The origin of man

God made man as a living soul, a free moral agent, formed in the image of God, created for His glory. Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7; Psalm 8:4-6; Isaiah 43:7. He was not endowed with natural and unconditional immortality. Only by obeying God and by eating of the tree of life could he perpetuate his existence. Genesis 2:9, 16, 17. Due to his disobedience, he forfeited his access to the tree of life, came short of the glory of his Maker, and was separated from the source of life. Sin brought death to Adam and all his descendants. Genesis 3:19, 22-24; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Isaiah 59:2; Romans 5:12, 17; Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23.

Made in God's Image

"God created man in His own image. Here is no mystery. There is no ground for the supposition that man was evolved by slow degrees of development from the lower forms of animal or vegetable life. Such teaching lowers the great work of the Creator to the level of man's narrow, earthly conceptions

 Men are so intent upon excluding God from the sovereignty of the universe that they degrade man and defraud him of the dignity of his origin. He who set the starry worlds on high and tinted with delicate skill the flowers of the field, who filled the earth and the heavens with the wonders of His power, when He came to crown His glorious work, to place one in the midst to stand as ruler of the fair earth, did not fail to create a being worthy of the hand that gave him life.

The genealogy of our race, as given by inspiration, traces back its origin, not to a line of developing germs, mollusks, and quadrupeds, but to the great Creator. Though formed from the dust, Adam was 'the son of God' (Luke 3:38)."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 45.

Conditional Immortality

"Immortality, promised to man on condition of obedience, had been forfeited by transgression. Adam could not transmit to his posterity that which he did not possess; and there could have been no hope for the fallen race had not God, by the sacrifice of His Son, brought immortality within their reach. . . .

"The only one who promised Adam life in disobedience was the great deceiver. And the declaration of the serpent to Eve in Eden-'Ye shall not surely die'-was the first sermon ever preached upon the immortality of the soul. Yet this declaration, resting solely upon the authority of Satan, is echoed from the pulpits of Christendom and is received by the majority of mankind as readily as it was received by our first parents."-The Great Controversy, p. 533.

"Adam, in his innocence, had enjoyed open communion with his Maker; but sin brought separation between God and man, and the atonement of Christ alone could span the abyss and make possible the communication of blessing or salvation from heaven to earth. Man was still cut off from direct approach to his Creator, but God would communicate with him through Christ and angels."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 67.

"The eyes of Adam and Eve were opened, but to what? To see their own shame and ruin, to realize that the garments of heavenly light that had been their protection were no longer around them as a safeguard. They saw that nakedness was the result of transgression. As they heard the voice of their Creator in the garden, they hid themselves from Him; for they anticipated that which before they had not known-the condemnation of God."-The Signs of the Times, May 29, 1901.

"After his transgression Adam at first imagined himself entering upon a higher state of existence. But soon the thought of his sin filled him with terror. The air, which had hitherto been of a mild and uniform temperature, seemed to chill the guilty pair. The love and peace which had been theirs was gone, and in its place they felt a sense of sin, a dread of the future, a nakedness of soul. The robe of light which had enshrouded them, now disappeared, and to supply its place they endeavored to fashion for themselves a covering; for they could not, while unclothed, meet the eye of God and holy angels."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 57.

Immortality Obtainable Only Through Christ

As a consequence of Adam's fall, men and women became mortal, subject to death; and their posterity was born with inherent propensities of disobedience. Psalm 51:5; Romans 3: 10-18; Mark 7:20-23; Jeremiah 17:9.

 Human beings can be made free from sin, the character of God can be restored in them, and they can regain their original position before God (Matthew 5:48), only through Christ. Romans 3:23-26; Acts 4:12; John 8:36; 14:6; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Titus 2:13, 14; 3:3-6.

Those who accept this provision, seeking for life everlasting, will receive immortality at the second coming of Christ, when the sleeping saints will be called back to life by the voice of the Archangel. Romans 2:6, 7; 6:22, 23; 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 51-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17.

"In Eden, man fell from his high estate and through transgression became subject to death. It was seen in heaven that human beings were perishing, and the compassion of God was stirred. At infinite cost He devised a means of relief. He 'so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life' (John 3:16). There was no hope for the transgressor except through Christ."-Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 25.

"The result of the eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil is manifest in every man's experience. There is in his nature a bent to evil, a force which, unaided, he cannot resist. To withstand this force, to attain that ideal which in his inmost soul he accepts as alone worthy, he can find help in but one power. That power is Christ. Co-operation with that power is man's greatest need."-Education, p. 29.

"Christ's teachings are to be to us as the leaves of the tree of life. As we eat and digest the bread of life, we shall reveal a symmetrical character."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1135.

The Dead Are Unconscious

The first death, to which we all are subject, is a state of total lifelessness and is represented as a deep sleep. Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6; Psalms 6:5; 115:17; 146:4; Ecclesiastes 3:20; Isaiah 38:18, 19; John 11:11-14.

The Dead Are in the Grave

At death, a good person does not go to heaven; and an evil one does not go to hell (lake of fire). All, whether good or evil, go to the grave. Job 7:9, 10; 14:10-14; 17:13-16; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Psalms 89:48; 104:29; Acts 2:29, 34; Daniel 12:13; Hebrews 11:13; Revelation 11:18.

Life After Death Only Through Resurrection

The righteous dead will be resurrected. Job 14:14, 15; 19:25-27; Hosea 13:14; Hebrews 11:39, 40; John 11:38, 39, 43; 1 Corinthians 15:51; 2 Timothy 4:7, 8; John 11:25.

At the second coming of Christ, they will be taken to heaven. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; John 14:1-3.

The wicked dead are not in a place of torment. 2 Peter 2:9; John 5:28, 29.

They will be resurrected at the end of the millennium. Revelation 20:5, 6.

"Christ represents death as a sleep to His believing children. Their life is hid with Christ in God, and until the last trump shall sound those who die will sleep in Him."-The Desire of Ages, p. 527.

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

"Our personal identity is preserved in the resurrection, though not the same particles of matter or material substance as went into the grave. The wondrous works of God are a mystery to man. The spirit, the character of man, is returned to God, there to be preserved. In the resurrection every man will have his own character.

 God in His own time will call forth the dead, giving again the breath of life, and bidding the dry bones live. The same form will come forth, but it will be free from disease and every defect. It lives again bearing the same individuality of features, so that friend will recognize friend. There is no law of God in nature which shows that God gives back the same identical particles of matter which composed the body before death.

God shall give the righteous dead a body that will please Him. Paul illustrates this subject by the kernel of grain sown in the field. The planted kernel decays, but there comes forth a new kernel. The natural substance in the grain that decays is never raised as before, but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased Him. A much finer material will compose the human body, for it is a new creation, a new birth."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1093.

The Destiny of the Wicked

After the wicked are judged (Revelation 20:4), they suffer the second death (destruction, extermination, extinction, or annihilation) which will be meted out to them at the end of the millennium-the 1,000 years of Revelation 20. Revelation 20:9, 15, 14; Malachi 4:1, 3; Psalm 37:9, 10, 20, 38; Obadiah 15, 16.


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Separation from the world

Separation from the world means a coming out from its ideas, theories, habits, practices, worldly associations, and everything that is contrary to the word of God. John 17:15, 16; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; Revelation 18:4.

"There is a distinct line drawn by God Himself between the world and the church, between commandment keepers and commandment breakers. They do not blend together."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 602.

"God will test the fidelity of His people. Many of the mistakes that are made by the professed servants of God are in consequence of their self-love, their desire for approval, their thirst for popularity. Blinded in this manner, they do not realize that they are elements of darkness rather than of light. 'Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.'

These are the conditions upon which we may be acknowledged as sons of God, separation from the world and renunciation of those things which delude, and fascinate, and ensnare."-Ibid., pp. 12, 13.

"Christ's followers are required to come out from the world, and be separate, and touch not the unclean, and they have the promise of being the sons and daughters of the Most High, members of the royal family. But if the conditions are not complied with on their part, they will not, cannot, realize the fulfillment of the promise."-Ibid., vol. 2, p. 441.

"As soon as any have a desire to imitate the fashions of the world, that they do not immediately subdue, just so soon God ceases to acknowledge them as His children. They are the children of the world and of darkness."-Ibid., vol. 1, p. 137.

"Jesus is coming; and will He find a people conformed to the world? and will He acknowledge these as His people that He has purified unto Himself? Oh, no. None but the pure and holy will He acknowledge as His."-Ibid., p. 133.

Dress Reform

One of the conditions on which God promises to accept us as His people is separation from the world. Matthew 6:24; James 4:4; 2 Peter 1:4.

As the children of Israel were required to wear a ribbon of blue as a sign of distinction between themselves and the idolatrous nations around them, so God's church today is to observe the principles of dress reform. Numbers 15:37-41. Believers should dress modestly, healthfully, tastefully, and neatly, thus representing the principles of the heavenly kingdom.

"To protect the people of God from the corrupting influence of the world, as well as to promote physical and moral health, the dress reform was introduced among us. It was not intended to be a yoke of bondage, but a blessing; not to increase labor, but to save labor; not to add to the expense of dress, but to save expense.

 It would distinguish God's people from the world, and thus serve as a barrier against its fashions and follies. He who knows the end from the beginning, who understands our nature and our needs-our compassionate Redeemer, saw our dangers and difficulties, and conscended to give us timely warning and instruction concerning our habits of life, even in the proper selection of food and clothing."-Ibid., vol. 4, p. 634.

"Our words, our actions, and our dress are daily, living preachers, gathering with Christ or scattering abroad. This is no trivial matter to be passed off with a jest. The subject of dress demands serious reflection and much prayer. Many unbelievers have felt that they were not doing right in permitting themselves to be slaves of fashion; but when they see some who make a high profession of godliness dressing as worldlings dress, enjoying frivolous society, they decide that there can be no wrong in such a course."-Ibid., p. 641.

"There is a terrible sin upon us as a people, that we have permitted our church members to dress in a manner inconsistent with their faith. We must arise at once and close the door against the allurements of fashion. Unless we do this, our churches will become demoralized."-Ibid., p. 648.

The Bible places emphasis on modesty and self-respect, forbidding the extravagant and immodest fashions and customs of the world in both men and women. Although in times past fashion was mostly a problem affecting women, unfortunately as we approach the end, Satan is even destroying the experience of some men on this point.

Such designs as tight revealing clothing, slits, shorts, and see-through fabrics (exposing nakedness), unhealthful footwear, jewelry, and following modern trends for the sake of fashion is detrimental to the Christian's experience and is prohibited in the word of God. Through these things a negative influence is exerted upon others, and we would have to answer to God for leading souls to decide against the truth by thus living in contradiction with our profession of faith. Genesis 35:1-4; Isaiah 3:16-24; 1 Timothy 2:9, 10; 1 Peter 3:1-5.

Men and women are not to cause confusion of the sexes either by their conduct, by apparel or by appearance (length of hair) to resemble that of the opposite sex, for God pronounces it an abomination. "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God." Deuteronomy 22:5; 1 Corinthians 11:14, 15.

"There is an increasing tendency to have women in their dress and appearance as near like the other sex as possible, and to fashion their dress very much like that of men, but God pronounces it abomination. 'In like manner also, that women embelish themselves in modest apparel, with modesty and sobriety' (1 Timothy 2:9)."-Ibid., vol. 1, p. 421.

From the very beginning of the creation of the human race, God placed a difference between men and women and He wants this distinction to be maintained. Genesis 1:27.

 "God designed that there should be a plain distinction between the dress of men and women, and has considered the matter of sufficient importance to give explicit directions in regard to it; for the same dress worn by both sexes would cause confusion and great increase of crime.

 Were the apostle Paul alive, and should he behold women professing godliness with this style of dress, he would utter a rebuke. 'In like manner also, that women embelish themselves in modest apparel, with modesty and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.' The mass of professed Christians utterly disregard the teachings of the apostles, and wear gold, pearls, and costly array."-Ibid., p. 460.

Moreover, when men and women come into the presence of God for their worship services, there is yet to be a further distinction in their manner of dress. Exodus 3:5; 20:26; 28:42, 43.
 As a sign of reverence and respect when we come to the house of worship, we should wear appropriate attire. John 21:7; Genesis 3:7, 21; Isaiah 6:2; Psalm 89:7.

"I am often pained as I enter the house where God is worshiped, to see the untidy dress of both men and women. If the heart and character were indicated by the outward apparel, then certainly nothing could be heavenly about them. They have no true idea of the order, the neatness, and the refined deportment that God requires of all who come into His presence to worship Him. What impressions do these things give to unbelievers and to the youth, who are keen to discern and to draw their conclusions?

"In the minds of many there are no more sacred thoughts connected with the house of God than with the most common place. Some will enter the place of worship with their hats on, in soiled, dirty clothes. Such do not realize that they are to meet with God and holy angels.

 There should be a radical change in this matter all through our churches. Ministers themselves need to elevate their ideas, to have finer susceptibilities in regard to it. It is a feature of the work that has been sadly neglected. Because of the irreverence in attitude, dress, and deportment, and lack of a worshipful frame of mind, God has often turned His face away from those assembled for His worship."-Ibid., vol. 5, pp. 498, 499.

The followers of Christ, knowing that God has taken garments as a type of righteousness (Revelation 19:8), cannot be disorderly and untidy in their dress.

"It should be understood whether those who profess to be converted are simply taking the name of Seventh-day Adventists, or whether they are taking their stand on the Lord's side to come out from the world and be separate and touch not the unclean thing.

When they give evidence that they fully understand their position, they are to be accepted. But when they show that they are following the customs and fashions and sentiments of the world, they are to be faithfully dealt with. If they feel no burden to change their course of action, they should not be retained as members of the church. The Lord wants those who compose His church to be true, faithful stewards of the grace of Christ."-Testimonies to Ministers, p. 128.

"Fashion is deteriorating the intellect and eating out the spirituality of our people. Obedience to fashion is pervading our Seventh-day Adventist churches and is doing more than any other power to separate our people from God. . . . Our church rules are very deficient. All exhibitions of pride in dress, which is forbidden in the word of God, should be sufficient reason for church discipline.

 If there is a continuance, in face of warnings and appeals and entreaties, to still follow the perverse will, it may be regarded as proof that the heart is in no way assimilated to Christ. Self, and only self, is the object of adoration, and one such professed Christian will lead many away from God."-Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 647, 648.

"The words, the dress, the actions, should tell for God. Then a holy influence will be shed upon all around them, and even unbelievers will take knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus."-Ibid., p. 634.

"There should be no carelessness in dress. For Christ's sake, whose witness we are, we should seek to make the best of our appearance."-Ibid., vol. 6, p. 96.

"Our only safety is to stand as God's peculiar people. We must not yield one inch to the customs and fashions of this degenerate age, but stand in moral independence, making no compromise with its corrupt and idolatrous practices."-Ibid., vol. 5, p. 78.

Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 57; bk. 3, p. 278; The Upward Look, pp. 300, 172.

Associations

God has made His people a light in this world. As such, they are to enter into social relations with the people around them with the purpose of bringing the gospel message to them. Matthew 5:13-16; John 17:15.

But God has also made a definite distinction between His people and the world. If we want to be identified with Christ, we will shun the society of the things of the world, which would be detrimental to our Christian experience. We cannot place ourselves where Christ cannot go with us. Ezekiel 44:23; Amos 3:3; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17.

Professed Christians who do not understand this principle, and who love that which they should abominate, will be classified with the evil servant. Matthew 24:48-51. Separation from the world also involves separation from secret societies, political parties, labor unions, business partnerships with unbelievers, and any other confederacy with the world. Isaiah 8:12; John 8:23; 18:36.

Even things which are lawful in themselves, if practiced in a wrong way, with the wrong crowd, in the wrong place, and at the wrong time, may work as a snare of Satan. But, in the first place, we should shun the most evident evils, such as worldly associations, inappropriate music, competitive games, amusements, immodest fashions, involvement in politics, misuse of modern media, and the corrupting influence of satanic "garbage" coming through the mass media, which generally appeals to weak minds. Philippians 4:8; Psalm 101:3; Special Testimonies on Education, p. 211; Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students, p. 367.

"Those only who deny self, and live a life of sobriety, humility, and holiness, are true followers of Jesus; and such cannot enjoy the society of the lovers of the world."-Ibid., vol. 4, p. 633.

"There are people with a diseased imagination to whom religion is a tyrant, ruling them as with a rod of iron. Such are constantly mourning over their depravity and groaning over supposed evil. Love does not exist in their hearts; a frown is ever upon their countenances. They are chilled by the innocent laugh from the youth or from anyone.

They consider all recreation or amusement a sin and think that the mind must be constantly wrought up to just such a stern, severe pitch. This is one extreme. Others think that the mind must be ever on the stretch to invent new amusements and diversions in order to gain health. They learn to depend on excitement, and are uneasy without it. Such are not true Christians. They go to another extreme.

The true principles of Christianity open before all a source of happiness, the height and depth, the length and breadth of which are immeasurable."-Ibid., vol. 1, p. 565.

"Educate men and women to bring up their children free from false, fashionable practices, to teach them to be useful. The daughters should be educated under the mothers to do useful labor, not merely indoor labor but out-of-door labor as well. Mothers could also train the sons, to a certain age, to do useful things indoors and out-of-doors.

"There are plenty of necessary, useful things to do in our world that would make the pleasure-amusement exercise almost wholly unnecessary. Brain, bone, and muscle will acquire solidity and strength in using them to a purpose, doing good hard thinking, and in devising plans which shall train them-the youth-to develop powers of intellect and strength of the physical organs, which will be putting into practical use their God-given talents with which they may glorify God. . . .

"I do not condemn the simple exercise of playing ball; but this, even in its simplicity, may be overdone. I shrink always from the almost sure result which follows in the wake of these amusements. It leads to an outlay of means that should be expended in bringing the light of truth to souls that are perishing out of Christ. The amusements and expenditures of means for self-pleasing, which lead on step by step to self-glorifying, and the educating in these games for pleasure, produce a love and passion for such things that is not favorable to the perfection of Christian character."-Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 321, 322.

"Let several families living in a city or village unite and leave the occupations which have taxed them physically and mentally, and make an excursion into the country to the side of a fine lake or to a nice grove where the scenery of nature is beautiful. They should provide themselves with plain, hygienic food, the very best fruits and grains, and spread their table under the shade of some tree or under the canopy of heaven. The ride, the exercise, and the scenery will quicken the appetite, and they can enjoy a repast which kings might envy.

"On such occasions parents and children should feel free from care, labor, and perplexity. Parents should become children with their children, making everything as pleasant for them as possible. Let the whole day be given to recreation. Exercise in the open air for those whose employment has been withindoors and sedentary will be beneficial to health. All who can, should feel it a duty to pursue this course. Nothing will be lost, but much gained."-Messages to Young People, p. 393.

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Biblical stewardship

According to Psalm 24:1, everything belongs to the Lord. 1 Chronicles 29:11, 12. However large or small our possessions, they are ours only in trust. For our life, strength, skill, time, talents, opportunities, and means, we must render an account to God. 1 Corinthians 4:1, 2; Matthew 25:14-30.

"Men . . . seem to think that they have a right to do with their means just as it pleases them, no matter what the Lord has commanded, or what may be the need of their fellowmen. They forget that all they claim as theirs has simply been entrusted to them."-Counsels on Stewardship, p. 112.

"Our money has not been given us that we might honor and glorify ourselves. As faithful stewards we are to use it for the honor and glory of God. . . . All we possess is the Lord's, and we are accountable to Him for the use we make of it. In the use of every penny, it will be seen whether we love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves.

"Money has great value, because it can do great good. In the hands of God's children it is food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, and clothing for the naked. It is a defense for the oppressed, and a means of help to the sick. But money is of no more value than sand, only as it is put to use in providing for the necessities of life, in blessing others, and advancing the cause of Christ."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 351.

"Let us surrender ourselves a living sacrifice, and give our all to Jesus. It is His; we are His purchased possession. Those who are recipients of His grace, who contemplate the cross of Calvary, will not question concerning the proportion to be given, but will feel that the richest offering is all too meager, all disproportionate to the great gift of the only-begotten Son of the infinite God. Through self-denial, the poorest will find ways of obtaining something to give back to God."-Counsels on Stewardship, p. 200.

Faithful and Wise Stewards

A wise and faithful steward is careful with that which God has given him or her. Matthew 24:45-47; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13; Proverbs 11:24, 25.

Even though we believe that Jesus is coming soon, we also receive instruction that "if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel" (1 Timothy 5:8). Therefore, as individuals, we should presently make provision for the uncertain future till our Saviour shall appear. Luke 19:13.

Tithe

In recognition of God's ownership of all things, we are required to return to Him one tenth (a tithe) of all our increase. Leviticus 27:30-33; Matthew 23:23; 1 Corinthians 9:14. The Bible teaches that withholding the tithe is a violation of the eighth commandment (Exodus 20:15). Malachi 3:8, 9.

Under the priesthood after the order of Melchisedec, God still claims our tithes. Hebrews 7:1-8 (cf. Revelation 1:18). The Lord's tenth must be returned to Him regularly through the storehouse, the church, of which one is a member or attending. Deuteronomy 12:5, 6; Nehemiah 13:11, 12. Our prosperity depends upon our faithfulness to this principle. Proverbs 3:9, 10; Malachi 3:10, 11.

"Let each regularly examine his income, which is all a blessing from God, and set apart the tithe as a separate fund, to be sacredly the Lord's. This fund should not in any case be devoted to any other use; it is to be devoted solely to support the ministry of the gospel. After the tithe is set apart, let gifts and offerings be divided, 'as God hath blessed' you."-Counsels on Stewardship, p. 81.

"A very plain, definite message has been given to me for our people. I am bidden to tell them that they are making a mistake in applying the tithe to various objects which, though good in themselves, are not the object to which the Lord has said that the tithe should be applied. Those who make this use of the tithe are departing from the Lord's arrangement. God will judge for these things.

"One reasons that the tithe may be applied to school purposes. Still others reason that canvassers and colporteurs should be supported from the tithe. But a great mistake is made when the tithe is drawn from the object for which it is to be used-the support of the ministers. There should be today in the field one hundred well qualified laborers where now there is but one."-Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 248, 249.

"Provision is to be made for these other lines of work. They are to be sustained, but not from the tithe. God has not changed; the tithe is still to be used for the support of the ministry. The opening of new fields requires more ministerial efficiency than we now have, and there must be means in the treasury."-Ibid., p. 250.

"Our conferences look to the schools for educated and well-trained laborers, and they should give the schools a most hearty and intelligent support. Light has been plainly given that those who minister in our schools, teaching the word of God, explaining the Scriptures, educating the students in the things of God, should be supported by the tithe money."-Ibid., vol. 6, p. 215.

"Many confessed that they had not paid tithes for years; and we know that God cannot bless those who are robbing Him, and that the church must suffer in consequence of the sins of its individual members."-Counsels on Stewardship, p. 95.

"If all would take the Scripture just as it reads, and open their hearts to understand the word of the Lord, they would not say, 'I cannot see the tithing question. I cannot see that in my circumstances I should pay tithes.' 'Will a man rob God?' The consequence of doing so is plainly stated, and I would not risk the consequence.

 All who take a wholehearted, decided position to obey God; who will not take the Lord's reserved funds-His own money-to settle their debts; who will render to the Lord the portion that He claims as His own, will receive the blessing of God which is promised to all who obey Him."-Ibid., pp. 92, 93.

"One tenth of all the increase was claimed by the Lord as His own, and to withhold the tithe was regarded by Him as robbery."-The Acts of the Apostles, p. 336.

First Fruits

As God saved the firstborn of His chosen people in the last plague in Egypt, He claims as His the first portion of all our increase. Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 23:10; Proverbs 3:9.

Freewill Offerings

While God claims one tenth of our increase as our duty to Him, He gives us the remaining nine tenths to use as our love for Him will suggest. One measure of our love for God is revealed in the freedom and joy with which we give to His cause on earth in freewill offerings, which should be proportionate to our prosperity. Exodus 25:2; Deuteronomy 16:16, 17; 1 Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 96:8.

"Practical benevolence will give spiritual life to thousands of nominal professors of the truth who now mourn over their darkness. It will transform them from selfish, covetous worshipers of mammon to earnest, faithful coworkers with Christ in the salvation of sinners."-Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 387.

"The contributions required of the Hebrews for religious and charitable purposes amounted to fully one fourth of their income. So heavy a tax upon the resources of the people might be expected to reduce them to poverty; but, on the contrary, the faithful observance of these regulations was one of the conditions of their prosperity."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 527.

"Some have excused themselves from aiding the cause of God because they were in debt. Had they closely examined their own hearts, they would have discovered that selfishness was the true reason why they brought no freewill offering to God. Some will always remain in debt. Because of their covetousness, the prospering hand of God will not be with them to bless their undertakings. They love this world better than the truth. They are not being fitted up and made ready for the kingdom of God."-Counsels on Stewardship, p. 93.

"In the days of Israel the tithe and freewill offerings were needed to maintain the ordinances of divine service. Should the people of God give less in this age? The principle laid down by Christ is that our offerings should be in proportion to the light and privileges enjoyed."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 528.

"Well, says one, the calls keep coming to give to the cause; I am weary of giving. Are you? Then let me ask: Are you weary of receiving from God's beneficent hand? Not until He ceases to bless you will you cease to be under bonds to return to Him the portion He claims. He blesses you that it may be in your power to bless others. When you are weary of receiving, then you may say: I am weary of so many calls to give. God reserves to Himself a portion of all that we receive. When this is returned to Him, the remaining portion is blessed, but when it is withheld, the whole is sooner or later cursed. God's claim is first; every other is secondary."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 150.

Talents

"All that we have is the Lord's. Our money, our time, talents and ourselves, all belong to Him. He has lent them to us, to test and prove us, and to develop what is in our hearts. If we selfishly claim as our own the favors God has graciously entrusted to us, we shall meet with great loss, for we rob God, and in robbing Him, we rob ourselves of heavenly blessings, and the benediction Christ will give the faithful and obedient: 'Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord' (Matthew 25:23)."-The Signs of the Times, April 1, 1875.


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The holy scriptures

The Holy Scriptures, God's writing of love, explain the origin, fall, and redemption of humanity. They contain the all-sufficient revelation of God's will to men and women as our only infallible rule of faith and practice under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. John 5:39; Psalm 89:34 (cf. Matthew 22:29; John 7:17); Luke 24:44, 45; Psalm 119:104, 105; Isaiah 8:20; 2 Timothy 3:15.

The Bible (the Old and the New Testaments) is the authority to teach us and correct us, showing us the difference between right and wrong (Mark 12:24; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; James 1:22, 23; 1 Peter 1:22, 23). Therefore, our individual stand before God and our relationship with one another must be based on a "Thus saith the Lord" (Matthew 7:12; John 8:32; 16:13; 17:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).

Christ's presence with men of God, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, in both the Old and New Testament times, is the origin of the written Word of God (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16; Luke 16:29, 31; John 5:46, 47). Proof of its divine inspiration is found in the Bible itself (1 Peter 1:10-12; 1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Through the ministration of the Holy Spirit, the Bible is self-explanatory and does not need any human tradition or catechism for its interpretation (Isaiah 28:10; 34:16; 2 Peter 1:19, 20). If we live in harmony with the Holy Scriptures, the promises and blessings of the Lord are ours (Luke 11:28; Matthew 4:4; 7:21, 24, 25; John 6:63; 8:31).

"The whole Bible is a manifestation of Christ, and the Saviour desired to fix the faith of His followers on the word. When His visible presence should be withdrawn, the word must be their source of power."-The Desire of Ages, p. 390.

"The Bible is the most wonderful of all histories, for it is the production of God, not of the finite mind. It carries us back through the centuries to the beginning of all things, presenting the history of times and scenes which would otherwise never have been known. It reveals the glory of God in the working of His providence to save a fallen world. It presents in the simplest language the mighty power of the gospel, which, received, would cut the chains that bind men to Satan's chariot." -Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 377.

"Every part of the Bible is given by inspiration of God and is profitable. The Old Testament no less than the New should receive attention. As we study the Old Testament we shall find living springs bubbling up where the careless reader discerns only a desert." -Education, p. 191.

"It is not the mere reading of the word that will accomplish the result that is designed by Heaven, but the truth revealed in the word of God must find an entrance into the heart, if the good intended is obtained."-Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 131.

"The whole Bible is a revelation of the glory of God in Christ. Received, believed, obeyed, it is the great instrumentality in the transformation of character. And it is the only sure means of intellectual culture."-Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 319.

"By looking constantly to Jesus with the eye of faith, we shall be strengthened. God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering, thirsting people. They will find that Christ is a personal Saviour. As they feed upon His word, they find that it is spirit and life. The word destroys the natural, earthly nature, and imparts a new life in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit comes to the soul as a Comforter. By the transforming agency of His grace, the image of God is reproduced in the disciple; he becomes a new creature."-The Desire of Ages, p. 391.

"The Bible, and the Bible alone, [is] the foundation of our faith."-Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 85.

"God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all reforms. The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the majority-not one nor all of these should be regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious faith. Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain 'Thus saith the Lord' in its support."-The Great Controversy, p. 595.,

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A Christian marriage

God saw that is was not good for man to be alone. Genesis 2:18. Therefore, He established the marriage institution and enunciated the law of marriage for all the children of Adam to the close of time. God Himself gave Adam one wife as a companion. "He ordained that men and women should be united in holy wedlock, to rear families whose members, crowned with honor, should be recognized as members of the family above" (The Ministry of Healing, p. 356). According to the plan of God in the marriage relationship, every man should consider his wife as his second self, "bone of" his "bones, and flesh of" his "flesh." Genesis 2:18, 23, 24; Mark 10:6-8; Ephesians 5:28, 29; Colossians 3:19.

Although it has been degraded by sin, this divine institution must be restored to its original condition among God's people before the second coming of Jesus. Acts 3:20, 21; Mark 10:5-9.

When marriage is conducted according to the will of God:

a. It guards the moral purity of men and women and ensures the happiness of humanity. Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:2-9; Psalm 128:1-6; Proverbs 5:18; 31:10-31.

b. It provides for people's social needs. Genesis 2:18.

c. It elevates the physical, intellectual, and moral nature of human beings. Proverbs 18:22; 19:14; 1 Peter 3:1, 7.

d. It ensures the survival and multiplication of the human race in a moral and healthy manner. Genesis 1:27, 28.

It has been God's purpose from the very beginning that the marriage vow should bind man and woman to each other by indissoluble ties "for life." Matthew 19:6; Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18. Therefore, divorce is not in harmony with the will of God. Malachi 2:14-16. In case of separation, both are to remain single until the death of one of the spouses or until they are reconciled to each other. Romans 7:1-3; 1 Corinthians 7:10-15, 39. (Matthew 5:32 and 19:9 are explained in separate publications, showing that these two verses do not sanction or advocate divorce and remarriage.)

Christians should be united in marriage only with those of like faith. Marriage with an unbeliever (non-member) is a serious sin and reveals a separation from Christ. Exodus 34:12, 16; Deuteronomy 7:3, 4; Nehemiah 13:23-27; 2 Corinthians 6:14.

"As a child of God, a subject of Christ's kingdom, the purchase of His blood, how can you connect yourself with one who does not acknowledge His claims, who is not controlled by His Spirit? The commands I have quoted are not the word of man, but of God. Though the companion of your choice were in all other respects worthy (which he is not), yet he has not accepted the truth for this time; he is an unbeliever, and you are forbidden of heaven to unite yourself with him. You cannot, without peril to your soul, disregard this divine injunction."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 364.

"In the youthful mind, marriage is clothed with romance, and it is difficult to divest it of this feature, with which imagination covers it, and to impress the mind with a sense of the weighty responsibilities involved in the marriage vow. This vow links the destinies of the two individuals with bonds which nought but the hand of death should sever."-Ibid., vol. 4, p. 507.

Although polygamy was tolerated in the Old Testament times contrary to God's original purpose, only monogamous marriages are accepted under the Christian Dispensation. 1 Corinthians 7:2; Ephesians 5:23, 33; Matthew 19:4-6; Malachi 2:15.

"Polygamy was practiced at an early date. It was one of the sins that brought the wrath of God upon the antediluvian world."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 338.

The marriage relationship represents the union that exists between Christ and His church. Isaiah 54:4, 5; Jeremiah 3:14; Ephesians 5:24-28; Hosea 2:19, 20.

"God celebrated the first marriage. Thus the institution has for its originator the Creator of the universe. 'Marriage is honorable' (Hebrews 13:4); it was one of the first gifts of God to man, and it is one of the two institutions that, after the Fall, Adam brought with him beyond the gates of Paradise. When the divine principles are recognized and obeyed in this relation, marriage is a blessing; it guards the purity and happiness of the race, it provides for man's social needs, it elevates the physical, the intellectual, and the moral nature."-Ibid., p. 46.

"The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred, of any on earth. It was designed to be a blessing to mankind. And it is a blessing wherever the marriage covenant is entered into intelligently, in the fear of God, and with due consideration for its responsibilities."-The Ministry of Healing, pp. 356, 357.

Prerequisites

"Before assuming the responsibilities involved in marriage, young men and young women should have such an experience in practical life as will prepare them for its duties and its burdens. Early marriages are not to be encouraged. A relation so important as marriage and so far-reaching in its results should not be entered upon hastily, without sufficient preparation, and before the mental and physical powers are well developed.

"The parties may not have worldly wealth, but they should have the far greater blessing of health. And in most cases there should not be a great disparity in age. A neglect of this rule may result in seriously impairing the health of the younger. And often the children are robbed of physical and mental strength. They cannot receive from an aged parent the care and companionship which their young lives demand, and they may be deprived by death of the father or the mother at the very time when love and guidance are most needed.

"It is only in Christ that a marriage alliance can be safely formed. Human love should draw its closest bonds from divine love. Only where Christ reigns can there be deep, true, unselfish affection."-Ibid., p. 358.

Sacred Circle

"Though difficulties, perplexities, and discouragements may arise, let neither husband nor wife harbor the thought that their union is a mistake or a disappointment. Determine to be all that it is possible to be to each other. Continue the early attentions. In every way encourage each other in fighting the battles of life. Study to advance the happiness of each other. Let there be mutual love, mutual forbearance. Then marriage, instead of being the end of love, will be as it were the very beginning of love. The warmth of true friendship, the love that binds heart to heart, is a foretaste of the joys of heaven."-Ibid., p. 360.

Purity and Happiness

"To avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." 1 Corinthians 7:2.

"Marriage is a blessing; it guards the purity and happiness of the [human] race."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 46.

"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." Hebrews 13:4.

Every Christian should carefully consider the guidelines contained in the Bible and in the Testimonies. 1 Corinthians 6:18; 7:1-13, 27, 28, 39; Colossians 3:18, 19.

"Around every family there is a sacred circle that should be kept unbroken. Within this circle no other person has a right to come. Let not the husband or the wife permit another to share the confidences that belong solely to themselves."-The Ministry of Healing, p. 361.

"Avoid the first approach to danger. The soul's interests cannot be trifled with. Your capital is your character. Cherish it as you would a golden treasure. Moral purity, self-respect, a strong power of resistance, must be firmly and constantly cherished. There should not be one departure from reserve; one act of familiarity, one indiscretion, may jeopardize the soul in opening the door to temptation, and the power of resistance becomes weakened."-The Adventist Home, p. 404.

"How careful should the husband and father be to maintain his loyalty to his marriage vows! . . . Here is where many are delinquent. Their heart imaginings are not of the pure, holy character which God requires. . . . To married men I am instructed to say, It is to your wives, the mothers of your children, that your respect and affection are due."-Ibid., pp. 336, 337.

"If [our sisters] occupy this position [of humbleness, modesty, reserve], they will not be burdened with undue attention from gentlemen in the church and out. All will feel that there is a sacred circle of purity around these God-fearing women."-Ibid., p. 334.

"Many parents do not obtain the knowledge that they should in the married life. They are not guarded lest Satan take advantage of them and control their minds and their lives. They do not see that God requires them to control their married lives from any excesses. But very few feel it to be a religious duty to govern their passions. They have united themselves in marriage to the object of their choice, and therefore reason that marriage sanctifies the indulgence of the baser passions. Even men and women professing godliness give loose rein to their lustful passions, and have no thought that God holds them accountable for the expenditure of vital energy, which weakens their hold on life and enervates the entire system."-Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 472.

"Those professing to be Christians . . . should duly consider the result of every privilege of the marriage relation, and sanctified principle should be the basis of every action. In very many cases the parents . . . have abused their marriage privileges, and by indulgence have strengthened their animal passions. It is carrying that which is lawful to excess that makes it a grievous sin."-The Adventist Home, p. 122.

"By accepting Christ as His personal Saviour, man is brought into the same close relation to God, and enjoys His special favor as does His own beloved Son. He is honored and glorified and intimately associated with God, his life being hid with Christ in God. O what love, what wondrous love! This is my teaching of moral purity."-Lift Him Up, p. 297.

"The grace of Christ, and this alone, can make [the marriage] institution what God designed it should be-an agent for the blessing and uplifting of humanity. And thus the families of earth, in their unity and peace and love, may represent the family of heaven."-Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 65.

Sexual Immorality

All immoral sexual practices, such as homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, and incest are condemned in the word of God as an abomination. Romans 1:26, 27; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Leviticus 18:6-24; Jude 7.

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How to preach the word of God?

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).“Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).According to these scriptures, it is clear that the gospel message is to reach the ends of the earth. The good news of salvation in Christ must make its way across borders and oceans to reach the farthest corners of the planet. This is the divine command and it is our mission as God’s chosen people. If the world is to be lightened with the glory of God, we have an important part to play in this work.Without a doubt, we sometimes feel the same limitations as the disciples surely felt when the Saviour commanded them to preach the gospel to everyone. The challenge was too big for them as it is for us, but the promise made to them—that His presence would attend them until the end of the world—also belongs to us. (John 17:18, 20.)Thank God, in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy we find not only the charge of tilling the entire field, but also the form and methods to achieve this goal in the short time left. The Lord assigned to us His plan of evangelization, but also left us the tools to carry it out successfully.

Medical missionary work

“The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up” (Isaiah 1:5, 6).“The earth . . . is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth” (Isaiah 24:5, 6).“We have come to a time when every member of the church should take hold of medical missionary work. The world is a lazar house filled with victims of both physical and spiritual disease. Everywhere people are perishing for lack of a knowledge of the truths that have been committed to us. The members of the church are in need of an awakening, that they may realize their responsibility to impart these truths.” Testimonies, vol 7, p62“During His ministry Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching. His miracles testified to the truth of His words, that He came not to destroy but to save. . . .“The followers of Christ are to labor as He did. We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted. We are to minister to the despairing, and inspire hope in the hopeless.” The desire of ages, p350Many doors now closed will open before the delicate touch of the medical missionary. There are thousands of souls who would never be reached unless we use the entering wedge—the light of health reform. Both in the world and in Christendom with its various religious congregations there are many souls who are waiting for the Restorer of health for body, soul, and spirit. Where there is pain, we can make use of the keys in our hands to open the door of many hearts to the truth: A word of encouragement, counsel full of love about nutrition, fervent prayer for the sick, simple treatments by natural means, hymns of praise, prayer for families going through difficulties—all this will open the way to reach the people with the gospel because our great need is God’s opportunity (Luke 4:18).

Personal home visits

The apostle Paul testified: “I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house. . . . Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (Acts 20:20, 31).“Your success will not depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplishments, as upon your ability to find your way to the heart.” Evangelism, p437“Much depends upon the manner in which you meet those whom you visit. You can take hold of a person’s hand in greeting in such a way as to gain his confidence at once, or in so cold a manner that he will think you have no interest in him.” Gospel workers, p189“This house-to-house labor, searching for souls, hunting for the lost sheep, is the most essential work that can be done.” Evangelism, p431“All who can, should do personal labor. As they go from house to house, explaining the Scriptures to the people in a clear, simple manner, God makes the truth powerful to save. The Saviour blesses those who do this work.” Ibid, p442“Of equal importance with special public efforts is house-to-house work in the homes of the people. In large cities there are certain classes that cannot be reached by public meetings. These must be searched out as the shepherd searches for his lost sheep. Diligent, personal effort must be put forth in their behalf. When personal work is neglected, many precious opportunities are lost, which, were they improved, would advance the work decidedly.” Testimonies, vol 9, p111“Let Sabbathkeeping families move . . . [to new areas] and live out the truth before those who know it not. These families can be a help to one another, but let them be careful to do nothing that will hedge up their way. Let them do Christian help work, feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. This will have a far stronger influence for good than the preaching of sermons. Deeds, as well as words, of sympathy are needed. Christ prefaced the giving of His message by deeds of love and benevolence. Let these workers go from house to house, helping where help is needed, and, as opportunity offers, telling the story of the cross. Christ is to be their text. They need not dwell upon doctrinal subjects; let them speak of the work and sacrifice of Christ. Let them hold up His righteousness, in their lives revealing His purity.”Ibid, vol 7, p227-228“Among the members of our churches there should be more house-to-house labor, in giving Bible readings [which we would now call Bible studies] and distributing literature.” Ibid, vol 9, p127“The Lord calls for decided efforts to be put forth in places where the people know nothing of the truth. Singing and prayer and Bible readings are needed in the homes of the people. . . . Those who do this work must have a ready knowledge of the Scriptures. ‘It is written’ is to be their weapon of defense.” The Upward Look, p58

The ministry of music

“What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (1 Corinthians 14:15).“There are few means more effective for fixing [God’s] words in the memory than repeating them in song. And such song has wonderful power. It has power to subdue rude and uncultivated natures; power to quicken thought and to awaken sympathy, to promote harmony of action, and to banish the gloom and foreboding that destroy courage and weaken effort.” Education, p167-168Singing to the glory of God drives away the enemy and praising Him beats Him back, giving us the victory.“While Christ was working at the carpenter’s bench, others would sometimes surround Him, trying to cause Him to be impatient; but He would begin singing some of the beautiful psalms, and before they realized what they were doing, they had joined with Him in singing, influenced, as it were, by the power of the Holy Spirit which was there.” The Adventist Home, p443Souls are drawn to Christ and His church through the ministry of music. An inspirational anthem may touch the heartstrings, and the soul is softened and subdued to receive the saving truth in Christ Jesus.

The ministry of canvassing

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. . . . In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good” (Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2, 6).To provide training in the line of canvassing work is a task that the church must not neglect.“When young men enter the canvassing field filled with an intense longing to save their fellowmen, a harvest for the Lord will be reaped as a result of their efforts. Then let them go forth as missionaries, to proclaim present truth, praying constantly for increased light, and for the guidance of the Spirit, that they may know how to speak words in season to those who are weary. Let them improve every opportunity for performing deeds of kindness, remembering that they are doing errands for the Lord.” Gospel Workers, p96“Our publications are now sowing the gospel seed, and are instrumental in bringing as many souls to Christ as the preached word. Whole churches have been raised up as the result of their circulation.” The Review and Herald, june 10, 1880The sale of books and magazines can be fruitful, yet interest in the truth can also be raised up through surveys, religious opinion polls, and questionnaires about health and family topics. These inquiries pave the way for conversation and Bible courses should be available to follow up on the interest.Jesus has given us a few examples of an opinion poll: “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13–16). (This conversation took place in the circle of the disciples but a similar example posed to the public is found in Matthew 11:7–11.)God’s appeal echoes down through the centuries: “Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it” (Jeremiah 5:1).

Public conferences

Jesus is presented to us in the scriptures as the greatest speaker ever known. Often His speeches were made in open fields to the ears of large crowds. (See Matthew 5:1, 2; 14:14; Luke 21:37, 38.)The apostles also adopted this approach in preaching the gospel. After Pentecost, their messages were accompanied by power and wisdom from on high to touch the hearts of thousands of listeners. (See Acts 2:41; 4:4.)When William Miller gave lectures on the second coming of Christ, it drew crowds and produced a great sensation. “No wild excitement attended the meetings, but a deep solemnity pervaded the minds of those who heard.” Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. white, p16Ellen Harmon attended these meetings and was deeply moved by them.“In the cities of today, where there is so much to attract and please, the people can be interested by no ordinary efforts. Ministers of God’s appointment will find it necessary to put forth extraordinary efforts in order to arrest the attention of the multitudes. And when they succeed in bringing together a large number of people, they must bear messages of a character so out of the usual order that the people will be aroused and warned.” Testimonies, vol 9, 109

Camp meeting

“Camp meetings are to be held in many places, and evangelistic work is to be done after the camp meeting is over. Thus the sheaves are to be gathered in.” Evangelism, 399“And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts: I will go also” (Zechariah 8:21).“The camp meeting is one of the most important agencies in our work. It is one of the most effective methods of arresting the attention of the people and reaching all classes with the gospel invitation. The time in which we live is a time of intense excitement. Ambition and war, pleasure and money-making, absorb the minds of men. Satan sees that his time is short, and he has set all his agencies at work, that men may be deceived, deluded, occupied, and entranced, until probation shall be ended and the door of mercy be forever shut.” Testimonies, vol 6, p31“If our camp meetings are conducted as they should be, they will indeed be a light in the world. They should be held in the large cities and towns where the message of truth has not been proclaimed. And they should continue for two or three weeks. It may sometimes be advisable to hold a camp meeting for several successive seasons in the same place; but as a rule the place of meeting should be changed from year to year. Instead of having mammoth camp meetings in a few localities, more good would be done by having smaller meetings in many places. Thus the work will be constantly extending into new fields.” Ibid, p33

Why attend the camp meeting?

“Come, brethren and sisters, to these sacred convocation meetings, to find Jesus. He will come up to the feast. He will be present, and He will do for you that which you most need to have done. Your farms should not be considered of greater value than the higher interests of the soul.” Ibid, vol 2, p575-576“It is important that the members of our churches should attend our camp meetings. The enemies of truth are many; and because our numbers are few, we should present as strong a front as possible. Individually you need the benefits of the meeting, and God calls upon you to number one in the ranks of truth.The lay members of our churches can accomplish a work which, as yet, they have scarcely begun.“Some will say: ‘It is expensive to travel, and it would be better for us to save the money and give it for the advancement of the work where it is so much needed.’ Do not reason in this way; God calls upon you to take your place among the rank and file of His people. Strengthen the meeting all you possibly can by being present with your families. Put forth extra exertion to attend the gathering of God’s people.“Brethren and sisters, it would be far better for you to let your business suffer than to neglect the opportunity of hearing the message God has for you. Make no excuse that will keep you from gaining every spiritual advantage possible. You need every ray of light. You need to become qualified to give a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. You cannot afford to lose one such privilege.” Ibid, vol 6, p39

Moving into new areas

“Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee” (Genesis 12:1).Sometimes when our people move from one city or country to another, they easily fall into anonymity and thus lose their connection with the church—and in some cases their relationship with Jesus, only to end up dying spiritually.But God’s plan is that instead of this, we are to take Jesus with us wherever we go, as Abraham did. Wherever we raise our camp, a new mission field should be established, just as Abraham would leave an altar for the Lord.“God calls for Christian families to go into communities that are in darkness and error, and work wisely and perseveringly for the Master. To answer this call requires self-sacrifice.” Ibid, vol 9, p33“The lay members of our churches can accomplish a work which, as yet, they have scarcely begun. None should move into new places merely for the sake of worldly advantage; but where there is an opening to obtain a livelihood, let families that are well grounded in the truth enter, one or two families in a place, to work as missionaries. They should feel a love for souls, a burden of labor for them, and should make it a study how to bring them into the truth. They can distribute our publications, hold meetings in their homes, become acquainted with their neighbors, and invite them to come to these meetings. Thus they can let their light shine in good works.” Testimonies, vol 8, p245

Printed and audiovisual materials

Besides spreading printed literature, one effective method of lay evangelism is through the use of audiovisual material. Short messages recorded on audio or video have had extraordinary influence in arousing the interest of many souls who have come to take their position on the side of the present truth. Wherever this method has been tested, we know it works. Brethren from various countries can testify that what we are saying is true.“New methods must be introduced. God’s people must awake to the necessities of the time in which they are living. God has men whom He will call into His service—men who will not carry forward the work in the lifeless way in which it has been carried forward in the past. . . . ” Evangelism, p70“Means will be devised to reach hearts. Some of the methods used in this work will be different from the methods used in the work in the past; but let no one, because of this, block the way by criticism.“Men are needed who pray to God for wisdom, and who, under the guidance of God, can put new life into the old methods of labor and can invent new plans and new methods of awakening the interest of church members and reaching the men and women of the world.” Ibid, p105

Radio and television program

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). It would be a big mistake not to take advantage of the mass media to preach the gospel. Through radio and television programs and selective forms of social media, we can reach hundreds and even thousands with the message of Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.Jesus declared: “What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops” (Matthew 10:27).Without a doubt, this is another effective way to reach many with the message of truth. More workers must be educated and properly trained to do this work in a professional manner. Many among us have this vocation, and can well be educated to perfect this beautiful talent to speak wisely from the microphones of a radio or TV channel.May God bless all the media used in preaching the Gospel. Amen!by José A. Usuga Goéz  Thanks for reading, May God Bless You.