manner they are very much used to today. Go over and over that story. And to bring fresh variety into each rereading, why don't you add one of the five senses to the story--seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling and tasting--with each reading. By your fifth rereading, you should have a full-color portrayal of that gospel incident with Jesus in your mind! Smell the crowds around you if it's a hot Palestine day. Feel the waves of Galilee cool and lapping against your ankles. Hear the sounds of children laughing in the distance, birds soaring overhead. See the dew-kissed grassy knoll where Jesus meets alone with His Father. Taste the fresh grapes that Jesus points to and the broken bread He hands to you. Smell it, see it, sense it, taste it, touch it.

He then urges them to journal the experience and to either write a letter to God or write a letter from God to them. Expanding on the letter from God he said:

Or you could have Jesus write you--now look, nobody's hearing voices-- but you know that if Jesus were sitting in that empty chair across from you, you know exactly what He'd say to you…. What does the story tell me about my Best Friend Jesus? You see, your heart will tell you--and you can write down what you're sensing. Finally, have a kneel down prayer to commit your day and the people you want to pray for to this same God with whom you've already been in dialogue.

Now, it is apparent that Dr. Nelson’s “new way to pray” does not contain all the elements of eastern mysticism proper. It does not include rhythmic breathing, holding the spine and neck straight, or adjusting the body tone for deep “relaxation”. However, it does introduce the visualization, seeking to have a multi-sensory experience and the journaling of the experience. It does seek to engage the mind to image “Jesus Christ” and incorporates a recording of the words of “Jesus” communicated to the meditator. Though this “new way to pray” is not full-scale mysticism we are not to accept it as harmless. It is all the more dangerous!

Satan is a master of subtlety. He rarely seeks to take one from spiritual purity to infidelity in one step. It is usually a slow path of measured steps that suits his purposes. If he boldly suggested his full intention at the outset, he would be immediately repulsed. So he introduces first the least objectionable elements, clothed with the garments of promised spiritual illumination. After the lure is received and supposed gains are secured, then he advances his more sophisticated allurements, but only as rapidly as the subject is willing to embrace his cunning suggestions. His seduction advances in this way until his object is gained and they are “in a position where the enemy can talk with them.”

So it is with the milder elements of mysticism. The seemingly benign elements have first been introduced. In one quarter of Adventism the seemingly harmless techniques are introduced as neutral principles of relaxation and stress reduction. Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery of scenes of natural beauty are presented with soft music. In another quarter the use of the imagination to recreate the scenes of the Biblical narrative are introduced. Eventually all the elements are merged into the spiritism of advanced mysticism!

We do not want to glorify Satan by magnifying his power. Neither do we want to minimize his power to deceive and destroy. Satan is pleased to have God’s people ignorant of his devices. Oh, but we do want to glorify God and recognize His marvelous and unsearchable riches of mercy, wisdom and power!

He is willing and able to deliver all who put the full weight of their faith and confidence in Him! It is our privilege to be “made more than conquerors through Him who loved us” and gave His life for us! As we give ourselves, through His grace, fully and completely to Him, we may have the confidence “that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

We should take comfort in this disheartening hour that our God knows the end from the beginning. He is not surprised or ill prepared to take the reins into His own hands and deliver his people during this time of final deception. He foresaw these events and prophesied concerning them. When the mysticism of Kellogg crisis was yet developing, He knew that the subtle “alpha of deadly heresies” would be replaced by the startling “omega”.

God can take what Satan means for evil and turn it for good. He declared that, through His providence, the heresies that would come into the church He would use as a means to awaken his slumbering church and separate the faithful from the false professors of faith:

God will arouse His people; if other means fail, heresies will come in among them, which will sift them, separating the chaff from the wheat. The Lord calls upon all who believe His word to awake out of sleep. Precious light has come, appropriate for this time. It is Bible truth, showing the perils that are right upon us. This light should lead us to a diligent study of the Scriptures and a most critical examination of the positions which we hold. God would have all the bearings and positions of truth thoroughly and perseveringly searched, with prayer and fasting. Believers are not to rest in suppositions and ill-defined ideas of what constitutes truth. Their faith must be firmly founded upon the word of God so that when the testing time shall come and they are brought before councils to answer for their faith they may be able to give a reason for the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear. 5T 707, 508

In the struggle just ahead of us, a threefold union of Catholicism, apostate Protestantism and Spiritualism are prophesied to unite in opposition to God’s remnant people. Roman Catholics are now joining such mystics as the Dalai Lama in mystical meditation and prayer. Protestants are taking up the same spiritualistic practices. And now, unbelievable as it is, Adventists professing faith in the third angel’s message are preparing to join them. Yet the prophetic eye is not blind to what is taking place and to where it shall lead:

Protestantism will yet stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of Spiritualism; she will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, our country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience. 4SP 405

As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position, and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbath-keepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them. GC88 608

Take heart. Let not your soul despair. Now is the time to be faithful. Now is the time to exercise courage and zeal. Now is the time for God to be glorified in His people. Through Him we may stand the test. Through Him we will be more than conquerors—champions for the Lord, taking the battle to the very gates:

Now is the time for God’s people to show themselves true to principle. When the religion of Christ is most held in contempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our courage and firmness the most unflinching. To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few—this will be our test. At this time we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason. 5T 136, 137

Praise God dear brothers and sisters, PRAISE GOD! His mercy endures forever! Although those who “love not the truth” will be lead to a place “where the enemy can talk with them”, our Lord will deliver a people who “know His voice” and “a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him”. Honor, glory, praise and blessing to His holy name, now and forever! Amen! glorify Him in this world and the world to come! Amen!

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Theatrical Performances

Letter to Mrs. Gorick, from Ellen G. White, July, 1898

"Even The Best Theatrical Performances Without God

There is an abundance of theatrical performances in our world, but in its highest order it is without God. We need now to point souls to the uplifted Saviour. Deceptions, impositions, and every evil work are in our world. Satan, the wily foe in angel's garments, is working to deceive and destroy. The object of the death of Christ was to declare His righteousness, and no man, woman or child can do this in his own strength, or by his own words."

WHOLE LETTER:

Dear Sister: We had some conversation in reference to your accompanying your daughters to the theater. Last night I was commissioned to speak to you, saying, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate" (2 Cor. 6:17). [2 Cor. 6:14-18 quoted.]

My sister, you are to be connected with Jesus Christ. Our Saviour, in His example, has led the way which every sinner who turns from sin must follow. By taking the requisite steps--in conversion, in repentance, in faith, and baptism--he is to fulfill all righteousness. Christ has shown that repentance, faith, and baptism are the steps that all must take if they would follow His example. All who in obedience to Christ's command follow in this ordinance, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, signify that they are dead to the world. They are buried in the likeness of Christ's death, and raised again from the water in the likeness of His resurrection. Says the apostle Paul: [Colossians 3:1-4 quoted].

Christ is the light of the world. All who are born into the kingdom of God, Christ adopts into the household of faith. If you have been converted, then the whole tenor of your life is changed. You have been convicted by the Word of God. You have accepted unpopular truth. But now comes your danger. As a mother you have not felt your responsibility to so educate and train your children that they would consider themselves a part of the family firm, to take hold with their mother in their education and become efficient in learning a trade. This is essential for practical life, and this is work that devolves upon the parents. They are to educate and train their children in this probationary time, that they may not remain in disobedience and transgression, standing under the banner of the prince of darkness, and uniting their God-given powers with the enemy of righteousness.

My sister, you have decidedly failed in the duties which every mother should do in the fear of God, in training her children to lift with her the burdens that come with every child that is born into the family. You have a work to do even now, and God will help you if you will take up your work in your home life. Your children are God's property, and they should not be left to become estranged from Him. True, you have had large odds to contend with, but you have not maintained the surrender you made of yourself to the Lord. Had you followed on to know the Lord, you would have better understood what it means to give up your way and will to the Lord. But the temptation and snare of the enemy came to your children, and through them to yourself, and as a family you are in constant peril of the loss of your souls.

Had you, my sister, followed on to know the Lord, you would during this period of time have had enlightenment from the Sun of Righteousness. Your only safety lay in following in His footsteps. But in not decidedly taking your stand to give no sanction by your presence to the theatrical performance of your children, you have encouraged them in their choice of the use they have made of their talents. Their capabilities and power belong to God, but they are not now being used to gather with Christ. All their talents were lent them to use to the honor and the glory of God, that they might win souls away from everything that pertains to this class of fascinating amusement that absorbs the mind and draws it away from God and from heavenly things. But they have not had an experimental knowledge of what is truth. The principles of truth have never been stamped upon their souls. The deceptive temptation that they can be a blessing to the world while serving as actresses is a delusion and a snare, not only to themselves, but to your own soul. Said Christ, "Without Me ye can do nothing." Can the Lord Jesus Christ accept these theatrical exhibitions as service done for Him? Can He be glorified thereby? No. All this kind of work is done in the service of another leader.

My sister, you cannot have an experimental knowledge of the love of God in the soul, and the joy of true obedience to your Lord, who has bought you and your family with the price of His own blood, while you join yourself to these things. Your family do not understand as do you the reasons of the faith that leads away from all such pursuits. You can never be free in Jesus Christ and yet have a divided heart. My sister, you need now to consider that your influence in accompanying your daughters to the theater is decidedly against Christ. He declares that "he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of me" (Matt. 10:37).

The Word of God is free. Under its hallowed power of influence you may with the disciple John say, "Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Thus you may cooperate with God in saving many souls to Christ. You may be a savor of life unto life by becoming a living influence in your family to save them from Satan's deceptive snares. But if you are not steadfast, rooted and grounded in the truth, self-delusion will place you where God cannot use you as a vessel unto honor. The light that comes from God is the light which guides the human soul to God, and the Lord calls for every power He has lent the human agent to be exercised strenuously on Christ's side of the question, to rescue the souls deceived and infatuated with just such service as your daughters have entered upon--to amuse and delight the senses and endeavor to supply a necessity in which Christ has no part.

You can see, my dear sister, that the blessing which attends the cheerful, consecrated sons and daughters of God cannot be realized by those who work with a divided heart. You do not feel the freedom, the rest, and the joy of believing in Christ because your mind is largely taken up with worthless things. Your work, and the work that God has given your children to do, you are not doing. They have consented to work up a counter-attraction that has no Christ in it. {11MR 337.1}

If the truth as it is in Jesus is brought into actual contact with the souls that are ready to perish, it will produce good works. The talents of your daughters should be brought into the home life to make a model home. They should use their God-given powers to reform, to restore, and to bring order and discipline and sound principles into the home life. This would be the beginning of the work represented in the Word of God as bringing to the foundation gold and silver and precious stones, which are imperishable. This work will bring the approval of God. Angels of God in the heavenly courts would rejoice to see such a work done.

The "form of sound words" is to be prized, for it leads to right actions. The souls of your children cost the greatest sacrifice our God could make. He gave His Son to die that they might not perish. They have souls that Jesus loves. But if they follow a course of disregard for the truth and the commandments of God, they cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. If they accept the only One who can save them from ruin, He will accept them and their service. And angels of God will be their escorts as they use their powers in guiding lost and perishing souls to a haven of rest. The power of the truth will elevate the nature, refine the taste, sanctify the judgment, and give them characters after the divine similitude. They will become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King.

Paul declared: [Ephesians 3:8-11 quoted].

To make known "unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places . . . the manifold wisdom of God." Righteousness is made known in that manifold wisdom, for nothing that is unrighteous can be wise. The wisdom of God and the power of God are waiting every human agency. God desires that we shall put to the tax every spiritual nerve and muscle, that we shall strive for an entrance into that city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. All who win eternal life will arm themselves for the conflict against every influence that would obstruct the way. They must bring their minds up to noble and elevated thoughts. While they offer humble prayer to God, they are to search to know what is truth.

Does my sister place herself in a position where the Lord can come close to her to manifest His presence? What do the angels see in your house on the Sabbath day? All who become members of the heavenly family will have a philosophy and faith that is founded on a true faith in Jesus Christ. His life alone is to be our guide. His life, His attributes, are to become woven into all our life and all our works. God speaks from heaven, "This is my beloved Son, hear ye Him."

Christ did not come into the world to disparage education, for He Himself was the greatest Teacher the world has ever known. Christ came to call the minds of His redeemed people to learn of Him. He will sanctify the human talents that are employed for His glory. He came to make human learning strong and pure and ennobling, and of such a character that He could commend. He came to give it a foundation upon which to stand--a knowledge of Himself. Christ declared, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil" (Matt. 5:17). He came to give every specification of the law a depth and meaning which the Pharisees had never seen nor understood. Christ is the originator of all the deep thoughts of true philosophy, of every line of that education that will be retained through sanctification of the spirit. True education is that which will not be left behind when He shall come to be admired in all them that believe.

Every member of your family is deciding his own destiny. Those who will be rewarded with the gift of eternal life in the kingdom of God will be those who are learning here of the great Teacher. You do not have peace and joy because you have not consecrated yourself to God. To you the voice of your children is above the voice of Jesus Christ, and in not taking your stand firmly you are being led away from God and His holy requirements. In becoming their escort and companion to go where they choose, you are making yourself one with them. You endorse the ambitious enterprise that is perverting their talents so that God cannot sanctify them. And the food you thus give to your soul, in seeing and hearing, is making its impression upon the mind. Should the heavenly intelligences offer you the bread of heaven, you would have no relish for it.

Just that which you give your soul to feed upon will determine the character of your experience. If you place yourself in objectionable positions where the Lord is not honored or glorified, you disqualify yourself for enjoying wholesome, heavenly instruction that would make you wise unto salvation. You are bought with a price. The plan of salvation is so vast that it brings into action the attributes of the divine nature.

If we will let Him, the Lord by His Holy Spirit will put every part of our entrusted capabilities into His service. He will cause us to feel our deep need of the grace of Christ, that we may feel His love constraining us to declare that, could we multiply our powers a thousandfold, they should all be invested in the work and cause of God. Our testimony would be, "Of Thine own we give Thee" (1 Chron. 29:14). When we have a soul hunger for Christ, we shall be filled with His fullness.

My sister, I have an intense interest that you shall have the rich manna of heaven upon which to feed. Read the sixth chapter of John. You are choosing whom you will serve. If you keep before your eyes and in your ears the transactions of the theater, you will find in your heart no soul hunger for God. It is a question of life or death with you. The Lord has appointed means whereby you may gain spiritual strength and comfort. But if you close the door of your heart to the rays of light from the throne of God and give your mind to the performances of the stage, you can have no peace, no joy, no hope. Gradually you have been losing the spirit of assurance. Your love for Bible religion is dying out. You cannot serve God with a divided heart.

I have a message for your daughters: You are not feeding upon the bread which came down from heaven, but upon husks. All the praise and glory you receive from human beings is of no value. Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Christ, the Sent of God, gave His life a sacrifice that the world might have a second probation in which to return to their loyalty to God. When Christ was threatened by His foes, He said, "My kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). It is not My mission to recognize caste and human theories, or to establish political interests. My kingdom is not to be set up by the power of human armies or the sword. If My kingdom were of this world, then would My soldiers fight. No human power can weaken or overthrow My kingdom through the enemies of God."

Who are the subjects of the kingdom of heaven? Daniel tells the world the name by which they shall be called. "The saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever" (Daniel 7:18). And Paul writes to the Philippians: [Phil. 1:1, 9-11; Eph. 2:18-22 quoted].

All who are enrolled as citizens of the heavenly country are required that their behavior shall be such as the gospel of Christ can approve. And it is our privilege to claim the rights and privileges of subjects of the kingdom of heaven. But to everyone who accepts Christ as his personal Saviour, He says, "Come out from among them [the world] and be ye separate." We are to conform to the Lord's requirements, and not disgrace our citizenship before the angels of heaven or before men. We are to render to God cheerful service. Christ does not speak to those who are no more to wrestle with temptation; who are not in any danger of being drawn away from Christ and overcome by the wiles of Satan, when He says: "Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ. . . . Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; . . . For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Philippians 1:27, 29). There is to be no strife or vainglory, no selfishness or murmuring, no disputing, nothing impure or dishonest found in the characters of the followers of Christ. --Letter 58a, 1898, pp. 1-11. (To Mrs. Gorick, July, 1898. Copied July 19, 1898.)

Study Questions

1. What are the results of attending the theatrical performances of one’s children?

2. Do theatrical performances gather souls to Christ?

3. Can the Lord Jesus Christ accept these theatrical exhibitions as service done for Him?

4. In whose service are theatrical performances done?

5. Can He be glorified by theatrical performances?

6. Does Christ have any part in theatrical performances?

7. Is there any order of theatrical performances that God can bless?

8. What kind of costume does Satan wear when he pretends to be who is not?

9. What does a child’s ambition to become a theatrical performer do to their talents?

10. Can God sanctify the talents that have been developed for theatrical performance?

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They will also long for "the new heavens and a new earth"

"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
-2 Peter 3:13

Proper Attitude in Prayer

Ellen G White, Manuscript 84b, 1897

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In a Position Where The Enemy Can Talk With Them

Satan’s Startling Attack on Seventh-day Adventism

Theatrical Performances

Letter to Mrs. Gorick, from Ellen G. White, July, 1898

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WHO ARE THE AUTHENTIC ADVENTISTS?

AUTHENTIC ADVENTIST ARE THOSE WHO...

They will also long for "the new heavens and a new earth"

"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."-2 Peter 3:13

Proper Attitude in Prayer

Ellen G White, Manuscript 84b, 1897

Supporting Ministries

Adventists, pressing together to prepare a people unashamed and filled with incomprehesible joy at the appearing of our Lord and Saviour!

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Adventist Women’s Ordination IQ Test

Test your Knowelege of the Counsels of God's Spirit on the Subject of the Role of Women in the Church

Emerging Mysicism

“We need not the mysticism that is in this book. Those who entertain these sophistries will soon find themselves in a position where the enemy can talk with them, and lead them away from God.” SpTB02 52

In a Position Where The Enemy Can Talk With Them

Satan’s Startling Attack on Seventh-day Adventism

Theatrical Performances

Letter to Mrs. Gorick, from Ellen G. White, July, 1898

Over 400 Amazing Blocks

Easy and Simple to Use

"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
-2 Peter 3:13