Introduction



SUNSET TIMES FOR PERTHFRIDAY JULY 3, 20155.24pmSABBATH JULY 4, 20155.24pmFRIDAY JULY 10, 20155.27pmSABBATH JULY 11, 20155.28pmFRIDAY JULY 17, 20155.31pmSABBATH JULY 18, 20155.32pmFRIDAY JULY 24, 20155.35pmSABBATH JULY 25, 20155.36pmFRIDAY JULY 31, 20155.40pmSABBATH AUGUST 1, 20155.40pmFRIDAY AUGUST 7, 20155.44pmSABBATH AUGUST 8, 20155.45pmFRIDAY AUGUST 14, 20155.49pmSABBATH AUGUST 15, 20155.49pmFRIDAY AUGUST 21, 20155.53pmSABBATH AUGUST 22, 20155.454pmFRIDAY AUGUST 28, 20155.57pmSABBATH AUGUST 29, 20155.58pmFRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4. 20156.02pmSABBATH SEPTEMBER 5, 20156.02pmFRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 20156.06pmSABBATH SEPTEMBER 12, 20156.06pmFRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 20156.10pmSABBATH SEPTEMBER 19, 20156.11pmFRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 20156.14pmSABBATH SEPTEMBER 26, 20156.15pmFRIDAY OCTOBER 2, 20156.19pmSABBATH OCTOBER 3, 20156.19pmFRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 20156.24pmSABBATH OCTOBER 10, 20156.24pmFRIDAY OCTOBER 16, 20156.29pmSABBATH OCTOBER 17, 20156.29pmFRIDAY OCTEBER 23, 2015 6.34pmSABBATH OCTOBER 24, 20156.35pmFRIDAY OCTOBER 30, 20156.39pmSABBATH OCTOBER 31, 20156.40pmFRIDAY NOVEMBER 6, 20156.45pmSABBATH NOVEMBER 7, 20156.46pmFRIDAY NOVEMBER 13, 20156.52pmSABBATH NOVEMBER 14, 20156.53pmFRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 20156.58pmSABBATH NOVEMBER 21, 20156.59pmFRIDAY NOVEMBER 27, 20157.04pmSABBATH NOVEMBER 28, 20157.05pmFRIDAY DECEMBER 4, 20157.10pmSABBATH DECEMBER 5, 20157.11pmFRIDAY DECEMBER 11. 20157.15pmSABBATH DECEMBER 12, 20157.16pmFRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 20157.28pmSABBATH DECEMBER 19, 20157.21pmFRIDAY DECEMBER 25, 20157.24pmSABBATH DECEMBER 26, 20157.24pmTheRight Armof the ThirdAngel’s MessageLessons on the Health MessageTABLE OF CONTENTS TOC \o "1-1" \u Introduction PAGEREF _Toc319345513 \h 6Section 1 PAGEREF _Toc319345514 \h 7Hour of God’s Judgment PAGEREF _Toc319345515 \h 8A Day of Fasting PAGEREF _Toc319345516 \h 12The True Fast PAGEREF _Toc319345517 \h 15The Sealing Angel PAGEREF _Toc319345518 \h 19The Nature of the Sealing Work PAGEREF _Toc319345519 \h 23The Life of the 144,000 PAGEREF _Toc319345520 \h 27Perfecting Holiness PAGEREF _Toc319345521 \h 31Health and Character PAGEREF _Toc319345522 \h 34Lessons from Daniel PAGEREF _Toc319345523 \h 37In the Steps of Elijah PAGEREF _Toc319345524 \h 40More than Food PAGEREF _Toc319345525 \h 44A Healthy Mind PAGEREF _Toc319345526 \h 47The Power of Peace Within PAGEREF _Toc319345527 \h 50Section 2 PAGEREF _Toc319345528 \h 55Eight Laws of Health PAGEREF _Toc319345529 \h 56Perfect Trust in God PAGEREF _Toc319345530 \h 59Ventilating the Soul PAGEREF _Toc319345531 \h 62Ventilating the Body PAGEREF _Toc319345532 \h 65Healthy Exposure to the Elements PAGEREF _Toc319345533 \h 69Healthy Exercise PAGEREF _Toc319345534 \h 72Pure Water and Its Use PAGEREF _Toc319345535 \h 75Principles of Hygiene PAGEREF _Toc319345536 \h 78Adequate Nutrition PAGEREF _Toc319345537 \h 81Laws for Eating PAGEREF _Toc319345538 \h 84Natural Remedies PAGEREF _Toc319345539 \h 87Sleep and Rest PAGEREF _Toc319345540 \h 90Checks and Balances PAGEREF _Toc319345541 \h 93IntroductionTO ALL SABBATH SCHOOL STUDENTS ASSOCIATED WITH ADVENT PILGRIMS FELLOWSHIP:The lessons for the next two quarters will be devoted to an in-depth understanding of the Health Message in its connection with the three angels’ messages. We are seeking to gain a balanced application to the health practices which surround us today. If we wish to be part of the three angels and that other angel of Revelation 18, our health practices should be subservient to the directions given in “harmony with the universe of heaven”. Satan has succeeded to muddy this subject through his agents working in the spiritualistic sources of holistic medicine. Eastern religions also practice heath theories, but these are not to be confused with those given under the inspiration of heaven.Let us approach these studies prayerfully with submissive minds, ready to relinquish our preconceived opinions if they don’t harmonize with the plain Bible and Spirit of Prophecy revelations. God grant us to understand the inspiration of the following quotes as we venture into these lessons.“The remnant church is called to go through an experience similar to that of the Jews; and the True Witness, who walks up and down in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, has a solemn message to bear to His people. He says, "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent" (Revelation 2:4, 5). The love of God has been waning in the church, and as a result, the love of self has sprung up into new activity. With the loss of love for God there has come the loss of love for the brethren. The church may meet all the description that is given of the Ephesian church, and yet fail in vital godliness. Of them Jesus said, "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love" (Revelation 2:2-4)”. Selected Messages Book 1 p. 387.“Those who understand the laws of health, and who are governed by principle, will shun the extremes, both of indulgence and of restrictions. Their diet is chosen, not for the mere gratification of appetite, but for the upbuilding of the body. They seek to preserve every power in the best condition for the highest service to God and man. The appetite is under the control of reason and conscience, and they are rewarded with health of body and mind. While they do not urge their views offensively upon others, their example is a testimony in favor of right principles. These persons have a wide influence for good.” Counsels on Diet and Food p.198.Section 1HEALTH AND ITSRELATION TO THE THIRD ANGELleft569Lesson 1 Sabbath, July 4, 201500Lesson 1 Sabbath, July 4, 2015Hour of God’s JudgmentAnd I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:6, 7.OBJECTIVESTo establish that the third angel’s message is an integrated whole with the first and second angels’ messages.To see the hour of God’s judgment in its connection with the Hebrew day of atonement – cleansing of the sanctuary. To gain the sense of the weight of the seriousness of this time.GOSPEL AND JUDGMENTWhat is the content of the first angel’s message? Revelation 14:6, 7.“The message proclaimed by the angel flying in the midst of heaven is the everlasting gospel, the same gospel that was declared in Eden when God said to the serpent, "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel" (Genesis 3:15). Here was the first promise of a Saviour who would stand on the field of battle to contest the power of Satan and prevail against him. Christ came to our world to represent the character of God as it is represented in His holy law; for His law is a transcript of His character. Christ was both the law and the gospel. The angel that proclaims the everlasting gospel proclaims the law of God; for the gospel of salvation brings men to obedience of the law, whereby their characters are formed after the divine similitude” - Selected Messages Book 2 p. 106.The law being so integrated with the gospel suggests what connection as cited by the first angel? Romans 2:12-16; Acts 17:31.“Today, in the spirit and power of Elias and of John the Baptist, messengers of God's appointment are calling the attention of a judgment-bound world to the solemn events soon to take place in connection with the closing hours of probation and the appearance of Christ Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords. Soon every man is to be judged for the deeds done in the body. The hour of God's judgment has come, and upon the members of His church on earth rests the solemn responsibility of giving warning to those who are standing as it were on the very brink of eternal ruin. To every human being in the wide world who will give heed must be made plain the principles at stake in the great controversy being waged, principles upon which hang the destinies of all mankind.”- Prophets and Kings p. 716.What judgment is this announcement of the first angel in reference to? Daniel 7:9, 10, 13, 14.“Thus was presented to the prophet's vision the opening of the investigative Judgment. The coming of Christ here described is not his second coming to the earth. He comes to the Ancient of days in Heaven to receive dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, which will be given him at the close of his mediatorial work. It is this coming, and not his second advent to the earth, that was foretold in prophecy to take place at the termination of the 2300 days, in 1844. Attended by a cloud of heavenly angels, our great High Priest enters the holy of holies, and there appears in the presence of God to engage in the last acts of his ministration in behalf of man,--to perform the work of investigative Judgment, and to make an atonement for all who are shown to be entitled to its benefits.” - Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4 p. 307.ANGELS OF REVELATION 14, ONE MESSAGEWhen we speak of the third angel’s message, what does this include? Compare Revelation 14:6, 7 with 8, 9, 12 and with Revelation 18:1-4.“The first and second messages were given in 1843 and 1844, and we are now under the proclamation of the third; but all three of the messages are still to be proclaimed. There cannot be a third without the first and second.”- Selected Messages Book 2 p. 104.“Prophecy declares that the first angel would make his announcement to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." The warning of the third angel, which forms a part of the same threefold message, and is the message for this time, will be no less widespread. The banner on which is inscribed, "The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus," is to be raised aloft. The power of the first and second messages is to be intensified in the third. It is represented in the prophecy as being proclaimed with a loud voice by an angel flying in the midst of heaven, and it will command the attention of the world” - Signs of the Times, January 25, 1910.In the Revelation John says of the heavenly messenger who unites with the third angel:“And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. “And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Revelation 18:1, 2 - Testimonies for the Church Volume 6 p 60.1.How can it be shown that the hour of God’s judgment is indeed associated with Revelation 14:9, 10? Revelation 17:1-5. i.e. Revelation 18:4.THE ANTI-TYPICAL DAY OF ATONEMENTHow is this hour of God’s judgment connected with the Hebrew day of atonement? Daniel 8:14. i.e. Leviticus 16:16-19.“As anciently the sins of the people were by faith placed upon the sin offering and through its blood transferred, in figure, to the earthly sanctuary, so in the new covenant the sins of the repentant are by faith placed upon Christ and transferred, in fact, to the heavenly sanctuary. And as the typical cleansing of the earthly was accomplished by the removal of the sins by which it had been polluted, so the actual cleansing of the heavenly is to be accomplished by the removal, or blotting out, of the sins which are there recorded. But before this can be accomplished, there must be an examination of the books of record to determine who, through repentance of sin and faith in Christ, are entitled to the benefits of His atonement. The cleansing of the sanctuary therefore involves a work of investigation--a work of judgment. This work must be performed prior to the coming of Christ to redeem His people; for when He comes, His reward is with Him to give to every man according to his works.” Revelation 22:12 - Great Controversy p. 421.Learning from the typical day of atonement the seriousness of the occasion, what is to be learnt for this hour of judgment? Leviticus 16:30, 31.“We are now living in the great day of atonement. In the typical service, while the high priest was making the atonement for Israel, all were required to afflict their souls by repentance of sin and humiliation before the Lord, lest they be cut off from among the people. In like manner, all who would have their names retained in the book of life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance. There must be deep, faithful searching of heart. The light, frivolous spirit indulged by so many professed Christians must be put away. There is earnest warfare before all who would subdue the evil tendencies that strive for the mastery.” - Great Controversy p. 489.How can we be made aware of the seriousness of our personal case at this time? Jeremiah 3:14, 15; Malachi 4:5, 6.“As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected. When any have sins remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life, and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God's remembrance.” - Great Controversy p. 483.“God's law reaches the feelings and motives, as well as the outward acts. It reveals the secrets of the heart, flashing light upon things before buried in darkness. God knows every thought, every purpose, every plan, every motive. The books of heaven record the sins that would have been committed had there been opportunity. God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing. By His law He measures the character of every man. As the artist transfers to the canvas the features of the face, so the features of each individual character are transferred to the books of heaven. God has a perfect photograph of every man's character, and this photograph He compares with His law. He reveals to man the defects that mar his life, and calls upon him to repent and turn from sin.” (ST July 31, 1901). - S.D.A Bible Commentary Volume 5 p. 1085.MEDITATION“How anxious are you to remove the record of the past, to have your wrong-doings blotted out?” The Review and Herald, January 13, 1891.To give God the glory means:“To give glory to God is to reveal His character in our own, and thus make Him known. And in whatever way we make known the Father or the Son, we glorify God” (MS 16, 1890). - S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 7 p. 979.NOTESleft0Lesson 2 Sabbath, July 11, 201500Lesson 2 Sabbath, July 11, 2015A Day of Fasting[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” Isaiah 58:6.OBJECTIVESTo enlarge the call of God to fasting and soul affliction on the day of atonement.To examine the third angel’s message by which true soul hunger may be established.To explore the true nature of spiritual affliction.UNDERSTANDING GOD’S CALLIn what words does God call to fasting on certain occasions, especially on the day of atonement? Leviticus 16:29-31; Isaiah 22:12.“Every man was to afflict his soul while the work of atonement was going forward. All business was laid aside, and the whole congregation of Israel spent the day in solemn humiliation before God, with prayer, fasting, and deep searching of heart.” - Patriarchs and Prophets p. 355.What was the reason for this call? Leviticus 16:16, 17.“In the typical service, when the high priest entered the most holy place, all Israel were required to gather about the sanctuary and in the most solemn manner humble their souls before God that they might receive the pardon of their sins and not be cut off from the congregation” - Great Controversy p. 430.From Lesson number 1, can we see a far more solemn call to humanity since 1844? Acts 3:19, 20; Revelation 14:7.“How much more essential in this antitypical day of atonement that we understand the work of our High Priest and know what duties are required of us.” - Great Controversy p. 430.“Let the churches who claim to believe the truth, who are advocating the law of God, keep that law and depart from all iniquity. Let the individual members of the church resist the temptations to practice evils and indulge in sin. Let the church commence the work of purification before God by repentance, humiliation, deep heart searching, for we are in the antitypical day of atonement --solemn hour fraught with eternal results.” - Selected Messages Book 2, p.378.SERIOUSNESS OF THE THIRD ANGELWhat serious considerations does the third angel’s message encompass? Revelation 14:9-11.“The most fearful threatening ever addressed to mortals is contained in the third angel's message. That must be a terrible sin which calls down the wrath of God unmingled with mercy. Men are not to be left in darkness concerning this important matter; the warning against this sin is to be given to the world before the visitation of God's judgments, that all may know why they are to be inflicted, and have opportunity to escape them. Prophecy declares that the first angel would make his announcement to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." The warning of the third angel, which forms a part of the same threefold message, is to be no less widespread. It is represented in the prophecy as being proclaimed with a loud voice, by an angel flying in the midst of heaven; and it will command the attention of the world.” - Great Controversy p. 449.What does such a message call for in our lives? Hebrews 12:12-14; Isaiah 58:12.“Here are given the characteristics of those who shall be reformers, who will bear the banner of the third angel's message, those who avow themselves God's commandment-keeping people, and who honor God, and are earnestly engaged, in the sight of all the universe, in building up the old waste places. Who is it that calls them, The repairers of the breach, The restorers of paths to dwell in? It is God. Their names are registered in heaven as reformers, restorers, as raising the foundations of many generations.” (RH Oct. 13, 1891). - S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 4, p. 1151.AFFLICTING OUR SOULWhat is necessary for a soul to come into harmony with God? Psalm 119:67, 71.“In seasons of temptation we seem to lose sight of the fact that God tests us that our faith may be tried and be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus. The Lord places us in different positions to develop us. If we have defects of character of which we are not aware, He gives us discipline that will bring those defects to our knowledge, that we may overcome them. It is His providence that brings us into varying circumstances. In each new position, we meet a different class of temptations. How many times when we are placed in some trying situation we think, "This is a wonderful mistake. How I wish I had stayed where I was before." But why is it that you are not satisfied? It is because your circumstances have served to bring new defects in your character to your notice, but nothing is revealed but that which was in you.” - That I May Know Him p.282.But do we have to wait for God to afflict us? What is the call for us as to the Hebrews? James 4:7-10.“It is your work, my brother, to humble yourself and not wait for God to humble you. God's hand at times bears heavily upon men to humble them and bring them into a proper position before Him; but how much better it is to keep the heart daily humbled before God. We can abase ourselves, or we can build ourselves up in pride and wait till God abases us.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 4 p.378.How do we humble ourselves by soul affliction and fasting? Isaiah 58:6; Hebrews 12:1-3.“We are now living in the great day of atonement. In the typical service, while the high priest was making the atonement for Israel, all were required to afflict their souls by repentance of sin and humiliation before the Lord, lest they be cut off from among the people. In like manner, all who would have their names retained in the book of life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance. There must be deep, faithful searching of heart. The light, frivolous spirit indulged by so many professed Christians must be put away. There is earnest warfare before all who would subdue the evil tendencies that strive for the mastery. The work of preparation is an individual work. We are not saved in groups. The purity and devotion of one will not offset the want of these qualities in another. Though all nations are to pass in judgment before God, yet He will examine the case of each individual with as close and searching scrutiny as if there were not another being upon the earth. Everyone must be tested and found without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.” - Great Controversy p.489.MEDITATION“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.” 2 Corinthians 13:5-6. NOTESleft0Lesson 3 Sabbath, July 18, 201500Lesson 3 Sabbath, July 18, 2015The True FastIs it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? [is it] to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes [under him]? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? Isaiah 58:5.OBJECTIVESTo establish clearly why the health reform is declared to be the right arm of the third angel’s message.To find the connection between food and spiritual clarity and understanding.To discover Isaiah 22 in its connection with the three angel’s message.HEALTH AND THE THIRD ANGELHaving established the serious nature of the anti-typical day of atonement attached to the third angel’s message, what is given us to see and understand these truths clearly? Joel 2:28, 29; John 16:12, 13.“This message embraces the two preceding messages. It is represented as being given with a loud voice; that is, with the power of the Holy Spirit” - S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 7 p. 980.“We receive Christ through His word, and the Holy Spirit is given to open the word of God to our understanding, and bring home its truths to our hearts. We are to pray day by day that as we read His word, God will send His Spirit to reveal to us the truth that will strengthen our souls for the day's need.” - Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing p. 112.How is health of body connected in God’s word with spiritual health and discernment of the Holy Spirit? 3 John 1:2; 1 Corinthians 10:31.“The most precious words may be heard and not appreciated, because the mind is confused by an improper diet.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 6 p.357.“Under the influence of unhealthful food the conscience becomes stupefied, the mind is darkened, and its susceptibility to impressions is impaired.” - Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2 p. 394.“The brain nerves which communicate with the entire system are the only medium through which Heaven can communicate with man, and affect his inmost life. Whatever disturbs the circulation of the electric currents in the nervous system, lessens the strength of the vital powers, and the result is a deadening of the sensibilities of the mind.” - Healthful Living p. 307.If the Holy Spirit is inseparably connected with the three angel’s messages, and our health is needed to receive His impressions, how then is the health message associated with the third angel’s message? “The subject of temperance, in all its bearings, has an important place in the work of salvation.” Testimonies, Volume 9, p. 112.“A Part of the Third Angel's Message.--Brethren and sisters, we want you to see the importance of this temperance question, and we want our workers to interest themselves in it, and to know that it is just as much connected with the third angel's message as the right arm is with the body. We ought to make advancement in this work” - The Review and Herald, Feb. 14, 1888.“To make plain natural law, and urge the obedience of it, is the work that accompanies the third angel's message to prepare a people for the coming of the Lord.” Testimonies, vol.3, p.161. Temperance pp. 237-238.“You feel a deep interest in the circulation of the health publications, and this is right; but that special branch is not to be made all-absorbing. The health reform is as closely related to the third angel's message as the arm to the body; but the arm cannot take the place of the body. The proclamation of the third angel's message, the commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus is the great burden of our work. The message is to be proclaimed with a loud cry, and is to go to the whole world. The presentation of health principles must be united with this message, but must not in any case be independent of it, or in any way take the place of it.” - Counsels to Writers and Editors p.139.THE TRUE FASTTo have a clear mind and sharp perception, many health practitioners promote a fast of no food for a day or longer. Is this objective behind God’s call to fast on the typical and anti-typical day of atonement? Leviticus 10:8-11; Ezekiel 44:23, 24.“We are not to indulge in any habit that will weaken physical or mental strength, or abuse our powers in any way. We are to do all in our power to keep ourselves in health, in order that we may have sweetness of disposition, a clear mind, and be able to distinguish between the sacred and the common, and honor God in our bodies and in our spirits, which are His” - Child Guidance p. 364.“And to knowledge temperance." Each one must settle for himself the question of temperance. You are to put nothing into your lips that will overtax the digestive organs. This is necessary, if you would have a clear mind. Those who eat improper food are hindering themselves from making the advance steps that Christ expects them to make. Let not those who are older in years tempt the youth to eat anything but plain, simple food. When a great variety of rich food is eaten, a disturbance is created in the stomach, the thoughts are disturbed, and the intellect dulled. It is to be our study to make our eating and drinking such that we shall be enabled to offer to God the highest service.” - The Review and Herald, July 6, 1905.How does God want people to fast during the Anti-typical day of atonement which spans from 1844 to the end? Isaiah 22:20-22; Revelation 3:7; Isaiah 22:12-14.“The true fasting which should be recommended to all, is abstinence from every stimulating kind of food, and the proper use of wholesome, simple food, which God has provided in abundance. Men need to think less about what they shall eat and drink of temporal food, and much more in regard to the food from heaven, that will give tone and vitality to the whole religious experience.” - Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 188.“The spirit of true fasting and prayer is the spirit which yields mind, heart, and will to God.” - Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 189.What significance is there in discarding flesh foods as identified in Isaiah 22:13?“Those who claim to believe the truth are to guard carefully the powers of body and mind, so that God and His cause will not be in any way dishonored by their words or actions. The habits and practices are to be brought into subjection to the will of God. We are to give careful attention to our diet. It has been clearly presented to me that God's people are to take a firm stand against meat eating. Would God for thirty years give His people the message that if they desire to have pure blood and clear minds, they must give up the use of flesh meat, if He did not want them to heed this message? By the use of flesh meats the animal nature is strengthened and the spiritual nature weakened.” - Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 383.“The common use of the flesh of dead animals has had a deteriorating influence upon the morals, as well as the physical institution. Ill health in a variety of forms, if effect could be traced to the cause, would reveal the sure result of flesh eating.” - Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 383.DAY OF ATONEMENT IN ISAIAH 22What is meant by “In that day” of Isaiah 22:12 and 20-22 as in Revelation 3:7?“But clearer light came with the investigation of the sanctuary question. Now was seen the application of those words of Christ in the Revelation, addressed to the church at this very time: "These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth; I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it." [Revelation 3:7, 8.] Here an open as well as a shut door is brought to view. At the termination of the 2300 prophetic days in 1844, Christ changed his ministration from the holy to the most holy place. When, in the ministration of the earthly sanctuary, the high priest on the day of atonement entered the most holy place, the door of the holy place was closed, and the door of the most holy was opened. So, when Christ passed from the holy to the most holy of the heavenly sanctuary, the door, or ministration, of the former apartment was closed, and the door, or ministration, of the latter was opened. Christ had ended one part of his work as our intercessor, to enter upon another portion of the work; and he still presented his blood before the Father in behalf of sinners. "Behold," he declares, "I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it." - The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4 p.268.With what clarity do we see once more the seriousness of the hour of judgment denoted in Isaiah 22:14?“Solemn are the scenes connected with the closing work of the atonement. Momentous are the interests involved therein. The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many years this work has been in progress. Soon--none know how soon--it will pass to the cases of the living. In the awful presence of God our lives are to come up in review. At this time above all others it behooves every soul to heed the Saviour's admonition: "Watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is." Mark 13:33. "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." Revelation 3:3. “When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the destiny of all will have been decided for life or death. Probation is ended a short time before the appearing of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. Christ in the Revelation, looking forward to that time, declares: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:11, 12.” - Great Controversy p. 490.MEDITATIONHow earnestly do we want a clear mind at this time to see clearly our faults and confess everything that mars our life?NOTES left0Lesson 4 Sabbath, July 25, 201500Lesson 4 Sabbath, July 25, 2015The Sealing AngelAnd I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, “Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Revelation 7:2-3OBJECTIVESTo ascertain who the sealing angel is.To deepen the sense of need to fast and pray under the third angel’s message.To behold the activities of angels on our behalf.IDENTITY OF THE ANGELWhat is the circumstantial setting for the work of the sealing angel? Revelation 7:1; Revelation 11:18.“John writes, "I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne." Angels were united in the work of Him who had broken the seals and taken the book. Four mighty angels hold back the powers of this earth till the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. The nations of the world are eager for conflict; but they are held in check by the angels. When this restraining power is removed, there will come a time of trouble and anguish. Deadly instruments of warfare will be invented. Vessels, with their living cargo, will be entombed in the great deep. All who have not the spirit of truth will unite under the leadership of satanic agencies. But they are to be kept under control till the time shall come for the great battle of Armageddon” - S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 7 p.967.When did this stage for international conflict commence?“With one more question we leave these verses, upon which we have so lengthily dwelt. Have we seen among the nations any movements which would indicate that the cry of the ascending angel, "Hurt not," etc., by the blowing of the winds, "till we have sealed the servants of our God," has in any manner been answered? The time during which the winds are held could not, from the nature of the case, be a time of profound peace. This would not answer to the prophecy. For in order to make it manifest that the winds are being held, there must be disturbance, agitation, anger, and jealousy among the nations, with an occasional outburst of strife, like a fitful gust breaking away from the imprisoned and struggling tempest; and these outbursts must be suddenly and unexpectedly checked. Then, but not otherwise, would it be evident to him who looked at events in the light of prophecy, that for some good purpose the restraining hand of Omnipotence was laid upon the surging elements of strife and war. And such has been the aspect of our times for nearly half a century. Commencing with the great revolution of 1848, when so many European thrones toppled into the dust, what a state of anger and political unrest has existed among all the nations of the earth! New and unlooked-for complications have suddenly sprung up, throwing matters into apparently inextricable confusion, and threatening immediate and direful war. And now and then the conflict has burst forth in fury, and a thousand voices have been raised to predict that the great crisis had come, that universal war must result, and the termination no man could foretell, when suddenly and unaccountably it has been extinguished, and all subsided into quiet again.” - 1897 Daniel and The Revelation p.467.What was shown to Sister White regarding this in January 5, 1849? Revelation 7:2-3.“I saw four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and were on their way to accomplish it. Jesus was clothed with priestly garments. He gazed in pity on the remnant, then raised His hands, and with a voice of deep pity cried, "My blood, Father, My blood, My blood, My blood!" Then I saw an exceeding bright light come from God, who sat upon the great white throne, and was shed all about Jesus. Then I saw an angel with a commission from Jesus, swiftly flying to the four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and waving something up and down in his hand, and crying with a loud voice, "Hold! Hold! Hold! Hold! until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads." - Early Writings p. 38.I asked the angel if there were none left. He bade me look in an opposite direction, and I saw a little company traveling a narrow pathway. All seemed to be firmly united, bound together by the truth, in bundles, or companies. Said the angel, "The third angel is binding, or sealing, them in bundles for the heavenly garner." This little company looked careworn, as if they had passed through severe trials and conflicts. And it appeared as if the sun had just risen from behind a cloud and shone upon their countenances, causing them to look triumphant, as if their victories were nearly won.” - Early Writings p. 88.SERIOUS TIMESWhat would happen to the people who were not sealed in their forehead and what were those doing who were sealed? Ezekiel 9:4-6.“The people of God are sighing and crying for the abominations done in the land. With tears they warn the wicked of their danger in trampling upon the divine law, and with unutterable sorrow they humble themselves before the Lord on account of their own transgressions. The wicked mock their sorrow, ridicule their solemn appeals, and sneer at what they term their weakness. But the anguish and humiliation of God's people is unmistakable evidence that they are regaining the strength and nobility of character lost in consequence of sin. It is because they are drawing nearer to Christ, and their eyes are fixed upon His perfect purity, that they so clearly discern the exceeding sinfulness of sin. Their contrition and self-abasement are infinitely more acceptable in the sight of God than is the self-sufficient, haughty spirit of those who see no cause to lament, who scorn the humility of Christ, and who claim perfection while transgressing God's holy law. Meekness and lowliness of heart are the conditions for strength and victory. The crown of glory awaits those who bow at the foot of the cross. Blessed are these mourners, for they shall be comforted.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 5 p. 474.How is Jesus shown at this time? Hebrews 4:14-16.“I asked my accompanying angel the meaning of what I heard, and what the four angels were about to do. He said to me that it was God that restrained the powers, and that He gave His angels charge over things on the earth; that the four angels had power from God to hold the four winds, and that they were about to let them go; but while their hands were loosening, and the four winds were about to blow, the merciful eye of Jesus gazed on the remnant that were not sealed, and He raised His hands to the Father and pleaded with Him that He had spilled His blood for them. Then another angel was commissioned to fly swiftly to the four angels and bid them hold, until the servants of God were sealed with the seal of the living God in their foreheads.” - Early Writings p.38.ANGELS ACTIVEHow should the activity of the third angel affect us? Hebrews 1:7 and 14.“I then saw the third angel. Said my accompanying angel, "Fearful is his word, awful is his mission. He is the angel that is to select the wheat from the tares, and seal or bind the wheat for the heavenly garner." These things should engage the whole mind, the whole attention. Again I was shown the necessity of those who believe we are having the last message of mercy, being separate from those who are daily receiving or imbibing new error. I saw that neither young nor old should attend the assemblies of those who are in error and darkness. Said the angel, "Let the mind cease to dwell on things of no profit." - Manuscript Releases Volume 5 p. 425.What is revealed regarding the activities of the angels for God’s people during these serious times? Isaiah 26:20, 21.“What are the chambers in which they are to hide? They are the protection of Christ and holy angels.” - S.D.A Bible Commentary Volume 4 p.1143.“John writes, "I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne." Angels were united in the work of Him who had broken the seals and taken the book. Four mighty angels hold back the powers of this earth till the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. The nations of the world are eager for conflict; but they are held in check by the angels. When this restraining power is removed, there will come a time of trouble and anguish. Deadly instruments of warfare will be invented. Vessels, with their living cargo, will be entombed in the great deep. All who have not the spirit of truth will unite under the leadership of satanic agencies. But they are to be kept under control till the time shall come for the great battle of Armageddon. “Angels are belting the world, refusing Satan his claims to supremacy, made because of the vast multitude of his adherents. We hear not the voices, we see not with the natural sight the work of these angels, but their hands are linked about the world, and with sleepless vigilance they are keeping the armies of Satan at bay till the sealing of God's people shall be accomplished.” - S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 7 p. 967.MEDITATION Shall we take our situation as seriously as the angels are for us?“The ministers of Jehovah, angels have skill and power and great strength, being commissioned to go forth from heaven to earth to minister to His people. They are given the work of keeping back the raging power of him who has come down like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. The Lord is a refuge for all who put their trust in Him. He bids them hide in Him for a little moment, until the indignation shall be overpast. He is soon to come out of His place to punish the world for its iniquity. Then the earth shall disclose her blood and shall no more cover her slain.” (Letter 79, 1900). - S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 7 p. 967.“I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven, descending to the earth, and again ascending to heaven, preparing for the fulfillment of some important event.” - Early Writings p.277.“In their service, these armies of heaven illustrate what the church of God should be. Christ is working in their behalf in the heavenly courts, sending out His messengers to all parts of the globe, to the assistance of every suffering one who looks to Him for relief, for spiritual life and knowledge.” - S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 7 p. 968.NOTESleft0Lesson 5 Sabbath, August 1, 201500Lesson 5 Sabbath, August 1, 2015The Nature of the Sealing WorkAnd one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? “And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:13-14OBJECTIVESTo examine the Scriptures and Spirit of Prophecy regarding the diligence evoked by the sealing angel.To learn what is the work the believers engage in to be sealed.To understand the compassion of God for His people during such serious and perplexing times.DUE DILIGENCEHaving seen the diligence with which the angels engage in, in sealing us, what does this evoke in us? Hebrews 12:1; 2 Peter 1:10, 11.“The great truths revealed by the world's Redeemer are for those who search for truth as for hid treasures. Daniel was an aged man. His life had been passed amid the fascinations of a heathen court, his mind cumbered with the affairs of a great empire. Yet he turns aside from all these to afflict his soul before God, and seek a knowledge of the purposes of the Most High. And in response to his supplications, light from the heavenly courts was communicated for those who should live in the latter days. With what earnestness, then, should we seek God that He may open our understanding to comprehend the truths brought to us from heaven.” - The Sanctified Life p. 50.What is the work we need to diligently apply ourselves to? Revelation 7:14.“Be diligent to make your calling and election sure. See that you make no mistake in regard to your title to a home in Christ's kingdom. If your name is registered in the Lamb's book of life, then all will be well with you. Be ready and anxious to confess your faults and forsake them that your mistakes and sins may go beforehand to judgment and be blotted out.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 5 p. 331.“He has a work before him to overcome these defects if he would be among the number who are to stand without fault before the throne of God, having come up through great tribulation, and having washed their robes of character and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. The provision has been made for us to wash. The fountain has been prepared at infinite expense, and the burden of washing rests upon us, who are imperfect before God. The Lord does not propose to remove these spots of defilement without our doing anything on our part. We must wash our robes in the blood of the Lamb. We may lay hold of the merits of the blood of Christ by faith, and through His grace and power we may have strength to overcome our errors, our sins, our imperfections of character, and come off victorious, having washed our robes in the blood of the Lamb.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 3 p. 183.DETAILS OF THE WORKWhat should be our prayer so as to understand what our sins are in order to deal with them? Psalm 26:2; Psalm 139:23, 24.“The Bible is full, clear, and explicit; the character of the true disciple of Christ is marked out with exactness. We must search the Scriptures with humble hearts, trembling at the word of the Lord, if we would not be in any way deceived in regard to our true character. There must be persevering effort to overcome selfishness and self-confidence. Self-examination must be thorough, that there be no danger of self-deception. A little catechizing of self on special occasions is not sufficient. Daily examine the foundation of your hope, and see whether you are indeed in the love of Christ. Deal truly with your own hearts, for you cannot afford to run any risk here. Count the cost of being a wholehearted Christian, and then gird on the armor. Study the Pattern; look to Jesus, and be like Him. Your peace of mind, your hope of eternal salvation, depend on faithfulness in this work. As Christians we are less thorough in self-examination than in anything else; it is no wonder, then, that we make such slow advancement in understanding self.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 5 p. 332.As we engage in the work of self-examination, how detailed is to be our cleansing from every sin? 1 John 3:2, 3; 2 Peter 3:14.“Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure." Well, every man can have that hope. We have it, then what should we do? Is it every man that professeth to have the hope? No, there are those who talk about it, but they have not the love of Jesus and are in a worse condition than the unbeliever. They understand, but do they hold themselves as the light of the world? What is it to be a light to the world?--It is to recognize Christ as our example. It is to show Christian politeness, never to scold and fret, but to be in a condition where we can constantly carry the minds of others upward. This is the work of everyone who names the name of Christ. It is to depart from the works of iniquity; it is to wash our garments in the blood of the Lamb. We are in the washing and ironing time. Now we are to have every sin and iniquity taken from us, and the white linen put upon us, the wedding garment.” - Sermons and Talks Volume 2 p. 52.5.How will God reveal every spot to us so we can wash and iron it all away? 2 Corinthians 4:6.“One ray of the glory of God, one gleam of the purity of Christ, penetrating the soul, makes every spot of defilement painfully distinct, and lays bare the deformity and defects of the human character. It makes apparent the unhallowed desires, the infidelity of the heart, the impurity of the lips. The sinner's acts of disloyalty in making void the law of God, are exposed to his sight, and his spirit is stricken and afflicted under the searching influence of the Spirit of God. He loathes himself as he views the pure, spotless character of Christ.” - Steps to Christ p. 29.GOD’S COMPASSIONAre we left to ourselves as we engage in this cleansing work? Isaiah 41:10, 13, 14; Philippians 2:12, 13.“Man is not left alone to conquer the power of evil by his own feeble efforts. Help is at hand and will be given to every soul who really desires it. Angels of God, that ascend and descend the ladder which Jacob saw in vision, will help every soul who will, to climb even to the highest heaven.” - Patriarchs and Prophets p. 568.“The work of gaining salvation is one of copartnership, a joint operation. There is to be co-operation between God and the repentant sinner. This is necessary for the formation of right principles in the character. Man is to make earnest efforts to overcome that which hinders him from attaining to perfection. But he is wholly dependent upon God for success. Human effort of itself is not sufficient. Without the aid of divine power it avails nothing. God works and man works. Resistance of temptation must come from man, who must draw his power from God. On the one side there is infinite wisdom, compassion, and power; on the other, weakness, sinfulness, absolute helplessness.”- The Acts of the Apostles p. 482.How does the Bible comfort us with the thought of God’s compassion when we feel overwhelmed by the task? Psalm 103:13, 14; Lamentations 3:18-26.What is revealed in the sealing work that shows God’s compassion? Revelation 7: 3; 2 Peter 3:9.“I asked my accompanying angel the meaning of what I heard, and what the four angels were about to do. He said to me that it was God that restrained the powers, and that He gave His angels charge over things on the earth; that the four angels had power from God to hold the four winds, and that they were about to let them go; but while their hands were loosening, and the four winds were about to blow, the merciful eye of Jesus gazed on the remnant that were not sealed, and He raised His hands to the Father and pleaded with Him that He had spilled His blood for them. Then another angel was commissioned to fly swiftly to the four angels and bid them hold, until the servants of God were sealed with the seal of the living God in their foreheads.” - Early Writings p. 38.MEDITATIONAs we engage with diligence in this arduous task of washing and ironing every spot and wrinkle of our faulty character, many Adventists have become weary. i.e. “Some of these agents of Satan were affecting the bodies of some of the saints--those whom they could not deceive and draw away from the truth by a Satanic influence. Oh, that all could get a view of it as God revealed it to me, that they might know more of the wiles of Satan and be on their guard! I saw that Satan was at work in these ways to distract, deceive, and draw away God's people, just now in this sealing time. I saw some who were not standing stiffly for present truth. Their knees were trembling, and their feet sliding, because they were not firmly planted on the truth, and the covering of Almighty God could not be drawn over them while they were thus trembling.” - Early Writings p. 44.“Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; “And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” Hebrews 12:12, 13.NOTESleft0Lesson 6 Sabbath, August 8, 201500Lesson 6 Sabbath, August 8, 2015The Life of the 144,000Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:12 OBJECTIVESTo learn more regarding those who are being sealed – the 144,000.To discover the lifestyle of these people.To appreciate their missionary zeal to save others who may never be part of their number.THE 144,000Having learnt that the 144,000 are selected by the third angel ever since 1848, what are they pre-occupied with throughout their life? Revelation 14:9, 10.“The third angel's message must go over the land, and awaken the people, and call their attention to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Another angel unites his voice with the third angel, and the earth is lighted with its glory. The light increases, and it shines out to all the nations of the earth. It is to go forth as a light that burneth. It will be attended with great power, until its golden beams have fallen upon every tongue, every people, and every nation upon the face of the whole earth. Let me ask you, What you are doing to prepare for this work? Are you building for eternity? You must remember that this angel represents the people that have this message to give to the world. Are you among that people? Do you really believe that this work in which we are engaged is truly the third angel's message? If so, then you understand that we have a mighty work to do, and that we ought to be about it. We must sanctify ourselves by a strict obedience to the truth, placing ourselves in right relation to God and his work.” - The Review and Herald August 18, 1885.In what manner do those who are being sealed among the144,000 proclaim the three angels’ message? James 2: 17-18; 1 Peter 2:9. How was this expressed regarding them? Revelation 14:13.“Men and women, enlightened by the Spirit of God and sanctified through the truth, proclaim the three messages in their order.” - Selected Messages Book 2 p. 387.What is meant by the 144,000 following the Lamb withsoever He goeth?“We need not wait till we are translated to follow Christ. God's people may do this here below. We shall follow the Lamb of God in the courts above only if we follow Him here. Following Him in heaven depends on our keeping His commandments now. We are not to follow Christ fitfully or capriciously, only when it is for our advantage. “We must choose to follow Him. In daily life we must follow His example, as a flock trustfully follows its shepherd. We are to follow Him by suffering for His sake, saying, at every step, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." His life practice must be our life practice. And as we thus seek to be like Him, and to bring our wills into conformity to His will, we shall reveal Him.” (RH April 12, 1898). - S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 7 p. 978.“The lesson is for all time. We are to follow the Lamb of God whithersoever He goeth. His guidance is to be chosen, His companionship valued above the companionship of earthly friends. Christ says, "He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." Matthew 10:37. - Christ’s Object Lessons p. 223.LIFE AND EVENTS OF 144,000Considering the answer to the previous question, what kind of life do these people live? Daniel 12:4.“The book of Daniel is now unsealed, and the revelation made by Christ to John is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth. By the increase of knowledge a people is to be prepared to stand in the latter days.” - Manuscript Releases Volume 1 p. 43.“So of the increase of knowledge. It must refer either to the increase of knowledge in general, the development of the arts and sciences, or an increase of knowledge in reference to those things revealed to Daniel, which were closed up and sealed to the time of the end. Here, again, apply it which way we will, the fulfilment is most marked and complete. Look at the marvelous achievements of the human mind, and the cunning works of men's hands, rivaling the magician's wildest dreams, which have been accomplished within the last hundred years. The Scientific American has stated that within this time more advancement has been made in all scientific attainments, and more progress in all that tends to domestic transmission of intelligence from one to another, and the means of rapid transit from place to place and even from continent to continent, than all that was done for three thousand years previous, put together.” - 1897 Daniel and the Revelation p. 332.What events in the life of these people can be deducted from the following Scriptures? Revelation 11:18; 7:13, 14.“I was shown the inhabitants of the earth in the utmost confusion. War, bloodshed, privation, want, famine, and pestilence were abroad in the land. As these things surrounded God's people, they began to press together, and to cast aside their little difficulties. Self-dignity no longer controlled them; deep humility took its place. Suffering, perplexity, and privation caused reason to resume its throne, and the passionate and unreasonable man became sane, and acted with discretion and wisdom. “My attention was then called from the scene. There seemed to be a little time of peace. Once more the inhabitants of the earth were presented before me; and again everything was in the utmost confusion. Strife, war, and bloodshed, with famine and pestilence, raged everywhere. Other nations were engaged in this war and confusion. War caused famine. Want and bloodshed caused pestilence. And then men's hearts failed them for fear, "and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth." - Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 p. 268.“They have seen the earth wasted with famine and pestilence, the sun having power to scorch men with great heat, and they themselves have endured suffering, hunger, and thirst.” - The Great Controversy p. 648.In the midst of the experiences of wars since 1848 to the very end, what is their experience in reference to the seal by which they are sealed? What is that seal? Exodus 31:13; Revelation 13: 16, 17; Revelation 14:9, 10.“Thus the distinction is drawn between the loyal and the disloyal. Those who desire to have the seal of God in their foreheads must keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Thus they are distinguished from the disloyal, who have accepted a manmade institution in place of the true Sabbath. The observance of God's rest day is a mark of distinction between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.” (RH April 23, 1901). - S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 7 p. 981 “Why were they so specially singled out? Because they had to stand with a wonderful truth right before the whole world, and receive their opposition, and while receiving this opposition they were to remember that they were sons and daughters of God, that they must have Christ formed within them the hope of glory.” (MS 13, 1888). - S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 7 p. 978Being distinguished from the disloyal, how are they described in contrast to the churches they have left? Revelation 14:4 (first part).“They were not defiled with women. A woman is in Scripture the symbol of a church, a virtuous woman representing a pure church, a corrupt woman an apostate church. It is, then, a characteristic of this company that at the time of their deliverance they are not defiled with, or have no connection with, the fallen churches of the land. Yet we are not to understand that they never had any connection with these churches; for it is only at a certain time that people become defiled by them. In chapter 18:4, we find a call issued to the people of God while they are in Babylon, to come out, lest they become partakers of her sins. Heeding that call, and leaving her connection, they escape the defilement of her sins. So of the 144,000; though some of them may have once had a connection with corrupt churches, they sever that connection when it would become sin to retain it longer.” - 1987 Daniel and the Revelation p. 630.THEIR INTEREST IN SOULSHaving left friends behind in these disloyal churches, how active are they for their salvation and how will they be rewarded at Christ’s second advent, even though they may not have become part of their number? Revelation 22:17.“Then Jesus' silver trumpet sounded, as He descended on the cloud, wrapped in flames of fire. He gazed on the graves of the sleeping saints, then raised His eyes and hands to heaven, and cried, "Awake! awake! awake! ye that sleep in the dust, and arise." Then there was a mighty earthquake. The graves opened, and the dead came up clothed with immortality. The 144,000 shouted, "Alleluia!" as they recognized their friends who had been torn from them by death, and in the same moment we were changed and caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air.” - Early Writings p. 16.MEDITATIONThe song of the 144,000. Revelation 14:3.“None but the hundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song; for it is the song of their experience--an experience such as no other company have ever had.” - The Great Controversy p. 648NOTES.left0Lesson 7 Sabbath, August 15, 201500Lesson 7 Sabbath, August 15, 2015Perfecting HolinessFor behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, [what] clearing of yourselves, yea, [what] indignation, yea, [what] fear, yea, [what] vehement desire, yea, [what] zeal, yea, [what] revenge! In all [things] ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”2 Corinthians 7:11OBJECTIVESTo show that the sealing angel’s work has to do with producing the 144,000, a people perfect and holy.To enlarge the work of righteousness by faith.To magnify the part of the believer in attaining to perfection.CONDITION OF THE 144,000Where do the three angels’ messages find the candidates for the sealing work? Deuteronomy 32:9, 10; Ephesians 2:1-3.“When the truth first finds men, it finds them possessed of the spirit of the world; but it does not leave them with this spirit.” - The Signs of the Times January 23, 1896.What do these messages perform in those that receive them? John 8:31, 32; Jude 24.“When the truth is received, it begins to work the work of sanctification upon heart, and mind, and character. The truth purifies, elevates, and transforms the soul until men reveal a likeness to the character of Him who gave Himself to save a perishing world.” - The Signs of the Times January 23, 1896.What is the final product of this activity upon the lives of those who receive these truth? Revelation 14:12 & 5.“Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God--candidates for heaven. Go forward, my brethren and sisters. I can only write briefly upon these points at this time, merely calling your attention to the necessity of preparation. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour.” Testimonies for the Church Volume 5 p. 216.ACTIVITY OF THE BELIEVERHow do those who receive the messages engage their powers in unison with the truth they embrace? Philippians 2:12-15; Hebrews 12:14.“Wherever we look we see deformity caused by sin, and we all need a Saviour, one who will save to the uttermost. But we must do our part to work out our own salvation. I am so glad that I have a Saviour, one who can help me. God did not send angels to this world to save man, but His own Son, who suffered and was tempted on all points like as we are, and He knows how to succor all that are tempted and tried. This is done that we may have salvation. What more could have been done than has been done? This should evidence to us that God has great love for the human race, therefore in return He demands obedience from our hands.” - Manuscript Releases Volume 5 p. 259.What in actual fact of participation is the believer to do? In the light of Ephesians 2:8-10, what is he to exercise, which only he can do? Galatians 5:5, 6; James 2:18; Habakkuk 2:4.“Faith is the gift of God, but the power to exercise it is yours.” - The Signs of the Times March 5, 1885.“The follower of Christ must have faith abiding in the heart; for without this it is impossible to please God. Faith is the hand that takes hold of infinite help; it is the medium by which the renewed heart is made to beat in unison with the heart of Christ.” - Messages to Young People p. 102.“God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ that we may attain to perfection of character.” - The Desire of Ages p. 123.3What else is the believer to exercise in order to reach perfection? John 14:12-14; Matthew 7:7, 8.“The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation.” - Steps to Christ p. 94.RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITHAs we respond to the hand that directs our hand of faith to take hold of the divinity of Christ, what is written of the righteousness that will be obtained in this manner? Isaiah 54:17; Romans 1:16, 17.“Righteousness is holiness, likeness to God, and "God is love." 1 John 4:16. It is conformity to the law of God, for "all thy commandments are righteousness" (Psalm 119:172), and "love is the fulfilling of the law" (Romans 13:10). Righteousness is love, and love is the light and the life of God. The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive righteousness by receiving Him. Not by painful struggles or wearisome toil, not by gift or sacrifice, is righteousness obtained; but it is freely given to every soul who hungers and thirsts to receive it. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat;. “without money and without price." Isaiah 55:1. "Their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord," and, "This is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord our righteousness." Isaiah 54:17; Jeremiah 23:6. - The Faith I Live By p. 109.How do these realities equate with the health message? Malachi 4:2; Proverbs 4: 19-22; Isaiah 55:1-3.“God has provided a balm for every wound. There is a balm in Gilead, there is a Physician there. Will you not now as never before study the Scriptures? Seek the Lord for wisdom in every emergency. In every trial plead with Jesus to show you a way out of your troubles, then your eyes will be opened to behold the remedy and to apply to your case the healing promises that have been recorded in His Word. In this way the enemy will find no place to lead you into mourning and unbelief, but instead you will have faith and hope and courage in the Lord. The Holy Spirit will give you clear discernment that you may see and appropriate every blessing that will act as an antidote to grief, as a branch of healing to every draught of bitterness that is placed to your lips. Every draught of bitterness will be mingled with the love of Jesus, and in place of complaining of the bitterness, you will realize that Jesus' love and grace are so mingled with sorrow that it has been turned into subdued, holy, sanctified joy.” - The Faith I Live By p. 186.MEDITATION“It is not enough to have a nominal faith. We must have faith that will appropriate the life-giving power to our souls. We suffer great loss because we do not exercise simple, living faith in Christ. We should be able to say, "He is my Saviour; he died for me; I look to him as my complete Saviour and live." We are to look to Christ day by day. We are to regard him as our example in all things. This is faith. The true believer in Christ is represented by a branch connected with a living vine. The sap and nourishment of the vine extends through every vein and fiber of the branch, and thus the branch becomes knit with the life of the vine, and bears precious fruit. Every soul that abides in Christ will do the works of Christ. Those who love God will keep his commandments; for Christ has said, "I have kept my Father's commandments." Jesus made an infinite sacrifice in leaving his majesty, to come to a fallen world that he might lift up sinful man; and everyone that is connected with Christ, as the branch is united with the vine, will manifest the spirit.“We honor our Lord and Master when we place implicit confidence in him. If we distrust the message that he has sent us, we shall be in a position similar to that of the Israelites who were bitten by the fiery serpents, but who would not look and live. If we accept the message of love that has come to us in invitations, exhortation, and reproof, it will prove life and healing to our souls.” - The Signs of the Times March 10, 1890.NOTESleft0Lesson 8 Sabbath, August 22, 201500Lesson 8 Sabbath, August 22, 2015Health and CharacterBlessed [art] thou, O land, when thy king [is] the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! Ecclesiastes 10:17OBJECTIVESTo demonstrate the relation between a healthy body and soundness of character.To reveal how a deliberate disregard for health produces a faulty character.To show that in developing a character for heaven, we need to heed the laws of health.YOU ARE WHAT YOU EATHow does the Bible reveal that the way we eat and drink has an influence on our noble qualities? Ecclesiastes 10:17; Proverbs 31:4, 5.“The observance of temperance and regularity in all things has a wonderful power. It will do more than circumstances or natural endowments in promoting that sweetness and serenity of disposition which count so much in smoothing life's pathway. At the same time the power of self-control thus acquired will be found one of the most valuable equipments for grappling successfully with the stern duties and realities that await every human being.” - My Life Today p. 82.Is the character of a child affected by its dietary intake? Proverbs 22:6.“Children should be taught that they must not have their own way, but that the will of their parents must guide them. One of the most important lessons in this connection is the control of appetite. They should learn to eat at regular periods and to allow nothing to pass their lips between these stated meals. . “Children reared in this way are much more easily controlled than those who are indulged in eating everything their appetite craves, and at all times. They are usually cheerful, contented, and healthy. Even the most stubborn, passionate, and wayward have become submissive, patient, and possessed of self-control by persistently following up this order of diet, united with a firm but kind management in regard to other matters.” - My Life Today p. 82.THE WAYS OF WISDOMWhat relationship is there between wisdom and knowledge, and mental and spiritual serenity? Proverbs 2:1-11.“Right physical habits promote mental superiority. Intellectual power, physical strength, and longevity depend upon immutable laws. There is no happen-so, no chance, about this matter. Heaven will not interfere to preserve men from the consequences of the violation of nature's laws. There is much of truth in the adage that every man is the architect of his own fortune. While parents are responsible for the stamp of character, as well as for the education and training which they give their sons and daughters, it is still true that our position and usefulness in the world depend, to a great degree, upon our own course of action.” - Reflecting Christ p. 142.What has God given us in His wisdom in order to help us in health and character dispositions? Proverbs 3:13-18; Proverbs 4:11-13.“The youth need to understand the deep truth underlying the Bible statement that with God "is the fountain of life" (Psalm 36:9). Not only is He the originator of all, but He is the life of everything that lives. It is His life that we receive in the sunshine, in the pure, sweet air, in the food which builds up our bodies and sustains our strength. It is by His life that we exist, hour by hour, moment by moment. Except as perverted by sin, all His gifts tend to life, to health and joy” - Reflecting Christ p. 146.WHEN WISDOM IS REJECTEDHow does a disregard for the wisdom cited in Ecclesiastes 10:17 regarding eating in season affect our health?“The laws of health are to be obeyed. It is important that the digestive organs shall not be overtaxed. There are many who keep the stomach continually at work. It has not opportunity to recruit its strength, and the result must be digestive disorders. “There should be no eating between meals, and at least five hours should be allowed to elapse between the meals. Indigestion is the result of food taken into the stomach before the digestive organs have had time to dispose of the foregoing meal.” - This Day with God p. 210.How does this indigestion consequently affect our character? What counsel will be hard to obey? Titus 3:g 2.“We know something of dyspepsia by experience. We have had it in our family; and we feel that it is a disease much to be dreaded. When a person becomes a thorough dyspeptic, he is a great sufferer, mentally and physically; and his friends must also suffer, unless they are as unfeeling as brutes. And yet will you say, "It is none of your business what I eat, or what course I pursue?" Does anybody around dyspeptics suffer? Just take a course that will irritate them in any way. How natural to be fretful! They feel bad, and it appears to them that their children are very bad. They cannot speak calmly to them, nor, without especial grace, act calmly in their families. All around them are affected by the disease upon them; all have to suffer the consequences of their infirmity. They cast a dark shadow. Then, do not your habits of eating and drinking affect others? They certainly do. And you should be very careful to preserve yourself in the best condition of health that you may render to God perfect service, and do your duty in society and to your family.” - Counsel on Diet and Foods p.135.PREPARING CHARACTERS FOR HEAVENWhat is the Christian’s work on this side of eternity? Amos 4:12; 2 Peter 3:10-14; 1 John 2:28.“My brother, my sister, I urge you to prepare for the coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven. Day by day cast the love of the world out of your hearts. Understand by experience what it means to have fellowship with Christ. Prepare for the judgment, that when Christ shall come, to be admired in all them that believe, you may be among those who will meet Him in peace. In that day the redeemed will shine forth in the glory of the Father and the Son. The angels, touching their golden harps, will welcome the King and His trophies of victory --those who have been washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. A song of triumph will peal forth, filling all heaven. Christ has conquered. He enters the heavenly courts, accompanied by His redeemed ones, the witnesses that His mission of suffering and sacrifice has not been in vain.” Testimonies for the Church Volume 9 p. 285.If our characters are affected by our habits of diet and obedience to health laws, how then shall we attend to this? 2 Peter 1:10, 11.“I saw that our heavenly Father has bestowed upon us the great blessing of light upon the health reform, that we may obey the claims which He has upon us, and glorify Him in our bodies and spirits, which are His, and finally stand without fault before the throne of God.” - Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 51.“It is well that those in responsibility are now planning wisely to proclaim the third angel's message to the hundreds of thousands of foreigners in America. God desires his servants to do their full duty toward the unwarned millions of the cities, and especially toward those who have come to these cities in our land from the nations of earth. Many of these foreigners are here in the providence of God, that they may have opportunity to hear the truth for this time.”- The Review and Herald October 29, 1914.MEDITATION“The Word of God plainly warns us that unless we abstain from fleshly lusts, the physical nature will be brought into conflict with the spiritual nature. Lustful eating wars against health and peace. Thus a warfare is instituted between the higher and the lower attributes of the man. The lower propensities, strong and active, oppress the soul. The highest interests of the being are imperiled by the indulgence of appetites unsanctioned by Heaven.” - The Faith I Live By p.231.“Since the mind and the soul find expression through the body, both mental and spiritual vigor are in great degree dependent upon physical strength and activity; whatever promotes physical health, promotes the development of a strong mind and a well-balanced character. Without health, no one can as distinctly understand or as completely fulfill his obligations to himself, to his fellow beings, or to his Creator. Therefore the health should be as faithfully guarded as the character. A knowledge of physiology and hygiene should be the basis of all educational effort.” - Child Guidance p. 360.NOTESleft0Lesson 9 Sabbath, August 29, 201500Lesson 9 Sabbath, August 29, 2015Lessons from DanielBut Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank. Daniel 1:8OBJECTIVESTo find an example to illustrate that diet does influence the character and intellectual qualities.To observe how God co-operates with those who heed His counsel and wisdom.To learn that those who practice health reform are a powerful witness to win unbelievers to God.AN EXAMPLEHaving learnt that a long-term fasting means to discard all stimulating and hurtful items of food, how does Daniel demonstrate this? Daniel 10:2, 3. i.e. Isaiah 22:12-14.What other Scripture is Daniel an example of? Proverbs 23:1-3; Daniel 1:8.“As Daniel and his fellows were brought to the test, they placed themselves fully on the side of righteousness and truth. They did not move capriciously, but intelligently. They decided that as flesh-meat had not composed their diet in the past, it should not come into their diet in the future, and as wine had been prohibited to all who should engage in the service of God, they determined that they would not partake of it. The fate of the sons of Aaron had been presented before them, and they knew that the use of wine would confuse their senses, that the indulgence of appetite would be-cloud their powers of discernment. These particulars were placed on record in the history of the children of Israel as a warning to every youth to avoid all customs and practises and indulgences that would in any way dishonor God.” - S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 4 p. 1166.DIET AND ITS EFFECTWhat was the diet Daniel requested for himself and his three friends? Daniel 1:11, 12.Note: pulse – Hebrew “zayroah” means grown from a seed.Of what may we be sure, as was Daniel, if we were to adopt such a diet? Daniel 1:10-14.“In taking this step, Daniel did not act rashly. He knew that by the time he was called to appear before the king, the advantage of healthful living would be apparent. Cause would be followed by effect. Daniel said to Melzar, who had been given charge of him and his companions: "Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat and water to drink." Daniel knew that ten days would be time enough to prove the benefit of abstemiousness. ” S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 4 p. 1167.What was the effect both after ten days, and when the king finally examined them at the end of their course? Daniel 1:15, 16, 18-20.“This record contains much of importance on the subject of health reform. In the experience of the four Hebrew children a lesson is given regarding the need of abstaining from all spirituous liquors, and from indulgence of perverted appetite. The position taken by these Hebrew youth was vindicated, and at the end of ten days they were found fairer in flesh and better in knowledge than all the rest whom the king was proving.” - The General Conference Bulletin May 30, 1909.CO-OPERATION WITH GODWas it the diet alone that made the difference? Daniel 1:17.“While these youth were working out their own salvation, God was working in them to will and to do of His good pleasure. Here are revealed the conditions of success. To make God's grace our own, we must act our part. The Lord does not propose to perform for us either the willing or the doing. His grace is given to work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort. Our souls are to be aroused to cooperate. The Holy Spirit works in us that we may work out our own salvation. This is the practical lesson the Holy Spirit is striving to teach us.” (YI Aug. 20, 1903). - S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 4 p. 1167.Of what value was their witness? Daniel 1:9; Daniel 4:1-3.“Babylon was at this time the greatest kingdom in the world. God permitted Daniel and his companions to be taken captive that they might take to the king and nobles of Babylon the knowledge of Him, the only true God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. “God brought Daniel into favor with the prince of the eunuchs because he behaved himself. He kept before him the fear of the Lord. His companions never saw in his life anything that would lead them astray. Those who had charge over him loved him because he carried with him the fragrance of a Christlike disposition. You may say, But I have not a good disposition. If in the past your disposition has been bad, now is the time to seek to make it good. The term is just about to commence. Begin now to obtain the victory over self. God will help you.” – Sermons and Talks Volume 1 p. 315.Of what value is their story to us today? Daniel 12:13.“In this our day, the Lord would be pleased to have those who are preparing for the future, immortal life follow the example of Daniel and his companions in seeking to maintain strength of body and clearness of mind. The more careful we learn to be in treating our bodies, the more readily shall we be able to escape the evils that are in the world through lust.” - The General Conference Bulletin May 30, 1909.NOTESleft0Lesson 10 Sabbath, September 5, 201500Lesson 10 Sabbath, September 5, 2015In the Steps of ElijahBehold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD Malachi 4:5OBJECTIVESTo observe the parallel of our time with that of Elijah and John the Baptist. To explore the messages they bore as equal to those we are to proclaim at this time.To reveal the steps of dietary reform demonstrated by God’s provision for Elijah and the diet of John the Baptist.BEFORE THE DAY OF THE LORDWhat is the condition of God’s people today that can be compared with that of Israel in Elijah’s day? 1 Kings 18:21; Revelation 18:2-5.“There are many lessons to be drawn from the experience of Israel and of the prophet of God. We are living in a time of apostasy similar to the time of which we have read; for there is great religious declension in the churches, among the professed people of God. The children of God should have a realization of their accountability, and should direct their hearts toward God, seeking for strength and grace with an earnestness which they have never before manifested. There never was a more solemn time in the history of the world than the time in which we are now living. Our eternal interests are at stake, and we should arouse to the importance of making our calling and election sure. We dare not risk our eternal interests on mere probabilities. We must be in earnest. What we are, what we are doing, what is to be our course of action in the future, are all questions of untold moment, and we cannot afford to be listless, indifferent, unconcerned. It becomes each one of us to inquire, "What is eternity to me?" Are our feet in the path that leads to heaven, or in the broad road that leads to perdition?” - The Review and Herald May 26, 1981.How does John the Baptist’s time also compare with that of Elijah’s and ours? Matthew 17:11-13; Luke 1:13, 16, and 17.“The work of John was foretold by the prophet Malachi: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord; and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.” [Malachi 4:5, 6.] John the Baptist went forth in the spirit and power of Elijah, to prepare the way of the Lord, and to turn the people to the wisdom of the just. He was a representative of those living in the last days, to whom God has intrusted sacred truths to present before the people, to prepare the way for the second appearing of Christ. And the same principles of temperance which John practiced should be observed by those who in our day are to warn the world of the coming of the Son of man.” - Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene 39.MESSAGE OF THE ELIJAH PEOPLE How do the three angel’s messages equate with Elijah’s message? Revelation 14:7-10. Compare 1 Kings 18:21.“In the closing work of God in the earth, the standard of His law will be again exalted. False religion may prevail, iniquity may abound, the love of many may wax cold, the cross of Calvary may be lost sight of, and darkness, like the pall of death, may spread over the world; the whole force of the popular current may be turned against the truth; plot after plot may be formed to overthrow the people of God; but in the hour of greatest peril the God of Elijah will raise up human instrumentalities to bear a message that will not be silenced. In the populous cities of the land, and in the places where men have gone to the greatest lengths in speaking against the Most High, the voice of stern rebuke will be heard. Boldly will men of God's appointment denounce the union of the church with the world. Earnestly will they call upon men and women to turn from the observance of a man-made institution to the observance of the true Sabbath. "Fear God, and give glory to Him," they will proclaim to every nation; "for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation." Revelation 14:7-10. - Prophets and Kings p. 186.“Today, as in the days of Elijah, the line of demarcation between God's commandment-keeping people and the worshipers of false gods is clearly drawn.” - Prophets and Kings p. 187.How similar was the message of John the Baptist which we are also to bear under the three angel’s message? Matthew 3:1-3; Isaiah 58:1.“With no elaborate arguments or finespun theories did John declare his message. Startling and stern, yet full of hope, his voice was heard from the wilderness: "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 3:2. With a new, strange power it moved the people. The whole nation was stirred. Multitudes flocked to the wilderness.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 8, p 332.“In this age, just prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven, such a work as that of John is to be done. God calls for men who will prepare a people to stand in the great day of the Lord. The message preceding the public ministry of Christ was: "Repent, publicans and sinners; repent, Pharisees and Sadducees; 'repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' "As a people who believe in Christ's soon appearing, we have a message to bear-- "Prepare to meet thy God." Amos 4:12. Our message must be as direct as was the message of John. He rebuked kings for their iniquity. Notwithstanding that his life was imperiled, he did not hesitate to declare God's word. And our work in this age must be done as faithfully.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 8, p 332.GOD’S DIETARY PROVISIONSBecause we are to do the work of Elijah at this time, what does God teach us in the stepwise manner of providing his food in the days of his preparation for his work? 1 Kings 17:4-6 and 15, 16; 1 Kings 19:5, 6.“After his first appearance to Ahab, denouncing upon him the judgments of God because of his and Israel's apostasy, God directed his course from Jezebel's power to a place of safety in the mountains, by the brook Cherith. There He honored Elijah by sending food to him morning and evening by an angel of heaven. Then, as the brook became dry, He sent him to the widow of Sarepta, and wrought a miracle daily to keep the widow's family and Elijah in food. After he had been blessed with evidences of such love and care from God, we would suppose that Elijah would never distrust Him. But the apostle tells us that he was a man of like passions as we, and subject, as we are, to temptations.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 3 p. 288.“As Elijah sleeps under the juniper tree, a soft touch and pleasant voice arouse him. He starts at once in his terror, as if to flee, as though the enemy who was in pursuit of his life had indeed found him. But in the pitying face of love bending over him he sees, not the face of an enemy, but of a friend. An angel has been sent with food from heaven to sustain the faithful servant of God. His voice says to Elijah: "Arise and eat." After Elijah had partaken of the refreshment prepared for him, he again slumbered. A second time the angel of God ministers to the wants of Elijah. He touches the weary, exhausted man, and in pitying tenderness says to him: "Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee." Elijah was strengthened and pursued his journey to Horeb. He was in a wilderness. At night he lodged in a cave for protection from the wild beasts.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 3 p. 291.“He went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.” Testimonies for the Church Volume 3 p. 289.Having provided flesh and bread first and then bread and finally angel’s food, can we discern the ongoing object lesson via John the Baptist? Matthew 3:4.“John the Baptist was a reformer. To him was committed a great work for the people of his time. And in preparation for that work, all his habits were carefully regulated, even from his birth. The angel Gabriel was sent from heaven to instruct the parents of John in the principles of health reform. He “shall drink neither wine nor strong drink,” said the heavenly messenger; “and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.” [Luke 1:15.] “John separated himself from his friends, and from the luxuries of life, dwelling alone in the wilderness, and subsisting upon a purely vegetable diet. The simplicity of his dress — a garment woven of camel's hair — was a rebuke to the extravagance and display of the people of his generation, especially of the Jewish priests. His diet also, of locusts and wild honey, was a rebuke to the gluttony that everywhere prevailed.}” - Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene p. 34.If we are to follow in the steps of Elijah and John the Baptist, what should be our dietary reform? 2 Peter 1:5-7.“An intemperate man never can be a patient man. Temperance comes first, and then patience.”- S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 7 p. 944.“A reform in their habits of eating and drinking is needed. But this reform cannot be made all at once. The change must be made gradually.” - Manuscript Releases Volume 14 p. 245.To give the messages in the spirit of Elijah, what other personal preparations must be seen to in our lives? Isaiah 50:4.“In order to give such a message as John gave, we must have a spiritual experience like his. The same work must be wrought in us. We must behold God, and in beholding Him lose sight of self. “John had by nature the faults and weaknesses common to humanity; but the touch of divine love had transformed him. When, after Christ's ministry began, the disciples of John came to him with the complaint that all men were following the new Teacher, John showed how clearly he understood his relation to the Messiah, and how gladly he welcomed the One for whom he had prepared the way.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 8 p. 333.MEDITATIONDo we appreciate God’s tender way to change the diet of His people as we behold the way Elijah’s diet changed?Consider Elijah’s preparation for translation as an example for ours.“Elijah was a type of the saints who will be living on the earth at the time of the second advent of Christ and who will be "changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump," without tasting of death. 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52. It was as a representative of those who shall be thus translated that Elijah, near the close of Christ's earthly ministry, was permitted to stand with Moses by the side of the Saviour on the mount of transfiguration. In these glorified ones, the disciples saw in miniature a representation of the kingdom of the redeemed. They beheld Jesus clothed with the light of heaven; they heard the "voice out of the cloud" (Luke 9:35), acknowledging Him as the Son of God; they saw Moses, representing those who will be raised from the dead at the time of the second advent; and there also stood Elijah, representing those who at the close of earth's history will be changed from mortal to immortal and be translated to heaven without seeing death.” - Prophets and Kings p. 227.“In the desert, in loneliness and discouragement, Elijah had said that he had had enough of life and had prayed that he might die. But the Lord in His mercy had not taken him at his word. There was yet a great work for Elijah to do; and when his work was done, he was not to perish in discouragement and solitude. Not for him the descent into the tomb, but the ascent with God's angels to the presence of His glory.” - Prophets and Kings p. 228.NOTESleft0Lesson 11 Sabbath, September 12, 201500Lesson 11 Sabbath, September 12, 2015More than FoodAnd he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Deuteronomy 8:3OBJECTIVESTo show that our health and wellbeing is dependent on a healthy diet as well as on other factors.To explore Scriptures that demonstrate that our health is effected by more than food.To reveal the mistake of extreme views on diet that can in fact contribute to disease and ill health.FOOD FOR THE SOULWhat does Scripture tell us of the nutritional elements that provide health for the soul? Isaiah 55:1-3.“If we do not receive the Word of God as food for the soul, we shall miss the greatest treasure that has been prepared for men and women; for the Word is a message to each and every soul. Christ declares that those who make its truths a part of their lives are eating his flesh and drinking his blood. If obeyed, it gives spiritual life and strength. The pure, spiritual current that enters the life in a living experience is eternal life to the receiver” - The Review and Herald March 22, 1906.4.What is written of water and edible leaves? John 4: 12-14; Revelation 21:6; 22:1, 2“All over the field of revelation are scattered the glad springs of heavenly truth, and peace, and joy. They are within the reach of every seeker. The words of inspiration, pondered in the heart, will be as streams flowing from the river of the water of life. Our Saviour prayed that the minds of the disciples might be opened to understand the Scriptures. And whenever we study the Bible with a prayerful heart, the Holy Spirit is near to open to us the meaning of the words we read.” - Our High Calling p. 205.4“The question is asked: What is the cause of the dearth in the church? The answer is: We allow our minds to be drawn away from the word. If the word of God were eaten as the food for the soul, if it were treated with respect and deference, there would be no necessity for the many and repeated testimonies that are borne. The simple declarations of Scripture would be received and acted upon. “Its living principles are as the leaves of the tree of life for the healing of the nations.” Testimonies for the Church Volume 6 pp. 392 – 393NOT BY BREAD ONLYHow does God express the fact that our health and vibrant life is gained by more than physical food? How did Jesus verify this? Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:3, 4.“This experience is the highest evidence of the divine authorship of the Bible. We receive God's word as food for the soul, through the same evidence by which we receive bread as food for the body. Bread supplies need of our nature; we know by experience that it produces blood and bone and brain. Apply the same test to the Bible; when its principles have actually become the elements of character, what has been the result? what changes have been made in the life? "Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17. In its power, men and women have broken the chains of sinful habit. They have renounced selfishness. The profane have become reverent, the drunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls that have borne the likeness of Satan have been transformed into the image of God. This change is itself the miracle of miracles. A change wrought by the word, it is one of the deepest mysteries of the word. We cannot understand it; we can only believe, as declared by the Scriptures, it is "Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27. - Education 171.In what other words is it shown that our health is dependent on God’s word and the following of His ways? Psalm 67:2, Proverbs 3:5-8 and chapter 4:20-22.OTHER SOURCES OF HEALTHIn what other ways can health spring forth outside of the food we partake of? Proverbs 16:24; Isaiah 58:6-8.“A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. Nothing is so fruitful a cause of disease as depression, gloominess, and sadness.” - Healthful Living p.232. “When human sympathy is blended with love and benevolence, and sanctified by the Spirit of Jesus, it is an element which can be productive of great good. Those who cultivate benevolence are not only doing a good work for others, and blessing those who receive the good action, but they are benefiting themselves by opening their hearts to the benign influence of true benevolence. Every ray of light shed upon others will be reflected upon our own hearts. Every kind and sympathizing word spoken to the sorrowful, every act to relieve the oppressed, and every gift to supply the necessities of our fellow beings, given or done with an eye to God's glory, will result in blessings to the giver. Those who are thus working are obeying a law of heaven and will receive the approval of God. The pleasure of doing good to others imparts a glow to the feelings which flashes through the nerves, quickens the circulation of the blood, and induces mental and physical health.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 4 p. 56.How do our thought patterns affect our health? Proverbs 17:22.“The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death. “Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. "A merry [rejoicing] heart doeth good like a medicine." Proverbs 17:22. - Counsels on Health p. 344.HEALTH DEFORMBecause our health is affected by activities of our mind, how does Jesus clarify the relation between the food we eat and the thoughts of our heart? Matthew 15:11; Mark 7:18-23.“If you are in constant fear that your food will hurt you, it most assuredly will.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 2 p. 530.Is it possible that an extreme view on diet can do us spiritual and physical damage? Does the Bible warn us of this? 1 Timothy 4:1-5.“I have something to say in reference to extreme views of health reform. Health reform becomes health deform, a health destroyer, when it is carried to extremes.” - Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 202.“Those who take an extreme view of health reform are in danger of preparing tasteless dishes. This has been done over and over again. The food has become so insipid as to be refused by the stomach.” - Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 203.“If you err, let it not be in getting as far from the people as possible, for then you cut the thread of your influence and can do them no good. Better err on the side of the people than altogether away from them, for there is hope in that case that you can carry the people with you, but there is no need of error on either side You need not go into the water, or into the fire, but take the middle path, avoiding all extremes. Do not let it appear that you are one-sided, ill-balanced managers. Do not have a meager, poor diet. Do not let any one influence you to have the diet poverty-stricken. Have your food prepared in a healthful, tasteful manner; have your food prepared with a nicety that will correctly represent health reform. - Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 211 -212.MEDITATIONLet us embrace the manifold sources of health and healing found in the word of God, in Jesus our loving Saviour. i.e. “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.” Malachi 4:2.If we refrain from flesh foods and clearly unhealthy items, let us not create health destroying anxiety if we have eaten imperfectly on minor items of food.NOTESleft0Lesson 12 Sabbath, September 19, 201500Lesson 12 Sabbath, September 19, 2015A Healthy MindA sound heart [is] the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. Proverbs 14:30OBJECTIVESTo show that the state of a man’s mind is the state of his health.To learn that a mind burdened by sin is not a sound mind, neither one that cherishes sinful thoughts.To appreciate that in the gospel we will obtain a sound mind.RELATION OF THE MIND TO THE BODYIs it possible to live on unhealthy food and even smoke and drink and yet live a long and healthy life? Psalm 73: 3-7. Why may that be? Proverbs 17:22 (first half).“The relation which exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health of the physical system.” - Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene p. 13.“A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul.” - Ministry of Healing p. 241.If we follow a healthy diet yet have troubled minds, can we still succumb to disease? Proverbs 17:22 (second half); chapter 14:30 (second half).“Sickness of the mind prevails everywhere. Nine tenths of the diseases from which men suffer have their foundation here. Perhaps some living home trouble is, like a canker, eating to the very soul and weakening the life forces. Remorse for sin sometimes undermines the constitution and unbalances the mind.” - Healthful Living p. 230.SIN-BURDENED MINDSHow may conscientiousness be a source of disease? Romans 7:18, 19, and 22-24; Psalm 73: 14-16.“The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, lies at the very foundation of a large share of the maladies which the sinner suffers” - Healthful Living p.230.To whom can we look to find that we are not alone in this life-destroying mind exercise? Psalm 40:12; Hebrews 12: 2, 3.“It was to redeem us that Jesus lived and suffered and died. He became "a Man of Sorrows," that we might be made partakers of everlasting joy. God permitted His beloved Son, full of grace and truth, to come from a world of indescribable glory, to a world marred and blighted with sin, darkened with the shadow of death and the curse. He permitted Him to leave the bosom of His love, the adoration of the angels, to suffer shame, insult, humiliation, hatred, and death. "The chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5. Behold Him in the wilderness, in Gethsemane, upon the cross! The spotless Son of God took upon Himself the burden of sin. He who had been one with God, felt in His soul the awful separation that sin makes between God and man. This wrung from His lips the anguished cry, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" Matthew 27:46. It was the burden of sin, the sense of its terrible enormity, of its separation of the soul from God--it was this that broke the heart of the Son of God.” - Steps to Christ p. 13.RESTORATION OF THE MINDHow did Jesus deal with this health-destroying experience? Luke 23:46.“In His humanity Christ was tried with as much greater temptation, with as much more persevering energy than man is tried by the evil one, as His nature was greater than man's. This is a deep mysterious truth, that Christ is bound to humanity by the most sensitive sympathies. The evil works, the evil thoughts, the evil words of every son and daughter of Adam press upon His divine soul. The sins of men called for retribution upon Himself, for He had become man's substitute, and took upon Him the sins of the world. He bore the sins of every sinner, for all transgressions were imputed unto Him. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" That I May Know Him p. 66.“If he drank of the cup of suffering, he must open his breast to the griefs and woes and sins of humanity. His suffering almost extinguished his life. The drops of blood beaded his forehead, and dewed the sod of Gethsemane.” - The Signs of the Times November 25, 1889.“Wondrous combination of man and God! He might have helped His human nature to withstand the inroads of disease by pouring from His divine nature vitality and undecaying vigor to the human. But He humbled Himself to man's nature. He did this that the Scripture might be fulfilled; and the plan was entered into by the Son of God, knowing all the steps in His humiliation, that He must descend to make an expiation for the sins of a condemned, groaning world. What humility was this! It amazed angels. The tongue can never describe it; the imagination cannot take it in. The eternal Word consented to be made flesh! God became man! It was a wonderful humility” - S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 5, p. 1127.What effect would the meditation upon this great sacrifice for the believing sinner have upon his mind? Lamentations 1:12-14; Ezekiel 36:26; 2 Corinthians 4:6.“Those who are seeking the righteousness of Christ will be dwelling upon the themes of the great salvation. The Bible is the storehouse that supplies their souls with nourishing food. They meditate upon the incarnation of Christ, they contemplate the great sacrifice made to save them from perdition, to bring in pardon, peace, and everlasting righteousness. The soul is aglow with these grand and elevating themes. Holiness and truth, grace and righteousness, occupy the thoughts. Self dies, and Christ lives in His servants. In contemplation of the word, their hearts burn within them, as did the hearts of the two disciples while they went to Emmaus, and Christ walked with them by the way, and opened to them the scriptures concerning Himself.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers p. 87.As God has given us such a subject to contemplate for the restoration of our sin-sick mind, what counsel in Scripture is therefore to be heeded? Ephesians 4:21-23; Romans 12:2.“Every room in the soul temple has become more or less defiled, and needs cleansing. The cobwebbed closet of conscience is to be entered. The windows of the soul are to be closed earthward and thrown wide open heavenward that the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness may have free access. The memory is to be refreshed by Bible principles. The mind is to be kept clear and pure that it may distinguish between good and evil. As you repeat the prayer Christ taught His disciples, and then strive to answer it in the daily life, the Holy Spirit will renew the mind and heart and will give you strength to carry out high and holy purposes.” - Mind. Character, and Personality Volume 1 p. 327.By following this counsel, what kind of a mind will we gain? 2 Timothy 1:7. What mind is that? Philippians 2:5; 1 Corinthians 2:14-16.“True religion ennobles the mind, refines the taste, sanctifies the judgment, and makes its possessor a partaker of the purity and the holiness of Heaven. It brings angels near and separates us more and more from the spirit and influence of the world. It enters into all the acts and relations of life and gives us the "spirit of a sound mind," and the result is happiness and peace.” ST, Oct 23, 1884. (CH 629, 630.). - Mind. Character, and Personality Volume 1 p.34.MEDITATIONClearly our health reform message must never leave out the practical living truth of the gospel.If we occupy our mind with God’s word, it has power to bring soundness to our mental faculties and will keep our minds in sanity.Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7. “The power of right thought is more precious than the golden wedge of Ophir. We need to place a high value upon the right control of our thoughts, for such control prepares the mind and soul to labor harmoniously for the Master. It is necessary for our peace and happiness in this life that our thoughts center in Christ. As a man thinketh, so is he. Our improvement in moral purity depends on right thinking and right acting. . . . Evil thoughts destroy the soul. The converting power of God changes the heart, refining and purifying the thoughts. Unless a determined effort is made to keep the thoughts centered on Christ, grace cannot reveal itself in the life. The mind must engage in the spiritual warfare. Every thought must be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. All the habits must be brought under God's control.” - In Heavenly Places p. 164.NOTES left0Lesson 13 Sabbath, September26, 201500Lesson 13 Sabbath, September26, 2015The Power of Peace WithinGreat peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them Psalm 119:165OBJECTIVESTo contemplate the blessing of inward peace and freedom from stress and anxiety.To research the source of such peace.To gain instruction of what we should do to obtain it.THE PEACE OF GODWhat is the nature of the peace that is available to the believer in Jesus Christ? John 14:27; Philippians 4:7.“Christ never murmured, never uttered discontent, displeasure, or resentment. He was never disheartened, discouraged, ruffled, or fretted. He was patient, calm, and self-possessed under the most exciting and trying circumstances. All His works were performed with a quiet dignity and ease, whatever commotion was around Him. Applause did not elate Him. He feared not the threats of His enemies. He moved amid the world of excitement, of violence and crime, as the sun moves above the clouds. Human passions and commotions and trials were beneath Him. He sailed like the sun above them all. Yet He was not indifferent to the woes of men. His heart was ever touched with the sufferings and necessities of His brethren, as though He Himself was the one afflicted. He had a calm inward joy, a peace which was serene. His will was ever swallowed up in the will of His Father. Not My will but Thine be done, was heard from His pale and quivering lips.”-Letter 51a, Sept. 11, 1874, to Edson and Emma White. - This Day with God p. 263.What do we need to know of God so that His peace may be ours? Psalm 46:10, 11; Isaiah 40:28-31; Jeremiah 32:27.“Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. "The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." James 5:11. His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which our heavenly Father is unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest. "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Psalm 147:3. The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son.” - Steps to Christ p. 100.BENEFITS OF THAT PEACERecognising the announcements of God’s greatness and omnipotence, what else does He announce via His word? Isaiah 41: 10, 13, 14.“When a sense of the loving-kindness of God is constantly refreshing the soul, it will be revealed in the countenance by an expression of peace and joy. It will be manifest in the words and works. And the generous, holy Spirit of Christ, working upon the heart, will yield in the life a converting influence upon others.“Let the peace of God reign in your soul. Then you will have strength to bear all suffering, and you will rejoice that you have grace to endure. Praise the Lord; talk of His goodness; tell of His power. Sweeten the atmosphere that surrounds your soul. Praise with heart and soul and voice, Him who is the health of your countenance, your Saviour, and your God.” - God’s Amazing Grace p. 325.“The peace of God within will force off the withered or gnarled branches of selfishness, vanity, pride, and indolence.” - Daughters of God p. 16.If we open our hearts to these announcements, what other benefits will this peace provide? Psalm 119:165.“He who is at peace with God and his fellow men cannot be made miserable. Envy will not be in his heart; evil surmisings will find no room there; hatred cannot exist. The heart that is in harmony with God is a partaker of the peace of heaven and will diffuse its blessed influence on all around. The spirit of peace will rest like dew upon hearts weary and troubled with worldly strife.” - In Heavenly Places p. 35.In reference to the subject of health in this lesson, how does the peace of God contribute to health? Proverbs 3:5-8; Jeremiah 33:6.“This divine influence is needed. In this there is peace and sacred joy. It possesses healing power. It will secretly and insensibly soothe the wounds of the soul, and even the sufferings of the body. Peace of mind, which comes from pure and holy motives and actions, will give free and vigorous spring to all the organs of the body.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 2 p. 326.“Inward peace and a conscience void of offense toward God will quicken and invigorate the intellect like dew distilled upon the tender plants. The will is then rightly directed and controlled, and is more decided, and yet free from perverseness. The meditations are pleasing because they are sanctified. The serenity of mind which you may possess will bless all with whom you associate. This peace and calmness will, in time, become natural, and will reflect its precious rays upon all around you, to be again reflected upon you. The more you taste this heavenly peace and quietude of mind, the more it will increase. It is an animated, living pleasure which does not throw all the moral energies into a stupor, but awakens them to increased activity. Perfect peace is an attribute of heaven which angels possess. May God help you to become a possessor of this peace.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 2 p. 327.As the source of this peace is evidently in God Himself, what must we do to gain it within our being? 1 John 5:11, 12; Ephesians 2:13, 14, i.e. John 6:53.“Abiding peace, true rest of spirit, has but one Source. It was of this that Christ spoke when He said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you." John 14:27. This peace is not something that He gives apart from Himself. It is in Christ, and we can receive it only by receiving Him.” - The Ministry of Healing p. 247.How else does Jesus clarify the transaction for us? What words does He speak regarding peace? Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 4:39.“Sin has destroyed our peace. While self is unsubdued, we can find no rest. The masterful passions of the heart no human power can control. We are as helpless here as were the disciples to quiet the raging storm. But He who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee has spoken the word of peace for every soul. However fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus with the cry, "Lord, save us," will find deliverance. His grace, that reconciles the soul to God, quiets the strife of human passion, and in His love the heart is at rest.” - The Desire of Ages p. 336.In our relationship with Jesus, what activity of His produces such a peace that bears all the benefits available for us? Romans 4:24; 5:1, 2; Isaiah 32:17, 18.How only can this peace remain with us? Isaiah 26:3, 4.“The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of sin; it means taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum with the graces of the Holy Spirit. It means divine illumination, rejoicing in God. It means a heart emptied of self, and blessed with the abiding presence of Christ. When Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity, freedom from sin. The glory, the fullness, the completeness of the gospel plan is fulfilled in the life. The acceptance of the Saviour brings a glow of perfect peace, perfect love, perfect assurance. The beauty and fragrance of the character of Christ revealed in the life testifies that God has indeed sent His Son into the world to be its Saviour.” - Christ’s Object Lessons p. 419.MEDITATIONConsidering all that God has done for our peace, can we understand His lament?Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I [am] the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way [that] thou shouldest go.O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea. Isaiah 48:17, 18. NOTESSection 2THE HEALTH REFORMleft0Lesson 1 Sabbath, October 3, 201500Lesson 1 Sabbath, October 3, 2015Eight Laws of HealthBeloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth 3 John 1:2.OBJECTIVESTo show that the laws governing our health are as much God’s law as are the ten commandments.To identify those laws of health.To reveal that when we adhere to those laws we will be living an energies supplied, and thus will not deplete our vital forces.GOD’S WIDE RANGING LAWSWhat does our key text reveal regarding the relationship between health laws and the moral laws? 3 John 1:2; Exodus 15:25-26.“Every organ has its function, and our Creator has pledged Himself to keep our organs in a healthful condition if we will obey the laws implanted in our nature. The laws governing the physical nature are as truly divine in their origin and character as the laws of the ten commandments. Man is fearfully and wonderfully made; for Jehovah has inscribed His law by His own mighty hand on every part of the physical structure. Many are sick who might be well if they would but cooperate with God, surrendering soul, body, and spirit to His control. For in order to have health, we must keep ourselves in harmony with God's law. To have clean hands and a pure heart is to have peace and contentment of mind, and this is conducive to health.” - Manuscript Releases Volume 16 p 60.How has the psalmist expressed the wide ranging scope of God’s laws? Psalm 119:96.“Knowledge must be gained in regard to how to eat and drink and dress so as to preserve health. Sickness is caused by violating the laws of health; it is the result of violating nature's law. Our first duty, one which we owe to God, to ourselves, and to our fellow men, is to obey the laws of God, which include the laws of health. If we are sick we impose a weary tax upon our friends and unfit ourselves for discharging our duties to our families and to our neighbors. And when premature death is the result of our violation of nature's law, we bring sorrow and suffering to others; we deprive our neighbors of the help we ought to render them in living; we rob our families of the comfort and help we might render them, and rob God of the service He claims of us to advance His glory. Then, are we not, in the worst sense, transgressors of God's law?” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 3 p 164.THE LAWS OF HEALTHAs there are ten commandments which encompass the moral law, are there a given number of laws that encompass the principles of health?“There are many ways of practicing the healing art; but there is only one way that Heaven approves. God's remedies are the simple agencies of nature that will not tax or debilitate the system through their powerful properties. Pure air and water, cleanliness, a proper diet, purity of life, and a firm trust in God, are remedies for the want of which thousands are dying; yet these remedies are going out of date because their skillful use requires work that the people do not appreciate. Fresh air, exercise, pure water, and clean, sweet premises, are within the reach of all, with but little expense; but drugs are expensive, both in the outlay of means, and the effect produced upon the system. “Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power,--these are the true remedies. Every person should have a knowledge of nature's remedial agencies and how to apply them. It is essential both to understand the principles involved in the treatment of the sick and to have a practical training that will enable one rightly to use this knowledge.” - Counsels on Diet and Foods p 301.“The remedial value of fresh air, sunshine, water, exercise, and a wholesome diet.” - The Review and Herald April 2, 1914.1 Pure air5 Exercise2 Sunlight6 Proper diet3 Abstemiousness7 Pure water4 Rest8 Trust in GodHow does God express these laws as separate entities from the moral laws? Leviticus 26:46; Deuteronomy 4:5-8; 7:11, 15.“Christ had been the guide and teacher of ancient Israel, and He taught them that health is the reward of obedience to the laws of God. The great Physician who healed the sick in Palestine had spoken to His people from the pillar of cloud, telling them what they must do, and what God would do for them. "If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God," He said, "and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord that healeth thee." Christ gave to Israel definite instruction in regard to their habits of life, and He assured them, "The Lord will take away from thee all sickness." When they fulfilled the conditions, the promise was verified to them. "There was not one feeble person among their tribes.” These lessons are for us. There are conditions to be observed by all who would preserve health. All should learn what these conditions are. The Lord is not pleased with ignorance in regard to His laws, either natural or spiritual. We are to be workers together with God for the restoration of health to the body as well as to the soul.” - Counsels on Diet and Food p 121.SOURCE OF OUR ENERGIESWhat benefit is derived by adhering to these eight laws of God pertaining to our physical nature? Isaiah 40:28-31.“The Creator of man has arranged the living machinery of our bodies. Every function is wonderfully and wisely made. And God pledged Himself to keep this human machinery in healthful action if the human agent will obey His laws and cooperate with God.” - Counsels on Diet and Foods p 17.“Then why not take God at his word? Why not believe with all the heart and mind and soul. All things shall be done for him that believeth. This waiting on the Lord by faith needs to be cultivated for it leads to great spiritual grace, and renews our strength as the eagles. He shall mount up with wings that is by faith.” - 1888 Materials p 448.What will take place if we disregard any of those eight laws of health? Psalm 31:10.“Intemperance in eating and drinking, intemperance in labor, intemperance in almost everything, exists on every hand. Those who make great exertions to accomplish just so much work in a given time, and continue to labor when their judgment tells them that they ought to rest, are never gainers. They are living on borrowed capital. They are expending vital force which they will need at a future time. When the energy they have so recklessly used, is demanded, they fail for want of it. Physical strength is gone, and mental power unavailable. They realize that they have met with loss. Their time of need has come, and their physical resources are exhausted. Those who violate the laws of health will sometime have to pay the penalty. God has provided us with constitutional force, and if we recklessly exhaust this force by continual overtaxation, our usefulness will be lessened, and our lives end prematurely.” - The Signs of the Times September 30, 1897.From where, in all reality, is the source of our vital forces, the energy that wells up from within? John 4:10, 14; Acts 17:28 (first part).“He who is the source of all power gives energy to souls by his Holy Spirit. His power is the light of life, a soul-energizing light.” - The Southern Watchman February 29, 1902.“The love which Christ diffuses through the whole being is a vitalizing power. Every vital part--the brain, the heart, the nerves-- it touches with healing. By it the highest energies of the being are roused to activity. It frees the soul from the guilt and sorrow, the anxiety and care that crush the life forces. With it come serenity and composure. It implants in the soul joy that nothing earthly can destroy--joy in the Holy Spirit--health-giving, life-giving joy.” - My Life Today p 155.MEDITATION“Many have expected that God would keep them from sickness merely because they have asked Him to do so. But God did not regard their prayers, because their faith was not made perfect by works. God will not work a miracle to keep those from sickness who have no care for themselves, but are continually violating the laws of health and make no efforts to prevent disease. When we do all we can on our part to have health, then may we expect that the blessed results will follow, and we can ask God in faith to bless our efforts for the preservation of health. He will then answer our prayer, if His name can be glorified thereby. But let all understand that they have a work to do. God will not work in a miraculous manner to preserve the health of persons who are taking a sure course to make themselves sick, by their careless inattention to the laws of health.” - Medical Missionary p 13.NOTESleft0Lesson 2 Sabbath, October 10, 201500Lesson 2 Sabbath, October 10, 2015Perfect Trust in GodThou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength. Isaiah 26:3, 4.OBJECTIVESTo give proof that trusting in God is a condition of physical health.To examine the connection between trust in divine aid and our health and wellbeing.To reflect upon this aspect of the eight laws of health as foremost to the others.THE TRUSTWORTHY GOD What do we need to consider regarding the God of the universe? Psalm 46:10, 11; Isaiah 40:27-29.In the light of the previous question, how securely can we rest our trust in God? Jeremiah 32:27; Isaiah 26:4.“Beloved, now are we the sons of God." Can any human dignity equal this? What higher position can we occupy than to be called the sons of the infinite God? “What a stupendous thought, what unheard-of condescension, what amazing love, that finite men may be allied to the Omnipotent!"To them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12). "Beloved, now are we the sons of God." Can any worldly honor equal this?” - God’s Amazing Grace p 341.What other evidence has God given that He can be trusted with our life? Romans 8:31; 32, 38, 39.“You are extremely sensitive. You feel deeply and have not possessed the power to throw off care, perplexity, and discouragement of mind. I saw that God would be to you a very present help if you would only trust yourself with Him; but you worry yourself out of the arms of your dear, loving Saviour. "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" What a precious promise is this! We may claim much of our kind heavenly Father. Great blessings are in reserve for us. We may believe in God, we may trust Him, and by so doing glorify His name. Even if we are overcome of the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. No; Christ is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." - Testimonies for the Church Volume 2 p 319.ADMONITIONS TO TRUSTHaving given us all assurance to trust Him implicitly, what admonition does God’s word provide? 1 Peter 5:6, 7; Psalm 37:3-6.“Then trust in the Lord Jesus to lead you step by step into the right path. You can derive assurance and strength at every step you advance, for you can be assured that your hand is in His hand. You can "run and not be weary"; you can "walk and not faint," for you can realize by faith that you have your hand in the hand of Christ. You will not sink under discouragement, for as you follow on to know the Lord, trusting in Him, you will have the assurance that the One who never forsakes those who fully trust Him is your constant Helper.” - The Upward Look p 320.What benefits are connected by responding to these admonitions? Isaiah 26:3, 4; Proverbs 3:5-8.“Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. “Gratitude, rejoicing, benevolence, trust in God's love and care-- these are health's greatest safeguard.” My Life Today p 151 TRUST AND HEALTHWhat further evidences reveal that perfect trust in God contributes to our health and wellbeing? Psalm 43:5; Proverbs 4:20-22.“Prayer--short, weighted with tenderest sympathy, presenting the suffering ones in faith to the Great Physician--will inspire in them a confidence, a rest and trust that will tend to the health of both soul and body.” - Counsels on Health p 503.What effect does a mind that is stayed on the Lord have on the health of their body? Jeremiah 30:17; Malachi 4:2.“The plant grows by receiving that which God has provided to sustain its life. So spiritual growth is attained through co-operation with divine agencies. As the plant takes root in the soil, so we are to take root in Christ. As the plant receives the sunshine, the dew, and the rain, so are we to receive the Holy Spirit. If our hearts are stayed upon Christ, He will come unto us "as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." As the “Sun of Righteousness, He will arise upon us "with healing in His wings." We shall "grow as the lily." We "shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine." - Education p 106.8.Of all the other laws of health, what importance does this one hold in comparison? Joshua 1:7-9For I [am] the LORD that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26.“Godliness does not conflict with the laws of health, but is in harmony with them. The fear of the Lord is the foundation of all real prosperity. “We should cooperate with God in the care of our bodies. Love for God is essential for life and health. Faith in God is essential for health. In order to have perfect health, our hearts must be filled with love and hope and joy in the Lord.” - My Life Today p 149.MEDITATION“The view held by some that spirituality is a detriment to health, is the sophistry of Satan. The religion of the Bible is not detrimental to the health of either body or mind. The influence of the Spirit of God is the very best medicine for disease. Heaven is all health; and the more deeply heavenly influences are realized, the more sure will be the recovery of the believing invalid. The true principles of Christianity open before all a source of inestimable happiness. Religion is a continual well-spring, from which the Christian can drink at will, and never exhaust the fountain.” - Cristian Temperance and Bible Hygiene p 13.NOTESleft0Lesson 3 Sabbath, October 17, 201500Lesson 3 Sabbath, October 17, 2015Ventilating the SoulAnd the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7.OBJECTIVESTo recognize the essential component of life in the breath.To realize that our spiritual life is dependent on the breath of God.To learn regarding the work of the Holy Spirit.To understand the meaning of opening the windows of the soul heavenward.THE BREATH OF LIFEWhen God so perfectly created the body of Adam, what was necessary for that body to come into full function? Genesis 2:7; Job 33:4. How only could it continue to function healthfully? Job 27:3; 12:7-10.“In the creation of man was manifest the agency of a personal God. When God had made man in His image, the human form was perfect in all its arrangements, but it was without life. Then a personal, self-existing God breathed into that form the breath of life, and man became a living, intelligent being. All parts of the human organism were set in action. The heart, the arteries, the veins, the tongue, the hands, the feet, the senses, the faculties of the mind, all began their work, and all were placed under law. Man became a living soul. Through Christ the Word, a personal God created man and endowed him with intelligence and power.” - The Ministry of Healing p 415.“The physical organism of man is under the supervision of God, but it is not like a clock, which is set in operation, and must go of itself. The heart beats, pulse succeeds pulse, breath succeeds breath, but the entire being is under the supervision of God. "Ye are God's husbandry; ye are God's building." In God we live, and move, and have our being. Each heartbeat, each breath, is the inspiration of Him who breathed into the nostrils of Adam the breath of life--the inspiration of the ever-present God, the great I AM.” - Medical Missionary p 9.How is this reality also applicable to the spiritual life? Ezekiel 37:1-13.“But not only does this simile of the dry bones apply to the world, but also to those who have been blessed with great light; for they also are like the skeletons of the valley. They have the form of men, the framework of the body; but they have not spiritual life. But the parable does not leave the dry bones merely knit together into the forms of men; for it is not enough that there is symmetry of limb and feature. The breath of life must vivify the bodies that they may stand upright, and spring into activity. These bones represent the house of Israel, the church of God, and the hope of the church is the vivifying influence of the Holy Spirit. The Lord must breathe upon the dry bones, that they may live.” - S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 4 p 1165.How was the spiritual life of the disciples launched on the day of Pentecost? Acts 2:1-4. How did Jesus convey the Holy Spirit to them? John 20:21, 22.“Christ breathed upon His disciples and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." Christ is represented by His Holy Spirit today in every part of His great moral vineyard. He will give the inspiration of His Holy Spirit to all those who are of a contrite spirit.” - Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers p 214.BREATH OF THE SOULHaving seen that the breath of God brings life to body and soul, what is the human agent meant to do to receive greater drafts of that life-giving breath? 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 12:12.“Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well-spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience. Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God. The spiritual faculties lose their vitality, the religious experience lacks health and vigor.” - Gospel Workers p 254.Just as when we stop breathing we would die, what would happen to our spiritual life if we stopped praying? Luke 11:9, 10, 13; John 15:5.“Children, you cannot live without food; you would soon feel the cravings of hunger, and your bodies would pine and die. You need spiritual food just as much, and often, as your body needs temporal food.” - The Youth Instructor March 1, 1856.“Your lungs, deprived of air, will be like a hungry person deprived of food. Indeed, we can live longer without food than without air, which is the food that God has provided for the lungs.” - Testimonies for the Church Volume 2 p 533“Let all who claim to be servants of God educate young and old to understand that they cannot live without the aid of prayer.” - Manuscript Releases Volume 7 p 304.OPEN WINDOWS TO HEAVENWhen sin, darkness, and spiritual oppression surrounds our soul, what should we do to find relief? Psalm 121:1, 2, and 7.“Although for ages sin has been strengthening its hold on the human race, although through falsehood and artifice Satan has cast the black shadow of his interpretation upon the word of God, and has caused men to doubt His goodness; yet the Father's mercy and love have not ceased to flow earthward in rich currents. If human beings would open the windows of the soul heavenward, in appreciation of the divine gifts, a flood of healing virtue would pour in.” - The Ministry of Healing p 116.What do we do when we enter a house filled with vile odours and darkened and dingy atmosphere? 2 Corinthians 7:1.“The Lord purifies the heart very much as we air a room. We do not close the doors and windows and throw in some purifying substance; but we open the doors and throw wide the windows, and let heaven's purifying atmosphere flow in. The Lord says, "He that doeth truth cometh to the light." The windows of impulse, of feeling, must be opened up toward heaven, and the dust of selfishness and earthliness must be expelled. The grace of God must sweep through the chambers of the mind, the imagination must have heavenly themes for contemplation, and every element of the nature must be purified and vitalized by the Spirit of God.” - Manuscript Releases Volume 2 p 338.By throwing open the windows of the soul to heaven, what is the atmosphere which we will be breathing? Ephesians 2:4-6.“Now I read some verses further than this: "And now come I to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have"--what?--"My joy fulfilled in themselves." Well now, this is the privilege of every individual soul. The joy of Christ fulfilled in themselves. Think that this can be done; believe that it can be done. Act it; and you will find that you are brought into a purer atmosphere; you are breathing the atmosphere of heaven--not the atmosphere of hell, but the atmosphere of heaven--and when you breathe in that atmosphere, and this atmosphere surrounds the soul, all that come within the sphere of your influence are benefited and blessed.” - Sermons and Talks Volume 1 p 205.NOTESleft0Lesson 4 Sabbath, October 24, 201500Lesson 4 Sabbath, October 24, 2015Ventilating the BodyFor [it is] the life of all flesh; the blood of it [is] for the life thereof: Leviticus 17:14.OBJECTIVESTo understand the importance of breathing pure, fresh air.Learning to keep homes well ventilated.Keeping house surroundings free of decaying effluvia.Living and exercising in country places away from city pollution.PURE AIRHow does the air we breathe affect the flesh of our body? Leviticus 17:14 (first part).“Fresh air will purify the blood, refresh the body, and help to make it strong and healthy. The invigoration produced will be reflected upon the mind, imparting to it tone and clearness, as well as a degree of composure and serenity. It gives a healthful stimulus to the appetite, renders the digestion of food more perfect, and induces sound, sweet sleep. Living in close, ill-ventilated rooms, weakens the system, makes the mind gloomy, the skin sallow, and the circulation feeble; the blood moves sluggishly, digestion is retarded, and the system is rendered peculiarly sensitive to cold. One should so accustom himself to fresh, cool air that he will not be affected by slight changes of temperature. Of course he should be careful not to sit in a draft or in a cold room when weary, or when in a perspiration.” – Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene p. 104.If the air we breathe is tainted with impurities, will this affect our health and well-being? Revelation 9:18.“By inhaling the impure air, the blood is poisoned, the lungs become affected, and the whole system is diseased.” – Healthful Living p. 184.“But there is an evil greater than those already named. The infant is exposed to a vitiated air caused by many breaths, some of which are very offensive and injurious to the strong lungs of older people. The infant lungs suffer and become diseased by inhaling the atmosphere of a room poisoned by the tobacco user's tainted breath. Many infants are poisoned beyond remedy by sleeping in beds with their tobacco-using fathers. By inhaling the poisonous tobacco effluvium, which is thrown from the lungs and the pores of the skin, the system of the infant is filled with the poison. While it acts upon some as a slow poison, and affects the brain, heart, liver, and lungs, and they waste away and fade gradually, upon others it has a more direct influence, causing spasms, fits, paralysis, palsy, and sudden death.” – Healthful Living p. 147.What spiritual parallel can be derived from tainted air affecting health?“It is wrong for Christians to associate with those whose morals are loose. An intimate, daily intercourse which occupies time without contributing in any degree to the strength of the intellect or morals is dangerous. If the moral atmosphere surrounding persons is not pure and sanctified, but is tainted with corruption, those who breathe this atmosphere will find that it operates almost insensibly upon the intellect and heart to poison and to ruin. It is dangerous to be conversant with those whose minds naturally take a low level. Gradually and imperceptibly those who are naturally conscientious and love purity will come to the same level and partake of and sympathize with the imbecility and moral barrenness with which they are so constantly brought in contact.” – The Adventist Home p. 462.“Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with heaven.” – Reflecting Christ p. 122.PURE HOME SURROUNDINGSWhat statutes did God give His people to ensure a healthy pure atmosphere around their houses? Deuteronomy 23: 12-14.“God commanded that the children of Israel should in no case allow impurities of their persons or of their clothing. Those who had any personal uncleanness were shut out of the camp until evening, and then were required to cleanse themselves and their clothing before they could enter the camp. Also they were commanded of God to have no impurities upon their premises within a great distance of the encampment, lest the Lord should pass by and see their uncleanness.” – Counsels on Health p. 62.“In regard to cleanliness, God requires no less of His people now than He did of ancient Israel. A neglect of cleanliness will induce disease. Sickness and premature death do not come without cause. Stubborn fevers and violent diseases have prevailed in neighborhoods and towns that had formerly been considered healthy, and some persons have died, while others have been left with broken constitutions, to be crippled with disease for life. In many instances their own yards contained the agent of destruction, which sent forth deadly poison into the atmosphere, to be inhaled by the family and the neighborhood. The slackness and recklessness sometimes witnessed is beastly, and the ignorance of the results of such things upon health is astonishing. Such places should be purified, especially in summer, by lime or ashes, or by a daily burial with earth.” – Counsels on Health p. 63.With pure surroundings in place, what instructions are given to pure air within the home? “Rooms that are not freely ventilated daily, and bedding that has not been thoroughly dried and aired, are not fit for use. We feel confident that disease and great suffering are brought on by sleeping in rooms with closed and curtained windows, not admitting pure air and the rays of the sun. The room may not have had an airing for months, nor the advantages of a fire for weeks, if at all. It is dangerous to health and life to sleep in these rooms until the outside air shall have circulated through them for several hours and the bedding shall have been dried by the fire. Unless this precaution is taken, the rooms and bedding will be damp. Every room in the house should be thoroughly ventilated every day, and in damp weather should be warmed by fires... Every room in your dwelling should be daily thrown open to the healthful rays of the sun, and the purifying air should be invited in. This will be a preventive of disease. If all would appreciate the sunshine, and expose every article of clothing to its drying, purifying rays, mildew and mold would be prevented. The confined air of unventilated rooms meets us with sickening odors of mildew and mold, and the impurities exhaled by its inmates. The emanations from damp, moldy rooms and clothing are poisonous to the system.” – Healthful Living p. 142.WELL VENTILATED HOMESTo ensure that our homes are cleansed from impurities that render the air unhealthy, how is the circulation of air addressed in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy? Psalm 1:4; 18:42.“Rooms that are not exposed to light and air become damp. Beds and bedding gather dampness, and the atmosphere in these rooms is poisonous, because it has not been purified by light and air. “Sleeping rooms especially should be well ventilated, and the atmosphere made healthy by light and air. Blinds should be left open several hours each day, and the curtains put aside, and the rooms thoroughly aired. Nothing should remain, even for a short time, which would destroy the purity of the atmosphere. “Sleeping apartments should be large and so arranged as to have circulation of air through them day and night. Those who have excluded the air from their sleeping rooms should begin to change their course immediately. They should let in air by degrees and increase its circulation until they can bear it winter and summer, with no danger of taking cold. The lungs, in order to be healthy, must have pure air.” – Counsels on Health p. 57.While wind or circulating air drives out impurities, what balancing guideline is given us? Psalm 147:17.“Impure air is a frequent cause of disease. Above all other places, houses of worship and school buildings should be thoroughly ventilated. In the church congregation and in the crowded school-room are persons affected with scrofula, consumption, and almost every other form of disease. Impurities generated by these disorders are exhaled, and also thrown off by insensible perspiration. Unless there is most thorough ventilation, these impurities will be taken into the lungs, and then into the blood, and thus endanger health and even life. Yet sudden changes of temperature are to be avoided. Care should be taken that students do not become chilled by currents of air from open windows. It is unsafe for the teacher to regulate the heat of the school-room by his own feelings. His own good, as well as that of the students, demands that a uniform temperature be maintained.” – The Review and Herald September 22, 1885.“In no case should sick persons be deprived of a full supply of fresh air in pleasant weather. Their rooms may not always be so constructed as to allow the windows or doors to be opened, without the draft coming directly upon them, thus exposing them to the taking of cold. In such cases windows and doors should be opened in an adjoining room, thus letting fresh air enter the room occupied by the sick. Fresh air will prove far more beneficial to sick persons than medicine, and is far more essential to them than their food. They will do better, and will recover sooner, when deprived of food, than when deprived of fresh air.” – Counsels on Health p. 55.HEALTHY BREATHING PRINCIPLESTo optimise the intake of pure air, what is written regarding body posture and breathing exercise? Genesis 1:26, 27; Ecclesiastes 7:29.“Among the first things to be aimed at should be a correct position, both in sitting and in standing. God made man upright, and He desires him to possess not only the physical but the mental and moral benefit, the grace and dignity and self-possession, the courage and self-reliance, which an erect bearing so greatly tends to promote.“The lungs should be allowed the greatest freedom possible. Their capacity is developed by free action; it diminishes if they are cramped and compressed. Hence the ill effects of the practice so common, especially in sedentary pursuits of stooping at one's work. In this position it is impossible to breathe deeply. Superficial breathing soon becomes a habit, and the lungs lose their power to expand. Thus an insufficient supply of oxygen is received. The blood moves sluggishly.” – My Life Today p. 128.What else should be encouraged to enhance breathing fresh pure air? “The chief if not the only reason why many become invalids is that the blood does not circulate freely, and the changes in the vital fluid, which are necessary to life and health, do not take place. They have not given their bodies exercise nor their lungs food, which is pure, fresh air; therefore it is impossible for the blood to be vitalized, and it pursues its course sluggishly through the system. The more we exercise, the better will be the circulation of the blood. “More people die for want of exercise than through overfatigue; very many more rust out than wear out. Those who accustom themselves to proper exercise in the open air, will generally have a good and vigorous circulation. We are more dependent upon the air we breathe than upon the food we eat. Men and women, young and old, who desire health, and who would enjoy active life should remember that they cannot have these without a good circulation. Whatever their business and inclinations, they should make up their minds to exercise in the open air as much as they can. They should feel it a religious duty to overcome the conditions of health which have kept them confined indoors, deprived of exercise in the open air.” – Counsels on Health p. 173.NOTESleft0Lesson 5 Sabbath, October 31, 201500Lesson 5 Sabbath, October 31, 2015Healthy Exposure to the ElementsBut unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. Malachi 4:2.OBJECTIVESTo explore the blessings of the healing rays of the Sun of righteousness and the related aspects of sunshine.To understand the benefits of exposure to the sun in a balanced degree.To learn the need of opening our homes to the rays of the sun.HEALING RAYSWhat are the benefits upon the soul when exposed to the Sun of righteousness? Malachi 4:2.“The Sun of Righteousness did not burst upon the world in splendor, to dazzle the senses with His glory. It is written of Christ, "His going forth is prepared as the morning." Hosea 6:3. Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness, and waking the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, "with healing in His wings." – The Desire of Ages p. 261.“Medical missionaries and workers in the gospel ministry are to be bound together by indissoluble ties. Their work is to be done with freshness and power. By their combined efforts the world is to be prepared for the second advent of Christ. Through their united labors the Sun of Righteousness is to rise, with healing in His wings, to lighten the benighted regions of the earth where the people have long lived in gross darkness. Many who are now dwelling in the shadow of sin and death, as they see in God's faithful servants a reflection of the Light of the world, will realize that they have a hope of salvation, and they will open their hearts to receive the healing beams, and will in turn become light bearers to others yet in darkness.” – Counsels ta Parents, Teachers, and Students p. 468.How is the word of God compared with sunshine and rain? Isaiah 55:10, 11; 2 Samuel 23:4.“Spurious doctrines, spurious piety, spurious faith, much that is fair in appearance, abound all around us. Teachers will come clothed as angels of light; and if possible, they will deceive the very elect. The youth need to learn all they can of the truth if they would not be deceived by the tissue of falsehood that Satan will invent. They need to live in the sunlight of Christ's righteousness. They need to be rooted and grounded in the truth, that they may impart to others the light they receive.” – Evangelism p. 364.If spiritually the sun is equated with healing beams, does it follow that physically the sun also has beams that are beneficial for healing?“The feeble one should press out into the sunshine as earnestly and naturally as do the shaded plants and vines. The pale and sickly grain blade that has struggled up out of the cold of early spring, puts out the natural and healthy deep green after enjoying for a few days the health-and-life-giving rays of the sun. Go out into the light and warmth of the glorious sun, you pale and sickly ones, and share with vegetation its life-giving, health-dealing power.” – Healthful Living p. 230.“And the sun that carries healing in its beams, would soothe and cheer, and make them happy, joyous, and healthful.” – The Health Reformer April 1, 1871.EXPOSURE RECOMMENDEDIt is well known that daily exposure to the sun upon the skin produces much needed vitamin D for the body. How does inspiration express such exposure? Psalm 74:16; Matthew 5:45?“In regard to that which we can do for ourselves, there is a point that requires careful, thoughtful consideration. I must become acquainted with myself. I must be a learner always as to how to take care of this building, the body God has given me, that I may preserve it in the very best condition of health. I must eat those things which will be for my very best good physically, and I must take special care to have my clothing such as will conduce to a healthful circulation of the blood. I must not deprive myself of exercise and air. I must get all the sunlight that it is possible for me to obtain. I must have wisdom to be a faithful guardian of my body.” – Child Guidance p. 366.“I am to place myself in the most favorable condition under the doctors God has provided--pure air, pure water, and the healing, precious sunlight.” – Child Guidance p. 367.Besides bodily exposure to the sun, what else is to be exposed to the sun? Jeremiah 31:35.“It is not God who has brought upon us the many woes which mortals now inherit. Our own folly has led us to deprive ourselves of things that are precious, of the blessings which, if properly used, are of inestimable value in the maintenance of health. If you would have your home sweet and inviting, make it bright with air and sunshine. Remove your heavy curtains, open the windows, throw back the blinds, and enjoy the rich sunlight, even if it be at the expense of the colors of your carpets.” – Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene p. 106.“In the building of houses it is especially important to secure thorough ventilation and plenty of sunlight. Let there be a current of air and an abundance of light in every room in the house. Sleeping rooms should be so arranged as to have a free circulation of air day and night. No room is fit to be occupied as a sleeping room unless it can be thrown open daily to the air and sunshine. In most countries bedrooms need to be supplied with conveniences for heating, that they may be thoroughly warmed and dried in cold or wet weather.” – The Ministry of Healing p. 274.CELESTIAL SUNLIGHTHow does the sun symbolize God? Psalm 84:11; Revelation 21:23, 24.“Christ is the wellspring of life. That which many need is to have a clearer knowledge of Him; they need to be patiently and kindly, yet earnestly, taught how the whole being may be thrown open to the healing agencies of heaven. When the sunlight of God's love illuminates the darkened chambers of the soul, restless weariness and dissatisfaction will cease, and satisfying joys will give vigor to the mind and health and energy to the body.” – The Ministry of Healing p. 247.What are we to learn regarding the effect of the sunlight of God upon our character development? Proverbs 4:18.“You have watched the rising sun, and the gradual break of day over earth and sky. Little by little the dawn increases, till the sun appears; then the light grows constantly stronger and clearer until the full glory of noontide is reached. This is a beautiful illustration of what God desires to do for His children in perfecting their Christian experience. As we walk day by day in the light He sends us, in willing obedience to all His requirements, our experience grows and broadens until we reach the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.” – God’s Amazing Grace p. 300.“As the flower turns to the sun that the bright beams may aid in perfecting its beauty and symmetry so should we turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that heaven's light may shine upon us, that our character may be developed into the likeness of Christ.” – Steps to Christ p. 68.MEDITATION“The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, lies at the very foundation of a large share of the maladies the sinner suffers. Christ is the mighty healer of the sin-sick soul. These poor afflicted ones need to have a clearer knowledge of Him whom to know aright is life eternal. They need to be patiently and kindly yet earnestly taught how to throw open the windows of the soul and let the sunlight of God's love come in to illuminate the darkened chambers of the mind. The most exalted spiritual truths may be brought home to the heart by the things of nature. The birds of the air, the flowers of the field in their glowing beauty, the springing grain, the fruitful branches of the vine, the trees putting forth their tender buds, the glorious sunset, the crimson clouds predicting a fair morrow, the recurring seasons--all these may teach us precious lessons of trust and faith. The imagination has here a fruitful field in which to range. The intelligent mind may contemplate with the greatest satisfaction those lessons of divine truth which the world's Redeemer has associated with the things of nature.” – Testimonies for the Church Volume 4 p. 579.NOTESleft0Lesson 6 Sabbath, November 7, 201500Lesson 6 Sabbath, November 7, 2015Healthy ExerciseThe desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. Proverbs 21:25.OBJECTIVESTo consider the blessing of the curse of Genesis 3:19.To learn how exercise affects bodily and mental health.Enlarging on the best forms of exercise.A BLESSED CURSEAfter Adam and Eve sinned in Eden, what did God pronounce as a result? Genesis 3:19.“And the life of toil and care which was henceforth to be man's lot was appointed in love. It was a discipline rendered needful by his sin, to place a check upon the indulgence of appetite and passion, to develop habits of self-control. It was a part of God's great plan of man's recovery from the ruin and degradation of sin.” – Patriarchs and Prophets p. 60.Why is physical labour good for us? Proverbs 21:25.“Children, never prove unfaithful stewards in the home. Never shirk your duty. Good hard work makes firm sinews and muscles. In promoting the prosperity of the home, you will bring the richest blessing to yourselves.” – Child Guidance p. 124.“Work is a blessing, not a curse. A spirit of indolence destroys godliness and grieves the Spirit of God. A stagnant pool is offensive, but a pure, flowing stream spreads health and gladness over the land. Paul knew that those who neglect physical work soon become enfeebled. He desired to teach young ministers that by working with their hands, by bringing into exercise their muscles and sinews, they would become strong to endure the toils and privations that awaited them in the gospel field. And he realized that his own teachings would lack vitality and force if he did not keep all parts of the system properly exercised.” – The Acts of the Apostles p. 352.How does Scripture address the benefit of exercise that makes us physically weary? Ecclesiastes 5:12.“Physical labor that brings healthful weariness to the muscles, will give an appetite for simple, wholesome food.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 243.THE IMPACE OF EXERCISE ON PHYSIOLOGYWhat are we to remember regarding the circulation of healthy blood, and how does exercise enhance it? Proverbs 14:30; Leviticus 17:14.“When physical exercise is taken the circulation is quickened. The heart receives blood faster and sends it to the lungs faster. The lungs work more vigorously, furnishing a greater amount of blood, which is sent with stronger power through the entire being. Exercise gives new life and strength to every part of the body. “The nerves gain or lose strength in accordance with the way in which they are treated. If used too long and too severely, they are overtaxed and weakened. If used properly, they gain strength.“Exercise is indispensable to the health of every organ. If one set of muscles is used to the neglect of others the living machinery is not being worked intelligently.” – Manuscript Releases Volume 10 p. 57.Does exercise have anything to do with purifying the system, and what kind of exercise will contribute to this?“Another precious blessing is proper exercise. There are many indolent, inactive ones who are disinclined to physical labor or exercise because it wearies them. What if it does weary them? The reason why they become weary is that they do not strengthen their muscles by exercise, therefore they feel the least exertion. Invalid women and girls are better pleased to busy themselves with light employment, as crocheting, or embroidering, or making tatting, than to engage in physical labor. If invalids would recover health, they should not discontinue physical exercise; for they will thus increase muscular weakness and general debility. Bind up the arm and permit it to remain useless, even for a few weeks, then free it from its bondage, and you will discover that it is weaker than the one you have been using moderately during the same time. Inactivity produces the same effect upon the whole muscular system. The blood is not enabled to expel the impurities as it would if active circulation were induced by exercise.” – Testimonies for the Church Volume 2 p. 528.“When the weather will permit, all who can possibly do so ought to walk in the open air every day, summer and winter. But the clothing should be suitable for the exercise, and the feet should be well protected. A walk, even in winter, would be more beneficial to the health than all the medicine the doctors may prescribe. For those who can walk, walking is preferable to riding. The muscles and veins are enabled better to perform their work. There will be increased vitality, which is so necessary to health. The lungs will have needful action, for it is impossible to go out in the bracing air of a winter's morning without inflating the lungs.” – Testimonies for the Church Volume 2 p. 529.THE BEST FORM OF EXERCISEHow does Scripture address exercise that is of no profit, and how does the Spirit of Prophecy clarify this? 1 Timothy 4:8.“Young men should devote much time to study; but they should also unite physical labor with their mental efforts, and put in practice the knowledge they have gained, that by useful exercise all the faculties of the mind and powers of the body may be equally developed. They should not neglect the things necessary to salvation, nor consider them secondary to anything in this life.”- Testimonies for the Church Volume 4 p. 114.“The greatest benefit is not gained from exercise that is taken as play or exercise merely. There is some benefit derived from being in the fresh air, and also from the exercise of the muscles; but let the same amount of energy be given to the performance of helpful duties, and the benefit will be greater, and a feeling of satisfaction will be realized; for such exercise carries with it the sense of helpfulness and the approval of conscience for duty well done.” – Fundamental of Christian Education p. 418. Considering 1 Timothy 4:7, 8 closely, what is meant with “to exercise thyself rather unto godliness”? Does this include useful labour? Ecclesiastes 9:10.“The consciousness of rightdoing is the best medicine for diseased bodies and minds. The special blessing of God resting upon the receiver is health and strength.” – The Faith I Live By p. 229.“Useful physical labour is a part of the Gospel.” – (Australasian) Union Conference Record December 1 1899.If the mind of a true Christian rejoices in his activities, doing all for Jesus, will he benefit from physical useful exercise? Psalm 37:4-6; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 6:6-8.“In order to have health, equilibrium of action must be maintained. The mind must harmonize with this or the benefits are not realized. If physical exercise is regarded as drudgery, if the mind takes no interest in the exercise of the different parts of the body [the benefits will not be realized]. The mind must be interested in the exercise of the muscles. - Manuscript Releases Volume 10 p. 57.MEDITATIONFor those who wish to gain the broadest scope of bodily exercise observe the following quote:“The old-fashioned farmer, a tiller of the soil, has no need of the gymnasium, for he has all kinds of movements without it. His gymnasium is not confined within walls. His movement room is in the open air. The canopy of heaven is its roof, the solid earth its floor. Here he plows, plants, and hoes. He sows and reaps. In haying, he has a change of movements, he mows and rakes, pitches and tumbles, lifts and loads, throws off and treads down, stows away, and goes through a great variety of movements, which would look nonsensical if his business did not demand all these maneuvers.“These various motions bring into action the bones, joints, muscles, sinews, and nerves of the body. His exercise makes full, deep, strong inhalations and exhalations necessary, which expand his lungs, purify the blood, sending the warm current of life bounding through arteries and veins. A farmer who is temperate in eating, drinking, and working, usually enjoys health. His tasks are pleasant to him. He has a good appetite. He sleeps well, and may be happy.” – The Health Reformer September 1, 1873.NOTESleft0Lesson 7 Sabbath, November 14, 201500Lesson 7 Sabbath, November 14, 2015Pure Water and Its UseLet us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22.OBJECTIVESTo gain the true concept of the meaning of pure water,To explore spiritual parallels of water and its application to spiritual health.To consider the application of pure water internally as well as externally.DEFINING PURITY OF WATERHow does the Bible give us the right sense of the meaning of pure water? Revelation 22:1; Ezekiel 47: 1, 9-12.“I saw that it was a sacred duty to attend to our health, and arouse others to their duty, and yet not take the burden of their case upon us. Yet we have a duty to speak, to come out against intemperance of every kind,--intemperance in working, in eating, in drinking and in drugging--and then point them to God's great medicine, water, pure soft water, for diseases, for health, for cleanliness, and for a luxury.” – Selected Messages Book 3 p. 280.“They had found a creek of fresh water, cold and sweet, the best they had ever tasted.” – Manuscript Releases Volume Two p. 47.What contrast is given to clearly convey purity in water? Ezekiel 34:18, 19; 47:11.“The world needs evidences of sincere Christianity. The poison of sin is at work at the heart of society. Cities and towns are steeped in sin and moral corruption. The world is full of sickness, suffering, and iniquity. Nigh and afar off are souls in poverty and distress, weighed down with a sense of guilt and perishing for want of a saving influence. The gospel of truth is kept ever before them, yet they perish because the example of those who should be a savor of life to them is a savor of death. Their souls drink in bitterness because the springs are poisoned, when they should be like a well of water springing up unto everlasting life.” – Prophets and Kings p. 232.“It is of great importance that they have the advantages of pure water, free from all contamination.” – Evangelism p. 386.SPIRITUAL AND LITERAL PARALLELSAs the previous two questions were answered from a spiritual perspective, how is water used in Scripture as a symbol of spiritual application? Revelation 21:6; 22:17.“The priest had that morning performed the ceremony which commemorated the smiting of the rock in the wilderness. That rock was a symbol of Him who by His death would cause living streams of salvation to flow to all who are athirst. Christ's words were the water of life. There in the presence of the assembled multitude He set Himself apart to be smitten, that the water of life might flow to the world. In smiting Christ, Satan thought to destroy the Prince of life; but from the smitten rock there flowed living water. As Jesus thus spoke to the people, their hearts thrilled with a strange awe, and many were ready to exclaim, with the woman of Samaria, "Give me this water, that I thirst not." John 4:15. – The Desire of Ages p. 454.What did Jesus teach regarding this? John 4: 13, 14; 7:37-39.“This woman represents the working of a practical faith in Christ. Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life.” – The Desire of Ages p. 195.How is the literal use of water for washing applied in spiritual terms as well? Exodus 19:10, 11; Hebrews 10:22; Isaiah 1:16; Psalm 51:2; Leviticus 14:5. “The bird slain was over living water; that flowing stream was a symbol of the ever flowing, ever cleansing efficacy of the blood of Christ, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, the fountain that was open for Judah and Jerusalem, wherein they may wash and be clean from every stain of sin.” – S.D.A Bible Commentary Volume 1 p. 1111.“The necessity of personal cleanliness was taught in the most impressive manner. Before gathering at Mount Sinai to listen to the proclamation of the law by the voice of God, the people were required to wash both their persons and their clothing. This direction was enforced on pain of death. No impurity was to be tolerated in the presence of God.” – The Ministry of Healing p. 279.EXTERNAL USE OF WATERAs washing and bathing in water was directed by God in the previous Scriptures, how clearly does the Spirit of Prophecy reveal this? Leviticus 14:9 (last part); Ephesians 5:26, 27.“Whether a person is sick or well, respiration is more free and easy if bathing is practised. By it the muscles become more flexible, the body and mind are alike invigorated, the intellect is made brighter, and every faculty becomes livelier. The bath is a soother of the nerves. It promotes general perspiration, quickens the circulation, overcomes obstructions in the system, and acts beneficially on the kidneys and the urinary organs. Bathing helps the bowels, stomach, and liver, giving energy and new life to each. It also promotes digestion, and instead of the system's being weakened, it is strengthened. Instead of increasing the liability to cold, a bath, properly taken, fortifies against cold, because the circulation is improved, and the uterine organs, which are more or less congested, are relieved; for the blood is brought to the surface, and a more easy and regular flow of the blood through all the blood-vessels is obtained.” – Healthful Living p. 228.INTERNAL USE OF WATERHaving seen the spiritual blessing of drinking pure water, does the drinking of pure water literally also do more than quenching of thirst? Psalm 36:8, 9.“Water is the best liquid possible to cleanse the tissues.”- Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 420.“In health and in sickness, pure water is one of Heaven's choicest blessings. Its proper use promotes health. It is the beverage which God provided to quench the thirst of animals and man. Drunk freely, it helps to supply the necessities of the system, and assists nature to resist disease.”- Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 419.MEDITATION“In health and in sickness, pure water is one of heaven's choicest blessings. Its proper use promotes health. It is the beverage which God provided to quench the thirst of animals and man. Drunk freely, it helps to supply the necessities of the system and assists nature to resist disease. The external application of water is one of the easiest and most satisfactory ways of regulating the circulation of the blood. A cold or cool bath is an excellent tonic. Warm baths open the pores and thus aid in the elimination of impurities. Both warm and neutral baths soothe the nerves and equalize the circulation.“But many have never learned by experience the beneficial effects of the proper use of water, and they are afraid of it. Water treatments are not appreciated as they should be, and to apply them skillfully requires work that many are unwilling to perform. But none should feel excused for ignorance or indifference on this subject. There are many ways in which water can be applied to relieve pain and check disease. All should become intelligent in its use in simple home treatments. Mothers, especially, should know how to care for their families in both health and sickness.” – The Ministry of Healing p. 237.NOTESleft0Lesson 8 Sabbath, November 21, 201500Lesson 8 Sabbath, November 21, 2015Principles of HygieneFor the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.” Deuteronomy 23:14.“To become intelligent upon the subject of hygiene is the duty of every family professing to believe present truth.” – Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene p. 155.OBJECTIVESTo come to know God’s measure of hygiene and cleanliness.To discover the scope of hygiene.To come to appreciate the blessings gained by hygienic premises, both for mental and spiritual well-being.PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL HYGIENEWhat areas of life does God apply cleanliness and uncleanness to? Levitcus22:4-6; Isaiah 1:16.“God requires purity of heart and personal cleanliness now, as when He gave the special directions to the children of Israel. If God was so particular to enjoin cleanliness upon those journeying in the wilderness, who were in the open air nearly all the time, He requires no less of us who live in ceiled houses, where impurities are more observable and have a more unhealthful influence.” – Counsels on Health p. 82.“The baleful influence of sin poisons the life of the soul. Our only safety is in separation from those who live in its darkness. The Lord has enjoined upon us to come out from among them and be separate, and to touch not the unclean thing, and He will receive us and will be a Father unto us, and we shall be His sons and daughters. If we wish to be adopted into the family of God, to become children of the heavenly King, we must comply with His conditions; we must come out from the world and stand as a peculiar people before the Lord, obeying His precepts and serving Him.” – Testimonies for the Church Volume 4 p. 109.Does physical impurity and spiritual impurity have a connection? Psalm 67:2; 3 John 2.“Let attention be called to the laws that were taught to Israel. God gave them definite instruction in regard to their habits of life. He made known to them the laws relating to both physical and spiritual well-being; and on condition of obedience He assured them, "The Lord will take away from thee all sickness." Deuteronomy 7:15. "Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day." "For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh." Deuteronomy 32:46; Proverbs 4:22. – The Ministry of Healing p. 114.“The whole body is the property of God, and we must give strict attention to our physical well-being, for the religious life is closely related to physical habits and practices.” – Selected Messages Book 3 p. 290.“Unclean, neglected corners in the house will tend to make impure, neglected corners in the soul.” – My Life Today p. 129.GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS TO ISRAELWhat principles of hygiene did God give to Israel by which we also should be governed? Exodus 19:10; Deuteronomy 23:10-14.“The children of Israel were in no case to allow any impurities to remain upon their clothing or upon themselves. Those who had any personal uncleanness were to be shut out of the camp until the evening, and then were required to cleanse themselves and their clothing before they could return. They were also commanded to carry all their refuse to a great distance from the camp. And this was a sanitary measure, as well as a religious regulation. The Lord requires no less of his people now than he did anciently. A neglect of cleanliness will induce disease. Sickness does not come without a cause. Violent epidemics of fevers have occurred in villages and cities that were considered perfectly healthful, and these have resulted in death or broken constitutions. In many instances the premises of the very ones who fell victims to these epidemics, contained the agents of destruction which sent forth deadly poison into the atmosphere, to be inhaled by the family and the neighborhood. It is astonishing to witness the prevailing ignorance relative to the effects which slackness and recklessness produce upon health.” – Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene p. 105.How were unhygienic houses to be seen to? Leviticus 14:34-48.WHAT HYGIENE EMBRACESHow wide ranging is hygiene and cleanliness in God’s viewpoint? Deuteronomy 23:14; Isaiah 5:11.“The principles of hygiene as applied to diet, exercise, the care of children, the treatment of the sick, and many like matters should be given much more attention than they ordinarily receive. “In the study of hygiene the earnest teacher will improve every opportunity to show the necessity of perfect cleanliness both in personal habits and in all one's surroundings. Teach the pupils that a healthful sleeping room, a thoroughly clean kitchen, and a tastefully arranged, wholesomely supplied table will go farther toward securing the happiness of the family and the regard of every sensible visitor than any amount of expensive furnishing in the drawing room. That "the life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment" [Luke 12:23] is a lesson no less needed now than when given by the divine Teacher eighteen hundred years ago.” – The Adventist Home pp. 89-90.Is the position of the house we live in also to be considered for hygienic reasons? Ezekiel 47:11.“If we would have our homes the abiding place of health and happiness we must place them above the miasma and fog of the lowlands, and give free entrance to heaven's life-giving agencies.” – The Ministry of Healing p. 275.“Dwellings, if possible, should be built upon high and dry ground. If a house be built where water settles around it, remaining for a time and then drying away, a poisonous miasma arises, and fever and ague, sore throat, lung diseases, and fevers will be the result.” – Healthful Living p. 140.“Shade-trees and shrubbery too close and dense around a house are unhealthful; for they prevent a free circulation of air, and prevent the rays of the sun from shining through sufficiently. In consequence of this a dampness gathers in the house. Especially in wet seasons the sleeping-rooms become damp, and those who sleep in the beds are troubled with rheumatism, neuralgia, and lung complaints, which generally end in consumption. Numerous shade-trees cast off many leaves, which, if not immediately removed, decay, and poison the atmosphere. A yard, beautiful with scattering trees, and some shrubbery at a proper distance from the house, has a happy, cheerful influence upon the family, and if well taken care of, will prove no injury to health.” – Healthful Living p. 141.THE BLESSINGS OF HYGIENIC PRACTICESWhat does cleanliness in the home and its surroundings do for mental and spiritual morale? Proverbs 31: 10, 27, 28; Psalm 113: 7, 8.“Perfect cleanliness, plenty of sunlight, careful attention to sanitation in every detail of the home life, are essential to freedom from disease and to the cheerfulness and vigor of the inmates of the home.” – Child Guidance p. 108.MEDITATION“Let it ever be kept before the mind that the great object of hygienic reform is to secure the highest possible development of mind and soul and body. All the laws of nature—which are the laws of God—are designed for our good. Obedience to them will promote our happiness in this life, and will aid us in a preparation for the life to come.” – Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene p. 120.NOTESleft0Lesson 9 Sabbath, November 28, 201500Lesson 9 Sabbath, November 28, 2015Adequate NutritionAnd he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Deuteronomy 8:3.OBJECTIVESTo see God’s purpose in giving manna to the Hebrews in reference to our time.To appreciate that vegetarianism and veganism requires attention to an adequate diet for the needs of the body.To allow God to inform us what is a right diet for us.THE BREAD OF LIFE:What is needed besides physical food for the nutritional well-being of our body? Deuteronomy 8:3 (last part); John 6:32-35.“Vague suppositions regarding Christ are not enough. We need an abiding Christ. We need to eat His Word. He is the Bread of Life. The revealed Word is our photograph of Christ. The world can only be expelled from the soul by filling the soul with Christ. Just as the life of the body is produced by the temporal food eaten, so the life of the soul is produced by the spiritual food eaten.” – The Upward Look p. 258.Is there a relationship between physical and spiritual food that the body can flourish by? Isaiah 55:1-3; Proverbs 3:6-8.“Mealtime should be a season for social intercourse and refreshment. Everything that can burden or irritate should be banished. Let trust and kindliness and gratitude to the Giver of all good be cherished, and the conversation will be cheerful, a pleasant flow of thought that will uplift without wearying. “The whole family should eat with gladness, with gratitude, remembering that those who love and obey God will partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb in the kingdom of God, and Jesus Himself will serve them.” - Child Guidance p. 387.“When we place ourselves in right relation to Him, He will help us, and the food we eat in obedience to Him, will satisfy us.” – The Health Food Ministry p. 44.So with the frame of mind affected by Jesus the bread of life, does this have an effect on our healthy digestion? Ephesians 2:4-6.“We can be in a heavenly frame of mind.” – In Heavenly Places p. 352.“Heart-sickness makes many dyspeptics; for mental trouble has a paralyzing influence upon the digestive organs.“We should encourage a cheerful, hopeful, peaceful frame of mind; for our health depends upon our so doing.“Cheerfulness and a clear conscience are better than drugs, and will be an effective agent in your restoration to health.” – Healthful Living p. 233.GOD’S NUTRITIONAL PROVISIONIn the story of the provision of manna for the Hebrews in the wilderness wanderings, what is revealed in God’s ability to adequately provide for the needs of the body? Exodus 16:14-18, 35; Psalm 78:23-25; Deuteronomy 29:5, 6.“Notwithstanding the hardships they had endured, there was not a feeble one in all their ranks. Their feet had not swollen in their long journeys, neither had their clothes grown old.” – Patriarchs and Prophets p. 428.What did God command Moses to do with a portion of manna, and what is its meaning for us today? Exodus 16:32-34.“I must now give to my brethren the instruction that the Lord has given me in regard to the health food question. By many the health foods are looked upon as of man's devising, but they are of God's originating, as a blessing to His people. The health food work is the property of God, and is not to be made a financial speculation for personal gain. The light that God has given and will continue to give on the food question is to be to His people today what the manna was to the children of Israel. The manna fell from heaven, and the people were told to gather it, and prepare it to be eaten. So in the different countries of the world, light will be given to the Lord's people, and health foods suited to these countries will be prepared.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 269.GOD GIVEN PRINCIPLESWhat is written in reference to God’s idea of healthy nourishment? Isaiah 55:2; Daniel 1:14, 15.“The Lord has been working, and is still working, to lead men to prepare from fruits and grains, foods more simple and less expensive than many of those that can now be obtained. Many cannot obtain these expensive food preparations, yet they need not necessarily live upon an impoverished diet. The same God who fed the thousands in the wilderness with bread from heaven will give to His people today a knowledge of how to provide food in a simple manner.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 268.“Because it is wrong to eat merely to gratify a perverted taste, it does not follow that we should be indifferent in regard to our food. It is a matter of the highest importance. No one should adopt an impoverished diet. Many are debilitated from disease, and need nourishing, well-cooked food. Health reformers, above all others, should be careful to avoid extremes. The body must have sufficient nourishment. The God who gives his beloved sleep has furnished them also suitable food to sustain the physical system in a healthy condition.” – Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene p. 49.So what are the sources of nourishment God has given, and what counsel comes in their preparation for the table? Genesis 1:29; 3:18; 1 Timothy 4:3, 4.“God has furnished man with abundant means for the gratification of an unperverted appetite. He has spread before him the products of the earth--a bountiful variety of food that is palatable to the taste and nutritious to the system. Of these our benevolent heavenly Father says we may freely eat. Fruits, grains, and vegetables, prepared in a simple way, free from spice and grease of all kinds, make, with milk or cream, the most healthful diet. They impart nourishment to the body and give a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not produced by a stimulating diet“God has given us the fruits and grains of the earth for food, that we might have unfevered blood, calm nerves, and clear minds.” – My Life Today p. 132.What was later revealed regarding milk products?“The diet reform should be progressive. As disease in animals increases, the use of milk and eggs will become more and more unsafe. An effort should be made to supply their place with other things that are healthful and inexpensive. The people everywhere should be taught how to cook without milk and eggs, so far as possible, and yet have their food wholesome and palatable.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 365.To ensure the diet is adequate, what counsel is given regarding the number of meals per day? “The stomach must have careful attention. After it has done its work for one meal, do not crowd more work upon it before it has had a chance to rest, and before a sufficient supply of gastric juice is provided. Five hours at least should be given between each meal, and always bear in mind that if you would give it a trial, you would find two meals better than three.” – Healthful Living p. 83“Most people enjoy better health while eating two meals a day than three; others, under their existing circumstances, may require something to eat at supper time; but this meal should be very light. Let no one think himself a criterion for all, that every one must do exactly as he does.“If the third meal be eaten at all, it should be light, and several hours before going to bed.” – Healthful Living p. 84.“I dare not say to you or to anyone else. You must eat only two meals a day. But I do say that too much food should not be placed in the stomach at one time, for when this is done, the stomach has no chance to do its work properly. For some, three meals a day are better than two.” – This Day with God p. 340.MEDITATION“As in the study of physiology they see that they are indeed "fearfully and wonderfully made," they will be inspired with reverence. Instead of marring God's handiwork, they will have an ambition to make all that is possible of themselves, in order to fulfill the Creator's glorious plan. Thus they will come to regard obedience to the laws of health, not as a matter of sacrifice or self-denial, but as it really is, an inestimable privilege and blessing.” – My Life Today p. 127.NOTESleft0Lesson 10 Sabbath, December 5, 201500Lesson 10 Sabbath, December 5, 2015Laws for EatingBlessed [art] thou, O land, when thy king [is] the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! – Ecclesiastes 10:17.OBJECTIVESTo let God show us the principles of healthy eating.To understand the meaning of eating in due season.To appreciate the physiological aspects of digestion and related bodily functions.LAWS GOVERNING HOW WE EATWhat is revealed regarding God’s government in our physical bodily functions? Acts 17:27, 28; Psalm 139: 14-16.“Life is a holy trust, which God alone can enable us to keep, and to use to His glory. But He who formed the wonderful structure of the body will take special care to keep it in order if men do not work at cross-purposes with Him.“Health, life, and happiness are the result of obedience to physical laws governing our bodies. If our will and way are in accordance with God's will and way; if we do the pleasure of our Creator, He will keep the human organism in good condition, and restore the moral, mental, and physical powers, in order that He may work through us to His glory. If we co-operate with Him in this work, health and happiness, peace and usefulness, are the sure result.” - Sons and Daughters of God p. 172.Therefore what are God’s children to learn in order to work in co-operation with God? Isaiah 1:17 (first part); Proverbs 2:1-5.“There are matters not usually included in the study of physiology that should be considered--matters of far greater value to the student than are many of the technicalities commonly taught under this head. As the foundation principle of all education in these lines, the youth should be taught that the laws of nature are the laws of God--as truly divine as are the precepts of the Decalogue. The laws that govern our physical organism, God has written upon every nerve, muscle, and fiber of the body. Every careless or willful violation of these laws is a sin against our Creator. ” – Education p. 196.“What we eat and drink has an important bearing upon our lives and characters, and Christians should bring their habits of eating and drinking into conformity to the laws of nature. We must sense our obligations to God in these matters. Obedience to the laws of health should be made a matter of earnest study, for willing ignorance on this subject is sin. Each one should feel a personal obligation to carry out the laws of healthful living.” – Child Guidance p. 392.Does eating and drinking have something to do with giving glory to God? 1 Corinthians 10:31.“Eating has much to do with religion. The spiritual experience is greatly affected by the way in which the stomach is treated. Eating and drinking in accordance with the laws of health promote virtuous actions. But if the stomach is abused by habits that have no foundation in nature, Satan takes advantage of the wrong that has been done and uses the stomach as an enemy of righteousness, creating a disturbance which affects the entire being. Sacred things are not appreciated. Spiritual zeal diminishes. Peace of mind is lost. There is dissension, strife, and discord. Impatient words are spoken and unkind deeds are done; dishonest practices are followed and anger is manifested--and all because the nerves of the brain are disturbed by the abuse heaped on the stomach.” – Counsels on Health p. 577.IN DUE SEASONWhat does God want us to know in reference to the time for eating? Ecclesiastes 3:1; 10:17 (last part)“The stomach must have careful attention. It must not be kept in continual operation. Give this misused and much-abused organ some peace and quiet and rest. “After the regular meal is eaten, the stomach should be allowed to rest for five hours. Not a particle of food should be introduced into the stomach till the next meal. In this interval the stomach will perform its work and will then be in a condition to receive more food.” – Child Guidance p. 389.“You should never let a morsel pass your lips between your regular meals. Eat what you ought, but eat it at one meal, and then wait until the next.” – Healthful Living p. 85.What other considerations are included regarding the times to eat? Regularity - “In no case should the meals be irregular. If dinner is eaten an hour or two before the usual time, the stomach is unprepared for the new burden; for it has not yet disposed of the food eaten at the previous meal, and has not vital force for new work. Thus the system is overtaxed. “Neither should the meals be delayed one or two hours, to suit circumstances, or in order that a certain amount of work may be accomplished. The stomach calls for food at the time it is accustomed to receive it. If that time is delayed, the vitality of the system decreases, and finally reaches so low an ebb that the appetite is entirely gone. If food is then taken, the stomach is unable to properly care for it. The food cannot be converted into good blood.“If all would eat at regular periods, not tasting anything between meals, they would be ready for their meals, and would find a pleasure in eating that would repay them for their effort.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 179.Breakfast – “It is the custom and order of society to take a slight breakfast. But this is not the best way to treat the stomach. At breakfast time the stomach is in a better condition to take care of more food than at the second or third meal of the day. The habit of eating a sparing breakfast and a large dinner is wrong. Make your breakfast correspond more nearly to the heartiest meal of the day.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 173.Evening – “If the third meal be eaten at all, it should be light, and several hours before going to bed “The stomach, when we lie down to rest, should have its work all done, that it may enjoy rest, as well as other portions of the body. The work of digestion should not be carried on through any period of the sleeping hours.” – Healthful Living p. 84.SUNDRY PRINCIPLESWhat may be implied by the words “for strength, and not for drunkenness”? Ecclesiastes 10:17. i.e. Proverbs 23:1-3.“There is need of a better understanding of the principles of health reform. Temperance in eating, drinking, and dressing is essential. The advocates of temperance should place their standard on a broader platform. They would then be laborers together with God. With every iota of their influence they should encourage the spread of reform principles. Let appetite rule instead of principle, and the whole human machinery will be implicated. The violation of physical law is a violation of the law of God. Those who eat too much, and whose food is of an objectionable quality, are easily led into dissipation. In proportion to the darkness of their minds will they give license to their appetites and passions.” – Manuscript Releases Volume Twenty p. 4.“Many are made sick by the indulgence of their appetite. They eat what suits their perverted taste, thus weakening the digestive organs and injuring their power to assimilate the food that is to sustain life. So many varieties are introduced into the stomach that fermentation is the result. This condition brings on acute disease, and death frequently follows. Sin indeed lies at the door. The door is the mouth, and the stomach is made to do at one meal the work of two or three meals. Thus the delicate machinery is worn out by the suicidal practices of those who ought to know better.” – Manuscript Releases Volume Twenty p. 8.What may be the items of appetite that are contrary to the laws of health?Mixtures - “The less that condiments and desserts are placed upon our tables, the better it will be for all who partake of the food. All mixed and complicated foods are injurious to the health of human beings. Dumb animals would never eat such a mixture as is often placed in the human stomach.The richness of food and complicated mixtures of food are health destroying.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 113.“There should not be a great variety at any one meal, for this encourages overeating, and causes indigestion. “It is not well to eat fruit and vegetables at the same meal. If the digestion is feeble, the use of both will often cause distress, and inability to put forth mental effort. It is better to have the fruit at one meal, and the vegetables at another.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 112.Drinking with meals – “Many make a mistake in drinking cold water with their meals. Food should not be washed down. Taken with meals, water diminishes the flow of saliva; and the colder the water, the greater the injury to the stomach. Ice water or ice lemonade, taken with meals, will arrest digestion until the system has imparted sufficient warmth to the stomach to enable it to take up its work again. Masticate slowly, and allow the saliva to mingle with the food.“The more liquid there is taken into the stomach with the meals, the more difficult it is for the food to digest; for the liquid must first be absorbed.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 106.DIGESTIVE UNDERSTANDINGHow does impaired digestion effect our health? “Neither study nor violent exercise should be engaged in immediately after a full meal; this would be a violation of the laws of the system. Immediately after eating there is a strong draft upon the nervous energy. The brain force is called into active exercise to assist the stomach; therefore, when the mind or body is taxed heavily after eating, the process of digestion is hindered.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 103.“Disturbance is created by improper combinations of food; fermentation sets in; the blood is contaminated and the brain confused.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 110.NOTESleft0Lesson 11 Sabbath, December 12, 201500Lesson 11 Sabbath, December 12, 2015Natural Remedies[Is there] no balm in Gilead; [is there] no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? – Jeremiah 8:22.OBJECTIVESTo know where the true remedies for our sickness come from.Recognizing the remedies prescribed by God.To discard the art of healing He does not approve of.SOURCE OF ALL REMEDIESWhat is the source of all our diseases? Psalm 38:3-7.“There is a divinely appointed connection between sin and disease. No physician can practice for a month without seeing this illustrated. He may ignore the fact; his mind may be so occupied with other matters that his attention will not be called to it; but if he will be observing and honest, he cannot help acknowledging that sin and disease bear to each other the relationship of cause and effect. The physician should be quick to see this and to act accordingly.” – Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2 p. 410.“The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies.” – The Desire of Ages p. 270.Who then can only provide the true remedies for diseases? Psalm 103:2-4; Exodus 15:26.“The Lord says to every one of you, "My son, give Me thine heart." He sees your disorders. He knows that your soul is diseased with sin, and He desires to say to you, "Thy sins are forgiven." The Great Physician has a remedy for every ill. He understands your case. Whatever may have been your errors, He knows how to deal with them. Will you not trust yourself to Him?” – My Life Today p. 7.WHAT THE REMEDIES AREAs sin is the source of all disease, what is the primary remedy to apply for its cure? Isaiah 1:18.“The atonement of Christ is not a mere skillful way to have our sins pardoned; it is a divine remedy for the cure of transgression and the restoration of spiritual health. It is the Heaven-ordained means by which the righteousness of Christ may be not only upon us but in our hearts and characters” – S.D.A. Bible Commentary Volume 6 p. 1074.When we apply the truths of the atonement of Jesus to our sin-scarred souls, what replaces the soul-destroying depression? Proverbs 15:13; Psalm 51:7, 8, 12.“If you are burdened and weary, you need not curl up like leaves upon a withered branch. Cheerfulness and a clear conscience are better than drugs, and will be an effective agent in your restoration to health.“The cheerfulness of the Christian is created by the consideration of the great blessings we enjoy because we are the children of God. “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved," he says, "and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved." The cheerful enlightenment of the mind and the soul temple by the assurance that we have reconciliation with God, the hope we have of everlasting life through Christ, and the pleasure of blessing others, are joys which bring no sorrow with them.” – My Life Today p. 177.Having removed sin, the source of all diseases, what agencies skillfully applied will be effective remedies for the residual results upon the body? 2 Kings 20:5, 7; Isaiah 38:21; John 9:6, 7.“Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power,--these are the true remedies. Every person should have a knowledge of nature's remedial agencies and how to apply them. It is essential both to understand the principles involved in the treatment of the sick and to have a practical training that will enable one rightly to use this knowledge.“The use of natural remedies requires an amount of care and effort that many are not willing to give. Nature's process of healing and upbuilding is gradual, and to the impatient it seems slow. The surrender of hurtful indulgences requires sacrifice. But in the end it will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 301.“The Lord has given some simple herbs of the field that at times are beneficial; and if every family were educated in how to use these herbs in case of sickness, much suffering might be prevented, and no doctor need be called. These old-fashioned, simple herbs, used intelligently, would have recovered many sick who have died under drug medication.” – Selected Messages Book 2 p. 294.GOD’S HEALING ENERGIESHow did Jesus and the early church heal diseases? Matthew 9:6; Acts 3:6, 7. Why not today? 2 Corinthians 11: 13-15.“The way in which Christ worked was to preach the Word, and to relieve suffering by miraculous works of healing. But I am instructed that we cannot now work in this way, for Satan will exercise his power by working miracles. God's servants today could not work by means of miracles, because spurious works of healing, claiming to be divine, will be wrought.” – Selected Messages Book 2 p. 54.Does the use of natural remedies detract from the miraculous intervention of God for the healing of disease? Revelation 22:2.“In the Saviour's manner of healing there were lessons for His disciples. On one occasion He anointed the eyes of a blind man with clay and bade him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam. He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing." John 9:7. The cure could be wrought only by the power of the Great Healer, yet Christ made use of the simple agencies of nature. While He did not give countenance to drug medication, He sanctioned the use of simple and natural remedies.” – Counsels on Health p. 30.“Those who seek healing by prayer should not neglect to make use of the remedial agencies within their reach. It is not a denial of faith to use such remedies as God has provided to alleviate pain and to aid nature in her work of restoration. It is no denial of faith to co-operate with God, and to place themselves in the condition most favorable to recovery. God has put it in our power to obtain a knowledge of the laws of life. This knowledge has been placed within our reach for use. We should employ every facility for the restoration of health, taking every advantage possible, working in harmony with natural laws. When we have prayed for the recovery of the sick, we can work with all the more energy, thanking God that we have the privilege of co-operating with Him, and asking His blessing on the means which He Himself has provided.” – The Ministry of Healing p. 231.RELIANCE ON MIRACLE CURESBecause natural remedies revealed in this lesson require labour and diligent skillful application, what are people prone to do for cures? 2 Kings 1:2, 3.“Many are unwilling to put forth the needed effort to obtain a knowledge of the laws of life and the simple means to be employed for the restoration of health. They do not place themselves in right relation to life. When sickness is the result of their transgression of natural law, they do not seek to correct their errors and then ask the blessing of God, but they resort to the physicians. If they recover health, they give to drugs and doctors all the honor. They are ever ready to idolize human power and wisdom, seeming to know no other god than the creature --dust and ashes.” – Counsels on Health p. 456.“There are many ways of practicing the healing art; but there is only one way that Heaven approves. God's remedies are the simple agencies of nature that will not tax or debilitate the system through their powerful properties. Pure air and water, cleanliness, a proper diet, purity of life, and a firm trust in God, are remedies for the want of which thousands are dying; yet these remedies are going out of date because their skillful use requires work that the people do not appreciate. Fresh air, exercise, pure water, and clean, sweet premises, are within the reach of all, with but little expense; but drugs are expensive, both in the outlay of means, and the effect produced upon the system.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 301.NOTESleft0Lesson 12 Sabbath, December 19, 201500Lesson 12 Sabbath, December 19, 2015Sleep and Rest[It is] vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep. – Psalm 127:2.OBJECTIVESTo show that it is God’s will that we get proper rest and sleep.To realize that rest does not always equate to doing nothing.To see that while it is right to work hard as exercise, it is wrong to overwork.GOD’S INVITATION TO RESTWhat has God given to provide rest from continuous labour? Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 2:27.“Eld. White and Dr. Kellogg have not given themselves proper rest. God instituted the Sabbath as a day of rest to repair nature's exhausted energies. No mind can continue day after day without cessation, either in business which taxes the mental powers, or in the acquirement of knowledge, without injury. There is no night in Heaven. There is no wear and weariness of the human machinery. There we shall never be sensible of fatigue; never need or want repose. There is no tire in performing God's will; we shall never be wearied in sounding his praise. We shall always have the freshness of the morning. But as we are now in this world, with bodies which weary, we must pay heed to God's plans, and take repose when we need it.” – Pamphlet 043 p. 39.How does Jesus address the need for rest? Matthew 11:28; Mark 6:31.“When the disciples related all their experience to Jesus, He understood their need. Their labor had greatly elated and encouraged them, but it had also worn upon them. A desert place did not mean a waste and solitary wilderness, but a place of retirement and quiet, pleasant to the eyes and invigorating to the body. They sought such a place near a favorite resort on the sea of Galilee. The Christian life is not made up of unceasing activity or of continual meditation. He knew that a season of rest and recreation, apart from the multitude and the scene of their labors, would invigorate them, and He sought to withdraw them from the busy cities to a quiet resort where they might have a season of precious fellowship with Him and with each other. The disciples of Jesus needed to be educated as to how they should labor and how they should rest. Today there is need that God's chosen workmen should listen to the command of Christ to go apart and rest awhile.” – My Life Today p. 133.THE TRUE MEANING OF RESTDoes rest always mean to do nothing at all? How can this be demonstrated in the Sabbath commandment? Exodus 31:17; John 5:16, 17.“All heaven is keeping the Sabbath, but not in a listless, do-nothing way. On this day every energy of the soul should be awake, for are we not to meet with God and with Christ our Saviour? We may behold Him by faith. He is longing to refresh and bless every soul.” – Testimonies for the Church Volume Six p. 362.“A sweet sense of restfulness and refreshing comes over them as they listen to the murmuring breezes. The drooping spirits revive. The waning strength is recruited.” – Counsels on Health p. 170.How did Jesus show this in His invitation to rest? Matthew 11:29, 30.“But Christ is an overflowing fountain, an ever outspreading shade. In His shadow we may find rest and peace and pleasure. When temptations assail you, as they surely will, when care, perplexity, and darkness seem to enshroud the soul, look, O look to where with eyes of faith you last saw the light, and you will rest in Christ's love and under His protecting shield.” – Bible Training School May 1, 1915.NEED OF PHYSICAL RESTHow does our key text address the futility of working into the night and early in the morning? Psalm 127:2.“Much of the fatigue and labor under which they are wearing and growing old are not burdens that God has bound upon them, but which they have brought upon themselves by doing the very things the Word of God has told them not to do.“It is not our duty to place ourselves where we shall be overworked. Some may at times be placed where this is necessary, but it should be the exception, not the rule. If we honor the Lord by acting our part, He will on His part preserve our health. By practicing temperance in eating, in drinking, in dressing, in labor, and in all things, we can do for ourselves what no physician can for us. “Do not try to crowd into one day the work of two.” – My Life Today p. 142.According to all common sense what is the purpose of the night? 1 Thessalonians 5:7 (first part).“God has given us night as one of his greatest blessings, bringing quiet and repose to overworked bodies and minds. We cannot prosecute any labor, however interesting and essential, without periods of rest, when the human machinery shall stand still. When the hour of retirement comes, we should yield to nature's sweet restorer. If her claims are not obeyed, if the hours of sleep are abridged, the result will be weariness and want of every power. God has not constituted men to pursue one round of either labor or enjoyment.” – Pamphlets 043 p. 38.REST AND RECREATIONHow does Scripture declare that a person will not become weary if he submits to God’s directions? Isaiah 40:29-31.“A worker cannot gain success while he hurries through his prayers to God, and rushes away to look after something that he fears may be neglected or forgotten. He takes time to give only a few hurried thoughts to God, that is all. He does not give himself time to think, to pray, to wait upon the Lord for a renewal of spiritual and physical strength. He soon becomes jaded. He does not feel the uplifting, inspiring influence of God's Spirit. He is not quickened by fresh life. His jaded frame and tired brain are not soothed by personal contact with Christ.” – Manuscript Releases Volume Thirteen p. 305.What then are we to provide for our source of renewal of strength by His counsel? Isaiah 41:1.“Care needs to be exercised in regard to the regulation of hours for sleeping and laboring. We must take periods of rest, periods of recreation, periods for contemplation. The principles of temperance have a wider range than many think.” – The Adventist Home p. 494.MEDITATION“Though time is short, and there is a great work to be done, the Lord is not pleased to have us so prolong our seasons of activity that there will not be time for periods of rest, for the study of the Bible, and for communion with God. All this is essential to fortify the soul, to place us in a position where we shall receive wisdom from God to employ our talents in the Master's service to the highest account.” – My Life Today p. 133.“All who are under the training of God need the quiet hour for communion with their own hearts, with nature, and with God. We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. He bids us, "Be still, and know that I am God." Amidst the hurrying throngs and the strain of life's intense activities, he who is thus refreshed will be surrounded with an atmosphere of light and peace. He will receive a new endowment of both physical and mental strength.”- My Life Today p. 149.NOTESleft0Lesson 13 Sabbath, December 26, 201500Lesson 13 Sabbath, December 26, 2015Checks and BalancesExamine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? – 2 Corinthians 13:5.OBJECTIVESTo scan the subject of health reform and identify any extreme views we may have adopted.To recognize the balances that are given by God on the different items of the health reform.To gain the fortitude from our relationship with Jesus to discard any entrenched notions not in harmony with His mind.ZEAL NOT ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGEWhat example do we have in Scripture to identify extremisms? Romans 10:2, 3; Matthew 23:24.“Other laws had been perverted by the rabbis in like manner. In the directions given through Moses it was forbidden to eat any unclean thing. The use of swine's flesh, and the flesh of certain other animals, was prohibited, as likely to fill the blood with impurities, and to shorten life. But the Pharisees did not leave these restrictions as God had given them. They went to unwarranted extremes. Among other things the people were required to strain all the water used, lest it should contain the smallest insect, which might be classed with the unclean animals. Jesus, contrasting these trivial exactions with the magnitude of their actual sins, said to the Pharisees, "Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel." – The Desire of Ages p. 617.What is written regarding these kind of people? Proverbs 30:12, 14; 14:12.“Do not catch hold of isolated ideas and make them a test, criticising others whose practice may not agree with your opinion; but study the subject broadly and deeply, and seek to bring your own ideas and practices into perfect harmony with the principles of true Christian temperance.“There are many who try to correct the lives of others by attacking what they regard as wrong habits. They go to those whom they think in error, and point out their defects, but do not seek to direct the mind to true principles….. He who takes it upon himself to correct others, is likely to cultivate a habit of fault-finding, and soon his whole interest will be in picking flaws and finding defects.” – Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene p. 119-120.EXTREME VIEWSHow are extreme views developed? 2 Peter 3:15, 16.“There are those who pick out from the Word of God, and also from the Testimonies, detached paragraphs or sentences that may be interpreted to suit their ideas, and they dwell upon these, and build themselves up in their own positions, when God is not leading them. Here is your danger.” – Selected Messages Book 1 p. 179.“You have much truth, precious truth, but mingled with suppositions.” – Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library Volume 1 p. 110.What are some of these extreme views? Romans 14:1, 2; 1 Timothy 4:1-5.“I have been informed that you have taken but one meal a day for a period of time; but I know it to be wrong in your case, for I have been shown that you needed a nutritious diet, and that you were in danger of being too abstemious. Your strength would not admit of your severe discipline.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 191.“There are persons with a diseased imagination to whom religion is a tyrant, ruling them as with a rod of iron. Such are constantly mourning over their depravity and groaning over supposed evil. Love does not exist in their hearts; a frown is ever upon their countenances. They are chilled by the innocent laugh from the youth or from anyone. They consider all recreation or amusement a sin and think that the mind must be constantly wrought up to just such a stern, severe pitch. This is one extreme. Others think that the mind must be ever on the stretch to invent new amusements and diversions in order to gain health. They learn to depend on excitement and are uneasy without it. Such are not true Christians. They go to another extreme. The true principles of Christianity open before all a source of happiness, the height and depth, the length and breadth of which are immeasurable.” – The Adventist Home p. 493.“The great backsliding upon health reform is because unwise minds have handled it and carried it to such extremes that it has disgusted in place of converting people to it. I have been where these radical ideas have been carried out. Vegetables prepared with only water, and everything else in like manner. This kind of cookery is health deform, and there are some minds so constituted that they will accept anything that bears the features of rigorous diet or reform of any kind.” – Counsels on Diet and Food p. 212.“If they take the position that in praying for healing they must not use the simple remedies provided by God to alleviate pain and to aid nature in her work, lest it be a denial of faith, they are taking an unwise position. This is not a denial of faith; it is in strict harmony with the plans of God. When Hezekiah was sick, the prophet of God brought him the message that he should die. He cried unto the Lord, and the Lord heard His servant and worked a miracle in his behalf, sending him a message that fifteen years should be added to his life. Now, one word from God, one touch of the divine finger, would have cured Hezekiah instantly, but special directions were given to take a fig and lay it upon the affected part, and Hezekiah was raised to life. In everything we need to move along the line of God's providence.” – Counsels on Health p. 381.How does God view those who hold and proclaim such extreme views? Matthew 24:11; Lamentations 2:14.“It is the desire and plan of Satan to bring in among us those who will go to great extremes--people of narrow minds, who are critical and sharp, and very tenacious in holding their own conceptions of what the truth means. They will be exacting, and will seek to enforce rigorous duties, and go to great lengths in matters of minor importance, while they neglect the weightier matters of the law--judgment and mercy and the love of God. Through the work of a few of this class of persons, the whole body of Sabbathkeepers will be designated as bigoted, Pharisaical, and fanatical. The work of the truth, because of these workers, will be thought to be unworthy of notice” – Evangelism p. 212.THE BALANCE IN REFORMTo prevent extremes, what balancing counsel comes from God? 1 Corinthians 9:25.“If we can arouse the moral sensibilities of our people on the subject of temperance, a great victory will be gained. Temperance in all things of this life is to be taught and practiced. Temperance in eating, drinking, sleeping, and dressing is one of the grand principles of the religious life. Truth brought into the sanctuary of the soul will guide in the treatment of the body. Nothing that concerns the health of the human agent is to be regarded with indifference. Our eternal welfare depends upon the use we make during this life of our time, strength, and influence.” – Testimonies for the Church Volume Six p. 375.What are some counsels that portray the meaning of balance in health reform? Isaiah 40:3-5; Hebrews 12:13.“You need not go into the water, or into the fire, but take the middle path, avoiding all extremes. Do not let it appear that you are one-sided, ill-balanced managers. Do not have a meager, poor diet. Do not let any one influence you to have the diet poverty-stricken. Have your food prepared in a healthful, tasteful manner; have your food prepared with a nicety that will correctly represent health reform.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 211.“There is a real common sense in dietetic reform. The subject should be studied broadly and deeply, and no one should criticize others because their practice is not, in all things, in harmony with his own. It is impossible to make an unvarying rule to regulate every one's habits, and no one should think himself a criterion for all. Not all can eat the same things. Foods that are palatable and wholesome to one person may be distasteful, and even harmful, to another. Some cannot use milk, while others thrive on it. Some persons cannot digest peas and beans; others find them wholesome. For some the coarser grain preparations are good food, while others cannot use them.” – Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 198.“Two classes have been presented before me: first, those who are not living up to the light which God has given them; secondly, those who are too rigid in carrying out their one-sided ideas of reform, and enforcing them on others. When they take a position, they stand to it stubbornly, and carry nearly everything over the mark.” – Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene p. 56.MEDITATION“There is something better to talk about than the faults and weaknesses of others. Talk of God and his wonderful works. Study into the manifestations of his love and wisdom in all the works of nature. Study that marvelous organism, the human system, and the laws by which it is governed. Those who perceive the evidences of God's love, who understand something of the wisdom and beneficence of his laws, and the blessings that result from obedience, will come to regard their duties and obligations from an altogether different point of view. Instead of looking upon an observance of the laws of health as a matter of sacrifice or self-denial, they will regard it, as it really is, as an inestimable blessing.” – Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene p. 120.“Our notions, our peculiarities, are wholly human and must not be humored or indulged. Self is to be crucified, not now and then, but daily, and the physical, mental, and spiritual must be subordinate to the will of God. The glory of God, the perfection of Christian character, is to be the aim, the purpose of our life. Christ's followers must imitate Christ in disposition. The Pattern is given us to copy, and no excuse will be accepted of God as a reason for not meeting the divine standard, however contrary it may be to our own nature, our own selfish desires and inclinations. Like Christ is the watchword, not like your father or your mother, but like Jesus Christ--hid in Christ, clothed with Christ's righteousness, imbued with the Spirit of Christ.” – Daughters of God p. 169.NOTES ................
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