PRISONERS OF HOPE

EDITORIAL..BROTHER N. NKOMO April 2008

It is just over one month and two hundred and ten years since the fulfilment of one of the longest
Biblical prophecies that we have. On February 15, 1798, general Berthier (one of Napoleons' gener-
als) issued a proclamation in Rome informing Pope Pius the VI that his office should henceforth
not ―exercise any function‖. This capped the end of the 1260 day prophecy which covered the
―dark‖ ages and encompassed the slaughter of those whose voices cry out from beneath the altar;
all for their belief in the true Creator God of the universe.

The Bible, when discussing this issue, says ―And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to
death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast‖ Revelation
13:3. We understand from looking at history that the wound began to heal barely two years after
the end of the times, time and half a time. In March of 1800 a new pope, Pope Pius VII was elected
to replace his predecessor who had died less than seven months before the election.

Less than four years after this election of Pius VII, Napoleon formally recognised the Catholic
Church as the religion of France and signed a concordat with them, ―declaring that the state ac-
knowledged the Catholic Church as the religion of France, and called for the loyalty of the bishops
to the state.― We can thus see that the wound had already begun to heal less than a decade after it
had been inflicted. This brings us to February 11 1929 when the Lateran treaty, which once again
established Rome as a nation, was signed by Cardinal Gasparri (representing pope Pius XI) and
Benito Mussolini (representing King Victor Emmanuel III). Many Adventist commentators and
preachers that I have heard since my youth have often quoted this date as the date when the
―deadly wound was healed‖ arguing that Rome was once again a Religo-Political power.

I would like us to revisit this interpretation that continues to be used by Adventists. I believe that a
process was begun in 1929, but that the deadly wound was not healed in that year for two key rea-
sons.

Firstly, Revelation 13:10b tells us that ―He that killeth with the sword must be killed by the sword‖.
To understand what the sword is (as it cannot be the Word of God given that Roman Catholicism INSIDE THIS ISSUE
did not kill by making use of the word of God), we turn to Rom 13:1-4. We realise that speaking of
earthly rulers Paul notes that ―he beareth not the sword in vain‖. Therefore the sword being re- Editorial ................................... ……1
ferred to are civil powers such as those that were used during the 1260years to put into effect the God‘s Original Syllabus Part 2 .. .….2
command of Papacy. Oh How Sweet ...………..……….….....3
Tricks of the Devil…..……………..…..5
The next question is; According to revelation 13, what nation is to give the ―sword‖ back to the
beast? Careful reading shows us that it is the nation that arises out of the earth that restores to the Power In The WORD ................ …..6
beast its powers of old and it is she that enforces the decree hence placing the ―sword‖ back in the Rightly Divide The WORD........ …..7
hands of Rome. As the Lateran treaty did not involve the USA as represented in Revelation 13, the Contact Details ......................... …..8
deadly wound could not have been healed by the Vatican being given nation status.

Secondly, in order to buttress their argument Adventists so inclined often quote the following
which appeared in a newspaper: "The Roman question tonight was a thing of the past, and the
Vatican was at peace with Italy... In affixing the autographs to the memorable document healing
the wound of many years, extreme cordiality was displayed on both sides" -The San Francisco
Chronicle. Feb. 11, 1929

Once again careful study of history will lead us to the knowledge that before 1870 italy was made
up of a number of different states. In that year, Victor Emmanuel combined all the states into a
single country and in protest at their Papal states being taken away successive Popes shut them-
selves up in the Vatican and did not leave its environs for 59 years. This is the wound that was al-
luded to as being healed in the oft quoted article and it had nothing to do with the Scriptural heal-
ing of the beast‘s deadly wound.
My belief is that not until Rome again has the power to make her will and doctrines effective
through cooperating legislative enactments and judicial decrees, backed by the might and muscle
of the United States of America, will the wound be healed, resulting in the same power and might
she had before being wounded... But let us not be lulled into a false state of security as such a day is
coming on apace.
 GOD‘S ORIGINAL SYLLABUS. PART 2 BY SISTER T. NKOMO
Continued from Feb 2008…..(Who‘s first in the class? training should be continued as a part of his school duties.
Did you get the highest mark in class for your test?) There are many students who object to this kind of work in
"One reason why it was necessary to establish institutions the school. They think useful employment, like learning a
of our own was the fact that parents were not able to coun- trade, degrading; but such persons have an incorrect idea
teract the influence of the teaching their children were re- of what constitutes true dignity. Our Lord and Saviour, Je-
ceiving in the public schools, and the error there taught sus Christ, who is One with the Father, the Commander in
was leading the youth into false paths. No stronger influ- the heavenly courts, was the personal instructor and guide
ence could be brought to bear upon the minds of youth and of the children of Israel; and among them it was required
the children than that of those who are educating them in that every youth should learn how to work. All were to be
principles of science. For this reason it was evident that educated in some business line, that they might possess a
schools must be established in which our children should knowledge of practical life, and be not only self-sustaining,
be instructed in the way of truth. . . . In our institutions of but useful. This was the instruction which God gave to his
learning there was to be exerted an influence that would people."
counteract the influence of the world, and with no encour-
agement indulgence in appetite, in selfish gratification of (Then there is no need to partake in competitive sports,
the senses, in pride, ambition, love of dress, and display, which the SOP counsels us against)
love of praise and flattery, and strife for high rewards and "Education, in felling trees, tilling the soil, erecting build-
honors as a recompense for a good scholarship. All this was ings, as well as in literature, is the education our youth
to be discouraged in our school. It will be impossible to should each seek to obtain. Further on, a printing press
avoid these things and yet send should be connected with our
them to the public schools, school, in order to educate in
where they would daily be this line. Tent-making also
brought into contact with that should be learned. There are
which would contaminate their also many things which the
morals. All through the world lady students may be engaged
there was so great a neglect of in. There is cooking, dressmak-
home training that the children ing, and gardening to be done.
found at the public schools, for Strawberries
the most part, were profligate should be planted, plants and
and steeped in vice" R&H, flowers cultivated. This the lady
Jan. 9, 1894. students may be called out of
doors to do. Thus they may be
(Why were our schools estab- educated to useful labor. Book-
lished? What is our aim as Sev- binding also, and a variety of
enth Day Adventists? We can be trades, should be taken up.
missionaries in the office as These will not only be putting
much as those are who evangelise out in the field) into exercise brain, bone, and muscle, but will also be gain-
"In all our churches, and wherever there is a company of ing knowledge‖
believers, church schools should be established, and in
these schools there should be teachers with a true mission- (Our schools ought to be out of the city)
ary spirit, for the children are to be trained to become mis- "No pains should be spared to select places for our schools
sionaries. It is essential that the teachers be educated to act where the moral atmosphere will be as healthful as possi-
their part in instructing children of Sabbath-keepers not ble, for the influences that prevail will leave a deep impress
only in the sciences, but in the Scriptures. These schools, on young and forming characters. For this reason a retired
established in different localities, and conducted by God- locality is best. The great cities, the centers of business and
fearing men and learning, may seem to present some advantages, but these
women, as the case advantages are outweighed by other considerations." --Sp.
Why were our demands, should T. on Ed., p. 43.
schools estab- be built upon the
same principles as The youth can never receive the proper training in any of
lished? were the schools of our schools which are located near a city (LS 351:1-352:1).
the prophets." P. (Do our teachers themselves practice the health principles
C., "Need of Church Schools God has given?)
―The students in the school are to be taught to be strict
(The devil makes work for idle hands) health reformers.‖—EGW, February 20,1908; Coun-
"When the child is old enough to be sent to school, the sels on Diets and Foods, p. 450.
teacher should co-operate with the parents, and manual
2
Two articles in the Review (June 28 and August 15, 1882) (Do our few remaining sanitariums gain much financial
explained that, instead of ―games and frivolous amuse- support from us?)
ments‖ each evening, the students had taken a special ―In the work of the school [at Loma Linda] maintain sim-
course in physiology. Manual labor was scheduled and plicity. No argument is so powerful as is success founded
required three hours each day (one hour after breakfast, on simplicity. You may attain success in the education of
one after dinner, and another at night). Students were students as medical missionaries without a medical
paid accord- school that can qualify physicians to compete with the
ing to the physicians of the world. Let the students be given a prac-
value of their tical education. The less dependent you are upon worldly
work. The methods of education, the better it will be for the stu-
daily sched- dents.‖—EGW to J.A. Burden, March 24,1908; 9
ule required Testimonies, p. 175.
rising at 5
a.m. Study (How solemn)
period ended ‗We are further from the true picture of medical mission-
at 9 p.m.; dur- ary work than when we first began. He never designed
ing this time, that our work should blossom out in the professional and
assistance commercial way in which it stands before the world today
from teach- [at the Battle Creek Sanitarium]. We have educated bed-
ers was avail- side nurses, when we should have educated missionary
able. There was a daily Bible class, evening worship, and nurses to go into the homes of the people and the vil-
weekly prayer meeting. Baptisms resulted. Students en- lages, towns, and cities, ministering to the people, singing
gaged in missionary projects, such as sending publica- Gospel songs and giving Bible readings. Those who do
tions to non-believers, corresponding with interested this work will reap a rich harvest of souls, both from the
persons, placing books in libraries, and corresponding higher and lower walks of life.‖J.A. Burden, Story of
with isolated believers. LomaLinda. To be Continued……...

OH HOW SWEET!!....BY SISTER K VENA

Sugar, small crystal-like granules that seem to sparkle in The effects of sugar in the system are slow to detect and
the light, attractive to the eye and sweet to the taste – will that is why sugar does more damage than any other drug –
have you coming back for more. As good as it tastes, sugar because it seems like it does nothing wrong its use is con-
is actually an unnatural substance produced by industrial tinued and this is deleterious to our bodies. Sugar is found
processes (mostly from sugar cane or sugar beets) being in almost all foods, from breads and spreads, cereals,
refined down to pure sucrose after being stripped of all the canned or packed foods, drinks, sweets and desserts; the
vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes and other beneficial list, I
nutrients. This is done by first pressing juice from the can
natural product (sugar cane or beets) and refining this safely
juice into molasses. This is then refined into brown sugar, say, is
which is then finally refined into white crystalline chemi- endless.
cal. Our bodies are not able to handle that which is left Like any
over from this process, that is, sugar. other
drug,
I am reminded of a secular song called Sugar-man that I
sugar is
listened to before my conversion. This song, which told of
addic-
a drug dealer and his dealings used codes to tell of how
tive and
people got ―hooked‖ to the drugs that he sold to them. The
one can
codename for the drug dealer was appropriately sugar-
find
man. Sugar is like a drug, in fact, it is a drug and just like
them-
tea or coffee it is a socially accepted drug. The danger of
selves craving for its sweetness and unable to rest or con-
sugar is that because it is not seen as a drug in society it is
centrate on anything until that craving has been satisfied.
taken freely and in large quantities, even from infancy, be-
This leads to even more sugar consumption, and so the
ing found in baby formula, and often in the mother‘s milk
deadly cycle continues.
due to there being sugar in her system.

3
The way natural sugar is meant to work in our bodies is by Sugar has so many harmful effects and is the cause of so
being slowly absorbed into our system and then infused many illnesses but because it is the norm to use sugar, this
into our blood stream and converted into energy, which is fact is cast aside. Calcium is lost through the use of sugar
slowly released and is more ―user friendly‖ so to speak. The and in the long run can contribute to osteoporosis. It is the
way in which refined sugar works is that it shoots straight cause of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, diabetes,
into the blood stream, rapidly increasing the blood-glucose and it thickens the blood causing the slow movement of
levels and thereby stimulating the pancreas to secrete insu- blood cells thereby causing the system to be sluggish thus
lin to drop our blood-sugar levels. When blood-glucose lev- preventing the body from functioning optimally. Added to
els are thus heightened, a person feels energized and ―on this it causes dental deterioration and imbalances in the
top of the world‖ but they soon come crashing down due to secretion of hormones. Sugar cause chronic fatigue, trig-
the fact gers binge eating, increases PMS symptoms (ladies…), in-
that the creases hyperactivity, anxiety and irritability. It aggravates
sugar was asthma, causes mood swings, provokes personality
not slowly changes, musters mental illness, nourishes nervous disor-
released ders, hurries heart disease, grows gallstones, hastens hy-
into the pertension and is linked to arthritis. Should I go on? The
system. list still continues… You may not manifest these illnesses,
The prob- or rather, you may not be aware that you manifest them…
lem is that but you don‘t want to find out when it‘s too late.
the levels
sky rocket
up and The prophet of the Lord says ―Sugar clogs the system. It
when they hinders the working of the living machine‖ (TSDF 144.3).
drop, they drop way below the equilibrium and a person ―…Anything that hinders the active motion of the living
feels drained. What happens next is that more sugar is machinery, affects the brain very directly and from the light
taken to give that ―fix‖ and just like a drug, the sugar ―high‖ given me, sugar, when largely used, is more injurious than
comes right back. These rapid fluctuations in blood-sugar meat‖ (TSDF 144.5). We are further counseled that what-
levels are extremely unhealthy and they place an unneces- ever changes we make in our diet and lifestyle should be
sary tax on the body. made cautiously lest we bring harm upon ourselves.

Insulin, that which regulates the body‘s blood-sugar levels, What tastes good in the mouth for but a few moments can
has another function which is to promote the storage of fat, be bitter in our systems causing a lifetime of troubles that
so the more sugar is taken in, the more insulin is secreted,
the more fat is stored. And, needless to say, weight loss in
this regard is not possible; keeping in mind that sugars/
energy not used is converted to fat and is stored.

What is also not

..weight loss in this realized is that
because sugar
regard is not possi- has been stripped
ble of all its nutrients
through its refin-
ing process, when it enters into our systems it draws or
steals nutrient from the body‘s micro-nutrient stores in or-
der for it to be used in the system. This depletes our store-
houses and the functions of the system are confused. Then take much time and effort and prayers to undo. I know it
cholesterol and fatty acids cannot be metabolized and seems like an impossible thing to do, leaving that sweet
therefore higher volumes of fat are stored in the body, thus sensation behind but through Christ, anything is possible.
promoting obesity or even heart attacks. The problem with All reform, whether it be health reform or dress, whatever
some, is that because the extreme consequences of the use it may be, is for our own good. God has designed our bod-
of sugar aren‘t portrayed in them, its free use is continued, ies fearfully and wonderfully and in keeping to that design
but somewhere along the line, whether sooner or later, big we must adhere to His principles. May He help us to up-
or small, the consequences will be made manifest. hold His principles as He upholds us with the right hand of
His righteousness.
4
 TRICKS OF THE DEVIL ….. BY BROTHER E. PREWITT

‘First duty is to my family’ trick friends that are there.‖ ―Sally is there and she is doing
fine.‖ This trick is used most often on young people mak-
―But your first and most sacred duty is to your family.‖
ing decisions that will affect their entire future. Satan and
2T 85. Satan often uses truth as groundwork for error. He
God and angels good and bad all know how easily the val-
quoted Ps 91 and God‘s promise to keep us from harm
ues gained during childhood may be thrown off in adoles-
before inviting the Messiah to jump from a lofty height.
cence. When God has given counsel that such and such a
The mistake often made here is in the method to be em-
course of action is unpleasing to Him, to say ―you can [do
ployed in helping our family. Will we, by leaving our ap-
that] if you are careful to look for the good and resist the
pointed task to return home and aid them, impress them
evil.‖ But being careful is a character issue. If one is not
with the urgency that we feel? ―If Lot himself had mani-
careful enough to search his heart for the sins that sepa-
fested no hesitancy to obey the angels' warning, but had
rate him from heaven; if he is not careful enough to study
earnestly fled toward the mountains, without one word of
the Bible earnestly to know God‘s counsel; what magic
pleading or remonstrance, his wife also would have made
will render him careful enough to resist the influences of
her escape. The influence of his example would have
those that are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God?
saved her from the sin that sealed her doom. But his hesi-
In the first person, if you go and escape with your soul,
tancy and delay caused her to lightly
who will follow your example and
regard the divine warning.‖ PP 161.
lose theirs? And if God has out-
When our kin see us making deci-
lined a different plan for his chil-
sions that could cost us our friends
dren, how do you know that you
and dearest relations in the service of
will be just as well off to make your
God, they will know that the truth
own? In your educational plan-
means something to us. Speaking of
ning, has God asked you to aim at a
punctuality and decision in the work
mere absence of corruption? How
of God, Ellen White wrote, ―Never
will you answer for the things that
should the cause of God be left to
you might have known about his
suffer, in a single particular, because
Word had you followed his Testi-
of our earthly friends or dearest rela-
monies and entered a school of his
tives.‖ 3T 499.
choosing? If you are looking to put
searching for the kingdom first,
‘I don’t need anyone to teach
God will show you where to do
me’ trick
your looking as well as for what to
Founded on I Jn 2:27 this argument be looking.
neglects to mention the immediate
‘I’ll witness by living a good life’ trick
context of seducing teachers (v. 26). The very writing of
this Epistle of John is evidence that true teaching was The trick here is that living the good life involves active as
needed. The point of the verse is that the members were well as passive witnessing. If you are not actively witness-
not at the mercy of their false teachers. They could go to ing, you are not living a good life, and are not being a
inspiration for themselves. That they were inclined to good witness.
credit unfounded assertions is evidenced in the fact that ‗
they were being seduced. Far different counsel is written You are judged by what you know’ trick
to those heady and high-minded men who would think it
A more accurate statement would be ―you are judged by
weakness to say ―How can I [understand] except some
what you might have known had you lived up to your
man should guide me?‖ Acts 8:31. We need each other.
privileges.‖ Willful ignorance is not winked at. Those that
God designed the church that way very much on purpose.
neglect to study lest they should find light and be chal-
Not even Paul, the recently renamed Saul, aspired to
lenged by it are responsible for it nonetheless. ―This is the
spiritual independence in his newly converted state. In
condemnation that light is come into the world and men
vision he was told, ―Arise, and go into the city, and it shall
loved darkness rather than light.‖ Jn. 3:19.
be told thee what thou must do.‖ Acts 9:6. Not an angel,
but God‘s servant Ananias became his tutor.

‘You can find what you are looking for’ trick

The deception is the old ―did God really say you shouldn‘t
eat it?‖ It paints God‘s counsel as narrow and restrictive.
―You can find what you are looking for.‖ ―Just weed out
the error and accept the truth.‖ ―Just find the good

5
 POWER IN THE WORD
What was the way in which God brought the heav- "And they were astonished at His doctrine: for His word
ens into existence? was with power." Luke 4:32.
"By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all What important fact testified to the power of
the host of them by the breath of his mouth... For He Christ's word?
spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast." "And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves,
Psalm 33:6-9. saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power
What is it that Christ uses to uphold all things? He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out."
"Upholding all things by the word of His power." Hebrews Luke 4:36.
1:3. In ancient times, how did God bring healing to His
Of what great truth are some willingly ignorant? people?
"For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of "He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them
God he heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of from their destructions." Psalm 107:20.
the water and in the water: whereby the world that then In what way did the Roman centurion reveal his
was, being overflowed with water, perished." 2 Peter strong faith in Christ?
3:5,6. "The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy
By what are the present heavens and earth re- that Thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the
served for a similar fate? word only, and my servant
"But the heavens and the earth, shall be healed." Matthew 8:8.
which are now, by the same word What did Christ say is the
are kept in store, reserved unto seed of the kingdom of God?
fire against the day of judgment "The seed is the word of God."
and perdition of ungodly men." 2 Luke 8:11.
Peter 3:7. Where does God want
What other passage of Scrip- Christ's word to dwell?
ture also reveals that crea- "Let the word of Christ dwell in
tive power is exercised you richly in all wisdom." Colos-
through the word of God? sians 3:16.
"Let them praise the name of the Could those who believed
Lord: for He commanded, and not on Jesus Christ receive
they were created." Psalm 148:5. this important seed?
What change is wrought out "Ye have not His word abiding
in the life of one who is in in you: for whom He hath sent,
Christ? Him ye believe not." John 5:38.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature How does the Word of God work in the life of the
[literally, "a new creature"] : old things are passed away; believer?
behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17. "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, be-
Jesus described this same experience in what cause, when ye received the word of God which ye heart of
other passage? us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in
unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the you that believe." 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
kingdom of God." John 3:3. What new nature is imparted to us through the
By what agency is this new creation or new birth promises of God?
accomplished? "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incor- promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine
ruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world
ever." 1 Peter 1:23. through lust." 2 Peter 1:4.
What is the first creative commandment that is What is it that can cleanse the lives of believers in
mentioned in the Bible? Christ?
"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." "Now are ye clean through the word which I have spoken
Genesis 1:3. unto you." John 15:3.
Did God also command another light to shine out How can a young man cleanse his ways?
of darkness? "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by tak-
"For God, who commanded the light to shine our of dark- ing heed thereto according to Thy word." Psalm 119:9.
ness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the What is the result of accepting the Word of God
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." into the heart and life?
2 Corinthians 4:6. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin
What was it about Christ's teaching that aston- against thee." Psalm 119:11. (See also Psalm 17:4.)
ished people?
6
 RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORD (WE ARE ALL MINISTERS)..SR WHITE
2 Tim 2:15 ―Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a steps in immorality and vice.
workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly divid-
ing the word of truth.‖ But first the young men who would serve God, and give
themselves to his work, must cleanse the soul temple of
Those who minister in the word must have as thorough a
knowledge of that word as it is possible for them to ob-
tain. They must be continually searching, praying, and
learning, or the people of God will advance in the knowl-
edge of His word and will, and leave these professed
teachers far behind. Who will instruct the people when
they are in advance of their teachers? All the efforts of
such ministers are fruitless. 2T, p.499

1 Tim 6:14 ―That thou keep [this] commandment with-

out spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord
Jesus Christ.‖

What the church needs in these days of peril is an army

of workers who, like Paul, have educated themselves for all impurity, and enthrone Christ in the heart; then they
usefulness, who have a deep experience in the things of will be enabled to put energy into their Christian effort,
God, and who are filled with earnestness and zeal. Sancti- and will manifest enthusiastic zeal in persuading men to
fied, self-sacrificing men are needed; men who will not be reconciled to Christ. 1891MS, p.209
shun trial and responsibility; men who are brave and
true; men in whose hearts Christ is formed "the hope of It is a sad fact that the reason why many dwell so much
glory," and who with lips touched with holy fire will on theory and so little on practical godliness is that Christ
"preach the word." For want of such workers the cause of is not abiding in their hearts. They do not have a living
God languishes, and fatal errors, like a deadly poison, connection with God. Many souls decide in favor of the
taint the morals and blight the hopes of a large part of the truth from the weight of evidence, without being con-
human race. AA p.507 verted. Practical discourses were not given in connection
with the doctrinal, that as the hearers should see the
I saw that before the work of God can make any decided beautiful chain of truth they might fall in love with its Au-
progress, the ministers must be converted ……They thor and be sanctified through obedience. The minister's
should not preach themselves, but Christ and His right- work is not done until he has urged home upon his hear-
eousness. A reformation is needed among the people, but ers the necessity of a change of character in accordance
it should first begin its purifying work with the ministers. with the pure principles of the truth which they have re-
1T, p.468/469 ceived. A formal religion is to be dreaded, for in it is no
Saviour. Plain, close, searching, practical discourses were
The church given by Christ. His ambassadors should follow His ex-
will rarely ample in every discourse. 4T, p.395/6
take a higher
stand than is Those who are Christians indeed will seek to do good to
taken by her others, and at the same time will so order their conversa-
minis- ters. We tion and deportment as to maintain a calm, hallowed
need a con- peace of mind. Selfishness and worldliness are not fruits
verted ministry of a Christian tree. No man can live for himself, and yet
and a con- enjoy the approbation of God. Christ cursed the fig-tree
verted people. because it bore not fruit. Thus he would teach that God is
5T, p.227 not pleased with his human agencies if in their lives they
utterly fail to fulfill the purposes for which they were cre-
Christ is calling for volunteers to enlist under his stan- ated. Through the help provided, man, in his fallen na-
dard, and bear the banner of the cross before the world. ture, can do the very things God expects him to do. He
The church is languishing for the help of young men who can walk and work and live by faith in the Son of God.
will bear a courageous testimony, who will with their ar- RH, April 15 1909 Continued on P8
dent zeal stir up the sluggish energies of God's people,
and so increase the power of the Church in the world.
Young men are wanted who will resist the tide of worldli-
ness, and lift a voice of warning against taking the first

7
 When ministers feel the power of the truth manner of his working--adapting his
in their own souls, thrilling their own be- methods to win souls. 6BC, p.1089
ing, then will they possess power to affect
hearts, and show that they firmly believe Satan is determined that men shall not see
the truths they preach to others. They the love of God which led Him to give His
should keep before the mind the worth of only-begotten Son to save a lost race; for it
souls, and the matchless depths of a Sav- is the goodness of God that leads men to
iour's love. 2T, p.504 repentance. 1SM 156
PRISONERS OF
HOPE The very first and the most important If those who today are teaching the word
thing is to melt and subdue the soul by of God, would uplift the cross of Christ
The bulk of this newsletter is
presenting our Lord Jesus Christ as the higher and still higher, their ministry
authored by members of the
Mowbray SDA church whose
sinbearer, the sin-pardoning Saviour, would be far more successful. If sinners
desire is to provide a thought making the gospel as clear as possible. EV, can be led to give one earnest look at the
provoking newsletter for Ad- p.264 cross, if they can obtain a full view of the
ventists dwelling on the banks crucified Saviour, they will realize the
of Jordan; in the process ap- Often doctrinal subjects are presented depth of God's compassion and the sinful-
pealing to entire fidelity to the with no special effect; for men expect oth- ness of sin. AA, p.209
Bible and the Spirit of Proph-
ers to press
ecy.
upon them You should not
their doctrines; feel it your duty
but when the to introduce ar-
matchless love guments upon
of Christ is the Sabbath
dwelt upon, question as you
His grace im- meet the people.
presses the If persons men-
heart. CM, tion the subject,
p.42 tell them that
this is not your
1 Cor 1:23 burden now. But
―But we preach when they sur-
Christ cruci- render heart
fied, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and and mind and will to God, they are then
unto the Greeks foolishness‖ prepared candidly to weigh evidence in
regard to these solemn, testing truths.--
To the Gentiles, he preached Christ as Letter 77, 1895.
their only hope of salvation, but did not at
first have anything to say upon the law. Sometimes men and women decide in fa-
But after their hearts were warmed with vor of the truth because of the weight of
the presentation of Christ as the gift of evidence presented, without being con-
God to our world, and what was compre- verted. The minister's work is not done
hended in the work of the Redeemer in the until he has urged upon his hearers the
costly sacrifice to manifest the love of God necessity of a change of heart. In every dis-
to man, in the most eloquent simplicity he course fervent appeals should be made to
showed that love for all mankind--Jew and the people to forsake their sins and turn to
Gentile--that they might be saved by sur- Christ. The popular sins and indulgences
rendering their hearts to Him. Thus when, of our day should be condemned, and
melted and subdued, they gave themselves practical godliness enjoined. GW,
to the Lord, he presented the law of God as p158/159
the test of their obedience. This was the

Contact Information:
+27(0)21 556 9971 086 608 7075 +27(0)83 268 7575
poh@itshe.com  PO Box 34197, Rhodes Gift, 7007, Cape Town, South Africa
8