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Conflict and Courage 1 Samuel 25:2-17 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30. In the character of Abigail, the wife of Nabal, we have an illustration of womanhood after the order of Christ; while her husband illustrates what a man may become who yields himself to the control of Satan.17The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 2:1022. When David was a fugitive from the face of Saul, he had camped near the possessions of Nabal, and had protected the flocks and the shepherds of this man.... In a time of need, David sent messengers to Nabal with a courteous message, asking for food for himself and his men, and Nabal answered with insolence, returning evil for good, and refusing to share his abundance with his neighbors. No message could have been more respectful than that which David sent to this man, but Nabal accused David and his men falsely in order to justify himself in his selfishness, and represented David and his followers as runaway slaves. When the messenger returned with this insolent taunt, David's indignation was aroused, and he determined to have speedy revenge. One of the young men in the employ of Nabal, fearing that evil results would follow Nabal's insolence, came and stated the case to Nabal's wife, knowing that she had a different spirit from her husband, and was a woman of great discretion.... Abigail saw that something must be done to avert the result of Nabal's fault, and that she must take the responsibility of acting immediately without the counsel of her husband. She knew that it would be useless to speak to him, for he would only receive her proposition with abuse and contempt. He would remind her that he was the lord of his household, that she was his wife, and therefore in subjection to him, and must do as he should dictate.... Without his consent, she gathered together such stores as she thought best to conciliate the wrath of David; for she knew he was determined to avenge himself for the insult he had received.... Abigail's course in this matter was one that God approved, and the circumstance revealed in her a noble spirit and character.18Manuscript 17, 1891.

Conflict and Courage 1 Samuel 25:2-17 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30. In the character of Abigail, the wife of Nabal, we have an illustration of womanhood after the order of Christ; while her husband illustrates what a man may become who yields himself to the control of Satan.17The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 2:1022. When David was a fugitive from the face of Saul, he had camped near the possessions of Nabal, and had protected the flocks and the shepherds of this man.... In a time of need, David sent messengers to Nabal with a courteous message, asking for food for himself and his men, and Nabal answered with insolence, returning evil for good, and refusing to share his abundance with his neighbors. No message could have been more respectful than that which David sent to this man, but Nabal accused David and his men falsely in order to justify himself in his selfishness, and represented David and his followers as runaway slaves. When the messenger returned with this insolent taunt, David's indignation was aroused, and he determined to have speedy revenge. One of the young men in the employ of Nabal, fearing that evil results would follow Nabal's insolence, came and stated the case to Nabal's wife, knowing that she had a different spirit from her husband, and was a woman of great discretion.... Abigail saw that something must be done to avert the result of Nabal's fault, and that she must take the responsibility of acting immediately without the counsel of her husband. She knew that it would be useless to speak to him, for he would only receive her proposition with abuse and contempt. He would remind her that he was the lord of his household, that she was his wife, and therefore in subjection to him, and must do as he should dictate.... Without his consent, she gathered together such stores as she thought best to conciliate the wrath of David; for she knew he was determined to avenge himself for the insult he had received.... Abigail's course in this matter was one that God approved, and the circumstance revealed in her a noble spirit and character.18Manuscript 17, 1891.

THE ROLE OF WOMEN: A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE Every woman—and every man—should watch this first 👇📺. Please watch it, then read what I have to say on the subject. Much about the role of women in Scripture has been misunderstood because we often superimpose human assumptions onto the Biblical text. Video to watch📺: https://youtu.be/7sTN7v6Vol4?si=yRjAhl-8cEB0qIiF Google Docs link for easy navigation of the cited passages: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ROLE_OF_WOMEN/ EQUALITY AND CO-HEIRS This video highlights an important truth: women are NOT inferior to men in the Biblical context, and I’d like to expand on that. Certainly, men and women are different, but they are also co-heirs of God’s Grace (Gen 1:27-28 - notice the Passage says “them” and not just “him”, meaning the mandate was on both the man and woman, 1 Peter 3:7, Gal 3:28). Furthermore, God has poured out His Holy Spirit on both men and women (Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:16-18). SUBMISSION The speaker in the video addressed the meaning of “helper” from the Hebrew and Biblical context; I’d like to address the subject of “submission” and offer further clarification. There is no question that wives are instructed to submit to their husbands, and that is not changing anytime soon (Col 3:18, Eph 5:22-24). However, the Bible also teaches MUTUAL SUBMISSION (Eph 5:21); furthermore, love, which the husband is instructed to show to the wife (Eph 5:25, 28-29, 33), also entails looking out for the needs and interests of others above oneself (Rom 12:10, 1 Cor 13:4-7). Therefore, both husband and wife ought to practice mutual submission toward one another, just as they each submit to Jesus Christ. SUBMISSION IS NOT INFERIORITY Submission is NOT a dirty word, and it does NOT automatically imply inferiority in the spiritual context. It is from the human perspective that submission is often interpreted as subjugation or oppression. Subjugation is forcing someone to submit to your authority. Likewise, forcing someone to serve your interests without regard for their welfare is oppression. However, in the Biblical context, submission means WILLINGLY yielding to God-ordained authority, and this ends up being mutually beneficial. And in the event that the ones in authority step out of line to become oppressive over those entrusted to them, God steps in to judge, because those who submit to any authority are entitled to fair treatment and benefits for the help they render (Ps 103:6, 9:9-10, 146:7-9, *James 5:4*, Luke 4:18-19, *Matt 5:10-12*). JESUS CHRIST EXEMPLIFIES SUBMISSION Jesus Christ Himself submitted to the will of the Father (Matt 26:39, Heb 5:7-10, John 14:30-31, 15:9-10). He was not forced to lay down His life (John 10:18); He willingly laid down His life to fulfill the Father’s will. He was NOT inferior in any way—He was submissive (Phil 2:5-8). And the Father in turn bestowed authority upon Him in response to His obedience ([John 6:38, 5:19-20, 30], [Phil 2:9-11, Matt 28:18, John 5:26-27, 17:2]); and He, the Father, Personally contends to enforce the authority of His Son (Ps 2:7-12, 110:1-2). And Jesus Christ in turn submits that same authority back to the Father (1 Cor 15:24-28). This reflects perfect harmony, love, and willing cooperation within the Trinity. The Son serves the interests of the Father, and the Father serves the interests of the Son. In other words, the Son works to Glorify the Father (John 17:4, 8:49-50, 7:16-18), and the Father Glorifies the Son (John 8:54, 17:1, 5). And not to leave out the Holy Spirit in this illustration: the Holy Spirit is devoted to glorifying the Father and the Son, and this might seem as though He is relegated to a serving role (John 16:13-15); but then the Father and Son have so exalted the Holy Spirit that any trespass against Him is practically unforgivable, I mean both the Father and Son will contend against anyone who dishonors the Holy Spirit (Gen 6:3, Isaiah 63:10, Matt 12:31-32, 1 John 5:16-17). In this way, the Holy Spirit is exalted and exceedingly honored. So in short the Trinity demonstrates mutual submission. Jesus Christ further demonstrated to all of us the concept of submission, and this further clears the air that submission is NOT inferiority, especially when viewed from a spiritual context. Jesus Christ submitted to the baptism of John the Baptist, even though in this case He was Greater than John the Baptist (Matt 3:13-15, John 1:30, 3:26-30). John was sent by God to prepare the way and reveal Jesus Christ to Israel (John 1:31-34); hence, Jesus Christ in submission to God's long-ordained plan, submitted Himself to the God-given assignment of John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:3, Mal 3:1, Matt 3:1-3). This goes to show that submission is not a status thing, it is laying down one's will in alignment with God-ordained authority. The God-ordained authority in the home is the husband (Eph 5:23), just as Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph 1:22, 4:15), and Father God is Head of Christ (1 Cor 11:3). So wife, your status or affluence is no excuse for you not to submit to your husband. If Jesus Christ could submit to John's baptism, and He could also submit to the Father's will at the cost of His life, even though He was equal with the Father (Phil 2:5-11, John 10:30), then you should also submit to your husband, because that's the authority that God has established in the home. THE HUSBAND’S RESPONSIBILITY Husbands, remember that you too are under the authority of Christ (1 Cor 11:3), and you will give an account to Him (2 Cor 5:10). If you mistreat your wife, even your prayers may be hindered before God (1 Peter 3:7, Mark 11:25-26 NKJV), and God would be unhappy with you (Mal 2:15-16). Your God-ordained role is NOT to subjugate your wife or make life bitter for her, while you make things easy and enjoyable for yourself; your calling as a husband is to love her and seek her well-being (Col 3:19, Deut 24:5, 1 Cor 7:33). LOVE IS A CHOICE Love is a CHOICE—it should NOT depend on mood or on your spouse’s behavior. You, as the husband, are called to love her just as Christ loved the Church (Eph 5:25). Remember: Christ loved us even when our behavior toward Him was unlovable (Rom 5:6-8, 1 John 4:10-11). And His Love wasn't primarily for self-interest, but foremost for the interest and welfare of His Bride, the Church (Eph 5:25-27, 1 Cor 13:4-7). In the same way, you must CHOOSE to love your wife regardless of the circumstances, and seek to better her; that's the oath you swore before people and God when you married her. ABUSE / DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Let me say this clearly—especially to husbands who physically abuse their wives: seek help immediately and stop justifying this sinful behavior. Your wife should have no reason to fear, or be intimidated by your physical strength (1 Peter 3:5-7). Whatever you do to her, you're doing to yourself in the most grievous way (Eph 5:28-30). I mean you are wounding your soul, because God has joined you and her as one (Matt 19:5-6, Mal 2:15 NLT). Soul wounds are more difficult to heal than physical bruises. Such wounds often leave lasting consequences—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally, and it would hinder and frustrate you in ways you can't begin to comprehend. Just like the Newtonian law of cause and effect (i.e. the 3rd Law of Motion), everything one does has a spiritual recompense that may manifest immediately or much later (1 Tim 5:24-25, Gal 6:7-10). So you need to ask yourself the question: is inflicting physical or verbal hurt on your wife worth it, when all of that is just going to boomerang to hurt you one way or the other? Is there actually any advantage to oppressing and intimidating your wife to have your way at her expense? THE HEAD IS NOT SEPARATE FROM THE BODY - ABUSE AFFECTS THE WHOLE BODY Indeed, you as the husband are the head of the home, but together with your wife you're one body, just as Jesus Christ is the Head, but also One Body with the Church (Eph 5:23, 4:11-16). This is a spiritual mystery as Paul said (Eph 5:31-32). Just as the head needs the other parts of the body, you need your wife (1 Cor 12:21). And being that you're one body with your wife, you must understand that no part of the body is isolated from the pain of any part. The body shares in the pain and glory of any part (1 Cor 12:25-26). So if you CHOOSE to inflict physical or verbal pain on your wife, that pain would find a way of coming back on you. But if you CHOOSE to love and better your wife, her glorification will bring you glory and honor (Prov 31:11, 23, 28-31). Remember, subjugation is you trying to force her to submit, and this would be a violation of her will. God did NOT give you strength to rule your wife and children through fear or intimidation. That strength has been given to you to secure and provide a livelihood for your family. Use your strength as God intended—not as a weapon, but as a means of protection and provision. CALL TO REPENTANCE FOR ABUSIVE HUSBANDS If you are a professing believer and you abuse your wife, either physically or verbally (James 3:9-11), please recognize that your actions violate both Scripture and the Lordship of Jesus Christ, Whom you ought to submit to (1 Cor 11:3, Mal 2:16 AMPC). So REPENT of this behavior, and ask the Holy Spirit to produce in you the Fruit of Love, Gentleness, Kindness, Forbearance and Self-control (Gal 5:22-23); and learn the Humility of Christ (Matt 11:29). And pray for your wife so that both of you can build a healthy, happy, and fulfilling relationship. CALL TO REPENTANCE FOR ABUSIVE WIVES We must also acknowledge that some wives physically or verbally abuse their husbands, the latter being quite common. Verbally diminishing your husband whether out of anger, frustration, or as a joke is not right. This is part of the unwise behavior that will destroy your home. Many men avoid spending time with their wives for this very reason, choosing to instead hang out with their friends. With their friends they find succour, humor, engagement and interest. But with their wives they face judgment and condemnation, disinterest, and contentious arguments about things that may not be so important. Many women possess strong verbal expressiveness compared to men, and some may unfortunately misuse that strength, just as some husbands misuse their physical strength to abuse their wives. So wives, you need to especially repent of being verbally abusive to your husbands, whether to his face or behind his back when “gisting” with friends or family. Be friendly, cordial and respectful to your husband always, and cement a strong relationship with him. Make this a habit so that even when he isn't there you wouldn't say unkind things about him. Finding out unkind things said by a loved one behind one's back can be quite hurtful and demoralizing (Prov 20:19, 26:20). But finding out that your loved one “had your back”, or spoke favorably on your behalf, can be very endearing and reinvigorating. So wives, faithfully love and respect your husband. And also you'll find that as your relationship with Jesus Christ deepens, you'll grow a greater capacity to love your husband, despite his shortcomings. And this is because in loving Christ you learn to love others (1 John 4:19-21, *Col 3:12-14*, Eph 4:29-32), seeing that love is selfless and sacrificial (*1 John 3:16-18*, John 13:34-35). WHY YOU NEED TO MARRY A COMMITTED BELIEVER WHO IS SUBMITTED TO JESUS CHRIST This is another reason believers should marry fellow committed believers, who are FIRST submitted to Christ (Eph 5:22, 1 Cor 7:39, 2 Cor 6:14-16). As a result of both husband and wife being obedient to Jesus Christ, they would obey Scripture and be mutually submitted to each other and NOT self-centered (Eph 5:21, 1 Cor 13:4-7). Accountability to Jesus Christ, means that when things are out of course, husband or wife can humbly take corrections from the Bible and realign themselves accordingly. An unbeliever does not feel obligated to submit to the teachings and commands of Jesus Christ, hence it is most likely that they would choose to satisfy their self-interest, rather than mutually serving one another’s needs. In marriage, you're mutually responsible for each other, and to meet each other's needs (1 Cor 7:3-4, 33-34). LEADERSHIP AS SERVICE As I said, submission is not a bad thing or a sign of inferiority. Jesus Christ further demonstrated the concept of submission to His disciples in the form of servant-leadership. He taught them that despite His status, He was among them as One Who serves, and He urged them to adopt that same attitude, unlike the attitude of the people of the world who use their authority as a means to subjugate, instead of serving others (Matt 20:25-28). This is what I am emphasizing to husbands as well, that being the head of the home is a call to sacrificial service—not subjugation of those you've been given authority over. If you subjugate them, then you're no different from the people of the world who use their power and authority to oppress at every given opportunity. That is not how God exercises His power or authority, and neither should we. And it is because God is NOT oppressive in the use of His Power and Authority that's why we Love Him and gravitate towards Him (*Job 37:23-24*). CHRIST WASHING THE DISCIPLES’ FEET AND ITS CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE Jesus Christ went on to demonstrate what He told His disciples about humility and service by washing their feet, and He encouraged them to humbly practice the same among each other (John 13:3-5, 12-17). In doing so, He redefined submission from a worldly concept into a spiritual principle. In the worldly perspective, or culturally speaking in that time, when most travel was done on foot in dusty conditions, washing the feet of guests arriving at a home was customary and necessary; and it was typically a task assigned to servants or women within the household (1 Tim 5:9-10). But Jesus Christ showed that this submissive act was not only left for the lowly or women to perform, but also that men who follow Him must embrace the same posture of humility and submission towards each other (John 13:12-17). So importantly, submission is a mutual call for both husband and wife (Eph 5:21, 33). A WOMAN’S CAPACITY TO BUILD OR DESTROY However, I believe there is an important reason Scripture specifically calls wives to submission, that is, apart from the fact that God has ordained the husband to be head of the home. I believe it is connected to the unique influence and capacity God has given women. A woman has tremendous capacity either to build or to tear down her home, often regardless of the kind of husband she has (Prov 14:1). EXAMPLES OF WOMEN WISELY BUILDING With regards to building and preserving the home, for example, we see Abigail who was married to a foolish and wicked man, Nabal (1 Sam 25:14-17, 25). Yet Abigail’s wisdom calmed David’s anger, thereby saving the lives of everyone in the household—even the servants (1 Sam 25:23-35). Another example is Esther, who through prayer, fasting, and tactful wisdom was able to counter the destructive influence of Haman, one of the king’s closest advisors (Esther 3:1-2, 5-15, 1 Cor 15:33); and then she saved her people, who were a minority, marked out for destruction (Esther 4:15-16, 5:1-8, 7:1-10, 8:1-17). I can go on to highlight how Rebekah played a decisive role in Jacob receiving the blessing, because she discerned from God the destiny of her twin boys before they were born (Gen 25:21-23). There are so many examples of women demonstrating wisdom and establishing remarkable things irrespective of their husbands (Prov 31:10-31). EXAMPLES OF WOMEN BEING DESTRUCTIVE But on the other hand, a woman has the capacity to destroy a home regardless of how good or bad her husband is. Solomon—the wisest man—who knew that wisdom came from the fear of God (Prov 1:1, 7, Ps 111:10), yet because of his love for his wives, he abandoned wisdom and foolishly worshipped idols (1 Kings 11:1-13, Neh 13:26). Samson—the strongest man—was twice betrayed by the women he loved (Judges 14:1-3, 15-20, 16:4-21). A man that an entire nation could not capture or withstand (Judges 15:14-17, 20), was ultimately subdued because he yielded to relentless emotional pressure and manipulation (*Judges 16:16*). So it doesn't matter how wise, rich, influential or strong a man is, if the woman he loves chooses a destructive path, he will be brought down. Solomon penned down how frustrating it can be to live with a contentious woman (Prov 21:9, 19, 25:24); in fact elsewhere he describes it as being worse than death. This is the same man who said a living dog is better than a dead lion (Eccl 9:4); but now he is saying that a man living with a contentious woman is worse than death (Eccl 7:26). This comparison tells you how incredibly powerful a woman can be. That power can be either for good or evil, but the choice rests with her (Prov 14:1). FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT So again husband and wife are to be mutually submissive to each other. And this act of submission, or doing what is right, is independent of the actions of their spouse. Meaning it is expected of each person to act rightly even if their husband or wife doesn't. Individually, each person should play their role for the overall success of the family. Nevertheless, the flourishing of the home is greatly helped when the wife intentionally embraces Biblical wisdom and submission. Husbands need this, but the capacity and wisdom to build the home largely revolves around the wife, if she so CHOOSES to embrace that wisdom (Prov 14:1, 31:10-31). For prospective wives or married women, who can honestly look at their home and discern that work needs to be done to build it into something better, then humbly seek to obtain wisdom from God as it peculiarly applies to your home, and He will Graciously give you that wisdom (James 1:5, Heb 4:16). No two marriages or homes are exactly alike, each one has its peculiarities. God knows your heart—and the hearts of your spouse and children (Ps 139:1-4, 13-18, 23, 1 Kings 8:39, Prov 15:11). So He is in the best position to guide and direct you on what will work best for your home. Simply copying what worked for your parents or friends is not guaranteed to work for you, your spouse, and your children; it may lead to unrealistic expectations and frustration. And even in raising your children, you must view each one as an individual and not assume that the mould that successfully shaped and worked for one, would be directly applicable to the other(s). But with God-given wisdom, you will be better equipped, and stand a better chance of building your home successfully and stress-free. To all wives and mothers: know this clearly—you are NOT inferior. Being submissive and helpful does NOT make you inferior to your male counterparts. God has entrusted you with a unique capacity to nurture and build. God saw that man could not carry out his assignment on earth without help and companionship, so He sent you, the woman (Gen 2:18-24). And in the same way, you need a man. The world was designed for men and women to function side by side, and enjoy companionship. Together husband and wife can enjoy life on earth, and accomplish that which they're both destined for (Eccl 9:9). To all mothers and wives faithfully building strong, stable homes: thank you🙏. The ripples of your impact are not just limited to your home or communities, it spreads throughout the whole world. You will certainly be rewarded and NEVER forgotten. God bless and Shalom. Link for the Current Post: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ROLE_OF_WOMEN/ For Free PDF Books 📚: "Early Steps in Christianity" 📖: https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity "The Biblical Festivals of God" 📖: https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod For Paperback or Hardcover copies 📒📕: "Early Steps in Christianity": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N "The Biblical Festivals of God": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J Follow-up Post to the book, "The Biblical Festivals of God": https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Part_One/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Part_Two/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/ Other recommended articles: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/DO_NOT_JUDGE/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/TO_BE_LIKE_JESUS_FULL_SERIES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/ #Womanhood #BiblicalWomanhood #BiblicalMarriage #GodlyMarriage #ChristianMarriage #WomenInScripture #RoleOfWomen #FaithAndFamily #KingdomFamily #MutualSubmission #ChristianLiving #JesusChrist #BiblicalTruth #BibleStudy #Discipleship #BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji #FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

THE ROLE OF WOMEN: A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE Every woman—and every man—should watch this first 👇📺. Please watch it, then read what I have to say on the subject. Much about the role of women in Scripture has been misunderstood because we often superimpose human assumptions onto the Biblical text. Video to watch📺: https://youtu.be/7sTN7v6Vol4?si=yRjAhl-8cEB0qIiF Google Docs link for easy navigation of the cited passages: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ROLE_OF_WOMEN/ EQUALITY AND CO-HEIRS This video highlights an important truth: women are NOT inferior to men in the Biblical context, and I’d like to expand on that. Certainly, men and women are different, but they are also co-heirs of God’s Grace (Gen 1:27-28 - notice the Passage says “them” and not just “him”, meaning the mandate was on both the man and woman, 1 Peter 3:7, Gal 3:28). Furthermore, God has poured out His Holy Spirit on both men and women (Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:16-18). SUBMISSION The speaker in the video addressed the meaning of “helper” from the Hebrew and Biblical context; I’d like to address the subject of “submission” and offer further clarification. There is no question that wives are instructed to submit to their husbands, and that is not changing anytime soon (Col 3:18, Eph 5:22-24). However, the Bible also teaches MUTUAL SUBMISSION (Eph 5:21); furthermore, love, which the husband is instructed to show to the wife (Eph 5:25, 28-29, 33), also entails looking out for the needs and interests of others above oneself (Rom 12:10, 1 Cor 13:4-7). Therefore, both husband and wife ought to practice mutual submission toward one another, just as they each submit to Jesus Christ. SUBMISSION IS NOT INFERIORITY Submission is NOT a dirty word, and it does NOT automatically imply inferiority in the spiritual context. It is from the human perspective that submission is often interpreted as subjugation or oppression. Subjugation is forcing someone to submit to your authority. Likewise, forcing someone to serve your interests without regard for their welfare is oppression. However, in the Biblical context, submission means WILLINGLY yielding to God-ordained authority, and this ends up being mutually beneficial. And in the event that the ones in authority step out of line to become oppressive over those entrusted to them, God steps in to judge, because those who submit to any authority are entitled to fair treatment and benefits for the help they render (Ps 103:6, 9:9-10, 146:7-9, *James 5:4*, Luke 4:18-19, *Matt 5:10-12*). JESUS CHRIST EXEMPLIFIES SUBMISSION Jesus Christ Himself submitted to the will of the Father (Matt 26:39, Heb 5:7-10, John 14:30-31, 15:9-10). He was not forced to lay down His life (John 10:18); He willingly laid down His life to fulfill the Father’s will. He was NOT inferior in any way—He was submissive (Phil 2:5-8). And the Father in turn bestowed authority upon Him in response to His obedience ([John 6:38, 5:19-20, 30], [Phil 2:9-11, Matt 28:18, John 5:26-27, 17:2]); and He, the Father, Personally contends to enforce the authority of His Son (Ps 2:7-12, 110:1-2). And Jesus Christ in turn submits that same authority back to the Father (1 Cor 15:24-28). This reflects perfect harmony, love, and willing cooperation within the Trinity. The Son serves the interests of the Father, and the Father serves the interests of the Son. In other words, the Son works to Glorify the Father (John 17:4, 8:49-50, 7:16-18), and the Father Glorifies the Son (John 8:54, 17:1, 5). And not to leave out the Holy Spirit in this illustration: the Holy Spirit is devoted to glorifying the Father and the Son, and this might seem as though He is relegated to a serving role (John 16:13-15); but then the Father and Son have so exalted the Holy Spirit that any trespass against Him is practically unforgivable, I mean both the Father and Son will contend against anyone who dishonors the Holy Spirit (Gen 6:3, Isaiah 63:10, Matt 12:31-32, 1 John 5:16-17). In this way, the Holy Spirit is exalted and exceedingly honored. So in short the Trinity demonstrates mutual submission. Jesus Christ further demonstrated to all of us the concept of submission, and this further clears the air that submission is NOT inferiority, especially when viewed from a spiritual context. Jesus Christ submitted to the baptism of John the Baptist, even though in this case He was Greater than John the Baptist (Matt 3:13-15, John 1:30, 3:26-30). John was sent by God to prepare the way and reveal Jesus Christ to Israel (John 1:31-34); hence, Jesus Christ in submission to God's long-ordained plan, submitted Himself to the God-given assignment of John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:3, Mal 3:1, Matt 3:1-3). This goes to show that submission is not a status thing, it is laying down one's will in alignment with God-ordained authority. The God-ordained authority in the home is the husband (Eph 5:23), just as Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph 1:22, 4:15), and Father God is Head of Christ (1 Cor 11:3). So wife, your status or affluence is no excuse for you not to submit to your husband. If Jesus Christ could submit to John's baptism, and He could also submit to the Father's will at the cost of His life, even though He was equal with the Father (Phil 2:5-11, John 10:30), then you should also submit to your husband, because that's the authority that God has established in the home. THE HUSBAND’S RESPONSIBILITY Husbands, remember that you too are under the authority of Christ (1 Cor 11:3), and you will give an account to Him (2 Cor 5:10). If you mistreat your wife, even your prayers may be hindered before God (1 Peter 3:7, Mark 11:25-26 NKJV), and God would be unhappy with you (Mal 2:15-16). Your God-ordained role is NOT to subjugate your wife or make life bitter for her, while you make things easy and enjoyable for yourself; your calling as a husband is to love her and seek her well-being (Col 3:19, Deut 24:5, 1 Cor 7:33). LOVE IS A CHOICE Love is a CHOICE—it should NOT depend on mood or on your spouse’s behavior. You, as the husband, are called to love her just as Christ loved the Church (Eph 5:25). Remember: Christ loved us even when our behavior toward Him was unlovable (Rom 5:6-8, 1 John 4:10-11). And His Love wasn't primarily for self-interest, but foremost for the interest and welfare of His Bride, the Church (Eph 5:25-27, 1 Cor 13:4-7). In the same way, you must CHOOSE to love your wife regardless of the circumstances, and seek to better her; that's the oath you swore before people and God when you married her. ABUSE / DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Let me say this clearly—especially to husbands who physically abuse their wives: seek help immediately and stop justifying this sinful behavior. Your wife should have no reason to fear, or be intimidated by your physical strength (1 Peter 3:5-7). Whatever you do to her, you're doing to yourself in the most grievous way (Eph 5:28-30). I mean you are wounding your soul, because God has joined you and her as one (Matt 19:5-6, Mal 2:15 NLT). Soul wounds are more difficult to heal than physical bruises. Such wounds often leave lasting consequences—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally, and it would hinder and frustrate you in ways you can't begin to comprehend. Just like the Newtonian law of cause and effect (i.e. the 3rd Law of Motion), everything one does has a spiritual recompense that may manifest immediately or much later (1 Tim 5:24-25, Gal 6:7-10). So you need to ask yourself the question: is inflicting physical or verbal hurt on your wife worth it, when all of that is just going to boomerang to hurt you one way or the other? Is there actually any advantage to oppressing and intimidating your wife to have your way at her expense? THE HEAD IS NOT SEPARATE FROM THE BODY - ABUSE AFFECTS THE WHOLE BODY Indeed, you as the husband are the head of the home, but together with your wife you're one body, just as Jesus Christ is the Head, but also One Body with the Church (Eph 5:23, 4:11-16). This is a spiritual mystery as Paul said (Eph 5:31-32). Just as the head needs the other parts of the body, you need your wife (1 Cor 12:21). And being that you're one body with your wife, you must understand that no part of the body is isolated from the pain of any part. The body shares in the pain and glory of any part (1 Cor 12:25-26). So if you CHOOSE to inflict physical or verbal pain on your wife, that pain would find a way of coming back on you. But if you CHOOSE to love and better your wife, her glorification will bring you glory and honor (Prov 31:11, 23, 28-31). Remember, subjugation is you trying to force her to submit, and this would be a violation of her will. God did NOT give you strength to rule your wife and children through fear or intimidation. That strength has been given to you to secure and provide a livelihood for your family. Use your strength as God intended—not as a weapon, but as a means of protection and provision. CALL TO REPENTANCE FOR ABUSIVE HUSBANDS If you are a professing believer and you abuse your wife, either physically or verbally (James 3:9-11), please recognize that your actions violate both Scripture and the Lordship of Jesus Christ, Whom you ought to submit to (1 Cor 11:3, Mal 2:16 AMPC). So REPENT of this behavior, and ask the Holy Spirit to produce in you the Fruit of Love, Gentleness, Kindness, Forbearance and Self-control (Gal 5:22-23); and learn the Humility of Christ (Matt 11:29). And pray for your wife so that both of you can build a healthy, happy, and fulfilling relationship. CALL TO REPENTANCE FOR ABUSIVE WIVES We must also acknowledge that some wives physically or verbally abuse their husbands, the latter being quite common. Verbally diminishing your husband whether out of anger, frustration, or as a joke is not right. This is part of the unwise behavior that will destroy your home. Many men avoid spending time with their wives for this very reason, choosing to instead hang out with their friends. With their friends they find succour, humor, engagement and interest. But with their wives they face judgment and condemnation, disinterest, and contentious arguments about things that may not be so important. Many women possess strong verbal expressiveness compared to men, and some may unfortunately misuse that strength, just as some husbands misuse their physical strength to abuse their wives. So wives, you need to especially repent of being verbally abusive to your husbands, whether to his face or behind his back when “gisting” with friends or family. Be friendly, cordial and respectful to your husband always, and cement a strong relationship with him. Make this a habit so that even when he isn't there you wouldn't say unkind things about him. Finding out unkind things said by a loved one behind one's back can be quite hurtful and demoralizing (Prov 20:19, 26:20). But finding out that your loved one “had your back”, or spoke favorably on your behalf, can be very endearing and reinvigorating. So wives, faithfully love and respect your husband. And also you'll find that as your relationship with Jesus Christ deepens, you'll grow a greater capacity to love your husband, despite his shortcomings. And this is because in loving Christ you learn to love others (1 John 4:19-21, *Col 3:12-14*, Eph 4:29-32), seeing that love is selfless and sacrificial (*1 John 3:16-18*, John 13:34-35). WHY YOU NEED TO MARRY A COMMITTED BELIEVER WHO IS SUBMITTED TO JESUS CHRIST This is another reason believers should marry fellow committed believers, who are FIRST submitted to Christ (Eph 5:22, 1 Cor 7:39, 2 Cor 6:14-16). As a result of both husband and wife being obedient to Jesus Christ, they would obey Scripture and be mutually submitted to each other and NOT self-centered (Eph 5:21, 1 Cor 13:4-7). Accountability to Jesus Christ, means that when things are out of course, husband or wife can humbly take corrections from the Bible and realign themselves accordingly. An unbeliever does not feel obligated to submit to the teachings and commands of Jesus Christ, hence it is most likely that they would choose to satisfy their self-interest, rather than mutually serving one another’s needs. In marriage, you're mutually responsible for each other, and to meet each other's needs (1 Cor 7:3-4, 33-34). LEADERSHIP AS SERVICE As I said, submission is not a bad thing or a sign of inferiority. Jesus Christ further demonstrated the concept of submission to His disciples in the form of servant-leadership. He taught them that despite His status, He was among them as One Who serves, and He urged them to adopt that same attitude, unlike the attitude of the people of the world who use their authority as a means to subjugate, instead of serving others (Matt 20:25-28). This is what I am emphasizing to husbands as well, that being the head of the home is a call to sacrificial service—not subjugation of those you've been given authority over. If you subjugate them, then you're no different from the people of the world who use their power and authority to oppress at every given opportunity. That is not how God exercises His power or authority, and neither should we. And it is because God is NOT oppressive in the use of His Power and Authority that's why we Love Him and gravitate towards Him (*Job 37:23-24*). CHRIST WASHING THE DISCIPLES’ FEET AND ITS CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE Jesus Christ went on to demonstrate what He told His disciples about humility and service by washing their feet, and He encouraged them to humbly practice the same among each other (John 13:3-5, 12-17). In doing so, He redefined submission from a worldly concept into a spiritual principle. In the worldly perspective, or culturally speaking in that time, when most travel was done on foot in dusty conditions, washing the feet of guests arriving at a home was customary and necessary; and it was typically a task assigned to servants or women within the household (1 Tim 5:9-10). But Jesus Christ showed that this submissive act was not only left for the lowly or women to perform, but also that men who follow Him must embrace the same posture of humility and submission towards each other (John 13:12-17). So importantly, submission is a mutual call for both husband and wife (Eph 5:21, 33). A WOMAN’S CAPACITY TO BUILD OR DESTROY However, I believe there is an important reason Scripture specifically calls wives to submission, that is, apart from the fact that God has ordained the husband to be head of the home. I believe it is connected to the unique influence and capacity God has given women. A woman has tremendous capacity either to build or to tear down her home, often regardless of the kind of husband she has (Prov 14:1). EXAMPLES OF WOMEN WISELY BUILDING With regards to building and preserving the home, for example, we see Abigail who was married to a foolish and wicked man, Nabal (1 Sam 25:14-17, 25). Yet Abigail’s wisdom calmed David’s anger, thereby saving the lives of everyone in the household—even the servants (1 Sam 25:23-35). Another example is Esther, who through prayer, fasting, and tactful wisdom was able to counter the destructive influence of Haman, one of the king’s closest advisors (Esther 3:1-2, 5-15, 1 Cor 15:33); and then she saved her people, who were a minority, marked out for destruction (Esther 4:15-16, 5:1-8, 7:1-10, 8:1-17). I can go on to highlight how Rebekah played a decisive role in Jacob receiving the blessing, because she discerned from God the destiny of her twin boys before they were born (Gen 25:21-23). There are so many examples of women demonstrating wisdom and establishing remarkable things irrespective of their husbands (Prov 31:10-31). EXAMPLES OF WOMEN BEING DESTRUCTIVE But on the other hand, a woman has the capacity to destroy a home regardless of how good or bad her husband is. Solomon—the wisest man—who knew that wisdom came from the fear of God (Prov 1:1, 7, Ps 111:10), yet because of his love for his wives, he abandoned wisdom and foolishly worshipped idols (1 Kings 11:1-13, Neh 13:26). Samson—the strongest man—was twice betrayed by the women he loved (Judges 14:1-3, 15-20, 16:4-21). A man that an entire nation could not capture or withstand (Judges 15:14-17, 20), was ultimately subdued because he yielded to relentless emotional pressure and manipulation (*Judges 16:16*). So it doesn't matter how wise, rich, influential or strong a man is, if the woman he loves chooses a destructive path, he will be brought down. Solomon penned down how frustrating it can be to live with a contentious woman (Prov 21:9, 19, 25:24); in fact elsewhere he describes it as being worse than death. This is the same man who said a living dog is better than a dead lion (Eccl 9:4); but now he is saying that a man living with a contentious woman is worse than death (Eccl 7:26). This comparison tells you how incredibly powerful a woman can be. That power can be either for good or evil, but the choice rests with her (Prov 14:1). FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT So again husband and wife are to be mutually submissive to each other. And this act of submission, or doing what is right, is independent of the actions of their spouse. Meaning it is expected of each person to act rightly even if their husband or wife doesn't. Individually, each person should play their role for the overall success of the family. Nevertheless, the flourishing of the home is greatly helped when the wife intentionally embraces Biblical wisdom and submission. Husbands need this, but the capacity and wisdom to build the home largely revolves around the wife, if she so CHOOSES to embrace that wisdom (Prov 14:1, 31:10-31). For prospective wives or married women, who can honestly look at their home and discern that work needs to be done to build it into something better, then humbly seek to obtain wisdom from God as it peculiarly applies to your home, and He will Graciously give you that wisdom (James 1:5, Heb 4:16). No two marriages or homes are exactly alike, each one has its peculiarities. God knows your heart—and the hearts of your spouse and children (Ps 139:1-4, 13-18, 23, 1 Kings 8:39, Prov 15:11). So He is in the best position to guide and direct you on what will work best for your home. Simply copying what worked for your parents or friends is not guaranteed to work for you, your spouse, and your children; it may lead to unrealistic expectations and frustration. And even in raising your children, you must view each one as an individual and not assume that the mould that successfully shaped and worked for one, would be directly applicable to the other(s). But with God-given wisdom, you will be better equipped, and stand a better chance of building your home successfully and stress-free. To all wives and mothers: know this clearly—you are NOT inferior. Being submissive and helpful does NOT make you inferior to your male counterparts. God has entrusted you with a unique capacity to nurture and build. God saw that man could not carry out his assignment on earth without help and companionship, so He sent you, the woman (Gen 2:18-24). And in the same way, you need a man. The world was designed for men and women to function side by side, and enjoy companionship. Together husband and wife can enjoy life on earth, and accomplish that which they're both destined for (Eccl 9:9). To all mothers and wives faithfully building strong, stable homes: thank you🙏. The ripples of your impact are not just limited to your home or communities, it spreads throughout the whole world. You will certainly be rewarded and NEVER forgotten. God bless and Shalom. Link for the Current Post: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ROLE_OF_WOMEN/ For Free PDF Books 📚: "Early Steps in Christianity" 📖: https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity "The Biblical Festivals of God" 📖: https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod For Paperback or Hardcover copies 📒📕: "Early Steps in Christianity": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N "The Biblical Festivals of God": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J Follow-up Post to the book, "The Biblical Festivals of God": https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Part_One/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Part_Two/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/ Other recommended articles: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/DO_NOT_JUDGE/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/TO_BE_LIKE_JESUS_FULL_SERIES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/ #Womanhood #BiblicalWomanhood #BiblicalMarriage #GodlyMarriage #ChristianMarriage #WomenInScripture #RoleOfWomen #FaithAndFamily #KingdomFamily #MutualSubmission #ChristianLiving #JesusChrist #BiblicalTruth #BibleStudy #Discipleship #BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji #FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

## A Proclamation of Truth: From Captivity to Commission **To the Body of Christ and the Seekers of Truth,** Grace and peace be unto you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I come before you not with a spirit of bitterness or a desire for revenge, but with a heart set on the "rooftop proclamation" of truth. After **14 years** of service, I walked away from **House of Prayer Christian Church (HOPCC)** in **June 2022**. I am not a man seeking to settle a score; I am a watchman protecting the sheep by exposing the "ravaging wolves" that hide behind the pulpit. ### The 14-Year Shadow of HOPCC For over a decade, I was deeply entrenched in a high-control system led by **Rony Denis**. Like many, I was drawn in by a vision of lifting up the outcast, but the reality was a slow drift into an occult-like environment where one man’s voice superseded the Word of God. I gave my life to this organization. I exhausted my **Montgomery GI Bill** to pay for 13 years of seminary and ministry training that was used as a tool for exploitation. I served in the trenches—cleaning bathrooms, remodeling churches, street preaching, and feeding the poor—all while being subjected to loyalty tests and psychological gatekeeping. Under the direct control of Rony Denis, I was forced into **two prearranged marriages**. These were not unions of God, but tactical setups designed to maintain control and eventually destroy my qualifications for ministry. When I finally chose the biblical path of integrity over the "caste system" of HOPCC, they moved to dismantle my life, my reputation, and my relationship with my children. ### Rejecting the "Caste System" of Religion The greatest tragedy is that I now see these same high-control, "CEO-style" techniques—characteristic of the **NAR/7 Mountain Mandate** and "Purpose Driven" models—infecting nearly every corner of the modern establishment. I refuse to remain silent while lives are destroyed. I refuse to fellowship with those who call themselves "brothers" yet remain unrepentant in their corruption. Why is it that the religious world can stomach men like **Mike Bickle** after patterns of abuse, yet they demand I be "forever barred" because of a history of remarriage that was largely engineered by a cult? If the Apostle Paul could be redeemed after being a murderer, and King Manasseh could find mercy after his abominations, then I stand firmly in the grace that Jesus offers. I am not seeking "accreditation" from corrupt institutions; I am seeking the approval of the Living God. --- ### Our Mission: A Living God Service Church Alongside **Apostle Miheret**, we have established a ministry where the **Five-Fold gifts** are used for edification, not hierarchy. * **Transparency over Tradition:** We are moving forward as a for-profit entity specifically to avoid the 501c3 denominational chains that disguise slavery as "accountability." * **The Voice of the Poor:** We believe motherhood and womanhood are spiritual gifts, and that the "lowly" deserve a seat at the table of leadership. * **True Discipleship:** We want to train missionaries of Christlike character who are free to express their faith, not trapped in seats of "ever learning" under a human dictator. ### A Call to Fellowship We seek partnerships with those who value sincerity over certificates. If you have been abused by the religious machine, or if you are tired of "straining at a gnat" while leaders swallow camels of corruption, join us. We are building a community of worship, soul-winning, and true, scriptural integrity. I have fought to keep my conscience clear toward God and man. I hope you can receive me not as a "novice," but as a veteran of the faith who has survived the fire and come out with the smell of smoke only to testify of the Deliverer. **In the Unfailing Grip of Grace,** **Pastor Jesse Preston** *A Living God Service Church* --- **Warmest Greetings in the Spirit,** May the Lord scatter the proud in their high-mindedness and exalt you in your low estate. We are praying for your strength and your boldness in this hour. You are highly favored, you are blessed, and the truth has indeed set us free! **With Sincere Love and Prayers,** *Pastor Jesse Preston & Apostle Miheret*

STORACALS OF PROPHECY #22 Hello friends, family, and my brothers, and sisters in Christ. This is Brother Johnny Gass. Welcome to Bible study. Study to show thyself to approved unto God, a Workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Please share these lessons with everyone you know for the expansion of the kingdom of God. Proving the Prophets. Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, wanted to recapture the town of Ramoth-gilead from the Syrians. But he needed help, so he asked good King Jehoshaphat of Judah to join his campaign against their common enemy. Jehoshaphat said he was willing to join forces with Ahab, but that they should first seek God's counsel. Ahab had forsaken the Lord years earlier to worship the pagan god Baal, so he called in 400 hired prophets to come before the two monarchs. With dramatic display, these false prophets said, "Go and fight the Syrians, and you will be victorious!" But King Jehoshaphat requested to hear from a true prophet of the Lord. Ahab said that there was one prophet of Jehovah left whose name was Micaiah, but he added, "I hate him for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil." Verse 8. At Jehoshaphat's insistence, Ahab reluctantly sent a servant to fetch Micaiah. The brave prophet came and made a very unpopular prediction. He told Ahab that he would die in the battle with Syria. Now Ahab faced a tough decision. Should he believe 400 prophets who say nice things, or one lone prophet of the Lord? Stubborn King Ahab persuaded Jehoshaphat to disregard the warnings of the prophet Micaiah and join him in the war. He thought he could outsmart the Lord by dressing in full armor and avoiding the front lines of battle. But Ahab learned too late that you can never escape the Word of God. During the battle, a stray arrow flying through the air struck Ahab in the joints of his armor, and he bled to death in his chariot. Jesus warned that there will be many false prophets in the last days (Matthew 24:11). That is why we must know how to distinguish the true from the counterfeit. It may be a matter of life or death! 1. To whom does the Lord reveal His final plans? Amos 3:7. Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the _______. Answer : ____________________ 2. Will there be both true and false prophets in the last days? Matthew 24:11. And many _______ prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: Yes, there will be both true and false prophets in the end time. The Scriptures also teach that prophets can be either men or women. 3. What types of false prophets are specifically condemned in the Bible? Deuteronomy 18:10. "One ... that useth ________ [fortune teller]." Deuteronomy 18:10. "An observer of times [astrologer]." Deuteronomy 18:10. "An enchanter [magician]." Deuteronomy 18:10. "A witch [female psychic]." Deuteronomy 18:10. "A charmer [person who casts spells or charms]." Deuteronomy 18:11. "A consulter with familiar spirits [spirit medium]." Deuteronomy 18:11. "A wizard [male psychic]." Deuteronomy 18:11. "A necromancer [person who claims to consult with the dead]." Deuteronomy 18:11. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: Deuteronomy 18:9-12 says that all who do these things are an "abomination" to the Lord. For this reason, Christians should have nothing to do with them. 4. Will God's end-time church have the gift of prophecy? Revelation 12:17. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the ______________ of Jesus Christ. Revelation 19:10 I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the __________ of Jesus: worship God: for the __________ of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: As we learned in Lesson 17, God's end-time remnant church has "the testimony of Jesus," which is "the spirit of prophecy." By comparing Revelation 19:10 and 22:9, we see that the angel defines John's "brethren" that have the spirit of prophecy as "the prophets" and "them which keep the sayings of this book." In 1 Corinthians 1:5-8, Paul writes that the church will have "the testimony of Christ" and will "come behind in no gift" until Jesus' second coming. So God's last-day church will indeed still have the gift of prophecy. 5. In what ways does God speak to a true prophet? Numbers 12:6, 8. If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a _______, and will speak unto him in a dream. ... With him will I speak mouth to mouth. Zechariah 4:1 And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: The Lord speaks to His prophets by visions, in dreams, face to face, and through angels. Crystal balls, palm readings, tea leaf deciphering, star gazing, and claiming to talk with the dead are not God's methods of communicating with a prophet. 6. Are miracles definite evidence of a true prophet? Revelation 16:14. For they are the spirits of _______, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: No, miracles are not proof that someone is a true prophet. They prove only one thing--supernatural power. But supernatural power may come either from God or from Satan. That is why the Lord tells us: "Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1. 7. What is the most important test of a prophet? Isaiah 8:20. To the ______ and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: The "law and the testimony" was an Old Testament expression for "Bible." In other words, a message from someone who claims to have a prophetic utterance from God must be compared with the Bible. We must test the prophet by the Bible, and not the Bible by the prophet. Any true prophet of God will always agree 100 percent with Scripture. This is the true test. 8. What is the second test of a prophet? 1 John 4:2. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that _______ Christ is come in the flesh is of God. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: A prophet of God must acknowledge and teach the truth about Jesus Christ--that He was God in human form. True prophets must also exalt Jesus, not themselves. Most false prophets seek to draw attention away from God's Word and to their own ideas. 9. What is the third test of a prophet? Matthew 7:16. Ye shall know them by their _________. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: This does not mean that the prophet will be perfect. God's prophets have always had faults. However, there must be consistency between what true prophets teach and the lives they live. 10. What is the fourth test of a prophet? Jeremiah 28:9. When the word of the prophet shall come to _____, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord hath truly sent him. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: A true prophet will not make false predictions. If a prophet is of God, the things he or she says will come to pass. However, accuracy alone does not automatically qualify a person as a true prophet. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 warns that false prophets can give signs that will come to pass and then use their influence to lead people to follow other gods. A true prophet must lead people to worship God according to the Bible. 11. What three things does Paul command regarding prophecy? 1 Thessalonians 5:20, 21. Despise not prophesyings. _______ all things; hold fast that which is good. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: Paul says that we are not to despise, or reject, the gift of prophecy. Rather, we must test a prophet's messages by Scripture and follow what is good and true. 12. Whose counsel do we reject when we reject the words of a true prophet? Luke 7:28-30. There is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: ... And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified __________. ... But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of ___ against themselves. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: When we reject the words of a true prophet, we reject the counsel of God. A solemn thought! The Bible tells us to listen to God's prophets and promises that all who follow the counsel of a true prophet will prosper. 2 Chronicles 20:20 Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. 13. Since God still speaks through prophets, and since a true prophet's words are the personal "testimony of Jesus" to you, are you willing to test modern prophets by the Bible and follow the counsel of those who agree with Scripture? Answer : ____________________ Supplemental Study Modern-Day Prophet In December of 1844, a group of young Methodist ladies were kneeling in prayer in Portland, Maine, when Ellen Harmona 17-year-old girl in frail health received her first vision. As Ellen (who became Ellen White after her marriage to a young minister named James White) related what God had revealed to her, she continued to receive visions and dreams for about 70 years until her death in 1915. As was true for the biblical prophets, certain supernatural physical phenomena accompanied Ellen White during her visions. Like the prophet Daniel, she did not breathe while in vision and often initially lost physical strength (Daniel 10:8, 17). Some of her visions lasted as long as four hours, but she did not breathe the entire time. Doctors who examined her while she was in vision attested to this fact. At other times, she was also given supernatural strength (Daniel 10:18, 19). Though Ellen weighed only 95 pounds, witnesses saw her hold a 17-pound family Bible in her outstretched hand for 30 minutes while in vision. These and other physical phenomena indicate that there is something supernatural about the experience of a prophet. However, they do not tell us whether the prophet is from God or from Satan. When faced with a supernatural claim to the prophetic gift, Christians must test the claim by the Bible to see if it is true. Applying the Four Biblical Tests Let's look together to see whether or not the life and ministry of Ellen White meet the four biblical tests of a true prophet. First Test - Harmony with Scriptures Read any one of Ellen White's books, and you will discover that it consistently leads you to the Bible and is in total agreement with Scripture. However, she did not regard her writings as an addition to Scripture. Their purpose was to call the attention of God's people to the Bible and bring them back to the Bible as the only source of truth. Notice Ellen White's emphatic declaration that the Bible is the only rule of faith: "In our time there is a wide departure from their doctrines and precepts, and there is need of a return to the great Protestant principle - the Bible, and the Bible only, as the rule of faith and duty."1 She also wrote: "The written testimonies are not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already revealed. Man's duty to God and to his fellow man has been distinctly specified in God's word yet but few of you are obedient to the light given. Additional truth is not brought out but God has through the Testimonies simplified the great truths already given and in His own chosen way brought them before the people to awaken and impress the mind with them, that all may be left without excuse."2 Although Ellen White emphatically stressed that her writings were never to be considered part of the Bible, they are nonetheless inspired. Many of God's greatest prophets such as Elijah, Elisha, and John the Baptist were inspired, yet they did not write any books of the Bible. Ellen White's writings may be described as a lesser light to lead to the greater light, the Bible. They act as an inspired commentary on Scripture, but the Bible is still the supreme authority. Second Test - Teach the Truth About Jesus Ellen White's bookssuch as The Desire of Ages, Christ's Object Lessons, Steps to Christ, and Thoughts from the Mount of Blessingall testify to her fulfillment of this test. She says nothing of herself in these volumes, but constantly points others to Jesus. Third Test - A Godly Life The press, commenting on the death of Ellen White, said: "The life of Mrs. White is an example worthy of emulation by all. ... She was a humble, devout disciple of Christ, and ever went about doing good. ... She was honored and respected by all who appreciate noble womanhood consecrated to unselfish labor for the uplifting and betterment of mankind. Her death marks the calling of another noted leader of religious thought and one whose almost ninety years were full to overflowing with good deeds, kind words, and earnest prayers for all mankind."3 Fourth Test - Accurate Prophecies The few prophecies of the future made by Ellen White can be easily validated. The following prediction reads like this morning's newspaper, but was written before most modern means of travel were invented. "Disasters by rail will become more and more frequent confusion, collision, and death without a moment's warning will occur on the great lines of travel."4 Ellen White lived during a time when doctors advocated smoking to benefit the lungs. Varying medical opinions existed, but no real scientific proof was available. Nutrition was an unknown science. Yet in this setting, Ellen White wrote volumes in the field of health and nutrition. Dr. Clive McCay, former professor of nutrition at Cornell University, confirmed the accuracy of Ellen White's writings in the field of nutrition: "In spite of the fact that the works of Mrs. White were written long before the advent of modern scientific nutrition, no better overall guide is available today."5 The Bible predicted that in the last days the prophetic gift would appear. Evidence declares that Ellen White met every Bible specification for a true prophet. We would encourage you to obtain and read some of her writings and follow the biblical injunction to "despise not prophesyings. Prove all things hold fast that which is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:20, 21. 1The Great Controversy (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press, 1950), p. 204, 205. 2 Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press, 1949), Vol. 2, p. 605. 3 Star (St. Helena, California), July 23, 1915. 4 Messages to Young People (Washington, DC: Review and Herald, 1930), p. 90 (reprinted from article in The Signs of the Times, April 21, 1890). 5 Clive M. McCay, "A Nutritional Authority Discusses Mrs. E.G. White," Review and Herald, February 26, 1959, p. 10. To learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church. Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741 Pastor; Greg Hudson Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

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“Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 “They are slipping away these sweet, swift years; Like a leaf on the current cast, With never a break in the rapid flow; We watch them as one by one they go Into the beautiful past.” What have we put upon the little white pages of the days of another year as one by one they were opened for us to write “our word or two” on them? What has the past year brought to us? What have we given it to keep? If we had it to live over again would we live it differently? What would we do that we have not done? What would we not do that we have done? What has our past year taught us? What lessons are we going to carry over into our next year’s life? This ninetieth Psalm is called a prayer of Moses. It is the oldest of the Psalms. Remember the wilderness wanderings. Forty years the Israelites tarried in the wilderness, before they entered the Promised Land. It was because of their unbelief. They were at the gate and were about to be led into possession. But spies were sent, and their fearful story frightened the people. They dreaded to meet the giants, and refused to go over the border. History was set back forty years. Unbelief is costly. Moses looked back over these forty lost years. He saw six thousand graves strewn along the path. No wonder a sad tone runs through his Psalm. He was one of the last survivors of the generation that had left Egypt. He thought of the disappointment that had broken so many brave men’s hearts. On himself, too, part of the curse had fallen. He must die outside of the land of promise. You remember how he pleaded to be permitted to cross over Jordan. But the saddest thing of all was that the people themselves were to blame for their disappointment. Those graves in the wilderness, sin had dug. It seemed but a little sin that Moses had committed. He was terribly tried by the people’s rebelliousness, lost his patience and self-control, and spoke unadvisedly. And his slip cost him his entrance into the Promised Land. We cannot tell what a moment’s loss of self-control may cost us. In this Psalm, Moses looks back and everywhere he sees sin’s ruin and hurt. “We are consumed by your anger.” “By your wrath are we troubled.” “You have set our iniquities before you.” “All our days are passed away in your wrath.” What has been the effect on you of the experiences of the past year’s life? Have they hurt you? Have they left wounds on your soul? The problem of true living is to get good and blessing out of every experience. You had sorrow. Did your sorrow leave your heart sweeter and purer? Did it make you gentler, more patient, more compassionate, more mindful of others? Did it bring you nearer to God? Or did the sorrow hurt you, leaving your peace broken, your trust in God impaired, your spirit vexed and troubled? Or you had temptation. Did your temptation make you stronger as you resisted it, and overcame the tempter? That is the way we may make our temptations blessings, to make even Satan help to build up our spiritual life. An evil thought resisted and mastered, leaves us not only unhurt but stronger in the fiber of our being. But temptations parleyed with, and yielded to hurt our life. What has been the effect of the year’s temptations on your life? Have you come out of them unhurt, with no smell of fire on your garments? Or take the year’s business or occupation. How has it affected your spiritual life? Business is not sinful, unless it be a sinful business. A right occupation ought always to be a means of grace. What has been the effect of your secular business on your spiritual life? Has it been helpful, strengthening, ennobling? Or take your companionships and friendships; what have they done for you in the year that is gone? Have you been helped Godward and heavenward by them? Have they been full of sweet and good inspirations for you? Have they made a summer atmosphere for your heart, a weather in which all spiritual fruits and all beautiful things have grown and flourished? What marks has the old year left on your life? Are you carrying hurts and scars from its experiences? Or have they helped to build up a truer, stronger, holier manhood or womanhood in you? We ought to be ever growing in whatever things are lovely. That is what life is meant to do for us. “Teach us to number our days .” What is it to number our days? One way is to keep a careful record of them. That is a mathematical numbering. Some people keep diaries and put down everything they do where they go, what they see, whom they meet, the books they read. But mere adding of days is not the numbering that was in the thought of the Psalmist. There are days in some lives that add nothing to life’s treasures, and that leave nothing in the world which will make it better or richer. There are people who live year after year and might as well never have lived at all! Simply adding days is not living! If that is all you are going to do with the new year you will only pile up an added burden of guilt. Why do people not think of the sin of wasting life ? If you saw a man standing by the sea and flinging diamonds into the water you would say he was insane. Yet some of us are standing by the sea and flinging the diamond days, one by one, into its dark floods! Mere eating and sleeping, and reading the papers, and going about the streets, and putting in the time is not living! Another way of numbering our days, is illustrated by the story of a prisoner who when he entered his cell, put a mark on the wall, for each of the days he would be incarcerated. Then each evening he would rub off one of these marks he had one day less to stay in prison. Some people seem to live much in this way. Each evening they have on day less to live. Another day is gone, with its opportunities, its privileges, its responsibilities and its tasks gone beyond recall. Now, if the day has been filled with duty and love and service its page written all over with pure, white thoughts and records of gentle deeds then it is well; its passing need not be mourned over. But merely to have to rub it off at the setting of the sun, leaving in it nothing but a story of idleness, uselessness, selfishness, and lost opportunities, is a sad numbering! What is the true way of numbering our days? The prayer tells us, “Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” That is, we are so to live that we shall get some new wisdom out of each day to carry on with us. Life’s lessons cannot all be learned from books. The lessons may be set down in books but it is only in actual living that we can really learn them. For example, patience. You may learn all about patience from a sermon, from a teacher, or from a book, even from the Bible. But that will not make you patient. You can get the patience only by long practice of the lesson, in life’s experiences. Or take gentleness. You can read in a few paragraphs what gentleness is, how it lives. But that will not make you gentle. Take thoughtfulness. You can learn in a short lesson what it is and how beautiful it is. But you will not be thoughtful, the moment you have learned the definition. It will probably take you several years to get the beautiful lesson learned. We talk of learning from the experience of others. It would seem that we ought to learn much in this way. An old man who has passed through many years can tell you, a young man, what he has learned in living but you cannot really learn from his experience. You may think that you can learn, too, from books. But after all, the great lessons of life we must learn for ourselves, by our own failings, stumblings, tryings, sufferings; by our own mistakes and the enduring of their consequences. The thought in the prayer is that out of the experience of our days we may gain a heart of wisdom. Some people never do. Solomon said, “Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding him like grain with a pestle, you will not remove his folly from him.” There are plenty of such fools still! They make the same mistake over and over, suffering always from it, in the same way yet never learning wisdom from the experience. Why should we not learn? We should put our experiences to the test. What has been the effect upon us of this habit, of this kind of reading, of this amusement, of this friendship, of this method of business? There is another way of getting a heart of wisdom, from the passing days. Paul taught us the lesson of moving forward and onward by oblivion of the past. A great truth lies in his words. We are not to stay in our past as one would stay in a prison but should be ever leaving it and going into new fields. We are not to stay by our past as if it held all that is precious for us of life, sitting down by its graves and weeping inconsolably there. We are to turn our faces ever to the future, because there new things wait for us new duties, new joys, new hopes. Our past should be to us a seed - plot in which grow a thousand beautiful things planted in the experience of by-gone days. Our today is always the harvest of all our yesterdays. We never can cut off our past and leave it behind us; its consequences will always follow us and cling to us and live in us. We are not to forget the things that are past, in any but a wise and good sense. Progress is the law of true living. Everything beautiful in our past we are to keep and carry forward with us. We leave childhood behind us when we go forward to manhood or womanhood ; but all that is lovely and good in childhood and all its lessons and impressions and visions we keep in our maturer life. We cannot forget the sorrow which the year brought, nor leave it behind it is too sacred and too much a part of our life ever to be outgrown; but the memory of the sorrow should stay in our heart as a blessing, sweetening our life no longer bitter but accepted in love and trust and enriching us by its holy influence. So nothing beautiful that faded or vanished in our past year is really lost to us. If we have numbered our days aright, the old year’s experiences will manifest themselves on all our future years and will make them all richer, sweeter, truer; fuller of life and holiness. Devotional Hours Within the Bible -https://biblehub.com/devotions/Morning_March_24.htm

CONFLICT AND COURAGE February 21st, 2026 AHappy Marriage. Genesis 24 The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence. Genesis 24:7. CC 58.1 Isaac was highly honored by God in being made inheritor of the promises through which the world was to be blessed; yet when he was forty years of age he submitted to his father’s judgment in appointing his experienced, God-fearing servant to choose a wife for him. And the result of that marriage, as presented in the Scriptures, is a tender and beautiful picture of domestic happiness: “Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.” CC 58.2 What a contrast between the course of Isaac and that pursued by the youth of our time, even among professed Christians! Young people too often feel that the bestowal of their affections is a matter in which self alone should be consulted—a matter that neither God nor their parents should in any wise control. Long before they have reached manhood or womanhood they think themselves competent to make their own choice, without the aid of their parents.... Many have thus wrecked their happiness in this life and their hope of the life to come.... CC 58.3 Parents should never lose sight of their own responsibility for the future happiness of their children. Isaac’s deference to his father’s judgment was the result of the training that had taught him to live a life of obedience. While Abraham required his children to respect parental authority, his daily life testified that the authority was not a selfish or arbitrary control, but was founded in love, and had their welfare and happiness in view.43 CC 58.4 If there is any subject which should be carefully considered and in which the counsel of older and more experienced persons should be sought, it is the subject of marriage; if ever the Bible was needed as a counselor, if ever divine guidance should be sought in prayer, it is before taking a step that binds persons together for life.44 CC 58.5