The Christian and Communication

   THE
   CHRISTIAN
   AND CC,'OMMUNICATION
  Words are of no value unless
  they are accompanied
  with appropriate deeds. E.GW.


            JANUARY
            FEBRUARY
            MARCH
  ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS

            Lessons for the Second Quarter of 1973
   Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of    the Adult Lessons for the second quarter of 1973 will be helped    by the following outline in studying the first two lessons. The    title of the series is "A Holy Life in Hard Times"—a study of    First Peter.
   The title of the first lesson is "About the Author." The memory    verse is John 6:68, 69. The outline is as follows: (1) The Man.    Mark 1:16; Luke 5:10. (2) The Disciple, I. Luke 5:8-11. (3) The    Disciple, 11. The Desire of Ages, page 816. (4) The Missionary.    Acts 2:40, 41. (5) The Prisoner. Acts 12. (6) The Writer.
   The title of the second lesson is "Faith and Trouble." The    memory verse is 1 Peter 1:6, 7. The outline is as follows:    (1) Living Hope. 1 Peter 1:3. (2) God's Keeping Power. 1 Peter    1:4, 5. (3) The Test of Faith. 1 Peter 1:6, 7. (4) Love and Faith.    1 Peter 1:8, 9. (5) The Basis of Faith. 1 Peter 1:10. (6) Privileged    Believers. 1 Peter 1:12.




                          Litho in U.S.A.

                   FIRST QUARTER, 1973

                 My Pledge   As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School lesson each day of the week.




                          (signed)

                                        Illustrations by Elf red Lee

                                                  CHANNELS OF
                                                COMMUNICATION

                    Such a relationship as this makes the Christian life a powerful
                 witness. A letter must first be written, then it must be made available
                 to the recipient. The world needs the enlightening witness of born-
                 again Christians.
                    We communicate our attitudes and beliefs to others not just
                 through our words, but through our dress, our bodies, the way
                 we stand. "Every action is to be a consecrated action, for it
                 occupies God's entrusted talent of time. Holiness unto the Lord
                 is inscribed on all the actions of such a one, because his whole
                 being is brought under subjection to God."—Ellen G. White Com-
                 ments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1087.

                    "If you are Christ's follower, He sends in you a letter to the
                 family, the village, the street, where you live. Jesus, dwelling in
                 you, desires to speak to the hearts of those who are not acquainted
                 with Him. Perhaps they do not read the Bible, or do not hear
                 the voice that speaks to them in its pages; they do not see the
                 love of God through His works. But if you are a true representative-
                 of Jesus, it may be that through you they will be led to understand
                 something of His goodness and be won to love and serve Him."
                 —Steps to Christ, page 115.
FURTHER STUDY    Selected Messages, Bk. 2, pp. 398-404. 8

                  Today, because of the widespread use of mass media, our acts
                as individuals and as a church can very rapidly be subjected to
                the scrutiny of the world. We live as a part of a global community.
                Our presence, or absence, in times of need tells the world of
                our concern or lack of it.
                  What is Christ's assessment of the deeds of His professed
                followers? Matt. 25:31-46.

                  "The universe of heaven will look upon characters [of converted
                Christians] that have been transformed. The frivolous, common
                level will be forsaken, and their feet will be placed upon the first
                round of the ladder, which is Christ Jesus. They will mount step
                by step, one round after another, heavenward. Christ will be
                revealed in their spirit, in their words, in their actions."— Funda-
                mentals of Christian Education, page 459.
                  "Everyone will be held responsible for the grace given him
                through Christ. Life is too solemn to be absorbed in temporal
                or earthly matters. The Lord desires that we shall communicate
                to others that which the eternal and unseen communicates to
                us."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 373.

                                                                                  9

                   Words spoken in love will never hurt or destroy. They will have
                true persuasive power.

                How does Solomon illustrate the beauty of carefully chosen
               words? Prov. 25:11.

                The books of Proverbs and James both include counsel about
               words. Words are the basic materials of language communication.
               How careful we should be about our words! THINK IT THROUGH     Read James 3:10-12. What happens if you mix salt water with
               fresh water? What does the illustration teach about speech?



                 "There are few who realize how far-reaching is the influence
               of their words and acts. How often the errors of parents produce
               the most disastrous effects upon their children and children's
               children, long after the actors themselves have been laid in the
               grave. Everyone is exerting an influence upon others, and will
               be held accountable for the result of that influence. Words and
               actions have a telling power, and the long hereafter will show
               the effect of our life here. The impression made by our words
               and deeds will surely react upon ourselves in blessing or in cursing.
               This thought gives an awful solemnity to life, and should draw
               us to God in humble prayer that He will guide us by His wisdom."—
               Patriarchs and Prophets, page 556.

                  "Christ, our Mediator, and the Holy Spirit are constantly inter-
               ceding in man's behalf, but the Spirit pleads not for us as does
               Christ who presents His blood, shed from the foundation of the
               world; the Spirit works upon our hearts, drawing out prayers and
               penitence, praise and thanksgiving. The gratitude which flows
               from our lips is the result of the Spirit striking the cords of the
               soul in holy memories, awakening the music of the heart."—Ellen
               G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, pp. 1077,
               1078.
                  "The Bible shows us God in His high and holy place. . . . By
               His Spirit He is everywhere present. Through the agency of His
               Spirit and His angels He ministers to the children of men. "— The
               Ministry of Healing, page 417.
                  Our whole I ives are affected by prayer. It moves us in the direction
               of God. It opens our hearts to heaven's communications. Through
               it we understand God's will for us.
                  What gift comes through prayer? Luke 11:13.

                  We are told to knock and it shall be opened, to seek and so
               find. The primary gift available through prayer is the gift of the
               Holy Spirit, the personal representative of Jesus Christ. If we are
               to be channels for the flow of God's love to others, the Spirit
               must enter our lives daily in response to our earnest prayer request.

                  What is Christ seeking to do? Rev. 3:20. How does this form
                a counterpart to Luke 11:9-13?

                    "The dispensation in which we are now living is to be, to those
                that ask, the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. Ask for His blessing.
                It is time we were more intense in our devotion. To us is committed
                the arduous, but happy, glorious work of revealing Christ to those
                who are in darkness. We are called to proclaim the special truths
                for this time. For all this the outpouring of the Spirit is essential.
                We should pray for it. The Lord expects us to ask Him. We have
                 not been wholehearted in this work... .
                    "Pray without ceasing, and watch by working in accordance
                with your prayers. As you pray, believe, trust in God. It is the
                time of the latter rain, when the Lord will give largely of His Spirit.
                Be fervent in prayer, and watch in the Spirit."—Testimonies to
                Ministers, pages 511, 512.

                  What message about the true God did Solomon's wealth com-
                 municate to the queen of Sheba? 1 Kings 10:1-13.
                    "By the time of the close of her visit the queen had been so
                 fully taught by Solomon as to the source of his wisdom and pros-
                 perity that she was constrained, not to extol the human agent,
                 but to exclaim, 'Blessed be the Lord thy God.' . . . This is the
                 impression that God designed should be made upon all peoples."
                 —Prophets and Kings, page 67.
                   What later experiences of Solomon's reveal that his heart
                 became closed to divine counsel? 1 Kings 11:1-13.

                    Undoubtedly Solomon's wealth led him into temptation. Money,
                 intellectual greatness, positions of power, many and varied tal-
                 ents—these are all agencies that may be either channels for divine
                 light or channels of self-serving.

                  "Some of the men of experience and piety, who led out in this
                work, who denied self and did not hesitate to sacrifice for its
                success, are now sleeping in the grave. They were God's appointed
                channels, His representative men, through whom the principles
                of spiritual life were communicated to the church....
                  "The believers who in the early history of the cause sacrificed
                for the upbuilding of the work were imbued with the same spirit.
                They felt that God demanded of all connected with His cause
                an unreserved consecration of body, soul, and spirit, of all their
                energies and capabilities, to make the work a success."—
                Testimonies, Vol. 7, pp. 216, 217.

                  The word "keep" in Rev. 14:12 implies a wholehearted commit-
                ment to obedience and the following of Christ. In a world where
                sin has distorted morality to the extent that evil appears right,
                God's people stand as a bulwark against iniquity.
                  What result will come from the life that communicates Christ
                and Christian principles? 1 Peter 2:11, 12; Matt. 5:16.

                  "The final response to the challenge of time's last hour will
               be a life. Nothing in this world can replace a life. And nothing
               in the Advent Movement can replace a life fully and entirely conse-
               crated to the Advent message and to the Advent program. No
               method, no talent, no plan, no means, can be considered as a
               substitute. My brethren, a life that flashes out in Christian purity
               will meet the challenge of immorality today.
                  "The present flagrant situation of immorality—and of dishonesty
               in all its aspects—is causing grave uneasiness among the thinking
               men and women of the world... .
                  "Can God ask anything less in His service than a life that shines
               out of our eyes, out of our gestures, out of our attitudes, out
               of our words—a living, burning life for Christ? That is the supreme
               argument for Christianity and for the Advent message. This is
               the only adequate response to time's last challenge—a life."—
               W. R. Beach, Aflame for God, page 25.

                                   ELLEN G. WHITE

                                                                                      15

                                                                          E.LEE

                 How did Jesus invite His followers to make intelligent use
               of their ears? Matt. 11:15; 13:9. See Rev. 3:22.

                 Many of the amusements popular in the world today, even with
               those who claim to be Christians, tend to the same end as did
               those of the heathen. There are indeed few among them that
               Satan does not turn to account in destroying souls. Through the
               drama he has worked for ages to excite passion and glorify vice.
               The opera, with its fascinating display and bewildering music,
               the masquerade, the dance, the card table, Satan employs to break
               down the barriers of principle•and open the door to sensual
               indulgence."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 459, 460.

                 "Yet we have a work to do to resist temptation. Those who
               would not fall a prey to Satan's devices must guard well the
               avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing
               that which will suggest impure thoughts. The mind should not
               be left to wander at random upon every subject that the adversary
               of souls may suggest. 'Gird up the loins of your mind,' says the
               apostle Peter, 'be sober, ... not fashioning yourselves according
               to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as He which hath called
               you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of living.' "—Messages
               to Young People, page 285.
                  "The mind does not come down at once from purity and holiness
               to depravity, corruption, and crime. It takes time to degrade those
               formed in the image of God to the brutal or the satanic. By behold-
               ing, we become changed. By the indulgence of impure thoughts,
               man can so educate his mind that sin which he once loathed
               will become pleasant to him."—Messages to Young People, page
               282.   FURTHER STUDY     Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 453-461.

                                                                                 17

                   The eye must be controlled by faith—a faith that, voluntarily
                received, has made the mind captive to Jesus Christ. Thus faith
                in Jesus, working through the mind, may control all human senses.
                Paul taught that anything which does not proceed out of faith
                is sin. Rom. 14:23. To avoid sinning with the eyes, then, is a matter
                of faith censoring sight. The Christian will choose sight objects
                that are in harmony with the principles exhibited by the life of
                Jesus.

                   "You love to read storybooks, but do not find the word of God
                interesting. You should restrict your reading to the word of God
                and to books that are of a spiritual and useful character. In so
                doing you will close a door against temptation, and you will be
                blessed."—Testimonies, Vol. 3, pp. 81, 82.
                   "There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison
                the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt
                the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life than
                theatrical amusements. The love for these scenes increases with
                every indulgence, as the desire for intoxicating drink strengthens
                with its use. The only safe course is to shun the theater, the circus,
                and every other questionable place of amusement.
                   "There are modes of recreation which are highly beneficial to
                both mind and body. An enlightened, discriminating mind will
                find abundant means for entertainment and diversion, from
                sources not only innocent, but instructive."—Testimonies, Vol.
                4, p. 653.

                                                                       January   9

      Part 3    What is "a living sacrifice"?
  THE BODY
Rom. 12:1, 2
                 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
               that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable
               unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not con-
               formed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing
               of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and accept-
               able, and perfect, will of God."
                  In a world where pleasure isa prime motivation, Christians must
               continually guard and control their appetites. Alcohol, tobacco,
               drugs, and sexual immorality are appetite traps to avoid. The Chris-
               tian must reject all appetite satisfaction that causes the body and
               mind to function at less than optimum efficiency.
                  "All should have an intelligent knowledge of the human frame,
               that they may keep their bodies in the condition necessary to
               do the work of the Lord. Those who form habits that weaken
               the nerve power and lessen the vigor of mind or body, make them-
               selves inefficient for the work God has given them to do. On the
               other hand, a pure, healthy life is most favorable for the perfection
               of Christian character and for the development of the powers
               of mind and body."—Counsels on Health, page 41.
                 What reasons does Paul give for glorifying God in the human
               body? 1 Cor. 6:19, 20.

                 Note that this counsel is in the context of sexual immorality,
               which is a misuse of the most intimate of communication. Such
               conduct not only defies the Ten Commandments but also defiles
               the temple of the Holy Spirit and hinders His work in the life.
                 What two possible sources does Paul point out as the control
               of the body for sin or righteousness? Rom. 6:12, 13.

                 "In thus dedicating his members unto God, the Christian com-
               mits himself to strive, by the empowering of God's Spirit, for the
               greatest possible perfection of every organ of the body and quality
               of the mind, that he may know, love, and serve his Redeemer
               acceptably."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Rom. 6:13. THINK IT THROUGH     How completely have I yielded my body and its senses to
               the control of righteousness?

                 "Never should we lower the standard of righteousness in order
               to accommodate inherited or cultivated tendencies to wrong-
               doing. We need to understand that imperfection of character is
               sin. All righteous attributes of character dwell in God as a per-
               fect, harmonious whole, and every one who receives Christ as
               a personal Saviour is privileged to possess these attributes."—
               Christ's Object Lessons, page 330.

                 Note that in the experience of the disciples there was a blending
               of emotion with the intellectual act of learning the truth.
                 "After His resurrection Jesus appeared to His disciples on the
               way to Emmaus, and, 'beginning at Moses and all the prophets,
               He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concern-
               ing Himself.' Luke 24:27. The hearts of the disciples were stirred.
               Faith was kindled. They were 'begotten again into a lively hope'
               even before Jesus revealed Himself to them."—The Great
               Controversy, page 349.

                 "Their [the Israelites'] profound awe at the manifestation of
               divine power and glory was the very attitude of mind and heart
               God desired to produce in them. It is only when a man becomes
               humble in God's sight, when he realizes his utter sinfulness and
               helplessness in contrast to God's righteousness and omnipotence,
               that God can work in him and with him."—SDA Bible Commentary,
               on Deut. 5:28.

                  The ability to draw conclusions from data is the mark of reason.
                The highest use of reason, the greatest display of logic, is the
                acceptance of the plan of-salvation revealed in Jesus Christ. THINK IT THROUGH     To what have I dedicated my intellect and reasoning power?
                Am I considering God's goodness in my heart?




                   "That blood alone is efficacious. It alone can make propitiation
                for our sins. It is the blood of the only-begotten Son of God that
                is of value for us that we may draw nigh unto God."—Ellen G.
                White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 971.
                   "Will you let Him reason with you? Will you commit to Him
                the keeping of your soul as unto a faithful Creator? Come then,
                and let us live in the light of His countenance, and pray, as did
                David, 'Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me,
                and I shall be whiter than snow' (Ps. 51:7)."—Selected Messages,
                Bk. 1, p. 330.

                   What are the means and the aim of sanctification? 1 Peter
                 1:2.

                   "By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every
                human being to obey God's commandments. When we submit
                ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will
                is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the
                thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life....
                   "The truth is to be planted in the heart. It is to control the
                mind and regulate the affections. The whole character must be
                stamped with the divine utterances. Every jot and tittle of the
                word of God is to be brought into the daily practice."—Christ's
                Object Lessons, pages 312-314.  FURTHER STUDY      The Great Controversy, pages 469-473. 22

                                                                                 23

                  How has the word of reconciliation been channeled to you?
                 What methods did God use in your case?

                   How does God speak of the results of His saving word? Isa.
                 55: 10, 11.


                   God has chosen to let us know about Himself. More than this,
                 our knowledge of Him is with a purpose in mind. It can lead to
                 our reconciliation and salvation. The goal of God's communication
                 with mankind is eternal life for the redeemed. THINK IT THROUGH       How much may we understand of the mystery of His will?



                    "God cannot be understood by men. His ways and works are
                 past finding out. In regard to the revelations that He has made
                 of Himself in His Word, we may talk, but other than this, let us
                 say of Him, Thou art God, and Thy ways are past finding out.
                    "There is a knowledge of God and of Christ which all who are
                 saved must have. 'This is life eternal,' Christ said, 'that they might
                 know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast
                 sent.'
                    "The question for us to study is, What is truth—the truth for
                 this time, which is to be cherished, loved, honored, and obeyed?"
                 —Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p.
                 1079.  FURTHER STUDY       Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 63-70.

      Part 2   "And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden
 WHEN MAN of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the Lord God commanded
        AND  the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely
 GOD WERE eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou    FACE-TO-FACE shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou
Gen. 2:15-17 shalt surely die."
                  "The holy pair were not only children under the fatherly care
               of God but students receiving instruction from the all-wise Creator.
               They were visited by angels, and were granted communion with
               their Maker, with no obscuring veil between.... They held converse
               with leaf and flower and tree, gathering from each the secrets
               of its life. With every living creature, from the mighty leviathan
               that playeth among the waters to the insect mote that floats in
               the sunbeam, Adam was familiar."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
               pages 50, 51.
                What indicates man's estrangement from God after the fall?
               Gen. 3:9, 10.
                  God communicated to Adam directly the results that would come
               if he disobeyed God's instruction. Once Adam yielded to tempta-
               tion he was lost; he tried to place himself out of contact with
               divinity.
                  God's concerned inquiry, "Where art thou?" marks the begin-
               ning of the long approach to man that led at last to Calvary. Out
               of this concern for a loved and lost creation came the Bible and
               the messages of the prophets. Because of this decision to seek
               mankind, we know what is wrong with the world, we know the
               way out.

                What bright star of hope came with God's further message?
               Gen. 3:15.

                   "On every leaf of the forest or stone of the mountains, in every
               shining star, in earth and air and sky, God's name was written.
               The order and harmony of creation spoke to them of infinite wis-
               dom and power. They were ever discovering some attraction that
               filled their hearts with deeper love and called forth fresh expres-
               sions of gratitude."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 51.
                   "Adam, in his innocence, had enjoyed open communion with
               his Maker; but sin brought separation between God and man,
               and the atonement of Christ alone could span the abyss and make
               possible the communication of blessing or salvation from heaven
               to earth. Man was still cut off from direct approach to his Creator,
               but God would communicate with him through Christ and
               angels."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 67.

                                                                                 25

                  Which of the gifts that God gives to His church are gifts of
                communication? 1 Cor. 12:7-11.

                  Responsibilities vary in degree and purpose according to God's
                choosing, opportunity, and the talent of the individual. No faithful
                servant of God will seek to escape his assignment as ambassador.

                   "Every chapter and every verse of the Bible is a communication
                from God to men. We should bind its precepts as signs upon
                our hands and as frontlets between our eyes. If studied and obeyed,
                it would lead God's people, as the Israelites were led, by the pillar
                of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night." —Patriarchs and
                Prophets, page 504.
                   "All men do not receive the same gifts, but to every servant
                of the Master some gift of the Spirit is promised... .
                   "The gifts are already ours in Christ, but their actual possession
                depends upon our reception of the Spirit of God."—Christ's Object
                Lessons, page 327.

                  The law mentioned here is the Ten Commandments. God calls
               these commandments a "testimony." Ex. 31:18. From this
               designation the following expressions derive: the "tables of
               testimony," the "ark of the testimony," the "veil of the testi-
               mony," and even the "tabernacle of the testimony." A testimony
               is a witness. The witness of the prophets is one way God speaks
               to mankind. But in the Ten Commandments we have the prime
               witness, a declaration of God's character, nature, and authority.
               They witness also to man's depravity.
                  Today philosophers and some ministers advise the Christian
               to look inward to discover God. All man's experiences of the divine
               are said to come from within. But by writing the Ten Command-
               ments, God showed that certain objective standards must be
               accepted. These will be the standard of the final judgment.
                What warning for all is inherent in the words written on the
               walls of Belshazzar's palace? Dan. 5:24-28.


                 What method did Christ use to show His forgiveness and love
               for the sinner? John 8:3-11.


                 God's written Ten must be satisfied either in judgment or in
               forgiveness. THINK IT THROUGH     Are the Ten Commandments written for me on tables of stone
               only, or have they been written on my heart?




                  "The subject of man's personal responsibility is understood by
               but few; and yet it is a matter of the greatest importance. We
               may each obey and live, or we may transgress God's law, defy
               His authority, and receive the punishment that is meet. Then to
               every soul the question comes home with force, Shall I obey the
               voice from heaven, the ten words spoken from Sinai, or shall
               I go with the multitude who trample on that fiery law? To those
               who love God it will be the highest delight to keep His command-
               ments, and to do those things that are pleasing in His sight. But
               the natural heart hates the law of God, and wars against its holy
               claims. Men shut their souls from the divine light, refusing to
               walk in it as it shines upon them. They sacrifice purity of heart,
               the favor of God, and their hope of heaven, for selfish gratification
               or worldly gain."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 216, 217.   FURTHER STUDY    Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 462-468.

                                                                                 27

                   What does the term "inspiration" mean? How do we determine
                 what is inspired and what is not? Is it a matter of personal judg-
                 ment? Would Paul have expected Timothy to look within himself
                 to discover whether what he read was inspired for him?
                    Maintaining confidence in the Word of God as a direct communi-
                 cation from Divinity to and through man is not easy in the face
                 of many assaults on inspiration. We do not look on the prophets
                 as stenographers receiving dictation, but we do believe that God
                 inspired their thoughts to record what we needed to know.
                   How did God instruct Moses to record His covenant with Israel?
                 Ex. 34:27.


                   There are several records of a reformation resulting from the
                 reading of the book of the law. For the Israelites this written record
                 became a sanctifying and redeeming communication from God.
                 See 2 Kings 22; Nehemiah 8.
                   What did Jeremiah say was the Lord's command to him? Jer.
                 36:1, 2.

                    "As the mine has rich veins of gold and silver hidden beneath
                 the surface, so that all must dig who would discover its precious
                 stores, so the Holy Scriptures have treasures of truth that are
                 revealed only to the earnest, humble, prayerful seeker. God
                 designed the Bible to be a lessonbook to all mankind, in childhood,
                 youth, and manhood, and to be studied through all time. He gave
                 His word to men as a revelation of Himself. Every new truth dis-
                 cerned is a fresh disclosure of the character of its Author. The
                 study of the Scriptures is the means divinely ordained to bring
                 men into closer connection with their Creator and to give them
                 a clearer knowledge of His will. It is the medium of communication
                 between God and man."—The Great Controversy, page 69.
                   "An earnest, reverent study of the Scriptures, bringing the mind
                 of the student in direct contact with the infinite mind, would give
                 to the world men of stronger and more active intellect, as well
                 as of nobler principle, than has ever resulted from the ablest train-
                 ing that human philosophy affords."—The Great Controversy,
                 page 94.  FURTHER STUDY       The Great Controversy, Introduction. 28

                What was John's witness concerning the communication of
               God received through the living Word? 1 John 1:1-5.

                 This communication is passed on to others. Do we, like John,
               understand God's Word sufficiently well to pass Him on? We are
               in the same stream of communication that spoke to the apostles.
                 How does the Godhead continue to communicate to us? John
               15:26.

                  "We have entered upon uncommon times. Wolves are mas-
               querading in sheep's clothing ;"new and old controversies com-
               mingle; dangerous heresies, dressed in the livery of heaven, seek
               admission into the church. A power from beneath is exerting a
               strange, bewitching power everywhere. . . . Without doubt the
               holy unction promised by our Lord in the upper room, is the great-
               est need in every church today. 'And I will pray the Father, and
               he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you
               forever.' John 14:16."—G. B. Thompson, The Ministry of the Spirit,
               pages 13, 14.
                  "As a witness for Christ, John entered into no controversy, no
               wearisome contention. He declared what he knew, what he had
               seen and heard. He had been intimately associated with Christ,
               had listened to His teachings, had witnessed His mighty miracles.
               . . . Out of the abundance of a heart overflowing with love for
               the Saviour he spoke; and no power could stay his words."—The
               Acts of the Apostles, page 555.   FURTHER STUDY    The Desire of Ages, pages 33-38.
                                                                               29

                 Why have certain writings been preserved and others lost? What
               was different about the sayings of Nathan and Samuel that little
               is recorded of them? Does the limiting of relevance to a certain
               era bring doubt on the prophetic gift? THINK IT THROUGH     How am I relating to the prophetic gift as manifest in the last-
               day church?
                  "We must cherish and cultivate the faith of which prophets
               and apostles have testified—the faith that lays hold on the prom-
               ises of God and waits for deliverance in His appointed time and
               way. . . . The time of waiting may seem long, the soul may be
               oppressed by discouraging circumstances, many in whom confi-
               dence has been placed may fall by the way; but with the prophet
               who endeavored to encourage Judah in a time of unparalleled
               apostasy, let us confidently declare, 'The Lord is in His holy temple:
               let all the earth keep silence before Him.'"—Prophets and Kings,
               pages 387, 388.
                  "The Infinite One by His Holy Spirit has shed light into the minds
               and hearts of His servants. He has given dreams and visions, sym-
               bols and figures; and those to whom the truth was thus revealed
               have themselves embodied the thought in human language."—The
               Great Controversy, page v.

                  For whom did Jesus tell the Jews to look in Scripture? John
                5:39, 46, 47.

                  Does the attitude of the reader affect the validity of the mes-
                sage in the Scripture? What does ancient Israel's attitude toward
                the gospel teach us about assenting to the Word? Rom. 10:18,
                19, 21.

                 "But those who bring to the investigation of the word a spirit
                which it does not approve, will take away from the search a spirit
                which it has not imparted."—Review and Herald, Dec. 15, 1896.

                   "Through all the ages the great truth of justification by faith
                has stood as a mighty beacon to guide repentant sinners into
                the way of life."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 373.
                   "The blessed Bible gives us a knowledge of the great plan of
                salvation, and shows us how every individual may have eternal
                life. Who is the author of the book?—Jesus Christ. He is the True
                Witness, and He says to His own, 'I give unto them eternal life;
                and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them
                out of My hand.' The Bible is to show us the way to Christ, and
                in Christ eternal life is revealed."—Fundamentals of Christian
                Education, page 308.
                   "After the transgression of Adam, the Lord spoke no longer
                directly with man; the human race was given into the hands of
                Christ, and all communication came through Him to the world."—
                Fundamentals of Christian Education, page 237.

                 To what gift did Peter ascribe the events of the Day of Pente-
               cost? Acts 2:17, 18.

                 "If this prophecy of Joel met a partial fulfillment in the days
               of the apostles, we are living in a time when it is to be even
               more evidently manifest to the people of God."—Ellen G. White
               Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 1175.

                  "Look at the flowers in a carpet, and notice the different colored
               threads. All are not pink, all are not green, all are not blue. A
               variety of colors are woven together to perfect the pattern. So
               it is in the design of God. He has a purpose in placing us where
               we must learn to live as individuals. We are not all fitted to do
               the same kind of work, but each man's work is designed by God
               to help make up His plan."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible
               Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1083.   FURTHER STUDY    Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 15-18.
                                                                                 33

                  What was the source of faith to which the Hebrew believers
                 were pointed? Heb. 12:2, 3.

                   What dangers in misconstruing the book of Revelation are
                 applicable to all Scripture? Rev. 22:18, 19.

                    "Those who, by their human construction, shall make the Scrip-
                 ture to utter that which Christ has never placed upon it, weaken
                 its force, making the voice of God in instruction and warnings
                 to testify falsehood, to avoid the inconvenience incurred by obedi-
                 ence to God's requirements, have become signboards, pointing
                 in the wrong direction, into false paths, which lead to transgression
                 and death."—Fundamentals of Christian Education, page 387.

                    "There is necessity for every family to make the Bible the book
                 of their study. Christ's sayings are pure gold, without one particle
                 of dross, unless men, with their human understanding, shall try
                 to put it there, and make falsehood appear as a portion of truth.
                 To those who have received the false interpretation of the word,
                 when they search the Scriptures with the determined effort to
                 obtain the very marrow of truth contained in them, the Holy Spirit
                 opens the eyes of their understanding, and the truths of the word
                 are to them as a new revelation. Their hearts are quickened to
                 a new and living faith, and they behold wondrous things out of
                 His law. The teachings of Christ have a breadth and depth to
                 many which they have never understood before."—Fundamentals
                 of Christian Education, page 386.  FURTHER STUDY       Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 383-386.

                  Speaking of the messages the Lord had given her, Ellen G.
               White said, "Time and trial have not made void the instruction
               given, but through years of suffering and self-sacrifice have estab-
               lished the truth of the testimony given. The instruction that was
               given in the early days of the message is to be held as safe instruc-
               tion to follow in these its closing days."—Selected Messages, Bk.
               1, p. 41.
                  Every preacher, every teacher, every church member is to a
               degree a bearer of truth and light. "There are those who will
               misinterpret the messages that God has given, in accordance with
               their spiritual blindness."—Selected Messages, Bk. 1, p. 41.
                  How important then that we understand what the Bible and
               the spirit of prophecy are saying to God's people.
                 What warning did Christ have for those who live in the last
               days? Matt. 24:24.

                 "Every variety of error will be brought out in the mysterious
               working of Satan, which would, if it were possible, deceive the
               very elect, and turn them from the truth."—Selected Messages,
               Bk. 2, p. 98. THINK IT THROUGH     What different ways are there of negating the witness of
               prophecy? Of making it more effective?

                 "When the Lord has a genuine channel of light, there are always
               plenty of counterfeits. Satan will surely enter any door thrown
               open for him. He will give messages of truth, mingling with the
               truth ideas of his own, prepared to mislead souls, to draw the
               mind to human beings and their sayings, and prevent it from hold-
               ing firmly to a 'Thus saith the Lord.' In God's dealings with His
               people, all is quiet; with those who trust in Him, all is calm and
               unpretending. There will be simple, true, earnest believers in the
               Bible, and there will be doers of the Word as well as hearers.
               There will be sound, earnest, sensible waiting upon God. The
               believer will hang his helpless soul on Jesus Christ."—Selected
               Messages, Bk. 2, pp, 96, 97.  FURTHER STUDY     Selected Messages, Bk. 1, pp. 40-42.
                                                                                 35

                 Apparently in John's day there was a crisis in the church on
               the question of the humanity of Jesus Christ. According to this
               passage the basic identification of a prophet is not in his claim
               to be a prophet, but in the truth of his teachings. God is not
               inconsistent nor contradictory. The truthfulness of a prophet's
               claims can be tested by the Bible.
                 Anything that diminishes the authority or efficacy of Christ's
               ministry is antichrist. It is a denial that Christ is what God sent
               Him to be. Our danger today is not that we shall be led astray
               by a Simon or cursed by a latter-day Balaam. But we do live in
               mortal peril from the worldliness and materialism of society.
               Through advertising, social pressure, and education the aggres-
               sive evangelists of doubt are assailing the strongholds of faith.
                 Why did God decree the expulsion of the Canaanites from
               the Promised Land? Deut. 18:9-12.
                  These false voices are still speaking. Many forms of spiritualism
               and astrology confront modern man. A decision to live by the
               Word of God is the only safeguard against these false communica-
               tions. Isa. 8:20.


                 What dangers threaten faith in the time of the end? 1 Tim.
               4:1, 2; 2 Tim. 4:3, 4.

                  "In these days of peril we are not to accept everything that
                men bring to us as truth. As professed teachers from God come
                to us declaring that they have a message from God, it is proper
                to inquire carefully, How do we know that this is truth? Jesus
                has told us that 'false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many'
                (Matt. 24:11). But we need not be deceived; for the Word of God
                gives us a test whereby we may know what is truth. The prophet
                says, 'To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according
                to this word, it is because there is no light in them' (Isa. 8:20).
                  "From this statement it is evident that it becomes us to be dili-
                gent Bible students, that we may know what is according to the
                law and the testimony. We are safe in no other course of action."
                —Selected Messages, Bk. 2, p. 99.   FURTHER STUDY    The Acts of the Apostles, pages 553-556. 36

                   Christ, with His heavenly Father, originated the plan of salvation,
                 and this was the source of His authority. He knew that the
                 message He was bringing would do for man exactly what He
                 promised. His words contained and conveyed life.
                   What sources of authority undergirded the witness of Jesus?
                 John 5:32-36, 39.


                    Too often modern man questions the authority of God's words
                 —his own surmisings seem more satisfying. Our danger is that
                 we might likewise doubt.
                    "While His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having author-
                 ity. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of
                 all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the
                 Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the
                 opposite.... But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable
                 authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as
                 if His words could not be controverted."—The Desire of Ages,
                 page 253.
                    As we convey the teachings of Christ, we are bearing the mes-
                 sage of God. See John 17:8.
                    At the birth of Jesus the angel told the watching, wonder-struck
                 shepherds that he brought tidings of great joy. We may likewise
                 be bearers of good news, simply by relating the messages of Christ. THINK IT THROUGH      Read the story of Nicodemus in John 3. How can I make the
                 Word more fresh and meaningful in my experience?




                    "Yet He was earnest, rather than vehement. He spoke as one
                 who had a definite purpose to fulfill. He was bringing to view
                 the realities of the eternal world. In every theme God was revealed.
                 Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which keeps men
                 absorbed in earthly things. He placed the things of this life in
                 their true relation, as subordinate to thoge of eternal interest;
                 but He did not ignore their importance. He taught that heaven
                 and earth are linked together, and that a knowledge of divine
                 truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday life."
                 —The Desire of Ages, page 254.  FURTHER STUDY       The Desire of Ages, pages 252-255. 38

                    Christ used parables to capture and hold attention. By this
                 means He was able to arouse conviction in the hearts of the
                 hearers. "Who hath ears, let him hear." The parables were made
                 effective when the hearers discovered truth for themselves in these
                 illustrations from everyday life. Christ also used parables to
                 conceal the truth from some persons.
                    "Jesus spoke before the Pharisees and Sadducees in parables,
                 hiding the clearness of truth under symbols and figures because
                 they would make a wrong use of the truths He presented before
                 them; but to His disciples He spoke plainly. We should learn from
                 Christ's method of teaching and be careful not to cut off the
                 ears of the people by presenting truths which, not being fully
                 explained, they are in no way prepared to receive."—Testimonies,
                 Vol. 3, p. 426.

                   Why is the gospel received in different ways by different
                 people? Matt. 13:13-16.


                   "From Christ's methods of labor we may learn many valuable
                 lessons. He did not follow merely one method; in various ways
                 He sought to gain the attention of the multitude; and then He
                 proclaimed to them the truths of the gospel."—Evangelism, page
                 123. THINK IT THROUGH      Am I seeking for ways of making the gospel mean more to
                 myself, my family, my friends?



                    "His messages of mercy were varied to suit His audience. He
                 knew 'how to speak a word in season to him that is weary' (Isa.
                 50:4); for grace was poured upon His lips, that He might convey
                 to men in the most attractive way the treasures of truth. He had
                 tact to meet the prejudiced minds, and surprise them with illustra-
                 tions that won their attention. . . . His illustrations were taken
                 from the things of daily life, and although they were simple, they
                 had in them a wonderful depth of meaning. The birds of the air,
                 the lilies of the field, the seed, the shepherd and the sheep,—
                 with these objects Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever after-
                 ward, when His hearers chanced to see these things of nature,
                 they recalled His words."—The Desire of Ages, page 254.
                    "As He passed through the towns and cities He was like a vital
                 current, diffusing life and joy."—The Ministry of Healing, pages
                 19, 20.   FURTHER STUDY      Christ's Object Lessons, pages 17-22.

                                                                                  39

        Part 3   "And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her,
   MOTIVATED and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the
            BY bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young
 COMPASSION man, I say unto thee, Arise."
 Luke 7:13, 14
                 "He taught the people with patient love. His deep, searching
               wisdom knew the wants of every soul among His listeners; and
               when He saw them refuse the message of peace and love that
               He came to give them, His heart felt anguish to the very depths."—
               Gospel Workers; page 49.

                  How did Jesus react on two occasions to people who desired
                His ministrations? Matt. 19:13, 14; Mark 10:46-52.

                  Note the reassuring words of Jesus. Often all that people need
                to give them courage is a word. Christ had empathy with man's
                needs. Often He spoke reassuring words, such as "thy sins be
                forgiven thee" or "thy faith hath made thee whole." How cherished
                are the words that lead men out of the pit of despair and doubt!

                 What combination of attitudes do you recognize in Jesus'
                words in Matt. 23:37-39?


                  How important is the motivation for words! Jesus spoke some
               words that appear severe in writing, but they were not said harshly.
               "Christ Himself did not suppress one word of truth, but He spoke
               it always in love. He exercised the greatest tact, and thoughtful,
               kind attention in His intercourse with the people. He was never
               rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave needless
               pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness.
               He fearlessly denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and iniquity, but tears
               were in His voice as He uttered His scathing rebukes."—The
               Desire of Ages; page 353.

                 "To love as Christ loved means to manifest unselfishness at
               all times and in all places, by kind words and pleasant looks.
               These cost those who give them nothing, but they leave behind
               a fragrance that surrounds the soul. Their effect can never be
               estimated. Not only are they a blessing to the receiver, but to
               the giver; for they react upon him. Genuine love is a precious
               attribute of heavenly origin, which increases in fragrance in pro-
               portion as it is dispensed to others."—Ellen G. White Comments,
               SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1140.
                 "The afflicted, suffering ones who sought Christ as their helper,
               were charmed with the divine perfection, the beauty of holiness,
               that shone forth in His character."—Ellen G. White Comments,
               SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1111.

                 "The readiness of these Samaritans to believe the evidence that
               Jesus was the "Prophet" of whom Moses spoke (see on v. 26)
               stands forth in sharp contrast to the uncertainty with which the
               Jews received Him (see on ch. 1:10, 11). His life and message
               constituted convincing evidence to the Samaritans that Moses'
               prediction had met its fulfillment in the person of Jesus of
               Nazareth."—SDA Bible Commentary, on John 4:42.
                 In the polyglot world of Christ's day He rang true to the peoples
               of all types and races. Nothing that might be called "phony" ever
               tainted His ministry.

                 From Paul's statement in Phil. 4:9, what would you infer about
               the consistency between Paul's words and his behavior?

                  "Encourage in your children a truthful, honest disposition. Let
               them never have occasion to doubt your sincerity and exact
               truthfulness."—Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 2, p. 256.
                   "The religion of Christ is sincerity itself. Zeal for God's glory
               is the motive implanted by the Holy Spirit; and only the effectual
               working of the Spirit can implant this motive. Only the power
               of God can banish self-seeking and hypocrisy."—The Desire of
               Ages; page 409.
                   "The test of sincerity is not in words, but in deeds. Christ does
               not say to any man, What say ye more than others? but, 'What
               do ye more than others?' Matt. 5:47. Full of meaning are His words,
               'If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.' John 13:17.
               Words are of no value unless they are accompanied with approp-
               riate deeds."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 272.   FURTHER STUDY    The Desire of Ages, pages 183-195.
                                                                                 41

                  The disciples regarded Christ as a message from God. As they
                read Him, they discovered much about God. They found Him to
                be Life, for He is the Word of Life. They found that they could
                rediscover fellowship with God and maintain it with the Son. They
                found that darkness dispersed before the presence of Christ.
                  Against this life, this light, this fellowship, they measured their
                own spiritual development. They sought to convey their personal
                fellowship with Christ to others, that it might transform them also.
                  How does God both enlarge and confine the sphere of His
                saving love? John 3:16.

                   "Christ became one flesh with us, in order that we might become
                one spirit with Him. It is by virtue of this union that we are to
                come forth from the grave,—not merely as a manifestation of the
                power of Christ, but because, through faith, His life has become
                ours. Those who see Christ in His true character, and receive
                Him into the heart, have everlasting life. It is through the Spirit
                that Christ dwells in us; and the Spirit of God, received into the
                heart by faith, is the beginning of the life eternal."—The Desire
                of Ages, page 388.

                   "Christ came in the form of humanity to live the law of God.
                He was the word of life. He came to be the gospel of salvation
                to the world, and to fulfil every specification of the law. Jesus
                is the word, the guidebook, which must be received and obeyed
                in every particular. How necessary that this mine of truth be
                explored, and the precious treasures of truth be discovered and
                secured as rich jewels. The incarnation of Christ, His divinity,
                His atonement, His wonderful life in heaven as our advocate, the
                office of the Holy Spirit,—all these living, vital themes of Christian-
                ity are revealed from Genesis to Revelation. ...
                   "To those who have received the false interpretation of the word,
                when they search the Scriptures with the determined effort to
                obtain the very marrow of truth contained in them, the Holy Spirit
                opens the eyes of their understanding, and the truths of the word
                are to them as a new revelation."—Fundamentals of Christian
                Education, pages 385, 386.  FURTHER STUDY      Fundamentals of Christian Education, pages 383-386.

                                                                      February 2
      Part 6      The teaching of Jesus was of necessity done at a particular
 ETERNALLY     point in history. He taught in specific situations, and the truths
MEANINGFUL     He spoke were appropriate to the circumstances in which He
               taught. That was almost 2,000 years ago. It is reasonable to ask,
               "Are His teachings relevant to the twentieth-century scene?" To
               prepare a response to that question read the Sermon on the Mount,
               Matthew 5 to 7, in a modern translation. When you have finished
               reading it, go back and give special attention to the selections
               from the sermon listed below. Has Jesus stated temporary counsel
               suited to the circumstances of His day, or has He stated permanent
               and universal principles? Ask yourself these questions, "Do the
               principles that Jesus taught have any valid relation to modern
               life? How do they apply to life today?"
                  "Blessed are the poor in spirit." Matthew 5:3.
                  "Blessed are the pure in heart." Verse 8.
                  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
               good works." Verse 16.
                  "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least command-
               ments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in
               the kingdom of heaven." Verse 19.
                  "Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath commit-
               ted adultery with her already in his heart." Verse 28.
                  "Resist not evil." Verse 39.
                  "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to
                them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use
               you." Verse 44.
                  "Give us this day our daily bread." Matt. 6:11.
                  "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Verse
               21.
                 What do you think is meant by the statement, "Jesus Christ
               the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever"? Heb. 13:8.

                 "Oh, that our brethren and sisters might value aright the truth!
               Oh, that they might become sanctified by it! Oh, that they might
               realize that upon them rests the responsibility of communicating
               this truth to others! But they do not feel the importance of living
               the truth, of being doers of the words of Christ. Many are self-
               sufficient. They are not filled with the missionary spirit that should
               animate the disciples of Christ. If they knew what it means to
               have travail of soul for others, angels of God would work through
               them to communicate a knowledge of the truth. They would know
               the truth, and the truth would make them free.... The elevating,
               purifying, ennobling principles of heaven would be introduced
               into society and would work like leaven."—Testimonies, Vol. 8,
               pp. 151, 152.

                                                                                  43

                                                                    CONTROL
                                                                    CENTRAL

                  "Christ is represented by the Holy Spirit; and when this Spirit
               is appreciated, when those controlled by the Spirit communicate
               to others the energy with which they are imbued, an invisible
               chord is touched which electrifies the whole. Would that we could
               all understand how boundless are the divine resources... .
                  "Jesus says, 'Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost
               is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.' It is the
               union of the Holy Spirit and the testimony of the living witness
               that is to warn the world. The worker for God is the agent through
               which the heavenly communication is given, and the Holy Spirit
               gives divine authority to the word of truth."—Ellen G. White Com-
               ments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1053.

                 "The Spirit is given as a regenerating agency, to make effectual
               the salvation wrought by the death of our Redeemer. The Spirit
               is constantly seeking to draw the attention of men to the great
               offering that was made on the cross of Calvary, to unfold to the
               world the love of God, and to open to the convicted soul the
               precious things of the Scriptures.
                  "Having brought conviction of sin, and presented before the
               mind the standard of righteousness, the Holy Spirit withdraws
               the affections from the things of this earth and fills the soul with
               a desire for holiness. 'He will guide you into all truth' (John 16:13),
               the Saviour declared. If men are willing to be molded, there will
               be brought about a sanctification of the whole being. The Spirit
               will take the things of God and stamp them on the soul. By His
               power the way of life will be made so plain that none need err
               therein."—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 52, 53.   FURTHER STUDY    Fundamentals of Christian Education. pages 196-200.

                                                                                   45

                  All too often we fail to gain the inspiration and blessing that
                should be ours simply because we do not open our minds to
                the promises of God's Word, or we fail to think on the privileges
                of following Christ.

                  What is the only source from which spiritual knowledge
                comes? Verses 11, 12.


                  "Precious jewels of truth, that are of the highest value to the
                meek and lowly ones who believe in Christ, are as foolishness
                to him who is wise in the world's estimation. But truth, eternal
                truth, is ever present with the true believer. The Spirit is the
                appointed instructor of such a soul, his guide, his continual
                strength and righteousness."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA
                Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1085.

                   "As a people our faith and practice need to be energized by
                the Holy Spirit. No ruling power that would compel man to obey
                the dictates of the finite mind should be exercised. 'Cease ye
                from man, whose breath is in his nostrils,' the Lord commands.
                By turning the minds of men to lean on human wisdom, we place
                a veil between God and man, so that there is not a seeing of
                Him who is invisible."—Testimonies to Ministers, page 483.
                   "The experiment of the world's wisdom had been fully tested
                at the advent of Christ, and the boasted human wisdom had proved
                wanting. Men knew not the true wisdom that comes from the
                Source of all good....
                   "You need to be learning in the school of Christ to-day. The
                Lord has power to work with His own agents."—Fundamentals
                of Christian Education, page 361.  FURTHER STUDY      The Acts of the Apostles, pages 269-274.

                 "Strengthened with might. That might that strengthens is the
               power of God. The power is conveyed through the operation of
               the Holy Spirit. The same power that converts men must continue
               in them if there is to be Christian growth....
                 "In the inner man. The Greek suggests power entering into
               and remaining there. The vital spiritual powers within a man have
               not sprung from his own nature; he has nothing of his own to
               offer, nothing of his own of which to boast."—SDA Bible
               Commentary, on Eph. 3:16.
                  "God does not ask us to do in our own strength the work before
               us. He has provided divine assistance for all the emergencies
               to which our human resources are unequal. He gives the Holy
               Spirit to help in every strait, to strengthen our hope and assurance,
               to illuminate our minds and purify our hearts. . . . There is no
               limit to the usefulness of the one who, putting self aside, makes
               room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart and lives
               a life wholly consecrated to God. . . . Christ declared that the
               divine influence of the Spirit was to be with His followers unto
               the end."—My Life Today, page 37.

                Contrast the "works of the flesh" with the "fruit of the Spirit."
               Gal. 5:19-25.

                 From one point of view the fruit of the Spirit is love, and the
               other attributes mentioned in Gal. 5:22, 23 are characteristics of
               love. Thus, unlike the gifts, it is impossible for us to divide the
               fruit of the Spirit. It is one in our lives, lovely in all its different
               facets. THINK IT THROUGH     Can I see evidences of the fruit of the Spirit in my life?

                 "The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul.
               We do not see Christ and speak to Him, but His Holy Spirit is
               just as near us in one place as in another. It works in and through
               every one who receives Christ. Those who know the indwelling
               of the Spirit reveal the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, long-
               suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith."—Ellen G. White Com-
               ments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1112.
                 "The 12th and 13th chapters of 1st Corinthians should be com-
               mitted to memory, written in the mind and heart. Through His
               servant Paul, the Lord has placed before us these subjects for
               our consideration, and those who have the privilege of being
               brought together in church capacity will be united, understand-
               ingly and intelligently. The figure of the members which compose
               the body represents the church of God and the relation its mem-
               bers should sustain to one another."—Ellen G. White Comments,
               SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, pp. 1090, 1091.

                                                                                    47

                 How essential is the Spirit to our walk with Christ? Rom. 8:9-11.

                 To be intellectually convinced is not enough. Christ must dwell
               within through the Spirit. Only as our lives bear the fruit of the
               Spirit do we belong to Him.

                 What is possible through the Spirit-filled life? Verses 14-17.

                 Through two-way communication between the Holy Spirit and
               our hearts we receive assurance of our new status. Despite all
               the difficulties of life, we know that we belong to God, that we
               are His children. THINK IT THROUGH     What does it mean to "mortify the deeds of the body"?


                  "When we see men firm in principle, fearless in duty, zealous
               in the cause of God, yet humble and lowly, gentle and tender,
               patient toward all, ready to forgive, manifesting love for souls
               for whom Christ died, we do not need to inquire: Are they Chris-
               tians? They give unmistakable evidence that they have been with
               Jesus and learned of Him. When men reveal the opposite traits,
               when they are proud, vain, frivolous, worldly-minded, avaricious,
               unkind, censorious, we need not be told with whom they are
               associating, who is their most intimate friend. They may not believe
               in witchcraft; but, notwithstanding this, they are holding commun-
               ion with an evil spirit."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, pp. 224, 225.
                  "The Spirit of God must do its work upon the heart. All who
               have not experienced its regenerating power are chaff among
               the wheat. Our Lord has His fan in His hand, and He will thoroughly
               purge His floor."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 227.  FURTHER STUDY     The Ministry of Healing, pages 503-512. 48

     Part 5     "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know
  ASSURED not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself
TRAJECTORY maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be    Rom. 8:26, 27 uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the
              mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints
              according to the will of God."
                  No guesswork here! We may not know what is best for us, but
               the Spirit of God dwelling in our hearts holds constant commu-
               nion with the Father and assures God's will for us.
                  Paul speaks of "the firstfruits of the Spirit." These are the evi-
               dences in our lives that God is changing us and leading us on.
               He says that "we are saved by hope." Rom. 8:24. Having been
               launched toward eternal life, there is no reason for us to lose
               that goal. Hope locks us in on the target, and the Spirit guides
               us onward.
                  It is because of all that goes before in Romans 8 that Paul
               finally proclaims, "All things work together for good to them that
               love God." Verse 28. This assertion comes from experiencing the
               power of God.
                What seals our hope? Eph. 4:30. How would you relate this
               with the seal of the living God? Rev. 7:2.

                 Surely these are two ways of saying the same thing. Note how-
               ever that we may grieve the Spirit. Does God ever turn away from
               the seeking sinner?
                What weapon of the Spirit helps us preserve our faith in Jesus
               Christ? Eph. 6:17, 18.

                  "I saw that all heaven is interested in our salvation; and shall
               we be indifferent? Shall we be careless, as though it were a small
               matter whether we are saved or lost? Shall we slight the sacrifice
               that has been made for us? Some have done this. They have
               trifled with offered mercy, and the frown of God is upon them.
               God's Spirit will not always be grieved. It will depart if grieved
               a little longer."—Testimonies, Vol. 1, p. 124.
                  "There are many who long to help others, but they feel that
               they have no spiritual strength or light to impart. Let them present
               their petitions at the throne of grace. Plead for the Holy Spirit.
               God stands back of every promise He has made.. ..
                   "We must not only pray in Christ's name, but by the inspiration
               of the Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it is said
               that the Spirit 'maketh intercession for us, with groanings which
               cannot be uttered.' Rom. 8:26. Such prayer God delights to
               answer."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 147.

                   "Today you are to have your vessel purified, that it may be
               ready for the heavenly dew, ready for the showers of the latter
               rain; for the latter rain will come, and the blessing of God will
               fill every soul that is purified from every defilement. It is our work
               today to yield our souls to Christ, that we may be fitted for the
               time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord—fitted for the
               baptism of the Holy Spirit."—Evangelism, page 702.
                 What did God promise Judah would be the result of the out-
               pouring of the Spirit? Joel 2:28, 29.

                  "A crisis is right upon us. We must now by the Holy Spirit's
               power proclaim the great truths for these last days. It will not
               be long before everyone will have heard the warning and made
               his decision. Then shall the end come....
                  "God is the great Master Worker, and by His providence He
               prepares the way for His work to be accomplished. He provides
               opportunities, opens up lines of influence and channels of work-
                 ig. If His people are watching the indications of His providence,
                 nd stand ready to co-operate with Him, they will see a great
               .work accomplished."—Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 24.
                  "Many ... will be seen hurrying hither and thither, constrained
               by the Spirit of God to bring the light to others. The truth, the
               Word of God, is as a fire in their bones, filling them with a burning
               desire to enlighten those who sit in darkness. Many, even among
               the uneducated, now proclaim the words of the Lord. Children
               are impelled by the Spirit to go forth and declare the message
               from heaven. The Spirit is poured out upon all who will yield
               to its promptings, and, casting off all man's machinery, his bind-
               ing rules and cautious methods, they will declare the truth with
               the might of the Spirit's power. Multitudes will receive the faith
               and join the armies of the Lord."—Evangelism, page 700.  FURTHER STUDY     Testimonies to Ministers, pages 506-512.

                                 ELLEN G. WHITE

                                                                                        51

"I will hear what God the Lord will         to us as we discover its true purpose. speak: for he will speak peace unto his         When we cease to regard prayer simply people, and to his saints: but let them         as our telling God something, and look not turn again to folly." Ps. 85:8.             for Him to return the conversation through
Some regard prayer as a way of chang-       the Spirit and the Word, then we shall ing God's mind, or of conveying to Him          indeed "pray without ceasing." our condition as if He were ignorant of it. This is a deception. "Prayer is the open-   KEY THOUGHTS ing of the heart to God as to a friend. Not       God's Will. "Bring your lives into har- that it is necessary in order to make known     mony with your petitions, that you may to God what we are, but in order to enable      receive the blessings for which you us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring        pray."—Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 274. Dis- God down to us, but brings us up to             covering the will of God is one great pur-  Him."—Steps to Christ, page 93. God            pose of prayer.  stands ever ready to help His children.          Access to God. "Every prayer in behalf  Through prayer we unlock the storehouse        of the suffering and oppressed is reported  of heaven's riches by acquainting our-         before the eternal throne and placed on  selves with them, by bringing our lives into   heaven's imperishable record."—Testi-  conformity with God's will, by understand-     monies, Vol. 5, p. 133. God does hear and  ing and applying the promises of God.          answer.
Prayer is communication and commun-           Communion With God. "Prayer is the  ion with God. We speak, we listen, we hear.    opening of the heart . . . as to a friend."—  Prayer grows more and more important           Steps to Christ, page 93.

                                                                                     53

                 "How different is the attitude of God toward those who seek
               Him. The appeals of the needy and distressed are considered
               by Him with infinite compassion."—Christ's Object Lessons, page
               165.
                 What lesson should we draw from the parable? See also
               1 Thess. 5:17; Rom. 12:12.

                 What does Paul state as the requirements for one who prays
               publicly? 1 Tim. 2:8.

                 "Those who have decided to obey the commandments of God
               will understand by experience that they have adversaries who
               are controlled by a power from beneath. . . .
                 "In the parable of the unjust judge, Christ has shown what we
               should do. . . . Christ, our example, did nothing to vindicate or
               deliver Himself. He committed His case to God. So His followers
               are not to accuse or condemn, or to resort to force in order to
               deliver themselves."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages 170, 171.

                  An angel bearing God's communication brought a dramatic
                answer to prayer. What would you list as the requirements of
                prayer from this story? How do angels fit into the task of conveying
                and effecting God's will? Heb. 1:13, 14.

                  How did Christ evaluate the prayers of the Pharisee and the
                publican? Luke 18:9-14. Was there anything basically evil about
                the Pharisee's virtues as he claimed them? Then what was wrong
                with the prayer? How much does a sense of unworthiness play
                in fitting us for the inflow of divine power?


                  What characteristics marked David's great prayer of confes-
                sion? Psalm 51.


                  When the armor of God is complete, what yet remains to be
                done? Eph. 6:17, 18.

                  "Though Daniel had long been in the service of God, and had
                been spoken of by heaven as 'greatly beloved,' yet he now
                appeared before God as a sinner, urging the great need of the
                people he loved. His prayer was eloquent in its simplicity, and
                intensely earnest. ...
                  "Heaven was bending low to hear the earnest supplication of
                the prophet. Even before he had finished his plea for pardon and
                restoration, the mighty Gabriel again appeared to him, and called
                his attention to the vision he had seen prior to the fall of Babylon
                and the death of Belshazzar."—Prophets and Kings, pages 555,
                556.
                  "David's repentance was sincere and deep. There was no effort
                to palliate his crime. No desire to escape the judgments threatened,
                inspired his prayer. But he saw the enormity of his transgression
                against God; he saw the defilement of his soul; he loathed his
                sin. It was not for pardon only that he prayed, but for purity of
                heart."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 725.   FURTHER STUDY     Prophets and Kings, pages 552-556.

                                                                                  55

                What characteristic marked the prayers of the early church?
               Acts 12:5.


                   Note too the nature of the answer. It was specific and in line
               with the request of the church. It brought joy to God's people
               and strengthened their faith.
                   Among the reasons for God's very specific answer was the very
               nature of Herod's precautions against Peter's escape. "Herod was
               lifting his hand against Omnipotence, and he was to be utterly
               defeated."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 146. Death faced the
               apostle: "On the morrow he was to have been led forth to die;
               but, lo, an angel had delivered him from prison and from death."—
               The Acts of the Apostles, page 148.

                  What led to the deliverance of Jonah from the belly of the
               fish? Jonah 2:1, 7, 9, 10.


                 "At last Jonah had learned that 'salvation belongeth unto the
               Lord.' Psalm 3:8. With penitence and a recognition of the saving
               grace of God, came deliverance. Jonah was released from the
               perils of the mighty deep and was cast upon the dry land."—
               Prophets and Kings, page 269. THINK IT THROUGH     Am I expecting God to answer my prayers without my repen-
               tance and submission to His will? Am I learning the lesson of
               submission to the will of God?




                 "To the worker for God the record of these angel visits should
               bring strength and courage. Today, as verily as in the days of
               the apostles, heavenly messengers are passing through the length
               and breadth of the land, seeking to comfort the sorrowing, to
               protect the impenitent, to win the hearts of men to Christ. We
               cannotsee them personally; nevertheless they are with us, guiding,
               directing, protecting. ...
                 "We need to understand better than we do the mission of the
               angels."—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 152-154.  FURTHER STUDY     The Acts of the Apostles, pages 143-149. 56

                 "Never is one repulsed who comes to Him with a contrite heart.
               Not one sincere prayer is lost. Amid the anthems of the celestial
               choir, God hears the cries of the weakest human being.... Nothing
               can drown the soul's desire. It rises above the din of the street,
               above the confusion of the multitude, to the heavenly courts. It
               is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard."—
               Christ's Object Lessons, page 174.
                  What encouragement may we gain from the experience of
                Judah's wicked king, Manasseh? 2 Chron. 33:9-13.


                  From being the wickedest of kings, Manasseh repented and
                endeavored to undo his evil. His example comes to us as evidence
                that God desires the salvation of all men. No greater blessing
                comes through prayer than salvation and forgiveness. 1 John 1:9.

                   For what are we encouraged to pray and with what expecta-
                tion? James 5:14-16. What answer did Paul receive to his prayer
                for health? 2 Cor. 12:7-10.

                  Make a list of the blessings you may expect through prayer.
                Note especially the spiritual gain prayer should bring.
                   "In the future life the mysteries that here have annoyed and
                disappointed us will be made plain. We shall see that our seemingly
                unanswered prayers and disappointed hopes have been among
                our greatest blessings."—The Ministry of Healing, page 474. THINK IT THROUGH      Enumerate some examples of answered prayer. Might a Chris-
                tian's loss of faith come because his expectations have not
                been tuned to God's will?



                 "Every act of love, every word of kindness, every prayer in behalf
               of the suffering and oppressed, is reported before the eternal
               throne and placed on heaven's imperishable record."—
               Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 133.
                  "Some . . . do not see the importance of self-knowledge and
               self-control. They do not watch and pray, lest they enter into temp-
               tation. If they would watch, they would become acquainted with
               their weak points, where they are most likely to be assailed by
               temptation. With watchfulness and prayer their weakest points
               can be so guarded as to become their strongest points, and they
               can encounter temptation without being overcome."— Tes-
               timonies, Vol. 2, p. 511.  FURTHER STUDY      The Desire of Ages, pages 359-363.
                                                                                57

                  To open the prayer channel we must first remove those sins
                of ours which separate us from our fellowmen. Repentance is
                essential to effective communication through prayer. See Ps.
                66:18.
                  What attitude is necessary on the part of one who makes
                a request of God in prayer? James 1:5-7.


                  Faith is another essential. If you don't believe God will answer,
                why ask? See Heb. 11:6. "Faith is the gift of God, but the power
                to exercise it is ours. Faith is the hand by which the soul takes
                hold upon the divine offers of grace and mercy."—Patriarchs and
                Prophets, page 431.
                  "This faith must express on our part supreme preference, perfect
                reliance, entire consecration. Our will must be wholly yielded to
                the divine will, our feelings, desires, interests, and honor identified
                with the prosperity of Christ's kingdom and the honor of His cause,
                we constantly receiving grace from Him, and Christ accepting
                gratitude from us."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 229.

                  What characteristic marked the prayers of Epaphras? What
                did he do in addition to his prayers? Col. 4:12, 13.

                   "For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and
                for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis." Verse 13, RSV. We need
                more Epaphrases today—men who will both pray and work for
                their families, their friends, their neighbors. Our prayers need
                specifics. Generalizations blunt the power of prayer. Pray for
                specific needs, for individuals, for the solution to special problems.
                            • THINK IT THROUGH      What would you add to a list of requisites for effective prayer?
                Why is one prayer more effective than another?



                   "God is too wise and good to answer our prayers always at
                 just the time and in just the manner we desire. He will do more
                 and better for us than to accomplish all our wishes. . . . Our
                 desires and interests should be lost in His will. These experiences
                 that test faith are for our benefit. By them it is made manifest
                 whether our faith is true and sincere, resting on the word of God
                 alone, or whether depending on circumstances, it is uncertain
                 and changeable. Faith is strengthened by exercise."—The Ministry
                 of Healing, page 231.

                  "They also met together to present their requests to the Father
               in the name of Jesus. They knew that they had a Representative
               in heaven, an Advocate at the throne of God. In solemn awe they
               bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance, 'Whatsoever ye shall
               ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have
               ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your
               joy may be full.' John 16:23, 24. Higher and still higher they
               extended the hand of faith, with the mighty argument, 'It is Christ
               that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right
               hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.' Romans 8:34.
                 "The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness
               to meet men and in their daily intercourse to speak words that
               would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences, all desire
               for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian
               fellowship."—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 35-37.
                 Praying and ceasing criticism of others go together. With replac-
               ing the distorted reactions of the carnal man comes a longing
               to see others grow in grace. A praying church is moved toward
               those in need. The members of a praying family long for each
               other to experience growth in Christlikeness. This happens
               because the Spirit convicts them of the needs of others.

                 For whom and for what purpose did Paul ask the Colossian
               believers to pray? Col. 4:2-4.


                 Pray for the many avenues by which the gospel is preached.
               Our prayers strengthen the work of God by encouraging those
               responsible for its onward progress, by committing us to share
               in the work, and by moving others toward commitment. THINK IT THROUGH     Do I pray about the needs of the work of God and my fellowmen,
               or only about myself?

                                                                                 59

                  Divine help is needed in order that our words may always affect
                in a constructive way the one with whom we speak.
                  What are the results of God's words? Ps. 19:7-11.

                   "The workman for God should make earnest efforts to become
                a representative of Christ, discarding all uncomely gestures and
                uncouth speech. He should endeavor to use correct language.
                . . . Common, cheap expressions should be replaced by sound,
                pure words. By constant watchfulness and earnest discipline the
                Christian youth may keep his tongue from evil and his lips from
                speaking guile."—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,
                page 238.
                     Words, however good, will be powerless if contradicted by
                the daily life."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 160.

                 Is it ever right to tell a lie? Do situations make for different
               standards of truth? "David told the priest that he had been sent
               by the king on a secret errand, one which required the utmost
               expedition. Here he manifested a want of faith in God, and his
               sin resulted in causing the death of the high priest. Had the facts
               been plainly stated, Ahimelech would have known what course
               to pursue to preserve his life. God requires that truthfulness shall
               mark His people, even in the greatest peril....
                  "David fled to Achish, the king of Gath; for he felt that there
               was more safety in the midst of the enemies of his people than
               in the dominions of Saul. But it was reported to Achish that David
               was the man who had slain the Philistine champion years before;
               and now he who had sought refuge with the foes of Israel found
               himself in great peril. But, feigning madness, he deceived his
               enemies and thus made his escape.
                  "The first error of David was his distrust of God at Nob, and
               his second mistake was his deception before Achish."—Patriarchs
               and Prophets, page 656.

                What effect can lies have on spiritual destinies? Rev. 22:15.
               How important may lies become? 2 Thess. 2:9-12.

                 How should we relate to words not in harmony with the words
               of Christ? 1 Tim. 6:3, 5.

                 "If religious teaching does not produce godly lives, it stands
               self-condemned. The worth of all spiritual instruction is measured
               by the degree of spiritual health enjoyed by its adherents."—SDA
               Bible Commentary, on 1 Tim. 6:3.

                  "Merely to hear or to read the word is not enough. He who
               desires to be profited by the Scriptures must meditate upon the
               truth that has been presented to him. By earnest attention and
               prayerful thought he must learn the meaning of the words of truth,
               and drink deep of the spirit of the holy oracles."—Christ's Object
               Lessons, pages 59, 60.
                 "The apostle realized that the gospel had a claim upon whoever
               might listen to his words; that one day they would stand either
               among the pure and holy around the great white throne, or with
               those to whom Christ would say, 'Depart from Me, ye that work
               iniquity.' Matthew 7:23. He knew that he must meet every one
               of his hearers before the tribunal of heaven and must there render
               an account, not only for all that he had said and done, but for
               the motive and spirit of his words and deeds."—The Acts of the
               Apostles, page 423.

                                                                                 63

     Part 4      "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great
  SELECTING things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And
    WORDS the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among
 James 3:5, 6 our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on
              fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."
                 How may we control our tongues? We say, "My tongue slipped."
               Could this be an excuse for a lack of self-control? What motivates
               anyone to gossip? A desire to show that he or she is better than
               the subject of the gossiping? Do you think it possible that a person
               might become a gossip to try to prove his own goodness?
                How does man rate in controlling his tongue? James 3:8-12.
               What then is the solution? Verses 17, 18.

                 Jesus taught His disciples to avoid the use of common oaths,
               and to say just Yes or No. Matt. 5:33-37. A Christian's word should
               be his bond. A simple Yes or No carries as much weight as a
               more emphatic declaration.
                What effect does the wrong use of words have on a person?
               Matt 15:18.

                 Continual thought about an action opens the way for that action
               to be carried out when the opportunity comes. Many have con-
               quered their habit of smoking by repeating, "I choose not to
               smoke." Thus we imprint upon the mind positive and helpful
               actions. Unfortunately the reverse is also true.

                 The tongue "has set nation against nation, and has caused
               battle and bloodshed. Words have kindled fires that have been
               hard to quench. They have also brought joy and gladness to many
               souls. And when words are spoken because God says, 'Speak
               unto them My words,' they often cause sorrow unto repentance.
                  "The talent of speech carries with it great responsibility. It needs
               to be carefully guarded; for it is a mighty power for evil as well
               as for good."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary,
               Vol. 3, p. 1142.
                  "My brethren and sisters, how are you employing the gift of
               speech? Have you learned so to control the tongue that it shall
               ever obey the dictates of an enlightened conscience and holy
               affections? Is your conversation free from levity, pride and malice,
               deceit and impurity? Are you without guile before God? Words
               exert a telling power. Satan will, if possible, keep the tongue active
               in his service. Of ourselves we cannot control the unruly member.
               Divine grace is our only hope."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 175.   FURTHER STUDY    Christ's Object Lessons, pages 335-342.

                  "The voice and tongue are gifts from God, and if rightly used,
                they are a power for God. Words mean very much. They may
                express love, devotion, praise, melody to God, or hatred and
                revenge. Words reveal the sentiments of the heart. They may be
                a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. The tongue is
                a world of blessing, or a world of iniquity."—Ellen G. White Com-
                ments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 3, p. 1159.
                  "The infinite God alone can measure the mischief that is done
                by careless words.... As professed Christians, we should consider
                the influence our words have upon those with whom we come
                into association, whether they are believers or unbelievers. Our
                words are watched, and mischief is done by thoughtless utter-
                ances. No after association with believers or unbelievers will wholly
                counteract the unfavorable influence of thoughtless, foolish
                words. Our words evidence the manner of food upon which the
                soul feeds."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary,
                Vol. 3, pp. 1159, 1160.   FURTHER STUDY     Testimonies, Vol. 5, pp. 132-134.
                                                                                   65

                                                                     February 23
       Part 6      "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency    ALTERNATIVES      of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of
            IN   God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save  COMMUNICATION       Jesus Christ, and him crucified."   1 Cor. 2:1, 2, 4     "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words
                 of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of
                 power."

                   Paul renounced the use of oratory or brilliant debate to reach
                 the Corinthians. He knew he was going into a sophisticated city
                 where the skillful use of words would attract an audience.
                   "In neither private discussions nor public preaching did Paul
                 rely on the persuasive power found in human reasoning. He did
                 not seek to charm and captivate his hearers with the style of
                 subtile philosophy that so appealed to the Greeks."—SDA Bible
                 Commentary, on 1 Cor. 2:4.

                   How were Paul's words about Jesus regarded by Christians
                 and Non-Christians? 1 Cor. 1:21-25. (See 2:5, 6.)

                   "In His love and pity for lost mankind, God proclaimed the glori-
                 ous news of salvation through faith in Christ. This news, which
                 to worldly-wise individuals was mere foolishness, became, for
                 those who accept it, God's chosen agency for redemption....
                   "The 'foolishness of preaching' is the announcement of the
                 gospel of salvation through faith in the crucified Christ, which
                 to the Greek and the unbelieving Jew seemed like sheer folly."
                 —SDA Bible Commentary, on 1 Cor. 1:21.

                  In persecution what promise assures God's help in our com-
                 munication? Luke 21:12-15.

                    "The experience of the apostle Paul in meeting the philosophers
                 of Athens has a lesson for us. In presenting the gospel before
                 the court of the Areopagus, Paul met logic with logic, science
                 with science, philosophy with philosophy. The wisest of his hearers
                 were astonished and silenced. His words could not be con-
                 troverted. But the effort bore little fruit. Few were led to accept
                 the gospel. Henceforth Paul adopted a different manner of labor.
                 He avoided elaborate arguments and discussion of theories, and
                 in simplicity pointed men and women to Christ as the Saviour
                 of sinners."—The Ministry of Healing, page 214.
                    "Read the first and second chapters of 1 Corinthians with deep
                 interest, and pray that God will give you understanding so that
                 you may comprehend and put into practice the truths there
                 revealed."—Fundamentals of Christian Education, page 352.  FURTHER STUDY       The Acts of the Apostles, pages 243-247. 66

                                                                                     67

                 By what means can our minds be redirected? John 16:7-15.

                  "Oh, how much we lose by not educating the imagination to
               dwell upon divine things, rather than upon the earthly! ... Fresh
               wonders will be revealed to the mind the more closely we apply
               it to divine things. We lose much by not talking more of Jesus
               and of heaven, the saints' inheritance. The more we contemplate
               heavenly things, the more new delights we shall see, and the
               more will our hearts be brimful of thanks to our beneficent
               Creator."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary,
               Vol. 6, p. 1085.
                  "Self-esteem and self-flattery will be sure to stir up in the heart
               resentment against any who venture to question one's course
               of action. Everything like counsel or advice is resented with indig-
               nation as a design to bruise and wound. This spirit cherished
               will lead to numerous evils. None will venture to tell you when
               you err, because the faithful one would be regarded as an enemy.
               Thus the kindness that should exist between brethren in the faith
               is killed because of the jealous interpretation put upon the God-
               fearing cautions given. Undue stress is laid upon words, imagina-
               tion exaggerates the matter and creates alienation."—Testimonies
               to Ministers, page 250.  FURTHER STUDY     FOR FURTHER STUDY: Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 52-57.

                  "The same agencies that barred men away from Christ eighteen
                hundred years ago are at work today. The spirit which built up
                the partition wall between Jew and Gentile is still active. Pride
                and prejudice have built strong walls of separation between differ-
                ent classes of men. Christ and His mission have been misrep-
                resented, and multitudes feel that they are virtually shut away
                from the ministry of the gospel. But let them not feel that they
                are shut away from Christ. There are no barriers which man or
                Satan can erect but that faith can penetrate."—The Desire of Ages,
                page 403.
                    The unstudied, unconscious influence of a holy life is the most
                convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity. Argu-
                ment, even when unanswerable, may provoke only opposition;
                but a godly example has a power that it is impossible wholly
                to resist."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 511.

                                                                                69

                      These persons accept hope in the enemy. They look to him
                    for salvation. He is the Lie. These people are deluded. The lie
                    they believe prevents them from accepting the truth they are
                    offered. What evidences can you see that the lie is being practiced
                    today?
                      "God will not condemn any at the judgment because they hon-
                    estly believe a lie, or conscientiously cherished error; but it will
                    be because they neglected the opportunities of making themselves
                    acquainted with truth. The infidel will be condemned, not because
                    he was an infidel, but because he did not take advantage of the
                    means God has placed within his reach to enable him to become
                    a Christian."—Testimonies to Ministers, page 437.
                      What advice to Timothy is also appropriate for those who face
                    the philosophies of today? 1 Tim. 1:3, 4; 4:6, 7; 6:3-5.

                      What should occupy the Christian's thoughts? Phil. 4:8, 9.

                       "Transgression has almost reached its limit. Confusion fills the
                    world, and a great terror is soon to come upon human beings.
                    The end is very near. We who know the truth should be preparing
                    for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming
                    surprise."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary,
                    Vol. 7, p. 911.
                      "All the people of God are now to stand on the platform of
                    truth as it has been given in the third angel's message. All the
                    pleasant pictures, all the miracles wrought, will be presented in
                    order that, if possible, the very elect will be deceived. The only
                    hope for anyone is to hold fast the evidences that have confirmed
                    the truth in righteousness."—Ellen G. White, SDA Bible Com-
                    mentary, Vol. 7, p. 975.
                      "The faith of individual members of the church will be tested
                    as though there were not another person in the world."—Ellen
                    G. White, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 983.  FURTHER STUDY          Early Writings, pages 42-45.

                 This is a parable about barriers to lasting effectiveness in com-
               municating the gospel. Note the emphasis on environment—both
               external and self-created. Tribulation and persecution come from
               without. The desire for money and concern about the world are
               personal creations. Is it possible to raise a barrier to the Word
               in one's own life by committing too much time, talent, or money
               to matters of secondary importance? How should we destroy
               environmental barriers?
                 How did racial and economic disparities affect the children
               of Israel? Ex 6:9. What remedy does God propose for social
               and material inequalities? Isa. 58:6-8.


                 What human conditions may confuse our judgment of the
               importance of the individual? Eccl. 9:15, 16; James 2:1-4.

                 God's assessment of the worth of the indiidual disregards race
               and creed and economic, social, or educational status. THINK IT THROUGH     How can I learn to communicate effectively with persons on
               the other side of a social barrier?




                  "No mere theory of truth or profession of discipleship will save
               any soul. We do not belong to Christ unless we are His wholly.
               It is by halfheartedness in the Christian life that men become
               feeble in purpose and changeable in desire. The effort to serve
               both self and Christ makes one a stony-ground hearer, and he
               will not endure when the test comes upon him."—Christ's Object
               Lessons, page 50.
                   "No class is free from the temptation to worldly care. To the
               poor, toil and deprivation and the fear of want bring perplexities
               and burdens. To the rich come fear of loss and a multitude of
               anxious cares."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 51.
                   "Christ came to demolish every wall of partition, to throw open
               every compartment of the temple, that every soul may have free
               access to God. His love is so broad, so deep, so full, that it pene-
               trates everywhere."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 386.   FURTHER STUDY    Christ's Object Lessons, pages 46-53.
                                                                                71

                   "An evil heart of unbelief. This has ever been the root of difficulty
                in the matter of man's relation to God. Thus it was with Israel
                in the wilderness, and later in the land of Canaan. This same
                difficulty prevents nominal Christians today from entering into
                the experience of 'rest' that is possible through genuine faith
                in Christ Jesus. Israel's lack of faith stands in marked contrast
                with the faithfulness of Moses and Christ (vs. 1, 2). . . .
                   "Christians are here admonished to beware of apostatizing in
                their hearts 'from the living God,' the while they maintain the
                forms of religion. The experiences through which ancient Israel
                passed 'happened unto them for ensamples,' or, 'as lessons'
                (1 Cor. 10:11), and 'were written down for our instruction'
                (RSV). Christians who, upon reviewing the obduracy of ancient
                Israel, consider themselves superior, will do well to heed the admo-
                nition, 'Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall'
                (1 Cor. 10:12; cf. vs. 1-10)."--SDA Bible Commentary, on Heb.
                3:12.
                  What was the provocation mentioned in Heb. 3:7-10? Ps.
                95:7-11.


                  What problem may hinder spiritual growth? Heb. 5:11-14.

                   "The Lord manifests His grace and His power over and over
                again, and this should teach us that it is always profitable under
                all circumstances to cherish faith, to talk faith, to act faith. We
                are not to have our hearts and hands weakened by allowing the
                suggestions of suspicious minds to plant in our hearts the seeds
                of doubt and distrust."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible
                Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 928.
                   "Many have for years made no advancement in knowledge and
                true holiness. They are spiritual dwarfs. Instead of going forward
                to perfection, they are going back to the darkness and bondage
                of Egypt....
                  "Great privileges belong to the people of God. Great light has
                been given them, that they may attain to their high calling in
                Christ Jesus; yet they are not what God would have them to be
                and what He designs they shall be."—Testimonies, Vol. 2, pp.
                123, 124.   FURTHER STUDY     Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 291-295. 72

                  Christ will not open the heart-door without our consent. "Says
               the true Witness, 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock.' Every
               warning, reproof, and entreaty in the Word of God, or through
               His delegated messengers, is a knock at the door of the heart;
               it is the voice of Jesus, asking for entrance. With every knock
               unheeded, your determination to open becomes weaker and
               weaker. If the voice of Jesus is not heeded at once, it becomes
               confused in the mind with a multitude of other voices, the world's
               care and business engross the attention, and conviction dies away.
               The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous
               unconsciousness of the shortness of time, and of the great eternity
               beyond.
                  "The heavenly Guest is standing at your door, while you are
               piling up obstructions to bar His entrance. Jesus is knocking
               through the prosperity He gives you. He loads you with blessings
               to test your fidelity, that they may flow out from you to others.
               Will you permit your selfishness to triumph? Will you squander
               God's talents, and lose your soul through idolatrous love of the
               blessings He has given?"—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible
               Commentary, Vol. 7, pp. 966, 967.
                 How does God describe the power granted to penetrate bar-
               riers with the gospel in the last days? Rev. 18:1-4.

                 Tremendous social and political pressures will be linked with
               religion to prevent the reception of the divine call. God's reply
               to these satanic attempts to exclude the call to obey Him will
               be mighty displays of His power. Unexpected advances will come
               for God's cause.
                 What is the basic characteristic of a Christian? 1 John 4:14-17.


                 A loving person seeks to break down barriers that separate
               him from others. He seeks ways to communicate constructively
               with others because of their potential worth through redemption.

                   "Love is a heavenly attribute. The natural heart cannot originate
               it. This heavenly plant only flourishes where Christ reigns supreme.
               Where love exists, there is power and truth in the life. Love does
               good and nothing but good. Those who have love bear fruit unto
               holiness, and in the end everlasting life."—Ellen G. White Com-
               ments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 952.

                                                            THE FAMILY
                                                           IN DIALOGUE    "And these words, which I command             "When fathers and mothers are con- thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and   verted, there will be a thorough conver- thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy     sion of their principles of management. children, and shalt talk of them when         Their thoughts will be converted; their thou sittest in thine house, and when         tongues will be converted.... thou walkest by the way, and when thou           "There will be no loud, angry talking liest down, and when thou risest up."         in the home. The words will be of a charac- Deut. 6:6, 7.                                 ter to soothe and bless the hearer. . .    "The chief requisite of language is that   Take all the ugly features out of the it be pure and kind and true—'the outward     voice."—The Adventist Home, p. 436. expression of an inward grace.' . . . The     KEY THOUGHTS best school for this language study is the       1. True love in the home begins with home.                                         God's love. It has no other source.    "Kind words are as dew and gentle             2. Frankness and courtesy should be showers to the soul. The Scripture says       practiced by the mother and the father in of Christ that grace was poured into His      their own relationship. lips, that He might 'know how to speak           3. Christian faith provides an enduring a word in season to him that is weary.'       basis for the home. And the Lord bids us, 'Let your speech           4. Gentleness and firmness combined be alway with grace,' that it may minister    assure best results in parental communi- grace unto the hearers.--The Adventist        cation with children. Home, page 435.    A home cannot exist without constant and wide-ranging communication. Through voice, eyes, touch, even through            "A Godly Example in 'the smell the family members communicate              Home," an article written by with each other. Yet all too often those          Ellen G. White, is printed at the who communicate so effectively in busi-           end of this lesson for sup- ness and recreation generate in their             plementary reading. It was origi- homes a tense atmosphere of terse, harsh          nally printed in the Review and words, sullen silences, abrupt gestures,          Herald. and intolerant glances.

                                                                          March 4
      Part 1     "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the
 PARENTS IN church, and gave himself for it."
 THE FAMILY      "So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He
  Eph. 5:25, that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated
      28, 29 his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the
              Lord the church."
                 How did Christ love the church? 1 Peter 2:24. Is giving an
               act of communication?

                  Marital love involves the most intimate, continuing, and com-
               prehensive communication. This communication involves the
               intellect and all the senses. From being two separate channels
               with completely divergent output, they become one—not subor-
               dinated, but each amplified by oneness with the other so that
               the oneness they know is greater than the sum of the two parts
               they were before.
                  "The home that is beautified by love, sympathy, and tenderness
               is a place that angels love to visit, and where God is glorified."—The
               Adventist Home, page 19.
                 Apply the characteristics of love in 1 Cor. 13:4-7 to the family.


                 How will the individuals in a family relate themselves to the
               varying tensions and crises of the home?
                 Note how many of the problems love must face are linked with
               problems of communication within the home.

                 "Hearts that are filled with the love of Christ can never get
               very far apart. Religion is love, and a Christian home is one where
               love reigns and finds expression in words and acts of thoughtful
               kindness and gentle courtesy. ...
                 "In every family where Christ abides, a tender interest and love
               will be manifested for one another; not a spasmodic love expressed
               only in fond caresses, but a love that is deep and abiding."—The
               Adventist Home, page 94.
                 "Love can no more exist without revealing itself in outward
               acts than fire can be kept alive without fuel. You, Brother C, have
               felt that it was beneath your dignity to manifest tenderness by
               kindly acts and to watch for an opportunity to evince affection
               for your wife by words of tenderness and kind regard. You are
               changeable in your feelings and are very much affected by sur-
               rounding circumstances....
                  "You think it beneath your dignity, Brother C, to manifest love,
               to speak kindly and affectionately. All these tender words, you
               think, savor of softness and weakness, and are unnecessary. But
               in their place come fretful words, words of discord, strife, and
               censure."—The Adventist Home, page 111.   FURTHER STUDY    The Adventist Home, pages 105-113.
                                                                                  75

                  "Parents, God desires you to make your family a sample o
               the family in heaven. Guard your children. Be kind and tender
               with them. Father, mother, and children are to be joined together
               with the golden links of love. One well-ordered, well-disciplinec
               family is a greater power in demonstrating the efficiency of Chris
               tianity than all the sermons in the world. When fathers and mother:
               realize how their children copy them, they will watch carefully
               every word and gesture."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible
               Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1118.
                  "Every member of the family should realize that a responsibility
               rests upon him individually to do his part in adding to the comfort
               order, and regularity of the family. One should not work agains
               another. All should unitedly engage in the good work of encourag
               ing one another; they should exercise gentleness, forbearance
               and patience, speak in low calm tones, shunning confusion, anc
               each doing his utmost to lighten the burdens of the mother"—
               Testimonies, Vol. 2, pp. 699, 700.

                 "Above all things, parents should surround their children with
               an atmosphere of cheerfulness, courtesy, and love. A home where
               love dwells and where it finds expression in looks, in words, in
               acts, is a place where angels delight to dwell.. ..
                 "A word of caution or reproof spoken at the right time will
               be of great value... .
                 "There should be no loud-voiced commands, no unkind, exas-
               perating words, no harsh, severe, or gloomy expressions."—
               Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, pages 115, 116.

                What quality should characterize the Christian's spoken com-
               munication? Col. 4:6.


                 Parents should communicate continually with heaven in view.
               The salvation of unbroken families is their purpose. When this
               motivation grips the life, then words become supremely important.
                 What forms of communication do we have with God that can
               also be used to communicate love and respect in the family?
               Ps. 95:1, 2, 6, 7.

                  "Tell the children that you want to help them to prepare for
               a holy heaven, where all is peace, where not one jarring note
               is heard. Be patient with them in their trials, which may look small
               to you but which are large to them.. ..
                   "There will be no loud, angry talking in the home. The words
               will be of a character to soothe and bless the hearer. . . . Take
               all the ugly features out of the voice."—The Adventist Home, page
               436.
                  "Let the dear children be brought to Jesus. In simple language
               speak the words of truth to them. Sing to them pleasant, attractive
               songs which reveal the love of Christ. Bring your children to Jesus,
               for He loves little children."—The Adventist Home, page 350.
                   "There is reason for deep solicitude on your part for your chil-
               dren, who have temptations to encounter at every advance step.
               It is impossible for them to avoid contact with evil associates.
               ... They will see sights, hear sounds, and be subjected to influences
               which are demoralizing and which, unless they are thoroughly
               guarded, will imperceptibly but surely corrupt the heart and deform
               the character."—The Adventist Home, page 406.  FURTHER STUDY     The Adventist Home, pages 406-418.
                                                                                 77

                 "The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue
               schools. His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips
               and from the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly
               things."—The Desire of Ages, page 70.
                  "With deep earnestness the mother of Jesus watched the unfold-
               ing of His powers, and beheld the impress of perfection upon
               His character. With delight she sought to encourage that bright,
               receptive mind. Through the Holy Spirit she received wisdom to
               co-operate with the heavenly agencies in the development of this
               child, who could claim only God as His Father."—The Desire of
               Ages, page 69.

                  How did Hannah relate herself to Samuel after he was weaned?
                1 Sam. 1:26-28. Similar words are used to describe Samuel's
                growth as are used of Jesus in Luke 2:52. See 1 Sam. 2:26.

                  In the few short years that Hannah and Elkanah had Samuel
                with them, they implanted in his mind principles of godliness and
                high moral character that made him one of Israel's greatest
                leaders.
                  What environment did Elisabeth and Zacharias choose for
                John? Luke 1:39, 40.

                  It was there, in the solitude of the hill country, that John heard
                the voice of God. THINK IT THROUGH      Am I building a home environment where the voice of God
               is heard? Is the current reading and television viewing or radio
               listening in my home such that God can communicate to my
               family?
                  Or must I change these practices in order to let Him be heard?

                 "From the earliest times the faithful in Israel had given much
               care to the education of the youth. The Lord had directed that
               even from babyhood the children should be taught of His goodness
               and His greatness, especially as revealed in His law, and shown
               in the history of Israel. Song and prayer and lessons from the
               Scriptures were to be adapted to the opening mind. Fathers and
               mothers were to instruct their children that the law of God is
               an expression of His character, and that as they received the princi-
               ples of the law into the heart, the image of God was traced on
               mind and soul. Much of the teaching was oral."—The Desire of
               Ages, page 69.  FURTHER STUDY     The Desire of Ages, pages 68-74. 78

      Part 5    "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart,
 RELIGION IN and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words,
 THE FAMILY which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and
  Deut. 6:5-7 thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt
              talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou
              walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou
              risest up."
                 This sounds like conditioning children to believe in God. How
               do you feel about indoctrinating children with Christian principles
               and belief? Do you feel this is a good way to work? Or should
               a child be left to mature and then decide for himself?
                 "If the mother fails in her duty to instruct, guide, and restrain,
               her children will naturally accept the evil, and turn from the
               good."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 572, 573.
                 "Family religion consists in bringing up the children in the nur-
               ture and admonition of the Lord. Every one in the family is to
               be nourished by the lessons of Christ, and the interest of each
               soul is to be strictly guarded, in order that Satan shall not deceive
               and allure away from Christ."—The Adventist Home, page 317.
                 Family worship plays a vital role in bringing the child to Christ.
               Communicating Christ is not a sometime thing. Day by day, at
               every opportunity, Christ must be revealed as the giver of life,
               the forgiver of sins, and the source of all personal power.
                 What elements does Solomon recall of his childhood training?
               Prov. 4:1-5.

                 "And it was not enough that the promised child should receive
               a good legacy from the parents. This must be followed by careful
               training and the formation of right habits. God directed that the
               future judge [Samson] and deliverer of Israel should be trained
               to strict temperance from infancy. He was to be a Nazarite from
               his birth, thus being placed under a perpetual prohibition against
               the use of wine or strong drink. The lessons of temperance, self-
               denial, and self-control are to be taught to children even from
               babyhood."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 561, 562.
                  "The more deeply to impress these truths upon all minds, the
               great leader [iMoses] embodied them in sacred verse. This song
               was not only istorical, but prophetic. While it recounted the won-
               derful dealings of God with His people in the past, it also
               foreshadowed the great events of the future, the final victory of
               the faithful when Christ shall come the second time in power
               and glory. The people were directed to commit to memory this
                poetic history, and to teach it to their children and children's
                children.... It was the duty of parents to so impress these words
               upon the susceptible minds of their children that they might never
               be forgotten."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 467, 468.

                    "The home in which the members are polite, courteous Chris-
                 tianS exerts a far-reaching influence for good. Other families will
                 mark the results attained by such a home, and will follow the
                 example set, in their turn guarding the home against Satanic influ-
                 ences. The angels of God will often visit the home in which the
                 will of God bears sway. Under the power of divine grace such
                 a home becomes a place of refreshing to worn, weary pilgrims."
                 —The Adventist Home, page 31.

                    What counsel is given regarding Christian behavior? 1 Peter
                 1:14, 15. What effect does holy living have? 1 Peter 2:12, 3:1,
                 2.


                    The world receives blessing through the faithful witness of Chris-
                 tian lives; so does the home. "But how knowest thou, 0 wife
                 [or husband], but that your consistent life of faith and obedience
                 may win back your husband [or wife] to the truth?"—The Adventist
                 Home, page 350. THINK IT THROUGH        In what ways does my home witness in the community? Should
                 I encourage specific missionary projects involving the individual
                 members of my home and the home as a unit?

                    "Parents, yoUr children should be your helping hand, increasing
                 your power and ability to work for the Master. Children are the
                 younger members of the Lord's family. They should be led to
                 consecrate themselves to God, whose they are by creation and
                 by redemption. They should be taught that all their powers of
                 body, mind, and soul are His. They should be trained to help
                 in various lines of unselfish service."—Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 63.
                    "In the closing scenes of this earth's history many of these
                 children and youth will astonish people by their witness to the
                 truth, which will be borne in simplicity, yet with spirit and power.
                 They have been taught the fear of the Lord, and their hearts have
                 been softened by a careful and prayerful study of the Bible. In
                 the near future many children will be endued with the Spirit of
                 God, and will do a work in proclaiming the truth to the world,
                 that at that time cannot well be done by the older members of
                 the church."—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, pages
                 166, 167.  FURTHER STUDY       The Ministry of Healing, pages 349,355. 80

                                  ELLEN G. WHITE

                                                                                            81

                                                                                   83

                                       THE ELECTRIC SOCIETY    "Apply thine heart unto instruction,         things shall not enter our minds. When and thine ears to the words of know-             the daily newspaper comes into the house, ledge." Prov. 23:12.                            I feel as if I want to hide it, that the ridicu-    The aim of communication is to over-         lous, sensational things in it may not be come the separation that exists between         seen. It seems as if the enemy is at the persons so that to some extent a unity          foundation of the publishing of many is developed. This process may be con-          things that appear in newspapers. Every structive or destructive, Christlike or         sinful thing that can be found is uncovered Satanlike. Each party in the process has        and laid bare before the world. two functions—to speak and to listen.              "Those who would have that wisdom Thus there is an interaction between the        which is from God must become fools in self and the other person. In this lesson       the sinful knowledge of this age, in order we shall study the receiving side of this       to be wise. They should shut their eyes, interaction in the light of Christian princi-   that they may see and learn no evil. They ples.                                           should close their ears, lest they hear that    In our modern world there is a great         which is evil and obtain that knowledge barrage of attempted communication that         which would stain their purity of thoughts seeks to compel listening. Since the Chris-     and acts. And they should guard their tian person has, by the nature of his com-      tongues, lest they utter corrupt communi- mitment, chosen to reject all that is           cations and guile be found in their destructive and to live by all that is con-     mouths."—The Adventist Home, pages structive as revealed by Jesus Christ, it       403, 404. is necessary for him to make a judgment            The special problem of the Christian in in regard to all attempts to catch his ear,     the last third of the twentieth century is so that he may accept only that which is        that man's technological advance has constructive and reject the destructive.        widened the scope of the individual's    As a Christian he must constantly ask        communication to include almost any- himself the question: What communica-           body. We interact on the telephone, and tions are in harmony with the principles        react to television, radio, and printed of the self-sacrificing love of Jesus Christ    media. We may find ourselves identifying to which I have committed myself?               with a statement made by the pope at one    "Everything that can be done should be       moment, and by a youth agitator the next. done to place ourselves and our children           How the Christian is affected by the where we shall not see the iniquity that        information he receives, and how he is practiced in the world. We should care-      should assess, accept, reject, or identify fully guard the sight of our eyes and the       with the communications directed to him hearing of our ears so that these awful         is the purpose of this lesson.

      Part 1    "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of
THE WORLD'S these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of dis-
    SOUNDS obedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were
  Eph. 5:6-10 sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk
              as children of light: (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness
              and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto
              the Lord."

                  Much of the technological revolution that has produced the
                electric society has been directed at communication. Beginning
                with modern high-speed presses, inventive geniuses have pro-
                duced telecommunications—telephone, wireless telegraphy,
                radio, television, satellite relay—film, tape recorders, records, and
                other communicative methods. Computers chatter to each other
                about an individual's financial standing, his marital condition, how
                many children he has, and so on. Never before has it been possible
                for so many to know so much. The potential for conveying ideas
                is limitless. But the Christian is concerned with the quality of
                the communication.
                  What are the results of the unconsecrated life? How is this
                related to the media? 2 Tim. 3:7, 13.

                 What circumstances resulted in the communications break-
                down at the Tower of Babel? Gen. 11:4-7.


                  So many authorities clamor for attention, so many voices speak,
                that people either tune out the messages or are frequently
                deceived.

                  "It was His purpose that as men should go forth to found nations
                in different parts of the earth they should carry with them a know-
                ledge of His will, that the light of truth might shine undimmed
                to succeeding generations. . . . But they were unwilling to listen
                to these unpalatable truths; they had no desire to retain God in
                their knowledge; and by the confusion of tongues they were, in
                a great measure, shut out from intercourse with those who might
                have given them light."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 120.
                   "Christ is ever sending messages to those who listen for His
                voice.. ..
                   "The temptations to which we are daily exposed make prayer
                a necessity. Dangers beset every path."—The Ministry of Healing,
                page 509.   FURTHER STUDY      Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 117-124.
                                                                                   85

                 What special agents of divine communication minister on
                man's behalf? Heb. 1:7, 14.


                  "By angel messengers, earth is connected with heaven, and
                all the deeds of men, whether good or evil, are open to the eye
                of Infinite Justice."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 495.
                  Long before man evolved the total communications that enable
                a man to step on the moon, God offered and made effective a
                system of total spiritual communication. We are sobered by the
                ability of a computer to store and retrieve information. Read what
                God says of His communications. Ps. 33:13-15; 34:17, 18. THINK IT THROUGH     Am I really connected with heaven? Am I in communication
                with divine sources of information and power?



                   "Oh, that our brethren and sisters might value aright the truth!
                Oh, that they might become sanctified by it! Oh, that they might
                realize that upon them rests the responsibility of communicating
                this truth to others! But they do not feel the importance of living
                the truth, of being doers of the words of Christ. Many are self-
                sufficient. They are not filled with the missionary spirit that should
                animate the disciples of Christ. If they knew what it means to
                have travail of soul for others, angels of God would work through
                them to communicate a knowledge of the truth."—Testimonies,
                Vol. 8, pp. 151, 152.
                   "For all created beings there is the one great principle of
                life—dependence upon and co-operation with God. The relation-
                ship existing in the pure family of God in heaven was to exist
                in the family of God on earth.... This would have brought peace
                and happiness. But the law that none 'liveth to himself' Satan
                was determined to oppose. . . . He sought to make himself a
                center of influence. It was this that incited rebellion in heaven,
                and it was man's acceptance of this principle that brought sin
                on earth."—Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 236.

                 Modern society poses a puzzling paradox. A fantastic communi-
               cations net ties us together; but simultaneously the beliefs and
               conditions of the people in this society tend to isolate the individual
               and the family unit. The isolation of the Christian extends into
               the areas of morality and religious belief.
                 Mass media speak with many voices proposing the theories
               of many minds insinuating against Biblical morality and openly
               scorning Christian values. Some theologians predict a future for
               the Christian church in which Christianity becomes an under-
               ground, minority movement.
                 We may appear to be isolated, alone; yet we are not alone.
               We are part of the body of Christ—this lesson Elijah had to learn.
                 What last-day conditions may contribute to the isolation of
               the individual who determines to live for Christ? 2 Tim. 3:1-5;
               4:3, 4.


                 What assurance, given when some believers apostatized, can
               reassure us today? 2 Tim. 2:19.

                  "Many are suffering from maladies of the soul far more than
               from diseases of the body, and they will find no relief until they
               shall come to Christ, the wellspring of life. Complaints of weari-
               ness, loneliness, and dissatisfaction will then cease....
                  "If physicians and workers flatter themselves that they are to
               find a panacea for the varied ills of their patients by supplying
               them with a round of amusements similar to those which have
               been the curse of their lives, they will be disappointed. Let not
               these entertainments be placed in the position which the living
               Fountain should occupy. The hungry, thirsty soul will continue
               to hunger and thirst as long as it partakes of these unsatisfying
               pleasures."—Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 579.
                  "Not all in the world are lawless and sinful; not all have taken
               sides with the enemy. God has many thousands who have not
               bowed the knee to Baal, many who long to understand more fully
               in regard to Christ and the law....
                  "These need the personal help of those who have learned to
               know God and the power of His word. In such a time as this,
               every child of God should be actively engaged in helping others."
               —Prophets and Kings, page 171.

                   Ahimaaz wanted to become involved. It mattered little what he
                had to say, or that he had nothing to tell, just so long as he
                was involved. His involvement lacked meaning. A quite usual situa-
                tion in modern times is the reverse of the story of Ahimaaz—that
                is, to have the message, but not run. Meaningful involvement
                requires that one have the message and run with it.
                   Gutenberg's invention of printing greatly increased the possibil-
                ity for widespread involvement with ideas, and with the movements
                that grew out of them. Our own message is largely due to the
                interest of our pioneers with the truth of Scriptures and then
                involvement by preaching what they learned.
                   What differences mark the involvement possible today through
                radio and television? What do on-the-spot cameras and satellite
                relays permit us to do? How should this immediacy affect our
                relationships to others?
                   "My brethren and sisters, visit those who live near you, and
                by sympathy and kindness seek to reach their hearts."—
                Testimonies, Vol. 9, p. 34.
                   What special communication did Paul receive? Acts 16:9, 10.


                   While communications media can never replace the prophetic
                 vision, they may in some instances perform the service that God
                 had to provide for miraculously in previous times. The media often
                 will inform the sensitive heart of the needs of distant lands today.
                   What kind of involvement does Christ require? Matt. 25:31-40.

                  "Let there be most earnest prayer, and then let us work in har-
                mony with our prayers....
                  "If our people continue in the listless attitude in which they
                have been, God cannot pour upon them His Spirit. They are unpre-
                pared to co-operate with Him. They are not awake to the situation
                and do not realize the threatened danger. They should feel now,
                as never before, their need of vigilance and concerted action."—
                Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 714.
                  "Never entertain the thought that you can be Christians and
                yet withdraw within yourselves. Each one is a part of the great
                web of humanity, and the nature and quality of your experience
                will be largely determined by the experiences of those with whom
                you associate."—Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 190.  FURTHER STUDY      The Acts of the Apostles, pages 211-220. 88

                 As television shows instant solutions through staged drama or
               the recounting of history, it is easy for people to,become dis-
               satisfied with their life situation. If the tube can solve it all in
               an hour, why can't my life be changed as quickly? Why cannot
               people get out in the streets and change things overnight?
                What is the Christian to exchange for the works of darkness?
               Rom. 13:12. What does this mean?

                  "God has provided divine assistance for all the emergencies
               to which our human resources are unequal. He gives the Holy
               Spirit to help in every strait, to strengthen our hope and assurance,
               to illuminate our minds and purify our hearts. He provides oppor-
               tunities and opens channels of working. If His people are watching
               the indications of His providence, and are ready to co-operate
               with Him, they will see mighty results."—Prophets and Kings, page
               660.
                  "Satan plays upon the human mind wherever a chance has
               been left for him to do so; and he seizes upon the very time
               and place where he can do the most service to himself and the
               greatest injury to the cause of God. A neglect to do what we
               might do, and what God requires us to do in His cause, is a sin
               which cannot be palliated with excuses of circumstances or condi-
               tions, for Jesus has made provision for all in every emergency."—
               Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 505.   FURTHER STUDY    Christ's Object Lessons, pages 405-416.
                                                                                 89

                  What contrast in conduct, appropriate to the early Christian
                church, must be maintained between the Christian and the
                Christless world today? 1 Peter 4:1-5.

                  "This is an age when corruption is teeming everywhere. The
                lust of the eye and corrupt passions are aroused by beholding
                and by reading. The heart is corrupted through the imagination.
                The mind takes pleasure in contemplating scenes which awaken
                the lower and baser passions."—Child Guidance, page 439.
                 What desire of Paul for the Thessalonian believers should
               be our prayer in our struggle against the assaults on our senses?
               1 Thess. 5:23, 24.

                  "Exciting love stories and impure pictures have a corrupting
               influence. Novels are eagerly perused by many; and, as the result,
               their imagination becomes defiled. In the cars photographs of
               females in a state of nudity are frequently circulated for sale.
               These disgusting pictures are also found in the daguerrean
               saloons [photo shops] and are hung upon the walls of those
               who deal in engravings. This is an age when corruption is teeming
               everywhere."—Child Guidance, page 439.
                  "One corrupt mind can sow more evil seed in a short period
               of time than many can root out in a whole lifetime."—Child Guid-
               ance, p. 443.
                  "Men and women have hardly begun to understand the true
               object of life. They are attracted by glitter and show. . . . Life's
               best things—simplicity, honesty, truthfulness, purity, integ-
               rity—cannot be bought or sold.... For everyone God has provided
               pleasure that may be enjoyed by rich and poor alike—the pleasure
               found in cultivating pureness of thought and unselfishness of
               action, the pleasure that comes from speaking sympathizing words
               and doing kindly deeds."—The Ministry of Healing, page 198.  FURTHER STUDY     The Ministry of Healing, pages 241-250. 90

"The voice of him that crieth in the wil-   the way for a revival of My work.' "— derness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord,        Testimonies, Vol. 8, pp. 9, 10. make straight in the desert a highway              A global task continues to confront the for our God. Every valley shall be exalted,     church. All flesh must see the salvation and every mountain and hill shall be            of God. Many barriers compound the made low: and the crooked shall be made         already difficult task of reaching all men straight, and the rough places plain: and       with the good news about Jesus Christ. the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,        Some of these barriers are: (1) population and all flesh shall see it together: for the    growth, (2) political "curtains," (3) reli- mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." Isa.         gious and racial prejudices, (4) remote- 40:3-5.                                         ness, (5) ignorance and illiteracy, (6) cul-
"What is our work? The same as that          tural patterns, and (7) indifference. given to John the Baptist, of whom we              Radio and television are shrinking the read: 'In those days came John the Bap-         world to the dimensions of a village. Vast tist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,     distances may separate the abodes of its and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom          inhabitants, but as in a village, we some- of heaven is at hand. For this is he that       times hear the talk of distant dwellers as  was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, say-      readily as two ladies may talk over a back- ing, The voice of one crying in the wilder-     yard fence. Marshel McLuhan, famed ness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make      Canadian communications philosopher, His paths straight.' Matthew 3:1-3.             coined the phrase "global village" to
"All who are truly engaged in the work      describe the shrinking effect the media of the Lord for these last days will have       are having on the world. a decided message to bear. Read the                This means that we have unrivaled  first few verses of the fortieth chapter of    opportunities for reaching all men Isaiah....                                      everywhere with the three angels' mes-
"This chapter is filled with instruction    sages. It also means that the church is  appropriate for us at this time. The word      subject as never before to the inquisitive  of the Lord to us is: 'Repent ye; prepare      stare of others in the "global village."

                                                                                     91

                     "Service to God includes personal ministry. By personal effort
                  we are to co-operate with Him for the saving of the world. Christ's
                  commission, 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel
                  to every creature,' is spoken to every one of His followers. (Mark
                  16:15.) All who are ordained unto the life of Christ are ordained
                  to work for the salvation of their fellow men. Their hearts will
                  throb in unison with the heart of Christ. The same longing for
                  souls that He has felt will be manifest in them. Not all can fill
                  the same place in the work, but there is a place and a work for
                  all."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages 300, 301.
                     "Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with
                  holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim
                  the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the
                  earth, the warning will be given.... Thus the inhabitants of the
                  earth will be brought to take their stand."—The Great Controversy,
                  page 612.

                    Through whom will all the saved receive eternal life? John
                  14:6.

                    What assurance do we have in facing the task God has commit-
                  ted to the remnant church? Matt. 28:20; Acts 1:8.

                    "But not one is made to suffer the wrath of God until the truth
                  has been brought home to his mind and conscience, and has
                  been rejected. There are many who have never had an opportunity
                  to hear the special truths for this time. The obligation of the fourth
                  commandment has never been set before them in its true light.
                  He who reads every heart and tries every motive will leave none
                  who desire a knowledge of the truth, to be deceived as to the
                  issues of the controversy. The decree is not to be urged upon
                  the people blindly. Everyone is to have sufficient light to make
                  his decision intelligently."—The Great Controversy, page 605.
                    What part do we have in bringing light to those who do not
                  understand?
                    "God was in the work, and every saint, fearless of consequences,
                  followed the convictions of his own conscience and united with
                  those who were keeping all the commandments of God; and with
                  power they sounded abroad the third message. I saw that this
                  message will close with power and strength far exceeding the
                  midnight cry."—Early Writings, page 278.

                 What will be the three characteristics of the saints of the last
               days? Rev. 14:12.

                 "This is where the fortitude of God's people has its place—in
               keeping God's commands and remaining loyal to Jesus." Rev.
               14:12, NEB.

                 "The prophecies of Daniel and of John are to be understood.
               They interpret each other. They give to the world truths which
               every one should understand. These prophecies are to be wit-
               nesses in the world. By their fulfillment in these last days they
               will explain themselves.
                  "The Lord is about to punish the world for its iniquity. He is
               about to punish religious bodies for their rejection of the light
               and truth which has been given them. The great message, combin-
               ing the first, second, and third angels' messages, is to- be'given
               to the world. This is to be the burden of our work. Those who
               truly believe in Christ will openly conform to the law of Jehovah.
               The Sabbath is the sign between God and His people; and we
               are to make visible our conformity to the law of God by observing
               the Sabbath. It is to be the mark of distinction between God's
               chosen people and the world."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA
               Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 949.   FURTHER STUDY    Testimonies, Vol. 6, pp. 14-22.
                                                                              93

                    What mission of the church does the invention of methods
                 of mass communication meet? Matt. 24:14. Why is it significant
                 that the communications explosion has occurred in the past
                 fifty years?


                   The fact that Satan degrades an instrument of communication
                 does not mean that it came of the devil. "God intrusts men with
                 talents and inventive genius, in order that His great work in our
                 world may be accomplished."—Fundamentals of Christian
                 Education, page 409.

                   How did the prophets and apostles make use of the limited
                 technology of their day? Hab. 2:2; Heb. 13:22; 1 John 5:13.

                    "The knowledge current in the world may be acquired; for all
                 men are God's property, and are worked by God to fulfill His
                 will in certain lines, even when they refuse the man Christ Jesus
                 as their Saviour. The way in which God uses men is not always
                 discerned, but He does use them. . . . The inventions of human
                 minds are supposed to spring from humanity, but God is behind
                 all. He has caused that the means of rapid traveling shall have
                 been invented, for the great day of His preparation."—Fundamen-
                 fats of Christian Education, page 409.
                    "When men do not make God first and last and best in everything,
                 when they do not give themselves to Him for the carrying out
                 of His purposes, Satan comes in, and uses in his service the minds
                 that, given to God, could achieve great good. Under his direction,
                 they do an evil work with great and masterly power. God designed
                 them to work on a high plane of action, to enter into His mind,
                  and thus to acquire an education that would enable them to work
                 the works of righteousness."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA
                 Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 1174.  FURTHER STUDY       Christ's Object Lessons, pages 328-335.

                 What symbols were presented to John to represent the inten- -
               sity with which the last message would be given to the world?
               Rev. 18:1, 2.


                 What indicates the divine origin of the message? Rev. 18:1.

                 "Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As
               the time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord
               will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those
               who consecrate themselves to His service."—The Great
               Controversy, page 606.
                  "The prophecies in the eighteenth of Revelation will soon be
               fulfilled. During the proclamation of the third angel's message,
               'another angel' is to 'come down from heayen, having great power,'
               and the earth is to be 'lightened with his glory.' The Spirit of
               the Lord will so graciously bless consecrated human instrumen-
               talities that men, women, and children will open their lips in praise
               and thanksgiving, filling the earth with the knowledge of God,
               and with His unsurpassed glory, as the waters cover the sea.
                  "Those who have held the beginning of their confidence firm
               unto the end will be wide awake during the time that the third
               angel's message is proclaimed with great power."—Ellen G. White
               Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 984.   FURTHER STUDY    Testimonies, Vol. 8, pp. 14-23.

                                                                                 95

       Part 5     "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ,
 THE CHURCH and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required
 A SPECTACLE in stewards, that a man be found faithful."
   1 Car. 4:1,    "For we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels,
          2, 9 and to men."
                 It was the apostles that Paul considered to be a "spectacle
               to the world," but it is also true of every person who believes
               in Jesus Christ.
                 The media have power to create images favorable and unfavor-
               able. An event or a person can achieve prominence or notoriety
               in a matter of hours. We may feel that what happens in our homes,
               our churches, our schools, our constituencies is our business.
               But it may rapidly become more than just the business of the
               community; it may concern a whole nation or even the world.
                 We cannot avoid the penetrating eye of the news or television
               camera, or escape the skilled pen of the news writer, or the
               authoritative voice of the newscaster. The potential of exposure
               always exists.
                  What will be exposed? The good deeds of the church? Or some
               misdemeanor? No longer is it possible for us to show one face
               to the public, another to our communion. Only in Christian consis-
               tency and the highest possible principle can we be secure under
               the scrutiny of the world.
                 As with Judah, what reputation should the church of God have?
               Isa. 62:12.


                What influence did one good man, Barnabas, have on a com-
               munity? Acts 11:22-24.

                 "Multitudes in the world are witnessing this game of life, the
               Christian warfare. And this is not all. The Monarch of the universe
               and the myriads of heavenly angtls are spectators of this race;
               they are anxiously watching to see who will be successful over-
               corners and win the crown of glory that fadeth not away."—
               Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 34.
                  "Where is the self-denial, where is the cross-bearing that Christ
               has said should characterize His followers? The reason we have
               had so little influence upon unbelieving relatives and associates
               is that we have manifested little decided difference in our practices
               from those of the world. . . . When we reach the standard that
               the Lord would have us reach, worldlings will regard Seventh-day
               Adventists as odd, singular, strait-laced extremists. 'We are made
               a spectacle unto the world, and to angles, and to men.' "—Funda-
               mentals of Christian Education, page 289.

      Part 6   "And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased
   TO EVERY not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."
     MAN'S
      DOOR     Can we actually carry the truth to every man's door through
   Acts 5:42 personal witness, today? What of the remote villages of India?
             How shall we reach into the towers of apartments locked against
             callers?
               Yet the challenge still remains. Mark 16:20; Matt. 24:14.
                "Let every worker in the Master's vineyard, study, plan, devise
             methods, to reach the people where they are. We must do some-
             thing out of the common course of things. We must arrest the
             attention. We must be deadly in earnest. We are on the very verge
             of times of trouble and perplexities that are scarcely dreamed
             of."—Evangelism, pages 122, 123.
               During the time of God's grace we must never forsake door-
             to-door evangelism. Those who join our communion will do so
             largely through a final personal witness. But, "the seed has been
             sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit. The publications
             distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence,
             yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented from
             fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience."—The
             Great Controversy, page 612.

                 What will be the result of the preaching of the gospel through-
               out history? Rev. 7:9.

                  "The commission given to the disciples is given also to us.
               To-day, as then, a crucified and risen Saviour is to be uplifted
               before those who are without God and without hope in the world.
               The Lord calls for pastors, teachers, and evangelists. From door
               to door His servants are to proclaim the message of salvation.
               To every nation, kindred, tongue, and people the tidings of pardon
               through Christ are to be carried. Not with tame, lifeless utterances
               is the message to be given, but with clear, decided, stirring utter-
               ances. Hundreds are waiting for the warning to escape for their
               lives. The world needs to see in Christians an evidence of the
               power of Christianity. Not merely in a few places, but throughout
               the world, messages of mercy are needed."—Gospel Workers,
               page 29.
                   The time of God's destructive judgments is the time of mercy
               for those who have no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly
               will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched;
               His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed
               to those who would not enter. Large numbers will be admitted
               who in these last days hear the truth for the first time."—Ellen
               G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 979.   FURTHER STUDY    The Acts of the Apostles, pages 593-602.
                                                                                97

                                                           LIVING
                                                   COMMUNICATION

                   To be effective in communicating Jesus to others, the Christian
                must be completely identified with the source of his faith.
                   "Not all the beauty of art can bear comparison with the beauty
                of temper and character to be revealed in those who are Christ's
                representatives. It is the atmosphere of grace which surrounds
                the soul of the believer, the Holy Spirit working upon mind and
                heart, that makes him a savor of life unto life, and enables God
                to bless his work."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 298.
                   Examples of this close mutual union of Jesus and the believer
                may be seen in the lives of Paul, Peter, Daniel, and many others.
                We know from their experiences that what God promises can
                become a reality. No endeavor is more valuable than seeking iden-
                tity with the Source of life and power.
                  Study Christ's prayer in John 17. Why is oneness with Christ
                and, through Him, with the Father vital? Verses 21, 23.

                  "Christian unity consists in the branches being in the same
                parent stock, the vitalizing power of the center supporting the
                grafts that have united to the Vine. In thoughts and desires, in
                words and actions, there must be an identity with Christ, a constant
                partaking of His spiritual life. . . . As communion with God is
                making its impress upon the soul, and shining out in the counte-
                nance as an illuminating light, the steadfast principles of Christ's
                holy character will be reflected in humanity... .
                   "Believers become one in Christ; but one branch cannot be
                sustained by another. The nourishment must be obtained through
                vital connection with the Vine. We must feel our utter dependence
                on Christ. We must live by faith in the Son of God. That is the
                meaning of the injunction, 'Abide in me.' The life we live in the
                flesh is not to the will of men, not to please our Lord's enemies,
                but to serve and honor Him who loved us, and gave Himself for
                us. A mere assent to this union, while the affections are not
                detached from the world, its pleasures and its dissipations, only
                emboldens the heart in disobedience."—Ellen G. White Com-
                ments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, pp. 1143, 1144.

                                                                                 99

                  What three things do we know through our faith in Jesus?
                1 John 5:18-20.


                 John speaks repeatedly of knowledge through belief in God's
                Son. This epistle is a book about true knowledge; THINK IT THROUGH      Is the "message" an external to be wondered at and listened
                to, or has it become identified with my way of living?

                   "The people of God have accustomed themselves to think that
                they must rely upon their own efforts, that little help is to be
                received from heaven; and the result is that they have little light
                to communicate to other souls who are dying in error and dark-
                ness. . . . They are not able to present the great and glorious
                truths of God's Holy Word that would convict and convert souls
                through the agency of the Holy Spirit. The power of God awaits
                their demand and reception."—Testimonies to Ministers, page 175.
                   "In the presence of this great incident every Christian must
                ask himself, What have I to give? One cannot give what he has
                not received, nor can he truly give from an ungenerous heart.
                He cannot give of Christ when he does not possess Christ. But
                when he has Christ, he knows it, and cannot too quickly share
                his precious gift with others."—SDA Bible Commentary, on Acts
                3:6.

                When Hezekiah gave the wrong message to a heathen prince,
               what tragedy resulted? 2 Kings 20:12-18.


                 "What have your friends and acquaintances seen in your house?
               Are you, instead of revealing the treasures of the grace of Christ,
               displaying those things that will perish with the using? Or do
               you, to those with whom you are brought in contact, communicate
               some new thought of Christ's character and work? Have you
               always some fresh revelation of His pitying love to impart to those
               who know Him not?"—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible
               Commentary, Vol. 2, p. 1038.
                 What response did a faithful witness bring? 2 King6 5:1-5,
               14.

                 "The conduct of the captive maid, the way that she bore herself
               in that heathen home, is a strong witness to the power of early
               home training.. ..
                  "We know not in what line our children may be called to serve.
               They may spend their lives within the circle of the home; they
               may engage in life's common vocations, or go as teachers of
               the gospel to heathen lands; but all are alike called to be mis-
               sionaries for God, ministers of mercy to the world."—Prophets
               and Kings, page 245.
                  "When mind and heart are filled with the love of God, it will
               not be difficult to impart that which enters into the spiritual life.
                Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth,
                unselfish purposes, yearnings for piety and holiness, will find
                expression in words that reveal the character of the heart treasure.
                 "The true follower of Christ strengthens the good purposes
               of all with whom he comes in contact. Before an unbelieving,
               sin-loving world he reveals the power of God's grace and the
               perfection of His character."—Prophets and Kings, pages 347,
               348.   FURTHER STUDY    The Ministry of Healing, pages 485-492.

                                                                                101

                 "The greatest men of the earth are not beyond the power of
               a wonder-working God. If those who are workers together with
               Him will do their duty bravely and faithfully, God will convert men
               who occupy responsible places, men of intellect and influence.
               Through the power of the Holy Spirit, many will be led to accept
               the divine principles."—The Ministry of Healing, page 216.

                What group does not recognize the power of the gospel story?
               Who does recognize it? 1 Cor. 1:18, 23, 24.

                 "Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God's
               ideal for His children. Godliness—godlikeness—is the goal to be
               reached. Before the student there is opened a path of continual
               progress. He has an object to achieve, a standard to attain, that
               includes everything good, and pure, and noble. He will advance
               as fast and as far as possible in every branch of true knowledge.
               But his efforts will be directed to objects as much higher than
               mere selfish and temporal interests as the heavens are higher
               than the earth."—Education, pages 18, 19.
                 "After the disciples had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit,
               the priests and rulers marveled at the words which they spake,
               for they knew them as unlearned and ignorant men. But they
               took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus.
                 "Their teaching was a second edition of the teachings of Christ,
               the utterance of simple, grand truths that flashed light into dark-
               ened minds, and converted thousands in a day."—Ellen G. White
               Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, pp. 1055, 1056.  FURTHER STUDY     The Acts of the Apostles, pages 42-46. 102

                  Why is it that our preaching and teaching do not convert every
                person whom we approach? Is the fault in the message? Is the
                fault always in those to whom we witness by word and deed?
                Sometimes we have seen one preacher fail in a particular soul-
                winning responsibility and another succeed under seemingly
                similar circumstances.
                  Yet not everyone will receive the word gladly. Some are deluded.
                2 Thess. 2:11, 12. Some scoff. 2 Peter 3:3, 4. Some prefer evil.
                2 Tim. 4:3, 4. When faced with problems like these, God's workers
                may well need to seek more receptive ears. The communication
                of truth has not been effective. The channel is blocked.
                  What was the result of Jesus' work among people unrespon--
                sive to His message? Matt. 13:58.

                   "As the preaching of Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so
                Christ's preaching was a sign to His generation. But what a con-
                trast in the reception of the word! Yet in the face of indifference
                and scorn the Saviour labored on and on, until He had accom-
                plished His mission."—Prophets and Kings, page 274.
                   "God's messengers in the great cities are not to become d iscour-
                aged over the wickedness, the injustice, the depravity, which they
                are called upon to face while endeavoring to proclaim the glad
                tidings of salvation. The Lord would cheer every such worker
                with the same message that He gave to the apostle Paul in wicked
                Corinth: 'Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for
                I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for
                I have much people in this city.' Acts 18:9, 10. Let those engaged
                in soul-saving ministry remember that while there are many who
                will not heed the counsel of God in His word, the whole world
                will not turn from light and truth, from the invitations of a patient,
                forbearing Saviour."—Prophets and Kings, page 277.

                                                                                  103

                  In what condition are we to live? 1 Peter 3:15.

                  We may not look on ourselves as very powerful transmitters
                of the divine message. We may be all too aware of our lack of
                ability and training, or of character defects and weaknesses in
                our makeup. But God will bless the humblest Christian that seeks
                to be a living communication of His truth. THINK IT THROUGH      Consider the familiar story of the talents. Do we have the
                right to cease our witness?


                  "A soul filled with the love of Jesus lends to the words, the
                manners, the looks, hope, courage and serenity. It reveals the
                spirit of Christ. It breathes a love which will be reflected. It awakens
                a desire for a better life; souls ready to faint are strengthened;
                those strugg I ing against temptation will be fortified and comforted.
                The words, the expression, the manners throw out a bright ray
                of sunshine, and leave behind them a clear path toward heaven,
                the source of all light. Every one of us has opportunities of helping
                others. We are constantly making impressions upon the youth
                about us. The expression of the countenance is itself a mirror
                of the life within."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible
                Commentary, Vol. 3, p. 1156.
                  "The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and
                lovable Christian."—The Ministry of Healing, page 470.
                  "The secret of success is the union of divine power with human
                effort. Those who achieve the greatest results are those who rely
                most implicitly upon the Almighty Arm."—Patriarchs and
                Prophets, page 509.

                                  ELLEN G. WHITE

                                                                                      105

                                                     POLISH



                                                                 Church       S.S.
        Unions                          Population   Church.   Membership   Membership."

        British                    57,301,080         138       12,225        12,330
        Finland                         4,770,000      50        5,356         5,318
        Netherlands                13,000,000          43        3,380         2,418
        Polish                     32,000,000         119        4,156         4,929
        Swedish                         8,350,000      60        3,808         4,284
        West Africa                85,123,582         351       48,370       129,537
        West Nordic                     8,385,609     130        9,393         8,702
        Iceland Conference               203,442        7          493           576


        Division Totals           209,133,713         898       87,181       168,094

        [Figures as of 3rd Qtr. 19711
        •Figures as of 4th Qtr. 1971.




             LAGOS