The Lesson study is on pages 1-9 and E.G. White Comments are on pages 10-18.Lesson 13 September 17-23 How Shall We Wait?

Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 24.

Memory Text: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:11-13, NIV).

For several years preceding the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the Seventh-day Adventist churches in San Francisco and Oakland, California, were buzzing. Members were involved in visiting the sick and destitute. They found homes for orphans and work for the unemployed. They nursed the sick and taught the Bible from house to house. Members distributed Christian literature and gave classes on healthful living. The churches also conducted a school for the children in the basement of the Laguna Street meetinghouse. A workingmen’s home and medical mission were maintained. They had a health-food store along with a vegetarian café. The members had started ship mission work at the local port, and their ministers conducted meetings in large halls in the city from time to time.

Ellen G. White had called these churches the two “beehives” and was thrilled by their work (Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, July 5, 1906 ). What powerful examples of what we should and could be doing now as we await the Second Coming. Our Lord is coming back; that we know. The crucial issue for us is: What are we doing while we wait? On that answer hangs the destiny of souls.

Sunday September 18 While We Wait for Jesus

The disciples had just been admiring the glorious scene as the sun’s rays glinted off the temple. Jesus, wanting to focus their attention on the realities facing the Christian church in the near future and the end of time, cryptically gave them a dose of reality by saying: “ 'Do you see all these things? . . . Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down’ ” (Matt. 24:2, NIV). Surprised by His comment, the disciples asked, “ 'when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’ ” (Matt. 24:3, NIV). In Matthew 24:4-31, Jesus then tells them the things to expect to see unfold in the world before He returns.

In revealing the signs, Jesus warns, “ 'but the end is still to come’ ” (Matt. 24:6, NIV), and that “ 'All these are the beginning of birth pains’ ” (Matt. 24:8, NIV). The direct answer to the disciples’ question comes in verse 14. “ 'And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come’ ” (Matt. 24:14, NIV).In this discourse, the first 35 verses in Matthew 24 motivate us to take the signs seriously, but Jesus also tells us how we are to wait for “the end of the age” (Matt. 24:3, NIV). In other words, we just don’t sit there and wait for Him to come as we would sit at a bus stop and wait for the bus. No, we are given plenty to do as we wait for the Lord’s second advent.Read Matthew 24:36-25:46. Each one of these parables talks about what God’s people should be doing as they await the second coming of Jesus.

24:42. Watch therefore. The admonitions to “take heed” and to “watch” constitute the recurring theme of the chapter. To illustrate the importance of remaining alert, Jesus spoke six parables: the Porter (Mark 13:34–37), which is here condensed into one verse (Matt. 24:42), the Master of the House (vs. 43, 44), the Faithful and Unfaithful Servants (vs. 45–51), the Ten Virgins (ch. 25:1–13), the Talents (vs. 14–30), and the Sheep and the Goats (vs. 31–46). Christians are not to await their Lord’s return in idle expectancy. While waiting and watching they are to be vigilant in purifying their own souls by obedience to the truth, and to be earnest in working for others. It is their privilege “not only to look for but to hasten the coming of the day of God” (DA 633). What hour. See on v. 36. Textual evidence favors the reading “day” instead of “hour” (cf. p. 146).

43. The goodman. Gr. oikodespotēs, “master of the house” (see on ch. 21:33). In what watch. The Romans divided the night into

four “watches,” a system of reckoning adopted also by the Jews. See p. 50; see on ch. 14:25. The thief. Paul (1 Thess. 5:2) and John (Rev. 3:3) also use the illustration of a thief in connection with the second coming of Jesus.

44. Be ye also ready. This is the third of the great trio of admonitions of the discourse—“take heed” (v. 4), “watch” (v. 42), “be … ready” (v. 44). “The crisis is stealing gradually upon us” (DA 636) as we go about our daily round of activities. He who sincerely looks for the coming of Jesus will be ready, whenever his Lord may appear. As ye think not. It is folly to attempt to determine the hour, day, or year of Christ’s coming (see on v. 36). Had it been necessary or desirable for the Christian to know the time, God would have made it known to him. But enough has been revealed so that he may know when the event is near. Knowing that it is near, he is called upon to watch and be ready.1

Summarize the essence of what the Lord is telling us here. Then we need to ask ourselves, both individually and as a church: How well are we following the Lord’s instructions for us in each of these parables? A Possible Answer: 36-41 Summary: Only the Father knows the answer to the question, all things will continue as usual until it happens. There will be a time of separation. Here, The Lord is telling us among others things that just as the Flood overtook the antediluvians by surprise while they were occupied in their usual round of activities so it will be in the last days. 42-51 Summary: Watch and be ready, while faithfully discharging one’s duties with the same mentality; being aware of the uncertainty. The Lord is telling us among others things that in the light of the uncertainty, we are to stay in a condition of watchfulness and faithful in our stewardship over all that God has placed in our hands. 25:1-13 Summary: The Parable of the 10 Virgins, five wise took oil with their lamps and were able to both join the wedding procession and go with the groom into the marriage. The five foolish took only oil in their lamps and was barred form everything because of the lack of preparation: The Lord is telling us among others things that because of the possibility of delay and uncertainty, making what proved to be minimal preparation is not enough though one may be aware, called and possess admirable motives. 14-30 Summary: In the Parable of the Talents (5/2/1) we have portrayed both accountability (reckoning) and reward. The Lord is telling us among others things that He has given everyone talents and each will be appropriately rewarded based on their management of that which they have been entrusted with. 31-46 Summary: The Gathering of the Nations and the subsequent invitation and separation based on how they responded to the needs of others. The Lord is telling us among others things that at His coming there will be rewarded based on how we respond to the needs of the disadvantaged.

Jesus here begins to exhort His disciples about the way His true followers will wait for Him to come again. During this period Jesus’ disciples will always be ready. They will show love, care, and respect to each other while waiting; they will stay alert, prepare ahead, and be responsible for their own spiritual condition. They will multiply the resources that God has placed in their hands, invest talents and money in God’s cause, respect the true character of their loving God, and care for “the least of these.”

Monday September 19 Revival and Reformation While We Wait it

Read 2 Peter 3:1-18. 10. With a great noise. Gr. rhoizēdon, an onomatopoeic adverb indicating the noise made by birds’ wings or by an object hurtling

through the air. Peter probably uses the word to represent the sound made by roaring flames. Elements. Gr. stoicheia, “things arranged in rows,” applied to the letters of the alphabet as being set in rows; and, later, to the celestial bodies, the sun, moon, and stars (cf. on Gal. 4:3). It is probable, though not certain, that Peter here speaks of the physical elements of which our world is composed, matter that will “melt” under the cleansing fires of the last day. Melt. Gr. luō, generally translated “to loosen,” but rendered “to dissolve” in vs. 11, 12, in the sense of “to break up,” or “to break down.” The KJV idea of “to melt” is doubtless drawn from the mention of “fervent heat.” With fervent heat. Gr. kausoō, a medical term, “to be parched with fever,” hence here and in v. 12, “to burn up.” For the association of fire and heat with Christ’s appearing see on Ps. 50:3; Mal. 4:1; 2 Thess. 1:8; cf. on Rev. 20:9; etc. The earth … therein. That is, all earthly things the works of man and of nature. Burned up. Textual evidence is divided (cf. p. 10) between this

1 Nichol, F. D. (Ed.). (1980). The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary (Vol. 5, pp. 504–505). Review and Herald Publishing Association.

reading and “shall be found.” The reading of the KJV suits the context, but the alternate reading is also possible, giving the thought that the worthlessness of earthly, material things will be discovered and displayed before the universe.

11. Seeing then. In view of the certainty that every evidence of sin is to be destroyed, it behooves those who know of the impending day when the present world will be dissolved in a holocaust of fire, to be diligent that they separate every trace of sin from their thoughts and their lives. What manner of persons? Or, “what sort of men?” from an older word meaning “from what country?” Here Peter reveals that his great concern is not with events but with men, that is, with the characters of his readers. He has gone into detail about last-day events in order to bring before them the imperative need for holiness, and now devotes the remainder of his epistle to impressing this need upon them. Ought ye to be. That is, with special reference to character. In all … godliness. Literally, “in holy behaviors and godliness,” both nouns being in the plural in Greek, since Peter is making his thought as comprehensive as possible and wishes his readers to bring every part of their conduct into conformity to the highest Christian standards. For comment on “conversation” (anastrophē) see on ch. 2:7; for “godliness” (eusebeia) see on Tim. 2:2.

12. Looking for. Gr. prosdokaō, “to expect,” “to wait for,” used three times in vs. 12–14, always implying eager anticipation. The believers were ever to be on the alert for their Lord’s return (cf. on Matt. 24:42, 44). Hasting unto. Rather, “hastening,” that is, expediting the arrival of “the day of God”; or, “earnestly desiring” that day. Those who have confessed their sins can eagerly anticipate Christ’s coming and can devote their energies to spreading the gospel, thus preparing the way for His appearing (see COL 69). Coming. Gr. parousia (see on Matt. 24:3). Day of God. There is some textual evidence (cf. p. 10) for the reading “day of the Lord,” but see on v. 10, where it is suggested that “the day of the Lord” and “the day of God” are synonymous phrases. Wherein. Rather, “by reason of which,” that is, because of the coming of the day of God. Heavens. That is, the atmospheric heavens (see on v. 5). Being on fire. See on v. 10. Dissolved. Gr. luō (see on v. 10). Elements. See on v. 10. Melt. Gr. tēkō, “to make liquid,” that is, to melt. In the Greek the tense is present, giving dramatic vividness to the narrative. With fervent heat. See on v. 10. Peter has repeated his exposition of events associated with his Lord’s return in order to impress their certainty and solemnity on the minds of his readers. He now turns to happier matters that follow the dissolution of earthly things.

Summarize the teachings in this chapter that pertain to revival and reformation. How do these verses fit in with the topic we have been studying all quarter? A Possible Answer: Summary: The entire chapter deals with Christ’s Second Coming and Preparation for His Appearing. A. Reference to the testimony of prophets and apostles, 3:1, 2. B. Scoffers refuted by the facts of the Flood, 3:3–7. C. Certainty of Christ’s return, 3:8–10. D. Exhortation to holy living in anticipation of the advent, 3:11–18.

The specific parts that relates to revival and reformation are from Vs. 8-18. In the light of its certainty, its happening suddenly and the climatic end of the world, every believer is to repent, bring every part of their conduct into conformity to the highest Christian standards. Conduct that is the outgrowth of total sanctification (physically/mentally/spiritually) and reflective in a Christ-like character. This is end-time revival and reformation.

This gives validity, purpose and expression to The Role of the Church in the Community. It is because of all that surrounds the 2nd coming that we have to be concerned about the community. The expression of readiness for the return of Christ will be seen in a Christ-like character (caring/compassionate/involved) exhibiting Christ-like deeds/actions/ministries to all those who are lost or without Christ.

God’s desire is that “everyone” will “come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9, NIV). Though we cannot do the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing people to repentance, we are called to reach them with the message of salvation, which, if accepted, will lead to repentance.

We too, as church members, need to be in an attitude of repentance. Repentance is part of the process of revival and reformation. Revival means to come back to life, to be renewed, restored. Reformation means to be reshaped, reformed-to be a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). “A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work.” - Ellen G. White, Selected Messages , book 1, p. 121 .

The “how should we wait” passages in yesterday’s study illustrate conditions and outcomes of revival and reformation. For example, all 10 virgins needed to be revived, awakened out of sleep ( Matt. 25:1-13 ) . The foolish virgins needed to increase their capacity for the Holy Spirit in their lives. When we humble ourselves, die to self, unselfishly pray, study God’s Word, and lovingly share it with others in word and loving deeds, we increase our capacity for an infilling of the Holy Spirit in latter rain power.

However, it is possible to study the Bible for hours and still be a selfish person. We could pray for revival and the latter rain, but selfishly want it only for ourselves. Revival always leads to unselfish concern for others. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit we will be reformed into passionate, mission and service-centered disciples.We need revival and reformation in our prayers, in Bible study, and in our focus on asking for the Holy Spirit in latter rain abundance. But as a church we also need revival and reformation in our attitudes and methods. We need revival and reformation in our attitude and actions toward “the least of these.” All this has been the focus of this quarter’s lessons.How can we guard ourselves against complacency in regard to the second coming of Jesus? A Possible Answer: By taking heed to Jesus’s advice to constantly watch and pray. By keeping in mind that we must always be in a condition of readiness for the Lord’s return. As we stay close to Christ, we will always feel our unworthiness to the point of constantly claiming His righteousness to cover our filthiness. That is, as the years go by, how can we always keep before ourselves the reality and urgency of the Lord’s return? A Possible Answer: 1) Prayerfully, recalling that it is at a time that we least expect that Jesus will come. 2) By observing the fulfilling signs of the times and seeing in them a call to readiness and completing the task of missions. 3) Constantly getting closer and closer to Jesus so that He may revive us and move us to be accountable stewards of His grace and resources. In that the closer we get to Jesus, the more we see or feel our filthiness and un-readiness for His return. 4) Studying Biblical topics that deal with all aspects of the Lord’s return. 5) See in what we are experiencing on a daily basis, various relations to the reality and urgency of the Lord’s return. i.e. Matt. 24:4-35 and 2 Tim. 3:1-7. 6) By being alert, eagerly anticipating His return and having as an objective the “hastening,” or expediting the arrival of “the day of God”. Those who have confessed their sins can eagerly anticipate Christ’s coming and can devote their energies to spreading the gospel, thus preparing the way for His appearing.

Tuesday September 20 The Mission of the Church While We Wait

Read James 2:14-26. Faith Without Works Is Dead 14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

14. What doth it profit? Literally, “What the profit?” that is, as to eternal salvation. The apostle here turns to another aspect of the practical duties of “pure religion” (see on ch. 1:27). Presumably some church members (ch. 2:1–13) were excusing their deference to the rich on the basis of a perverted use of the law of love. Other church members (vs. 14–26) seemed to excuse themselves from their Christian duty of good works by appealing to their possession of “faith.” Faith. Gr. pistis, “conviction,” “trust” (see on Heb. 11:1). Apparently, the church member in question asserts that faith can exist without works, whereas James contends that “faith” which does not result in good “works” is worthless. Genuine faith is obvious to others from the “works” it produces; its existence does not rest on mere personal testimony. The man who claims “faith” without “works” may be compared with the man who thinks himself to be religious (cf. James 1:26) but fails to manifest the deeds of “pure religion.” Works. In chs. 1 and 2 the apostle has stressed the importance of Christian deeds. He now directly confronts those who neglect the duties of “pure religion” (cf. ch. 1:27) under the pretense of faith. Here, in common with the writings of Paul (see on Rom. 2:6–10), the epistle of James stresses the necessity of both faith and works in a genuine Christian experience. Works become the conduct of a converted life—deeds that spring forth spontaneously because of the motivation of faith. Can faith. Literally, “can the faith [that is, faith without works].” The Greek makes clear that James expects a negative answer: “No, of course not.” Faith that does not find expression in habitual good deeds will never save any man, but neither will good deeds without genuine faith (see on Rom. 3:28). If. James cites a common situation that frequently tests the genuineness of a church member’s faith.

15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

17. Faith. Literally, “the faith,” that is, the “faith” without “works” of v. 14. Such a faith is merely an intellectual conviction that certain doctrines are true. The mind is convinced because of the overwhelming evidence from God’s Word, but the heart remains cold and unconverted. Not works. As good wishes for the poor and needy can be shown to be genuine by works only, so faith cannot be proved genuine without works. Faith without the fruit of Christian works is faith in name only, without the living principle controlling

the actions of the heart (cf. Rom. 2:13; 1 Cor. 13). Dead. Like a corpse, faith without works may retain an outward resemblance to its living counterpart, but it is lifeless. As a dead vine bears no fruit, dead faith produces no consistent pattern of Christian deeds. Both are worthless. Being alone. James is not comparing faith with works, but a genuine faith with a dead faith. The dead faith believes in God, but it will prove useless in that this mental conviction has not made Christian service a life habit. In addition to being worthless in this life, this dead faith cannot save its owner (see on v. 14).18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?

18. Yea. Gr. alla, “but.” James here presents two hypothetical persons engaged in an argument, one speaker being “thou” and the other “I.” The former, apparently a Christian, claims to be saved by faith alone, and the latter, apparently a Jew, perhaps a Christian Jew, by his own works. James does not exactly share either point of view, but addresses his own challenge (in the latter part of the verse) to the man who argues for faith alone. Shew. Gr. deiknumi, “to demonstrate,” “to give proof.” James, as it were, now enters the argument and exposes the fallacy of thinking that faith can exist apart from works. Without. To show faith apart from works is an impossible task because faith, being a principle, an attitude of the mind, will always reveal its nature in outward behavior. But one who exhibits an absence of good works thereby also demonstrates a lack of genuine faith. I will shew. Genuine faith will find expression in unselfish deeds, for it begets a desire to serve men. Thus it was Christ and thus it will be with all who follow His example.

22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.

22. Seest thou? Or, “thou seest.” The Greek may be read as a simple statement, and probably should be here. The illustration of the experience of Abraham is clear for all to comprehend. Faith. Literally, “the faith,” that is, the faith that prompted Abraham to offer Isaac. Wrought with. Gr. sunergeō, “to work together,” “to cooperate with.” This verse marks the logical climax of the argument concerning the relationship of faith to works. James is not primarily contending for the recognition of works but for the complete union of genuine faith and Christians deeds. No man can willingly face problems and hazards unless he possesses the inner girding of a steadfast faith. True faith helps men to do great works. By works. See on v. 21. The “works” of Abraham here referred to consisted of obedience to God’s commands, not of the performance of a routine of works prescribed by human authority. Perfect. Gr. teleioō, “to bring [something], to its goal,” “to complete” (see on Matt. 5:48; Luke 13:32). Faith and works cannot be separated in a genuine Christian life. when the test came to Abraham his works provided proof that his faith was genuine. Fulfilled. That is, fully realized (cf. Gen. 15:6; see on Matt. 5:17). Before the birth of Isaac God declared that Abraham would have many descendants (see on Gen. 15:1–5). This prophecy depended upon the birth of a son and the perpetuation of the family line. Abraham believed God’s promise would come true even though he was still childless in his old age (see on Gen. 15:6). Now, many years later, God called for an act that would apparently thwart the original promise to make Abraham a great nation. But Abraham still trusted the wisdom of God and obeyed. Imputed. Gr. logizomai, “to reckon,” “to count” (see on Rom. 4:3). Abraham was declared righteous because he trusted God’s word and joyfully accepted the promise of a Redeemer (see on Gal. 3:6). The crowning evidence that he trusted God was revealed in his willingness to slay Isaac at God’s command-an act that apparently would have nullified God’s own promises. This supreme ordeal vindicated God’s declaration of the patriarch’s worthiness. Friend of God. See 2 Chron. 20:7. This title was commonly applied to Abraham by the Jews, and is current among Arabs today. The transparent genuineness of Abraham’s trust in God is an example all should aspire to emulate. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

24. Ye see. Using Abraham as an example of the inseparability of faith and works, James now draws his conclusion to the argument of vs. 14–23. By works. No man who chooses to be increasingly like Christ will live a life barren of good works. Is justified. James does not deny that a man is declared righteous by faith, for the quotation he has just given from Gen. 15:6 is evidence of this belief. However, he does deny that a mere profession of faith alone can justify a man. Good works accompany faith and prove the validity of the faith by which a man is justified. If there are no “works,” it is evident that genuine faith does not exist (see on James 2:17, 20). Only. Or, “alone.” The apostle continues to stress the inseparability of faith and works (see on v. 22). He, of course, is not discussing the problem of “works of the law” in the sense of the ritual requirements of Judaism (see on Rom. 3:28).2

In what ways do these verses encapsulate who we are and why we are here? A

2 Nichol, F. D. (Ed.). (1980). The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary (Vol. 7, p. 523). Review and Herald Publishing Association.

Possible Answer: These verses encapsulate who we are and why we are here by showing us the proper relationship between what God has done for us in making us righteous and the practical outworking of the same. We are righteous because of what Jesus has done. Of equal importance is the fact that that righteous condition, claimed by faith produces works. It’s further encapsulates the idea by showing us that in the salvationary process, ‘faith’ and ‘works’ are twins... they exist together. We are here because anything other than that, does not reflect the ‘watching and waiting’ of those living during the end-time.

In Sunday’s study, the disciples start out pointing to the beauty of the temple buildings. Jesus points their attention to the condition of the church within and its mission to an ending world. The fact is that the church exists because there is a mission, and not vice versa.

The mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church as expressed in the General Conference Working Policy (A 05) is “to make disciples of all people, communicating the everlasting gospel [gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 24:14)] in the context of the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-12, leading them to accept Jesus as personal Savior and unite with His remnant church, discipling them to serve Him as Lord, and preparing them for His soon return.” Preaching, teaching, and healing are the suggested methods to pursue this mission. Under “Healing” the Working Policy says: “Affirming the biblical principles of the well-being of the whole person, we make the preservation of health and the healing of the sick a priority and through our ministry to the poor and oppressed, cooperate with the Creator in His compassionate work of restoration.”

This quarter began with the concept that Jesus wants to restore His image in humanity and empower us as His followers to be instruments of wholistic restoration in our communities. “The world needs today what it needed nineteen hundred years ago-a revelation of Christ. A great work of reform is demanded, and it is only through the grace of Christ that the work of restoration, physical, mental, and spiritual, can be accomplished.” - Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing , p. 143 .

After hearing a seminar that presented the ministry of Jesus as a model and mission for His end-time church, a church member made this statement: “In our part of the world, we are not very open to new ideas and new ways of doing things. What we have heard this week about following the ministry method of Jesus actually is not new. It’s an old idea. We just forgot it.”“Faith without works is dead.”

How have you discovered the reality of how closely linked faith and works are? A Possible Answer: 1) When coming to grips with what Jesus expects of me in practical Christian living. 2) In preparing to teach a Bible study on Faith and Works. 3) While wrestling with the Holy Spirit over what I wanted to do over against what God expected me to do. 4) In a effort to discover the proper balance between faith and works, I had to restudy the topic and their inter-relationship. 5) Studies in the books of James and Romans. 6) While praying for a greater appreciation of what Jesus has done for me and coming to a greater awareness to the stubbornness of the human heart. In what ways do works increase your faith? A Possible Answer: To show faith apart from works is an impossible task because faith, being a principle, an attitude of the mind, will always reveal its nature in outward behavior. So works increase my faith in that it shows me that my faith is alive and active. Than, in that genuine faith finds expression in unselfish deeds, for it begets a desire to serve men, works increases my faith since it affirms the genuineness of my faith. Lastly, the reality and evidence of good works inspires me to have or exercise more faith because I know that those good works are not realized due to my initiative. Good works accompany my faith, imparts new life, enlarging my capacity to exercise faith and prove the validity of the faith by which I am justified.

WednesdaySeptember 21 Preparing for the Final Harvest While We Wait

Jesus used farming language in His teaching about the kingdom, as pointed out in lesson 5. As we have seen, farming is not merely an event; it is a patient process ! It is a regularly repeated cycle with different stages and different jobs for different people at different times. We need to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and the providences of God in regard to how we can be used by the Lord in the process of preparing the ground, planting seeds, and reaping the harvest.Read John 4:35-38. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”

What kind of imagery is being used there, and what is the message to us in regard to how we should work for others? A Possible Answer: The Palestinian Grain harvest in the spring around April or May. The message is that even now as in the economy of God, one sows and another reaps, the harvest is already ripe and ready to be reaped or harvested.

The fact is, we don’t know people’s hearts. We don’t know how the Holy Spirit has been working in their lives. We might look at various people and think that they have a long way to go before being ready to be harvested when, in reality, all they need is someone to urge them to make a commitment to Jesus. There is a battle for the heart and mind of every human being, and God is calling us to help people choose Him.Read 1 Corinthians 3:6-8. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

6. I have planted. Every one of God’s servants has his allotted task to perform. Some ministers do pioneer work, sowing the seed of the Word; others gather in the harvest. Several different instruments may be used to lead a sinner to Christ, as in the work done by a carpenter many different tools may be used to construct an article. Gave. Literally, “was giving.” The continued blessing of God is being emphasized. Increase. Men are only the means employed by God in His soul-winning work, and all the credit for the conversion of sinners must be given to Him (see 7T 298). Those who believe through their ministry should center their affections on Jesus and not on those through whom the gospel was imparted to them.

7. Any thing. Here is the answer to the questions raised in v. 5, “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos?” (see comment there). But God. He is everything. All success is due to His blessing. Men must not ascribe to themselves the glory for their success.

8. Are one. He who plants and he who waters are not working at cross-purposes. They are united in their aims and objectives. It is ridiculous to set them up as rival leaders. His own reward. Each one will receive compensation that is fitting for the service he has performed in the cause of God. All the redeemed receive the basic reward of eternal life, but beyond that the blessing bestowed on the redeemed in the kingdom of glory is related to the nature of their service in this life. That there are degrees of reward in the kingdom of glory for services rendered seems to be a reasonable deduction from the parable of the Pounds (Luke 19:16–26; cf. 2T 284, 285; COL 330, 331, 363; DA 314). As stewards of God’s goods, His children are expected to use their abilities faithfully in His service. Money expended in the work of God, and talents used to witness for Him, will result in the saving of men and women eternally (see 9T 58, 59).

What is the message to us here in the context of outreach? A Possible Answer: The message is that while we all have our part to play in the ‘farming process’, it is God who blesses with the increase. Each one will receive compensation that is fitting for the service he has performed in the cause of God.

In his own way, Paul is saying here what Jesus said in the previous example. The work of outreach is like the work of a farmer. We might not all be doing the same tasks, but that work is still a crucial part of the process of reaching out and winning souls. And though we are to be used by God in various capacities, in the end it is God alone who can bring about the conversion of a soul.

How can we learn to be thankful and humbled by whatever role God has given us in the process of ministering to others? A Possible Answer: A) Remember that God did not and does not have to use us. B) Remember that there are wiser, stronger, more talented and equipped people than ourselves, yet God in His mercy has chosen us with our skill set to help in His work. C) Our best efforts are relatively short-lived, tainted and faulty, falling far below Christ’s ideal yet God has chosen us to do a particular work at this particular time when he could have chosen Angels that excel in wisdom and might. Why is it truly a privilege? A Possible Answer: It is a privilege or honor because of WHO WE ARE (carnal, sinful, imperfect, frail and prone to wander) WHERE WE COME FROM (earth-laden, sinful parents, poor heritages) and FROM A SPIRITUAL STANDPOINT, not possessing the best potential or salvationary qualifications yet in it all, God did choose us.

Thursday September 22 The Wait Is Over

Many years ago, English author Charles Dickens wrote a book called A Tale of Two Cities. Those two cities were London and Paris. In a sense, it could be said that the Bible is also a tale of two cities. In this case, the two cities are Babylon and Jerusalem. In Revelation 14:8 and Revelation 18:1-24, the apostle John describes Babylon. She has been the home of demons and the haunt of evil spirits. She has caused every nation to commit spiritual adultery. Her doom has been pronounced, and she has been declared “fallen.” This city, a symbol of evil and apostasy and rebellion against God, will one day be defeated and destroyed.Read Revelation 21:1-4. All Things Made New 1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”How does the New Jerusalem contrast with Babylon? A Possible Answer: The New Jerusalem is holy, Heavenly and built by God Himself whereas Babylon is earthly, sin-laden and built by man. The New Jerusalem has heavenly, divine, glorious inhabitants, Babylon is inhabited by that which is evil. While Babylon a symbol of evil and apostasy and rebellion against God, will one day be defeated and destroyed, the New Jerusalem is a symbol of virtue, glory, victory, all that is good and will be of eternal possibilities.

The second city is the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, described in Revelation 21:1-27 and 22:1-21. This city houses those who have chosen the Bridegroom and rejected the selfishness and spiritual adulteries of Satan and his followers. By God’s grace, the redeemed have obeyed His commandments and reflected the faith of Jesus (Rev. 14:12). Their patient endurance and their eagerness to embrace the ministry of Jesus provided a taste of the kingdom of heaven while on earth. They have been saved through faith in Jesus; His righteousness alone made them worthy of heaven. Their care for “the least of these” (Matt. 25:40) has been the outward manifestation of that saving faith.

By the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 5:1-14) the church’s role in compassionate restoration has changed to jubilant celebration (see Rev. 5:13-14). In that happy and Holy City, “ 'God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away’ ” (Rev. 21:4, NKJV). True peace has been restored. The full restoration of the image of God, mentally, spiritually, and physically, has taken place. The great

controversy is over and from “the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.” - Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy , p. 678 .

Read Revelation 22:21. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” In what way does that verse, the last one in the Bible, capture the essence of all that we believe? A Possible Answer: It captures all that we believe in that it envelops the essence of the entire Bible. Grace presupposes sin, Law, Gospel to the whole world, the life/ministry and vicarious death and resurrection of Jesus, the Judgment, the soon return of Jesus and the restoration of all things. We are saved by faith through grace unto His glory...evermore to partake of eternity with the great Creator and restorer of all that is. We believe that the day is coming when this Great Controversy will be over and sin will be no more. Peace, love, harmony, together with the redeemed of all ages and in His glorious presence. Eternity!!!

Friday September 23 Further Thought:

Read Matthew 5:16; Colossians 3:17; Hebrews 13:15-16; read Ellen G. White, “On the Mount of Olives,” pp. 627-636, and reread “ 'The Least of These My Brethren,’ ” pp. 637-641, in The Desire of Ages .

Jesus told us what the signs of the end would be before He returned, and they are not pretty. Wars, rumors of wars, pestilence, et cetera. If people often use the excuse of evil to reject God, they certainly have plenty of excuses now, and they will have more excuses as we get nearer to the end. Thus, it becomes even more crucial for God’s people, those who claim to be His followers, to reflect His character to the world and to help people get a better view of what God is like. “If we would humble ourselves before God, and be kind and courteous and tenderhearted and pitiful, there would be one hundred conversions to the truth where now there is only one.” - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church , vol. 9, p. 189 . What a simple yet powerful statement in regard to outreach and ministry to others. While we wait for Jesus’ second coming, He expects members of His church to preach and live the whole gospel; to invest ourselves and our resources in His work; to love, respect, and care for people; and to open our lives for the Holy Spirit in His fullness. That’s a witness that all the arguments in the world can’t nullify.

Discussion Questions:1 In class, talk about the difference between what it would be like living in “Babylon” as

opposed to living in “Jerusalem.” What would be the major differences between the two cities? That is, where is the major difference to be found-in what the places look like, or in who lives in them?

2 The great question for Christians is not “Do works have a role in the Christian faith?” Of course they do. Instead, the question is “If works cannot save us, then what is their role in the Christian faith?” How do we answer that question, especially in the context of reaching out and ministering to others in need?

How are we waiting for Jesus to return? That is, what are we doing in our lives that reveals the reality of our belief in His return? Why should we be living differently from those who don’t believe in the Second Coming?

============Lesson & References Index

Lesson 13: September 17 - 23How Shall We Wait?

Sabbath AfternoonEllen G. White, Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, July 5, 1906.

The Judgments of God on Our CitiesIt was while we were still at Loma Linda, the second night after the dedication of the sanitarium,

that there passed before me an awful scene of buildings shaken down and destroyed, with great loss of life. I have already described this scene, in the article, “The San Francisco Earthquake.”

Terrible as was the representation that passed before me, that which impressed itself most vividly on my mind was the instruction given in connection with it. The angel that stood by my side declared that God's supreme rulership, and the sacredness of his law, must be revealed to those who persistently refuse to render obedience to the King of kings. Those who choose to remain disloyal, must be visited in mercy with judgments, in order that, if possible, they may be aroused to a realization of the sinfulness of their course.

Throughout the following day, I pondered the scenes that had passed before me, and the instruction that had been given. During the afternoon we journeyed to Glendale, near Los Angeles; and the following night I was again instructed regarding the holiness and binding claims of the ten commandments, and the supremacy of God above all earthly rulers. It seemed as if I were before many people, and presenting scripture after scripture in support of the precepts spoken by the Lord from Sinai's height.

It has taken me many days to write out a portion of that which was revealed those two nights at Loma Linda and Glendale. I have not finished yet, as many other matters of urgent importance have come up for consideration. I hope soon to write several articles on God's law, and the blessings that are promised the obedient.

Our God is the Ruler of the universe. His law is of universal application. It is founded on love,—love

to God, and love to our fellow men. Satan's supreme efforts are directed toward the setting aside of this law. In this work he has been largely successful. There is a marked disposition to exalt human enactments above the law of our Sovereign Ruler, the Monarch of the heavens and the earth. The world is filled with transgression. A spirit of lawlessness pervades every land, and is especially manifest in the great cities of the earth. The sin and crime to be seen in our cities is appalling. God can not forbear much longer. Already his judgments are beginning to fall on some places, and soon his signal displeasure will be felt in other places.

There is to be, at this period, a series of events which will reveal that God is Master of the situation. The truth will be proclaimed in clear, unmistakable language. As a people, we must prepare the way of the Lord, under the overruling guidance of the Holy Spirit. The gospel is to be given in its purity. The stream of living water is to deepen and widen in its course. In all fields, nigh and afar off, men will be called from the plow and from the more common commercial business vocations that largely occupy the mind, and will be educated in connection with men of experience. As they learn to labor effectively, they will proclaim the truth with power. Through most wonderful workings of divine providence, mountains of difficulties will be removed, and cast into the sea. The message that means so much to the dwellers upon the earth, will be heard and understood. Men will know what is truth. Onward, and still onward the work will advance, until the whole earth shall have been warned. And then shall the end come.

The startling and stupendous events connected with the warning of the world are fraught with momentous results. The messengers who proclaim the truth for this time are laboring in co-operation with all the forces of heaven. In tender compassion God himself is speaking to an impenitent world through judgments; and he will continue to speak in this manner. For many years we have known that the great cities would be visited with divine judgments because of long-continued disobedience. In no uncertain words the Lord has warned us not to establish large institutions in the cities. “Out of the cities; out of the cities,”—this is the message that has often come to us. And this is one reason why the Lord has been opening the way so wonderfully for our publishing houses and sanitariums and schools to be located in country places.

The cities must be worked. The millions living in these congested centers are to hear the third angel's message. This work should have been developed rapidly during the past few years. A beginning has been made, for which we praise God. Outpost centers are being established, from whence, like Enoch of old, our workers can visit the cities and do faithful service.

This was the burden of my message to the brethren and sisters assembled in conference at Los Angeles. On the morning of the San Francisco earthquake, April 18, the second day after the scene of falling buildings had passed before me, I spoke in the Carr Street church, and bore a decided testimony on the necessity of our doing all we can to acquaint the people with the teachings of God's Word. I referred to the great work that must be done in the cities of our land, and of our inability to do this work by establishing institutions in the heart of these cities. We must learn to labor from outpost centers, and to place our dependence, not on buildings or display, but on the power of the Word of God. The Holy Spirit will impress the honest heart. Our dependence is in God.

“Out of the cities; out of the cities!”—this is the message the Lord has been giving me. The earthquakes will come; the floods will come; and we are not to establish ourselves in the wicked cities, where the enemy is served in every way, and where God is so often forgotten. The Lord desires that we shall have clear spiritual eyesight. We must be quick to discern the peril that would attend the establishment of institutions in these wicked cities. We must make wise plans to warn the cities, and at the same time live where we can shield our children and ourselves from the contaminating and demoralizing influences so prevalent in these places.Since the San Francisco earthquake, many rumors have been current regarding statements I have made. Some have reported that while in Los Angeles, I claimed that I had predicted the San Francisco earthquake and fire, and that Los Angeles would be the next city to suffer. This is not true. The morning after the earthquake, I said no more than that “the earthquakes will come; the floods will come;” and that the Lord's message to us is that we shall “not establish ourselves in the wicked cities.”

Not many years ago, a brother laboring in New York City published some very startling notices regarding the destruction of that city. I wrote immediately to the ones in charge of the work there, saying that it was not wise to publish such notices; that thus an excitement might be aroused which would result in a fanatical movement, hurting the cause of God. It is enough to present the truth of the Word of God to the people. Startling notices are detrimental to the progress of the work.

“How comes the word that I have declared that New York is to be swept away by a tidal wave? This I have never said. I have said, as I looked at the great buildings going up there, story after story, ‘What terrible scenes will take place when the Lord shall arise to shake terribly the earth! Then the words of Revelation 18:1-3 will be fulfilled.’ The whole of the eighteenth chapter of Revelation is a warning of what is coming on the earth. But I have no light in particular in regard to what is coming on New York, only that I know that one day the great buildings there will be thrown down by the turning and overturning of God's

power. From the light given me, I know that destruction is in the world. One word from the Lord, one touch of his mighty power, and these massive structures will fall. Scenes will take place the fearfulness of which we can not imagine.

“But I have sent cautions to the brethren working in New York, saying that these flaming, terrifying notices should not be published. When my brethren go to extremes, it reacts on me, and I have to bear the reproach of being called a false prophet.... “The destroying angels are today executing their commission. Death will come in all places. This is why I am so anxious for our cities to be warned. There is a work to be done by canvassing in our cities that has not yet been done.... The blessing of God rests on the workers who warn those that are unready to meet him.... Now is our time to work.”

For the past twenty years, and particularly since my return from Australia, I have borne a most decided testimony in favor of proclaiming the third angel's message in the cities of America. About thirty years ago, when my husband and I were planning for the building of a house of worship in San Francisco, some, when they saw the plan, said, “It is too large. The house will never be filled.” At the same time, we were erecting the first building of the Pacific Press and the meeting-house in Oakland. How great was the anxiety felt, and how earnest the prayers offered to God that he would open the way for the advancement of these enterprises!At that time, I dreamed that I saw two beehives, one in San Francisco and one in Oakland. In the hive in Oakland, the bees were diligently at work. Then I looked at the hive in San Francisco, and saw very little being done. The hive in Oakland seemed to be far the more promising. After a time my attention was again called to the hive in San Francisco, and I saw that an entire change had taken place. Great activity was seen among the bees. They were earnestly at work.

When I related this dream, it was interpreted to mean that in San Francisco there was a great work to be done. There were among us at that time only a few men to whom we could look for large financial assistance. Believers were few in number, and we needed much courage and much faith to brace us for the work.

We prayed much in regard to the necessities of the cause and the meaning of the dream, and resolved to venture out in accordance with the light given. My husband and I decided to sell our property in Battle Creek, that we might use the proceeds in this work. We wrote to our brethren, “Sell everything we have in Battle Creek, and send us the money at once.” This was done, and we helped to build the churches in Oakland and San Francisco. And the Lord revealed to us that although at first the work in San Francisco would move slowly, yet it would make steady advancement, and San Francisco would become a great center. The Lord would inspire men by his Holy Spirit to carry forward the work with faith and courage and perseverance.

Before leaving Australia, I dreamed that I was standing before a large congregation in San Francisco; that the Lord gave me a message to bear, and freedom in bearing this message. The people had ears to hear, and hearts to understand.

Sabbath morning, November 10, 1900, we entered the San Francisco church, and found it crowded to its utmost capacity. As I stood before the people, I thought of the dream and the instruction which had been given me so many years ago, and I was much encouraged. Looking at the people assembled, I felt that I could indeed say, The Lord has fulfilled his word.

During the past few years, the “beehive” in San Francisco has been indeed a busy one. Many lines of Christian effort have been carried forward by our brethren and sisters there. These included visiting the sick and destitute, finding homes for orphans, and work for the unemployed; nursing the sick, and teaching the truth from house to house; the distribution of literature, and the conducting of classes on healthful living and the care of the sick. A school for the children has been conducted in the basement of the Laguna Street meeting-house. For a time a working men's home and medical mission was maintained. On Market Street, near the city hall, there were treatment rooms, operated as a branch of the St. Helena Sanitarium. In the same locality was a health food store. Nearer the center of the city, not far from the Call building, was conducted a vegetarian cafe, which was open six days in the week, and entirely closed on the Sabbath. Along the water front, ship mission work was carried on. At various times our ministers conducted meetings in large halls in the city. Thus the warning message was given by many.

I have carried a constant burden for our work in the large cities. Nearly two years after meeting with our brethren and sisters in the San Francisco church since my return to America, I wrote the following (September 1, 1902): “The all-wise God is working on minds, leading men to see the advantage of getting away from the congested cities into the country.... It would be a mistake for us to purchase or erect large buildings in the cities of southern California for sanitarium work; and those who see advantages in doing this are not moving understandingly. A great work is to be done in preparing these cities to hear the gospel message; but this work is not to be done by fitting up in them large buildings for the carrying forward of some wonderful enterprise.

“Well-equipped tent-meetings should be held in the large cities, such as San Francisco; for not long hence these cities will suffer under the judgments of God. San Francisco and Oakland are becoming as

Sodom and Gomorrah, and the Lord will visit them in wrath.”In this same manuscript, the opening of hygienic restaurants was mentioned as “a work that God would have done in the cities. If wisely conducted, these restaurants will become missionary centers.”

“For years I have been given special light that we are not to center our work in the cities. The turmoil and confusion that fills these cities, the conditions brought about by the labor unions and the strikes, would prove a great hindrance to our work.”

“To parents who are living in the cities, the Lord is sending the warning cry, Gather your children into your own houses; gather them away from those who are disregarding the commandments of God, who are teaching and practising evil. Get out of the cities as fast as possible. Parents can secure small homes in the country, with land for cultivation, where the children will not be surrounded with the corrupting influences of city life. God will help his people to find such homes outside the cities.”

“A great work is to be done. I am instructed by the Spirit of God to say to those engaged in the Lord's work, that the favorable time for our message to be carried to the cities has passed by; and this work has not been done. I feel a heavy burden that we shall now redeem the time.”

“The message of warning should be sounded in the large, wicked cities, such as San Francisco. San Francisco and Oakland are becoming as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the Lord will visit them. Not far hence they will suffer under his judgments.”

“The judgments of God are in our land. The Lord is soon to come. In fire and flood and earthquake, he is warning the inhabitants of this earth of his soon approach. O that the people may know the time of their visitation!

“We have no time to lose. We must make more determined efforts to lead the people of the world to see that the day of judgment is at hand.... O, if our people would feel as they should the responsibility resting upon them to give the last message of mercy to the world, what a wonderful work would be done! We need the impartation of the Holy Spirit, that we may realize how closely heavenly things are bound up with God's church on this earth.”

“There are many with whom the Spirit of God is striving. 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. The Lord calls upon every believer to consecrate himself wholly to his service. All are to work for him, according to their several ability.”

“The time is nearing when the great crisis in the history of the world will have come, when every movement in the government of God will be watched with intense interest and inexpressible apprehension. In quick succession the judgments of God will follow one another,—fire and flood and earthquakes, with war and bloodshed. Something great and decisive will soon of necessity take place.”

“The mercy of God is shown by his long forbearance. He is holding back his judgments, waiting for the message of warning to be sounded to all. There are many who have not yet heard the testing truths for this time. The last call of mercy is to be given more fully to our world. The truths of the eighteenth and nineteenth chapters of Revelation should be read and understood by all.”

“The divine statutes have been set aside. The time will soon come when God will vindicate his insulted authority. ‘The Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: and the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.’ ‘Who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth?’”

Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 121-122.Chapter 16—Calls for a Revival

The Church's Great NeedA revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To

seek this should be our first work. There must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not willing to bestow His blessing upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it. Our heavenly Father is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. But it is our work, by confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon which God has promised to grant us His blessing. A revival need be expected only in answer to prayer. While the people are so destitute of God's Holy spirit, they cannot appreciate the preaching of the Word; but when the Spirit's power touches their hearts, then the discourses given will not be without effect. Guided by the teachings of God's Word, with the manifestation of His Spirit, in the exercise of sound discretion, those who attend our meetings will gain a precious experience, and returning home, will be prepared to exert a healthful influence. The old standard bearers knew what it was to wrestle with God in prayer, and to enjoy the outpouring of His Spirit. But these are passing off from the stage of action; and who are coming up to fill their places? How is it with the rising

generation? Are they converted to God? Are we awake to the work that is going on in the heavenly sanctuary, or are we waiting for some compelling power to come upon the church before we shall arouse? Are we hoping to see the whole church revived? That time will never come.

There are persons in the church who are not converted, and who will not unite in earnest, prevailing prayer. We must enter upon the work individually. We must pray more, and talk less. Iniquity abounds, and the people must be taught not to be satisfied with a form of godliness without the spirit and power. If we are intent upon searching our own hearts, putting away our sins, and correcting our evil tendencies, our souls will not be lifted up unto vanity; we shall be distrustful of ourselves, having an abiding sense that our sufficiency is of God.

We have far more to fear from within than from without. The hindrances to strength and success are far greater from the church itself than from the world. Unbelievers have a right to expect that those who profess to be keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, will do more than any other class to promote and honor, by their consistent lives, by their godly example and their active influence, the cause which they represent. But how often have the professed advocates of the truth proved the greatest obstacle to its advancement! The unbelief indulged, the doubts expressed, the darkness cherished, encourage the presence of evil angels, and open the way for the accomplishment of Satan's devices

Tuesday - The Mission of the Church While We Wait

Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 139-145.Teaching and Healing

When Christ sent out the twelve disciples on their first missionary tour, He bade them, "As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." Matthew 10:7, 8.To the Seventy sent forth later He said: "Into whatsoever city ye enter, . . . heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you." Luke 10:8, 9. The presence and power of Christ was with them, "and the Seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name." Verse 17.

After Christ's ascension the same work was continued. The scenes of His own ministry were repeated. "Out of the cities round about" there came a multitude "unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one." Acts 5:16.

And the disciples "went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them." "Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake. . . . For unclean spirits . . . came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city." Mark 16:20; Acts 8:5-8.

Work of the DisciplesLuke, the writer of the Gospel that bears his name, was a medical missionary. In the Scriptures he is

called "the beloved physician." Colossians 4:14. The apostle Paul heard of his skill as a physician, and sought him out as one to whom the Lord had entrusted a special work. He secured his co-operation, and for some time Luke accompanied him in his travels from place to place. After a time, Paul left Luke at Philippi, in Macedonia. Here he continued to labor for several years, both as a physician and as a teacher of the gospel. In his work as a physician he ministered to the sick, and then prayed for the healing power of God to rest upon the afflicted ones. Thus the way was opened for the gospel message. Luke's success as a physician gained for him many opportunities for preaching Christ among the heathen. It is the divine plan that we shall work as the disciples worked. Physical healing is bound up with the gospel commission. In the work of the gospel, teaching and healing are never to be separated.

The work of the disciples was to spread a knowledge of the gospel. To them was committed the work of proclaiming to all the world the good news that Christ brought to men. That work they accomplished for the people of their time. To every nation under heaven the gospel was carried in a single generation.

The giving of the gospel to the world is the work that God has committed to those who bear His name. For earth's sin and misery the gospel is the only antidote. To make known to all mankind the message of the grace of God is the first work of those who know its healing power.When Christ sent forth the disciples with the gospel message, faith in God and His word had well-nigh departed from the world. Among the Jewish people, who professed to have a knowledge of Jehovah, His word had been set aside for tradition and human speculation. Selfish ambition, love of ostentation, greed of gain, absorbed men's thoughts. As reverence for God departed, so also departed compassion toward men. Selfishness was the ruling principle, and Satan worked his will in the misery and degradation of mankind.

Satanic agencies took possession of men. The bodies of human beings, made for the dwelling place

of God, became the habitation of demons. The senses, the nerves, the organs of men were worked by supernatural agencies in the indulgence of the vilest lust. The very stamp of demons was impressed upon the countenances of men. Human faces reflected the expression of the legions of evil with which men were possessed.

What is the condition in the world today? Is not faith in the Bible as effectually destroyed by the higher criticism and speculation of today as it was by tradition and rabbinism in the days of Christ? Have not greed and ambition and love of pleasure as strong a hold on men's hearts now as they had then? In the professedly Christian world, even in the professed churches of Christ, how few are governed by Christian principles. In business, social, domestic, even religious circles, how few make the teachings of Christ the rule of daily living. Is it not true that "justice standeth afar off: . . . equity cannot enter. . . . And he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey"? Isaiah 59:14, 15.

We are living in the midst of an "epidemic of crime," at which thoughtful, God-fearing men everywhere stand aghast. The corruption that prevails, it is beyond the power of the human pen to describe. Every day brings fresh revelations of political strife, bribery, and fraud. Every day brings its heart-sickening record of violence and lawlessness, of indifference to human suffering, of brutal, fiendish destruction of human life. Every day testifies to the increase of insanity, murder, and suicide. Who can doubt that satanic agencies are at work among men with increasing activity to distract and corrupt the mind, and defile and destroy the body?

And while the world is filled with these evils, the gospel is too often presented in so indifferent a manner as to make but little impression upon the consciences or the lives of men. Everywhere there are hearts crying out for something which they have not. They long for a power that will give them mastery over sin, a power that will deliver them from the bondage of evil, a power that will give health and life and peace. Many who once knew the power of God's word have dwelt where there is no recognition of God, and they long for the divine presence.The world needs today what it needed nineteen hundred years ago--a revelation of Christ. A great work of reform is demanded, and it is only through the grace of Christ that the work of restoration, physical, mental, and spiritual, can be accomplished.

Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me."

There is need of coming close to the people by personal effort. If less time were given to sermonizing, and more time were spent in personal ministry, greater results would be seen. The poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for, the sorrowing and the bereaved comforted, the ignorant instructed, the inexperienced counseled. We are to weep with those that weep, and rejoice with those that rejoice. Accompanied by the power of persuasion, the power of prayer, the power of the love of God, this work will not, cannot, be without fruit.

We should ever remember that the object of the medical missionary work is to point sin-sick men and women to the Man of Calvary, who taketh away the sin of the world. By beholding Him, they will be changed into His likeness. We are to encourage the sick and suffering to look to Jesus and live. Let the workers keep Christ, the Great Physician, constantly before those to whom disease of body and soul has brought discouragement. Point them to the One who can heal both physical and spiritual disease. Tell them of the One who is touched with the feeling of their infirmities. Encourage them to place themselves in the care of Him who gave His life to make it possible for them to have life eternal. Talk of His love; tell of His power to save.

This is the high duty and precious privilege of the medical missionary. And personal ministry often prepares the way for this. God often reaches hearts through our efforts to relieve physical suffering. Medical missionary work is the pioneer work of the gospel. In the ministry of the word and in the medical missionary work the gospel is to be preached and practiced.

In almost every community there are large numbers who do not listen to the preaching of God's word or attend any religious service. If they are reached by the gospel, it must be carried to their homes. Often the relief of their physical needs is the only avenue by which they can be approached. Missionary nurses who care for the sick and relieve the distress of the poor will find many opportunities to pray with them, to read to them from God's word, and to speak of the Saviour. They can pray with and for the helpless ones who have not strength of will to control the appetites that passion has degraded. They can bring a ray of hope into the lives of the defeated and disheartened. Their unselfish love, manifested in acts of disinterested kindness, will make it easier for these suffering ones to believe in the love of Christ.

Thursday – The Wait Is OverEllen G. White, The Great Controversy, pp. 675-678.

In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called "a country." Hebrews 11:14-16. There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains of living waters. The tree of life yields its fruit every month,

and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the nations. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the wide-spreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams, God's people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home."My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." "Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise." "They shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: . . . Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands." Isaiah 32:18; 60:18; 65:21, 22.

There, "the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." "Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree." "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; . . . and a little child shall lead them." "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain," saith the Lord. Isaiah 35:1; 55:13; 11:6, 9.Pain cannot exist in the atmosphere of heaven. There will be no more tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourning. "There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying: . . . for the former things are passed away." "The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity." Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 33:24.

There is the New Jerusalem, the metropolis of the glorified new earth, "a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God." "Her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal." "The nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it." Saith the Lord: "I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people." "The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God." Isaiah 62:3; Revelation 21:11, 24; Isaiah 65:19; Revelation 21:3.

In the City of God "there shall be no night." None will need or desire repose. There will be no weariness in doing the will of God and offering praise to His name. We shall ever feel the freshness of the morning and shall ever be far from its close. "And they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light." Revelation 22:5. The light of the sun will be superseded by a radiance which is not painfully dazzling, yet which immeasurably surpasses the brightness of our noontide. The glory of God and the Lamb floods the Holy City with unfading light. The redeemed walk in the sunless glory of perpetual day.

"I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it." Revelation 21:22. The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son. "Now we see through a glass, darkly." 1 Corinthians 13:12. We behold the image of God reflected, as in a mirror, in the works of nature and in His dealings with men; but then we shall see Him face to face, without a dimming veil between. We shall stand in His presence and behold the glory of His countenance.

There the redeemed shall know, even as also they are known. The loves and sympathies which God Himself has planted in the soul shall there find truest and sweetest exercise. The pure communion with holy beings, the harmonious social life with the blessed angels and with the faithful ones of all ages who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, the sacred ties that bind together "the whole family in heaven and earth" (Ephesians 3:15)--these help to constitute the happiness of the redeemed.

There, immortal minds will contemplate with never-failing delight the wonders of creative power, the mysteries of redeeming love. There will be no cruel, deceiving foe to tempt to forgetfulness of God. Every faculty will be developed, every capacity increased. The acquirement of knowledge will not weary the mind or exhaust the energies. There the grandest enterprises may be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations reached, the highest ambitions realized; and still there will arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of mind and soul and body.

All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God's redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar--worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the spectacle of human woe and rang with songs of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed soul. With unutterable delight the children of earth enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. They share the treasures of knowledge and understanding gained through ages upon ages in contemplation of God's handiwork. With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of creation--suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity. Upon all things, from the least to the greatest, the Creator's name is written, and in all are the riches of His power displayed.

And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase. The more men

learn of God, the greater will be their admiration of His character. As Jesus opens before them the riches of redemption and the amazing achievements in the great controversy with Satan, the hearts of the ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous joy they sweep the harps of gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of voices unite to swell the mighty chorus of praise."And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." Revelation 5:13.

The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.

Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 637–641.Chapter 70 - "The Least of These My Brethren"

When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another." Thus Christ on the Mount of Olives pictured to His disciples the scene of the great judgment day. And He represented its decision as turning upon one point. When the nations are gathered before Him, there will be but two classes, and their eternal destiny will be determined by what they have done or have neglected to do for Him in the person of the poor and the suffering.

In that day Christ does not present before men the great work He has done for them in giving His life for their redemption. He presents the faithful work they have done for Him. To those whom He sets upon His right hand He will say, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me." But those whom Christ commends know not that they have been ministering unto Him. To their perplexed inquiries He answers, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me."

Jesus had told His disciples that they were to be hated of all men, to be persecuted and afflicted. Many would be driven from their homes, and brought to poverty. Many would be in distress through disease and privation. Many would be cast into prison. To all who forsook friends or home for His sake He had promised in this life a hundredfold. Now He assured a special blessing to all who should minister to their brethren. In all who suffer for My name, said Jesus, you are to recognize Me. As you would minister to Me, so you are to minister to them. This is the evidence that you are My disciples.

All who have been born into the heavenly family are in a special sense the brethren of our Lord. The love of Christ binds together the members of His family, and wherever that love is made manifest there the divine relationship is revealed. "Everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." 1 John 4:7.

Those whom Christ commends in the judgment may have known little of theology, but they have cherished His principles. Through the influence of the divine Spirit they have been a blessing to those about them. Even among the heathen are those who have cherished the spirit of kindness; before the words of life had fallen upon their ears, they have befriended the missionaries, even ministering to them at the peril of their own lives. Among the heathen are those who worship God ignorantly, those to whom the light is never brought by human instrumentality, yet they will not perish. Though ignorant of the written law of God, they have heard His voice speaking to them in nature, and have done the things that the law required. Their works are evidence that the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts, and they are recognized as the children of God.

How surprised and gladdened will be the lowly among the nations, and among the heathen, to hear from the lips of the Saviour, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me"! How glad will be the heart of Infinite Love as His followers look up with surprise and joy at His words of approval!

But not to any class is Christ's love restricted. He identifies Himself with every child of humanity. That we might become members of the heavenly family, He became a member of the earthly family. He is the Son of man, and thus a brother to every son and daughter of Adam. His followers are not to feel themselves detached from the perishing world around them. They are a part of the great web of humanity; and Heaven looks upon them as brothers to sinners as well as to saints. The fallen, the erring, and the sinful, Christ's love embraces; and every deed of kindness done to uplift a fallen soul, every act of mercy, is accepted as done to Him.

The angels of heaven are sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. We know not now who they are; it is not yet made manifest who shall overcome, and share the inheritance of the

saints in light; but angels of heaven are passing throughout the length and breadth of the earth, seeking to comfort the sorrowing, to protect the imperiled, to win the hearts of men to Christ. Not one is neglected or passed by. God is no respecter of persons, and He has an equal care for all the souls He has created.

As you open your door to Christ's needy and suffering ones, you are welcoming unseen angels. You invite the companionship of heavenly beings. They bring a sacred atmosphere of joy and peace. They come with praises upon their lips, and an answering strain is heard in heaven. Every deed of mercy makes music there. The Father from His throne numbers the unselfish workers among His most precious treasures.

Those on the left hand of Christ, those who had neglected Him in the person of the poor and the suffering, were unconscious of their guilt. Satan had blinded them; they had not perceived what they owed to their brethren. They had been self-absorbed, and cared not for others' needs.

To the rich, God has given wealth that they may relieve and comfort His suffering children; but too often they are indifferent to the wants of others. They feel themselves superior to their poor brethren. They do not put themselves in the poor man's place. They do not understand the temptations and struggles of the poor, and mercy dies out of their hearts. In costly dwellings and splendid churches, the rich shut themselves away from the poor; the means that God has given to bless the needy is spent in pampering pride and selfishness. The poor are robbed daily of the education they should have concerning the tender mercies of God; for He has made ample provision that they should be comforted with the necessities of life. They are compelled to feel the poverty that narrows life, and are often tempted to become envious, jealous, and full of evil surmisings. Those who themselves have not endured the pressure of want too often treat the poor in a contemptuous way, and make them feel that they are looked upon as paupers.

But Christ beholds it all, and He says, It was I who was hungry and thirsty. It was I who was a stranger. It was I who was sick. It was I who was in prison. While you were feasting at your bountifully spread table, I was famishing in the hovel or the empty street. While you were at ease in your luxurious home, I had not where to lay My head. While you crowded your wardrobe with rich apparel, I was destitute. While you pursued your pleasures, I languished in prison.

When you doled out the pittance of bread to the starving poor, when you gave those flimsy garments to shield them from the biting frost, did you remember that you were giving to the Lord of glory? All the days of your life I was near you in the person of these afflicted ones, but you did not seek Me. You would not enter into fellowship with Me. I know you not.Many feel that it would be a great privilege to visit the scenes of Christ's life on earth, to walk where He trod, to look upon the lake beside which He loved to teach, and the hills and valleys on which His eyes so often rested. But we need not go to Nazareth, to Capernaum, or to Bethany, in order to walk in the steps of Jesus. We shall find His footprints beside the sickbed, in the hovels of poverty, in the crowded alleys of the great city, and in every place where there are human hearts in need of consolation. In doing as Jesus did when on earth, we shall walk in His steps.

All may find something to do. "The poor always ye have with you," (John 12:8), Jesus said, and none need feel that there is no place where they can labor for Him. Millions upon millions of human souls ready to perish, bound in chains of ignorance and sin, have never so much as heard of Christ's love for them. Were our condition and theirs to be reversed, what would we desire them to do for us? All this, so far as lies in our power, we are under the most solemn obligation to do for them. Christ's rule of life, by which every one of us must stand or fall in the judgment, is, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." Matt. 7:12.

The Saviour has given His precious life in order to establish a church capable of caring for sorrowful, tempted souls. A company of believers may be poor, uneducated, and unknown; yet in Christ they may do a work in the home, the neighborhood, the church, and even in "the regions beyond," whose results shall be as far-reaching as eternity.

It is because this work is neglected that so many young disciples never advance beyond the mere alphabet of Christian experience. The light which was glowing in their own hearts when Jesus spoke to them, "Thy sins be forgiven thee," they might have kept alive by helping those in need. The restless energy that is so often a source of danger to the young might be directed into channels through which it would flow out in streams of blessing. Self would be forgotten in earnest work to do others good.

Those who minister to others will be ministered unto by the Chief Shepherd. They themselves will drink of the living water, and will be satisfied. They will not be longing for exciting amusements, or for some change in their lives. The great topic of interest will be, how to save the souls that are ready to perish. Social intercourse will be profitable. The love of the Redeemer will draw hearts together in unity.

When we realize that we are workers together with God, His promises will not be spoken with indifference. They will burn in our hearts, and kindle upon our lips. To Moses, when called to minister to an ignorant, undisciplined, and rebellious people, God gave the promise, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." And He said, "Certainly I will be with thee." Ex. 33:14; 3:12. This promise is to all who

labor in Christ's stead for His afflicted and suffering ones.Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant this love, to make

us children of one family, that the King of glory became one with us. And when His parting words are fulfilled, "Love one another, as I have loved you" (John 15:12); when we love the world as He has loved it, then for us His mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven; for we have heaven in our hearts.

But "if thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; if thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not He that pondereth the heart consider it? and He that keepeth thy soul, doth not He know it? and shall not He render to every man according to his works?" Prov. 24:11, 12. In the great Judgment day, those who have not worked for Christ, who have drifted along thinking of themselves, caring for themselves, will be placed by the Judge of the whole earth with those who did evil. They receive the same condemnation.

To every soul a trust is given. Of everyone the Chief Shepherd will demand, "Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?" And "what wilt thou say when He shall punish thee?" Jer. 13:20, 21.

Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, pp. 189-190.Chapter 20—The Publishing Work at College View

I approve of the efforts that have been made to establish our German and Scandinavian publishing work at College View. I hope that plans will be devised for the encouragement and strengthening of this work.

The whole burden of the work must not be left with our foreign brethren. Nor should our brethren throughout the field leave too heavy a load on the conferences near College View. The members of these conferences should lead out and do their best, and all should come to their assistance. The truth is to be proclaimed to all nations and kindreds and tongues and peoples.

Our German and Danish and Swedish brethren have no good reason for not being able to act in harmony in the publishing work. Those who believe the truth should remember that they are God's little children, that they are under His training. Let them be thankful to God for His manifold mercies and be kind to one another. They have one God and one Saviour; and one Spirit—the Spirit of Christ—is to bring unity into their ranks.

After His resurrection, Christ ascended to heaven, and He is today presenting our needs to the Father. “I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands,” He says. Isaiah 49:16. It cost something to engrave them there. It cost untold agony. If we would humble ourselves before God, and be kind and courteous and tenderhearted and pitiful, there would be one hundred conversions to the truth where now there is only one. But, though professing to be converted, we carry around with us a bundle of self that we regard as altogether too precious to be given up. It is our privilege to lay this burden at the feet of Christ and in its place take the character and similitude of Christ. The Saviour is waiting for us to do this.

Christ laid aside His royal robe, His kingly crown, and His high command, and stepped down, down, down, to the lowest depths of humiliation. Bearing human nature, He met all the temptations of humanity and in our behalf defeated the enemy on every point.All this He did that He might bring men power by which they might be overcomers. “All power,” He says, “is given unto Me.” Matthew 28:18. And this He gives to all who will follow Him. They may demonstrate to the world the power that there is in the religion of Christ for the conquest of self.

“Learn of Me,” Christ says, “and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:29. Why do we not learn of the Saviour every day? Why do we not live in constant communion with Him, so that in our connection with one another we can speak and act kindly and courteously? Why do we not honor the Lord by manifesting tenderness and love for one another? If we speak and act in harmony with the principles of heaven, unbelievers will be drawn to Christ by their association with us.