Ellen G. White
I should be very clear on this: Ellen White does not determine doctrine in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. That authority belongs to the Bible - and the Bible alone. Ellen White's role, both in the early church and today, was and is to point people to Scripture, not to replace it, stand above it, or reinterpret it. That role she does very well.

DID YOU KNOW?
MERCY PREVAILED.

SABBATH OBSERVERS WERE SPARED AS UGANDA'S NATIONAL CLEANING DAY UNFOLDED.

Government Grants Last-Minute Exemption, But Questions Remain As Enforcement Intensifies Across the Country

The first National Cleaning Day has come and gone, leaving in its wake a landscape of sweeping enforcement, scattered arrests, and a profound relief for thousands of Seventh-day Adventists who had feared the sacred Sabbath would be consumed by civic obligation. What emerged was not the crisis many had anticipated, but rather a demonstration of how religious liberty, when pressed, can still find room to breathe, even if only by the narrowest of margins.

As the sun rose over Uganda on Saturday, July 25, the government's mandatory three-hour cleaning directive took effect across the nation. Security personnel sealed off major routes, vehicles were brought to a standstill, and businesses remained shuttered. In Mukono, the enforcement was described as possessing “unusual firmness,” with security forces linking arms with locals to refuse passage to every vehicle, including official ones. In Wakiso, traffic officers mounted roadblocks, and people who refused to comply found themselves in confrontations with police. In Greater Iganga, several individuals were arrested for failing to comply with the directive. The message was clear: this was not a suggestion but a command.

Yet amid this landscape of compulsion, a remarkable exception was made.

Following urgent consultations with the Office of the Prime Minister, NRM Deputy Secretary General Rosemary Namayanja issued a statement that would prove decisive for the Adventist community. “Following consultations with the Office of the Prime Minister regarding Cabinet Circular No. 1 of 2026 on National Cleaning Days, I wish to inform our Seventh-day Adventist brothers and sisters that they may proceed to worship Saturday, 25 July, without hindrance.” Adventists across the country were free to attend worship services, to gather in fellowship, to devote themselves to prayer and Scripture, all while the rest of the nation picked up brooms and shovels.

The exemption, however, was not a permanent solution but a temporary reprieve. Namayanja made clear that consultations remain ongoing regarding whether Adventist members will undertake the cleaning activities on Friday or Sunday. No final agreement has been reached. The Church leadership, under Uganda Union Mission President Pastor Samuel Kajoba, continues to engage the government in a spirit of mutual respect, seeking an amicable solution that upholds both the national objective and the constitutional freedom of worship.

The question that now demands an answer is whether any Adventists were forced to work or any churches were closed during the exercise. The available evidence suggests that the exemption was largely honored.

There are no reports of Adventist churches being forcibly closed or of Adventist worshipers being compelled to abandon their services to join the cleaning exercise. The government's explicit directive appears to have been communicated effectively to enforcement personnel. While police enforced movement restrictions across the country, stopping motorists and restricting vehicle movement, there is no indication that those traveling to or from worship services were targeted. The exemption appears to have been respected in practice, not merely in principle.

The exemption granted was a recognition that religious liberty cannot be casually set aside in the name of public hygiene. But mercy granted in one instance does not establish a principle. The ongoing consultations regarding a permanent accommodation, allowing Adventists to clean on Friday or Sunday, will determine whether this temporary reprieve becomes a lasting protection or merely a pause before the next collision.

For now, Adventist congregations across Uganda worshiped in peace. The churches remained open. The faithful were not compelled to labor. The Sabbath was preserved. But as the government prepares for the next National Cleaning Day on the last Saturday of August, the question remains unresolved: will religious liberty continue to be honored, or will the demands of civic duty once again press against the boundaries of conscience?

The issue before us is larger than community cleaning. It touches the enduring principle that when God has declared a day holy, His people must carefully preserve its sacredness. Public health is important. Clean communities are important. But so is the freedom to honor the Sabbath according to the dictates of conscience. Uganda has taken a step in the right direction by granting this exemption. The hope now is that the ongoing dialogue between church leaders and government officials will produce a permanent solution that respects both civic responsibility and freedom of conscience.

Gospel Angels Broadcasting

A Nugget of Truth.
THE FOUNDING FATHERS DID NOT WANT CHURCH AND STATE UNITED.

Why Religious Liberty Is Both An American Constitutional Principle And A Biblical Principle.

Few ideas have become more politically charged in modern America than the relationship between church and state. Increasingly, influential voices insist that the "separation of church and state" is a myth because those exact words do not appear in the United States Constitution. Some now argue that the church should direct the government and that America's founders intended civil authorities to promote and enforce religious objectives. Such claims are often presented as a recovery of America's original heritage.

Yet history tells a very different story.

When the writings of the Founding Fathers are honestly examined, and when the principles of Scripture are allowed to interpret the issue, the evidence overwhelmingly points in the opposite direction. America was deliberately designed to prevent the union of ecclesiastical authority and civil power. This was not because the founders opposed religion. Many believed religion to be essential to morality and the health of society. Rather, they understood from both history and experience that whenever the church gains the power of the state or whenever the state controls the church, religious liberty eventually dies.

This principle is not merely constitutional. From a biblical perspective, it is one of the great principles of God's government and forms a central theme in Bible prophecy.

The debate frequently centres upon Thomas Jefferson's famous expression, "a wall of separation between church and state." Critics often dismiss the phrase by pointing out that it appears in a private letter to the Danbury Baptist Association rather than in the Constitution itself. Because the exact wording is absent from the Constitution, they conclude that the concept itself is absent as well.

This argument overlooks the obvious.

The Constitution does not need to contain a particular phrase for the principle to be plainly expressed.

The First Amendment declares:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

Those few words establish two complementary protections. Government may neither establish religion nor interfere with its free exercise. The state is forbidden from controlling religion, and religion is forbidden from controlling the state through civil legislation. Jefferson's famous "wall" was not an invention; it was his explanation of what the First Amendment already meant.

His 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptists simply clarified that religion "lies solely between man and his God," and that civil government possesses authority over actions that affect society, not over the conscience of individuals. His metaphor beautifully summarized the constitutional principle already adopted by the American people.

Nor was Jefferson alone.
James Madison, often called the Father of the Constitution and principal architect of the First Amendment, repeatedly defended the complete separation of ecclesiastical and civil authority. Having witnessed the religious persecutions that plagued both Europe and the American colonies, Madison believed that uniting church and state inevitably corrupted both institutions.

He observed that the purpose of separating religion from government was to prevent America from repeating "the ceaseless strife" that had drenched Europe in blood for centuries. History fully vindicates his warning.

From the medieval papacy to the religious wars of Europe, whenever governments enforced religious doctrine, persecution followed. Millions suffered imprisonment, torture, exile, and death because civil authorities assumed authority over matters that belong only to God.

The Protestant Reformers themselves fled nations where church and state worked together to punish dissenters. Many of the early settlers who arrived in America came precisely because they sought freedom from state-controlled religion.

Ironically, some colonies repeated the very mistakes from which they had escaped, establishing state churches that persecuted religious minorities. These painful experiences profoundly shaped the thinking of Jefferson, Madison, and many other founders.

They concluded that the surest protection for genuine religion was not government enforcement but religious liberty. Religion flourishes best when it depends upon persuasion rather than coercion.

Madison himself warned that even sincere religious institutions become corrupted once they acquire political power. Civil authority tempts religious leaders to rely upon legislation instead of spiritual conviction. The result is often moral decline within the church itself.

History confirms his observation repeatedly. The closer religion aligns itself with political power, the more both institutions become corrupted.

From a biblical perspective, these conclusions harmonize perfectly with Scripture. God Himself never forces worship. From the beginning of creation, He established moral freedom as one of the governing principles of His universe. Lucifer was not compelled to remain loyal. The angels were free to choose. Adam and Eve possessed genuine freedom. Throughout Scripture God invites, pleads, warns, and reasons with humanity, but He never compels conscience.

Joshua declared: "Choose you this day whom ye will serve" (Joshua 24:15).

Isaiah records God's appeal: "Come now, and let us reason together" (Isaiah 1:18).

Jesus stood at the door and knocked; He did not force entrance (Revelation 3:20).
Even Christ refused political methods to establish His kingdom. When crowds attempted to make Him king by force, He withdrew from them (John 6:15).
When questioned by Pilate, Jesus plainly declared: "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36).

Christ never instructed His followers to seize civil authority in order to spread the gospel. Instead, He commissioned them to preach, teach, persuade, love, and serve. Truth advances through the Holy Spirit, never through legislative force. This distinction appears clearly in Christ's famous statement:"Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21).

Jesus acknowledged legitimate civil authority while carefully distinguishing it from God's authority over conscience.

Caesar could collect taxes.
Caesar could administer civil justice.
But Caesar possessed no authority over worship. The conscience belongs exclusively to God.

The apostles reinforced this same principle. When forbidden to preach Christ, they respectfully replied:
"We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).

Their loyalty to civil government ended where civil government attempted to control religious duty.

This biblical distinction becomes especially significant when studying prophecy. The books of Daniel and Revelation consistently identify the union of religious authority with civil power as one of the defining characteristics of end-time apostasy.

Daniel 3 portrays King Nebuchadnezzar establishing a religious image and commanding universal worship under penalty of death.

The issue was not civil law.
It was enforced worship.
Daniel 6 presents civil legislation compelling religious practice by forbidding prayer to anyone except the king. Again, government invaded the realm of conscience. In both cases God's faithful people respectfully refused compliance.

The principle reaches its fullest development in Revelation 13. There John describes a religious power joining forces with civil authority to compel worship and punish dissent. The second beast causes the earth to worship the first beast and enforces compliance through economic sanctions and eventually a universal death decree.

This is precisely the union of church and state. It represents the final revival of the medieval system in which religious authority employs governmental power to enforce religious observance.

From a sound biblical understanding of prophecy, this alliance constitutes one of the final events preceding Christ's return. The prophetic issue is not merely false doctrine but coerced worship. God calls every person to worship Him voluntarily, while the powers described in Revelation compel worship through civil authority.

This is why religious liberty occupies such an important place in Adventist theology. The issue extends far beyond constitutional law. It concerns the character of God Himself. God desires willing obedience born of love, not forced conformity produced by legislation.

This perspective is reflected powerfully in the writings of Ellen G. White, who repeatedly warned that Protestant churches seeking the assistance of civil government would eventually repeat the mistakes of medieval Rome. She understood that whenever religious bodies abandon persuasion for political coercion, prophecy is being fulfilled.

History demonstrates that genuine religious liberty protects believers of every faith. Faith chosen freely possesses infinitely greater value than faith compelled by law. The Founding Fathers understood this truth because they had studied history. The Bible teaches this truth because it reveals the character of God. Prophecy confirms this truth because it predicts the consequences when that principle is abandoned.

The real issue, therefore, is not whether the exact words "separation of church and state" appear in the Constitution.
The issue is whether the principle appears there. The First Amendment answers that question unmistakably.
Jefferson explained it.
Madison defended it.
American history confirms it.
The Bible upholds it.
Prophecy talked about it.

America's greatest constitutional achievement was not the establishment of religion but the protection of religious liberty.

As the final conflict of Revelation approaches, that distinction will become increasingly important. The central issue will not simply be whom people worship, but whether worship is freely given or legally compelled. In that coming crisis, the constitutional wisdom of the American founders and the prophetic warnings of Scripture converge upon the same timeless truth: genuine faith can never be produced by the power of the state. Only the Holy Spirit can write God's law upon the human heart.

Gospel Angels Broadcasting

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional.
To Learn and Grow in Jesus.

By Rachel Walls

July 3rd, 2026

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:10

When I came to work at 3ABN, I was 19 years old and just out of high school, and I was so excited to have a full-time day job with medical insurance. I knew I would be learning new things - you know, work experience - but I never thought it would help me grow spiritually. You see, I grew up in the United Pentecostal Church and was taught if you don't repent, be baptized in Jesus' name, nor live for Him, you will burn in Hell forever. The thought of that scared me to no end, but I always wondered how a loving, merciful God could let people burn forever.

I had never heard of 3ABN, and I didn't know anything about the Seventh-day Adventist beliefs, so when I started working in their Call Center, it was quite different than working at Long John Silver's fast-food restaurant. It was also quite different religiously than what I grew up to know to be the truth. Of course, I had customer experience, but taking customers' orders for religious material other than what I had ever known was something new for me.

I had only been working a few days when a colorful little booklet, Does God Love Sinners Forever? by Danny Shelton, caught my eye. Then I read the other questions on the cover—"Is there a hell? How long will it burn?" I certainly was curious but didn't read it right away since I had to get back to work. Instead, I tossed it into the back of my mind and forgot about it.

Several months went by, and more and more customers were calling to order that booklet. Again, I thought, How could a loving, merciful God let people burn in Hell forever? I need to read this booklet. Thus, my journey began.

That night I read the booklet. And then I read it again, and everything started making sense. There is a hell, but sinners don't burn forever and ever. Hell is when sinners who don't want to spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven burn up and perish in their last days on Earth. His Second Coming is to end all evil, heartache, and pain—not keep the devil and Hell around forever.

As Danny wrote in the booklet, "The righteous dead are not in Heaven today, and the wicked dead are not burning in hellfire now. Jesus is bringing their reward with Him, whether that is eternal life or eternal death! Revelation 22:12 says, 'Behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.' So therefore, no one has been punished yet. No one has faced Judgement Day."

One of my favorite verses is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." God is a God of love, not evil.

I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I could have started working anywhere, but I was pulled to work at 3ABN. I was told of the positive atmosphere and wonderful working environment at the ministry. But I have learned so much more—how co-workers and friends rally together to help or pray for someone in need, how wonderful it is to work for a ministry that truly cares about you and your family needs, and how great it is to learn and grow in Jesus—to have everlasting life with a loving God in Heaven. We are truly blessed!

Am Looking for seventh Day Adventist Friends

SEED OF LIFE
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
• Philippians 2:3-4

The best legacy that parents can leave their children is a knowledge of useful labour and the example of a life characterised by self-sacrificing love.
–The Ministry of Healing, p. 366 (or The Adventist Home, p. 390)

• A Point to Ponder•
The greatest legacy from parents to their children is not a material inheritance, but a living faith.
(FrontierOfHopeMinistry)

Hello; You are invited to join us at;
Rossville Seventh Day Adventist Church.
To learn more about our Lord Jesus (Christ), And The Word of God.

1737 Mission Ridge Rd. Rossville GA. 30741

Prayer meeting starts at 9:00 am

Sabbath School starts at 9:30 am

Service starts at 11:00 am Saturday morning (Sabbath morning).

Pastor - Greg Hudson

Head Elder - Gary Plank

Evangelist - Mike Powers

Please join us, This week.

We are Saved to serve, and serve so that others may be saved.

May God bless, and keep you.

Daily Bible Lesson
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE—WHEN HUMAN LAW CHALLENGES GOD’S CREATED ORDER
Marriage belongs to the Creator—not to culture, courts, or changing society.

Beloved, the question is not: “What does society allow?”
The question is: “What did God create?”

Human law may legalize.
Culture may celebrate.
Courts may redefine.
But no earthly power can rewrite the blueprint of Heaven.

“Male and female created he them.” — Genesis 1:27
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife.” — Genesis 2:24

Jesus Himself pointed back to Eden:

“He which made them at the beginning made them male and female… For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife.” — Matthew 19:4–5

Christ did not redefine marriage. He restored it to creation: one man, one woman, one covenant, under God.
---

MARRIAGE WAS CREATED BY GOD

Marriage did not begin in government.
It did not begin in culture.
It did not begin in courts.

It began in Eden.

“God celebrated the first marriage. Thus the institution has for its originator the Creator of the universe.”
— Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 46

“Marriage is honorable”; it was one of the first gifts of God to man.
— The Adventist Home, p. 25

If God created marriage, man has no authority to redesign it.
---

SCRIPTURE DOES NOT SANCTIFY WHAT GOD FORBIDS

The Bible speaks plainly:

“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” — Leviticus 18:22

“Even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men…” — Romans 1:26–27

“Be not deceived… nor abusers of themselves with mankind… shall inherit the kingdom of God.” — 1 Corinthians 6:9–10

But heaven’s mercy does not stop there:

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed… sanctified… justified in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — 1 Corinthians 6:11

God’s Word exposes sin—but Christ’s blood can cleanse every surrendered sinner.

This is not hatred.
This is not cruelty.
This is not permission to mock anyone.

Christians must love every soul—but we must never call sin holy.
---

LEGAL DOES NOT MEAN HOLY

Same-sex marriage was first legalized in the Netherlands in 2001.
In the United States, it became nationwide in 2015 through Obergefell v. Hodges.

But legality is not the test of truth.

Human law once protected slavery.
Human law once condemned Bible believers.
Human law once crucified Christ.

“We ought to obey God rather than men.” — Acts 5:29

A thing can be legal before men and still be rebellion before God.
---

THE REAL ISSUE IS AUTHORITY

If society can redefine marriage, what will it redefine next?

Marriage?
Gender?
Family?
Morality?
Truth itself?

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil.” — Isaiah 5:20
“Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come.” — Revelation 14:7

When man removes God from morality, sin becomes policy and rebellion becomes progress.
---

SODOM IS A WARNING

Sodom was not destroyed because God lacked love.
Sodom fell because sin became bold, public, and unrepented.

“The men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” — Genesis 13:13

“Sodom and Gomorrha… going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example.” — Jude 7

“The sin of Sodom is the sin of many cities now in existence.”
— Manuscript Releases, Vol. 4, p. 121

When a generation mocks warning and celebrates what God condemns, it is walking near the edge of judgment.
---

ILLUSTRATION: THE BLUEPRINT

Imagine an architect giving builders the perfect blueprint.

But the builders say:

“We prefer our own design.”
“We will move the foundation.”
“We will change the structure.”
“We will still call it the same house.”

Then the building collapses.

Why?

Because sincerity cannot save a structure built against the blueprint.

Marriage has a blueprint.
The Architect is God.
No generation can safely rebuild what God has already defined.
---

APPLICATION

Christian, wake up.

Do not let culture disciple your conscience.
Do not let emotion erase Scripture.
Do not let “love” silence holiness.
Do not let compassion become agreement with sin.

We must be tender with people—
but firm with truth.

We must love sinners—
but never bless rebellion.

We must speak with tears—
but still speak.

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” — John 17:17

A church that refuses to warn sinners is not loving—it is sleeping.

THE REMEDY IS CHRIST

This message is not only warning.
It is hope.

Jesus can cleanse the broken.
Jesus can restore the confused.
Jesus can forgive the guilty.
Jesus can transform the heart.
Jesus can make every surrendered soul new.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us… and to cleanse us.” — 1 John 1:9

The gospel does not leave people in sin.
It forgives, cleanses, restores, and transforms.
---

Beloved, this is not the hour for silent Christianity.

Human law is challenging God’s order.
Culture is rewriting God’s design.
The world is calling rebellion love.

But Heaven has not changed.

“Come out from among them, and be ye separate.” — 2 Corinthians 6:17
“Be ye also ready.” — Matthew 24:44

Speak truth with love.
Stand firm without hatred.
Warn with tears.
Pray with burden.
Call sinners to Christ—not to condemnation, but to cleansing.

Human law may redefine marriage, but Heaven still recognizes the blueprint of Eden: one man, one woman, one covenant, under one Creator. Therefore, repent while mercy still pleads, break away from every sin God condemns, return fully to Christ, and warn others before culture makes rebellion look like love and sin feel like righteousness.

A Nugget of Truth.
CATHOLIC SOURCES ADMIT IT: SUNDAY SACREDNESS IS NOT A BIBLE COMMAND.

This is not Adventist imagination.
This is not hatred.
This is not a weak argument.

Even Catholic sources acknowledge the difference between the Bible Sabbath and Sunday tradition.

And every honest heart must face one question:

IF GOD SANCTIFIED THE SEVENTH DAY, WHO POINTED THE WORLD TO ANOTHER?

1. THE CATHOLIC CATECHISM ADMITS THE SABBATH IS THE SEVENTH DAY

The official Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

«“The seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the LORD.” — CCC 2168»

It also says:

«“The Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.” — CCC 2169»

So even Catholic teaching recognizes the Bible fact:

THE SABBATH IS THE SEVENTH DAY.

“The seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God.” — Exodus 20:10

2. THE SAME CATECHISM POINTS TO SUNDAY

The Catechism says Sunday is distinct from the Sabbath and that Sunday observance replaces Sabbath observance in Catholic worship.

That is the issue:

God says seventh day.
Tradition points to Sunday.

THE BIBLE SAYS SABBATH.
ROME POINTS TO SUNDAY.
THE FINAL ISSUE IS AUTHORITY.

3. THE CONVERT’S CATECHISM ADMITS SATURDAY IS THE SABBATH

Peter Geiermann’s The Convert’s Catechism of Catholic Doctrine is widely cited:

«“Which is the Sabbath day?”
“Saturday is the Sabbath day.”»

Then it explains Sunday observance by saying the Catholic Church transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday.

Can it be clearer?

GOD SANCTIFIED SATURDAY.
CHURCH AUTHORITY CLAIMED SUNDAY.

4. CARDINAL GIBBONS’ CHALLENGE STILL SPEAKS

Cardinal James Gibbons is widely cited as saying that one may read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and find no line authorizing Sunday sanctification, while Scripture enforces Saturday.

So ask:

Where did God bless Sunday?
Where did Jesus sanctify Sunday?
Where did the apostles command Sunday holiness?
Where did Scripture say the Sabbath was changed?

There is no verse.

IF SUNDAY SACREDNESS IS NOT IN SCRIPTURE, THEN ITS AUTHORITY IS NOT SCRIPTURE.

5. THE CHANGE IS CLAIMED AS CHURCH AUTHORITY

Catholic sources and cited records have presented the Sabbath-to-Sunday change as proof of ecclesiastical authority—not as an explicit command from God’s Word.

That is not a small claim.

That is an authority claim.

“He shall… think to change times and laws.”
— Daniel 7:25

Where do time and law meet?

In the Sabbath commandment.

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
— Exodus 20:8

PROPHECY WARNED IT.
HISTORY CONFIRMS IT.
SCRIPTURE EXPOSES IT.

CAN THE ISSUE BE ANY CLEARER?

The Bible says Sabbath.
Tradition says Sunday.
God sanctified the seventh day.
Man pointed to another day.

Sunday sacredness rests on church tradition—not an explicit Bible command.

The Sabbath points to God’s authority as Creator.

The final crisis will expose loyalty: God’s Word or human tradition.

“We ought to obey God rather than men.”
— Acts 5:29

“Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
— Revelation 14:12

BELOVED, THIS TRUTH IS NOT FOR ARGUMENT ONLY.

It is given to prepare a people to stand.

Do not preach the Sabbath with pride.
Preach it with tears.

Do not defend the seventh day while breaking its spirit.
Let Christ sanctify the heart.

Because the final test will not merely ask:

“What day did you know?”

It will ask:

WHO HAD YOUR LOYALTY?

The Bible says Sabbath.
Tradition says Sunday.
Prophecy warned of the change.
God’s remnant will stand.

GOD SANCTIFIED THE SEVENTH DAY—WHO POINTED THE WORLD TO ANOTHER?

The Present Truth # 1
God's Letter to You.

Heaven's Pledge - Our Assurance
At some stage in life, individuals question their existence and purpose in life. A young mind generally has hopes and aspirations for the future. A discontented or discouraged mind finds it hard to accept a purpose or reason for life. Then there are the lonely, the empty, the unhappy. How can your life become more fulfilling, healthy, interesting? What lies after death? Is it possible to receive eternal life? Human hearts of every walk of life question the uncertain, yet desire an answer to satisfy their needs of security and contentment. No doubt at times such questions enter your mind. Are there answers to life's vital questions? Where can you find them? We all have some beliefs or ideas, but how accurate are they? No book ever written reveals so well the answer to these and many other fundamental questions except the Holy Bible. It reveals how life can be lived and enjoyed to the fullest. This is a promise.

Who Wrote the Bible?
Some critics have claimed that the Bible is only a book written by ordinary men, and therefore is just like any other book. The first part of this assertion is partly true but the latter is false. Yes, the book was written by men, but they had one different characteristic to most authors.

“ . . . holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21.

God selected righteous men to pen His messages. They were not naturally creative writers, but events and messages were recorded as they were revealed and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Visions and thoughts were received and these holy men, knowing these were from God, faithfully wrote in their own language what they were shown.

Thus there is a variety of style and of expression in the Bible, but no contradictions. There is a common theme throughout the collection of writings and a unity of beliefs.

“The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.” 2 Samuel 23:2.

No one was entrusted to write God’s sacred messages without receiving divine assistance.

Actually the Bible is a compendium of books and its real Author is the Almighty. Throughout all these sacred writings is the theme of salvation from sin and its consequences, if we accept God's provisions and counsels.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

The Scriptures also tell us of God and His loving character. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

Divisions
Sixty-six books were written by nearly 40 writers during a period of approximately 1,600 years. Thirty-nine of the books constitute what is known as the Old Testament and twenty-seven comprise the New Testament. Whenever Jesus referred to Scripture, He quoted the Old Testament (the New Testament had not yet been written).

The Old Testament has three major sections. Jesus said, “. . . These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” Luke 24:44.

“The law of Moses” refers to the first five books of the Bible. They were written by Moses and are often referred to as “the law,” because they contain all the laws that were given to ancient Israel. The ceremonial laws were symbolic and terminated at the cross. But there is far more to “Moses” than just the ceremonial system. Primarily it consists of the doctrines and principles of establishing God's church on earth. First there is the moral law as given by God Himself, then nature's laws, health, and doctrines of order and organization.

“The prophets” refer to all the prophetic books. Some books in other classifications also have prophetic sections but, for ease of identification, each book is only placed in one category. For instance, Jesus used this type of terminology when talking with two disciples who were traveling to Emmaus after Jesus' resurrection: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

One of the most compelling tests of the authenticity of the Scriptures is the evidence of prophecy, for true prophecy is the recording of history in advance. Many of the prophecies of the Bible were written hundreds of years before their fulfilment, others are occurring now, some refer to our future. So important is prophecy that God challenges anyone to accurately predict the future in detail as He does.

“Produce your cause, saith the Lord; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods; yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.” Isaiah 41:21-23.

“Psalms” or poetry. The poetical books are Job, the Song of Solomon, and the Psalms. Some translations of the Bible record all the poetical sections in poetical format rather than prose. Although the meter is lost in translation from the original language, the beauty, majesty and pathos of the poetry of the Bible is still apparent and may be readily appreciated.

The Power and Purpose of the Bible
The power of God's word is demonstrated in many ways. When we scan the heavens and behold the sun, moon, planets and the myriads of stars, all orbiting their appointed trajectory through the immense expanse of space, we are witnessing the power of the Word of God!

“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalm 33:6, 9.

Yet a still greater power is contained in the living Word. Jesus, the son of God said, “. . . the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. What is this power? What is its purpose?

“For the word of God is quick, 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.” Hebrews 4:12.

“The word” has within itself power, deep, abiding, and eternal. It leads us to see ourselves as we really are. It searches our inmost failures and yearnings, and provides the power to raise us from the lowest degradation. It has power which is able to make and keep men right, something we cannot do for ourselves. The Bible is able to transform our character and to make each person radiant, joyous, and full of hope.

The Psalmist testified of this marvelous transforming power: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11.

How long will the word of God endure? Christ declared: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35.

Comparing the short life span of man with the Word of God, the apostle Peter wrote: “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever . . . ” 1 Peter 1:24, 25.

On the midst of all the turmoil and strife of this present age, the Bible stands as an immovable, unchangeable beacon, with its light pointing to the true haven. It is a teacher and counselor of the highest order.

Can Everyone Understand the Bible?
For centuries it has been claimed by the clergy that the Bible should not be read by lay members because only learned theologians are able to interpret its doctrines. This withholding of the Scriptures from the people resulted in an intellectual, spiritual, and moral decline known, today, as the “Dark Ages.” “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6.

Contrary to the stated belief of “the clergy,” “the entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130.

Therefore, the Word of God is not only for intellectuals to understand, but if studied and obeyed, it will ennoble and elevate the humble searcher for truth, whatever his station in life. Christ declared that God's Word was more readily understood by those of open minds “babies” in trusting and absorbing just what God says, than by those who claim to be “wise.”

“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Matthew 11:25.

Often men of considerable learning, whether secular or theological, are too proud to admit wrong and thus disqualify themselves from understanding the truth of God. This is clearly illustrated in the Bible by the attitude of the learned scribes and Pharisees toward the teachings and person of Christ. Although they had theoretical knowledge, they could not accept the truth being presented to them.

The Lord sees those who are humbly seeking for truth: “. . . to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2.

As we have read before, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” In other words, the “Spirit of God” gave the messages to the various writers. In order to understand the Word of God aright, we need this same Spirit to guide our mind when we read the Bible.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13.

The written Word of God is God's voice speaking to us. It should always be treated with respect and should be studied with genuine desire to understand truth and its messages. Time spent searching the Scriptures should be regarded as time being spent in contact with the Divine. Therefore, before opening your Bible always pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and believe that you will be directed and taught aright.

Why Are There So Many Different Interpretations of the Bible?
This question is often asked by skeptics as an argument that the Bible is unreliable. But are they right? What is the key to true understanding?

One reason is given by the apostle Peter: “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:16.

In addition the Bible reproves sin and lays open the hidden secrets of the heart. This is not agreeable to our human nature which seeks to obscure the Scripture's plain explanations. The apostle Paul prophesied: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, have itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3, 4.

It is impossible to come to a right understanding of the Bible if our hearts are not changed, because sinful human nature is opposed to the Spirit of God. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.

Today men are eagerly seeking for personal advantage. For the sake of gaining riches, honor or power, they place the maxims, traditions and requirements of men above the requirements of God. From such the treasures of God's word are hidden.

Obedience is one key to a true understanding of the Scriptures. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:17.

The Theme of Bible Inspiration
Many books have a central figure around which the story is woven. The Bible too has a central person in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus said: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

When conversing with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus after His resurrection, Jesus explained this vital truth to them: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

Will There Always Be Opportunity to Study God's Word?
Many people put off searching the Scriptures until they retire, or to some other time in the future. But they are making a fatal mistake!

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.” Amos 8:11-13.

This wonderful book—the Bible—will soon be of no use for men. There will be no more opportunities to understand it or to obey its teachings. The Holy Spirit will not then be available to help people know the truth. Nevertheless, today we still have opportunity. There is still time to become acquainted with God's plan for us.

Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference.