The Lord talks to his people through his Word, and they talk to him in prayer. Prayer is only a response to the voice of God as he speaks to us by the promptings of the Holy Spirit and the Word that he has given us. Where the written Word is unknown, God speaks to his people through nature. In this enlightened land we have the written Word, and it is the infallible voice of God speaking to us as much as if with our own ears we heard him speak the words. We do not appreciate the preciousness of the Bible because we do not always obey its precepts. We need to place a higher value upon the Scriptures than we have in the past, for therein is revealed the will of God to man.
HAITIAN MISSION HEADQUARTERS
Photo was taken while revolution was active in the city, indicated by flag. Brother and Sister Albert F. Prieger are standing together on the porch.
When Satan met Jesus weakened by the forty days' fast in the wilderness, and tempted him by suggesting that he command the stones to be made bread, Satan was met and defeated with the text of Scripture, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matt. 4:4. The passage of Scripture the Saviour referred to included every blessing that comes to men in this life. That text, if believed, would defeat every attack of Satan, physically, temporally, and spiritually. Notice how it reads: “He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.” Deut. 8:3, 4. This blessing came because they followed the cloud. Whenever God speaks it is the duty of his people to respond; and were it necessary in order for them to obey, one suit of clothes would last for forty years, neither would any disease come upon them, and God would feed them with manna rained from heaven. If we hope to pass through the trying times before us, we need to learn now to trust more fully in the Word of God; for that is what will save us then.
The Bible represents God to the person who takes it by faith and applies it to the soul; and our attitude to the Bible is our attitude toward God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” In the Word is God's voice; it contains all the power, intelligence, and wisdom of God himself. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” John 1:14. Jesus was simply the Word clothed in humanity that we might behold it lived out from a human standpoint. Christ used no divine power that is not accessible to the weakest child of God. In Christ dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. The same may be said of the Holy Spirit. “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. In the Bible the Trinity meet, and our relation to the Bible is simply a manifestation of our relation to God, the Holy Spirit, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. If we love to study the Bible and receive from it daily food for our soul, then we shall love, like Mary, to sit at the feet of our Lord and listen to his gracious words; but if we neglect to study our Bibles, like Martha we shall be so cumbered with our daily cares we shall have no time to receive instruction from the Saviour were he to visit us in person. “The word of God is quick [or living], and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb. 4:12. The Word of God is the only avenue by which mortals can connect with the throne of the Deity; this privilege comes through the righteousness and merits of our Saviour, who died for us. God in giving his Son gave all12heaven for a lost race. The Holy Spirit convinces us of sin, and prayer is the response of the soul; the Holy Spirit then presents our petitions before the God of heaven. Our invisible God is in a measure made visible to us in the Word he has given us.
How shall we obtain the victory over sin?—By studying the Word, believing it, and appropriating it to the heart by faith. This will imperceptibly change the heart. It will unconsciously bring victory to the soul. “Seeing ye have purified your soul in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:22-25. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:2.
Prayer is the expressed desire for help from the Lord to appropriate the Word to our hearts by faith. When we take the Word into our souls, we appropriate the power and character of our divine Lord and Master. By beholding the beauties of the Word, we are changed. Those characteristics of the divine life that we love to contemplate become a part of our own character. By beholding we become partakers of the divine nature. But, alas! this secret is not experienced by every one who professes to be a disciple of Christ. It is believed in theory, but not always practiced. We look at it as a wonderful thing, and truly it is wonderful, but in all cases it is not made use of. It is within the reach of every soul, but it is not practically taken hold of, because we fail to spend time daily beholding the beauties of God's Word. We should daily learn something from the Scriptures; but we should come to them with humility of heart, and prayer that the Lord will enlighten us, and give us an understanding of his Word. One reason why many do not get more out of the Bible is because they do not search for the truth as for hid treasures; they do not seek after God in and through his Word as for silver, for then they would understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Prov. 2:3-6. There is too much surface work in Bible study. We may have learned the theory of present truth, but real acquaintance with God is another thing. There is too much relying upon theory; too much going to the Bible for some special doctrine which we believe is true.
It is quite important to have a correct theory, but the most perfect theory will not of itself save one soul. We may have a profession as high as heaven, but without victory over sin and selfishness in all its forms, and an abiding love in the heart for souls for whom Christ died, our souls will be as barren as the hills of Gilboa. When we tell others of the Word, our faith in it will produce an effect on their hearts. The faith we have in the Word, and the love we have for souls, make the Word effectual.
I was the first Seventh-day Adventist that ever visited Basutoland, South Africa. I had letters of introduction to a native who had been educated by the missionaries to translate and print for them, and also to the paramount chief and to certain missionaries. But my letter made an unfavorable impression on the missionaries, for the one who gave it to me had been disfellowshipped for immoral conduct. This I had not known.
A native by the name of Kalaka, who had been educated by the French missionaries to translate the Bible into the native language, was engaged to carry me in his conveyance through the country to visit the different mission stations. Knowing the prejudice that existed against me on account of my letter of introduction, and also because of the doctrine of the Sabbath, I did not in a single instance suggest to this native missionary one argument in favor of any point of truth. But we read the Scriptures together for an hour or more each day, and I selected portions that taught our faith. When reading, I often reread verses and emphasized certain words to make an impression on his mind. For a month and a half we were together, and not by a word or a look could I discern that the reading had any effect on him. One day as we were near the end of our journey, we stopped by a little brook to rest and feed our horses, and he remarked, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” I at once replied, “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.” He answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Had there been sufficient water I should have baptized him without question. The sequel of it was, this man, Kalaka, had taken in every point of doctrine, and he at once began translating “Steps to Christ” into his language. He then went to Cape Colony, where he was baptized and became one of the first missionary workers who helped to establish our work in Basutoland. He remained faithful until his death, and I understand that his son has also been a faithful worker.
More than once I have seen the power of the Word manifested on the hearts of individuals, and it will accomplish like changes in our own lives if we study it. Many of us remember how earnestly we studied our Bibles when we first received the message, and how that study changed the whole course of our lives. God designed that work to continue day by day until we reflect the divine image. Who has continued it? How many of us study our Bibles as earnestly and with the same love as when we first believed? The one who does this will have the “first love” ever abiding in his heart. Through the divine agency of the Word of the Lord, secret sins can be overcome, and victories gained, through the strength and merits of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Bible is a wonderful book. Our God is a wonderful God. The divine power of the Word can captivate and subdue the hardest heart and bring victories that all the power of hell cannot prevent. We see our need; we apply the remedy, and God makes it effectual.
Jacob's history is an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been betrayed into sin, if they return unto him with true repentance. It was only by self-surrender and confiding faith that Jacob gained the victory in God that he failed to gain in his own strength. God thus taught his servant of the divine power that is in the Word, and that grace alone could give him the blessing he craved. Thus it will be with us who live in the last days. The greatest victories to the church of Christ, or to the individual Christian, are not those gained by talent or by education, by wealth or by the favor of men; they are those gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing prayer lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.
God overthrew the king of Assyria and all his host in answer to the prayers of two faithful men of God. 2 Kings 19. Daniel's prayer of faith moved the king of Persia to issue the decree for the deliverance of God's people. We are nearing more troublous times than any in past history. [This was written before the European war broke out.] Great victories will be gained by the people of God in the closing of the work. Who is exercising that faith in God's promises now that will enable him to walk by faith when no human help is nigh and we have only the promises by which to walk?
Help Save Others
Lesson for the Children—No. 2
Help Save Others
MEMORY TEXT: “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” John 15: 8.
Ask the question, When you have something good, do you want it all yourself? Surely you would not wish to be the one who would not share your blessings with others. (Illustrate the right way by the story of the lepers in 2 Kings 7: 3-11.)
If you were adopted by a king who promised to give you a beautiful home and great riches, would you tell anybody about it? If the king promised to do the same for the other boys and girls, would you not wish to invite them all to go and live with him? First you would ask your best friends, then you would give others an invitation.
What would you think of one who would keep such good news to himself and so give his playmates no opportunity to share such good things with him? Illustrate by the story of the child lost in the snow as told in chapter 86 of “The Desire of Ages.” Another story is that of the people commissioned with stores to carry to sufferers, but who consumed them themselves. See “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VIII, page 25.
The story of the barren fig tree may be told as simply and vividly as possible. Show picture of a tree loaded with fruit, and another in which the branches are withered and dry.
Different plans of missionary work suited to their age and locality may be suggested to the children. If possible something should be devised for them to do during the week of prayer.
Before closing the meeting let each one present name somebody he would like to bring to Jesus, then let all unite in prayer for those mentioned. Encourage the children to speak of some outside their own relatives. All may pray Jesus to help them to become better workers for him.
Are You Ready?
Lesson for the Children — No. 3
Are You Ready?
MEMORY TEXT: “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matt. 24: 24.
Begin this lesson by letting the children imagine they are to take a journey on a strange road. They do not know the way to go, and the end seems far away. But before starting they are told that a guide has gone over the path and knows all the road. To help other travelers, he has set signposts, which show the dangerous parts of the journey, where the road is hard and steep, and when they are near the end.
Now all are ready to start. How carefully everybody is watching for the first sign. “There it is!” cries one. “Now we are sure we are on the right road,” says another. “Let us watch for the next sign.” And so they go forward with good courage.
An outline may be drawn on the blackboard or paper while the lesson is developed, showing a long path. At first there are but few signposts, far apart. At the last, many are found close together. Show that the most difficult part of the journey is at this point.
Very briefly tell the story in Matthew 24. Picture Jesus sitting on the mountain side with his disciples about him as he tells them how they may know when the journey on earth is about to end. Let the children memorize the dates of the signs, beginning with the darkening of the sun. Ask. How many signs have13been passed? How many are yet to come? How many to be seen now?
Since we shall reach the end very soon, what should we be doing?—“Getting ready.” The Lord says, “Be ready.”
Let the children tell of the joys that come with the end of the journey. What friends we shall see,—God, Jesus, angels, loved friends now sleeping in the tomb. It will not be a visit only, but we go to live with them forever.
Some will neglect to get ready. They are not watching for signs. They want to play and have a good time on the road. Some are so very careless that they lie down and sleep. (The story of the enchanted ground may be used, as found in “Pilgrim’s Progress.”) Others try to hinder those who wish to go on their way. Familiar illustrations of last-day conditions may be found in Matt. 25: 1-13; 24: 48-51.
Now what can we do during this week of prayer to get ready? How can we help others? Name some of the things needed that we may be prepared. Close with earnest prayer for help that all may be ready.
Fellowship With Christ in Service
By L. R. Conradi
(Reading for Tuesday, December 15)
Fellowship With Christ in Service
L. R. CONRADI
FELLOWSHIP with Christ is equivalent to fellowship with God’s fullness: “For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Col. 2:9. It is the secret key which unlocks heaven’s choicest treasures to us, conveys to us every spiritual blessing, and fits us to become fruit-bearing coworkers with God in saving souls. The first Adventist mentioned in the Bible cultivated this fellowship with Christ to such an extent that he by faith walked with him, and his character was thereby changed into the same image, from glory to glory, so that the Lord could translate him and change his body without his ever tasting death.
Abraham, the father of the faithful, so fully confided in Christ that God could call himself “the God of Abraham,” and could call him “my friend Abraham,” and could safely reveal his purposes to him. Abraham in setting up altars everywhere in heathen Canaan, preached the name of the Lord from Dan to Beersheba, and thus became the first missionary to the heathen. With God as his shield, he overcame the mightiest foes and prospered among the high-handed giants.
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than all the treasures of Egypt, the faithful servant Moses talked with Christ, the real leader of Israel, “face to face as a man speaketh unto his friend.” Moses drew so near to the presence of God that he was privileged to abide with him on two different occasions forty days on the mount. He “neither did eat bread nor drink water,” and when he came down the second time, the skin of his face reflected the glory of Christ, so that the people could not bear to look upon it, and he had to cover his face with a veil.
Joshua enjoyed the same close relationship. The Lord was with him as with Moses, and Christ revealed himself to him as the great Captain of the Lord’s host, who knows no defeat.
Samuel was dedicated to the Lord’s service before his birth, and as a child learned early to regard his voice, saying, “Speak; for thy servant heareth.” At his death the people could find no wrong in this ancient prophet.
Isaiah, beholding God’s holiness in vision, and realizing his own unfitness, was fitted for service, as his lips were touched with live coals from off the altar. Thus he proclaimed the sufferings and the glory of Christ in such vivid colors that he is justly called the evangelist of the Old Testament.
A VILLAGE IN THE WAR ZONE, HAITI, ALMOST COMPLETELY DESTROYED
Young Jeremiah was sent forth as a mighty prophet, in whose mouth the word of the Lord indeed accomplished that for which it was sent.
Ezekiel learned in his fellowship with God his overruling providence. His forehead was made hard as an adamant, and he became a faithful watchman on the walls of Zion, declaring to a rebellious people the righteous judgments of their God.
The prime minister of a world empire, Daniel, found sufficient time to commune thrice a day with the Source of all help, and the Lord not only made him the wisest of the wise men, but Christ himself appeared to this man so “greatly beloved” of his God.
But our greatest example of true fellowship with heaven is Christ himself. While on earth, he cultivated the closest relationship with his Father. He declared: “I am in the Father, and the Father in me;” “I do nothing of myself;” “He that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” As the Father sent his only begotten Son into the world, ever abiding with him, so also Christ sends us into the world, assuring us, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” As the vine is dependent upon the husbandman for an abundance of fruit, so the branch is even more dependent upon the vine: “He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” In his conversation with one of the foremost of Israel’s rulers, this Teacher from God said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Each soul must be born again out of himself into Christ. He must die to self, bury the old carnal man, and be raised with Christ to walk with him in newness of life, as did Enoch of old. This was Paul’s experience: “An Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, . . . that I may win Christ.” Phil. 3:5-8. “I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” Thus it was Christ who lived, overcame, wrought, spoke, and appealed through Paul, making him the most successful missionary to the heathen.
Christ is the tried corner stone, on which God’s church may stand without fear; for the very powers of death and the grave cannot prevail against him. In him, the living Head, dwells all the fullness of God, and Jesus has but one desire,—that his church, for which he has given his life, be filled with this same fullness, receiving grace for grace. The more we cultivate this fellowship with Christ, the better we learn to know him. And the more we learn of his love, which passeth all knowledge, the more we shall be rooted and grounded in that love. No power in heaven or earth can separate us from it. Though we may suffer tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword, yet “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” We should ever strive to become better acquainted with this our best Friend, and to know “the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means” we “might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”14
Of all the books of the Bible, the Revelation is in this very end of all time the most important. The first chapter reveals the beloved John exiled on the lonely Patmos, communing with his Master. In the first revelation of all, he beholds the Son of man among the seven golden candlesticks, upholding his servants as the seven bright stars in his right hand. O, that the church might evermore behold Jesus walking in its midst and have fuller fellowship with him! Whether two or three gather in his name, or a hundred, he is ever present by his Spirit, always ready to minister unto their wants and to bestow showers of blessing upon them, if they only recognize his presence. As the sun is always in the firmament, whether it is hidden by clouds or not, so Christ is ever with his people, in bright or dark hours. In sweet fellowship with our true Leader, we ought to watch his guiding providences, giving all the glory to his grace, and not to any human instrument. We should listen first of all to his counsel, claim his rich promises, make him our spiritual food and drink, be rooted and grounded in his love, abide in him, and by beholding his face, be changed from one glory into another, until we grow into the perfect image of Jesus Christ, and become master builders in his service.
As messengers of Christ, we ought always to realize that if we cultivate true fellowship with him, Christ will hold us in his right hand, and no one can pluck us from him. In danger, seen and unseen, he will ever hold up his servants, ever be ready to make of them successful fishers of men. A few instances suffice to show that what Christ has been of old he is also to his servants who proclaim this threefold message today. In the early days of this cause, when we had had but little experience in working for people of other tongues, quite a company of these had begun to keep the Sabbath. But our ministers could not induce them to unite with us. A beginner, who had once offered himself to visit them but had been refused on account of his youth, was finally sent. Instead of going straight to them, he labored successfully among people of the same nationality, and thus became acquainted with their ways. Meanwhile, division had taken place among those Sabbath keepers whom he was appointed to visit, one party having become really hostile. The minister was not aware of this, but as he drove along he was directed past several of the houses of the hostile party to the very house which he would have chosen had he known all the conditions. Another instance of God’s guidance is that of a minister who was accustomed to take a certain path every night when he went to his appointment. As he bowed down one evening before starting and asked God to assist him, he felt strangely impressed not to take the usual road. Next day he learned that an enemy had lain in wait for him that night to attack him. But God, who kept his servant in his right hand, led him another way.
At one time when a revolution shook one of the great empires of the earth and all railway traffic was broken up, one of the messengers of this truth was en route. As the train was stopped early in the morning by an angry mob, the first man he saw on the station platform was one of our brethren, who had no idea this brother was on the train. While the train was held up for three days the worker met with our company there, which thus far had been able to meet only secretly. He held meeting after meeting, unmolested by the police, whose power had been broken.
We know of missionaries of this message who were booked for certain trains or certain boats, but for some reason were delayed, who later learned of accidents that had befallen these trains or boats, and saw how wonderfully God had preserved their lives.
Volumes might be written of such overruling providences and such wonderful guidance in missionary experience. I remember an incident when a coworker and I were called hundreds of miles to follow up a supposed interest. But when we reached the place, nobody came. Being persuaded that God had some purpose in our going so far, we began night after night to plead with him for direction. A letter came from a sister far away, informing us that only forty miles north of us there were people waiting and praying for some of our ministers to come. We took this as an answer to our prayers, thanked the Lord, and went. In a little while a great interest sprang up, and hundreds of souls were converted and embraced this truth. Thus we can truthfully say, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Heb. 13:8.
But though we have a cloud of witnesses around us testifying what sweet fellowship with Christ has done in the past, and though we ourselves have had such experiences, yet our Lord Jesus Christ is anxious to let the last church on earth know by a special message his special care for them. Undoubtedly he as the true and faithful witness, before whose eyes nothing can be hid, knows that the greatest lack consists in the Laodicean church’s not recognizing the need of his presence, and not sufficiently prizing constant fellowship with him. In a most entreating manner he appeals to the Adventist people now: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Rev. 3:20. If we now heed his voice and open our hearts this day and let him come in, we may feast with him of the good things heaven has in such abundance in store for us. There will be no question of our overcoming, and no question of our fruitfulness in his service.
The church of Christ must learn to expect and hope and pray for great things. But their eyes will not be anointed to see these unless they cultivate the closest fellowship with their true Leader. A writer truly says, “In wealth of praying we might any one of us be millionaire helpers, if we but seriously put ourselves to the trouble of it.” Our missions, both at home and abroad, would be advanced enormously, beyond all our expectations, if we would cultivate more and more of this fellowship with Christ and become true coworkers with him, fully understanding his ways and his thoughts and forsaking ours. He who fully unites in service with Christ here, and cultivates the closest fellowship in this short life, will soon share with him that eternal fellowship in glory, when we shall sit with him on his throne, even as he overcame and is set down with his Father on his throne. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
They Expected Him
Lesson for the Children — No. 4
They Expected Him
MEMORY TEXT: “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” 2 Peter 3:14.
Tell the children there was a time about seventy years ago, when many people really thought Jesus was coming and that they should see him. They made a mistake in the time when he would come, but God had foretold this movement in the Bible, and he loved the people who wanted to see Jesus.
As the time drew near when they looked for him, the people were very anxious to be ready. How do you think they got ready? Did they buy fine, costly clothes? Did they get rings and bracelets and all kinds of jewelry? Did they deck their bodies, and trim their hats with feathers and flowers? Did they think such things would make them appear right to Jesus, and that he would be pleased to see them dressed like the worldly people who were not expecting him?
No, they did not get ready that way. They knew that God hates pride, and anything that shows it to be in the heart. They had read that all the proud shall be burned like stubble (Mal. 4:1), and they did not wish to look or act like the proud people of the world. But what did they do to get ready to meet the Lord, whom they expected soon to see coming in the clouds of heaven?
They prayed much. The children often went away by themselves to talk with Jesus.
They studied the Bible to know what they ought to do.
When they knew they had done wrong, they confessed their sins to God and went to the ones they had wronged to ask their forgiveness, too.
They loved everybody.
They denied self, and did not seek earthly pleasure.
They dressed plainly and neatly.
They were willing to be persecuted for Jesus’ sake.
They spent their money in Christian work.
They told the people Jesus was coming.
The story of what one little girl did15at that time may be told, as follows:—
“The time seemed so short in which souls could be saved that I resolved to do all that was in my power to lead souls into the light of truth. But it seemed impossible for one so young, and in feeble health, to do much in the great work.
“I had two sisters at home, Sarah, who was several years older, and my twin sister, Elizabeth. We talked the matter over among ourselves, and decided to earn what we could, and spend it in buying books and tracts. This was the best we could do, and we did this gladly.
“I could earn but twenty-five cents a day; but my dress was plain, nothing was spent for needless ornaments, for vain display appeared sinful in my eyes; so I had ever a little fund in store with which to purchase suitable books. These were placed in the hands of experienced persons to send abroad.
“Every leaf of this printed matter seemed precious in my eyes, for it was as a messenger of light to the world, bidding them prepare for the great event near at hand. Day after day I sat in bed propped up with pillows, performing my allotted task with trembling fingers. How carefully would I lay aside the precious bits of silver taken in return, which were to be expended for reading matter to enlighten those who were in darkness! The salvation of souls was the burden of my mind.”
Let this meeting close with testimonies, which should quickly follow one another.
